On occasion, I deliver a meal from our Govinda's Dining to Subuddhi, a godsister in her 80s, on a three-kilometre walk away. She is not too mobile these days, and but for a young male renter upstairs, she calls herself lonely. Being a perfect sunny day, there was nothing stopping me from carrying rice, veggies, dahl soup, gulabjamin, chappati, and samosa to her home off Christie Street. The walk was pleasant. I had brief encounters on the way.
As I crossed Davenport Ave., a young fellow talking
The Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies (BIHS) would like to invite ISKCON News readers to join online for its upcoming conference, “Cosmology of the Bhagavata Purana: Current Research on History, Philosophy, and Science,” to be held on Nov. 17–19, 2003. The Bhaktivedanta Institute has invited speakers from around the world to discuss the rich cultural heritage of the Puranas engaged within a contemporary context involving cosmological perspectives drawn from Sanskrit texts such as the B
By Atma Tattva Das
By advancing spiritual and academic discourse within ISKCON, the recently revived ISKCON Communications Journal (ICJ) has emerged as an annual platform for engaging in theological and philosophical discussions and addressing contemporary sociological and institutional issues. Doing so reflects ISKCON’s intellectual vigor and an openness to contributions by sympathetic outsiders. The articles written by devotees are rooted in the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedant
By Sunanda Das
Miracle in the Making is an awe-inspiring video shot by HG Prananatha Das depicting the rise of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) in Mayapur, West Bengal, India – Future Wonder of the World – and the opening of its Nrsimhadeva Hall, the largest Nrsimhadeva Temple in the world, from February 29 – March 2, 2024.
At a time when turmoil, strife, and all the symptoms of Kali-yuga are at an all-time high within the world, we need to pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva for His interventi
Uday and I had planned a night walk; however, the weather became very unfavourable. You could say it was a type of slush coming down. There are few things that deter me from stepping outside but once in a while.
Uday came to my room in any event, and so did Navi. Both of them ran some simple errands for me and then I pondered on what we could do with extra free minutes – something fun, something transcendental. I reached out for a copy of the Gita that I keep hand. I brought it over to where Na
In the vast canvas of life, surrendering to the divine is akin to finding solace and protection in the arms of a benevolent force. To illustrate this profound concept, let's draw a parallel with the lives of dacoits—individuals who, armed with guns, live in perpetual fear, constantly on the run, much like rats scurrying in the shadows. These outlaws emerge briefly from hiding, seize what they need, and swiftly return to cover, forever haunted by the ghost of violence.
Now, picture a transformativ
Once, on his guru maharaja’s disappearance day, Srila Prabhupada said, “On the absolute platform, there is no difference between the appearance and the disappearance of the spiritual master. Both are beautiful, just like the sunrise and the sunset.” So, although we feel separation, within that separation our remembrance of Srila Prabhupada is heightened, and thus we experience the beauty of his presence—in separation.
To straightaway speak about Srila Prabhupada’s departure feels abrupt to me, b
Dear Devotees,
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am writing this message to you during a solemn yet joyful time when we recall the disappearance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON. It is solemn because of the very heart-wrenching reality that Srila Prabhupada left our presence forty-five years ago this year, yet joyful because we know he departed back to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna and Caitanya Mahaprabhu after
By Vaisesika Dasa
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding focus and maintaining it can be quite a challenge. Our minds tend to wander, distractions abound, and the demands of modern life can easily pull us in various directions. But fear not, for within the depths of Vedic wisdom and ancient scriptures lie valuable insights on how to hone the lens of your mind, enabling you to direct your attention and remain steadfast on your goals.
1. The Power of Focus in Vedic Teachings:
The con
In Bhagavad Gita, chapter 12, in listing the qualities that endears one to Him, Krishna states that, that one who does not cause any distress to any other living entities is very dear to Him. Srila Prabhupada often emphasized the principle of treating all individuals with utmost respect and recognizing their importance in family, society and Krishna’s service.
The ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry campaign, 16 Days of Activism for Safer Families, will run from November 25th to December 10th. Through th
By Atma Tattva Das
Kalakantha Das (far right) during a visit to the Ahmedabad farm, which started in Srila Prabhupada’s time.
In a groundbreaking move aimed at furthering the mission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the GBC Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture has embarked on a new phase of certifying ISKCON farms. This recent tour involved visiting six farms and certifying four prominent locations: Mayapur, Vrindavan Gurukul, Ahmedabad, and Govardhan Eco-V
By Radha Mohan Das
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata pictured with Avanti School children chanting mantras at Diwali celebration.
British Prime Minister Mr Rishi Sunak celebrated Diwali in his home at 10 Downing Street, along with his wife Akshata and dozens of invited guests. ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor’s temple president Visakha Dasi attended the event along with Sachi-Kishore Das and Krishna Sanjay Das, members of the Manor’s communication team.
Read more: https://iskconnews.o
By Thomas Haribol
Known for its creative and successful outreach efforts, ISKCON Tucson integrated its first Ratha Yatra event into the city’s 34th annual All Souls’ Procession on Nov. 5, 2023.
All Souls’ Day is a Christian holy day focused on remembering and praying for the souls of the deceased. The All Souls’ Procession was the brainchild of Tucson artist Susan Johnson, who sought a public way to honor her father and grieve after his death. The multi-day event also integrates imagery from t
The two towns mentioned above were destination points for bhakti on this day. How these places did shine. But for my blog entry, I wanted to share a past poem on the precious topic of bhakti.
IT'S ABOUT BHAKTI
Contrary to popular belief...
Strength lies in humility
Whereas weakness does in pride
Our base, set in simplicity
Puts complexities to the side
Pleasures ignite from stimulu
But that is so short lived
Long term comesfrom vigilance
When cheap thrills we'll outlive
Entertainment may l
By Atma Tattva Das
Within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a question often arises for the devotee—how does one balance family life with dedicated service to the movement? Gaura Narayana Das stands as a testament to transcending this challenge. A former brahmachari, he has seamlessly transitioned into the roles of a family man and a pioneering business owner. His brainchild, Fly Sacred, represents not only a travel agency but also a bridge connecting spirituality, c
By Thomas Haribol
This summer, a new ISKCON Bhakti Yoga Center opened in a strategic location near the University of Minnesota, and they reached a significant milestone on October 28th by welcoming a set of stunning Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai deities to their community.
Six weeks of intense preparation by Minnesota devotees preceded the arrival of Gaura-Nitai, Who were escorted from Alachua by Jaya Gopal Dasa and his wife Damianti Devi Dasi, both disciples of HH Romapada Swami.
Read more: https://isk
I suppose you could say that I received a moment of honour this evening. 600+ people, largely from the Hindu community, presented me with a lifetime achievement award, and others received awards in different categories. The event held in OE Banquet Hall was well organized in that Oakville destination, although it ran an hour late and went a little long. In the tradition of bhakti, Vedic/Hindu recognition, love, and appreciation have been a strong component for centuries.
And it is a fact that IS
We have been roaming in this matterial world from millions of lifetimes, as a effect we have develop so many ananths in our heart. The prominent one is pride. This pride is like sweet venom. At the initial stages it seems very pleasing but as the moments will pass it will start showing its effect.
we think that we are devotees and it is generally believe that the most pure jewel of a devotee is his humility. And and if he doesn't have that means "we are very far. we have to push ourselves .Chait
Registration begins 1st August!!
It is our great pleasure to announce ISKCON MAYAPUR’s 11th annual six-day Kartik Navadwip Mandal Parikrama during the most auspicious month of Kartik (organized by the Mayapur Chandra’s). The Parikrama dates are 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st & 22nd November, 2023.
There will be two days break, for Srila Prabhuap’s disappearance day (17th of November) and Gopashtami (20th November) so that devotees can participate in the festivals.
For this year also, the parikram
Hare Krishna!
In the gentle embrace of devotion, today marks the joyous celebration of Govardhan Puja, a sacred occasion that beckons us to delve into the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. This enchanting festival holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, offering a tapestry of devotion, gratitude, and profound spiritual significance.
At the heart of Govardhan Puja lies the timeless story of Lord Krishna lifting the mighty Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrat
