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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
Material entanglement is no problem; if Krishna was not so powerful that He can easily undo our material entanglement then there would be no need to follow the path of Krishna Consciousness

Correspondence

1969 Correspondence

690208 - Letter to Mr. Jim Doody written from Los Angeles:

February 08, 1969

Dear Mr. Jim Doody,

Please accept my blessings. I am very glad to read your letter of February 3, 1969, nd I am also glad to learn of your very sincere desire to serve Krishna. Surely He will save you. Material entanglement is no problem; if Krishna was not so powerful that He can easily undo our material entanglement then there would be no need to follow the path of Krishna Consciousness. Krishna has given His instruction in the Bhagavad-gita that one should simply surrender unto Him, and immediately He takes charge of solving all of the problems of life. So if you decide to surrender unto Krishna, and if you are sincere of purpose, there is no problem of your life. Material entanglement is not a new thing for you. Everyone who is in this material world has got material problems. Who hasn't got the problem of birth? Who hasn't got the problem of death? Who hasn't got the problem of old age? And who hasn't got the problem of disease? Nobody can escape these problems, so everyone in this material world is entangled. The difference is only of varieties of types of entanglement.

I am very glad that you are desiring to be willing servitor of Krishna, and Krishna will surely accept you, provided you always remain serious in this determination. Therefore, I will advise you to keep company with my disciples in London. They are all very sincere boys and girls, and as much as is possible for you, you should help them with their activities. You also should continue to help them with Sankirtana Party in London. I am looking forward to going there as soon as there is a temple obtained. I think that because you are an English boy, you can help them very much in this connection. As soon as we get a nice place there, and they call me, I will be pleased to go and meet you and all of the sincere souls who are anxious to be engaged in this great Krishna Consciousness movement.

Please rest assured that in this movement there is no question of imperfectness. This is a solid, genuine movement for the total spiritual rejuvenation of the human society. I am requesting in this letter through you that every honest and sincere boy or girl must immediately join with us in this movement. If one is actually serious to understand the problems of life, he will surely find the right answers in this movement. Please read carefully our book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and you will find yourself getting enlightenment to the fullest extent. There is no doubt of this.

Please inform Gurudasa that in Los Angeles temple, Visnujana, Tamala Krishna, Silavati, and her son, Birbhadra played a puppet show yesterday on the occasion of my Spiritual Master's Advent Day. The subject of demonstration was the story of Prahlada. It was so very nice and perfect that everyone enjoyed to the fullest extent, and everyone joined in chanting Hare Krishna. I hope that some time in the future they will be able to demonstrate many such spiritual themes for puppet shows, and people will be greatly benefited.

Please convey my blessings to the others there. I was so glad to talk with them the other day on the telephone. I enjoyed hearing their voices, and I was happy that they were also very much pleased to hear me. I will be glad to hear if Mr. George Harrison attended the love feast ceremony yesterday as I was informed he would. Please continue to try and understand the essence of this Krishna Consciousness movement, and try to convince others also of its importance.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

Australian Youth Embark on a Spiritual Journey with Inspiring Play and Bus Tour
Australian Youth Embark on a Spiritual Journey with Inspiring Play and Bus Tour

In a resounding celebration of devotion and artistic prowess, the New Govardhana Congregation recently captivated audiences with their spellbinding play, “Abhimanyu-Man of the Hour.” Held in the heart of Murwillumbah, Australia, the 500-seat auditorium resonated with the tales of the Mahabharata, bringing to life the heroic journey of Abhimanyu.

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New Historical Novel “Sadhu” Offers an Exciting Retelling of the Life of Sri Vishwa-rupa
New Historical Novel “Sadhu” Offers an Exciting Retelling of the Life of Sri Vishwa-rupa

Hari Mohan Dasa (Mohan Ashtakala), an editor and publisher of a community newspaper in Denver, Colorado, for thirteen years, has written an amazing historical fiction titled “Sadhu.” The book has received immense appreciation from authors and devotees. It explores the spiritual journey of Lord Chaitanya’s elder brother, as well as the historical and social intricacies of Medieval India.

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TOVP Offers End of Year Message, Details on 2024 Nrsimha Wing Opening, TOVP Online Gift Shop, Flipbook Calendars, Apps and More
TOVP Offers End of Year Message, Details on 2024 Nrsimha Wing Opening, TOVP Online Gift Shop, Flipbook Calendars, Apps and More

The team at the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) has released their End of the Year/New Year’s Message from HG Braja Vilasa Das.  He said, in part,  “The TOVP Team would like to wish all devotees an auspicious end of the year and a Happy Krishna-conscious New Year. May the Lord bless you and your family members so that you may all advance in His service and dive deep into the ocean of Lord Caitanya’s merciful benediction of love of God, Krishna prema.

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Journey of the First African Woman Temple President in South Africa
Journey of the First African Woman Temple President in South Africa

Manukanya Devi Dasi, the trailblazing African woman and the first female Temple President at WuSA House in South Africa, has a captivating spiritual journey that transcends cultural and gender boundaries. Her story unfolds with a childhood fascination for the saree, inspired by the Hare Krishna devotees she encountered at the age of nine. This initial attraction led her to the temple, where she discovered a profound philosophy that resonated deeply with her.

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Come Out of the Darkness
Come Out of the Darkness

Perhaps one of the saddest parts about growing up is learning that Father Christmas is not real. I recall a few years ago hearing how a teacher had been hauled across the coals for revealing this terrible truth to his class of six-year-olds, after outraged parents had bombarded the school with complaints.

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SoultoSoul Guesthouse: A Spiritual Haven Emerging from the Heart of Mayapur
SoultoSoul Guesthouse: A Spiritual Haven Emerging from the Heart of Mayapur

In the sacred land of Mayapur, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a new milestone has been achieved with the establishment of the SoultoSoul Guesthouse. This unique venture, born from the vision of Gopinath Das, reflects not just a physical space for devotees but a holistic approach to Krishna consciousness. In an ISKCON News interview, Gopinath shares the inspiring journey that led to the creation of this spiritual haven and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s Disappearance Day
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s Disappearance Day

By Giriraj Swami

Srila Prabhupada told us that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was a ray of Visnu, a liberated soul sent by Krsna. He took birth in the material world for a divine purpose, specifically to assist Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his work and to carry on his mission. Soon after Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's birth, during the Ratha-yatra, the chariot stopped in front of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's house, and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's mother took him onto the chariot; and a garland from Lo...

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Art of living is to master art of Dying
Art of living is to master art of Dying

By Sri Chaitanya Chandra Das

Once when Pandavas, great devotees of Lord were in exile they were extremely thirsty while nomadic in the forest. Yudhistir asked his brothers to search some lake nearby. When after long time they didn’t return he himself went in search of them. No sooner he found them near a lake in unconscious state than a supernatural voice resonated, “Your brothers didn’t care to answer my questions before drinking water from my lake hence their current state. If...

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Progressive Ambition (and unsatiated Lust)
Progressive Ambition (and unsatiated Lust)

By His Divine Grace A.C.B. Swami Prabhupada

Every living being is ambitious to have the topmost level of enjoyment in the material world and yet he is always unhappy here. This unhappiness is present in all the above mentioned planets in spite of long life and standard of comfort more and more increased. That is the law of material nature. You can increase the duration of life and standard of comfort to your highest capacity and yet by the law of material nature you shall feel unhappy; the reason is that the quality of happiness which is compatibly suitable...

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Encounter at Kurukshetra
Encounter at Kurukshetra

By Ravindra-svarupa dasa

Fifty centuries ago, during a fierce war, Lord Krishna and one of His pure devotees achieved a unique intimacy. In the midst of the great battle, surrounded by the clash of arms, the pounding of hooves, the rattle of trappings, the shouts of warriors, and the screams of wounded men and beasts, where the dust churned up by the horses dimmed the sun and blood turned the earth to mud, Krishna suddenly stopped the chariot and sprang to the ground. Raising the wheel of a disabled chariot over His head, the Lord raced toward the great general Bhishmadeva like a lion charging an elephant. ...

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The Unheard World of Sound
The Unheard World of Sound

By Satyaraja Dasa

Portions of the Vedic literature are almost like textbooks on sound, informing us about an ancient art in which sound was used as a spiritual tool. The same concept is echoed in other cultures. Chronicles from lands as diverse as Egypt and Ireland tell us of a time when vibrations laying at the foundation of our universe were harnessed by spiritual adepts for the benefit of mankind. Like the Bible, which states, “In the beginning was the Word (John 1.1),” Vaishnava scriptures affirm that the entire cosmic creation began with sound: “B...

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Obstacles to Recruiting
Obstacles to Recruiting

By Kalakantha Das

During his amazing eleven years of personal worldwide preaching, Śrīla Prabhupāda proved Krishna consciousness could transform everyone into Vaishnavas, regardless of their birth. People today can still be transformed, regardless of how social externals have changed over the years. However, in many parts of the world, today’s ISKCON constituencies have changed. In this chapter we will look at three principal obstacles to local recruiting and a solution for each.

...

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When and how to read, recite, chant and hear Srimad Bhagavatam
When and how to read, recite, chant and hear Srimad Bhagavatam

By His Divine Grace A.C.B. Swami Prabhupada

Discussion of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which describes the character and pastimes of devotees and the Lord, is very quickly effective. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has been organized for this purpose. In every center of this Society—not only in the morning, evening or noon, but practically twenty-four hours a day—there is continuous devotional service going on. Anyone who comes in contact with the Society automatically becomes a devotee. We have actual experience that many karmīs and others come to the Society and find a ...

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Respecting Srila Prabhupada
Respecting Srila Prabhupada

By Padmapani das

Prabhupada never accepted anything for himself, nor did he ever enjoy the facilities offered to him by his disciples and followers. Those who had the good fortune to personally serve or spend time with Srila Prabhupada all attest to this fact. He was cent percent engaged in the service of Krishna 24 hours a day. It was his total surrender and dedication to the Lord's service which inspired so much love and adoration in the hearts of his followers. Srila Prabhupada not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. Everyone respected Prabhupada, even those who didn't agree wit...

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Surrender
Surrender

By Kavicandra Swami

We often get questions about surrender, like "how can we surrender". Recently I was reading one old BTG, 2001, and found a nice practical statement from Srila Prabhupada. If we search "surrender" on the vedabase we find 7445 hits, so we know it is an important topic. One should be submissive and say, "Krsna, I am very poor. I have no means to understand You. Please be merciful upon me. Please allow me to understand You and surrender." This is wanted. Krsna is very merciful, and when He sees that someone has surrendered, He will help from within.

...

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Glorification of the Holy Names can Unite the world
Glorification of the Holy Names can Unite the world

By Pusta Krishna das

When our Godbrother, Atreya Rsi, was in Tehran in the 1970s, he wrote to Srila Prabhupad to inform him that he had gotten some of the Muslims to chant the Hare Krishna Mantra. Srila Prabhupad's reply was very interesting and enlightening

...

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Disappearance of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur
Disappearance of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur


A Ray of Vishnu

Lecture by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on the disappearance day of hi spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, December 13, 1973, Los Angeles, California.

 Watch Now

 

 

 


TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

TEMPLE OF THE VEDIC PLANETARIUM (TOVP) DECEMBER NEWSLETTER, 2023
TEMPLE OF THE VEDIC PLANETARIUM (TOVP) DECEMBER NEWSLETTER, 2023

TOVP End of the Year and New Year's Message

The TOVP Team would like to wish all devotees an auspicious end of the year and a Happy Krishna conscious New Year. May the Lord bless you and your family members so that you may all advance in His service and dive deep into the ocean of Lord Caitanya's merciful benediction of love of God, Krishna prema.

 Read More

Amazing 360° Panorama of the Completed TOVP Nrsimhadeva Wing
Amazing 360° Panorama of the Completed TOVP Nrsimhadeva Wing

The TOVP 3D Department has created a 360° panorama view of the completed Nrsimhadeva Wing. Srisha das and Pavan Gopa das have rendered their collection of cgi images into an all-encompassing and awe-inspiring picture of the entire hall and altar, viewable from left to right, up and down, and zoomable in or out.

 Read More

Prayers by Shani (Saturn) to Lord Nrsimhadeva Flipbook
Prayers by Shani (Saturn) to Lord Nrsimhadeva Flipbook

On the occasion of Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Appearance in 2022 the TOVP Communications Department released the Prayers by Shani (Saturn) to Lord Nrsimhadeva flipbook. The flipbook is not only readable online but downloadable and shareable, and can be bookmarked as well on your reading device. Below is a short explanation of these wonderful prayers, and a link to the flipbook.

 Read More

TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present Bhagavad Gita 3.27 - Fate or Free Will?
TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present
Bhagavad Gita 3.27 - Fate or Free Will?
A lecture by Dr. Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa Dasa)
 
Bhagavad Gita 3.27, San Diego, 1990
 
The problem of free will has always been a plague to philosophers and theologians: Are all human actions determined by natural law, or do we have free choice? Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) proposes a unique solution to this quandary based on the sublime teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. An expansion of Lord Krishna sits in the heart of all living entities and controls material nature according to their desire, and in this way, we can act freely without violating the laws of nature.

 Listen Now

 

 

 

Srila Prabhupada: 
founderacharya.com, vanipedia.org

The official ISKCON website: iskcon.org,

Find your nearest temple: centres.iskcon.org

ISKCON leadership: gbc.iskcon.org

Education such ar Bhakti-shastri, Bhaktivaibhava etc: Mayapur Institute, Bhaktivedanta Theological Seminary, Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, Bhaktivedanta College Europe

Events: events.iskcon.org,

News: iskconnews.org, dandavats.com,

BBT books: bbt.org, krishna.com, vanisource.org, vedabase.com, bbtmedia.com

World Sankirtan Newsletter: wsnl.net/wsnhome.htm

Temple of Vedic Planetarium: tovp.org

Deity Worship and courses: deityworship.com, Mayapur Academy 

Inspiration & Sadhana: mayapur.tv, iskcondesiretree.com

Vaishnava Calendars: 
ISKCON GBC Vaishnava Calendar Comitee, GCAL (Gaurabda Calendar, a program for calculation of the calendar for vaisnavas, according Gaudiya-Vaisnava tradition.)
krishnadays.com, 

These dates and timings are for Sri Mayapur Dhama. Find timings for your location at the Vaishnava Calendar links.

December 31, 2023 (Sunday)
(Fast till noon)
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura — Disappearance

January 7, 2024 (Sunday)
Fasting for Saphala Ekadasi
Sri Devananda Pandita -- Disappearance

January 8, 2024 (Monday)
Break fast 07:13 - 10:54 (Local Mayapur Time)

Address: ISKCON GBC Office
P.O. Sri Mayapur, Nadia, WB 741313, India

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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