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

BY CARU DAS

Last weekend May 2 Caru Das journeyed to the NA GBC / Temple President Meetings in New Vrndavan, West Virginia. He landed at the Pittsburgh airport Friday midnight, rented a car, dozed at a rest stop en route and arrived Saturday morning in time for a shower and the start of the meetings.

Romapada Swami gave a keynote talk entitled “Spiritual Economics; Relevance to the Bhagavatam”. He and Devamrta Swami are apparently getting keen response to their preaching on Ecology. As one writer said, “Environmentalism is the new religion.” The relevant files can be downloaded from his web site at http://www.romapadaswami.com/SE.

Ramabhadra, President of the Brooklyn temple gave a sublime power point presentation on Deity worship. He included lots of slides, not only of the New York Deities, but famous well worshipped Deities in India, such as Radha Govinda in Jaipur.

Amarendra the attorney spoke of the bylaws issue. He said the GBC’s only concern in urging the temples to adopt the bylaws was to preserve the ecclesiastical integrity of the temples, as stated in Article 4. Temples which were and continue to be established on behalf of Prabhupada’s mission should not be be coopted later by board members who want to take them in a different direction. He gave the examples of Long Island and Fullerton. In answer to concerns the new bylaws might make some temples liable for the mistakes of others, he said there is almost no “alter ego’ liability there, and gave examples.

Rabindra Svarup gave a scholarly presentation called, “The Hierarchical Nature of ISKCON.”

There was a nice proposal to train new leadership in America. Tamohar, Kuladri and Anuttama explained the rough idea to hold three two week training sessions annually for two years, after which candidates should have all the skills to assume leadership roles. The content ot the training sessions was described as “one part spiritual, two parts managerial.” They hope to start in North America in the fall. Temples could assist by identifying future leaders, sending them to the sessions, subsidizing the students, and also hosting some of the training.

Sunday morning’s Bhagavatam class was given by Trivikram Swami. Every morning the reigning deities Radha Vrndavanchandra were bedecked with garlands of locally grown aromatic lilacs.

That day’s meetings began with a super internet preaching power point by Manu of Alachua. He presented all the details of Krishna.com: staggering number of visitors, always growing, from all over the world, live chat features, temple web cam opportunities, etc.

Incidentally, Manu informed Caru that the Youth Bus program will visit Utah on a Friday evening July 25. The youth do a Bharat Natyam program headed by Annapayini and a drama called Karna and Kunti. It will be a great evening. Caru assured him he will  promote it as much as possible.

Ramabhadra showed samples of the new Kalashas for this year’s Janmastami fund raisers.

Kuladri spoke of the Youth Fund, particularly praising Svavasa and Los Angeles temple for their unselfish contributions.

Caru was scheduled to give a presentation of the innovative preaching in Utah. He had prepared a power point presentation which included 50 slides and some videos of the Holi festivals. He spoke about 30 minutes, until lunch time.

Caru missed the lunch at the temple to go with Balabhadra to the ISCOWP (International Society for Cow Protection) farm. He spent some time with the cows, which were totally free from fear of humans. Balabhadra has recently acquired two pairs of oxen. He will train them to plow and pull an ox cart, thus replacing the famous Braj and Gita, who traveled over America with Pada Yatra.

Sunday afternoon a private meeting of the Temple Presidents was chaired by Kalakantha Prabhu and Trivikrama Swami. Many issues were discussed of relevance to temple leaders: salary questions, temples sharing resources and helping each other out, fund raising by traveling preachers, gurus and sannyasis, the inauguration of a Temple President’s web site which would archive all “best practices” for the benefit of present and future TPs. Twenty four temples (out of 50 in America) were represented by 32 persons.

Kuladri showed Caru 13 vinyl banners 6 feet high and 4 feet wide, which tell the story of Prabhupada. Caru bought them for $ 400.00 deeming they will be perfect for the exhibit hall presently under construction in Utah. The existing exhibits on vegetarianism, reincarnation etc., are exactly the same size.

Sunday morning’s Bhagavatam class was given by Romapada Swami.

The meetings began with a discussion of a Pastoral Abuse policy.

Anuttama encouraged devotees to write for iskconnews.com, the great editorializing web site for the movement.

Badrinarayan followed with a presentation of ISKCON worldwide, some of her recent success stories.

A few of them….

1) There are 300 students in the Mayapur (West Bengal) gurukula, half of whom are Muslims. One of the young Muslim students memorized the entire Bhagavad Gita.

2) The Moscow temple will break ground in October.

3) The Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, which will cost 30 million dollars, has 20 million already pledged.

4) Badrinarayan told of how hopeless it seemed in the old days to introduce Krishna Consciousness in China. Tamal Krishna Maharaj would have almost given up had not the first Chinese devotee been named U Chan Ting. Now Bhagavad Gitas have been printed in Chinese, legally by the government, and will be sold in government bookstores.

5) The Gita is now available in 55 different languages, including, Kazak, Tibetan, Rumanian, Arabic, Burmese, Mongolian and Zulu.

6) There was a recent Ratha Yatra in Saudi Arabia (arranged by private invitation in a skating rink) which was attended by 3,000 people,

7) India temples sold 1.5 million Bhagavad Gitas last year. In Hungary, on their tax returns, people can check one of four churches, to whom the government will give one per cent of that individual’s tax moneys: Catholic, Lutheran, one other (forget) and Hare Krishnas. Last year the Krishna Consciousness Society received from the Hungarian government a check for one million dollars!

A standing ovation that weekend was received by the lady cooks who did a superlative job. They kept the leaders well nourished, not only at the regular meals, but at the snack table in the meeting hall. This was always copiously laden with herbal teas, brownies, cakes, and cookies. Malati and all the New Vrndavan devotees were gracious hosts, especially considering they were under pressure to mount the Festival of Inspiration for an influx of 700 devotees five days hence (May 9-11).

BY KAUNTEYA DAS

BY BHAKTA PRABHU

March 11, KUALA LUMPUR (TUE) – Another mesmerizing and informative talk on glories of Lord Shiva was delivered by H.G.Vishnu Caitanya dasa. It was specially requested by “UNICS” the Hindu society of University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), in conjunction of Shiva rathri festival. The much needed information of Lord Shiva has definitely made the students revered the Lord as a great personality. Going further as explained by His Grace, Lord Shiva is incharge for the mode of ignorance, who is the destructive source for the whole creation. The glorification of Lord Shiva is also found in the vedas and puranas such as Srimad Bhagavatam, Shiva Puranam and so forth.

Bridging the gap between the two doctrines, i.e.  Shaivism and Vaishnavism, H.G. Vishnu Caitanya dasa’s methodology was liked by everyone who attended the session. Carefully presenting the points about the greatness of Lord Shiva, H.G. Vishu Caitanya dasa once again emerged as a contemporary speaker which left the crowd mind boggling.

About 50 students attended the talk including 2 lecturers from UNITEN. On behalf of VOICE of UNI, we would like to thank Bhakta Hemalan and UNICS for the opportunity.

Check out our photo album

BY PRAJINDRA SANKAR KRISHNAN

Mar 19, KUALA LUMPUR (WED) – Many would have thought that the ancient teachings of the Vedas are no longer applicable especially in this era of modern technology but the students of Methodist Boys School (MBS) were definitely astonished to find out the truth in contrast to our common believes after attending a multimedia presentation entitled, ‘Science of the Vedas – its relevance in modern day society’.

The multimedia talk was organized by the Indian Cultural Society of MBS in accordance to their ‘Religious Week’ line of events. Bhaktin Padma, one of the Pandava Sena youths of Sri Jagannath Mandir Kuala Lumpur who is currently pursuing her Form 6 studies there took the responsibility to organize the multimedia talk. The talk was held in a computer lab and was scheduled to begin at 7.30am. It took quite a while to gather all the students. By 7.40am, the computer lab was crowded with approximately 70 students ranging from Form 3 to Form 6. The Indian teachers were very helpful in coordinating the students and calming them down. Around 10 Indian teachers attended the talk, which was a good turn up from the teaching force. After a brief introduction of the speaker by the host, the talk officially started at 7.45am.

Bhakta Prajindra Sankar, a representative from VOICE of Uni, Sri Jagannatha Mandir Kuala Lumpur was the guest speaker for the day. Accompanying the speaker was Bhakta Rajendran who provided technical support in arranging and setting up the laptop, projector, sound system, etc. The one hour talk was light and easy, aimed to ensure that the students understand the message being imparted. The whole session was kept interactive and there were also a number of video clips shown relating to the subject matter to enhance their understanding. The students responded well to this.

The speaker took the students on a journey through 3 different ways to acquire knowledge namely sense perception (Pratyaksha Praman), inference (Anuman Praman) and word of authority (Sabda Praman) while giving away many examples to enable the students to grasp the main points. The speaker focused on the 3rd way of acquiring absolute knowledge which is through the word of authority and then continued with the 2 systems of acquiring knowledge: inductive/ascending method and deductive/descending method. By giving few analogies, the speaker made it clear that the deductive method is the best system to acquire knowledge through the word of authority (Vedas).

Before revealing the Vedic hidden scientific treasures such as the science of the mind, soul, time, karma, reincarnation, etc, the speaker stressed the importance of Bhagavad Gita as the essence of ALL the Vedas and asserted that the rest of the presentation will be based on teachings of the Gita. The speaker spoke on the science of the mind, a subtopic more suited for students. Some of the main highlights were the mechanism of the mind, how senses, mind and intelligence interact, nature of the mind and what damage can an uncontrolled mind do to oneself and society. The speaker warned that an uncontrolled mind can lead to an undesirable action and this would trigger the Law of Karma to take its course that leads to unpleasant consequences. After briefly explaining about action and reaction, the speaker concluded the talk by giving practical techniques for mind controlling and better concentration.

The talk ended at 8.45am and shortly after, the students adjourned back to their respective classes. The students and organizers gave very good feedbacks and looking forward for another talk in the near future.

The author would like to express his sincere gratitude towards all those who had been very helpful in organizing and making this talk a success especially HG. Srivas Caitanya dasa, Bhakta Rajendran, Bhaktin Padma and HG Mathura Lilesvari Mataji. ~Hare Krishna~

Check out our photo album

BY BHAKTA RAJENDRAN

Mar 5, MALACCA, MALAYSIA (WED) - Indian Cultural Society of Multimedia University (MMU), Malacca Campus organized the 2nd multimedia talk entitled ‘Science of the Soul’. Previously, in March 2007, through the same Indian Cultural Society of Multimedia University Malacca Campus, we have conducted a talk on the “Science of the Vedas.”

Upon our arrival in MMU, we were directed to the venue (CLC-200 and was informed that the talk will be delayed about an hour due to many students are still having their classes. We noticed that there were two Chinese students already occupying the venue. They came for the talk and stayed till the end of the show, appreciating the entire presentation.

The crowd gradually swelled to 80 students. After a short welcoming address by the organizer, Bhakta Rajendran took the center stage and played a flash show depicting the current social issues involving youth and some of the VOICE of UNI activities in being part of the solution in eradicating youth’s related problem back in Kuala Lumpur. He then gave a brief introduction about the speaker and the topic.

HG Rasika Murari prabhu, then impressed and entertained the audience with his usual jovial interactive presentation. He put forward many intriguing questions regarding the body, soul and its relationships. He gave many examples and analogies how we can understand that we are not this temporary material body but eternally a spirit soul. He also touched on the many benefits that we can derive simply realizing that we are souls. He mentioned that the many troubles in the current world affairs are due to bodily designation and conception and by knowing, understanding and appreciating these common platform, that we are all soul beyond color, religion, caste, country, etc. will results in ultimate peace in the world order. He also pointed out that the real human intrinsic nature is to serve and by cultivating this serving attitude, the negative vibes such as anger, greed and lust can be easily diminished.

The talk was well received and Rasika Murari prabhu was seen answering many questions at the end of the talk. There were about 10 students surrounded him for about 40 minutes asking about ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada, Bhagavad Gita and our philosophy. They were truly satisfied by his answers and let him go only when the security personnel prompted them to leave the venue at about 11.15pm.

The next talk in MMU Melaka is scheduled sometime in May 2008.

Check out our photo album

BY ANANDA TIRTHA DAS

Mar 1, MAYAPUR, WEST BENGAL - On March 1st, the seventh day of the meetings, the morning presentations focused on the Youth Fund and Mayapur Temple of Vedic Planetarium, while the afternoon session consisted of a presentation by Bhaktivedanta Institute (Kolkata) and straw voting on proposals.

Ramabhadra Prabhu presented a detailed update of the current status of the Youth Fund effort. So far, four installments, totaling $3,950,000, has been disbursed to about seven hundred youth around the world. Some unsolicited letters of appreciation were shared with the Body, the common theme being gratitude for the help and renewed faith in ISKCON.

A further $5,550,000 is due to be disbursed in several installments up to 2011, making the total amount payable $9,500,000. There was sustained applause for major contributors to the fund such as Bhakti Charu Swami ($1,000,000) and an anonymous contribution of $500,000 arranged by Radhanath Swami. Los Angeles temple, which contributed well above its quota, also drew special mention.

Overall, the development of the Youth Fund, from the original overwhelming $400,000,000 Turley lawsuit that threatened many temples, to the present status has been nothing short of a miracle, with ISKCON leaders, attorneys, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and temples worldwide uniting to reaching out to our hurt youth while simultaneously protect Srila Prabhupada’s name and mission. The presentation ended with a reminder to all of the necessity to raise the balance required to complete the disbursement sum.

Next, Ambarisa Prabhu led the presentation on the current status of the Temple of Vedic Planetarium project in Mayapur of which he is Chairman. The GBC were treated to a graphic animated video of the completed temple. Ambarisa Prabhu announced that the final legal permissions to begin construction are under process.

There are three main groups preparing for the planetarium aspect of the temple. These groups are researching the 5th Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam and other Vedic texts. They are also creating an interactive website (wiki) to share their research.

Ambarisa Prabhu introduced the members of the present team of devotees dedicated to working on the project and stated that he hopes the temple will be completed in five or six years.

The afternoon session commenced with a presentation by Mukunda Madhava Prabhu on Bhaktivedanta Institute preaching. Following in the footsteps of HH Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami, the devotees of BI Kolkata are continuing holding well-attended student conferences throughout India on the topic of science and religion. They continue to lecture in various colleges and the Indian Science Congress and continue to distribute BI and Srila Prabhupada’s books.

The evening concluded with further straw voting.

March 2, the eighth day of the meetings, was the Annual GBC Retreat Day, as already reported separately.

The final two days of the meetings March 3 and 4, mainly dealt with topics for final voting, elections of officers and dates for future meeting. Topics voted on included:

Jurisdiction of ISKCON Centres
Garden of Inspiration (Samadhis in Mayapur) and Commemoration Committee
GBC Budget
Financial Reporting by Ministers
Relocation of Radha Govinda (New York)
ISKCON Fund Raising (central office)
Moscow Temple Development Committee
Guru Seminar and Retreat Proposal
Annual World Holy Name Week
Srila Prabhupada Puja and Murti Care Standards
Initiations where there are no Temples
Latin American Regional Governing Body
GBC Committee to Review Appointments to the GBC Body

It was also voted that the Board of Examinations will function under the Ministry of Educational Development.

On March 3, the GBC were paid a lively visit by the teachers and students (ranging from age 3-20) of the Sri Mayapur International School. Lalita Devi Dasi, Headmistress, spoke briefly about the school, and Anuttama Das, on behalf of GBC, in turn greeted the children stating that the GBC “Feels very inspired and grateful to see you all developing nicely in Krsna consciousness. Our time in leading this movement is limited and we know that some of you are going to come forward to take big responsibilities in Prabhupada’s movement. We look forward to spending our older years under your protection.”

The GBC then vacated their seats to be replaced by the younger children with Narayani Dasi, 12, becoming the Chairperson. Praghosa Das then presented the children with a proposal for voting. Unanimously the children voted on being served Ekadasi snacks by the GBC. After the children honoured prasadam, their enlivening visit ended with twelve-year-old Kanai leading kirtan with all the children and GBCs.

Prahladananda Swami presented the Sannyasa Ministry report to the GBC Body. There are currently eighteen candidates for sannyasa of whom three—Jagat Guru Das, Prabhodananda Sarasvati Das, and Purnacandra Das—are approved to accept sannyasa this year.

The second GBC meeting later this year will be at Juhu, Bombay, from October 19-23. Preceding this will be the second Guru seminar, from October 15-18. Next year’s Annual General Meeting in Mayapur will be from February 12-23.

This year’s election of the Executive Committee was done in record time: this year’s chairman will be Ramai Swami; First Vice-Chairman, Romapada Swami; Second Vice-Chairman, Madhu Sevita Das; Special Duty Officer, Kavicandra Swami; and Secretary, Bhakti Purusottama Swami.

Other appointments were of Hrdaya Caitanya Das as an Acting GBC member and Tamohara Das as Assistant GBC member. Candrasekhar Das and Kaunteya Das continue as Candidates for GBC.

The GBC also released a statement appreciating the services of the late Suhotra Prabhu, former GBC member.

The final session of this year’s meeting was a Self Evaluation exercise conducted by Anuttama Prabhu. Each GBC, Deputy and Minister received a “Personal Success Worksheet” and a five page “Self Assessment for Leaders” sheet which they had to fill out to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Anuttama then directed everyone to pick a particular area in which they would like to improve and consult two or three fellow attendees to share advice on this. Attendees found the exercise stimulating and thought-provoking.

The meetings ended with Chairman Bhanu Swami thanking all the attendees, staff, and helpers for their participation in making the meetings a success. He particularly thanked the Deputies for doing lot of background work which facilitated the meetings to end early. In turn, there was sustained applause from the Body for the hard work of all the members of the Executive Committee. Incoming Chairman Ramai Swami praised Bhanu Swami for being an excellent communicator and never getting flustered even under pressure.

On their way out, each meeting attendee was offered a gift bag containing useful items like gamchas, cups, maha oil and Ganga water. This is arranged by Jayapataka Swami every year. Despite his absence (attending his mother’s funeral) his disciples carried on the tradition.

The next evening, (March 5th), Ramai Swami and other GBC members gave a brief public summary of the highlights of this year’s meetings to Sri Sri Radha Madhava and a packed temple room of devotees. This was immediately followed by Radhanath Swami leading kirtan in the Panca Tattva temple on the eve of the first official day of this year’s Gaura Purnima Festival.

BY ANUTTAM DAS

Feb 24, MAYAPUR, WEST BENGAL (SAT) —Trustees of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), the publishing arm of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, reported today at ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission Annual General Meeting in Mayapura, West Bengal, that its international sales for the year 2007 had increased by 28% over the previous year.

The BBT exclusively publishes the books and other source materials of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of ISKCON. North European BBT Trustee, Brahma Muhurta Dasa, gave a one-hour report highlighting the year’s most significant achievements. His report was followed by a two-hour discussion on the opportunities and challenges for increasing book sales in 2008 and beyond.Approximately thirty GBC Members and twenty other ISKCON and BBT officials attended the presentation. Also present for the meeting were a dozen of the most successful book distributors from around the world.

Brahma Muhurta’s power point presentation highlighted the Trust’s progress on six continents. Color charts, graphs and photographs were interspersed with video clips of book distribution events in Stockholm, London and Los Angeles.

The most surprising news perhaps, was that 2007, nearly 76% of BBT sales were made in India. Also, India reported printing more than 1,600,000 Bhagavad-gitas last year.

“This is a phenomenal increase in book publication and sales for India,” said Brahma Muhurta, “but it also challenges our other international divisions to keep up with India.”

Much credit was given to the congregations of India’s major temples, including New Delhi, Juhu (Mumbai), and Chowpatty (Mumbai). Each of those congregations took part in ISKCON’s international book marathon during the month of December. December is known as Gita-Jayanti month in India, during which Lord Krishna is understood to have spoken the Bhagavad-gita. Each of those temples reported over 150,000 “maha big” books (large hard bound volumes) sold in that period.

Both Radhanatha Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami, GBC representatives for much of India, offered appreciation for their congregational members who have taken Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to distribute his BBT books very seriously.

“I have never seen our Chowpatty temple members more inspired,” said Radhanatha Swami, “than they were during the 2007 December book marathon.”

Additional highlights of the BBT report for 2007 included:
· First ever printing of “Science of Self-Realization” in Mongolian
· First ever Kazakh “Bhagavad-gita” printing
· First ever printing of “Science of Self-Realization” in Arabic
· Entire Russian “Srimad Bhagavatam” is now available, and the Russian “Caitanya Caritamrta” will be published in 2008
· 40% increase in Spanish books sold in South America
· 18 volume Srimad Bhagavatam will be reprinted in English in 2008
· BBT’s website, Krishna.com, hosted 1,320,000 visitors during 2007

The final two hours of the BBT presentation were facilitated by Navina Nirada Dasa, a seasoned book distributor from Switzerland, and Vijaya Dasa, ISKCON’s Minister of Book Distribution. Ten other leading distributors contributed to a dialogue with the GBC in discussing how book sales can increase during 2008 and beyond.

Discussion focused on the need to facilitate increased book sales by congregational members, supporting ISKCON members that have dedicated their lives to the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books, and increasing training and other infrastructure for book distribution.

BY ANANDA TIRTHA DAS

24 February, MAYAPUR, WEST BENGAL - The first day of the 2008 Governing Body Commission’s Annual General Meeting began today at 10:00 am with kirtan lead by Madhu Sevita Prabhu and arati offered to Srila Prabhupada by Bhakti Charu Swami.

Second Vice-chairman Bhakti Vaibhava Swami opened the meeting by reading from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.5:

“O sages, I have been justly questioned by you. Your questions are worthy because they relate to Lord Krsna and so are of relevance to the world’s welfare. Only questions of this sort are capable of completely satisfying the self.”

Chairman Bhanu Swami welcomed everyone and made some general announcements. Absent members are BB Govinda Swami, Giridhari Swami, Harivilas Das, Niranjana Swami, and Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu. Madhudivsa Prabhu is the only guest.

Maharaja gave a brief summary of the Executive Committee’s work this year, the challenges as well news of new temples opening in India in Manipur, Punjabi Bagh, Ghaziabad, Anantapur and the Mayapur Academy opening.

The morning session was entirely devoted to a presentation by the BBT (see the above separate report on this).

The afternoon session began at 4:00 pm with a DVD presentation by Sivarama Swami on the activities in Hungary. The Hungarian devotees are widely recognized as authorities on Indian culture in their country and are expanding their activities into Romania and Turkey. The Hungarian Prime Minister invited the devotees to accompany him, as representatives of Indian culture in Hungary, on a state visit to India along with top ministers and businessmen.

Hari Sauri Prabhu made a fascinating presentation on behalf of Bhaktivedanta Archives detailing all the complex procedures required to conserve and protect all of Srila Prabhupada’s writings, audio and video recordings. Additionally, the Archives compile Srila Prabhupada’s teachings in different interesting formats (such as the Vedabase), making Srila Prabhupada’s teachings more accessible.

Hari Sauri impressed upon the assembly that no matter what the cost or endeavour involved, continuing this work is of utmost importance. The Archive’s goals are to complete transferring and converting all media to digital format, conserving and preserving the remaining paper-based items, completing cataloguing, updating and releasing the new VedaBase, training new staff, and, ultimately, securing endowments to maintain the collection permanently, and building a permanent facility, modeled after the US Presidential Library & Museum for conservation and preservation, while allowing public access.

BY SHOBNA SHREE

Feb 21, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (THU) -Indian Cultural Society (ICS) of University College Sedaya International (UCSI) organized the 2 multimedia talk which entitled ‘Science of the Vedas’. The talk was held in Auditorium and was scheduled to begin at 6.30pm. Due to some unavoidable problem, the talk officially started at 7.00pm with total number of 17 people.

The speaker was not other than Bhakta Prajindra Sankar. The university’s representative from VOICE of Uni, Sri Jagannatha Mandir Kuala Lumpur, Bhaktin Shobna took stage and gave a brief introduction of the speaker and also an overview of the previous talk which was held in May 2007. Bhakta Prajindra briefly explained on ways to acquire knowledge. There are 3 ways of acquiring knowledge: sense perception (Pratyaksha Praman), inference (Anuman Praman) and word of authority (Sabda Praman). Bhakta Prajindra stressed that the best way of acquiring absolute knowledge is through word of authority. He then explained the 2 systems of acquiring knowledge: inductive/ascending method and deductive/descending method which the deductive method is the best system to acquire knowledge. Finally, Bhakta Prajindra revealed our hidden scientific treasures such as science of the mind, soul, time, karma and reincarnation, and Jewel of the Vedas-the Bhagavad Gita.

Although the crowd was minimal, the attendees were so attentive and curious to learn more on the subject matter. They showered many questions which lead the talk into deeper philosophy of the Vedas. Bhakta Prajindra finished his presentation at 9.00pm and after a short question and answer session, the attendees adjourned for prasad sponsored by VOICE of Uni.From the feedback, the students suggested on having the program more frequently and one lecturer suggested on having Bhagavad Gita workshop in the college itself. The next multimedia talk is scheduled to be held in May 2008.

Check out our photo album

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR

Feb 22, PENANG, MALAYSIA (FRI) — Another milestone achievement of CD Ministry of Iskcon KL, spreading it wings regionally, the 3rd installation of XPRESSION was successfully held at BCC Seberang Jaya, Penang.

22 February 2008, 8.00pm - Invited devotees and well wishers gathered at Srivas Caitanya Dasa house to wait for the bus that will take them to the Bhaktivedanta Cultural Centre in Sri Sri Radha Krsna Temple Complex, Seberang Prai. A total number of 17 prabhus and 14 matajis bordered the bus with their luggage and about 9.00pm we left for our destination. VOICE organizing committee brought along laptops, projector, screen, mrdangas and kartals to be used during our Xpression program at BCC. The journey took approximately 6 hours and we reached the centre at 3am. Prabhus were accommodated at the bramachari ashram at the centre, and the matajis on the other hand were placed at Safira Country Club, a close distance to BCC. During the early morning hour, another three prabhus joined the others at the ashram, making the total number of prabhus staying at the ashram in the seminar hall dubbed Nityananda to be 20. 23 February 2008, 7.30am – The morning tentative began with darshan arti at BCC, more and more local devotees and well wishers joined in. HH Janananda Swami Maharaj was present and gave the mornings Bhagavatam class. HH spoke on the wonders of inspiration, a suitable topic for the youngsters as this would encourage them to take up and practice Krishna Consiousness more deeply. After morning breakfast, we headed to the Bhakti Mandir in Bukit
Mertajam and reached there about 12noon. This sudden change of location was due to the fact that VOICE organizing committee was informed of a power cut at BCC and thus made plans to have the afternoon session at Bhakti Mandir.

Devotees were blessed with a wondrous darshan of Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladev and Subadra deities. A short talk followed entitled “Frustrated Love : A Distortion of Satisfaction” by HG Srivas Caitanya Dasa. The talk aimed to spark out contemporary thinking among the youths so that they can handle day to day problem without hesitation and frustration with dependence on Krishna’s mercy. This was followed by interactive games organized by AIMST varsity preaching Head H.G. Surabala pr. Shortly after the games, we were served by sumptuos prasadam, prepared by Bhakti Mandir devotees.The main highlight of Voice Xpression 2008 – BCC kicked off at 7.30pm in the main hall (Pancha-tattva hall) of BCC. The event showcased all previous activities by VOICE as well as a slide commemorating Iskcon KL on last year’s performance. The spectacular flash show that was presented by Bhakta Prabhu mesmerized the crowd and the youth that was present felt that even spiritual life can be ever exciting and be current with the times.

The program continued with a short talk by Dr. Kumar Selva on “Dare to be Diffrerent,” featuring the herd mentality that is prominent in current societies. Eliminating foolish beliefs and common practices among people, Dr. Kumar brought the audience to the level of critical thinking, inquiring and asking questions on why certain things are so? Youths are encouraged to ask questions and seek bona fide answers and not to follow blindly in their daily lives. The night continued with fun filled games, mind blowing drama and of course ecstatic and bombastic kirtan. The program ended at 10.30pm with sumptuous prasadam.

The special feature of the event is the spontaneous Master of Ceremony by Bhakta Gajenddra Raj and Bhakta Hemalan Nambiar which kept the crowd laughing and entertained.

24 Feburary 2008 , 7.30am – After the morning Darshan Arti and Guru Puja, HH Janananda Maharaj took us for a kirtan ride around the BCC complex which ended with a show on Yuga Dharma. After that, we proceeded with our journey back to Kuala Lumpur.Throughout the event VOICE and the organizing committee, followed the strict rules of segregation among the youth (Prabhus and matajis) whereby all of them are strictly not encouraged to mingle and communicate to each other at any moment and at any circumstances. This is due to partly adhering to the rules and regulations that was implemented in ISKCON Pune, which was known to the world for their successful youth preaching. If this youth are properly guided with logic and reasons, we are sure to produce the leaders of the society with unrivaled character that will benefit both ISKCON and the society at large. Last but at not least, we at VOICE from the core of our heart, would like to seek the blessings of all the Vaishnavas, so that we would be a great benefit for this preaching movement of Mahaprabhu, and humanity at large.

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BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR

Feb 18, KUALA LUMPUR (MON) — University Tenaga Nasional (Uniten)’s Vedic Bureau presented another series of Vedic Talks with this one titled the Science of Self Awareness, which was meant to present about the yogas, namely karma, jnana, raja, and bhakti. The talk held on Monday the 18^th of February was scheduled to begin at 7.30pm.

The talk saw HG Visnu Caitanya Dasa back in action, the total turn out for the talk was 26 people not including the VOICE team, who numbered a wonderful 14 people. The talk officially started at 8.30pm due to some unavoidable incidents. A small introduction and addressing was asked from HG. The university’s representative from VOICE, Bhakta Hemalan Nambiar took stage and presented an overview of all the 5 past talks conducted.

An awareness of our situation as modern day Hindus was created as well as the sadness of the attendance. Uniten which pioneered vedic talks around varsities began a dangerous decline in interest. The management team of VOICE recognizers this and are working to cultivate interest among students.In accordance to our tradition, the program began with a short bhajan of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra by Bhaktas Prajindra, Prabhu and Palani. HG decided that with the poor attendees he would switch the main focus of the topic at hand and spoke about the Gita. Stressing very strongly, he talked about the credibility of the Gita being THE scripture to follow and that all other modern day scripts is derived from it. HG finished his presentation at 10.00 pm and asked the managing team to conduct a Gita workshop at Uniten for only these attendees, the logic being that they have shown great interest in the subject matter, thus they should get HG’s attention. A fair request, the team is currently working on it.

From feedback gathered through the forms handed out, one student commented on increasing memory power and another on stress management when asked for topic suggestions. The program ended with prasadam for the attendees, partly sponsored by the university as well as VOICE.The next scheduled program is in two months time.

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