Looking at the ruins of what we’ve been calling until recently Western civilization, I can say that the mankind is illogical and irrational. Led by misguided and selfish leaders, people themselves planned and led their existence to its end, such as we knew it. How come we got here? Couldn’t the ruination of our world be prevented? Couldn’t any of the world leaders remember the bitter lessons of the millenary bloody history of mankind? And why the progress of material science and modern technolo
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On a recent pilgrimage to India, I was often asked to speak about Yamuna devi. Those who associated with her even briefly appreciated her warmth, compassion and devotion to Srila Prabhupada. Yamuna had an uncanny ability to make whoever she met feel as though they were valued and understood. She deeply felt it both a duty and honor to propagate what she had assimilated from Srila Prabhupada, and tried to emulate his standards of excellence in culinary arts, cleanliness, deity worship and in her
By several authors
Incorporating more reading of Srila Prabhupada’s books into your daily routine can be achieved through several practical strategies. Here are some effective methods to enhance your reading practice:
## Establish a Routine
– **Set a Fixed Time:** Dedicate specific time slots each day for reading. Aim for at least one or two hours daily, as Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of regular study.
– **Daily Page Goal:** Consider setting a target for the number of pages to rea
By Dandavats Staff Writer
In 2024, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) celebrated several significant achievements and developments:
**Lifetime Achievement Awards for Stephen Knapp**: Stephen Knapp, known as Sri Nandanandana Dasa, a dedicated disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, received two prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards for his global contributions to spreading Krishna consciousness and Vedic culture.
**Launch of the 2024 ‘Live to Give’ Campaign**:
In this video, Ramesh D, a Chartered Accountant and compliance head in Abu Dhabi, interviews Chaitanya Charan, a monk, mentor, spiritual guide, corporate coach, and author of over 27 books. They discuss Chaitanya Charan's book, *Gita for the CEO*, which explores the Bhagavad Gita’s relevance to leadership in the corporate world.
Chaitanya Charan explains that the Bhagavad Gita has deeply influenced his life, and he has studied it from various perspectives, including psychology, science, and
By Aseem Krishna Das
An event to glorify Srila Prabhupada, “Srila Prabhupada Smaran Utsav,” was organized in ISKCON Mayapur from December 21-23, 2024, on the occasion of the most sacred 85th Vyasa Puja ceremony of Subhag Swami. “Smaran Utsav” means a festival to remember, and thus, many esteemed disciples of Srila Prabhupada graciously attended the event. They shared treasures stored within their hearts gathered from their association with Prabhupada.
Subhag Swami inaugurated the grand festival
Devotees in Toronto, Canada, have been actively engaging in building relationships with government officials and faith-based organizations throughout 2024. Here are some of the events from the past year, shared by Vallabh Hari Das, who serves as Interfaith Coordinator for the ISKCON Toronto Temple, in addition being the Chair of Reimagining Rath Yatra, and Emcee for major ISKCON events across Canada.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Celebration at Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Devotees were welcomed to a Diwali
Became the first for using the new Huntsville facility comprised of temple, restaurant, and residence as a location for some dramatical entertainment. The modest effort at community theatre, which perhaps we could call “The Jagannatha Story Tour,” has brought us to this fine tourist city.
Devotees had been chanting beautiful Krishna bhajan songs, then I was given the spotlight to say something about New Year’s resolutions. An arati service then followed. Finally, our troupe presented the d
In this YouTube Short, “4 ways to make the new year’s positivity LAST,” Chaitanya Charan Das uses “last” as a memorable acronym to offer practical advice for maintaining a positive mindset throughout the year. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, cultivating gratitude, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and engaging in regular self-reflection. These strategies aim to help individuals sustain the initial optimism that often accompanies the start of a new year. Click
December 30, 2024
The film version of a book by the same name, “Monkey on a Stick” was released for streaming on December 11, on AMC+ and Amazon Prime. The film was previously released on a limited basis in theaters in Canada and will likely be available in other countries in the future.
The film focuses on the abuse of power and crimes committed in the 1980s by four former ISKCON leaders who were removed from their positions forty years ago. The book and film are part of the “true crime” genre
It’s good to start young. Such is the case of a young six-month-old daughter of Gangadas and Rohini Shakti. Vrnda Hladini was receiving her first grains in a sacrament (samskara) called anna prasana. Friends and family came to support the ceremony which involves a fire or agni invocation. Nityananda, 23, officiated the program.
The family insisted that I spoon feed the little baby, and so I felt happily obliged. While the ceremony went on, I noticed Vasey, Laksmi, and their two girls ent
Love is our innermost longing. Gita wisdom declares that our longing for love is best fulfilled when we learn to love Krishna. Let’s understand this central Gita teaching in five parts:
- Loving Krishna enables our love to break free from all limitations,
- Krishna is eminently lovable,
- Krishna loves all of us impartially,
- Krishna’s love for us is unconditional and
- Krishna engages his omnipotence to help us when we choose to love him.
1. Loving Krishna enables our love to break free from all limi
From Back to Godhead
Providing inspiration for the world’s largest democracy.
“We say God’s on our side but the more important question to ask is are we on God’s side…” (George Washington)
Democracy is supposed to be ‘by the people, of the people, and for the people,’ but I fear it may soon be redefined as ‘buy’ the people, ‘off’ the people, and ‘far’ (from) the people,” exclaimed Suresh, a 25-year-old man I met while returning to the temple from an outstation program. He was disappointed tha
We would especially like to hear from you about Unity in Diversity in terms of your experiences and understanding of Srila Prabhupada. Perhaps how you heard him talk about this, or how he put it into practice.
Srila Prabhupada Evokes Unity in Diversity
When dissimilar individuals or concepts are harmonised, it’s called ‘unity in diversity.’ Such unity isn’t based on mere tolerance of psychological, personal, or ideological differences but is based on an understanding that differences are nat
The funeral for 29-year-old Jasmin, a very loving person, was held at the Lotus Crematorium at an early time slot – 7 AM. Bless her soul, and condolences to the family, parents, Dave and Hena, and Ritvik, her fiancé.
From the great text, Sri Isopanishad, mantra 17, we are informed
vayur anilam amrtam
athedam bhasantam sariram
om krato smara krtam smara
krato smara krtam smara
Translation
Let this temporary body be burnt into ashes, and let the air of life be merged with the totality
HKDP
What is Shant rasa & Dasya rasa? What is difference?
A Talk by Radhanath Swami January 2, 2010 Bhaktivedanta Manor England
When we asked His Holiness Giriraj Swami what tonight’s topic would be, he said, “I will lead kirtana and see what emerges from my heart.” I will try to speak a few words on some of the primary themes of His Holiness Giriraj Maharaja’s beautiful dissertation.
Maharaja was stressing how much suffering comes to us in this world when we individually and collectively forget the purpose of life. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thak
Most resolutions take the form of “do’s”—things I resolve to do—and “don’ts”—things I resolve to not do. And Vedic wisdom tells us that all do’s and don’ts should support one main do—always remember Krishna (God)—and one main don’t—never forget Him.
Now, practically, what can we do to always remember Krishna and never forget Him? The item most favorable for remembering Him is chanting and hearing: chanting and hearing His holy names—the Hare Krishna maha-mantra—and chanting and hearing His trans
Madhavananda Das, managing editor of the Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu e-journal, has released issue 558, which explores the subject of darshan. The popular publication explores a single theme in each issue, often translating unique content not seen previously by most devotees, including stunning artwork. A new issue is released twice a month on every Ekadasi and is free of advertising, promotion, or criticism.
Issue 558 includes the following articles:
* You Can’t See God — From the teachings of
Vaikunthanath Das departed from this world to join Srila Prabhupada on November 21, 2024, while residing at Tucson’s Krishna’s Home. Srila Prabhupada was chanting in the background and Vaikunthanath Das was wearing a maha garland and peaceful at the time of his departure.
The following is written by his daughter, Braj:
“My father, Vaikunthanath, was an early disciple of Srila Prabhupada where he joined the Krsna Consciousness movement in the 1960’s. He was a very devout and scholarly person. He
