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E-Newsletter
First Edition
Dear Reader, Although it comes every 12 months, which seems to go by faster and faster every year, it is always a noteworthy point in the year when we go from one to the next. We feel a chance for a fresh start, a time to try and commit to bring out the best side of ourselves, to improve and work on ourselves in ways we know we can be better. There is one motto I try to live by - “I live to be corrected”. And while that can be hard sometimes, but if I am always working on myself, then when someone ‘corrects’ me, then I take it positively, as assistance in my going forward in being the better person and better devotee than I have been till this moment. Try to be more humble, more patient, more caring, more determined; so many ways I can try to be a better person. So as I try to bring out the best of myself in 2020 on my devotional path, I wish all our readers best wishes in your endeavours to also be the best you can in 2020. Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada, Syamananda dasa
Pictures Members day
A Further Meditation In Three Steps By His Holiness Sacinandana Swami
1
Become aware that the holy name is non-different from Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
nama cintamanih krsnas, caitanya-rasa-vigrahah purnah suddho nitya-mukto, ‘bhinnatvan nama-naminoh
The holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krishna himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Krishna’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krishna himself. Since Krishna’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with maya. Krishna’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. this is because the name of Krishna and Krishna himself are identical. (Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 17.133)
2
Meditate on the meaning of the mantra. The hare Krishna maha-mantra is a yugala-mantra, a mantra that directly addresses the divine couple. Srila Prabhupada informed the world of the root meaning of the maha-mantra – a meaning that includes all other meanings:
“My dear Srimari Radharani, my dear Lord Krishna, please engage me in Your service!”
3
Chant from your heart in a prayerful mood. Here is a prayer which can bring you into heart-deep chanting:
samsara-sagaran nathau putra-mitra-grhakulat goptarau me yuvam eva prapanna-bhaya-bhanjanau O Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, you are my protectors from the ocean of material existence, which is filled with sons, friends, household, and land. Therefore you are known as the destroyers of fear for those surrendered unto you. yo ‘ham mamasti yat kincid iha loke paratra ca tat sarvam bhavator adya caranesu mayarpitam O Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, myself and whatever little bit is mine in this world and in the next-all this I now offer unto Your lotus feet. aham apy aparadhanam alayas tyakta-sadhanah agatis ca tato nathau bhavantau me bhaved gatih O Your Lordships, I am certainly the abode of many offenses and am completely devoid of any devotional practices. Nor do I have any resort or shelter. Therefore, I regard you as my ultimate goal. tavasti radhika-natha karmana manasa gira krsna-kante tavaivasmi yuvam eva gatir mam saranam vam prapanno ‘smi karuna-nikarakarau prasadam kurutam dasyam mayi duste ‘paradhini I am yours, O Lord of Srimati Radharani, as are my actions, mind, and words. O Srimati Radharani, lover of Sri Krishna, I belong to you alone. O Radha and Krishna, O ocean of mercy, You are my only shelter, and thus I take shelter of You. although I am such a fallen offender, please be merciful to me and make me your servant. (Sri Sanatkumar Samhita 129-134)
Tribute to Visvesvara
On Saturday August 17, Visvesvara prabhu left his body in Radhadesh. The way he left was like the way he served…quietly and inconspicuously. He avoided the whole surrounded by devotees in a sickbed scenario, but instead it was just after lunch, where he had sat alone at a table, with his little rice and some maha prasadam. Until then nobody had noticed anything that his end was approaching, everything seemed normal. But thinking back to the last week, devotees realized that Visvesvara seemed to be more introspective. But it also seemed as if a burden had been lifted from him. Not long after that lunch, Visvesvara suddenly collapsed in the castle, right in front of the pictures of Radha and Krishna. It seems that at that moment, around half past two in the afternoon, he instantly left his body. Devotees arrived almost immediately but by the time the devotees gathered, already they saw no sign of life. Attempts by devotees and medical professionals to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Visvesvara prabhu, originally from France, lived in Radhadesh from the mid-1980s. He preformed many services in Radhadesh over the years. He was the temple commander for some years, a book distributor and also the general cleaner. And particularly right up to the day he left his body, he was 100% dedicated to his cleaning services and especially the temple room. Visvesvara prabhu always wanted to serve and above all not be a burden to anyone. After his sudden departure, no one had to find out anything, the devotees simply had to carry out the detailed instructions he left. Everything was made very clear, including all the formalities, down to the kirtan singer for his farewell and the wish to be cremated together with his japa mala. For those of you who only visit Radhadesh from time to time, Visvesvara prabhu may have been an enigmatic, quiet figure. But devotees who had regular associations with him, keep warm memories of his humour, his innocence, and above all, his untiring service attitude. Visvesvara prabhu was initiated by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami. Upon hearing the news of his departure, Maharaj wrote: “Although I am sad to have to receive this news, I am also glad that he left so peacefully. He was a sincere soul and Srila Prabhupada will certainly give him his blessings.” Yadunandana Swami wrote: “I pray to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha for a smooth transition to Krishna’s lotus feet or to a higher destination from where he can complete his devotional service until he reaches Krishna prema.”
New Online Outreach Project As you have read in previous newsletters we have rebranded our RCPD, Radhadesh Congregational Preaching Department, as ROSE, Radhadesh Outreach Services. As a follow-up on that rebrand we want to show our intention to do more outreach. Therefore we will start the ‘Radhadesh Outreach’ Facebook group this November. It’s already online and we might put some posts on there before November already. However, starting November, we will have monthly topics that will be discussed, ending with a live lecture, either on Facebook or on Youtube (this decision will still have to be taken). Since our congregation consists of Dutch and English speaking members, we will have posts, as well as lectures, in both languages.
many different services for Krisha over the years, among which translating Srila Prabhupada’s books. If you have any topics that you would like to get more in-depth knowledge about, please join the group and post your topic. Because Facebook is not always a very safe place to share thoughts and feelings, we have made this a closed group, so there will be some delay before you can actually post something to the group. We are looking forward to seeing you at our ‘Radhadesh Outreach’ group! Jaya Bhadra and Bhagavati
Your hosts in this group are: Jaya Bhadra devi dasi, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada with 46 years of experience in Krishna consciousness and a Bachelor degree in Vaishnava Theology. Bhagavati devi dasi, a devotee since 1980, who has done
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Sunday, 8th March 12.30 - 17.00
Spring Holi festival
(free entrance, 7€ meals)
This is still a new festival were we focus on celebrating Spring with a huge ‘holi battle’ at 15.00. Before that, there will be arati in the temple room, followed by a lecture and lunch. There will also be a small market place. Last year we had around 300 guests.
Sunday, 21st June 11.00 - 18.00
World Yoga day
(free entrance, 7€ meals)
This day we will focus on the different styles of yoga, by giving free workshops during the day. There will be yoga classes, art classes, and bhakti classes. There will also be a small market place.
Weekend of 25 and 26 July
Summerfestival
(10€ entrance, free meals)
Sunday, 9th August 11.00 - 19.00
Janmastami festival
(free entrance and meals) Need more info? Contact kim@radhadesh.com