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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
Religion means, according to Vedic sastra, dharmam tu saksad bhagavat-pranitam(SB 6.3.19): "Religion means the law given by God." It is very simple. But if you do not know what is God, and if you do not know what law He has given, then where is religion?

770127 - Conversation A - Bhuvanesvara

“So the king's duty is, as representative of Kṛṣṇa, to make every citizen Kṛṣṇa conscious. Then he is doing nice duty. And because the monarchs did not do so, therefore now monarchy is abolished everywhere. So again the monarchs, where there is monarchy, little, at least show of monarchy, just like here in England there is, actually if the monarch becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, actually becomes representative of Kṛṣṇa, then the whole face of the kingdom will change. That is required. Our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is for that purpose. We don't very much like this so-called democracy. What is the value of this democracy? All fools and rascals. They vote another fool and rascal, and he becomes prime minister, or this or that. Just like... In so many cases. That is not good for the people. We are not for this so-called democracy because they are not trained. If the king is trained... That was the system of monarchy. Just like Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja or Arjuna or anyone. All the kings. Rājarṣi. They were called rājarṣi.”

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

Book Review: “Vedic Cosmography in a Modern Context: Virodha-parihara Revisited”
Book Review: “Vedic Cosmography in a Modern Context: Virodha-parihara Revisited”

Seeing the vast canopy of stars that ornament the night sky, one naturally wonders about the creation and their place in it. While theories on the topics abound, those who follow Vedic teachings turn to these teachings for clues, and indeed find no shortage of explanations there. The Fifth Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the ripened fruit of all Vedic literature, for one example, devotes eleven chapters to the structure and inhabitants of the universe.

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BMA North America Holding 7th Annual Conference 2025 This January in Deland, Florida
BMA North America Holding 7th Annual Conference 2025 This January in Deland, Florida

Professionals from across the nation will be gathering at the serene Veda Foundation in DeLand, Florida, January 17 -20, 2025, Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend, for the 7th Annual Conference of the BMA NA, inspired by the divine instructions and desire of HDG A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and HH Bhakti Charu Swami.

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Kadamba Foundation Shares Updates on Outreach in South Africa
Kadamba Foundation Shares Updates on Outreach in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing a spiritual renaissance as African devotees embrace Krishna consciousness, adapting it to their unique cultural context. This revival is deeply inspired by the vision of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, who left an enduring legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication to Krishna-conscious preaching in Africa.

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Award-Winning Author Pranada Comtois Launches Online Bhakti Seminar
Award-Winning Author Pranada Comtois Launches Online Bhakti Seminar

Pranada Comtois, the award-winning author of the Bhakti Trilogy, will be conducting an online seminar titled “Basking in the Rays of the Benediction Moon: 7 Keys to Experiencing the Full Potency of the Hare Krishna Mantra.” This seminar will focus on Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Siksastakam and offer valuable guidance for devotees seeking to enhance their chanting practice.

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UMANG 3.0 Mega Youth Festival Inspired 1,200 Students at ISKCON Mangalore
UMANG 3.0 Mega Youth Festival Inspired 1,200 Students at ISKCON Mangalore

On November 30, 2024, the ISKCON Youth Forum, Kudupu Katte, Mangalore, held the Mega Youth Festival UMANG 3.0 in the vibrant city of Mangalore with the theme: Making India Addiction Free. The event was coupled with the inaugural event of the Deaddiction Campaign 2025.

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BIHS to Launch New Podcast Series “The Insight Stream: Science Meets Philosophy”
BIHS to Launch New Podcast Series “The Insight Stream: Science Meets Philosophy”

The Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies Launches New Podcast Series “The Insight Stream: Science Meets Philosophy.” The podcast aims to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and philosophical exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of topics such as consciousness, intelligence, ethics, and the nature of the universe. 

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COMING OF AGE #22 – The Change from Worm to Butterfly
COMING OF AGE #22 – The Change from Worm to Butterfly

In 1976, Michael Cassidy (Mangalananda Dasa) wrote and recorded a song called “A Change of Heart,” which captivated tens if not hundreds of thousands of listeners. I remember playing it again and again, singing along to the lyrics. Fond memories. Here is a link to the song and lyrics which say:

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Krishna Balarama Youth Group Celebrates 21 Years of Collaboration, Service, and Connection
Krishna Balarama Youth Group Celebrates 21 Years of Collaboration, Service, and Connection

This year, the Krishna Balarama Youth Group (KBYG) in Johannesburg marks a monumental milestone—21 years of fostering devotion, community, and transformation within ISKCON South Africa. Over two decades, KBYG has been a beacon of inspiration, not just for youth in Johannesburg but for devotees and seekers across the nation and beyond.

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Is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium the Adbhuta Mandir Predicted?
Is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium the Adbhuta Mandir Predicted?

Since construction began on the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Sridham Mayapur in 2009, many devotees have argued back and forth about whether the TOVP is the Adbhuta* Mandir referred to in a prediction by Sri Nityananda Prabhu while taking Jiva Goswami on a parikrama of Navadvipa mandala.

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ISKCON Adelaide Australia Witnesses Grand Inauguration of a New Temple Hall
ISKCON Adelaide Australia Witnesses Grand Inauguration of a New Temple Hall

The construction of a new temple extension hall at ISKCON Adelaide, South Australia, was finally completed, and its doors opened to the public on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The occasion was celebrated with a grand inaugural ceremony, which was accompanied by mantra-chanting, ecstatic kirtans, and gaiety.

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

Blinded by Prejudice
Blinded by Prejudice

By Srimati Dasi

Yes. Blinded by prejudice. Who? Me?! Never!!! Prejudice is the cause of so much heartbreak and violence in this world — I don’t want to know about it! I’m a very liberal person. I’m not judgemental. I’m not blinded by prejudice! Oops! Looks like we have touched a very sensitive spot! Definitely not a good idea to tell him now that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura doesn’t agree with his self-perception and analysis....

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From the Reservoir of Knowledge
From the Reservoir of Knowledge

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

Personal Letters from Srila Prabhupada. As a genuine spiritual master, His Divine Grace takes personal responsibility for the advancement of each of his students in the spiritual life of Krsna consciousness. Although now his transcendental instructions are available in book form, when Srila Prabhupada first began the Krsna consciousness movement, the only way his new disciples could get the answers to their many questions was to ask Srila Prabhupada personally. Therefor...

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Purpose of education: Reviving our spiritual identity
Purpose of education: Reviving our spiritual identity

By Jaganmohini Devi Dasi

I will have to tell you that today science education- people are taking it as very important. Scientific civilization, or scientific knowledge or scientific education, people are becoming engineers, doctors, telecommunication engineers, IT’s. It is important–the material education. But unless those fields of knowledge are applied in the understanding of higher or deeper dimension of knowledge it becomes a total material waste. In other words if one is not able to understand what the most important duty of the life is, it becomes useless.

...

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Timings of the Four Yugas: The Shastric Evidence
Timings of the Four Yugas: The Shastric Evidence

By Sri Nandanandana dasa

When describing the length of the yugas or ages, and which yuga we are in and how far along we are in it, there is sometimes confusion about how to calculate them. Some people think we are already in the next Satya-yuga, known as the Golden Age. The problem is when the yugas are figured only according to the years in earth’s time, in which case any calculations will never be accurate. They are described in the Vedic literature according to the celestial year...

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The most important responsibility
The most important responsibility

By Radhanath Swami

When a devotee is weak, is having difficulty, or in a spiritual crisis, the Vaisnava family should be there to uplift and restore their strength and enthusiasm. Selfless service to each other, with Krishna in the center, creates trust. Trust nourishes love. Loving relations in Srila Prabhupada's service is the string that binds all of us together on the necklace of bhakti.

...

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The Most Intelligent Woman
The Most Intelligent Woman

By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Women in general are unable to speculate like philosophers, but they are blessed by the Lord because they believe at once in the superiority and almightiness of the Lord, and thus they offer obeisances without reservation. The Lord is so kind that He does not show special favor only to one who is a great philosopher. He knows the sincerity of purpose. For this reason only, women generally assemble in great number in any sort of religious function. In every co...

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If time is relative, what about space?
If time is relative, what about space?

By Caitanya Chandra dasa

The Vedic literature explains that what is one year for us, is just one day for the demigods in swargaloka. It's not that they just have longer days: they really perceive the time differently. Similarly, what is 4.3 billion years for us, is just a day for the inhabitants of Brahmaloka. Their lifespan equals trillions of years of our time.

...

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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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Love Conquers All
Love Conquers All

By Radhanath Swami

“The Latin poet Virgil, has written, ‘Love conquers all’. The second part of what he wrote, in many ways is instrumental. He said, ‘Love conquers all, so let us all be conquered by love’. This is the principle of bhakti. The first and great commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and the natural consequence of that is that you will love your neighbor as yourself. And according to the Bhagavad-gita you will see every living being as your neighbor.” “But that a...

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Cultivating an Empathetic Heart
Cultivating an Empathetic Heart

By Archana Siddhi Devi Dasi

When I was a young devotee, I was strict about attending all the temple programs. But I found myself critical of devotees who didn't always attend. One devotee suffered from an illness and did her best to come when she could. But I felt she could do better. Not long after those thoughts contaminated my consciousness, however, I became ill and often missed mangala-arati, the early-morning worship. Krishna accomplishes many things by one action, and one result of my illness was a diminis...

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Hare Krishna Temples in Europe
Hare Krishna Temples in Europe

Part 3: Bhaktivedanta Manor, Wales, Paris
Dec 20, 2024
Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON all over the world. There are many temples where one can go to practise bhakti yoga. In this programme I am showing Bhaktivedanta Manor, Govinda's restaurant in Wales and the ISKCON Paris temple. The purpose of my films is to help people understand what the Hare Krishna movement is about.

Watch Now

 

 

 

TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

The TOVP Online Flipbook Collection
The TOVP Online Flipbook Collection

Taking advantage of the newest technology in book reading, the TOVP website has launched the beginnings of our digital TOVP Online Flipbook Collection. A digital flipbook is an online book, magazine or other multi-paged publication that turns pages manually and, depending on the company used, offers a variety of related functions to the reader.

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TOVP: A Glimpse into the Future of Spirituality
TOVP: A Glimpse into the Future of Spirituality

Explore the Temple of Vedic Planetarium, one of the largest temples in the world, and immerse yourself in a world of spiritual enlightenment. Discover the beauty of Vedic architecture, learn about the rich history of ancient India, and experience the transformative power of spiritual education.

Watch Now

Srila Prabhupada Views the First Model of the TOVP: 1971
Srila Prabhupada Views the First Model of the TOVP: 1971

Explore the Temple of Vedic Planetarium, one of the largest temples in the world, and immerse yourself in a world of spiritual enlightenment. Discover the beauty of Vedic architecture, learn about the rich history of ancient India, and experience the transformative power of spiritual education.

Read More

TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present
TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present

SB 3.30.15 - The Wheel of Birth and Death

Dr. Thompson examines the descriptions offered by this verse regarding the inevitable difficulties of old age, and follows with a discussion of near-death experiences, referencing Eastern concepts of karmic reaction and the transmigration of conditional souls. According to Thompson, a central reason Vedic literature stresses such points is to induce human beings to seriously consider their proclivity to experience tangible spiritual reality.

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, Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, Bhaktivedanta College Europe

News: news.iskcon.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.)

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

December 26, 2024 (Thursday)
Fasting for Saphala Ekadasi
Sri Devananda Pandita — Disappearance

December 27, 2024 (Friday)
Break fast 07:12 – 09:50 (Local Mayapur Time)

December 28, 2024 (Saturday)
Sri Mahesa Pandita — Disappearance
Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura — Disappearance

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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