I am looking for a woman to take care of my brother's wife Heike (44 years old) who suffers from multiple sclerosis. It will take her 6 hours (incl. some housework), except 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) where she is out for day care from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekends are relaxed. Free board and lodging, salary 800 Euros per month.

They are a lovely and warmhearted family with 2 children (Laura Virya, 15, and Mirco Arjuna, 14). All of them are vegetarian and friends of Krsna. They are living near Hamburg, Germany. (Click here for the full article)



In the News:
Natural Gas Royalties to Improve Hare Krishna Community
by Keri Brown, WVPubcast.org
Posted February 5, 2010

Marshall County residents review drilling leases at "lease signing party."

Click Here February 2, 2010 · On Sunday, dozens of people including members of the Hare Krishna community got together in Marshall County to sign over their natural gas rights. They see it as a way to invest in their community. More residents in the Northern Panhandle area are being approached by natural gas companies to drill on their properties because of rich Marcellus shale reserves in the Appalachian Basin.

More than 50 people gathered at the Limestone Fire Hall in MarshallCounty for a “lease signing party” to seal the deal with Ohio-based AB Resources. (Click here for the full article)



Romeo, Rama and the Rebellious Riff-Raff
by Niscala dasi
Posted February 4, 2010

In “The Cry for Myth”, Rollo May makes a powerful case for the need of myth in every society, and that societies and cultures can be seen as byproducts of their collective myths. In this essential service to society, it doesn’t matter at all if the myth is fiction or fact, for either way the myth acts on the collective subconscious of the society, which moulds its identity, values and attitudes around the myth. Even modern society has myths which have molded the character of its people- the courage and confidence of the first settlers as they pressed on westwards into unknown territory can now be seen in the many risk-taking adventures that Americans are famous (and more recently, infamous) for…

In the area of personal relationships, myth also plays a vital role, which may explain the stark contrast between how societies deal with, for example, romantic love- the differences can be traced back to different myths…

Romeo and the Riff-Raff

(Click here for the full article)



VIHE Audio Ministry
by Mahabhagavata das, VIHE
Posted February 2, 2010

The Audio Ministry of the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education is hosting on our web site, www.vihe.org, a variety of audio seminars recorded during the last 20 years.

This unique collection of well-researched and inspiring lectures, given by senior Vaisnavas, serves to infuse us with faith, conviction and shastric knowledge of devotional service, Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy, Krishna's holy name, His pastimes, His dhama and so on. Among them are the Bhaktivaibhava and Bhaktivedanta Courses, which have been hosted by the VIHE for the past ten years. They are a verse by verse study of Srila Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagavatam taught by Bhurijan Prabhu Narayani Mataji. The presentations also includes the commentaries of our previous acaryas.

Over the years our staff has worked hard to organize and record these classes. We would like to offer you this wonderful chance to enliven your devotional life by listening to these recordings and sharing your inspiration with others.



Santa Cruz Joins Global Kirtan for Yamuna
by Priyanana dasi
Posted January 31, 2010

Come join us for a night of Kirtan, Puja and Prayer with Prema Mayi, Jacob Duran, and Living Devotion on January 30 at Yoga Center Santa Cruz, 428 Front Street, Santa Cruz, California. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ceremony is from 7-11 p.m.

This is in conjunction with the Global Kirtan being synchronized with Kumbha Mela in Vrindavan, India. Proceeds will go to preservation of Yamuna Devi, Keshi Ghat and Vraja Dham. Yamuna Devi ki jai! Vrindavan Dham ki jai!



INDICLAD in ISKCON Manipur
by Ajit das
Posted January 26, 2010

You may be pleased to know that we will be conducting the first International Indian Classical Dance Festival (INDICLAD) 2010 bringing together the five major dance forms in India on the same stage. This festival will be held from 18th to 21st February 2010 and will feature foreign and local artistes of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali and Manipuri talent. The renowned Ramli Ibrahim from Malaysia and his dance troupe will be performing and this has been supported by Indian Council for Cultural Relations. and also Tamanna Rahaman from Bangladesh, She belongs to Islam community but she is a good Manipuri classical dancer, and several foreign artiste from Europe and United states. Miss Indian univers Ekta Choudhary is coming as messanger of peace. And Miss Guadalajara Mahima Sandoval will be performing Bharatnatyam. There will be 250 traditional sankirtana devotee chanting Harinama maha mantra during the Mega opening for love, harmony & peace. live telicast through web will be there.

The main purpose of this festival, is to rejuvenate the traditional devotional performing arts among the youth in Manipur, (Click here for the full article)



Residential Plots in Vrindavan
by Shri Bankey Bihari Vihar Vrindavan
Posted January 25, 2010

Near ISKCON temple in City Of Thakur Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj

Salient Features:

*Grand gated entry

*Sweet water

*Park for children

*24hrs Electricity supply

*24hrs water supply

*24hrs Security

*Proper sewage disposal

*Provision of Temple

*Provision of jogging track

*Society of colony for future maintenance

*Highly developed surroundings

For More details, please call us at (Click here for the full article)



Alachua House for Sale
by Akuti dasi
Posted January 25, 2010

The property is in a rural setting, nicely landscaped, and located only 4 miles (6.5 km) from downtown Alachua. It is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) off County Road 235 on County Road 239. The property has over 400 feet (120m) of road frontage on CR 239; however, the house is set back away from the road, and has a private driveway from a blacktopped side road.

The facilities include a cement-block, 2,700 sq. ft. (250 m²) main house with a shingled roof. It has 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 large main room and another "conference room". There is a commercial-type kitchen, pantry and large utility room. It has central air conditioning and also an all-house fan unit. There is an attached office. (Click here for the full article)



In the News:
Radio Mirchi’s Annual Cow Fashion Show at ISKCON
by Nishal Lama, mybangalore.com
Posted January 24, 2010

participating cow with a complete makeover

How many would have really thought that there could be a fashion show with models being the cows. The Kombu Mela celebration that was held at ISKCON in the city on January 14 showed exactly that: cows replacing the model, where the designers where replaced by the make over artists who were none other than the students from various city colleges.

As an initiative by ISKCON to celebrate the yearly Kombu Mela, the authorities, this time, decided to organize this, one of its kind, event where cows were to replace the usual models for the fashion show. Dressed in the best attire (all thanks to the students’ efforts), the cows were sure to look different for the show. With balloons, ribbons, garlands and flowers, it was almost a no-stone-unturned thing for the students who were involved to give the make over. The students, however, had their share of fun participating in the event. Shweta, a student from Vogue Institute, said, “This is the first time ever that I have come so close to a cow, let alone dressing it up. I was pretty apprehensive when I got into this, but that was short lived. Once here, I lost all my apprehensions. I have enjoyed doing the makeover; it was so much fun.” (Click here for the full article)

Stuffed dolls available for $20 US each plus $2 handling (on each order) plus actual cost of shipping (USPS Priority). They sell for not less than $36 US online. We also take bulk orders. Please contact us at (Click here for the full article)



Food, Farming and Faith Conference
by Malati devi dasi
Posted February 6, 2010

Members and supporters of ISKCON agricultural communities are invited to participate in a 3 -1/2 Day conference in the first week of December, 2010 (exact dates to be determined after hearing back from interested persons). Already committed is Radha Krishna das from the Eco-Village ISKCON farm in Hungary. A partial goal of this conference is to introduce and study methods of practical sustainability in current day ISKCON agri projects or future projects and to define how our philosophy meets real life in practice. It is planned to facilitate a limited number of interested persons in order to maximized interactions, exchanges, learning and sharing of the same. We'd especially like to invite younger generation members to participate with the distinct hope of inspiring them towards a more simple fulfilling life-style in the near future. We also welcome those who might wish to offer a presentation or workshop to contact us (see below). (Click here for the full article)



Tulasi Bead Necklaces for Sale
by Johanna Kolsen
Posted February 5, 2010

Tulsi Bead Necklaces For Sale - Inspired by Srimati Radharani. They are handmade with blessed Tulsi, glass, and crystal beads. Each necklace measures approx 19 19.5" and hangs very beautifully around the neck. $25. with free shipping. All three for $65. Please contact (Click here for the full article)



In the Blog World:
New School in North London
by The Vaishnava Voice
Posted February 2, 2010

New school is centred on traditional spiritual culture

Click Here

A little more than ten minutes drive from Bhaktivedanta Manor you’ll find the new Krishna-Avanti school. I love the idea behind it, the architecture, and the boldness of its conception and execution in the heart of a north London suburb.

Its been under wraps for several months now, but today it threw open its doors to the press. I’m happy to share the following story, released to the national press this morning, with my readers.

The Krishna Avanti School opened its doors to the press for the first time on Friday 29th January. The School is the first Voluntary Aided Hindu faith school in Britain and is also the most eco-friendly. The School, in the London borough of Harrow also marks the country’s first vegetarian state school. (Click here for the full article)



Alachua Apartment for Rent
by Anuradha devi dasi
Posted January 31, 2010

We have a great little energy-efficient downstairs apartment for rent from February 1st. It’s 1,000 sq. ft. (93 m², two bedrooms, one bathroom, with a screened-in porch off the master bedroom. Wood and tile floors. Kitchen has fridge, range and microwave. Washer and dryer, free satellite TV and free wireless internet. Neat, clean and attractive. Free well water, sewer and garbage collection; you only pay electricity (ca. $90 to $140 per month). Rent is $800 per month, and there is an $800 security deposit.

Constructed in 2007, only devotees have lived here. Presently a devotee family live here, but next week they are shifting to a larger property we own nearby. Conveniently located two miles (3 km) from ISKCON New Raman Reti temple and one mile (1.6 km) from Bhaktivedanta Gaudiya Institute in Alachua; two miles from Harvest Health and Whole Foods and other shops and banks, etc. Apartment is located on acreage surrounded by granddaddy oak trees. Very quiet and safe, healthy for kids. There is daily car pooling to the Alachua Learning Center. (Click here for the full article)



Lakshman's Appearance Day
by Venu- Madhuri devi dasi
Posted January 26, 2010

This question has been on my mind for quite some time. I was wondering why ISKCON temples don't celebrate Lakshman's appearance day?

We celebrate lord Ramachandra's and Sita devi's days because they are non-different from Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani.

Lakshman is ananta sesh aka Lord Balarama aka Lord Nityananda, so why don't we celebrate the appearance day of one of Ramayan's most powerful and glorious character? I hope someone can answer this [editor's note: please submit your response to Chakra]



Saving Yamuna: an Update
by Jagadananda Das
Posted January 25, 2010

This news that a temporary injunction against the construction of the bridge over the Yamuna is most welcome (see judgment at the Allahabad High Court below).

We can rejoice and thank the devotees from around the world. Their massive sigh of despair has no doubt influenced the way that the karmic wheel is turning.

More and more people have become conscious of the issue and have been deeply affected emotionally at the thought of the wanton desecration and destruction of our beloved Vrindavan Dham.

But we are far from winning this war. It is only lull, a break, a little bit of time to mobilize our forces for the even greater obstacles that need to be overcome.

This war will not be won by mind vibrations only, nor even by Harinam alone. It will require convincing people on a massive scale in India and around the world. (Click here for the full article)



Artist Sought
by Martin Gluckman
Posted January 25, 2010

We are looking for a talented vaishnava artist to paint a few small offerings for our online Vedic work with Ayurveda and Vedic Sciences. Anyone interested can kindly contact us via www.vedicsociety.org



A Prayer for Yamuna Devi
by Padmapani das
Posted January 24, 2010

By now, most of you have heard the recent story out of Vrindavan about the construction of the unsightly flyover bridge across the holy Yamuna River at Kesi Ghat. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here is where we stand today (see above photo). Obviously, this is a very distressing development on many levels for us all, especially spiritually.

For the past while, devotees have been courageously signing petitions, writing letters, organizing meetings and satsangs to help stop this horrendous development, which we here at The Prabhupada Connection have fully supported all the way. The more pressure we can bear upon the authorities, the better chances we'll have of success in halting this unnecessary eyesore in the holy dhama, which will undoubtedly cause an entire host of problems too numerous to mention here -- but which needless to say, will not be good now or in the future for our beloved Vrindavan.

Aside from the above, I'd like to briefly mention something from the past, authorized by Srila Prabhupada himself under slightly different circumstances, but which still upheld the principle and power of prayer to effect change in seemingly difficult or impossible circumstances. (Click here for the full article)

My appreciation goes out to those who have brought issues about the Bhaktivedanta Archives audio collection to everyone's attention. I apologize for failing to properly communicate details on this all-important topic.

The Bhaktivedanta Archives is completely neutral, non-political, and free from hidden agendas — always has been and always will be. We do not censor any audio, nor withhold audio from the devotees because of content (internal or external political views, women, gays, skin colors, and philosophical issues, etc.). We do not engage in conspiracies of any kind. By Krishna's mercy we were given the charge to protect this invaluable collection of our dearmost spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, and make it available.

In some ways we do find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, however, and I'll try to make clear the reasons by touching on the history and current on-going work of the Srila Prabhupada audio project.

The short answer

(Click here for the full article)



Devotee Community in Puri
by Nanda Gopa das
Posted February 5, 2010

Our small family, originally from Europe, just spend 4 years in Sri Vrndavana Dhama.

In the beginning our plan was to find other Vaisnava families who were interested in living a few Km outside of Vrindavan town. We wanted to buy land together, so that each family can have their own land, where they can grow vegs, fruits, flowers and keep cows.

This way form a small community together.

But due to the risks involved living in the country side, outside Vrndavana and the extreme weather conditions we weren’t able to realize our plans.

We visited Puri few times and found that these problems do not exist here. I started looking for land, with the help of a god brother that lives here for the last 18 years and gradually discovered that Puri area is full of opportunities. (Click here for the full article)



HDG Bhaktisiddhanta's Birthday
by Madhavendra Puri dasa (Paris)
Posted February 4, 2010

Please accept this glorification of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Swami on the occasion of his birthday.



Online Soon: "Gita Changes" for Chapter Three
by Kaisori dasi
Posted February 2, 2010

The "changes" for chapter three of Bhagavad-Gita As It Is will soon be online at www.BBTedit.com/changes. The Preface, the Introduction, and the previous chapters are already there.

See for yourself what was done and why.

Also in the pipeline: "The changes" for The Nectar of Devotion.



Care for Cows February, 2010
by Kurma Rupa dasa
Posted February 2, 2010

The February 2010 issue of our Care for Cows Newsletter has been posted. Please review it at your earliest convenience.

(careforcows.org/downloads/newsletters_0).

In this edition of 22 pages (1.6 MB) we present reports on:

1. Naga Baba's rescue of more cows from the hands of butchers.

2. Who won the Calf Beauty Contest along with an interesting interview with the winner.

3. The four beautiful new calves born this month.

4. An encouraging update on our broken tibia patient.

Since many people have requested high resolution color prints of Care for Cows photographs we have added a feature to our web site that facilitates the ordering of prints. (Click here for the full article)



In the News:
Hare Krishna Volunteers to Cook for Haitian Earthquake Survivors
Submitted by Richard Wyndham, by Hannah Crown, Borehamwood Times
Posted January 31, 2010

4:20pm Tuesday 26th January 2010

Hare Krishna volunteers to cook for Haitian earthquake survivors

TWO members of a Hertfordshire temple are travelling to Haiti tomorrow to cook for survivors of the earthquake.

Vaikuntha Krishna, 39, and Robin Laing 46, belong to Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Aldenham, Hertfordshire, which was donated by Beatle George Harrison for supporters of the Hare Krishna movement.

They will fly to a base in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, where they will set up a vegan food camp with about 30 other volunteers from America, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the UK and the Dominican Republic.

The movement is part of a programme run by Food For Life Global, a not-for-profit organisation run by the Hare Krishna movement to bring food to survivors of disasters across the world. (Click here for the full article)



The Passing of Mahavisnu Swami
by Kavicandra Swami
Posted January 27, 2010

At about 3 p.m. on January 25, HH Mahavisnu Swami (91 years) peacefully passed away at the Bhaktivedanta Swami Hospital, Mumbai. Many devotees were present and having kirtan. Maharaja's eyes became clear as he looked around at everyone. He mouthed the Holy Name and left his body. It was the end of a glorious lifetime of blissful preaching.

His body will stay here for two days while disciples come from afar, and it will then go to Nasika for his samadhi.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, recalling the departure of his guru Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, once said: (Click here for the full article)



Gaura Purnima Specials
by Shop Vrindavan
Posted January 25, 2010

Please check our special offer for the upcoming festivals.

Most of the temples worldwide celebrate the festivals like Nityananda Trayodasi, Gaura Purnima, Balaram Purnima, Sri Krsna Janmastami, Radhastami, or Govardhan Puja by offering new outfits to the Deities in their temple.

We have special offer for all temples – if you are capable of ordering 5 outfits throughout the year, you will get 6th outfit free!

We are cooperating with the best Deity tailor in Vrindavan who has been supplying outfits for Krsna Balaram Temple in Vrindavan. Hundreds of designs and thousands of colors to choose from! Deity jewelry also available! All that you need to worship your Deities in a very reasonable price. (Click here for the full article)



Yamuna Bridge Construction Halted By Court
by Vaisnavacharya Chandan Goswami
Posted January 25, 2010

We have got the first hearing in High court, UP on 23rd February for Yamuna Bridge, until that time court has ordered to the government to stop the Yamuna bridge construction. Now we have one month only to collect petitions. Come along and work as a team to collect the petitions.

Click here to support us:- bvhalliance.org/guestbook/gbook.php

Click the below link to read the case:-Click Here

HIGH COURT ORDER- "List for further hearing on 23.2.2010. Until further order of the Court, the respondents are directed to stop further constructions over the bridge which is being constructed along side river Yamuna and other illegal constructions on the land which falls between the ghats and river Yamuna on both the sides and to stop dumping of garbage in river Yamuna or its bank. Respondents are further directed to ensure that no constructions are raised in the aforesaid area by any person.

Order Date :- 21.1.2010
PNS"



Wearable Dhoti Pockets
by Wearable Dhoti Pockets
Posted January 24, 2010

"Ever-Hip Hip Sacks," designed for men who wear dhotis, are perfect to carry keys, wallet, cell phone, day planner and any other small item you might want to carry around. Resting on the hips, they won't poke your back while sitting or rub against a mrdanga while playing. They are conveniently positioned for easy access to belongings, simultaneously sitting discreetly over your dhoti and under your kurta.

They range in size from a 30-inch (76 cm) to a snug 40" (102 cm) buckled waist and come in three colours — jet black, forest green and royal blue — in a durable cotton/canvas blend. They have durable zipper pockets as well as velcro. Made in Bali, Indonesia by a reputable tailor (no child labour), they can be sent to you for $30 CAD plus shipping. (Click here for the full article)