published by folk (friends of lord krishna) … janmastami fol… · his great strength.” (sri...

August - September 2016 FOLK NEWS | 1

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Published by FOLK (Friends of Lord Krishna) Committee of the Melbourne Hare Krishna Temple August - September 2016

FOLK newsFriends of Lord Krishna Newsletter

Transcendence Comes Into ViewJayädvaita Svämé

that the Godhead, the Supreme Truth, the source of everything, is ultimately the supreme individual person. According to the Vedic literatures, God has three features. First, He has His all-pervading, impersonal aspect. In this feature, He is the great light from which everything shines forth, the great primordial truth from which all other truths arise. Beyond this, however, He also has His aspect of Paramätmä, the supreme knower who lives within the heart of everyone and gives everyone knowledge, memory, or forgetfulness. And ultimately God also has an independent personal aspect, His original eternal form of bliss and knowledge.

In this personal aspect, the Lord has not only a form but also a name, an abode, personal qualities, an eternal entourage, and spiritual activities.

Yet all these are beyond our direct sensory perception. Through sensory perception we can neither confirm nor deny God’s existence; all we can say is that He is not within the reach of our senses. Nor can we know God merely by speculation. The mind and intelligence are limited. So if God is unlimited, our minds and intelligence will prove too small to grasp Him.

But the unlimited, if He is truly unlimited, can reveal Himself and His unlimited nature, even in this material world. This is the purpose of Kåñëa’s appearance. As Bhagavad-gétä explains, Kåñëa appears in this world from time to time (to favor His devotees, subdue the ungodly, and reestablish universal religious principles for the benefit of all living beings).

So although Kåñëa is the supreme absolute, the ultimate existence, the Supreme Lord of all creation, He also appears within this mundane world as a visible, historical person. When He does so, He enlightens us by showing us His eternal nature and His eternal transcendental form.

Our dear Lord, You have appeared in Your original unalloyed form, the

eternal form of goodness, for the welfare of all living entities within this material world. Taking advantage of Your appearance, all of them can now very easily understand the nature and form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Kåñëa, The Supreme Personality of Godhead Ch.2.)

The Supreme Lord is not formless or impersonal. When we speak of Kåñëa, we speak of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. What this means, essentially, is

JHULAN YATRARädhä-Kåñëa's Swing FestivalSunday August 14th. - Thurs. August 18th.

PRABHUPÄDA APPEARANCE The Appearance of Çréla Prabhupäda Friday August 26th.

BALARÄMA PÜRËIMÄThe Appearance of Lord BalarämaThursday August 18th.

RÄDHÄÑÖAMÉ The Appearance of Çrématé Rädhäräëé Saturday September 10th..

KÅÑËA JANMÄÑÖAMÉ The Appearance of Lord Kåñëa Thursday August 25th.

2 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2016 FOLK news is published by the Member Services Committee of

ISKCON Melbourne © 2016 International Society for Krishna Consciousness Inc.

ContentsISKCON50: The Joy of Devotion 5 Come Celebrate With Us 6 Hindu Funeral Services in Victoria 9How I Came to Kåñëa Consciousness 10Vaisnava Calendar 11A Proper Relationship to Rädhäräëé 13Home Program Information 14Chanting Hare Krishna 15 Krishna’s Kids 16Food For Life Update 18 Varsha Puja Information 20Hare Krishna Centres Around Australia, Temple Timetable 21Hare Krishna Valley Report / Saàskäras 22

Editorial Welcome to our new Varsha Puja members for 2016. Thanks to all who contributed to the Hare Krishna Food for Life campaign, and Food for Life Kitchen.

Work is now underway on the new kitchen. Please keep an eye on foodforlifekitchen.com.au for updates. We need to work together to present a new kitchen to Srila Prabhupada. That is our goal for the ISKCON 50th Anniversary celebrations. The new kitchen will be complete by December. Refitting the old kitchens will begin in January. The renovation of the bhoga rooms and theatre will begin soon after. Please supervise your children when you visit. The building site is off limits to everyone.

In a few weeks we’ll celebrate Jhulana Yatra (Sunday August 14 - Thursday August 18), Balarama Purnima (August 18), then Janmastami (Thursday August 25), Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance (Friday August 26) and finally Radhastami (Saturday September 10). Please enjoy these celebrations. Mark these dates in your diary now!

Make sure you come to the Temple for your Janmastami celebrations this year. It’s an exhilarating time. Srila Prabhupada showed us, Krishna is more pleased when we include everyone in the fun. Please take up a small task with your friends and family to help make Janmastami run smoothly. From cutting up vegies to guiding visitors, there are plenty of opportunities for you! Without your personal support we couldn’t cater to so many guests. If you’re interested, please email Kripa Siddha at [email protected].

Be aware that the City of Port Phillip monitors parking near the temple on festival days. Every ten minutes from 6-11pm, shuttle buses will run from Lakeside Carpark to the Temple. Please take advantage of them. Your parking will be secure and you will be at the temple within a few minutes. For more details go to page 12.

Construction of the new kitchen will force us to re-organise prasadam distribution for Janmastami evening. Please look out for updates as we finalise these arrangements.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

Your servant, President

FOUNDER-ÄCÄRYAHis Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Aniruddha Däsa Prabhu DäsaRasänandiné Däsé

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUEHis Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda Jayädvaita SväméBhakta Däsa Iswariya Vinoth Rasänandiné Däsé

WEBSITEwww.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIESE: [email protected]

WRITE FOR FOLK NEWS We welcome your contributions.E: [email protected]

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS Kejal Shah T: 9699 5122

August - September 2016 FOLK NEWS | 3 August - September 2016 FOLK NEWS | 3

Who is Lord Balarama?Rasänandiné Däsé

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T he auspicious Appearance day of Lord Balarama falls on August the 18th. It is an occasion to meditate on the glories and pastimes of

Sri Balarama and delve deeper into His transcendental identity. Www.radhakunda.com is a nice resource for this purpose. The site’s authors have complied answers to the question, ‘Who is Lord Balarama?’ from variouse sastras. Lord Balarama is the first personal expansion of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. All other incarnations including Narayana, Aniruddha, Nrsimha etc. expand from Him.

“Balarama is sixteen years old and full of the luster of youth. He has a fair complexion the color of crystal, and wears blue garments and a garland of forest flowers. Lord Balarama is the first personal expansion of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. All other incarnations expand from Him.

In Krishna’s pastimes, He plays Krishna’s elder brother. Together Krishna and Balarama enact many pastimes as cowherd boys in the land of Vrndavana. Lord Balarama carries a plough and club and is known for His great strength.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila, Ch. 5.)

Balarama’s Appearance

“Sri Baladeva is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. He is equal in supremacy to the Supreme Godhead, yet wherever Krishna appears, Sri Baladeva appears as Krishna’s brother, sometimes elder, sometimes younger...Lord Krishna manifests Himself as Balarama. The Balarama feature is as good as Krishna Himself, the only difference being that the bodily hue of Krishna is dark and that of Balarama is fair. These two Lords, Krishna and Balarama, are each the seed and womb of the universe, the Creator and His Creative potency. They enter the hearts of living beings and control their conditioned awareness. They are the primeval supreme.” (Appreciating Sri Vrndavana Dhama, p.110)

[In Krishna-lila] “Yogamaya transferred Ananta Sesa (Balarama) from the womb of Devaki to the womb of Rohini. Seven months later during the most auspicious moment in Sravana month, Rohini, just like a lioness, gave birth to Lord Balarama, feeling all happiness. His complexion was just like a white lotus flower and He looked like the full moon. His eyes were brilliant like lightning flashes and his hair was the color of a new cloud, yet brilliant like the sun. Such extraordinary beauty prevailed because He was none other than the Lord Sankarsana. Astrologers said that He would have long arms and kill Pralambasura; that He would have a younger brother and kill many other demons. They said He is Dhenupala, the protector of cows, and the killer of Dhenekasura. The brahmanas under Vasudeva’s order performed the birth ceremony.

Though Balarama was extremely beautiful, everyone was extremely anxious because He was mute and inactive. No one could get Him to make a sound or move. Once when Yasoda was pregnant, she picked

Him up and carefully placed Him on her lap next to her heart where Krishna was residing, Balarama immediately began to laugh and play like a blissful child. But when Yasoda would set Him down, again he would become inactive. He remained in this condition until the appearance of His younger brother Krishna.” (Sri Vrndavana Dhama Newsletter, Janmastami 1993, p.6)

Balarama’s childhood

“During their formative years, Sri Balarama and his younger brother Sri Krishna played and acted just like normal cowherd boys, except for the events brought about by the unkind acts of certain demons. These extraordinary activities were played out for the enjoyment and salvation of jivas in the material world.

Krishna and his brother Balarama passed the childhood age known as kaumara and stepped into the age known as paugunda, from the sixth year up to the tenth. At that time all the cowherd men conferred and agreed to give those boys who had passed their fifth year charge of the cows in the pasturing ground. Given charge of the cows, Krishna and Balarama traversed Vrndavana, purifying the land with Their footprints.

4 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2016

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• E: [email protected] • W: www.gopalspurevegetarian.com.au • Gopals Vegetarian Restaurant

August - September 2016 FOLK NEWS | 5 August - September 2016 FOLK NEWS | 5

W hat is ISKCON50? What’s actually behind the efforts of devotees like Bhakta Prabhu to inspire our

interest? These are questions that come to all our minds as local projects like our new Food For Life Kitchen actually affect our lives. So let’s examine this year more deeply.

The fiftieth anniversary of ISKCON (ISKCON50) is being celebrated in 600 cities across 75 countries from August 2015 till December 2016. Celebrations started with a commemoration of the departure of our Founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada, on board the Jaladuta from Kolkata to Boston. They continued throughout this year with special emphasis on worldwide events to celebrate the actual 50th anniversary of the incorporation of ISKCON (July 13, 1966).

In Melbourne we’re working to present the new Food For Life Kitchen as a major offering from our Yatra. The magazine The Hare Krishnas: Celebrating 50 Years has been released to celebrate and promote the achievements of ISKCON. Now many devotees are taking every opportunity to distribute it.

ISKCON Australia is presenting a world-class show, Transcendental Journey: Krishna 50 Years On at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday August 20. VIPs such as the Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Michael Turnbull and High Commissioner of India in Australia Mr. Navdeep Suri have been invited, along with other senior politicians and famous actors and musicians. One of Srila Prabhupada’s seniormost disciples and most renowned ISKCON pioneers - Mukunda Goswami - is expected to attend with His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, along with Malati Dasi and Syamasundara Dasa. Ramai and Devamrita Swamis have also been invited.

The mission of ISKCON50 is to inspire public appreciation for the values and contributions of Krishna consciousness, to unite our society to celebrate the success of our Founder-Acharya and the ISKCON family, and finally to offer Srila Prabhupada a garland of achievements individually, collectively, locally and globally.

The specific goals of ISKCON50 are to promote:

• A better public understanding of the Joy of Devotion. A life of devotion, focused upon the Divine, leads to the ultimate harmony of being. ‘Devotion to God, Compassion to All’ is ISKCON’s world contribution, it is the purpose, the solution; it is the lifeblood and mission of ISKCON. Too often this life of devotion is portrayed vaguely as another trend such as yoga, meditation and eastern promise. ISKCON50 will put our uncompromised product front and centre with contemporary relevance.

• An enhanced and informed image of our Society. ISKCON’s global achievements and acceptance are seldom understood and rarely accessible to the world in one collective resource. Often people around the world see us as a local minority group and not a global community. ISKCON50 will rebrand our image to close the gap between reality and perception.

• A shared pride in ISKCON. One of the greatest forces in nurturing Krishna Consciousness and spreading it to others is our own sense of well-being and pride in ISKCON. What members tell friends and families will determine ISKCON’s credibility. ISKCON50 will provide the opportunity to plan, listen, reach out, review, and reconcile matters which may undermine the many millions of wonderful stories members have to tell. (Note: all ISKCON50 information was sourced from iskcon50.org.)

If you are inspired to help or want to find out more, go to http://iskcon50.org, or contact ISKCON50’s Communications Director for Australia, Bhakta Dasa, at [email protected] or 0431-829-463.

ISKCON50: The Joy of DevotionRasänandiné Däsé


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JANMÄÑÖAMÉThursday August 25thExtended Darshan, Dramas, Fire Sacrifice, Prasad for all4.00pm Arati & Kirtan7.00pm Arati & Kirtan7.30pm Abhisheka & Kirtan9.00pm Arati & KirtanMidnight Arati

RÄDHÄÑÖAMÉ Saturday September 10th7:00am Deity Greeting7:30am Class10:30am Abhisheka & Kirtan11:50am Deities Return to Altar (Kirtan)12:30pm Arati & Kirtan 1:00pm Feast

BALARÄMA PÜRËIMÄ Thursday August 18th7:00am Deity Greeting7:30am Class12:30pm Arati & Kirtan 1:00pm Feast

ÇRÉ VYÄSA-PÜJÄ Prabhupada’s AppearanceFriday August 26th10.00am Readings & Homages12.30pm Pushpanjali & Guru Puja2.00pm Feast

JHÜLAN YÄTRÄ Sunday August 14th - Thursday August 18th7pm Nightly

Come celebrate with us!

Janmäñöamé is what could be called Kåñëa’s birthday. But it’s not called that, because Kåñëa never takes birth like an ordinary man. An ordinary man takes birth in this world because he is forced to by the laws of nature. But Kåñëa’s “birth” is a transcendental drama staged by the Lord Himself. In this drama, the Lord allows certain exalted devotees to play the roles of His father and mother, and others appear as His friends and other associates.

From the very beginning, Kåñëa’s activities on earth were extraordinary. At the time of His so-called birth, He appeared before His parents as the majestic four-armed Lord Näräyaëa. While still a child on his mother’s lap, He slew the great demon Pütanä. Throughout His 125 years on earth, Kåñëa performed wonderful superhuman activities. He exhibited the unlimited strength, beauty, wealth, fame, knowledge, and renunciation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In particular, He imparted sublime spiritual knowledge to His friend and devotee Arjuna, knowledge that endures in the sacred text Bhagavad-gétä.

According to Bhagavad-gétä, we can achieve freedom from the pangs of material suffering and return to the kingdom of God simply by understanding the transcendental birth and activities Lord Kåñëa enacts when He appears in this material world.

Yet, the Gétä goes on to say, hardly

August - September 2016 FOLK NEWS | 7 February - May 2014 FOLK NEWS | 7 August - September 2015 FOLK NEWS | 7

anyone knows God as He is. In the absence of a clear understanding, we describe God negatively, in terms of what He is not, or in terms vague, enigmatic, and intangible. But when God personally descends to earth. He reveals His eternal form and His eternal transcendental qualities.

But even though God personally appears, one cannot understand Him merely by blunt materialistic vision. Even when Kåñëa was present, less intelligent men, unable to appreciate His transcendental superexcellence, thought Him an ordinary person of this material world. Similarly, unintelligent men in the present age think Kåñëa nothing more than a mythological hero. Yet great saints and sages throughout history have consistently accepted Lord Kåñëa as the Supreme Godhead. The sage Vyäsadeva was the compiler of the Vedic literature and the author of Vedänta-sütra, perhaps the most demandingly logical treatise on spiritual inquiry ever written. Yet after completing Vedänta-sütra Vyäsadeva felt that his life’s work would be incomplete if he failed to write one book devoted exclusively to describing the transcendental form, qualities, and pastimes of Lord Kåñëa. Would such a sage have suddenly abandoned his rigorous pursuit of truth to indulge in spinning whimsical mythological tales?

Lord Kåñëa is neither mundane nor mythological, but one can understand Him only by pure devotion. Indeed, this is the central theme of Bhagavad-gétä, for this is the supreme principle of religion that Lord Kåñëa appears in this world to teach: that one should abandon all other forms of religion and simply surrender to Him in devotion. Pure devotion to God, pure love for God, is the ultimate goal of all religious principles.

From a historical point of view, Kåñëa appeared within this material world for 125 years and then left. But from a broader philosophical viewpoint we can understand that Kåñëa is always present everywhere, although sometimes He is visible and sometimes not.

When Kåñëa descended on earth five thousand

years ago, He briefly made Himself visible to all. And from the Vedic literature it is understood that those whose eyes have been anointed with the ointment of pure devotion can see Lord Kåñëa in their hearts perpetually. Such exalted souls, however, are very rare.

How then are the rest of us to know God and develop our love for Him’? The Vedic authorities have conclusively decided that in the present age the most effective means for developing our love for God is to chant His holy names, especially as found in the Hare Kåñëa mantra—Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare. Because God is absolute, there is no difference between God and God’s name. So when we chant the holy name of the Lord, the Lord Himself is dancing on our tongue. As we continue to chant—sincerely, we associate directly with the Lord, and thus we advance in spiritual life.

Just as there is no difference between the Lord and His holy name, so also we cannot separate Kåñëa from His transcendental form. When Kåñëa’s form is present. Kåñëa Himself is present. The Vedic scriptures therefore recommend that one worship Kåñëa’s mürti, His transcendental form in the temple. Although the mürti appears to mundane eyes to be a mere statue, to the eyes of a pure devotee He appears as Kåñëa Himself. Of course, metal and stone and wood are material elements, but Kåñëa is present in these elements, for He is present everywhere. And when these elements are molded into Kåñëa’s form, the same Kåñëa who was present all along becomes visible to our eyes.

The pictures on these pages, therefore, are pictures of Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who appears in this world for our benefit. And if we devote ourselves to Kåñëa and chant Lord Kåñëa’s holy name, under the direction of a bona fide spiritual master, our consciousness will be purified, and we will be able to perceive Kåñëa’s presence directly—while chanting Hare Kåñëa, while seeing the form of Kåñëa, and ultimately at every moment. (Originally publishes in Back to Godhead Magazine #14-08, 1979.)

His Holiness Jayädvaita Swami is an editor, publisher, spiritual master, and disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda, Founder-Äcärya of ISKCON. Jayädvaita Swami has been the seniormost editor for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for more than forty years and now serves as its trustee for publishing in Africa. He is the author of “Vanity Karma: Ecclesiastes, the Bhagavad-gita, and the meaning of life,” a cross-cultural commentary on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. The book won the 2016 Benjamin Franklin Book Award.

Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is a summary and commentary on the Tenth Canto of Çrémad-Bhägavatam by Çréla Prabhupäda. It was first published in 1970 by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.


Join us on Thursday August the 25th to celebrate Sri Krishna’s Appearance

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Do not miss this unique opportunity to help create a festival of transcendental pleasure for Krishna and His devotees!

For details contact Charu now on 0412-696-559

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Accompanied by the cowherd boys and Balarama, Krishna herded the cows and played on His flute through the forest of Vrndavana, which was full of flowers, vegetables, and pasturing grass...There were chirping birds and clear lakes with waters that could relieve one of all fatigue. Sweet-fragranced breezes blew always, refreshing the mind and body. Seeing the favorable situation, Krishna, Balarama, and Their cowherd friends entered the forest and enjoyed the atmosphere to the fullest extent. Krishna saw that all the trees, overloaded as they were with fruits and fresh twigs, were bending down to touch the ground as if welcoming Him by touching His lotus feet. He was very pleased by the behavior of the trees, fruits and flowers, and, He began to smile, realizing their desires.

Krishna then spoke to Balarama as follows; “My dear brother, You are superior to all of us, and Your lotus feet are worshipped by the demigods. Just see how these trees, full of fruits, have bent down to worship Your lotus feet! It appears that they are

trying to get out of the darkness of being obliged to accept the form of trees. Actually, the trees born in the land of Vrndavana are not ordinary living entities. Having held the impersonal point of view in their past lives, they now have the opportunity of seeing you in Vrndavana, and they are praying for further advancement in spiritual life through Your personal association.

The herbs, creepers, and grass are also fortunate to touch Your lotus feet. And by Your touching twigs with Your hands, these small plants are also made glorious. As for the hills and rivers, they too are now glorious because You are now glancing at them. Above all, the damsels of Vraja, the Gopis, attracted by Your beauty, are most glorious, for You embrace them with Your strong arms.”(Krishna Book Ch. 15.)

Later pastimes

“Balarama rides in the chariot known as Taladhvaja. Tala means rhythm and dhvaja means ensignia or distinguishing symbol. Rhythms are said to have originated from Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. The rhythm created by Balarama’s huge moving chariot is said to produce an equally powerful and blissful sound. The four horses that pull Balarama’s chariot are: Tivra-strength; Ghora-constancy; Dirgha-timelessness, and Srama-work.” (Lilas of Lord Jagannatha, p.64-77)

Let us all meditate on the auspicious lotus feet and pastimes of Lord Balarama and attain the highest perfection.

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Over the past few years, in conjunction with the various Hindu organizations that I am

affiliated with, we have tried to arrange suitable funeral facilities for the growing Victorian Hindu Community when a loved one passes away.

In this capacity, I’ve met with the management of Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT). This Trust is a Government-legislated, community based not-for-profit organisation that runs both Bunurong Memorial Park and Springvale Botanical Cemetery. As a result, the development of ceremonial and cremation facilities for the Hindu community are being negotiated for both venues.

An initiative that I want to bring to your attention is SMCT’s development of Victorian Cremations (victoriancremations.com.au). This new website allows you to pre-purchase a Cremation Certificate that can be used at Bunurong Memorial Park or Springvale Botanical Cemetery at a discounted rate of $740. Once purchased, the Cremation Certificate

can be used anytime in the future.

This is the first initiative of this type in Australia and the cheapest in Melbourne. A Cremation Certificate has no strings attached. If you were to pass away overseas, it is fully refundable. A Cremations Certificate doesn’t have the complexities of funeral insurance, which can include extensive fine print and end up costing more than you planned.

Many Victorians are interested in planning how they will be remembered. Victorian Cremations offers the ability to do this online with MyLifebook. You can even write your own eulogy.

Some Victorians are cremated interstate, where laws on cremation can significantly differ from ours. For example, interstate records don’t need to be made publicly available over time or under certain circumstances. Down the track your final whereabouts may become unknown. You can solve this by clearly stating that you wish to be cremated in Victoria. In this way, you ensure that your records will remain in Victoria and accessible to future generations for genealogy.

I hope that by providing this information to our Congregation, our community members can be helped to make more informed choices about the cremation options available in Victoria.

Hindu Funeral Services in VictoriaBhakta Däsa



What Is the Hare Kåñëa Movement?

Founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) carries on a great ancient tradition rooted in the Bhagavad-gétä, the teachings Lord Kåñëa spoke five millennia ago. The Gétä and the other Vedic scriptures declare Kåñëa to be the original person, God Himself, who appears periodically in this world to liberate all living beings.

Only five hundred years ago, Kåñëa descended as Çré Caitanya Mahaprabhu to teach the most sublime and effective means of meditation for the present day: the chanting of the names of God, especially as found in the Hare Kåñëa mantra.

Today members of ISKCON continue Lord Caitanya's movement by distributing the teachings of Lord Kåñëa and the Hare Kåñëa mantra all over the world.

PronunciationWe spell Sanskrit words and names by a phonetic system that lets you know how to say each word. Pronounce short a like the u in but, long ä like the a in far (and held twice as long as the short a). Pronounce e like the a in evade, long é like the i in pique. Pronounce the vowel å like the ri in rim, and c like the ch in chair. Pronounce consonants like ch, jh, and dh as in staunch-heart, hedge-hog, and red-hot. Pronounce ç and ñ like sh. So for Kåñëa say KRISHNA, for Caitanya say CHAITANYA.

Spiritual NamesISKCON members receive names of Lord Kåñëa or His great devotees, combined with Däsa (for men) or Däsé (for women), both of which mean “servant.” For instance, the name Kåñëa Däsa means “servant of Kåñëa.”

Do you know, even a moment of a pure devotee’s association can help us attain perfection? As Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu told Çréla Sanätana

Gosvämé: ’sädhu-saìga’, ‘sädhu-saìga’—sarva-çästre kaya, lava-mätra sädhu-saìge sarva-siddhi haya! (Çré Caitanya-caritämåta, Madhya-lélä 22.54.) So here we try to uncover something about those devotees with whom we live. Randomly but humbly, we approach a vaisanava or vaisnavi from Melbourne Yatra and ask them five questions.

Iswariya: How did you come to Krishna Consciousness?

Yasoda Priya devi dasi: It was a burfi a day! Since my childhood I loved milk, and any preparation made from milk. When I was in high school, I would visit Govinda’s restaurant almost every day to relish their milk burfi (sweet). So Govinda’s prasadam did the trick in the long term! I was also attracted by the mercy of the devotees in Melbourne who tirelessly preached and guided me in Krishna consciousness. I started living a Krishna conscious life after attending a Bhakti Vriksha Program in Melbourne under the facilitation of His Grace Jagannatha Rama dasa and Her Grace Yamuna Lila devi dasi. Then in 2011, His Grace Sankarshana dasa Adhikari gave me initiation.

I: Can you share an ultimate realisation?

YP: To make the best use of a bad bargain! Now that we are here in the material world as a result of our desire, we have the choice of making a u-turn to go back home, back to Godhead. We can return to Krishna’s service by the mercy of His pure devotees and His sincere servants. When we render devotional service we receive blessings. Those blessings are the channel through which the mercy of Sri Krishna flows. With every little favourable service we do for Krishna’s devotees or for Krishna, we move closer to Him.

I: If you weren’t Krishna conscious, what one thing would you regret?

YP: Over-endeavouring in mundane material pursuits. For the past five or so years, as a family we have been downsizing our house and moving closer and closer to temple. Living closer to temple is very nice because it enables me to attend so many vibrant temple activities. They give me such joy. Krishna consciousness is a blissful way of life, so I try to live my life that way.

I: What would you like to do in the spiritual world if you were there right now?

YP: To make garlands and flower decorations for Krishna. Whenever I see flowers, the thought of making a garland for Krishna comes to mind. So I am begging that Krishna bestows His causeless mercy upon me by engaging me in making garlands for Him for eternity.

I: Do you have any suggestions for our readers?

YP: Krishna notices and reciprocates with any service we lovingly offer Him. Krishna consciousness accommodates everyone at every level. Try this out for yourself and you will not only be amazed, but you will be truly satisfied with the result!

How I Came to Kåñëa ConsciousnessIswariya Vinoth



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1 TrayodasiSridhara Masa, Gaurabda 530

2 Caturdasi 3 Pratipat 4 Dvitiya 5 Tritiya 6 CaturthiRaghunandana Thakura, Vamsidasa Babaji Disappearance

7 Caturthi 8 Pancami 9 Sasti 10 Saptami 11 Astami 12 Navami 13 Dasami

14 Ekadasi Fast for Pavitropana Ekadasi; Radha Govinda Jhulana Yatra begins

15 DvadasiBreak fast 07:04-10:38 EST; Rupa Gosvami Disappearance

16 Trayodasi 17 CaturdasiSimha Sankranti

18 Purnima GJhulan Yatra ends; Baladev Appearance (fast till noon); 2nd Caturmasya month begins (yoghurt fast)

19 PratipatSrila Prabhupada's departure for the USA 1965; Hrsikesa Masa

20 Dvitiya

21 Tritiya 22 Caturthi 23 Pancami 24 Saptami 25 Astami GAppearance of Lord Sri Krishna (fast till midnight)

26 Navami GNandotsava; Srila Prabhupada Appearance (fast till noon)

27 Dasami

28 Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) Fast for Annada Ekadasi

29 DvadasiBreak fast 06:46-10:29 EST

30 Trayodasi 31 Caturdasi

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Amavasya Hrsikesa Masa, Gaurabda 530

2 Pratipat 3 Dvitiya

4 Tritiya 5 Caturthi 6 PancamiSrimati Sita Thakurani (Sri Advaita’s consort) Appearance

7 SastiLalita sasti

8 Sasti 9 Saptami 10 Astami GAppearance of Srimati Radharani (fast till noon)

11 Navami 12 Dasami 13 Ekadasi Fast for Parsva Ekadasi (fast till noon for Vamanadeva, feast tomorrow)

14 Dvadasi GBreak fast 06:22-10:18 EST; Appearance of Lord Vamanadeva (feast today)

15 Trayodasi GSrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Appearance (fast till noon)

16 CaturdasiAnanta Caturdasi Vrata; Srila Haridasa Thakura Disappearance

17 PratipatPrabhupada accepts sannyas; 3rd Caturmasya month begins (milkfast); Kanya Sankranti (Padmanabha Masa)

18 Dvitiya 19 Tritiya 20 Caturthi 21 Pancami 22 Sasti 23 SaptamiSrila Prabhupada's arrival in the USA 1965

24 Astami

25 Navami 26 Ekadasi (not suitable for fasting)

27 Dvadasi (suitable for fasting) Fast for Indira Ekadasi

28 DvadasiBreak fast 06:00-06:05 EST

29 Trayodasi 30 Caturdasi

Vaisnava Calendar August 2016

Vaisnava Calendar September 2016


Take a free bus ride

from Albert Park Lake & avoid parking

congestion around the Temple.

• every 10 minutes 6pm - 11pm

• two 25 seater buses

• from Lakeside Carpark in Aughtie Drive (Melways 2K E6)

• to the Mary Kehoe Centre (opposite the Temple in Danks St.) and return

Parking at Lakeside Carpark costs from $3.50 per hour or $10 all day 8am – 5pm, then $2.60

(flat rate) 5 - 9pm, then is free of charge

JANMASTAMI PARKING MADE EASY

THURSDAY AUGUST 25

Lakeside Carpark

AVOID THE FUSS -

TAKE OUR BUS• NO TROUBLE • NO RISK OF A PARKING FINE!

FREE FROM ALBERT PARK LAKE 6PM-11PM


Devotee: What is the proper relationship of the devotee to Rädhä, Rädhikä?

Prabhupäda: Rädhäräëé is daivé-mäyä. Just like we are, in our material conditional life, we are under the material energy. Similarly, in our liberated state we have to become under the spiritual energy. That spiritual energy is Rädhäräëé. We are acting at the present moment under material energy, because our body is made of material energy. So when you are liberated you will develop your body of spiritual energy. That spiritual energy is Rädhäräëé.

So you have to become under the control of some energy. You are also energy; you are marginal energy. Marginal energy means you may be under the control of the spiritual energy or you may be under the control of material energy. But when you are under the control of the material energy, that is your precarious condition, struggle for existence. And when you are under spiritual energy, that is your life of freedom.

Rädhäräëé is spiritual energy, and Durgä or Kälé is material energy. So those who are materialists, they worship Durgä, Kälé, different forms of material energy. There is a word in Sanskrit, it is called çakta. Çakta, the word comes from çakti. Çakti means energy. So there is a division: those who are worshipers of the Supreme as mother—just like the worshiper of Goddess Kälé—that means those who are accepting the Absolute as mother, they are called çaktas.

The Vaiñëavas, they are also çaktas, because they are also accepting another pure energy, personal energy, or internal energy of Kåñëa. That is also çakti. The one energy, spiritual energy is our normal condition, and material energy is our abnormal condition.

The Kåñëa consciousness practice means you have to transfer yourself from this material energy to the control of spiritual energy. That's all. That spiritual energy is Rädhäräëé. You have to become under that control. I'll give you a concrete example.

A Proper Relationship to RädhäräëéHis Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda

Just like a person is always under the control of government as a citizen. When he is an outlaw, he is under the criminal law, and one who is law-abiding, he is under the civil law. He cannot say that "I cannot remain within the law of the government." He has to remain within the law. That is his position. Artificially he may deny, but he will be forced. Similarly, our position is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord.

And as part and parcel we have to render service. If we voluntarily render service out of love, that is spiritual energy. And when we are forced to render service under pressure, that is material energy. In the material energy we are forced. Suppose you are an American. If somebody says, "Would you like to become a dog in your next life?" Would you like to? Would anybody like that? What do you think? But according to his work, he will be forced to accept. There is no saying, "No, no. I don't like this sort of life." No. He will be forced. That is material energy. Forced, just like criminal law. "Oh, you have to go to the prison." "I don't want." You will be forced. "I don't want." He will be arrested, immediately. There is sufficient power. There are police, there is the military, there are so many things. You cannot say no.

So this is intelligence, that I have to serve. Now in my material condition I am serving so many things, especially my senses. So neither my senses are satisfied nor am I satisfied. So this intelligence is not coming to us. This is going on: carvita-carvaëänäm, chewing the chewed. The senses, the same sense gratification in a different way. In theatre, on stage, at home, at club—everywhere. Simply changing the platform and trying to be happy. How you can be happy? It has already become distasteful. Does it mean that sense satisfaction in an apartment and sense satisfaction in the club is different? It is simply imagination. "Let me go to the club, let me go to the stage, let me go to this Florida beach, and let me go there, let me see the naked dance, let me see that, let me..." That's all. But the platform is there, sense gratification. But he is not intelligent that "I have satisfied my senses in so many different ways. I have served my senses in so many different ways. Neither I am satisfied, nor my senses are satisfied." Therefore the intelligent man says, "I am no more going to satisfy my senses, I will satisfy Kåñëa." That is Kåñëa consciousness. Then he gets full satisfaction. This is voluntary. This is called surrender, that, "I have tried to satisfy the whims of my senses for so many lives. I have become frustrated, confused. Let me try this life to satisfy the senses of Kåñëa." That's all. At least let me give a trial of one life, and let me see the result.

Kåñëa, being full, complete, if Kåñëa is satisfied, your senses will be satisfied automatically. Therefore His name is Govinda. Govindam ädi-puruñaà tam ahaà bhajämi. Govinda means who satisfies the senses. Don't think that your senses will remain unsatisfied. They will be completely satisfied. That is the secret of Kåñëa consciousness. (Bhagavad-gétä lecture, Los Angeles 23.11.1968.)



Hare Krishna Home Programs are held in a friendly, family environment to develop your devotion towards Lord Krishna

FARM FEAST

Get away for the day! • 12 noon on the 2nd. Sunday of each month • RSVP to Keshava dasa (0405-577-453)

FARM ACCOMMODATION

Just 25 minutes from Lorne & the Great Ocean Road! • Enjoy fresh country air, see native wildlife, feed the cows • Take darshan of Srila Prabhupada & Sri Pancha Tattva! • Tariff $45 per night per adult, $10 per night per child • Retreat & group bookings welcome • Contact Keshava dasa (0405-577-453 or [email protected])

Hare Krishna Valley1265 Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Rd., Bambra 03-5288-7383

General Enquiries:● Melbourne Temple

Aniruddha dasa...............................03-9699-5122

Bhakti Vriksha Group Servant Leaders:● Albert Park

Jagannatha Rama dasa...................0437-988-694 ● Albert Park

Muralidhara dasa.............................0409-972-378● Alfredton (Ballarat)

Janesvara dasa...............................0411-726-186● Brighton

Gaurava Kamboja...........................0432-068-690● Caulfield South

Karuna Avatara dasa.......................0403-166-099 ● Clayton

Surya Gopala dasa.........................0412-321-951 ● Geelong

Keshava dasa..................................0405-577-453● Hampton Park

Sucisrava dasa..............................0433-565-174 ● Hillside/Sydenham

Shashi Bhushan..............................0415-457-172● Hoppers Crossing

Charu Chaitanya dasa....................0412-696-559

● Srimad-Bhagavatam Classes: Sanctuary Lakes Monday - Friday 7-7:40am.Jadabharata dasa..........................0410-339-835

● KeysboroughUddhava Bandhu dasa...................0422-605-976

● Melton SouthJadabharata & Ajay.........................0410-339-835

● Middle ParkMadhavananda dasa......................0400-697-993

● Mill Park/EppingDina Vatsala dasa..........................0430-355-571

● MitchamRasika Chandra dasa.....................0419-618-585

● MoorabbinAnanda Ballabha dasa..................03-9502-3481

● South Eastern SuburbsYogeshwara Govinda dasa.............0419-493-694

● Point CookAjay Deshmukh...............................0403-574-586

● Point CookOjas Desai......................................0425-780-550

● Wantirna South Sri Krishna dasa..............................0402-576-803


Chanting Hare KåñëaA Practical Guide to Mantra Meditation

Hare Krishna Home Programs are held in a friendly, family environment to develop your devotion towards Lord Krishna

Hare Krishna Valley1265 Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Rd., Bambra 03-5288-7383

Why is meditation important?

Meditation is a necessary function for one who wants to be happy and free from the miseries and anxieties of life.

What is meditation?

Meditation actually means to fix the mind. But we must ask the question, 'Fix the mind on what?' To be above the everyday anxieties which affect the mind, one must raise himself above the material platform. In fact, one must try to situate oneself on the transcendental - or spiritual - level. 'How can I rise to the spiritual platform?' God is on the spiritual level, and if we are in constant contact with God, we can also be situated on the spiritual platform. The easiest way to be fixed in constant contact with God is through chanting His names.

Chanting the names of God

God - according to different scriptures - has many different names like Krishna, Jehovah, Rama, Allah, Buddha, etc. To chant the names of God is very purifying, and will lift one from the material platform to the spiritual. Since the beginning of time people around the world have chanted and meditated on the names of God as mantras.

What is the best mantra?

The most important of all mantras is the maha-mantra. Maha means 'great.' The word manah means 'the mind,' and tra means 'deliverance.' Therefore, maha-mantra means 'the great deliverance of the mind.'

How to meditate on the Maha-mantra

The best way to chant this mantra is on japa (or meditation) beads. A string of japa beads has 108 beads strung in a circle, with one large bead added to mark the start and end point. You shouldn't chant on the large bead. Start on the bead next to it (see diagram). Hold the bead between the thumb and middle finger of the right hand and say aloud:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Chant this mantra on every bead until you have chanted on all 108 beads. Then turn the beads and start going in the other direction. You should never chant on the big bead or cross over it. When you have chanted on all 108 beads and have come to the big bead, this is called one 'round.' Each round should take about 7-10 minutes - or maybe longer - to start with: but don't chant too fast! You should chant a fixed minimum number of rounds each day, and we recommend that you try two rounds of japa meditation in the

morning and in the evening. Then you will really discover the benefit! If you seriously practise this meditation, following the golden rules below, you will achieve all success and happiness in life.

Golden Rules for Japa Meditation:

1. Chant the full maha-mantra on each bead: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

2. Chant each syllable aloud and clearly.

3. Listen very carefully and concentrate on the sound of the maha-mantra as you chant.

4. To obtain the full blessings of Lord Krishna for good meditation, chant the Pancha-tattva mantra before each round: (Jaya) Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Gadadhara, Srivasadi Gaura-bhakta-vrinda



Krishna's Kids

B H A K T A PRAHLADDevotional T r a i n i n g

ENHANCING YOUR CHILD'S KNOWLEDGE & SPIRIT:

Bhagavad-gita slokas - Krishna stories - Vaisnava ettiquette - Projects - Ramayana & Mahabharata - Japa meditiation - Quizzes - Krishna kirtana - Drama - Picnics - Krishna art

HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE, 197 DANKS ST. ALBERT PARK

CONTACT: Chandra Vallabhi dasi 0491-120-117Yamuna Lila dasi 0400-502-806

• Junior Groups (3 - 5 yrs) Krishna Yatra - Sundays 5-6pm (Theatre)(5 - 6 yrs) Balarama Yatra - Sundays 3:30-5pm (Theatre)

• Intermediate Group (5 - 8 yrs) Saturdays 5 - 6pm (Prasadam Hall) • Senior Group (8 - 12 yrs) Saturdays 5 - 6pm (Theatre) • Teenage Group (12 - 18 yrs) Saturdays 6 - 7pm (Theatre)

Krishna has mixed up the letters of these words about Gokula! Can you put them in the right order?

iharnsk.......................................

baamrlaa......................................

moynek.........................................

woc................................................

adnna............................................

kceoacp........................................

aarvvadinn..................................

daahr.............................................

adsayo...........................................

ueflt...............................................

tidho..............................................

igop...............................................

Can you write

about Krishna, draw Him or make games

about Him? FOLK invites contributions from every young devotee to make

KRISHNA’s KIDS. Email rasanandini@iskcon.

net.au


WIN A PRIZE! COLOUR IN MURALIDHARA & send your entry to:

Colouring Competition, c/o Member Services, PO Box 125 Albert Park 3206 by 1.08.2016

Name........................................................................................................................................................................

Address...................................................................................................................................................................

Phone................................................................................................................................Age.................................

18 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2016 18 | FOLK NEWS August - September 2013

Every Kitchen donation is tax deductible! You can even stagger your donations over the 2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years by contributing in December and before Janmastami next year.

You can see we need the support of our entire congregation to make this dream a reality. Many of our community have yet to come forward or pledge, either because they are not aware of the importance of the project, or its magnitude. So we need your help to spread this message to reach everyone. You can connect at foodforlifekitchen.com.au or phone our Member Services Office for more resources.

Please join us to present this new Kitchen as a major ISKCON 50th Anniversary Year offering from our whole congregation to Lords Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai, Radha-Vallabha and Jagannatha-Baladeva-Subhadra.

Share the deep pleasure of realising the desire of Srila Prabhupada and the previous acharyas to spread Krishna consciousness - both to our present and future generations - in every town and village throughout the world. Hare Krishna!

Food For Life Update Rasänandiné Däsé

Krishna Consciousness is renowned worldwide as a kitchen religion! Fifty years ago - in New York in 1966 - Srila Prabhupada attracted

his first students to Krishna consciousness by cooking, offering, and personally serving Krishna prasadam to all comers.

Here, Srila Prabhupada desired that, “Let every hungry man of Melbourne come and eat!”

In turn, we wish to establish ISKCON as a dynamic influence within Melbourne. So every week our kitchen distributes 5,250 plates of prasadam through the Temple, Crossways and the City of Port Phillip. We want to increase this to 25,000 plates! Our new Food For Life Kitchen will use the latest technology to enable us to achieve this goal. Site works for the new kitchen began last June.

If you attended the Food For Life Kitchen Fundraising Dinner at St Kilda Town Hall (also in June), your generosity established a precedent worthy of this special ISKCON50 year! Together you pledged $904,000! If you were unable to attend, a second Dinner has been scheduled for Saturday September the 24th. If you or someone you know would like to participate, please contact our Member Services Office on (03) 9699 5122.

While a State Government Grant of $500,000 helped us kick start and $120,895 had previously been given, even months later we all have a long way to go. We aim to raise $2,550,000. Here is a breakdown of our total investment:

New kitchen construction (completion December 2016).....$1.115,000Equipment for kitchen..........................................................$802,000Prasadam hall & theatre relocation......................................$350,000Preliminaries & costs to date................................................$230,000New handwash & landscaping.............................................$25,000

From June 2016 and well into 2017, we need to raise pledges of another $1,025,105 to complete this essential preaching project.


What is Sri Krishna Janmastami without serving together? Your help is vital. To offer services - from cutting up vegetables for the Deities, to serving prasadam to guests or maintaining security - we need you. Don’t miss this very special chance to give transcendental pleasure to Lord Krishna and His devotees!Volunteer at [email protected]

JANMASTAMI: VOLUNTEERSARE A V ITAL PART


Varsha PüjäA daily gift for Lord Kåñëa

“...for anything offered to Kåñëa with love and affection, Kåñëa can reciprocate many millions of times over, both materially and spiritually. The basic principle involved is an exchange of love...”

Çréla Prabhupäda SB 10.11.11 Purport

Yes!

Take a big step forward in your spiritual life. Give a gift to Kåñëa, and support Varsha Püjä from as little as $2, $5 or $10 a day.

If you support Varsha Püjä, you can take comfort in the knowledge that every püjä offered in the Temple is through your direct effort. Therefore you receive the spiritual benefit of every worship performed. It means that you build more spiritual credits by making sädhu saìghä possible. You also strengthen preaching in the community.

If you support Varsha Püjä, in addition to these eternal benefits, you will buy into a most generous gift scheme and receive for free the cream of our spiritual literature. This is how it works.

Sign up at: Two dollars a day and receive• Bhagavad-gétä, Science of Self Realisation, Your Ever Well-wisher, Kåñëa Book & Hare Kåñëa CD• a copy of the annual Melbourne Temple Calendar

Five dollars a day for a period of 2 years and receive: • all of the above • a subscription to Back to Godhead • a complete Çrémad-Bhägavatam set

Ten dollars a day for a minimum period of 2 years and receive:• all of the gifts above• plus a full Caitanya-caritämåta set

Be wise. Don't miss out. Just fill in and mail the coupon at left, or call: (03) 9699 5122 to give your donation.

Varsha Püjä sounds like a

great way for me to serve Lord Kåñëa!

I would like to know more about Varsha Püjä Sevä!

Please register me for Varsha Püjä Sevä

My Details

First name

Last name

Address

Telephone/Email

I wish to give a monthly donation of:

$62 $155 $310 Other $2 per day $5 per day $10 per day

from the credit card below until further notice

OR Here is my single donation of:

$730 $1,460 $3,650

I am paying by: Cheque/Money Order Visa

Mastercard AMEXCard no.

Expiry date / /

Name: Dr/ Mr/ Ms/ Miss

Card Holder's signature

Address State Postcode Phone (h)Phone (w)Email

20 | FOLK NEWS August - Sept. 2016


Hare Krishna Centres Around Australia

Melbourne Temple Melbourne Temple is open every day. You are invited to visit, associate with the devotees, take darshan of the beautiful Deities at ärati times, participate in the daily program, attend classes, and honour prasädam.

Time Temple Service 4.30am Maìgala-ärati 5.00am Tulasé-ärati 5.10am Japa Meditation 7.00am Greeting the Deities 7.10am Prabhupäda Guru-püjä 7.30am Çrémad-Bhägavatam Class 9.00am Breakfast Prasädam

12.30pm Bhoga-ärati 1.00pm Lunch Prasädam 4.00pm Dhüpa-ärati 5.30pm Evening Prasädam 6.45pm Tulasé-ärati 7.00pm Sandhyä-ärati 9.00pm Çayana-ärati

Darshan Times: Daytime 4.30am - 5.00am 7.00am - 7.30am 9.00am - 11.00am 12.30pm - 1.00pm Evening 4.00pm - 6.30pm 7.00pm - 7.30pm 9.00pm - 9.20pm

Temples:

Adelaide - 25 Le Hunte Street, Kilburn, SA 5084 T: (08) 8359-5120 F: (08) 8359-5149 E: [email protected] W: iskconadelaide.com.au

Brisbane - 32 Jennifer St Seventeen Mile Rocks 4073 T: (07) 3376 2388 E: [email protected] W: www.iskcon.org.au

Canberra - 44 Limestone Ave, Ainslie, ACT 2602 PO Box 1411, Canberra, ACT 2601 T: (02) 6262 6208 M: 0404 486 746 E: [email protected]: www.harekrishnacanberra.com

Hobart - www.iskcontasmania.websyte.com.au

Melbourne - 197 Danks St, Albert Park VIC 3206 PO Box 125, Albert Park VIC 3206Tram 1 (via Swanston St, City) to stop 31 Tram 12 (via Collins St, City) to stop 136T: (03) 9699 5122 F: (03) 9690 4093 E: [email protected] FB: Hare Krishna Melbourne W: www.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au

Perth - 155-9 Canning Rd Kalamunda WA 6076 T: (08) 6293 1519 E: [email protected]: www.iskconperth.com

Sydney - 180 Falcon St, Nth Sydney NSW PO Box 459, Cammeray NSW 2062 T: (02) 9959 4558 F: (02) 9957 1893 E: [email protected] W: www.iskcon.com.au

Farm Communities:

Bambra (Hare Krishna Valley) - Oak Hill, 1265 Dean’s Marsh Rd, Bambra VIC 3241 PO Box 127, Winchelsea VIC T: (03) 5288 7383 F: (03) 5288 7309 E: [email protected]: www.harekrishnavalley.com.au

Millfield (New Gokul) - 83 Lewis Road, Millfield NSW PO Boz 399, Cessnock NSW 2325 T: (02) 4998 1800 E: [email protected] W: www.newgokula.com

Murwillumbah (New Govardhana) - 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW PO Box 687, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 T: (02) 6672 3047 F: (02) 6672 6579E: [email protected] W: www.newgovardhana.net

Restaurants:

Adelaide - Govinda’s Restaurant25 Le Hunte Street, Kilburn T: (08) 8359 5120

Brisbane - Govinda’s City, 1st floor 99 Elizabeth St, Brisbane T: (07) 3210 0255 E: [email protected]: www.brisbanegovindas.com.au

Brisbane - Govinda’s West End, 82 Vulture St (above Perfect Potion), West End T: (04) 0417 3027

Brisbane - Hare Krishna Food for Life, 226 Brunswick St Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 T: (04) 2320 1124

Burleigh Heads - Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian 20 James St, Burleigh Heads T: (07) 5607 0782 E: [email protected] W: www.govindas.net.au

Melbourne - Crossways 1st Floor, 123 Swanston St, Melbourne T: (03) 9650 2939 E: crosswaysfoodfor [email protected]: www.CrosswaysFoodForLife.com.au

Melbourne - Gopal’s 139 Swanston St, Melbourne FB: Gopals Vegetarian Restaurant T: (03) 9650 1578

Newcastle - Krishna’s Vegetarian Cafe 110 King St. Newcastle T: (02) 4929 6900 E:[email protected] W: www.iskcon.com.au/Newcastle.html

Perth - Govinda’s Restaurant 194 William St, Northbridge 6003 T: (08) 9227 1684 E: [email protected]

Surfers Paradise - Govindas Veg-O-Rama, 134 Centro Shopping Centre T: (07) 5538 3788 E: [email protected] W: govindas.vego.googlepages.com

Sydney - Govinda’s & Movie Room 112 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst 2010 T: (02) 9380 5155 E: [email protected] W: govindas.com.au



Dayul

Hare Krishna Valley ReportRasänandiné Däsé

Saàskäras: Purificatory CeremoniesSaàskäras: Purificatory Ceremonies

W e are pleased to announce that we are performing saàskäras, or purificatory

ceremonies, for the congregational members of Melbourne Temple.

The Vedic literatures describe that there are many opportunities during one's life - from before birth to after death - when one may perform a ceremony for purification

to evoke auspiciousness and ensure advancement in spiritual life.

Saàskära is not a substitute for the regulative principles of spiritual life as enunciated by Çréla Prabhupäda. However, in conjunction with these principles, performance of saàskära guarantees eventual perfection in life.

Many of the saàskäras offered are more beneficial if performed at an astrologically auspicious time. The head pujari at the temple will be able to recommend a qualified astrologer.

Saàskäras include:

Jäta-karma: Birth ceremony.

Niñkrämaëa: When a child leaves the house for the first time.

Pausti-karma: Ceremony to protect your child's health.

Anna-präçana: Feeding a child grains for the first time.

Cuòa-karëam: Hair-cutting ceremony.

Vidyärambha: Entering school.

Samävartana: Graduation.

Viväha: Marriage ceremony.

Griha-rambhä: Laying a foundation stone.

Griha-praveça: House-warming.

Shraddha-pattra (Piëòa): Oblations to departed forefathers.

Fire ceremony for auspiciousness.

For more information or details of the ceremonies offered, please call Member Services on (03) 9699 5122.

Mother Kunti gave our new herd’s first milk in December; with most of Victoria in

drought, Manigriva fed the cows hay daily.

The devotees catered at the January NightJar Market in Torquay: their trademark, koftas made from farm-grown cabbage. They also harvested chilli, eggplant, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, squash and zucchinis. Later in the month, the devotees opened the Meditation Hut - a well-attended monthly meditation group - at 11 Tubular Ave Torquay.

In February the Valley hosted Devamrita Swami’s popular Retreat and a night with Bhaktisiddhanta Swami at Christian’s house. The goshala roof neared completion as the struts and trusses were joined together.

March saw the Valley host a successful Camp Yoga Retreat for Yoga Dojo (Geelong). The Festival of Colours at Barwon Park proved extremely popular. Prasadam sold quickly at the Easter Deans Marsh Pioneer Festival.

Then in April, Manigriva laid new water pipes to supply the cows in the paddock below Christian’s house. Bhurijana Prabhu hosted a special ISKCON 50th Anniversary Retreat.

In May the Valley completed our biannual wood chop with the help of Melbourne volunteers. The devotees hosted a Vegetarian Cooking Workshop for Winchelsea Community House. Keshava addressed Year 10 Geelong Christian College Comparative Religion students. The Valley devotees hosted a Yoga Retreat with PY Styles - a Yoga/Pilates centre based in Geelong, and a Vegan Cooking Retreat.

The Valley hosted Timboon Probus (PROfessional and BUSiness) Club in June. The club members - mostly former dairy farmers - enjoyed a complete tour of our farm. Manigriva regularly trains the bulls, so in winter the men welded a buggy ready for them to pull.

Accommodation at Radha and Krishna Ashrams (Vegan/vegetarian Otway Retreat) can be booked on Airbnb.com.au. Search Bambra, then select Instant Book to view available nights. To book further accommodation or to get advance notice of upcoming events, go to the Valley’s homepage at http://www.harekrishnavalley.com.au.

You can receive Keshava’s farm blog by liking Keshava Dasa or Hare Krishna Valley on Facebook. If you are interested in helping us to develop Hare Krishna Valley, you can contact Keshava on 0405-577-453 or [email protected].


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