By Radhapriya
This past weekend of November 24th to 26th saw ISKCON leaders from across Zone 1 temples in North America descend upon Toronto for the annual leadership conference. Zone 1 encompasses ISKCON centers primarily across Canada but also includes one temple in Minnesota and some very northern states, as well as Alaska. The Zone 1 temple contingent has grown in recent years, now consisting of 25 centers from coast to coast.
Under the inspiration and title coined by HH Bhaktimarga Swami,
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Mandakini Dasi released her latest book, Panchatattva: Five Heroes Of The Golden Age, on November 16, 2023, in Puri. The series consists of five books, each dedicated to one of the Panchatattvas, and they are available as a colorful box set that is very appealing to parents and children alike.
The launch of the book took place at the inauguration of HH Radhanath Swami’s Puri Yatra. Mandakini revealed, “The decision to launch in Puri Yatra was driven by the int
The efforts, austerities, and practices involved with the acceptance as a disciple do not end with initiation. Rather they begin, in a formal sense, at that point. Whatever outer challenges or inner demons we have, will be overcome by Krishna’s grace for those who persevere in their vows. It is only those who quit who will suffer defeat.
Even as the connection and dependency between the words “disciple” and “discipline” are obvious, some devotees tend to be more attentive to the fruits than t
Leadership is an art, a responsibility, and a journey of continuous growth and learning. The timeless wisdom of Vedic texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Chaitanya Charitamrita offers profound insights into the essence of true leadership. These ancient scriptures, filled with stories of great leaders, provide timeless lessons that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
1. Vision and Conviction: Lord Rama (Ramayana)
One of the most celebrated leaders in Vedic literature
By Dr Malav Bhimpuria
On a crisp autumnal day in late November, visitors to the Manor were blessed by the warm glow of the inaugural BMA medical camp, part of the Devotee Care Festival. The beaming smiles and joyous faces of the devotees was testament to the resounding success of this inspirational event, held in association with Devotee Care UK, Karuna Care, Alzheimer’s UK, Dental Smile and Hertfordshire Health Improvement Service (HHIS).
The BMA’s aim is to deliver holistic care to the ISKCO
A beautiful documentary has been produced, giving viewers a compelling glimpse into the life and service of Krsna devotees in Singapore. Featuring interviews with pioneering devotees who witnessed the history and growth of the devotional community in the cosmopolitan city, the video shares their unique challenges and opportunities for outreach.
Singapore, strategically situated as a vibrant city-state at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, is renowned for its impressive skyline, cutting-edge infra
By Atma Tattva Das
In a remarkable fusion of spirituality and adaptability, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is setting a new milestone with the Tŷ Krishna Cymru project in the heart of Cardiff Bay, redefining the landscape of Wales by transforming an older building into a vibrant temple and wellness center. This ambitious venture transcends the conventional, breathing new life into a structure with historical significance, navigating the delicate balance between pre
King Charles III of the United Kingdom recently met with over 30 faith leaders and community representatives at the historic Lambeth Palace Library in central London. The event was part of the annual “Inter Faith Week,” which aims to promote tolerance and greater understanding between different faiths and communities. Among the select guests joining the King was Visakha Dasi, President of ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor.
King Charles was welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Just
By Giriraj Swami
I will never forget the moment when I heard that George Harrison had passed away, shortly after Thanksgiving in 2001. The strength of my feelings of separation surprised me—and made me think how important and dear George must have been to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krishna. And I remembered my own little experience with George in Bombay.
In 1974 George came to visit Srila Prabhupada at Hare Krishna Land, in Juhu. He was wearing a white kurta and white yogi pants and had a plain b
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the Transcend app by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. It features over 8,000 hours of audio recordings, 600+ eBooks, the ability to listen or read in 11 languages so far, and is accessible on multiple devices. This groundbreaking app, introduced by Sri Ananda Tirtha Dasa, marks the world’s first integrated platform offering both audio and e-books, revolutionizing the way our spiritu
ISKCON Tucson’s award-winning restaurant, Govinda’s, has served guests gourmet vegetarian cuisine since 1992. The Temple’s newest resident, a white turkey named Sufi, was on hand to greet guests, share hugs, and take a lot of selfies at their annual Thanksgiving Day feast. “We named him Sufi because in Hindi “safed” means white, and Sufis are famously from Turkey,” noted Tucson’s Temple President Sandamani Devi Dasi with a smile. A 5th-grade classroom raised Sufi, and he later lived on a small f
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
His Holiness Giriraj Swami has unveiled his latest book, Dancing White Elephants: Traveling with Srila Prabhupada in India, August 1970–March 1972, published by BBT Australia and launched in Vrindavan on November 14 during the auspicious Govardhana-puja celebrations.
Based in Carpinteria, California, Giriraj Swami is one of the most senior sannyasis in ISKCON—and a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who, having read an article by him in Back to Godhead in Gor
In the first verse of the Bhagavad-gita, the low-minded king Dhrtarastra asks his secretary, “O Sanjaya, after my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the place of pilgrimage at Kuruksetra, desiring to fight, what did they do?” Kim akurvata: “What did they do?” Srila Prabhupada says that this is a foolish question. The two armies had gathered to fight, so what is the question of what they did? Srila Prabhupada gives the example that if someone sits down before a plate of food, intending to e
Krishna can see everything inside our heart. Even though we may be listening Hari Katha, it is plainly obvious to Krishna whether we do so out of eagerness or an obligation. So we should ask ourselves, “Are we relishing Krishna Consciousness?” When we chant more do we feel like chanting more? Does our absorption in hearing Hari Katha give rise to such profoundness that we forget to take Prasadam? If yes, then we are advancing spiritually, without any doubt. If it is one’s genuine experience tha
As an institution representative of Krsna and the parampara, we have the duty and obligation to be an example of responsibility and caring concern for everyone. Thus, in the present context of the coronavirus pandemic, we must strictly take all recommended precautions and strictly follow all official indications.
Krsna must see that we are doing everything that we can and not that we are irresponsibly leaving everything to Him. «God helps those who help themselves.» While endeavoring thus, we
All the unmarried gopīs in Vṛndāvana used to daily worship goddess Kātyāyanī early in the morning after taking a bath in the river Yamunā. Kātyāyanī is another name for goddess Durgā.
The goddess is worshiped by preparing a doll made of sand from the bank of the Yamunā.
The gopīs used to prepare the deity of goddess Durgā and worship it with candana pulp, garlands, incense, lamps and all kinds of presentations—fruits, grain and twigs of plants.
The unmarried girls used to pray with great
The ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry’s “16 Days of Activism for Safer Families” campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, focuses on cultivating healthy family systems and community cohesion by bringing together ISKCON’s top devotee experts to address a wide range of family-related issues.
“The campaign’s goal is to spark change, nurture empathy, and create a future where every family feels secure and supported. Strong family values are pivotal for resilient communities,” said Radha Dasi, on
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
ISKCON New Vrindaban hosted a three-day Women’s Retreat on October 12-15 with the theme “Trust Your Intuition.” The event aimed to infuse joy, rejuvenation, and relaxation into the weekend, featuring an array of workshops, guided meditations, daily yoga sessions, self-care activities, and engaging experiences such as a scavenger hunt, dance lessons, and a distinctive food and drink encounter.
Welcoming over 50 women from across the US and Canada, the diverse a
By Bhakta Jason
November 18, 2023, marked a momentous occasion in the Italian Yatra with the official opening of the Goloka Ecofarm in the picturesque region of Liguria. Just 30 minutes from the Italian Riviera’s beautiful beaches, this ISKCON community stands as a sanctuary and a beacon of light, fully embracing Srila Prabhupada’s cherished mission of protecting cows and disseminating Krishna consciousness.
Nestled in the stunning natural beauty of Liguria, very close to Genoa and Savona, the
