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The public sometimes questions the words and behaviour of founders of various faith groups, whether it be Saint Peter, Mohammed, Moses, John Smith, or Brahma. Would such behaviour fit into a standard etiquette of current protocol? We mean no disrespect by raising the issue, but people do ask how Henry the 8th could do what he did.

On the first day of Chandan Yatra in Mayapur, Sri Sri Radha Madhava with Their Asta-sakhis are offered the Rasamandala Vesa, depicting the divine Rasa Lila pastime of Lord Krishna.

Thus hearing the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, speaking to pacify them, the gopīs became very much pleased. They became completely relieved of the great suffering of separation, not only by hearing the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead but also by touching His hands and legs. After this, the Supre

Monsoon season is upon us, or so it seems. Rain has been coming down with not much of a break. It certainly makes for cooler weather, easier to work with, especially relevant to the current practice I'm having with our drama crew. Nevertheless, for some of the roles played out, a good sweat is the outcome. It is a good workout.

Before we start rehearsal, we do some warmup exercises, but to take it easy this morning, I asked my sound man, Chaitanya, to play Holtz’s composition “Neptune: The Mysti

ISKCON’s Govinda’s vegetarian restaurants form a unique blend of outreach and entrepreneurship, nourishing bodies and souls alike. Established at temple sites worldwide, these cafés serve sattvic (pure vegetarian) prasadam at fixed prices, with devotees and visitors encouraged to “eat to their heart’s content.” The profits from Govinda’s underwrite temple operations – from cow protection to educational programs – ensuring that Krishna conscious communities can flourish sustainably. Over the deca

On a warm December morning last year, around 11:00 a.m., as I sought the association of the magnificent Lord and prayed to His dear most devotee Prahlada, I found myself involved in one of His temple lilas (pastimes), much to my astonishment

After offering my obeisances to the captivating Prahlada, who stands next to his beloved Lord with his hands folded and his small body decorated with fresh fresh flowers and beautiful ornaments, I prayed, "My dear Prahlada, you are expert in receiving all

Yesterday, we celebrated the appearance day of Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, and it truly felt like a day full of mercy.

From the very start, we were blessed to witness the abhishek of Their Lordships, surrounded by beautiful kīrtan and joyful faces everywhere. It was a moment of deep bliss.

Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita is none other than Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself in Gaura-līlā. Just as Rādhārāṇī is always by Kṛṣṇa’s side, in Gauralīlā, She manifests as Gadādhara Paṇḍita to quietly support Mahāprabhu throug

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Alachua, Florida, the New Raman Reti community stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Established in 1977, this 127-acre spiritual haven has evolved into North America’s largest Hare Krishna community, blending ancient Vedic traditions with innovative sustainability practices. Through daily worship, educational programs, eco-conscious initiatives, and a deeply interconnected res

Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi

As narrated by Lord Krishna in the Padma Purana to Maharaja Yudhishthira

Maharaja Yudhishthira once humbly inquired from Lord Krishna:

"O Janardana, please describe to me the merits of the Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (April–May). What is its name, and what benefits does one receive by observing it?"

Lord Sri Krishna replied:

O King! Varuthini Ekadashi is extremely auspicious, rare, and purifying. Fasting on this day destroys

An important part of the Itihasas are the Puranas. The Puranas are the histories of the universe and contain many stories that took place on earth or even on other planets and dimensions, or in which superhuman powers are commonplace. As we pointed out earlier, Vedic knowledge often consists of information about things from beyond our own sense perception or experience. We can be assured of its authenticity because of the fact that many Vedic scholars such as Shukadeva, Maitreya, Madhva, Raman

George Harrison’s spiritual journey stands as one of the most profound and influential connections between a Western artist and the Hare Krishna movement. His relationship with Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, and his devotion to spreading the Hare Krishna mantra, left an indelible mark on the global spiritual landscape.

A Deep Spiritual Connection

George Harrison’s fascination with Indian spirituality began in the late 1960s, as he sought peace beyond the fame and pressures of The Beatles

Shaunaka Rishi Das stands as a towering figure in the realm of Hindu studies, interfaith dialogue, and spiritual leadership. As the Founding Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS), he has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between academia, spirituality, and global interfaith cooperation, earning widespread recognition for his contributions.

Founding the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
In 1997, Shaunaka Rishi Das co-founded the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies with a vision

A therapist draws on Lord Krsna’s teachings to help a child control his rage.

THE HOSPITAL ROOM SMELLS strongly of antiseptic as I walk in. Chris sits on his bed, immersed in rapidly pushing buttons with his thumbs.

“Nintendo?” I ask nonchalantly, breaking his concentration.

“Play Station,” he replies, continuing to madly push buttons.

I sit in a chair next to his bed, observing his strategy for blowing things up.

After a couple of minutes, Chris slams the game paddle to the floor.

“I hate thi

Asiatoday got an opportunity to meet a young travelling monk, Chaitanya Charan Das, from ISKCON aka Hare Krishna group. Chaitanya Charan Das is an acclaimed author, scholar, mentor, life coach, and monk. He has been an invited speaker at several international conferences on the interface of science and spirituality, including the World Peace Conference 2006 and World Peace Congress 2008 organized by UNESCO.  Based in India, he has given talks at colleges and companies all over the world from A

Paul is staying with us in the ashram for a month, lives part time in Canada and part in Govardhan, India. He’s a filmmaker and has done some fine documentaries. Among other likes, he’s fairly bold at dipping like other polar bear dippers do, as well as walking.

Along with Karuna Sindhu and I, Paul took to a stroll through the iconic Annex of Toronto where homes are stately, typical of late 1800’s with that warm brick look. We ended up talking the whole way through and just didn’t get to that

Please Don’t Be a Blind Follower! What Does Blind Following Mean? Blind following means: “Oh, there is a swami. So many thousands of people are following. Let me become his disciple.” This is called blind following. You do not know what is that swami, whether he is a swami or a rascal. You do not know. But because everyone is going, “Oh, let me become his disciple.” This is blind following, without any knowledge, blind following. —Bg Lecture 4.34-39, Los Angeles, January 12, 1969. Everyone who

‘Lord Rama (BG 4.10)’ by Radhanath Swami

janma karma ca me divyam

evam yo vetti tattvatah

tyaktva deham punar janma

naiti mam eti so ‘rjuna

(BG 4.9)

One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.

PURPORT

The Lord’s descent from His transcendental abode is already explained in the 6th verse. One who can understand the truth of the appearance of the Perso