Mayapur is getting geared up for mega celebrations of Janmastami and Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja. The air is buoyant with...

ISKCON Mayapur invites you and your family to Mayapur to this year’s Janmashtami festival, a wonderful opportunity to remember...

1. Decide exactly what you want in every area of your life and service. This is usually the biggest problem that people have. They don’t know what they want and then they’re surprised when they don’t get it.

2. Write your goals clearly in every detail. A goal that is not written down is merely a wish. When you write it down, you signal to Krsna that you really want to accomplish this particular goal that will please Him.

3. Write your goal in simple, present tense words on a three-by-five index card and carry it with you to read and re-read throughout the day whenever you get a chance. This will remind you of your goal, keep you focused, and make you aware of the opportunities for achieving it.

4. Make a list of everything you can do that will move you toward your Krsna conscious goal. Making a list intensifies your desire and shows Krsna that you are serious and sincere about achieving it.

5. Organize the list by priority. What is more important and what is less important? What will you do first? What will you do second, etc.?

6. Resolve to take action every day on one of the items on your list. Do something every day that moves you toward your goal so that you can maintain momentum.

7. Visualize your goal repeatedly. See it in your mind’s eye as though it were already a reality. The more clear and vivid your mental picture of your goal, the more you will be focused and inspired to attain it.

8. Imagine the feeling you would have if your goal were realized at this very moment and would really please Krsna.

9. Behave as if Krsna was bringing your goal into reality. Accept that you are moving toward your goal and it is moving toward you.

10. Surrender your goal completely to Krsna who is within your heart. Turn your goal over to the Supersoul, act responsibly as if the outcome depends on you, but be aware that it depends on Krsna. Combination of a sincere, intelligent personal effort and Krsna's mercy brings Krsna conscious results.

Here are 15 important questions that, if we would ask ourselves regularly, can make a huge positive difference in our lives. We urge you to not only ask, but to write down your answers. There is power and a call to action when you put your thoughts in writing!

1. What one decision would I make if I knew I would not fail?

2. What one thing should I eliminate from my life because it holds me back from reaching my full spiritual potential?

3. Am I on the path of something absolutely marvelous, or something absolutely mediocre?

4. Am I running from something, or to something?

5. What can I do to make better use of my time?

6. Who do I need to forgive?

7. What impossible thing am I believing and planning for?

8. What is my most prevailing thought?

9. What good thing have I previously committed myself to do that I have quit doing?

10. Of the people I respect most, what is it about them that earns my respect?

11. What would a truly creative person do in my situation?

12. What outside influences are causing me to be better or worse?

13. In what areas do I need improvement?

14. What gifts, talents, and strengths do I have?

15. What is one thing that I can do for someone else who has no opportunity to repay me?

Once you've completed this exercise, translate your answers into your life plan as S.M.A.R.T. goals and action steps to begin making positive changes in your life and share them with your Gita Coach or Adviser. To schedule a complimentary Gita Coaching session contact Akrura@pamho.net

We're here to help you achive your Krsna conscious goals!

Maruti Udyog Limited never heard of it?

Well have you heard of Suzuki?

Well if like me you drive a Suzuki it is probably built by the Maruti Udyog Limited based in India.
It is one of the best and well built cars I have driven, far better than my Vauxhall Corsa.
It has driven through floods and only this week happly did more than 1000miles.

Ok so it’s a little noise and small, but the fuel economy is great and only a £35 road tax.
Why own an expensive car when a simple well built Indian car can do the job fine, and the financial saving meens I can do more service.
Plus the 360mile round trip from the Welsh valleys to London each fortnight for only £20 excluding the £5-10p to get back into Wales.
So I am always surprised when devotees say they would not trust a car built in India, my little Indian car does just fine.

This is Bhakta-Chris, reporting live on September 2, 2007, from New Vrindaban Dham.

Lots of wonderful, transcendental activities occur at New Vrindaban, and I shamelessly take many photographs of them to share with devotees worldwide. Here is this week's attempt to embarass my good friends and comrades in devotional service...

This is a public-service announcement...if you see this young man, HG Caitanya Das Brahmacari, Spiritual Director, New Vrindaban Management Team, please humbly ask him to eat a cereal that is not designed for four-year old children. Caitanya, this is for your own good. We want you to come over to the organic world.


Yugal Kishore Das croons in costume for the Lord's pleasure during our ongoing Janmastami festivities.

The Reverend Janak Mahajana Das looks regally over our Kailash collection for Janmastami, giving his grave approval

HG Jagadish Caitanya Das-in bliss as he expertly fans the forms of the Lord during our continuing Janmastami festival.

Madhava Ghosh is very ready to make sure that all those who attended Kesava and Madhava's recent "sannyox" ceremony also reap the benefits. This humble photographer, after some thought and discussion, politely declined.

Janak Mahajana in his ideal state, working with the national symbol of Estonian pride, the beetHey Jason! Welcome back to the fire of the New Vrindaban Kitchen! Hold on tight!Devotees who wash dishes together go back to Godhead togetherJanak Mahajana has had enough of having his picture taken.

More candid shots coming soon. Beware and Haribol!

By Eklavya Dasa

That World Holy Name Day is made an annual program for all ISKCON centers. Different countries or continents may modify the name to suit their needs.

Mithuna Das: We at the Sri Krishna Chaitanya mandir is celebrating Sri Krishna Janmastami and Srila Prabhupada's Appearence Day in four days of festivities.

Kurma Rupa dasa: Our September 2007 Care for Cows Newsletter has been posted. Please review it at your earliest convenience.

Sri Nandanandana dasa: Detroit Hare Krishna temple celebrates Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival on Sunday September 16, 2007 starting at 10 AM sharp on Belle Isle, Detroit.

Mayapur Sasi dasa: This is a video of a letter received yesterday from Sergeant Partha Sarathi dasa, a U.S. soldier in Iraq, written to Ratna Bhusana dasa in Los Angeles.

Sikhi Mahiti das: As you all are aware, His Holiness Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami and the Silk Road band visited the USA appealing for donations for our godbothers and godsisters in Kazakhstan.

By Dayananda Das

The goal is to rebuild nature and even more importantly to reestablish the ethos among humans that the higher powers are the owners of nature. Therefore, it is the human duty to serve the higher powers, Their Lordships Radha-Krishna and Their agents, by adhering to the natural order and making natural offerings.

By Panca Pandava Dasa

I have read with interest the articles concerning ecology and environmental issues in the Dham, particularly in Vraja. I have spent the last six years in Vrindavan, not so long, but long enough to see the growth of the environmental problems. These are caused partly by the development in Vraja but also by the local people, including ourselves as members of ISKCON.

1955 September 2 : "I am glad that you wish to become a member of the League of Devotees. Rise up to the occasion of this preaching work & be a real benefactor to the people in general & your family members in particular."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1947-64

1965 September 2 :
"Suez Canal & Port Said"
Jaladuta Diary :: 1965

1970 September 2 : "Prahlada was administered poison but it did not act. In the same way, the poison administered to our Society will not act if some of our students are as good as Prahlada Maharaja."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1970 September 2 : "I have tried to give you all Krsna Consciousness, now it is your duty to develop it. If you remain strong on the spiritual platform then your progress will not be checked or blocked."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1970 September 2 : "It appears my coming here was Krsna's desire. Public opinion is that the airport reception was the most unique so far given to any VIP."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1971 September 2 : "When our men go to visit some nice presentation should be given. Lalita Prasad Thakura is son of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and younger brother of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, so he is considered my spiritual master."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1972 September 2 : "I have no objection if there is carved form of guru on the altar, but unless it can be done very nicely, just perfectly realistic, it should not be done."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 September 2 : "It is truly a wonderful time. The Bhagavata Dharma discourses here are going on very nicely and daily several hundred devotees and guests are coming to hear."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

By Mahatma Das

Bad habits don’t die easily. Prabhupada said chanting produces more chanting. But the question is what kind of “more chanting” does it produce? My experience is that bad chanting produces more bad chanting. And if the bad chanting goes on long enough, it pretty much becomes a habit.

By the BBT staff

In order to increase our inspiration and enthusiasm for this very auspicious day, the BBT is pleased to announce that this year's Vyasa-puja book is now available for devotees to view online at Krishna.com.

Narendra dasa: Please come to chant and dance with us! Tijuana is at less than 30 mins from San Diego, CA.

By Caru Das

The guest of honor was Shabana Azmi, five times Indian Best Actress Award recipient, and noted social activist.

Divyambara Dasi: The Delphi Spiritual Center is a great facility, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and prasadam will be cooked by Apurva Prabhu and his wife Kamailini Prabhu.

By Caru Das

The Krishna Temple at 8628 S Main St. in Spanish Fork has planned a transcendental birthday party for Sunday September 2nd. to celebrate The Appearance Day of Shree Krishna. From 8 pm there will be Indian dance, drama, musical concerts, hot meals, exhibits, and gifts available to all.

By Friends of the BBT

On February 2, 1966, before he founded ISKCON or initiated any Western disciples, Srila Prabhupada purchased a reel-to-reel tape recorder and brought it back to his apartment on New York’s West 72nd street.

By Kavicandra swami

Whenever a devotee leaves his or her body, we hear so much praise of them. Everyone becomes happy to be absorbed glorifying a devotee. It seems that we do not do enough of praising devotees while they are with us.

Came across this interesting site today:

krishnajanmashtami.com

 

 

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.63.46 - The mercy of the Vaisnavas

Don't remain in illusion dreaming that this material world is a place of happiness. There is happiness here, no doubt. But that happiness is only temporary. It does not last. Therefore even the happiness of this world is tinged with anxiety. If we want actual happiness, we have no solution except to come the spiritual platform. We have to wake...

Jaya Sita Rama. Please accept my humble pranams.

500 years ago, while walking from Navadvipa to Puri, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu spent the night in Bhadrak on the banks of the sacred Salandi river. He stayed at an ancient temple of Sri Sri Radha Madana Mohana (located in Santhiya village). Before departing for Puri, He blessed the temple pujari by giving him His personal blanket. This blanket has been worshipped for the last 500 years by the descendants of the original pujari.

The blanket is kept hidden in the temple throughout the year, but on one day each year (the anniversary of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's visit to Bhadrak) the blanket is displayed to the public and a large festival is held. This year we were able to take a photograph of this sacred relic, so now everyone can have darshan of Lord Caitanya's personal blanket.

The blanket is brownish-red in color, and it is covered in sandalwood paste from hundreds of years of worship. The blanket is filled with white cotton, which is visible through some holes in the blankets cover.

If anyone would like to have direct darshan of this blanket, they should plan to visit Bhadrak just after the Ratha Yatra festival in Puri. Bhadrak was also the home of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, a great saint in the line of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, so you can visit the school where he taught and served as headmaster for several years. Devotees can also take the opportunity to see the sacred wooden shoes of Sri Madhavendra Puri (Sri Caitanya's param-guru) located at Remuna, around 45 km from Bhadrak. Sri Madhavendra Puri's samadhi is located there, as well as the samadhi of Sri Rasikananda.

Yours in service,

Jahnava Nitai Das,
Bhaktivedanta Ashram &
Bhaktivedanta International Charities
http://www.bvashram.org
http://www.foodrelief.org

Indranie Sukhdeo from Guyana asks:

"I am a vegetarian, and I was told that I can't use foodstuff containing a substance called 'Monosodium Glutamate'. Is that true? Is MSG made from animal? What other food ingredient with a chemical or scientific name is not suitable for vegetarians? (i.e made of animals or associated parts)"

My reply:

Monosodium Glutamate is not derived from animal products. It is 100% chemical. Not that that's a good thing.

Glad to hear that you know that many common foods are contaminated with animal-based additives. It's always good to read food labels carefully.

You may not know that cochineal (120), a natural red colour, is derived from the bodies of pregnant scale insects.

'Savvy' vegetarians are aware that gelatine (441), a thickening, stabilising and emulsifying agent that's present in many many foods, is made by boiling animal (usually cattle or pigs) skin, ligaments, bones, sinews or other tissue.

You should also check that loaf of bread. L-Cysteine is a flour treatment agent extracted from duck and chicken feathers.

Here's a pretty exhaustive list of food additives for inquisitive vegetarian eaters....

And for strict vegans, here's a great list.

http://www.sankirtandiary.com/

Tonight was a bit of a slower night. Although, we did pretty good for a slow night. Not as many people were out as usual on a Saturday night. But many people did take books and donate. One person I remember, really liked what we were doing and thanked us. The security was kind of tight at both Wal-Marts, and thus it made it a little difficult to focus on distributing books. But all in all, it was not a bad night. I remember one young lady who had a baby in her arms. I told her that time passes fast, that in a flash, he would be as old as I am. She took the book, and then the baby grabbed the book and was holding it. She said that he likes books, and I told her that that is a very good sign. From what I understand, at the birth ceremony, if the baby goes for a book, then that means he will be a scholar. Or, if he goes for pieces of gold, he will be a business man. Or if the baby goes for the knife, he will become a theif. So this baby was quite fortunate, especially to have touched Srila Prabhupada's book.

By JOHN CARTER

The 7,800-km cross-Canada walk aids in his personal spiritual growth and helps him face physical challenges, he said. "It gives you a lot of reflective time to explore who you really are," he said. "There is a lot of solitude time."

Maharaja’s introductory talk continues:

• How we will invite the holy places to New Vraja Dhama.

By the time we left youth bhajans with Maharaj it was somewhere after midnight. What was I thinking booking a 6:00 am flight? After about two hours of sleep I somehow managed to drag myself out of bed just in time to make the drive and catch my flight.

Somehow as of late it has really been bothering me that at every single airport they do randomly decide to search me at every single security check. It is such blatant discrimination and I unfortunately let it bother me more than I should.

Eventually I made it to New York, I could feel the air quality rapidly degrade as I descended from the airport into the subway. The air was hot and stale making it difficult to breath and it smelled so bad that it overpowered any desire to breath. The only word the really comes close to describing the situation is hellish. Every time I come to New York I wonder how people actually live here.

By the time I reached my station I was desperate for a breath of fresh air. I never thought I would describe New York City air as fresh. My anticipation was growing as I ascended from the neither regions of the New York Subway. At the top of the stairs just as I was relishing my first breath of "fresh air" I was greeted by a gigantic billboard featuring a nude women in the most provocative pose you can imagine. And the women on the street weren't dressed much better. (Nor the men for that matter.)

New York City Ki Jay!

Last night while chanting through the streets I realized the only time I am happy when I am in New York is when I am chanting in the streets. That is the only time I can appreciate the teeming hordes of materialistic people, otherwise there is no word strong enough in the English dictionary to describe my dislike for New York.

As much as I personally don't like New York what really frustrates me is how sad the people are here, they are trying so hard to be happy but you can see it in their faces, they are suffering.

"This civilisation is 6 billion people trying to make themselves happy by standing on each others’ shoulders and kicking each others' teeth in"
- Terence McKenna

"And ten million of them are in New York."
- Gauranga Kishore Das

When I did bhaktin Tiana's astrological chart in the summer of 1992, I told her she should not feel rejected by our devotional community at ISKCON Berkeley, because:

"ISKCON is far from being the kind of society Srila Prabhupada envisioned. Srila Prabhupada stressed 'simple living, high thinking.' He wanted devotees to live on farm communities, without relying on modern industry and technology—much like the Amish. He emphasized 'traditional values'—the girls would be taught cooking and sewing, while the boys would be trained to work the land.

"He said young males would study in the gurukula, the school of the spiritual master, beginning at age five, and would remain brahmacari (celibate) until age 24, when permitted to marry.

"The kumaris (virgin daughters), meanwhile, would be taught to worship Shiva in the hopes of getting a good husband, would marry at age 16, and would be trained to be subservient to their husbands. Marriages would be arranged, and there would be no question of divorce or separation. Devotees would only reside in Kali Yuga cities for preaching and missionary work."

=> Read more!

Think of Vrindavan with love. Roll in its dust. Love it ardently. Please its moving and non moving residents. Worship Sri Radha’s birthplace. With all your heart take shelter of Sri Vrindavan, the best of all holy places.

- Srila Prabhodananda Sarasvati Thakura

by Adikarta Dasa–this article originally appeared in Back to Godhead magazine, and is a perfect introduction to the coming weeks of parikrama talks…

In an introductory talk to the Nava Vraja Mandala Parikrama, Maharaja speaks of how the holy sites will be invited to New Vraja Dhama.

Servant - Leadership is a practical philosophy which supports people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions. Servant-leaders may or may not hold formal leadership positions. Servant-leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment.

I had the chance to attend a Japa retreat held in upstate New York last spring. It was one of the first retreats to be held in North America as part of an initiative from Iskcon's SSPT.

One thing I learned was a method of japa that originates from Bhurijana Prabhu.
Yajna Purusha Prabhu, one of the instructors at the retreat, taught us the method.

I have found this to be the best instruction I have come across to date in Japa..and for that matter Krishna consciousness.

Step 1. Make a sankalpa to hear ONE mantra

A sankalpa is a resolution or determination to do something. So the 1st step is to tell the mind to resolve to just hear one Hare Krishna maha mantra.

The idea is that it is a doable request. If we tell the mind to hear 16 rounds of mantra, or even 1 round....the mind is too powerful to heed such a big request.

But if we tell the mind "Just hear this one mantra..." we have it in our power to force the mind to comply to at least with this small request.
If the mind is really going wild and it won't even heed this small request, make a resolution to hear one half of a mantra.

So request the mind to hear one (or a half) of the maha mantra...and that means to hear EVERY word in that mantra with no distraction.

Once this has been completed (the hearing of one whole mantra, hearing every word of the mantra), repeat.
Again tell the mind "hear just one mantra". Hear every word. Once this is done, repeat. Eventually the mind will succumb and it will hear one mantra after another. The mind will get absorbed in the sound vibration of the holy name.

Step 2. Neglect the mind

As the mind starts to become absorbed in the sound of the Holy Name, it will periodically rebel and try to drift to some other topic. So you must now neglect the attempts of the mind to deviate from the task of Japa.
It is like a child who wants something at the store...it will cry and cry, but the stern parent just ignores or neglects the misbehavior. In due course the child will get the message and calm down. Similarly the mind will introduce so many ideas and rationalizations for thinking something else, but one must just neglect the mind and force it back to Japa.

Step 3 Take shelter of the Holy Name

Now the mind is absorbed in the sound of the holy name. One's whole existence is only the holy name....there is nothing else to be conscious of. So realize that the holy name is in fact Krishna Himself and surrender completely to Him, and accept Him in the form of the Holy Name as everything and all that we really ever will need.

Step 4. Obtain Krishna's Mercy

If the Holy Name so desires, being pleased by our endevor He may bestow His mercy upon us and give us a glimpse of real bhakti and the sweetness of His loving friendship.

Again....its
1. Make a sankalpa
2. Neglect the mind
3. Take shelter
4. Await Krishna's mercy.

It really works.

Jaya!

ys

Nd

Where are the qualified leaders in today's society? It is very easy to find leaders who occupy a post to serve their own purpose. But it is very difficult to find even one leader who is dedicated to working for the deliverance of his constituents from the cycle of birth and death. This is the actual duty of a leader. He must be qualified to deliver his...

by Caitanya Das

College outreach begins again:while arranging the cooking class at University of Pittsburgh last week, I am getting bounced around form bureaucrat to bureaucrat, drowning in a deluge of red tape and rhetoric. Everyone is blowing me off. But then Krishna intervenes and sends me 2 floors down. The facility is beautiful. I hope for the best. Its 5:15 pm-tough luck finding anyone around in university administration. They watch the clock even closer then bored school kids, cut out at 4:59 on the dot. I round the corner…could it be? It is possible? Yes! Today is my lucky day. I’ve found Prema! (The first person I saw, a PhD student working with the department. What are the odds?)

Very kind she is. I explain, we talk, she takes to me to her boss, coordinator of the department. Turns out she had talked about doing some demonstrational cooking classes this semester, but we just missed her. Prema gives me her number and email. Success. I love it when Krishna does stuff like this.

The next day I call her. She is very sweet. We become friends. I tell her about our cooking classes at other colleges, our ideas about taking food relief and welfare work to a higher level; proactive; introducing wasteful Americans to the culinary and lifestyle secrets of “economical and environmental by force” cultures. What can unite across cultural borders more effectively then delectable international cuisine? What able bellied person can resist its charms? She likes it so much she suggests we might consider collaboration. How could I argue with that? Pure genius. They do what they do best, organizing, providing facility, advertising, maybe even sponsoring the food. We do our thing: show up, cook, feed the kids and clean up. Everyone is happy. Krishna is very kind.

Be convinced that you are doing the highest service for your fellow countrymen by distributing books of Krsna Consciousness. Actually in the west there is now no culture, and no brain even for what is the purpose of life. American civilization is finished, except that it can be saved if it takes to Krsna Consciousness. Try to become more convinced of this necessity for Krsna Consciousness and that will enable you to preach even stronger and distribute more books.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Caru — Mayapur February 28, 1977

1949 September 1 : "Sri Gita Mandir Trust: I beg to submit herewith my missionary views in respect of preaching Bhagavad-gita in foreign countries. I shall be glad to know the reaction of your association in respect of my views."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1947-64

1965 September 1 :
"Port Suez"
Jaladuta Diary :: 1965

1966 September 1 : "Mr. Gardiner wants to increase the rent to $71 odds. He came and got it signed by me before the trustees. I think it is not just."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1971 September 1 : "How was this shocking amount spent for travelling expenditure? In our childhood with my father I used to walk 10 miles to save a ticket of 5 paise on the tram car."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 September 1 : "I am glad you have admitted the GBC are not discharging their duty. Now it is time for GBC members to be very, very careful so people may not point out any black spot in the behavior of our society."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 September 1 : "Extravagant spending should be changed. We should simply accept the bare necessities of life. The balance money and energy should be employed for pushing forward Krishna's mission."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 September 1 : "We must be responsible for this great task. It will be a world center for teaching spiritual life. Students from all over the world will come and we shall revolutionize the atheistic and communistic tendency."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971