Gopiparanadhana Dasa, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) Sanskrit editor and translator for more than 25 years, addresses the difference between Western and Eastern approaches to textual authority. By examining texts from Srila Prabhupada’s commentaries he highlights the difference between Western ideas of plagiarism, and the primacy of originality, and Eastern notions of ensuring the safe passage of traditional thought. He also looks at how in Indian traditions the qualification for authorship is
On the first day of Chandan Yatra in Mayapur, Sri Sri Radha Madhava with Their Asta-sakhis are offered the Rasamandala Vesa, depicting the divine Rasa Lila pastime of Lord Krishna.
Thus hearing the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, speaking to pacify them, the gopīs became very much pleased. They became completely relieved of the great suffering of separation, not only by hearing the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead but also by touching His hands and legs. After this, the Supre
Monsoon season is upon us, or so it seems. Rain has been coming down with not much of a break. It certainly makes for cooler weather, easier to work with, especially relevant to the current practice I'm having with our drama crew. Nevertheless, for some of the roles played out, a good sweat is the outcome. It is a good workout.
Before we start rehearsal, we do some warmup exercises, but to take it easy this morning, I asked my sound man, Chaitanya, to play Holtz’s composition “Neptune: The Mysti
Srila Prabhupada’s Penetrating Vision
Nara Narayan: The minute I sincerely begged, his eyes floated around to the side and he looked at me. I froze. That moment seemed like an eternity. He neither beckoned nor rejected, just observed. My whole system collapsed from the inside out. I said, “Oh my God.” All sorts of confusing emotions ran through me. I thought, “I must straighten myself out and think things through. I am not ready to become his disciple yet.”
Harivilasa: Prabhupada looked at me f
Srila Prabhupada visited New Vrindaban four times. One of the significant sites of his pastimes is the house in Madhavan where he resided during his last visit in 1976.
The house in Madhavan (where Sankirtan Prabhu now lives) is the site of the last darshan Srila Prabhupada gave to the New Vrindaban plow department. Darshans were scheduled according to department, and I was a member of the plow department. The last darshan is very exceptional because Srila Prabhupada was commenting spontaneous
ISKCON’s Govinda’s vegetarian restaurants form a unique blend of outreach and entrepreneurship, nourishing bodies and souls alike. Established at temple sites worldwide, these cafés serve sattvic (pure vegetarian) prasadam at fixed prices, with devotees and visitors encouraged to “eat to their heart’s content.” The profits from Govinda’s underwrite temple operations – from cow protection to educational programs – ensuring that Krishna conscious communities can flourish sustainably. Over the deca
Radhanath Swami and Professor Francis Clooney engaged in conversation at Harvard event.
The Bhakti Yoga Conference, titled “Grace in an Age of Distraction,” held from March 1 to April 11, 2025, in collaboration with Harvard Divinity School, welcomed thousands of participants from around the world. The series, featuring nearly 50 esteemed scholars, monks, yogis, and thought leaders, explored the transformative practice of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of love and devotion.
“The feedback from all 48 spea
April 24, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt compassion that members of ISKCON extend our sincerest condolences to the victims and families affected by the recent terrorist attack in India.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have suffered due to this senseless act of violence. As followers of the teachings of Lord Krishna, we believe in the sanctity of all life and the power of prayer, unity, and compassion to heal even the deepest wounds.
In moments like these, we are remi
On a warm December morning last year, around 11:00 a.m., as I sought the association of the magnificent Lord and prayed to His dear most devotee Prahlada, I found myself involved in one of His temple lilas (pastimes), much to my astonishment
After offering my obeisances to the captivating Prahlada, who stands next to his beloved Lord with his hands folded and his small body decorated with fresh fresh flowers and beautiful ornaments, I prayed, "My dear Prahlada, you are expert in receiving all
Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.
This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.
What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b
On April 16th, 2025, a historic cultural event took place in the Hall of Honor of the National Congress of Chile — one of the country’s most emblematic venues, where official state ceremonies, presidential addresses, and national commemorations are held.
The event featured a concert by Sri Bhakti Das, who performed Indian classical and devotional music using instruments such as the surbahar, sitar, and esraj, accompanied by Francisco San Miguel on the tabla. The program concluded with the cong
The ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI) marked Earth Day 2025 with an engaging webinar that highlighted devotee-led initiatives that underscored the importance of local action in driving global change.
The online gathering with devotees from around the world was part of the IEI Seminar Series: “Divinity and the Environment,” and spotlighted practical, faith-based solutions to environmental challenges, both within ISKCON communities and in their broader engagement with other organizations.
Th
Yesterday, we celebrated the appearance day of Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, and it truly felt like a day full of mercy.
From the very start, we were blessed to witness the abhishek of Their Lordships, surrounded by beautiful kīrtan and joyful faces everywhere. It was a moment of deep bliss.
Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita is none other than Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself in Gaura-līlā. Just as Rādhārāṇī is always by Kṛṣṇa’s side, in Gauralīlā, She manifests as Gadādhara Paṇḍita to quietly support Mahāprabhu throug
This date is my wrap up day for Winnipeg. It has been good and blissful. Not only was there an inauguration of a new temple/ashram for us here in central Canada, but on the same weekend, devotees in the Maritimes on the far east coast, witnessed the opening of their place of meditation and worship. What a victory that is over the world of maya, illusion.
Everyone took such good care of me in this Prairie city. I was happy to see a great participation from the youth here. Meanwhile, it was hear
Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.
This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.
What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b
On April 16th, 2025, a historic cultural event took place in the Hall of Honor of the National Congress of Chile — one of the country’s most emblematic venues, where official state ceremonies, presidential addresses, and national commemorations are held.
The event featured a concert by Sri Bhakti Das, who performed Indian classical and devotional music using instruments such as the surbahar, sitar, and esraj, accompanied by Francisco San Miguel on the tabla. The program concluded with the cong
Today, here in Mayapur, we celebrated the 1st Disappearance Anniversary of H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
It feels like it was only yesterday that we were struck by the news of Maharaj's departure — a moment we weren’t prepared for. Yet, isn't it so remarkable how Krishna has His perfect timing in calling back His dear devotees?
Maharaj’s life is a shining example of how a true Vaishnava should live. Anyone who visited Mayapur would often see Maharaj attending Mangal Arati — whether at t
I was happy to see my dear friend, Kalakantha from Florida, come to visit us for a few days. He came direct from Delhi on a flight. Yes, he is jet lagged, but it was hard to tell by the expert delivery of his Bhagavatam class. Before going for his catch-up sleep, we chatted on the nature of how to advance the Krishna cause. Thinking out-of-the-box is our tendency when we get together. To be more specific, the theme of guru comes up, and in our attempts to answer the questions like, “What doe
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Alachua, Florida, the New Raman Reti community stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Established in 1977, this 127-acre spiritual haven has evolved into North America’s largest Hare Krishna community, blending ancient Vedic traditions with innovative sustainability practices. Through daily worship, educational programs, eco-conscious initiatives, and a deeply interconnected res
