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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
So as far as possible I am taking care of my health, but Krishna's service must be executed, even at the risk of life. A living entity gets millions of opportunities to get a type of body, but hardly he gets opportunity to serve Krishna

Correspondence

1968 Correspondence

 

Letter to Madhusudana -- Los Angeles 24 January, 1968:

I thank you for your letter brought to me by Rayarama. Yes, 15 minutes is sufficient time for the offering to remain on the altar. You do not need to lay down Lord Jagannatha on a bed, by mantra you say my dear Lord please take rest. In temples, there are two sets of deities, the big set is always on the throne, and the smaller set is handled, taken out for a stroll, laid to bed, etc. There is no difference in the small and large set, of course.

The prayer means: I offer my respectful obeisances to my Spiritual Master who has opened my eyes by the torch of knowledge, while I was in the darkness of ignorance.

That book of speeches by Bhaktisaranga Goswami may be kept carefully. It has to be returned. In meantime, if you like, you can copy it by typewriter.

My dear boy, lecturing for Krishna has nothing to do with this body. If I would not have lectured, how you would have come? So as far as possible I am taking care of my health, but Krishna's service must be executed, even at the risk of life. A living entity gets millions of opportunities to get a type of body, but hardly he gets opportunity to serve Krishna. The service of Krishna must be executed at all risks, but do not worry; I am taking care of my health by the help of Gaurasundara. Hope you are well.

 

 

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

Nigerian Temple President’s Efforts Highlighted During World Interfaith Harmony Week
Nigerian Temple President’s Efforts Highlighted During World Interfaith Harmony Week

In the bustling city of Jos, Nigeria, amidst the diverse trimmings of cultures and religions, Salika Das stands as a beacon of interfaith harmony and peacebuilding. As a disciple of Bhakti Tirtha Swami and the temple president at ISKCON Jos for the past 25 years, Salika’s journey has been marked by unwavering dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Krishna consciousness and fostering understanding among different faith traditions.

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Srila Prabhupada’s Film Restoration Project Achieves Important Milestone
Srila Prabhupada’s Film Restoration Project Achieves Important Milestone

In March 2023, ISKCON News reported on Inner Voice Production’s latest initiative, Srila Prabhupada’s Film Restoration Project. The team is well-known for its transformative film “Hare Krishna – The Mantra, The Movement, and the Swami Who Started It All,” which has been showcased around the world and is still available on multiple digital platforms. The project has reached a new financial milestone in this crucial service to preserve the legacy and impact of Srila Prabhupada.

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ISKCON Mayapur Celebrates Sri Advaita Acharya Appearance Day
ISKCON Mayapur Celebrates Sri Advaita Acharya Appearance Day

On February 16, 2024, ISKCON Mayapur joyously commemorated the auspicious appearance day of Sri Advaita Acarya. It is said that material nature has two features, namely, the material cause and the efficient cause. The efficient causal activities are caused by Mahā-Viṣṇu, and the material causal activities are caused by another form of Mahā-Viṣṇu, known as Advaita. That Advaita, the superintendent of the cosmic manifestation, has descended in the form of Advaita Ācārya to associate with Lord Caitanya.

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India’s Vedic Revival
India’s Vedic Revival

Srila Prabhupada, founder of the worldwide Hare Krishna Movement, vigorously presented the Vedic culture and the teachings of Sanatana Dharma throughout the world in the last ten years of his life. This was a monumental and singular achievement for a man who had not stepped outside of India until his 70th year.

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Successful “The Children Are Our Future” Seminar Held in Mayapur
Successful “The Children Are Our Future” Seminar Held in Mayapur

Devaki Devi Dasi offered a five-session seminar titled “The Children Are Our Future.” It was conducted from 29th February to 2nd March 2024 at the Vaishnava Academy (near the Goshala) in Mayapur. The seminar imparted a good understanding of important principles and practices of child-raising within Krishna consciousness, beginning from conception (Garbhadhana Samskara) to teenage.

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Thousands Gather at ISKCON Auckland for Festival of Colours
Thousands Gather at ISKCON Auckland for Festival of Colours

On Sunday, February 11th, ISKCON Auckland hosted their annual Festival of Colours, welcoming thousands to the Hare Krishna Centre campus, a 100-acre haven located 30 minutes drive from Auckland city center in New Zealand.

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Exploring the Unique Journey of Krishna Consciousness in Japan
Exploring the Unique Journey of Krishna Consciousness in Japan

Madhumangala Das, a devoted adherent of the Hare Krishna movement in Japan, shares a compelling narrative of spiritual growth intricately woven with the cultural tapestry of the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Reflecting on his journey, Madhumangala’s insights offer a profound glimpse into the collective experience of the Japanese devotee community—a journey marked by resilience, cultural adaptation, and unwavering dedication to the service of Srila Prabhupada’s mission.

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150th Vyasa-puja Celebration of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati & TOVP Nrsimha Wing Opening
150th Vyasa-puja Celebration of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati & TOVP Nrsimha Wing Opening

This month, on February 29, all Gaudiya Vaishnavas worldwide will celebrate the most auspicious 150th Appearance Anniversary of the Founder-Acharya of the Gaudiya Math, and spiritual master of ISKCON Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: His Divine Grace Ashtotarashata Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada.

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A New Hare Krishna Retreat in Dehradun
A New Hare Krishna Retreat in Dehradun

Hare Krishna Resort, located amidst the beautiful Doon Valley in Dehradun, India, is emerging as a distinctive and peaceful retreat place or holiday option away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The inauguration of the new initiative was graced by Gopal Krishna Goswami, who provided inspiration and leadership for the project. Aniruddha Kirtan Das is the Coordinator of the resort’s operations, and Shreya Mishra serves as the Hospitality Manager.

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Nandu, our Padayatra Ox, Goes Back to Godhead
Nandu, our Padayatra Ox, Goes Back to Godhead

On February 10th, 2024, the last rites were offered for a beloved padayatra ox, Nandu, who served Nitai Guarasundar for 12 years by carrying Them throughout India. A few years ago, Nandu retired at the goshala in Sri Pandharpur Dham and departed his body in the early morning of February 8th. The antyesti (funeral rites) were held nearby on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River along with Sankirtan and the well wishes of the devotees.

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

Yajigrama Yatra
Yajigrama Yatra

By Chandan Yatra Das

Yajigrama is a tiny village 4km from Katwa, viz. 1 hour from Navadvipa town or 2 hours’ drive from Mayapur via road trip. Katwa is where Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa from Kesava Bharati. Yajigrama is important place connected with many most wonderful pastimes of three Vaishnava stalwarts - Srila Narottama Das Thakura, Srila Shrinivasa Acharya and Srila Ramchandra Kaviraj. After the disappearance of the manifest pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu and their associates, Srila Narottama Das Thakura, Shrinivasa Acharya and Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, under the instr...

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Introductory Handbook For Krsna Consciousness
Introductory Handbook For Krsna Consciousness

By Rohininandana das

This handbook and accompanying curriculum, which are to be used enjointly, have been compiled under the direct order of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness. Their contents are based wholely on the inspiration, guidance and wisdom of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the founder acarya of ISKCON. This humble attempt has been made in the service of any aspiring devotee and future disciple of the authorised ISKCON Acaryas. We pray to Srila Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Rupa Gosvami that this work may be ...

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The importance of reading
The importance of reading

By Antaryami das

In the Dallas temple, before the devotees and the Deities in early 1983, H.H. Tamal Krsna Goswami read out a letter from Srila Prabhupada: "My dear Tamal, the temple is likened to a military training camp where persons come and are trained as soldiers. After being trained they are sent out into the field to live an ideal devotee life preaching and living by example, or they remain in the temples to serve in one of many varieties of service. Those who are not strong enough to live outside the temple maintaining sadhana they can remain in the...

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Lord Nityananda Appearance Day
Lord Nityananda Appearance Day

By Radhanath Swami

Lord Nityananda - The epitome of Compassion. So Lord Nityananda, he was in the sublime mood. Although he was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he took the most humble position in order to satisfy Lord Gaurasundara. Caitanya Mahaprabhu was Patitapavana Avatara. That means He came especially to claim the most fallen and sinful of all living beings. And there is nothing that satisfies Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu more than distributing love of god to another. Therefore lord Nityananda, he would go on both banks of the Ganges and he would ap...

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Appearance Anniversary of Sri Nityananda Prabhu
Appearance Anniversary of Sri Nityananda Prabhu

By Bhakti Charu Swami

May Sri Nityananda Rama be the object of my constant remembrance. Sankarsana, Sesa Naga and the Visnus who lie on the Karana Ocean, Garbha Ocean and ocean of milk are His plenary portions and the portions of His plenary portions

...

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How Shall I Take Shelter of One More Merciful Than He?
How Shall I Take Shelter of One More Merciful Than He?

By Giriraj Swami

Srila Prabhupada said it is a mark of a good man that he takes the good side, not the bad side, of others. He gave the example of his guru maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta had a disciple named Kunjabihari dasa—people used to call him Kunja Babu—who, Srila Prabhupada said, came to do business with their guru maharaja, to profit personally from his relationship with him and from his service in the Gaudiya Math. But Srila Prabhupada said their guru maharaja didn’t take Kunja’s dark side, that he was coming to make business, but took the bright side...

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Sri Nityananda Prabhu–An Incarnation of Mercy
Sri Nityananda Prabhu–An Incarnation of Mercy

By Giriraj Swami

Nityananda Prabhu, as the first expansion of the Lord, is the original spiritual master. He is the first servant of the Lord, and He is the first teacher to give knowledge of the Lord (outside of the Lord Himself). The duty of the spiritual master is to engage in the service of the Lord and to give knowledge of the Lord, and Nityananda Prabhu does both. Age padaye tare, to fall down before Him--to bow or fall down before the spiritual master, to surrender to the spiritual master--is the first qualification for any disciple. The Bhagavad-gita instructs, tad v...

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Lord Nityananda Trayodasi
Lord Nityananda Trayodasi

By Gour Govinda Swami

The two brothers went to the village called Mayuresvara, which was the village of Their maternal grand-father. Close to the village there was a jungle. Once, when these two brothers were about to enter that jungle, two villagers debarred Them, “Hey, don’t go to that jungle. There is a very big poisonous snake that devours everyone who goes there. No one returns. Please don’t go.” Nityananda Prabhu did not listen to them and They both entered that jungle. That big poisonous snake was staying under a tamala tree, and as soon as these two brothers entered the ju...

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The Two Divine Boars
The Two Divine Boars

By Gauranga Darshan Das

Boar is a wild animal, probably not known for its beauty or great work. But when God appears in the form of a boar, He looks extremely beautiful and performs the most wonderful deeds. Just as the Supreme Lord appears in the human society as Lord Rāma and Lord Kṛṣṇa, He also incarnates in the animal society as Varāha (Boar), amongst the birds as Haṁsa (Swan), amongst the aquatics as Matsya (Fish) and so on.

...

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The all-powerful Personality of Godhead in His boar incarnation
The all-powerful Personality of Godhead in His boar incarnation

By Bhakti Sundar Goswami

He saw there the all-powerful Personality of Godhead in His boar incarnation, bearing the earth upward on the ends of His tusks and robbing him of his splendor with His reddish eyes. The demon laughed: Oh, an amphibious beast!

...

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The Battle Between Boar and Hiranyaksha
The Battle Between Boar and Hiranyaksha

By BVV Narasimha Swami

In the Caitanya Bhagavata there is a description how one day Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had been hearing the glories of Lord Varaha. And while He was relishing the mood of Lord Varaha, He came to the home of Murari Gupta. And at time He chanted the name Sukara! Sukara! Which is boar! Boar! Right? its the name of the boar, Sanskrit for boar. So He chanted the name of Sukara and then He actually, Lord Caitanya actually assumed the form of Lord Varaha while He was in the home of Murari Gupta.

...

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Varahadeva’s Appearance Day
Varahadeva’s Appearance Day

By Bhakti Gauravani Goswami

Srila Prabhupada spoke about this in 1977. This is exactly 40 years ago in Bhubaneshwar, right? He spoke about Varaha’s appearance. He said “Ramadi murti su kala niyamena.” Krishna, the original adi pursua, is taking various forms. Ramadi murtisu, especially three Ramas, Parasuram, Balaram and Dasarathi Rama. Rama means enjoyment. Krishna’s enjoyment does not mean that when Krishna appeared as a boar he was suffering. Everything is “Anada- cinmaya-rasa- pratibhavitabhih,” every second is imbued and permeated with ever...

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Appearance of Sri Varahadeva
Appearance of Sri Varahadeva

By Hari-sauri dasa

There are different incarnations or appearances of Lord Varahadev. Previously the white boar incarnation has been described. The one that is in the Bhagavatam as we receive it is the story about the red incarnation and His fight with the demon Hiranyaksha. So it is an interesting history and one that is very instructive for the devotees because it is a narrative of people feeling sorry. The history is Diti was feeling unusually lusty. She was feeling impelled to the point where she los...

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Life and Teachings of Srila Narottama Das Thakur
Life and Teachings of Srila Narottama Das Thakur


HG Sitala Mataji, Australia 2018

 

 Watch Now

 

 

 


TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

TOVP Nrsimhadeva Wing Announcement – “The Miracle Is Happening!”
TOVP Nrsimhadeva Wing Announcement – “The Miracle Is Happening!”

“The Miracle Is Happening!” – The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Nrsimhadeva Wing, the largest Nrsimha Temple in the World, is opening! From February 29 – March 2, 2024 the TOVP will reach its next milestone towards the completion of Srila Prabhupada’s dearmost project during an ecstatic and historic festival, the Sri Nrsimha Vaibhavotsava.

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The Auspicious Nrsimha Bedi (Platform) Installation
The Auspicious Nrsimha Bedi (Platform) Installation

On February 23, devotees witnessed the most auspicious installation of the Nrsimha Bedi, the solid granite platform on which Lord  Nrsimhadeva will stand in His new home on His magnificent TOVP altar.

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TOVP Nrsimha Vahana (Palanquin) Seva Opportunity
TOVP Nrsimha Vahana (Palanquin) Seva Opportunity

Three special Vahanas (palanquins), an elephant, Garuda and lion vahana, will be used to transport the Utsav Nrsimha murti to the TOVP for His glorious homecoming festival from February 29 – March 2, the Sri Nrsimha Vaibhavotsava. Each day, one of these beautiful vahanas carrying the Lord will be accompanied by throngs of devotees chanting and dancing in ecstasy to celebrate Prahlad-Nrsimhadeva’s new home.

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Give To Nrsimha Brick Campaign Winding Up
Give To Nrsimha Brick Campaign Winding Up

The TOVP Fundraising Department would like to let all devotees know that we will soon be winding up the Nrsimha Brick Campaign. During the historic Grand Opening of the Nrsimhadeva Wing at the 2024 Gaura Purnima Festival, from February 29 – March 2, all the Nrsimha Bricks with engraved donor names will be placed under the Lord’s altar to remain for hundreds of years.

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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.

February 29, 2024 (Thursday)
Sri Purusottama Das Thakura — Disappearance
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura — Appearance

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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