Connecting you with the world wide ISKCON family
Unsubscribe
View in your browser
ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
This is an opportunity, this human form of life, to decide where you want to go. Are you going to hell or heaven or back to home, or back to Godhead? That you have to decide

760215 - Lecture SB 07.09.08 - Mayapur

Siddhya... So sattvaika. They are sattvaika. They are all. All the inhabitants of the upper planetary system, they are in sattvika-guṇa, brahminical qualification. They are not mlecchas and yavanas. Brāhmaṇas. Sattvaikatāna-gatayo (SB 7.9.8). They are not ordinary. Just like here the sattvika means pure brāhmaṇa. Śamo damaḥ satyaṁ śaucaṁ titikṣa ārjavam, jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam (BG 18.42). So most of them are brāhmaṇas or even kṣatriyas. Mostly they are brāhmaṇas. So ūrdhvaṁ gacchanti sattva-sthāḥ (BG 14.18). You have seen in the Bhagavad-gītā: "Those who are situated in sattva-guṇa, they are promoted to the higher planetary system after death." Madhye tiṣṭhanti rājasaḥ: "And those who are in the rajo-guṇa, they remain in the middle planetary system." Jaghanya-guṇa-vṛtti-sthā adho gacchanti tāmasāḥ: "And those who are in tāmasika, in the darkness, ignorance modes of material nature, they go down to the..., down planetary system or animal life."

So this is an opportunity, this human form of life, to decide where you want to go. Are you going to hell or heaven or back to home, or back to Godhead? That you have to decide. This is human intelligence, not like working like cats and dogs and dying like cats and dogs. That is not human life. Human life is meant for to decide where you want to go next. By the evolutionary process you have come to this human form of life. Jalajā nava-lakṣāni sthāvarā lakṣa-viṁśati (Padma Purāṇa). By going through so many, 8,400,000 species of life, you have got this human form of life. Now you decide where you'll go. So where I have to go, how to go, there is that information in the śāstra. Śāstra-cakṣuṣaḥ: see through the śāstra where you can go. And the master of the śāstra, Kṛṣṇa, is giving you personally instruction,

ūrdhvaṁ gacchanti sattva-sthā
madhye tiṣṭhanti rājasāḥ
jaghanya-guṇa-vṛtti-sthā
adho gacchanti tāmasāḥ
(BG 14.18)
yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṛn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
mad-yājino 'pi yānti mām
(BG 9.25)

These informations are there. Why you are missing this opportunity? Huh? If you like, you can go to the higher planetary system. If you like, you can go back to home, back to Godhead. Mad-yājino 'pi yānti mām. These informations are there.

So without sattva-guṇa, if you keep people in the rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa, then your..., their future is lost. Rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa means people will become more greedy and lusty, that's all. And greedy and lusty means cats and dogs, animal life. Animal life. They're trying to eat—no discrimination of eating. So that is hog's life. The hog has no discrimination of eating. It can eat even stool. So the... If you eat, become like hog—no discrimination of eating, whatever you..., just like so many svāmīs, they say, "Oh, why there is restriction of eating? You can eat anything you like." So nature will give you: "All right, you want to eat anything you like? All right, you become a hog. You eat even stool." Karmaṇā daiva-netreṇa jantor dehopapatti (SB 3.31.1). You have to change your body. Tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muḥ... (BG 2.13). You may say that there is no life after, but that is foolishness. You are under the control of material nature.

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

Remembering His Grace Caru Dasa
Remembering His Grace Caru Dasa

Caru Dasa and his wife, Vaibhavi Devi Dasi, inside the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (photo credit: Salt Lake Tribune); Caru at the initiation ceremony in February, where he accepted seven disciples. UPDATE 4/8/26 (See Appreciations below). With deep sadness, ISKCON News reports that pioneering devotee and disciple of Srila Prabhupada, His Grace Caru Dasa, […]

Read More

Early Bird Tickets Now Available for ISKCON 60 Gala
Early Bird Tickets Now Available for ISKCON 60 Gala

As ISKCON prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, organizers of the upcoming New York City anniversary gala have announced a special Early Bird ticket discount available now through April 30. The gala will honor the legacy of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, and forms part of the year-long 60-50 Global Commemoration marking 60 […]

Read More

TOVP Launches Prabhupada 50 Matching Fundraiser
TOVP Launches Prabhupada 50 Matching Fundraiser

Braja Vilasa and the TOVP Team are pleased to announce our annual matching fundraiser: the Prabhupada 50 12-Day Matching Fundraiser. The fundraiser begins on the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya day, April 19, and ends on the most joyful appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva, April 30. ALL donations will be matched by Ambarisa prabhu who has pledged […]

Read More

NDTV Highlights ISKCON Vrindavan’s Prasadam Outreach
NDTV Highlights ISKCON Vrindavan’s Prasadam Outreach

A recent “behind the scenes” video published by NDTV showcased one of the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir’s most important services, distributing prasadam to the thousands of pilgrims who visit this iconic temple in Vrindavan. Inspired by the teachings of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who described ISKCON as “the kitchen religion.” NDTV is […]

Read More

Emerging Devotional Music in Urban Bhakti Spaces
Emerging Devotional Music in Urban Bhakti Spaces

A growing body of devotional music emerging from urban bhakti communities is finding new expression through independent artists such as VisnuMaya, a New York-based practitioner and musician whose recent live EP, Puspāñjali, presents an intimate, acoustic approach to contemporary Krishna-conscious songwriting. Recorded during a small in-person gathering in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the project reflects […]

Read More

School of Rūpānugas Launches 108-Day Bhakti-sastri Course
School of Rūpānugas Launches 108-Day Bhakti-sastri Course

The School of Rūpānugas continues its mission of offering spiritually enriching educational opportunities to devotees worldwide with the launch of a new Bhakti-śāstrī course beginning May 25, 2026. Designed to help devotees deepen their scriptural understanding in a structured and accessible way, the 108-day online program offers participants the opportunity to complete Bhakti-śāstrī study through […]

Read More

Hundreds Join Padayatra from ISKCON Arvade to Pandharpur
Hundreds Join Padayatra from ISKCON Arvade to Pandharpur

The devotees of ISKCON Aravade recently completed a glorious seven-day padayatra to Shri Dham Pandharpur, carrying the divine forms of Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Sundar and Srila Prabhupada. Nearly 400 devotees joined this sacred journey, transforming the roads of Maharashtra into a moving temple filled with kirtan, katha, and prasadam.   Walking in Devotion Beginning from […]

Read More

 

 

 

Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

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 years, or years of the devas, not according to the time we experience here on earth. This is where we have to make adjustments. Nonetheless, there are specific references in the Vedic texts which make it clear how to calculate them. For starters, the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva, 231.12-20) explains it in detail: “The rishis, measuring time, have given particular names to particular portions [of time]. Five and ten winks of the eye make what is called a Kastha. Thirty Kasthas make what is called a Kala. Thirty Kalas, with the tenth part of a Kala, make a Muhurta. Thirty Muhurtas make one day and night..

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Homage to HG Caru Dasa Prabhu | HG Vaisesika Dasa | Bhaktivedanta Manor | 09 April 2026
Homage to HG Caru Dasa Prabhu | HG Vaisesika Dasa | Bhaktivedanta Manor | 09 April 2026

I would like to offer this class to my very dear friend and Godbrother, Caru Dāsa Prabhu, who is one of the great pioneers of the saṅkīrtana movement. I always told him that if he wasn’t doing what he was doing—spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness in such innovative ways—he should have been the president of the country.

Read More

A Prabhupada Man | Memorial program for Caru Das
A Prabhupada Man | Memorial program for Caru Das

This eulogy honors HG Caru Prabhu as an exceptional disciple and servant, deeply appreciated by his spiritual master and community. He is remembered as a “Prabhupada man”—someone who went above and beyond in dedication and service. HH Indradyumna Swami highlights his outstanding character: a perfect gentleman with impeccable behavior, compassion, and devotion. What made him chanting seems empty...

Read More

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.16.1-16 | Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi | April 9, 2026
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.16.1-16 | Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi | April 9, 2026

Translation The Supreme Lord Balarāma, the master of all transcendental knowledge, smiled and said nothing when He saw the residents of Vṛndāvana in such distress, since He understood the extraordinary power of His younger brother. Purport Śrī Balarāma is the plenary expansion of Lord Kṛṣṇa and is thus nondifferent from Him. They are, in fact,...

Read More

Interactive presentation by Vraja Vihari Prabhu “Be completely honest with Krishna. He already knows anyway”
Interactive presentation by Vraja Vihari Prabhu “Be completely honest with Krishna. He already knows anyway”

And this is where spiritual life becomes real. Because Krishna isn’t asking us to be perfect. He’s not expecting flawless reactions every time. What He really wants. is a relationship. And relationship means honesty. It means you can actually say: “My Lord. this is where I am. This is how I feel. I don’t even

Read More

Vaisesika Das | CC Madhya Lila 16.220-237 | Bhaktivedanta Manor
Vaisesika Das | CC Madhya Lila 16.220-237 | Bhaktivedanta Manor

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura gives the following summary of this chapter in his Amṛta-pravāha-bhāṣya. When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to go to Vṛndāvana, Rāmānanda Rāya and Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya indirectly presented many obstructions. In due course of time, all the devotees of Bengal visited Jagannātha Purī for the third year. This time, all the wives of the...

Read More

President of Utah Krishna movement dies after car crash in Springville – FOX 13 UTAH
President of Utah Krishna movement dies after car crash in Springville – FOX 13 UTAH

Springville Police said Christopher Caru Warden, 79, was traveling south on Main Street near 1400 North when his car went into oncoming traffic. He later died from his injuries. Others who were involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Springville Police said Christopher Caru Warden, 79, was traveling south on Main Street near 1400 North when his car...

Read More

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 diminishing of my critical mentality. Krishna has often placed me in situations similar to those of people for whom I lacked empathy, helping me develop more understanding of others' difficulties.

Read More

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 country and in every sect of religion it appears that the women are more interested than the men.

Read More

Srila Prabhupada Katha – H.G. Pancaratna Prabhu
Srila Prabhupada Katha – H.G. Pancaratna Prabhu

A true spiritual master transforms lives not through external power, but through authentic devotion, personal example, and unconditional love, guiding others back to God. This talk is a personal, storytelling-based glorification of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, emphasizing how a genuine spiritual teacher transforms lives through simplicity, purity, and deep love for God (Krishna). Key...

Read More

Narayani Devi Dasi – Prayers of Queen Kunti
Narayani Devi Dasi – Prayers of Queen Kunti

The second Zoom class of a 5-part seminar given by Narayani Devi Dasi on the Prayers of Queen Kunti is dedicated to the verses of Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.23 through 1.8.27. The video answers the questions: 1. How to deal with calamities in one’s life? 2. What to pray for? 3. How to get Krishna’s lotus...

Read More

HG Caru Prabhu ACBSP, passed away this morning, April 7, 2026
HG Caru Prabhu ACBSP, passed away this morning, April 7, 2026

Founder of the Krishna Temples in Spanish Fork and Salt Lake City, Utah, KHQN Radio, & Utah Holi HG Caru Prabhu ACBSP, passed away this morning, April 7, 2026, following a car accident in Utah. The video below is the class he gave two days before....

Read More

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 actual ecstasy of loving God really comes when we become conquered by God’s love. Krishna, who is the Supreme Absolute Truth, the one God who has many names and has descended into this world many times, in his fullest expression, comes once in a day Brahma to this world. Sri Radha comes with him. The one Supreme God is ever as two personalities, Krishna, the Supreme object of love, and Srimati Radharani, who is the ultimate supreme lover.”

Read More

How to Achieve the Ultimate Goal of Chanting
How to Achieve the Ultimate Goal of Chanting

By Niranjana Swami

“My devotee is so dear to Me. He is My devotee because He always takes Me into the core of his heart, and he is always praying to Me, "Please let me engage in Your service." My devotee doesn’t want anything else. He is always thinking how he can serve Me. So therefore, I approach My devotee and I say, "Please let Me give you something." But My devotee says, "I don’t want anything." And the Lord says, "I want to give you something. Anything!"

Read More

The Laws of Bhakti
The Laws of Bhakti

By Mukundamala Dasa

Discussions about the relationship between science and religion usually end in a stalemate: Scientists accuse religionists of relying too much on faith, which they say is experimentally unverifiable, while religionists accuse scientists of relying too much on physical and chemical laws, which they say fail to measure the emotions and sentiments of a conscious living entity. The scientists fail to address or even acknowledge consciousness and its attendant needs; religionists fail to provide a satisfactory scientific and logical explanation for the practices they follow. The refusal of scientists to experiment beyond mechanistic science and the inability of religionists to present religion as a bona fide science have only widened the gap between the two parties.

Read More

Compassion as a Main Element of Vaisnava Culture
Compassion as a Main Element of Vaisnava Culture

By Bir Krishna Das Goswami

"I have another story; this one was told by my father. My father's elder brother was running a cloth shop. Before closing the shop my uncle would put out a basin filled with rice. Of course, as in any village, there were rats. But the rats would take the rice and not cut even a single cloth. Cloth is very costly. If even one cloth had been cut by a rat, then it would have been a great loss. So with a few pennies' worth of rice, he saved many dollars' worth of cloth. This Krishna culture is practical. They are also part and parcel of God. Give them food. They'll not create any disturbance. Give them food. Everyone has an obligation to feed whoever is hungry— even if it is a tiger.

Read More

HG Srutakirti Prabhu || Srimad Bhagavatam-11.01.02 || 04-04-2026
HG Srutakirti Prabhu || Srimad Bhagavatam-11.01.02 || 04-04-2026

The essence of spiritual life is full surrender and service to Krishna, under the guidance of the spiritual master, especially A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Everything—whether pleasure, difficulty, or even global chaos—is ultimately arranged for Krishna’s purpose and the purification of the soul. Key Themes 1. Krishna’s Absolute Plan Krishna orchestrates everything—even destruction—for a higher

Read More

ISKCON Resolve Foundation Course by HG Vraj Vihari Prabhu (5April)
ISKCON Resolve Foundation Course by HG Vraj Vihari Prabhu (5April)

ISKCON Resolve stands as a beacon of support and positive change within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Since 2002, this invaluable service has been dedicated to helping devotees navigate conflicts and address concerns in a spirit of collaboration and understanding, guided by the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. ISKCON Resolve offers a comprehensive suite...

Read More

Choosing the real
Choosing the real

By Krishna Ragini devi dasi

Arjuna was a warrior, a ksatriya. A warrior is so by intrinsic quality, not by external denomination. For him, to desert an important battle and take the path of a hermit in the forest would have been artificial. Artificial things don't match one's internal quality or genuine predisposition. So, they deprive one from the strength coming from within. Without this internal force, any goal, material or spiritual, would be hard to pursue in the long run.

Read More

Knower of the Field: A Perspective on Consciousness
Knower of the Field: A Perspective on Consciousness

By Soumya Gupta

I have a PhD in cell biology and have been researching the subject of consciousness and its relation to the mind. The above verses intrigued me, and I wondered how they were related to our experiences of the world. In my research I came across a concept that provided valuable insights – the concept of subjective experience. I am an individual with my own likes and dislikes. My individuality, with its preferences, applies to all sectors of my life, to every single activity I do, be it in regard to my eating or clothing or colors or car – the list is endless.

Read More

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

TOVP Presents: AI Watercolors of the TOVP, Samadhi and Mayapur Flipbook
TOVP Presents: AI Watercolors of the TOVP, Samadhi and Mayapur Flipbook

We are pleased to present a free flipbook of AI watercolors of the TOVP, Samadhi and Mayapur to all devotees for their pleasure. The AI watercolor reproductions in this collection were made from actual photos by a wonderful TOVP artist who wishes to remain anonymous. While the photos by themselves make for a beautiful collection, these AI enhanced images modeled as watercolor paintings produce a serene and inspiring effect of their own that will enter the hearts of the viewers and bring to life Sridham Mayapur, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium and Srila Prabhupada’s samadhi.

View, Download and Share:

H.G. Braja Vilasa Announces the TOVP Prabhupada 50 12-Day Matching Fundraiser
H.G. Braja Vilasa Announces the TOVP Prabhupada 50 12-Day Matching Fundraiser

In this video TOVP Vice Chairman and Director of Fundraising Braja Vilasa announces the Prabhupada 50 12-Day Matching Fundraiser. This annual matching fundraiser begins on the most auspicious Akshaya Tritiya, April 19, and continues through Nrsimha Caturdasi, April 30, and TOVP Chairman Ambarisa prabhu will be matching every donation dollar for dollar.

Read More

TOVP PRESENTS: ISKCON Mayapur City, Present and Future
TOVP PRESENTS: ISKCON Mayapur City, Present and Future

The TOVP Communications Department is pleased to provide a page on the TOVP website dedicated to the promotion of the ISKCON Mayapur City.

Read More

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

A lecture by Dr. Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa Dasa)

Time According to the Vedas

Although the Puranic description of time as "an active potency of the Supreme which manipulates the material energy" may appear incompatible with Einstein's conception of time as a geometric coordinate in the fabric of space, Sadaputa Dasa’s (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) scrutiny reveals surprising sophistication in the Vedic version, including calculation of time based on atomic action, rotation of planets and stars in terms of arc-seconds, and time dilation over cosmic distances.

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.

13 April, 2026 (Monday)
Fasting for Varuthini Ekadasi

14 April, 2026 (Tuesday)
Break fast 06:57 - 09:30 (Local Mayapur Time)
Tulasi Jala Dan begins.

17 April, 2026 (Friday)
Sri Gadadhara Pandita -- Appearance

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

 Facebook  X / Twitter  Web  Linkedin  Instagram  Youtube