By Govardhana Dasa on 7 Nov 2009

ISKCON guru and leader Sivarama Swami received the Gold Cross of the Hungarian Republic, the second highest award in the state, during a Diwali celebration this October 20th.

By Madhava Smullen on 7 Nov 2009

Ekta Choudary—Miss India 2009, and the Indian finalist in this year’s Miss Universe beauty competition—turned up at ISKCON New Delhi’s Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir for a visit on November 3rd.

By ISKCON News Service on 7 Nov 2009

ISKCON’s 8th ELM (European Leaders Meetings), held from October 2 – 3 in Villa Vrindavana, Italy this year, yielded inspiring news on the year's accomplishments, as well as some exciting new plans.

In late October, the college students and Radhadesh devotees had a magnificent opportunity to hear about Srila Prabhupada from two senior devotees, Dhananjaya Prabhu and Vishakha Mataji. They both related their personal experiences of joining the Hare Krishna movement and performing services for Srila Prabhupada. They also spoke about famous pastimes they were involved in.Dhananjaya joined ISKCON in London in 1969. He had practiced devotional service for only a short time before Prabhupada visited London. When Srila Prabhupada gave an arrival address and then asked for questions, Dhananjaya had a burning question on his mind and was the first to raise his hand.

By ISKCON News Service on 7 Nov 2009

We’re extending our gratitude to Ekendra Dasa, the managing editor whose two and a half years of dedicated service brought the site to where it is today—and welcoming a new face.

By Vineet Chander for Beliefnet.com on 1 Nov 2009

Halloween has come and gone, without incident. None of the neighborhood kids donned Lil' Ganesh costumes after all, and my daughter Shruti's first Halloween costume (an adorable pumpkin) was a hit.

By Kripamoya Dasa for The Vaisnava Voice on 1 Nov 2009

Its nice to see a Christian brother find something helpful in the wisdom of the East for a change and to want to share the inner meanings of a common Sanskrit greeting with his flock.

By Kurma Dasa on 7 Nov 2009

Chickpeas are rich in good quality protein – 100 grams of cooked chickpeas contain nearly 20 grams of protein. These savoury, butter–soft chickpeas coated with spiced tomato glaze are substantial and delicious. Serve them with fresh bread or rice. Serves 4-6.

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.14.22 - Krsna consciousness gives definite answers to life's mysteries.

Overcoming obstacles in our Japa can be a daily battle....our mind is not fully absorbed in the sound of the Hare Krsna mantra so we allow it to wander on to other thoughts. We can get distracted by sounds and sights around us - this is the nature of the material world and Mayadevi, her service is to test us to see if we have strong determination and also if we are willing to make an effort to move towards the Lord, if we pass the test then we make great advancement, if not we continue in our illusion.There a a few simple guidelines that Srila Prabhupada has revealed to us...firstly chanting early in the morning, concentration on the sound and pronouncing the words very clearly - there is a nice quote on this subject:
"Chanting japa should be done early in the morning with full concentration preferably during the Brahma Muhurta time. Concentrate fully on the sound vibration of the mantra, pronouncing each name distinctly and gradually your speed in chanting will increase naturally. Do not worry so much about chanting fast, most important is the hearing."
Letter from Srila Prabhupada 6/1/72

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By Adam Binnie for Borehamwood & Elstree Times on 4 Nov 2009

LONDON: Devotees of the Bhaktivedanta Hare Krishna Manor and the Watford Interfaith Association, together with members of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS), will tidy up Maxwell Park in Borehamwood on Sunday, November 15.

By Shalveen Chand for Fiji Times Online on 5 Nov 2009

SUVA: A Hindu religious organisation is willing to help the 23 homeless people at a Catholic shelter going through administrational bickering.

Olivia, Acacia and I joined Ainsley's 2nd grade class for a unique field trip to the Here Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork earlier this week. I had no idea they had a temple in Utah let alone 25 minutes from here. It was really interesting.

Now that we are moving into the business end of the year involving Le Carnaval Spirituel, Parliament of World Religion and the Book Marathon, we have several service obligations that have to be met. Therefore, please note the following -






The temple morning program from Monday to Sunday:

•    Guru puja & kirtan have to end no later than 7:30 AM

•    Srimad-Bhagavatam class has to end no later than 8:30 AM

•    Breakfast prasadam has to be ready by 8:30 AM

Thank you for your cooperation.

North Of Montreal

Mount Tremblant, Quebec

Just prior to leaving North for this famous ski resort town I was handed a gift of natural honey harvested and delivered by Surya, a bee keeper from the Upper Laurentian Mountains. The contents of the jar, a golden gel, came from the second blooming period of the summer. Surya has marketed the stock and labeled it as Madhukar honey. The gift I won’t indulge in but only after being offered to the diety of Krishna.

On a small tag attached to the jar Albert Einstein is quoted saying, “ If bees disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination……no more man!” It’s a quote I’ve read before and it’s good to be reminded again of our urban infiltration upon the world. There is a need to respond.

Our visit was to a couple’s home in mountain and lake country. Maharja and Marie Jose are that warm kind of French Canadian hosts provided a great curry and also provided me with an opportunity to say a few words to invited friends about the human inclination towards spirituality. We also chanted together by the fire place. I know it sounds crazy but that’s what it was until the heat intensified a spark of interest in the outside and welcome the first flakes of snow for the fall. A stroll through town was terminated by time. I was to reach the downtown temple to speak from the Bhagavad-Gita.

And so the theme from the verse 9.9 highlighted the detached nature of God. The cosmic order operates under His control and is discharged, left for us to make good or a mess of the place. And don’t we really wish we could make good? It all begins with a little respect for the natural world and the remote controller.

7 Km

Tulasi and Temperature
Montreal, Quebec

Approximately a year ago the very sacred plant, Tulasi, suffered a major setback here. Being a tropical plant she is highly sensitive to frigid weather. The entire stock of dozens of this revered member of the basil family was destroyed when hydro was shut off for a relatively short time in the neighbourhood. It doesn’t take long to shock the delicate plant before it reaches it’s demise.

It was surprising for me to walk into the temple room which was adorned with dozens of healthy potted tulasis set on tables there to receive appreciation from all. This favourite plant of Krishna sat in all her glory with small richly intense green leaves and a fragrance that was so sweet. How did she spring back into life?

Apparently some reserve plants were kept elsewhere at a congregant’s home over the winter and in this way sufficient warm temperatures gave exposure to a whole new batch. That saved the day. No temple is complete unless a good nursery of some sort is accommodated to nurse and provide for he sacred Tulasi. Merely by protecting her you not only maintain a tradition but you receive the benefit of her auspicious presence (or what some people call, “good luck”). I guess it is also a way of demonstrating a contribution to the “Green” movement . Often times we say that one’s devotion is gauged by how well Tulasi grows in one’s domain. Here she is doing very well.

Temperatures outside the building are just above freezing. In the morning my commitment to fresh air and exercise work in conjunction with chanting on beads. A walk attracted others to join me for a stretch on St. Catherine St. they wondered how it’s possible for me to dress so lightly and walk in the chilled air. I explained that fortunately the years of trekking have allowed me to climatize well.

7 Km

I got up close to the mahamantra despite the impairment. I accumulated my quota and was not sleepy. But I was distracted. I count the holy names in my favor and do not consider it an aparadha that I have pain. It is just something that comes with this material body. If it is up to me, I would chant better. I have the alternative of lying down in bed with the lights out, but I prefer to keep chanting quietly. I must keep it a priority and not abandon it completely. I have chanted nine rounds. I’m hoping the headache will go down, at least in time for my late-morning writing, because it seems to be a formidable one. There is some doubt.
From Bhajan Kutir #246

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.14.21 - Performing austerities, study of Vedas or renunciation alone, without the motive to reach Krsna is fruitless.

This Saturday, November 7th, 2009, a warm invitation goes out to one and all to join the Pandava Sena youth group and the rest of the youth in coming out for a very sweet and intimate experience at the temple.

Please come and join the temple devotees for the regular morning service, consisting of arati, japa (mantra meditation), Bhagavatam class, kirtan, and of course delicious breakfast!

The program begins at 4:30am with Mangala Arati and finishes at 9:00am followed by breakfast prasadam. Feel free to contact psenatoronto@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns or if you are looking for a ride, and we will respond to you as soon as possible.