TOVP progress (Album with photos)
Today we visited the different areas of the TOVP site with Ambarisa Das and Bhavananda Prabhu, together with the project managers.
We viewed the art department, Nrshimha Dev area and GRC factory to review the new materials and to see the latest achievements.
At this time, another important event took place, the first Kalash was fixed on one of the Chatris.
The Kalash is made in GRC and was produced here-in-house.
Each Kailash weights 900kg and is 8.2 feet tall (2.5M).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/72BDu4

February 11. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: A Combination of Friendliness and Heaviness.
Was Srila Prabhupada friendly? Yes, of course. No one could say he was unfriendly or unconcerned. But Prabhupada was friendly even to those he never met. He was friendly to all living entities because he distributed Krishna consciousness. He gave his life to distribute Krishna consciousness to others. Prabhupada was friendly in the deepest sense. He came to the world a true friend of everyone because he had something which would be of great benefit to whoever accepted it. He didn’t have the kind of friendliness that we associate with “service with a smile,” commercialized cheater – the kind of friendliness you get on the airlines from the stewardesses who help you “fly the friendly skies.” Prabhupada was sometimes very heavy. It is incomprehensible, his friendliness. He worked for everyone’s benefit and that often meant knocking down their illusions and shaking them out of their foolishness. Yes, Prabhupada was friendly.
Yet, Prabhupada was often heavy, and for a good reason. He understood devotion to Krishna and wanted to expose the many nonsense frauds, incarnations, scholars and prakrta-sahajiyas, and any other pretentious people. He was a great devotee of Krishna who wholeheartedly embraced love of God. We should never allow ourselves to be disturbed by his heaviness. Prabhupada had to be that way. He’s entitled to be as soft as a rose or as hard as a thunderbolt. Prabhupada had Krishna in his fist, and he can Him to us. He is teaching us love of God. It is up to us to develop that simple devotion that develops with devotion to guru. We want to be sheltered by Prabhupada, our Nrsimha-guru.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=5

ISKCON Cow Science meeting.
AURANGABAD: To help coordinate cow-protection initiative the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in association with SARA Group has organised a unique Gau-Vigyan Parishad - the Council for Cow Science.
ISKCON has organised the day-long seminar to mark it Golden Jubiliee celebration on Saturday, at Bhanudas Chavan Sabhagraha, Station Road Osmanpura, Aurangabad.
MLA Atul Save will inaugurate the seminar, while chairman Sara Builder Sitaram Agrawal and president ISKCON Aurangabad Rohinipriya Prabhu will attend the programme.
Meanwhile, Uttam Maheshwari from Mumbai will explain the medicinal value of products obtained from panch-gavya and their immense health benefits.
“The conference is arranged without any charges and about 300 participants on first come first basis can be accommodated,” said the organiser Shrikant Jogdand.
Similarly, on Friday from 11 am to 4 pm for 50 participants there will be free training on preparation of cow products and is arranged at SARA Gowshala , Juna Jakat Naka, Chikalthana.

Harinama in Melbourne Australia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One should never consider the chanting of the holy name of Godhead equal to pious activities like giving in charity to brahmanas or saintly persons, opening charitable educational institutions, distributing free food and so on. The results of pious activities do not equal the results of chanting the holy name of Krishna. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 3.79 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/a8tGNi

Yatra to Paparajutotha.
Though the name of the village is totha (garden or orchard in Telugu language), it is presently bustling with concrete jungle which merged into the main Chirala town. Except for a big goshala and small piece of land where fodder for cows is grown and some old temples built with stone and lime, everything else is concrete. We were actually supposed to visit Tothavaripalem village but due to death of some prominent person in that village we changed the venue to Paparajutotha. History reveals that this place was once a very green village especially known for taking care of cows in large numbers. Thus, old Chirala was actually known as Kshirapuri due to abundance of cow milk from such adjoining villages. On January 10, 2016, the program started with Harinam sankirtan to create auspiciousness in Paparajutotha; surprisingly, the Sankirtan team was followed by some group of street cows. The go puja was performed in the goshala housing 36 cows and one breeding bull. The venue was a huge basement of a group of apartments, nicely arranged by the hosts. It did not seem like a cellar, rather it looked like a decorated function hall. Eager residents of the apartments assembled in good numbers which was outnumbered by women and children. Discussions on the glories of the process of congregational chanting was well received as many of them took samskara patras (vow to chant at least one round japa) at the end of the program. In the interactive session discussing about cow care, the participants expressed their inability to directly involve in cow protection. But when they were told about using cow products and the program of adopting a cow in villages, many confirmed their participation in such programs. There was a good quarter hour soul-stirring kirtan and dancing involving one and all. As we were leaving after prasadam distribution we got offers to do such program in other three apartments also.
Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra ki Jai!
Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!!

By Mathura Lilesvari Devi Dasi

Thaipusam is a festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February). It is mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. The festival commemorates the occasion when Mother Parvati gave Lord Skanda a Vel “spear” so he could vanquish the daityasura Soorapadman. Thaipusam is a public holiday in Malaysia.

Thousands of Hindus gather every year at various temples nationwide to celebrate Thaipusam. ISKCON Malaysia has stamped our presence at these temples every year since the late 80s. In Kuala Lumpur the festival is celebrated in a grand manner at Batu Caves which is likened to Palani Malai in Tamil Nadu.

The Skanda Temple committee invite vendors to set up booths selling various things ranging from Indian sweets to Indian attire. Close to 150 business take the opportunity to earn some profit in a place where a large gathering of their target audience is gathered.

ISKCON Malaysia National Headquarters – Sri Jagannath Mandir Kuala Lumpur (SJMKL) too rented a booth selling Srila Prabupada’s books and devotional paraphernalia. We are the only booth which was there to spread the message of love of Godhead.
Temple President, HG Kripa Sindhu Krishna das said, “Malaysia is a great place as we have the opportunity to participate in various festivals like this that enables us to share Krishna Consciousness with the masses in one place. This also provides a platform for members of our temple who are mostly working grhastas to get the taste of distributing Srila Prabhupada’s book. This year we saw a very encouraging turn out by the devotees who were inspired to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of ISKCON. I wish to thank all of them for their sincere efforts” he added.

It is the hope of the devotees that more and more souls are benefited from reading Srila Prabhupada’s book and that their small endeavor brings people closer to self-realization.

The booth successfully distributed more than 1000 books including 3 Srimad Bhagavatam sets and 230 Bhagavad Gitas.

Click below to see the complete gallery
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.824499041011387.1073742371.532840756843885&type=3

Famous heart stealer Sri Krishna Bhagavan.
Srila Prabhupada: Decorate the Deity as nicely as possible with nice flowers and dress. You will forget all other false beauty. Letter to Kirtanananda, October 22, 1968.

Harinam Sankirtan @ Brickfields, on the streets of Little India, Malaysia (Album with photos)
Shevaanni Pillai: Harinam Sankirtan @ Brickfields on 10/2/16. We had a very blissful time during Hari Nam today on the streets of Little India at Brickfields. We were joined by our special guest from Europe, Gaura Sundar prabhu. People were very charmed and attracted by the ecstatic melodies of the Holy Name. Most of them were very receptive and happily gave donations and accepted Srila Prabhupada’s books. There were some sporting people who also chanted on our microphone. One particular Chinese family loved the sankirtan so much, they even danced with us so spontaneously and enthusiastically! It was truly inspiring to see how Krishna’s mercy affected even the most unexpected people . This made us even more fired up to spread His glories. In total, we managed to distribute about 50 small books. Harinam Sankirtan Ji Jai! Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/mXZIXy

ISKCON 50 celebrations 2016 in Mumbai.
Devotees, congregation, wellwishers, and the general public filled Mumbai’s Jamnabai Narsee Ground to its 4,000-person capacity for a colorful glorification of Srila Prabhupada’s historic achievements this February 5th to 7th. “Srila Prabhupada famously stated, ‘Bombay is my office,’” says Western India Communications Coordinator Parijata Dasi. “So we were happy to host one of the first major ISKCON 50 celebrations in 2016, our Golden Jubilee year.” The event was organized by Sura Das, convenor of ISKCON 50 Mumbai, as well as all of ISKCON’s four temples in the city – Juhu, Chowpatty, Mira Road, and Kharghar.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/1IsiYl

A simple Hare Krishna family (5 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: One who has got a helpful wife at home does not require to accept sannyasa. Letter to Krishnadevi, October 29, 1967.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/5GMfOI

The Bhaktivedanta Academy Gurukula In Mayapur is already around 90% self sufficient in food production. Now with the development of the Varnasrama College we aim to teach self sufficiency in other areas of life. Our first project is to work with the boys to create a timber frame house based on a vernacular found across South East Asia. Why Timber Frame? Back in the 70’s and 80’s many trees were planted in Mayapur to be used as cash crops. One of the species, that thrives in frequently flooded river valleys was Eucalyptus Camaldulensis, known in Australia as “Red River Gum”. I discovered that this tree was the one that the early Australian settlers used to build their houses.

Hrimati dasi: As a mother of two alumni students of the SMIS school, I must say that Sri Mayapur international School is an ISKCON school that works. The school gives the students am opportunity to fully develop their own individual skills, while growing up in an Krishna Counscious environment without sacrificing and still enjoying their childhood. After completing their education at SMIS, one of my boys has become a full time Sankirtan Bramachari, while his twin brother is studying medicine at a State University in the USA. I must say that SMIS has brought out the best in my twin boys.

February 12. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Prabhupada’s Manifestation of Steady Bhava.
The Vaisnava acharyas have minutely delineated all the various manifestations of ecstasy. In this regard, there are eight kinds of bodily symptoms which occur when a devotee feels love of Krishna, and Prabhupada mentioned them in one of his early essays:
In the beginning, there may not be the presence of all transcendental ecstasies, which are eight in number. These are: 1. being stopped as though dumb; 2. perspiration; 3. standing up of hairs on the body; 4. dislocation of voice; 5. trembling; 6. fading of the body; 7. crying in ecstasy; and 8. trance.
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati comments that even if a pure devotee does not manifest these eight symptoms of ecstasy, he may still be fully qualified to chant the holy names. Sometimes pure devotees restrain their ecstatic symptoms because people who do not understand them may become afraid or blasphemous. Also, sometimes people who recognize these symptoms, but who have not attained bhava themselves, will imitate them in order to get a reputation as an ecstatic devotee. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati concludes that it is more important to demonstrate detachment. Furthermore, the steady symptoms of bhava as described in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (Nectar of Devotion), are important criteria for knowing if one is advancing in spiritual life.
Srila Prabhupada fully displayed these steady symptoms of bhava at all times, although he occasionally manifested the different bodily manifestations of the eight symptoms.
One symptom of steady bhava is proper utilization of time. Srila Prabhupada followed a daily schedule of his own making. He was always on time, although he was not fanatical about it. He was always using his time to serve Krishna no matter what he was doing. To this end, Prabhupada felt that his schedule enhanced his own meditation and practice.
Pure devotees of Krishna meditate on Krishna’s schedule. Krishna performs various pastimes with His eternal associates according to the time of day. Krishna’s day is divided into eight main periods, and within these eight periods there are more minute divisions. Pure devotees fill their minds with remembrance of Radha-Krishna by meditating in this way.
Similarly, Srila Prabhupada’s daily schedule is well known to his devotees. We can meditate on Prabhupada at different
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=5

Yatra to SVARNA VILLAGE.
Svarna is a big village away from cities and towns blessed with abundance of water due to big ponds and canals. Agriculture is main occupation in the village. There are hundreds of acres of arable lands around the village. It is a very ancient village dating back to 12th century. There is a huge Vishnu (Vallabhacharya) temple and a Shiva (Bhoga Lingeshwar) temple. The village has the highest literacy in the Prakasham district. But the younger generation is mostly settled in towns and cities due to which we find mostly old couple or single individuals in big houses leading a life of lonesliness. The main food crops cultivated here are paddy, peanuts, corn and vegetables and cash crops like cotton, chilli and tobacco. This village is considered one of the richest in the district. In spite of all favorable conditions for agriculture farmers are frustrated because of the modernized agriculture which demands investments in high usage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and mechanization.
On January 11, 2016, the Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra team arrived to the serene village in the afternoon. This was their 53rd village. A small team went to announce about the evening program while others were at the book table interacting with the villagers. The Yatra bus abuzz with activities as soon it was parked. In the evening devotees set out for the harinaam through almost all main streets of the village. The nagarsankirtan met with mixed response–some people received us with reverence while others were totally indifferent and some people followed us for some distance and a few made offerings in different forms to the Lordships. The program was planned in a well-furnished village function hall in the center of the village. Somehow until 7.30 pm no one arrived to the hall putting us in anxiety. A little later two young men enthusiastically arrived having heard the announcements. They told that the farmers usually return to their homes around 6.30 pm from their farms. Then they take their bath followed by dinner. It is after this that they come for such programs by around 8 pm and stay until midnight if required. As predicted, the village folks started arriving by 8 pm and in no time the hall was full. Everyone heard attentively and later appreciated the program, especially the solutions offered to the modern agricultural problems. Many took the copies of power point presentations and video presentations. We were told that there were some Ayyapa festivities on the same day and many farmers were involved in that program; otherwise there would have been better turnout. The young men requested us to visit their village more often. The proceedings gave immense satisfaction as we got opportunity to deal with young men genuinely interested in spirituality.

Wise-Love, a Book Trailer Video (2 min video)
“In this short book trailer about Wise-Love, a new book written by Pranada dasi, we’re invited to feel the hope of Wise-Love (Bhakti) and its transformational power. Wise-Love is an introductory handbook presenting Bhakti in new lights, attractive language, and a manner relatable to a Western audience. It comprehensively covers the core tenets of our philosophy true to siddhanta, yet its short, thematic chapters are easy to assimilate for an outside reader.”
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/UXwzpf

Court in Session (video)
Questions and Answers on Krishna Consciousness with Shaunaka Rishi prabhu about he importance of actually doing the work of unpacking our core principles and committing to them with daily consistency. Kudos to Pandava Sena Alumni for a top-notch venture and production.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/2zQxaZ

Astronomy of the Bhagavat Purana - The Vedic / Hindu world view ( 3 videos)
Radha Mohan das: My explanations are based on the works of Sadaputa das (Dr Richard Thomson), and also, references from the research of Danavir Goswami.
The purpose of my presentation is to glorify the Srimad Bhagavatam: presenting the 5th Canto, chapters 16-26, in an accessible way that can be appreciated by those devoted to the Puranas as well as those familiar with modern astronomy.
It is also in tribute to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, the huge ISKCON project under construction in Mayapur, West Bengal.
Watch them here: https://goo.gl/u9NMzU

Flame Of Eternal Love (video)
“The Flame of Eternal Love” a documentary about Srila Prabhupada and the development of the Society for Krishna Consciousness in the USSR.
Anchor: Sofia Ignatova. Actors: Alexey Sviridov, Acyuta Priya, Nimai, Vrinda. English Anchor voice: Jaya Madhava Prabhu. English voice: Alisa Tchebotareva. Music: Yury Dimentyev. Sound: Vibhavari das. Written and directed by: Arjuna das.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/dBBjcy

By Jatayu dasa (SDG)

A long, long time ago when I was not an ISKCON devotee I developed a growing interest in spiritual life. After many years of taking drugs and attending rock concerts I had become sick of life.

I had been manager in several companies I worked for, most of the time I had more money than I needed and I had freedom and independence. Somehow I was not satisfied. I started wondering if real happiness existed. I discovered that no matter how hard I tried I just could not break free from certain activities.

I was looking for real freedom; freedom from the unseen forces that drove me to seek out all those things people said would make me happy but in truth bound me with chains. I was confused, where do I turn now? Then one day I had the courage to admit to myself that, with all these desirable things, I was not happy. This was the first scary thing, to admit I was not happy.

Then, my life began to change. Again, I became scared because I didn’t really know where I was going. All I knew was I didn’t want to be where I was. I was haunted by a thousand fears, what should I do now, will I have money? Will I have friends? Will I be cared for? And on and on. So I started to read. First it was science, then psychology, and then self help. It didn’t fit. I was scared again, where do I go? So I tried eastern philosophy. Now, heres something. I read more and learned a lot. I learned drugs were bad, so I stopped. As a result I lost 85% of my friends, and then I got really scared; but excited.

If they were really my friends then they would support me to improve my life. So I took another step. I learned that happiness was not found in women, TV, eating dead animals or in reading numerous books. I gave it up, even though I was scared. Then I learned happiness was not found in rock and roll. This is going too far I thought, so I held on. But in the mean time my life had changed direction a dozen times and I had to admit that I was finding a wonderful sense of freedom from all the things that I thought gave me happiness. I was not doing many of these things and I was still alive. And in many ways becoming happy. But still I knew I had to go further. There was something deep inside that wasn’t being fulfilled.

I began to practice Hatha Yoga. Amazing things happened. I became strong both mentally and physically. I was more alert, I felt alive. But, deep inside a voice cried out for more. Then I met the devotees. Now I was scared. I had seen them before but did not take them serious. Now I was attracted but I turned away. Again I saw them and again I was scared, but of what. It was independence. What was so great about independence?

I made all my own decisions, I was my own man, but I was also unhappy. I wanted to break away completely from the material world. I wanted God in my life. I want to try it, I thought. But what if I failed? What will I have to give up? I was really scared now. I will have to give up rock and roll and I will have to follow rules and regulations. But deep down inside, my hearts said try it. Scared I was but I took a few steps. And wow, it worked, kind of. I didn’t become a saint and I didn’t see the white light but I did begin to feel an inner peace. I took another step and fell down. And it hurt.

I took another step and fell down. What now? I tried again and started to walk. I began to realize that Krsna was everywhere, even in my own life. I began to understand that Krsna was a person and that I had a relationship with Him, a loving relationship that was eternal. I was actually becoming happy. Sometimes even tears of joy came to my eyes. I even gave up rock and roll, and I survived. Today, I’m still scared but I keep taking those next steps. I still fall down and I still get back up. I’m succeeding in spiritual life. But I did not do it alone. I always found the greatest source of strength from my devotee friends. Of course, I had to reach out to them; they could not read my mind. I had to ask for help.

This too I had to learn. I had to ask the right questions and when I got the answers I acted on that knowledge. Over the years I matured, my vision to continue comes from reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, my encouragement comes from seeing devotees around me work hard and succeed and my goal remains clear by humbly serving Radha Gopinatha the best way I can. Being scared is natural for all living entities when they are put into uncertain circumstances.

But when we come to realize that Krsna is our best friend and that His love for us is eternal then there is nothing in this world that is fearful. He loves us, not like our love for each other but real love, a kind of love that has no comparison in our life. And when this love touches us we will not be scared to take the next step. I am scared of death but Krsna will defeat that for me simply by the sound of His name. And when I wake up in the spiritual world there will be no more pain, nor suffering, nor fear, just eternality, knowledge and bliss, like the scriptures have told me all along.

I thought that life in the material world was bad, actually its life in material consciousness that is bad. All of us go through these changes to some degree or another. We have learned that Krsna consciousness is a collective process as well as an individual process. We can see that Krsna consciousness is not otherworldly or abstract but is very down to earth, natural and real. Our lives in the material world will go on, raising children, working a job, caring for friends. But when we add Krsna to our lives then life finally has a real purpose. Life becomes meaningful and we can become happy.

We just have to be willing to take the next step.

By Gandhari Devi Dasi

We are seeing that now more Iskcon centers are celebrating Holi with burning of Holika and throwing the colored dye festival. So there are some points to be mentioned about these celebrations. I was requested by a senior mataji to share this information.

So if there is anything incorrect please excuse me and add your comments. I will share something about Holi from Vedic point as much as I have learnt.

The coloured dyes are supposed to be thrown with love signifying blessing to the person “may auspicious, wealth, prosperity accompany you” It is not a wild jombory done in an indiscrimanetory way. It is a sign of jubilation that Holika is killed and Prahalad is saved. So it is signifying victory of good over evil. So in that sense it is spiritual.

Another significance is that it is also the beginning of spring. So as there is so much colour in nature inspiring the pro-creative spirit of in all beings including the plants, trees, animals and humans. After the Holi season all the other appearances of other incarnations of the Supreme Lord Krsna comes forth in the new Year besides the Varaha Avatar who places the earth back into its axis before holi. Holi in that way signifies the end of the winter, dark, gloomy season.

Even the Vedic weddings are normally supposed to be planned after the Holi season. Before the holi, it is considered not so auspicious. Therefore many weddings, celebrations and festivals take place after the Holi season, therefore the colours and celebrations are also for bringing in the new years festive seasons.

Although in India it is out of hand presently like many other things. Normally the coloured dye is only thrown to one’s close relatives and friends not to others wives. One will notice that mature Indian ladies will gently smear the red dye on the chicks of younger married ladies with so much love and affection. Single unmarried girls are usually spared because they do not have a husband yet. (But, since it is the celebrations of killing of holika, sometimes there is everyone participates in the game of coloured dye is played with immediate friends and relatives . But it is still good to point out these etiquette otherwise no one will know.

So one is careful about not throwing coloured dyes to the widows, because they do not have husbands and they are wearing white and do not wear bindis and coloured bangles, so in Vedic culture, out of respect for her ashram no one throws coloured dye at her. Colour means a living husband. Even the sanyasis and brahmacharis are spared from this sport which is meant for householders. Brahma – chari means one who is searching for the absolute truth.

So he is not so much interested in worlding enjoyment which are mainly there for grahasthas to increase loving bonds between family relations. Sanyasis do not take part in that either because he is considered socially dead so he does NOT take part in social activities of varnashram dharma which increase the attachment to body, mind and senses. We know that Lord Caitanya was playing holi pastime, but he was in the mood of gopis, enacting the pastimes of Lord Krsna with the gopis and Srimati Radharani. (Anyone want to add anything here)? The colour is mainly meant for married women teased by her younger brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to give the blessings to increase longevity of her husband.

The women with a husband is always given the blessing of increased life of her husband (the blessing is called “Akhanda Saubhagyavati” may you always have all auspiciousness beginning with husband who is the provider of all other auspiciousness namely wealth, children and happiness. We also see that Srimati Radhika and Lord Krsna were also playing with coloured dyes. So it is more like a love sport in the water pastime as well.

Sometimes they are celebrating the Holifestival. Dwarkadhish and the queens were playing with colored dyes and water sports. In this pastime there is one very significant duty of a householder mentioned by Srila Prabhupada. The old clothes and the jewellery of the queens was donated to the sudras and servants where their needs are taken care. So Charity on auspicious days is very beneficial. One will also see Indian ladies bringing arti and puja trays from home to offer to the Holika fire. The would normally bring popcorn, dates and dried roasted chick peas called (dariya in gujarati) and a puja coconut with the husk some water, kum kum, flowers, and an oil lamp.

They offer arti, coconut and all the other ingredients and circumbulate the fire four times. They are praying to Holika to spare their sons. Asking her not to harm their sons. They will offer her coconut instead (which is offered in the place of a human). Since she is a demoness, other lowly items are offered because she came to kill the boy prahalad. It was not a great thing Holika was doing. Iskcon temples can make available these puja trays for guests at various festivals for some laxmi, it can bring some revenue. Every mother with a boy child usually offers this puja to Holika to save her child from the fire of Holika. So this is one of the vedic rituals which I learnt growing up in Gujarati culture.

This is part of karma kanda ritual similar to Lord Dwarkadish’s playing water sports with his queens signifying taking care of all household duties and festivals. Some pandits or yajnic brahmans can shed some more light.