Newsletter Number #171  ( Early February issue 2006 A.D. Gaurabda 519 )
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm
http://welcome.to/hknetworks

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ki jaya

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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 still 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

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"May there be good fortune throughout the universe, and may all envious persons be pacified. May all living entities become calm by practicing bhakti-yoga, for by accepting devotional service they will think of each other’s welfare. Therefore let us all engage in the service of the supreme transcendence, Lord Sri Krishna, and always remain absorbed in thought of Him."(Srimad Bhagavatam 5:18:9.)

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The Nectar in this Issue 

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From time to time articles and shlokas (verses) included in this newsletter may require the Balaram font in order to view them nicely. If you don't have the Balaram font installed on your system you can download it for free from our fonts page.

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
...Ekadasi Information - fasting - breakfast times

Local temples
...Newsletters & Blogs

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
... Other Topical links - etc
... Vedik revival - Vedik World Heritage

Advertisements - what's on where: check them out...
... Cyber Community Notice Board
...lastest important news items !!!!
Mayapur Gaura Purnima 2006 Offerings Now Online

... 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 2006
... Have a Happy Year - Gaurabda 519

Prasadam Recipes: To slake the thirst of body, mind & soul
...World Vegetarian Day & World Vegetarian Awareness Month of October links
... Religious Stands on Vegetarianism (Vaishnava - Hindu, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism)
... 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
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
The coming year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2006-2007
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2006-2007.html
(some selected locations are available already below)

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Bhaimi Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 9th February 2006  in NZ)

10th February 2006 Friday  Dvadasi

Sri Varaha Dvadasi - Appearance of Lord Varaha deva
 (The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.) (Feasting is done today.)

11th February 2006 Saturday
Sri Nityananda Trayodasi - Appearance of Nityananda Prabhu  (Fasting till noon)

Sri Krsna Madhura utsava
Srila Narottama Das Thakur - Appearance - Avirbhav
Kumbha Sankranti (Sun enters Aquarius)

18th February 2006 for the following:
Sri Purusottama Das Thakur - Disappearance - Tirubhav
HH Gour Govinda Swami -- Disappearance - Tirubhav
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupad - Appearance - Avirbhav - (Fasting till noon)

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Vijaya Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 25th February 2006  in NZ)

Sripad Isvara Puri - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Sri Shiva Ratri - Appearance Day of Lord Shiva (27th February 2006 in NZ)

 1st March 2006 for the following:
Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sri Rasikananda - Disappearance - Tirubhav
HH Tamal Krishna Goswami  - Disappearance - Tirubhav
HG Vrindavaneswari devi dasi - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Sri Purusottama Das Thakur - Appearance - Avirbhav

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Amalaki vrata Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 10th March 2006  in NZ)

Sripad Madhavendra Puri - Disappearance - Tirubhav

15th March 2006 (Wednesday)  Holika Purnima        (Holi)
Sri Krishna Chaitanya (Gauranga) Mahaprabhu - Appearance - Avirbhav
*** Gaura Purnima *** (Fasting Ekadasi style untill moonrise)

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse (do not cook, eat, etc. Only Chant Hare Krishna) see eclipses-page

Mina Sankranti (Sun enters Pisces)

This year's full panjikam 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
All Vaishnava Calendar Information HERE (Downloads, Glossary, Calendars, Eclipses etc)

A New Face Lift for the old VCAL program - info page

Vaishnava Calendar Reminder Services
http://www.vaisnavacalendar.info/programs.htm

GBC Vaishnava Calendar Comittee - Vaisnava Calendar Calculation
http://vcal.iskcongbc.org/

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

Now available:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2006-2007.html

or if you can't do that and you'd like a 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

Vaishnava Calendar Program Vcal 4.01 FREE Download, and make your own Calendar:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/vcal401.zip

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.hknet.org.nz/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/
Free Downloadable Vaishnava Reminder for your Desktop
This Vaishnava Calendar Reminder is so simple, so nice and so practical
It has a huge data base of Towns to choose from, and facility to add towns too.
This can be used in conjunction with all other software and URLs mentioned above.

"This software aimed to be a personal information manager of anyone in Krishna's devotee community. Did you ever miss Ekadasi? With Vaishnava Reminder it will not be so easy - it alerts you about fasting days. Also it has built-in vaishnava calendar generator, to-do tasks, custom events, diary and panchang. And it is 100% free - just visit http://www.vreminder.tk and download it. It quietly sits in the system tray and alerts you when needed."

Vaisnava Reminder v.0.501a setup - 520 kb
http://vreminder.gauranga.in/setup-vr0501a.zip

Once you've downloaded it and installed it, you'll never want to be without it.

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 blog - 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: 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.

CafeKrishna.com run by devotees from Pandava sena in the UK
http://cafekrishna.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/

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 (old)
http://www.iskconnz.com (The Auckland temple new site)
The Conch Newsletter is a subscription newsletter that is sent out in PDF 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.

Gauranga Sundara prabhu in Leicester (UK) Newsletter can be found at:
Current issue http://www.gauranga.org/files/newsletter_06.PDF
Back issues and all future issues can be found at: http://www.gauranga.org/newsletter_backissues.htm

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 prabhu'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://www.gauranga.org/files/etav_02.PDF

You may need to install the latest version of Adobe's Acrobat Reader:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Sit Properly dot com - go to extras 4 the blog - lots of useful info especially for new devotees throughout site
http://www.sitproperly.com/index2.html

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/

Srimad Bhagavad Gita AS IT IS

Bhagavad Gita:  Chapter 5 -  Karma-yoga : Action in Krsna Consciousness

TEXT 18
                          vidya-vinaya-sampanne
                          brahmane gavi hastini
                         suni caiva sva-pake ca
                         panditah sama-darsinah

   WORD FOR WORD

   vidya--with education; vinaya--and gentleness; sampanne--fully
   equipped; brahmane--in the brahmana; gavi--in the cow; hastini--in
   the elephant; suni--in the dog; ca--and; eva--certainly;
   sva-pake--in the dog-eater (the outcaste); ca--respectively;
   panditah--those who are wise; sama-darsinah--who see with equal
   vision.

  TRANSLATION

   The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal
   vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and
   a dog-eater [outcaste].

  PURPORT by HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad

   A Krsna conscious person does not make any distinction between
   species or castes. The brahmana and the outcaste may be different
   from the social point of view, or a dog, a cow, and an elephant may
   be different from the point of view of species, but these
   differences of body are meaningless from the viewpoint of a learned
   transcendentalist. This is due to their relationship to the
   Supreme, for the Supreme Lord, by His plenary portion as Paramatma,
   is present in everyone's heart. Such an understanding of the
   Supreme is real knowledge. As far as the bodies are concerned in
   different castes or different species of life, the Lord is equally
   kind to everyone because He treats every living being as a friend
   yet maintains Himself as Paramatma regardless of the circumstances
   of the living entities. The Lord as Paramatma is present both in
   the outcaste and in the brahmana, although the body of a brahmana
   and that of an outcaste are not the same. The bodies are material
   productions of different modes of material nature, but the soul and
   the Supersoul within the body are of the same spiritual quality.
   The similarity in the quality of the soul and the Supersoul,
   however, does not make them equal in quantity, for the individual
   soul is present only in that particular body whereas the Paramatma
   is present in each and every body. A Krsna conscious person has
   full knowledge of this, and therefore he is truly learned and has
   equal vision. The similar characteristics of the soul and Supersoul
   are that they are both conscious, eternal and blissful. But the
   difference is that the individual soul is conscious within the
   limited jurisdiction of the body whereas the Supersoul is conscious
   of all bodies. The Supersoul is present in all bodies without
   distinction.

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/

Bhaktivedanta Vedabase - Bhagavad Gita on-line http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/

Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Bhagavad-gita As It Is  http://vedabase.net/bg/en

Bhagavad Gita Multi Media Web-version http://chantandbehappy.com/gita/

Listen to Bhagavad Gita on line - http://www.Gitamrta.org

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...)

Either you surrender to Krsna, or clear it by question

In the evening Prabhupada had an engagement at the home of Mrs. Gopi Kumara Birla and her son, Ashoka. She had invited friends from many of the leading business families in Bombay. The Birlas are possibly the richest, and one of the most influential, families in India. Giriraja had previously suggested to her several possible topics for the evening's discussion, and she has chosen "How to Become Successful in Life."

The Birlas had set up an asana on a side lawn of their large, opulent estate. Next to it, on a table, the devotees placed a shrine with small brass Radha-Krsna Deities.

Srila Prabhupada arrived in the Birla's white Mercedes. He immediately noticed that his seat was placed higher than that of the Deities. So he had the devotees remove the base of the asana, making his seat lower.

Then, above the muted clamor of Bombay's evening traffic, Prabhupada addressed his attentive audience on the evening's topic. "Radharani and Durga, both of them are the prakrtis of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but one prakrti is meant for controlling this material world and the other prakrti is meant for blessing the spiritual world.

"Radharani, the name has come from the word aradhyate. Aradha means worshiping, beginning from Radharani and her expansion Laksmi in Vaikuntha. Here we worship Mother Laksmiji, the goddess of fortune, to receive some favor, but in the Vaikuntha world there are many hundreds of thousands of Laksmis, and with great respect they are engaged in serving the Supreme Lord.

"So, we being expansions of the spiritual Laksmi, or Radharani, our duty is to serve Radharani, and through Radharani serve Krsna. This is Krsna consciousness movement. We are missing this point. That instead of learning from Radharani how to serve Krsna, we are being controlled by the other prakrti, material energy, Durga, with weapons in her ten hands. This is our position."

Prabhupada possesses a unique ability to link anyone from any walk of life to the common goal of spiritual attainment. His preaching is always perfectly suitable for the time, place and circumstance. To the leaders of this wealthy business community he thus offered a pertinent example.

"In this material world they do not know what is the aim of life. Everyone is very much expert to see his interest. Two businessmen, they are agreeing; but everyone is trying to see his personal interest first. This is called svartha-gatim. That is natural. But Prahlada Maharaja says, na te viduh svartha-gatim hi visnum. Unfortunately, these materialistic persons they do not know what is real interest. The real interest is Visnu, how to serve Visnu."

Prabhupada came directly to the keynote of his address. "The subject matter was how to become successful in life. Krsna comes to instruct this simple truth -- that you are being controlled by the material energy. You give up this business, you be controlled by the spiritual energy, and your life is successful. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has said jivera 'svarupa' haya-krsnera 'nitya-dasa'. But our disease is, instead of becoming dasa we are trying to become the master of the prakrti. This is called the materialistic way of life. So that will not make us happy at any stage of our life. The success of the human form of life is to understand this: our relationship with God. And we should act in relationship with God. Then our success of life will be achieved. This is the main purpose of Krsna consciousness movement."

The Birla family have become equally famous for both their religious interests and business ventures, with Birla temples prominent in most Indian major cities. Srila Prabhupada took the evening's opportunity to invite the family to expand from the merely religious to practicing a full transcendental life. "That is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission," he said. "He wished especially Indians to take this job of preaching the teachings of Bhagavad-gita all over the world. The mission is they must be very, very merciful to all outsiders. That is India's mission. They are in darkness, tamasi, bring them in the light: tamasi ma jyotir gamah. This attempt has been done by us individually with teeny effort but it is becoming successful. But every one of us should become completely aware of this Movement and take this mission."

Srila Prabhupada's speech was direct and frank. "Krsna said, 'You just offer a little flower and water to Me.' If you think that, 'We have got money, the money is for my enjoyment, and Krsna may be offered a little water and flower,' that is cheating. That is not good. According to your position you must worship. This is wanted. To become very big businessman is not ordinary thing; it requires tapasya, very great labor, brain, yat tapasyasi. But the result, Krsna says, kurusva mad-arpanam. He's asking, 'Give it to Me.' So there is no harm to become very big businessman, earning money. That is all right. But you give it to Krsna. Then in any position you can remain Krsna conscious. And if you remain Krsna conscious, then you will understand Krsna."

Winding up his lecture, Prabhupada asked for questions several times, but got no response.

Giriraja, whose lawyer father had once offered him a million dollars to give up Krsna Consciousness, spoke up. "The process of hearing and then asking questions is the way to clarify our understanding, just like Krsna and Arjuna. So actually we must have some questions in our minds, otherwise we would all immediately surrender to Krsna."

Prabhupada agreed, "Yes, either you surrender to Krsna, or clear it by question."

Still, there was no response. So the lecture ended, and while other devotees showed a film on the lawn, Srila Prabhupada and a small group of us were invited inside to take prasadam.

- From the "A Transcendental Diary Vol 1" by HG Hari Sauri dasa

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.

"Krishna Culture"

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- March 22, 1977, Bombay

Listen to the entire lecture on-line:
http://prabhupadavani.org/Conversations/m3u/CNV094.m3u

Prabhupada: Suppose I am a very big business magnate. Next life, if I am going to become a dog -- according to my karma, the nature's law will act -- then what is benefit? One day before, Indira Gandhi was so important. Next day I'll maybe(?) nowhere, finished. Nobody knows where is Indira Gandhi. Just twenty-four hours she was most prominent woman. And after twenty-four hours nobody cares to look at her. This nature's law, how you can check? This is going on. Any moment, anything can be changed by the laws of nature. So India's importance is there. They know the law. Therefore so long the body, full of intelligence, human body, is there, they'll utilize it very... That is life, not to be carried away by the waves of nature. This is India's duty. So we want to make our institution at least a place for understanding this knowledge. It doesn't matter only a few persons may understand. That is sufficient. Ekas candras tamo hanti na ca tarah sahasrasah: "If you keep one moon in the sky, that is sufficient for light. What is the use of millions of stars?" Modern education, they are creating twinkling stars, millions. All useless for light. No light. And our Vedic civilization is: "Create one moon. That's all." That is sufficient. We respect, therefore, acaryas. Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, not the so-called voted leaders. We don't care for them. What is their value? Sva-vid-varahostra-kharaih samstutah purusah pasuh [SB 2.3.19]. You say, "Oh, they are being liked, eulogized, by so many hundreds and thousands," but what these hundreds and thousands of people are? Sva-vid-varahostra-khara. They're kept in ignorance like dogs, hogs, camels and asses. This propaganda should go on by the ISKCON movement. Bombay is the nicest place. Invite them. Convince them. We have got answers for everyone, however big scientist, big philosopher, big politician. Bhagavata has answered everyone. How selected animals' name has been given. This is Bhagavata. How the comparison is perfect. I have tried to explain why a particular animal has been selected.

Tamala Krsna: That purport is very clear.

Prabhupada: So the sum and substance is that I have got the opportunity of human form, everyone, and they should not be kept in the same animal consciousness. This is civilization. They should be raised to the standard of inquiring. Athato brahma jijnasa. That is civilization. This, civilization? To keep them in darkness? Hm? Sanatana Gosvami went to Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The first question is ke ami kene amaya jare tapa-traya. "Sir, I was prime minister, and I was very much eulogized by the people as pandita." Gramya-vyavahare pandita tai satya mani. "These village people, they call me pandita, and I also, such a fool, I accept, 'Yes, I am pandita. Yes.' But factually, if I inquire, 'What kind of pandita'? then apanara hitahita kichui na jani: 'I am such a learned pandita that I do not know what is the ultimate goal of my life. I am such a pandita.' Therefore I have come to You, Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You say what is my ultimate goal of life." This is approaching guru, not that "I am pandita, I am brahmana, or minister. Why shall I go to learn? I can teach everyone whatever nonsense I know. Let them..." What is that injunction? That emasculation? That Sanjay Gandhi became?

Tamala Krsna: Sterilization.

Prabhupada: Rascal, he's a boy, and he thought by sterilization the country will be delivered. Just see. By force. He thought... He became learned leader in one day, and he thought, "This will be sacrifice now." This is going on. "Because I am Indira Gandhi's son, I am perfect." Nature's law -- "Yes, you are perfect. It is all right. But I kick out in a moment -- finished."

Tamala Krsna: Perfect rascal.

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

3                                                           vasati dasana-sikhare dharani tava lagna
                                                             sasini kalanka-kaleva nimagna
                                                             keshava dhrta-sukara-rupa jaya jagadisa hare

(1) I perpetually worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, whose bright face mocks the full autumn moon, whose pure complexion glistens, whose gait is like that of a maddened elephant, who is always intoxicated in Krsna-prema, who embodies pure spiritual energy, whose face holds a gentle smile, whose eyes are always rolling due to His absorption in Krsna-prema, whose lotus hand holds a glowing staff, and who, by the performance of nama-sankirtana, pierces the influence of Kali-yuga.

(2) I perpetually worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, who is the mainstay of all the rasas, who is everything to His devotees, who is beyond compare, who is the master of both Vasudha and Jahnava-devi, who consider Him more dear than their own lives, who is always maddened in Krsna-prema, and who is unknown only to those of meager intelligence.

(3) I perpetually worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, who is very dear to Sri Saci-nandana, who is worshipped by the entire universe, who is the embodiment of happiness, who possesses infinite mercy for delivering the souls who are drowning in the age of Kali, and who, by the performance of sri-harinama-sankirtana, thwarts the progressing false pride of the ocean of repeated birth and death.

(4) I perpetually worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, who said to Sri Krsna Caitanya, "Hey brother Gauranga! What will be the destination of the sinful souls of Kali-yuga and how will theyt be redeemed? Please devise a method by which they will easily attain You."

(5) I perpetually worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, who wandered around Bengal and, approaching the door of each and every home, threw open His arms and exclaimed, "O brothers! All of you should eternally perform sri-harinama-sankirtana together. By doing so, I will take the responsibility to deliver you all from the ocean of material existence."

(6) I eternally worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, who is likened to the Agastya Muni who forcibly swallows the ocean of repeated birth and death, who is a rising full moon which increases the ocean of the saintly persons' welfare, and who is a sun which dissipates the darkness of ignorance cast by the various classes of miscreants.

(7) I eternally worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the tree of Krsna-bhakti, who wandered on every path in Bengal dancing, singing, and calling out "Hari bol! Hari bol!" and who lovingly bestowed merciful sidelong glances upon those who were not compassionate to even their own selves.

(8) I eternally worship Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the Krsna-bhakti tree, who held the supremely soft lotus-hand of His brother Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, whose heart became filled with the highest bliss when the two brothers gazed into each other's faces, and who wandered here and there delighting the townspeople with His sweetness.

(9) May Sri Nityananda Prabhu place His lotus feet in the heart of one who lovingly recites this unprecedented Nityanandastaka, which is the reservoir of rasa, the greatest treasure of the most exalted Vaisnavas, and the storehouse of the essence of bhakti-rasa. This astaka is sung in the melody known as 'Sikharini".

"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

40+ 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

New to Krishna Consciousness - these topics 4 you
http://harekrishnaworldnews.blogspot.com/2005/08/new-to-krishna-consciousness.html

For those who are new to the Krishna Conscious philosophy,
here are a series of FLASH presentations introducing the philosophy to beginners.

What is Krishna Consciousness? (172k)
How can we become Krishna Conscious? (144k)
What is the Soul? (412k)
What is Yoga? (396k)
What is the Maha mantra? (216k)
What is Sanskrit? (64k)
What is the syllable Om? (312k)
Who is the girl with Krishna? (200k)
What are the Incarnations of the Lord (1.2mb)

http://www.iskcon.com.au/New_to_Krishna.html

Are You Tired Of Suffering?

Unlimited Bliss Is Your
Constitutional Birthright.

Now You Can Regain It With
The Ultimate
Self-Realization Course

Enroll Today
For Your Free E-Course!

http://www.backtohome.com/

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

Vrindavan Art
http://www.vrindavanart.com/index.php?gallery=gal14

Mayapur Darshans

http://www.mayapur.com
http://www.photo.net/photos/Vrindavan Lila
http://www.maphoto.tk
http://www.mayapur-katha.tk
http://www.dipika.org/mainpages/contributors/vrindavan.lila.dd.htm
http://www.geocities.com/mayapurkatha1

Radhastami photo-gallery:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=528023

Nrisimha Deva's photo-gallery:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=500789

Also we are sending out mailing lists with regular postings of video clips,
photos and PDF jornals.

to SUBSCRIBE to our FREE MAILING LISTs:

- MAYAPUR KATHA for web-magazines (PDF) send request to
  "Mayapur Katha Magazine" <Mayapur.Katha.Magazine@pamho.net>

- MAYAPUR DARSAN, video clips of Mayapur, send reqest to
  "Mayapur Darshan" <Mayapur.Darshan@pamho.net>

- Second SUNDAY MAILING LIST - photos of Mayapur, send request to
  Padmalochan.ACBSP@pamho.net / vrindavanlila@photo.net

Iskcon Mayapur are looking at starting a new WWW web-site, and are looking for a sponsor
if you are interested is assisting this great project please contact
Padmalochan.ACBSP@pamho.net or his wife vrindavanlila@photo.net
 

 

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.)

Hindu Gods, Goddesses & Devas Wallpaper - 22 different ones, and screensavers too.
http://coolbuddy.com/wallpapers/Religious/hindu_god_home.htm

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.mail15.com .................15 mb
http://macnews.de .........................20 mb
http://xms.ms ..................................20 mb
http://balls.com ............................100 mb
http://ukonline.net .......................200 mb

Get a FREE Gmail account today
HERE  or HERE
Gmail give you 2000+ Mb of free space

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

Click on this link to see how really short life is.

http://www.sastradana.com/video/lifeisshort.wmv

thanx again Shyam'

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.......

Devotional bhajanas, kirtans and mantras:
http://www.sudarshana.org/

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

The Peace Formula - (By HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) http://www.hknet.org.nz/PeaceFormula.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

Free Speech and a Clash of Cultures
http://www.nchtuk.org

Many Hindus can relate to the outrage by the world-wide Muslim community over the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed carried in newspapers across Europe recently.

The Hindu community have also been similarly incensed and deeply offended by the way Hindu deities, and Hinduism generally, continue to be blasphemously depicted. The pictures of Lord Krishna on shoes, and Hindu deities on toilet seats, are but two recent examples.

Though Hinduism believes in freedom of expression, it also recognises the responsibility that comes with it.  Free speech should not be so irresponsible that it flagrantly mocks bonafide religious personalities - blasphemy is just an abuse of free speech. The media therefore has a huge responsibility in recognising the difference between free speech and straightforward blasphemy.

Current issues of grave concern to Hindus are the advertisement of Southern Comfort in Greece, which portrays the Goddess Durga holding bottles of Whisky; and the paintings of Mr. M. F. Hussain that depict Hindu deities in the nude.  In dealing with these cases of blasphemy, Hinduism would not normally issue threats of violence to deal with the situation. Strongly worded condemnations and, if necessary, organised but lawful protests are the recommended methods of response.

6th February 2006
http://www.nchtuk.org
mailto:info@nchtuk.org

Scientists Works to Create First synthetic Life Form From Scratch

http://www.theglobeandmail.com

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v4/sub/MarketingPage?user_URL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FRTGAM.20051219.wxlife19%2FBNStory%2FspecialScienceandHealth%2F&ord=1136548176976&brand=theglobeandmail&force_login=true

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, December 19, 2005: Work on the world's first human-made species is well under way at a research complex in Rockville, Md., and scientists in Canada have been quietly conducting experiments to help bring such a creature to life. Robert Holt, head of sequencing for the Genome Science Centre at the University of British Columbia, is leading efforts at his Vancouver lab to play a key role in the production of the first synthetic life form -- a microbe made from scratch. The project is being spearheaded by U.S. scientist Craig Venter, who gained fame in his former job as head of Celera Genomics, which completed a privately-owned map of the human genome in 2000. Dr. Venter, 59, has since shifted his focus from determining the chemical sequences that encode life to trying to design and build it: "We're going from reading to writing the genetic code," he said in an interview.

The work is an extreme example of a burgeoning new field in science known as synthetic biology. It relies on advances in computer technology that permit the easy assembly of the chemical bits, known as nucleotides, that make up DNA. Several scientific groups are trying to make genes that do not exist in nature, in hopes of constructing microbes that perform useful tasks, such as producing industrial chemicals, clean energy or drugs. Dr. Venter and his colleagues are pushing the technology to its limits by trying to put together an entirely synthetic genome.

But even if the team can assemble all of the bacteria's 500,000 DNA chemicals (roughly 35,000 has been the record so far), no one knows if the organism will be viable. Will simply synthesizing a chemical sequence spark life? "Nobody has ever done it before so absolutely it is a key hurdle," Dr. Venter said. "So the profound problem is what do you do with this DNA once you get it? How do you turn it into an actual organism? You need the genome to encode and make the organism. "But the way biology works, you need the organism to make the genome."

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

dear devotees,

hare krishna

pamho agtsp! agtsg&g!

as promised below, the higher resolution videos (and the original version as well) are now available online. i think you will find it very charming... i had the fortune to work with mr fabrizio in training the girls to sing the brahma samhita and it was a most memorable experience.

pls note that you can download it in 6 parts, or all at once - the full versions are labelled as 1 of 1.

(the clip with the Brahma Samhita part is clip 3 of 6, fyi)

you can locate them here http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=fabrizio

if you like to put these on your website, you are welcome to do so - just click on the video, then click the link on the right of the page which says "put on site"

i do hope more devotees will make use of this very useful free offer by google.  it is also possible to sell your videos thru this site, with a commission going to google for the service

hare krishna

yr humble servant

Dina-Anukampana Dasa

Udupi, UNI:

Sri Vidyasagara Thirtha Swamiji of the Krishnapura mutt ascended the sacred 'paryaya sarvajna peeta' inside the sanctum sanctorum of the about 800-year-old Sri Krishna temple and took charge of the temple for the next two years, amidst chanting of vedic hymns, early today.

The 34th pontiff of the Krishnapura mutt (48), wearing a silk saffron turban, ascended the paryaya peeta at Dhanur Lagnam at 0555 hrs. This is his third paryaya term, after the ones in 1974-76 and 1990-92.

Earlier, the outgoing Sri Vishvapriya Thirtha Swamiji of Admar mutt performed the last pooja of his paryaya term to the presiding deity, before descending the peeta.

After taking charge, Sri Vidyasagara Thirtha Swamiji sat on the peeta and took the temple keys and 'Akshaya Patra' (the perennial golden bowl and ladle) from the outgoing seer, marking the most significant ritual of the paryaya festival.

The biennial paryaya system among the pontiffs of the Ashta (eight) mutts of Udupi to conduct Sri Krishna pooja and run the temple was introduced by saint Sri Vadiraja Swamigal of Sode Vadiraja mutt in 1522. However, earlier, the term was for just two months in rotation. As many as 30 cycles of paryaya have been completed, starting from the Palimar mutt to Pejavar mutt. In the present cycle to be completed in 2018, the Krishnapura mutt seer was the third swamiji to ascend the paryaya peeta.
 http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan182006/update654202006118.asp

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/21/stories/2006012103140800.htm

MUMBAI, INDIA, January 20, 2006: The year 2005 may well have been the year of news channels, which became hugely popular among viewers, but the actual surprise element has been the significant rise in viewership of religious channels such as Aastha, GOD, Sanskar and Zee Jagran. According to a TAM report, religious channels had a viewership share of 0.63 per cent of the total television pie in 2004, and it rose to 0.72 per cent in 2005, which, when rounded off, is almost equal to the viewership that comes from the music channels (1 per cent). Channels such as Aastha and GOD, for instance, had an all-India viewership share of 28 per cent in 2005, while Zee Jagaran had a 23 per cent share.

Mr. Pradeep Hejmadi, Vice-President, TAM Media Research, said, "The viewership of religious channels has been on the rise. In fact, the viewership rates significantly shot up on events such as the opening of the Akshardham Temple in September, which was telecast l ive by Aastha. The same channel had also covered the Navaratri celebrations live in different parts of the country, during which it attracted a lot of younger viewers."

In fact, the genre also attracted a number of advertisers last year, the prominent categories being tires, antiseptic creams, basic telecom services, cement, baby products, and so on. However, Mr. Hejmadi said the advertising growth had not kept pace with the genre growth. He said media planners had not found the environment in religious channels conducive enough to place their brands. "Religious channels have to invest in marketing. These channels are like black boxes now and their topmost challenge is to educate and convince advertisers to advertise on their channels."

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

http://www.nytimes.com

NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 31, 2006: (HPI note: Though vultures are quite unpleasant in appearance, and have dining habits to match, they are environmentally important. They also figure benevolently in Hindu history from time to time. The vulture king Jatayu tried to save Sita from abduction in the Ramayana, and was injured in the process. Jatayu informed Rama who took Sita, leading eventually to her rescue. The vultures sudden approach to extinction has been a concern for over a decade.)

More than 90 percent of India's vultures, a crucial link in the environment, have died and the government is working to ban a drug blamed for the near-extinction, officials said Tuesday. A. Raja, the minister for environment and forests, also said at an international