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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
There will be so many impediments in pushing on our movement, therefore Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has already advised us to be tolerant more than the tree and humbler than the blade of grass and give all respects to Karmis without expecting any respect

Correspondence

1972 Correspondence

720228 - Letter to Satsvarupa written from Mayapur:

February 28, 1972

My dear Satsvarupa,

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter of February 9, 1972, and I thank you for the photos of our new school in Dallas, Texas. You ask one question about the nature of books I want you to write as my disciples; on this point, Krsna Consciousness is not limited. Persons like all of the Gosvamis wrote so many books, Visvanatha Cakravarti, and all the acaryas wrote books, and still I am writing books. Similarly, also my disciples will write. So any self-realized soul can write unlimited books without deviating from the original ideas.

Sanskrit should be compulsory for all our children to learn, and anyone who has elementary knowledge of alphabet and grammar can begin to teach it. In addition, English reading and writing, a little mathematics, history and geography or we shall be thought fools if we do not know—that's all. Main thing is that by attendance of our routine programme, that is, rising early, cleansing, chanting, eating Krsna prasada, street Sankirtana, looking at books, etc., in this way, if the children associate with their elders in the regular schedule of devotional practices, that is best way to train. Otherwise, hygienic principles must be very much practiced. The future preachers of KC Movement must learn to be suci, absolutely pure in all respects, & for this, practical cleansing is the basic teaching, e.g., not touching anything dirty to mouth. Mouth is dirtiest part, and infection can spread very easily by the mouth. There is word visa-kanya, or the policy of gradually poisoning a beautiful girl so she will adapt and not be affected, then she will have the potency to assassinate by passing infection by mouth to some enemy. Water itself is most antiseptic, so soap is not always required. The boys should be taught, and also all devotees should also be taught to wash own dishes, hands, mouth—that means always washing. They should be given only what they will eat, so that nothing is left over, and while bathing they can wash their own cloth. Your country, America, will become so much degraded that they will appreciate if we are revolutionary clean. Our revolutionary medicine will be experimented on these children, and it will be seen in America to be the cure. So make your program in this way, and encourage nondevotees or outsiders to enroll their children with us for some minimum fee, and you will do the greatest service to your country and its citizens by introducing this.

There will be so many impediments in pushing on our movement, therefore Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has already advised us to be tolerant more than the tree and humbler than the blade of grass and give all respects to Karmis without expecting any respect. These instructions mean that pushing on this Krsna Consciousness movement is not very easy, but we have to face them and push on this movement. Hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

 

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

ISKCON Welcomes “New Vrindavan Hare Krishna Centre” in South Africa’s North West Province
ISKCON Welcomes “New Vrindavan Hare Krishna Centre” in South Africa’s North West Province

History was made on October 1, 2023, as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) proudly welcomed its first centre in the North West province of South Africa. The event was a testament to the dedication of the Klerksdorp Hindu Samaj, established in 1963, to ensure that the years of hard work in developing its temple and community will continue to flourish under ISKCON’s care. The temple was built in 1983.

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ISKCON’s European Farm Conference Gathers at Innovative Farm in Germany
ISKCON’s European Farm Conference Gathers at Innovative Farm in Germany

ISKCON’s Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture held its first European Farm Conference with face-to-face attendees following a three-year gap due to COVID-19. The September 29th-October 1st event brought leaders from across Europe together to share the latest ideas and solutions for sustainable farming practices. 

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Political Polarization is a Stark Reminder of Prabhupada’s Request for Cooperation
Political Polarization is a Stark Reminder of Prabhupada’s Request for Cooperation

Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON’s Global Minister of Communications, was in the Senate wing of the US Capitol on Tuesday when the House of Representatives voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position, a first in congressional history. It was a front-row seat for an event that offered significant lessons for ISKCON in these difficult times. 

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Book Review: “Dhruva” is a Masterclass in Relationship Wisdom
Book Review: “Dhruva” is a Masterclass in Relationship Wisdom

Gauranga Darshan Das, an educator, TEDx speaker, and spiritual author of over 32 books, has recently published “Dhruva: Relationship & Success Sutras from the Story of a Celebrated Prince” under the Penguin Ananda banner from Penguin Random House. The book has received immense appreciation from authors and motivational speakers. It explores the intricacies of dealing with relationship problems with wisdom and knowledge.

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Mayapur Academy Announces 2023-2024 International Diploma Course in Deity Worship
Mayapur Academy Announces 2023-2024 International Diploma Course in Deity Worship

ISKCON’s Mayapur Academy has announced its International Diploma Course in Deity Worship to be held from October 21, 2023 – February 26, 2024, at ISKCON Mayapur, situated on the banks of the Ganges River in West Bengal, India. The course will be taught in English. 

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Coming of Age #8 – Prophets versus Priests – Who are You?
Coming of Age #8 – Prophets versus Priests – Who are You?

Prophets have been persecuted throughout history. This fact is thoroughly counter-intuitive since all prophets are eventually revered, and many have millions of followers. So, why would they be persecuted and then later adored? Think of Moses for Judaism, Jesus for Christianity, Mohammad for Islam, Chaitanya for Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and literally countless others, especially if the whole of creation is considered (NOTE: The author recognizes that prophets do not all fit the same mold and that some are more empowered than others).

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Plaque Honoring Srila Prabhupada Placed at Stow Lake
Plaque Honoring Srila Prabhupada Placed at Stow Lake

In April, we reported on a crowdfunding campaign to fund the installation of a commemorative bench and plaque in honor of Srila Prabhupada at San Francisco’s Stow Lake within Golden Gate Park. The picturesque park was a favorite spot for Srila Prabhupada to circumambulate during his daily morning walks. “One of the great pleasures for devotees in San Francisco was taking these early morning walks with Srila Prabhupada,” said Malati Devi Dasi. “The main place where that occurred was Stowe Lake.” 

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Bull and Cow – A Poem By Bhaktimarga Swami
Bull and Cow – A Poem By Bhaktimarga Swami

There is this very nice couple

Who pose to be no trouble

Introducing Mr. Bull and Mrs. Cow

You will get to know them somehow

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Weaving Inclusivity into the Fabric of ISKCON South Africa
Weaving Inclusivity into the Fabric of ISKCON South Africa

“The dream is that diversity and unity should coexist harmoniously,” proclaims Mukundanghri, a devotee of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He has emerged as a visionary catalyst for change within the South African ISKCON community. His profound spiritual journey and unwavering commitment to the cause of inclusivity resonate deeply with the recent statement released by the South African Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON in 2020, following the “Wake up South Africa (WuSA)” dialogues earlier that year, addressing racial imbalances within the organization.

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

Intelligence and Example
Intelligence and Example

By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

That is the difference between a devata, or godly person, and an asura, or atheist. Because the asura thinks he will live forever, he prepares big, big plans for material comforts. That is asuric civilization. No one will be allowed to stay here. In the Bhagavad-gita (8.15) Lord Krishna says: the material world is miserable and temporary. It is the place for suffering so that we can understand our position as souls subordinate to God. But fools do not cons...

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Concentration on brahmacarya? Is it for you?
Concentration on brahmacarya? Is it for you?

By Vivasvan das

“One whose activities are strictly spiritually dedicated to the supreme Lord has thus become a brahmacari.” Or “To act on the spiritual platform.” Brahamcarya means the development of a positive, active spiritual life with an avowed determination to avoid the unnecessary entanglements in material life, (that the intimate association of the opposite sex forces one to be involved in) through spiritual cultivation of Krishna conscious devotional principles in the association of Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas. Without this development, brahmacarya, although purifying, ...

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Srila Prabhupada’s departure for the USA
Srila Prabhupada’s departure for the USA

By Satswarup dasa Goswami

At his father's request, Gopal Agarwal had done as he had done for several other sadhus, none of whom had ever gone to America. It was just a formality, something to satisfy his father. Gopal had requested a form from the Indian Consulate in New York, obtained a statement from his employer certifying his monthly salary, gotten a letter from his bank showing his balance as of April 1965, and had the form notarized. It had been stamped and approved in New York and sent to Delhi. Now Bhaktivedanta Swami had a sponsor. But he still needed a passport, visa, P-form, and travel fare.

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Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America
Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America

By Giriraj Swami and Sri Prahlada dasa

On September 17, 1965, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada arrived in Boston on board the ship Jaladuta, carrying within his heart the orders of his spiritual master to spread the teachings of Sri Caitanya beyond the borders of India, throughout the entire world

...

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Affirmations for chanting the Hare Krishna Maha mantra
Affirmations for chanting the Hare Krishna Maha mantra

By Payal Shah

Adapted from ‘Japa Affirmations’ by His Grace Mahatma Dasa. Treat the Holy Name, the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, as Radha and Krishna Deities in the form of sound. When you chant the Maha-mantra, it is the same as taking darshan of the Deities. In this way, bow down to the Holy Name as you would to the Deities, as Krishna is fully present in the Holy Name.

...

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The Process of Surrendering
The Process of Surrendering

HG Bhrgupati Prabhu, ISKCON Los Angeles

SB 3-17-17 -- 10-6-23

 Watch Now

 

Srila Prabhupada’s Journey Song – Video
Srila Prabhupada’s Journey Song – Video

By Sahadeva Dasa

Here is our Video offering on the historical occasion of the 52nd anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's departure for America by Jaladuta ship...... This is not only Srila Prabhupada's journey, this is also your, mine and everybody else's journey. Imagine if Srila Prabhupada would not have gone on this perilous voyage, where would I, you and many others be today! There is a need for ISKCON members to be aware of this song as this profoundly presents the mood of our beloved founder Acharya. The extraordinary mood of surrender, presented herein, forms the basis of our institutio...

 Watch Now

 

 

 

 

 


TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

TOVP PRESENTS: OPENING THE WORLD’S LARGEST NRSIMHADEVA TEMPLE
TOVP PRESENTS: OPENING THE WORLD’S LARGEST NRSIMHADEVA TEMPLE

A video by Alfred Ford (Ambarisa Das) – Great-grandson of Henry Ford

During the 2024 Mayapur Gaura Purnima Festival, from February 29 - March 2, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) will achieve another historic milestone of progress: the opening of the completed Nrsimhadeva Wing, the largest Nrsimhadeva Temple in the world.

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TOVP Releases the Lord Nrsimhadeva ISKCON Mayapur Pastimes Flipbook
TOVP Releases the Lord Nrsimhadeva ISKCON Mayapur Pastimes Flipbook

In 2022, the TOVP Communications Department released the Lord Nrsimhadeva ISKCON Mayapur flipbook on our website. It is even more relevant now with the opening of the Nrsimha Wing scheduled for February 29 – March 2. This is an online readable, shareable and downloadable flipbook made from the original publication inspired by Pankajanghri prabhu and compiled by Sriman Advaita Acharya das containing the history of the making and arrival of Mayapur Nrsimhadeva, and many stories by devotees of how the Lord reciprocated with them.

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Indira Ekadasi and the TOVP 2023
Indira Ekadasi and the TOVP 2023

Ekadasi is the 11th day of the lunar phase of the Moon. Indira Ekadasi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning Moon phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). Since this Ekadasi falls on the Pitru Paksha (15 days in the month of Ashwin dedicated to ancestors), it is also known as ‘Ekadasi Shraddh.’ This is widely celebrated in Northern India to pay rituals to ancestors.

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TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present: Mind And Brain
TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present: Mind And Brain

A video produced by Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) The relationship between the conscious self and the physical brain has proven puzzling to scientists and philosophers ever since the mechanistic revolution in thought in the 17th century. This video explores this relationship, starting with the modern theories and dreams of artificial intelligence researchers. Philosophical arguments and empirical evidence are introduced indicating that the conscious self is distinct from the physical body.

 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.

October 10, 2023 (Tuesday)
Fasting for Indira Ekadasi

October 11, 2023 (Wednesday)
Break fast 05:31 – 09:25 (Local Mayapur Time)

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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