ISKCON-London Annual Review 2015 by ISKCON-London

ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

CONTENTS

Dear Devotees, Well-wishers and Friends, My deepest respects to all of you. All glories to our Founder, Srila Prabhupada. WOW! Another year has passed and these days it is hard to keep up with all of the exciting activities happening here at ISKCON London. So many events and festivals, so many books distributed and outreach events going on, and so many people visiting and starting their spiritual lives here with us. This 2015 Annual Review will remind you or inform you about the many wonderful accomplishments from 2015. Our ambition is to inspire you more and more to be part of the action. So please everyone GET INVOLVED and don’t miss out on the fun! Especially now, as we look forward to this 50th Anniversary year where we will be celebrating with great pomp and enthusiasm, numerous, exciting events throughout the whole of 2016. This will be a year to remember. I thank you all for taking your valuable time and energy to be part of this great mission that is Krishna Consciousness. The benefits for all of us are unfathomable and unlimited. May the mercy of Their Lordships shower upon all of you. Your servant,

Department Heads

Communications

Courses and Education

Community Events

Festivals

Food for Life

Govinda’s Restaurant

Harinama

ISKCON50 in London

Pull-out Poster

Ratha Yatra

Outreach

Pujari Department

Radha Krishna Records

Sankirtana

South Regional Updates: Bhakti Yoga Centre and Closet Krishna

Spiritual Mentorship System

Volunteering

Financial Summary

Jai Nitai dasa Temple President You can view the online interactive version of this publication on: http://www.iskcon.london/annualreview2015 Additional multimedia content can be viewed on: http://www.iskcon.london/annualreview2015/media

DEPARTMENT HEADS JAI NITAI DASA

DEVAKI DEVI DASI

BHAKTA NIKET

ACUTYA CHARAN DASA

BHAVA BHAKTI DEVI DASI

BHAKTA DHAVAL

PREMARNAVA DASA

KRISHNA KANTA DEVI DASI

MURLI MANOHARA DASA

BHAKTA DMITRY

BHAKTA RAKESH

NANDINI RASIKA DEVI DASI

RAM CHARAN DASA

GANDAKI DASA

BHAKTIN SUNITA

MUKUNDA KISHORE DASA

TITIKSU DASA

JAGA MOHINI DEVI DASI

SYAMANANDA DASA

GAURA KISHORE DASA

BHAKTA KAPILA

BHAKTA THIRU

MAHA NRSIMHA DASA

NAAM SANKIRTAN DASA

Temple President Charity Chairman Member of Management Board South Regional Coordinator Head of Community Development Team Mentor

Temple Administrator Charity Secretary / Trustee Member of Management Board South Regional Secretary Mentorship System Coordinator Mentor

Head Pujari Charity Trustee Member of Management Board Chair of New Temple Committee Member of Brahmacari Council Mentor

Financial Controller Member of Management Board

UK Ratha Yatra Coordinator Member of Management Board

Charity Trustee Mentor

Festivals Coordinator Charity Trustee Mentor

ISKCON50 Coordinator (London) Volunteers Coordinator

Volunteers Coordinator

London College of Vedic Studies Coordinator

Radha’s Boutique Manager

ISKCON Educational Services

Radha Krishna Records Manager

Govinda’s Restaurant Manager

Properties Manager

Head of Communications

Child Protection Officer Community Care Officer (Ombudsman)

General Manager

Kitchen Manager

Sankirtana Leader

Closet Krishna

Food for Life Coordinator

Closet Krishna Manager

Closet Krishna Assistant Manager

COURSES AND EDUCATION

COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Team has continued to expand its services and support to the community in 2015. There has been a restructure of roles and responsibilities so that we are better able to serve as instruments of bridging the information gap within and outside the community.

LONDON COLLEGE OF VEDIC STUDIES

INTERNAL COMMUNITY Enhanced communications to the ISKCON-London community HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:

embers of the team attended the annual ISKCON Europe Communications Conference in Radhadesh, Belgium, which included seminars, centre reports, team-building exercises and strategic planning for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary.

he community e-newsletters have been rebranded. Spurred by the increase in subscribers viewing them on mobile devices, we have revamped the look and feel to be mobile-friendly.

SUBSCRIBE: http://www.iskcon.london/enewsletter-signup

s an offering to Srila Prabhupada, 2015 Vyasa Puja offerings from the London community were compiled on a new microsite. VISIT: http://www.iskcon.london/ vyasapuja

dedicated microsite for A “ISKCON50 in London”. Here, you will find all the information relating to ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in London. VISIT: http://www.iskcon.london/ iskcon50

Both microsites were wonderfully designed by Bhakta Jay.

EXTERNAL COMMUNITY Building relationships with the external community HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:

he Star Foundation Lifetime Achievement and Youngsters Star Awards held at the House of Lords in July was attended by Temple President, Jai Nitai dasa. He had the opportunity to recite the Mangalacarana prayers, explain their meaning in context to service to others and give a short speech.

estminster Interfaith hosted its May meeting at ISKCON-London attended by various faith members to share, inspire and discuss plans on how to work together.

his Janmastami, we organised our first ever VIP Reception which hosted neighbours and press members.

e have collaborated with the Weekly Tribune newspaper to feature an article in their monthly column written by Chakra-nadi devi dasi.

agannatha Suta dasa, Producer of Radha-Krishna Records, featured on a radio interview on Soho Radio in March. He spoke about why he joined the Hare Krishna’s and about the record label.

2015 was a year of change for the ISKCON-London Courses Department. In July, it had acquired a new name, London College of Vedic Studies, and became a branch of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s College of Vedic Studies.

e were able to provide more than 30 courses and seminars in 2015. These included our regular courses “Devotional Practice”, “Essence of Bhagavad Gita”, “Guru Disciple Course” and “Introduction to BhaktiYoga”, as well as courses on Ayurveda, coaching, deity worship, kirtana, musical instruments, Tulasi-devi worship, and Vedic leadership. We started another run of the BhaktiSastri course and ran Bhakti Vaibhava (Canto 1) for the first time with regular attendance by more than 10 participants during an 8 month period. In total, we collected donations of more than £5600.

“I thoroughly enjoyed this course.

xternal Communications Officer, Kumari Kunti devi dasi, and ISKCON Youth Interfaith Member, Gaura-Hari dasa, attended Hanukah celebrations at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in December, sharing prayers and a few snacks with the 200+ person gathering.

I really appreciated the efforts the FOR ANY QUERIES, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH

speaker went to to ensure that we

Bhakta Rakesh, Head of Communications, at: rakesh.shah@iskcon-london.org

could understand the points covered

Bhaktin Natasha, Communications Secretary, at: natasha.menon@iskcon.london Kumari Kunti devi dasi, External Communications Officer, at: kumari.kunti@iskcon.london

in class. The speaker was really inspiring and very encouraging” COURSE PARTICIPANT

ISKCON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

e had 22 visits from educational institutions (majority being schools) in 2015. The children have enjoyed observing the aratis and joining in the kirtana. One student commented that “I didn’t realise how much fun you have”. “I want to thank you for the workshops last week. Everyone including students and staff enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you for the books as well. I will display them in the school” HOPEWELL SCHOOL

COMMUNITY EVENTS 2015 was an exciting year in terms of events. Members of the Community Development Team organised 3 major external events: Firstly, the Annual Patrons Boat Party to appreciate our Temple Patrons for their ongoing financial contributions to the Temple, followed by the Annual Volunteers Dinner at the historic Conway Hall (where Srila Prabhupada delivered a number of lectures) to thank our volunteers for their services. In November, we held the Celebration Event of Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara’s 46th Anniversary at the spacious Logan Hall near Russell Square. Special guests of the evening were 3 of the 6 pioneers of ISKCON in the UK: Gurudasa dasa, Malati devi dasi and Shyamasundara dasa who spoke about ISKCON’s past, present, and most poignantly, to make a plea for commitment

of the youth towards the future of the movement. HH Radhanath Swami was also present and spoke about the amazing feats achieved by Srila Prabhupada. The evening was a showcase of the success of the accomplishments of ISKCON-London, including a heart-wrenching drama from the Mahabharata and reggae mantra music by the Temple’s record label, Radha Krishna Records. On Wednesday 16th December, the actual Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara’s installation took place at the Temple and was celebrated with a magnificent pushpa abhishek (offering of flower petals to Their Lordships).

FESTIVALS

he Festivals Team are a steady and long-standing team led by Maha Nrsingha dasa. The core team includes Gaura Kishore dasa, Jai Nitai dasa, Nishikant Krishna dasa, Pitambhara Govinda dasa, Bhakta Dhaval, Bhakta Thiru, Champakalata Priya devi dasi and Sundari Radha devi dasi. The team work on the logistics of all the festivals that take place at the Temple in different areas including Temple decorations, feast preparations and servings, festival schedule, kirtana schedule, managing the shoe-racks, rolling darshans, and broadcast on mayapur.tv for those unable to attend in person. On the day, and also in advance

NITYANANDA TRAYODASI

GAURA PURNIMA

RAMA NAVAMI

NRSIMHA CATURDASI

SNANA YATRA

RATHA YATRA

JHULAN YATRA

BALARAMA JAYANTI

JANMASTAMI

VYASA PUJA

RADHASTAMI

GOVARDHANA PUJA

SHARAD PURNIMA

KARTIK

46TH ANNIVERSARY

of the festival, the core team and a wider team of dedicated volunteers are fully engaged in these services. The goal of the team is to increasingly offer better services to the community and make the festivals more relishable with beautiful decorations, VIP speakers for the classes, engaging dramas, ecstatic kirtanas, sumptuous prasadam, enhanced quality of online streaming on mayapur.tv, and up-to-date information on the website and social media. We wish to thank all the festival donors and volunteers without which we cannot have beautiful festivals for the pleasure of Their Lordships and the community.

GOVINDA’S RESTAURANT G

ovinda’s has had a successful year at the restaurant under the direction of Bhakta Niket, new Govinda’s Manager, and Bhakta Thiru, Kitchen Manager. As well as the restaurant, Govinda’s Catering continues to provide prasadam to various internal and external programmes including Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara’s Anniversary Event, Food for Life, Mentorship Sangas, Patrons Boat Party, Volunteers Dinner, and other corporate preaching, university and private events, including birthdays and weddings. CATERING FOR VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 2015, Govinda’s was forIntunate to cater at Vivienne

FOOD FOR LIFE is continuing to distribute wholesome prasadam to homeless people in central London 4 weekday evenings every week. Each night, we distribute around 150 plates of prasadam. There is a driver in charge each night who has a core team of volunteers that assists him/her. Due to the philanthropic nature of this service, we receive many volunteers and university societies that are inspired by distributing food to homeless people.

FOOD FOR LIFE

PLANS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD: We now have another confirmed volunteer driver so in 2016, Food for Life will also be taking place on Friday. This has been a long-awaited desire for the Food for Life Team and now has been arranged by the mercy of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. Whenever we have organised sangas for our volunteers, they have been well-attended and uplifting; our goal for 2016 is to ensure they happen more regularly.

We also give books to individuals that we meet who are interested in the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness.

If you would like to volunteer, please email: volunteers@iskcon-london.org

t is the compassion of Srila Prabhupada, who didn’t want anyone within a ten-mile radius of our temples to go hungry, that is the inspirational force behind the Food for Life programme.

Westwood’s backstage area on 2 occasions, in February and September. This opportunity arose as the event organiser, as a student, regularly ate at Govinda’s 20 years ago and asked us to cater for the events. The backstage area was filled with models, photographers,

make-up artists, hairdressers and event organisers, all of whom loved the prasadam and provided many compliments, many coming back for seconds. It was also interesting that many of them were already vegans or vegetarians and were pleasantly surprised that they could have everything on the menu!

WEDDING CATERING Govinda’s was honoured to be asked to cater for a few big weddings in 2015. Bhakta Thiru worked with the to-be-wedded couples to design a customised and opulent menu for their special day. The prasadam feast was a big success and enjoyed by the guests. Want Govinda’s to cater for your next big event? Please contact : govindas@iskcon-london.org

his is a wonderful ser vice and the team feels inspired when a hungry person comes and has 3 or 4 big plates of Krishna prasadam.

ISKCON50 ISKCON50 IN LONDON IN LONDON Visit our dedicated microsite at http://www.iskcon-london.org/iskcon50

ISKCON-London launched ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary celebrations on 13th August 2015, the 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada leaving India aboard the Jaladuta to come to the West. 50TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL OF SRILA PRABHUPADA’S DEPARTURE FOR THE WEST (13th August 2015)

The festival started with an Adivasa Ceremony led by Head Pujari, Murli Manohara dasa, and included themed classes from senior Srila Prabhupada disciples,

Janananda Goswami and Adi Karta dasa. Attendees were treated to a special Vyasasana display showing Srila Prabhupada boarding the Jaladuta.

50TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL OF SRILA PRABHUPADA’S ARRIVAL IN BOSTON (17th September 2015)

50TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL OF SRILA PRABHUPADA’S ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK (19th September 2015)

“The Jaladuta 50th Anniversary Celebrations were amazing. I think for the first time I gained an understanding of Srila Prabhupada - not just as a writer of books but as a living guru who went through so much to bring knowledge of Krishna to the West. The festival made me realise just how fortunate I am to be a devotee but also how amazing ISKCON is. It has really inspired me to learn more about Krishna Consciousness and the life of Srila Prabhupada and to remain a devotee for life” BHAKTIN CHANNAH

BUS HARINAMA (19th September 2015) Four open-topped buses, spreading the holy names around central London

ISKCON50 IN LONDON BOOKLET

SRILA PRABHUPADA KATHA SERIES

A special booklet “ISKCON50 in London” was produced and gifted to the community.

A series of evening talks by disciples of Srila Prabhupada talking about their remembrances of their dear spiritual master. The talks were led by

Read: http://www.iskcon-london org/iskcon50/media

Gurudasa dasa, Malati devi dasi, Nartaka Gopala dasi and Shyamasundara dasa. We will continue these in 2016.

TOVP FUNDRAISING EVENT (21st November 2015) ISKCON-London welcomed by the TOVP Team, and cultural the TOVP Team, Nityananda’s elements. Padukas and Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari. The community of ISKCONThe evening included arati of the London generously pledged a Padukas and Sitari, inspiring talks minimum of £140,000.

To view recordings from the events, please visit: http://bit.ly/iskcon50london-events-playlist

ISKCON50 IN 2016 WE WILL BE HAVING A RANGE OF ISKCON50 EVENTS IN 2016, INCLUDING: • UK premiere of “Acharya” film, directed and produced by Yadubara dasa

SRI SRI RADHA-LONDONISVARA’S 46TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

• Bus Harinama

• Interfaith Walk

• Open Days

• Children’s Event

• ISKCON50 Boat Programme

• Padayatra

• Cultural Evenings

• Japa and Kirtan Events

• Themed Book Marathons

AND MORE EVENTS!

(29th November 2015)

The signature 50th Anniversary event of 2015. Set in one of the biggest venues hired for an

ISKCON-London event in recent years, the event was themed around Srila Prabhupada.

If you would like to support or participate in any of these events, or have your own ideas for celebrating ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary, please get in touch with Devaki devi dasi, ISKCON50 Coordinator (London) on iskcon50@iskcon.london

ISKCON50 MERCHANDISE ON SALE AT RADHA'S BOUTIQUE To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, we have 50th-branded items on sale including T-shirts, hoodies and incense-stick boxes. Grab yours whilst stocks last!

We also have two initiatives which we encourage everyone to participate in: ISKCON 50/50 Initiative - See “Sankirtana” section for more information ISKCON50 “50 hours of service” Offering of Hearts Campaign - See “Volunteering” section for more information

RATHA YATRA

OUTREACH 2015 has seen a number of outreach programmes taking place at the Temple • Fortnightly mens and ladies sangas • Launch of Newcomers Sunday Feast Programme • Open Days, taking place monthly during May to September consisting of introductory presentation, mantra meditation workshop, kirtana experience and Q&A

• Launch of Krishna Culture evenings, providing an opportunity for talented devotees from the ISKCON community to express their devotion to Their Lordships through dance and music

huge crowd of devotees with beaming smiles and boundless enthusiasm pulled the giant chariot that carried the deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra (together in one chariot for the first time in many years) through Central London from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square at the annual Ratha Yatra Festival on Sunday 14th June. Absorbed in chanting and fervently dancing, the devotees left thousands of onlookers fascinated, in awe and many joining in with the fun. After the procession, thousands of well -wishers, tourists and locals congregated at Trafalgar Square to take part in the festivities. London Ratha Yatra featured in various media, including The Telegraph newspaper and Demotix, a world leading photojournalism website.

Kirtan London is an outreach initiative that is supported by ISKCON-London and ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor. The devotees that serve in the team come from both congregations, as well as further afield.

MANTRA LOUNGE

antra Lounge is a kirn 2016, we will begin to tana event held twice offer introductory kirtana a month and is attended by workshops, yoga classes, philosophy up to 50 people each time. talks and will be holding our first 4 times per year, we invite these countryside weekend retreat. guests to attend a 6 Hour Kirtan - a chance to become immersed in the holy names, and experience delicious prasadam and like -minded company. These events have been attended by 200 -250 people, many of whom are regular attendees.

e also host a Pop-Up Temple at the Mind Body Spirit festival, an alternative spiritual exhibition, which attracts 70,000 people. Guests to the Pop-Up Temple take part in short japa and kirtana sessions, and receive sweet prasadam and Srila Prabhupada’s books.

PUJARI DEPARTMENT

RADHA KRISHNA RECORDS

GOLD LEAFING OF THE ALTAR

Radha Krishna Records released two new albums this year “O Mother” by Hari Kirtan dasa (November 2015)

“Inevitable Time” by Ananda Monet (May 2015)

n 2010, we built a new altar with an opulent new singhasana that sits above Their Lordships. In 2015, we gold leafed the highlighted carved sections of the singhasana.

SPONSOR THE WORSHIP OF THEIR LORDSHIPS ON SPECIAL DAYS

RENOVATIONS

s an offering for the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, we have made bold plans to completely refurbish and upgrade the department. After consulting with all Pujaris, a detailed plan for renovation has been developed and the project should be completed in early 2016.

You can sponsor the worship of Their Lordships on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Sponsorships can be done online: http://bit.ly/1Tm5eDD or at Radha’s Boutique.

Why not bring an offering of love for Their Lordships when you next come to visit Them? The following items are regularly needed for the Pujari Kitchen: DRIED FRUITS

EXOTIC FRUITS

NUTS

VEGETABLES

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Apricots Cranberries Dates Figs Raisins

Guava Mango Papaya Pineapple Raspberries Strawberries

Almonds Brazil nuts Cashew Pistachios Walnuts

Bitter melon Eggplant French beans Indian vegetables Okra Sweet potato

Brown sugar Carob powder

AHIMSA PUJARI DEPARTMENT Availability of a sufficient quantity of ahimsa products has been a longstanding issue. Our Pujari Council recently took measures to work towards the goal of using ahimsa-only milk and milk products. We are continuing to use approximately 100 litres of milk from the Goshala at Bhaktivedanta Manor. We have also, after extensive research, managed to source ahimsa ghee. We are now looking at making our own yogurt with the milk that we get from the Goshala. To help support this campaign, you can make a donation through our online donations page. Donate: http://bit.ly/1QBUKhk

“Inevitable Time” by Ananda Monet is in the top 20 Conscious Music Albums of 2015. The Soul Traveller Radio radio show awarded Ananda Monet’s “Inevitable Time” album 16th place. 4 kirtana albums by ISKCON chanters made the Top 20, highlighting a strong appreciation for kirtana amongst the voters.

http://apple.co/1ROVPBm

http://apple.co/1ROVVc9

buy on iTunes

Both albums now expand the variety of devotional genres in the Radha Krishna Records catalogue. Nearly 1,000 albums were sold over the year. We hope to increase the amount of donations in 2016 alongside sales income.

“Hari Kirtan’s new CD “O Mother” is filled with spiritual emotions and devotion which have a soul-stirring effect on the audience. I very much appreciate the artistic musical talent of the band. This kind of presentation can be a very effective

means to especially attract Westerners to Krishna Consciousness. We hope to see many more of these kind of musical recordings in the future. It will surely add to making a difference to this misdirected world” HH DHIRASANTA DASA GOSWAMI

Radha Krishna Records presents Krishna Culture to the public at the Camden Centre

adha Krishna Records made Krishna Consciousness accessible to a wider audience with its “Contemporary Krishna Culture Showcase” at the Camden Centre in Central London on 28th May. Around 400 people bought tickets to come to see the evening show. About 40% of the audience

Watch highlights:

had never been to a kirtana event before.

he first half of the show, “Inevitable Time”, was an enthralling, dynamic journey into India’s greatest epic Mahabharata. The dramatic story and timeless philosophical message was carried through powerful songs by

http://bit.ly/ 1RwOeVz

http://bit.ly/ 1TEKrvI

Ananda Monet and expressive choreography by multi-award winning Samadhi Dance Company from Amsterdam. “The tracks we’ve heard cut straight to the soul”

stated the kirtana newsletter, the Bhakti Beat.

he second half of the show, “Like a River to the Sea”, by Jahnavi Harrison was an unforgettable experience of call-and-response kirtana, storytelling and sacred song. The live performance explored visuals and poetry from saints of the bhakti yoga tradition and diverse instruments.

“Jahnavi Harrison is a being of total devotion. Listen to her sing and let the doors of your heart fly open” JAI UTTAL

SANKIRTANA

SANKIRTAN

2015 was the best year for sankirtana at ISKCON-London since 2005 and the most-successful December Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon since 2001. From January through to November 2015, ISKCON-London was the Number 1 Temple in Europe and Number 2 “Medium” Temple globally. IN THE 2015 DECEMBER SRILA PRABHUPADA BOOK MARATHON - 176 devotees took part (exceeding the goal of 108 devotees) - 30,000 books were distributed - £65,046 lakshmi was collected (exceeding the goal of £60,000)

2015 TOTALS - 253 DEVOTEES TOOK PART - 80,912 BOOK POINTS - £165,303 LAKSHMI (exceeding the yearly goal of £160,000) 5, 543 SMALL BOOKS 43, 457 MEDIUM BOOKS 3, 484 BIG BOOKS 25,965 MAHA BIG BOOKS 100 SETS

Throughout the year, there were 9 themed Sankirtana Sprints and 3 Marathons to keep the momentum and spirit of book distribution going. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2016 Sankirtana Marathon and Sprint dates 22nd to 25th January 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 11th to 20th February 2016 - SANKIRTANA MARATHON 18th to 21st March 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 8th to 11th April 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 14th to 17th May 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 17th to 20th June 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 18th to 29th July 2016 - SANKIRTANA MARATHON 12th to 15th August 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 1st to 6th September 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 14th to 17th October 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 4th to 7th November 2016 - SANKIRTANA SPRINT 1st to 24th December 2016 - SANKIRTANA MARATHON

TOP 20 BOOK DISTRIBUTORS DURING 2015 DECEMBER SRILA PRABHUPADA BOOK MARATHON NAME

DAYS

LAKSHMI

BOOK POINTS

Sarada devi dasi

£5,943.00

3,907.00

Naam Sankirtan dasa

£6,690.00

3,643.00

Rsi Raya Gauranga dasa

£6,199.00

3,353.75

Closet Krishna

£6,677.00

3,135.00

Bhava Bhakti devi dasi’s Mentee Group

£4,213.00

2,107.75

Bhakta Samy

£3,620.00

1,868.00

Vamsi Dhari dasa

£3,500.00

1,860.25

Ram Charan dasa

£3,128.00

1,700.00

Bhakta Vayu

£3,462.00

1,598.25

Madhurya Gaurangi devi dasi

£2,060.00

1,375.75

Shaktyavesha Avatara dasa

£2,111.00

1,005.50

Gita Jayanti

£1,552.00

840.00

Bhakta Vince

£1,000.00

666.50

Bhakta Kiren

£1,201.00

630.00

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Vyasasana Book Distribution)

£1,189.00

548.50

Bhaktin Neeti

£1,001.00

540.00

Bhava Bhakti devi dasi and Jai Nitai dasa

£1,079.00

466.75

Evening Professionals Group

£764.00

402.75

Ananga Manjari devi dasi

£601.00

398.75

Jai Nitai dasa

£731.00

361.75

2015 TOTALS

SOUTH REGIONAL UPDATES: BHAKTI YOGA CENTRE The ISKCON Crawley congregation has developed into a core group of around 30 devotees and receives support from the wider community at events and festivals of between 100 to 400 attendees. The Bhakti Yoga Centre receives income from general donations, book distribution and events.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: • Weekly Friday evening programme (between 35 to 60 attendees) • Weekly kirtana and practice • Mangala Arati every Sunday The ISKCON Crawley community was honoured to pledge £46,000 for the TOVP project

• Bi-weekly Pandava Sena programme • Annual Japa Retreat at the start of each year for the past 3 years • Annual Radhadesh Mellows retreat for devotees and wider community • Annual Ratha Yatra since 2008 • Annual Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja book and festival • Celebrating all major festivals • Full community participation in the December Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon

If you are not based in London, then please contact your local ISKCON centre.

Nitai Gauranga are served by a group of grhastas at their homes and travel with them to all programmes

SOUTH REGIONAL UPDATES: CLOSET KRISHNA 2015 has been a very exciting time at Closet Krishna, ISKCON-London’s charity shop in Rochester.

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SYSTEM A major highlight in 2015 was our Annual Mentorship Retreat which took place in Norfolk for 4 days. Our special guest was HH Candramauli Swami who gave daily seminars on “The Tree of Life”. We also had ecstatic kirtanas by Radha Londonisvara dasa and drama workshops facilitated by Syamananda dasa. The retreat was well-attended by representatives from all the mentorship groups and we hope to build on this success for our upcoming events.

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COURSES, SEMINARS AND PROGRAMMES

DONATIONS FOR STOCK REQUIRED Do you have any second-hand items that could be donated to the Closet Krishna charity shop such as books, clothes, decorative objects, jewellery, toys, etc.?

- FRIDAY EVENING PROGRAMMES From these, we have now developed monthly home programmes at devotees’ homes as well as a Second Tier Mentorship group.

If so, you can leave items at ISKCON-London Temple Reception clearly labelling the bag/s with “Closet Krishna donations”, or visit Closet Krishna (126 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1JT).

- AYURVEDIC SEMINARS - HATHA YOGA CLASSES - INTRODUCTION TO BHAKTI YOGA SEMINAR

For any queries, please contact: Nandini Rasika devi dasi, Closet Krishna Manager at closetkrishna@aol.com

- PAST LIFE REGRESSIONS

All profit generated goes to supporting ISKCON-London.

- VEGETARIAN COOKING COURSES

verall, the Spiritual Mentorship System is steadily growing in numbers and we are having to apply for new mentors to join the System in order to offer more choice to mentees as well as help look after increased members. Mentee groups regularly cook the Sunday Feast as well as serving in all departments in the Temple.

Contact with mentors remains mainly through the twice monthly meetings each mentor has with his/her group as well as regular 121 meetings with the mentee. We are in the process of launching a Junior Mentorship System for those devotees who want to join the System but are not able to follow all requirements or who are new to the process of Krishna Consciousness.

We have also received invitations from the local community to participate in local events, signifying an acceptance and recognition within the community. Watch retreat highlights: http://bit.ly/1LasBO3

ickens Festival in June 2015: We had an Open Day, and over 100 plates of prasadam were served.

ocal interfaith pilgrimage in September 2015: The group of pilgrims joined us outside the shop for kirtana and all participants took a book.

anesh Chaturthi Festival: Book stall with over 500 books distributed.

Watch highlights: http://bit.ly/1TETZql

hristmas Dickens Festival: Our volunteers distributed a record number of books. The momentum continued during the Christmas book marathon where we distributed just under 4,000 books.

VOLUNTEERING

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

ISKCON-London is home to Their most beautiful Lordships, Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, and is a wonderful spiritual oasis in an otherwise materially surcharged city of London. Dedicated to the spiritual upliftment of society, our community of both resident and non-resident volunteers lovingly serve either physically at the Temple or from outside to ensure that activities at the Temple run smoothly.

INCOME

EXPENDITURE

SURPLUS (DEFICIT)

RADHA-KRISHNA TEMPLE

£1,530,000

£1,150,000

£380,000

GOVINDA’S RESTAURANT

£664,000

£475,000

£189,000

PUJARI DEPARTMENT

£216,000

£84,000

£132,000

Our vibrant community of volunteers serve in diverse areas including: • Administration • Book distribution • Communications • Community development • Deity worship • Devotee care

• Drama • Education and training • Food distribution • Guest care and follow-up • Harinama sankirtana • Kitchen services

• Maintenance • Outreach • Photography and videography • Publications • Radha Krishna Records

And of course, the many events and festivals that we hold throughout the year!

ISKCON-LONDON COMMUNITY SURVEY 2016

The Community Development Team would like to invite you to take a few moments to share your experience as a community member of ISKCON-London.

ithin each area, our volunteers come together bringing their unique skills and talents and serve together for the pleasure of Their Lordships. As our Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, says: “Krishna has given everyone something extraordinary, and to serve Krishna with one’s extraordinary talent means successful life.” (Letter to Sukadeva, 17 March, 1973)

f you would like to be part of our growing community of volunteers, we have a variety of opportunities available for you to get involved with. Whatever you would like to offer in Krishna’s service, we would love to hear from you. As Lord Krishna says: “One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.” (Bhagavad Gita As It Is, 18.55, Translation)

One of our objectives is for our community to feel “Welcomed, Served and Loved” and your feedback will provide us with insight into how we are doing, what we should do more of and what we can do better. The link to the survey is: www.iskcon.london/communitysurvey Deadline to complete the survey is: 31st May 2016

ISKCON50 “50 HOURS OF SERVICE” OFFERING devotional service to ISKCON-London. For more details and to download your ISKCON50 Service Sheet, visit: www.iskcon. OF HEARTS CAMPAIGN ♥ The 50th Anniversary year of ISKCON is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON movement and be inspired to serve the mission in the coming decades. We have started an Offering of Hearts Campaign where you can contribute 50 hours of voluntary

london/iskcon50/50hours

Everyone is welcome to participate. All who complete a minimum of 50 hours of service as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations in London will get a certificate and gift that will be presented at the end of 2016.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Temple, please email: volunteers@iskcon-london.org

Editor: Devaki devi dasi Designer: Chandra Bellamy Official Photographers: Harsh Sharma, Ravi Goel, Tadas Jasaitis We would also like to thank other community members for use of their pictures

DAILY SCHEDULE ARATI TIMES 04:30 05:00 07:00 08:00 12:30 16:15 19:00 21:00

Mangal Arati Tulasi Arati Deity Greetings Dhoopa Arati Raj Bhoga Arati Dhoopa Arati Sundara Arati Sayana Arati

These are times when items are offered for the pleasure of the Deities.

ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL

DARSHAN TIMES

CLASS TIMES

04:30 to 05:00 07:00 to 07:30 08:00 to 11:45 12:30 to 13:00 16:15 to 18:30 19:00 to 19:30 21:00 to 21:30

07:30 Srimad Bhagavatam 13:00 Introductory Talk * 18:00 Bhagavad Gita Class * * Excludes Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

LUNCH PROGRAM - MONDAY TO SATURDAY 12:30 to 14:00 Introductory talk and prasadam distribution.

These are times when the curtains are open and the Deities can be seen.

Contact : T: +44 (0)20 7437 3662 E : info@iskcon-london.org W : www.iskcon.london

SUNDAY FEAST PROGRAM 15:30 to 19:30

Includes arati, introductory talk and feast.

@iskconlondon /iskconlondon

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

International Society for Krishna Consciousness Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada