The influence of maya is very difficult to overcome. In our scriptures, the material energy is therefore compared to an ocean. When you sail the ocean you never know when the weather will become stormy and high waves will make it impossible for you to continue your journey. Material life is similar – you never know when difficulties will shake you. Krishna explains this fact to Uddhava and then says: “Devotees are like a strong boat that comes to rescue those persons who are repeatedly rising a
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By Madhava Smullen
On June 4th, Bhaktivedanta Academy – a Montessori school serving the New Raman Reti community in Alachua, Florida – will reach a successful end to its most challenging school year so far. The heroic effort from teachers and staff has provided primary to high school age students with a safe environment in which their education and social and mental health has been cared for during the pandemic.
It all began in March 2020 when Covid first hit and the State of Florida kept schoo
By Madhava SmullenIn June, ISKCON’s GBC SPT Strategic Planning Support Unit released a Temple Re-opening Guide along with a decision-making toolkit to help leaders assess the right time to re-open their temple during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August, the Strategic Planning Support Unit (SPS) has followed up with a set of Safe Re-opening Guidelines containing safe practices for ISKCON leaders and devotees to use while visiting or doing devotional service at the temple, as well as while doing
Respected devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
As the world and its materialistic objectives come to a standstill, as the pursuit of sense gratification dims in its intensity, as the illusory power and control of our so-called leaders, governments and businesses is exposed, and as the false promises of technology, medicine and research to save lives and improve human condition remain mortally wounded, a devotee ruminates: What is the purpose of all of
Some of our devotees wanted to go out to distribute books door-to-door yesterday, Saturday.
I asked them to be extremely careful, by:
Staying at least 6 feet away from people when speaking to them. Sanitizing their hands after *every* interaction. Being vigilant to not touch their faces at at any time.
This group of distributors reported that, uncharacteristically, 95% of people opened their doors to speak with them. Most of them took books very enthusiastically, saying: “While we have to sta
As we are gearing up for the upcoming festivities in Shri Dham Mayapur, this post is intended to give Mayapur Community and devotees visiting Mayapur for festival, comprehensive overview and guidance on the Corona Virus outbreak which is already announced by WHO as a global emergency.
In Mayapur, the presence of a wonderful local and international community, and the expected huge influx of devotees from around the world for the current festivals, makes it Imperative for everyone to understand t
By Madhava Smullen
Starting in September last year, bush fires have been causing widespread devastation in Australia, particularly in New South Wales. According to a CNN report on January 6th, 14.7 million acres have been burned across the country. At least 480 million animals have perished, as well as twenty-four people. In December, the smoke in Sydney was so bad that air quality measured eleven times the “hazardous” level.
According to ISKCON Australia Communications Director Bhakta Das, n
