Kulimela’s aim is to inspire the 2nd generation from around the world to pursue and achieve their aspirations in both the spiritual and material context with an event to showcase talent, initiative, and success and facilitate personal development and networking.

The french Kuli Mela team is happy to announce the dates of our festival :

4th august arrival and settling
5th-8th the Mela
9th august departure

Balarama's appearance is every year a great festival in France , it is on the 24th of august , for those who wish to stay a couple more weeks .

The event will take place in New Mayapura, a huge property in the center of France, two hours south of Paris (by train) nearby the"Loire valley ", with a beautiful castle , bigs gardens of organic vegetables and fruits , and a immense forest.

Their will be great workshops ,evening entertainments, jam sessions , as well as ecstatic kirtans , sports and activities...
As soon as the line-up is determined , you will be able to see it here .
We also have a renown chef that will prepare full organic meals with mainly garden veggies!

According to what Srila Prabhupada wished for New Mayapura, such as self-sufficient life, Earth connection, cow protection, simplicity...
The theme for the French Mela will then be: ECOLOGY
We want to emphasis the importance of being as Eco friendly and self sufficient as we can , and also value our rural Farm communities and give them a hand by creating some energy so that they dont disappear.

The website will soon be up , and you will be able to purchase your E-ticket ,to choose the workshop you wish to attend , and to be directed with the accommodation bookings ect....

www.francekulimela.com

LET'S BE THE CHANGE WE WANT IN THE WORLD
JAI SREE SREE RADHA GOVINDA MADHAV (read less)
The french Kuli Mela team is happy to announce the dates of our festival :

4th august arrival and settling
5th-8th the Mela
9th august departure

Balarama's appearance is every year a great festival in France , it is on the 24th of august , for those who wish to stay a couple more weeks .

The event will take place in New Mayapura, a huge property in the center of France, two hours south of Paris (by train) nearby the"Loire valley ", with a beautiful castle, bigs gardens of organic... (read more)

Email: contact@francekulimela.com
Website: http://www.kulimela.com

For those devotees who look for encouragements and connections to study Srila Prabhupada books you can now connect to Vanipedia, a genius tool developed by Visnu Murti Prabhu. This previous top Sankirtana Book Distributor now turns the internet into a genius tool for indepth reading and studying of the glorious and divine Vani so mercifully distributed to us and all over the world by His Divine Grace Abhay Charan Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. It's now the time to deeply dive into the nectar ! Vanipedia is extatic. http://www.vanipedia.org
By: Ramananda Raya Dasa

A book by two Hungarian ISKCON devotees, Isvara Krishna Dasa and Bhagavat Priya Dasa, has been chosen as a Finalist in 2009’s National “Best Books” Awards, sponsored by USABookNews.com.

Nature’s IQ: Extraordinary Animal Behaviors that Defy Evolution finished as one of two finalists in the Science category, just missing out on the top spot to winner Robert L. Piccioni, with his book Everyone’s Guide to Atoms, Einstein, and the Universe.

Released in the US in April 2009 by Torchlight Publishing, Nature’s IQ was among 500 winners and finalists in over 140 categories.

The nomination, announced on October 20th, 2009, was an honor and boost of recognition for Nature’s IQ, as the “Best Books” Awards is one of the largest mainstream book award competitions in the United States.

However, Isvara Krishna and Bhagavat Priya are no strangers to appreciation for their book. Since it was released in the US last year, Nature’s IQ has garnered many glowing reviews from scientists, authors, professors, and newspaper reporters. And upon its Hungarian release back in 2002, it attracted plenty of media attention, both positive and negative, including a write-up in Hungarian Science, one of the country’s leading scientific journals.

Featuring 200 vivid color photographs, Nature’s IQ presents one hundred of the most amazing instinctive behaviors in the animal kingdom. Often highly complex, these behaviors are successful only if all elements in the chain are simultaneously present—any go missing, and the behavior is useless. The authors thus logically conclude that such animal conducts probably did not evolve over a long period of time, but appeared as a whole. This is their distinctly anti-Darwin take on life’s origin, backed up by the ancient Vaishnava perspective.

The examples in Nature’s IQ also point to a higher intelligence guiding every living being. In fact, the authors say that their research has strengthened their own conviction in this intelligence, known in Vaishnava philosophy as Paramatma, or the Supersoul.

Nature’s IQ, explains Torchlight Publishing’s Dharmasetu Dasa, invites us to investigate an alternative explanation, and the possibility that a supernatural intelligence has applied its own infinite genius to create living beings and the world around us.

“Darwinism will probably always remain on the stage,” admits author Isvara Krishna Dasa. “We cannot control that. But we will continue to inform others about its weaknesses, and about the other choices they can make.”

For more information, please visit www.naturesiq.com or www.torchlight.com, or pick up the November/December issue of Back to Godhead magazine.
By Madhava Smullen, ISKCON News

• sun 7 march: Holi in Radhadesh
• sat 19 june: Ratha yatra in Antwerpen
• sun 20 june: ratha yatra Londen
• Fri 25-27 june: Padayatra with Lokanatha Swami (with reservation)
• thu 1-31 july: Bhaktivedanta College Radhadesh Summer Camp 2010
• sat 3 july: Ratha yatra in Den Haag
• sun 4 july: ratha yatra Paris
• sat 24 & sun 25 july: summerfestival in Radhadesh
• sun 29 aug: Cult. celebr. of Sri Krishna Janmastami in Radhadesh
  

Date: January 30, 2010 (All day) - September 16, 2010 (All day)

Invitation For the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Radhadesh temple we are holding the following events:

* January 30–31: Kirtan weekend
* February 28: Gaura Purnima
* May: VIP Opening of Museum of Sacred Arts (By special invitation)
* June 25–27 June: Padayatra with Lokanath Swami
* July 24–25: Summer festival
* August 29: Janmashtami cultural celebration
* September 15: Radhastami finale

http://www.radhadesh.com

• Music and arts: Singing, mridanga, harmonium, karatalas, drama, dance, painting.
• Study: Basic Vaishnava philosophy and morality from scriptures such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Srila Prabhupada-lilamrita.
• Vaishnava cultural events: Observing festivals, participating in Padayatra, going on Rathayatra in Amsterdam, offering puja, and attending dynamic spiritual temple programs.
• Learning new skills: Public speaking and listening, preaching, improving English language skills (if applicable), cooking, sewing, and gardening.
• Recreation: Sports, campfire, cookout with Hare Krishna songs, yoga, harinama in surrounding cities, treasure hunt, and other games.
• And more!

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

I am thrilled to announce this year's ISKCON Communications Seminar to be held in ISKCON Budapest from the 20th till the 24th of April.

The program is very interesting and will be surely thought provoking, inspiring, practical and fun:

ISKCON Communications, Public Statements, Position Statements, Media Training and Global Strategy by Annuttama prabhu.

ISKCON Communications Europe, History, Ethos, Challenges and Successes by Saunaka Rsi prabhu.

The Cult Wars by Eileen Barker, Director of INFORM in London UK.

Oxford Center for Hindu Studies and the ISKCON Studies Institute by Lal Krishna prabhu

Interfaith Opportunities by Mahaprabhu prabhu

From Interfaith to Intrafaith Panel Discussion led by Anutama prabhu.

The Hungarian Success Story and How ISKCON Communications made it possible by Krsna Lila dasi

Reports from European Communications Directors, Teams or Representatives.

Workshop: Strategic planning for several European yatras (priority will be given to those that have larger representation in the Seminar)

What is ISKCON and Who is a Member? by Sivarama Swami.

Day trip to Krishna Valley also known as Eco Valley.

Visit to Parliament, Bhaktivedanta College, Synagogue and Govindas restaurant in Budapest.

The cost of the Seminar is:

Temple facilties (limited availability): 125 euros
Hotel (very close to Temple) 2 in a room: 195 euros
Hotel single room: 225 euros

These prices include prasadam in the Temple, lunch in Govindas, trip by bus to Krsna Valley and visit in Budapest.

Pick up from airport: 9 euros. You can arrange it yourself with the Airport Mini Bus shuttle service.

More detailed information will be coming in a month or so.

We pray, hope and expect many devotees to come from all over Europe to participate in this Seminar since it is a rare opportunity to learn, experience, share, associate and have fun with other devotees doing communications services. It is meant both for senior and mature preachers as well as young and enthusiastic preachers.

Please register with Kancana Valli dasi asap.

Your servant,
Mahaprabhu dasa
ISKCON Communications Europe Coordinator

Dear Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

This letter is to invite you to the third annual european farm conference to be held this year in Prabhupadash (North Italy near venice). We had planned to host the conference at Bhaktivedanta Manor this year, however due to exstensive renovations works that are effecting our guest facilites I thought it better to arrange an alternative venue.

Each farm project can invite three persons to attend the conference.

The conference is open to devotees who are involved with Agriculture, Cow Protection, Forestry, Horticulture, Using foods from the farms, wanting to use food from the farms, leaders of farms or farm departments.

The previous two farm conferences were well attended and appreciated by all who attended. This conference is meant to give life to the farm devotees and to help them in their services.

Please discuss this invitation with your farm managers and let me know who might be able to attend from your farm.

Gurucarana Prabhu has informed me that he will only charge 10euro per night for prasadam and accommodation for each person. This is half the normal price he normally needs for these services. Travel costs to and from the airport will be extra and the information about that will follow in due course.

I will send you the contact information you will need to book your accommodation and airport/station pick up shortly.

The conference dates are the 27th and 28th of April 2010. We are very eager that you join us and help us move the agricutural and cow protection projects forward in Europe. I would expect that you may like to arrive on the Monday 26th of april and they you are ready to be with us at the start on Tuesday the 26th.

your servant
Syamasundara dasa
ISKCON European Minister for Agriculture and Cow Protection

by Euro GBC

We are pleased to introduce you to fourteen devotees receiving the first ISKCON Europe Excellence Awards (IEEA). To encourage exemplary devotees, IEEA will be announced annually. Winners will be chosen after nominations are considered at a European Leaders Meeting. This year the winners (in alphabetical order) are:

Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi
Bhakta Eshwar Kesso
Jai Nitai Dasa
Jiva Pati Dasa
Krishna Viddhi Dasa
Lalita Govinda Dasa
Mangalananda Dasa
Murli Manohara Dasa
Parasuram Dasa
Parivadi Dasa
Rupa Manjari Devi Dasi
Sridhama Dasa
Titiksu Dasa
Vimala Devi Dasi

Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi in the category of Voluntary Services
ISKCON London
Spiritual Master: Radhanath Swami
Number of years doing this service: 6
Description of this service: Bhava Bhakti voluntarily serves as the temple administrator. She looks after all non-financial concerns, such as, recruitment, induction, disciplinary procedures, devotee records, resignations and exit interviews, asset insurance, vehicle insurance and tax, paperwork and record keeping.
Brief description of her other services: Bhava Bhakti is the coordinator of the Counsellor System. She ensures that all counselling is regularly reported, and she prepares the agenda and keeps the minutes at Counsellor Board meetings. She is also in charge of the ladies’ ashram.
Something special about her service: She has taken all this responsibility in spite of having a fulltime job. She is friendly, hard-working, reliable, caring, jolly, enthusiastic, meticulous and determined, and chants twenty rounds a day in one go.

Bhakta Eshwar Kesso in the category of Caring for Devotees
ISKCON Dublin
Number of years doing this service: 4
Description of this service: Bhakta Eshwar looks after the devotees’ health, fitness and wellbeing, as he is a retired surgeon. He took up exceptional responsibility (in terms of time, care, and financial contributions) to open the ISKCON Dublin temple. It opened on April 5, 2009, and without his financial help, it would not be open. His tireless enthusiasm, despite his advanced age, continues to inspire devotees in Dublin. He also provides transportation and moral support.
Brief description of his other services: He does community development, prasada distribution, book distribution, congregational outreach, diplomatic/media relations, and helps facilitate Rathayatra.

Jai Nitai Dasa in the categories of Management and Congregational Preaching
ISKCON London
Spiritual Master: Radhanath Swami
Description of these services: He joined ISKCON London in 1999 and is now the Temple President, so he oversaw the fortieth anniversary celebration in November 2009. He oversees all aspects of the temple by managing the Temple Leaders Council. He counsels a number of devotees. He attends evening programs at the homes of congregational members. Under his management, congregational members have taken financial and managerial responsibility for festivals in the temple. His sadhana is strong. He is convinced of the importance of book distribution and takes part in marathons. He is on the University Preaching team, linked to the youth group ISKCON Pandava Sena. He gives classes and seminars throughout the London area. While he was the Vice President, he was in charge of sankirtana and temple festivals. He has headed the preaching department and congregational development team.
Something special about his service: Jai Nitai empowers people to serve according to their skills and abilities. He took on huge responsibilities while young (materially and spiritually) and still thrives, leading by example.

Jiva Pati Dasa in the category of Pujari Service
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Spiritual Master: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Number of years doing this service: 32
Description of this service: Jiva Pati came to Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1977 and has been a fulltime pujari since. He has been rising by 3 a.m. daily (unless ill) to wake the Deities and perform services related to Their bathing and dressing. His life has been simple, dedicated, and sublime. He is a fine example of surrender to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Something special about his service: In 1996, Jiva Pati was taken to a hospital. Because he had hardly left the temple for many years, he was surprised to see the hospital’s automatic doors opening for him as he approached them. He joked: “These doors must think I’m somebody special. I think they’ve got the wrong guy.”

Krsna Viddhi Dasa in the category of Harinama
ISKCON London
Spiritual Master: Krsna Ksetra Prabhu
Description of this service: Krsna Viddhi joined ISKCON London in 1996. He leads a daily harinama procession on Oxford Street twice a day, regardless of whether devotees join him or not. He used to manage the lunch program at the temple. He did this for more than five years before dedicating himself to harinama.
Something special about his service: His genuine taste for the holy names is evident in his bright face and humble demeanour. He holds no position yet his practical example of finding satisfaction in chanting the holy names inspires many others to chant.

Lalita Govinda Dasa in the category of Padayatra
ISKCON Slovenia
Spiritual Master: Radhanath Swami
Number of years doing this service: 9
Description of this service: Lalita Govinda is the founder and main engine behind the annual Padayatra in Slovenia. It is called an Ecocaravan and is basicaly a moving temple on the roads with full-on activities: harinam, book and prasadam distribution, and some Deity worship. Forty to fifty devotees (some from other countries) take part for two or three weeks each summer. To organize such a project, one has to be empowered. The services include aquiring all the papers and documents for government offices, the police, and local authorities; arranging free accomodation; dealing with financial considerations, publicity; caring for an ox, ox cart, and Deities; managing traffic safety; and above all inspiring people and building the teamwork of the devotees. The project is improving annually and written strategic planning has been done for the last three years. In 2009, 4500 brochures, 2900 books, and 15000 prasadam cookies were distributed in 16 days. Find out more at http://www.harekrisna.net/ekokaravana/index.php
Something special about his service: His dedication and determination to serve in full surrender, humility and sacrifice is contagious. He is fully capable, dependent on Krsna, and empowered to inspire devotees to go along.

Mangalananda Dasa (no photo) in the category of Book Distribution
Spiritual Master: Bhakti Bhusana Swami
Number of years doing this service: 30
Description of this service: He distributes books and has been inspiring the whole German yatra to do so for many years. The German sankirtana scores are a testimony to this. Even in difficult times for the German yatra, his loyalty to ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada’s mission of book distribution remained strong. Despite there being a leadership crisis in Germany for almost ten years ago, book distribution in Germany and Austria never ceased. We can thank Mangalananda for every book that has been distributed and every book distributor who has been trained.

Murli Manohara Dasa in the category of Pujari Service
ISKCON London
Spiritual Master: Sivarama Swami
Description of this service: Murli Manohara exemplifies how a brahminical Vaishnava should act. He is peaceful, learned, and patient. He always seeks ways to glorify Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara and dedicates his life to Them. He is not married. He balances the demanding task of heading of the men’s ashram, and devotees know that he will always draw from the sastras in his dealings and be fair to all.

Parasurama Dasa (no photo) in the categories of Festivals and Food for All
Bhaktivedanta Manor and London’s King’s Cross Preaching Centre
Spiritual Master: Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami
Description of these services: In Dublin, in 1982, he joined ISKCON. For him, a typical festival day is taking a cart to a carnival and cooking and distributing prasada. On Saturday nights he leads the harinama in central London. The Food for All progam in London distributes to both the poor and college students. He cooks enough prasadam for the London Rathayatra to feed fifteen thousand. In recent years, he took a Rathayatra cart to nine festivals in eleven days in three countries: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Rupa Manjari Devi Dasi in the categories of Book distribution and Prison Ministry
ISKCON Radhadesh
Spiritual Master: Lokanath Swami
Description of these services: She collects books for prisoners in the Benelux and visits prisons with the books. She also takes care of some prisoners. She gives guided tours in Radhadesh and has set up Smart Boxes there for guests. She preaches in Spain, takes part in the morning programs and festivals at Radhadesh, and always lends a respectful ear to all. Her unconditional bhakti and way of life helps devotees, visitors, and prisoners.

Sridhama Dasa in the category of Book distribution
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Spiritual Master: Sivarama Swami
Description of this service: He has been distributing books since he joined ISKCON. Even while performing other services, he has always remained attached to book distribution. He goes out regularly and steadily throughout the year and during every marathon. In recent years, he has been distributing books in the Far East for part of each year. He is humble and has never been married.

Titiksu Dasa in the category of Festivals
ISKCON London
Description of this service: He oversees the Rathayatra carts and gets them to the UK and European festivals by truck. He raises funds and organises permits and the volunteers. He built two extra carts for the London Rathayatra in 2004, refurbished the oldest cart in 2008. He has encouraged many devotees to serve on the Rathayatra team. He is steady in his service and leads by example. Titiksu, year after year, demonstrates humility to the devotees and Srila Prabhupada. He serves without distraction, and his only motive is to help spread Krishna consciousness. His service is consistently excellent.

Vimala Devi Dasi in the category of Pujari Service
ISKCON London
Spiritual Master: Bhakti-Swarupa Damodar Maharaja
Number of years doing this service: 25
Description of this service: She serves as a pujari and has trained many devotees. During the day she works at a local hospital as a nurse. In between shifts, she does pujari services every day: waking the Deities or putting Them to rest (sometimes both) and cooking lunch on weekends. On festival days, she cooks 108 preparations for the Deities. And she is always friendly and gracious and determined to serve. She engages others in service and has been serving for a long time.

Bhaktivedanta College
Japa/Kirtan Retreat in 2010 with Sacinandana Swami
1st - 7th of May 2010

An Invitation from Sacinandana Swami:

The idea of organizing Japa Kirtan Retreats emerged from a realization we had during our many Japa Retreats. Simply put, we became aware that the dharma for the Age of Kali is sankirtana: singing with devotion the holy names in the association of others. It is primarily through this process that realization of Krishna can take place.

Srila Krishna das Kaviraja Goswami writes:

tattva-vastu-krishna, krishna-bhakti, prema-rupa
nama-sankirtana-saba ananda-svarupa

"The Absolute Truth is Sri Krishna, and devotion to Krsna in pure love is achieved through congregational chanting of the holy name, which is the essence of all bliss." (Cc Adi 1.96)

Our Vaishnava scriptures contain a wealth of information on kirtana. When I began to research the subject, I was overwhelmed by the nectarean information on the proper moods, proper styles, and proper skills of doing kirtana. My enthusiasm to share all this information has grown unlimitedly. Now I am dedicating a good part of my service to research this exiting subject matter even further and systematically give training in the art of kirtan.

As the research on kirtan deepened I felt like a spiritual archeologist who had just found a lost treasure and now wanted to share it with the world. So I decided to develop the Japa Kirtan Retreats.

The Japa Kirtan Retreats will summarize the insights of the Japa Retreats and then go into explaining and doing kirtan. Good kirtan improves japa, and good japa also brings about improved kirtan. Both of them complement each other, because they are based on the same thing: Krishna's most merciful
form, the holy name.

The holy name is so merciful that devotees have even glorified Kali-yuga as the best yuga, since the yuga-dharma of this age is chanting!
"I am most satisfied by this particular yuga, Kali-yuga, because the result of all spiritual processes (meditation, sacrifices, and Deity worship) can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Keshava. O great sages, a small effort in Kali-yuga is the cause of the greatest good fortune for mankind. No doubt, I am most satisfied by this particular yuga."
(Visnu Purana 6.2.15-17)

I am unlimitedly grateful to Srila Prabhupada and the previous acaryas of our glorious parampara, who reveal this deepest knowledge to us. This gratitude will manifest during the seminar in lectures, workshops, and lila-katha, all focused on becoming deeply absorbed in the holy name and, of course, in soul-uplifting kirtanas. These retreats are open to anyone sincerely interested in practicing Krishna consciousness. I am most enthusiastic to receive and serve all of you.

*** Booking ***

The Japa Kirtan Retreat starts Saturday evening (1st May) and end on Friday morning (7th May). All participants should confirm their attendance with the Radhadesh at Guesthouse +32(0)86387131 or email:<Radhadesh.Guesthouse@pamho.net>.

We will have following categories of accommodation in the Radhadesh Guesthouse which includes accommodation, prasadam and seminar fee:

1. Shared room (3 - 5 beds) - 150 Euros
2. Dormitory (for this option own bedding or sleeping bag is needed) - 125 Euros

These are the six days prices for one person (Saturday 17:00 - Friday 11:00). Extra nights will be charged extra. This offering is valid until 1st of April 2010, one month before the Japa Kirtan Retreat starts.

For those not staying in the Radhadesh Guesthouse registration should be done with the College Secretary at +32(0)86323277 or email:<College@pamho.net>. Price only for seminar without prasadam and accomodation is 50 Euros.

*** Travel ***
When you are in Belgium, how to travel to Radhadesh?

Radhadesh Guesthouse
Petite Somme 5
6940 SEPTON DURBUY
BELGIUM
0032(0)86.387131
Radhadesh.Guesthouse@pamho.net

*** Taxi service from Airports ***
To reach Radhadesh with devotee taxi you can call Damakartu dasa at mobile +32(0)484479680 or email <Damakartu.DG@pamho.net>. Another driver is Pandu Vijaya dasa at mobile +32(0)494384171 or email<KrishnaPandu@hotmail.com>.

*** Prices for pick up ***
Calculated at 0.30 euro/km:
Brussels International airport - Zaventem - 70 Euros
Brussels South airport - Charleroi - 55 Euros
Luxembourg airport - 90 Euros
Liege train station - 30 Euros
Namur train station - 30 Euros
Marloie train station - 13 Euros
Barvaux train station - 6 Euros

Please remember that there are two airports near Brussels. One is called 'Brussels International' (Zaventem) and is very close to the city centre. The other is called 'Charleroi' *or* 'Brussels South'. Charleroi is a little bit closer to Radhadesh. This is to avoid long waits, which can occur if we get incorrect information. Give us details of where you want to be picked up from. Please give your flight information: flight number, arrival date, departure date & airport (or station).

At both airports you can buy a train ticket for 10.50 Euro which is valid for bus from airport to the train station and all trains till Marloie or Barvaux.

For more information please contact the College Secretary:
Tel: +32 (0)86 32-32-77 / E-mail: college@pamho.net

Reflections on Shri Caitanya-caritamrta: January 4 - January 8, 2010.

Introduction to Kavya : January 11 - January 15, 2010.

Classical and Medieval Philosophy: January 11 - January 22, 2010.

Classical and Medieval Philosophy introduces the most important thinkers and ideas of the West in a chronological overview, from the Greeks to the 1500s. The overview makes it possible to understand the nature and the deeper meaning of Western philosophy. While giving due attention to the individual features of the work of the various thinkers, two distinct phases are discerned: the formation of the discipline in classical Greece and the synthesis with Christianity that philosophy entered into in the Middle Ages.

Teacher: Mahendra Dasa

Vedas and Upanishads: January 18 - January 29, 2010.

Interfaith: January 30 - January 31, 2010.

This is an interactive course showing what interfaith activity is and why it is important for ISKCON members. We analyze various types of interfaith programs, and students learn to present concepts of Krishna consciousness in a personal manner. We study the essential principles of a Vaishnava approach to dealing with members of other faiths and practical guidelines for meeting them. The course includes a field trip to religious communities.

Teacher: Saunaka Rsi Dasa

Care for Devotees: February 8 - February 12, 2010.

The course will include material on varieties of pastoral care that are being practiced in spiritual organizations, current issues in the delivering of pastoral care, the nature of pastoral care, and the need for pastoral care within communities. We will also discuss a variety of current ideas and developments regarding pastoral care within ISKCON communities.

Below are a few questions to consider for our upcoming seminar:

(1) Have you ever received spiritual care when you needed it? What was that like?

(2) Have you ever provided spiritual care to someone in need? How was that experience for you? For the recipient?

(3) Have you ever seen someone who needed spiritual care but did not receive it? How might this situation have turned out differently?

(4) Have you ever deeply needed spiritual care but none was available in the way you truly needed it?

Sad Darshanas - The Six Indian Philosophies: February 10 - February 13, 2010.

Introduces the six philosophies of Hindu thought that have contributed most to defining historically Hindu ideas of world, self, God, and the process of liberation. Each philosophy is analyzed in terms of its basic perspective and categories, with the help of selected original texts in translation. The course provides tools for informed comparative studies and a broader grasp of the basis of traditional Vaishnava philosophy.

Teacher: Pranava Dasa

World Religions: February 15 - February 19, 2010.

Modern Hindu Trends: February 15 - February 26, 2010.

Provides students with background on the emergence of modern Hinduism and a detailed understanding of the lives and teachings of the Hindu reformers who shaped it.

Teacher: Pranava Dasa

Congregational Preaching: March 3 - March 5, 2010.

Identifies the successes and mistakes of more than twenty years of preaching in the United Kingdom. This course takes into account all the existing ISKCON programs of congregational development and some from other organizations, and helps students think about what will be right in various fields of preaching.

Teacher: Kripamoya Dasa

The Nectar of Instruction: Ten Minutes with a Genius: March 3 - March 5, 2010.

Introduction to Hinduism: March 8 - March 19, 2010.

Provides students with a comprehensive overview of Hindu history, theology, and social and political life.

Teacher: Gopinath Acharya Dasa

Bhaktirasamrta Sindhu: March 8 - March 12, 2010.

Uttama Bhakti: March 25 - March 26, 2010.

For more information and course registration, please contact the Bhaktivedanta College Secretary:
Tel: +32 (0)86 32-32-77 / E-mail: college@pamho.net

For accommodation and prasadam, please contact the Radhadesh Guesthouse:
Tel: +32 (0)86 38-71-31 / E-mail: radhadesh.guesthouse@pamho.net

ISKCON UK is seeking a new Temple President for its largest UK centre, Bhaktivedanta Manor.

This is an exciting opportunity, where the successful applicant will join an established centre and serve with a dedicated team of senior vaisnavas in one of the most important temples in ISKCON.

The primary role of the successful applicant will be to provide spiritual leadership, ensure that the temple is spiritually vibrant and that the residents and other leaders are enthusiastic in their practices of Krishna Consciousness. The applicant will be required to work effectively with a small team while retaining the initiative to be a self-starter.

We require the applicant to be a person of integrity, spiritually strong, with a mature intelligence. Sufficient energy, with the ability to learn quickly is required. Good people skills are also required.  The successful applicant must also be well organised, have the ability to delegate, as well as be a good office manager. The applicant must be fluent in English.

Written applications giving full details, qualifications and experience should be sent to:

ISKCON.UK@pamho.net

It is our humble request that you take a few minutes to review the above. We hope that you or someone you know might have these qualifications and be interested in this service opportunity.

Your servants,
ISKCON UK Management Council.

Dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The Annual General Meeting of ISKCON's Governing Body Commission will begin on February 6, 2010. Following the GBC's Rules of Order, the GBC Secretariat requests proposals, duly sponsored by a GBC member, to be submitted latest by November 30, 2009. This will allow adequate opportunity for the GBC Body, the Secretariat, and the Deputies to prepare the proposals for presentation at the meeting.

Please follow the Standard Format for GBC Proposals posted below. To make it easier for you, we have given an appendix with guidelines on how to write a proposal. Please assure that your proposal is concise, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound and contains all required basic information: why, who, where, how, when.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please ensure that your proposal is sponsored by a GBC member before submission.

Then, submit your proposal via email to "(GBC) Proposals" <Proposals@pamho.net>

If you need any clarification, please do not hesitate to ask via proposals@pamho.net

Hare Krishna.

Your servant,
Ananda Tirtha Das
GBC Corresponding Secretary

------------------------------------------------------------------------

STANDARD FORMAT FOR GBC PROPOSALS

PROPOSAL NAME:

PROPOSED BY:

SPONSORED BY (GBC member):

CONTACTS (email, fax, address of proposer and sponsor):

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

PRESENTATION OF PROPOSAL: (maximum 300 words)

Whereas . . .

(Please list the facts and principles upon which you base your proposal, without any arguments. Maximum 300 words. The purpose of the "whereas" section is for the GBC Body to officially record the reasons why it saw fit to pass the resolution.)

PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION:

Resolved, That . . .

(Please write your proposal as a resolution for voting by the GBC Body)

EXPLANATION:

Please answer the following questions:

(1) What prompts you to submit this proposal?

(2) Why this proposal is important for the success of ISKCON?

(3) What would be the implications of implementing this proposal?

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A PROPOSAL:

1. Check if there are any existing GBC resolutions and laws related to your proposal.

2. The wording should be as the resolution would read should the proposal be passed. Resolutions do not contain arguments but simply spell out what the GBC Body has decided. Arguments may be presented in the "Explanation" section.

3. A proposal should be limited to a single point or subject. If you have more than one idea, then write separate proposals for each of them.

4. Make your proposal as concise as possible.

5. To start, choose a wording pattern from the suggested wordings listed in the appendix below.

APPENDIX TO THE STANDARD FORM FOR GBC PROPOSALS

1. AMENDMENTS:

[ISKCON Law] THAT Resolution 108/1990 is amended to read as follows:

[ISKCON Law] THAT Resolution 108/1990 is repealed.

THAT the following resolutions be repealed: ...........

2. MISC. PERMISSION:

[ ] THAT permission is given to ISKCON Mayapur to .........
(under the following conditions):

[ ] THAT approval is given for Krsna Das to .........
(under the following conditions:)

3. CREATING COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES, BOARDS, ETC.:

[Definition as Standing Committee, etc.] "The (name of the Committee) is established to (purpose).

The Members are: (list members and positions beginning with Chairman).

They are to: (list names and their respective duties with dates for completion).

They are empowered to: (describe)

They are answerable to: (describe; include other details such as funding, expense payments, meeting schedules, if the Committee is to disband on completion of purpose, etc.)

4. ADDING/REMOVING MEMBERS TO COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES, ETC.:

[definition] "The following are added to/removed from the (name of committee, ministry, etc.)
(list names when removing members and with their respective positions and duties when adding members)."

5. APPOINTMENTS:

[definition] "THAT (name) is appointed as (name of position).

He is to (describe duties and responsibilities with dates of completion.)He is empowered to: (describe)
He is answerable to: (describe)

According to Indian custom, the Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness celebrated the new year on 20 October 2009 at the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest. On the occasion, Sivarama Swami, the spiritual leader of the Society, received a Golden Cross state award of the Hungarian Republic From Dr. Karoly Manherz, state secretary for higher education and research, in appreciation of his charitable, humanitarian and value creating work.

The memorable dinner in the Museum of Applied Arts was also attended by Zoltan Balogh, chairman of the parliamentary commettee for human rights, minority, civil and religous affairs, and His Excellency Ranjit Rae, Indian ambassador. As a suprise, Istvan Wisinger, cousin of Sivarama Swami brought a special gift to him, an old family relic. The festive mood was enhanced by the extraordinary music performance of Eszter Horgas flutist and Zoltan Lantos violist. Sivarama Swami together with Karoly Manherz, Zoltan Balogh and His Excellency Ranjit Rae lit a candle holding each others hands. They asked all the guests to do the same at their tables while saying a prayer for all that were present.

As spiritual leader, he participated in the foundation of the Hungarian Society for Krishna-Consciousness in 1989. Since then, he has devoted his tireless work to the organisation and development of the spiritual and charitable activities of this church as well as to the spiritual guidance of the members. Under his leadership, the Society became the fourth most popular and supported religious community among hundreds in Hungary, measured by the allocation by taxpayers of 1% of their personal income tax.
All this bears out the significant service to the society through the manifold activities of the church under his direction as well as the outstanding humane and leadership qualities of Sivarama Swami. It seems appropriate that, on the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the church, the state express the overall appreciation by the society in the form of a state decoration.

Sivarama Swami was born in Budapest in 1949, under the name of Peter Létai. In 1956 his parents emigrated to Canada, where he completed his studies. He joined the International Society for Krishna-Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1973. Since 1979 he has held a high position as a teacher in the Society. He is a respected member of the Goverment Body Commission of ISKCON. For an extended period, he was the spiritual leader of the English community, which has a high representation of Hindu population. During this period, the community became one of the most stable members of the International Society.

He started visiting Hungary occasionally in 1987, initially in disguise because of the restrictions on religious activities. By the depth of his knowledge, leadership capabilities and attractive personality, he became the spiritual leader of the forming community of devotees of the ancient faith of Krishna consciousness.

With the transition to democracy, the Hungarian Society for Krishna-Consciousness became an officially registered church in 1989. A rapid development followed, both by the number of members and the scope of activities. Soon the church started the Food For Life programme along the lines of the international vegetarian food distribution programme, which has been developed ever since its inception, helping to ease the hardship of the homeless, the elderly, the poor and people with large families.

More pictures you will find on the following link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kepfenyek/sets/72157622521866045/

--------------------------------
State decorations are regulated by Para. 1 of the Act No. XXXI. of 1991.
According to this Act, the Republic of Hungary highly appreciates extraordinary and exemplary activities exerted to help the development of the country, to promote the interests of the same, and to enhance universal humanity. To appreciate such activities, the Cross of Merit of the Hungarian Republic is founded, which is awarded, on recommendation by the appropriate Ministry, by the President of the Republic.

--------------------------------

Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I have seen Govardhana dasa's posting, informing you of the award given to myself by the Hungarian government. I have also seen your very kind words of appreciation. However I would like to clarify that originally I wanted this award to be given to Srila Prabhupada for the work that he had done for the people of Hungary. But because His Divine Grace was not a Hungarian citizen I applied on his behalf. When I accepted the gold cross, I made it clear that I was doing so both as Srila Prabhupada's representative-because it was he who is the inspiration--and also on behalf of the devotees of Hungary --because it was they who worked to realize Srila Prabhupada's instructions. My role was simply as an intermediary between these two worthy parties. The credit for the gold cross or the services done by the Krsna Consciousness Movement for the people or Hungary are not mine but theirs. In conclusion, whatever you think is happening in Hungary is not my doing, but theirs. And I offered the cross to Srila Prabhupada to wear, and he alone shall wear it. Not I. Hare Krsna.
Your servant
Sivarama Swami

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

ISKCON GBC Representatives Meet With B.V. Narayana Maharaja

A Joint Statement of: The BHAKTI Trust Public Affairs Office and the ISKCON Communications Ministry

October 24, 2009

Vrindavana, India - On October 17, five representatives of Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founder-acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, forming an official delegation, met with Srila B.V. Narayana Maharaja, founder-acarya of the BHAKTI Trust Mission, near the pilgrimage site of Govardhana Hill, just a few miles from Vrindavana, India. The meeting, which had been planned for several months, was held at Narayana Maharaja's Sri Sri
Gauranga Radha Giridhari temple at Giridhari Gaudiya Math.

The ISKCON leaders in attendance were His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaja, His Holiness Lokanath Maharaja, Ravindra Svarupa dasa, Badrinarayan dasa, and Anuttama dasa. Besides Narayana Maharaja himself, BHAKTI Trust leaders present were Sripad B.V. Madhava Maharaja, Brajanath dasa and Jalakara dasa. The meeting lasted for more than thirty minutes. It was described by both sides as "respectful and cordial."

Upon arrival at the temple, the ISKCON leaders had a brief darshan of the temple Deities. Afterward, they were escorted to Narayana Maharaja's quarters. There, the participants were introduced to each other and there was an exchange of gifts and garlands.

Narayana Maharaja opened the meeting by expressing his appreciation for Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON's founder-acarya, and for Prabhupada's achievements in promoting Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission around the world. Narayana Maharaja reminded those present of the assistance he had offered to Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON in the early days of Prabhupada's mission, and after Prabhupada's passing in 1977.

Anuttama dasa, ISKCON's Communications Minister, speaking on behalf of the GBC, offered a formal apology to Narayana Maharaja for "the GBC's failure to communicate properly and in a timely personal manner," to Narayana Maharaja regarding ISKCON policies that were established in 1995. Although the GBC decided at that time the policies were necessary, Anuttama dasa regretted that they had not communicated them properly and the lapse had contributed to further misunderstandings. Anuttama dasa also shared the GBC's mandate from Srila Prabhupada that the GBC guide and manage his ISKCON institution.

Narayana Maharaja made several proposals how to improve the relationship between ISKCON and himself and his followers. The ISKCON delegation said it would convey those suggestions to the full GBC Body. Narayana Maharaja and the ISKCON leaders expressed their shared desire that the two Vaishnava organizations would like to see cordial relations between them based on mutual respect and understanding.

As the session drew to a close, both sides expressed gratitude to each other for the meeting and its pleasant tone. As the ISKCON emissaries prepared to leave, a delegation of senior devotees serving in the BHAKTI Trust (Jalakara dasa, B.V. Sajjan Maharaja and Jadurani (Syamarani) dasi) formally asked the GBC representatives to accept their apologies for all mistakes and offenses they had committed in their past relations with ISKCON. Obeisances were then exchanged all around.

Anuttama dasa, ISKCON Minister of Communications
Jalakara dasa, BHAKTI Trust Public Affairs Director

1) Sadhana

a)Sixteen rounds and four regulative principles
b)Rising early (4 – 6.30am)
c)Morning Programme:
i)Performing simple arati at home altar
ii)Chanting four rounds minimum before leaving for work (Srila Prabhupada asked his disciples to chant eight before ten o’ clock, but not to chant while driving)
d)Study Srila Prabhupada’s books daily – at least thirty minutes
e)Maintain devotional dress and tilaka during worship at home and visiting the temple

2) Service
Regular service to the temple (minimum two hours once a week)
Menial service once a month (for instance cleaning, kitchen, shop, gardens)

3) Sanga Group

You are required to be a member of a local Sanga group. Each person must have a counsellor and be in regular communication with that person.

4) Sankirtan

Required to perform two hours local door-to-door preaching or home visits or outreach programme at least once every two weeks.

5) Contribution

If working, one is required to make a regular monetary contribution to their local temple.

6) Morning Programme

Minimum is to take part in a full morning programme at the temple once a month

7) 13 Questions

Give satisfactory answers to ISKCON GBC 13 questions. Checked by the counsellor.

8) Sadhana Chart

Weekly submit Sadhana Chart to their counsellor via email or printed copy.

9) Spiritual Master and Disciple Course

Complete full course.

SHORT CHECKLIST FOR COUNSELLORS

1.Candidates must develop relationship with Srila Prabhupada, chant 16 rounds and follow the 4 regulative principles for minimum of 1 year
2.Then they should undertake a one-day course on guru-disciple relationship; at the end of the course they should take the 13 Questions test
3.Then they can start developing a relationship with a particular guru, begin correspondence with that guru and ask relevant questions under the guidance of a counsellor, lasting minimum 6 months
4.Then they can start chanting guru’s pranama mantra, lasting minimum 6 months
5.Then they can be recommended to Board of Counsellors for first initiation

Please note candidates cannot be put forward for initiation less than two weeks prior to
the initiation. Also all candidates must have written consent from the legislative body of the Temple they are associated with.

GUIDELINES FOR COUNSELLEES ON CHOOSING A DIKSA GURU

1.Regard Srila Prabhupada as guru in the first instance (study his books and discuss questions that he has with his counsellor and other experienced devotees)
2.Learn about the qualities of a bona fide guru
3.Learn how to submissively hear and properly inquire from a guru, according to Vaisnava etiquette
4.Attend classes and listen to lectures by various gurus and discuss with the counsellor his feelings and thoughts about the different gurus
5.Learn what attraction to a guru is due to sentiment and what is due to intelligent discrimination (if necessary). Over time one guru is likely to have a more prominent influence on his spiritual life.

13 Questions

1)What are the qualifications of a bona fide spiritual master?
2)Why are you convinced to follow the orders of the spiritual master in this life, and even life after life?
3)Why does one worship the spiritual master like God?
4)Do you believe the spiritual master speaks the Absolute Truth? If so, why?
5)Under what circumstances should the spiritual master be rejected?
6)What are the qualifications and responsibilities of a disciple?
7)What is the unique position of Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON?
8)Why do you accept Lord Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead?
9)Why do we follow the four regulative principles?
10)Why do we chant Hare Krsna?
11)What is the position of the GBC Body?
12)Explain the difference between the body and the self.
13)What is ISKCON, and why should one remain in ISKCON?

Second Initiation Standards

1.For at least one year after first initiation, continues fulfilling all requirements for first initiation.

2.Continually develops good relationships with other devotees.

3.Demonstrates the qualities of a brahmana (Bg 18.42) and a tendency to continually improve in those qualities.

4.Practices the threefold austerity of the mode of goodness, as described in Bg 17.14-16

5.Exemplifies religious principles to the public, representing ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada.

6.Fits into and represents ISKCON’s organisational structure; i.e., GBC to Regional Governing Bodies (and similar local councils), Temple Presidents, etc.

7.Has read the following of Srila Prabhupada’s books: Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction and Isopanisad.

8.Has passed either the ISKCON UK Brahminical Test or the VTE Bhakti Sastri exam.

9.One should actively assist in some preaching or outreach activity.

10.One should perform some service for the Deities through the Deity Department on a regular basis (e.g., transfers, dressing Srila Prabhupada)

For those of you who missed it, we now have the recordings available from this year's ISKCON Studies Conference, held at Villa Vrindavana frm 3-6
July.

They can be downloaded from: http://iskconstudies.org/?p=84

We're hoping our Gopinathacarya will prepare a short report as well, but for now, these and a bowl of ice-cream are the next best thing to being there. That and the final wrap-up by Krsna-ksetra Prabhu, which summarises all the presentations.

To refresh your memory, the sessions are:

- Introduction and aims of ISKCON Institute – Shaunaka Rishi Das
- Gurus, charisma, and ISKCON’s religious system – Kimmo Ketola
- Sitting at the guru’s feet: Teachers, students, and didactic roles in the Upanisads – Rembert Lutjeharms (Gopinathacarya Dasa)
- Culturing the wisdom of devotion: Developing ISKCON’s vision for spiritual guidance – Krsna Ksetra Dasa
- The guru in ISKCON after Prabhupada: A study of the Zonal-Acharya System and the Guru Reform – Arya Dasi
- By your mercy: A Vedantic exposition on teacher’s grace – Krsnasarana Dasa
- Guru Seminar: Lessons Learned – Anuttama Dasa
- Acceptance, guidance, transcendence: The ‘guru’ in classical South Asian legal texts – Federico Squarcini
- Panel discussion – All conference speakers
- Wrap up – Krsna Ksetra Dasa

I'm sorry to say, we don't have a recording of Kadamba Kanana Swami's "Complementary and conflicting elements in the life of an ISKCON Guru"

We are thinking to have next year's conferecne at Villa Vrindavana again next year. Probably from 16-19 July. Hope to see you there.

Sincerely,
Lal Krishna Dasa

Centre de Bhakti Yoga de Bruxelles
Rue Royale 185, 2ème étage
1210 Bruxelles Belgium Europe
Phone: +32 2 223 10 58 Conférences philosophiques, chants dévotionnels et festins végétariens . Programme du samedi à 13 heures:

SCHEDULE FOR BRUSSELS LECTURERS (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY)SCHEDULE FOR BRUSSELS LECTURERS (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY)

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cordialement, Votre serviteur, Jaya Bhadra Dasi

Would you like to see accurate information on our website? If you are a temple, an educational institution or an ISKCON organisation and would like to frequently spread the latest news to the devotees: Please contact us - Dinadayal.SNS@pamho.net - we will send you a brief manual which enables you to update your information directly on the web.