FOLK news - harekrishnamelbourne.com.au · August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 3 T he maha-mantra...

August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 1

FOLK newsFriends of Lord Krishna Newsletter

Published by FOLK (Friends of Lord Krishna) Committee of the Melbourne Hare Krishna Temple August - September 2015

continued on page 6

My Heart YearnsÇréla Jéva Gosvämé

breast. When I see Him am I dreaming or am I awake? I do not know. O saintly wife, please tell me the truth: do you also see Him in your heart?’ Yasoda said, ‘O glorious husband, I have also seen this child in my thoughts, but I was too shy to tell you.’

When Nanda and Yasoda had passed a year of following dvadasi vows to please Lord Narayana, He appeared before them both in their dreams. He said, ‘O devotees very attached to Me, why are you so troubled? A delicate boy dark and glorious like an atasi flower will become your son. You will be able to gaze on Him always. To increase your love for Him, this boy becomes your son kalpa after kalpa. Please know that your glorious desire will soon be fulfilled.’ Suddenly awakening, Nanda and Yasoda became as if plunged in an ocean of nectar. Telling each other what they had seen, they were filled with wonder.

As the elders of Vraja gathered around Nanda and Yasoda and praised them, a saintly ascetic lady accompained by a brahmana boy came to that place. Smiling, the lady said, ‘My name is Paurnamasi. The goddess of the Vedas spoke to me in a dream. She spoke the word Krishna. That means a very powerful and glorious person named Krishna will take birth in this place on earth. This person’s qualities will be eternally new and fresh. His transcendental knowledge and other virtues will be beyond the touch of the three modes of material nature. He will possess all wealth and all glory. His devotees will renounce material wealth and glory. He will subdue all that oppose Him. By your mercy I will happily stay here in this place.’

Everyone happily offered obeisances to Paurnamasi. Going to the Yamuna, its dark waters more splendid than a forest of blue lotus flowers, they built for Paurnamasi a cottage of leaves.

Nanda Maharaja said, ‘Dear wife, my heart yearns to have a glorious son. Why is

that desire not fulfilled? My heart cannot say. If merciful Lord Narayana - who is attained by the followers of the Vedas - is kind to me, then I will certainly have a glorious child. Perhaps my desire is like parijata flowers fools imagine to float in the sky.

I see a dark boy with large restless eyes. I see Him playing, and I see him sitting on your lap, and I see Him drinking milk from your

JHULAN YATRARädhä-Kåñëa's Swing FestivalWednesday August 26th. - Sun. August 30th.

KÅÑËA JANMÄÑÖAMÉ The Appearance of Lord Kåñëa Day 2: Vaiñëava Calendar Sunday September 6th.

BALARÄMA PÜRËIMÄThe Appearance of Lord BalarämaSunday August 30th.

PRABHUPÄDA APPEARANCE The Appearance of Çréla Prabhupäda Monday September 7th.

KÅÑËA JANMÄÑÖAMÉ The Appearance of Lord Kåñëa Day 1: Hindu Calendar Saturday September 5th.

RÄDHÄÑÖAMÉ The Appearance of Çrématé Rädhäräëé Thursday September 22nd.

2 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2015 FOLK news is published by the Member Services Committee of ISKCON Melbourne© 2015 International Society for Krishna Consciousness Inc.

Contents:Come Celebrate With Us 6 My Very LIfe 9 Compassionate Conclusions 10 Vaiñëava Calendar 11 The Soul of ISKCON 12Home Program Information 16Chanting Hare Krishna 17Krishna's Kids 18 Varsha Puja Information 20Hare Krishna Centres Around Australia, Temple Timetable 21Hare Krishna Valley Report / Saàskäras 22

FOUNDER-ÄCÄRYAHis Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Aniruddha Däsa Prabhu DäsaRasänandiné Däsé

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Çréla Jéva Gosvämé Vraja Kishor DäsaKadamba Känana Swami Sweta LalRavindra-svarüpa DäsaRasänandiné Däsé

WEBSITEwww.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES [email protected]

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Cäru Caitanya Dä[email protected]

PRINTING Streamline Press

SUBSCRIPTIONS Kejal Shah PH 9699 5122

Editorial: Welcome to all of our new and continuing Varsha Puja Members for 2015 and thanks to those persons who generously contributed to the Hare Krishna Food for Life campaign.

In this issue we’re featuring the major festivals of Janmastami season. Relish the nectar of Krishna’s Appearance from Srila Jiva Goswami. Vraja Kishora Dasa examines why the Maha-mantra is the way it is. While Kadamba Kanana Maharaja recounts Srimati Radharani’s glories, Ravindra-svarupa examines Srila Prabhupada’s role as our Founder-Acharya. We even consider a solution to global warming.

In a few weeks we’ll celebrate Jhulana Yatra (Wednesday August 26th till Sunday August 30th) and Balarama Purnima (August 30th). This year on Saturday and Sunday September 5-6th we’ll extend our Janmastami celebrations to 2 days (day 1 per the Hindu calendar and day 2 per the Vaiñëava calendar)! Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance falls on Monday August 7th and Radhastami on Thursday September 22nd. I’d reallylike you to enjoy all these celebrations, so please mark the dates in your diary!

I’d especially like to take this opportunity to invite you to the Temple for our Janmastami celebrations. If you can, please bring a gift for Krishna on His birthday. This is an exciting time of year. As Srila Prabhupada showed us, Krishna is more pleased when we include everyone in the fun. So please think about taking up some small task to help make Janmastami run smoothly. From cutting up vegies to guiding visitors around the festival, there are plenty of opportunities tailor-made for you! Without your personal support we couldn’t possibly welcome so many visitors. If you are interested, please email Kripa Siddha at [email protected].

As always, please be aware that the City Council closely monitors parking near the Temple on festival days. To help everyone avoid risking a fine on Janmastami Sunday (September 6), every ten minutes two free twenty-five seater shuttle buses will ferry guests between Danks St. and Lakeside Carpark where there is ample parking space. Our buses will run from 6 till 11pm. Youcan see the details on page 15.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

Your servant,


T he maha-mantra is infinite, and so there are infinite varieties of meanings, explanations, and beautiful details within it. What

I am explaining here is simply a comprehension of the mantra that I personally can somewhat grasp and recommend.

There are sixteen words in the mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. But if you look closely for a minute you’ll see that there are really only three unique words: Krishna, Rama and Hare

Understanding the maha-mantra begins by understanding these three words. Krishna means enthralling, attractive, alluring and similar adjectives. The word “Krishna” means the person whom no other person can surpass in being charming, mesmerizing, and attractive.

Rama means, delightful, pleasing, blissful, ecstatic and so on. The word “Rama” denote the person whom no other person can surpass in pleasure, delight, ecstasy, and enjoyment.

My recommendation is to comprehend that both of these names refer to the same person (svayam bhagavan sri vrajendra-nandana syamasundara), although those with different devotional perspective may naturally feel otherwise, and I would respect their different outlook.

The word Hare refers to the energy (sakti) that has the power to bring us into contact with all-attractive, all-blissful Syamasundara. “Hare” is the power that makes it possible for Syamasundara to exhibit, experience, and expand his all-attractive, all-delightful inherent nature. And thus, “Hare” is the entity who makes it possible for you and I to participate in that ever-expanding exploration of beautiful pleasure. Hare is the “glue” between your soul and Krishna.

When we approach Krishna to please him from a sweet, romantic point of view, we experience “Hare” to be Sramati Radharani. Thus one can look at the altar, at the deities of Radha-Krishna, and see the words “Hare Krishna” and “Hare Rama.” This is the paramount outlook, objectively speaking. Subjectively also, I recommend this outlook, but it is up to your heart to express its own devotional perspective. From other perspectives one can experience “Hare” to be other personifications of hladini-sakti. Even within the romantic perspective, Srimati Radharani has so many infinite expansions – all of which exist within the transcendental vibration “Hare.”

Two Halves of the Mantra

The biggest pattern in the maha-mantra divides it into two halves. The first half, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,” focuses on Krishna – the all-attractive. The second half, “Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare,” focuses on Rama – the all-enjoying. Why this order? That is the Way of Love.

First there must be attraction, and then there can be enjoyment. A mundane example: first a girl must attract the desires of a boy, and after this is accomplished it is possible for there to be enjoyable romantic exchanges. The first half of a relationship is “Krishna” – attraction. The second half, after attraction is effective, is pleasure, “Rama.”

So, the mantra is arranged in this order that we may express our emotions to Syamasundara something like this, “Oh Syama, please attract me to you! (Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare) And once you have me, please enjoy me to your heart’s content! (Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare).”

Never forget that all this – the attraction and enjoyment – does not take place independently of “Hare,” Srimati Radharani. Therefore the whole expression is directed towards her, and becomes, “Dear Sri Radha, please make me attractive to Krishna (Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare), so that I might please him (Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare).” Furthermore, and of paramount importance, the whole context of being attractive and pleasing to Krishna takes place within the shelter and direction of Srimati Radharani, not independent of Her.

This explanation is offered as a more detailed purport on Srila Prabhupada’s basic instruction to

Why is the Mantra the Way it is?Vraja Kishor Däsa


4 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2015

Liardet Community CentreCnr. Nott & Liardet Sts. Port Melbourne (opposite Coles)

We invite Pensioners, Health Card Holders & Studentsin need of a delicious & nutritious vegetarian meal

FREEWednesdays 6.00pm-7.30pm

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the City of Port Phillip

Gopal’s V E G E T A R I A NI n t e r n a t i o n a l C u i s i n e

Mon. - Sat. 11:30am. - 9:00pm. Sun. 11am. - 5pm. T: 9650-1578

Level 1, 139 Swanston Street, Melbourne

August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 5 August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 5

chant with the mood, “O Lord, O energy of the Lord, please engage me in your service.”

Repetitions

Three words are repeated so many times that the mantra ends up with sixteen words. Why so much repetition?

It is to evoke more emotion in the chanter. When we call out a name two or more times in a row, it expresses great feeling. A lover may say the name of her beloved, but it is really special if she is not satisfied to say it just once, if she repeats it immediately: “My darling, O my darling.” Similarly when a mother feels very emotional about her child she will repeat the child’s name, often accompanied with a sigh. The song “Maria” from West Side Story is a fine example of this in ordinary literature.

So, out of a rise of emotion in the heart, we don’t just say “Hare Krishna / Hare Rama” – we repeat: “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna / Hare Rama Hare Rama.” The first time expresses meaning, the second time expresses feeling.

Union and Separation

What remains to be explained now is the second half within each half of the mantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare KrishnaKrishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare RamaRama Rama, Hare Hare

These portions of the mantra exist to introduce the dimension of “union and separation.” This is another important principle in the Way of Love. If there is only union – if two lovers can always very easily see each other all the time – their unity will gradually become cheaper (being so easy) and the unity they enjoy will lose some of its excitement and sparkle. On the other hand if two lovers can never see each other and are always separated it also reduces the beauty of the relationship – they will eventually begin to forget about one another, or develop emotional calluses to cope with the pain of separation. So the Way of Love dictates that union and separation must balance each other – then the relationship can be eternally dynamic and enchanting.

“Hare Krishna” expresses the union of Radha (Hare) and Syamasundara (Krishna). So does “Hare Rama.” In both phrases, the two words naming Radha and Krishna are right next to each other, united. But the second line of each half of the mantra separates the divine couple. “Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare” they are not paired with one another, they are separate – and again repeated out of emotion.

This separation is not “cruel” – it is a service to their relationship, enhancing the value of their unity. They are not kept apart forever, because the very next line brings them back together.

Union: Hare Krishna, Hare KrishnaSeparation: Krishna Krishna, Hare HareUnion: Hare Rama, Hare RamaSeparation: Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Thus those who have deeply realized the inner purports of this mantra describe it as “not only a yugala mantra (a mantra of the divine couple united), but a vipralambha-mayi yugala mantra (a mantra of the divine couple permeated with the dynamics of union and separation).” As such it is a mantra capable of unlocking the highest perceptions of ecstatic prema.

Always Chant

Effective chanting of a mantra requires contemplation of the meaning of the mantra. This is why Srila Prabhupada endeavored to explain, theoretically and practically, the meaning of the maha-mantra – and this is why our acharyas like Bhaktivinode Thakur recommend “mantra-artha-cinta” (contemplating the mantra’s meaning while chanting it). The meaning of the mantra should, by repetition, become so second nature that it is evoked naturally simply by hearing the mantra – it is not an artificial imposition on the mind, it arises naturally from the inherent content within the divine words themselves.

If even one soul amongst all the readers of this humble article begins to chant more purely, lovingly, and attentively as a result of reading it – then I will surely have pleased Sri Guru and Gauranga, which is non-different than pleasing Srmiati Radharani. If one can please Srmiati Radharani there is nothing else left to want. I pray that at least one of you will grant me this blessing and improve your relationship with Krishna’s delightful names. May there be no other result from this sharing of what is an uncommonly intimate and secret. (The Enquirer 23.9.2013, https://vicd108.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/why-is-the-mantra-the-way-it-is.)


continued from page 1

Her heart withered by cruel Kamsa’s ferocious words, Rohini complained to her husband Vasudeva, and Vasudeva sent her to Vraja. Seeing chaste Rohini’s arrival as an auspicious omen, everyone in King Nanda’s assembly became happy at heart. Overcome with joy, Rohini and Yasoda embraced. They were like the Ganga and Yamuna flowing together. Then it was the month of Jyaistha. Seeing that Rohini was three months pregnant, Yasoda became very happy.

On the delightful full-moon evening of the month of Magha, Yasoda served King Nanda and then, exhausted, fell asleep. In a dream she had a vision: a young boy was hiding behind a young girl. After taking His place in King Nanda’s heart, the boy entered Yasoda’s heart. The boy stayed in Yasoda’s lotus heart. Then the young girl entered Yasoda‘s womb. King Nanda also saw these bewildering activities. At first he was unhappy. Then he shook away that unhappiness and felt joyful.

Seeing that Yasoda was now pregnant, all the women of Gokula became joyful. Yasoda’s face was effulgent. Her breast and belly had grown large. Krsna now stayed in Yasoda’s womb. Glistening like a lamp in a crystal base, He filled her with light that shone within and without. Wise Queen Yasoda thought profound thoughts and had a host of virtues. Peaceful, she controlled her tongue and senses. Still, there were some things she intently desired. While Krsna

JANMÄÑÖAMÉ DAY 2 VAISHNAVA CALENDAR

Sunday September 6thExtended Darshan, Dramas, Fire Sacrifice, Prasad for all4.30pm Arati & Kirtan7.00pm Arati & Kirtan7.30pm Abhisheka & Kirtan9.00pm Arati & KirtanMidnight Arati

RÄDHÄÑÖAMÉ Thursday September 22nd4:30pm Arati & Kirtana5:00pm Class6:00pm Feast7:00pm Arati, Kirtan & Offering of Flowers to Srimati Radharani

JANMÄÑÖAMÉ DAY 1HINDU CALENDAR

Saturday September 5thExtended Darshan, Dramas, Prasad for all4.30pm Arati & Kirtan7.00pm Arati & Kirtan7.30pm Adi-vasa Ceremony9.00pm Arati & Kirtan

ÇRÉ VYÄSA-PÜJÄ Prabhupada’s AppearanceMonday September 7th10.00am Readings & Homages12.30pm Pushpanjali & Guru Puja2.00pm Feast

JHÜLAN YÄTRÄ Wednesday August 26th - Sunday August 30th7pm Nightly

BALARÄMA PÜRËIMÄ Sunday August 30th7:00am Deity Greeting7:30am Class10:30am Abhisheka & Kirtan11:50am Deities Return to Altar (Kirtan)12:30pm Arati & Kirtan 1:00pm Feast

August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 7 February - May 2014 FOLK NEWS | 7 August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 7

was present in her womb, she had the longings of a pregnant women. She longed for sweet-rice with fragrant camphor, sugar, ghee, and Tulasi.

Then Goddess Yogamaya suddenly ended Rohini’s seven-month-old pregnancy and placed in Rohini’s womb an unborn child taken from Queen Devaki’s womb. In the fourteenth month, when the auspicious star Sravana conjoined with the moon, joyful Rohini gave birth to a handsome son glorious with all transcendental qualities. The astrologers said, ‘This boy will be the elder brother of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He will be the protector of the cows, and the killer of Dhenukasura, Pralambasura, Dvivida, and a host of demons. His arms will be long, His name will be Rama. In a past life He enjoyed pastimes with Lord Ramacandra.’

Sent by King Vasudeva, learned brahmanas named Sarma performed the nama-karana and other ceremonies for Balarama. Still, there was a sadness in Vraja. The remedy was the infant that appeared in Queen Yasoda meditations. In the eighth month of Bhadra, on a Wednesday, during the auspicious astrological yoga named harsana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead - shaking away the darkness of this world - appeared in this world to delight Nanda and Yasoda.

The demigods made everything glorious and auspicious on the night of Lord Krishna’s birth. Beautiful stars shone in the sky. Clouds rumbled over the ocean. There was a glorious shower. On that day the beauty of autumn was a guest on earth.

Once every kalpa in every lifetime of Brahma, Krishna appears before Nanda, Yasoda and the people of Vraja - people who love Him dearly - to give them a chance to love Him as Nanda’s son. He will not appear before other persons even for a single sesame-seed worth of time. Lord Krishna enjoys tasting the nectar of loving relationships with His devotees. Lord Krishna’s every desire, whether eternal and important, of a fleeting whim, is attained without any effort. In this way, to enjoy pastimes with His affectionate devotees, Lord Krishna appeared before them in His two-armed form, and

then eventually disappeared also.

The four-armed Narayana manifested in the heart of Vasudeva and Devaki came out of their hearts and stood before them. Krishna first appeared in a four-armed Narayana form before Vasudeva and Devaki and then later appeared in His original two-armed Krishna-form before Nanda and Yasoda.

At the same time, accompanied by Goddess Yogamaya, two-armed Krishna appeared in Yasoda’s womb. When the two-armed and four-armed forms met, the four-armed Narayana-form entered the two-armed Krishna-form. From within the womb, Yogamaya made Yasoda bewildered about the new-born child. Then Yogamaya herself took birth and lay on the bed in the maternity room.

In the meantime the shackles fell from Vasudeva’s feet. The prison guards fell asleep. Sesa became like an umbrella. The Yamuna became shallow like a field covered with water. In this way Vasudeva carried Krishna to Nanda’s home. There Vasudeva saw Yasoda’s infant boy and infant girl. Seeing Krishna’s four-handed form, Vasudeva understood that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He doubted that Krishna was his own son. He had no power to say how his son was first four-handed and then two-handed. Vasudeva could not understand anything of what just happened. Still, he placed his son there and, taking the girl with him, left.

Yasoda awakened and saw her new-born son dark like a blue lotus petal. She was very happy.” It is also said: “Gazing at her new-born son, His body more glorious than the most glorious sapphire, His face defeating the moon. His eyes more graceful than the most graceful lotus flowers, His hands and feet more charming than new petals on kalpavrksa trees in Vaikuntha, and His soft and sweet infant cries entrancing the whole world, stunned Yasoda looked like a painted picture.

“Is this boy the king of the kingdom of dark splendour? Is He the personified good fortune of all who are graceful and glorious?” As Yasoda asked herself these questions, the newborn infant Krishna cried, “Om! Om!” Yasoda gazed at her son. She tried to call her friends, but she could not. Tears streamed from her eyes to her neck. She was stunned. She was overcome with love for her son.

Touched by Yogamaya, the people of Vraja wakened from their sleep. Now the Supreme Personality of Godhead was present amongst them. Krishna was like glorious moon that with its cooling light made the lotus forests and the hearts of Vraja’s people bloom with joy. Following Rohini’s request, an elderly brahmini went to tell the delighted Nanda. His face filled with a joyful smile, and his hair and garments white, Nanda quickly came. (From Gopala Campu 3)


Enjoy the bliss on Krishna Janmastami!Join us on Sunday September the 6th to celebrate Sri Krishna’s

Appearance!You’ll feel deep satisfaction and jubilation receiving Krishna’s blessings.

Here’s how! Sponsor:

Your choice.Contribution of grains, ghee, oil, sugar, milk, yogurt, spices, lentils, fresh and dried fruits, and vegetables will benefit everyone.

You’ll be blessed twice: first for your service to Krishna, and secondly for serving His devotees.

Do not miss this unique opportunity to help create a festival of transcendental pleasure for the Lord and His devotees!

For details contact Charu now on 0412-696-559

All contributions are tax deductible.

• Food distribution• Deity garlands• Flower decorations and vases

• Deity dresses• Marquees• Temple worship


• Deity dresses• Marquees• Temple worship

A ll the inhabitants of Vrndavana-dhama - My mother, father, cowherd boyfriends and everything else - are like My life and soul. And among all

the inhabitants of Vrndavana, the gopis are My very life and soul. And among the gopis, You, Srimati Radharani, are the chief. Therefore You are the very life of My life. (Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya Lila 13.150.)

In this verse it is explained that all the residents of Vrndavana are like the life force of Krishna. Without them, what reason is there to exist? That Krishna makes very clear. But then He points out that when it comes to Srimati Radharani, She is His very life force itself.

Without Her there is no life. She is therefore the centre of all of Vrndavana’s activities. It is said that Krishna is simply the instrument of Radharani. So Krishna is just completely controlled by Srimati Radharani. This is Krishna, who is purchased by the love of His devotee. Krishna is atmarama, He is satisfied within Himself. But then it is said in the 10th Canto of Bhagavatam, ‘like a boy who is playing with His reflection,’ prati bimba, He is playing with His own energies. Krishna is manifesting so many different energies and the most amazing of all is His pleasure potency. Srimati Radharani is that hladini sakti, that pleasure potency of Krishna. Krishna says that, ‘So many are praying to Me and I give them pleasure. But who gives pleasure to Me? Who can really give pleasure to Me, unless one who is a hundred times qualified more than I am?’ So Krishna is looking upon Srimati Radharani as unlimitedly qualified, unlimitedly pure, unlimitedly dedicated, and of course we are looking at Srimati Radharani as the emblem of pure devotion.

The little bit of devotion that we have, we received by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada was flooding the world, giving everything. But we are not very fertile ground, and therefore all his good instructions have produced very little result in us. But something is there, amazing enough - not because of the ground (which was not favorable at all) but because of the potency of what Prabhupada implanted. It’s so powerful that even this harsh and barren ground of our heart could not withstand the mercy, and something touched us. That is why we are approaching Srimati Radharani.

Srimati Radharani is, in all respects, Krishna’s perfect counterpart. Therefore, as Krishna’s Appearance was not an ordinary appearance (an appearance in this world), in the same way Srimati Radharani’s Appearance was not ordinary. One day, Maharaja Vrsabhanu was approaching the Yamuna. As he was approaching within the waters of the Yamuna there was one particular, extremely effulgent lotus flower. The effulgence of that lotus flower was so attractive that Maharaja Vrsabhanu felt like taking that lotus flower. So he went into the water of the Yamuna and approached. Then, he saw that in the whorl of that lotus flower there was a cause of that effulgence. It was not that lotus flower itself that was so effulgent but it was a little girl of golden complexion, who was lying there in that lotus! He forgot all his ideas about taking that lotus and he just picked up that little girl with great joy in his heart and brought Her home. In this way, Kirtida conceived a child - somewhat unusual, but a divine appearance, just like Krishna’s

My Very LifeKadamba Känana Swami

continued on page 14August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 9

What Is the Hare Kåñëa Movement?

Founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) carries on a great ancient tradition rooted in the Bhagavad-gétä, the teachings Lord Kåñëa spoke five millennia ago. The Gétä and the other Vedic scriptures declare Kåñëa to be the original person, God Himself, who appears periodically in this world to liberate all living beings.

Only five hundred years ago, Kåñëa descended as Çré Caitanya Mahaprabhu to teach the most sublime and effective means of meditation for the present day: the chanting of the names of God, especially as found in the Hare Kåñëa mantra.

Today members of ISKCON continue Lord Caitanya's movement by distributing the teachings of Lord Kåñëa and the Hare Kåñëa mantra all over the world.

PronunciationWe spell Sanskrit words and names by a phonetic system that lets you know how to say each word. Pronounce short a like the u in but, long ä like the a in far (and held twice as long as the short a). Pronounce e like the a in evade, long é like the i in pique. Pronounce the vowel å like the ri in rim, and c like the ch in chair. Pronounce consonants like ch, jh, and dh as in staunch-heart, hedge-hog, and red-hot. Pronounce ç and ñ like sh. So for Kåñëa say KRISHNA, for Caitanya say CHAITANYA.

Spiritual NamesISKCON members receive names of Lord Kåñëa or His great devotees, combined with Däsa (for men) or Däsé (for women), both of which mean “servant.” For instance, the name Kåñëa Däsa means “servant of Kåñëa.”

10 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2015 10 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2015

“If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat. That’s the single most important thing you could do. It’s staggering when you think about it. Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty.” (Sir Paul McCartney)

T he greatest problem man faces today is global warming. (1) Global warming is predicted to accelerate natural calamities and events of

mass destruction that were destined to come only after billions of years. Surprisingly the biggest contributor to global warming is the meat industry, which is responsible for slaughtering animals on a mass scale. (2)

Factory farming enacts atrocities on animals in all possible ways. The animals are reared unhygienically and stuffed in cages. They are handled inhumanely, then brutally slaughtered. People say they like their steak, but how can you enjoy the taste of the suffering of innocent creatures? When a class of people become selfish enough to not care for their fellow living beings, this leads to global warming, disease and mass destruction. (3)

Çréla Prabhupäda writes, “The purpose of food is to increase the duration of life, purify the mind, and aid bodily strength. This is its only purpose. In the past, great authorities selected those foods that best aid health and increase life’s duration, such as milk products, sugar, rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables.

Animal fat is available in the form of milk, which is the most wonderful of all foods. Milk, butter, cheese, and similar products give animal fat in a form which rules out any need for the killing of innocent creatures... Protein is amply available through split peas, dal, whole wheat, etc.” (4)

You may ridicule this concept of compassion, but it’s a truth we need to analyse and to accept. The fact that you cannot see the animal being slaughtered and tortured does not at all mean that you are free from all guilt of the atrocities done to them. Your conscience may nudge you that you are going the wrong way. But if your consciousness is not purified and freed from selfishness, you will never be strong enough to give up this merciless way of life. So what is our alternative?

“The best food is the remnant of what is offered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In Bhagavad-gétä the Supreme Lord says that He accepts preparations of vegetables, flour, and milk when offered with devotion....The Lord is pürëa, complete, and therefore He eats everything offered by His devotees. Before the food was offered, it was something else, but after it is offered the food acquires a transcendental quality...food offered to Kåñëa is qualitatively as good (and as purifying) as Kåñëa.” (4)

Meanwhile huge amounts of plants and grains are fed to raise animals for slaughter. They could go to unprivileged people. Statistics say that the feed required for one slaughtered animal is equivalent to the food intake of 20 men. Is this not a gross injustice that can lead to famines

Compassionate ConclusionsSweta Lal

and ecological imbalance?

So I feel that the meat industry is not only a burden to animals, but also to our fellow humans. It is so cruel to kill another living being for one’s appetite. Humans are intelligent, and this intelligence differentiates us from animals that kill and eat on instinct.

Once I deliberately asked an optometrist, ‘What kind of diet would be good for enhancing my vision?’ Without hesitation, the Australian doctor said, ‘A vegetarian diet is always the best for good health. It is rich in nutrients. Meat, on the other hand should, be eaten only when there is no option.’ The ease with which vegetables can be grown in any kind of environment - even on a small budget - makes me think that you would only be compelled to eat meat if you were stranded in a desert island where no fruits or vegetables were at hand.

You can’t change suddenly, but a gradual evolution to a vegetarian diet will bring you transformative results – just as it did for me. I was introduced to this magical lifestyle by members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. There is so much to share in this humble and rewarding lifestyle! It would take months and months to share it all. To begin the journey, I earnestly recommend you read The Higher Taste (4). This book has an amazing amount of scientific and researched data to confirm why we human beings were never created to eat non-vegetarian food. It helped me realize how the simple act of eating can become an act of compassion and attract God’s blessings.

(1) Geoffrey Lean, Environment Correspondent, The Independent (London), Earth Hotter Than at Any Time in History, 30.1.2000.

(2) UN News Centre, http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?newsID=20772&CR1=warning#.UWfn97VTCSo

AlterNet, http://www.alternet.org/story/40639/meat_is_a_global_warming_issue

(3) Sixteenth International Botanical Congress, held in St. Louis, Missouri, July 1999.

(4) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, The Higher Taste: A Guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking & a Karma-Free Diet, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust 1983 (Ch 6).


VAISNAVA CALENDAR - AUGUST 2015

VAISNAVA CALENDAR - SEPTEMBER 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30 Pratipat GJhulana Yatra ends, Balarama Appearance (fast till noon)*

31 Dvitiya*(2nd Caturmasya month begins August 30: yogurt fast)

1 PratipatSridhara Masa

2 Dvitiya 3 Tritiya 4 Caturthi 5 SastiSrila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami Disappearance

6 Saptami 7 AstamiSrila Lokanatha Gosvami Disappearance

8 NavamiIncorporation of ISKCONNY 1966

9 Dasami 10 Ekadasi Fast for Kamika Ekadasi

11 DvadasiBreak fast 07:10-10:40 EST

12 Trayodasi 13 Caturdasi 14 Amavasya 15 Pratipat

16 Dvitiya 17 Tritiya 18 TritiyaSimha Sankranti

19 CaturthiRaghunandana Thakura Disappearance

20 Pancami 21 Sasti 22 Saptami

23 Astami 24 Navami 25 Dasami 26 Ekadasi GFast for Pavitropana Ekadasi, Jhulana Yatra begins

27 DvadasiBreak fast 06:50-10:31 EST, Rupa Gosvami Disappearance

28 Trayodasi 29 Caturdasi Last day of Caturmasya month 1

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Tritiya

Hrsikesa Masa Gaurabda 529

2 Caturthi 3 Pancami 4 Sasti 5 Saptami

6 Astami G Krishna Appearance (Fast till midnight)

7 Navami GNandotsava; Srila Prabhupada Appearance (Fast till noon)

8 Dasami 9 Ekadasi Fast for Annada Ekadasi

10 DvadasiBreak fast 06:29-10:07 EST

11 Trayodasi 12 Caturdasi

13 Amavasya

14 Pratipat 15 Dvitiya 16 Tritiya 17 Caturthi 18 PancamiSita Thakurani (Sri Advaita’s consort) Appearance; Kanya Sankranti

19 SastiLalita sasti

20 Saptami 21 Saptami 22 Astami GAppearance of Srimati Radharani (Fast till noon)

23 Dasami 24 Ekadasi (not suitable for fasting)

25 Dvadasi GFast for Parsva Ekadasi, Vamanadeva Appearance (Fast till noon, feast tomorrow)

26 GTrayodasi B/fast 06:04-10:09 EST, Bhaktivinoda Appearance

27 CaturdasiLast day of 2nd Caturmasya month

28 Purnima 3rd month of Caturmasya begins, milk fast

29 PratipatPadmanabha Masa Gaurabda 529

30 Tritiya


A s he established our Society, Srila Prabhupada showed great concern that

his position as ISKCON Founder-Acharya always be prominently recognized. He mandated that in each of his books the title page and cover display his name in full, “His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,” with “Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness” placed immediately below.

Similarly, he ordered that “Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada” appear directly beneath “International Society for Krishna Consciousness” on all ISKCON official documents, letterhead stationery, publications, and signage.

In these and other ways Srila Prabhupada’s special, intimate connection with ISKCON is to be always honored.

As Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada holds a unique position in ISKCON. We need to understand it deeply. As Acharya, his exemplary personal behavior is the model and norm for all ISKCON devotees. As Founder, his personal standards and principles of action, his particular spirit or “mood,” take on a societal shape and form in the organization he created. Each individual member internalizes that spirit, incorporating it into the core of his or her own identity. His spirit pervades the institution as the essence of its own culture, and the members become its visible embodiment in the world.

We revere and learn from the many great Acharyas in our line, yet as ISKCON Founder-Acharya, Srila Prabhupada becomes unique among them for us. In ISKCON, Prabhupada himself remains present, generation after generation, as the single prominent siksa guru immanent in the life of each and every ISKCON devotee—a perpetual, indwelling active guiding and

directing presence. He is thus the soul of ISKCON. As such, Srila Prabhupada himself continues to act effectively in this world so long as ISKCON continues as the coherent expression and unified instrument of his will. In this way Srila Prabhupada remains the soul of ISKCON, and ISKCON his body.

When Srila Prabhupada successfully established Lord Caitanya’s movement as a world-preaching mission, he made the weighty decision to form a new institution, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, with himself as Founder-Acharya. He did this on the basis of his realized knowledge. The essence of that knowledge he imbibed from his own spiritual master. Unfortunately, after Srila Prabhupada’s Guru Maharaja had passed away, that knowledge and realization largely ceased to be expressed in his guru’s own—but now fragmented— institution. Hence, Prabhupada founded a new organization that, as a whole and in its every part, would embody and develop that realization—a realization that manifests itself as an unwavering, indefatigable commitment to deliver pure love of God to suffering humanity everywhere.

The institution that would be able to act on this commitment with united force over large spans of space and time needs a unique form. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami therefore called for an organization in which the ultimate authority would reside not in the person of a single autocratic acharya but rather in a board of directors, which he called the “Governing Body Commission.” The Gaudiya Matha failed to realize this structure, and so, Prabhupada said, became “useless.”

Srila Prabhupada established such a structure for ISKCON, putting the Governing Body Commission in place in 1970 and overseeing its gradual articulation and development. Stating that he wanted there to be “hundreds and thousands of spiritual masters” within ISKCON, he implied that the normative guru-disciple relationship would be perpetuated within the unified institution under the direction of the GBC. In such an organization, many

The Soul of ISKCONRavindra-svarüpa Däsa

August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 13 August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 13

gurus would be able to act with concerted force, operating together with other leaders and managers in collegial accord.

Yet as long as Prabhupada was present as the sole acharya and diksa guru, the structure necessarily remained in embryonic form, a child still in the womb of its mother, its form and function necessarily not fully developed. During Prabhupada’s manifest presence, by the very nature of the situation, the GBC clearly could not assume its full role as the “ultimate managing authority,” and Prabhupada remained the only guru. Therefore the completed product of Prabhupada’s work had to await its time to be manifest. Consequently, Srila Prabhupada has left to us the task, after his departure, of fully articulating the form and functions of ISKCON for effective action in the world. One central challenge is to integrate the guru-disciple relationship—which carries its own proper demand for deep loyalty and commitment to the person of the guru—within a larger society that demands, in a certain sense, a higher, all-encompassing, loyalty. That loyalty is our common fidelity to our Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada, a loyalty proven in practice by our cooperation with each other, within the structures he bequeathed us, to fulfill his deepest desire.

We discovered that the initial “zonal-acharya” system of integrating the guru into a broad structure implicitly created geographical zones that were individually more unified than ISKCON as a whole. The integrity of ISKCON thus came in to jeopardy. That system has been abolished. Yet we need to go much further in realizing the organization Srila Prabhupada wanted.

It is interesting to note that two prominent anti-ISKCON movements—often claiming to be the “real ISKCON”—have formed by specific rejection of one or the other component of Prabhupada’s whole: the “ritvik” position wishes to do away with actual gurus in favor of GBC institutional authority, while the followers of one prominent sannyasi or another wish to eliminate an actual GBC and rely on the charismatic, autocratic single acharya.

ISKCON needs to foster both elements: an intense common loyalty to ISKCON and the GBC, and the deep and full teaching relationship between individual gurus and disciples within ISKCON. We need to realize how there is no contradiction and no conflict. We need to realize how they reinforce and support each other.

A crucial element in establishing this necessary synthesis is achieving a deep understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s position and putting that understanding into action—both jnana and vijnana. As Founder-Acharya, Srila Prabhupada himself symbolizes—and, in a sense, is—the unity of ISKCON. Therefore he must become an inescapable predominate felt presence in the lives of all devotees, no matter who else may serve as their disksa or siksa gurus. Gurus still manifest in the world tend to make a more vivid impact on their followers than those now unmanifest in form. Because Srila Prabhupada’s person is now unmanifest as such, this absence of vapu needs to be compensated for by an ever-deepening realization of his manifestation as vani (as he himself taught).

Such presence needs to become so much a part of the fabric of ISKCON, to become the essential savor of its culture, that his presence will not diminish even when all who personally knew Srila Prabhupada follow him from this world.

There will be many consequences when Srila Prabhupada’s position as Founder-Acharya is realized. Among them:

1) Generation after generation will be enabled to receive the special mercy offered by Srila Prabhupada. The path back to Godhead he opened will become ever-increasingly travelled.

2) By taking full shelter of Srila Prabhupada as siksa guru in his vani manifestation, all teachers in ISKCON, on various levels of advancement, will be able to authentically convey Srila Prabhupada’s real teaching, thus giving proper guidance, shelter, and protection to all.

3) Srila Prabhupada’s active presence will secure the unity and integrity of ISKCON.

4) ISKCON’s teachings will remain consistent over space and time.

5) Srila Prabhupada’s realized knowledge - endowing him with the specific potency to spread Krishna consciousness - will not only be preserved but also developed.

6) His books will remain central to us, for they contain insights and directions that await future development to be realized.

7) Srila Prabhupada’s eyes will always remain the lens through which all future generations see our predecessor acharyas. (Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, ISKCON GBC Press 2014: ‘Text.’)

Hare Krishna Melbourne is hosting Courses on our Founder-Acharya. Please go to http://www.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au/education/srila-prabhupada-our-founder-acarya-course to register your interest.


Level 1, 139 Swanston St Melbourne • T: 9650-1578 • FB: Gopals Vegetarian Restaurant • Sudhir: 0426-253-439, [email protected]

Delicious prasadam for family events like house warming, birthday parties & get togethersInternational Cuisine • Affordable Prices • Home Delivery

CATERING

Appearance. This is because Srimati Radharani is not of this world. She is not a conditioned soul, bound by the laws of nature and trapped in a material body. One who has to take birth under the duress of being squeezed out of the material body and staying in the womb: all those things that we ordinary mortals went through. Srimati Radharani is always transcendental. She is not jiva tattva, She is not an ordinary living being. She is sakti tattva, a different energy of Krishna altogether. She is part of the internal energy of Krishna. There are Krishna’s antaranga sakti, bahiranga sakti, and His tatastha sakti. The antaranga sakti is the internal, spiritual energy of Krishna. The bahiranga sakti is the material energy - where we are now in this world - and the tatastha sakti is we living beings. Srimati Radharani is to be taken as a divine being, a divine expansion of

continued from page 9

Krishna, Krishna’s internal energy, the hladini sakti - Krishna’s pleasure potency.

Krishna is govindam adi purusam, or the original purusa from which so many forms emanate - for example Balarama. We also see that Krishna expands Himself into 16,108 forms in Dvaraka and Krishna expands Himself in the form of Narayana. But all along Krishna is never alone. As Krishna expands Himself into Balarama, Revati is also there: Balarama’s consort is there. As Krishna expands Himself into 16,108 forms, His female consort is there again in 16,108 queens in Dvaraka. And when Krishna is expanding Himself as Narayana, then Laksmi is also there. It is said that the origin of all the various Visnu forms of Krishna is Maha Visnu. It is from Maha Visnu that all these various expansions of Krishna manifest and the counterpart of Maha Visnu - as described in the Visnu Purana - is Maha Laksmi, who is an expansion of Srimati Radharani.

So as Krishna expands, Radharani also expands. Then eventually, Maha Visnu transforms and sambhu tattva appears. And along with sambhu tattva there is Parvati. So when Krishna transforms, Radharani transforms. So They are the root of the Divine Couple who manifest in so many ways. In this way, just as Krishna is the origin of so many forms, in the same way, Radharani is the origin of so many forms. (From a lecture, Durban, South Africa 23.9.2012)

August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 15 February - May 2014 FOLK NEWS | 15

Take a free bus ride from Albert Park Lake &

avoid parking congestion around the Temple.

• 6pm. - 11pm.

• every 10 minutes

• two 25 seater buses

• from Lakeside Carpark in Aughtie Drive (Melways 2K E6)

• to the Mary Kehoe Centre (opposite the Temple in Danks St.) and return

Parking at Lakeside Carpark costs $2.50 (flat rate) from 5-9pm., and then is free of charge.

JANMASTAMI PARKING MADE EASY

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6

Lakeside Carpark

AVOID THE FUSS -

TAKE OUR BUS• NO TROUBLE • NO RISK OF A PARKING FINE!

FREE FROM ALBERT PARK LAKE 6PM-11PM


Hare Krishna Home Programs are held in a friendly, family environment to develop your devotion towards Lord Krishna

FARM FEAST

Get away for the day! • 12 noon on the 2nd. Sunday of each month • RSVP to Keshava dasa (0405-577-453)

FARM ACCOMMODATION

Just 25 minutes from Lorne & the Great Ocean Road! • Enjoy fresh country air, see native wildlife, feed the cows • Take darshan of Shrila Prabhupada & Shri Pancha Tattva! • Tariff $45 per night per adult, $10 per night per child • Retreat & group bookings welcome • Contact Keshava dasa (0405-577-453 or [email protected])

Hare Krishna Valley1265 Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Rd., Bambra 03-5288-7383

General Enquiries:● Melbourne Temple

Aniruddha dasa...............................03-9699-5122

Bhakti Vriksha Group Servant Leaders:● Albert Park

Jagannatha Rama dasa...................0437-988-694 ● Albert Park

Muralidhara dasa.............................0409-972-378● Brighton

Gaurava Kamboja...........................0432-068-690● Caulfield South

Karuna Avatara dasa.....................0403-166-099 ● Clayton

Surya Gopala dasa.........................0412-321-951 ● Deer Park

Janeshwara dasa............................0411-726-186● Geelong

Keshava dasa.................................0405-577-453● Hampton Park

Sucisrava dasa..............................0433-565-174 ● Hillside/Sydenham

Shashi Bhushan..............................0415-457-172● Hoppers Crossing

Charu Chaitanya dasa....................0412-696-559

● Srimad-Bhagavatam Classes: Sanctuary Lakes Monday - Friday 7-7:40am.Jadabharata dasa........................0410-339-835

● KeysboroughUddhava Bandhu dasa...................0422-605-976

● Melton SouthJadabharata & Ajay........................0410-339-835

● Middle ParkMadhavananda dasa......................0400-697-993

● Mill Park/EppingDina Vatsala dasa..........................0430-355-571

● MitchamRasika Chandra dasa....................0419-618-585

● MoorabbinAnanda Ballabha dasa..................03-9502-3481

● South Eastern SuburbsYogeshwara Govinda dasa.............0419-493-694

● Point CookAjay Deshmukh...............................0403-574-586

● Point CookOjas Desai......................................0425-780-550

● Wantirna South Sri Krishna dasa..........................0468-590-923


Chanting Hare KåñëaA Practical Guide to Mantra Meditation

Hare Krishna Home Programs are held in a friendly, family environment to develop your devotion towards Lord Krishna

Hare Krishna Valley1265 Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Rd., Bambra 03-5288-7383

Why is meditation important?

Meditation is a necessary function for one who wants to be happy and free from the miseries and anxieties of life.

What is meditation?

Meditation actually means to fix the mind. But we must ask the question, 'Fix the mind on what?' To be above the everyday anxieties which affect the mind, one must raise himself above the material platform. In fact, one must try to situate oneself on the transcendental - or spiritual - level. 'How can I rise to the spiritual platform?' God is on the spiritual level, and if we are in constant contact with God, we can also be situated on the spiritual platform. The easiest way to be fixed in constant contact with God is through chanting His names.

Chanting the names of God

God - according to different scriptures - has many different names like Krishna, Jehovah, Rama, Allah, Buddha, etc. To chant the names of God is very purifying, and will lift one from the material platform to the spiritual. Since the beginning of time people around the world have chanted and meditated on the names of God as mantras.

What is the best mantra?

The most important of all mantras is the maha-mantra. Maha means 'great.' The word manah means 'the mind,' and tra means 'deliverance.' Therefore, maha-mantra means 'the great deliverance of the mind.'

How to meditate on the Maha-mantra

The best way to chant this mantra is on japa (or meditation) beads. A string of japa beads has 108 beads strung in a circle, with one large bead added to mark the start and end point. You shouldn't chant on the large bead. Start on the bead next to it (see diagram). Hold the bead between the thumb and middle finger of the right hand and say aloud:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Chant this mantra on every bead until you have chanted on all 108 beads. Then turn the beads and start going in the other direction. You should never chant on the big bead or cross over it. When you have chanted on all 108 beads and have come to the big bead, this is called one 'round.' Each round should take about 7-10 minutes - or maybe longer - to start with: but don't chant too fast! You should chant a fixed minimum number of rounds each day, and we recommend that you try two rounds of japa meditation in the

morning and in the evening. Then you will really discover the benefit! If you seriously practise this meditation, following the golden rules below, you will achieve all success and happiness in life.

Golden Rules for Japa Meditation:

1. Chant the full maha-mantra on each bead: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

2. Chant each syllable aloud and clearly.

3. Listen very carefully and concentrate on the sound of the maha-mantra as you chant.

4. To obtain the full blessings of Lord Krishna for good meditation, chant the Pancha-tattva mantra before each round: (Jaya) Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Gadadhara, Srivasadi Gaura-bhakta-vrinda



Enhancing your chi ld 's knowledge and spir it :Bhagavad-gita slokas - Krishna stories - Vaisnava ettiquette - Projects - Ramayan & Mahabharat - Japa meditiation - Quizzes - Krishna kirtan - Drama - Picnics - Krishna art

Saturdays Hare Krishna Temple, 197 Danks St. Albert Park

Junior Group (3 - 5 yrs) 5.15 - 6.15pmIntermediate Group (5 - 8 yrs) 5 - 6pm

B H A K T A PRAHLADDevotional T r a i n i n gSenior Group (8 - 12 yrs) 4 - 5pm, Teenage Group (13 - 16 yrs) 5 - 6pm Contact: Yamuna Lila dasi 0400-502-806

Krishna's KidsBHAGAVAD-GITA QUIZ

The Opulence of the Absolute: how much can you remember of how Krishna can be found in the world? (Chapter 10)

Fill in the blanks with these words: Siva, Vishnu, Supersoul, japa, ocean, Himalaya, Rama, Prahlad, Airavat, Vyasa, Ganges, Arjuna

1. I am the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ O Arjuna, seated in everyone’s heart.2. Of the Adityas I am _ _ _ _ _ _3. Of bodies of water I am the _ _ _ _ _4. Of all the Rudras I am Lord _ _ _ _ 5. Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the Holy Names which is called _ _ _ _ 6. Of immovable things I am the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7. Of lordly elephants I am (Indra’s) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _8. Of the wielders of weapons I am _ _ _ _9. Of flowing rivers I am the _ _ _ _ _ _ 10. Of Pandavas I am _ _ _ _ _ _ 11. Of the sages I am _ _ _ _ _ 12. Of the Daitya demons I am the devoted _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Radharani’s name: goddess of the Rasa dance:AAESIRRVSRadharani’s name: Queen of the Rasa dance: RSAIRNAARadharani’s elder brother: DARMSIARadharani’s father: AUSAVHHIRNB

Radharani’s mother: KATDIIRRadharani’s sister: ANNGRIAAAMJANRadharani saw him when she first opened her eyes: IARHKNSKrishna’s topmost devotee: AHAARIDRN

SRIMATI RADHARANI WORD SCRAMBLE


What is Sri Krishna Janmastami without serving together? Your help is vital. To offer services - from cutting up vegetables for the Deities, to serving prasadam to guests or maintaining security - we need you. Don’t miss this very special chance to give transcendental pleasure to Lord Krishna and His devotees!Volunteer at [email protected]

JANMASTAMI: VOLUNTEERSARE A V ITAL PART


Varsha PüjäA daily gift for Lord Kåñëa

Take a big step forward in your spiritual life. Give a gift to Kåñëa, and support Varsha Püjä from as little as $1, $2 or $5 a day.

If you support Varsha Püjä, you can take comfort in the knowledge that every püjä offered in the Temple is through your direct effort. Therefore you receive the spiritual benefit of every worship performed. It means that you build more spiritual credits by making sädhu saìghä possible. You also strengthen preaching in the community.

If you support Varsha Püjä, in addition to these eternal benefits, you will buy into a most generous gift scheme and receive for free the cream of our spiritual literature. This is how it works.

Sign up at: One dollar a day and receive• Bhagavad-gétä, Science of Self Realisation, Your Ever Well-wisher, Kåñëa Book & Hare Kåñëa CD• a copy of the annual Melbourne Temple Calendar

Two dollars a day for a period of 2 years and receive: • all of the above • a subscription to Back to Godhead • a complete Çrémad-Bhägavatam set

Five dollars a day for a minimum period of 2 years and receive:• all of the gifts above• plus a full Caitanya-caritämåta set

Be wise. Don't miss out. Just fill in and mail the coupon at left, or call: (03) 9699 5122 to give your donation.

“...for anything offered to Kåñëa with love and affection, Kåñëa can reciprocate many millions of times over, both materially and spiritually. The basic principle involved is an exchange of love...”

Çréla Prabhupäda SB 10.11.11 Purport

Yes! Varsha Püjä sounds like a

great way for me to serve Lord Kåñëa!

I would like to know more about Varsha Püjä Sevä!

Please register me for Varsha Püjä Sevä

My Details

First name

Last name

Address

Telephone/Email

I wish to give a monthly donation of:

$31 $62 $152 Other $1 per day $2 per day $5 per day

from the credit card below until further notice

OR Here is my single donation of:

$365 $730 $1825

I am paying by: Cheque/Money Order Visa

Mastercard AMEXCard no.

Expiry date / /

Name: Dr/ Mr/ Ms/ Miss

Card Holder's signature

Address State Postcode Phone (h)Phone (w)Email



Hare Krishna Centres Around Australia

Melbourne Temple Melbourne Temple is open every day. You are invited to visit, associate with the devotees, take darshan of the beautiful Deities at ärati times, participate in the daily program, attend classes, and honour prasädam.

Time Temple Service 4.30am Maìgala-ärati 5.00am Tulasé-ärati 5.10am Japa Meditation 7.00am Greeting the Deities 7.10am Prabhupäda Guru-püjä 7.30am Çrémad-Bhägavatam Class 9.00am Breakfast Prasädam

12.30pm Bhoga-ärati 1.00pm Lunch Prasädam 4.00pm Dhüpa-ärati 5.30pm Evening Prasädam 6.45pm Tulasé-ärati 7.00pm Sandhyä-ärati 9.00pm Çayana-ärati

Darshan Times: Daytime 4.30am - 5.00am 7.00am - 7.30am 9.00am - 11.00am 12.30pm - 1.00pm Evening 4.00pm - 6.30pm 7.00pm - 7.30pm 9.00pm - 9.20pm

Temples:

Adelaide - 25 Le Hunte Street, Kilburn, SA 5084 T: (08) 8359-5120 F: (08) 8359-5149 E: [email protected] W: iskconadelaide.com.au

Brisbane - 32 Jennifer St Seventeen Mile Rocks 4073 T: (07) 3376 2388 E: [email protected] W: www.iskcon.org.au

Canberra - 44 Limestone Ave, Ainslie, ACT 2602 PO Box 1411, Canberra, ACT 2601 T: (02) 6262 6208 M: 0404 486 746 E: [email protected]: www.harekrishnacanberra.com

Hobart - www.iskcontasmania.websyte.com.au

Melbourne - 197 Danks St, Albert Park VIC 3206 PO Box 125, Albert Park VIC 3206Tram 1 (via Swanston St, City) to stop 31 Tram 12 (via Collins St, City) to stop 136T: (03) 9699 5122 F: (03) 9690 4093 E: [email protected] FB: Hare Krishna Melbourne W: www.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au

Perth - 155-9 Canning Rd Kalamunda WA 6076 T: (08) 6293 1519 E: [email protected]: www.iskconperth.com

Sydney - 180 Falcon St, Nth Sydney NSW PO Box 459, Cammeray NSW 2062 T: (02) 9959 4558 F: (02) 9957 1893 E: [email protected] W: www.iskcon.com.au

Farm Communities:

Bambra (Hare Krishna Valley) - Oak Hill, 1265 Dean’s Marsh Rd, Bambra VIC 3241 PO Box 127, Winchelsea VIC T: (03) 5288 7383 F: (03) 5288 7309 E: [email protected]: www.harekrishnavalley.com.au

Millfield (New Gokul) - 83 Lewis Road, Millfield NSW PO Boz 399, Cessnock NSW 2325 T: (02) 4998 1800 E: [email protected] W: www.newgokula.com

Murwillumbah (New Govardhana) - 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW PO Box 687, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 T: (02) 6672 3047 F: (02) 6672 6579E: [email protected] W: www.newgovardhana.net

Restaurants:

Adelaide - Govinda’s Restaurant25 Le Hunte Street, Kilburn T: (08) 8359 5120

Brisbane - Govinda’s City, 1st floor 99 Elizabeth St, Brisbane T: (07) 3210 0255 E: [email protected]: www.brisbanegovindas.com.au

Brisbane - Govinda’s West End, 82 Vulture St (above Perfect Potion), West End T: (04) 0417 3027

Brisbane - Govinda’s Stone’s CornerShop 2/302 Logan Rd, Stone’s CornerT: (07) 3847 4674

Burleigh Heads - Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian 20 James St, Burleigh Heads T: (07) 5607 0782 E: [email protected] W: www.govindas.net.au

Melbourne - Crossways 1st Floor, 123 Swanston St, Melbourne T: (03) 9650 2939 E: crosswaysfoodfor [email protected]: www.CrosswaysFoodForLife.com.au

Melbourne - Gopal’s 139 Swanston St, Melbourne FB: Gopals Vegetarian Restaurant T: (03) 9650 1578

Newcastle - Krishna’s Vegetarian Cafe 110 King St. Newcastle T: (02) 4929 6900 E:[email protected] W: www.iskcon.com.au/Newcastle.html

Perth - Govinda’s Restaurant 194 William St, Northbridge 6003 T: (08) 9227 1684 E: [email protected]

Surfers Paradise - Govindas Veg-O-Rama, 134 Centro Shopping Centre T: (07) 5538 3788 E: [email protected] W: govindas.vego.googlepages.com

Sydney - Govinda’s & Movie Room 112 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst 2010 T: (02) 9380 5155 E: [email protected] W: govindas.com.au



Dayul

Hare Krishna Valley ReportRasänandiné Däsé

Saàskäras: Purificatory CeremoniesSaàskäras: Purificatory Ceremonies

W e are pleased to announce that we are performing saàskäras, or purificatory

ceremonies, for the congregational members of Melbourne Temple.

The Vedic literatures describe that there are many opportunities during one's life - from before birth to after death - when one may perform a ceremony for purification

to evoke auspiciousness and ensure advancement in spiritual life.

Saàskära is not a substitute for the regulative principles of spiritual life as enunciated by Çréla Prabhupäda. However, in conjunction with these principles, performance of saàskära guarantees eventual perfection in life.

Many of the saàskäras offered are more beneficial if performed at an astrologically auspicious time. The head pujari at the temple will be able to recommend a qualified astrologer.

Saàskäras include:

Jäta-karma: Birth ceremony.

Niñkrämaëa: When a child leaves the house for the first time.

Pausti-karma: Ceremony to protect your child's health.

Anna-präçana: Feeding a child grains for the first time.

Cuòa-karëam: Hair-cutting ceremony.

Vidyärambha: Entering school.

Samävartana: Graduation.

Viväha: Marriage ceremony.

Griha-rambhä: Laying a foundation stone.

Griha-praveça: House-warming.

Shraddha-pattra (Piëòa): Oblations to departed forefathers.

Fire ceremony for auspiciousness.

For more information or details of the ceremonies offered, please call Member Services on (03) 9699 5122.


bars arrived on site. Manigriva and his crew lay brick courses onto the concrete foundations to support rammed earth walls.

On the last Ekadasi of May, Mother Aruni delivered her girl-calf Ekadasi. Ekadasi’s father is a Gir bull, and Ekadasi is strawberry brown with characteristically long and beautiful ears. She is healthy, with a playful nature, and becoming confident to approach devotees for treats. Aruni proved to be a gentle mother.

Manigriva is training our young bull Giridhari to pull loads. In June Giridhari pulled trees - cleared from our back paddock - to make piles of firewood for the ashrams. Remember how Krishna plays the flute to control the cows and Balarama carries the plough to keep the bulls engaged? Manigriva says that, “It was too wet to get the tractor into the paddock. Giridhari really liked it. His body language was good and he didn’t mind the noise of the chain saw.”

Dayal Nitai trialled the growth of Ayurvedic herbs, and in June he harvested Ashwagandha: an energising medicine. The devotees set up a new hot house to grow vegetables in cold weather and set up hoops over a large spring vegetable garden bed. The hoops will be netted to deter our wild ducks.

To get advance notice of upcoming events or to book accommodation, keep an eye on the Valley’s homepage at http://www.harekrishnavalley.com.au. You can receive Keshava’s farm blog by liking Hare Krishna Valley on Facebook. Or check the Hare Krishna Melbourne website at harekrishnamelbourne.com.au. If you are interested in staying for a few days or helping to develop Hare Krishna Valley, you can contact Keçava Däsa on 0405-577-453 or [email protected].

January-February saw Keshava and Atulya, and Narayana and Teagan (two younger

members of the community) wed.

The Festival of Colours (Holi) was joyfully celebrated in April. While only 500 guests attended due to cold weather, everyone enjoyed the day, which is planned for March next year.

In April-May WWOOFers (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) helped dig and lay foundations for the new goshalla that will shelter the herd from wind and rain. Concrete was poured for footings and Manigriva and his brother Doug prepared large support poles for the building front. Manigriva aims for the goshalla to be near-completion for Go Puja in November. In June bricks, sand, cement and steel re-enforcing

Ekadasi

FOLK news - harekrishnamelbourne.com.au · August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 3 T he maha-mantra...

Documents

Transcript of FOLK news - harekrishnamelbourne.com.au · August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 3 T he maha-mantra...