Bhaktivedanta Manor breaks own book marathon record

February 2012
Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Srila Prabhupada:
We are printing so many books.
For spreading this knowledge,
that must be distributed. Home
to home, place to place, man
to man, this literature must go
there. If one takes one book,
at least one day he'll read it:
"Let me see what is this book I
have purchased the other day."
And if he reads one line his life
will be successful, if he reads
one line only, carefully. This
is such literature. So therefore
book distribution I am giving
so much stress.
Lecture on Bhagavad gita in
Hawaii (1975)
Bhaktivedanta Manor breaks
own book marathon record
By Sutapa Das Brahmacari
Last December’s Book Marathon
was amazing. Many devotees, both
from the temple and the wider
congregational community, made
special endeavours that month to
distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books
to the general public, and many others
made extra sacrifices to facilitate them.
We targeted 25,000 books to be
distributed... we ended up distributing
35,843!
We targeted 251 distributors to
participate in the marathon... we ended
up with 273!
Mother Yamuna - a great pioneer
In December Her Grace Yamuna dasi
passed away. She was one of the most
influential devotees during ISKCON’s
fledgling years. She was one of the first
pioneers to enter the UK and helped open
the first ISKCON temple in London, in
Bury Place near the British Museum.
Yamuna dasi, well-known for her angelic
voice, was the lead singer in the Radha
Krishna Temple Album, produced by
George Harrison. At every ISKCON
temple her singing of “Govindam” is
played during “Deity Greeting” as part of
the daily morning program.
She published her own cookbook
entitled, “Lord Krishna’s Cuisine: The
Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking” which
garnered multiple awards, including the
International Association of Culinary
Professionals Cookbook of the Year.
Yamuna Devi was well known for her own
caring, compassionate and unpretentious
nature. She was committed to following
Prabhupada’s instructions in her actions,
words, character, and heart.
Among the books, 1150 were Bhagavad
Gitas, while Bhaktivedanta Manor’s
Ananda Caitanya das distributed an
amazing 2715 books all by himself!
By all of the wonderful efforts of
everyone involved, I am happy to
announce that the 2011 Marathon was
the most successful since 1998. It was
a wonderful team effort and exhibition
of unity. The Marathon is a special
time of the year, and I always feel
blessed and fortunate to have some
participation in this most important
preaching activity in ISKCON.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
February 2012
Remembering the victims of persecution Mentorship System
Nila Madhava das and Radha Mohan
das represented Bhaktivedanta Manor
at Hertsmere Council’s Holocaust
Memorial Service on 27th January.
The event, presided over by Cllr Peter
Knell the Mayor of Hertsmere was
attended by local Councillors, local
school children and community and faith
representatives. It included prayers, the
lighting of candles, a film and a touching
performance by the Comm.unity Choir.
Nila Madhava das read a prayer along
with other faith leaders.
Double resolutions for Bristol community
January 14th was the auspicious day
of Makara Sankranti when devotees
make spiritual vows as it is considered a
'new beginning.' Coming so close to the
beginning of the year, it also doubles up
as a second try at keeping New Year’s
resolutions!
Devotees in Bristol took the opportunity
to publicly express their determination
to recite the Hare Krishna mantra each
day a certain number of times. One
‘round’ includes chanting on 108 sacred
beads and group members chose to
chant either 1, 4, 8, 12 or 16 rounds. A
presentation was given by Kripamoya
das, who celebrated the devotees’
resolutions with a Vedic ceremony.
Certificates noting the occasion were
presented by Minaketana Rama das
who, with his wife Gandharvika dasi,
runs the Bristol centre.
The group meets weekly on Saturday
afternoons at The Folk Centre, 35 North
Street, Bedminster, Bristol.
takes shape
“Anyone who is committed to daily
spiritual practice will occasionally
need some friendly support and
encouragement,” explains Sri Radhika
dasi, chair of the Mentorship Committee.
“We all need help and guidance
sometimes, so over the past few months
we’ve been working on giving new life
to an old idea – and that’s become the
Mentorship System.”
The Manor Mentorship System will
be a network of experienced devotees
who pledge to offer their support to
other members who have more recently
committed to spiritual life. “The mentors
will mainly be friends to those they help,”
said Sri Radhika dasi, “but they will
offer useful information, tips on spiritual
practice, and guidance whenever asked.”
Devotees will be able to choose their
own personal mentor, but each mentor
will have a limit of ten members. The
system will create opportunities for
one-to-one discussions and there will
be monthly meetings of all those in a
mentor group.
The mentorship system is currently
available only to devotees who are
already committed to a daily practise
of chanting four rounds or more on japa
beads.
For more information write to:
[email protected]
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA,
KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE,
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA,
RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
Page 2
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
February 2012
Projects which Inspire
Giriraj Swami and Sivarama Swami
were given tours of recent projects on
the site of Bhaktivedanta Manor. “It is
absolutely delightful and thoughtfully
designed”, said Sivarama Swami during
his visit to the New Gokul farm, after
also taking special note of the visitors’
facilities. Of the George Harrison
Garden, Giriraj Swami said “It is
inspirational, a wonderful garden within
which George Harrison’s lyrics describe
an inner path of love, a path shared by
many mystics regardless of tradition.”
Magic falls on Lord Nityananda's Appearance Day
Celebrating the birth of Lord Nityananda
became especially memorable this year, as
the morning pilgrimage to Bhaktivedanta
Manor included negotiating roads that
had been hit by heavy snowfall from the
previous evening. Those who made it to
the Manor were rewarded by a deeply
spiritual atmosphere much more magical
than a snow-covered landscape can ever
be. The warmth of the devotion melted
away any thoughts of the near Arctic
conditions outside!
Lord Nityananda appeared as Lord
Caitanya’s principal associate for
spreading the congregational chanting of
the Hare Krishna mantra. He is known
as the adi-guru, or the original spiritual
master, and is considered even more
merciful than Lord Caitanya Himself.
Just as Lord Caitanya is actually Krishna,
Lord Nityananda is considered an
incarnation of Lord Balarama, Krishna’s
first expansion.
Many devotees also observed the birth
of this divine personality with friends
and family, in the warmth of their own
homes.
Manor delegation meets Hungarian official
On the 16th January a delegation
consisting of Sruti Dharma das, Gauri
das, Pranabandhu das and Shailesh Vara
MP were invited to meet Mr Gergely
Prőhle, Deputy State Secretary of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary,
who was on an official visit to London.
This was the delegation's second visit to
the Hungarian Embassy, where previously
they had met the Ambassador. The
purpose of the visit was to raise concern
about change in Hungarian legislation
where religions already approved as
state churches would be forced to again
reapply under more 'stringent conditions'.
Mr Gergely Prohle empathized with the
unease felt by the Hungarian Society for
Krishna Consciousness. He expressed
that he himself was also from a religious
minority group facing exactly the same
scenario. Despite the hasty introduction
of the bill he assured those present that
as the Society for Krishna Consciousness
was very well respected in Hungary
there should be no obstacles in the
re-registration process.
Chanting the Holy
Names together
The first Holy Name Weekend of 2012
took place on 14th and 15th January,
when Bhaktivedanta Manor was vibrant
with devotees of all backgrounds who
came together to take part in singing the
Hare Krishna mantra. Special guests for
the weekend included Sivarama Swami
and Madhava das.
Page 3
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
February 2012
Hands across From soul to Seoul
the Irish Sea
Pranabandhu das organised a van with 2
tonnes of food donations including rice,
ghee, spices and candles for ISKCON's
Inish Rath Temple. Parasuram das drove
the donations in his Food For All van
all the way to Ireland and his arrival in
County Fermanagh was welcomed by
the needy community there. The special
mission was funded by Bhaktivedanta
Manor and both Parasuram das and
Pranabandhu das worked together to
assist the remote Centre, where food
supplies are not so readily accessible.
ISKCON purchased Inisrath island in
1984 and converted the large house into
a temple and ashram. Today it is called
Govindadwipa, or “island of Govinda”
and draws many visitors and tourists
with its regular varied retreats, as well
as giving newcomers an introduction
to Krishna conscious philosophy and
lifestyle.
Prayojana das joined Patanjali Muni
das, a devotee of South Korean origin,
on a special mission to the country.
By invitation of the Pocheon Mandir
Committee, their tour included a variety
of house programmes, classes at the
Yoga centre in Seoul and the Pocheon
Temple's New Year festival.
The devotees gave presentations on
Krishna consciousness, led kirtans
(devotional songs) and helped in the
distribution of prasad to Bengali,
Bangladeshi and Korean people. During
that time many copies of the Bhagavad
gita in Korean as well as Bengali were
distributed. Many of them expressed
enthusiasm and were returning after
having attended previous ISKCON
functions.
Prayojana das explained: “Despite the
fact that modern technology plays a
prominent role in their everyday lives,
the South Korean people are very service
orientated and committed, which are
good qualities in spiritual life.”
ISKCON
acquires
building
Leicester
historic
Devotees in Leicester have finally
acquired the HSBC Bank building on
Granby Street, a Grade II listed building
built in 1875 by the famous architect
Goddard.
The devotees lost their original place
of worship last September, when the
temple suffered a gas explosion. All
of the 50 devotees within the building
managed to escape the multiple blasts
uninjured. This was referred to as a
‘miracle’ by fire fighters.
After over a year of worship and
community gatherings in rented spaces,
acquiring the keys to the old HSBC
Bank is a dream come true.
The devotees plan to restore the building
to its former glory and bring it back into
use as a place of worship with a range
of community activities, eventually
providing a restaurant, yoga and
meditation studio, and self-development
workshops.
Pradyumna das, President of ISKCON
Leicester said, “We are very excited with
this news. This is a great opportunity
for us to bring back into use a fantastic
building right at the heart of the city.”
Krishna Avanti School to open in Ilford
Plans to open a new Hindu School
in Ilford reached a major milestone
last month. The local Council has now
purchased a site in Barkingside from its
former owners the United Synagogue
Trust, paving the way to create a new
school on the existing site. The site was
formally a Jewish Primary School and
that will be transferred to King Soloman
High School site.
The four-form entry school will be run
by the I-Foundation who won the new
school competition last May. They will
now start preparing to open the new
primary school in September this year
which will provide 840 places when full.
The Krishna Avanti Primary School
Redbridge (as it will be known) will
allocate 75 per cent of its places to any
Page 4
local pupils, regardless of their religious
beliefs.
Edward Anobah, Krishna Avanti Primary
School Redbridge Chair of Governors,
said, “We are very happy to be taking this
definitive step in offering this service to
the community of Redbridge. We are
keen for the school to be a place that
children of all backgrounds, regardless
of faith, can come and receive a world
class education.”
There will be a lot of work to be
done before the community officially
begins to use the building. Plans for
the development of the site are in early
stages and will unfold over the coming
months.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
February 2012
Gita Jayanti - reciting the Song of God
During the winter we seek to gather
light and warmth more than ever,
not just externally but internally too.
One of the most important sources
of spiritual strength and illumination
for devotees are the teachings of
the Bhagavad Gita. On Sunday 18th
December devotees gathered to recite
the entire text of the sacred book,
in honour of Gita Jayanti. This is an
annual event which marks the famous
dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna
which took place over 5000 years ago.
The event gives an incentive for
participants to distribute copies of
the Gita and this year 1200 copies
were sponsored for that purpose.
Kripamoya das and Sutapa das led
the chanting of Sanskrit verses, giving
summaries of each chapter.
regular basis. To round off a great day,
the Bhaktivedanta Players performed
a poetic version of the classic work
entitled “The Song of God”.
Those who took
part
expressed
a
feeling
of
happiness
and
satisfaction and
others felt the
experience had
renewed
their
determination to
study the Gita on a
Siberian court throws out case against Bhagavad Gita
A Siberian court has dismissed a call to
ban the Bhagavad Gita in the Russian
region, in a case that triggered protests
in India.
A lawyer representing ISKCON in
Tomsk, Alexander Shakhov, welcomed
the judge’s decision, saying it “shows
that Russia really is becoming a
democratic society.”
India’s Ambasaddor to Russia Ajal
Malhotra, who had fiercely opposed
the trial, welcomed the court ruling.
“The verdict of the Honourable Judge
in dismissing the case deserves to be
applauded,” he said. “It is very nice to
see that this issue has been conclusively
resolved and is now behind us.”
“We are happy that the court showed
reason and competence in passing the
correct verdict, “ said Segei Zuyez,
vice-president of ISKCON in Tomsk.
“It is not right for secular courts to try
religions.”
The trial began in June 2011 and
concluded in December.
India’s Foreign Minister, Mr SM Krishna,
complained to the Russian Ambassador
to India, Alexander Kadakin, about the
Tomsk prosecution.
Mr Krishna said Indians had reacted very
negatively to the alleged infringement of
religious freedom
in Russia.
Earlier
this
month
Indian
MPs demanded
the government
protect religious
rights in Russia, shouting: “We will not
tolerate an insult to Lord Krishna.”
Ambassador Kadakin, quoted by the
AP news agency, distanced himself
from the Tomsk prosecutors, saying
“any holy scripture, whether it is the
Koran, Bhagvad Gita, the Bible, Avesta
or Torah cannot be brought into court”.
Page 5
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
February 2012
Be c oming a Tr ue He ro
by Krishna Dharma das
I expect few readers will have missed
an important piece of recent news about
the two men who attempted to cross
the Atlantic ocean stark naked (so their
salt laden clothes would not chafe their
bodies) in a pedalo. It was their third
try and they had real hope that their
previous experience would see them
through on this occasion, but alas, after
only a week on the high seas, struck
down by illness and terrified by the
menacing waves, they had to be hauled
from their craft by helicopter. “It was
probably not one of my best ideas,” said
Kieran Sweeney, one of the valiant souls
who undertook this death defying stunt.
His partner merely nodded in silent
agreement.
It seems to be in human
nature to challenge the
elements, even at the
risk of life and limb.
Climbing
Mount
Everest
is a perennial favourite, even though
it has so far claimed over 200 lives. I
can’t say I have it on my personal list of
things to do before I die, but I kind of
understand why some people would be
attracted. The sense of achievement in
overcoming eight mile high obstacles;
in tolerating tremendous hardship to
accomplish one’s goals, which of course
can prove a useful asset in today’s tough
world.
While I can admire such indomitable
spirit, I would question where it can best
be applied. Vedic knowledge tells us
that the attempt to overcome nature by
bodily and mental strength is ultimately
doomed to failure. In the Bhagavadgita Krishna describes the material
energy as “insurmountable”. Although
we may conquer the tallest mountains,
or even plunge down to the bottom of
the deepest seas, at the end of the day
we are still bound by stringent material
laws that we cannot overcome. Even
as we undertake our heroic exploits we
must still respect such laws. The Law
of Gravity, for example, is a serious
factor to be considered when ascending
mountains. Under the water is the rigid
condition that we cannot breathe without
mechanical assistance. When we soar off
into space in our efforts to reach other
planets we face so many universal laws
that limit us to being hardly able to go
beyond our own moon, what to speak of
the immense vastness of the cosmos that
lies out there.
Closer to home are the awkward
problems of birth, old age, disease
and death that stare us in the face and
are impossible to avoid. These are the
primary conditions imposed upon this
world, laws that bind us all, and when
we are not tackling mighty challenges
such as pedalling across the Atlantic, we
are fully engaged with those difficulties.
Indeed human endeavour is all about
trying to counteract the conditions of this
world and achieve some sort of security
and comfort. Without such endeavours,
in the shape of science, technology and
Page 6
constant hard work, we would soon be
overcome by all kinds of trouble.
The simple reason for this is that we
do not belong in this world. We are
spiritual beings who belong in the
spiritual atmosphere. When we are
within matter we are like fish out of
water. Krishna says, “The living entities
in this conditioned world are my eternal
fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life
in material bodies they are struggling
very hard.”
The struggle comes when we try to
independently defeat the conditions of
this world without reaching out to God.
All of the laws we face here are made
by him. That should be obvious; can
there be any laws that have no maker
and indeed no one upholding them?
This world is under God’s infallible
laws and it is a futile endeavour to try to
overcome them in defiance of his power.
We simply become further entangled in
their complexities, just as a person who
tries to break the state laws will only
fall foul of still more conditions. As the
famous quote goes, we cannot break
divine laws, we can only break ourselves
against them in the attempt. Our only
hope is to abide by those laws and accept
their creator as our well wishing Lord.
This is where our real challenge lies and
where we should apply our heroism. The
great obstacle to divine surrender is the
false ego of wanting to be independent
enjoyers of this world, of wanting to
conquer and exploit it for our selfish
ends. One great Vaishnava saint said in
a poem, “So push thy onward march, O
soul/against an evil deed/that stands with
soldiers hate and lust/a hero be indeed.”
Lust and hate, along with their cohorts
greed, anger and illusion, are formidable
foes, and defeating them can sometimes
seem a Himalayan task. But Krishna
assures us that success is certain if we
constantly seek his shelter. The divine
helicopter of his mercy will extract us
from our struggle and take us to his
eternally blissful abode.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
February 2012
Krishna Dattani
Age: 17
Studying: A levels (St James
School)
In every school and sixth form…
Trying to follow in the footsteps of Prahlad
Maharaj, members of ISKCON Pandava Sena
(IPS) have recently started running Krishna
Consciousness Societies (KC Socs) every
fortnight at some of the top ranking schools in
the country.
At the moment, these
KC Socs run in Watford
Grammar Boys’ School,
Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’
School (QE Boys) and
Haberdashers’
Aske’s
Boys’ School. They are
currently being set up in
St James Girls’ School,
North London Collegiate
School and St Dominic’s Sixth Form.
Abhishek Joshi, who developed this idea and
started the first society at Watford Grammar
Boys’ School, said ‘We began running these
events last year using the concept of university
Krishna Consciousness Societies but have
tailored it for a younger crowd.’ He added
‘People are mainly drawn to the sessions by the
quality of the speaker, who is normally an urban
monk residing at Bhaktivedanta Manor, by the
interactive and practical sessions relating to
everyday life we have and, most likely, the free
lunch we provide!’
participate in discussions about topical issues
such as the riots that took place last summer,
the idea of success and reducing exam stress
or the notion that we have an identity beyond
this body. In this way, students are brought
to the realisation of
Krishna Consciousness
using practical tips they
can use in any area of
their life whether it is
academic or social.
Societies at the various
schools have the backing
of many senior staff
members, who have seen
the value of such events.
The head of Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form
said ‘In a time where everyone is using people
and cherishing things, this Krishna society is
good for building our pupils character, personal
qualities and moral value which makes them
stand out from the crowd with UCAS university
applications.’
An event is also currently being planned with
His Holiness Radhanath Swami, a spiritual
teacher, to speak at these top London schools
on his extraordinary journey during the cultural
revolution of the sixties.
For more information please contact Vinay
On average, there are between 40 and 50 (07534 333 884) or visit www.krishnasoc.com.
students between the ages of 16 and 18 who
What made you start attending
IPS events?
At the age of 15 I saw the IPS production Under
the Influence at the Manor’s Janmashtami
festival and it really inspired me. After the play I
met one of the girls with a clipboard and it sort
of went from there! From then on the IPS events
I attended were everything that the girl had
described them to be - dynamic and stimulating
- and nothing has stopped me from going back.
What did you initially find
appealing about KC?
In Krishna Consciousness (KC) people you
meet become your true friends without wanting
anything from you. It’s great! Furthermore, KC
from the beginning offers relevant and topical
philosophy that can be applied in a modern
context.
What services are you currently
involved in?
Currently, I am part of the Harrow Jammin
team, co-coordinating prashadam for the
sessions. I am hoping to set-up a KC Soc at
my own school and have it running by the end
of March.
Interesting fact about yourself
Most people have loads but unfortunately I
only have two interesting things about me.
Firstly, I know how to read and write Sanskrit
– the oldest language ever and I play for the
Middlesex Lacrosse team.
Page 7
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Police Training
Hertfordshire Police Constabulary sent
their newest trainee officers to several
community and religious organisations
within Hertfordshire as part of their
education in cultural awareness.
“We had a great day all round at
Bhaktivedanta Manor”, explained
February 2012
Training Officer Lee Emmerson, “I look
forward to the next time, when I hope
we can stay longer.”
Trainee Officer Remi Whates added,
“We just had the most fantastic day. The
warmth and hospitality of our hosts was
brilliant!”.
Manor School children broaden their faith horizons
the beauty of the different stained glass
windows, woodwork and very grand
pulpit.
The children next ventured to the Sikh
Gurudwara in Watford, where they
observed the priest reading from the
Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib,
watched a video and participated in a
question and answer session.
The children at the Manor School visited
various local faith communities in
January. This year the school visited St.
John the Baptist Church in the Parish of
Aldenham, where the children not only
heard from Reverand Robert Fletcher
about Christianity but he also made
historical links to the Second World
War, so a bit of history was learnt as
well. The children were truly amazed at
March 2012
Sun 4th Amalaki Vrata Ekadasi
Mon 5th Disapp of Sri Madhavendra Puri
Thur 8th Gaura Purnima: App of Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu
(fast till moonrise)
Sun 11th Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor (Gaura Purmina and Holi)
Thur 15th App of Sri Srivasa Pandit
Sun 18th Papamocani Ekadasi
Tues 27th App of Sri Ramanujacarya
April 2012
Sun 1st
Ramanavami: App of Lord Sri Ramacandra (fast till sunset)
Their final visit was to the Bushey United
Synagogue where Rabbi Salasnick
engaged the children in a discussion
about the similarities and differences
between Judaism and Vaisnavism. They
had the wonderful opportunity to see
a holy scroll uncovered and to also
learn of the history of some of the
scrolls. The children were fascinated by
the handwritten Hebrew script and the
parchment upon which it was written.
Cllr David Hewitt, Vice Chairman of
Hertfordshire County Council, presented
Mrs Sue Flood the head of the Library
Archives at the County Hall, with copies
of Bhagavad Gita As It Is, and The
Journey Home- An Autobiography of
an American Swami by His Holiness
Radhanath Swami.
“After reading The Journey Home
I have come to have a much better
understanding of the contribution and
work which the Temple is doing for the
people in Hertfordshire and surrounding
areas,” explained Cllr David Hewitt, “I
do promote this to my fellow Councillors
and our friends and believe we can all
learn from the from the volunteering,
service and community work which
Temple followers do”.
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]
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE,
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
Page 8
County Counsellor commends
Manor’s Community Service
Watford’s High Street shoppers were
treated to one of the largest Hare
Krishna street processions for months
in honour of the Disappearance Day
of Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.
© 2012, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor