THE VEDAS DESCRIBE the cow as our mother (go-mata). Why? Because she gives the milk that nurtures and nourishes us from infancy to old age. When the cow is happy, satisfied, and well taken care of, she produces far more milk than her calf requires. We can use this milk for our dietary needs.
Srila Prabhupada writes, “Foods such as milk, milk products, sugar, rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables are the foods that best aid health and increase life’s duration.” He calls milk “the most wonderful o
By Atma Tattva Das,
The Hare Krishna community in Tongaat recently marked the opening of a dedicated Food for Life kitchen at the Vishwarup Temple community complex, creating a new base for a service initiative that has provided meals and community outreach across the region for more than two decades.
The opening ceremony, attended by Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, represents a significant milestone for the local branch of Food for Life South Africa. For Aravinda Dalayataksha Das, chairman of the Tong
From Back to Godhead
Fulfilling our duty as parents requires taking care of our children’s spiritual needs.
As the mother of ten children, I am often asked, “How do you fulfill your family responsibilities and still make progress in spiritual life? When do you find the time to serve God?”
“It’s a matter of vision,” I reply. “I realize that I can serve God by caring for my children and husband with love and respect.”
Being a mother and wife is my duty, and I don’t distinguish it from my service
More than 250 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered on May 16 at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, for a large community day of service organized to support Vaibhavi Devi Dasi and honor the memory of her recently departed husband, Caru Das.
The effort brought together three local LDS Stakes and volunteers from across the community for a day dedicated to easing burdens at the temple and demonstrating solidarity during a difficult time. Monica Ri
By Atma Tattva Das,
The ISKCON Ministry of Education is entering an exciting new phase of global development. This phase is characterized by expanded initiatives aimed at strengthening educational standards, enriching curricula, and supporting schools and learning communities across the worldwide movement.
As ISKCON continues to grow in diverse cultural and geographic contexts, the demand for structured, accessible, and spiritually grounded education has become increasingly important. Rooted in
By Prabhavati Gopi Devi Dasi
The Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) in Vṛndāvana has announced new seva opportunities for devotees interested in contributing their professional and devotional skills. The institute seeks qualified candidates for various educational, administrative, and technical services, both onsite and online, to support its expanding educational mission.
The Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) has announced seva opportunities for devotees worldwide to
Despite recent challenges that have arisen in Bangladesh (see statement below), the Bangladesh yatra continues to do what it can to help those in need, including Food for Life programs that distribute thousands of prasadam meals to needy people and students. Additionally, they offer support and disaster relief efforts during floods and emergencies, as well as promote interfaith and cultural programs which foster peace, unity, and harmony across communities.
Public Statement on False Propaganda a
krsnotkirtana-gana-nartana-kala-pathojani-bhrajita
Vaishnavi receives Savitri award from Jayapataka Swami at Mayapur ceremony.
The Mayapur Community Sevaks (MCS), in collaboration with the Co-Directors Body, organized the first-ever Savitri Awards on the eve of International Women’s Day to honor the invaluable contributions of second and third-generation Vaishnavis within ISKCON Mayapur. Inspired by Savitri, a revered figure known for her unwavering devotion and selfless service, the awards recognized the humility and steadfastness of Vaishnavis
ISKCON leaders cutting the Nityananda Trayodashi cake.
On February 10th, 2025, ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy (BGA) Kolkata hosted the world’s largest indoor Nityananda Trayodashi celebrations at the prestigious Nazrul Mancha Indoor Auditorium. The grand event was directed by Bhakti Purushottama Swami and organized by Lakshmi Govinda Das and his team, drawing an overwhelming 4,000+ devotees from across the region. The celebrations lasted the entire day, from 9 AM to 6 PM, marking a spirituall
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
Bhaktivinoda Thakura:
From “Siksastakam”, Song 4, in Gitavali:
“In whatever birth I take, wherever my karma leads me, let me sing the glories of Your holy name birth after birth.”
“In danger or success, good fortune or disaster, let me remain in equipoise. And let my affection for You increase day by day by the influence of the holy name.”
From “Worship of Hari Must Begin from Childhood” in Prabandhavali:
“Because they cannot see God with their material eyes, they think that there is no such th
On January 25th, the Indian Government’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced the 2025 recipients of the annual Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by India’s President. ISKCON leader and prolific author Sri Nandanandana Dasa (Stephen Knapp) was one of the notable recipients in the Padma Shri category for his outstanding and distinguished service in the field of Literature and Education.
A disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Sri Nandanandana has
This class by HH Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Swami focuses on the verse *Caitanya Caritamrta*, **Adi Lila 10.63**, which highlights the profound glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s associates. The verse underscores the depth of devotion, humility, and dedication of Mahaprabhu's followers, demonstrating their essential role in spreading *sankirtana-yajna*—the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
#### Key Points from Adi Lila 10.63:
- The verse mentions Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's int
By Atma Tattva Das
When you think of the vibrant and awe-inspiring Rathayatra posters that grace festivals across the globe, one name stands out: Chakra Nadi Dasi. Her artistic rendition of Lord Jagannath, with those extra large eyes, has become a symbol synonymous with the joyous celebration of Rathayatra. This iconic image was even seen in China on a harinam banner and became the Food For Life logo in the country. It has also been used on many ISKCON festival posters, t-shirts, and various fe
By Atma Tattva Das
Krishna Gana Das, the culinary pilgrim whose journey across Australia echoes the spiritual rhythms of devotion, embarked on a unique odyssey that not only defined his path but enriched the lives of those touched with his unwavering commitment to Krishna consciousness. From his days at ISKCON New Govardhan in beautiful eastern Australia to his food truck adventures where he joined music festivals across the country, Krishna Gana’s story is a tapestry woven with the threads of
There are three main causes of our suffering – papam (sin), bijam (desires), and avidya (ignorance). Srila Rupa Goswami explains in Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu (Nectar of Devotion) that we suffer because of the sins which we have committed not only in this life but also in previous lives.
Let us explore the causes of our sufferings and most importantly how to get relief from all our sufferings. Srila Rupa Goswami explains about this in his book Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu (Nectar of Devotion).
Three caus
Who is a guest?
The Sanskrit word atithi means ‘not scheduled’. An ‘unscheduled’ or unexpected guest is considered a representative of the Supreme Lord, since his arriving unannounced is just what the Lord might do to test His devotee and see how ready he is to serve Him in any situation. With this understanding, we should offer the unexpected guest full hospitality.
Members of the general public, invited guests, life members, V.I.P.s, visiting Vaishnavas, relatives of Vaishnavas all should
All of us need to find an identity in Krsna Consciousness. We are all servants but we need to find a service that meets our nature and ability.
Are they the same thing?
BEFORE I MET Srila Prabhupada, I had wanted to serve humanity. Then I heard from Srila Prabhupada about the importance of serving Lord Krsna. Still the question remained: How does God's service relate to man's?
After a week of hearing from Srila Prabhupada, I got the chance to ask after Srila Prabhupada concluded a lecture:
sa vai pumsam paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhoksaje
ahaituky apratihata
yayatma suprasidati
"Without spiritual realization you can-not have peace of mi
