Spirit-o-Gram (Jul-Sep Edition)

Spirit-O-Gram

Quarterly Community Magazine July-August-September 2023

His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder Acharya: ISKCON

Table of Contents Temple Preaching

Jaipur FTP Camp (Congregation) Krishna Fest (Congregation) Forest Camp (Congregation) Govardhan Parikrama (Congregation) IYF Jaipur Camp (Youth)

Outreach Programs

Temple Fests 3-Day Bhagvat Katha and Shobha Yatra Jhulan Yatra Balarama Purnima Sri Krishna Janmashtami Srila Prabhupada Appearance day Radhashtami

BBT Opening (Sec 31) LPU BACE Opening Nityanand Dham BACE Opening (Sec 15)

Temple Classes SB Classes- 14 Evening Classes- 2

Devotee’s Corner How I came to KC Lessons from Lord Krishna’s Caring for Cows Art for Krishna

TEMPLE PREACHING

CONGREGATION

JAIPUR FTP CAMP 14th - 16th July

A Jaipur-camp was organized for all FTP- (Facilitators training program) participants where they had the opportunity to receive training to become future leaders and expand their horizons. Around 15+ devotees had joined with great excitement and desire to learn more. During the three days of the camp, HG Rambhadra Prabhuji inspired and filled hearts with devotion through his joyful Harinam Kirtan and the lectures followed. The renowned historical temples of Jaipur- Sri Govind Dev ji, Sri Gopinath ji, Sri Vinodi Lal ji, Kanak Vrindavan and Sri Radha Damodar ji were all visited.

CONGREGATION

KRISHNA FEST @DLF Phase 3 29th July

Krishna Fest provided a chance to spread Krishna consciousness across various societies in DLF by organizing events and regular classes. Kids recited Brahma Samhita prayers and presented a drama on the story of Sudama and Krishna, which was followed by melodious kirtan and lecture by HG Rambhadra Prabhuji. The event offered registrations for our follow-up program, ensuring that the love and harmony journey continues beyond the festival. The whole program was concluded by a sumptuous Ekadashi feast Prasadam.

CONGREGATION

FOREST CAMP DYPH Batch 6 30th July

Devotees of DYPH batch-6 had an unforgettable forest camp experience on the scenic Aravalli hills. The retreat was packed with exciting activities like kirtan, group discussions and games followed by delicious feast prasadam. Special talk by HG Aradhya Gaur Prabhuji on the ‘Importance of Vedic Culture & Glamourization of Modern Culture’ was cherry on the cake, which everyone found to be quite insightful.

CONGREGATION

GOVARDHAN PARIKRAMA 200 Participants 13th Aug

DYPH-Discover your permanent happiness is a systematic and scientific course which helps newcomers to understand the basics of Krishna consciousness.

Recently, 4 batches of DYPH and congregation devotees with their respective group leaders went to Govardhan Parikrama, Radha kund, Shyam kund and Kusum Sarovar.

HG Rambhadra prabhuji graced the devotees with his presence and gave a special class which was followed

by Delicious prasadam.

CONGREGATION

KRISHNA FEST @Sec- 70, Gurugram 26th Aug

Krishna Fest II-Swing of Devotion was celebrated in Tata Primanti Society. It was attended by 250+ devotees with full energy and enthusiasm. The event was full of activities like recitation of Brahma Samhita prayers by Vaishnavis, dance and drama by kids and kirtan followed by lecture by HG Rambhadra Prabhuji, which filled the atmosphere with joy and devotion.The whole program was followed by sumptuous prasadam enjoyed by all.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

LPU BACE OPENING 26th Aug

Devotees at LPU- Lovely professional university celebrated the opening of the new youth center in LPU college, Jalandhar-Punjab with immense enthusiasm. An online discourse was delivered by HG Rambhadra Prabhuji which was attended by more than 30 students. Delicious feast prasadam was served in the the end.

NITYANAND DHAM BACE INAUGURATION @Sec- 15, Gurugram

13th Aug

50+ devotees and new students attended the inauguration ceremony of our new BACE(Bhaktivedanta Academy for Culture & Education). HG Rambhadra prabhuji graced everyone at the ceremony with his presence.HG Mangal Hari Prabhuji and HG Sakhipran Prabhu ji's motivating words shaped knowledge and inspired everyone.The festival concluded with a 31 Bhoga offering made by the youths on their own and a sumptuous prasadam feast.

BBT BOOK SHOP OPENING @Sec 31 BACE 5th Aug

Devotees at Sector 31 Bace center have opened a new BBT(Bhaktivedanta book trust) and Gift shop which was inaugurated in the presence of our temple president- HG Rambhadra Prabhuji. 4 Mahabig, 6 Big, and 25 small books were distributed on the first day itself on the opening of the bookshop.There was a gathering of 150+ devotees and feast prasadam was served at the end of the program.

Jaipur Camp 22nd-23rd July

Around 24 devotees from IYFISKCON Youth Forum, Gurugram led by HG Nama Asraya prabhuji went on a Jaipur yatra for 2 days.

They had visited the prominent temples that make Jaipur renown as Gupt Vrindavan -Govind Dev ji, Radha Gopinath Ji, Radha Damodar Ji.The purpose of the camp was to expand the horizons of devotees and help them explore different historical temples of jaipur along with devotees.

TEMPLE CLASSES

Leadership Lessons from Krishna Lila HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji gave a 3 session seminar on Leadership lessons from Krishna Lila. Prabhuji beautifully narrated stories and extracted principles out of it and explained them in a very engaging manner to bhakti Vriksha leaders

3-Day Radhashtami Katha HG Sundar Gopal Prabhuji

HG Sundar Gopal Prabhuji took an online session on 27th August, encouraging devotees to surrender to the lord and serve wholeheartedly on the grand occasion of Janmashtami. He also gave a special class on the auspicious ocassion of Janamasthami. We also had the opportunity to relish Radhastmi Katha by him for 3 consecutive days- 21st, 22nd and 23rd September.

The Katha Helped the devotees to welcome Srimati Radharani in their hearts with the right mood and serve wholeheartedly on the day of Radhashtami.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

HG Pandava Prem Prabhuji- 3rd July

HG Pandav Prem Prabhuji is a Sastric Scholar, practicing Bhakti yoga for the past 20 years delivered a class on the auspicious day of Guru purnima and the disappearance day of Srila Sanatana Gosvami.

HG Amogh Lila Prabhuji- 5th July

HG Amogh Lila Prabhuji, Vice president at ISKCON Dwarka and a famous social media celebrity delivered a special Bhagavatam session on the topic “How to set your mind easily”. View

HG Jitamitra Prabhuji- 9th July

HG Jitamitra Prabhuji is the author of the “Sri Bhagavan Ne Kaha'' series, and has been practicing Krishna consciousness for 40 years. He took class on the topic- Glories of Haridas Thakur.

HG Rambhadra Prabhuji- 11th July HG Rambhadra Prabhuji is the Temple President of ISKCON Gurugram. He took a special class on the auspicious day of ISKCON’S 57th Anniversary on the topic Incorporation of ISKCON.

HG Atul Krishna Prabhuji- 17th July HG Atul Krishna Prabhuji, Member of ISKCON Education Board and Teachers Trainer, Designer of many courses in ISKCON delivered special class on the topic of Accepting sannyasa order by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from Chaitanya Charitamrita. View

HG Vrajendra Nandan Prabhuji- 29th July HG Vrajendra Nandan Prabhuji, communications director- ISKCON India and the Vice president at ISKCON Delhi took Sunday special Bhagavatam class.

HG Radha Kant Prabhuji- 5th Aug HG Radha Kant Prabhu is the Chief Administrative Officer(CAO) at Bhaktivedanta Gurukul in Vrindavan.

He gave a special evening class.

HG Mohan Rupa Prabhuji- 13th Aug HG Mohan Rupa Prabhuji- Temple President of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple at East of Kailash in Delhi delivered a special Bhagavatam class.

HG Krishna Kirti Prabhuji- 13th Aug HG Krishna Kirti Prabhuji is the Convenor of ISKCON India Scholars Board and has worked in TCS in the US for 20 years. He gave special evening class.

HG Caitanya Charan Prabhuji - 17th Sep HG Chaitanya Charan prabhuji is a monk and a spiritual teacher for nearly 25 years and has been invited as a speaker at TEDx, Intel,Google, Microsoft etc. He gave Sunday love feast lecture.

HG Asit Prabhuji- 3rd and 24th Sep HG Asit Prabhuji is a renowned sastric scholar and has been practicing Krishna consciousness since 30+ years. He took Bhagvatam classes.

HH Bhakti Asraya Vaisnava Swami Maharaj- 13th July HH Bhakti Asraya Vaisnava Swami Maharaj graced us with his presence and delivered a nectarean ekadashi bhagavatam katha on Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita. View

HH Bhakti Karunamayi Vanamali Maharaj 14th-18th September Bhakti Karunamai Vanmali Swami Maharaj is a happiness coach, spiritual leader and a worldwide traveler. For over twenty six years, He was a resident monk at ISKCON Mumbai and gave bhagvatam classes on 14th and 18th September.

Devotees were fortunate to hear from him.

14th18th-

https://www.youtube.com/live/HsZNA2hyn7M?feature=shared https://www.youtube.com/live/BP_NpokHRX0?feature=shared

HH Bhaktivinod Swami Maharaj 17th Sep HH Bhaktivinoda Swami maharaj is the Deputy GBC of ISKCON and Chairman, Int’l Outreach of the GBC Strategic planning team. He is an M.Tech from IIT Mumbai and blessed the devotees of Gurugram with his divine words through the bhagvatam.

View: class.https://www.youtube.com/live/pjS55x3R sHE?feature=shared

TEMPLE FESTS

3-DAY BHAGVAT KATHA and SHOBHA YATRA 6th-9th July

ISKCON Gurugram's Sohna Centre organized a 3 day Soulful Bhagavat Katha by HG Rambhadra Prabhuji. The Katha was followed by Shobha yatra on the last day. As the chariot was being driven by devotees from Rajoriya Colony to our ISKCON Centre in Sohna, HG Rambhadra Prabhuji did melodious kirtan and Shri Surajpal Ammu Ji, head of the Karni Sena graced the event with his presence.

JHULAN YATRA 27th- 31st Aug

Jhulan Yatra was organized for 5 days in our temple. The Utsava deities of Sri Sri Radha Damodar were beautifully ornamented and were seated on a swing, decorated with different varieties of beautiful flowers and leaves. Devotees had the opportunity to serve the Lord directly by pulling the swing's rope.

BALARAM PURNIMA 31st Aug

Devotees at ISKCON Gurugram celebrated the appearance day of Lord Balaram with immense enthusiasm and energy. Grand abhishekh of the utsava-deities took place with roaring kirtan led by devotees.

Everyone had the opportunity to participate in various services and engage in preaching by distributing books. Devotees joyfully danced as HG Rambhadra prabhuji led melodious kirtan and delicious offerings were offered to the lord. Everyone relished the prasadam that was lovingly served and enjoyed.

First Janmashtami of Sri Sri Radha Damodar 7th Sep

View

ISKCON Gurugram celebrated the first Janmashtami of Sri Sri Radha Damodar Ji (after Temple Inauguration) in its grandest way ever. On 6th September, group song- Madhurashtakam was led by HG Manikaruna Mataji & Team and on 7th September dance and drama by BPS (Bhakta Prahlad School) kids and an amazing rock performance by Gandharvas Rock Band took place which left everyone mesmeriesed.

1.5 lac+ Guests

200+ Newcomers registered for our program

1000+ People chanted 1 round

1400+ Spiritual books were distributed

Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja

View

8th Sep

The next day of Janmashtami, devotees celebrated the Appearance day of our Founder Acharya, HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Everyone who was present got to perform Abhishekh of Srila Prabhupada which was followed by beautiful glorifications of Srila Prabhupada from Senior Vaishnavas. 19 sets of Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita (biography containing the whole life of Srila Prabhupada in 7 volumes) was distributed by HG Rambhadra Prabhuji to devotees.This was followed by Pushpanjali, 108 bhogas, Arati ceremony, Ecstatic Kirtan and wonderful feast prasadam, including Srila Prabhupada's favorite, Kachoris.

RADHASHTAMI 23rd Sep

View

Appearance day of Srimati Radharani

Radhashtmi’s Celebration at ISKCKON gurugram was truly a divine experience which was graced by 5000+ devotees. The melodious kirtan, mesmersing abhisekh ceremony, and delicious prasadam made it an unforgettable experience. HH Bhakti Ashrya Vaishnava Swami Maharaj and HG Sundar Gopal Prabhuji had also graced the devotees with their divine presence.

Everyone enjoyed feast prasadam in the end.

TEMPLE PROMOTIONS

https://link.zomato.com/xqzv/rshare? id=491927094b9b94da

Use the above link to enjoy home delivery services.

Gurugram Productions

Our song -"Aye Hai Krishna Kanhaiya" is out!

YOUTUBE

JIOSAAVN SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

GAANA AMAZON MUSIC

DEVOTEE'S CORNER

How I came to Krishna Consciousness HG Rameshwar Giridhari Prabhuji

Since my earliest days, I wished to contribute something beneficial to the world and end the conflicts and differences in people's lives; however, I didn't know how.

Although I believed in God but didn't like the way religions fought each other. I was transferred from Delhi to Pune as a branch manager for my company. I requested the former branch manager to suggest some tips for my new workplace. Rather than meeting in the office, he invited me to a nearby park. I was reminded of

the Chanakya serial after witnessing so many people, including foreigners, with shaved heads and dressed in saffron. Curiousness about the place popped inside my head as I had never seen so many well-educated monks.

I asked the former manager about it and discovered that the place I was sitting in was the garden of Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari temple. He told me that, "If I ask you to simply do these three things everyday: singing, dancing and feasting, would you do it? These people here do the same!" Who wouldn't accept such an offer!? Both of us ended up talking about Krishna consciousness rather than Business. I started coming to the Sunday Love Feast program because I couldn't get food anywhere else. I gradually started practicing the teachings and after nine years of being associated with ISKCON, God gave me another offer in life. I had shifted to Gurugram because of my job and I got connected with the congregation there.

After a few months, we got a new temple in donation, in sec 67, Gurugram.

There weren't many people for the services so I got another offer: if I wanted to serve full-time in the temple, which was a big decision for me. My wife and daughter already supported me and my father said, "Do what will make you happier..." and that was when I dedicated my life to the temple. I found my purpose in life and finally got to know the way I would contribute to society and bring peace to the minds of people through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

4 Leadership Lessons from Lord Krishna’s Caring for Cows Gaurangi Arora, 15 & Hardik, 23

The story dates back to some 5300 years ago. A little boy, who earlier used to take calves to the pasture fields had turned six now. He demanded that He will take the cows for grazing. His mother couldn’t fathom how would he? They housed not 10 or 100 or 1000 but cows in lakhs. His parents had finally let him go. The world was to witness something never before seen or imagined. A 6-year-old boy taking charge of 9 lakh cows! You might have guessed by now.

Yes, we are talking about Krishna, who, after this instance, got the name Gopala — the protector of cows. You might shrug saying, “Krishna is God. He maintains the entire creation. What is the big deal in him managing 9 lakh cows?” Yes, that’s true. But in feeding cows, Krishna didn’t perform any miraculous deeds. He applied certain Leadership Principles. How he managed 9 lakh cows on his own at a young age, is something that must be critically analysed. Here are 4 lessons that we can learn from Krishna, the Leader.

1. Core Team Strengthening A leader must have a strong core team.

People whom he trusts and nurtures. And that is to be done before project (work) execution. Krishna had a strong team of cowherd boys whom He took apt care of and nurtured. When they used to go for butter stealing (when they were small), Krishna fed his friends first and himself ate later. Krishna’s friends trusted him so much that even when they knew they were entering a demon’s mouth (Aghasura) shaped in the form of a cave, they were fearless saying Krishna will protect us.

2. Work Delegation It is important for a leader to not take everything on himself but delegate his work so that he can supervise work progress and improvise wherever required. Krishna had divided the 9 lakh cows into 8 prominent groups which were managed by his core team. Those were then subsequently divided into 108 and further 1008 groups so that ultimately, the smallest group had manageable cows under one boy. This way, Krishna coordinated with his core team and each core member with his team members to ease up coordination and supervision.

3. Sacrificing and Caring A leader must be ready to sacrifice personal comforts for his people. That means he should place his people and care for them before himself. When Krishna was about to leave for the forest with all cows, mother Yashoda asked him to wear his footwear.

Krishna asked mother Yashoda to provide 36 lakh shoes for all the cows and then only he will wear his own because mother Yashoda didn’t provide footwear to the cows, Krishna also went barefoot.

4. Personal Touch It is eminent for a leader to know all his congregation. That helps to develop faith and confidence in his people for him. Despite having 9 lakh cows, Krishna had named and remembered every cow’s name. He had developed personal relationships with each one and whenever he used to call a cow, she used to come running.

Art For Krishna Shreya Pandit, 19

Radhika Keshari, 15

Smriti Dhingra, 24

Aryan, 11

Bavini Kapoor, 13

We are happy to present before you "Spirit-o-Gram", the Quarterly community magazine of ISKCON Gurugram.

You may contribute articles, poems, photos, artwork and realizations for the same. Mail us at: spiritogram@gmail.com

Hardik Kathuria Editor

Vrinda Dhasmana Co-Editor

Astha Kashyap Co-Editor