IC Newsletter Vol.10, Issue 44, 2. November 2025

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Connecting you with the world wide ISKCON family

ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019

Prabhupada Nectar

If you chant always Hare Krishna, read my books, and preach this philosophy sincerely, then Krishna will provide you with all facility, and you will not fall down into material entanglement

670330 - Letter to Devotees written from San Francisco

March 30, 1967

My Dear devotees,

I am aware that you are feeling my absence just as I am feeling the absence from you. But in the meantime this must be so and Krishna will provide for you as long as you keep chanting Hare Krishna. I want to see each and every one of you, so I am asking Mukunda to arrange my visits since he has volunteered to render this service. If any of you have any particular points you wish to discuss with me, please have Mukunda make an appointment with me for you. I am always at your service.

If you chant always Hare Krishna, read my books, and preach this philosophy sincerely, then Krishna will provide you with all facility, and you will not fall down into material entanglement.

Affectionately

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

Bhadra 2025 Sets Record with 40,000+ Bhagavatam Sets

Bhadra 2025 Sets Record with 40,000+ Bhagavatam Sets

A few years ago, the words “Bhadra Purnima” may not have meant anything to devotees at all. Now, after seven years of organized campaigns run by the BBT Marketing, Communications, and Innovations Team, those two words remind devotees of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Through this campaign, the distribution of Srimad Bhagavatam is being integrated slowly but surely into the fabric of the international society of Krishna Consciousness.

ISKCON Representatives Join Pope for 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate

ISKCON Representatives Join Pope for 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate

In Rome, a special event was held in the presence of Pope Leo XIV to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark declaration of the Second Vatican Council that reshaped the Roman Catholic Church’s relationship with other religious traditions and underscored the importance of interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding.

Honoring Srila Prabhupada: New Video Shares Rare Final Memories from His Disciples

Honoring Srila Prabhupada: New Video Shares Rare Final Memories from His Disciples

On October 25, 2025, ISKCON devotees and friends around the world commemorated the Disappearance Day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, celebrating the life and legacy of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya.

Global Devotees Invited to 2025 Bhisma Panchaka Challenge

Global Devotees Invited to 2025 Bhisma Panchaka Challenge

Bhakti Kids, an initiative of ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry, invites devotees worldwide to participate in the 2025 Bhisma Panchaka Challenge, a powerful five-day spiritual intensive that promises to multiply your devotional efforts one hundred times over.

Grace in Motion: Vaishnavi Inspires Harinam Sankritan Worldwide

Grace in Motion: Vaishnavi Inspires Harinam Sankritan Worldwide

Across continents and cultures, from Russia to Vietnam, Greece to India, crowds have stopped mid-stride to watch a river of color glide through their streets. Women in coordinated saris dance in rhythmic unity, cymbals shimmering as Krishna’s holy names rise through the air. This joyful vision, both elegant and devotional, is a model to many of how Harinam Sankirtan can be presented to the public.

Vaishnavas Join Georgetown Conference on Living Legacy of Nostra Aetate

Vaishnavas Join Georgetown Conference on Living Legacy of Nostra Aetate

On September 15-16, 2025, Georgetown University convened religious leaders and scholars for a major two-day conference commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions.

Brisbane Devotees Exceed National Book Distribution Target with Two Months to Go

Brisbane Devotees Exceed National Book Distribution Target with Two Months to Go

At a national ISKCON strategic planning meeting held in Melbourne on October 11–12, leaders set a goal to increase book distribution across Australia by 20 percent in 2025 compared to 2024.

WITS Bhakti Society Shines at Interfaith Leadership Dialogue

WITS Bhakti Society Shines at Interfaith Leadership Dialogue

WITS University, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted its second Student Leadership Conference (SLC) from 3–4 October 2025, bringing together young leaders, academics, and faith representatives from across the country. The event, organized by the Centre for Student Development (CSD), has quickly become one of the university’s most anticipated gatherings.

COMING OF AGE #31 – God’s Positioning System

COMING OF AGE #31 – God’s Positioning System

Honesty and mercy (grace) are foundational to our spiritual growth. When we cultivate these qualities, they can propel us forward on our spiritual journey; when they (kindness and compassion) are absent, our progress can be blocked indefinitely.

Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

GBC Proposals, AGM 2026

GBC Proposals, AGM 2026

Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society will begin in February 2025. Following the ISKCON GBC Society’s Rules of Order, the GBC Secretariat requests proposals, duly sponsored by two GBC members, to be submitted by January 1, 2026. Note that no...

Guru Puja Prayers – H.G. Mukunda Datta Prabhu – 31.10.2025 – Iskcon Vrindavan

Guru Puja Prayers – H.G. Mukunda Datta Prabhu – 31.10.2025 – Iskcon Vrindavan

Generally a spiritual master who constantly instructs the disciple in spiritual science becomes his initiating spiritual master later on. So this is how a bonafide spiritual master illuminates one’s heart with transcendental knowledge through diksha and through shiksha as described in Srila Prabhupada’s own words from his books. This is another point that we want...

Kartik Deep Daan Sri Dham Mayapur Day-25 (photos)

Kartik Deep Daan Sri Dham Mayapur Day-25 (photos)

“Nectarean glimpses of Mayapur’s divine atmosphere — thousands of devotees illuminating the temple with golden lamps, offering their love to Lord Damodara in a sea of devotion and light.” Kartik Deep Daan Sri Dham Mayapur Day-25 #DamodarMonth Mayapur.TV Click on the photo to see the complete post....

Gadadhara Goswami Disappearance

Gadadhara Goswami Disappearance

Sri Gadadhara Goswami is a united form of Chandrakanti gopi (an expansion of Radharani’s effulgence) and Purnanada (an expansion of Lord Balarama’s dear girlfriend). Thus, Gadadhara Dasa was ...

Stimulation for Ecstatic Love Part 150 – Disguises Part 18 – The Madwoman of Gokula

Stimulation for Ecstatic Love Part 150 – Disguises Part 18 – The Madwoman of Gokula

This lecture continues the series on the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna, focusing on Krishna’s playful and mischievous nature during the month of Kartik. The episode recounts a humorous and spiritually rich story where Krishna disguises himself as the son of an elder gopi, Pavati, to escape punishment for stealing butter. Through divine trickery...

The Ecstasy of Insignificance: Happiness Through Reality

The Ecstasy of Insignificance: Happiness Through Reality

By Vishakha Devi Dasi

A feeling of insignificance and a humble service attitude come not by astuteness, not by knowing some tricks, but by simple steadfastness in the process of Krishna consciousness. The Srimad-Bhagavatam tells us that Krishna showers all benedictions on those who consider themselves insignificant. Seeing them as significant, by His causeless mercy He shares with them the sweetness of devotional service. Insignificance is so inconceivably ecstatic that the Lord Himself desires it, as Srila Prabhu...

Wait Until I Am Dead

Wait Until I Am Dead

By Kavicandra Swami

Whenever a devotee leaves his or her body, we hear so much praise of them. Everyone becomes happy to be absorbed glorifying a devotee. It seems that we do not do enough of praising devotees while they are with us. Of course a devotee should not be hankering to be praised. St. Francis of Assisi would tell those who started to praise him, "Wait until I am dead, I could fall down at any time". Of course that just makes him more worthy of praise. "Offering all...

Which Brahma are you?

Which Brahma are you?

By Karnamrita dasa

Beholding the unlimited opulence of Krishna and feeling dwarfed by the manifestation of other Brahmas, our universes Brahma felt like a rabbit amidst many elephants. I love what Brahma says, 'There are people who say, 'I know everything about Krishna.' Let them think in that way. As far as I am concerned, I do not wish to say very much about this matter. O my Lord, let me say this much. As far your opulences are concerned, they are all beyond the reach of my mind, ...

ATL 2025-10-23 Adikarta dasa SB 3.19.35

ATL 2025-10-23 Adikarta dasa SB 3.19.35

Listen to a class given by Adikarta dasa on text 35 of the Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), canto 3, chapter 19, entitled “The Killing of the Demon Hiraṇyākṣa” given on October 23, 2025 at the Hare Krishna temple in Alachua, Florida. The Srimad...

Gajendra Moksana story – HH Bir Krishna Goswami

Gajendra Moksana story – HH Bir Krishna Goswami

Responding swiftly to Gajendra’s fervent plea, Lord Vishnu, mounted atop his Vahana Garuda, hastened to the scene. Witnessing the divine approach, Gajendra, in an act of profound devotion, raised a lotus with his trunk. Pleased by this heartfelt gesture, Lord Vishnu wielded his Sudarshana Chakra, severing the crocodile’s head and liberating Gajendra from mortal peril....

Throw Out Envy – Kartik Inspirations 2025 / Day 23

Throw Out Envy – Kartik Inspirations 2025 / Day 23

There is one reason why we are here in the material world that needs to be confronted and then solved: envy. Envy of the success of others, and ultimately envy towards the Lord, which manifests in not wanting to give Him the position in our life that He has — the center of all our...

Srimad Bhagavatam Text – 3.21.32 – H.G. Kavichandra Swami – Iskcon Mayapur

Srimad Bhagavatam Text – 3.21.32 – H.G. Kavichandra Swami – Iskcon Mayapur

There are different manifestations of the Lord. He is one, but He has become many. He divides Himself into two different expansions, one called kalā and the other vibhinnāṁśa. Ordinary living entities are called vibhinnāṁśa expansions, and the unlimited expansions of viṣṇu-tattva, such as Vāmana, Govinda, Nārāyaṇa, Pradyumna, Vāsudeva and Ananta, are called svāṁśa-kalā. Svāṁśa...

Two thieves attempt to steal the Lord’s ornaments

Two thieves attempt to steal the Lord’s ornaments

By Chandan Bhatia

As a child, Nimai cried a lot and would not stop until everyone sang “HAR! HARI!” and clapped their hands. His golden ankle bells tinkled as He kicked His legs while an Sachimata’s lap and as He took His first faltering steps while learning to walk. Being promised sweets and ksira, the ladies coaxed Nimai to dance for them. That same Supreme Lord who is unapproachable even to great sages and demigods, danced awkwardly on His short chubby legs and smiled sweetly at the ladies as they chanted “HARI” and clapped their hands. Two ...

ISKCON Chowpatty Kartik Yatra 2025 | Day 7 | Govardhan, Vrindavan | HH Radhanath Swami

ISKCON Chowpatty Kartik Yatra 2025 | Day 7 | Govardhan, Vrindavan | HH Radhanath Swami

*Essence of the Yatra:* Kartik Yatra offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with Krishna through prayer, kirtan, and satsang. Each day deepens the devotee’s relationship with the Lord. ISKCON Chowpatty Kartik Yatra 2025 | Day 7 | Govardhan, Vrindavan | HH Radhanath Swami...

Yet I hold back

Yet I hold back

By Madhumati Pushkarini Devi Dasi

Yes I hold back. There is every reason to surrender to You, every reason to hold on to You. Yet I hold back. This is my precarious condition, dear Lord. While I keep trying to coax my mind to understand what is good for me and what’s in it for me in surrendering to You, I come across this beautiful song by Purandara Dasa, Your unalloyed devotee. This is the song that helps me realize that indeed I have nothing really worth offering to You but still if...

Kartik Nabadwip Mandal Parikrama 2025 – (photos)

Kartik Nabadwip Mandal Parikrama 2025 – (photos)

Event Highlight: The post promotes the Kartik Nabadwip Mandal Parikrama 2025, a spiritual pilgrimage organized by ISKCON Mayapur. Kartik Nabadwip Mandal Parikrama 2025 Contact: 8016401401 https://www.facebook.com/share/1FaAcN6Nrj/?mibextid=wwXIfr Mayapur.TV Click on the photo to see the complete post....

Psychotherapy and the Practice of Krishna Consciousness

Psychotherapy and the Practice of Krishna Consciousness

By Karnamrita Das and Arcana siddhi Devi Dasi

Chanting the holy name and engaging in Bhakti-yoga (Krishna consciousness or devotional service) is the ultimate process of purification and healing in our tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The process of counseling should be seen as an adjunct to the process of Krishna consciousness, and although it can be helpful for some devotees, it is not in itself the panacea for all our problems. The reason for bringing this up is that sometimes the question arises: “Why do we need anything other than our spiritual pract...

The Kidnapping of Princess Rukmini

The Kidnapping of Princess Rukmini

A story from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada The King of Vidarbha, Maharaja Bhismaka, had five sons and a young daughter known as Rukmini. Many saintly persons used to visit the King’s palace, and from them Rukmini obtained information about Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of...

H.G. Sikhi Mahiti Prabhu – SB – 10.85.45 – 28.10.2025 – Iskcon Vrindavan

H.G. Sikhi Mahiti Prabhu – SB – 10.85.45 – 28.10.2025 – Iskcon Vrindavan

Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī states that in response to Bali’s prayers, Śrī Kṛṣṇa invited him to choose some benediction, and in this verse Bali submits his request. Bali begs to be relieved of the entanglement of material life so he will be free to leave home and wander in the wilderness, with only the Lord’s lotus...

The Bushes and Creepers are my Audience – Kartik Inspirations 2025 / Day 22

The Bushes and Creepers are my Audience – Kartik Inspirations 2025 / Day 22

When we sit in kirtan, we can shut out all the other lamps that light our path to the world—our fame, our money, our material attachments and desires, our plans, aspirations, inclinations, etc., and make this a time with Krishna. One good practice that I always like to do is to imagine myself sitting before...

Lord Parashurama’s Revolution

Lord Parashurama’s Revolution

By Aja Govinda Dasa

Sectarian and political disputes are common not only today but occurred even during the time of Sri Parashurama, an empowered incarnation of the Supreme Lord who appeared several ages before Lord Ramachandra, millions of years ago. The kings at that time, proud of their strength and fighting for absolute power, revolted against the spiritually advanced sages, who generally guided government. Since these kings had offended the devotees of Lord Krishna and deviated from the path of righteousness ...

Shukratal: Where Shukadeva Goswami Explained the Srimad Bhagavatam

Shukratal: Where Shukadeva Goswami Explained the Srimad Bhagavatam

By Sri Nandanandana dasa

More devotees should know about the holy town of Shukratal. Shukratal is the place where Shukadeva Goswami spoke the sacred Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) to Maharaja Pariksit 5000 years ago. It is located about half way between Delhi and Haridwar, a four to five hour drive, and about 86 kilometers before you get to Haridwar. The little town sits on the banks of the holy Ganga River, where it has cut a swathe through the rocky region. Pilgrims come to visit this holy town, but it is...

Change

Change

By Mahatma Das

When devotees look at their obstacles to advancement in Krsna consciousness, they sometimes doubt whether they will ever be able to overcome all of them. It is easy to become discouraged and thus feel it may not even be worth praying to overcome obstacles. What is another impetus for change? Prabhupada said that when one has great love for his spiritual master, he will follow all of his instructions. The greater the love, the greater the impetus to follow. The proper attitude is that, “I may not want to do something...

The Sage Marici

The Sage Marici

H.G. Vrajavihari Prabhu || SB - 10.85.47 || 31.10.2025

TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

“Bigger than St Peter’s Basilica, India has a giant new icon” – an Article from The Sydney Morning Gerald

“Bigger than St Peter’s Basilica, India has a giant new icon” – an Article from The Sydney Morning Gerald

“Men doubt what they cannot see,” an archival story from The New York Times quotes the Kolkata-born founder of the Hare Krishna movement, Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, telling a group of his rapt followers in that masthead’s home city in the early 1970s.

AMOGH LILA PRABHU’S HEARTFELT APPEAL FOR THE TOVP

AMOGH LILA PRABHU’S HEARTFELT APPEAL FOR THE TOVP

In this inspiring message, Amogh Lila Prabhu shares his heartfelt appeal to support the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) — a divine project envisioned by Srila Prabhupada to spread Krishna consciousness across the globe. With deep sincerity and devotion, Prabhu urges everyone to come forward and contribute to this historic mission that will stand as a beacon of faith for generations to come.Join hands in this sacred service. Be a part of Srila Prabhupada’s vision — Support TOVP today.

The TOVP, Bhaktivedanta Institute and Intelligent Design

The TOVP, Bhaktivedanta Institute and Intelligent Design

One of Srila Prabhupada’s most important steps in developing ISKCON was the creation of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, the scientific arm of his preaching strategy, which would present Vedic wisdom in the light of modern science, and defeat the prominence of mechanistic and atheistic concepts. At around the same time, the Intelligent Design movement, comprised of scientists and philosophers dissatisfied with unproven theories of a random creation and evolution, was also seeing its modern beginnings.

TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present

TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present

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

Accepting the Entire Vedic Cosmology

Srimad Bhagavatam 3.19.26
April 3, 1992
San Diego, California

This esoteric Puranic verse on the battle between the Vishnu Boar incarnation (Varaha) and the great demon Hiranyaksa sounds like mere myth when viewed out of context and through the lens of our modern scientific paradigm. But Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) suggests that, when understood within the entire cosmological context of the Puranic world view, this same narrative acquires both universal and deep personal significance.

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.

2 November, 2025 (Sunday)
(Fasting till noon, with feast tomorrow)
Fasting for Utthana Ekadasi
First day of Bhisma Pancaka
Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji -- Disappearance
Trisprsa Mahadvadasi

3 November, 2025 (Monday)
Break fast 05:43 - 09:27 (Local Mayapur Time)

4 November, 2025 (Tuesday)
Last day of the fourth Caturmasya month [PURNIMA SYSTEM]
Sri Bhugarbha Gosvami -- Disappearance
Sri Kasisvara Pandita -- Disappearance

5 November, 2025 (Wednesday)
Last day of Bhisma Pancaka
Sri Krsna Rasayatra
Sri Nimbarkacarya -- Appearance
Tulasi-Saligrama Vivaha (marriage)

6 November, 2025 (Thursday)
Katyayani vrata begins

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org