April to May 2021 ISKCON-London Community Newsletter

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ISKCON ISKCON -- LONDON LONDON

HIGHLIGHTS APRIL TO MAY 2021 Temple President’s Activities Community Development Festivals Project Grow

Regional Sankirtan Spiritual Mentorship System Volunteering

DEPARTMENTAL CONTACTS

JAI NITAI DASA

BHAVA BHAKTI DEVI DASI Temple Administrator Charity Secretary Member of Temple Leaders Council South Regional Secretary Mentorship System Coordinator Mentor

DAYAL MORA DASA

Temple President Charity Chairman Member of Temple Leaders Council South Regional Coordinator UK Zonal Supervisor Mentor

MURLI MANOHARA DASA

DARRYL BIGGS

RADHA RAMAN DASA

ROBERT GUPTA

RUPANUGA BHAKTI DASA

THIRUPATI GAURANGA DASA

Head Pujari Mentor

Charity Trustee

ACUTYA CHARAN DASA Food for Life Coordinator

Community Development Coordinator Member of Temple Leaders Council

Temple Commander Member of Temple Leaders Council

ADILBEK SARSENOV

Russian Vedic Society Coordinator

Deputy Temple President Member of Temple Leaders Council Charity Trustee Men’s Ashram Leader Mentor

Charity Trustee Mentor

Govinda’s Restaurant Manager Kitchen Manager

ANANTA KRIPA DASA Sankirtan Co-Leader

DEVAKI DEVI DASI

DOYAL CAITANYA DASA

JHULAN LILA DEVI DASI

Festivals Coordinator Volunteers Coordinator

Ladies Ashram Leader

KRISHNA KANTA DEVI DASI

MICHELLE TCHOUKOV

PADMANABHA NITYANANDA DASA

PRITESH PANDYA

PRIYA KUNDA DASA

SHYAM GOVINDA DASA

SYAMA GAURI DEVI DASI

SYAMA KISORA DASA

TITIKSU DASA

Volunteers Coordinator

KAPILA MONET

Radha Krishna Records Manager

Financial Controller

Food for Life Coordinator

NATASHA MENON

Communications Secretary

Child Protection Officer

London College of Vedic Studies Coordinator

Atma Lounge Manager

Sankirtan Co-Leader

Outreach Coordinator

UK Rathayatra Coordinator

Atma Lounge Manager

TABLE OF CONTENTS 06.

TEMPLE PRESIDENT’S ACTIVITIES

10.

COMMUNICATIONS

11.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

13.

DEITY DEPARTMENT

14.

FESTIVALS

16.

FOOD FOR LIFE

17.

GOVINDA’S RESTAURANT

18.

HARINAMA

20.

LONDON COLLEGE OF VEDIC STUDIES

22.

OUTREACH

23.

PROJECT GROW

24.

REGIONAL

25.

SANKIRTAN

28.

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SYSTEM

30.

VOLUNTEERING

Editors: Devaki devi dasi, Padmanabha Nityananda dasa Designer: Krishna Lila dasa Proofreader: Darryl Biggs Photographers: Bhakta Sunny, Louise Guthrie, Pitambhara Govinda dasa, Valya Korabelnikova Thank you to everyone who contributed content.

For any comments or queries on this publication, please email newsletter@iskcon.london

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“Krishna consciousness movement is that you get better activity. Therefore you can give up the inferior activities. Otherwise, simply by negation it is not possible.

We must work. We must work for Krishna’s sake. We shall go to Krishna’s temple, or we shall go for selling Krishna’s books or meeting some Krishna devotee. That is nice. But you cannot stop working. That is not possible. Then your idle brain will be devil’s workshop. Yes. Then you will fall down, “How to go to that woman? How to go to that man?” If you stop working, then you have to work again to sense gratification.

That’s all. Similarly, you take any sense; you cannot stop it, but you have to engage it. That is Krishna consciousness. You engage your hand and engage your legs, you engage your eyes, you engage your ears, engage your tongue -- simply in Krishna.

You can engage everything. For eyes, instead of hankering after some beautiful man or beautiful woman, just see Krishna, how nicely dressed. Then you will forget these other seeing. For tongue, you engage your tongue simply for chanting, then your nonsense talking will automatically stop. You engage your tongue eating very nice prasadam of Krishna, offered to Krishna, then you forget to go to restaurant. In this way our time should be utilized.”

“

Srila Prabhupada, Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.16.6, 3rd January 1974

TEMPLE PRESIDENT’S ACTIVITIES During April and May, Jai Nitai dasa engaged in the following activities.

April

Friday 2nd

Gave a talk for Kingston University’s Krishna Consciousness Society (KCSOC) entitled ‘How to Control the Mind’. A topic requested by the students as it was just before their exams started.

Sunday 4th

Performed the first grains ceremony for Lalita Gilbert, daughter of community members Matt and Priya Gilbert. They are both also mentees in Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi’s grihastha mentee group.

Tuesday 20th

Wednesday 7th

Thursday 22nd

Thursday 8th

Sunday 25th

Saturday 10th

Monday 26th

Hosted an online meeting for his men’s mentee group.

Chaired the South Regional Leaders online meeting with representatives from Brighton, Canterbury, Crawley, ISKCON South London and Rochester.

Chaired the ISKCON South London Trustees meeting.

Sunday 11th

Gave an online talk to ISKCON Mauritius with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi on the topic of ‘Setting Up a Mentorship System’.

Wednesday 14th

Gave an online talk at the Kingston University KCSOC entitled ‘Introduction to Japa’.

Thursday 15th

Facilitated an online grihastha mentee meeting with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi.

Saturday 17th

Performed the hair cutting ceremony for Prahlad Shah, son of Mahaprabhu dasa and Hema Shah.

Both parents are leaders at ISKCON South London and also members of Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi’s grihastha mentee group.

6

Temple President’s Activities

Gave an ethos talk to the teachers at the Avanti Court Primary School in Redbridge.

Hosted an online meeting for his men’s mentee group.

Took part in kirtan and gave a talk with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi at ISKCON South London’s 125 hours kirtan initiative in honour of Srila Prabhupada’s 125th appearance anniversary.

Attended with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi an online ‘Devotee Care’ course facilitated by Gauranga dasa, based in India, from Monday 26th April to Tuesday 4th May.

Tuesday 27th

Attended the online ISKCON-London Temple Leaders meeting.

Thursday 29th

Facilitated the grihastha mentee meeting with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi.

May

Thursday 6th

Attended an online event on ‘Faith, Leadership and the New Normal’ with Mary McAleese and Rajmohan Gandhi.

Friday 7th - Sunday 9th

Visited the Ahimsa Farm in Rutland with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi. Jai Nitai dasa met with the project directors, Sita Rama dasa and Darryl Biggs, to see how ISKCON-London can facilitate a future working relationship.

Thursday 13th

Attended the online Euro Regional GBC Meeting which focused on Education.

Friday 14th

Performed a safe delivery ceremony for community members in Crawley in the morning and in the afternoon performed the same ceremony for community members in North London.

Saturday 15th

Attended a joint TLC and Trustees meeting day at the new ISKCON-London offices, discussing the future strategy and direction for ISKCON-London.

Wednesday 19th

Attended with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi the Westminster Interfaith meeting forum. Also hosted an online meeting for his men’s mentee group in the evening.

Friday 21st

Attended the UKMC online sanga with leaders from across the UK.

7

Temple President’s Activities

Saturday 22nd

Facilitated the ISKCON South London Trustees meeting. In the evening, along with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi took part in an online programme organised by the ISKCON Mauritius community members, where they read and discussed from Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta.

Sunday 23rd

Gave a Srimad-Bhagavatam class to devotees in Serbia.

Tuesday 25th

Gave an online teacher training talk to teachers from the Avanti Court Primary School in Redbridge and also gave a talk at an online memorial for a community member’s relative.

Sunday 30th

Gave an online talk about the Mentorship System for ISKCON Lithuania with Bhava Bhakti devi dasi.

Half Marathon Running for Krishna

by Jai Nitai dasa

I just wanted to share a little story that I find inspiring. It’s about my wife, Bhava Bhakti devi dasi, who about six years ago had some serious health issues and had to adjust her diet and also focus on health. This wasn’t so easy with the lifestyle we led, although very healthy in one sense, but simultaneously surrounded by amazingly rich pure vegetarian food all the time, super busy service schedules, and meditation more focused on spiritual development rather than bodily consciousness.

Well, she decided that maybe she would try running, although not really her strong point but somehow she was attracted. So we started by running for Krishna in the then BUPA 10k around central London. We practiced together and managed to raise £8,500 for our ISKCONLondon charity. HOORAAAY! Success! That race nearly killed me!

Well I fell off the running wagon until recently, but my wife, well she has done nothing but aspire and inspire me ever since. She has run several 5k and 10k races and has a wall full of medals that help to show her what is possible with the grace of the Lord and a desire to stay in the race.

Last year she expressed the desire to up her game and run the London marathon - but it’s not easy to get selected, and she was rejected.

I must confess, I thought there was no way on God’s green earth that this lady is going to run 26.2 miles (42k), but I will encourage her anyway.

Well, then the news came early this year that she was accepted for the London Marathon in October 2021! She was so excited and this drove her to run even more in order to get ready.

7

Temple President’s Activities

Hardly anyone knows she runs so much. But she doesn’t just run to run, she runs for her health and for Krishna, because the body is the machinery that allows her as a spirit soul to continue to serve the Lord and if that body diminishes, then her ability to do service will also diminish. Of course all our bodies eventually diminish, but we do what we can to keep them in shape for a higher purpose of connectivity with God. This is the perfection of yoga.

Well, tomorrow (Sunday 11th April 2021) she will be running her first Half Marathon 13.1 miles (21k). It’s called the Royal Parks Half Marathon and normally there would be big crowds and a lot of hype, with everyone running together through the main Royal Parks of central London, surrounded by cheering crowds.

But, because of COVID - she will be running it virtually, still actually running - but on her own, around Regents Park, where Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON’s founder and teacher, used to walk.

She will do it at the time the race would normally start – 9.00am, on Sunday 11th April, and this she will do after rising at 3.00am in order to do her full morning spiritual practice and service at the Temple. She will then come home, get herself ready and go. I mean this is crazy if you ask me.

She hasn’t really told that many people as she is a very private person, but I cannot help myself and as the moment draws nearer I feel that I want to shout it to the world that this lady is amazing and I want her to know how inspiring I think she is and how much I want to support and encourage her as she goes for her goal of a full Marathon in October - which again is crazy for me to even think of!

So Bhava - all glories to you and your sincere efforts over the years. May all your dreams come true and may you continue to stride for broader horizons and cross that finish line with a heart filled with pure love for Krishna, God.

COMMUNICATIONS ISKCON-London’s Lord Jagannatha on Back to Godhead Magazine Cover

ISKCON-London’s Lord Jagannatha appeared on the cover of the May to June Back to Godhead (BTG) magazine. This edition features a number of articles on the unusual form of Lord Krishna as Lord Jagannatha and about the famous Jagannatha Temple in Puri. The cover photo was from ISKCON-London’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2019.

Westminster Interfaith Meeting Forum

On Wednesday 19th May, Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi attended the Westminster Interfaith Meeting Forum, which they have been a part of for many years. The meeting started with a reading from the Jewish scripture followed by a lively discussion on similarities in the various other faiths on what was read. During the meeting, Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi were invited to speak on how ISKCON-London has coped during the pandemic and to speak on the positives and challenges of the past year. They also discussed the recent anti-Semitic abuse in London and how racism affects the community and how it can be less gross and more subtle. There was also a discussion on the recent The Archbishops’ Commission on Housing & Anti-Racism Taskforce.

10

Communications

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Spark of Krishna Consciousness Retreat – Celebrating the 125th Appearance Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada

The Spark of Krishna Consciousness retreat was the first in a series of UK national retreats celebrating the 125th Appearance Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. The retreat took place over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th April. The ISKCON temples and main organisers involved were Bhaktivedanta Manor (Asha Bhimji), ISKCON-London (Natasha Menon, Radha Govinda dasa and Vrindavani devi dasi), ISKCON South London (Mahaprabhu dasa and Hema Shah) and ISKCON Wales (Mantriraja dasa).

The retreat’s theme was sharing the wonderful pastimes and memories of Srila Prabhupada by several of his disciples including Akhandabhi dasa, Dhananjaya dasa, Gurudasa, Malati devi dasi, Manjuali devi dasi, Mondakini devi dasi, Ranchor dasa and others.

Watch the retreat videos here:

Day 1: http://bit.ly/sparkofkc-day1 Day 2: http://bit.ly/sparkofkc-day2

Krishna Club

Online sessions continued to take place on Zoom on Sundays for the Krishna Club children. The children are learning teachings from the chapters of the Bhagavad-Gita each week. The teachers during April to May were Bhaktin Gayathri, Devaki devi dasi and Vrinda Sundari devi dasi.

11

Community Development

DEITY DEPARTMENT

On Thursday 8th April, the Head Pujari, Murli Manohara dasa, announced that with stage one of the Government’s lockdown rules being lifted on Monday 12th April, devotees were now able to come back for service in the Pujari department any day of the week and not just on weekends.

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“It’s nice to be back doing service after over a year’s lockdown. When the Temple and the service wasn’t open, it seemed like something was missing in your life and gave a feeling of separation. Hopefully we can get back to normal with all the festivals, really miss devotees’ association and the buzz of the festival as well as abhishek and kirtans on festival days. Festivals were not the same during lockdown.

“

I will appreciate festival service more now.

We took all this for granted and didn’t appreciate how lucky we are to be part of a devotee community and the service Their Lordships had given us until the lockdown.”

Champakalata Priya devi dasi

13

Deity Department

FESTIVALS Ramanavami – Wednesday 21st April

14

Festivals

Nrsimha Caturdasi – Tuesday 25th May

15

Festivals

FOOD FOR LIFE With the Government providing a step-by-step roadmap towards relaxation of COVID lockdown restrictions, food distribution became slightly easier for the Food for Life (FFL) team in April and May, especially when it came to accessing the Temple premises, accessing Govinda’s Restaurant and choosing venues for food distribution. The FFL team continued to successfully serve and provide a variety of food items (prasadam), both cooked and dry snacks, cakes and biscuits, alongside fruits and tea, to the homeless community, even during festival days.

FFL require three to four volunteers daily for the preparation and distribution of food. They welcomed two new frontline volunteers during April and May. However, with the lockdown starting to ease, some of the regular volunteers have had to return to work and some are shielding due to having vulnerable family members at home. Despite this, volunteers continued to be enthusiastic and dedicated in their service to Krishna.

The fun in serving together and the great camaraderie between the existing team members serving for the common cause is infectious and is hugely appreciated by all new members joining the FFL team.

In April and May, a number of Krishna conscious books were also distributed by the FFL team as well as a series of online classes held titled ‘Learning Gita 2021’ which included a final class by special guest Mahatma dasa, further widening FFL’s activities.

FFL continues to work and serve alongside Food for All, who were recently recognised nationally by a Queen’s award for voluntary work for their service.

FFL are looking for new volunteers who can serve at Krishna’s Castle, Plum Tree Court EC4A 4HT between 5.15pm to 5.45pm daily.

If you are interested please email: info@foodforlifelondon.co.uk.

It will be especially helpful if the interested volunteers have a clean UK driving licence and are willing to drive a van.

16

Food For Life

GOVINDA’S RESTAURANT

From the end of May, Govinda’s Restaurant started offering a dine in option with the easing of Government restrictions. Govinda’s Restaurant is open daily from 12.00pm to 9.00pm with all your favourite prasadam treats!

“ “ “

“Govinda’s has a lovely ambience.”

Customer review on TripAdvisor.com

“ “ “

Customer Feedback:

“Sensibly priced with a strong saatvic ethos. Well worth a visit when in town.”

Customer review on TripAdvisor.com

“You can never go wrong with a Govinda’s! This location is conveniently located off of Oxford street and is a great place to grab a quick meal with your friends or by yourself. I went during lunch. It was delicious. Highly recommended.”

Customer feedback on HappyCow.net

17

Govinda’s Restaurant

HARINAMA

18

Harinama

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

LONDON COLLEGE OF VEDIC STUDIES Introductory Course

On Sunday 11th April, Vamsi-dhari dasa facilitated the ‘Introduction to Bhakti Yoga’ online course.

This is an enlivening introduction to eastern spiritual wisdom and practices. This course explored the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita and the path of bhakti-yoga and its variety of activities. These included mantra meditation or the chanting of the names of God and living in a way that upholds the principles of truthfulness, mercy, austerity and cleanliness. Other topics included what is bhakti yoga, its benefits, how it can bring inner fulfilment and how to practically apply it in modern life.

New Self-Study Course Launched on Udemy

In April, the ‘Introduction to the Bhagavad-Gita’ course was launched on Udemy. This online course allows people to study in their own time through pre-recorded video lessons. The course teacher, Jai Nitai dasa, takes the students on a journey to learn what is the Bhagavad-Gita. He sets the scene and explains why it was spoken during the start of the great epic battle and discusses the five main topics in this ancient text, including: • Atma – the science of the soul • Isvara – God, does He exist?

• Karma – the science of action and reaction • Prakriti – the material nature • Kala – the science of time It is a great introductory course for anyone who always wanted to learn about the Bhagavad-Gita!

To enrol in this course: https://www.udemy.com/course/introductionto-the-bhagavad-gita

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Get up to 40% discount by using code: JULYGITA

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“The instructor is exceptionally well educated on the topics. He provides reallife examples to which I could relate. I had a fantastic experience learning about the Holy Book of my religion.”

Course attendee

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OUTREACH Bhakti Yoga London

Bhakti Yoga London is an outreach initiative, run

by Temple residents and volunteers, for young professionals. The team continue to use online platforms such as Zoom, Facebook and Instagram to connect with those new to bhakti and offer a range of exciting weekly programmes and outdoor park kirtans.

In addition to the weekly programmes, BYL continue to host weekly kirtan Instagram live streams led by Shyam Govinda dasa on Tuesdays and the Ladies Ashram on Fridays.

Wisdom Wednesdays

Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 8.00pm, via Zoom and Facebook Live on Bhakti Yoga London page.

The Wisdom Wednesdays April programme kicked off with Tarun Krishna dasa sharing lessons from the eco revolution created by Project Grow. He explored how small living spaces could be transformed to create a more sustainable lifestyle being at one with nature. In another programme, Ananda Murari devi dasi explored how to ‘reset’ one’s lifestyle and how to create more alignment between life, values we hold and the vision we have for ourselves.

the session she discussed the connections between sacrifice, self-control, mindfulness and bhakti-yoga.

The final April programme was with Keshava Madhava dasa who eloquently empowered everyone to dare to live authentic lives by distinguishing true autonomy from apparent autonomy and moving away from being afraid of truly embracing our individual identities.

In May, Wisdom Wednesdays had programmes with Urmila devi dasi, who shared wisdom from the Vedas on how to achieve balance between spiritual and material life.

Ladies Ashram members Dovile and Rebeca held a special session on creating a sacred space at home and the importance of sadhana, and Saradiya Rasa devi dasi took everyone on a contemplative and thought-provoking journey on transforming lust into love through the art of loving exchanges.

In April, the appearance of Lord Rama was celebrated with Jagannatheshvari devi dasi sharing insights on what lessons we can learn from the epic love story of Lord Rama and Sita Devi. During

www.facebook.com/bhaktiyogalondon

Spiritual Technologies

Thursdays, 6.30pm to 8.00pm, via Zoom and Facebook Live on Bhakti Yoga London page.

This weekly Bhagavad-Gita study group continues to provide an interactive and safe space to understand the teachings of the BhagavadGita. In April they were joined by special guests including Saradiya Rasa devi dasi and Ian Nene as they continued delving deep into the wisdom found in the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita.

No prior knowledge is necessary to join these sessions and it provides the opportunity to connect with like-minded spiritually and philosophically curious individuals.

www.instagram.com/bhaktiyogalondon

PROJECT GROW A beautiful variety of community-grown flowers have continued to be used in Their Lordships’ worship. Temple President Jai Nitai dasa has also been getting involved in growing flowers in his garden, including African and Azalea daisy flowers.

The ISKCON-London team will be doing a weekly pickup on Tuesday mornings at 8.00am at Bhaktivedanta Manor of any offerings of flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables and will deliver them to the pujari team at ISKCON-London.

Feeling inspired to grow something for Their Lordships? Well, join the Project Grow team and get regular updates, tips and advice and share your progress with our community of growers by: • Joining the dedicated WhatsApp Group (see QR code) • Following our Instagram page @projectgrowiskconlondon • Joining our Facebook group www.facebook.com/iskconlondonprojectgrow • Joining our Telegram channel t.me/projectgrow

www.facebook.com/iskconlondonprojectgrow

www.instagram.com/projectgrowiskconlondon

REGIONAL The following regional areas have regular Krishna conscious programmes taking place which are supported by ISKCON-London. For further information, contact details for each centre can be found at the end of this section.

Atma Lounge

Atma Lounge’s ‘Secrets of India Gift Shop’ reopened on Wednesday 14th April after COVID restrictions were eased. The gift shop sells a range of spiritual items, books, clothing, incense and lots more.

The Atma Lounge team have continued their online readings. In May they excitedly restarted the morning meditation programmes with Syama Gauri devi dasi in person following the easing of restrictions.

In other developments, the Brockhill Café, run by local devotee Geraldine, officially changed its name to ‘Café Atma’. Café Atma, located in Brockhill Country Park, sells a range of delicious vegetarian and vegan prasadam.

ATMA LOUNGE

Bhakti Yoga Centre

On Sunday 23rd May, the Bhakti Yoga Centre community, based in Crawley, organised a special Sri Nrsimha Yajna as part of their Nrsimha Caturdasi celebrations. An elaborate fire yajna and abhishek of Lord Nrsimhadeva was performed by community members Radharaman dasa, Rupa Goswami dasa, Vrindapati dasa and Smita Raja devi dasi.

The yajna was followed with kirtan by local devotees and prasadam.

ISKCON Canterbury distributed 10,000 vegetarian meals last year to vulnerable people across east Kent. They received an overwhelming response and appreciation. They have set a goal of tripling the meals to 30,000 in 2021. With this in mind, they have teamed up with Food For All UK and Community Spaces to secure the use of a building in the centre of Canterbury where they are in the process of setting up a large kitchen which is capable of providing a huge number of meals.

They have set up a GoFundMe page to raise the funds required and welcome any support.

Watch the Nrsimha Yajna ceremony: http://bit.ly/nrsimhayajnacrawley

North Kent Sanga

The North Kent Sanga team have restarted their ‘Kirtan in the Castle’ programmes. The programme takes place on certain Saturdays, weather permitting, from 12.00pm at Rochester Castle and involves mantra meditation, kirtan, vegetarian/vegan prasadam snacks, spiritual association and friendship.

BHAKTI YOGA CENTRE

www.atmalounge.com

www.facebook.com/iskconcrawley

info@atmalounge.com

info@iskconcrawley.co.uk

CANTERBURY

ISKCON Canterbury

NORTH KENT

BRIGHTON www.harekrishnabrighton.com

WIMBLEDON

www.harekrishnacanterbury.com

www.iskconnorthkent.org

harekrishnacanterbury@gmail.com

northkentsanga@gmail.com

wimbledon@iskcon.london

www.facebook.com/canterburykrishna/

www.facebook.com/northkentsanga

www.instagram.com/iskcon.wimbledon

www.facebook.com/iskcon.wimbledon

SANKIRTAN Launch of the Bhadra Campaign

In April, the Sankirtan team launched this year’s Bhadra campaign. This global campaign involves many ISKCON centres around the world taking part. During last year’s Bhadra campaign, ISKCON distributed more than 20,000 Srimad-Bhagavatam sets. This year, they have set a goal of 25,000 Srimad-Bhagavatam sets to be distributed between April and Bhadra Purnima which falls on the 20th of September.

Last year, the ISKCON-London Sankirtan team successfully distributed more than 50 SrimadBhagavatam sets. This year they are aiming to distribute 125 sets in honor of the 125th Appearance Anniversary of Srila Prabhupad.

Bhadra Purnima is glorified in Srimad-Bhagavatam (12.13.13) as a very auspicious day to distribute the Srimad-Bhagavatam and offers many spiritual benefits.

The Sankirtan team will be getting newly printed Srimad-Bhagavatam sets from Germany by the end of June. Any devotees can exchange their old sets for a new one for only £175. People can also sponsor a set for £175 and receive the following benefits: • Special prayers on your behalf on Bhadra Purnima • Your name announced in the Maha Yagna in Naimisaranya forest • A golden throne.

For sponsorship details: http://iskcon.london/bhadra There is also a range of additional services available including: • Placing books in different establishments such as hospitals, hotels, libraries, universities, etc.

• Speaking about book distribution • Delivering books (drivers required).

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“If on the full moon day of the month of Bhadra one places Srimad-Bhagavatam on a golden throne and gives it as a gift, he will attain the supreme transcendental destination.”

Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.13.13

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Sankirtan

Book Distribution in April and May

During April, the Sankirtan team did a five-day sankirtan sprint, going out every day in the streets and setting up a book table at Oxford Circus. They distributed over 200 books, collected £900, and also held a seated kirtan in Oxford Circus which was really successful.

During May, the team had more opportunity to go out to distribute books, set up book tables mainly at Oxford Circus, and continue with the seated kirtan. The team also did a five-day sprint from the 21st to the 25th for Nrsimha Caturdasi. It was really successful, with more devotees participating.

The online reading group is continuing and anyone can join in. It takes place every Tuesday from 6.00pm. To get involved: Join the WhatsApp chat group: http://bit.ly/sbreadinggroup

APRIL £7,607 Laxmi Collected

2,224

Books Distributed

10

SB Sets Distributed

MAY

£10,378 Laxmi Collected

2,804

Books Distributed

1

CC Sets Distributed

17

SB Sets Distributed

To get involved with sankirtan activities:

sankirtan@iskcon.london

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SYSTEM Initiations

Bhakta Antoine was initiated by Kesava Bharati dasa Goswami in Folkestone. His new name is Ananta Kripa dasa. He is in the mentee group of Dayal Mora dasa.

Bhaktin Gayathri was initiated on Zoom by Jayapataka Swami. Her new name is Gauraprema Gayatri devi dasi. She is in the mentee group of Satya Narayan dasa and Madhvi devi dasi.

Mentee Meetings Update

Candravali devi dasi’s mentee group has been organising online reading sessions discussing Caitanya-Caritamrta, Nectar of Devotion and Sri Isopanisad. They also organised an outdoor mentee meeting in Hyde Park, with mentees and community devotees, after lockdown restrictions had eased, where they read from the Krishna book, had a lively kirtan and picnic prasadam.

Bhaktin Sandhya was initiated on Zoom by Sivarama Swami and was given the new name Sahacari devi dasi. She is in the mentee group of Candravali devi dasi.

Bhava Bhakti devi dasi’s ladies mentee group meet twice a month. During one of the online meetings in April, mentee Devaki devi dasi gave a lovely topic talk entitled: ‘Longevity in Krishna consciousness: how to remain fixed and undeterred despite life’s obstacles’. The excellent PowerPoint presentation led to a lot of questions and discussion afterwards on topics such as ‘not judging devotees who leave’, ‘coming out of our comfort zone’, ‘being careful with our words’ and ‘discriminating in our devotee association’.

In one of the meetings in May, another mentee, Maharani Radhika devi dasi, gave a topic talk entitled ‘Siksastakam: its application and importance in our lives’. The well-presented PowerPoint presentation was followed by everyone giving their feedback and what points stood out for them. Discussions included ‘the importance of evolving in our spiritual life and not stagnating’, ‘always looking to learn new services’ and ‘going deeper in our japa and our connection to Krishna’.

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Spiritual Mentorship System

Jai Nitai dasa’s mens mentee group meet twice a month. Here is a description of one of those meetings in April: “We started by chanting the Mangalacharana together and then recited the homework memory verse, Bhagavad-Gita verse 9.26 and set the next verse 9.27. The topic talk was

by Bhakta Aashish on the topic ‘What does it mean to set a good example?’ I then gave a presentation on Lord Rama and made it an interactive discussion. Then we played two rounds of Kahoot quiz! Had some fun.”

In May, another mentee Bhakta Adilbek gave the topic talk on ‘Why do we pray and does prayer work?’ The group then read from SrimadBhagavatam 7.9.1-30 the chapter titled ‘Prayers of Prahlad’ in preparation for the upcoming Nrsimha Caturdasi festival.

The ladies ashram mentee group meet twice a month in the Temple and their mentor is Bhava Bhakti devi dasi. She shared an update for April: “This month we finished our daily reading challenge of reading two pages a day from the book “Beyond Birth and Death” and sharing our realisations with each other on a specific WhatsApp group.

In one of our mentee meetings, we read from Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.3.1-23 - the chapter entitled: “The Marriage of Sukanya and Cyavana Muni”, a very enlivening pastime that generated a lot of discussion about marriage, female empowerment and the qualities of a sage. We also decided to learn the bhajan “Ohe Vaishnava Thakura” for the next mentee meeting. These ladies are all so musically gifted and can sing and play a number of musical instruments.”

Bhava Bhakti devi dasi also shared about one of the meetings in May: “We saw the departure of Bhaktin Rebeca from the ladies ashram after staying for two years. Rebeca will be travelling for a while and looking to assist with the preaching in Africa. In Rebeca’s last meeting, each devotee was given homework to learn a song they want to sing and present why they picked this particular song.

We also had appreciations for Rebeca and had a game of Krishna conscious Pictionary based on Rebeca’s fun time while in the ashram. We ended with a timed art competition based on either

spiritual personalities in the past or devotees amongst us now. The ladies had to guess who was in the drawing in order to gain a point. It is fair to say we concluded that some ladies were better at singing then their art skills!”

The grihastha mentee group is facilitated by Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi and they meet twice a month. In April, the meeting presentation was done by Jagannatha Sharan dasa and Vrinda Sundari devi dasi on SrimadBhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 15. They all read the verses and then discussed key themes such as leadership, humility, gratitude and service.

In May, it was the turn of Acyuta Charan dasa and Krishna Kanta devi dasi to do a presentation on Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 17. After the presentation, a discussion followed on how we can truly help society, what is the cause of collective karma and how can we keep surrendering to Krishna.

Satya Narayan dasa and Madhvi devi dasi’s mentee group shared a description of one of their meetings: “We started with reciting the Mangalacharana prayers led by Bhaktin Indu and Bhagavad-Gita verse 2.20 recitation by Bhakta Anubhav. We then had a reading and discussion on the Nectar of Devotion chapter 21 titled ‘Qualities of Sri Krishna’. Finally we read from Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta”.

Interested in joining the mentorship system? Email:

bhava.bhakti@iskcon.london

VOLUNTEERING ISKCON-London volunteers shared the following feedback after serving during Lord Nrsimhadeva’s appearance day festival.

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“I really enjoyed the service on Wednesday! And thank you again for keeping your patience with me.”

Volunteer

“Glad I could help in even the smallest way possible. Looking forward to helping out in many more such occasions.”

Volunteer

“Hare Krishna, thank you so much for engaging me and my parents in the service of Nrsimhadeva. We found it to be blissful and absorbing and my parents are keen to serve in the ISKCON-London kitchen regularly now. It was exactly how I wanted to serve the devotees in memory of my departed family members.”

Volunteer

Interested in volunteering at ISKCON-London?

Email: volunteers@iskcon.london

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

DARSHAN TIMES Although Their Lordships’ arati is taking place as normal as part of the Deity worship, please note ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple, at the time of publication, is closed and only open for darshan during select times on Wednesdays, Sundays and festival days.

Please visit www.iskcon.london for the latest information.

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

CLASS TIMES 07:30 Srimad-Bhagavatam / Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta At the time of publication, classes in the Temple Room are only taking place in the morning which are available to view via live broadcast. Please visit Bhakti Yoga London, ISKCON-London and London College of Vedic Studies Facebook pages for the latest information on additional online classes, programmes and courses.

These are times when items are offered for the pleasure of Their Lordships.

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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 PRABHUPADA