By Atma Tattva Das
On April 7-8th, 2024, in a jubilant spectacle of devotion and celebration, crowds gathered for the grand opening of the ISKCON Mauritius Bambous Preaching Center. The long-awaited event was the culmination of a long-held dream for a preaching center on the west side of Mauritius.
At the helm of this transformative endeavor are Sundar Caitanya Goswami and Rasika Sindhu Dasa, whose dedication and tireless efforts have brought the Bambous Preaching Center to life. The seeds of t
Fifty-four years ago, on April 22, 1970, millions of people gathered around the world for the first Earth Day celebration. New York City’s festival, held at Union Square Park, was the largest, with 100,000 attendees. In the midst of the speeches, marches, and music, the unique presence of Hare Krishna devotees at that event marked one of the first opportunities for Vaishnava theology to propose an elevated and respectful understanding of the natural world that continues until today.
Some senior
Bhaktivedanta Manor is famed for welcoming a diverse range of different groups, to teach its members about Krishna Consciousness and its values.
For example, recently Mahimarnava das has hosted leading members of the local philanthropic community charity, One Vision.
Not long before, members of the technology company Hewlett-Packard (HP) came to serve at the Manor as part of their ‘giving back to community’ program. They helped @newgokulfarm for few hours, grooming the elderly cows, setting bed
The weather looked threatening being that clouds were about to dumb on Nityananda and I at any minute. But we didn't really care. Once you are in the ravines, headed for the rustic old brick factory, there wouldn't be a shelter, unless of course, you arrived at the facility itself. We took a chance by going down the slope at what's called “Milkman's lane". Getting wet won’t kill us and with the temperature at 14°C we were confident we are safe.
The train was one Nityananda hadn't explored be
From Back to Godhead
The Golden Avatar delivered the gold standard of spiritual practices for this age.
In general, people like gold. It represents wealth and success. A golden age refers to an era of goodness and plenty, acknowledged in Greek, Roman, and Indian cultures. If you have everything, you were born with a golden spoon in your mouth. The Golden Rule is the epitome of cosmic justice or fairness: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. As the saying goes, “As good as gold.”
In my wildest dreams it never occurred to me that I would spend Ramanavami practically on a battlefield but that’s how the day panned out. Accompanying my husband, Parasurama Das, we had already driven through seven countries in our round-about route to reach Ukraine. Ramanavami found me awakening in the Black Sea resort of Odessa. The previous day was spent with the wonderful devotees there visiting their prasadam distribution points, giving out prasadam and giving a class on my experiences wi
We begin life with large, empty hearts and along our journeys it is those people who sincerely help us, who fill us—little by little.
I used to be a lot of things: naive, overworked, underpaid, afraid, restless, and an attorney in Durban’s cutthroat legal world. My husband, Venu Gopal, and I then moved to Japan where I entered the arena of teaching English as a second language to the Japanese. Now I’m a housewife and for the first time, everything on my schedule is something I’ve put there myse
On Tuesday 23rd April, Bhaktivedanta Manor observed Hanuman Jayanti in style.
As with tradition, a new Hanuman flag was hoisted to the top the pole at the front of the Manor building. It is believed to ward off negative energies, keeping the home or temple and its occupants safe from harm. The bright red colour of the flag attracts positive energy and divine blessings.
Then devotees participated in bhajans, kirtans and the Junior Bhaktivedanta Players performed a Hanuman drama.
Hanuman is rever
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Madhav Dasa Rupanuga, a 12-year-old boy who lives in Mayapur with his parents, Acintya Caitanya Das and Dr. Shiromani Devi Dasi, recently distributed over 13,000 books in just six months. Acknowledged for his unwavering dedication, he was recently honored with a Chaitanya Charitamrita set from Vaisesika Dasa presented by Jayapataka Swami.
The catalyst for Madhav’s fervor is Vaisesika Dasa’s inspiring association. Madhava enthusiastically participates in the
By Atma Tattva Das
On April 19, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the realm of spiritual literature as Bhagavad-gita As It Is was launched in the Kreol Morisien language: Bhagavad-gita Kouma Li Ete. The landmark event was broadcast live on BBT Africa’s YouTube channel, drawing attention from devotees and spiritual enthusiasts globally.
The launch ceremony, graced by esteemed speakers and dignitaries, celebrated the culmination of efforts led by Ramasevak Das, who spearheaded the tra
From Back to Godhead
By Vamsi Vihari Dasa
Though illness may restrict or halt our normal spiritual activities, it can provide spiritual benefits we might not otherwise gain.
After seven days of sickness, malarial fever had broken me down to the bones, and loss of appetite and hallucinations added miseries. I struggled to practice my daily chanting of Hare Krishna. But in those seven days I gained in ways that would not have been possible had I not been sick.
We have to accept the truth that we
What a perfect day! Sun. 18’C. Happy people in the park. Their pets (dogs) equally happy. And me, also joyful, at a picnic table jotting down notes. No picnic. I’m fasting till noon in honour of Rama. It’s his birthday.
To celebrate I am also taking the pm slot to practice for a new but short drama called “Ram”. Yes it’s a poem and we will put it to life by animating it or acting out the narrative. And it is going to be staged at 6.45pm. The rehearsal is as good as we could get with my volun
Samadhi? Is this something that a devotee following sadhana bhakti can also experience? I thought I should research about this. I had a book of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras with the commentary by his disciple Vyasa. Since some of his teachings overlap with the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita, and since Bhaktivinoda Thakura quotes Patanjali extensively in his book Prema Pradipa, I would like to share here some of the results of my research.
Samadhi is exclusive concentration on one object and, accordin
From Back to Godhead
For anyone interested in spiritual progress,
gambling is more than just a harmless amusement.
High’s convenience store is bustling with last-minute shoppers picking up odds and ends for a holiday dinner. Having run out of milk, I find myself in the crowded store, standing in a line that wraps around the food aisle. I resign myself to the waiting, and chant the Hare Krsna mantra softly to myself.
An elderly shabbily dressed woman at the counter draws my attention. She’s fr
By Giriraj Swami
As long as we are in the material world, we must suffer–pain caused by others, pain caused by our own bodies and minds, pain caused by acts of nature. And unless we can tolerate, we cannot live in this world.
But how much can a person tolerate? Should we not, on occasion, resist? Why, then, should we tolerate? And if we must, what will enable us to endure the difficulty without being disturbed.
Srila Prabhupada told the story of a young boy who tolerated more than I can imagine
Dean Russell MP, delighted dignitaries and thousands of guests at Bhaktivedanta Manor during Sunday’s Ramanavami festival when he unveiled his painting of the Srila Prabhupada standing next to George Harrison of the Beatles.
“Mr. Russell, an accomplished self-taught artist, is a long-time Beatle fan and is also deeply appreciative of Bhaktivedanta Manor and its many contributions to the community,“ explained Temple President Visakha dasi. “He offered his painting to the Manor as an expression
Post year 1977, many new temples have added to the count of 108 temples left behind by Srila Prabhupada.
The Ramnavami of the year 2024, witnessed an addition to the count of ISKCON Temples in Delhi. The count of temples in Delhi has reached eighteen in number granting an opportunity to the residents to be fully Krishna Conscious.
In a letter written in 1970, to his disciple Sri Tamala Krishna Goswami, Srila Prabhupada says,
“I want the Temples should be constructed by the local natives—that is
By Radha Mohan Das
Recently Baroness Scott, Minister for Faith at the House of Lords, honoured the faith leaders who participated in the Coronation of King Charles with a Coronation medal commemorating the event. Eight faith leaders, including Visakha Dasi of Bhaktivedanta Manor, joined the Baroness in the House of Lords, where she spoke of the King’s pluralism and how it was necessary in the diverse demographics of today’s United Kingdom.
For the full story, visit the Bhaktivedanta Manor websi
With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of His Grace Bhagavad Dharama Das. He peacefully left his material body on 18 April 2024 around 1 pm at his home. His departure marks the loss of one of our most esteemed senior devotees, and the material father of our beloved late Srivas Pandit Das, ISKCON Myanmar Regional Secretary.
His Grace Bhagavad Dharama Das was a cornerstone of ISKCON Myanmar, dedicated to advancing Srila Prabhupada’s movement with unwavering commitment and devotion.
It was just the perfect stroll I wasn’t the only one to think so. There were plenty of people taking in the good vibes along Mud Creek at mid afternoon. Once I come out from the ravine via a steep stairs I landed in posh Rosedale and near a basket-ball court. A number of young men were dribbling that ball. The tallest fellow scored. He noticed me and I could hear him, “There’s that walking monk!” And all of the co-players stared.
That caused a bit more of a chain reaction. Next to the basketba
