By Sacinandana Swami
There is one foundational principle of the Bhagavata philosophy, which is enacted and taught practically by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu during His earthly pastimes. By understanding it you will be able to live and apply what Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had come to teach us. This foundational principle is to establish a relationship with the Lord through the mood of separation. This is best practiced in kirtan.
RECEIVING THE HOLY NAME
We have heard it so many times – in order to re
By Giriraj Swami
We have gathered at the lotus feet of the Panca-tattva on this most auspicious occasion of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami’s cida-dadhi festival. The background to this incident can be found in the early life of Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami. His uncle and father, Hiranya and Govardhana Majumadara, were wealthy landlords in Bengal—almost like kings—and had a huge, opulent riverside palace, with boats that plied the river. Hiranya and Govardhana were generous and devoted to brahminical
From Back to Godhead
By Vamsi Vihari Dasa
Though illness may restrict or halt our normal spiritual activities, it can provide spiritual benefits we might not otherwise gain.
After seven days of sickness, malarial fever had broken me down to the bones, and loss of appetite and hallucinations added miseries. I struggled to practice my daily chanting of Hare Krishna. But in those seven days I gained in ways that would not have been possible had I not been sick.
We have to accept the truth that we
In honor of Jayananda Prabhu’s disappearance day on May 1, we submit the following account, derived from a letter by Kalindi Dasi to her spiritual master, Candramauli Swami.— Giriraj Swami
A Hospice Miracle—Serving Jayananda’s Mother
In mid-July I started wearing tilak to my work at the hospice. I thought that since many other spiritual practitioners were expressing their faith by wearing crosses, doves, silk threads, pentacles, and other items, I would wear mytilak, which tells the world t
Srila Prabhupada’s Penetrating Vision
Nara Narayan: The minute I sincerely begged, his eyes floated around to the side and he looked at me. I froze. That moment seemed like an eternity. He neither beckoned nor rejected, just observed. My whole system collapsed from the inside out. I said, “Oh my God.” All sorts of confusing emotions ran through me. I thought, “I must straighten myself out and think things through. I am not ready to become his disciple yet.”
Harivilasa: Prabhupada looked at me f
Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.
This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.
What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b
Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.
This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.
What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b
The Birmingham 24-Hour Kirtan returns for its 26th year on Saturday, 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at The New Bingley Hall, Birmingham, UK, inviting devotees and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the chanting of the holy names of Lord Krsna.
Inspired by kirtan pioneers Aindra Das and Tribhuvannatha Das, this landmark event will feature renowned kirtaniyas including Candramauli Swami, Dayananda Swami, Amala Harinama Das, Saci Suta Das, Smita Krsna Das, Sharad Bihari Das, Kishor Gopal
In addition to walking and a home program in Oakville, I had been preparing for a Conscious Kirtan Workshop. Here are guidelines for chanting:
From March 29th to April 1st, 2025, 70 enthusiastic youth and 20 senior devotees from ISKCON KualaLumpur,gathered for an unforgettable journey into not only the heart of nature—but also the soul.
Held at the Gopeng Rainforest Resort, nestled deep in the rural beauty of Perak, Malaysia, this year’s retreat, themed “Coming Back,” invited participants to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with Krishna, community, and their inner selves.
Organized by ISKCON Kuala Lumpur Youth D
Janananda Goswami, along with devotees from around Luzon Island, Philippines, for Maha Harinam in Manila.
On March 9, 2025, the heart of Manila pulsed with the sounds of kirtan as devotees gathered for a Maha Harinam at Rizal Park. Led by Janananda Goswami, the event brought together devotees from different parts of the Philippines in a powerful display of unity and spiritual enthusiasm.
For Mahendra Das, Temple President of ISKCON Manila, the initiative extended beyond routine gatherings. “We
Radhika Das and his kirtan band with BBC One host Holly Hamilton.
London-based kirtan musician Radhika Das recently appeared on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, bringing the ancient practice of mantra music to a national audience that reaches millions of viewers. Accompanied by a diverse ensemble of musicians, Radhika introduced viewers to the uplifting power of kirtan, emphasizing its ability to bridge cultural and social divides while offering a simple yet transformative way to enhance spiritu
We usually feel that there will be another day but what if there is no other day? What if this is our last day on this planet, the last day in this body? Did we accumulate sufficient blessings in this life to make it our last? Spiritual life is about accruing blessings throughout one’s devotional life; blessings from the Supreme Lord and His devotees. These blessings are the building blocks in our spiritual life, through them we develop saintly qualities.
Blessings help us become humble, tolera
August 21, 1976, Hyderabad
Prabhupada: You were selling Back to Godhead on the street?
Gargamuni: Yes, in the pushcart.
Prabhupada: That time how many copies you were printing?
Gargamuni: We were printing 500 to 1,000. We started at 500 then to 1,000.
Prabhupada: Then when Brahmananda proposed that “We can get it printed from Japan, but they want order for 20,000 minimum.” So I said yes. Five hundred, 1,000 we were selling, and he proposed 20,000. “Yes. You order.” [laughs] Now, two million
The 17th Annual Radhadesh Mellows welcomed 1600-1700 Kirtan enthusiasts from over 50 countries and five continents to their annual event, which was held in the new Prasadam Hall at ISKCON Radhadesh Temple.
In addition to those who were fortunate enough to participate live in the sold-out weekend gathering, over 60K tuned into the livestream. In the coming months, the videos from the event typically get over a million total views. Radhadesh Mellows continues to set the standard for these kinds o
ISKCON Ekachakra (left); the Goshala at ISKCON Ekachakra (right).
From December 21 to 25, 2024, a Holy Name Retreat was held at Ekachakra, the birthplace of Lord Nityananda, organized by Devaki Devi Dasi and assisted by Dhara Devi Dasi. The event brought together participants from various parts of the world, including India, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the UK.
The retreat offered an immersive experience focused on chanting the Hare Kris
The first time I met Yamuna devi, my life changed forever.
I was in Saranagati for the Christmas holidays in 2000 having a reunion with my closest childhood friends. We were all in our early twenties, and having recently finished our university education and started work, we spent our time together recalling our childhood activities. One day we decided to have kirtan, but in a rather irreverent way, mocking the showy, elaborate vocal and instrument style we had all absorbed growing up in ISKCON.
From Back to Godhead
How we value, acquire, use, and relate to money reflects our inner state of being.
Sri Sukadeva Goswami said, “Money does not stay in one place. It passes from one hand to another. Ultimately no one can enjoy money, and it remains the property of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.14.24) Money is God’s energy. He created it, He owns it, and He controls it: “Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord
By Atma Tattva Das
Sandipani Muni Krishna Dasa has spent ten years traveling the world, sharing the teachings of Krishna consciousness through kirtan, distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, and personal interactions. Growing up in a devotee family and attending Gurukula at Bhaktivedanta Manor in the United Kingdom, Sandipani’s spiritual path was deeply influenced by his upbringing.
As a young man, he drew inspiration from the famous missionary spirit of Tribhuvanatha Das, who dedicated his life
By Atma Tattva Das
Kirtan, the sacred practice of chanting and singing the names of The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, is a profound tool for meditation and self-expression. For Premanjali Dasi, kirtan is not only a complete devotional activity but also a transformative experience she aims to make accessible to all. Through her innovative Learn Kirtan initiative, she has opened the doors for individuals—particularly those new to bhakti—to embrace the art of kirtan as a means of med
