The need for taking care of devotees is becoming a popular topic of discussion in ISKCON. During the last GBC meetings in Mayapur I have been invited to take part in the GBC sub-committee for devotee care. In our last meeting HH Radhanath Maharaja was requested to give a presentation on the principles the Chowpatty temple in Mumbai, India, applies to develop their community and take care of devotees, with the Counselor System being the main focus. Maharaja’s final comment was: “Why re-invent the wheel? You are already so much ahead of us, doing so many wonderful things over there—maybe we should simply apply the same principles everywhere!”

Chowpatty is becoming more and more an example for ideal community development within ISKCON. However, sometimes it is not easy to convince senior devotees of the value of the much discussed and glorified Counselor System. And without full and active support from senior devotees it is rather difficult to put into practise. Often we hear the opinion, “the Bhakti-vriksha Program does the same thing.” Some devotees conclude, therefore: “No need for any new systems!”

There are basic differences between these two programs; it is not that one is better than the other. If we analyze them more deeply we discover that they have fundamentally different goals, and that there is plenty of room for both programs to run side by side in a yatra.

Superficially they might appear similar, since the common goal of all programs within Krishna consciousness is to build relationships on the basis of sravanam and kirtanam. As long as we don’t have spontaneous attraction and taste to come together and associate on the basis of hearing and chanting, we have to create forums to gradually cultivate this taste.

However, this is only the general purpose of both programs. The main difference is that Bhakti-vriksha preaching focuses on expansion and spreading, whereas the Counselor System aims to ‘boil the milk’ and ‘give substance’.

The Bhakti-vriksha Program accompanies a person through their first eighteen months in Krishna consciousness, bringing them to the level of first initiation. Then the group should divide into new cells, and those initiated devotees can become leaders of the next Bhakti-vriksha groups.

In this way the main emphasis is on spreading and expansion—bringing more and more living entities to the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. But what happens to them after initiation? The system is not offering much further support and guidance.

The Counselor System accompanies devotees throughout their whole devotional lives. It addresses the need of each and every devotee for confidential relationships with senior Vaisnavas, where they can find inspiration, support, and guidance. As long as we are in the material world we will always need such relationships in order to provide nourishment to our bhakti lata bijas. It is a basic principle of Vaisnava relationships: accepting dependence on others with similar goals and tastes. Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself was placing certain devotees under the care of others.

The counselor system recognizes that one can give only shelter to others if one has shelter oneself; therefore counselors are advised to have counselor relationships themselves. It also puts great emphasis on equal association—counselors meet regularly among themselves and develop affectionate and confidential relationships on the same principles of sravanam and kirtanam. Association among equals brings subtle anarthas, such as envy, to the surface. In this way the main emphasis of the Counselor System can be described as ‘giving substance’ and ‘boiling the milk.’

In this regard I would like to quote the famous letter Srila Prabhupada wrote to Rupanuga (1972):

“Now I want that we shall concentrate on making our devotees Krishna conscious and ourselves becoming Krishna conscious, and not be so much concerned with expanding ourselves widely but without any spiritual content. Just like boiling the milk, it becomes thicker and sweeter. Now do like that, boil the milk.”

Expansion is only meaningful if it is well balanced with giving substance. However, giving substance is always more difficult than expanding. External development is more attractive to the masses, because it gives quick and big results, and it is pleasing to the senses and the ego. Internal development is pleasing to the heart and soul. It requires internal work, and the results are more difficult to assess and long term. Very often the more external mood of expanding is suffocating the internal mood of giving substance.

Sometimes we find that devotees are extremely enthusiastic, if not to say fanatic, about one particular program at the exclusion of others. In one lecture HH Radhananth Maharaja gave a nice definition of fanaticism: “If our enthusiasm is not guided by higher intelligence than our own, it becomes fanaticism.”

Often some material motivation is hiding behind our fanatic enthusiasm for one particular program or system—the motivation for power and control. If a person is the main propagator of one particular system, naturally his power and influence will increase the more devotees he can convince of “his” system. Then he will not be open to other programs, but simply try to bring as many people as possible under his control.

A preacher who has no other motivation than serving and uplifting others will always be open to other programs. He will be able to discover and appreciate their values and goals, able to implement them simultaneously, according to time, place, and circumstance.

Let us put aside our personal ambitions and accept as our real identification being humble servants of the Vaisnavas. Only with such a frame of mind can we act for the benefit and upliftment of the devotees and living entities at large. And only with such a frame of mind will we be able to turn ISKCON into what Srila Prabhupada wanted it to be: Vaikuntha.

First I have to admit

Worshipping and Caring for Srimati Tulasi devi.

“Tips to Keep Tulsi Healthy While Growing Indoors”, and “Collecting Leaves and Manjaris” from the Vancouver Tulasi project.

The Vancouver Tulasi houses are an outstanding example of Tulasi worship, brought to perfection. The Tulasi greenhouses are completely filled with over 30 Tulasis, all in perfect shape and perfect color. Krsna kirtans and Srila Prabhupada’s audio tapes are constantly piped into the greenhouses. Once a week, a group of children come to spend time working with Tulasi, after which they enjoy a picnic together.

All in all, the circumstances surrounding the manifestation of Tulasi at ISKCON Vancouver is an amazing thing. The devotional service offered by the devotees is a perfect example of the mood of Krsna Consciousness that we should all endeavor to strive for in our service.

Tips to Keep Tulsi Healthy While Growing Indoors
The most common problems to look for regularly are:

• Over watering
• Spider Mites
• Fungus or Powdery Mildew
• Not enough light from the sun or grow lights (she requires 12-14 hours daily)
• Soil and pot that does not have good drainage
• Make sure the room she in is warm and has good ventilation or a fan to circulate the air. Fungus can set in if the room is cool and stagnant air, Her leaves will curl or drop if the room is too cool or cold.
• Not giving her enough fertilizer
• If you do not cut Tulsi�s manjaris (flowers), She will grow too tall and will not become bushy

Symptoms of over watering:

*Tips or the center of her leaves turn brown or black

*In an advanced case of “root-rot” , whole branches or whole plant will be look wilted (this can be misunderstood as needing more water)

*make sure she is in a pot that has good draining� indoor� potting soil with a slightly larger draining tray under her.

*When watering, water thoroughly until water comes out the bottom of the pot. Do not water her again until her pot becomes very light weight. This gives her roots some time to get some oxygen in the soil while she is almost dry. When her pot becomes very light to lift and she may even slightly wilt, water her thoroughly again until water drains from the bottom into the drain tray underneath her. Note: Do not let extra water sit in her tray, once she has drained the excess water, empty the tray so she can begin to dry properly and not create �root-rot� or mold developing in tray or surface of her soil.

Symptoms of Spider Mites:

She becomes very pale and when you look on the underside of her leaves, you will see a white matter coating along the main viens of the leaf. (these are the small spider eggs) Also, if you look carefully with a magnifying glass, you may see microscopic spiders crawling on the back of these leaves. If you hold the leaf up to the light, it will appear to have light speckles. If left untreated, it will spread and she will soon perish. So, if you are checking her daily and notice these symptoms, spray her with “End-All” Insecticidel soap by “Safers” (available at all garden centres, Walmart, Home Dept etc.) It comes pre-mixed “RTU”(ready to use) or as a concentrate. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle, making sure to spray all parts of the plant, including her main trunk and branches and especially under the leaves. Note: Be sure to cover her soil with a plastic bag, so as not to let the soap get into her soil.
Note: So, remember to buy a magnifying glass if you don�t have.

Symptoms of Fungus or Powdery Mildew:
When daily checking Tulsi, if you notice any white powdery or fuzzy patches on the upper side of her leaves, this means she has been attacked by mildew. If left untreated, it will quickly spread to the whole plant and she will not survive. As soon as you recognize that she has mildew or fungus, purchase some “Defender” by Safer’s Co.” which is available at the above mentioned stores. It also comes pre-mixed or in a concentrate that you will need to mix with water following the instructions. Spray the whole plant, removing any obvious affected leaves with fungus. Remember, once again to cover her soil with a plastic bags so as not to allow the soap into her soil.

Also make sure the room where she is not cool or damp but warm 70-80 degrees, with good circulation. Also: DO NOT wet or spray her leaves with plain water except on the hottest days of summer. Any other time of year, it will cause fungus to grow.

Symptoms of Not Enough Sunlight or Grow-lights:

Tulsi plants thrive in the sunlight. In Canada, where the winters are long and less amount and strength of sunlight, Tulsi grown indoors, lack of sunlight MUST be supplemented with a grow light(s). Without sufficient light (not just “daylight”, but Sunlight), many problems will develop. In trying to reach whatever little light there is, her branches will becomes long and very thin and weak. She cannot bloom with flowers (Her manjaris) without enough sufficient light. She will also become pale and drop leaves without enough light. She needs 12-14 hours a day of good sunlight or grow-lights. Some people say that they keep her next to a window, still she is so week. To them I again say that unless it�s a south-facing window without trees around to cause shade, simply daylight from any other facing window is not enough�not enough in the summer and definitely not enough in the fall, winter and early spring. In fact, in winter, you cannot put her too close to a window as it is too cold and she will suffer and exhibit those frost bitten symptoms. We strongly advise that you do not take a Tulsi plant home to worship without investing in a proper grow light.

In Burnaby, many different styles of grow lights are available at SOLAR Greenhouse and Garden Supplies, 4752 Imperial Ave.,(1 blocks west of Nelson)in Burnaby. Their phone number is; 604-438-7244. All of their staff are very experienced and knowledgeable about their products. You can call them or better yet, visit their store to see the grow lamp(s) available. Tell them you are growing “sacred or holy basil” (The botanical name for Tulsi). Describe the approx. size of your plant, the height of your ceiling, the size of the area you want to cover, whether to have it installed on the ceiling or portable (they can even adapt a light with a clamp so you can mount it anywhere. They also have the option of a timer device so that the lights will come on when you set, whether or not you are home. Reminder: Whether she is near a window in summer or under lights, remember to turn her pot every few days so that she will grow symmetrically on all sides. Otherwise she will grow only on the side facing the light.

Note: Buy a thermometer and keep it close to where Tulsi is situated. Try to keep the temperature in the room always between 70-80 degrees F or 23-25 degrees C.. (day and night)

ALSO: Arrange a special place for Tulsi, either in your pooja room or a place where you pray regularly. Do not put her in the family room where television is playing and mundane conversations may be going on. Remember, she is sacred and very dear to Lord Krishna. It would be an offence (Aparadha) not to give her the proper respect. So, pick out a suitable place in your home before you decide to bring a Tulsi plant home.

Transplanting or Re-potting Tulsi:

Once Tulsi has outgrown her pot and becomes �root-bound�, her growth will slow down or stop, it is time to put her in a larger pot. Follow the instructions in the handbook, making sure there are good drainage holes at the bottom of the new pot. Cover those holes with a curved or dome shape piece of broken clay pot. Then fill the pot with about 2 inches of gravel or rocks (about the size of a dime or a nickel in diameter) for good drainage Then add the new Indoor Sterilized Potting Soil,(a soil that also has good drainage is called �Sunshine Mix #4�) leaving a space to place Tulsi. Press the sides of the pot Tulsi is presently in, Turn her on the side, and slowly slide her out being careful not to disturb her roots. Remove carefully any rocks at the bottom of her “root ball” and any extra soil that comes off easily with disturbing her roots. Place her on the soil in the new pot and fill in all around her with new soil. Be sure not to place her lower in the pot than she was previously and cover her at the same level as before. Water her thoroughly. Make sure to have a drain tray under her that it a little bigger than the pot. Empty any excess water from the tray. Keep her away from bright light for a few days to give her roots a chance to adjust and then you can put her back to her light source and she will flourish.

Fertilizing: As Tulsi grows, she uses up all the nutrition (nitrogen etc.) in her soil. Thus, you have to replace those nutrients in order for her to be green and healthy. A sign that she is getting low on nutrients is you will notice her leaves are all becoming a pale yellow instead of green. So, to prevent this, it is recommended you fertilize her every two weeks during the spring and summer (as she grows faster at those times) and maybe once a month during fall and winter when her growth is less.) You can use aged cow dung (never used fresh cow dung as it will burn her roots) Mix 3 parts water with one part cow dung soaked overnight, or if not available use all-purpose Miracle-Gro and follow the instructions on the bottle for indoor potted plants. The best way is to water her thoroughly the day before and then mix the fertilizer as recommended and water her with that the next day. Giving her Fertilizer when she is too dry can affect or burn her roots as she is very sensitive.

REMINDER: to properly pick Tulsi on a regular basis as described in the Tulsi Handbook. All Tulsi leaves must be offered to Lord Krishna only. Then one can eat them as Prasad. Diseased leaves cannot be offered, but should be buried in the ground outside in a special place you choose.

REMEMBER: do the following once or twice daily:

• 1. To lift her pot and see if she is getting lightweight and needs water
  2. Pick all yellow leaves and cut any flowers (manjaris) or new buds.
  3. Check for any bugs or mold on both sides of her leaves.
  4. Clean any fallen or dried leaves from her soil and loosen the top soil with your hand.
  5. Remember to turn her pot every few days so she grows evenly.
  6. Check the temperature in her room and that she�s getting enough light.

After reading this along with the Tulsi handbook, if you have any questions, please leave a message and your name and number (and the best time to reach you) at: (604) 431-0950 and either myself, Rudrani or my husband Sananda will get back to you.

Hare Krishna
Tulsi Maharani Ki Jaya!

Tulasi devi, ISKCON Vancouver (with a devotee nearly hidden amongst Her leaves)

Collecting Leaves and Manjaris<

Tulasi devi is blessed with the benediction of always being present on the Lord’s lotus feet and on all preparations offered to Him. Tulasi can be offered only to Krsna and His Visnu-tattva expansions, i.e., Lord Balarama, Lord Nityananda, Lord Visnu, Lord Nrsimhadeva, etc., but never to anyone else. To collect leaves for this purpose, chant this mantra:

tulasy amrta-janmasi
sada tvam kesava-priya
kesavartham cinomi tvam
varada bhava sobhane

“O Tulasi devi, your birth is from nectar, and you are always dear to Lord Kesava. It is for Lord Kesava that I collect your leaves. O beautiful Tulasi, please grant us this boon to serve the Lord.”

Take only older leaves near the stem, preferably those that she is ready to release with only a slight tug. Never pull many leaves off a small plant, or she will suffer. Always remember that any leaves are offerable, even dry, brown leaves, or, in emergencies, pieces of her wood. Gaudiya Vaisnavas refrain from clipping on Dvadasi day (the day after Ekadasi, or the 12th day after a new or full moon), therefore clip extra on Ekadasi day. After picking, please chant:

cayanodbhava-duhkham ca
yad hrdi tava vartate
tat ksamasva jagan-matah
vrnda devi namo’ stu te

“O Tulasi devi, I offer my respectful obeisances unto you. Kindly forgive me if I have caused you pain by picking your leaves and manjaris, O mother of the universe.”

Keep the leaves in a bowl of fresh water in the refrigerator, or store them in plastic, air tight containers (Tuppperware) also in the refrigerator. If the latter is used, the leaves should be washed and patted dry before being placed in the box, as excess moisture will cause them to rot quickly.

To clip manjaris, chant the mantras before and after you clip. Clip the stalk below the first set of leaves at the base of the manjari or manjari unit (these may be small leaves) but as close as you can to the second set of leaves. With practice it will be easy to tell if the buds at the base of the manjari will themselves be manjaris and hence a manjari unit is forming, or will be branches. If the buds will be manjaris, they will look like little pyramids with hashed lines on them; if branches, they will look like tiny leaves. If she has begun to branch, let her do so, and clip right above the tiny branches. It is important when you clip that you do not leave a little twig on her as she will have to expend energy to abort this now useless tissue. Storing manjaris in large Tupperware containers where they can “breath” but not dry out is best, and they will keep for several days.

Media Release

Yesterday, July 13, 2008 the Child Protection Office released its official decision in a case regarding allegations against Gauri das of the UK yatra, for events occuring during his tenure as a teacher at the ISKCON-affiliated school in Vrindavana, India, during the 1990’s.

Today, the Manor’s managing council adopted an official statement presented below.

Anuttama dasa Minister ISKCON Communications

14th July 2008 Official Statement from Bhaktivedanta Manor

Yesterday, on 13th July 2008, Gauri Das stepped down from his position as Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor after a decision by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Central Office of Child Protection.

The decision found Gauri Das responsible for “inappropriate and excessive corporal punishment” whilst a teacher at an ISKCON affiliated school in India during the 1990’s. The decision means that Gauri Das will not be able to take any position of management in ISKCON for three years, although, he can continue to serve at the Temple.

While the decision finds Gauri Das responsible for excessive corporal punishment, it also goes on to give him credit for “many positive accomplishments” while he was at the school. The Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple also recognises and appreciates the dedicated service given by Gauri Das during his six- year tenure as Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple President from
2002 to 2008.

We regret that Gauri Das will not be able to continue as an officer of our temple, but we also recognize the important need of the CPO to acknowledge problems in the care of children in the past, and to address those issues.

We are pleased that Gauri Das has indicated that he would like to meet with the former students in the hope of further reconciliation.

Board of Council Members Bhaktivedanta Manor

Londoners are used to seeing juggernauts rumbling through their streets, but this was a very different kind of heavy traffic.

It was a riot of colour in the heart of the capital – three 40-foot-high wooden chariots pulled from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square, accompanied by a colourful crowd singing, chanting and dancing their way along the route.

Britain’s Hare Krishnas were holding their 40th annual Rathayatra Carnival of Chariots, a street festival which brings together a mixture of devotees and bemused onlookers.

The ancient ceremony originates in Jagannatha Puri in India – giving British colonial forces a new word to describe a huge, lumbering vehicle.

‘Everyone’s happy’

The UK Hare Krishna movement hopes the day brings a touch of fun and celebration to London’s thoroughfares.

But organiser Varsana Devi Dasi said the worshippers who used ropes to pull the three chariots – one each for the deities of Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Balarama – did not face an easy task.

We just want everyone to have a good time Praghosa Das

“It’s quite an effort to pull them – the chariots are huge,” he added.

“The wheels are made by the same wheelsmiths who make the Queen’s carriages.

“But everyone’s happy to help out – it’s a lot of fun and you always end up having a good time.”

When the procession reached its destination at Trafalgar Square, organisers had laid on entertainment, face-painting, information about Indian culture and enough vegetarian food for 35,000.

Praghosa Das, leader of the UK’s Hare Krishnas, said he hoped passers-by would have their days brightened up by the carnival.

The 47-year-old Dubliner – born Paul Murphy – first became interested in the movement when he landed a job working in a Hare Krishna-run vegetarian restaurant in 1980.

Bhuta Bhavana Das became interested in eastern philosophy at university

“I’m glad the sun’s shining today. It’s meant to be a celebration and we just want everyone to have a good time,” he said.

“Our founder Srila Prabhupada said our way of life is simply ‘chanting, dancing and feasting’, and that’s what we’re giving everyone here today.”

Other converts to the faith said they enjoyed the festival’s openness and inclusiveness.

Bhuta Bhavana Das, a 32-year-old youth worker, became interested in the movement while he was studying philosophy at the London School of Economics.

“The great thing about today is that you have loads of Christians, Muslims, people of all faiths and none.

“The whole point of Hare Krishna is that there are many different paths to enlightenment – it’s not about saying ‘My God is better than your God.’”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7468185.stm

BY DEENA BANDHU

My dear Prabhujis, Please accept my humble obeisances _/\ò_. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Not many people know about it, but every year on Ganga Dashera and Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi there are Phul Bangalas (Flower Palaces) and Kavi Sanmelans (Poetry Recitals) in Varsana and Nandagram respectively. Mostly just the local people come and a few outsiders, but it is a truely wonderful ecstatic experience.

For the last month or so, I’ve been staying at Vrinda Kunda since this is supposed to be the hottest time of the year and no one comes for Parikrama so I can work on development there for the pleasure of the Vaishnavas. Every morning the Kokilas begin their beautiful songs at 3:30 AM as my alarm clock. In the distance the peacocks also begin to cry.

One visting devotee had his cell phone with him the other day and it was my daughter’s birthday, so I called her directly from Vrinda Kunda. As we were talking, the Kokila began his famous song. “What was that!” she exclaimed, “It was so beautiful”. I told her that was the Kokila singing. Just then a flock of Vrinda Devi’s parrots flew by in full chatter mode. “Where are you?” she asked. I told her that I’m calling her directly from Vrinda Kunda. Some more birds began their singing. She was hearing it all over the phone. Prabhupada told that the singing of the birds in Vrindavan is more auspicious than hearing the Vedic Verses.

It happened to be Ganga Dashera, so we loaded up the pujaris family in Vrinda Devi’s car and we headed off to Varsana. We arrived at about
8 pm and the festivities had just started. There was an elaborate flower palace woven with jasmine and mogra flowers stretched accross wooden frames in the darshan mandap as the Deities were there outside Their altar. The fans in the temple room wafted the fragrance to the four directions. This year was the earliest monsoon in 108 years and it had started the previous day, so the atmosphere was quite cooling. This was highly unusual since mid June means the temperature never goes below 45 C (over 120 F).

All the brahmins from Varsana were sitting on one side and the brahmins from Nandagram on the other in the courtyard facing each other at the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Ladli Lal. Both sides had two microphones and they began reciting very sweet verses of Brijbhasha poetry. Dhanya Brijbhasha, dusri na bhasha, te ne vani ki vidhata ko bolbo sikhayo hai. Glorious Brijbhasha, there’s not another like it. You even taught the iventor of language how to speak!

Some recited old verses and others recited their own compositions. One would immediately be inspired by the other and the next one would take a cue from the last verse spoken and start another. Even if you don’t understand, Brijbhasha is so sweet to hear. Now I can understand about 80% of the words and maybe 40% of the meanings, but it just takes you to Goloka Vrindavan.

One of the most famous Brijbhasha poets was Raskhana, who was previously a muslim who fell in love with Radha and Krishna. Raskhan was actually his muslim name, but in hindi it means the abode of rasa, or the treasure house of love. He says,

brahman main dundhro puranana ganan, veda rica suni cauguna chayan dekhyo, sunyo kabuhu na kitun vah svarupa au kaise subhayan terata herata hari paryo raskhani batayau na loga lugayan dekhau durau vah kunja kutir mem baitha palotatha radhika payan

“I searched the Supreme in songs of puranas, hearing vedic verse my desire quadrupled. Still nowhere did I see or hear about His real form or nature Aho! cries Rashkan. All my seaching and calling has failed! Then afar in the kunja kutira I saw Him sitting massaging Sri Radhika’s lotus feet.”

Of course the verse that introduced me to Raskhan, demonstrates his attraction for Braja:

manushya ho to vahi raskhan vaso braja gokula gaon ke gvaran jo pashu ho to kaha vaso mero carau nit Nanda ki dhenu manjaran pahan ho to vahi giri ko ki daryo kar chatra purandara karan jo khaga ho to vasero mero mila kalindi kul kadamba ki daran

“If I have to take a human birth, then let it be as a cowherd in the village of Gokula. If as an animal, then let me graze with the cows of Nanda Maharaja. If as a stone, then let it one on that hill that he lifted on his hand against the anger of Purandara (Indra) If as a bird, the let it be in kadamba’s branches overlooking the Kalindi’s bank!”

We had planned to stay only an hour, but we stayed up till 10 PM when there was aratika to end the program. Very wonderful mahaprasad was distributed to all.

Then next night was Nirjala Ekadasi and the festival was at Nandagram. They bring the Deities of Krishna Balaram around to the side altar where a beautiful phul bangala was made. Somehow although usually they don’t allow photos at all, we saw several people were snapping away with their mobiles. So my driver Gita Govinda whipped his out and got some photos for me to show you. Of course these are cellphone photos, so the quality is not the best, but anyway you’ll get the picture!

But the kavi sanmelan was a failure. The Nandagram pujaris didn’t arrange for a sound system. All the Varsana Brahmins were seated facing the Nandagram brahmins in the courtyard waiting for a sound system that never arrived. They went on anyway, but unless you were sitting directly with them it was impossible to hear over the noise of the pilgrims and children. It was a big embarrasment in front of the Varsana brahmins who had made such a nice arrangement the previous night. The phul bangala was glorious with the sweet scent wafting hear and there. So after taking darshan to our full satisfaction, we returned to take rest at Vrinda Kunda.

motina mala bani nata ki lataki latava lata ghungharavari anga hi anga jarava lasai aru sisa lasai pagiya jaratari puraba punyani te raskhani su mohini murati ani nihari caryau disani ki lai chabi ani kai jhanke jhorokhe mem banke bihari

“The dancer Krishna sports beautiful pearl necklace, and His curls are dangling here and there. Gem encrusted gold ornaments decorate his limbs and on Head is gold embroidered turban. By his previous pious works Raskhan is able to see the most enchanting form of his Lord. Decorated by beauty from the four directions, Banke Bihari is seen through lattice-work windows.”

BY MADAN MOHAN

Hare Krsna prabhus and matajis.

Sometimes the living entities make plans to the best of their abilities. But as many of us would have realized, only if the Lord sanctions, will the plans materialize. But The Lord being the best friend and well wisher of all gives more than planned when devotees come up with sincere spiritual plans. This is what the devotees from Singapore realized with regards to the Snana Yatra festival for this year. It all began as the devotees started planning and working hard to conduct Jagannath’s Snana Yatra festival. Announcements were made, and a total of 1500 invitations were sent out to the public. Snana Yatra was going to take place on a weekday and, as such the devotees intensified the publicity. In Singapore not many people get the time to do anything else other than work on a weekday. But this stereotyped situation was about to change by the mercy of the Lord of the Universe.

Firstly, one week prior to Snana Yatra H. H Narasingha Maharaj decided to visit Singapore. Maharaj’s presence and his wonderful lectures captivated the hearts of devotees and the public alike. And just as everyone was enjoying the association of Maharaj, he made it known to us that he would be staying right through Snana Yatra and even agreed to deliver the lecture for the day. The Lord’s great plan had started to unfold. Just one day before the Yatra, the devotees received another wonderful news. This time, we heard that H. H Kavichandra Maharaj would be arriving just in time for the Snana Yatra festival. The Lord of the universe was working His magic.

On the day of Snana Yatra, as expected; only very few devotees were present at the start of the program. Nevertheless the devotees were not disheartened as the Lord together with Lord Baladev and Mother Subhadra made His way into the premise. Once their Lordships had come in, the crowd toll started to increase. Wonderful abishek was performed for Their Lordships as the 2 Maharajas came in to grace the occasion. And to everyone’s surprise as Narasingha Maharaj and Kavichandra Maharaj started to speak on the glories of the Lord, the entire Gujertai association (where Snana Yatra was being held) was filled with people. There was no room, as devotees started strolling in. It was a great wonder, as it is almost impossible to get such a big crowd on a weekday.

With great enthusiasm the devotees heard the glories of the Lord. Right after class, bhoga offering was made to the Lord. Arati was then performed amidst ecstatic kirtan, as the devotees danced for the pleasure of Their Lordships. H. H Kavichandra Maharaj then led the devotees in chanting Narasimha pranam. It was truly wonderful. And to conclude, sumptuous prasadam was served to one and all. At the end, the devotees realized that a total of 250 plates of prasadam were distributed!

The Lord came, brought His exalted devotees and attracted the crowd. The Lord’s pastimes not only took place thousands of years ago on Mother Earth, but they are still taking place at every moment of our lives. Such is the glory of the Lord. All glories to the Lord of the universe, Jagannatha Swami. Please feel free to take a look at the festival pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/davin81/SnanYatra08

June 13, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (FRI) - The Nyana Yatra Indian Cultural Society of Masterskill College organized a major event which took place in the college auditorium on Friday 13th June 2008. Approximately 200 students came for this amusing and thought provoking presentation. Two speakers from VOICE Academy were invited to present to a vastly intellectual crowd. Dr K. Sinivasagan, a senior dental surgeon and also the Chairperson for VOICE Malaysia Academy presented “The Hidden Glories of India”, while Prabhu Murugesu, a Mechanical Engineering (Hons.) undergraduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional presented “The Science of The Vedas”.

Dr K. Sinivasagan spoke for the first 45 minutes explaining the lost treasure and heritage of Mother India. The explanations were given based on scientific proofs quoted from various scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. To emphasise important points, real-life examples were given. This made the talk highly capturing and interesting.

The second speaker, Prabhu Murugesu spoke for 30 minutes, introducing this subject matter to the students in a simplified manner for their understanding. The Science of the Body, Soul, Mind, Karma, Universe as stated in the Vedas were explored briefly and were explained alongside with current scientific proofs and facts.

In conclusion, both the talks successfully stirred the inquisitiveness of the students. Due to the overwhelming response, Dr. Muniandy, the senior advisor of Masterskill gave a highly positive feedback and requested Voice Academy to hold bimonthly Bhagavad Gita sessions at the college.

The talk was successfully arranged by Mdm. Asha, a senior lecturer from Masterskill and also by Mr.Chandrasegaran, 2nd Semester Physiotherapy student from the college.

View our photo album

May 31, BANDAR SUNGAI LONG, MALAYSIA (SAT)  - The appearance day of Lord Narasimha which was celebrated on 19^th May 2008 commemorates the appearance of Lord Vishnu as half man, half lion, to protect His devotee Prahlad Maharaj from his demonic father Hiranyakashipu. At Iskcon Kuala Lumpur, it was indeed a grand celebration. Many took part in hearing the nectarian pastimes of the Lord and rendered prayers in glorification of Lord Narasimha. For those who never had the opportunity to do so, His Grace Madhumaya Krsna Das prabhu and Her Grace Astasakhi Devi Dasi mataji had made special arrangements at Garden Park Condominium so that others may have the privilege of celebrating the appearance day of Lord Narasimha at their very own home. Upon humble request, Mr. and Mrs. Selva had happily agreed to host the evening program and invite more people.

The program began at 7pm with nice bhajans by Srivas Caitanya Das prabhu together with other VOICE members. By that time, almost 30 people had come together for the program and more were pouring in. Soon after the bhajans, Srivas Caitanya prabhu briefly explained the itinerary of the program and passed on to His Grace Karuna Sindhu Kannaya Das prabhu to narrate the Lord’s pastimes. His Grace captured the attention of all, when he with vivid realization told the thrilling story of Hiranyakashipu, Prahlad and Lord Narasimha Deva. Next was the mass recitation of prayers in glorification of Lord Narasimha. Everyone took part in chanting the 108 names of Lord Narasimha and recited Sri Narasimha Kavacam. The spiritual vibration was simply rejuvenating and to spice up things a little bit more, there were some video clips shown on the arati performed for Lord Narasimha at Mayapur temple and also few short climax scenes extracted from the old movie ‘Dasavataram’. The program was concluded with a short arati and heavy kirtan followed by prasadam. The hosts were very happy about the event and looking forward for a continuous program at their home. One of the hosts, Mrs. Selva shared a few words, “After the program, we are very happy within and this could be seen through our eyes…thank you very much”.

Check out our photo album

May 23, PORT DICKSON, MALAYSIA -The Congregational Development Ministry of Iskcon KL organised a 3-day convention from 23rd May to May 25 2008 at NUBE, Port Dickson.

The program is an initiative by the Congregational Development Ministry to further equip and train aspiring preachers with the necessary knowledge, and skills to preach to greater heights in the most magnanimous cause of sankirtan yajna of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Events And Details

Day 1 ( Late Evening)

Date: May 23 2008

Number of devotees: 30

HG Ramananda prabhu who reached the resort centre earlier coordinated the accommodation of the devotees as one by one began to join him. Some devotees brought along their families members and everyone was immediately ushered to have sumptuous prasadam and briefed by HG Sarvatirtha prabhu on their accommodation and program for the next day.

Devotees even reached the resort at approximately 1.00 am to ensure they participated in the convention and everyone was made sure to have prasadam and their needs taken care.

Day 2

Date: May 24 2008

Number of devotees: 37

The program started with group chanting at 6.00 am to 7.00 am. Guru puja started at 7.00 am with kirtan led by HG Isvara Gopal prabhu. The enthusiasm and eagerness of the devotees were clearly visible with the vibrant chanting and kirtan .

HG Rasika prabhu then started the program with an inspiring talk on sad – acar and Srila Prabhupada, stressing on the importance of preaching and the need for devotees to be determined in their sadhana. A group activity of identifying the key success factors of Srila Prabhupada’s success was also carried out which opened up the eyes of all devotees on why Srila Prabhupada achieved such a phenomenal success in a short span of time.

After the group activity, HG Rasika Prabhu outlined the success factors and how we should just follow Srila Prabhupada’s instruction and his examples in our preaching. The most important factor was to be determined in our sadhana and follow the regulative principles very strictly.

HG Ramananda prabhu then continued with a presentation of the specific details of the chanting of the holy name, the meaning of mantra, Lord Chaitanya movement, the significance of the Hare Krishna mahamantra and Srila’ Prabhupada’s instruction.

This was another awe inspiring talk that emphasized to all devotees the importance of the sankirtan yajna and more importantly, the role that each and every one of us plays in this movement.

This talk also gave the devotees an opportunity to learn some of the specific details in regards of the maha mantra that we would not have obtained in any normal lectures. This was an eye opener as to the endless learning curve and knowledge that one can garner from the scriptures and senior vaishnavas on the maha mantra.

HG Rasika Murari prabhu then continued with a group activity that was based on preaching scenarios. Each group which totaled to 8 groups was provided with a preaching challenge and the group should was required come up with the solution.

Examples of the preaching challenges was a group that simply did not show any interest in the preaching of the devotees, a group that only said a few words for whatever the devotees had to say and so on.

HG Rasika prabhu, HG Srivas prabhu, HG Ramananda prabhu and HG Sarva Tirtha parbu took up the roles of non devotees in the activity and each group has to practically try to preach to them based on the scenario given.

It was a lively activity with lots of humor and laughter. Everyone enjoyed the activity and more importantly the learning points from the activity on how to preach better and approach each preaching scenario differently.

The devotees then adjourned for a sumptuous lunch and was given free time for themselves until the games at the beach at 4.30 pm.

The prabhu’s and the mathaji’s each organized their own games and from the face of the devotees, everyone had a blast at the beach. The association of the devotees and the perfect environment at the beach provided just the motivation for all devotees to forget about everything and relish the nectar of devotees association.

Gaura arati started at 7.00 pm with kirtan led by Sriman Kumar prabhu, HG Sarva Tirtha prabu and HG Rasika Murari prabhu. It was an ecstatic kirtan and all devotees were delighted just to be there in the kirtan.

HG Sarva Tirtha prabhu then presented his talk about the essence of preaching, his experience in Taman Sentosa, the targets for namahatta for the year and the progress and examples of preaching inspirations from many devotees in the workshop. Again, this was a tool to inspire many of the aspiring devotees in the workshop to preach with renewed vigor, enthusiasm and determination.

Devotees then took prasadam and the prabhu’s prepared for the corn barbeque. The night passed away with memories of the inspiring stories from the day’s presentation in the mind of every devotee.

Day 3

Date: May 25 2008

N umber of devotees: 45

Group chanting started at 6.00 am to 7.00 am and then followed by guru puja. Kirtan was led by Sriman Prakash prabhu. Another example of how new aspiring devotees can lead an ecstatic kirtan and the devotees loved it!

The program continued with a talk from HG Srivas prabhu on devotee care. He stressed how this was a very important aspect of every aspiring devotees. He provided the example from the successful UniVoice program in which every devotee was assigned a group of aspiring devotees to be taken care of their every need. This in return helped significantly in their spiritual progress.

The counselor system was also given utmost importance in the area of devotee care as every aspiring devotee must take full advantage of this system which has proved to be vital tool to progress in our sadhana and devotional life.

HG Krishna Chandra prabhu was then invited to share his insight on sadhana to all devotees. He gave his view on how important is sadhana and that chanting of the maha mantra was an integral part of our devotional life.

HG Sarva Madhavi mathaji then delivered a short talk on devotee care specifically for mathaji which was a boon to hear for all aspiring mathaji’s.

HG Ramananda prabhu and HG Sarvatirtha prabhu then outlined the current activity of all yatra leaders and their future plans and commitment to expand the preaching efforts. New targets and preaching commitments were taken down on the whiteboard which is to be reviewed on the second upcoming workshop which has been planned tentatively on August 2 2008.

HG Visnu Chaitanya then delivered a presentation on ISKCON preaching activities around the world. He also played a video clip of HH Jayatapaka Swami’s talk in Bhaktivedanta Manor on the phenomenal success of Damaodara program in Malaysia. This was another impetus for the devotees to catapult their enthusiasm in preaching. The fact that HH Jayatapaka Swami talking enthusiastically about the damodara success in Malaysia was amazing to witness by all devotees in the workshop with a roar of Jai !

HG Visnu Chaitanya also spoke on the importance of being very strict in our sadhana and as devotees; we simply do not have any room for complacency. We are taking part in the most important mission of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitnaya Mahaprabhu and each and every devotee must vow to put his best foot forward to please Guru and Gauranga.

Prior to lunch prasadam on the final day of program, the workshop ended with a lively question and answer session from the floor with the panel of devotees being HG Krishna Chandra Dasa , HG Rasika Murari Dasa, HG Ramananda Gaura Dasa, HG Sarvatirtha Krishna Dasa , HG Visnu Caitanya dasa and HG Sarva Madhavi mathaji.

A group photo ensued after the lunch prasadam, capturing the liveliness, renewed vigor and enthusiasm of all the moonlike devotee’ face.

The Next Step

The whole program was a benediction for all aspiring devotees. The combination of association of devotees, awe inspiring stories from senior devotees and ISKCON preaching stories around the world was a great impetus for all devotees to now take the preaching to the next step.

The end result of the workshop can bee seen in the faces of the devotees whom now are ready to take the challenge and preaching to greater heights.

Devotees are looking forward to the next workshop planned tentatively on August 2 2008 to share their upcoming successes.

All Glories To Srila Prabupada !

All Glories Guru and Gauranga !

]]> http://iskconkl.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/congregating-in-port-dickson/feed/ 0 jeyanthy http://iskconkl.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/battle-of-kurukshetra-2008/ http://iskconkl.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/battle-of-kurukshetra-2008/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:59:19 +0000 jeyanthy http://iskconkl.wordpress.com/?p=450 ]]> BY MATHURA LILESVARI

Come 7th June 2008, T. A. S. K ( To Always Serve Krishna) of ISKCON Kuala Lumpur will be organising Battle of Kurukshetra, an annual Bhagavad Gita Quiz and Sloka Festival. This festival was inaugurated and was launched by HG Simheswara Das, the regional Secretary of ISKCON Malaysia last year. Battle of Kurukshetra received overwhelming response from devotees all over Malaysia. Parents looked at it as an opportunity to engage their children in reading the Bhagavad Gita.

We would like to add that eventhough it’s a competition, winning is not the main objective of Battle of Kurukshetra. In Battle of Kurukshetra there are no losers, just like 5000 years ago, all that gave their lives in the battlefield, went back to Godhead, whether the were the Pandavas or the Kauravas.

There are two parts to the festival, the sloka recital competition and the quiz. All questions for the quiz are set based on Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad GIta As It Is. As such, the objective of Battle of Kurukshetra is to encaurage and motivate devotees to read and to study Prabhupada’s Gita thoroughly.

This year, HH B. V. V Narasimha Swami will be launching Battle of Kurukshetra. We thank Maharaj for his kind support.

Battle of Krukshetra is a half day programme. The quiz and sloka competitions are divided into four categories. Anyone aged 5 and above can participate. For more details you may visit www. iskconkl. com or www. sjmklyouths. blogspot. com

Battle of Kurukshetra ki Jai! Srila Prabhupada ki Jai

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Please find attached a statement from the GBC Executive Committee on respect for women.

While there are different opinions on the best roles for women in society and how the Vedic culture is to be applied today, I think we all agree that we must be careful to be respectful to all Vaishnavas in both our deeds and words.

Your servant,

Ramai Swami GBC Chairman

————————–

International GBC Statement Reaffirming Vaishnava Respect for Women

May 26, 2008

Today we live in a world that is full of war, strife, hatred and exploitation between people. It is a world based on a bodily conception of life that categorizes and then mistreats living beings on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion, etc.

The Krishna consciousness movement teaches a higher guiding principle based upon the soul. We offer to the world a panacea: We can live together peacefully only when we respect each other as individual spiritual beings, part and parcel of God. All living beings are eternal, all are sacred, and all–in their essence–are equally dear to the Supreme Lord.

To effectively teach this principle, members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness need to be vigilant that it be properly understood and practiced within our own society and among our members. We must believe in the principle of loving, respecting, and caring for all beings as parts and parcels of Lord Krishna.

It is our sacred duty to teach, speak, and live the principles of humility and respect for all, as taught by Lord Caitanya and our Founder-Acarya, Srila Prabhupada. We must also speak out against deviations from those principles.

In 1998, the North American GBC/Temple Presidents Executive Committee found it necessary to speak out against an email conference that claimed to be founded on Vaishnava teachings that was belittling and demeaning to women. It minimized the contributions of women, and failed to fully appreciate the role women play in our society, our families, and our temples. (See Appendix
1 below.)

Today, the International GBC Executive Committee is disturbed to learn that a blog site claiming affiliation with ISKCON, and using “Hare Krishna” in its name, has included sexist and misogynist statements. Such writings are not authorized, and they are against the principles of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and our Vaishnava culture.

We condemn any effort to minimize the contributions and importance of women in our society. Instead, we offer the women of our society the highest respect. Women are of great value to our Vaishnava community, and have made immeasurable, indispensable, and saintly contributions as mothers, daughters, wives, pujaris, priests, teachers, and leaders.

We call upon all members of ISKCON to be living examples of the highest respect and appreciation for all living beings and to resist any temptations towards disrespect or prejudice.

Your servants,

The GBC Executive Committee

Appendix 1

1998 Statement by the North American Executive Officers

The North American GBC/Temple President Executive Officers wish to voice our strong disapproval of, and our protest against, the demeaning and ill intended statements made by some members of the GHQ com conference that were recently brought to public attention.

It is our firm position that Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, intended his Hare Krishna Movement to be free from all prejudice, sexism, racism and other forms of bigotry.

We affirm that the first and foremost principle of our society is that all people (indeed all sentient beings) are eternal, sacred parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, and as such should be respected and affirmed in their individual relationship with the Lord, as well as their service to guru and Krishna.

Multiple statements made by members of this Internet conference ridicule, berate and vilify women, other minorities, and individual Vaishnava devotees. They document an organized attempt to prevent women from their God-given rights of self-expression and service to Srila Prabhupada. We denounce such views. They are opposed to the core values and principles of Vaishnava culture which upholds the devotional offerings of all souls as sacred and worthy of our respect and protection.

While we endorse open debate and dialogue within our Krishna Consciousness movement, we must speak out against any discussion that crosses the line of decency, morality, and Vaishnava etiquette and supports an agenda to exploit or minimize a section of our society.

Bir Krishna Goswami, Chairperson Anuttama Dasa Sudharma Dasi Vraja Lila Dasi

Appendix 2

Women in ISKCON International GBC Resolution March 2000

WHEREAS, the Women’s Ministry presentation on March 1st, 2000 to the GBC Body brought a clearer understanding of the mistakes of the past and the need to provide equal and full opportunity for devotional service for all devotees in ISKCON, regardless of gender, and

WHEREAS, it is clearly following in our line that all people are welcome to join Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana movement and are capable of developing full love of God, and

WHEREAS, it is our belief that many of the social issues that confront us are exacerbated because the voice of our women, who are the mothers and daughters of our Krsna conscious family, have been hushed and stifled due to misinterpretation of our Vaisnava philosophy, and thus the human and interpersonal needs of our devotees have been minimized,

THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED THAT:

501 [STATEMENT] 1. The members of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness offer their humble apologies to the women of Srila Prabhupada’s society who, because of our own shortcomings and those of the Society, have suffered due to a lack of protection, support, facility and appreciation for their service, devotion and vast contributions to the Society, and

2. [ACTION] All GBC Body members and other leaders shall hold istagosthis [meetings] in each of their respective temples to establish the priority of providing equal facilities, full encouragement and genuine care and protection for the women members of ISKCON. Also, separate meetings should be held with the leaders and women of each temple to address the women’s needs and concerns,

Women’s Participation 19 [LAW] A. All ISKCON temples are to allow all qualified devotees, regardless of gender, to speak on Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, etc. during the regular temple class. B. All ISKCON temples designate half of the temple room area, divided in the center from the altar, for the ladies. C. If the management in a particular temple feels it is unable to implement these proposals, the Executive Committee will appoint a small team of senior devotees, including women, to sensitively review the particular local situation.

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR
April 26-27, KUALA LUMPUR (SAT-SUN) – On the evening of the 26^th and 27^th of April 2008, V.O.I.C.E (Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education), a newly an affiliated arm of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Kuala Lumpur, made its first-time initiative of organizing a dance and drama event called ‘Prerana’ which means inspiration in Sanskrit. This event was held in Tan Sri K.R Soma Auditorium at Wisma Tun Sambanthan. The occasion was publicised widely in the local media as well as several prominent organisations and received overwhelming response. The main purpose of Prerana is to raise funds for undergraduate university and college programs organised by V.O.I.C.E throughout the year which include forums, seminars, intervarsity summits, Xpressions and inter-faith talks. These programs are intended to encourage the development of well-rounded, successful, cultured young leaders with a balanced approach in their material and spiritual life. Besides serving as a fund raising event, Prerana was also used as a platform to introduce VOICE to the public eye.

The Prerana event lasted for 2 days. Saturday’s program was conducted in English while Sunday’s program was in Tamil. Both the evenings attracted a total of approximately 600 people. The event started at 7.30 p.m with light refreshments and ended with a grand dinner. On each of the evenings, there were beautiful violin recitals, exciting sequence of Harinam Dance, an exquisite Balinese Ramayana performance and a wonderful stage drama by Vraja Arts Theatr

e of Sri Jagannath Mandir, Kuala Lumpur. Vraja Arts Theatre staged two different  performances. On Saturday, there was a drama on Lord Narasimha’s appearance in English while on Sunday, the drama was on the advent of Lord Krsna in Tamil. The brilliantly choreographed Balinese Ramayana was a feast for the eyes. The performance was suffused with Balinese cultural flavour and was accompanied by background narration in the ancient Balinese language.

On the first day, we were blessed by the presence of Tan Sri, Dato’ Seri, Dr. M. Mahadevan, a philanthropist and a prominent psychiatrist. Tan Sri also became the first V.O.I.C.E patron and pledged RM 5,000.00 towards VOICE activities. The guest of honour on the following day was Datin Paduka Mother Mangalam, co-founder and current president of Pure Life Foundation.

VOICE would like to thank all those who have kindly contributed and supported this event. Your helping hand had made this event a great success.
Watch us in action

BY BIR KRISHNA DAS GOSWAMI

Many years ago Srila Prabhupada instructed his disciples to mass produce small Gaura Nitai Deities (he called them Happy Dolls) and distribute them on Sankirtan along with his books. He told the devotees that they should include instructions on chanting with the Deities, stating that if they chanted (Pancatattva Mahamantra and Hare Krishna Mahamantra) for the Deities and put some fruit in front of the Deities, then partook of the fruit themselves; they would enjoy great fortune!

Since I heard this instruction from His Divine Grace, I have been meditating on how to fulfill his desire. Recently I contacted devotees in China who manufacture small figurines including Gaura Nitai Deities, and arranged for special packaging for street distribution along with good pricing so that temples and individual devotees could afford to distribute these Deities and make some money on them.

Just a week ago a large shipment arrived in our warehouse, and they are ready to go out and be distributed. They are in a very attractive package (see accompanying pictures) that will practically guarantee many sales.

I only have a limited quantity right now, and plan on ordering much more in the future.

Any temples or individuals that order over a certain amount will get them at my cost plus shipping to your temple. The Happy Dolls are available in multiples of 36 with the minimum order being 108. Here is the pricing (without shipping):

Quantity
108 price per piece 3.00 USD plus shipping from Hillsborough, NC USA
216 and above price per piece 2.50 USD plus shipping from Hillsborough, NC USA

Devotees will need to arrange for the insert (how to chant and where to write for more information) for the Deities.

I can be contacted at my email address: bkgoswami@earthlink.net for ordering information.

Your servant,
Bir Krishna das Goswami