My brother, Jerry, and I used to do those farm chores together in the summer holidays. That entailed some physical work such as collecting firewood and dumping it through the basement's window, pitching manure and hauling it into the manure spreader and more often uprooting those pesky thistle plants in the pasture. Our loving Dad (and I'm not being sarcastic here) wanted to keep us engaged, not waste time, be useful and not get lazy.
These pastimes we reminisced on over the phone with other
When I turned fifty, I had my highest salary ever, I worked less than ever, I still had a nice relationship with my wife (in Kali Yuga unbelievably), and I was a respected member of both karmi society and ISKCON. I was a rajadvipa – king of my island. I built two guest houses along with the house I lived in, and Bhakti Vikasa Swami, my Guru Maharaja, used to joke, “From householder you became houses holder.”
My move to the vanaprastha ashram was therefore no escape from material life, and it
The Friendship Group is a weekly gathering aimed at devotees who are at least 50 years old. It is an opportunity for participants to socialise and keep active within a devotional environment.
Members learn from each other and make new friends. The activities, such as Chair Yoga is a practical way to keep fit, and activities such as puzzles, games and quizzes can be great fun. Upon arrival, simple refreshments are available, and there are kirtans, bhajans and other devotional activities. They th
On May 7, 2024, religious leaders from a broad range of traditions gathered with the Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mexico City for an evening of Interreligious Prayer. Among the key participants was Anuradha Devi Dasi representing ISKCON Mexico City, alongside Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and Sikh leaders.
The convocation occurred under the direction of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Communion (CEDIC) together with the Primate Archdiocese of Mexico, which foc
By Giridhari Dasa
The Italian Yatra of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) recently celebrated a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the installation of the deities Sri Sri Gaura Nitai in Rome, Italy. The celebrations spanned two days, May 18th and 19th, at Prabhupada Desh, a temple near Venice where Sri Sri Gaura Nitai have resided since 1992.
The gathering commemorated the momentous moment on May 25th, 1974, when Srila Prabhupada personally cooked for the
I was on that same route again today - Bloor St. I bumped into Ambika from South America. She is one of our actresses in the bhakti dramas and she is so good. We chatted. I also came upon another acquaintance - Digvijayi, at a restaurant where they have the entire window open. From the street level I could talk over the table to say some encouraging words.
There were just so many smiles coming from pedestrians. It was 20* celsius. By the time I reached the park at Christie Pits so many folks
On May 19th, the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) announced the release of two new courses which delve into the rich traditions of Western and Indian Philosophy. BRC gathered expert scholars from top universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT Bombay, Jadavpur University, and others.
The courses offer profound insights and thought-provoking discussions for both seasoned philosopher or curious learners. To expand your horizons and deepen your understanding, please visit the videos
In response to the intense heat wave gripping Mayapur, the Mayapur Clean & Green initiative, under the leadership of Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, has launched a proactive campaign to strategically position clay water pots throughout the area to mitigate the impact of the soaring temperatures on cows and other animals.
Many living entities in Sridham Mayapur are visibly distressed due to the heat and are struggling to find water in the dry conditions. To address this issue, the MCG initiative has co
By Atma Tattva Das
In the heart of New York’s concrete jungle, devotee musician Premananda Kirtan Das orchestrates spirituality and creativity into harmonious melodies. With his music, he doesn’t just entertain; he enlightens. In an ISKCON News interview, he shared insights into his creative process, his spiritual journey, and the profound interplay between the two.
Born in South Africa, Premananda draws from his roots in Bhakti yoga to weave devotional themes into his compositions, guiding his
It is always good news when you hear a new baby is born, especially to able parents. Such is the case in the community. News also gets around that one of our members perished. If we are looking at an elderly person it is less heart-breaking than when we hear of a young person who hasn't had a full chance at life. There is always a big smile on someone's face when he/she announces "I've got my PR, permanent resident status," or when someone tells me, "I just graduated" or "I got hired and the p
In the mood of visiting the Dham when you can’t physically go to the Dham, GBC Strategic Planning Team (SPT) is bringing the Dham to you. Urging you all to fire up your phone or computer and join us on a special tour to the sacred pastime places of Sri Nrisimhadeva with Chandan Yatra Das.
Hare Krishna. Pranams. All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.
For the pleasure of the devotees this coming Nrsimha Caturdasi, below is Chapter 231 of the Garuda purana, where Mahadeva Shiva calls on Lord Narasimhadeva.
(The Matrgana’s mentioned in this story are eight goddesses produced from the bodies of Vishnu, Shiva and six other main deities during the killing of a powerful demon called Andhaka. Their origin is recounted in the Varaha-purana.)
1. Suta said: O Saunaka, I shall now mention
On May 1, 1977, the day before the festival honoring the appearance of Lord Nrisimha, Srila Prabhupada’s dear disciple Jayananda Dasa passed from this world.
Shortly thereafter, Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter, “Jayananda’s death is glorious. . . . He has left his body very wonderfully, and he has been transferred to Vaikuntha. . . . Everyone should follow the example of Jayananda. I am very proud that I had such a nice disciple. If possible Jayananda’s picture should be hung in the ratha [
Sri Narasimha Yajna Sponsorship!
In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna explains the vision of a great devotee like Prahlada: “For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost to him, and he is never lost to Me.” Lord Krishna, Krsna is the protector of those who has adjusted their consciousness to that of being protected by Him. And when the same Lord comes as Narasimha, He is coming to fulfill His promise to His devotee who fully seek His protection.
It’s that time of the
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Sumadhuri Devi Dasi recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully organizing the first-ever ISKCON Youth Bus Tour across Thailand. Led by Kavicandra Swami and BVV Narasimha Swami, the tour provided participants with enriching devotional experiences, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organizers.
Manorama Das, ISKCON Youth Minister, said, “This was a heroic effort by Sumadhuri Devi Dasi, Rajasuya Dasa, and Yogeshwara Dasa, and severa
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
His Grace Pankajanabha Das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, departed this world on May 13th at 3 AM in Sri Vrindavan Dham. According to a devotee caring for him, he chanting “Krishna! Krishna! Krishna!” immediately before leaving. Godbrother Deena Bandhu Das said, “His most cherished desire to leave the body in Sri Vrindavan-Dham, the holiest of holy places, was fulfilled.” Pankajanabha spend the final three years of his life in Vrindavan.
Born into a Catholi
There is at least one day of the week where our ashramites sit and listen to a recording of our Founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada. Today was such a day and the chosen verse to speak from the Bhagavatam 1.8.35 recorded October 15 in 1974 in Mayapura. It was entitled, "Rascal Surrender." It is a big command and it is needed.
In the recording we hear of how surrender to science, or speculation have their limitations. There exists an obstinacy to submit to nature and the universe as greed overtakes
Lord Nrsimha roars loudly and causes others to roar. With His multitudes of arms, He tears the demons asunder and kills them in this way. He is always seeking out and tormenting the demoniac descendants of Diti, both on this earth planet and in the higher planets, and He throws them down and scatters them. He cries with great anger as He destroys the demons in all directions, yet with His unlimited hands He sustains, protects, and nourishes the cosmic manifestation. I offer my respectful obeisa
Every year Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Temple Council selects applicants to receive grants towards a variety of worthy projects.
This year the Manor supported the following exciting projects:
ISKCON Youth Euro Bus Tour 2024
ISKCON Youth Bus Tours have been run since 1995 and has been vital in inspiring many members of the next generation. About fifty youth travel for one month visiting 12 ISKCON temples across 9 European countries. They participate in harinam sankirtan (public chanting) in the local
On the afternoon of Monday, May 13th, His Grace Rajasekhara Dasa Brahmachari, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, left his body surrounded by devotees in Sri Mayapur Dham. His sudden departure followed a short stay in the hospital, where he was admitted with heart and breathing problems. Appreciations and prayers have flooded social media, remembering this faithful disciple of Srila Prabhupada.
Godbrother Deena Bandhu Das related what devotees visiting Rajasekhara said, “He was smiling and talking
