iskcon phoenix Welcome!

ISKCON PHOENIX NEWSLETTER Issue 1

iskconphoenix

newsletter

March 2016SRI SRI RADHA-MADHAVAHARI IN THIS ISSUE

By: SyamaMohini devi dasi

Hare Krishna!

After a long break, we’ve decided to restartour newsletter and share with all of youwhat’s new and happening at ISKCONPhoenix.

We are particularly happy because this firstedition is our offering to Lord CaitanyaMahaprabhu as we get ready to celebrate Hisappearance day on March 22, and also, as anoffering to Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON50.

Yes, The International Society for KrishnaConsciousness is turning 50 this year!

One may think “50 is really not a bignumber”, and if we see it from a materialview point, we may agree; however, theachievements in these past 50 years aregreat.

To begin with, we are thankful to our founderacarya, His Divine Grace A.C. BhaktivedantaSwami Prabhupada for taking theinstructions of his spiritual master, SrilaBhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, to heart. With nomaterial opulence, but with his firm faith inKrishna, at the age of 69 Srila Prabbhupadacame to America in 1965 aboard the cargo

ship Jaladuta, suffering not one, but 2 heartattacks during this trip.

Srila Prabhupada incorporated theInternational Society for KrishnaConsciousness in 1966 and before hisdeparture from this earth in 1977, heestablished 108 temples around the world,wrote sixty volumes of transcendentalliterature including Bhagavad-Gita As It Is,Srimad Bhagavatam, Caitanya-Caritamrita,Nectar of Instruction and many others. Heinitiated 5,000 disciples and founded theBhaktivedanta Book Trust.

He wanted spiritual embassies world-widewhere people of all backgrounds could comeand share the gift that he brought to us:Krishna Consciousness.

So, this is our offering. We hope you will findit interesting and will hopefully prompt youto join us in the various celebrations.

Youth TalksKudos to our Youth Club! The sense of communityservice from our youngsters is truly inspiring!

Page 2

Cooking TimeWondering what to cook today? Check out our recipessection and give them a try!

Page 4

Welcome!

ISKCON PHOENIX NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 2

Our Youth Club did it again!

On Friday, February 26, our youngsters andtheir always ready to help moms andvolunteers once again rolled up their sleevesto come together and help packing food forneedy children at the Feed My StarvingChildren (FMSC).

Message from our kids:

We are young, but this is not impediment toserve our temple, our congregation, ourcommunity. We are thankful to our parentsfor their support and to everyone else forgiving us the opportunity to show wecare…after all, WE are the FUTURE!

Will you support our youth club, too?

Youth TalksBy Youth Club

Sunday School Newsby NamaPriya devi dasi and Bhaktin Radhika

Our children in the Giri-Govardhan class are focusing on Lord CaitanyaMahaprabhu and His teachings.

They are chanting on their japa beads and keeping happy

They will be presenting Siksastakam prayer as an offering to Lord Caitanya on Hisappearance day!And our little ones in the Gopala class are busy, too!

They are mastering Sri Panchatattva mantra and of course Maha Mantra. They arelearning the “Tilak Song” and the meaning of “the body is a temple of Krishna” andthey are also chanting

They love the Dasavatar stories and are currently working on the 9 processes ofdevotional service.

Both classes are also working on learning BG slokas…but we only have 1 hour a weekwith them Mom and Dad, we need your help! Please read with your child onesloka a day. Focus on the meaning and the application. We are always surprised withthe conversations and points brought by our children.


If you areinterested in having any of these samskarasdone at the temple or at your home, pleasecontact Damodar Das at 480.577.3084 ortemple at 480.705.4900

Samskarasby Damodar Das

Srila Prabhupada writes on his purport of SB1.12.13:

“There is a need for a good and intelligent class of brāhmanas who are expert in performingthe purificatory processes prescribed in the system of varnāśrama-dharma. Unless suchpurificatory processes are performed, there is no possibility of good population, and in theage of Kali the population all over the world is of śūdra quality or lower for want of thispurificatory process. It is not possible, however, to revive the Vedic process of purification inthis age, for want of proper facilities and good brāhmanas, but there is the Pāñcarātrikasystem also recommended for this age. The Pāñcarātrika system acts on the śūdra class ofmen, supposedly the population of the Kali-yuga, and it is the prescribed purificatory processsuitable to the age and time. Such a purificatory process is allowed only for spiritualupliftment and not for any other purpose. Spiritual upliftment is never conditioned by higheror lower parentage.

What are the 16 Hindu Sacraments?

1. Garba Aadhana - Pre consummation rites which purify the parents

2. Pumsavana - Rites for the carrying mother

3. Simantonnayana - Prenatal rite for the protection of carrying mother

and her womb

4. Jatakarma - Natal rite purifying the new born

5. Namakarana - Naming Ceremony

6. Nishkramana - Exposing the infant to outside world

7. Annaprashana - First Feeding of solid food

8. Chaulam - Tonsure

9. Karnavedhana - Piercing the ears

10. Aksharaabhyasa or Vidyaramba - Beginning of Education

11. Upanayana - Opening the eye of wisdom. Lit. Bringing near the Guru,

scripture and God. Investiture of Sacred Thread.

12. Vedaarambha - Initiation into the Vedic Education

13. Keshanta or Ritusuddhi - Whole body Shave for boys or Nuptial rites

for girls

14. Samaavartana - Convocation or Completion of Education

15. Vivaha - Marriage

16. Anthyeshti - Funeral Rites

"But it is I who am the ritual, I the sacrifice, the offering to theancestors, the healing herb, the transcendental chant. I am the

butter and the fire and the offering" (BG 9.16)


RECIPIES OF THE MONTH

Courtesy of Anita Ramani, MEd,RDN(nutrition for families with foodallergies)

This recipe is gluten, nut, egg and dairy free.

Strawberry Sherbet:You can use a Vitamix or Blender

1 cup frozen organic strawberries (or 1 cupfresh organic strawberries)½ cup ice1 container vanilla 5.3 oz. soy yogurt (or 2/3cup cow’s milk yogurt)1 tbsp. agave

Add all ingredients to Vitamix or Blender.Blend until smooth.Make sure all ice pieces have been blendedin.You can eat this delicious sherbet as soon asyou make it, or you can freeze it for later.You can also put the sherbet into Popsiclemolds and freeze for later.

This recipe is gluten, nut, soy and dairy free.

Strawberry Blueberry Sorbet

1 cup frozen organic strawberries andblueberries (or 1 cup fresh organicstrawberries and 1 cup blueberries)½ cup crushed ice4 tbsp. water1-2 tbsp. agave

Add all ingredients to Vitamix or Blender.Blend until smooth.Make sure all ice pieces have been blendedin.You can eat this delicious sorbet as soon asyou make it, or you can freeze it for later.

Courtesy of Bhaktin Yulia

Avocado and Grapefruit Salad

Ingredients:1 avocado1 grapefruit1 tablespoon olive oila dash of saltPeel and take grapefruit flesh out separatingit from membranes. Cut in medium sizepieces. Peel and cut avocado, add to

grapefruit flesh. Sprinkle with salt, pourlemon juice and olive oil on top. Stir andserve right away.

Cashew-cilantro paste

Ingredients:1/2 cup raw cashews, washed1/4 cup cilantro1-2 tablespoons olive oila dash of salt and pepper

Puree cashews, cilantro, olive oil and salt in afood processor or high power blender untilthey form a sauce. Add oil little by little untilyou reach desired consistency. Serve on topof baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Date sweets

Ingredients:1/2-3/4 cup pitted dates, washed1/3 cup cashews or other nuts1-2 tablespoons coconut butter1 tablespoon maple syrupOptional: 3 tablespoons dried unsweetenedcoconut parchment paper

1. Crush the dates and nuts in food processor.Make sure that there are no pits on the dates.2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.3. Form small flat or round balls and place onparchment paper.4. Put in the freezer to settle for 2 hours.5. Take out and enjoy.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIALRECIPE? SHARE IT!

You are welcome to share your creationsJust make sure they are:

*100 Vegetarian

*No Eggs

*No Garlic

*No Onion

Ready to send it or have any questions?Please email us at

[email protected]

Bon Appetit!

Q: Why was the math book sad?

A: Because it had too many problems

Q: Why can't a leopard hide?

A: Because he's always spotted!


Ongoing programs

Japa chanting from 5:00am to 6:00am EVERYDAY

Srimad Bhagavatam reading from 6:00am to 6:15am EVERYDAY

Bhagavad Gita Study every Tuesday from 7:15pm to 8:15pm

Bhagavad Gita reading every day from 7:00pm to 7:30pm

Bhagavad-Gita study group every Wednesday from 7:15pm to 8:15pm

Hindi School for children every Sunday from 5:00pm to 5:30pm

Bharatnatyam classes conducted by Divya Prabhakar for adults &children every Tuesday at 7:00pm

NEW: Women and Family: Home programs dedicated to women andfamilies, the importance of raising a family, universal values. Let usknow if you are interested in hosting a program

“Yoga, an ancient but perfect science,deals with the evolution of humanity.This evolution includes all aspects ofone's being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union - theunion of body with consciousness andconsciousness with the soul. Yogacultivates the ways of maintaining abalanced attitude in day to day lifeand endows skill in the performanceof one's actions” B.K.S. Iyengar

We are thrilled to announce two freeweekly Yoga classes here at Iskconof Phoenix, taught by experiencedand knowledgeable teachersSangeeta Barwey and ishu Verma.

The classes are held:

Every Saturday at 9 AM

Every Tuesday at 7 PM

Please join us with your friends andfamily and help us spread the word.

Sangeetshri School of Music nowconducts a limited number of classes inIndian classical music (Vocal) at theISKCON temple in Chandler on Saturdayafternoons. Sangeetshri School of Musicis affiliated with the the prestigious AkhilBharatiya Gandharva MahavidhyalayaMandal, Mumbai. Students can earndiplomas and degrees in Indian classicalmusic. Enrollment offered to serious,committed students on a first come firstserve basis. Visit www.sangreetshri.comor call (480) 235.2084

SA-RE-GA-MA-PA

SA


vande śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya-

nityānandau sahoditau

gauḍodaye puṣpavantau

citrau śan-dau tamo-nudau

I offer my respectful obeisances unto ŚrīKṛṣṇa Caitanya and Lord Nityānanda,who are like the sun and moon. They havearisen simultaneously on the horizon ofGauḍa to dissipate the darkness ofignorance and thus wonderfully bestowbenediction upon all.

On Saturday, February 20, we celebratedthe appearance day of Lord Nityananda.

He appeared in the village of Ekachakra, inWest Bengal, India, around 1474. In theCaitanya Caritamrita and other scriptures Heis declared to be the incarnation of LordBalarama, the direct expansion of theSupreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.He is Adi Guru.

We had Abhishekam, class and prasadam.We are so happy to have the association ofHG Mitra das and mother Maharha devi dasi,both senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada andboth of them a very inspiring couple.

……………..

“If you actually want relief from the struggle ofexistence and if you actually want toextinguish the fire of material pangs, thenNarottama dāsa Ṭhākura advises, "Please takeshelter of Lord Nityānanda." What will be theresult of accepting the shelter of the lotus feetof Lord Nityānanda? He says that heno nitāibine bhāi: "Unless you take shelter under theshade of lotus feet of Nityānanda," rādhā-kṛṣṇa pāite nāi, "it will be very difficult toapproach Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa." Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa ThisKṛṣṇa consciousness movement is forapproaching Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, to be associatedwith the Supreme Lord in His sublime pleasuredance. That is the aim of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.So Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura's advice is "If youactually want to enter into the dancing partyof Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, then you must take shelter ofthe lotus feet of Nityānanda."

From the lecture on Purport to Nitai-Pada-Kamala, given by His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, onDecember 21, 1968, in Los Angeles.

…….………..

Lord Caitanya

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared inNavadwipa (Mayapur) West Bengal, India 500years ago and He is the combined form of SrimatiRadharani and Krishna. He appeared in this formto experience the love of a devotee and to teachby example how to surrender to Krishna.

In different purports by Srila Prabhupada ofSrimad Bhagavatam writes that "Lord Caitanya is

Krishna Himself in the garb of a devotee ofKrishna, and therefore the versions of both LordKrishna and Sri Krishna Caitanya are identical.Lord Caitanya, therefore, should not beconsidered one of us. He is Krishna Himself, thesupreme living entity and as such He neverscomes under the cloud of maya"

Caitanya Caritamrita confirms that in order tostudy Radharani, Krishna lived in Her role andtried to understand Himself. This is the secret ofLord Caitanya's incarnation. Sri CaitanyaMahaprabhu is Krishna, but He has taken themood and role of Radharani to show us how tolove Krishna. Lord Caitanya's teachings beginfrom the point of surrender to Krishna.

In His mission, Lord Caitanya is accompanied byLord Nityananda, Sri Advaita Acarya, SriGadadhara, Sri Srinivas (Pancha-tattva).

In Caitanya Caritamrita, Srila Krsnadasa KavirajaGoswami describes Sri Panca-tattva as follows:

I offer my obeisances unto the Supreme LordKrishna, who is non-different from His features asa devotee, devotional incarnation, devotionalmanifestation, pure devotee and devotionalenergy. CC.Adi.1.14

Caitanya Mahaprabhu - Radha-Krishna

Nityananda Prabhu - His Plenary expansion

Advaita Acarya - Lord Visnu (His incarnations)

Sri Gadadhara - His internal potency

Sri Srivasa - His marginal potency.

Srila Prabhupada instructed: "One should knowthat Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is alwaysaccompanied by these other tattvas. Therefore,our obeisances to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu arecomplete when we say, sri-krsna-caitanya prabhunityananda sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is knownas maha-vadanyavatara, the most magnanimousincarnation, for he does not consider the offensesof the fallen souls. Therefore, we must first takeshelter of Sri Pancha-tattva and then chant HareKrishna Maha-mantra. That will be veryeffective".

Jai Nimai Jai Nitai!


Happy Birthday!Naradi was very happy to celebrate her birthdayat the temple on the same day as LordNityananda! Thank you for celebrating andserving with us girls

New baby!Congratulations to Braj Govinda das and SesaPutri devi dasi on the arrival of their little bundleof joy, Gopal…a wonderful Valentine’s present!

Appearance day of Lord Caitanya!

Gaura Poornima, Tuesday,March 22, 2016

Fast till moonrise

Program starts at 5:00pm

For up-to-date information on our programs/events, please like us on Facebook (ISKCON of Phoenix)Follow us on Twitter @ISKCON_Phoenix or visit our website www.radhakrishnaphoenix.org


.

HOME PROGRAMS

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?

Email us at [email protected]

We are thankful to those of you who have been hosting home programs with all our wonderful guests. At times, we’ve had back-to-backprograms and the support has been great. THANK YOU for making these programs a success, we are certainly happy that we can share

the association of senior devotees and hope they inspire you the same way they inspire us.

Documents

iskcon phoenix Welcome!