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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
The public is somewhat conservative and still there is some police harrassment, but you are "going on with work undaunted." That should be followed. Haridas Thakur was harassed even by corporal punishment. Jesus Christ was killed

710323 - Letter to Jananivasa written from Bombay

My Dear Jananivasa,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 19th February, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. I am so glad to note how things are steadily improving there in Columbus center, with new devotees coming, and that you are about to acquire a new temple in the busiest quarter of town. That is very encouraging. Maitahili Devi is coming from L.A. to act as poojari. So make the Deities and temple gorgeously situated so that the people will sure to be attracted. Because you are sincerely working, Krishna is giving you facility for improvement. So develop the temple nicely.

I am glad to hear how you are lecturing in college classes also. That is very good program. Take as many such college classes as possible. You write to say that there is some difficulty in distriuting books because religious teachings are unlawful in public schools. How is that? In every university there is a department of religion. Unless they understand religion in elementary schools, what they will understand in college? Our philosophy and teachings should be studied in childhood, just after reaching five years of age.

So the public is somewhat conservative and still there is some police harrassment, but you are "going on with work undaunted." That should be followed. Haridas Thakur was harassed even by corporal punishment. Jesus Christ was killed. Nityananda Prabhu was injured by Jagai and Madai. But still preaching never stopped. We are delivering the genuine goods to the human society on behalf of God, Krishna. If someone wants to check us, it is for the time being only and not permanent situation because no material circumstances can permanently hamper devotional service.

Please offer my blessings to the others there. Hoping this will meet you in good health.

 

 



ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

Devotees Bring the Holy Name to All 100 Counties of North Carolina
Devotees Bring the Holy Name to All 100 Counties of North Carolina

From November 2025 through June 2026, devotees under the leadership of Ujjvala Rasajna Devi Dasi traveled through all 100 counties of North Carolina as part of the Gaura Prema Nama Sankirtana Yatra. Inspired by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instruction to spread the chanting of the holy names, devotees dedicated every Saturday to harinama sankirtana, book distribution, […]

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Update on the Second Meeting of the Global Vaishnavi Diksha Guru Committee
Update on the Second Meeting of the Global Vaishnavi Diksha Guru Committee

On July 30, 2026, GBC Communications released the following statement: 30 July, 2026 Hare Krishna Devotees, Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The Global Vaishnavi Diksha Guru (GVDG) Committee held its second meeting on 28 July 2026 under the chairmanship of Govardhana Dasa, First Vice-Chairman of the GBC Executive Committee, as […]

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Remembering His Grace Gopal Das
Remembering His Grace Gopal Das

Gopal Das receiving initiation from Srila Prabhupada. His Grace Gopal Das (Charles Paulin) received initiation from ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in Los Angeles, July, 1970. He was given sannyasa initiation at some point in the very early seventies, meaning he was among the first devotees to get sannyasa in […]

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Devotees Continue Five Decades of Outreach at Rainbow Gathering
Devotees Continue Five Decades of Outreach at Rainbow Gathering

A team of Hare Krishna devotees again established a camp this July at the annual Rainbow Gathering in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, continuing an outreach tradition dating back more than five decades. The gathering, free and organized without central leadership, drew a team of 15 to 20 devotees, mostly from Michigan, including three families with […]

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Save the Date: Mayapur’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga 2027 Announced
Save the Date: Mayapur’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga 2027 Announced

The ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS) will return to Sri Dham Mayapur from February 25–28, 2027, bringing together ISKCON leaders from around the world for four days of association, reflection, and collaboration. Hosted by the Governing Body Commission (GBC), the gathering provides leaders with opportunities to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and strengthen their collective service […]

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Online Bhakti Self-Care Course Offered for Teens
Online Bhakti Self-Care Course Offered for Teens

Teenagers ages 12 to 19 are invited to join Mahatma Dasa and his daughter, Syama Mandali Dasi, for an online weekend course exploring self-care from a Krishna-conscious perspective. The Bhakti Self-Care Journey for Teens will help participants develop self-confidence and self-acceptance, better understand their emotions and beliefs, and establish healthy habits for long-term well-being. The […]

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ISKCON NYC Youth to Stage Musical on Srila Prabhupada
ISKCON NYC Youth to Stage Musical on Srila Prabhupada

As devotees gather in New York City to mark ISKCON’s 60th anniversary, youth from the local community will present an original musical depicting the life and mission of Srila Prabhupada. The Hare Krishna Musical, written and performed by ISKCON NYC youth, will combine music, drama, and dance to tell the story of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya and […]

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Popular Religion Channel Features Gaudiya Vaishnavism
Popular Religion Channel Features Gaudiya Vaishnavism

Gaudiya Vaishnavism is the focus of a recent episode of Let’s Talk Religion, a popular educational YouTube channel with more than one million subscribers. The 55-minute presentation has already received nearly 200,000 views. The channel is hosted by Filip Holm, a Swedish religious studies scholar with a master’s degree in comparative religion. Through Let’s Talk […]

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ISKCON Bangkok Shares Bhakti Yoga at International Yoga Day
ISKCON Bangkok Shares Bhakti Yoga at International Yoga Day

Devotees from ISKCON Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng and Thonburi communities distributed hundreds of books during Bangkok’s 12th International Day of Yoga celebration on June 21. More than 6,000 people gathered in the early morning at Chulalongkorn University for one of the city’s largest Yoga Day events to date. The program was held on the lawn in front […]

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ISKCON’s Traveling Outreach Widens Its Reach Across Nigeria
ISKCON’s Traveling Outreach Widens Its Reach Across Nigeria

Some members of Harinam Ananda: (Rear) Lalita, Sarasvati, Faith, Precious, Juliet, Namaste (Front) Rasesvari, Blessing, Dinacaran, and Nngizi. Since early 2026, a free, in-person outreach initiative called Harinama Ananda has carried out public chanting of Hare Krishna, book distribution, and community visits to towns across Nigeria, with groups of 17 to 25 devotees spending four […]

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Bhaktimarga Swami Seeks Stories from ISKCON Canada’s Early Years
Bhaktimarga Swami Seeks Stories from ISKCON Canada’s Early Years

Did you spend any time in Canada from 1967 to 1977? Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or not, if you were involved in ISKCON’s activities in Canada around 1967 and 1977, Bhaktimarga Swami wants to hear from you for his project, Krishna in the Maple Leaf: The Pioneers of ISKCON Canada. Readers can contact him […]

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Devotees Debut at Westival, Bringing Kirtan and Prasadam
Devotees Debut at Westival, Bringing Kirtan and Prasadam

Devotees lead an ecstatic kirtan at Westival as festival-goers join in chanting. Devotees affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) took part in Westival for the first time this month, an independent five-day music festival held from 2 to 5 July at Shipping Hill Farm near Manorbier on the Pembrokeshire coast. The festival, […]

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MAN-tra Retreat Returns to New Vrindaban This October
MAN-tra Retreat Returns to New Vrindaban This October

Devotee men from across North America will gather at ISKCON New Vrindaban, West Virginia, for the 9th annual MAN-tra Retreat, from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026. Conceived in 2018 by Bhaktimarga Swami and Anuttama Dasa, the retreat aims to empower Krishna-conscious men to live with greater integrity, devotion, and purpose. The weekend […]

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A Visit to the TOVP Gauranga Factory (Gold Leafing)
A Visit to the TOVP Gauranga Factory (Gold Leafing)

In this construction update video, we take you behind the scenes to witness the intricate gold leafing work being carried out by our dedicated artisans at the Gauranga Factory. Every ornament and decorative element is being carefully handcrafted with precision and devotion, adding timeless beauty to this sacred project. Gold leafing is one of the […]

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Congregational Development Ministry (CDM)

Courtesy of iskconcongregation.com

Bhakti-vriksha: Overview.
Bhakti-vriksha: Overview.

Have you already seen our ‘Bhakti-vriksha Manual’ but are not sure if you should buy the book or not? This Video cour…

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ISKCON Disciple Course (Self-Paced)
ISKCON Disciple Course (Self-Paced)

This ISKCON Disciple Course is an online training program which is meant to help you deepen your understanding of gur…

Read More

Bhakti-vriksha Basics – Video Course
Bhakti-vriksha Basics – Video Course

13 video lessons and one online book.

Read More

Bhakti Marriage for Women
Bhakti Marriage for Women

This course is designed especially for single men and women, young adults not yet in a relation. Nonetheless, we beli…

Read More

Bhakti Marriage for Men
Bhakti Marriage for Men

This course is designed especially for single men and women, young adults not yet in a relation. Nonetheless, we beli...

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

  • An Unexpected ISKCON Temple in West Africa
  • Photos and videos from the 60th Anniversary of ISKCON gala in NYC
  • Nirakula & Jagarini Matajis – CC Reading – 7-31-26
  • Vastra-harana lila. Lecture 1 (Zurich) – Bhakti Vijnana Goswami
  • Stimulation for Ecstatic Love Part 189 – Sri Radha’s Face Part 2
  • 3rd National Conference | ISKCON GBC Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture
  • Devotee in Maha Kumbha Mela documentary
  • Kriya Shakti & Divyadristi Matajis – LA 50th Anniversary Rathayatra – 7-30-26
  • Spiritual Fasting
The City of Nine Gates
The City of Nine Gates

By Drutakarma Dasa

Is There A Conscious Self distinct from the physical mechanism of the body? Is there a mind distinct from the brain? Those who answer yes to such questions are called dualists, and they are rare in contemporary science and philosophy. Dualistic solutions to the mind/body problem are perhaps hampered by, among other things, inadequate analogies and allegories on the topic in Western thought. Whether we turn to Plato's cave, to the formulations of Descartes, or to the proverbial little green man in the brain, there is apparently not enough substance to inspire the modern ...

Read More

  • The passing of Gopal das, disciple of HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada July 2026, in Vrindavan
  • WSN June 2026 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
  • Properly representing our Parampara on Padayatra
The Purpose of the Vedas
The Purpose of the Vedas

By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Similarly, previously the Vedic knowledge was coming by hearing. There was no need of books. But when this age, Kali-yuga, began five thousand years ago, the Vedic scriptures were recorded. First there was only one Veda, known as Atharva Veda. Then Vyasadeva, just to make it clear, divided it into four and entrusted his various disciples to each take charge of one school of Veda. Then he wrote the Mahabharata and the Puranas to make the Vedic knowledge under...

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  • Salvation from the Material World
  • Honest Happiness
  • Sri Radha-kunda and Sri Syama-kunda Yatra
  • Tomatoes from Heaven
  • Reaching out to hear your story
  • Sunday Love Feast Lecture – HH Radhanath Swami – Iskcon NYC
  • Thoughtful Thursday – HG Patri prabhu
  • Bhagavatam Class 4.28 51-65 | Vraj Vihari Prabhu
  • Nectar Talks – Mangalananda Das (Michael Cassidy)
  • Pure devotion not so cheap! We are kanistha-adhikari devotees
  • The God Particle – Is there Anything Godly About it
  • Ekadashi Satsanga – HH BVG Swami – CC Madhya Ch.08 – 25Jul2026


TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

THE TOVP FLIPBOOK COLLECTION
THE TOVP FLIPBOOK COLLECTION

Taking advantage of the newest technology in book reading, the TOVP website has launched the digital TOVP Online Flipbook Collection. A digital flipbook is an online book, magazine or other multi-paged publication that turns pages and offers a variety of related functions to the reader such as sharing, downloading and much more.

VIEW THE COLLECTION:

TOVP PRESENTS: Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – A Call to the World to Come to Mayapur
TOVP PRESENTS: Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – A Call to the World to Come to Mayapur

Experience the spiritual heart of Mayapur! Witness the majestic Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, the "Rising Moon of Mayapur," Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, and discover a place of peace, devotion, and transcendental beauty. We invite you to join us and let the world come to Mayapur.

WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE:

TOVP Nitya Homa Daily Yajna Campaign
TOVP Nitya Homa Daily Yajna Campaign

On February 11, 2026, the historic and breathtaking Grand Opening of the TOVP Yajna Shala was witnessed by thousands of Mayapur visitors, as well as by many more thousands on social media. The first yajnas were performed with great pomp and grandeur, for the pleasure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. To maintain this perpetual tradition of daily yajnas, you are invited to become a Nitya Homa sponsor.

READ MORE/WATCH VIDEO:

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

A video with Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson)

Ancient Mysteries: UFOs - The First Encounters with Leonard Nimoy

The History Channel's NBC TV series titled Ancient Mysteries hosted by Leonard Nimoy. This show, UFOs - The First Encounters, features Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson), whose book on the subject, Parallels - Ancient Insights into Modern UFO Phenomena is available on amazon.com.

Watch 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.

3 August, 2026 (Monday)
Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami -- Disappearance

6 August, 2026 (Thursday)
Srila Lokanatha Gosvami -- Disappearance

7 August, 2026 (Friday)
The incorporation of ISKCON in New York

9 August, 2026 (Sunday)
Fasting for Kamika Ekadasi

10 August, 2026 (Monday)
Break fast 05:10 - 08:02 (Local Mayapur Time)

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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