The sight of the gardens of Bhaktivedanta Manor are the first impression that visitors and pilgrims receive upon entering the grounds. With a view to fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s vision of developing the Manor into a replica of Vrindavan, the Manor garden team, headed by Uddhava das, work to create a beautiful atmosphere all around the Manor property.

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Dwarka Puri das, Vrajnath das, Niladri Krishna das and Douglas have been beautifying the area at Bhaktivedanta Manor main building reaching from the side of the theatre, the back of the temple room and Cottage. Every spring and summer guests are greeted with an array of hanging baskets, flower pouches and troughs with a wide range of flowers including geraniums, floriferous, pansies, fuchsias and a large variety of petunias.

“We are trying to bring out the best of the English summer,” explained Dwarka Puri das, “The beauty of the flowers gives life, spirit and joy to the devotees and guests. It will uplift everyone’s consciousness.”

“Recently I overheard a local talking to another local,” added Douglas, “he said: you must go to the Bhaktivedanta Temple to see the flower displays. They are wonderful. Indeed, guests are joyful and inspired to develop something similar in their own gardens.”

“This area is adorned with exotic tropical plants”, explained Vrajnath das standing in the square enclosure outside the back of the temple room. “This area in the centre will be used for summer yajnas.”

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Anyone coming to Krishna consciousness will be quickly apprised of the importance of sadhu sanga. For a start there is the famous verse that says how even by a moment’s association with a sadhu one can achieve “all perfection”. Lord Chaitanya states in the Chaitanya Charitamrita that the “root cause of bhakti is sadhu sanga”, which Srila Prabhupada translates as the association of advanced devotees. Lord Chaitanya said that the main quality of a Vaishnava is that he gives up non-devotee association and mixes with other Vaishnavas. Sadhu sanga is the second element of devotional practise after sraddha or faith, as defined by Rupa Goswami.

In the Bhagavatam 3.3.6 purport Srila Prabupada says we need to be trained how to engage in sadhu sanga properly: “unless and until one is trained in the culture of good association, one cannot become good.”

(Testimonials from previous students included at the foot of this page)

In this seminar, we look at what is sadhu sanga and how we can begin to improve our sadhu sanga, specifically by improving our discussions about Krishna. We will be learning techniques that can help enhance the discussion experience.

Due to the relative depth of the discussion, course attendees should have some experience in Krishna consciousness. We suggest a minimum standard of chanting 16 rounds for at least 6 months.

Course Date: Monday 5th August 2013
Time: 10am – 2pm
Venue: Library, Bhaktivedanta Manor
Course Fee: £10 (refundable on request after attendance of the course)

Class size is limited. Please make sure you book ahead either at reception, or by following the Paypal link below:

Testimonials:

Bhagadatta das:   The internal benefit has been that we now go much deeper in trying to understand Srila Prabhupdada’s teachings and applying them in our lives. Previously I would read his books and ‘feel good about it’. Nowadays with the discussions we go line by line deliberating on Prabhupada’s instructions and I still remember many important points.

Jayanti  dasi:   I make sure that I have at least one or two daily discussions every day.  The most beautiful part of the discussions is that we can discuss how to apply in our personal life the instructions Srila Prabhupada is giving in the particular purport.

Daya das:  I am very interested in this consultation since sravanam and kirtanam are basic and essential in the development of our spiritual life. It is great that ISKCON is making efforts to improve on them.
I would like to talk about the Systematic Threadbare Discussion posted by Cintamani dhama mataji. These discussions are a great way to understand Krishna’s and Srila Prabhupada’s instructions. Understanding these instructions are crucial for a healthy spiritual life, to know what we are doing, why we are doing it, where we are going, what is the goal of our spiritual life, how to attain that goal, etc.

Gopi Prema dasi:  Since I am discussing Srila Prabhupada’s books I feel my chanting is improving . To discuss the life of the pure devotees, their conversations, and Krishna’s instructions is most essential for purifying my consciousness.
The discussions are so interesting to hear how other devotees understand things. It helps me to understand it better, in different lights. In discussions I remember much better and I can really concentrate. And by reflective hearing I really learn how to hear properly.

Kishor Murti das:  The techniques really give you the skills to become so receptive and attentive to what is being said, and what is being revealed through the heart as one expresses one’s own understandings.
There is much talk of a ‘Srila Prabhupada centric’ movement, and for me one of the most powerful and emphatic ways I experienced proximity to him, was through using these methods.

Dunja:  I would like to thank you for my new found inspiration of discussing Srila Prabhupada’s books with your method. I’m amazed by the detailed research and evidence support. When my husband and I took part we felt immediate benefit. My mind was immediately engaged to be a good listener , understanding what a person has just said etc.

Sucirani dasi:  Discussing Srila Prabhupada’s books in this particular format has allowed me to gain deep insights and really develop my relationship with Srila Prabhupada through his books. It has allowed me to develop deep friendships based on Krishna Consciousness in a supportive environment that helps to avoid speculation.

Radha Sakti dasi:  I wish to say that these discussions have helped me tremendously.  I did not have much interest in reading because I could not remember things.  Since I have started consistently doing discussion I am remembering better, my conversation with others is about sharing what we discussed.  It is Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to study systematically, scrutinizingly, threadbare, seeing subject matters from different angles of vision.

The first 3 months are spend based in ISKCON Chowpatty where devotees will also be taken on pilgrimage to Jagganath Puri, Vrindavan and Mayapur. They will partake in festivals and get to hear from the senior devotees there. An opportunity will also be given to live in the recently developed Govardana Eco Village and really experience simple living and higher think by practice of Krishna Consciousness in a self sufficient farm community.

For the second 3 months, devotees will be based at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Activities will include deity worship, goshalla, collage preaching, nama hatta and sanga outreach as well as travelling book distribution and instrument lessons. And if that wasn’t enough, each candidates will receive a full Bhakti Sastri degree at the end of it.

Therefore any devotees who have either graduated from University, thinking of taking a career break or just want to experience Krishna Consciousness on another level, the Sabbatical provides a great opportunity to realise your potential and solidify, strengthen and deepen their faith and practice of Krishna Consciousness.

The deadline is approaching soon so apply now and give it a try.

7:00 am Guru Puja
7:30 am Deity Greeting followed by Kirtan
8:00 am ‘Skit’ Jai Prahlad by  Gurukula Students
8:30 am Special Class by HG Sridama Prabhu
10:00 am Nrsimha Kavacha Special Yajna
11:00 am Devotees leaving for London Maha Harinam

4:00 pm Bus leaving from London

5:45 pm Feast at Allum Hall
7:00 pm Devotees leaving Allum Hall

Allum Hall address: Manor House, 2 Allum Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire

WD6 3PJ.

 Narasimha is often visualized as half-man/half-lion, having a human-like torso and lower body, with a lion-like face and claws. This image is widely worshipped in deity form by all the Vaishnavas. He is known primarily as the ‘Great Protector’ who specifically defends and protects his devotees in times of need

In all the vedic scriptures there is one spiritual practice that is praised the most for its efficacy in spiritual enlighteninga practitioner, this is the congregational chanting of the holy name or the Nama Sankirtana Yajna.

As an offering of love to our Lordships Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda the devotees at Bhaktivedanta manor are gathering once a month on a sunday to chant the holy names of the lord together for 10 hours non stop. By engaging in this most sublime of processes we will uplift our own consciousness and share the gift of bhakti with all who participate sincerely.

You are cordial invited to join in. The Nama Yajna is so wonderful merciful that anyone can join in, you simply have to bring your voice and sing with your heart. It is said that one who once chants the holy name of Lord Hari with asincere heart, the path to Vaikuntha is laid wide open.

Monthly 10 Hour Kirtanas will be held from 11.30am to 9.30pm
The Dates are:

May Sunday 19th
June Sunday 2nd
July Sunday 21st
August Sunday 11th
September Sunday 15th
October Sunday 20th

PS:  these dates are subject to change please check the dates before making a special journey to attend the events.

Bhakti-yoga is not an armchair philosophy, a religious doctrine or a Sunday ritual. It is a way of life.While the process may appear simplistic, when practiced with sincerity and purity it actually combines and synthesizes all other disciplines. In the Bhakti-Rasamrita Sindhu, a 16th century thesis on the science of devotion, the great teacher Rupa Goswami perfectly outlines how to practice bhakti-yoga in one’s daily life.

The practice of each aspect of bhakti-yoga is unlimited, and it can be developed, enhanced and refined over time. Engaging in these practical acts of bhakti-yoga will awaken a deep sense of fulfillment, happiness and enduring satisfaction. Indeed, Krishna assures us that the individual who is steadfast and determined in such spiritual practices can see him face-to face. It’s that simple.

This course provides an opportunity to learn more about the practice of bhakti, in today’s modern world. It acts as a great sequel to the “Gita Life” course, as well as a standalone series which will aid the student to make bhakti a practical reality in his or her daily life.

Course Dates: Every Sunday, starting 30th June 2013 (6 weeks)
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Vrindavan Class Room(Tutor group room)
Course Fee: £45 (includes 2 booklets and other course material)

For more information, please email cvs@krishnatemple.com

or call +44 1923851010.

Grand ceremony marks the 40th Anniversary

40th Anniversary at the House of Lords

Under the Full Moon: Lord Caitanya is born

Mentorship Retreat

“Hare Krishna in the Modern World” (new book published by Arktos)

Download (PDF, 1.61MB)

This six-day intensive course is highly participatory and suitable to a broad spectrum of devotees with a wide range of teaching experience. It is particularly appropriate for devotees involved in training. Preachers, managers, gurukula teachers, communications specialists and others interested in systematic training and education will also find it of immense value and interest. The features of this preliminary course are as follows:

• Learn about teaching styles and methods, especially interactive and experiential
• Explore Krishna Conscious approaches to educational theory and practice
• Plan a lesson and write a corresponding lesson outline
• Practice basic skills of speaking, facilitation and classroom management
• Experience a fun, highly interactive and transformational course

Course Dates: Monday 22nd July – Saturday 27th July 2013
Timings:
Morning session: 10.15am – 1.30pm
Lunch: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Afternoon session: 3.30pm  – 6.00pm
Venue: Bhaktivedanta Manor
Course Fee: £59

For more information, please email cvs@krishnatemple.com or                   call +44 (0) 1923851010.

You can sign up to this course by following the Paypal link below, or at the Manor reception. You will then receive e-mail confirmation of your place on the course.

About the speakers

Rasamandala das joined ISKCON in 1973 at Bhaktivedanta Manor. He is director of ISKCON Educational Services and is currently helping Bhaktivedanta College set up a Single Honours course in Education Studies (to start September 2012 and validated by the University of Chester).

Abala Devi Dasi is originally from Greece, and read ‘Western Philosophy with Religious Studies’ in Oxford, where she also gained a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Religious Education / Secondary-level). She currently teaches Philosophy at Bhaktivedanta College and coordinates the much-esteemed Bhakti Shastri Course. She also co-ordinates the College’s mentoring scheme and it’s recently-launched career-guidance service. Abala has assisted her husband Rasamandala Das in teaching the TTC2 several times

Over the next few months the children will be carefully observing the hedgerow for changes and monitoring the wildlife.  They will be entering into a National green competition based on their learning, both theoretical and practical throughout this activity.

Bhaktivedanta Manor is an excellent primary school with outstanding achievement in spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. It is currently accepting applications for Reception Class September 2013.  Please contact Padma at  bvmanorschool@gmail.com for further information or call on 01923851000 ext 241

“The two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots, the other is wings.”~ Hodding Carter Jnr

Scripture explains that one of the main duties of the parents is to bring up one’s offspring to become devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

However, raising children to become moral, upstanding citizens in society is difficult enough, what to speak of inculcating devotional qualities in them. In this age of Kali, there are so many adverse influences, that it can seem nigh on impossible to make your children Krishna conscious.

However do not fear…

Please come along to this seminar and learn some practical hints and tips that will clarify your doubts and help you to raise your children and give them the best possible opportunity for a bright future, from all points of view.

Course Date: Sunday 19th May 2013
Time: 10am – 1.30pm
Venue: Srila Prabhupada’s Darshan Room
Course Fee: £10

You can sign up to this course by following the Paypal link below, or at the Manor reception. You will then receive e-mail confirmation of your place on the course.

About the speakers
Sridama das and Kaisori devi dasi are senior disciples of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, and members of the Radha-Gopinath Temple (Chowpatty) community. They have been pivotal in developing the Mentorship System in Chowpatty, and in recent years, have travelled to many countries around the world, inspiring and helping other temples to do the same.