Community News July 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
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10. Kasinatha dasa
Temple Security / Commander
11. Saumya Radhika dd
Community Development Team Coordinator Counsellor
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Who’s Who
Community News
12. Jaga Mohini dd
ISKCON Educational Services (IES) Tulasi pujari
16. Sachi Kishore dasa
20. Gandaki dasa
Preaching and Outreach Member of Brahmacari Council Counsellor
Radha’s Boutique Manager Member of Management Board
13. Bhaktin Sunita
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 Alexey
19. Acyuta Charan dasa & Krishna Kanta dd
23. Bhakta Rakesh
Education and Courses
Sankirtan Leader Russian Bhakti Vrksa Leader
Kitchen Manager
Volunteers’ coordinator
Properties Manager
Food for Life coordinators
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Communications Team
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Community News
Vamsi Priya dd
Courses Upcoming and Current Events An Introduction to Kirtan and Kartals
Facilitator: Radha Londonisvara das Dates: Commencing 27th August for 5 weeks Time: Tuesdays, 6 pm - 8 pm Location: Seminar Room Registration Fee: £35
While the kartals seem insignificant as far their study is concerned, there is no denial of its importance to musical compositions, in general. It is concerned to be the backbone of a kirtan or bhajan. In order to accompany properly in bhajans or kirtans, it is important to know what rhythm to use, how to play it without sounding out of control.
Register now at Radha’s Boutique!
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:
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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
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Community News
Samskaras for Krishna Bhakti fashion and develop the fetus by initiating specific guidelines for the parents. Six post-natal samskaras guide the parents to gradually equip the child with both celestial and spiritual virtues through its surroundings. The remaining six samskaras are termed educational wherein parents prepare and intiate the child into a large set of rules and regulations for the success of their soul. Amongst these, the Upanayana grants enterance into the study of the Vedas and the Vivaha establishes innumerable values and guidelines in the form of vows for a successful marriage.
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. Course Introduction: 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.
It is for these reasons that the rites of a samskara are more important when it serves the values and ethics dictated for that phase of life. Where the values enunciated in a samskara end with the extinguishing of the sacred fire, the rite dies an unfortunate death. Rather, the values treasured in the samskaras have been used by generations to sustain both the individual and global communities. This course aims to provide insights on the values dictated by Lord Krishna in the samskaras relevant for both new and experienced Grihasthas. Teachers, mentors, advisers and councilors will gain useful insights to aid them in the art of parenting.
The worship conducted in a samskara initiates a set of values, ethics, culture and lifestyle that the beneficiary solumnises to follow. In the case of pre-natal rites, four samskaras aim to form,
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Community News
Sachi Kishore dasa
Outreach Friday Programme / Mantra Lounge
This month the Outreach department focused on the two youth programmes, held on Wednesday and Friday every week.
Also known as KC Lounge, this programme offers an entry level, introductory exposure to Krishna Consciousness. This month we hosted several new attendees, and we explored a range of topics such as Positive Engagement and Lifestyle Planning.
Wednesday Programme Originally envisioned as a Devotional Practice course, this session has evolved into a blend of devotional practice education and detailed exploration into the philosophy and culture of Krishna Consciousness as a lifetime project. In particular, this month we explored various lessons from the Nectar of Devotion and the question of choosing Krishna as a lifetime goal.
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In addition, KC Lounge attended a special Mantra Lounge event hosted at the emple this month, offering some of our attendees the opportunity to share the experience of kirtan in a larger group of like-minded individuals.
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Community News
Bhava Bhakti dd
The Spiritual Counsellor System The spiritual counsellor system provides a formal framework within which personal care and attention can be extended to all devotees so as to make them feel loved and wanted and part of a wonderful spiritual family.
If you would like to join the Spiritual Counsellor System at ISKCON-London or would like further information then please contact the System Coordinator – Bhava Bhakti dd on bhava.bhakti@gmail.com
For more information, please visit www.iskcon-london.org/activities/ spiritual-counsellor-system.html
Spotlight on One of the new Counsellors on the Board -
Q – What are your services at ISKCON-London?
HG Madhurya Gaurangi devi dasi
Pujari (cooking for the Deities, waking up the Deities), preaching programmes in different areas in London, guest preaching, book distribution, harinam, member of ladies ashram council and a few more!!! Q – What made you come to KC? I have a really long story, but to make it short - wherever I went, Hare Krishnas were there and I liked them very much. Then my friend said to me, ‘why don’t you become one of them’ & I thought that’s a good idea! Q – Tell us about a moment in your spiritual life when you felt totally blissful! 2012, Gaura Purnima, Mayapur. Me and my very dear friend, Amrita Mayi, who lives there, walked early morning from ISKCON Chanra Doya Mandir to Yogapith. Early - before it gets very full of devotees!! We sat by the Lotus feet of Bhaktivinode Thakur to chant our rounds! It is not something you can tell, but the feeling I had was like a very, very warm hug by somebody with long and very soft arms! So much love. So much love, seemed like as if I felt eternity, bliss and cognizance. I did not want to leave, but I needed to go as my Gurumaharaj was giving class back in ISKCON Temple! Later on I asked my friend Amrita: “How was your chanting this morning?” She said: “I felt Mahaprabhu was hugging me with long warm arms, I felt like staying there eternally!” I said: “I felt the same!”
Q - When did you join the Spiritual Counsellor System? Beginning of the year 2013 Q – Why did you join the system?
Madhurya Gaurangi dd is a Counsellor for single ladies – if you wish to join her group please contact Bhava Bhakti dd in the first instance. Bhava. Bhakti@gmail.com
I was always interested in caring for and inspiring devotees in their Krishna Consciousness, but I never knew how, I think that joining the group of devotees who are doing that already is a good opportunity to learn and get involved!
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Community News
Bhakta Dhaval
Devaki dd
Volunteers Team New Volunteering Opportunities
How to get in touch
Please see below for new opportunities:
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.
(1) Admin Volunteers who have good administrative, interpersonal and organisational skills, and attention to detail. Good IT skills required Can do this service from home
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.
(2) 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
(3) Visitor care (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
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Community News
Jai Nitai dasa
Out & About
With the Temple President
Jai Nitai dasa – report for July 2013
5th July - Crawley Friday Night Programme at BYC – Jai Nitai das and Bhava Bhakti dd gave joint talk on “Keeping Krishna in the Centre of Grhastha Life” About 60 Attendees
1st July - visiting Patron members 2nd July – Jai Nitai das is made a member of the Manor Temple Council and starts to attend monthly meetings
6th July – South Regional Meeting (Brighton) - Jai Nitai dasa & Bhava Bhakti dd attended this monthly meeting with representatives from Brighton, Crawley & Rochester in attendance too.
3rd July - Attends leaving programme of UCL KC Soc President Hersh Patel, who is doing a one year exchange in Australia.
7th July - Westminster Abbey visit by Comms Team 7th July – Jai Nitai das counsellee Group cooking Sunday feast
5th July - UK Management Council meeting in Watford
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Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swamiay.
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Community News
Above: South regional Meeting in Brighton
14th July- Sunday Feast Talk - “Understanding & Conquering False Ego” 18th July - Gurukuli Bus Tour visits London
8th July - Met Airport Chaplain - Rev Canon Jonathan Baldwin. We met to discuss how ISKCON can assist or play a role in providing any resource for the Airport Chaplaincy, especially placing books in all the airport prayer rooms through-out the UK and possibly internationally.
29th July - Mentorship meeting near Manor. All mentors from London, Manor and Pandava Sena came together for a sanga where we were addressed by HH Radhanath Swami, HH Bhakti Caru Swami and HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami
http://www.iacac.info/index.php/news/iacac-news/187-presidents-letter-may-2013
30th July - Deity Welcome at home of Counsellor and Trustee as well as Festival Department Head - HG Maha Nrsingha dasa with special guest HH Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami.
http://gatwickairportchapel.org/t-chaplains.htm
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Community News
Gurukuli Bus Visit report: by Radha Londonisvara dasa Thursday 18th July ISKCON-London was visited by the European Gurukuli Bus Tour. There were about 35-40 young ISKCON Gurukuli’s – most of them from the USA visiting the UK and Europe for the first time. It was a wonderful experience for us and them. Here is how I remember it: We met at the British museum, and then went on Harinama to Bury Place. We then went down the original Harinama route to the Temple, where we were greeted with beautiful flower petals from the windows above! We had lunch prasadam including Their Lordships Raj Bhoga. The
Temple President personally welcomed and thanked everyone for visiting and enlivening our Temple, and answered all our questions. We then went to visit the studio where the Govindam prayers were recorded, the site of the first ever outdoor Kirtan (Soho Square), and also Trafalgar Square where Srila Prabhupada personally and very proudly observed Ratha Yatra. We then proceeded to Buckingham Palace, where the policemen were very helpful answering all our questions, and had ice cream and a brief rest in St James Park where Srila Prabhupada would sometimes take his morning walks. We took some pictures with the Queen’s guards and Big Ben, and that is where I left them, me tired and blissful, them still touring!
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Community News
Saumya Radhika dd
Gaura Kishore dasa
Community Development Janmastami Mail-Out 2013
Patron Boat Party 2013
The team successfully completed the Janmastami Mail-out to our greater community members of approximately 3500. We hope to raise awareness of the forthcoming festivals as well as give community members an opportunity to participate in the festivals by sponsoring different items on the day.
This Summer we are planning a journey down the sacred Thames with our Patrons called “The Pearl of Bliss�. This is our way of saying thank you to all the devotees who give their hard earned Laksmi on a regular and consistent basis in order to maintain the Temple activites. If you would like to become a Patron member please contact Ram Charan dasa - ramcharandas.rns@gmail.com or 0207 437 3662
Volunteers There will be an annual volunteers dinner on the evening of Saturday 28th September - Venue to be confirmed - with special guests HH Kesava Bharati dasa Goswami and HG Praghosa dasa (GBC)
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Community News
Special Visits HH Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami visited the temple this month, and gave Srimad Bhagavatam morning classes on 24th, 25th and 26th July. Classes were well attended and very enlightening.
Highlights of the course were: Excellent organisation - A meticulous PowerPoint Presentation delivered by Maharaj, with hardcopies of all slide notes, a notebook, folder and pen for all. Quotes and statements, which revealed the amazing meaning of this seemingly simple Maha Mantra. Practical help on chanting – most importantly: developing one’s own “Sacred Space” – a tailored environment for meditation. Plenty of breaks and delicious prasadam (food first offered to the Lord) to keep us refreshed and relaxed to be attentive to the course. Dramas that made us laugh on: “how NOT to do japa meditation” (while on the phone etc)! Mandali – opening and closing the doors of obstacles to chanting: including the infamous MIND! 64 rounds day – intense but enlivening experience, the culmination of which I felt was that every single person was welcomed to share THREE WORDS to sum up their experience and share an elaboration on one word. We learnt in depth about forgiveness, by exploring our real-life relationships where we need to ask to be forgiven and also forgive others ourselves – so relieving! Interestingly we listed what we are ungrateful for – and then turned that negative around by seeing – what lessons does the Lord want me to learn by allowing this unpleasant experience to be in my life?
HH Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami also visited the temple this month, and facilitated the Namamrita Program Level 1 – a group workshop on chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra as a meditation on beads. The program was held over two weekends, beginning Saturday 20th July, and concluding on Sunday 28th July.
Namamrita Program Report
Every single moment was worth it – no exaggeration. It is the simple truth I would recommend anyone to experience for themselves, for there is no other way to know it for sure!
A report by one of the participants - Bhaktin Sonal This workshop did two things any excellent course does: 1) Taught the essential principles – we have a relationship with the Holy Name. How do we make that connection? Why do we not feel the “bliss” of chanting that we hear about? How can we feel it? 2) Practically helped us to apply the principles as individuals.
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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
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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.
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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:
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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:
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And (b), that the Guru Services Committee shall update the Initiation Exam accordingly for all GBCs and gurus to distribute.
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Community News
2013 Vyasa Puja offerings - A wonderful opportunity to make a personal offering to Srila Prabhupada
If you haven’t written an offering before and would like some guidance on how to write one, please contact us on the email address above and we will be happy to help. Please don’t miss this opportunity to reciprocate with Srila Prabhupada’s mercy and get his blessings. I look forward to receiving your offering. Your servant, Jai Nitai dasa Temple President
This year’s celebration of the glorious Appearance Day of our Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, known as Vyasa Puja, is fast approaching on Thursday 29th August. As part of the Vyasa Puja celebrations, we invite you to write a personal offering to Srila Prabhupada to glorify him and show your appreciation, gratitude and love. Your offering can be in the form of a letter or a poem and can be as short or as long as you like. Children are also encouraged to write an offering or offer a card, drawing, etc. Offerings will be read out on the day, either by yourself or someone on your behalf should you wish, to Srila Prabhupada in the presence of Their Lordships and the devotees. If you would like to make an offering, please email it to vyasapujaofferings@iskcon-london.org by Wednesday 28th August. This opportunity is open to anyone who would like to thank Srila Prabhupada, whether you have just come across Srila Prabhupada’s timeless teachings or have been in the movement for many years.
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Festival Dates Balaram Jayanti Tuesday 20th August Janmastami Wednesday 28th August Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja Thursday 29th August Radhastami Friday 13th September
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Community News
Akarsini Radhika dd
Jaga Mohini dd
ISKCON Education Service (IES) Since 2009, ACLE, an Italian association which promotes linguistic education for teachers and students, organised an annual visit to London. One aim of the trip is to experience alternative cultural sites of London, which includes the Hare Krsna Temple.
The group’s last visit to the Temple was the 20th of July - 38 students attended, with 4 tutors. They received a sweet and a small book as gift from Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, and during the Arati they all participated by clapping and singing.
Acyuta Charan dasa
Krishna Kanta dd
Food for Life to working professionals to free spirits. It appears that Krishna attracts not only devotees to this service, but also many people who are looking to do something benevolent in their spare time. One of the members reflected how during his time he had met Muslims who joined us during Ramadan, Jews, Buddhists, as well as atheists! We hope to have left favourable impressions of the movement with them all.
Food for Life continues to be a steady, rewarding and blissful service by the grace of Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. Each evening, Monday to Thursday, members of the Food for Life team sacrifice their evenings after a hard day’s work to help distribute prasadam, sanctified food offered to Lord Krishna, to hundreds of passers-by. Many of the people whom they serve are either homeless or struggling to make ends meet. In this society where many struggle to fit in for one reason or another, it is nice to see they can at least find some solitude and shelter in this service provided by the ISKCON. That’s from an altruistic point of view, now from the spiritual point of view, these unknowing souls are receiving Krishna’s causeless mercy. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada once said one can eat their way back to Godhead by honouring prasadam; these fortunate souls are definitely giving it a go! Understanding this philosophy and its subsequent importance for mankind drives the Food for Life team to ensure a good standard of service is constantly maintained, year after year.
In an attempt to expand knowledge of the service, a few members of Food for Life branched off and started a page on the social networking website Facebook. To date there are now 1,331 members! Incredibly this page also acts as a forum where devotees can inspire one another with different ideas and recipes for preparations to offer Krishna, and as a result, hopefully increase the love and devotion in their offerings. Unfortunately, as summer comes, inevitably members of the team need to go on holidays and have other engagements. As a result, we are asking people to come forward to either volunteer or tell their friends about volunteering opportunities in this beautiful service. You can contact us through the Facebook page (Hare Krishna Food for Life-London) or by calling Krishna Kanta on 07961767978. We look forward to meeting you! We pray that the Vaisnavas give us their blessings so we can continue to render this service for the pleasure of Their most magnanimous Lordships.
We have seen first-hand that the activities of Food for Life continues to raise the profile of ISKCON. People are curious to know who we are, why we do this service, what are beliefs are, and most importantly, are we getting paid to do this?! This is not just restricted to people we serve, but also many of the compassionate volunteers are curious what motivates us! Many of the members have interacted with people from all walks of life, from students Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
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“The word suhrttama, “best of all friends,” is important. As Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gītā, He is the best friend of all living entities. Suhrtdam sarva-bhūtānām. No one can be a greater well-wishing friend to any living entity than the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is so kindly disposed towards everyone that in spite of our completely forgetting our relationship with the Supreme Lord, He comes Himself — sometimes personally, as Lord Krishna appeared on this earth, and sometimes as His devotee, as did Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu — and sometimes He sends His bona fide devotees to reclaim all the fallen souls. Therefore, He is the greatest well-wishing friend of everyone” Srila Prabhupada, Purport, SB 3.15.31
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
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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 20 Krishna Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare International Conciousness
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada