Once, on his guru maharaja’s disappearance day, Srila Prabhupada said, “On the absolute platform, there is no difference between the appearance and the disappearance of the spiritual master. Both are beautiful, just like the sunrise and the sunset.” So, although we feel separation, within that separation our remembrance of Srila Prabhupada is heightened, and thus we experience the beauty of his presence—in separation.
Srila Prabhupada’s departure is a painful topic, but remembering Srila Prabhu
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By Giriraj Swami
We have gathered at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada on the auspicious occasion of his disappearance festival. When we were with His Divine Grace in Surat on his guru maharaja’s disappearance day, he remarked that on the absolute platform there is no difference between the appearance and disappearance of the spiritual master—just like the sunrise and sunset, both are beau
By Vaisesika Dasa
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding focus and maintaining it can be quite a challenge. Our minds tend to wander, distractions abound, and the demands of modern life can easily pull us in various directions. But fear not, for within the depths of Vedic wisdom and ancient scriptures lie valuable insights on how to hone the lens of your mind, enabling you to direct your attention and remain steadfast on your goals.
1. The Power of Focus in Vedic Teachings:
The con
In Bhagavad Gita, chapter 12, in listing the qualities that endears one to Him, Krishna states that, that one who does not cause any distress to any other living entities is very dear to Him. Srila Prabhupada often emphasized the principle of treating all individuals with utmost respect and recognizing their importance in family, society and Krishna’s service.
The ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry campaign, 16 Days of Activism for Safer Families, will run from November 25th to December 10th. Through th
By Atma Tattva Das
Kalakantha Das (far right) during a visit to the Ahmedabad farm, which started in Srila Prabhupada’s time.
In a groundbreaking move aimed at furthering the mission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the GBC Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture has embarked on a new phase of certifying ISKCON farms. This recent tour involved visiting six farms and certifying four prominent locations: Mayapur, Vrindavan Gurukul, Ahmedabad, and Govardhan Eco-V
By Radha Mohan Das
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata pictured with Avanti School children chanting mantras at Diwali celebration.
British Prime Minister Mr Rishi Sunak celebrated Diwali in his home at 10 Downing Street, along with his wife Akshata and dozens of invited guests. ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor’s temple president Visakha Dasi attended the event along with Sachi-Kishore Das and Krishna Sanjay Das, members of the Manor’s communication team.
Read more: https://iskconnews.o
By Thomas Haribol
Known for its creative and successful outreach efforts, ISKCON Tucson integrated its first Ratha Yatra event into the city’s 34th annual All Souls’ Procession on Nov. 5, 2023.
All Souls’ Day is a Christian holy day focused on remembering and praying for the souls of the deceased. The All Souls’ Procession was the brainchild of Tucson artist Susan Johnson, who sought a public way to honor her father and grieve after his death. The multi-day event also integrates imagery from t
By Atma Tattva Das
Within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a question often arises for the devotee—how does one balance family life with dedicated service to the movement? Gaura Narayana Das stands as a testament to transcending this challenge. A former brahmachari, he has seamlessly transitioned into the roles of a family man and a pioneering business owner. His brainchild, Fly Sacred, represents not only a travel agency but also a bridge connecting spirituality, c
By Thomas Haribol
This summer, a new ISKCON Bhakti Yoga Center opened in a strategic location near the University of Minnesota, and they reached a significant milestone on October 28th by welcoming a set of stunning Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai deities to their community.
Six weeks of intense preparation by Minnesota devotees preceded the arrival of Gaura-Nitai, Who were escorted from Alachua by Jaya Gopal Dasa and his wife Damianti Devi Dasi, both disciples of HH Romapada Swami.
Read more: https://isk
I suppose you could say that I received a moment of honour this evening. 600+ people, largely from the Hindu community, presented me with a lifetime achievement award, and others received awards in different categories. The event held in OE Banquet Hall was well organized in that Oakville destination, although it ran an hour late and went a little long. In the tradition of bhakti, Vedic/Hindu recognition, love, and appreciation have been a strong component for centuries.
And it is a fact that IS
Registration begins 1st August!!
It is our great pleasure to announce ISKCON MAYAPUR’s 11th annual six-day Kartik Navadwip Mandal Parikrama during the most auspicious month of Kartik (organized by the Mayapur Chandra’s). The Parikrama dates are 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st & 22nd November, 2023.
There will be two days break, for Srila Prabhuap’s disappearance day (17th of November) and Gopashtami (20th November) so that devotees can participate in the festivals.
For this year also, the parikram
Hare Krishna!
In the gentle embrace of devotion, today marks the joyous celebration of Govardhan Puja, a sacred occasion that beckons us to delve into the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. This enchanting festival holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, offering a tapestry of devotion, gratitude, and profound spiritual significance.
At the heart of Govardhan Puja lies the timeless story of Lord Krishna lifting the mighty Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrat
We welcome you on the most auspicious occasion of Govardhana-puja. When I was first initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1969, he was in Los Angeles and I was in Boston. He sent me a letter in which he wrote, “Your name is Giriraj. Giriraj is a name for Govardhana Hill, on which Krishna used to tend His cows. In Vrindavan the Govardhana Hill is worshiped as a representation of Krishna. Sometimes devotees take a stone from Govardhana Hill and keep it at home as a representation of Krishna, and they
By Savitri Devi Dasi
Devotees are invited to step away from the digital noise and find solace at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education’s (VIHE) retreat, “Alone with Krsna: Together with Krsna’s devotees,” to be held November 24-27, 2023, at the Govardhana Retreat Center in Jatipura, Govardhana.
Guided by HG Bhurijana Prabhu, this digital detox retreat promises a blend of Krsna-katha, introspection, prayer, japa, and sastric reading. What makes it special is the dedicated time for introsp
On November 1st, one of the leaders of the Salt Lake City Krishna Temple, Sundari Priya Devi Dasi, spoke to a group of about 30 authors (many of whom are professors at Utah universities) on the topic of “Nourishing Your Soul through Conscious Eating.”
The author group is part of the larger National Society of The Sons of Utah Pioneers, whose membership includes both genders. “They had recently been learning about Hinduism & wanted to hear from a practitioner,” said Sundari Priya, “So in coordi
By Gopikā Rādhikā Devī Dāsī and Sundara Gopāla Dāsa
Over a decade ago, Kolkata, the birthplace of Śrīla Prabhupāda, witnessed the founding of the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) by H.G. Hari Śauri Prabhu and H.G. Praṇava Prabhu. Inaugurated in 2009 by H.H. Jayapatākā Mahārāja and H.H. Bhakti Cāru Mahārāja, the BRC has since blossomed into a thriving research center and guest house, serving as a significant destination for the global academic and Vaiṣṇava community.
The inspiration to esta
In a world filled with fast-paced interactions and superficial connections, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the fundamental principles of building strong, meaningful relationships. Whether you’re connecting with a friend, family member, or colleague, there are timeless truths that can guide you toward nurturing genuine bonds. Let’s explore some valuable lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, a profound wisdom literature, to help you enhance your relationships and make them more fulfilling.
1. The
This morning at class time, our studious team of young devotees and I explored the character of Vidura. He was quite the walker. He covered a good chunk of what is know as India, and which for some is called 'Bharat'. The journey entailed trekking from one tirtha to the next. 'Tirtha' refers to a sacred space where some miracle occurred, or a pastime place for God and saints where many yajnas or sacrifices took place.
Vidura was a hero in the sense that he protected the pious Pandava clan, gave
In a letter dated October 10, 1968, Srila Prabhupada wrote,
“Diwali ceremony can be observed in the temple by illuminating hundreds of candles in different parts of the temple and offering special prasada to the Deity. This ceremony was observed by the inhabitants of Ayodhya, the kingdom of Lord Ramachandra. While Lord Ramachandra was out of His kingdom due to His fourteen years’ banishment by the order of His father, His younger stepbrother, Bharata, took charge of the kingdom, and the day on w
The Sanga Initiative (TSI), a grassroots effort led by young devotees to provide sanga and spiritual formation through in-person and online events, aims to create “a network of young devotees that support and empower each other to become leaders for the next and future generations of ISKCON.” One of their latest efforts is the Kartik Immersion online sanga.
Although registration for live participation in the series has closed, the group is sharing recordings of the multi-part program with the g
