Community News October 2013
Who’s Who
Community News
1. Jai Nitai Dasa
Temple President Charity Chairman Counsellor Member of Management Board South Region Coordinator
4. Murli Manohara dasa
8. Maha Nrsimha dasa
5. Suddhatma dasa
9. Jagannath Suta dasa
Charity Trustee Head Pujari Member of Brahmacari Council Member of Management Board
Govinda’s Restaurant Manager Member of Management Board
Charity Trustee Festivals Coordinator Counsellor
Radha Krishna Records
2. Bhava Bhakti dd
Spiritual Counsellor System Coordinator Counsellor Charity Trustee / Secretary Temple Administrator South Regional Secretary Member of Management Board
6. Ram Charan dasa
3. Titiksu dasa
UK Ratha Yatra Coordinator Member of Management Board
10. Kasinatha dasa
Financial Controller Member of Management Board Counsellor
Temple Security / Commander
7. Gaura Kishore dasa
11. Saumya Radhika dd
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Charity Trustee Counsellor
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Counsellor
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Who’s Who
Community News
12. Jaga Mohini dd
ISKCON Educational Services (IES) Tulasi pujari
16. Sachi Kishore dasa
13. Bhaktin Sunita
20. Gandaki dasa
Preaching and Outreach Counsellor
Radha’s Boutique Manager Member of Management Board
Child Protection Officer Community Care Officer (Ombudsman) for ISKCON-London
Volunteers’ coordinator
17. Devaki dd
21. Bhakta Thiru
14. Vamsi Priya dd
18. Bhakta Dhaval
22. Premarnava dasa
15. Bhakta Nikita
19. Acyuta Charan dasa & Krishna Kanta dd
23. Bhakta Rakesh
Education and Courses
Sankirtan Leader
Kitchen Manager
Volunteers’ coordinator
Properties Manager
Food for Life coordinators
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Communications Team
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Community News
Vamsi Priya dd
Courses Upcoming and Current Events Facilitator: John Gould Dates: 22nd October - 17th December Time: Tuesdays, 7 pm - 9 pm Location: Seminar Room Registration Fee: £10 per session Register now at Radha’s Boutique!
Acting Classes Dates: Commencing 22nd October for 9 weeks Like acting? Directing? Writing? Or having fun through drama? Join the upcoming acting classes.
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Community News
Samskaras for Krishna Bhakti
devotee communities. For this reason, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami wrote the Sat Kriya Sara Dipika in Sanskrit and documented the ceremonial procedures for posterity.
Title: The Values & Ethics of Samskaras – for Parenting & Domestic Prosperity Date: Saturday 28th September, 2013, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Venue: ISKCON London, 10 Soho Street, Seminar Hall.
The rites of a samskara are more important when it serves the values and ethics dictated for that phase of life. Where the values enunciated in a samskara end with the extinguishing of the sacred fire, the rite dies an unfortunate death. Rather, the values treasured in the samskaras have been used by generations to sustain both the individual and global communities. This course aims to provide insights on the values dictated by Lord Krishna in the samskaras relevant for both new and experienced Grihasthas. Teachers, mentors, advisers and councilors will gain useful insights to aid them in the art of parenting.
Course Introduction: The science of samskaras are prominently placed in the Vedic tradition of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. While establishing the science of Krishna Consciousness, Lord Caitanya deputed Gopala Bhatta Gosvami to document the rites of samskaras to protect the principles of devotion (bhagavad-dharma-rakshartham) for future
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Community News
Diwali on the Square The Festival of Lights was marked with music and dance performances in central London at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 27th October. The Diwali festival was celebrated by everyone in London and was organised by the Lord Mayor of London in Association with the Diwali in London committee. ISKCON had a stall outside the National Gallery selling books, items from the shop and distributing leaflets about Govindas. 1000 pieces of Prasadam were distributed by volunteers during the event. The stall was set up and decorated by volunteers and they spoke to hundreds of passers by about Krishna Consciousness. Many books were also distributed. Many thousands of revellers gathered to watch a number of traditional and contemporary acts including musician Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar, who died last year. The main spiritual message was delivered by the Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, Struti Dharma dasa where he spoke about 3 key principles that we should follow during the time of Diwali. Ms Shankar stated in a Guardian newspaper article that “It feels really special to me to be connected to Diwali in London especially as I was born here and recently moved back to the city.” The event included traditional Garba dancing and many visitors attended our Radha Krishna Temple on Soho Street after the event.
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Community News
Kirtan London
Saturday 5 October
1 Year Anniversary Creating a ‘London-wide community of kirtan lovers’ for the past year, Kirtan London put on a special event to celebrate with a blissful 6 hour kirtan in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
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Community News
Bhava Bhakti dd
The Spiritual Counsellor System Sunday Feast on Book Distribution On Sunday 27th October, Bhava Bhakti devi dasi and her counselee group gave the Sunday Feast talk on the topic of Book Distribution.
By highlighting the variety of ways to get Srila Prabhupada’s books to people from all walks of life, and alleviating the common misconception that this can only be done with a book table on the street, many guests at the Temple were inspired to sponsor books, and to contribute ideas towards different ways people can have access to this transcendental literature. It was very inspiring for all, and a perfect way to get ready for December’s Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon – the glorious time of year when there is an intense focus and extra endeavour towards book distribution.
Here is a report by one of the counselees: We spoke about the ways we motivate and inspire one another in the group, which include sharing Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on the importance of studying his books, and sharing our personal realisations and discussing techniques on book distribution. We showed videos on role plays we had enacted at our counselee meetings on how to approach by passers on the street, and on previous group trips to different towns on sankirtana. We highlighted that street sankirtana is not the only way to distribute books. Many members of the group distribute to work colleagues and peers at university, and we place many sponsored books in libraries and hotels. Sponsored books are also great to give as gifts – perfect for the upcoming festive time of giving - Christmas!
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Community News
My experience in the Spiritual Counsellor System
Vamsi Priya devi dasi 1)How long have you been in the Counsellor System? 5 years
Krishna Kanta devi dasi
2)What have you learnt since joining the System?
1) How long have you been in the Counsellor System?
Being serious in my spiritual life, applying Srila Prabhupada’s books in practical life, learn the power of chanting and association with devotees. I have learnt that there is more to life than just fending for yourself and family – living towards a higher cause.
I have been part of the Counsellor System for about a year now. 2) What have you learnt since joining the System?
3) How do you fit in attending twice monthly meetings with family & work?
I have learnt that to progress in my spiritual life it is important to take guidance from people that are more spiritually advanced, as it enables me to figure out in what aspects of my sadhana I need to improve. Alongside this I have learnt the importance of friendship to build my spiritual and emotional strength.
This is a part of my life now. This is priority and all other activities in my work life and family are adjusted to accommodates these special meetings (though this year I could not attend for almost 7 months due to my appalling health)
3) How do you fit in attending regular meetings with family & work?
4) Would you recommend the System to others?
As I have joined the system along with my husband we always go together to our Counselee meetings, which make it much easier.
Of course – it is time one become Krishna conscious than just remaining conscious of Krishna. The sharing and caring is just amazing.
4) Would you recommend the System to others? Yes, I would definitely recommend the system to others as I find the regular meetings, guidance and friendships an integral part of our advancement in Krishna Consciousness.
Vamsi Priya devi dasi is the Courses Coordinator at ISKCON London and has a full time role in the government. She is in Gaura Kisore dasa and Saumya Radhika devi dasi’s Counselee Group.
Krishna Kanta dd and her husband (Acyuta Charan dasa) are members of Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi’s married couples counselee group.
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For more information on how to join the Spiritual Counsellor System at ISKCON-London please contact Bhava Bhakti dd on bhava.bhakti@gmail.com
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Community News
Devaki dd
Bhakta Dhaval
Volunteers Team Volunteering Opportunities Please see below for new opportunities:
Drivers The Pujari department is in need of a driver each Saturday morning from 7.30am to 9.30am to drive to the flower market.
Visitor care (i) Guest greeters (ii) Follow up callers (can do this service from home)
Festival Dates
Volunteers who have been practicing Krishna Consciousness for some time, conversant with the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy by regularly reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and enthusiastic about providing care to Temple visitors.
Saturay 19th October Month of Kartik begins
If you are interested in any of these services or have any queries, please email volunteers@iskcon-london.org
Sunday 3rd November Diwali
Radha Krishna Records
Monday 4th November
Marketing, sales and distribution assistants to assist with sale of physical CDs via temples around the world, online distribution i.e. promoting iTunes and the website to encourage people to download or mail order CDs. Can do this service from home
Govardhana Puja, Annakuta Wednesday 6th November Disappearance of Srila Prabhupada
How to get in touch If you have any feedback or suggestions, require any assistance with your service, or have any other queries or concerns, please email volunteers@iskcon-london.org or approach Bhakta Dhaval or Devaki devi dasi (Volunteer Co-ordinators) directly.
Sunday 10th November Gopastami
If you would like to register as a new volunteer at the Temple, please visit www.iskcon-london.org/volunteering and complete our online new volunteers registration form so we can get in touch with you.
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Sunday 17th November 44th Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara celebrations at Camden Town Centre, Last day of Kartik
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Community News
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Community News
Jai Nitai dasa
Out & About
With the Temple President
Report for October 2013 3rd Oct - Sundar Nitai leaves the Temple ashrama to return to Ireland for preaching and serving the Irish Yatra after 8 years of wonderful service in London. We wish him all the best. 4th-7th Oct - Myself and Ram Charan dasa attended the Annual ELM (European Leaders Meetings) in Radhadesh. Attended by over 80 senior devotees and leaders from across Europe 8th Oct - Left for Sri Lanka and India - I visited two Sri Lankan devotees who joined in Soho over 10 years ago and still continue to do service for Radha-Londonisvara by editing & uploading the Daily Darshan photos everyday for the last 4 years from Sri Lanka. They recently had a new addition to their family - little Nitai Caitanya
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Community News
14th Oct - Mumbai GBC meetings - over 120 international leaders come together to serve ISKCON Global. 19th Oct - Pune for preaching and visiting previous members of our Crawley Counselee Group who recently moved back to Pune. 25th Oct - Reading Programme - been going for over 20 years. Appx 10 guests in attendance. 26th Oct - South Regional Meeting in Crawley 27th Oct - Diwali on the Square 30th Oct - Attended Greenwich Preaching Programme which Madhurya Gauranga devi dasi has been running for over two years. 10 Attendees.
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Community News
Festivals
GBC Resolutions / Statements The following are important communications coming from our GBC (Governing Body Commission). It is important that you take the time to read the following fully and if you have any questions please direct them to your local Temple\ Centre\Community leadership.
303. GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada
da, the guru parampara, one’s diksa guru, other siksa gurus, the Holy Name, sastra, and the nine processes of devotional service.
Whereas there is a need to clarify within our society, via a succinct statement, Srila Prabhupada’s preeminent position in relationship to diksa and siksa gurus as well as all ISKCON members, and to provide clarity on the function and position of diksa and siksa gurus in the ISKCON society:
Within these cooperative elements, Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is the preeminent guru for all members of ISKCON. All members of ISKCON, for all generations, are encouraged to seek shelter of Srila Prabhupada. All members of ISKCON are entitled and encouraged to have a personal relationship with Srila Prabhupada through his books, teachings, service, and his ISKCON society.
RESOLVED: That the GBC endorses the following statement:
All members accepting leadership roles within ISKCON, including diksa gurus and siksa gurus, have the duty of serving together under ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s instructions as he has given in his books, lectures, and personal communications. [1]
As the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the preeminent teacher and ultimate authority within our society, Srila Prabhupada has a unique relationship with every ISKCON devotee.
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the original guru whose Divine Grace descends through the medium of the guru parampara. As such, a devotee is ultimately delivered by Sri Krishna acting through a combination of various manifestations of His mercy. These include, but are not limited to, the caitya guru, Srila Prabhupa
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Overall, the primary duty of all diksa gurus, siksa gurus, and others in leadership positions, is to assist Srila Prabhupada in his service to his Guru Maharaja Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, and our Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.
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Community News
Community Festivals News
Those who accept the service of diksa guru or siksa guru in ISKCON are required to be exemplary in representing Srila Prabhupada’s teaching in their words and personal behavior. The siksa guru gives spiritual instruction and inspiration on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and our guru parampara. The diksa guru gives spiritual instruction, inspiration, formal initiation, a spiritual name, and later imparts the sacred Gayatri mantras to a qualified disciple as a service to Srila Prabhupada and our guru parampara.
This statement, while conclusive, is not exhaustive in its discussion of these principles. The GBC may authorize additional statements and papers in the future to further explain the preeminent position of our Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada, the role and responsibilities of those who serve as gurus in our society, and the related duties of ISKCON members and initiates. All GBC members must distribute this resolution to all ISKCON temples, communities and congregations via appropriate means of communication for the education of all ISKCON members. This statement shall also be studied in ISKCON courses including introductory courses, the ISKCON Disciple Course, the Spiritual Leadership Seminar: Being a Guru in ISKCON, and other relevant venues. Reading this statement, and affirming it has been read prior to initiation, shall be part of the test for all prospective initiates.
Srila Prabhupada has clearly explained that devotees who are strictly following the Krsna conscious principles are acting on the liberated platform, and, as such, are pure devotees, even though they may actually not yet be liberated. [2] (Such unalloyed devotional service is not necessarily determined by one’s role or position of service, but by one’s realization.) Those who accept the service of diksa or siksa guru within ISKCON are mandated to be strict followers of the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, and, as long as they follow, they are acting on the liberated platform. Thus they may serve, as Srila Prabhupada ordered, as bona fide representatives of the Lord and the guru parampara and be a via media of their mercy. Yet it should be clearly understood that if such diksa or siksa gurus deviate from strictly following, they may fall down from their position. Thus, to act as a diksa guru in ISKCON means to serve under the GBC and in cooperation with other ISKCON authorities by functioning as a “regular guru” as Srila Prabhupada has directed.
A person who is liberated acharya and guru cannot commit any mistake, but there are persons who are less qualified or not liberated, but still can act as guru and acharya by strictly following the disciplic succession.” Letter to Janardana, 26 April, 1968. And: “We may not be cent percent perfect, but as far as possible, if we follow the instruction as it is, that much perfect. In this way one will get perfection. So one has to follow. The same example, try to understand, that a perfect, expert technologist or technician or mechanic
1. More details on these spiritual relationships and duties may be found in the official “Har-
is working, and somebody is working under his instruction. So this somebody, because he
monizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” Paper approved by the GBC in 2012.
is strictly working under the instruction of the expert, he’s also expert. He may not be cent
percent expert, but his work is expert. Is that clear? Because he is working under the expert. Do you follow? So if you follow pure devotee, then you are also pure devotee. It may not
2. “This Krishna consciousness movement directly receives instructions from the Supreme
be one is cent percent pure. Because we are trying to raise ourself from the conditional life.
Personality of Godhead via persons who are strictly following His instructions. Although a
But if we strictly follow the pure devotee, then we are also pure devotee. So far we do, that
follower may not be a liberated person, if he follows the supreme, liberated Personality of
is pure. So pure devotee does not mean one has to become immediately cent percent pure.
Godhead, his actions are naturally liberated from the contamination of the material nature.
But if he sticks to the principle that “We’ll follow a pure devotee,” then his actions are... He
Lord Caitanya therefore says: ‘By My order you may become a spiritual master.’ One can im-
is as good as a pure devotee. It is not I am explaining in my own way. It is the explanation
mediately become a spiritual master by having full faith in the transcendental words of the
of Bhagavata. Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah [Cc. Madhya 17.186].” Ref. VedaBase =>
Supreme Personality of Godhead and by following His instructions.” SB 4.18.5, purport
Bhagavad-gita 2.1-10 and Talk -- Los Angeles, November 25, 1968
And:
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Community News
Festivals
305. “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” Paper Required Reading [ISKCON Law] Whereas harmony between various authorities in ISKCON is required; Whereas while initiating gurus are important spiritual authorities in the lives of devotees, other ISKCON authorities also play an important role; Whereas the GBC paper entitled “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authorities” explains how to promote harmony in the services of gurus and other ISKCON authorities. RESOLVED: That the official GBC paper entitled “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” shall be required reading for all prospective harinama initiates before the initiation. This should be verified both by the ISKCON authority who gives the recommendation for harinama initiation as well as by the initiating guru. Within three months, all GBC Zonal Secretaries shall: have the paper translated such that it is accessible to the devotees of their zone have the paper distributed to all approved initiating gurus, to all National Councils and other regional bodies, and to temple presidents, congregational leaders, and other officials in their zone
306. Amendment to Required Examination Prior to Accepting a Diksa-guru
[ISKCON Law]
RESOLVED:
(a) that ISKCON Law 7.2.1.1.6 be amended to include the following three questions in the test that all harinama initiation candidates must take before initiation:
Whereas the GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada and the paper “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” have been approved by the GBC and been made required reading for all harinama initiation candidates;
14. Have you read the GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada?
Whereas it is also important to make sure that the candidates have understood these papers;
15. Have you read the paper “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority”?
16. What have you understood as the most important points of the “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” paper?
Whereas according to ISKCON law 7.2.1.1.6, every harinama initiation candidate must take a test before initiation. This test is
a good opportunity to make sure that the candidates have read these papers and to judge their level of understanding of their important concepts:
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And (b), that the Guru Services Committee shall update the Initiation Exam accordingly for all GBCs and gurus to distribute.
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Community News
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Community News
Srila Prabhupada’s Dream for London Petition We are petitioning to the empowered leaders of the United Kingdom to donate five acres of land in Regent’s Park in Central London in order to build a temple for Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. For more details and to sign the petition please visit www.londontemple.co.uk Prayer In addition to signing the petition, we request that you please make this following prayer your daily meditation:
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Community News
Gandaki dasa
Radha’s Boutique Financial Summary Month
2013
2012
Variance
October
£8,200.49
£7,535.36
+ £665.13
Competition ”Faith and Helping Others” This competition is open to all children and young people from any faith community (or none), school or youth organisation based in Westminster. The competition is open to art in the form of paintings and drawings. Closing date is 28th November 2013. For more information and an entry form visit www.westminster.gov.uk/faithexchange
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“So we associate with one-another so that we can assist each other in hearing and chanting about Krishna. That is the purpose of our Society. This you will not find in the materialistic society where all hearing and chanting is simply concerned with sense gratification. So our desire is Krishna and we want to go back home—Back to Godhead where Krishna lives eternally. So you simply follow my instructions as I have given to you and surely your life will be a success.” (Srila Prabhupada letter to Nrhari, Bombay, 22nd November, 1974)
Daily Programme Times Arati Times 4.30am - Mangala Arati 5.00am - Tulasi Arati 7.00am - Deity Greeting 8.00am - Dhoop Arati 12.30pm - Raj Bhoga Arati 4.15pm - Dhoop Arati 7.00pm - Sundara Arati 9.00pm - Dhoop Arati
Darshan Times 4.30am to 5.00am 7.00am to 7.30am 8.00am to 11.45am 12.30pm to 1.00pm 4.15pm to 6.30pm 7.00pm to 7.30pm 9.00pm to 9.30pm LUNCH PROGRAMME Monday to Saturday 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Classes 7.30am - Bhagavatam or Caitanya Caritamrta 1.00pm - Introductory Talk (except Sunday) 6.00pm - Bhagavad Gita (except Sunday) Sunday Programme 3.30pm - Bhajans 4.15pm - Dhoop Arati 4.30pm - Introductory Talk 5.30pm - Feast 6.00pm - Q & A 7.00pm - Gaura Arati
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Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL
T: 020 7437 3662 E: info@iskcon-london.org W: www.iskcon-london.org
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Society for 20 Krishna Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare International Conciousness
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada