Newsletter Number #157  ( mid-July issue 2005 A.D. Gaurabda 519)
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm
http://welcome.to/hknetworks

---

ki jaya

---

Please Accept My Respectful Obeisances (cyber pranams) & Best Wishes To All

_0____,

All Glories To Srila Prabhupad.

\o/
(_)
/ \ All Glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.

Welcome to the latest edition of the on-line HKSRNewsletter, and our humble attempt to render some service to the devotee community. The format of this newsletter is that of a continuous scroll, please see the table of contents where everything is hyper-linked on-line, we hope it's now easier for you all. This newsletter now goes out to way over 2508 receivers. We trust that all is well with everyone by the Mercy of the Lord. However, if anyone would like to be removed please just send us a message requesting me to do so, and we will do it promptly. If you are receiving this from a friend, and would like to be added directly to the mailout please also let us know and we will do the needful there too. Removal and Subscription details at the very end of this newsletter.

Hare Krishna. =>B-) JTCd

---

The Nectar in this Issue 

See the events on Interactive Calendar site for details:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2002-2003.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2003-2004.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2004-2005.html

The present year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2005-2006
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
(some selected locations are available already below)

Download the Vaishnava Calendar software VCAL 4.01

Local temples

Words of Wisdom - Shastra & Shastrakaras speak:
... (Srila Prabhupad & the previous Acharyas)
... Coming Festivals
... Local temples
... Verses from Shastra
... Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
... Hare Krishna as ancient religion - NOT a cult
... Vaishnava Songs
... Samskaras and Agama Tantra
... Articles
... Topical links - etc
... Vedik revival - Vedik World Heritage

Advertisements - what's on where: check them out...
... Cyber Community Notice Board
...lastest important news items !!!!

... Hare Krishna School in Auckland
... Ayurvedic health - and seminars - Radiance Ayurved has new site
... Fire Safety - Water Safety - Internet Safety
... Singles - Hare Krishna Singles - Vegetarian Singles - Marriage Compatibility checking
... FREE CD Rom
... Sri Shalagram Tirtha Pradarshini web-site and new newsletter
... Vegetarianism and Beyond site gets re-vamped
... Gaura Yoga - Wellington
... The Loft Auckland
... The new Auckland Temple now open

... and much more

At Grass Roots: Topical stuff
... Seasonal Greetings...Happy 2005
... Have a Happy Year - Gaurabda 519

Prasadam Recipes: To slake the thirst of body, mind & soul
... some really useful Vege links and support
... inspiring Vegetarian articles
... Eggless cooking - baking - cakes
... Vegetarian Cheeses - new page (try the Tuxford range...)(updated August 2004)
... Vegetarian clubs
... Hare Krishna Food For Life - local and international food relief
... check out the new Ekadasi recipes link
... 101 reasons to be a vegetarian
... Meat substitutes - Tofu - Soy - TVP - tempe recipes
... White Sugar free from bone char in NZ
... FREE Meet your Meat CDRoms
... How to offer your food to God
... You mean that's in the Bible?
... visit our Vegetarianism and Beyond Award winning web-site
... Kurma's new web-site
... The Meatrix
... Holiday Season & Xmas survival recipes

Krishna conscious - Vedikly acceptable jokes:
... cut loose have a laugh
... serious therapy in humour !!!
... did U ever wonder -  Ways of the world - Strange but true

Thanx 2 our sponsors and supporters:
... sponsorship and support
... add or remove - sub or unsub
... HELP !!!
... donations welcome

Now you can view the FULL years 1999-2000 & 2000-2001 & 2001-2002 & 2002-2003 & 2003-2004 & 2004-2005, and 2005-2006.
All Calendar entries are explained - Appearance or Disappearance days, festivals, fasts, feasts, etc.

View previous years festival dates on the Calendar:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2001-2002.htm
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2002-2003.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2003-2004.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2004-2005.html
The present year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2005-2006
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
(some selected locations are available already below)

Karaka Sankranti (Sun enters Cancer)

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Sayana Ekadasi.- (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 18th July 2005  in NZ)

Dvadasi   (Sayana Dwadasi) 19th July 2005

Sri Guru (Vyaasa) Purnima
Sri Sanatana Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav
First month of Chaturmasya begins.(Fast from sak, green leafy vegetables, for one month.)

(Chaturmasya is not observed during Purusottama Adhika Masa.)

Srila Gopal Bhatta Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Sri Lokanatha Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav

The incorporation of ISKCON in New York

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Vyanjuli Mahadvadasi for Kamika Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 1st August 2005  in NZ)

Sri Raghunandana Thakur - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sri Vamsidas Babaji - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Pavitropana Ekadasi.- (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 16th August 2005  in NZ)

Sri Sri Radha Govinda Jhulan Yatra begins on the Ekadasi

Srila Rupa Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sri Gauridas Pandit - Disappearance - Tirubhav

----------------- Simha Sankranti (Sun enters Leo) -----------------

Jhulan Yatra ends on the Full Moon - Purnima.
Lord Balaram - Appearance  of Lord Balaram (Fasting till noon)

Second month of Chaturmasya begins. (Fast from yogurt for one month.)

Srila Prabhupada's departure for the USA 1965 AD. - 20 Aug 2005 in NZ

Sri Krsna Janmastami: Appearance of Lord Sri Krsna - Saturday 27th Aug 2005 in NZ
(Fasting till midnight - breakfast with Ekadasi style prasadam)

Sri Nandotsava - Festival of Nananda maharaj for birth of Krishna - Jata karman

Srila A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada - Appearance -  (Fasting till noon) Sunday 28th August 2005

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Paksa vardhini Mahadvadasi for Annada Ekadasi- (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 31st August 2005  in NZ)

Father's Day -  1st Sunday in September in Aus & NZ - 3rd Sunday in June in US & UK (4th Sept in NZ)

Ganesh Chaturthi  - Wednesday 7th Sept 2005 in NZ - DO NOT LOOK @ the MOON

Srimati Sita Thakurani (Advaita's consort) - Appearance - Avirbhav

Sri Lalita sasti

Sri Radhastami : Srimati Radharani's - Appearance Day  (Fasting till noon) (Monday 12th September in NZ)

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Parsva Ekadasi.- (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 15th September 2005  in NZ)

Sri Vamana Dvadasi - Appearance of Lord Vamandeva
(The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.) (Feasting is done tomorrow.)

Srila Jiva Goswami - Appearance - Avirbhav

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur - Appearance - Avirbhav Utsava
(The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.)(Feasting is done today.)

Sri Ananta Caturdasi Vrata
Srila Hari Das Thakur - Disappearance - Tirubhav
----------------- Kanya Sankranti (Sun enters Virgo) -----------------

Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava
Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada 1959 AD.
Srimad Bhagavatam Day

Third month of Caturmasya begins.(Fast from milk for one month.)

This year's also now available for viewing:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html

All Calender information HERE
http://www.hknet.org.nz/CalendarWhosWho-page.htm

http://panjika.pagehere.com/

Check out the Ekadasi pages with links to every Ekadasi:
(also find out from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada what is, and what constitutes a mahadwadasi)
Find out about Dwadasi and Mahadwadasi here:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/dvadasi.htm

NEW EKADASI RECIPES:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/ekadasi-page.htm

kasmad ekadasi jata tasyah ko va vidhir dvija
kada va kriyate kim va phalam kim va vadasva me

ka va pujyatama tatra devata sad-gunarnava
akurvatah syat ko dosa etan me vaktum arhasi

"Oh Gurudeva! When did Ekadasi take birth and from whom did she appear? What are the rules of fasting on the Ekadasi? Please describe the benefits of following this vow and when it should be followed. Who is the utmost worshippable presiding deity of Sri Ekadasi? What are the faults in not following Ekadasi properly? Please bestow your mercy upon me and tell about these subjects, as you are the only personality able to do so."

Find out what was said HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/ekadasi-page.htm
 

Download yourVaishnava Calendar and make a hard copy for this
last year's ( 2003-2004 AD - 517 Gaurabda ) from our site:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2003-2004.html
The present year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2005-2006
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
(some selected locations are available already below)

Vaishnava Calendar Program Vcal 4.01 FREE Download, and make your own Calendar for 2004-2005:
http://www.iskcon.org/calendar/vcal401.zip

or if you can't do that and you'd like a 2004-2005 Calendar for your longitude, latitude and time zone ANYWHERE in the world I can do that for you and e-mail it to you - FREE    Vaishnava Calendar Software 4.01

MAKE YOUR OWN CALENDAR FOR YOUR LOCATION,
no more dodgy calendars/panchangas/panjikas from India

...some already made for you http://www.hknet.org.nz/Cals2005-2006-World.html

Vaishnava Calendar maker for your region - on-line:
http://www.iskcondc.org/cgi-bin/vcalndx.pl

Astrologically/Astronomically Accurate and FREE

Please download the software from:
http://www.iskcon.org/calendar/vcal401.zip

How to use the VCAL calendar program:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VcalHow2use.html

mailto:jtcd@xtra.co.nz

Vaishnava Calendar maker for your region - on-line:
http://www.iskcondc.org/cgi-bin/vcalndx.pl

Free Vaisnava Calendar Email Reminder Service
Website URL:  http://www.vaisnavacalendar.info

New service just launched - a Free Vaisnava Calendar Email Reminder Service (BETA) where devotees can sign up and receive automated location sensitive reminders of ekadasi's, festivals, appearance and disappearance days via email.

Festivals on the Vrindavan Calendar
http://www.naturalnirvana.com/Braja-Mandala/Braja-Mandal-Files/Braja-Vrindavan-Festivals.htm

Time Zones and Countries World-wide:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Here's a few Vaishnava Calendar locations around the World friends asked for us to post !!

Newsletters:
Do you get the Hare Krishna Newsletter from Auckland?
If not send a message to Mother Madri to add yourself to their list:
mailto:madri@pamho.net
mailto:harekrishnanews_auck-owner@yahoogroups.com

See Auckland's latest newsletter HERE:

Christchurch Temple Times:
mailto:nitail@zfree.co.nz

Wellington Temple Newsletter:
mailto:jagjeevandas.mvgm@paradise.net.nz

Gaura Yoga Centre (Wellington) newsletter:
mailto:gaurayoga-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

...and across the ditch in Aus': 
Brisbane temple newsletter
to subscribe - mailto:brisbane@pamho.net

Melbourne Temple F.O.L.K. News Daily Newsletter/diatrobe:
http://anitest.manilasites.com/

Melbourne - Hare Krishna movement:
http://www.iskcon.net.au/

Sydney Temple Newsletter:
http://www.iskcon.com.au/Mailing_list.html

Other Journals, Newsletters, & KC Blogs:
Aisvarya prabhu's blog:
http://www.livejournal.com/~icemonger/

Aniruddha's blog:
http://www.iskcon.net.au/aniruddha/

Aniruddha's blog: There's more comes out of the beadbag than just the finger...
http://www.iskcon.net.au/aniruddha/

Bala Gopala's Mrdanga (formerly Ekendra's Mrdanga)
http://www.gopala.org/
This is my new journal where I hope to contribute something worth reading to the world. The inspiration for this comes from Nectar of Devotion wherein it is stated that to reveal one's mind in confidence is one of the loving exchanges between Vaisnavas. Ekendra dasa.

Candidasa dasa' Deltaflow Blog
http://www.deltaflow.com/index.php

The Conch newsletter - Radha Giridhari temple Auckland
http://www.hknet.org.nz/TheConch-newsletter.html
The Conch Newsletter is a subscription newsletter that is sent out in Word format either as a printable attached file through e-mail, or hard-copy by snail mail. The newsletter is monthly, and compiled by Amrita-pani devi dasi in conjunction with the editorial advisor HH Mukunda Goswami.

Gopala Guru prabhu's blog on MSN - Religious Worship; Ever wonder what's it like to live the life of a Hare Krishna monk?
Visit this Space to find out.:
http://whatsyourstory.msn.com/
http://spaces.msn.com/members/gopalaguru/PersonalSpace.aspx

Indradyumna Swami's "Diary of a Travelling Preacher" blog:
http://blog.worldsankirtan.net/IDS/

Kavichandra Swami's Blog
http://www.kavicandraswami.info/

Kurma's Travel Diary Blog:
Hello there ! I have a new Blog (weblog) Travel Diary. Follow my very latest culinary travels: http://www.kurma.net and click on the blog link right side of page.
Hope all is well with you. Happy cooking, Kurma

Prahladananda Swami's Health blog: On the road, Journal, Audio, Health, Photos etc
http://prahladanandaswami.net/blogs/index.php

Rati Manjari mataji - Every Town & Village - newsletter, which consists of a collective contribution from preachers throughout the UK. To view or download it click the link below:
http://members.lycos.co.uk/etav/files/etav_01.PDF

From the virtual pen of Sita-pati dasa http://blog.worldsankirtan.net/sitapati/
News and views from Sita-pati dasa in Brisbane Australia.

Hare Krishna Cultural Journal - Krishna-Kirti dasa in USA - A commentary on the culture, views and progress of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
http://siddhanta.com/weblogs/culture/

The International Society for Education in Krsna Consciousness http://www.isekc.com/ has a Blog called Vaishnava Sanga which one can access from the ISEKC home page.

News stories, articles, comment, insights, features, and Vaisnava perspectives available on-line from http://www.iskcon.com/new/

Vraj journal
http://www.vrajajournal.com/
 

    The year beginning on Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja September 6th, 2004, and ending with his Vyasa Puja on August 28, 2005 marks the 108th anniversary of his birth. While everyone honors 100th anniversaries, Vaisnavas place great significance on the 108th anniversary, because 108 is a special number. Krsna enjoys with 108 principal gopis (cowherd girls), there are 108 Upanishads, and a round of japa on beads is 108 Hare Krsna mantras. ISKCON has created a special opportunity to glorify Srila Prabhupada on his 108th birthday and throughout the year afterwards. ISKCON's governing body commissioners in their annual meeting this year passed the following resolution.

Whereas: The 108th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's appearance can bring special inspiration to the devotee community by glorifying Srila Prabhupada.
Whereas: H.H. Lokanath Swami was successful in performing the service of Srila Prabhupada's Centennial Global Minister.

Resolved: ISKCON will make the celebration of Srila Prabhupada's 108th appearance anniversary year a highlight of its activities until Vyasa Puja 2005. H.H. Lokanath Swami will take up the service of global coordinator for this project.

    In 1996 ISKCON celebrated Srila Prabhupada's Centennial.  Participation in events far exceeded expectations.  Throughout the Centennial year, followers of Srila Prabhupada made extraordinary efforts to spread his glories world wide by inundating their countries, states, and cities with the holy name of Krsna, Krsna prasadam, and Prabhupada's books.  Temples world wide joined in celebrating many spectacular special events.  Streets were named in Prabhupada's honor, and several biographies about him were published.  There were also many wonderful special achievements and offerings by individuals and groups.  but why was the Centennial so successful?  We could only conclude that it was because Krsna wanted to glorify Srila Prabhupada.  Krsna wanted to show the world that He is know as bhaktanama mana vardhanah, "He who enhances the reputation of His devotees."
    Srila Prabhupada's teachings, which continue to be felt throughout all parts of ISKCON, are the universal inspiration for the 108 celebration.  All initiated devotees and all followers of Srila Prabhupada have a high level of awareness, appreciation, and remembrance of him.  They feel connected with him as their siksa guru, accepting as essential the teaching he gave in his books.  Inspired by his powerful presence, they follow his instructions in their own lives and are able to bring others to follow them too.
     The celebration of Srila Prabhupada's 108th anniversary will focus on a series of public events.  most of the international events that were so successful in 1996 will be held again.  The events will bring about a heightened appreciation for Srila Prabhupada and his movement in the public and increase ISKCON's member's awareness of being part of a united worldwide movement.
    The 108th Celebration is not limited to events.  The spirit of the Celebration is to encourage each ISKCON devotee, member and follower to make at least one personal offering to Srila Prabhupada during the year in one or more of the following areas:
1. Help spread Srila Prabhupada's mission by expanding the congregation, distributing books and chanting the holy name, especially at 108 events.
2. Dedicate oneself to glorifying Srila Prabhupada by personally meaningful special achievement during the 108th year.
3. Build personal internal strength by commitment to improving both personal spiritual standards and practices and those of your community.
    The 108th Celebration is a great time to introduce the whole world to Srila Prabhupada and his mission.  Let us all take seriously this very special opportunity, and wholeheartedly glorify Srila Prabhupada.

See you local temple to find out what's going on in your area and how to be part of it......


Visit Your Local Hare Krishna Temple
See a full NZ list of contacts HERE under Communities:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm

See the Kiwi yatra HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/NZKiwi-yatra.html

Australian yatra here:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/aussie-yatra.htm

International here:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-int.htm

Iskcon World-wide @ a centre near you:
http://www.iskcon.com/worldwide/centres/index.html

Words of Wisdom - Shastra & Shastrakaras speak

For Books and shastra downloads see Main Index, under Books:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

The Complete Works of Srila Prabhupada
All the books, the letters and conversations at your fingertips

Requirements: DOS or Windows, 173 MB free disk space, 286 PC or better.
http://wald.heim.at/sherwood/530002/

Srila Prabhupada's Audio lectures to listen to on-line:
http://www.hare-krishna.org/srila-prabhupada-lectures.htm

Listen to Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on-line - all 900 of his lectures are available HERE:
http://www.prabhupadavani.org/

Srimad Bhagavatam - the entire lecture series listen and read along on-line - Narrated by Amala Bhakta dasa:
http://www.prabhupadavani.org/SB_index.html

The new enhanced Prabhupada MP3 series
http://www.prabhupada.com/store/store.php?page=product.php&id=MP3AUDIOLIB

All Srila Prabhupada's books and more on one disk
http://www.vedabase.com

Visit "Prabhupada Connect" for all manner of Prabhupad Nectar:
http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/Index.html

Srila Prabhupada's Final Lesson Video - Downloadable and viewing on-line
http://users.iskconludhiana.com/images/thumbnails.php?album=21


All Srila Prabhupada's original books
available for sale here.

Download all the Hare Krsna teachings which includes all Vaisnava and
Vedic concepts by visiting one of the sites listed at the following address.
http://www.geocities.com/suci123/bookdownloadsites1.html

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Srila Prabhupad Memorial Library
http://www.krishna.com/main.php?id=33


33 Books Online Including Srimad Bhagavatam!
http://www.geocities.com/freeprabhupadabooks

Download or Listen to Prabhupad Bhajans HERE:
http://www.prabhupadavani.org/web/text/Bhajans.html

On-line 1972 McMillan edition - Bhagavad Gita As It Is:
http://www.asitis.com/

Bhagavad Gita AS IT IS on-line through the Tirupathi Balaji site:
http://www.bhagavad-gita.us/

Bhagavad Gita Study guide on-line book:
http://chantandbehappy.com/gita/studyguide/StudyGuide-main.htm

Bhagavad Gita Study guides by numerous Iskcon devotees - FREE downloads:
http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/library/#3

All the Scriptures you'd ever need 4 FREE
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-books.htm
http://www.hknet.org.nz/DDB.htm
http://www.hknet.org.nz/DDB2.html

last updated 4th August 2003

Srimad Bhagavad Gita AS IT IS

Bhagavad Gita:  Chapter 2 - Contents of the Gita Summarized

TEXT 72
                        esa brahmi sthitih partha
                         nainam prapya vimuhyati
                        sthitvasyam anta-kale 'pi
                         brahma-nirvanam rcchati

                             WORD FOR WORD

   esa--this; brahmi--spiritual; sthitih--situation; partha--O son of Prtha; na--never; enam--this; prapya--achieving; vimuhyati--one is bewildered; sthitva--being situated; asyam--in this; anta-kale--at the end of life; api--also; brahma-nirvanam--the spiritual kingdom of God; rcchati--one attains.

                               TRANSLATION

   That is the way of the spiritual and godly life, after attaining which a man is not bewildered. If one is thus situated even at the hour of death, one can enter into the kingdom of God.
 

PURPORT by HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:

   One can attain Krsna consciousness or divine life at once, within a second--or one may not attain such a state of life even after millions of births. It is only a matter of understanding and accepting the fact. Khatvanga Maharaja attained this state of life just a few minutes before his death, by surrendering unto Krsna. Nirvana means ending the process of materialistic life. According to Buddhist philosophy, there is only void after the completion of this material life, but Bhagavad-gita teaches differently. Actual life begins after the completion of this material life. For the gross materialist it is sufficient to know that one has to end this materialistic way of life, but for persons who are spiritually advanced, there is another life after this materialistic life. Before ending this life, if one fortunately becomes Krsna conscious, he at once attains the stage of brahma-nirvana. There is no difference between the kingdom of God and the devotional service of the Lord. Since both of them are on the absolute plane, to be engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord is to have attained the spiritual kingdom. In the material world there are activities of sense gratification, whereas in the spiritual world there are activities of Krsna consciousness. Attainment of Krsna consciousness even during this life is immediate attainment of Brahman, and one who is situated in Krsna consciousness has certainly already entered into the kingdom of God.

   Brahman is just the opposite of matter. Therefore brahmi sthiti means =not on the platform of material activities.= Devotional service of the Lord is accepted in the Bhagavad-gita as the liberated stage (sa gunan samatityaitan brahma-bhuyaya kalpate). Therefore, brahmi sthiti is liberation from material bondage.

   Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has summarized this Second Chapter of the Bhagavad-gita as being the contents for the whole text. In the Bhagavad-gita, the subject matters are karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, and bhakti-yoga. In the Second Chapter karma-yoga and jnana-yoga have been clearly discussed, and a glimpse of bhakti-yoga has also been given, as the contents for the complete text.

   Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports to the Second Chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad-gita in the matter of its Contents.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with permission.

Bhagavad Gita As It Is - http://www.asitis.com/

View our Bhagavad Gita Overview:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/BG.html

Archive: http://www.cs.rice.edu/~vivek/btg/archive/
Home Page: http://www.cs.rice.edu/~vivek/btg/

Join Bhagavad Gita eGroups HERE
mailto:bhagavad_gita-owner@egroups.com

Prabhupada Uvacha:
(here's some nectar, sometimes it comes in the form of Srutakirti prabhu's diary, other times from Govinda dasi's diary, Hari Sauri prabhu's Transcendental Diary, or sometimes from a letter, or other related source, but still nectar...)

Syamasundara Tried Jamming, Cursing, and Forcing the Key

In 1972, when Srila Prabhupada was residing at the home of Kartikeya Mahadevia in Bombay, an unusual incident occured one morning. Prabhupada's secretary, Syamasundara dasa, and servant, Srutakirti dasa, had taken Prabhupada to Chowpatti Beach for his morning walk. Syamasundara had driven them in Mr. Mahadevia's car, one of those black Ambassadors popular throughout India. When they were ready to return, Syamasundara found that he couldn't start the car engine. He fitted the key into the ignition, but the key wouldn't turn. Syamasundara tried jamming, cursing, and forcing the key until he became completely frustrated.
"It's not going to work, Srila Prabhupada," he said. "I'll go get a taxi." He dashed out of the car, leaving Srila Prabhupada chanting japa in the back seat with Srutakirti. After a few minutes, two Indian gentlemen in suits and ties approached the car, opened the front door, and got in. Srutakirti became alarmed, but Srila Prabhupada began a friendly talk with them in Hindi. When the man put his key in the ignition, started the car, and drove off, Srutakirti finally understood what had happened. Syamasundara had led Srila Prabhupada to the wrong car! When the real owners of the black Ambassador heard from Srila Prabhupada his explanation, they were honored and insisted driving Prabhupada back to Mr. Mahadevia's.
Srutakirti tried apologizing for what had happened, but one of the men turned and replied, "Oh, no, this is very nice opportunity for us to do some seva for Swamiji."
Srila Prabhupada then began to explain the basis of Krsna consciousness and his worldwide mission, and the men listened attentively.
When they arrived at Mr. Mahadevia's building, Srila Prabhupada invited the men up to take some prasadam.
"No, we have to go to the office, but thank you very much, Swamiji."
"Yes, thank you, Swamiji. Hare Krsna!"
After the pleasant incident, Srila Prabhupada remarked to his servant, "This is the difference between India and America. In America if we had gotten into someone's car, we would have been in great difficulty."
Srutakirti dasa, interview. Srila Prabhupada repeated a similar anecdote in his lectures about the time he and his disciples had walked across a farmer's field in Vrndavana. The farmer had come out with members of his family to meet Prabhupada and to express that it was a great honor for him to have Srila Prabhupada walking in his field. Prabhupada compared this to the West, where there are signs, "Beware of Dog," and where a trespasser may be shot.

- From the Prabhupada Nectar by HH Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

To receive little snippets of nectar like this on a daily basis subscribe HERE: or If you want to introduce anyone else in reading Srila Prabhupada Nectars, please send their eMail addresses to mailto:krpamaya_gauranga@hotmail.com

Please Chant:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Listen to Srila Prabhupad on-line
....a different lecture, morning walk, conversation or class daily.

"Wildcats And Special Rascals"

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- April 27, 1976, Auckland, New Zealand

Listen to the entire lecture on-line:
http://prabhupadavani.org/Conversations/RAMfiles_CNV/CNV210.ram

Guru-krpa: Srila Prabhupada, for the abhiseka, do we require cow urine and cow dung and tail of cow? Is it...

Prabhupada: If available, not?

Devotee (1): Yes, we can get it.

Guru-krpa: It's available.

Pusta Krsna: They're feeling threatened by our kirtana parties.

Prabhupada: Who?

Pusta Krsna: He said that some of the town councils are trying to pass laws against our chanting in the streets.

Devotee (2): The Christians are behind it in Whangarei.

Prabhupada: So, can they pass such law?

Devotee (2): I don't think so. We're having.... Some of our men are going to meet with the council the day after tomorrow at the meeting. They're open to our side. The reason is that the businessmen have complained, some of the businessmen have complained.

Prabhupada: Not all of them. You take some signature from other businessmen.

Devotee (2): Yes, all right.

Prabhupada: You present that.

Devotee (2): Yes. The men who are going to speak are businessmen, devotees. One is an architect.

Prabhupada: Then he can organize so many signatures.

Devotee (2): One is a restaurant owner, and one has a hairdressing salon. And they're going to speak...

Prabhupada: Everyone likes; that's a fact.

Guru-krpa: We gave the argument before that they say it is a disturbance, but there are so many cars and airplanes which are making disturbance. They should also be stopped.

Devotee (2): Last week we wrote letters to the newspaper, and they published them, showing our view. And in Whangarei.... It's another city, a hundred miles from here. It's near the farm up north, and the devotees chant there. And the businessmen complained. And the devotees wrote a letter criticizing the materialistic businessmen, and that they didn't care for the people, only they wanted money. And they printed it this big in the newspaper, completely criticizing, and the people liked it. They put it in everything, word for word what the devotees said. So it was good.

Prabhupada: So there is agitation against chanting. That is also good. Yes, "Hare Krsna is bad." (laughs)

Pusta Krsna: They don't want to be bothered with Hare Krsna.

Prabhupada: Huh?

Pusta Krsna: They don't want to be bothered with Hare Krsna. Go on with their hellish life.

Prabhupada: So we want that. Let them chant Hare Krsna somehow or other. (devotees laugh) "We don't want to be bothered by Hare Krsna." That means chanting Hare Krsna.

Devotee (2): Because our kirtana party now, we have, we go on kirtana, eighty men. We go two nights a week with eighty men. Huge kirtana with five mrdangas and guitars, and we get huge crowd from the whole street.

Prabhupada: That will make you triumphant. Go on kirtana. That is very nice. Kirtana, and book distribution. This is also kirtana.

Guru-krpa: This is brhad mrdanga.

Prabhupada: Yes. So do it enthusiastically. Keep yourself pure. Nobody will be able to do any harm to you. Krsna will give you protection. So? [break]

Devotee (2): Eight crores.

Hari-sauri: Didn't he say eighty crores?

Prabhupada: One crore means ten million.

Hari-sauri: Rupees.

Prabhupada: Such eight.

Devotee (2): Eighty million rupees.

Prabhupada: Yes.

Devotee (2): That's a million dollars.

Prabhupada: Yes.

Pusta Krsna: Eight million dollars.

Prabhupada: Now it will be tested how much money we have got. (Pusta Krsna laughs)

Guru-krpa: Ghee is cheaper in New Zealand than in Australia.

Prabhupada: Anyway, first of all arrange for selling.

Guru-krpa: I've already sent off the letter.

Prabhupada: And you can disvertise(?) it from New Zealand or from Australia. There can be very peaceful condition of the whole world. Simply mismanaged by the rascal leaders. Otherwise, people can live very peacefully, eat sumptuously, save time, and there is no necessity of stopping the bare necessities of life. There is arrangement for eating, sleeping, sex life also. But not like fools and rascals. Like sane man. But this modern civilization, it is insane, crazy civilization. There is a little pleasure in sex life -- simply sex life, increase sex life, spoiling everything. That is crazy. Eating-eat anything, any nonsense thing, and become a hog. Sleeping-oh, there is no limit, twenty-four hours sleeping if it is possible. Go on, this is going on. Eating, sleeping, mating. And defense -- and discover atomic weapon, this weapon, that weapon, and kill innocent persons, unnecessarily, defense. This is going on. But everything can be used properly for peaceful condition, and when you become peaceful, no disturbance, then you can very happily chant Hare Krsna and your life becomes successful. This is our program. We don't want to stop anything. How it can be stopped? Whatever is the bare neces.... Just like we have taken sannyasa. What is that? "Oh, we have no sex life only. Otherwise, we are also eating, we are also sleeping." So that is also stopped in good old age. In old age, if a person like me, at the age of eighty years, if I would have shopped for sex life, does it look very good? Young men, they are allowed. That's all right. But a young..., old man is going to the club and spending for sex life so much money. Therefore younger generation, they're allowed grhastha life from twenty-five years to fifty years. That's all. After that, stop sex life. Actually, they want to stop population. Then why it, sex, then? No, they'll have sex life, at the same time, no population, kill the children. What is that? Simply sinful life. They will suffer, continue to suffer. So we want to stop that suffering. These rascals, they do not understand. They think, "Hare Krsna movement is disturbing." A rascal civilization. So let us try our best. What can be done? You also helping in this movement. So don't spoil the movement by manufacturing ideas. Don't do that. Go on in the standard way, keep yourself pure; then movement is sure to be successful. But if you want to spoil it by whimsical, then what can be done? It will be spoiled. If you manufacture whims and disagree and fight amongst yourself, then it will be another edition of these so-called movements. It will lose the spiritual strength. Always remember it. You cannot.... Now, actually, people are surprised: "What this Hare Krsna mantra has got power that it is changing so quickly?" And on the other hand, it is to be admitted, unless it has got power, how it is changing? So we have to keep that power. Don't make it an ordinary musical vibration. It is a different thing, spiritual. Although it seems like musical vibration, but it is spiritual, completely. Mantrausadhi-vasa. Even, by mantra, the snakes can be charmed. So mantra is not ordinary sound vibration. So we have to keep the mantra in potency, potent, by offenseless chanting, by remaining pure. If you pollute the mantra, then it will lose its effect. (devotees discuss some money matters in background)

Devotee (2): So concerning the temple, Srila Prabhupada, I talked to some boys, and the one boy, Dhumra(?), he used to be in Australia, he made a fifteen-foot-high Lord Caitanya. Do you remember at the Ratha-yatra?

Prabhupada: Hmm. Hmm.

...............continued

"Glory to the Sri Krishna Samkirtan which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years together. Thus the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death, is extinguished. The Samkirtan Movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction Moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge, it increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it helps us to have a taste of the full nectar for which we are always anxious."

(Every Town & Village, album cover)

On-line Virtual Arati to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai - check it out
http://www.in2-mec.com/GNpuja.html

http://www.hknet.org.nz/harernam-page.htm
http://Harinam/rulestheweb.com

What's So Special About Chanting Hare Krishna?
By Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandan dasa ACBSP):
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/chanting_hare_krishna.htm

Hare Krishna is NOT "a Cult":
Is ISKCON a Cult or part of the "Hindu Culture" or Something Else?
http://www.hknet.org.nz/not-a-cult.html

Hare Krishna is NOT a Cult letter by Kunti dd editor of Hare Krishna World:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/HK-no-cult.html

38 Years of Krishna Consciousness through Iskcon.........
http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa081201a.htm

Very nice articles and numerous links on the About Hinduism web-site.

What is ISKCON ???
http://www.iskcon.org/main/twohk/iskcon/what.htm

Is Iskcon a Cult?
http://www.hknet.org.nz/not-a-cult.html

Iskcon and Hinduism
http://www.hknet.org.nz/IskconHinduism.html

SONGS AND MANTRAS by Vaishnava spiritual masters:
http://web.tiscali.it/no-redirect-tiscali/gopala/Vaishnava-Songs/index.html

Vaishnava Song Book:
http://www.iskcon.org/sastra/f_vs.html
http://www.iskcon.org/sastra/vs_other.html

Vedic Art Publications
http://www.vedicarts.net/catalogmain.html

Listen to or download Prabhupad lectures and bhajans
http://chantandbehappy.com/prabhupada/index.html

Devotional Bhajans and kirtans
http://chantandbehappy.com/bhajans/index.html

Hundreds of devotional songs by various artists - singers - performers - and many more coming soon:
http://www.radiokrishna.com/modules.php?name=NukeView&file=index&query=http://www.radiokrishna.com/rkc_archive_new/index2.php

Download songs
http://www.harekrsna.cz/mp3/folk/

Krishna Vision of Krishna Prema dasa ACBSP Sound Track Vol. 4 samples:
http://www.krisnavision.narod.ru/

Sydney temple Audio page
http://www.iskcon.com.au/Audio.html

Leicester Temple UK Audio page - many bhajans and kirtans
http://www.gauranga.org/audio_page.htm

Listen to Krishna Radio on various subjects on-line:
http://www.krishna.com/newsite/main.php?id=260

Hare Krishna Media Library
http://www.harekrishna.org.au/

Agama Tantra and the Vaishnava Samskaras as a way of life:

Recently I was asked, "Don't you find it an inconvenience to always be checking to see when is the right time to do this or the best time for that?"

In simple terms my answer was and still is; if you go to the bus or railway station or airport it is probably an intelligent venture to enquire about the times and routes of vehicles than to just hope that one will be along soon, or one is going in your direction.

There are subtle influences in the Universe that, for thousands of years gone by, advanced cultures have honoured, respected and utilised. Before the corruption of the Vedik literatures by the Christian and Moslem invaders to India all these things were used; Ayurvedik Medicine; Vedik Astrology; etc. Today there's a rennaisance among many to revive these arts.

We have been trained and studied to be able to provide these services. See some of my sites:

http://www.hknet.org.nz/jtcd-samskaras.html
http://www.iskcon.net/nz-namahatta/jtcd/1-homepage.html

or contact me directly: mailto:jtcd@xtra.co.nz

aham kratur aham yajnah
svadhaham aham ausadham
mantro 'ham aham evajyam
aham agnir aham hutam

"But it is I who am the ritual, I the sacrifice, the offering to the ancestors, the healing herb,
the transcendental chant. I am the butter and the fire and the offering."(Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 9.16)

Krishna conscious affirmations:

 Always remember Krishna and never forget Him

Join and receive Krishna conscious affirmations:
mailto:Sravana.SPGTSI@pamho.net

By popular demand - Looking for a devotee husband or wife?
&
Marriage Synastry

Devotee Meeting-Place Web site - FREE Service:
http://www.angelfire.com/ab7/devoteesmeet/home.html 

or HERE

BHAKTI YOGA SINGLES:
This list is for Bhakti Yoga singles. Those who practice Bhakti Yoga are known as Vaisnavas.
This list is therefore called Vaisnava Singles.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vaisnavasingles

Post a Message: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vaisnavasingles/post

Vegetarian Singles:
This list is for vegetarian singles. I know it can be difficult to get to know someone. There may not be anyone who can help us to get to know that special someone. We've got the computer now. So signup and start letting people know you're lonely.
Don't keep it a secret any longer.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vegetariansingles

Post a Message:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vegetariansingles/post

Post your singles ads here.
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/devoteesingles

.....think you've found someone special......
Marriage Compatibility Checking - Synastry

For marriage compatibility analysis bookings
http://www.hknet.org.nz/3-synastry.html

For more information about the system of analysis - the Vedik Kuta system
http://www.hknet.org.nz/synastry9page.htm

For more information about Vedik Marriage Compatibility
http://www.hknet.org.nz/MarriageSynastry4U.html

......and the process of Vaishnava Vivaha - sacred marriage

Gurukuli.com
A positive, safe environment to meet and chat
http://youth.rupa.com

BRITish CREW - Gurukuli forum
http://britcrew.com

Young F.O.L.K. 
Young Friends Of Lord Krishna
 http://www.hknet.org.nz/YoungFOLK.htm

ete cäàça-kaläù puàsaù
kåñëas tu bhagavän svayam
indräri-vyäkulaà lokaà
måòayanti yuge yuge

“All the lists of the incarnations of Godhead submitted herewith are either plenary expansions or parts of the plenary expansions of the Supreme Godhead, but Kåñëa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.28)

rämädi-mürtiñu kalä-niyamena tiñöhan
nänävatäram akarod bhuvaneñu kintu
kåñëaù svayaà samabhavat paramaù pumän yo
govindam ädi-puruñaà tam ahaà bhajämi

“I worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Govinda [Kåñëa], who is always situated in various incarnations such as Räma, Nåsiàha and many subincarnations as well, but who is the original Personality of Godhead known as Kåñëa, and who incarnates personally also.” (Brahma samhita 5:39.)

The Devotee List - Iskcon and Gaudiya math(s):
(It's still being developed, and a lot of devotees are not here......)
http://devotee.s5.com/index.html

Mail box full - over quota - newsletters bouncing.......

Still waiting for an internet company to come forward
and give you a massive mailbox for FREE like it's been rumoured for months.

HELP IS HERE AT LAST.

Tired of that wimpy 2mb mailboxs?  rejecting important emails cause
its always overflowing but still too cheap to spring for a "real" ISP..
No computer but need an email address? Need a stealth email address? Got
a friend who fits that description?... Well here are some other free
options for you. Note that a couple of these offer HUGE 100-200mb mail boxes...

http://www.hotmail.com   ..................2 mb
http://www.yahoo.com ....................4 mb
http://www.freeserve.com ..............5 mb
http://www.myownemail.com ........5 mb
http://www.lycos.com ......................5 mb
 http://www.softhome.net ................6 mb
http://www.bigmailbox.com ...........7 mb
http://mail.uk2.net ...........................10 mb
 http://www.gmx.net
http://www.graffiti.net
http://www.hotpop.com
http://www.mail2world
http://www.mail.com
http://www.mailandnews.com
http://www.mail15.com .................15 mb
http://macnews.de .........................20 mb
http://xms.ms ..................................20 mb
http://balls.com ............................100 mb
http://ukonline.net .......................200 mb

Vedik World Heritage pages

Read enlivening articles
See pictures of exhumed relics
Understand conspirital deceptions...
Join the renaissance to rebuild the Golden Age in the Kali-yuga
Find out about Vedik heritage items all around the world.....

Send in your articles and news:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html

See more similar pages and links http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html and http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-Vedik.htm

Vedik Culture list
 mailto:vediculture-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

A selection of interesting Krishna conscious articles from New Panihati - Atlanta temple USA:
http://newpanihati.tripod.com/NewsGroup/KCNectar/KCNectarMain.htm

Paradigms - where things are not all they seem

Krishna conscious Dramas and plays:
A collection of 88 transcendental dramas assembled and presented for the pleasure of
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
http://www.cedarpost.com/krsnaconsciousplays/default.htm

Wonderful modern Krishna conscious plays:
http://www.cedarpost.com/krsnaconsciousplays/TableOfContents.htm

These are great for Sunday feasts, or school programs or street presentations, or just for our own understanding.

Read here what Prabhupad says about such plays and dramas:
http://www.cedarpost.com/krsnaconsciousplays/PlaysP2SPquotes.htm

Hare Krsna!

In the download section of my website  http://tinyurl.com/9er95 you will find a copy of Ganguly's complete English translation of the Mahabharata (originally in 13 hardback volumes) in HTML format. It is in a 7.5 MB zipped file.

The Mahabharata explains by example how Lord Krsna's Vedic culture and Varnashrama Dharma are meant to work. Where the Manu Smriti is a concise book of laws for Mankind the Mahabharata shows how those laws are applied. The Mahabharata along with the Ramayana have been the main foundation for the continuation of Vedic culture because they are easily accessible to the masses. The Mahabharata was actually written for the unfortunate people of the Kali Yuga to help uplift them. A close study of the Mahabharata and Ramayana in conjunction with the Manu Samhita would serve as a good guide on how to implement Varnashrama Dharma. And, in conjunction with the Srimad Bhagavatam, insight into Daivi Varnashrama Dharma. The Mahabharata is thus an essential text for anyone interested in implementing VAD.

The Mahabharata is a vast treasure house of Brahminical knowledge and as the Mahabharat itself says: "What is found in the Mahabharata may be found in other texts; whatever is not found in the Mahabharata is not found anywhere."

You will also find a PDF copy  of a canto of Agnivesa's Caraka Samhita (an Ayurvedic text) entitled Sarirasthana, a fascinating account of how the body is formed starting with philosophical details, conception, karmic details, embryology etc. I once gave this text to an obstetrician to read while she was waiting to see me and she was astounded at how much knowledge was contained in such an ancient text. Size 14 MB

Yours faithfully,

Shyamasundara Dasa

http://www.ShyamasundaraDasa.com
"krsnas tu bhagavan svayam"

The Formidable Audio page - Bhajans, Kirtans, Lectures many Iskcon devotees:
http://www.iskcon.com.au/Audio.html

and

Bhajans and Kirtans
http://chantandbehappy.com/bhajans/index.html

and

Download latest Real Player for Free:
http://software-dl.real.com/22e4968a89f121132020/windows/mrkt/AUN03D/RealOnePlayerV2GOLD.exe

Listen to audio and view videos on-line here:
http://www.prabhupada.org/prabhupadadesh/a_deposito_oggetti/Archivio_Audio-Video/index.php?q=t&t=EN
http://www.prabhupada.org/prabhupadadesh/a_deposito_oggetti/Archivio_Audio-Video/index.php?q=f&f=%2FAudio
There's literally hundreds of bhajans, kirtans and videos segments to check out.............try all the folders too.......

Nectar for kids and adults alike:
http://www.rasa-music.com/Bodies/body-shop.html

...........more Audio sites linked HERE

Topical Articles:
Abortion - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-abortion.htm
Genetic Engineering ( GE or GM ) - http://www.hknet.org.nz/GE.html
Environment - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Environment.htm
Encroachment - http://www.hknet.org.nz/WE-Day2004.html
Cloning - http://www.hknet.org.nz/cloning.htm
Science - http://www.hknet.org.nz/science2KC.html
Cow Protection - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Cow-protection.htm
The Four Regulative Principles of Freedom - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Regs-4page.htm
seX-files - http://www.hknet.org.nz/seX-files.htm
Mundane Knowledge - http://www.hknet.org.nz/mundaneknowledge.html
Death (Yamaduttas - Terminal Restlessness etc)- http://www.hknet.org.nz/death.html
Near Death Experience - http://www.hknet.org.nz/NDE.htm
Ghosts - http://www.hknet.org.nz/ghosts.htm
Reincarnation again here - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Reincarnation-page.htm
Gain some insights in the TV culture  - http://www.hknet.org.nz/television.html
The aweful Truth about softdrinks - http://www.hknet.org.nz/theREALthing.html
Changing the face of the Earth - http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1390/index.html
UFOs - http://www.hknet.org.nz/UFOs.html
Vegetarianism & Beyond - http://turn.to/Vegetarianism
Articles for newcomers to Krishna consciousness - http://www.krishna.com/newsite/main.php?id=87
Self Help and Motivational pages - Deals and Affiliate programs: - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-selfhelp.html
Myth of the Aryan invasion by Dr. David Frawley: - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Aryan-invasion-mythDF.html

.........many other articles - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-articles.htm

and from there go to the Main Index http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm

Iskcon News Articles now available - many topical insights
http://www.iskcon.com/new/index.html

ISKCON Statement on London Bombings
http://www.iskcon.com/new/050706_bomb_ic.htm

This statement is issued on behalf of ISKCON Communications, 7 July 2005.

The 7 July attack on London was cruel and senseless. Devotees of Krishna share in the world's horror at these murders.

We share in the feelings of sorrow and sympathy for the dead and their families, and for those injured physically and emotionally. Many ISKCON members live in London and many more have close ties with it and share, in a very direct way, the turmoil resulting from these terrible acts.

This is a crime against humanity in the truest sense. Those attacked had been de-humanised by their attackers — they were no longer seen as individuals with lives, and cares, and souls of their own, but as targets in a political struggle. We object to that behaviour at all times.

We also sympathise with our Muslim friends, many of whom may in turn be de-humanised as "the enemy" in the UK and in other countries.

This is a sad time for all sincere religionists, whatever tradition they belong to — to see the antithesis of Godly behaviour touted as an example of what religion stands.

In this dark time, we pray that all afflicted find comfort and that our societies can begin to find a way out of this violence.

God and Terrorism
http://www.iskcon.com/new/050709_bomb.htm

“God told me to maim.” “God told me to kill children.” “God told me to desecrate.” Sound familiar? Stirring terrorism in with God makes a sickening brew. Let’s be frank: terrorists don’t believe in God — unless there is a God who encourages the sudden and unexpected killing of civilians, workers, and children.

Terrorists can garner fame and recognition from their peers, and perhaps the most dangerous sorts are those who live to die heroically by killing an unsuspecting “enemy.”

Many terrorists, we learn, think their actions are all for the pleasure of God. But we shouldn’t be surprised, for such notions of what pleases God are nothing new to human beings, especially in a secular world where God and the Devil can change positions at the drop of a sabre.

But along with theology, all religion professes common decency. All faiths say that the original human nature is to be good, and that lower forms of behaviour pollute this nature.

Although God is invoked as the ultimate sanctioning agent in many conflicts, wars are usually fought over land, economic power, and political or tribal supremacy. Many wars are based on crazy concepts of God.

But religion – of any stripe, in any country – espouses love of God as the ultimate teaching and this is meant to transcend all confessions. God specifically advises us to develop qualities of peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, and wisdom. These common values will help us discover peace, internally and externally.

Mukunda Goswami

The London attacks are a terrible tragedy and our hearts and prayers go out to all affected.

Such atrocities are becoming all too common all around the world. Often it is done in the name of religion, and indeed there are “religious groups” claiming responsibility for this latest wave of attacks.

Such groups are generally marked by an unswerving certainty that they are doing God’s will. They therefore feel that they are doing no wrong; after all, God, by any definition, is all-good, and his will must surely mean the good of all beings.

But how do we know the divine will? Many times it has been invoked in order to justify war. The first crusaders who attacked Jerusalem a thousand years ago were promised salvation by Pope Urban II, while the defending Muslims believed the Lord was with them.

More recently, in the Gulf War, President Bush and Saddam Hussein each declared that he had God on his side. And now the Muslims who die in what they see as their jihad believe they will go to Paradise and enjoy everlasting pleasures.

Quite a conundrum for God, it seems. How can he support everyone?

What is his definition of good and bad? It might be handy to know before we embark on any fierce campaigns.

Well, a good place to start looking is scripture, but that of course is often the root of disagreement. Opposing parties have their different scriptures from which they quote in order to establish that followers of any other scripture are godless barbarians. I once walked into a shop in my priestly robes and the shopkeeper immediately exclaimed, "Your book is wrong!" (at which I beat a hasty retreat).

So, whose book is right? Who is actually on God's side, doing his will? Perhaps Christ's instruction to judge a tree by its fruits is helpful. If a person is actually approaching God, which is the aim of all religion, then he or she should become godly — tolerant, humble, kind, merciful, and non-violent are a few definitions of goodness given in Bhagavad-gita.

Of course, these good qualities can be developed by anyone from any faith background. They are not the exclusive preserve of any religion, for we find genuine saints in all traditions.

Religion is a process that aims to please God, thereby taking the practitioner closer to him. This may manifest in different forms and rituals following different scriptures, but if the essential aim is to please the Lord, then why squabble? If I am actually trying to please a person I love, then how1 can I hate others trying to please the same person, even if they are doing it in a different way to me?

Hating others in the name of God defeats its own purpose of pleasing God. Rather than pleasure it would more likely give the Lord pain. Is a father pained when he sees his sons fight? And if I hold such hatred, it seems to be evidence that I myself am not actually coming close to God.

Is there ever any justification for a holy war? How about rooting out unbelievers? Surely that must please God? And clearly some self-styled holy warriors see things in those terms, believing they are purging the earth of its scourge of atheists.

But can that please the Lord? If my brother turns away from my father and I therefore kill him, would that make my father happy?
The real war then is against ignorance, first of all in ourselves. This is the actual triumph of good over evil — gaining knowledge of who we really are, and of God, and of how to reach him.

If we really do want good to prevail, then we should come together with a desire to know and satisfy the Supreme, peacefully discussing how that can best be done. We should recognise the integrity of other people's faiths, and see that they too are children of the same God we are trying to worship, equally loved by him. And those without faith should be loved too, even if at present they choose to turn away from him. After all, has not the Lord himself given us that free choice?

The ultimate definition of good must be that which is conducive to the permanent happiness of all beings. Only God has that vision, and thus our highest good lies in approaching Him.

Krishna Dharma Dasa  UK

Terrorist Attack On Ayodhya Temple Foiled

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4651095.stm

AYODHYA, INDIA, July 5, 2005: Indian police have killed five gunmen who attacked a flashpoint religious site in the northern city of Ayodhya. A sixth man is thought to have died triggering the blast which began the raid. A two-hour gunfight raged at the complex, claimed by Hindus and Muslims. Religious sites across India are on high alert following the attack, and the government has appealed for calm. No group has so far claimed the attack. In 1992, Hindu nationalists tore down the Babri Masjid at the site, sparking riots. (HPI adds: The Masjid was built on the site of the temple marking Lord Rama's birthplace.)

The unidentified gunmen forced their way into the heavily guarded site in Uttar Pradesh state at about 0915 local time (0415 GMT). They used a jeep loaded with explosives to blow a hole in the wall of the complex, and drove a car through the gap. The gunmen were surrounded by armed police as they tried to enter the inner area of the compl ex. Three members of the security forces were injured. The inner area contains a tent with a temporary Hindu temple attended by Hindu priests and pilgrims.

"All the attackers were wearing black trousers and shirts which made them look like commandos," one local man told Reuters news agency. Television pictures showed the charred jeep, with bodies and body parts littered around. A local official told the BBC that all the Hindu pilgrims and the religious structure were safe. The driver of the men's vehicle has been arrested and is being questioned by police, who say they recovered three AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades at the site.

Courtesy of Hinduism Today http://www.HinduismToday.com/

Victoria State's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act Causes Controversy

http://www.crosswalk.com

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, June 23, 2005: Ever since the state of Victoria in Australia passed the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act in early 2002, the outcome has become controversial, according to this report from Crosswalk.com, a Christian news agency.

Premier Bob Carr of New South Wales, a neighboring state, says, "Religious vilification laws are difficult because determining what is or is not a religious belief is difficult. It is subjective. Religious vilification laws can undermine the very freedom they seek to protect -- freedom of thought, conscience and belief."

Victoria has received a huge reaction nationally and internationally as a result of the new law. The case causing all the controversy is explained in this news release, "Two evangelical pastors in Australia convicted of vilifying Muslims say they will go to prison rather than obey a judge's order to apologize. A tribunal judge in the state of Victoria on Wednesday i nstructed Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot to apologize for their comments by publishing a prescribed statement in newspapers and on the website of Nalliah's ministry, Catch the Fire. They would also have to promise never to repeat them -- or any other comments which would have the same or similar effect -- anywhere in Australia or on the Internet."

Judge Michael Higgins of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), a body that operates like a normal court of law, says, "Scot, a Pakistan-born pastor who addressed the seminar, had done so in a way which is essentially hostile, demeaning and derogatory of all Muslim people, their God, Allah, the prophet Mohammed and in general Muslim religious beliefs and practises. The offending statement included the view that the Koran promotes violence and killing; that Muslims lie; and that Muslims intend to take over Australia and declare it an Islamic State. An article by Nalliah in a Catch the Fire newsletter c ontained statements likely to incite a feeling of hatred towards Muslims, including the claim that Muslim refugees were being granted visas to Australia while Christians who suffer persecution in Islamic nations were refused refugee visas."

The case against Nalliah and Scot resulted when the state's Islamic Council lodged a complaint. It has taken twenty months to finalize and has other countries considering the outcome of the law. The article explains, "At one point is 2003, the Australian Embassy in Washington was flooded with letters from concerned Americans, and was hard pressed to explain that the case was being heard by a court-like tribunal operating under a law passed by one state's Labor government, not Australia's federal government. In Britain, opponents of a religious hatred bill currently under consideration have cited the Australian episode in their campaign against the legislation."

Courtesy of Hinduism Today http://www.HinduismToday.com/

BANGALORE, INDIA, July 9, 2005: A symbiosis of two universes, the ancient and the modern, philosophy and science, is what one finds in this unique Guru Kula which does not have the trappings of a conventional school. Situated amidst the scenic and serene environs of Mutthathi forest range, near the confluence of river Arkavathy and Cauvery, this project believes in "strengthening the moral and ethical fibre of a student," Satyavratha, secretary of the project, told PTI. "Merit and inclination towards Vedic learning" is the only criteria for admission to this school, about 92 km from Bangalore which takes students from fifth standard, said Satyavratha.

In the first phase, a six-year course, the students are made aware of the relevance of Vedic culture and ancient heritage and imparted Vedic knowledge about all the four Vedas by experts (Vidwans) in the field, Satyavratha said. While the first half of the day is devoted to yoga, Vedic ritual and le arning including Sanskrit grammar, the post-lunch session comprises regular classes in Science, Math, English, History and Computers, conforming to the National Institute of Open School syllabus, he said. An option is given to students to either pursue Vedic studies or join the mainstream. If the student decides to continue, he goes deep into the Shastras and Sanskrit and trains as a Vedic scholar, Satyavratha said.

The young students not only have to follow a unique dress code of wearing the sacred thread, a dhoti and angavastra, they also have a strict daily schedule which requires them to be up at "Brahma Muhurtha" (4 am), he said. After finishing their daily ritual, they clean their "Kutirs" and then go for yoga practice. This is followed by "Sandhyavandanam" (detailed recitation of gayatri mantra) and "Agnihotra." Later they do "Go Seva," which involves cleaning and milking the cows followed by Vedic classes. Nutritious "Sattvic" (without onion or garlic) foo d with much less spice and oil is provided to them. The vegetables and fruits are totally organic and home-grown, Satyavratha said. Play hours in the evening is the time when the students closely interact with the teachers, playing badminton, cricket, throwball and indoor games like chess with them.

Parents are allowed to meet their wards only once in four months. During this time a parents-teachers meeting is held wherein parents are briefed not only about their wards' academic progress but also his personality development. "Guru Purnima," celebrated in a grand manner in the school, is another occasion when parents and friends can visit the students and take part in the festivities, Satyavratha said. A team of like-minded people from different walks of life conceived the project and formed the Om Shantidhama Charitable Trust in 1991. The Gurukula has 45 students at present and 10 teachers including five Vedic scholars.

Courtesy of Hinduism Today http://www.HinduismToday.com/

Want to Reduce Global Warming? Go Vegetarian
http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/News/16dd96f8-9223-44d5-b7c6-39661281efd0.aspx

LONDON, ENGLAND, July 10, 2005: Global warming could be controlled if we all became vegetarians and stopped eating meat. That's the view of British physicist Alan Calverd, who thinks that giving up pork chops, lamb cutlets and chicken burgers would do more for the environment than burning less oil and gas. Writing in this month's Physics World, Calvert calculates that the animals we eat emit 21% of all the carbon dioxide that can be attributed to human activity. We could therefore slash man-made emissions of carbon dioxide simply by abolishing all livestock. Moreover, there would be no adverse effects to health and it would be an experiment that we could abandon at any stage. "Worldwide reduction of meat production in the pursuit of the targets set in the Kyoto treaty seems to carry fewer political unknowns than cutting our consumption of fossil fuels," he says.

See similar articles at Vegetarianism & beyond:
http://turn.to/Vegetarianism

Chariot Festival Begins In Puri
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2005/7/8.shtml

PURI, INDIA, July 8, 2005: Braving intermittent rains hundreds of thousands of devotees thronged the holy city, abode of Lord Jagannath, today to witness the world famous car festival even as an elaborate security blanket has been cast following the terrorist attack in Ayodhya. The three-km long Grand road from the Lions gate of the 12th century ce temple to Gundicha was crowded with pilgrims and the air reverberated to the chants of "Haribol" and "Jai Jagannth" as the rituals for the royal procession of three presiding deities--Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra--began. The three deities would begin their journey to Gundicha temple on three gigantic well decorated colorful chariots--Nandighosh, Taladhawaja and Darpadalan-- parked outside the temple. The deities would return to their original abode after a nine-day sojourn in Gundicha temple.

UNI Reports: The police have made a foolproof security arrangement for the 128th rath yatra of Lord Jagannath, to be taken out from famous centuries-old Jagannath Temple located in communally sensitive Jamalpur area of the walled city today morning. Additional Commissioner of Police (Sector-2), Ashish Bhatia, said a thick security blanket has been thrown around the entire 15-km long route of the yatra with deployment of a strong contingent of over 15,000 security personnel. The passing of the procession in the most sensitive part, the minority dominated (i.e. Muslim) Jordan Road locality of the Dariapur area, will be closely monitored by the officials through a special network of CCTVs (close circuit televisions). Thirty video cameras will shoot the entire procession.

Courtesy of Hinduism Today http://www.HinduismToday.com/

Strict vigil mounted for Ahmedabad rath yatra
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200507080390.htm?headline=Strict~vigil~mounted~for~Ahmedabad~rath~yatra
Ahmedabad, July 8 (UNI): The police have made a foolproof security arrangement for the 128th rath yatra of Lord Jagannath, to be taken out from famous centuries-old Jagannath Temple located in communally sensitive Jamalpur area of the walled city today morning.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Sector-2), Ashish Bhatia, said a thick security blanket has been thrown around the entire 15-km long route of the yatra with deployment of a strong contingent of over 15,000 security personnel.

Bhatia, heading the security arrangements, said for the first time as a special strategy a special Radio Trunk Line (RTL) communication network has been set up for the officials of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and above.

On this RTL network, officials can contact each other and city Police Commissioner, K R Kaushik, for exchange of information or help in case of any emergency.

He said a total of 67 companies of law enforcement agencies, including BSF, RAF, SRPF, CRPF, Home Guards and police force from Madhya Pradesh have been pressed into the service for the annual religious event.

Besides, nearly 7,000 personnel of the city police force, including 29 DCPs, 52 ACPs, 131 PIs, 508 PSIs, 58 Horse Mounted Police officials, over 6,000 Constables and Head Constables, are also on the job.

Bhatia said these personnel have been specially briefed about the security arrangements.

The officer said a total of 24 terrace points, including two mobile ones, have been set up at the communally sensitive places on the entire route of the procession.

The passing of the procession in the most sensitive part, the minority dominated Jordan Road locality of the Dariapur area, will be closely monitored by the officials through a special network of CCTVs (close circuit televisions).

Thirty video cameras will shoot the entire procession.

Courtesy of Hinduism Today http://www.HinduismToday.com/

Vedic World Heritage links:

See our pages supporting these views HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html (Vedik World Heritage)
Western Indologists been exposed page:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/WesternIndologists-page.htm
How British Misguided the World on Vedic History
http://www.hknet.org.nz/MotiveBritishRajMissionaries.html

World Smoke Free Day
31st May Every Year 

http://www.be-free.org/b-media/market-bfree03/cinema.php

yeah kick the butt
...and remember from 10th December 2004 no more smoking in public places in New Zealand by law

Grandfather and The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk s