Community News August 2013
Who’s Who
Community News
1. Jai Nitai Dasa
Temple President Charity Chairman Counsellor Member of Management Board South Region Coordinator
4. Murli Manohara dasa
8. Maha Nrsimha dasa
5. Suddhatma dasa
9. Jagannath Suta dasa
Charity Trustee Head Pujari Member of Brahmacari Council Member of Management Board
Govinda’s Restaurant Manager Member of Management Board
Charity Trustee Festivals Coordinator Counsellor
Radha Krishna Records
2. Bhava Bhakti dd
Spiritual Counsellor System Coordinator Counsellor Charity Trustee / Secretary Temple Administrator South Regional Secretary Member of Management Board
6. Ram Charan dasa
Financial Controller Member of Management Board Counsellor
3. Titiksu dasa
UK Ratha Yatra Coordinator Member of Management Board
7. Gaura Kishore dasa
Charity Trustee Community Development Team Coordinator Counsellor
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
2
10. Kasinatha dasa
Temple Security / Commander
11. Saumya Radhika dd
Community Development Team Coordinator Counsellor
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Who’s Who
Community News
12. Jaga Mohini dd
ISKCON Educational Services (IES) Tulasi pujari
16. Sachi Kishore dasa
13. Bhaktin Sunita
20. Gandaki dasa
Preaching and Outreach Counsellor
Radha’s Boutique Manager Member of Management Board
Child Protection Officer Community Care Officer (Ombudsman) for ISKCON-London
Volunteers’ coordinator
17. Devaki dd
21. Bhakta Thiru
14. Vamsi Priya dd
18. Bhakta Dhaval
22. Premarnava dasa
15. Bhakta Nikita
19. Acyuta Charan dasa & Krishna Kanta dd
23. Bhakta Rakesh
Education and Courses
Sankirtan Leader
Kitchen Manager
Volunteers’ coordinator
Properties Manager
Food for Life coordinators
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
3
Communications Team
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Vamsi Priya dd
Courses Upcoming and Current Events
Title: The Values & Ethics of Samskaras – for Parenting & Domestic Prosperity Date: Saturday 28th September, 2013, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Venue: ISKCON London, 10 Soho Street, Seminar Hall.
The science of samskaras are prominently placed in the Vedic tradition of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. While establishing the science of Krishna Consciousness, Lord Caitanya deputed Gopala Bhatta Gosvami to document the rites of samskaras to protect the principles of devotion (bhagavad-dharma-rakshartham) for future devotee communities. For this reason, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami wrote the Sat Kriya Sara Dipika in Sanskrit and documented the ceremonial procedures for posterity.
Course Introduction:
The rites of a samskara are more important when it serves the
Samskaras for Krishna Bhakti
Essence Of Bhagavad Gita This is a 5 session course offering an outline of the main themes from the Bhagavad Gita. This course is ideal for those seeking to gain an understanding of the basic concepts discussed in the Bhagavad Gita: Karma and Reincarnation, Three modes of material nature, Validity of Scripture and God as a person. The topics to be covered are: • Search for Happiness • Does God Exist • Are the Vedas the word of God • Why do bad things happen to good people • Practical Application This course is best suited to those who are inquisitive about devotional practises and wishing to gain a basic understanding of Krsna Consciousness. The course is a certified course at foundational level and is a pre-requisite for potential Bhakti Sastri candidates and those wishing to join the ISKCON London Counsellor System. Facilitator: Date: Time : Venue: Registration fee:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
4
Shivanand Prabhu Saturday, 27 April for 5 consecutive Saturday evenings 6.30 – 8.30 pm Seminar Room Radha’s Boutique ( Floor 2 ) £25 for 5 classes
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
5
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Sachi Kishore dasa
Outreach This month, the Outreach Team continued to focus on the two main youth programmes for men, happening on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Wednesday Programme This month we focused on challenges in Krishna Conscious practice and strengthening sadhana. Attendees are now regularly updating the team on their daily sadhana and sharing their realisations.
Friday Programme The men’s Friday programme continued to focus on a range of topical issues and to reconnect with old friends, while building relationships with more recent attendees. The main objective for the next month for both groups would be a range of group kirtan experiences and events to revitalise and uplift our experience and appreciation of Krishna consciousness.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
6
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Devaki dd
Bhakta Dhaval
Volunteers Team
ISKCON London Volunteers Sanga Visitor care
On the evening of Tuesday 6th August, over 60 volunteers at ISKCON-London attended a most inspiring talk by HH Bhakti Rasamrta Swami titled “Developing our devotional service, externally and internally”. Maharaja gave the volunteers wonderful inspiration in carrying out their sadhana and services by expanding on Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s bhajan entitled “Suddha Bhakata Carana Renu”. The sanga finished with volunteers spending time with each other over Prasadam. For anyone who would like to hear the talk, you can find the audio recording on http://www.iskcon-london. org//volunteering.html.
(i) Guest greeters (ii) Follow up callers (can do this service from home) Volunteers who have been practicing Krishna Consciousness for some time, conversant with the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy by regularly reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and enthusiastic about providing care to Temple visitors. If you are interested in any of these services or have any queries, please email volunteers@iskcon-london.org
If you are a volunteer at ISKCON-London but not currently receiving our monthly communications, please contact us at volunteers@ iskcon-london.org so that we can add you to our mailing list and keep you informed of future events for our volunteers.
How to get in touch If you have any feedback or suggestions, require any assistance with your service, or have any other queries or concerns, please email volunteers@iskcon-london.org or approach Bhakta Dhaval or Devaki devi dasi (Volunteer Co-ordinators) directly.
Volunteering Opportunities Please see below for new opportunities:
If you would like to register as a new volunteer at the Temple, please visit www.iskcon-london.org/volunteering and complete our online new volunteers registration form so we can get in touch with you.
Radha Krishna Records Marketing, sales and distribution assistants to assist with sale of physical CDs via temples around the world, online distribution i.e. promoting iTunes and the website to encourage people to download or mail order CDs. Can do this service from home
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
7
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Bhava Bhakti dd
The Spiritual Counsellor System Russell Square is where Srila Prabhupada went for his daily morning walk. We read that Srila Prabhupada, in regards to a statue here of the fifth Duke of Bedford who had laid out the square, laughingly said “This is material life. After so much labour for money and prestige, his reward is to stand in a public place with the pigeons passing stool on his head.” And low and behold, we looked up to see a pigeon on the statue’s shoulder! It was a wonderful moment, as we felt a connection to Srila Prabhupada’s pastimes in the Square.
On Friday 23rd August, Bhava Bhakti devi dasi and her counsellee group visited some of the Holy places in Central London connected with Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara, recorded in the book ‘Where the Sun Shines’ by Ranchor Prime. Here is a report by one of the counsellees in the group - Bhaktin Reshma.
Our first stop was The Poetry Place located at 22 Betterton Street. This is where the original six devotees Srila Prabhupada sent to London stayed in November 1968– HG Mukunda dasa, HG Janaki dasi, HG Guru dasa, HG Yamuna dasi, HG Shyamasundar dasa, HG Malati dasi, and baby Saraswati. Descriptions in the book such as ‘opposite sat a grim council block’ and ‘ceaseless footsteps’ we saw held true to present day. We discussed how much austerity the devotees endured to please Srila Prabhupada and to establish ISKCON London. It was also here that Shyamsundar dasa carved our Jagannatha Deity we have smiling in the Temple today. We then headed towards Russell Square, walking down Bedford Place, where a mini history lesson was given by Jaga Mohini dd as we passed boarded up apartment windows - the term daylight robbery originates from the government boarding up the windows of those that did not pay their taxes!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Next, we made our way to Conway Hall, where we were kindly granted permission to step inside, and we read it was here that Srila Prabhupada said ‘Narada Muni, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma – they all came and danced with us, and I sang to them. That is why the kirtan was so full of ecstasy’. We all began to meditate on how fortunate we are that Srila Prabhupada came to such places and attracted all, 8
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Our next stop was 7 Bury Place, which is where, on Sunday 14th December 1969, Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara appeared in London. We felt in awe that we were stood outside such a monumental and potent tirtha in ISKCON’s history, and thankful for an opportunity to develop more of an intimate connection with Srila Prabhupada and our presiding Deities and the Temple.
how the first Harinam in London starting from Trafalgar Square ended in Soho Square. Devotees chanted for a while longer, but due to the pour of rain, took shelter. Mukunda Maharaj stayed under the small house in the centre of the Square a little longer. As he was about to leave, a curious bystander began conversation, asking location of his school, to which Mukunda Maharaj replied they don’t have one. After the man bid goodbye, Mukunda Maharaj shouted ‘Keep an eye out for us, we will be back’. In his book Maharaj writes, in 1968 his words proved to be true. Less than 100 feet from us would be an ISKCON Centre. And this is our Temple today!
All of these places are in walking distance of the Temple, and of each other. As a group we all felt that visiting these places, and reading about them together, evokes great gratitude for Srila Prabhupada and his dedicated disciples, without whom ISKCON London would not have been established. For more information on how to join the Spiritual Counsellor System at ISKCON-London please contact Bhava Bhakti dd on bhava. bhakti@gmail.com
Our next stop was Trident Studios, where the Radha Krishna Temple album was recorded, and finally Soho Square. Reading from ‘Miracle on Second Avenue’ by Mukunda Goswami, we all heard
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
9
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Jai Nitai dasa
Out & About
With the Temple President
Jai Nitai dasa – report for August 2013
10th - Crawley Ratha Yatra
2nd - Friday Programme in Brighton at Phoenix with about 35-40 attendees.
11th - Gave Sunday Feast Talk in London 13th - UK Management Council Meeting at Manor where ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor signed off now also as an independent charity.
4th - Bhakti Sastri Exam for about 16 devotees for final 9 chapters of Bhagavad-gita
17th - Gave talk about Janmashtami at Maidenhead Sanga - 15 attendees
6th - Volunteers Sanga with HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami 9th - Friday Programme in Crawley at BYC about 50 attendees – the day before Ratha yatra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
10
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Above: Patron’s Boat Programme
18th – Patron’s Boat Programme 20th - Balarama Jayanti evening talk at London 21st - Temple Council Meeting at the Manor 24th - South Regional Meeting at South Norwood 28th - Janmashtami
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
29th - Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja 30th - Regional Vyasa Puja event in Crawley BYC - 200 plus attendees
11
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Patron’s Boat Party On Sunday 18th August we had our annual Patron’s Boat Event along the River Thames. This event was organised by Bhaktin Ashika and Bhakta Nimesh in conjunction with the Volunteers department consisting of Devaki dd and Bhakta Dhaval. The key note speaker was HG Kripamoya dasa, and we also had the production of a drama by professionally qualified Bhaktin Abigail, supported by Narada and Sunita. The evening ended with lila kirtan by Radha Londonisvara dasa and his band - Mandali.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
12
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Saumya Radhika dd
Gaura Kishore dasa
Community Development It was a blissful atmosphere in the Temple Room with volunteers performing the service listening to kirtana, arati and spiritual discourses. This gave the team confidence that with the mercy of the Lord, under the guidance of authorities, a mountain of service could look like a mustard seed. In the end, we managed to get the entire mailout out on time to our community and we felt the mercy of Srila Prabhupada in executing our service. If you wish to have the same experience, please join us for similar services for our next big mailout around January 2014. The current CDT team would like to thank Gaura Kishore dasa and Saumya-radhika devi dasi (previous CDT Co-ordinators), who as inspirational leaders, put the systems in place for effective
Spotlight on Festival Mailout Service Report by Bhakta Prasad The month preceding the Janmastami festival is always a busy time for the Community Development Team (CDT). Our main responsibilities for the festival are in drafting the invitation letter, designing the invitation card, updating the community database, and arranging the printing and dispatching of invites to our community members. This year, there was an additional element of excitement as a relatively new team took over the responsibility for coordinating this wonderful service. The festival invite was perhaps one of the most beautiful so far with a truly captivating picture of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara and an inspiring quote from Srila Prabhupada. The real challenge
was to get almost 3000 invites dispatched in time. On one weekend, in the Temple Room (what better place than in front of Their most beautiful Lordships), with the help of a large group of volunteers from all age groups, we managed to complete the entire service!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
13
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Community News
Maha Nrsimha dasa
Festivals
Janmashtami
attracting many passers by. Many joined in chanting and dancing, and some entered the Temple for the first time on this auspicious day, welcomed by the ISKCON London guest greeting team, and took Darshan and visited Radha’s boutique.
Report by Bhaktin Reshma After months of careful planning and excitement, the day had finally arrived – Sri Krishna Janmashtami! Their Lordships dazzled us with Their beauty against a backdrop of Nanda Maharaja’s courtyard, and the Temple room was decorated as Vrindavana forest with cowherd boys and various animals dancing amongst the greenery. Throughout the day there was kirtan, classes and dramas, all enabling us to absorb our minds in the sweet Lord’s pastimes and qualities. In the afternoon there was a wonderful Harinam, with devotees Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
In the evening, the beautiful Abhisheka (bathing) ceremony of Chota Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara was observed, followed by dramas. If this was a mundane function, many would expect that by 9pm, those who had been serving or participating from morning would be slightly tired. But this was certainly not the case! From 9pm the atmosphere in the Temple room was, in fact, electric, with devotees
14
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Festivals
Community News
excitedly anticipating midnight Darshan, marking the time Lord Krishna appeared on this planet over 5,000 years ago. Many visitors queued for Darshan, while others watched live online on www. mayapur.tv, eager to see Their Lordships. When midnight struck, all present allowed their hearts to be melted by the stunningly gorgeous smiling faces of the Lordships. The recording of Govindam prayers by Mother Yamuna allowed us to meditate on the transcendental qualities of Sri Krishna as we took Darshan. Sharing such moments amongst devotees who have dedicated their lives to serving the Supreme Lord is incomparable, and uplifting to say the
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
least. We could really feel the extent of Their Lordships mercy, and felt Srila Prabhupada’s constant blessings through countless opportunities to serve throughout the day. With hearts refreshed from Janmashtami 2013 celebrations, we all look forward to next year, inviting all to participate with us, either in person or online on the ‘London’ channel, on www.mayapur.tv. Archives of the Janmashtami festival, and other festivals and classes are also accessible through this website. For information of volunteering opportunities for next year, or for upcoming programmes, please email volunteers@iskcon-london.org.
15
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Thank you to all our festival volunteers! The Volunteers Team would like to wholeheartedly thank all the volunteers who helped with the festivals that took place this month! We depend on our volunteers to assist with various services - the biggest projects being the festival mailouts (see a spotlight on this service on next page), festival decorations (this year, our volunteers helped transform the Temple Room into Vrindavan forest!), serving on the festival days itself and the tidy up. Thank you all very much! It was a real team effort and shows what a great community of dedicated volunteers we have at ISKCON-London!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
16
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja by Devaki dd and Bhaktin Reshma The atmosphere at the Temple was incredibly enlivening on this auspicious day. Although many devotees were tired due to Janmashtami celebrations running into the late night, such tiredness became exceptionally sweet when we collectively absorbed ourselves in glorifying Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, and realised we would not even be in the fortunate position of observing such festivals without His Divine Grace’s mercy and compassion.
In the evening, offerings were read out to Srila Prabhupada in the presence of Their Lordships and the devotees, including several offerings sent in via email (vyasapujaofferings@iskcon-london.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
org) by those who were not able to be present. This was a very intimate, and at times, an emotional part of the day, where not only letters but also poems and other creative offerings of love and gratitude were read to His Divine Grace. It was evident how much of a personal impact Srila Prabhupada has had on the lives of the devotees who made the offerings, and inspired many present and tuning in online, to go deeper in our relationship with him. Coming together on this day with devotees and participating in activities such as Harinam, observing Arati and Abhisheka, participating in kirtan and the reading of offerings, and dedicating all our time to meditating on Srila Prabhupada’s qualities and teachings truly gives us an insight into the extent that we should remember, thank and serve His Divine Grace, who has given us all facility to become fully Krishna conscious under His shelter.
17
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Festivals
GBC Resolutions / Statements The following are important communications coming from our GBC (Governing Body Commission). It is important that you take the time to read the following fully and if you have any questions please direct them to your local Temple\ Centre\Community leadership.
303. GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada
da, the guru parampara, one’s diksa guru, other siksa gurus, the Holy Name, sastra, and the nine processes of devotional service.
Whereas there is a need to clarify within our society, via a succinct statement, Srila Prabhupada’s preeminent position in relationship to diksa and siksa gurus as well as all ISKCON members, and to provide clarity on the function and position of diksa and siksa gurus in the ISKCON society:
Within these cooperative elements, Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is the preeminent guru for all members of ISKCON. All members of ISKCON, for all generations, are encouraged to seek shelter of Srila Prabhupada. All members of ISKCON are entitled and encouraged to have a personal relationship with Srila Prabhupada through his books, teachings, service, and his ISKCON society.
RESOLVED: That the GBC endorses the following statement:
All members accepting leadership roles within ISKCON, including diksa gurus and siksa gurus, have the duty of serving together under ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s instructions as he has given in his books, lectures, and personal communications. [1]
As the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the preeminent teacher and ultimate authority within our society, Srila Prabhupada has a unique relationship with every ISKCON devotee.
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the original guru whose Divine Grace descends through the medium of the guru parampara. As such, a devotee is ultimately delivered by Sri Krishna acting through a combination of various manifestations of His mercy. These include, but are not limited to, the caitya guru, Srila Prabhupa
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Overall, the primary duty of all diksa gurus, siksa gurus, and others in leadership positions, is to assist Srila Prabhupada in his service to his Guru Maharaja Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, and our Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.
18
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Community Festivals News
Those who accept the service of diksa guru or siksa guru in ISKCON are required to be exemplary in representing Srila Prabhupada’s teaching in their words and personal behavior. The siksa guru gives spiritual instruction and inspiration on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and our guru parampara. The diksa guru gives spiritual instruction, inspiration, formal initiation, a spiritual name, and later imparts the sacred Gayatri mantras to a qualified disciple as a service to Srila Prabhupada and our guru parampara.
This statement, while conclusive, is not exhaustive in its discussion of these principles. The GBC may authorize additional statements and papers in the future to further explain the preeminent position of our Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada, the role and responsibilities of those who serve as gurus in our society, and the related duties of ISKCON members and initiates. All GBC members must distribute this resolution to all ISKCON temples, communities and congregations via appropriate means of communication for the education of all ISKCON members. This statement shall also be studied in ISKCON courses including introductory courses, the ISKCON Disciple Course, the Spiritual Leadership Seminar: Being a Guru in ISKCON, and other relevant venues. Reading this statement, and affirming it has been read prior to initiation, shall be part of the test for all prospective initiates.
Srila Prabhupada has clearly explained that devotees who are strictly following the Krsna conscious principles are acting on the liberated platform, and, as such, are pure devotees, even though they may actually not yet be liberated. [2] (Such unalloyed devotional service is not necessarily determined by one’s role or position of service, but by one’s realization.) Those who accept the service of diksa or siksa guru within ISKCON are mandated to be strict followers of the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, and, as long as they follow, they are acting on the liberated platform. Thus they may serve, as Srila Prabhupada ordered, as bona fide representatives of the Lord and the guru parampara and be a via media of their mercy. Yet it should be clearly understood that if such diksa or siksa gurus deviate from strictly following, they may fall down from their position. Thus, to act as a diksa guru in ISKCON means to serve under the GBC and in cooperation with other ISKCON authorities by functioning as a “regular guru” as Srila Prabhupada has directed.
A person who is liberated acharya and guru cannot commit any mistake, but there are persons who are less qualified or not liberated, but still can act as guru and acharya by strictly following the disciplic succession.” Letter to Janardana, 26 April, 1968. And: “We may not be cent percent perfect, but as far as possible, if we follow the instruction as it is, that much perfect. In this way one will get perfection. So one has to follow. The same example, try to understand, that a perfect, expert technologist or technician or mechanic
1. More details on these spiritual relationships and duties may be found in the official “Har-
is working, and somebody is working under his instruction. So this somebody, because he
monizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” Paper approved by the GBC in 2012.
is strictly working under the instruction of the expert, he’s also expert. He may not be cent
percent expert, but his work is expert. Is that clear? Because he is working under the expert. Do you follow? So if you follow pure devotee, then you are also pure devotee. It may not
2. “This Krishna consciousness movement directly receives instructions from the Supreme
be one is cent percent pure. Because we are trying to raise ourself from the conditional life.
Personality of Godhead via persons who are strictly following His instructions. Although a
But if we strictly follow the pure devotee, then we are also pure devotee. So far we do, that
follower may not be a liberated person, if he follows the supreme, liberated Personality of
is pure. So pure devotee does not mean one has to become immediately cent percent pure.
Godhead, his actions are naturally liberated from the contamination of the material nature.
But if he sticks to the principle that “We’ll follow a pure devotee,” then his actions are... He
Lord Caitanya therefore says: ‘By My order you may become a spiritual master.’ One can im-
is as good as a pure devotee. It is not I am explaining in my own way. It is the explanation
mediately become a spiritual master by having full faith in the transcendental words of the
of Bhagavata. Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah [Cc. Madhya 17.186].” Ref. VedaBase =>
Supreme Personality of Godhead and by following His instructions.” SB 4.18.5, purport
Bhagavad-gita 2.1-10 and Talk -- Los Angeles, November 25, 1968
And:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
19
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Festivals
305. “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” Paper Required Reading [ISKCON Law] Whereas harmony between various authorities in ISKCON is required; Whereas while initiating gurus are important spiritual authorities in the lives of devotees, other ISKCON authorities also play an important role; Whereas the GBC paper entitled “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authorities” explains how to promote harmony in the services of gurus and other ISKCON authorities. RESOLVED: That the official GBC paper entitled “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” shall be required reading for all prospective harinama initiates before the initiation. This should be verified both by the ISKCON authority who gives the recommendation for harinama initiation as well as by the initiating guru. Within three months, all GBC Zonal Secretaries shall: have the paper translated such that it is accessible to the devotees of their zone have the paper distributed to all approved initiating gurus, to all National Councils and other regional bodies, and to temple presidents, congregational leaders, and other officials in their zone
306. Amendment to Required Examination Prior to Accepting a Diksa-guru
[ISKCON Law]
RESOLVED:
(a) that ISKCON Law 7.2.1.1.6 be amended to include the following three questions in the test that all harinama initiation candidates must take before initiation:
Whereas the GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada and the paper “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” have been approved by the GBC and been made required reading for all harinama initiation candidates;
14. Have you read the GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada?
Whereas it is also important to make sure that the candidates have understood these papers;
15. Have you read the paper “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority”?
16. What have you understood as the most important points of the “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” paper?
Whereas according to ISKCON law 7.2.1.1.6, every harinama initiation candidate must take a test before initiation. This test is
a good opportunity to make sure that the candidates have read these papers and to judge their level of understanding of their important concepts:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
And (b), that the Guru Services Committee shall update the Initiation Exam accordingly for all GBCs and gurus to distribute.
20
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Jai Nitai dasa
Regional News
ISKCON-London, South-London, Croydon, Crawley & Brighton Crawley Ratha Yatra Report by Bhakta Sanjay Parekh This summer, Crawley Ratha Yatra was in its sixth year. Every year the Crawley devotees get together and organise Lord Jagannatha’s festival. Since the beginning, the council have given a few guidelines on how the festival should be run in the town centre, which after all is something they are accountable for. Most of the time it’s something that holds the festival back from certain activities. After seeing how nice and sweet the festival has been running, the council have gradually become more favourable as each year passes by. This year for example, the devotees had been given permission to trade at the festival, which gives more freedom and flexibility when it comes to organising. This also shows how far the small devotee community has come in their relationship with the council.
The day itself was as ecstatic as ever. The procession was rocking, Srila Prabhupada’s books were flying off the table and Prasadam plates were being served out in abundance. Performances included a drama, classical Indian music, and lots of rocking kirtan from Radha Krishna Records, and the tireless Hare Krishna Festival Crew. With the council being very lenient this year, the festival was allowed to go on for a little longer which allowed time for more Kirtan. But then the show must come to an end at some point. The devotees, after working hard during the festival, from distributing books, Prasadam, stewarding, dancing, or whatever wonderful service they were involved in, all got together, to clear up the square, to end the ecstatic day.
South Regional Committee During the build up to Ratha Yatra, some devotees got together to make some sweet food preparations, complimenting the wonderful prasadam Parasurama dasa brings along on the day. Other devotees make sure banners, 30 odd chairs, and other paraphernalia, are in check for the big day. On the day, devotees rose early in the morning to set up Queens Square in the town centre, with specific tents for books, Culture of India, and Prasadam. The square is blessed with its own band stand where the performances take place.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
On Saturday 24th August the South Regional Committee met at the South Norwood Centre for their monthly meeting. Jai Nitai dasa is the Chair of this committee and he was joined by representatives from Brighton, Rochester, and Croydon. The agenda at these meetings is to discuss what events are taking place in each region and planning for future joined events. Some of the highlights for the coming year are: Brighton Ratha Yatra – Saturday 14th September 6 hour kirtan - Saturday 2nd November Regional Vyasa Puja (hosted by Crawley Yatra) - Friday 30th August
21
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Akarsini Radhika dd
Jaga Mohini dd
ISKCON Education Service (IES) Due to summer holidays, we have not had any visits this month. Come the new school term in September, we will be contacting
schools in the Westminster area to invite them to a workshop here at the Temple.
Acyuta Charan dasa
Krishna Kanta dd
Food for Life In the knowledge that local universities are now starting their academic year again, we look to attract new volunteers to this service in the coming months so that we can grow and improve our service.
Service for Food for Life continues to be strong and steady. We feed approximately 90 to 100 people per day, Monday to Thursday. This month some new volunteers joined our Food for Life team, which we are very excited about, as whenever new volunteers join they inspire the whole team as they bring a lot of enthusiasm and energy with them!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Our sangas have continued to be very popular with the Food for Life team. This month we focused on how to grow the Food for Life project as well as some discussions on the Krishna Conscious philosophy.
22
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Suddhatma dasa
Govinda’s Restaurant Financial Summary Month
2013
2012
Variance
August
£75918
£67529
+ £8389
Gandaki dasa
Radha’s Boutique Financial Summary Month
2013
2012
Variance
August
£11463
£9351
+ £2112
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
23
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Bhakta Nikita
Sankirtan Report Transcendental book distribution
Name
Lakshmi
Book Points
Ladies Sanga
6.00
0.75
Murli Manohara dasa
10.00
2.00
Tarit Krsna das
12.00
2.50
Bhakta Tom
14.00
4.75
Hittesh & Jyotsna
20.00
5.00
Bhakta Aryan
21.00
5.00
1
12
Nruhari dasa
31.00
6.50
2
10
Jahnava S & Vilma
36.00
9.00
1
28
Tribanga Pr.
30.00
10.00
Bhakta Nimai
35.00
11.25
4
13
Jahnava Sundari dd
33.00
12.00
5
8
Sundar & Nikita
33.00
14.50
6
10
Jai Nitai dasa
60.00
18.00
9
Bhakta Kestutis
42.00
19.50
5
Bhakta Chris
40.00
20.00
Ananta Nitai das
71.00
20.25
Notting Hill Carnival Team
59.00
22.00
Harinam Party
77.00
23.50
Anonymous
52.00
24.00
Bhakta Pasha
105.00
25.25
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Maha Big Hard
Big
Medium
Medium Hard
Set
Small 3
1 10 2
3 20
40
11
16
40 81 4
15
26
15
64
12 101
24
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Community News
Name
Lakshmi
Book Points
Bhakta Dale
77.00
26.00
12
8
Sacred Street Party (west)
97.00
32.50
13
26
Sachi Kumar Nimai das
83.00
35.00
Sundara Nitai das
128.00
41.00
13
Sacred Street Party (south)
156.00
42.75
13
Sharada dd
383.00
52.00
Bhava Bhakti Counsellee group
127.00
52.50
23
Bhaktin Vilma
201.00
66.00
25
Madhurya Gaurangi dd
262.00
97.75
43
10
27
HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
442.00
148.50
61
26
42
Jaitra das
450.00
158.00
79
Bhakta Nikita
444.00
166.00
74
Sacred Street Party (central)
760.00
263.50
9
95
71
NPKTSP
970.00
365.25
1
163
3
TOTAL
5,367.00
1,802.50
14
666
215
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Maha Big Hard
Big
Medium
Medium Hard
Set
Small
140 60 16
2
1
27 2
3
25
8
10 64
72 2
112 147
4
2
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
1180
“Practically we see that as we sincerely try to improve our chanting for the pleasure of Krishna, Krishna reciprocates and we feel our greatest pleasure which is devotional service to the Lord” (Srila Prabhupada, Letter, November 24, 1968)
Daily Programme Times Arati Times 4.30am - Mangala Arati 5.00am - Tulasi Arati 7.00am - Deity Greeting 8.00am - Dhoop Arati 12.30pm - Raj Bhoga Arati 4.15pm - Dhoop Arati 7.00pm - Sundara Arati 9.00pm - Dhoop Arati
Darshan Times 4.30am to 5.00am 7.00am to 7.30am 8.00am to 11.45am 12.30pm to 1.00pm 4.15pm to 6.30pm 7.00pm to 7.30pm 9.00pm to 9.30pm LUNCH PROGRAMME Monday to Saturday 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Classes 7.30am - Bhagavatam or Caitanya Caritamrta 1.00pm - Introductory Talk (except Sunday) 6.00pm - Bhagavad Gita (except Sunday) Sunday Programme 3.30pm - Bhajans 4.15pm - Dhoop Arati 4.30pm - Introductory Talk 5.30pm - Feast 6.00pm - Q & A 7.00pm - Gaura Arati
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Hare Rama Hare Rama Krishna Krishna Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Hare
Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL
T: 020 7437 3662 E: info@iskcon-london.org W: www.iskcon-london.org
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Society for 26 Krishna Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare International Conciousness
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada