DEPARTMENT HEADS JAI NITAI DASA
ACUTYA CHARAN DASA
BHAVA BHAKTI DEVI DASI
DEVAKI DEVI DASI
MURLI MANOHARA DASA
DHAVAL DATTANI
Temple President Charity Chairman Member of Management Board South Regional Coordinator Mentor
Temple Administrator Charity Secretary / Trustee Member of Management Board South Regional Secretary Mentorship System Coordinator Mentor
Head Pujari Charity Trustee Member of Management Board Chair of New Temple Committee Member of Brahmacari Council Mentor
Food for Life Coordinator
ISKCON50 Coordinator (London) Head of Community Development Team Volunteers Coordinator
Volunteers Coordinator
RAM CHARAN DASA
GURPAAL DEOL
THIRU DHAYALAN
JAGA MOHINI DEVI DASI
Financial Controller Member of Management Board
Member of Management Board Govinda’s Restaurant Manager Kitchen Manager
RADHA RAMAN DASA Charity Trustee Mentor
Radha’s Boutique Manager
ISKCON Educational Services Ladies Ashram Leader
KAPILA MONET
Radha Krishna Records Manager
KRISHNA KANTA DEVI DASI
PRITESH PANDYA
MAHA NRSINGHA DASA
RAKESH SHAH
Food for Life Coordinator
Festivals Coordinator Mentor
MUKUNDA KISHORE DASA
Child Protection Officer Community Care Officer (Ombudsman)
Head of Communications
SANJAYA MADHAVA DASA
Closet Krishna Assistant Manager
London College of Vedic Studies Coordinator
NAAM SANKIRTAN DASA
SYAMANANDA DASA
NANDINI RASIKA DEVI DASI
TITIKSU DASA
OLGA DOROVKO
VAYU DASA
Sankirtana Leader
Closet Krishna Manager
Head of Russian Vedic Society
General Manager Govinda’s Restaurant Manager
UK Rathayatra Coordinator
Men’s Ashram Leader
CLOSET KRISHNA 3
CONTENTS 4 Update from the Temple President
9 Govinda’s Restaurant
7 Atma Lounge
11 Outreach
5 ISKCON50 in London 7 Closet Krishna
8 Community Development Team
10 Festivals
11 Spiritual Mentorship System
UPDATE FROM THE TEMPLE PRESIDENT GRIHASTA ASHRAM: THE REALITY SHOW Saturday 28th January Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi gave a seminar aimed at devotees who are about to enter a relationship for marriage or who are newly married. The seminar was entitled “Grihastha Ashram: The Reality Show”. It was well received with approximately 20 attendees and a second series is already in the planning stages. BHAKTI SASTRI COURSE CERTIFICATES Sunday 29th January Students who graduated from the Bhakti Sastri course and ISKCON Guru Disciple course were presented with their certificates by Jai Nitai dasa at the Sunday Feast programme. BHAKTI YOGA Sunday 26th February
Jai Nitai dasa taught the “Introduction to Bhakti Yoga” course to newcomers to the Temple.
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INTERFAITH DISCUSSION Monday 27th February Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi attended an Interfaith Discussion at St George’s Hospital in Tooting. This was arranged by the Krishna Conscious Society whose members are all medical students. Jai Nitai dasa was on the panel as the representative for the Hare Krishna movement. Also on the panel were Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and Sikh representatives. The topic of discussion was “Why are we here? Is there life after death?” This was followed by Q&A with the audience who were all mainly medical students.
ISKCON50 IN LONDON ANNUAL REVIEW: ISKCON 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION The ISKCON 50th Anniversary special edition of Annual Review 2016 was released on Sunday 12th March on the auspicious occasion of Gaura Purnima. Hard copies are available at the Temple and the e-copy can also be read online: www.iskcon.london/annualreview/2016
HERE’S A SUMMARY OF THE FINAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE IN LONDON: Joy of Devotion UK Film Premiere - Thursday 5th January, Camden Centre London to a large and enthusiastic turnout of approximately 300 leaders, community
“For centuries, people have taken many paths in search of lasting happiness. Most have come to the same conclusion: that the most powerful force is love and a life of benevolence reaching out to the divine and others is a life imbued with the joy of devotion.”
T
hese opening words of the film, The Joy of Devotion, directed by Krisztina Danka (KrishnaLila dasi), film-maker and executive director of Karuna Productions and her international team, perfectly encapsulate the film’s essence. On Thursday 5th January, ISKCON-London and Bhaktivedanta Manor co-hosted the UK film premiere of ‘The Joy of Devotion’ at the Camden Centre in central
ISKCON50 in London Presentation to UKMC, Sunday 8th January, Niland Conference Centre
O
n Sunday 8th January, Devaki devi dasi, ISKCON50 Coordinator (London), presented a summary of the ISKCON50 events and activities that took place in London over 2015 and 2016 to the UK Management Council (UKMC) and other ISKCON50 centre representatives. The presentation was well received and attendees were impressed with the range of events and activities that took place in London to honour ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary. It was also inspiring to hear presentations from other centres across the UK, and show the breadth of dynamic initiatives we have in the UK to further the movement.
members and those who have recently taken
an interest in the ISKCON movement, as well as those who participated in the film.
The film was created as an offering to Srila Prabhupada, the Founder of the ISKCON movement, during ISKCON’s 50th
anniversary, and is a reflection of the varied and extensive Hare Krishna projects all over the world. Its message is
universal and inspiring and a must-see for all spiritualists on their path.
Read full article here: http://bit.ly/2nsYaII Watch highlights: http://bit.ly/2mLLZFu
ISKCON50 After-Party, Saturday 25th February, ISKCON-London
O
n the evening of Saturday 25th February, we held an appreciation sanga, organised by Devaki devi dasi, for the devotees who took on considerable responsibility for ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in London. It was a sweet and fun evening, which included kirtan by Kancana-beli devi dasi, games facilitated by Syamananda dasa, a talk by Jai Nitai dasa, appreciations and presentation of gifts, and prasadam. It was the final event for the 50th and an important one, as it was an opportunity to recognise those who made the 50th Anniversary celebrations in London a success. Thank you to everyone who contributed in some way towards the celebrations.
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ISKCON50 in London
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ATMA LOUNGE The official opening of the Atma Lounge was on Friday 20th January with the attendance of Damian Collins, Philip Carter, the landlord and Former Mayor of Folkestone, David Monk, Leader of Shepway Council, as well as other dignitaries and guests. The event included: a tour of the property, a presentation and introduction to the philosophy and organisation, a vegetarian lunch buffet, and mantra music presentation. Atma Lounge is a unique feature of Folkestone, offering a cultural and spiritual experience from sacred India - a place to relax and dive in spiritually. The converted shop-front has become a yoga and meditation center and gift shop. The center offers regular courses and events including
yoga, meditation and counselling as well as a weekly Open Day event on Sunday that includes: mantra chanting, a short philosophical discussion on the Bhagavad-Gita and a hearty vegetarian meal. Atma Lounge is a registered charity under ISKCON-London Ltd. and managed by spiritualist couple Priya Kunda dasa and Syama Gauri devi dasi. Read more about the Atma Lounge opening ceremony on ISKCON News here: http://bit.ly/2oK1yis
CLOSET KRISHNA
A
ll throughout January and February 2017, there has been a
continuation of successful preaching and community programmes at
Closet Krishna. The shop has now become established within the
community as a well-known oasis for
spiritual rejuvenation and inspiration. The preaching and book distribution has increased with the help of
committed devotees. There are regular Friday programmes and Sunday
afternoon programmes conducted once a month with an encouraging attendance of over 20 people, many of whom are chanting regularly and learning the philosophy. In February, three devotees from Rochester visited Mayapur and were inspired by the visit. The Closet Krishna team is beginning cooking classes at the shop soon and other programmes such as Hatha Yoga and Stress and Anxiety Ayurvedic
workshops, and support for those suffering from these conditions are continuing and expanding. The status of ISKCON as a charity, and what the charity does is also becoming better known, through the hard work and communication with the general public by our volunteers. More people who are attending the Friday and Sunday programmes are now offering their services to volunteer in the shop.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM GUEST CARE TEAM
The Guest Care Team at ISKCON-London keep as their ethos – to welcome new visitors to the Temple, care for them as well as the devotees who come to the Temple. A team of enthusiastic volunteers serve during the Sunday Feast programmes, on special festival days as well as on certain weekdays. THE TEAM’S EFFORTS IN JANUARY 2017:
FEBRUARY 2017 STATISTICS:
26 newcomers signed up on the guest database 9 regulars signed up to our newsletters Total of 35 members
17 newcomers signed up on the guest database 12 regulars signed up to our newsletters Total of 29 members
IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THIS TEAM OF GUEST CARE VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE CONTACT: Bhaktin Gayathri: 07592 212936
LET’S ALL CREATE A CULTURE OF CARE.
VOLUNTEERS MAYAPUR.TV (Temple broadcasts) For the past 10 years, we have been streaming the Temple morning programme (Mangal arati all the way through to the morning class) and festivals onto Mayapur TV http://mayapur.tv making sure all the devotees can see Their beloved Lordships from home before starting their day. This is solely performed by a team of dedicated volunteers who login remotely to the computer and broadcast. Amongst them, Sita Preeti devi dasi who lives in Scotland has been consistently doing the broadcast of Mangal arati and Tulsi Puja since we started.
We also record the programme and upload VIP classes and special events on our YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/iskconlondontv
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN DOING THIS SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT: volunteers@iskcon-london.org It is a service that can be done from home, if one has access to a computer and internet connection.
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GOVINDA’S RESTAURANT G
ovinda’s Restaurant is now on the Too Good to Go (TGTG) app http:// toogoodtogo.co.uk
Too Good to Go’s mission is to place the lost value back onto food as something that should be eaten and not thrown away. Through the TGTG app, awareness of food waste is being raised by making surplus food available for collection before a store closes its breakfast, lunch or dinner service.
G
ovinda’s Restaurant Manager and Head Chef, Thirumalai Dhayalan, along with Jai Nitai Dasa were featured in the WestEndExtra online publication dated 10th February. Reporter, Alinia Polianskaya, writes about the restaurant’s charitable food which is blessed every day as the Hare Krishnas are strong believers in the notion of karma. Read full article here: http://bit.ly/2odgRQn
“We are sandwiched between one of the busiest shopping streets in the world on one side and, on the other side, Soho, right in between that is the most unlikely place to find this spiritual oasis in a desert of materialism”. - Jai Nitai dasa
“The food at Govinda’s, for me, is the top taste that I can have in my life - as well as my mother’s cooking. I learnt to cook in Juhu, Mumbai, the variety there is huge, it is the place you can learn everything. As for the Soho restaurant, I realised that this is the place I want to stick around in for as long as I can. It was dear to our Founder and it is very dear to me.” - Thiru
Thirumalai “known as Thiru”, aged 37, who originates from Tamil Nadu in India, has been based at the London Govinda’s for 11 years. He first started working at the Govinda’s restaurant in Mumbai, India, in 1995. On another note, the washrooms in the restaurant are also being refurbished, providing upgraded facilities to customers.
FESTIVALS Nityananda Trayodashi – Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu who is the eternal associate of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This beautiful festival was celebrated on Wednesday 8th February at the Temple with devotees lined up from 7.00am for Deity Greetings. This was followed by bhajans, Raj-bhoga arati, feast, harinama, Dhoop arati and the abhishek of Gaura-Nitai. Celebrations continued with Sandhya arati, kirtan with Radha Londonisvara dasa and ended with the Sayana arati. Watch the recordings: http://bit.ly/nityanandatrayodasi2017
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OUTREACH LADIES’S SANGA
SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SYSTEM IN FEBRUARY, THE FOLLOWING MENTEES WERE APPROVED FOR INITIATION: Naam Sankirtan dasa 2nd initiation from HH Radhanath Swami (he is in the men’s only group run by Jai Nitai dasa)
Rishi Lal 1st initiation from HH Radhanath Swami (he is in the men’s only group run by Jai Nitai dasa)
Nimai Candra dasa 2nd initiation from HH Radhanath Swami (he is in the grihasta mentee group run by Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi)
Sima and Yogesh Mehta 1st initiation from HH Candramauli Swami (they are in the grihasta group run by Satya Narayan dasa and Madhvi devi dasi)
Paramesvara dasa 2nd initiation from HH Radhanath Swami (he is in the men’s only mentee group run by Hari Kirtan dasa)
Tara Mohinder 1st initiation from HH Radhanath Swami (she is in the grihastha mentee group run by Satya Narayan dasa and Madhvi devi dasi)
Saci Mata devi dasi 2nd initiation from HH Radhanath Swami (she is in the older devotees’ mentee group run by Chandravali devi dasi)
We are in the process of planning our Mentorship Retreat for 2017 which will take place in Wales.
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DAILY SCHEDULE ARATI TIMES 04:30 05:00 07:00 08:00 12:30 16:15 19:00 21:00
Mangal arati Tulasi arati Deity greeting Dhoopa arati Raj Bhoga arati Dhoopa arati Sundara arati Sayana arati
These are times when items are offered for the pleasure of the Deities.
DARSHAN TIMES
CLASS TIMES
04:30 to 05:00 07:00 to 07:30 08:00 to 11:45 12:30 to 13:00 16:15 to 18:30 19:00 to 19:30 21:00 to 21:30
07:30 Srimad Bhagavatam / Caitanya Caritamrta 13:00 Introductory talk * 18:00 Bhagavad Gita *
These are times when the curtains are open and the Deities can be seen.
* Excluding Sundays
LUNCH PROGRAMM E - MONDAY TO SATURDAY 13:00 to 14:00 Introductory talk and lunch. SUNDAY FEAST PROGRAMME 15:30 to 19:30 Includes arati, introductory talk and feast.
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
International Society for Krishna Consciousness Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada ISKCON-LONDON Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL
CONTACT: T: +44 (0)20 7437 3662 E : info@iskcon-london.org W: www.iskcon.london
@iskconlondon /iskconlondon