Congregating For An Inspirational Weekend Faith and Leadership at

November 2012
Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Congregating For An Inspirational Weekend
Srila Prabhupada:
Our Vedic conception is that
individual souls, which we
call living entities, are always
present, and each one of them
has an intimate relationship
with the Supreme Personality
of Godhead. In material,
conditioned life, the living
entity has forgotten this
relationship. By rendering
devotional service, he attains
the liberated position and
at that time revives his
relationship with the Supreme
Personality of Godhead.
Over the weekend of 5th- 7th
October, The Langley Hotel in
Tonbridge, Kent, hosted an exciting
innovation in congregational care.
Over 40 sanga group members
from Northampton, Southampton,
Norwich, Reading, Bristol and
Bournemouth came together for
a spiritual retreat, organised by
the
Manor’s
Congregational
Development department.
“Beyond Illusion and Doubt”extract
The retreat included a variety of
workshops including the subjects
of “Connecting and Creating”,
“Mantra Meditation”, “The Power
of Habits” and “Obstacles on the
Path of Spiritual Life.” There was
music and kirtan throughout and
also entertainment on the Saturday
evening, with humorous dramas and
even classical guitar.
“The weekend was a resounding
success,” explained Kanhaiya das.
“Everyone left feeling enthused and
spirituality enlivened. The Langely
Hotel is a great venue, I am looking
forward to the next retreat there.”
Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace
Srutidharma das, Sita Rama das and
Radha Mohan das attended a dinner
and reception at Lambeth Palace to
celebrate an ongoing series of courses
attended by young people from a
variety of different faith backgrounds.
The courses are designed to provide
participants with useful leadership
skills which they can use in their
daily lives and within their respective
institutions. The initiative, called
“Faith and Leadership” is organized
by Mr Krish Raval.
The three course dinner, which
received compliments from everyone
present, was prepared in the kitchens
of Bhaktivedanta Manor.
...continued on page 2
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
Kirtan Yoga
comes to London
A new project called Kirtan London is set to
bring sacred mantra music to the attention
of the city with events at universities and
corporations, ‘flashmob’ kirtans as well
as working with the existing London
yoga community. The first event, which
featured Jahnavi Harrison and friends,
was graced by Radhanath Swami.
Actor and comedian Russell Brand gave
a highly complementary introduction to
Radhanath Swami, mentioning the early
stages of his spiritual search and his visits
to Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Radhanath Swami spoke on the power
of devotional music and reminded guests
of the popularity of mantra music in
mainstream London, starting with the
release of The Radha Krishna Temple
album in 1969.
Events in the coming months look to
expand and build communities of mantra
lovers as well as providing inspiration
for a more widespread project, called
‘Kirtan UK’.
Croome
festival
a “fantastic success”
Devotees from across the UK
brought a feast of music, dancing,
food and colour to Croome Court as
they returned to ISKCON's former
Worcestershire home for a September
weekend.
As well as films, question and answer
sessions, seminars and music, guests
had a chance to sample chanting and
meditation and even had a go at llama
trekking!
National Trust spokesman Cat Philpott
said the second annual festival had
been a fantastic success. She said:
“Everyone enjoyed it and it was once
again a completely unique experience
for all those who attended.”
“Some devotees found it a real kickstart to revitalizing their spiritual lives,”
added organizer Tribhangananda das.
“We had our first ever Croome Ratha
Yatra and there was a lot of public
interaction. The entire estate resounded
with the sound of the chanting of Hare
Krishna!”
Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace
continued from page 1...Special
guests in
attendance at the dinner included Dr
Rowan Williams the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Prof David Ford (The
Regius Professor of Divinity at the
University of Cambridge), Rt Hon Eric
Pickles MP (The Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government),
Air Marshall Sir David Walker (Master
of the Household, Buckingham Palace),
Jerry White (Assistant Deputy Secretary
of State, Government of the United States
of America), Zainul Abideen Rasheed
(Former Senior Minister of State, and
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdulaziz
Abdullah Al-Hinai (Ambassador of the
Sultanate of Oman).
HARE KRISHNA
HARE KRISHNA,
KRISHNA KRISHNA
HARE HARE,
HARE RAMA
HARE RAMA,
RAMA RAMA
HARE HARE
Page 2
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
Bapushree shares
fond memories
When Bapushree (Mahant Devprasadji
Maharaj) visited the Manor he recalled
his visits to Sumati Morarji's home in
Mumbai. She showed him some of
Srila Prabhupada’s personal belongings
used on the Jaladuta, as well as the
copy of the Srimad Bhagavatam that he
presented to her.
The Jaladuta was the cargo ship that
Srila Prabhupada sailed on to reach
America in 1965, facilitated by Sumati
Morarji who was the head of the Indian
National Steamship Owners Association
at the time.
Bapushree is the President of the Shree
Anandabawa Seva Sanstha which is
famous for its medical, educational and
farming services across India.
European
Meeting
Leaders
World Seva Day Touches the Hearts of the Homeless
On the 7th October Bhaktivedanta
Manor played host to a group of 24
young City professionals from all over
the corporate sphere to get involved in
some Corporate Social Responsibility of
a different kind. The likes of Barclays
Capital, Network Rail and Ernst &
Young each had representatives who
prepared hundreds of 3 course meals,
which were personally delivered and
distributed to homeless shelters in and
around Watford.
Roshni Thakrar, a coordinator and a
team leader for London said ‘‘getting
involved in Seva Day is a humbling
experience-making a real tangible
difference to people and spreading some
of the goodness that our community has
to offer”.
This year they partnered with the Watford
New Hope Trust which services the
homeless and vulnerable people from
different locations in Watford. These
include six houses and hostels; five
support services; and three development
services.
The project is one of many equally
worthy causes where people from all
over the world take part in the initiative
known as Seva Day. Seva is a universal
Members of Bhaktivedanta Manor's
Temple Council joined 70 other ISKCON
leaders for the recent European Leaders
Meeting at the Simhacalam Temple and
farm community in Bavaria, Germany.
concept, which involves performing an
act of kindness without expectation of
reward.
Various community leaders from across England
gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor to discuss the
preparations of Seva Day 2012.
Brighton Ratha Yatra - Lord Jagannath
completed his UK 2012 tour in the vibrant
seaside town of Brighton.
Themes for the two-day conference
included
Sustainability,
Social
Development and Education, Farm and
Eco-Village development, and Europewide Spiritual Tourism.
Page 3
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
A Spiritual Cruise
In past years Bhakti Charu Maharaja had
arranged Spiritual Retreats, but this year
something more dynamic was organised:
For the first time in ISKCON, a Retreat
was held on board a Cruise Ship.
When
Radhanatha
Maharaja,
Sacinandana Maharaja, Candramauli
Maharaja, Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja,
Mother Malati and Yadubara das heard
about the venture they also climbed
aboard. 250 devotees from South Africa,
America, India, Dubai, Singapore,
Europe and the UK took part.
The ship left Southampton in August
and sailed around the coast of Western
Europe for 8 days, stopping at towns to
perform huge harinamas (processions),
including Amsterdam, La Coruna and
Bilbao in Spain, and La Rochelle in
France.
In La Rochelle the local Mayor attended,
along with TV and radio stations which
covered the event. One local man
The Beatles Connection
Last October marked the 50th
anniversary since The Beatles' first ever
single hit the charts, observed with an
International Beatle week. Meanwhile
Dhananjaya das, one of the most senior
British disciples of Srila Prabhupada,
was invited for interviews with BBC
Asian Network and BBC Three
Counties Radio over his connection with
George Harrison and the attainment of
Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1973.
Page 4
commented, “I don’t know what you
are singing but it is giving me so much
peace in my mind. Please come every
month to our town and sing and dance
here for us.”
Dhananjaya das spoke of how he first
discovered the 17 acre estate in 1972
which was then known as Piggot's
Manor and run as a Nursing College for
St Bartholomews.
Impressed with what he saw, Dhananjaya
das picked up the phone and called
George Harrison who was in the US at
the time. After hearing what Dhananjaya
das had to say about the Manor and
its location, George Harrison agreed to
purchase and donate the Manor there
and then.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
From
Student
Teacher
to
Lalita Shakti dasi began to study at
Bhaktivedanta College in Radhadesh
right after graduating from high school,
resulting in a Bachelor degree in
Theology and Religious Studies awarded
by the University of Chester.
ISKCON Redbridge celebrates Anniversary
In celebration of it’s second anniversary
ISKCON Redbridge had a chanting
procession in Ilford town centre led by
Kripamoya das, who plays an advisory
role for the community. Later graduates
from the Bhakti Sastri course were
awarded certificates for passing the
course run at the centre.
Vishal Merai, Chairman of the
community’s leadership committee,
commented “Our anniversary event
"Leap”- a Documentary
about ISKCON
A Documentary Film about Faith
was shown at the annual British
Association for the Study of Religions
(BASR) conference, which was
held at Winchester University. The
screening of the film, which explores
the devotional world of ISKCON,
with a particular focus on the lives
of Radhanath Swami and his Finnish
disciple Keshava Madhava das, was
enthusiastically received by all who
allowed us to celebrate our progress
and show our gratitude to the people
that have helped make ISKCON
Redbridge a success. We will continue
to develop into a community that
empowers individuals and continually
experiments so that we can remain
vibrant in the ways in which we present
the teachings in the context of modern,
British society.”
attended the event.
The audience of some 60 conference
participants, many of whom were
distinguished and highly celebrated
British and international religious
studies scholars, commented that the
film was both inspirational and a helpful
resource for use on academic courses
of study. Dr Graham Dwyer and Dr
Anna King (Winchester University)
introduced the film and responded to
questions about it.
“Bhaktivedanta College has shaped my
life in so many different ways,” she
explained. “Academically, mentally,
emotionally and most importantly
spiritually. I am now working at the
Krishna Avanti School and it is a
wonderful place to be. I could not have
asked for better. I actually love my job!”
Feeding the 5000 in Paris
Supermarkets discard vegetables that are
over-produced, with an unusual size or
shape. The Feed the 5000 project brings
attention to this waste by cooking and
distributing free meals to the public.
Originally in London, the project took
a European flavour when Canal Plus, a
French TV Channel, sponsored the first
ever Feed the 5000 in Paris.
“It was a great opportunity to speak to
the French public about vegetarianism,
food economics and spiritual solutions,”
explained Food for All Director
Parasuram das.
To learn more about "Leap" and to view
it, visit: www.leapthefilm.com
Page 5
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
Executive Event at HSBC
Radhanath Swami and Alfred Ford
(Ambarish das) were Guests of Honour at
an exclusive Client and Executive Event
in St James’s sponsored by HSBC Private
Bank, London. Event rganizer and host,
Sri Radha Raman das arranged for 120
people, including Chairmen, corporate
partners, and CEOs from a variety of
industries to hear keynote speeches on
the subject of ‘creating a culture towards
wealth management.’ MPs, Lords and
the UK High Commission of India also
attended.
The event was co-hosted by the retired
private secretary of Her Majesty the
Queen of England and a board director
for HSBC.
Ambarish Das Visits Ahimsa Dairy Foundation Aryan Vaid Visits the Manor
Bhaktivedanta Manor
holds first open day
Whilst in the UK Ambarish das was
given a special tour of Bhaktivedanta
Manor. As Chairman of the ISKCON
Sri Mayapur Temple of the Vedic
Planetarium, he was impressed with the
recent achievements by the Manor and
especially the New Gokul farm.
Supporters from the organic dairy
farming world attended an open day
held at Commonwork, the organic farm
in Kent, home of The Ahimsa Dairy
Foundation’s cows.
Aryan Vaid, the famous Bollywood
Actor, model and columnist with the
Hindustan Times, enjoyed his visit to
the Manor along with his family and
friends.
The day included a presentation by Sita
Rama das about the Ahimsa sanctuary
in Wales, where retired cows and young
bulls go. The guests, interested in
increasing the longevity of cattle, were
impressed by what they learnt that day.
Hertsmere Civic Service
Reverend Tim Warr and the Mayor
of Hertsmere Cllr Pat Strack warmly
greeted Srutidharma das at the Annual
Civic Service held at the historic All
Saints Church in Borehamwood.
Page 6
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
hi
What’s going on in IPS?
University students of Pandava
Sena were very excited of the
annual return of the Krsna
Consciousness Society (KCSoc),
and it started off with a bang!
More than 3,200 students
signed up to KCSoc across
18 Universities in the UK as it
launched in September!
Age: 16
Studying
GCSE’s
make them happy by adding
a spiritual dimension to their
everyday lives easily.
A special event at SOAS held
‘Interview with a Guru’ where
Radhanath Swami attended and
a total of 175 people attended!
Everyone had the opportunity to
meet with His Holiness and got
an opportunity to personally ask
questions to His Holiness.
How did you find out about Psena?
I found out about PSena through the
manor, as I’ve been going since I was
a little girl and my cousin went, so I
followed!
What did you like about the events?
City of London got the most sign
ups of 407, followed by Kings with
400 and 350 from Leicester!
All the KCSoc presidents of each
university were very pleased
with the students they met and
are raring to go with planned
interactive discussions, mantra
meditation and prashadam. So
far there has been a positive turn
out from all the sessions and the
Krsna Conscious message is
spreading out to more and more
young people. 20 events have
already taken place and over 500
students have attended.
Nilee Jos
Our very own Harrow Jammin’
featured in the Harrow Observer
this month. They held a ‘Show
Off’ where musical, dance and
comical performances took
place. A panel of judges which
included our president and
a senior mentor of Pandava
Sena gave comments which
entertained the youth.
I like the fact that everyone is on the
same level in terms of what they’ve
come for; to develop their Krishna
Consciousness, and we’re all either
studying or working so we’re able to
relate to each other.
What do you do in Psena?
In PS, I’m part of the Harrow Jammin’
team and I take care of the decor for various Jammin’s, such as Halloween, and I
also do registration service.
We get different themed Jammins every
fortnight, like a Talent Show, or Halloween, so I get to create new decor for each
event through making posters, bringing
props etc. I really enjoy being able to use
my creative talents at Jammin!
Some of the topics that were
discussed were ‘What would you
do if you had 24 hours to live?’
and ‘Life was so much easier
when apples and blackberries
were just fruits.’ These life related
topics got students thinking
deeper about the purpose of their
existence and what can really
Finally, Pandava Sena are
currently in the process of
creating their Vyas Puja book
consisting of offerings made
by all the members of Pandava
Sena. it will be presented to His
Divine Grace at the Prabhupada
tribute festival at the manor on
the 1st of December.
Page 7
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
November 2012
The Ambassador of Hungary
Food Glorious Food
After the Ambassador of Hungary
Mr János Csák helped clarify matters
in regard to the Church Status of
the Hungarian Society for Krishna
Consciousness, he promised to visit
Bhaktivedanta Manor. In October the
Senior Management were honoured to
arrange his visit to the BAPS Mandir in
Parasuram das entered a nationwide
cookery competition run by the popular
ITV1 station. He cooked a "Poor Man's
Feast Fit For a King", which included
delicious kitchari served on a traditional
leaf plate.
Neasden and then both a tour and lunch
at the Manor.
That evening the Ambassador hosted a
dinner in honour of Maharani dasi the
head of the Bhaktivedanta College in
Budhapest. The event was attended by
MPs and leading members of the Hindu
community.
Bhakti Centre Opens
The Bhakti Centre, a youth hostel run
by devotees, has opened its doors.
Hospitality is taken seriously at the
Centre, which accepts applications from
young people aged between 18 to 30.
The room charges are nominal and the
full vegetarian meals are free of charge.
The Centre has a beautiful temple room
with Gaura Nitai deities. It is located a
few minutes walk away from Harrowon-the-Hill tube.
Passing through the first few stages
of the competition, he was invited to
Knebworth House to join 50 other
contestants. The judge was celebrity
Lloyd Grossman who loved the kitchari
and the interview was spent discussing
spiritual life. Lloyd recalled that in
his youth he would joyfully eat Hare
Krishna food at music festivals.
For
more
information,
www.bhakticentre.com
visit
Heart and Soul together
The British Heart Foundation asked the
Milton Keynes Bhakti Vriksha group to
join them inside the Kingston Shopping
Centre to perform kirtan. The Foundation
was holding a marathon fund-raising
event and wanted the devotees to liven
up their day and attract more attention!
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts
(for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT)
01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com
Please send your news, photos and comments to:
Radha Mohan das [email protected]
Page 8
“They came to the Manor four times,
filming in the temple room, kitchens
and Food for All’s feed the homeless
operation in London,” explained
Parasuram das.
November 2012
Sat 10th Rama Ekadasi
Sun 11th Remembrance Sunday
Tues 13th Diwali (Deepavali)
Wed 14th Govardhana Puja, Annakuta
Sat 17th Disapp of Srila Prabhupada
Sun 18th Diwali Festival at Manor
Fri 23rd Utthana Ekadasi
Bhisma Pancaka begins
Disapp of Srila Gaura Kishore das Babaji
Wed 28th Sri Krishna Rasayatra
Tulasi Saligrama Vivaha
December
Sun 9th Sun 23rd
Mon 24th
Tues 25th
Utpanna Ekadasi
Gita Jayanti
(App of Srimad Bhagavad-gita)
Moksada Ekadasi
Christmas Day
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA,
KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE,
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA,
RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
© 2012, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor