MANOR BHAKTIVEDANTA - Shree Krishna Janmashtami - Bhaktivedanta Manor
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BHAKTIVEDANTA October 2018
October 2018
MANOR
N E W S L E T T E R
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Shree
Krishna
Janmashtami
Contents
Celebrating Krishna’s advent.....................................3
Offering our love to Srila Prabhupada........................7
Radharani: the bestower of devotional service............8
Thanking the Patrons.................................................9
Ratha yatra along Brighton’s promenade.................10
World Holy Name Festival 2018..............................10
St Bartholomew’s class of 1968...............................11
New National Communications Director..................11
Strides along the sunny South-east coast..................11
The Commission on Religious Education..................12
Srila Prabhupada:
The Bhadra Campaign............................................12
happiness of humanity
at the cost of the lives of Avanti Nights .........................................................13
poor animals. That is not The best ever Soul Expressions.................................13
recommended herein. This
Youth convention in Belgium....................................14
verse clearly says that one
should be compassionate to Pandava Sena Retreat to Sweden.............................15
all living entities. Regardless “Vigilance and bravery” during Hay Barn fire...........16
of whether human, animal,
Eastbourne ............................................................17
tree or plant, all living
entities are sons of the Consciousness in Science........................................17
Supreme Personality of Sri Krishna Haveli project update.............................18
Godhead.
The Gita Walk........................................................20
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.10.9
purport
Please send your news, photos and
comments to: Radha Mohan das
newsletter@krishnatemple.com
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts
(for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8HE)
01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com
© 2018, All articles & photographs
copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor
October 2018
Celebrating Krishna’s
advent
Over two days at the beginning of crafts and games. Children also revelled
September, Bhaktivedanta Manor in visiting the New Gokul Farm, which
hosted over fifty thousand people for provides sustainable living and cow
one of the world’s largest celebrations protection, sheltering sixty cows, oxen
of Janmashtami, the advent of Lord and bulls.
Krishna. Amidst all the festivities, one of the
The joyous festivities welcomed all and highlights was the walk through the
transformed the usually serene temple re-creation of the beautiful Vrindavan
grounds into a resplendent festival site forests where Krishna played as a
of colourful marquees, showcasing young boy. The walk concluded with
dance, drama, multimedia and music, the majestic viewing of the exquisitely
both contemporary and traditional. decorated deity altar in the temple
Visitors and pilgrims enjoyed room.
complimentary vegetarian food and the Many visitors commented that they
opportunity to browse bazaars selling experienced great peace sitting in
an eclectic array of culinary delights, front of the deities and listening to the
books, handmade jewellery, music and melodious singing of mantras.
organic produce. The festival promotes the importance
The festival had something for the of love and community in what is today
whole family, including a designated a very diverse society. It could not have
children’s area full of fun-filled activities been staged without the help of 1500
including face painting, henna, arts, volunteers. One such volunteer, Pavitra,
3
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter 4
October 2018
5
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
shared her thoughts: “The festival the protagonist travels through time,
was a wonderful opportunity to meet constantly thwarted in his attempts to
new people, contribute to the local enjoy life.
community and was simply great fun!” In the main tent, the Bhaktivedanta
Guests were also able to see the Players brought back an old classic:
progress on the Haveli (community “The Advent of Lord Krishna!”
building) construction site, including Audiences were spell-bound by
the foundations and a glimpse into its the beautiful depiction of this story
superstructure. portrayed by the talented actors.
This year, the happening new London “The George Harrison tribute band
yoga and food initiative, Om Nom, in the main tent was the highlight for
hosted an exhibit for the first time. Om me,” said visitor Alex. “The renditions
Nom are all about improving one’s of his songs reminded me of how he
belly, body and mind, inspired by was able to combine spirituality with
eastern philosophies and diets: a divine contemporary music in a unique way.”
lifestyle in today’s modern settings. As is customary, the soulful music
The Pandava Sena youth tent continued in the main tent beyond
showcased a drama called ‘Lost and midnight. Kamini, one of the many
Found’, exploring identity through a pilgrims, reflected: “I was transfixed
conversation between a student and by the beautiful singing and when I
God. finally got home I realised what an
The College of Vedic Studies also incredibly nice evening of festivities I
showcased “Bhakti the Future”, an had witnessed.”
outrageous satirical drama where
6
October 2018
Offering our love to
Srila Prabhupada
The day after Janmashtami devotees even have a true relationship with Lord
celebrate the appearance in this world Krishna. On this day, the direct disciples
of Krishna’s pure devotee – his Divine and followers recite heartfelt readings of
Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami their homages to him. That is followed
Prabhupada. This day is known as by a Maha Guru Puja, or grand worship
‘Vyasa-Puja”, meaning the appearance of Srila Prabhupada, including flower
of the representative of Srila Vyasadev petal offerings and abishekha (bathing
(the compiler of the Vedas), or more of his image).
specifically the appearance day of the Meanwhile, the Gurukul Alumni
spiritual master who appears in the line (ISKCON school graduates) teamed
of Srila Vyasadev. together to prepare more than 108
Vyasa-Puja is regarded as a most food offerings, which were offered
sacred day in the ISKCON calendar, for to Srila Prabhupada before being
without Srila Prabhupada we would not distributed to everyone.
7
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Radharani
the bestower of devotional service
Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort who baked them. The cakes were so
of Lord Krishna. Five thousand years well-made that photos of them were
ago, when Lord Krishna came to this shared widely across social media.
planet to perform His pastimes, she The deities’ clothes on the altar were
also appeared. This year devotees adorned with hundreds of flowers, and
celebrated her appearance, called it took 7 volunteers 10 hours to make.
Radhashtami, on 17th September with
“For the flower outfits alone we used
devotion and happiness.
three boxes of chrysanthemums,
In ISKCON, devotees carefully worship including 20 bunches in each box,”
Srimati Radharani as the bestower explained head of Volunteering Krishna
of devotional service to Krishna, by Purna dasi, “We also used 10 bunches
attentively chanting Her name in the of button flowers.”
Hare Krishna mantra (Hare refers
After the singing of the devotional
to Radha), by worshiping Her deity
song Radha Stava and an informative
form, and by following the instructions
class by Kripa Moya das, the utsav
of the most merciful Sri Chaitanya
(ceremonial) deities of Radha
Mahaprabhu, who is the combined
Gokulananda were bathed. There
form of Radha and Krishna.
was also a large hari nama chanting
A team of no less than 15 dedicated procession in Watford, which was
and talented ladies made 21 exquisitely particularly special as many of the
beautiful decorated cakes, with help ladies wore their finest saris!
from the Head Pujari Gadadhara das,
8
October 2018
Thanking the Patrons
Over 1000 persons attended the construction of the Sri Krishna Haveli. It
annual gathering of Patrons for an was an exciting insight into the project’s
evening to remember. Patrons commit legacy and inspiration for future
to making an annual monetary generations.
contribution to the temple, allowing it to There was also a touching film about
conduct much of its respected work. the achievements and friendships
An army of volunteers allowed the shared between Srutidharma das, Gauri
hard-working Patrons to enjoy the das and Pranabandhu das.
evening’s music, theatre, and culinary The Bhaktivedanta Players rounded off
refreshments the evening with one of their hilarious
A special feature of the evening satirical dramas.
included a three-course menu based on Meanwhile, a special party for children
the preparations mentioned in the Raj was arranged – meaning that parents
Bhoga song by Bhaktivinoda Thakur. had a rare opportunity to enjoy the
Nila Madhava das delivered an up- evening peacefully!
to-date report on the progress of the
9
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter Ratha yatra along Brighton’s promenade The popular seaside resort of Brighton held its annual Ratha yatra chariot festival on Sunday 9th September this year. This event has a special place in the hearts of devotees across the UK because the Ratha Yatra festival originated in Jagannath Puri, itself situated along the coast of Orissa in India. World Holy Name Festival 2018 Devotees across the UK were out in full centre. Over thirty devotees performed force for the World Holy Name Festival two hours of kirtan, distributed 54 (17th - 24th September) this year. of Srila Prabhupada's books, 180 The week kicked off with Kirtan Fest prasadam sweets, and 900 mantra in Leicester, where the holy names of cards. Krishna were chanted throughout the Meanwhile devotees from Bhaktivedanta weekend. This year's festival was made Manor took to the streets of Surrey, extra special as the Grade II listed where they visited Slough, Windsor, temple was able to welcome new guests Staines and Kingston for harinam as part of Heritage Open Day, where chanting processions. Despite the rain historic buildings in the city open their on the 22nd, the devotees had a great doors to visitors to get a glimpse behind day, distributing about 350 bags of fruit the scenes. and nuts, books and leaflets inviting In Newcastle, devotees dedicated their people to the Temple. monthly Sacred Street Party in the city 10
October 2018
St Bartholomew’s class Some attendees even brought along old
photos of themselves at the Manor!
of 1968 “Thank you for making our visit so
Bhaktivedanta Manor was owned by St interesting and for spending so much
Bartholomew’s nursing training college time taking us round the beautiful
from 1957 – 1972. From time to time, gardens and house,” exclaimed
former students organise reunions and Maggie, one of the organisers.
the Manor is a popular destination to “Everyone enjoyed it so much, it
help bring back precious memories brought back many memories, some of
amongst them. Last month we hosted a which had been forgotten by most us. It
large group from ‘class of 1968’. was the highlight of our reunion!”
New National Strides along the sunny
Communications Director South-east coast
Mina Sharma has been appointed After the success of last year’s event, the
as the UK National Communications Padayatra team decided to continue for
Director, who will be working under a third year, this time walking along the
the Governing Body Commissioner coastline from Ramsgate to Whitstable
for the UK, Praghosa das. She will via the picturesque seaside towns of
be coordinating ISKCON UK’s 50th Broadstairs, Margate and Herne Bay. They
anniversary next year by encouraging, completed the six-day event in the same
supporting, training, resourcing and place where they began last year, outside
facilitating services, activities and events. the famous gate of Canterbury Cathedral.
11Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
The Bhadra Campaign
Bhadra Campaign is part of the global
initiative started by Vaisesika das, called
GoMatsya. The mission statement of
this project is “Preserving Vedic culture
The Commission on through mass book distribution and
Religious Education education.”
On the 12th September, Head of The Bhadra Campaign was launched
ISKCON Educational Services Tulsi in the presence of Radhanath Maharaj
Seva dasi attended the launch of the at Bhaktivedanta Manor, and the large
Commission on Religious Education team is headed by Vrindavan Chandra
at the House of Commons. It was das.
preceded over by Luke Pollard MP, the On the 24th and 25th September they
Vice Chair of the All Parliamentary distributed no less than 136 Srimad
Group on Religious Education. Bhavavatam sets, a huge effort with
Both Tulsi Seva dasi and Narayani dasi help from the Bhakti Vriksha teams.
of ISKCON Educational Services have Across the UK as a whole, no less than
also responded to the Committee’s ‘call 183 Srimad Bhagavatam sets were
for evidence’ by attending a session distributed!
organised by the Commission, who How they did it:
are in the process of developing a new • Door to Door visits
vision for Religious Education in the UK.
• Placement of sets at care homes
If you would like to know more about
• Placements of sets at libraries
the Commission on Religious Education,
the final report can be downloaded on • Many community devotees
their website: distributed sets to their friends and
families.
https://www.commissiononre.org.uk/
If you want to get involved, please
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA contact Vrindavan Chandra das:
KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE vrindavanchandra@krishnatemple.com
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA
RAMA HARE HARE
12October 2018
Avanti Nights
Pandava Sena Alumni are working with Avanti Schools Trust to hold regular events
for parents and children of all ages to deepen their knowledge and provide a fun
filled evening for children, called Avanti Nights. While children take part in dramas,
magic shows, sports and other activities, parents are enriched with current and
spiritual discussions. This month saw HG Citi Shakti Dasi talk about the impact
of social media on children. The evening is rounded of with everyone taking
prasadam together. This is only the second event and saw over 250 attendees.
Pandava Sena Alumni is a community of over 25 year olds working together to
spread Krishna Consciousness.
The best ever Soul Expressions
Every month we have a welcoming Kirtan event for newcomers called Soul
Expressions and this time we wanted to do something extra special for the passing
of my late uncle Eduardo Perez. So with a month of planning and the tireless help
of the community we managed to decorate the entire prasadam room into the
forest of Vrindavan. Kripamoya Prabhu gave a talk on the 8th chapter of Bhagavad
Gita and Jahnavi Harrison transformed people’s hearts through her devotional
singing. Thank you again to everyone that helped, you know who you are and we
look forward to doing this all over again for Krishna!
13Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Youth convention in Belgium
260 devotees from Europe and beyond participants enjoyed incredibly delicious
gathered at Radhadesh temple, food cooked by Parasuram das. Festival
Belgium, for an ISKCON school alumni attendee Niti declared, “This was
convention. They were joined by 150 the best food I have ever tasted at a
members of the local temple community festival.”
for 5 days of celebration, including Radhadesh resident Syamananda das
dances, workshops, and a chance to facilitated a fun treasure hunt, while
hear the recollections of disciples of riveting dramas were staged by the
Srila Prabhupada. Bhaktivedanta Players. Of course, no
Manor community members Krishna ISKCON school alumni festival would
Dharma das and Cintamani dasi be complete without the former students
delivered seminars on bringing showcasing their amazing musical
scriptural study to life, while the talents.
14October 2018
Pandava Sena Retreat to Sweden!
Senagetaway 2018, titled were really engaging; the people were
Homecoming, took place in Almviks so friendly; the kirtans were enchanting;
Gard, Sweden this year and left and of course the prasadam was
everyone enchanted with its serene delicious! My highlight of the trip was
mood and environment. With amazing having the association of such a senior
guest speakers such HH Sacinandana female devotee, Visakha Mataji. Her
Swami, Visakha Devi and Gauranga presence was so empowering for all
Prabhu, the attendees of the retreat the girls and her devotion towards
loved it and did not want to leave by Krishna was inspiring. Almvik Gard had
the end of it. a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere.
Shivani has kindly shared her first trip I learnt so much about myself and I
experience: “This was my first Pandava will always treasure this experience. A
Sena retreat and I can not wait for the huge thank you to the Pandava Sena
next one! Everything about the trip was trip team for organising an outstanding
amazing. The classes and seminars retreat!“
www.psena.com
15Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
“Vigilance and bravery” during Hay Barn fire
On Friday 21st September, the hay The entire community and beyond have
storage barn of the cow sanctuary been hugely supportive. After the story
(goshalla) unfortunately caught fire and of the fire reached the media, many
was completely destroyed. All the cows, devotees and well-wishers contacted
staff, visitors, the main farm building, the Manor to offer their sympathy and
the large barn and workshop areas support.
were thankfully unharmed. A touching correspondence came from
“We are incredibly grateful to the fire St Helen and St Katharine School in
services for their speedy response and Abington as follows:
clear expertise and bravery in tackling “We told our students who visited you
the blaze,” explained Managing last year and our Year 7 students who
Director Gauri das. “They have been will be coming in November what
both vigilant, courageous and extremely happened. The girls are forgoing one
well mannered. We are also grateful to cookie they would normally buy at
an off-duty police officer and two other school for their break time snack and
lads, for jumping into action to clear the are instead donating that money to help
buildings and securing the site. you rebuild. It won’t be a huge amount
“The fire was devastating, however we but we hope it will nevertheless be
are full of thanks to Lord Krishna that helpful. We will bring the funds with us
no-one got hurt, including the cows, when we come.”
and we will rebuild the barn”
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
16October 2018
Eastbourne Consciousness in
When encouraging his disciples Science
to share the teachings of Lord In modern society, philosophy and
Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the West, science seem worlds apart. There is a
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur (the serious lack of cross-pollination and
spiritual master of Bhaktivedanta Swami collaboration. That’s why Bhaktivedanta
Prabhupada) specifically mentioned the Manor’s science department was
town of Eastbourne, envisioning it as a created in 2017; with the aim to bring
suitable place to have Ratha Yatra. together the abundance of knowledge
Eastbourne? London we can from both fields of enquiry. Recently,
understand…but why Eastbourne? Akhandadhi das was invited to a high-
Before the Second World War, the town profile conference on religion and
was arguably the most popular seaside artificial intelligence.
resort for the higher classes in Britain. Then came the Manor’s annual
With its broad promenade and beautiful Janmashtami festival. The science
scenery, it was naturally a good choice team once again prepared something
for a Jagannath-Puri style Ratha Yatra. spectacular. In previous years they
Indeed, back in 1933 Bon Maharaj have delved into the question of
spoke about Caitanya Mahaprabhu consciousness, and this year about
to members of the Eastbourne 1200 pilgrims were treated to an
Theosophical Society. interactive presentation on science and
When Radha Mohan das recently reincarnation - with many expressing an
visited the town, he decided to track interest to get involved in this fresh new
down the location of where some of endeavour.
his public lectures took place. “I think The biggest news is that the team, along
it’s important to make a record of our with the Bhaktivedanta Institute for
history while we still can, whilst the Higher Studies, will be jointly hosting the
buildings still stand,” he explained. “I first devotee science conference in many
did some detective work and discovered years, in Florida this January.
a building called the Deerfold Centre. For more information:
Various spiritual gatherings still take Website: s-pi.org
place there today.”
17Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Sri Krishna Haveli project update
Construction work on Bhaktivedanta
TOTAL TOTAL
Manor’s new Haveli has begun and is in
full swing with a date of completion for 9.6 9.
Janmashtami 2019.
9 9
• Foundations for the building have STILL STILL
been laid. 8.5 8.
TO RAISETO RAISE 8 8
• Steel structure of the second £2,298,602
£2,298,602
building now going up, first 7.5 7.
complete. 7 7
• Oak timber for reception now 6.5 6.
sourced
6 6
• Kitchen design and equipment 5.5 5.
finalised PLEDGESPLEDGES
5 5
• Outstanding
Audio video system and lighting Outstanding
4.5 4.
design concluded £3,975,300
£3,975,300
4 4
• Work on the ramps and stairwells
leading from Haveli to the tenple 3.5 3.
have begun 3 3
• Underground waste pumping station 2.5 2.
being installed
2 2
• COLLECTED
New Power Station to be installed COLLECTED 1.5 1.
£3,326,098
£3,326,098 1 1
0.5 0.
0 0
18October 2018
• Our Heartfelt thanks to all who have pledged their
support for this historic project.
• A further £2.3 million is required.
• We need another 154 families to give just £4 a day
for 10 years.
• Alone we can do little, together with Krishna’s grace
we can do so much.
Make a Difference
give £4 per day, to get us rest of the way
To contribute towards the Shree Krishna Haveli, Contact Vaisnava das:
haveli@krishnatemple.com - 07907 809 006 - www.krishnatemple.com/haveli
19Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
The Gita Walk
Walk It - Talk it - Live It
The vibrant community of Bhaktivedanta and spiritual rejuvenation for present
Manor underwent another exciting fund- and future generations.
raising project. A 7-mile “Gita Walk” Each participant in the Gita Walk
took place on Sunday 16th September, represented a verse from the sacred text
starting from the Krishna Avanti School Bhagavad Gita As it Is. The aim of the
in Edgware and ending at the Manor. organisers was to give all participants
The sponsored charity walk raised funds the opportunity to support the project
to take Bhaktivedanta Manor another by raising as many funds as they can,
step closer to fulfilling its dream. The whilst also getting fit and having a
Shree Krishna Haveli buildings will devotional experience. The event raised
provide facilities to bring communities nearly £130,000.
together for cultural activities, education
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