As the sacred month of Kartik approaches, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami has released a video message where he urges devotees to intensify their spiritual resolve. He describes Kartik as uniquely charged with divine energy, a time when Śrimātṛṇī (the original energy of the Lord) is especially receptive to devotional offerings. When she is pleased, Krishna is pleased—so practitioners undertake vows, increase their rounds of chanting, and observe stricter dietary disciplines to align with the heightened s
devotion (18)
The Life and Contributions of His Holiness Kavicandra Swami
His Holiness Kavicandra Swami is an esteemed disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As a dedicated leader, preacher, and spiritual guide, Kavicandra Swami has made significant contributions to the Hare Krishna movement, inspiring countless devotees worldwide through his unwavering commitment to spreading Krishna consciousnes
In the vibrant tapestry of the Hare Krishna movement, HG Nirantara Prabhu ACBSP stands out as a shining example of dedication, musical talent, and spiritual leadership. As a devoted disciple of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, Nirantara Das has spent the past 45 years spreading the teachings of Krishna consciousness through his captivating music and enlightening classes on bhakti yoga.
A Life of Service
Nirantara Das’s journey into the world of Krishna consciousness began when he met Srila P
The Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir stands as a luminous spiritual beacon at the epicenter of the worldwide Krishna consciousness movement, radiating divine influence from its sacred location in West Bengal, India. This magnificent temple complex not only serves as ISKCON’s global headquarters but has evolved into a dynamic spiritual force employing modern digital outreach, comprehensive educational initiatives, and innovative community services while preserving the ancient teachings of Sri Chait
Can a scholar be a true believer? Can a believer be a good scholar? Two parts of a problem that has exercised many in the West since at least the Enlightenment. Prof. Keith Ward, Regius Professor Emeritus of Divinity at the University of Oxford, takes a fresh look at the conundrum by examining some of the main problems and outlining a few principles that may help modern-day devotee-scholars.
Religion calls for total commitment and faith. Scholarship calls for critical reasoning and a questioning
By Sutapa Das
On December 18th, 2025, ISKCON Kudupu katte, Mangalore, was invited to represent Sanatan Dharma at an interfaith dialogue organized by St. Aloysius (Deemed To Be University) in Mangalore.
The program was held as part of the university’s Christmas celebrations with the theme of World Peace. Adikeshav Das (Dr. Ashok Shetty), who serves as the Director of Community Welfare and Health at ISKCON Govardhan EcoVillage (GEV) and as a trustee at Mumbai’s Bhaktivedanta Hospital, represented
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
The Gift Prabhupada Project is an initiative undertaken by a group of devotees to gift a miniature (54 mm) brass murti of Srila Prabhupada, particularly to his direct disciples. Alloyed within the brass murti are coins donated for Srila Prabhupada’s books from each of the 25 countries he personally visited, symbolizing the global impact of his teachings.
The box enclosing the murti features a backdrop that includes fragments from the original jackfruit tree un
By Atma Tattva Das
This year, ISKCON Turkiye hosted Bhakti Camp, attracting over a hundred devotees from Europe and the Middle East to a forest retreat near Istanbul. The camp provided an opportunity for spiritual growth and community engagement. Led by Zonal Supervisor Nrsimha Krishna Das, the theme was “Stronger Together,” which emphasized unity and collaboration among participants. Nrsimha Krishna noted that the event was organized with the involvement of various departments, contributing to
In a harmonious blend of spirituality, culture, and community, the 47th Annual LA Ratha Yatra Festival illuminated the heart of Los Angeles with vibrant colors, soul-stirring kirtans, and a deep sense of unity. Hosted by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), this cherished event showcased the collective devotion of thousands of participants, bridging distances and backgrounds for a celebration unlike any other.
Devotees from across the US and beyond converged at Venice B
By Prof. Keith Ward
Can a scholar be a true believer? Can a believer be a good scholar? Two parts of a problem that has exercised many in the West since at least the Enlightenment. Prof. Keith Ward, Regius Professor Emeritus of Divinity at the University of Oxford, takes a fresh look at the conundrum by examining some of the main problems and outlining a few principles that may help modern-day devotee-scholars.
Religion calls for total commitment and faith. Scholarship calls for critical reason
By Karnamrita Das
[Reposted from 10-11-2011]One of the recommendations for advancing in devotional service is the observance of Kartika Vrata (special devotional practices) especially in Vrindavana, India, or at some holy place, but anywhere that we worship Krishna during the Vedic month of Kartika, or Damodara, which corresponds to October-November. It began yesterday on the full moon and continues to the following full moon. As the next month of Margashirsha represents Krishna, [Bg 10.35] thi
German pessimist philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) thought that nirvana, (freedom from suffering) means becoming desireless putting an end to our will. But His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada disagrees….
Arthur Schopenhauer
Hayagriva dasa: Arthur Schopenhauer was a nineteenth-century German philosopher who took some of his ideas from the Indian Vedic literature. For Schopenhauer, happiness meant inactive satisfaction nirvana. Since he thought that the will to enjoy
GBC SPT is committed to bring to you daily Srimad Bhagavatam discourses to augment your absorption in Krishna during this holy month of Kartika. We are honored to host Sivarama Swami to kick off the series with an exquisite introduction to Krishna Lila in Vrindavan.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/Dandavats/posts/2096487173849521
By Chaitanya Charan Das
Our heart is filled with whatever we love the most. As devotees love the Lord the most, we understand that their heart is filled with love for Kṛṣṇa. Yet it remains an esoteric mystery how that love fills and floods their heart, inspiring them to give themselves completely to the Lord, putting aside all other considerations. The more we understand the workings of their heart, the more we can get the inspiration and the direction to make our heart work similarly, even if
Devotion to the Deities with Sri Radha Govinda Devi
GBC Strategic Planning Team invites you to learn Bhakti alphabets (ABCDE) in their 8-day Sadhana series special talks.
Join us for our Day 4 of our series with alphabet “D” with Sri Radha Govinda Dasi.
About Sri Radha Govinda Devi
Sri Radha Govinda Dasi was born in a Madhva brahmana family in South India. She grew up listening and learning Vaisnava songs and Krishna’s pastimes from her grandfather, [Jayasimha]. She was initiated at 18 by HH Ja
All good qualities automatically appear in a devotee; there is no need to endeavor for them.
In the book Bhakti-rasamrtasindhu, auspiciousness (Subhada) has been described as one of the six glories of bhakti. The question, “How many kinds of auspiciousness are there?” is answered as follows:
Subhani prinanam
sarva-jagatam anuraktata
sad-gunah sukham ity
adiny akhyatani manisibhih
Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (Eastern Division, Sadhana-lahari 28)
Learned sages have described the meaning of auspicious
Devotion means attention to details." - Radhanath Swami
As I was having my breakfast at our ISKCON-run restaurant at Vrindavan, I saw one lady chef cut a piece of cake, neatly place it on the center of the plate and wipe the excess cake markings very meticulously with a tissue paper. It was then served to the customer with a knife and fork. I very much appreciated the devotion this lady put in her job. No wonder, why people spend so much extra money in going to high-quality restaurants which
As I was having my breakfast at our ISKCON-run restaurant at Vrindavan, I saw one lady chef cut a piece of cake, neatly place it on the center of the plate and wipe the excess cake markings very meticulously with a tissue paper. It was then served to the customer with a knife and fork. I very much appreciated the devotion this lady put in her job. No wonder, why people spend so much extra money in going to high-quality restaurants which
It is said in Padma Purana that everyone must participate in the different festivals & functions of the Lord as per their economic conditions.
Among these festivals the most important festival is Urja(Energy) Vrat. This is celebrated in the month of Karttika (October-November) month. In this festival the deity of Lord Damodar is worshipped especially in Vrindavan & special programmes of worship are performed. Damodar relates to Krsna, whom His mother Yashoda tied by rope. It is said that, as the
