August 2011

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

Family Fun Open Day- a day blessed with sunshine

Srila Prabhupada:

One who is therefore situated in devotional or transcendental loving service to the Lord attains to the stage of buddhiyoga by the special grace of the LordOnly those who are always engaged in devotional service out of transcendental love does He award the pure knowledge of devotion in love. In that way the devotee can reach Him easily in the everblissful kingdom of God. Bhagavad gita 2.39 purport

On Saturday 30th July Bhaktivedanta Manor's Open Day was blessed with sunshine and around 400 interested guests. The gardens and front lawn were dotted with stalls, arts and crafts, face- painting and a bouncy castle for the children. Mothers and daughters donned colourful saris and others opted for henna tattoos. Amongst the crowds were 25 employees from the Home Office based in central London.

On tours, guests were able view the items used for worship in the Temple shrine. Head Priest Gadadhara das was on hand to explain the wide variety of traditional rituals that take place. The ox cart ride was very popular and the Manors organic produce was made available. Everyone then enjoyed a complimentary vegetarian lunch, many returning for more!

A meeting with the President of America

On June 13 Radhanath Swami was invited to meet with the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama at an event in Miami Florida. Radhanath Swami is a great inspiration to everyone at Bhaktivedanta Manor and he will be joining us for Janmastami to launch his book The Journey Home: The Autobiogrpahy of an American Swami. The President and the Swami had a heartfelt talk and enjoyed each other's company immensely.

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

August 2011

30 Chaplains from universities across London visited Bhaktivedanta Manor. The trip was billed as a day out to learn more about our tradition, lifestyle and practice. The day started with a talk from Shaunaka Rishi das - Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Hindu Chaplain to Oxford University. This was followed by tours of the

University Chaplains

estate by Kripamoya das, lunch, and an opportunity to hand-milk the cows in New Gokul farm. The day finished with an overview and demonstration of kirtan. All had a wonderful day, with many expressing interest to visit again with their church communities. The day was organised by Sachi Kishore das and Gopal Lila das, both of whom are University Chaplains.

The Mayor of Harrow Visits Krishna-Avanti

In July, Naina Parmar, Head Teacher of the Krishna-Avanti School, welcomed the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Mrinal Choudhury, and his wife. They visited the school's Temple where they received a ceremonial blessing for peace and happiness. The Mayor was accompanied by other dignitaries including Councillors Navin Shah, Nana Asante and Margaret Davine. Srutidharma das and other School Governors took their guests around the classrooms as the children prepared to leave for their summer vacation.

Chaplain to the Mayor of Harrow

Srutidharma das has been appointed Chaplain to the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Mrinal Choudhury. During Harrow Councils Civic Service at St Marys Church in Harrow on the Hill, Srutidharma das led the prayers, which included the chanting of Hare Krishna. After the Service all the dignitaries assembled at Harrow School, one of Britains leading independent schools. Mr Barnaby Lenon, the Headmaster of the school expressed interest to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor and the Krishna Avanti School.

Giving Shelter
If Westminster Council has its way, a newly proposed byelaw will soon make it a crime to give out a free cup of soup to homeless people in Victoria, explained Food for All Director Parasuram das. Camden and Islington Councils are also thinking along the same lines. Ironically the police, day centres and charities have been directing homeless people to us for free meals. Liberty, along with many other third sector organisations, believe the proposed byelaw is fundamentally flawed. No one sleeps rough for a free sandwich, added Parasuram das The proposed law fails to address the root causes of homelessness, and will at best only displace homeless individuals elsewhere.

Spirituality Forum
Kripa Moya das and Citi-Sakti dasi gave presentations at a conference organised by the National Spirituality and Mental Health Forum (NSMHF). The session was an interfaith look at why and how people of different faiths may attribute mental health problems to
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possession. Citi Sakti dasi, a Consultant Psychiatrist and a trustee for NSMHF, facilitated a case based discussion to illustrate some of the challenges that this topic raises for clinicians, patients and faith groups. The audience of 100 included doctors, nurses, psychologists and other allied health care professionals.

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

August 2011

Radlett Festival 2011

Bhaktivedanta Manor, working with the Radlett Festival Committee, once again provided the main stage and tents for local charities, and free vegetarian food for everyone. Cllr Ron Worthy,

Chair of Aldenham Parish Council, was impressed by the Manor Schools entries to the Build a scarecrow competition! Unfortunately the popular bullock cart rides were cancelled due to the rain, but locals are looking forward to it next year.

Summer Adventures
Scandinavia

Devotees from the Manor community, including the brahmacari ashram, travelled across Scandinavia to help the local devotees put on Ratha Yatra chariot festivals in six cities including Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. Magic at Glastonbury

German Guests
The twin town association Radlett and Aldenham International Friendship Association (RAIFA) celebrated 30 years of ties with a German village by inviting their counterparts for a weekend visit. 28 guests from the village of

Lauteral, in Hesse, stayed with families in Radlett. Members took their German guests on a packed weekend that included a special visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor. RAIFA Chairman Clive Glover said: "The whole visit was a huge success and we're looking forward to more exchanges between our communities." People go to the famous Glastonbury festival to experience something different but there is one oasis amongst the madness - The Hare Krishna tent! Festival-goers received free vegetarian food and a chance to learn something about mantra meditation. Special Guests at Stonehenge

The Hare Krishnas once again won the first prize at Borehamwood Carnival with their Ratha Yatra float.

The devotees received a special invitation to the Summer Solstice Festival in Stonehenge, organised by the English Heritage Foundation. Over 1000 plates of prasad were distributed and many of the revelers present participated in the chanting of Hare Krishna.
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Radlett Rabbi and Krishnas Cows

Forty members of Radlett Reform Synagogue spent a day at Bhaktivedanta Manor. New Gokul farm made a particularly good impression, and Rabbi Paul Freedman described it on the Synagogues website as having The grandest cows in England.

Farmers leave European conference with new ideas and inspiration

Devotees from ISKCON farms all over Europe attended the fourth annual ISKCON European Farm Conference at Bhaktivedanta Manor to gain inspiration as well as practical advice for their various rural projects. Devotees hailed from farms in Sweden, Czech, Slovakia, France and Hungary. Some wanted to establish ox programmes, some were developing businesses based on selling vegetables and other natural products, and some simply wanted to learn more about the principles of agriculture and sustainable living.

manager Syamasundar das. We also have a very active ox-working program, with ten working oxen that logged in about 3,000 ox hours last year. Eight of Bhaktivedanta Manors 100 acres of farming landmainly grazing pasturesare ploughed by oxen. Another programme that can be set up to draw volunteer workers to our farms is WWOOF, or Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, said Shyamasundara. WWOOF gives volunteers often traveling students, food and accommodation in return for learning and an experience of the organic, sustainable lifestyle.

Sacred cows
Before 17 Indian holy men flew to the Britain to lead a six day Vedic ritual in Harrow, they made a specific request for cows to be present. As the Manors New Gokul farm is Britains foremost centre for cow protection and working oxen, the organizers of the event had no doubt whom to approach.

We are currently hand-milking thirteen of our cows, and that produces about 42,000 litres a year, explained farm

The Art of Farming

Children of the Manor School and Fairfield School in Radlett worked together to paint a wall mural at the "Care Farm" situated on Holland Farm, Bhaktivedanta Manor. The

Care Farm provides a facility where members of the local community can work on various projects in a farming environment. The children painted whatever inspired them on a farming/ wildlife theme and it was a wonderful exercise in community cohesion.

A Source of Comfort

Devotees attended the funeral of Richard Meadows at West Hertfordshire Crematorium. The priest acknowledged the fact that Richard received much comfort and friendship at the Manor.

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

August 2011

The Lord Reigns Supreme on His Parade

Smiling Faces

Smiling faces framed on the wall Remind me of someone I have to call When a smiling face enters the room It dissipates the darkness, removes the gloom A smiling face without conceit Is the name of a guest that can't be beat It's not so hard to pay the bill to a smiling face at the till It's the best way to seal a deal When buying a car or a take-away meal Smiling faces becoming grins Chase away so many sins Smiling faces breaking into laughter I pray for now and forever after But if your smiling face is a mask There is one thing of you I must ask That is first you feel it in your heart The mood will follow like a horse and cart And of carts and smiles think of the famous three Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra, They hold the key To happiness here and now and forever after.

It was the 12th June and as we drove into Central London it was clear it was going to be a wet Ratha Yatra this year. But would the rain dampen our spirits? We arrived at Hyde Park Corner to find the colourful domes of the three chariots standing high above the sea of devotees that were standing under umbrellas. It was still raining, and as I looked around many were huddling for shelter under the surrounding trees. Would my concern manifest as the rain washed away everyones enthusiasm? Almost in response to my doubts, a group of devotees started an uproarious kirtan chant with drums and cymbals, and conches were blown from each of the chariots, marking the official

start of the festival. Immediately the devotees began to flock from under the trees towards the chariots. The energy from the kirtan seemed to be infectious, as everyone very quickly started to welcome the Lord with loud chants in response. The umbrellas disappeared, and the festival procession began with gusto. After two hours of singing in the rain, hundreds had taken up the ropes to pull the three chariots from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square, accompanied by joyous musical chants. It was almost as if we were basking in glorious sunshine. I smiled in disbelief - despite the weather, The Lord Reigned Supreme On His Parade. By Jagannath Sharan das

Ananta Sakti das was initiated as a full-time member of ISKCON in 1978. Since that time he has dedicated himself to portraying Krishna consciousness through art and writing. Many of his paintings decorate the walls of Bhaktivedanta Manor, and he has written and illustrated several children's books, including Vaishnava Saints, Creation and Gita Stories.

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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

August 2011

CiT An Alternative to
Darwin and Adam and Eve
You say you dont accept Darwinian evolution, so whats your explanation of where the world comes from?
This is a common challenge to devotees. If someone values the Vedic scriptures, they will appreciate the description of the cosmic manifestation given in Srimad Bhagavatam. But, what of the general public, fed continuously on the propaganda that life, the universe and everything in it are the result of blind chance and arbitrary universal laws. What have we got to offer them? At the moment, the only options to them are: Darwin or Creationism. We often have fun highlighting the many holes in Darwinian evolution, but that, on its own, doesnt provide an alternative explanation. I estimate that most people instinctively feel that there is more to life than chance and chemical reactions. Some may even recognise the deficiencies of evolutionary claims. But, they cannot accept what seems the only alternative: the Genesis creation story. Creationism is associated with Christian literalism and its contention that the Earth is only 6,000 years old. So, also is the idea of Intelligent Design, which, although it seems broadly in accord with our theistic understanding, contains significant differences to our philosophy. We need our own model of life & the universe which draws on Vedic insights, and stands as a scientific model not just a theological belief. To qualify as science, such a model must be derived from and be consistent with current reputable scientific evidence. This differs from previous strategies within ISKCON by first focusing on the scientific data. Our argument is generally not with the raw data, but with the dodgy interpretations applied to it. Many so-called scientific theories that purport to explain the facts are fallacious, contradictory or limited in their scope. We have a better explanation of the facts as they are. This is the inductive method which is generally anathema to devotees, as it cannot reveal transcendental reality. However, because we have the incredible wisdom from Vedic sources to guide us in the understanding of the scientific data, we can construct a model of the world and life within it which is more comprehensive and consistent that any of the current theories and which therefore can be promoted as valid science theory. I have been working with a group of devotees in the UK who have backgrounds in various areas of science research. Together, we are formulating a model that explains the key findings in the fields of quantum physics, cosmology, bio-chemistry, genetics, neuroscience etc. within a single scientific paradigm. From many observations of current data, it is observed that intent affects the form of matter. Hence, it can be suggested that conscious intent is a primal energy one that is distinctively different from and seems to pre-date physical matter. Further, drawing on the descriptions of the Vedic descriptions of the eight elements, it appears that reality is formed of a spectrum of energy/matter states that relate to and transform into each other. At one end of the spectrum is what we may term physical matter. Using an analysis of these energy states and their respective functions, (which is a more voluminous than this article will allow) we can show how they progressively condition and encode intent thereby determining the way physical matter manifests. This provides a fresh understanding of how matter appears at the quantum level; how the cosmos unfolds; and how living organisms manifest and proliferate as many species. It also tackles the still unexplained mysteries of consciousness, memory and perception - all with reference to the latest scientific research and evidence. The working title for this model is Co-intentional Transformation indicating that the physical world is produced from the transformation of various states of energy driven by the combined and individual input of conscious intent. So, next time you are asked what you believe in, you can reply: Co-intentional Transformation. But, you may want to read up on it a bit first. If you would like more information about Co-intentional Transformation or would like to help this project, please contact Akhandadhi das by email on akhandadhi@aol.com

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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

August 2011

Good Morning Mr President

Sahil Agarwal, leader of ISKCON Pandava Senas (IPS) fortnightly youth programme, Harrow Jammin, has become the organisations youngest ever president, aged only 17 years. Nanda Gopa das, said It is about time youth group had someone who is actually young in charge! Sahil has always been keen to take up responsibility for Krishna and quickly clocked on that its an easy way to make spiritual advancement...I wish him all the best for his new service.

Age: 16 Studying: Starting A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Economics

Kishan Paun

What made you start attending IPS events?

Before Sahil took over, the youth group was managed by the IPS Board, which oversaw the activities of the organisation. Sahil was It was made up introduced to of experienced IPS through the members of groups summer IPS that were trip to Germany a s s i g n e d in 2009 and, responsibility of after feeling Sahil (centre) during the IPS Christmas panto 2010 specific projects, inspired from his working closely with younger members so as experience during the time, he got involved to train them up on taking on the corresponding in the IPS tent at Janmashtami that year as duties. well as joining the Harrow Jammin team. His conscientious attitude led him to be offered the Under the new system, Sahil will be responsible role of Harrow Jammin coordinator in 2010, for all IPS projects, unifying them with a single which he accepted and has been holding since. fresh dynamic vision to revolutionise the presentation of Krishna Consciousness (KC) to Sahil, who is currently studying for his A-levels, young people. He will be especially involved in commented I aim to present KC specifically to overseeing the activities of IPS in Harrow, east the youth in modern, innovative and energetic London and Crawley, making the important ways so that young people may take to the path choices of where the future of this buzzing of spirituality based on their inclinations. youth group should lie. His spiritual mentor,

I used to go to Bhaktivedanta Manor quite often and I heard about IPS but I never felt like going as I thought I wouldnt know anyone at the groups events. However, in 2009, when my friend Abhishek told me that he was going to Harrow Jammin, he invited me along. I had such a good time that Ive never stopped going. Its become an important part of my life.

What did you initially find appealing about KC?

At first, the most appealing thing I found was the amount of fun I had associating with different kind of people who, at heart, all shared the same interest. I also loved how interactive all the Jammins were so you actually felt like you were properly involved.

What services are you currently involved in?

At the moment, Im on the Harrow Jammin team, so I help to organise the event every two weeks. In particular I manage the Matchless Gifts stall. Im also involved in the preparation for this years Janmastami festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor - Im really looking forward to it as I had such a great time last year! By the time I was six years old, I had lived in four different continents of the world - Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.

Interesting fact about yourself

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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

August 2011

Organic milk from cows that will be retired to a sanctuary once their milking days are over has started its first deliveries, bringing about a revolution in milk production.

Ahimsa Slaughter-Free milk now on sale

parts of Hertfordshire. Sita Rama das, director of the Ahimsa Dairy Foundation, said There is so much suffering in the production of conventional milk. Cows are killed years before their natural time and male calves often killed at birth or sold as veal. None of our cattle will ever face the abattoir and we are exploring new ways of sustainably and productively working with bulls. We think people will really be able to taste the difference in the milk we sell. The Ahimsa Dairy Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation. It takes its model of caring for cows from the farm at Bhaktivedanta Manor, where a herd are kept to supply the Hare Krishna Temple. The Foundation has links with the Manor, but is independent. Website: www.ahimsamilk.org

Spiritual Consultants

No cow, calf or bull will ever be slaughtered to bring this quality product to the breakfast table and they will instead be protected for life, ensuring families can be confident no animal suffers to bring them milk. The breakthrough has been made possible by the Ahimsa Diary Foundation (ADF) working in partnership with the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative (OMSco) and one of their supplier farms in Kent, Commonwork, which seeks local and global sustainability. In the present pilot, the milk, which costs 2.25 a litre and 15p for doorstep delivery through subscription, is being distributed in North-West London and

HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami and Gaur Gopal das gave presentations at the Global Headquarters of Big 4 Professional Services firm, Ernst & Young LLP in London Bridge, including representatives from Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Barclays Capital, and Deutsche Bank amongst others. The address by Bhakti Rasamrita Swami was entitled 'how the Mighty Fall, based on the book by bestselling leadership author Jim Collins. He drew parallels and explored the commonalities between the famous examples of decline in the corporate world, and the declines from the Mahabharata over 5,000 years ago. The parallels were drawn based on Collins' 5 stages of decline, beginning with the arrogance that often accompanies success, leading to an denial of risk, later manifesting in grasping for survival, and ultimate capitulation to irrelevance or death. Gaur Gopal das delivered a seminar based on the famous book by Robin Sharma entitled The Monk who Sold his Ferrari. He said that to be spiritually driven, you do not need to renounce your profession. Rather, you should respond to the challenges of the modern world with a balanced outlook that does not lose sight of spiritual perspectives.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg Hilfield Lane Aldenham Herts WD25 8EZ
(for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT)

Calendar dates for your diary

August 2011
Sat 13 Appearance of Lord Balaram (fast till noon) Raksabandhan Second month of Caturmasya Month of Bhadra begins Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada departure for USA Janmashtami Festival Janmashtami (Fating till midnight) App of Srila Prabhupada

Thur 25 Fri 2 Mon 5

(fasting till noon) Nandotsava Annada Ekadasi App of Srimati Sita Thakurini (Sri Advaitas consort) Radhastami App of Srimati Radharani (Fasting till noon) Parsva Ekadasi App of Lord Vamanadeva and Srila Jiva Goswami((fasting till noon) App of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (fasting till noon)

September 2011

Sun 14

Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23

Thur 8 Fri 9

01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com

Please send your news, photos and comments to Radha Mohan das newsletter@krishnatemple.com

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2011, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor