Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace - Bhaktivedanta … · Srutidharma das, Sita Rama das and Radha Mohan das attended a dinner and reception at Lambeth Palace to celebrate an

Srutidharma das, Sita Rama das and Radha Mohan das attended a dinner and reception at Lambeth Palace to celebrate an ongoing series of courses attended by young people from a variety of different faith backgrounds.

The courses are designed to provide participants with useful leadership skills which they can use in their daily lives and within their respective institutions. The initiative, called “Faith and Leadership” is organized

by Mr Krish Raval. The three course dinner, which received compliments from everyone present, was prepared in the kitchens of Bhaktivedanta Manor.

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Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Srila Prabhupada:

Our Vedic conception is that individual souls, which we call living entities, are always present, and each one of them has an intimate relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In material, conditioned life, the living entity has forgotten this relationship. By rendering devotional service, he attains the liberated position and at that time revives his relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

“Beyond Illusion and Doubt”- extract

Congregating For An Inspirational Weekend

Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace

Over the weekend of 5th- 7th October, The Langley Hotel in Tonbridge, Kent, hosted an exciting innovation in congregational care. Over 40 sanga group members from Northampton, Southampton, Norwich, Reading, Bristol and Bournemouth came together for a spiritual retreat, organised by the Manor’s Congregational Development department.

The retreat included a variety of workshops including the subjects of “Connecting and Creating”,

“Mantra Meditation”, “The Power of Habits” and “Obstacles on the Path of Spiritual Life.” There was music and kirtan throughout and also entertainment on the Saturday evening, with humorous dramas and even classical guitar.

“The weekend was a resounding success,” explained Kanhaiya das. “Everyone left feeling enthused and spirituality enlivened. The Langely Hotel is a great venue, I am looking forward to the next retreat there.”

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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter November 2012

Kirtan Yoga comes to LondonA new project called Kirtan London is set to bring sacred mantra music to the attention of the city with events at universities and corporations, ‘flashmob’ kirtans as well as working with the existing London yoga community. The first event, which featured Jahnavi Harrison and friends, was graced by Radhanath Swami. Actor and comedian Russell Brand gave a highly complementary introduction to Radhanath Swami, mentioning the early stages of his spiritual search and his visits to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Radhanath Swami spoke on the power of devotional music and reminded guests of the popularity of mantra music in mainstream London, starting with the release of The Radha Krishna Temple album in 1969.Events in the coming months look to expand and build communities of mantra lovers as well as providing inspiration for a more widespread project, called ‘Kirtan UK’.

Croome festival a “fantastic success”Devotees from across the UK brought a feast of music, dancing, food and colour to Croome Court as they returned to ISKCON's former Worcestershire home for a September weekend.As well as films, question and answer sessions, seminars and music, guests had a chance to sample chanting and meditation and even had a go at llama trekking!National Trust spokesman Cat Philpott said the second annual festival had

been a fantastic success. She said: “Everyone enjoyed it and it was once again a completely unique experience for all those who attended.”“Some devotees found it a real kick-start to revitalizing their spiritual lives,” added organizer Tribhangananda das. “We had our first ever Croome Ratha Yatra and there was a lot of public interaction. The entire estate resounded with the sound of the chanting of Hare Krishna!”

Special guests in attendance at the dinner included Dr Rowan Williams the Archbishop of Canterbury, Prof David Ford (The Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge), Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP (The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government), Air Marshall Sir David Walker (Master of the Household, Buckingham Palace), Jerry White (Assistant Deputy Secretary of State, Government of the United States of America), Zainul Abideen Rasheed (Former Senior Minister of State, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Hinai (Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman).

Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA,

KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

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On the 7th October Bhaktivedanta Manor played host to a group of 24 young City professionals from all over the corporate sphere to get involved in some Corporate Social Responsibility of a different kind. The likes of Barclays Capital, Network Rail and Ernst & Young each had representatives who prepared hundreds of 3 course meals, which were personally delivered and distributed to homeless shelters in and around Watford. This year they partnered with the Watford New Hope Trust which services the homeless and vulnerable people from different locations in Watford. These include six houses and hostels; five support services; and three development services. The project is one of many equally worthy causes where people from all over the world take part in the initiative known as Seva Day. Seva is a universal

concept, which involves performing an act of kindness without expectation of reward. Roshni Thakrar, a coordinator and a team leader for London said ‘‘getting involved in Seva Day is a humbling experience-making a real tangible difference to people and spreading some of the goodness that our community has to offer”.

Brighton Ratha Yatra - Lord Jagannath completed his UK 2012 tour in the vibrant

seaside town of Brighton.

Bapushree shares fond memories When Bapushree (Mahant Devprasadji Maharaj) visited the Manor he recalled his visits to Sumati Morarji's home in Mumbai. She showed him some of Srila Prabhupada’s personal belongings used on the Jaladuta, as well as the copy of the Srimad Bhagavatam that he presented to her. The Jaladuta was the cargo ship that Srila Prabhupada sailed on to reach America in 1965, facilitated by Sumati Morarji who was the head of the Indian National Steamship Owners Association at the time.Bapushree is the President of the Shree Anandabawa Seva Sanstha which is famous for its medical, educational and farming services across India.

Various community leaders from across England gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor to discuss the

preparations of Seva Day 2012.

European Leaders Meeting

Members of Bhaktivedanta Manor's Temple Council joined 70 other ISKCON leaders for the recent European Leaders Meeting at the Simhacalam Temple and farm community in Bavaria, Germany.Themes for the two-day conference included Sustainability, Social Development and Education, Farm and Eco-Village development, and Europe-wide Spiritual Tourism.

World Seva Day Touches the Hearts of the Homeless

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In past years Bhakti Charu Maharaja had arranged Spiritual Retreats, but this year something more dynamic was organised: For the first time in ISKCON, a Retreat was held on board a Cruise Ship.When Radhanatha Maharaja, Sacinandana Maharaja, Candramauli Maharaja, Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja, Mother Malati and Yadubara das heard about the venture they also climbed aboard. 250 devotees from South Africa, America, India, Dubai, Singapore, Europe and the UK took part. The ship left Southampton in August and sailed around the coast of Western Europe for 8 days, stopping at towns to perform huge harinamas (processions),

including Amsterdam, La Coruna and Bilbao in Spain, and La Rochelle in France. In La Rochelle the local Mayor attended, along with TV and radio stations which covered the event. One local man

commented, “I don’t know what you are singing but it is giving me so much peace in my mind. Please come every month to our town and sing and dance here for us.”

A Spiritual Cruise

The Beatles Connection Last October marked the 50th anniversary since The Beatles' first ever single hit the charts, observed with an International Beatle week. Meanwhile Dhananjaya das, one of the most senior British disciples of Srila Prabhupada, was invited for interviews with BBC Asian Network and BBC Three Counties Radio over his connection with George Harrison and the attainment of Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1973.

Dhananjaya das spoke of how he first discovered the 17 acre estate in 1972 which was then known as Piggot's Manor and run as a Nursing College for St Bartholomews.Impressed with what he saw, Dhananjaya das picked up the phone and called George Harrison who was in the US at the time. After hearing what Dhananjaya das had to say about the Manor and its location, George Harrison agreed to purchase and donate the Manor there and then.

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"Leap”- a Documentary about ISKCON A Documentary Film about Faith was shown at the annual British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR) conference, which was held at Winchester University. The screening of the film, which explores the devotional world of ISKCON, with a particular focus on the lives of Radhanath Swami and his Finnish disciple Keshava Madhava das, was enthusiastically received by all who

attended the event. The audience of some 60 conference participants, many of whom were distinguished and highly celebrated British and international religious studies scholars, commented that the film was both inspirational and a helpful resource for use on academic courses of study. Dr Graham Dwyer and Dr Anna King (Winchester University) introduced the film and responded to questions about it.

To learn more about "Leap" and to view it, visit: www.leapthefilm.com

ISKCON Redbridge celebrates Anniversary

From Student to TeacherLalita Shakti dasi began to study at Bhaktivedanta College in Radhadesh right after graduating from high school, resulting in a Bachelor degree in Theology and Religious Studies awarded by the University of Chester. “Bhaktivedanta College has shaped my life in so many different ways,” she explained. “Academically, mentally, emotionally and most importantly spiritually. I am now working at the Krishna Avanti School and it is a wonderful place to be. I could not have asked for better. I actually love my job!”

In celebration of it’s second anniversary ISKCON Redbridge had a chanting procession in Ilford town centre led by Kripamoya das, who plays an advisory role for the community. Later graduates from the Bhakti Sastri course were awarded certificates for passing the course run at the centre.Vishal Merai, Chairman of the community’s leadership committee, commented “Our anniversary event

allowed us to celebrate our progress and show our gratitude to the people that have helped make ISKCON Redbridge a success. We will continue to develop into a community that empowers individuals and continually experiments so that we can remain vibrant in the ways in which we present the teachings in the context of modern, British society.”

Feeding the 5000 in ParisSupermarkets discard vegetables that are over-produced, with an unusual size or shape. The Feed the 5000 project brings attention to this waste by cooking and distributing free meals to the public. Originally in London, the project took a European flavour when Canal Plus, a French TV Channel, sponsored the first ever Feed the 5000 in Paris.“It was a great opportunity to speak to the French public about vegetarianism, food economics and spiritual solutions,” explained Food for All Director Parasuram das.

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Aryan Vaid Visits the Manor

Aryan Vaid, the famous Bollywood Actor, model and columnist with the Hindustan Times, enjoyed his visit to the Manor along with his family and friends.

Ambarish Das Visits Bhaktivedanta Manor

Whilst in the UK Ambarish das was given a special tour of Bhaktivedanta Manor. As Chairman of the ISKCON Sri Mayapur Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, he was impressed with the recent achievements by the Manor and especially the New Gokul farm.

Ahimsa Dairy Foundation holds first open day

Supporters from the organic dairy farming world attended an open day held at Commonwork, the organic farm in Kent, home of The Ahimsa Dairy Foundation’s cows. The day included a presentation by Sita Rama das about the Ahimsa sanctuary in Wales, where retired cows and young bulls go. The guests, interested in increasing the longevity of cattle, were impressed by what they learnt that day.

Radhanath Swami and Alfred Ford (Ambarish das) were Guests of Honour at an exclusive Client and Executive Event in St James’s sponsored by HSBC Private Bank, London. Event rganizer and host, Sri Radha Raman das arranged for 120

people, including Chairmen, corporate partners, and CEOs from a variety of industries to hear keynote speeches on the subject of ‘creating a culture towards wealth management.’ MPs, Lords and the UK High Commission of India also

attended. The event was co-hosted by the retired private secretary of Her Majesty the Queen of England and a board director for HSBC.

Hertsmere Civic ServiceReverend Tim Warr and the Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr Pat Strack warmly greeted Srutidharma das at the Annual Civic Service held at the historic All Saints Church in Borehamwood.

Executive Event at HSBC

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What’s going on in IPS?

University students of Pandava Sena were very excited of the annual return of the Krsna Consciousness Society (KCSoc), and it started off with a bang! More than 3,200 students signed up to KCSoc across 18 Universities in the UK as it launched in September!

City of London got the most sign ups of 407, followed by Kings with 400 and 350 from Leicester!

All the KCSoc presidents of each university were very pleased with the students they met and are raring to go with planned interactive discussions, mantra meditation and prashadam. So far there has been a positive turn out from all the sessions and the Krsna Conscious message is spreading out to more and more young people. 20 events have already taken place and over 500 students have attended.

Some of the topics that were discussed were ‘What would you do if you had 24 hours to live?’ and ‘Life was so much easier when apples and blackberries were just fruits.’ These life related topics got students thinking deeper about the purpose of their existence and what can really

I found out about PSena through the manor, as I’ve been going since I was a little girl and my cousin went, so I followed!

I like the fact that everyone is on the same level in terms of what they’ve come for; to develop their Krishna Consciousness, and we’re all either studying or working so we’re able to relate to each other.

In PS, I’m part of the Harrow Jammin’ team and I take care of the decor for vari-ous Jammin’s, such as Halloween, and I also do registration service.

We get different themed Jammins every fortnight, like a Talent Show, or Hallow-een, so I get to create new decor for each event through making posters, bringing props etc. I really enjoy being able to use my creative talents at Jammin!

Nilee JoshiAge: 16

Studying

GCSE’s

How did you find out about Psena?

What did you like about the events?

What do you do in Psena?

make them happy by adding a spiritual dimension to their everyday lives easily.

A special event at SOAS held ‘Interview with a Guru’ where Radhanath Swami attended and a total of 175 people attended! Everyone had the opportunity to meet with His Holiness and got an opportunity to personally ask questions to His Holiness.

Our very own Harrow Jammin’ featured in the Harrow Observer this month. They held a ‘Show Off’ where musical, dance and comical performances took place. A panel of judges which included our president and a senior mentor of Pandava Sena gave comments which entertained the youth.

Finally, Pandava Sena are currently in the process of creating their Vyas Puja book consisting of offerings made by all the members of Pandava Sena. it will be presented to His Divine Grace at the Prabhupada tribute festival at the manor on the 1st of December.

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November 2012Sat 10th Rama EkadasiSun 11th Remembrance SundayTues 13th Diwali (Deepavali)Wed 14th Govardhana Puja, AnnakutaSat 17th Disapp of Srila Prabhupada Sun 18th Diwali Festival at ManorFri 23rd Utthana Ekadasi Bhisma Pancaka begins Disapp of Srila Gaura Kishore das BabajiWed 28th Sri Krishna Rasayatra Tulasi Saligrama VivahaDecemberSun 9th Utpanna EkadasiSun 23rd Gita Jayanti (App of Srimad Bhagavad-gita)Mon 24th Moksada EkadasiTues 25th Christmas Day

© 2012, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor

Bhaktivedanta ManorDharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts

(for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT)01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com

Please send your news, photos and comments to: Radha Mohan das [email protected]

Heart and Soul together

Food Glorious Food

Parasuram das entered a nationwide cookery competition run by the popular ITV1 station. He cooked a "Poor Man's Feast Fit For a King", which included delicious kitchari served on a traditional leaf plate. “They came to the Manor four times, filming in the temple room, kitchens and Food for All’s feed the homeless operation in London,” explained Parasuram das. Passing through the first few stages of the competition, he was invited to Knebworth House to join 50 other contestants. The judge was celebrity Lloyd Grossman who loved the kitchari and the interview was spent discussing spiritual life. Lloyd recalled that in his youth he would joyfully eat Hare Krishna food at music festivals.

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE,

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

The British Heart Foundation asked the Milton Keynes Bhakti Vriksha group to join them inside the Kingston Shopping Centre to perform kirtan. The Foundation

was holding a marathon fund-raising event and wanted the devotees to liven up their day and attract more attention!

The Ambassador of Hungary

After the Ambassador of Hungary Mr János Csák helped clarify matters in regard to the Church Status of the Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness, he promised to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor. In October the Senior Management were honoured to arrange his visit to the BAPS Mandir in

Neasden and then both a tour and lunch at the Manor.That evening the Ambassador hosted a dinner in honour of Maharani dasi the head of the Bhaktivedanta College in Budhapest. The event was attended by MPs and leading members of the Hindu community.

Bhakti Centre OpensThe Bhakti Centre, a youth hostel run by devotees, has opened its doors. Hospitality is taken seriously at the Centre, which accepts applications from young people aged between 18 to 30. The room charges are nominal and the full vegetarian meals are free of charge.The Centre has a beautiful temple room with Gaura Nitai deities. It is located a few minutes walk away from Harrow-on-the-Hill tube.

For more information, visit www.bhakticentre.com

Documents

Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace - Bhaktivedanta … · Srutidharma das, Sita Rama das and Radha Mohan das attended a dinner and reception at Lambeth Palace to celebrate an