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BHAKTIVEDANTA April 2018
February 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
An audience with
the Queen
6
Enthusiasm for
Bhagavatam
10
Lord Chaitanya 5
16
New Tulsi House
Srila Prabhupada:
happiness of humanity
19
at the cost of the lives of Food For All
poor animals. That is not 10
recommended herein. This
verse clearly says that one
should be compassionate to
all living entities. Regardless
of whether human, animal,
tree or plant, all living
entities are sons of the
Supreme Personality of
Godhead.
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.10.9 17
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
February 2018
BHUMI PUJA FOR THE
SHREE KRISHNA HAVELI
On the morning of Sunday 25th March,
a special foundation laying ceremony
for Bhaktivedanta Manor’s elaborate
Shree Krishna Haveli building project
took place in the centre of the site. The
ceremony included a traditional Vedic
Bhumi Shanku Sthapana within the
foundation pit, accompanied by the
chanting of Sanskrit mantras and the
ringing of bells. In the sacred arena,
priests were joined by the building’s
design and planning team, monks
adorned in saffron and senior Temple
management.
After sacred items invoking
auspiciousness were carefully placed
deep into the pit, everybody was given
the opportunity to add earth, thus
working together as a community to
signal the beginning of the construction
stage of the project.
3
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
ENTIRE DAY IN GLORIFICATION OF RAMA
Sunday 25th March was the public mark the outset of building work.
festival which celebrates the auspicious Immediately afterwards a core team of
Appearance of Lord Rama, called devotees descended upon the streets
Ramanavami. The weather held out on of Watford to continue the devotional
what was the official beginning of spring celebrations in the form of a harinama
in the UK, and the ancient world’s chanting procession.
perfect king was glorified throughout the
So much had already been done, yet
entire day. The tent program began with
by early afternoon that day pilgrims
a sweet and devotional presentation
flocked in and the festivities continued
by Jayadev das and the children of the
with ever-greater flare. To the delight of
Manor School, followed by a class by
the crowds, the flower-covered swan,
Kripa Moya das.
carrying the ceremonial deities, led a
Srutidharma das, Pranabandhu das, grand procession around the Manor
Gauri das and Vaishnava das then building whilst being serenaded with
kept everyone up to speed with the Sri kirtan. Special guests included Bob
Krishna haveli project, including the Blackman MP, Hertsmere Councillors
launch of the sponsored Gita Walk. and Cllr Sachin Shah (Leader of Harrow
Followed by the ceremonial bathing of Council).
the Rama Shila (sacred stone), devotees Later the day was perfectly rounded
proceeded to the centre of the Haveli off with dance, a Ramayan drama and
site to witness a traditional Vedic bhajans.
ceremony within the foundation pit, to
4
February 2018
5
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Enthusiasm for Srimad New handy Q&A books
Bhagavatam Have you ever had a niggling question
about Krishna devotees’ life - but didn’t
February saw the launch of three know whether you should ask?
study programmes on the Srimad
Bhagavatam, a multi-volume Vedic Lost & Found is a new set of small
literature, at three different venues. books answering those questions. These
Traditional classroom-based courses 80-page books are intended for three
now run at Bhaktivedanta Manor and distinct audiences:
ISKCON London - and a special new (1) First-time visitors to the temple
course has launched in cyberspace. who have basic and frequently-asked
The latter is proving popular with many questions.
around the UK and makes use of video (2) Those raised nominally as Hindus
conference technology. Participants and but who still have lots of questions
teachers can interact face-to-face in about their faith.
real-time. (3) Beginners who have taken up the
Almost 60 students are enrolled on the practice and want to know more details.
three courses. The idea of studying The three books, written by Kripamoya
Srimad Bhagavatam appeals to many das, are deliberately easy to read
students, who appreciate the chance and are in a Q&A format. Complete
to explore difficult topics and clarify with illustrations, and set into a slip-
doubts. case, they make the perfect gift for an
Courses in Progress: enquiring mind.
Bhaktivedanta Manor: The books are available at the reception
Bhaktivaibhava Canto 1 desk of Bhaktivedanta Manor, or from
ISKCON London: the online shop.
Bhaktivaibhava Canto 4
On the web:
Bhagavata Online Canto 1
Queries:
bhagavatam@krishnatemple.com
6
February 2018
AN AUDIENCE WITH THE QUEEN
On 15th February, Sruti Dharma das, organic farming and its reliance on
Temple President of Bhaktivedanta ox-power. The Duchess of Cornwall,
Manor, joined 1000 dignitaries from Camilla Parker Bowles, was particularly
across the British Commonwealth at impressed with the humanitarian work
Buckingham Palace. of ISKCON.
He was then invited to have a private Further meetings were with Prime
audience with the Queen and other Minister Theresa May and the Foreign
members of the Royal family. Secretary Boris Johnson. Boris recalled
Upon meeting Her Majesty, he his student days when he used to visit
discussed her visit to the Krishna Avanti the ISKCON-London temple. He would
School in 2015, which she remembered go there for a vegetarian lunch and
well. She also confirmed that the simultaneously learn about the Hare
tapestry of Lord Chaitanya gifted to her Krishna mantra. Boris then requested
hung on one of the walls of the Palace. for some prashadam (temple cooking)
to be delivered to him at Parliament,
Sruti Dharma then spoke to Prince
and for Sailesh Vara MP to help him
Charles about all the activities at
organise a special visit to the Manor.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, especially
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
7
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
MYSTIC INDIA ADVENTURE
Radha Govinda das describes some of temple’s full morning program and
the highlights from when he organised we all visited many places of Krishna’s
a pilgrimage to India for thirty ‘first- activities. Many are inspired to chant
timers’: the Hare Krishna mantra every day and
Feb 17th – 18th, Haridwar: It’s a land those who are already chanters greatly
of mystical experiences and host to the increased their usual quota.
Kumbha Mela. We take cable cars to Feb 24th – 26th, Agra and Jaipur: After
go up one of the hills on the Southern stopping at the Taj Mahal for a couple
Himalayan range to visit an ancient of hours we headed off to Jaipur to see
temple, and in the evening attend the famous Radha Govinda deities, as
the famous River Ganga arati (ritual well as other deities worshipped by the
offering of light). Most are fascinated by great followers of Lord Chaitanya. The
the atmosphere! pilgrims love the cultural and spiritual
Feb 19th, Rishikesh: We visit Vasistha mix, and some observe fasting days.
Gufa – caves where the great sage Elephant rides and a zoo are thrown
Vasistha meditated for years. We all sit into the mix!
and meditate in there to have a feel Feb 27th – Mar 1st, Delhi: It’s time
for what it’s like to sit in peace in the to head home. Everyone’s bonded so
Himalayas! We then bathe in the water well and they don’t want to go back!
of the sacred Ganges. The trip’s been a life changer for all.
Feb 20th – 23rd, Vrindavan: The Krishna’s worked His magic!
spiritual potency of Krishna’s hometown The pilgrimage was organised by the
is such that they later declared was Krishna Wisdom team, which focuses
the best part of their trip. Over the on introducing Krishna consciousness to
next 3 days, many participated in the those completely new to the culture.
8
February 2018
The Pandava Sena Mentorship Retreat 2018
The Mentorship Retreat 2018 lived up and A sessions with Prana and Sruti
to its “hype” once again! 160 devotees Prabhu that enabled them to gain clarity
from the mentorship system went to the on key topics. As always, the speciality
beautiful Buckland Hall in the Brecon of the retreat was gaining association
Beacons for an enlivening 3-day retreat, with the multitude of senior devotees
on the theme of “Inspired! How to live who took out time from their busy
an empowered life as a devotee” lives to spend with us. This gave them
The Retreat was full of inspiring talks opportunities to associate with them in
by Sacinandana Swami on the Srimad- the sessions that they ran, which were
Bhagavatam. His insights were truly interactive and provided practical tools.
eye-opening and gave attendees the The last day was full of festivities as
opportunity to delve into the topics always, including a fabulous mrdanga
thoroughly. drum show, a play by “The Holy Skit”
Sucirani dasi spoke about the power of and a collaborative “mind-map” of the
books and how best to utilise them to future of Pandava Sena, PS Alumni and
progress in our spiritual lives, and Q other extended projects.
9
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
CELEBRATING LORD CHAITANYA’’’S ADVENT
At the beginning of March, devotees participants also braved the intense
at Bhaktivedanta Manor celebrated cold to go out and perform kirtan in
the anniversary of the advent of Lord London’s West End.
Chaitanya. The snow blizzard known A large tent was also erected for the
as “the beast from the east” was in celebrations, with the Bhaktivedanta
full force, although that didn’t stop the Players performing a classic drama
determined devotees from attending the entitled, “The Age of Kali”. The drama
festivities. They were virtually joined by a shows how Lord Chaitanya’s advent has
large audience watching online. brought positivity and joy to a world
On the surface, we can understand otherwise adversely affected by quarrel
Lord Chaitanya to be a God-conscious and hypocrisy.
saint who appeared in India during The deities of Lord Chaitanya and His
the fifteenth century. However, the brother Nityananda were ceremonially
devotional Vedic literature further bathed to the accompaniment of kirtan,
explains how He inaugurated the before being dressed in a vibrant yellow
movement of bhakti (devotion to God). and white outfit beautified with flowers
It also boldly asserts that He is the of the same colour. Vishvambhar das
original supreme person, the absolute also sang a beautiful song he had
truth. written about Lord Chaitanya.
The festival included a delightful skit The visitors then gladly forgot the beast
by the Bhaktivedanta Players depicting from the east to focus on the “feast from
Lord Chaitanya’s advent, speeches by the east”, a wonderful feast of food
Chandramauli Swami and Srutidharma items offered to Lord Chaitanya!
das, and 24 hours of kirtan (sacred
musical chanting). The festival
10February 2018
11Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter The Senior Rabbi of Herts Police Officer Reform Judaism UK visits the Manor Laura Naomi Janner-Klausner, who Sergeant Ricki Vaughan, the new serves as the senior rabbi to Reform Community Safety officer for Judaism in the UK, visited Bhativedanta Hertfordshire Constabulary, made a Manor to learn more about Krishna special visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor Consciousness. Her visit was facilitated to learn more about its community. He by Krish Raval, head of Faith in was hosted by the Temple Manager, Leadership. Trinadapi das. Royal Military Academy ISKCON Leadership Sanga consults leading devotee Devaki dasi represented Bhaktivedanta Kripamoya Das was invited to the Royal Manor at this year’s ISKCON Military Academy Sandhurst to attend a Leadership Sanga (ILS) meetings in workshop staged by the British Army’s Mayapur, West Bengal. Centre for Conflict Research. The event, The ILS provides a unique opportunity attracted participants from the fields of for a cross-pollination of thoughts religion, academics and the Army. The and a chance for devotees to observe day featured panel discussions with the ISKCON world from a global serving British Army officers as well as perspective. practitioners from a wide range of faith traditions in the UK. 12
February 2018
EastEnders star visits Manor First Aiders
EastEnders’ new star Madhav Sharma, Tutorcare, a vocational training
who plays the part of Arshad Ahmed, provider, awarded pass certificates
paid a visit to the Manor. He discovered to 12 community devotees who they
that he shared the same school as trained in basic first aid skills. The
Srila Prabhupada, namely the Scottish training included procedures in case
Church College in Calcutta. Madhav, a on a medical emergency on site,
Royal Academy trained actor, enjoyed recognising symptoms and appropriate
standing on the Manor theatre stage initial treatment, calling for help,
and decided to recite a portion of one minimalizing infection and resuscitation.
of William Shakespeare’s plays!
Pilgrims from Canterbury
Mantra Caitanya das, one of the up event to what we are doing at the
leaders of the Krishna Conscious university. Some students had seen us
Society of Kent University, brought a doing harinam processions, some had
group of twelve students for a special come to our recent festival, some had
day-trip to Bhaktivedanta Manor. received Srila Prabhupada’s books and
“Each of them fell in love with the place some had received prasadam which we
and they are desperate to return,” he distribute on campus after our weekly
explained, “It was a wonderful follow- program.
13Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
SRI KRISHNA HAVELI PROJECT UPDATE
Now that the relocations works have
TOTAL
been completed, construction on the
Shree Krishna Haveli has started. To 9.6
ensure the continuation of the works, we
have secured a loan of £7 million which 9
will be serviced by the donations raised
STILL 8.5
through all your contributions. TO RAISE 8
£2,655,458 7.5
• New access roads to the car parks
are complete. 7
• New Tulsi Houses are complete,
6.5
and Tulasi Devi has moved in. 6
• Radharani’s Bakery and Gift Shop 5.5
have been relocated.
PLEDGES
5
Outstanding
• The Manor Primary School & 4.5
Nursery has been relocated. £4,165,500
4
• Children’s Playground will not be 3.5
available during the construction
period. 3
• Foundation laying ceremony 2.5
complete. 2
• The Haveli site has been handed to
COLLECTED 1.5
the contractors. £2,779,042 1
• Please be mindful of contruction 0.5
vehicles and work.
0
14February 2018
• Our Heartfelt thanks to all who have pledged their
support for this historic project.
• A further £2.66 million is required.
• We need another 265 177 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
15Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter SACRED TULASI PLANT GRACES HER NEW HOME In early February, all the sacred Tulasi walking in a circle around the new plants were carefully transferred from greenhouses, an activity which is said to their former greenhouses into their bestow great spiritual benefit. During impressive new ones on the Manor the speech which followed, Gauri das site. The Tulasi plant is manifested by commented, “Importantly, we must all the goddess Vrinda-devi, who makes thank Lilavati dasi for her many years arrangements for Lord Krishna’s of serving Tulasi, with such care and activities to occur in a way that is dedication”. pleasing to Him. Lilavati dasi would like to thank all Soon after Tulasi was transferred, those who came to offer service in the the deity of Vrinda-devi was then transferring of Tulasi devi from one ceremoniously escorted into her new house to the other it went wonderfully home with pomp and ceremony. smooth. and special thanks to Prahlad After traditional songs and prayers, Dainton for the numerous services he the devotees honoured the plants by rendered to help move Tulasi. 16
February 2018
Radharani’s Bakery Relocates
Radharani’s Bakery has been relocated a chain of successful veggie/vegan
on site to allow for the building of the restaurants in Norwich. They will be
new Haveli community facility. It is now working hard with the devotees here to
situated next to the main kitchen, where push forward new exciting menu ideas,
the Manor School used to be. and helping to improve the quality of
“We will be working under the guidance our products.
of Dalshuk and Vijay Jetani,” explained “Please all come along, we look
Purushottama das. “They run Namaste, forward to serving you all soon!”
Down on the Farm humans when he first arrived but with
the love and affection he’s settled down
On the auspicious day of Sankranti, one nicely.
of New Gokul’s cows Gangotri gave
Partha, a popular oxen, left his body
birth to a baby calf. Sonal, a volunteer
due to heart attack early this year at the
who has done enormous service in
age of 12. During his life Partha served
the farm named her Gita. Gita initially
no less than 800 hours of ox-work,
suffered from pneumonia due to the
included giving cart rides for visiting
cold weather, but she is doing fine now.
school children, ploughing, harrowing,
Artificial insemination is not practiced hay making etc. He was also part of
at New Gokul. To widen the gene pool the team which carried the Temple’s
New Gokul acquired another 6-month- utsav (ceremonial) Radha Gokulananda
old bull calf for breeding purposes. The deities on special occasions.
donors Snehal and Emma named him
Hari. Hari was not comfortable with
17Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Ombudsman Programme Mayor honours
for ISKCON UK 5th Anniversary of
It’s one thing for an organization to say ‘Gratitude’
they care for its members, and another
to act on such statements. ISKCON UK On 14th March Gratitude celebrated
is establishing an Ombuds program its 5th Anniversary with a three course
so devotees can raise concerns, vegetarian feast. Special guests included
dealing with interpersonal conflicts and the Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr Charles
find clarity on ISKCON policies and Goldstein Hertsmere and the former
practices. Mayor of Borehamwood, Cllr Clive
Butchins. After inspirational speeches
Vraja Vihari das from ISKCON Resolve,
and a film about the charity by a BBC
has been training up a team to work in
composer, there was a community
this capacity. They are from different
cooking workshop and live music by
parts of the UK and are a diverse group
Paul Lomax and friends.
of devotees, including His Holiness
Dayananda Swami, Prabhupada Prana Gratitude saves fruit and vegetables
dasa, Chandra dasi, Gomati dasi, Guru from waste and use it to benefit people
Carana Padma dasi and Ananta Vijay in need in the community, via social
dasa. gatherings that are educational in terms
of healthy life style.
The idea is to work towards “zero
barriers”- so that members of ISKCON Photo: The Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr
should be able to raise, in good faith, Charles Goldstein with the founders
concerns they have, and discuss how of Gratitude, Shantasya dasi dasi. and
they can be addressed. Japa Yajna das.
ISKCON UK Ombuds are totally
confidential (except imminent risk),
independent of management in their
capacity of Ombuds, neutral, and
informal (conversations are off the
record).
iskconombudsuk@gmail.com
18February 2018
NEW FOOD FOR ALL CHARITY KITCHEN
The Food for All (FFA) charity team are we’ve had a number of people from
now able to double the daily quantity of nearby banks coming forward to help
meals they prepare. out in their free time! We plan to supply
Considering the growth demands on prasad to all the day centres and night
both FFA and the Manor, Bhaktivedanta shelters in London.
Manor contributed £50,000 towards “The Castle is located in the heart of
the cost of establishing FFA’s very own the student area, so we are planning to
purpose built kitchen in the City of have four cargo rickshaws full of prasad
London. going to SOAS, UCL, LSE and Kings
The FFA team are now distributing over University. We have built a rickshaw
1200 plates of free prasad (vegetarian book exhibition complete with dioramas
food) to the homeless community and and video presentations. We also have
university students every day. an all-day Thursday Harinam and an
evening program in the Castle’s temple
FFA director Parasuram has called the
room!”
new premises “Krishna’s Castle” due
to its internal décor. “It is located in a The address is Krishna Castle, Plumtree
great spot,” he explained, “and already Court, 30 Holborn Viaduct, EC1A 2AT
19Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter
Deputy Lord Lieutenant
Vinay Tanna, the Head of
Communications Operations at
Bhaktivedanta Manor, has been duly
appointed as one of the Deputy Lord
Lieutenants of Hertfordshire.
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Mr
Robert Voss, first met Vinay during his
visit to the Manor’s Janmashtami festival
last year, and felt he was “perfect for
the role” and recommended him to the
Secretary of State.
Mr Robert Voss represents the Queen at
various events throughout Hertfordshire.
The function of the Deputy Lieutenant
is to attend any function on behalf of
the Lord Lieutenant, whenever the need
arises.
Conscious Leadership
Radhanath Swami was invited to Radhananth Swami’s presentation
speak on the subject of ‘Conscious was preceded by a more intimate
Leadership’ at the Houses of Parliament meeting in Shailesh Vara MP’s office,
last month. The event was sponsored which also included Lord Dholakia,
by Shailesh Vara MP and attended by Baroness Warsi, Seema Malhotra MP,
representatives of all Parties, including Oliver Dowden MP and the Prime
the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Minister’s Special Adviser on faith and
Group for Faith and Society, Mr Stephen communities, Mr Jonanthan Hellewell.
Timms MP.
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