happy healthy cows - hare krishna temple · shri krishna janmashtami labour of love made up from a...

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Celebrating in style: Krishna JanmashtamiBhaktivedanta Manor celebrated it's 37th annual Janmastami festival this year - marking over 5,000 years since Lord Krishna's appeared in this world. The festival delighted over 65,000 pilgrims, guests and seekers with rich experiences that caught the eye, stimulated the mind and captured the hearts of the young and the young-at-heart alike.The celebrations, which spanned over two days, were very well recevied by newcomers too. “This was my first visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor and to the Janmashtami Festival,” recalls Cllr Rosemary Gilligan, Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council. “It was lovely to see so many people attending the festival - the one thing I noticed was the sense of peace and harmony amongst all the visitors. I was particularly interested in the way in which farming without cruelty is actively promoted and in the way the Manor devotees manage their cows and oxen.”In the magical Forest of Vrindavana visitors were enticed by a multi-sensory presentation of glorious scenes from Krishna's pastimes. The woodland walk around the Manor's lake was transformed into an immersive experience for the eyes, ears and nose: with colourful displays, audio re-enactments and a plethora of fragrances. Visitors continued their journey through the temple building, which was bedecked with displays and illustrations of Krishna's activities. As they came eagerly before the magnificent shrine they were delighted to see the beautiful forms of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda. In the atmosphere of singing and devotion they offered heartfelt prayers to Lord Krishna.

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

On 26th July, commuters found themselves in the unusal situation of sharing London’s roads with a herd of bicycle-riding cows! Thirty fearless riders representing The Lotus Trust, a charity based at Bhaktivedanta Manor, travelled from Trafalgar Square through Knightsbridge, Westminster and Victoria to raise awareness of the welfare of dairy cattle.

The Lotus Trust is against the intensive farming of animals and expresses that all cows should be given free access to outdoor grazing and space to roam. Lotus Trust spokesman Sita Rama das said: “We are saying to the public: let's take the first step to improving cow welfare by drinking organic milk.”

Srila Prabhupada:

Lord Caitanya advocated a process whereby everyone may remain in his present position without change but simply hear from the proper authoritative sources about Krishna…We do not ask anyone to first change his position and then come to us. Instead, we invite everyone to come with us and simply chant Hare Krishna because we know that if one simply chants and hears the topics of Krishna, one's life will change; he will see a new light, and his life will be successful.

SB: 4.7.44 purport continued on pages 4-5

Happy Healthy Cows - raising awareness of the plight of dairy cattle

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter September 2009

Lesson in RecyclingHertsmere Borough Council's Officer of Education, Gemma Godfrey, paid a visit to the Manor School to refresh the children's commitment to recycling. After an interactive workshop involving sorting rubbish, Gemma helped the children make recycled paper.

The children also visited a quarry near St Albans to learn about the recycling of natural materials and the restoration of the countryside after quarrying.

Sports Day for the Manor School and Pre-school

The Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Mela was very well attended and local devotees sponsored a stand for Adi-Guru das to promote Krsna consciousness. Antardwip das also organized a mini Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) through the festival. BBC Radio Suffolk's presenters donned Indian dress for the event and performed a live radio interview with Adi-Guru das, presenting Vaishnava culture to a fresh audience. This year Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja

fell on Saturday 15th August and as on all years, that is one day after Janmastami. That’s how closely linked Krishna and Srila Prabhupada are for the devotees! Every morning at the mangala arotik, we sing:

yasya prasadad bhagavat prasadoyasya prasadanna gati kutopih

dhyam stuvams tasya yasastri sandhyam vande guroh sri caranaravindam

The meaning of this is that by Krishna’s mercy we are given the association of the spiritual master and by the mercy of the spiritual master, we can attain Krishna. Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder Acarya of ISKCON wrote that one of the foremost reasons for establishing this international society was to bring the devotees together in association so we might keep each other strong and enlivened in our spiritual practices and devotional service, in an atmosphere of love and trust. Srila Prabhupada emanated pure love for the Lord and engendered trust in those who came into his association.Such a man was George Harrison of the Beatles who offered this beautiful home, later to be known as Bhaktivedanta Manor, for the service of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada stayed here many times and informed us that he would eternally reside in his rooms at the Manor.

This year, after participating in the Guru Puja ceremony in the temple room and glorifying Srila Prabhupada with traditional prayers to the spiritual master, we moved upstairs to Srila Prabhupada’s darshan room. Devotees had beautifully decorated his residential quarters and on either side of His Divine Grace were two gorgeous urns of flowers whilst a floral arch framed his deity form. White sheets were spread on the floor as was customary when devotees and guests would attend a darshan with Prabhupada. Disciples who had the good fortune to serve Srila Prabhupada when he was personally present with us took loving care to prepare his rooms as attentively and devotionally as possible, in the hope that this would help to invoke an increased sense of his eternal presence with us. As the devotees respectfully entered Prabhupada’s rooms, a murmur of appreciation and an aura of awe and reverence pervaded the atmosphere. Here we all were, sitting in His Divine Grace’s presence, his disciplic children and grandchildren who have dedicated their lives to follow in his footsteps and commit themselves to the mission of Lord Chaitanya. Rupa Vilasa prabhu, as our master of ceremonies invited devotees to read offerings to Srila Prabhupada and all were inspired and deeply moved to hear the outpourings of love, commitment and praise of Srila Prabhupada’s glories.Few temples in the world have quarters in which Srila Prabhupada stayed so often and for such extended periods. On this day of all days, in this most sacred place, we sensed his eternal presence with us on an even deeper level. After many precious moments of reminiscent and often very humorous stories about Srila Prabhupada’s merciful association, we performed the Pushpanjali ceremony after which arotik was offered to His Divine Grace to the sound of sweet kirtan. Please visit Srila Prabhupada’s quarters when you next come to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Just one moment’s association with a pure devotee can change the heart and the course of our existence.

by Sarva Mangala dasi

Presenting to a fresh audience

The Most Blessed EventVyasa Puja of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada


Lord BalaramaWhenever Krishna takes birth in this material world, He brings his associates from the spiritual world with Him. Five thousand years ago when Krishna was born in Mathura, Balarama came to assist in His pastimes as His elder brother. This year His Appearance Day fell on 5th August.

Garga Muni, the family priest of the Yadu dynasty, revealed to Rohini (Balarama’s mother), that the child she was carrying was divine. He named the child ‘Rama’, meaning ‘one who gives all pleasure’. Noting the immense strength of the child, Garga Muni said that He should also be known as Balarama (‘bala’ meaning strength).

As the elder brother of Krishna, Balarama was the object of His love and respect. Once when walking in the forest of Vrindavana, Krishna observed the trees bending down as if paying obeisances to Balarama. When Balarama would get tired by playing, He would lie down on the lap of one of the cowherd boys and Krishna would personally massage His feet and fan Him and render Him service. Such was the sweet reciprocation of love between Them.

Srimati Radharani’s Love The topmost express ion of Kr ishna Consc iousness

Jhulan Yatra

Radhastami, which marks the birth of Krishna’s female counterpart and eternal divine consort, Srimati Radharani, was celebrated all day in an atmosphere of joyful devotion on 27th August.Knowledge about Radharani, Her relationship with Krishna and Her girlfriends is present throughout the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, most notably the writings of Srila Rupa, Jiva and Sanatana Goswamis. Devotees

are aware that devotion to Radharani is the topmost expression of Krishna consciousness. Although Srila Prabhupada was on the one hand very reserved in speaking about Radharani, he nevertheless imparted a sweet and pure understanding of her. He sometimes described her as Krishna's tenderhearted female counterpart who personified love of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada explained that Radharani is

interested in the welfare of all devotees and that devotees can pray to Her. He explained that one cannot go directly to Krishna, but if Radharani is pleased with someone She will kindly recommend them to Krishna. The easiest way to pray to Radharani is to chant the Hare Krishna Mantra which includes the names of Radha and Krishna: “O Energy of the Lord (Hara), O Lord, please engage me in Your service."

The annual five-day swing festival took place between 1st and 5th August. Every morning Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda were placed on a beautifully decorated swing in the temple room. Devotees showered Them with flower petals and took the opportunity to gently pull the swing.


S h r i K r i s h n a J a n m a s h t a m i

Labour of LoveMade up from a number of key exhibits and experiences, the Janmastami festival is put together by a volunteer base of over 1000 members. Their labour of love started many months before in preparing exhibits and planning logistics to safely cater for the thousands of pilgrims. On the evening of 22nd August, the festival committee members personally thanked all the volunteers for their selfless service, wrapping up another successful Janmashtami.

Festival Committee co-chairman Dilip Patel presents the Janmashtami report


S h r i K r i s h n a J a n m a s h t a m i

Some Highlights...


Among the many gifts the West appears intent on bestowing upon the rest of the world – such as TV, burger bars, pop music etc -- democracy is perhaps top of the list. We cherish our democratic institutions and are prepared to endure great pain and difficulty, sacrificing our soldiers and heaps of cash, to ensure that voting is embraced in far flung places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Even, it seems, when they don’t really want it anyway. The recent elections in Afghanistan were very poorly subscribed, with many polling stations remaining more or less empty. At a gathering on polling day of many tribal leaders from all around the country a Sky journalist asked them why. They unanimously responded by saying that they were happy enough with their own way of doing things and resented Western interference. This, they said, was the general view of the people.Nevertheless the voting went ahead and a leader was elected, one with which the West no doubt hopes to ‘do business’. But what of democracy? So called power to the people. Does it really work? Certainly it is not propounded by the Vedas, where theistic monarchies are the general model encouraged. They are hardly in fashion these days, but is democracy that much better?Apparently so, as it seems we are free to make a choice about who rules over us, and we are unlikely to select candidates who look like they will make life unpleasant. Well, who at least promise us very sincerely that they won’t. How free though is our choice? Obviously we must form our views based upon the available information, and that is often presented by those who would seek our vote. Consider this from Herman Goering. “Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is

easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.”There spoke a man who knew a bit about manipulating public opinion. And have things changed? Constantly we encounter a barrage of ‘news’, views and ‘expert’ opinions, all of which shape our outlook and hence who we choose as our leaders. Which is fine if our outlook is enlightened and we are able to recognise a truly qualified person, one who will lead us on to the promised (by them) land of milk and honey. But how well are we making that call? Are the politicians and leaders who culled our votes living up to our expectations? How often are we disappointed?Winston Churchill once said, “the best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter.” This was a point Srila Prabhupada often made. Leaders must be selected by the most qualified persons in society; those who know the goal of life and how to attain it. In Vedic society, although the feelings of the people were not ignored, it was always the pure-hearted sages and Brahmins who were chiefly consulted in matters of who should lead the state. Prabhupada said, “if you ask a criminal or a drunkard to vote for a leader then what can you expect?” It is a bit like asking a young child to vote for his p a r e n t s . Most kids would like a mum and dad who let them more or less live on crisps and chocolate, take very few baths, chill out all day and never attend school. What a life. But mum and dad know better, and in the same way the state leadership, according to Vedic wisdom at least, should also know what is best for the citizens.

Great sages know that life has a higher purpose than simply satisfying the bodily senses like the animals. They know that true happiness comes from realising our spiritual nature as eternal parts of the Supreme. And they know that real care for others is demonstrated not by indulging them with whatever they immediately want, but by training them toward the goal of ultimate and everlasting peace and happiness.Perhaps in the absence of too many enlightened seers we are safest sticking with democracy for now, but whether elected by the people or selected by the spiritually advanced sages, leaders have a grave mission to perform. Prabhupada says, “The kings or the executive heads of all states must fulfill the mission of human life, which is to make an end to all miseries of material conditions.” And chief among those conditions of misery is repeated birth and death. So let’s see, whose manifesto promises to end that?

P O W E R . . . T O W H I C H P E O P L E ?

by Krishna Dharma das

Geena PattniAge: 15Studying: GCSEs

What did you find appealing about KC?

My brother Ravi has been an active member for several years. After going on the annual summer trips he would tell me about them and with each year my desire to go on one grew until I finally gave in and went to Italy last year with the group.

What made you start attending IPS events?

It was mainly the inspiration I developed through going on the Italy trip. I found that it had a warm atmosphere and I made friends with many others that came along. I particularly found the kirtans appealing and the opportunities to ask questions to better understand my faith.

What services are you currently involved in?I put tilak [sacred clay markings placed primarily on the forehead] on people that visit the temple on Sundays and I often help with the serving of prasad [sanctified food] too. In IPS I help out wherever I can but I especially like to cook for my local Jammin (Harrow).

Interesting fact about yourselfI attend Army training courses in which I receive training in completing obstacle courses, marching and even rifle shooting! I’ve been doing this for two years now through my school and have met members of the royal family through my involvement.

Under the InfluenceThe centerpiece of ISKCON Pandava Sena’s (IPS) marquee, titled ‘Under the Influence’, was a powerful performance that dynamically illustrated the original position of the soul and the importance of surrender.The act was originally developed for a Harrow Jammin that took place earlier in the year. Based on its success the festival team agreed to use it for Janmashtami. As part of the tent’s introduction, the visitors were told that they were about to meet four personalities they knew very well. Not knowing what to expect, they entered the blacked-out area to be greeted by characters in each corner, representing lust, envy, greed and intoxication. Each influence was armed with a powerful monologue aimed at convincing the young audience about the happiness they could supposedly offer.The focus then moved to the main stage which saw a young girl (representing the living entity), becoming attracted to Maya (material nature) and choosing to leave Krishna’s association in the spiritual world. As a result, she becomes absorbed and entangled by various influences who again promise her happiness, only to leave her in state of great pain and desperation.

Ultimately she prays for help and chooses to surrender to Krishna, who in turn saves her.The emotive show touched many hearts and left some members of the audience in tears. Nandagopa das, the president of IPS, commented: “Every year we come up with new ideas about how to give the message of Krishna Consciousness to the thousands of youth that attend Janmashtami. This year, we wanted something very special to celebrate our 15 year anniversary and sure enough Krishna empowered His various devotees accordingly. I was most impressed to see the significant number of new members who were brave enough to take up responsibility.” Since Janmashtami, the show has been performed at the Manor’s Janmashtami Volunteers’ Thank

You Dinner and IPS has been invited to run it at the Crawley Ratha Yatra festival as well as at events in Birmingham and Leicester. IPS members were involved in all aspects of the Janmashtami celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor this year but had specific responsibility for the Vrindavan walkway, the Krishna Avanti fundraising area as well as ‘Under the Influence’.

Jammin is a fortnightly youth event organised and facilitated by IPS

jamminjamminjammin jamminjamminjammin

jammin

04/09 - Harrow - Who or what is God?05/09 - Crawley - Going Nowhere Fast12/09 - Crawley - The Three Modes of Nature18/09 - Harrow - Are we Destiny’s Child26/09 - Crawley - Life in Krishna Consciousness02/10 - Harrow - Chained?East London Jammins TBC

Forthcoming Jammins:

For more details see wwww.psena.comSubject to change


Calendar Dates - September 2009Tues 1st App of Lord Vamanadeva & Srila Jiva GoswamiWed 2nd App of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura (fasting till noon)Thur 3rd Disapp of Srila Haridas ThakuraFri 4th Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada Shradha beginsFri 11th Srila Prabhupada's arrival in USA

Tue 15th Indira EkadasiFri 18th Sradha endsSun 27th Dusshera Festival at ManorMon 28th Dusshera App of Sri MadhvacaryaWed 30th Pasankusa Ekadasi Disapp of Srila Raghunatha das, Srila Raghunatha Bhatta and Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswamis

Sat 3rd Oct Kartik begins

© 2009 All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor

Bhaktivedanta ManorDharam Marg · Hilfield Lane

Aldenham · Herts · WD25 8EZ01923 851000

www.krishnatemple.comPlease send your news, photos and comments to Radha Mohan das at: [email protected]

National Hindu leaders have pledged to work together to create long-term plans for environmental protection and education. Ideas considered include a benchmark for a range of products and services, endorsement for ethically sourced food, and to advocate sustainable lifestyles. These plans will be developed and implemented over the next 9 years.

The leaders met in Oxford as part of an international initiative led by the Alliance

of Religions and Conservation (ARC), the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) and backed by the United Nations Development Programme.

Ranchor Prime, researcher on environmental issues, explained, “…as the environmental cost of meat is right at the top of the global climate change agenda, Hindus feel they have something to say. One of their key concerns is to change public perceptions of the cow as simply a source of food.”

“This meeting was historical because the larger Hindu temples in the UK have agreed to work closely together, which is very encouraging and a very good example,” noted Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the OCHS.

Patrons Gathering

Plans for environmental change in Oxford Jagannath’s UK tourThe name of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the universe, is being heard in more towns across the UK than ever before. “This year was Leicester’s first Ratha Yatra with local deities,” explained Antardwip das. “With three chariots, Leicester stages the second largest Ratha Yatra in Europe, after London. The chariots are only possible because of the tireless work and dedication of Titiksu prabhu and his team across Europe and especially the UK.” Ratha Yatras also took place in Birmingham, Cardiff, Crawley, Plymouth and Glastonbury.

Residential course: Introduction to Krishna Consciousness15th Sept – 20th Dec 2009

Experience a unique opportunity to spend three months in the beautiful countryside setting of Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK. The residential course provides encompasses theoretical and practical aspects of devotional life, and a wide range of activities. For more information or to enroll please email Bhakta Pravin at:[email protected]

Marking 15 years of Krishna ClubKrishna Club, the Manor’s Sunday school, has been running since 1994 and is led by Vasana-harini dasi and Shyama-vallabha dasi who are both qualified teachers. To mark 15 years of service, a celebratory function was held during the last weekend in July. The Manor’s Temple room was packed with children, young

people and their parents – all of whom participated in the full temple morning programme. There was also yoga for the children. The following day everyone climbed aboard a coach to Drayton Manor Theme Park.If you are interested in placing your child’s name on their list, please email [email protected]

Over 1,000 patron members and their families attended a thank you evening at Bhaktivedanta Manor. They participated in a programme of entertainment, presentation of highlights from the previous year and of course, dinner.

happy healthy cows - hare krishna temple · shri krishna janmashtami labour of love made up from a...

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