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A major success in last Decembers
book distribution Marathon was the
participation of so many congregational
devotees. The Bhakti Vriksa groups
effort involved nearly 200 members,
going door-to-door, organising Gita
Jayanti programs and distributing Srila
Prabhupadas books in other ingenious
ways. Between them, they distributed
nearly 4000 books throughout the
month!
In addition, from the Manor community
80 devotees distributed books in high
streets and town centres. Nearly 40
devotees participated in the Saturday
Sacred Street Party events and 50
devotees went door-to-door in various
parts of London.
In total, over 400 devotees distributed
33,045 of Srila Prabhuapdas books!
A national festival was held at
Bhaktivedanta Manor on 4th
January, which included messages of
congratulations from guest speakers, the
sharing of inspirational stories, and even
a comedy drama! The highest scoring
individuals across the country were
Caitanya Vallabha das from Scotland,
followed closely by Ananda Caitanya
das from Bhaktivedanta Manor.
February
2014
Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Srila Prabhupada:
We lament when we feel
incomplete, when we have lost
something or when we fail to
achieve something desirable.
One who has satisfied Krishna
and thus attained the Lord'smercy will never be troubled in
these ways. Lord Krishna is the
reservoir of all pleasure, and He
enjoys sharing His spiritual bliss
with all living beings. We need
only cooperate with the Supreme
Lord.
Srimad Bhagavatam:
10.51.43 purport
Sailesh Vara, Justice Minister and
Member of Parliament in the British
Government has helped ISKCON in
a variety of campaigns with ISKCON
Hungary and Moscow and with many
projects for the Hindu community in the
UK. As the Justice Minister, he holds the
highest post of any Hindu in the British
Government.
He has recently been awarded thePravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the
government of India.
It was presented to him by the Indian
President Mr Pranab
Mukherjee and also
congratulated by the
Prime Minister Dr
Manmohan Singh
Upon his return to the
UK, Shailesh came to
Bhaktivedanta Manor
to be honoured and
receive blessings fromHis Holiness Sivaram
Swami and His Holiness
Bhakti Rasamrita
Swami.
Congregation embrace book Marathon
Shailesh Vara MP receives International Award
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
Bon Appetite!The Feeding of the 5000 operation,
which feeds the general public with free
vegetarian meals using perfectly good
vegetables that are otherwise discarded
by supermarkets, reached the picturesque
French town of Marseille last month.
Parasuram das and the Food for All team
drove all the way there (the south coast of
France) in their van!
Yoga for the heartYoga for the heart is a new series
of monthly retreats offered by
Bhaktivedanta manors Congregational
development department. Designed to
cater for newcomers and the curious,
it is a series of twelve seminars, eacha day long, that combine practical
and theoretical experiences to give
participants a nice taster of Krishna
Consciousness in their lives.
In January's retreat called Re-enginner
your lifestyle lead by Ananga
Mohini Dasi and Bhadranga
das, newcomers came to
experience the benefits of
pranayama, yoga, kirtana and
some practical tips about how
we can put much more focus
into our lives and get the
most out both spiritually and
materially.
Ending with a healthy vegetarian
lunch and some light conversation all
participants felt that the course was
wonderful, some even saying Well I
didnt know what to expect, but it was a
wonderful day I liked the talk.
One participant was so enthused she
organized for several friends to attendother retreats through out the year.
If you know anyone who is interested
information can be found at
www.krishnawisdom.com, or on the
manor website.
Knock Knock
...Whos there?The door bell rings. It could be a window
salesman, it could be the milkman, it
could be kids playing a trick, or, it couldbe a devotee of Krishna! Over the last
few months nearly 150 congregation
members have taken to the suburban
streets with books, prasadam and
leaflets, sharing Krishna with whoever
they meet.
They often go door-to-door during the
evenings or weekends. Even the most
nervous and hesitant are finding great
inspiration in speaking to people about
Krishna, and everyone always has
amazing stories to share.
Why not get involved? Devotees from
the Manor are happy to come along and
assist you to be part of this wonderful
project. If you are interested please
contact Sutapa das for more information
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
Spir itual New Years
Eve Party hits LondonOn New Years Eve 70 devotees hit the
streets of London to engage revellers in
joyfully dancing and chanting the Holy
Names of Krishna.
On New Year's Eve central Londonbecomes one big party, says organizer
Parasuram das, Millions of people take
to the streets, and no cars are allowed.
The ground is set for the biggest Harinam
chanting party ever.
The crowds were waiting for the
midnight fireworks, and everyone was at
a loose end, Parasuram says. So when
our Harinam arrived, bingo!
It was hard for revellers not to get caught
up in the chanting.
Devotees also played a host of other
amplified instruments including bass
guitar, accordion, and ukulele, as well as
of course traditional instruments such as
mridanga and kartals.
Meanwhile on New Years Eve, at
Bhaktivedanta Manor devotees took
part and witnessed a pushpa-abhikseka
(offering of flowers) to all the Temple
deities.
Manor School. ..
...visiting homesChildren of the Manor School charmed
the local villagers of Letchmore Heath
with seasonal cards and Prasad. The
children were very well received and we
will probably make this an annual thing
now, explained Headmistress Guru
Carana Padma dasi.
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNAKRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA
RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
Sabbatical 2014After a few years of hearing sabbatical
stories, we finally boarded the plane to
go and spend three months in ISKCON
Chowpatty. Not knowing what to expect,
we entered the temple in Mumbai eager
to begin Krishna Conscious training after
completing university degrees.
The experience was far out as we got
a glimpse into full time devotional life.
From being taught the philosophic side,
to going on parikramas in the Dhamas,
to book distribution whilst not knowing
the local language we decided to grab
as many opportunities as possible to
spiritually train ourselves in less ordinary
situations.
At Bhaktivedanta Manor we are engaged
in temple services, studying Bhakti
Shastri and taking part in multifarious
outreach programmes.
This opportunity to gain and apply
knowledge has truly exceeded all of ourexpectations. We have derived life skills
ensuring our progress in both spiritual
practice and the professional field.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
Holi
Rama Navami
Janmashtami
Dusshera
Over 5,000 40th Anni-versary cupcakes made
& distributed
Diwali
In 40 years over 40,000people have come to serve
Radha Gokulananda
During Janmashtami 2013
over 15,000visitors chanted a roundo the Maha Mantra or
the first time
How we Celebrated the 40 Years of Devotion at
Bhaktivedanta Manor
HarinamsIn 40 owns& villagesin a month
Te 40 Hour KirtanOrganised & Delivered by theYouth o Bhaktivedanta Manor
GloriyingRadha Gokulananda
40 years o Radha Gokulananda washighlighted and celebrated at
House o Lords. Diwali at No. 10Downing Street & Labour Party
Opening o GeorgeHarrison Garden
40th AnniversaryMagazine and Gifs
Special Gifs orRadha Gokulananda
Altar: Te Altar was re-urbished withbetter lighting & heating and a new kitchenand prep area. New Dress:Over 4 months200 volunteers took part giving 3000 hours
to create this gif
DistributingPrabhupadas Books
Over 33,045 books distributed inDecember by 450 devotees
1973-2013
Years of Devotion
BhaktivedantaManor:
Appreciation
Te 40th Anniversary was anopportunity to celebrate the pioneers
o the last 40 years.
A Momentous BeginningSunday 24th March 2013
Inauguration Yajna attended by over500 devotees spanning the last 40
years o Bhaktivedanta Manor
IV news broadcast the event onPrimetime V
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
Bhagavad GitaA Short Summary in Acronyms
by Sutapa das
Based on Bhagavad Gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
6 - Dhyana-yogaAt the end of Chapter Five, Krishna
briefly mentioned the system of
astanga-yoga the strict, regulated,
focused regime of an ascetic yogi. In
the present day, millions of people
worldwide practice elements of
this path, primarily as hatha-yoga
and pranayama, which offers
benefits for physical and emotional
wellbeing. In this chapter, the path
of astanga-yoga is explained in
its entirety. Essentially, Krishnas
purpose in discussing the eight
stage path is simply to establish
its impracticality for the purpose
of self-realisation and spiritual
perfection. In an age surcharged
with temptation and distraction, the
easiest (and topmost) path of self-realisation is bhakti-yoga.
E Enemy or Friend? (Verses1-9) During our sojourn in this
temporary world we are perpetually
accompanied by the voice within.
Yes, we have all experienced it, the
devil on one shoulder and the angel
on the other, each giving their own
advice to the confused person in-
between. The mind is that voice
within; essentially a storehouse
of memories and experiences that
offers options to the individual.
An uncontrolled mind will agitate,
misguide and entangle the soul
within this world, forcing us to
succumb to our lower nature of lust,
anger and greed. The controlled
mind, on the other hand, acts as
a friend on our spiritual journey,
helping us make progressive and
healthy choices which bring uscloser to God. When one controls
and befriends the mind, one
experiences tranquillity, peace
and freedom from the duality of
happiness and distress.
A Astanga-yoga (Verses 10-36)- One way to control the mind is
through the process of astanga-yoga
(which includes dhyana-yoga, thepractice of meditation). Krishna
explains the ancient path as it was
practised in bygone ages. Living
in seclusion, practising celibacy,
and under strict regulations of
eating and sleeping, the yogi would
sit in a perfectly erect position,
focusing his consciousness on the
Supreme Soul within. Despite
mental and bodily distractions,
the yogi would meditate in this
way for many years, maintainingstillness and complete silence.
Hearing about this strict discipline,
Arjuna admits his amazement
This practice seems impractical
and unendurable! he exclaims, to
discipline the mind is more difficult
than controlling the wind!Krishna
reasserts that disciplining the mind
is essential and that it is possible
through appropriate practice and
detachment.
S Success and failure (Verses37-45) - Hearing about the difficult
astanga-yoga process raises a new
concern for Arjuna. What happens
if one faithfully takes to this
yogic process, but later falls away
without perfecting his spiritual
consciousness? The unsuccessful
spiritualist is seemingly left in
no-mans land having failed to
attain spiritual satisfaction and
simultaneously squandered his
opportunities for worldly pleasure.
Krishna appeases all such fears by
explaining that whoever takes up a
genuine spiritual process is eternally
benefited even if they dont perfect
it. If we dont complete it in one
lifetime, we carry on in the next
life from the same point, and the
individual thus evolves towards
spiritual perfection.
Y Yogi (Verses 46-47) - Aftersummarising the arduous process
of dhyana (meditation) and astanga-
yoga, the chapter concludes with a
ray of hope. Krishna reaffirms that
the perfection and goal of all yoga
systems is to help the individual
become fully conscious of God at
all times. While all yoga systemsare certainly beneficial, the easiest,
most efficient and essential path is
known as bhakti-yoga (the yoga of
devotion). In this age, the primary
practice of bhakti-yoga is mantra
meditation - chanting the names of
God (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare
Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama
Hare Hare). Through this process,
any person from any background
can attain spiritual perfection and
experience all the benefits described
in this chapter and elsewhere.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
One major drawback of todays IT
systems is the depersonalisation of
communications. When you are face to
face with a person you try to display
some decorum even when there are
issues at hand. You tend not to vent your
spleen in excessively harsh terms, not
least because you may elicit a response
in kind. However, when you face only
a docile screen it becomes all too easy
to let loose a tirade of vitriol that you
may well regret in calmer moments of
reflection. Especially if your acerbic
comments have landed you in jail, as
was the case recently with a couple of
Twitter users found guilty of posting
racist and inflammatory tweets.
We have probably all been there. Hittingthe send button on an angry e-mail
and quickly wishing we hadnt. The
Mahabharata says that wordy arrows
once released cannot be retracted, and
that is particularly true when they are
recorded in black and white for all to
see, along with the magistrate you may
end up facing.
The real problem is anger of course, the
enemy with the face of a friend, as
the Mahabharata says. We think that by
giving someone a piece of our mind wewill feel that much better, but actually
we become as disturbed as the person we
aim to castigate; especially when we add
remorse to the equation. Then there is the
pain we mete out to the recipient when
we fail to own and express our anger
responsibly. The Mahabharata says that,
while ordinary arrows cut us once, the
arrow of our words burn the heart day
and night. This is poignantly true when
the heated exchange is between near
and dear ones, as is so often the case.
And sometimes it escalates to much
more than a mere exchange of opposing
views. The Mahabharata says that a
person under the influence of anger
can lose all sense and even kill his own
father or son.
Harbouring anger in the heart is another
problem, as it consumes us with
negative thoughts. Lord Buddha saidthat retaining anger is like holding
a live coal intending to throw it at
someone else.
How though do we control the powerful
emotion of anger? Perhaps it would
help if we understood its causes. The
Bhagavad-gita describes the dynamics
of anger. It is said to be a corollary of
lust, a secondary emotion coming after
we are frustrated in some desire. Krishna
explains how by contemplating sense
pleasure we become attached, then lustyto enjoy what we contemplate, and this
inevitably ends in frustration. Either we
dont get what we want, or we do and it
fails to satisfy us, as material pleasures
always will. This anger then leads to
delusion, bewilderment and continued
entanglement in Maya and her miseries.
The key then to reducing anger is to
reduce our material attachments. The
more we have the more often we will
be liable to get inflamed. The Gita
says that those of demonic mentality
are constantly prone to anger due to
insatiable lust and being bound by a
network of illusions.
On the other end of the scale is the
advanced devotee who does not
experience material anger as he has
no material attachments. He is also
humble and meek and does not take
personal offense even when affronted.
Like everything else, he uses anger only
in Krishnas service. Srila Prabhupada
writes, A devotee is generally very
humble and meek, and he is reluctant to
pick a quarrel with anyone. Nor does he
envy anyone. However, a pure devotee
immediately becomes fiery with anger
when he sees that Lord Vihu or his
devotee is insulted. Unlike material
wrath born of selfish desire, anger used
in the Lords service is beneficial to all,
being pleasing to Krishna.Most of us are probably somewhere
between the demon and the devotee, a
work in progress as they say. We therefore
need to manage our anger and indeed
our attachments. Krishna therefore
tells Arjuna how this is achieved. After
explaining how anger is transformed
lust, he says that lust must be kept in
check by regulating the senses. He goes
on to describe how above the sense is
the mind, above that is the intelligence,
and above them all is the true self,the spirit soul. Therefore one needs
only to engage in the regulated spiritual
activities of Krishna consciousness and
the senses are automatically controlled.
Commenting on this Srila Prabhupada
says, That solves the whole problem.
Of course, it takes time and practise, but
Prabhupada assures us that success is
certain for the rigid practitioner. So the
choice is ours. Become victims of lust
and anger, along with all the dangers that
this presents, or try our best to rise to the
spiritual platform.
And I hope that doesnt make you angry.
Spiritual
AngerManagement
Lord Buddha saidthat retaining angeris like holding a live
coal intending tothrow it at someoneelse.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
SUMMER TRIP 2014
Where are Pandava Sena off to
this year? Its New Vraja Mandala
in sunny Spain!
Madrid once again welcomes the
youth of the manor for a fun filledand exciting experience! This
years special guests so far are
HG Gauragopal Prabhu and HG
Jahnavi Harrison who also came
to the previous Senagetaway. For
the first, this years trip team have
organised the longest trip yet!
There will be eleven days of non
stop devotee association, Krsna
prashad, Kirtan, outdoor activity
such as skiing and tobogganing
and lots of laughs.
Rahul Popat, a member of the
Senagetaway trip team this year
says, there are lots of new and
exciting activities planned. Its
been 20 years since Pandava
Sena started and we hope this
years summer trip will be like
no other! If you are interested
I came across Krishna Consciousness when I
started university. The people seemed really cool
and caring so I went along to a few events. Then
I went on the summer trip to Spain and the rest
is history!
What really attracted me to PS was how there
was such a togetherness amongst all the people
- everyone comes from different walks of life at
different times but yet you always find like-mind-
ed people who you can really connect with.
I am currently working on a project called
PSubsidies, which is aimed at raising funding
for the vast projects that PS is involved in. I also
help out in the Corporate Dharma seminars by
Bhuta Bhavana Das, as well as the occasional
festivals.
PrayagThakrarAge:
25
Studying:
ActuarialTrainee
How did you find out about Psena?
What did you like about the events?
What do you do in Psena?
in getting to know more or sign
up for this years life changing
experience, get in touch with us.
You can check out
Senagetgetaway Facebook page
and the offi cial website at www.
psena.com
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2014
New Van to distributefood in London
Bhaktivedanta Manor was very happy to
contribute 6,000 towards purchasing a
new van to keep up the distribution of of
Prasadam by Parasurama Prabhu and his
team at Food For All.
Food For All (FFA) is a registered
charity which distributes 900 free,
healthy meals to the homeless and
disadvantaged on a daily basis. Unlike
other food distribution services, FFA
is based on community self-help and
is geared towards enabling homeless
people to learn new skills
March
Sun 2nd Disapp of Srila Jagannath Das
Babaji (fast till noon)
Wed 12th Amalaki Vrata Ekadasi
Thur13th Disap od Sri Madhavendra Puri
Sun 16th Gaura Purnima: fast till moonrise
Festival of Holi
Thur 27th Papamocani Ekadasi
April
Fri 4th App of Sri Ramanujacarya
Sun 6th Ramanavami Festival at Manor
Tues 8th App of Lord Ramachandra
(fast till noon)
Thur 10th Kamada Ekadasi(not suitable for fasting)
Fri 11th Vyanjuli Mahadvadasi
(fasting today for Kamada
2014, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Dharam Marg Hilfield Lane Aldenham Herts
(for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT)
01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com
Please send your news, photos and comments to:
Radha Mohan das [email protected]
Teacher's Day Out
A selection of Avanti House staff visited
the Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple on
the 20th of January. The visit was
an integral part of the school's staff
development programme and allowed
staff to gain a deeper understanding of
the way in which the Manor works with
the local and wider communities.
A further focus area for the visit was to
allow staff to explore how they might
incorporate the different elements of
meditation and yoga into their daily
practice and how they might be able to
utilise the Manor's facitilies in order to
enhance the learning experience for the
pupils at Avanti House School.
A very productive and enjoyable time
was had by all the staff and we would
like to thank members of the Manor who
were marvellous and welcoming hosts,
supporting the visit on the day andgiving up their valuable time.
A member of the staff commented, "It
was a very informative session. I would
like to take our children there regularly
to use their facilities.Some of our more
challenging pupils would benefit from
the serene grounds."
by Pauline Edwards Deputy Head, Avanti House
Mind Body & Spiritat the Manor
Owner director of Mind Body Spirit
Events company Mel Carlisle recently
came on a first visit to the Manor with
work colleagues. They put on 3 big
expos each year and lots of smaller
workshops to do with spirituality. Mel
could not believe how good the Manor
was and glorified George Harrison for
his amazing gift.
Mel also works with Kirtaneers like
Chakrini and Jahnavi and wants to put
on kirtan events in the future. He is
very fond of the Manor kichoris from
Radharani's bakery!
During the winter we seek to gather
light and warmth more than ever, not
just externally but internally. One of
the prime sources of spiritual strength
and illumination for devotees are
Lord Krishnas words to Arjuna in the
Bhagavad gita. Devotees gathered at
the Manor for a recitation of the whole
Bhagavad-gita.
This annual event gives many an
incentive to study the Bhavagad gita
in their own time, and distribute copies
to friends and colleagues. Over 2,000
copies were sponsored for distribution,
some reaching the Home Office! Bhakti
Rasamrta Swami and Gauri das led
the chanting of the Sanskrit verses,
delivering a chapter summary after each
chapter was completed.
Reciting the Song of God