suchandra

Thanks Cidanan prabhu for joining, yes, as it is said that Cesar's wife should be above suspicion, similiarly Vaishnavas should keep their situation always above dubious worldly politics. Since Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave the example of solving problems by a nonviolent resistance movement why should present Western Vaishnavism, which is a totally disunited minority in itself, support violence? Take present ISKCON's move to focus its major temple construction projects all over India - home of 300 million Muslims. If it becomes known that ISKCON supports the US policy to split Muslim nations in the Middle East into small easily to control states, it is surely a kind of backfire in the long run to take the risk of having assaults at India's Holy Places as it was seen at the insane attack on the Manipur temple.

This could calm down the rage attack some members of this forum have when Prabhupada said that Lord Jesus is a preacher of God consciousness and vegetarianism. According Vasu Murti Prabhu's research what we have today is not Chrisitianity but Paulianity. Below the details, "If Christians assign greater value to St.Paul's teachings over those of Jesus, then "Christianity" really is "Paulianity". Bertrand Russell referred to Paul as the inventor of Christianity." Refuting 'So Much Garbage' <!-- =================================== START OF MAIN AREA =================================== --> 30/Sep/07 by Vasu Murti Prabhu 10:18:16 am, Categories: Christianity <!--noteaser--> The most-repeated argument against biblical vegetarianism I've gotten from Christians is that they think they are no longer under Mosaic Law, because the apostle Paul referred to his background as a former Pharisee and his previous adherence to Mosaic Law (with its dietary laws, commandments calling for the humane treatment of animals, etc.) as "so much garbage." (Philippians 3:4-8) There is nothing in the synoptic gospels of Jesus, however, to suggest a fundamental break with Judaism. Jesus was called "Rabbi," meaning "Master" or "Teacher," 42 times in the gospels. The ministry of Jesus was a rabbinic one. Jesus related Scripture and God's laws to everyday life, teaching by personal example. He engaged in healing and acts of mercy. He told stories or parables—a rabbinic method of teaching. He went to the synagogue (Matthew 12:9), taught in the synagogues (Matthew 4:23, 13:54; Mark 1:39), expressed concern for Jairus, "one of the rulers of the synagogue" (Mark 5:36) and it "was his custom" to go to the synagogue (Luke 4:16). Jesus began his ministry by teaching the multitudes not to "give what is sacred to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine." (Matthew 7:6) Dogs, like swine, were considered foul and unclean by the Hebrew people. (Deuteronomy 23:18; I Samuel 24:14; II Kings 8:13; Psalm 22:16,20; Matthew 7:6; Luke 16:21; Revelations 22:15) These words were used by the children of Israel to describe the neighboring heathen populations. When sending his disciples out to preach, Jesus instructed them not to go to the gentiles, but to "go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 10:5-6) When a Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter, he replied, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel...It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." (Matthew 15:22-28) Jesus regarded the gentiles as "dogs." His gospel was intended for the Jewish people. Even the apostle Paul admits that the gospel was first intended for the Jews, and that the Jews have every advantage over the gentiles in this regard (Romans 1:16, 3:1-2). When a scribe asked Jesus what is the greatest commandment in the Torah, Jesus began with "Hear O Israel, the Lord, thy God, is One Lord." This is the Shema, which is still heard in every synagogue service to this day. "And you shall love the Lord with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength...And you shall love your neighbor as yourself," Jesus concluded. When the scribe agreed that God is one and that to love Him completely and also love one's neighbor as oneself is "more important than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices," Jesus replied, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." (Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:29-34; Luke 10:25-28) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus himself said, "Do not suppose I have come to abolish the Law and the prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill...till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle pass from the Law till all is fulfilled. Whoever, therefore, breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven...unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20) Jesus also upheld the Torah in Luke 16:17: "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest portion of the Law to become invalid." Nor do these words refer merely to the Ten Commandments. Jesus meant the entire Torah: 613 commandments. When a man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus replied, "You know the commandments." He then quoted not just the Ten Commandments, but a commandment from Leviticus 19:13 as well: "Do not defraud." (Mark 10:17-22) Jesus' disciples were once accused by the scribes and Pharisees of violating rabbinical tradition (Matthew 15:1-2; Mark 7:5), but not biblical law. At no place in the entire New Testament does Jesus ever proclaim Torah or the Law of Moses to be abolished; this was the theology of Paul, a former Pharisee who never knew Jesus, but who used to persecute Jesus' followers. Paul openly identified himself not as a Jew but as a Roman (Acts 22:25-26) and an apostate from Judaism (Philippians 3:4-8) Sometimes Christians cite Matthew 7:12, where Jesus says "Do unto others..." and this "covers" the Law and the prophets. But Jesus was merely repeating in the positive what Rabbi Hillel taught a generation earlier. No one took Hillel's words to mean the Law had been abolished—why should we assume this of Jesus? If Jesus really did come to abolish the Law and the prophets, Simon (Peter) would not have resisted a divine command to kill and eat both "clean" and "unclean" animals (Acts 10), nor would there have been a debate in the early church as to what extent the gentiles were to observe Mosaic Law (Acts 15). When Paul visited the church at Jerusalem, James and the elders told him all its members were "zealous for the Law," and that they were worried because they heard rumors that Paul was preaching against Mosaic Law (Acts 21). None of these events would have happened had Jesus really come to abolish the Law and the prophets. Jesus not only repeatedly upheld Mosaic Law, he justified his healing on the Sabbath by referring to commandments calling for the humane treatment of animals! While teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath, Jesus healed a woman who had been ill for eighteen years. He justified his healing work on the Sabbath by referring to biblical passages calling for the humane treatment of animals as well as their rest on the Sabbath. "So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham...be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" Jesus asked. (Luke 13:10-16) On yet another occasion, Jesus again referred to Torah teaching on "tsa'arba'aleichayim" or compassion for animals to justify healing on the Sabbath. "Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" (Luke 14:1-5) Jesus compared saving sinners who have gone astray from God's kingdom to rescuing lost sheep. He recalled a Jewish legend about Moses' compassion as a shepherd for his flock: "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? Who among you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it," Jesus continued, "he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home,he calls together his friends and neighbors saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' "I say to you, likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Matthew 18:11-13; Luke 15:3-7,10) Paul, on the other hand, said if anyone has confidence in Mosaic Law, "I am ahead of him" (Philippians 3:4-8). Would that mean Paul places himself ahead of Jesus, who said he did not come to abolish the Law and the prophets? Would that mean Paul places himself ahead of Jesus, who said whoever sets aside even the least of the laws demands shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17-19)? Would that mean Paul places himself ahead of Jesus, who taught that following the commandments of God is the only way to eternal life (Mark 10:17-22)? Would that mean Paul places himself ahead of Jesus who said that it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest portion of the Law to become invalid (Luke 16:17)? Paul may have regarded his previous adherence to Mosaic Law as "so much garbage," but it should be obvious by now that Jesus didn't think The Law was "Garbage"! If Christians assign greater value to Paul's teachings over those of Jesus, then "Christianity" really is "Paulianity". Bertrand Russell referred to Paul as the inventor of Christianity. I'm not saying Christians should all be circumcised and following Mosaic Law. The Reverend Andrew Linzey, the foremost theologian in the field of animal-human relations and author of Christianity and the Rights of Animals (1987), rejected such an approach in a 1989 interview with the Animals' Agenda. I'm merely saying that Christianity for the past 2000 years has been based on a misunderstanding. My friend Rankin Fisher (a former Missionary Baptist minister), quoted a Methodist minister friend of his as having admitted, "We (Christians) aren't really following Jesus. We're following Paul."

This seems the official statement from the GBC office today (btw, why do they consider it as important to make such a statement?), although, as pointed out by Balavidya das, things look quite different. (a) Only those have gone through the GBC certification procedure can initiate within ISKCON; (b) Those who have not gone through the GBC certification procedure certainly cannot initiate within ISKCON without going through the GBC process; © The ethos in ISKCON is that those who have gone through the GBC process "are the diksa-gurus of ISKCON, all others are not gurus". A Successful Guru Policy BY: BALAVIDYA DASA Sep 29, USA (SUN) — "What is a Guru" not "Who is a Guru". Dear devotees, the following e-mail in response to Bhanu Swami's e-mail may be of interest. Dear Bhanu Swami, I have received your reply, as repeated below, to my earlier essay " Those Who Deviate are Useless ". You wrote: "Actually the GBC does not appoint gurus. It only certifies that certain people have met certain standards that the individual can consider in this search for guru. Isn't this the present policy?" Before I reply to your question, let me say that I have great respect for you and so will answer in a straightforward way with no offense intended. Does the GBC appoint Gurus? Firstly, let us examine your basic premise "Actually the GBC does not appoint gurus." This statement implies that the GBC understands "the GBC should not appoint gurus". In the past, the GBC made no bones about the fact that they were officially "appointing diksa-gurus". The present policy, as you have pointed out, asserts that "the GBC does not appoint gurus". Therefore, with this new policy, the GBC have tacitly recognized that the previous policy of officially "appointing" diksa-gurus was erroneous and unwanted. This is also the conclusion of "Those Who Deviate are Useless". However, we must consider if this is actually an accurate statement, i.e, "the GBC does not appoint gurus". And if the GBC can be shown to be in effect "appointing gurus", then logically they have to stop the procedure by which they are contradicting themselves. First, let us analyze the present GBC policy to see if it is actually a diksa-guru-appointment system or not. We see that: (a) Only those have gone through the GBC certification procedure can initiate within ISKCON; (b) Those who have not gone through the GBC certification procedure certainly cannot initiate within ISKCON without going through the GBC process; © The ethos in ISKCON is that those who have gone through the GBC process "are the diksa-gurus of ISKCON, all others are not gurus". Now quite frankly, considering (a), (b), and © can any intellectually honest person really assert that the GBC "certification procedure" is not an appointment system? It does not behoove us to argue that "black is white". Let us be simple and straightforward, the GBC "certification of standards" is a de facto appointment process. To say otherwise is simply unbecoming word jugglery, a self-delusion. A De Facto Appointment Process Naturally, the next question to arise is: If the GBC on one hand asserts "We do not appoint gurus", then why, on the other hand, does it determinedly maintain a "de facto appointment process"? As the old adage goes: "You can't have your cake and eat it too!" In effect, the GBC position may be summarized as: "We don't appoint gurus, we just certify who can initiate!" Quite frankly, this is a farcical posture that is destroying the dignity of the GBC. It smacks of tricky diplomacy and covert motives. And it is fooling no one. Everyone knows the GBC is "appointing diksa-gurus within ISKCON". The fact is that, on one hand, the GBC is maintaining a covert appointment system, while, on the other hand, it is duplicitously asserting "the GBC does not appoint gurus". Furthermore, if the GBC is actually sincere when it says "the GBC does not appoint gurus", then it must scrap the present "certification" because it is de facto an appointment system. The Simplest Point Maharaja, the simplest point on this whole affair is that if Srila Prabhupada wanted the GBC to appoint/certify exclusive diksa-gurus, he would have said so, he would have said so, he would have said so. But as we all know, he didn't. The question for the GBC is "Where did Srila Prabhupada say do like that?" Presently there is a complicated local committee appointed to judge a candidate, then it goes to the GBC for another convoluted and protracted judgment. Then if the person manages to jump through all these hoops, he is allowed to "be a diksa-guru" after some more time. How anyone can assert this is not "appointing gurus" we cannot understand, but the point here is: "Where did Srila Prabhupada say do like that?" This whole concocted procedure, what is the instruction of Srila Prabhupada upon which it rests? Furthermore, where is the sadhu and sastra to support this procedure? Yet the GBC does not answer this question, rather it acts that the question does not exist and keeps quiet, hoping it will go away. But, this is not some small issue. The matter is of highest importance: The continuance of the Brahma-Madhava Gaudiya Sampradaya. If the GBC wish to maintain the present procedure, appointment or certification whatever, then they have to justify it with a direction from Srila Prabhupada, in line with sadhu and sastra. "Where did Srila Prabhupada say do like that?" Maharaja, we believe you are the chairman of the GBC this year, kindly provide an official GBC answer to this question. Recognition of Reality Actually there is no need of inventing processes. Srila Prabhupada covered the topic of parampara continuance hundreds of times in his books, conversations and lectures. And only by following Srila Prabhupada without concoction can we hope to be successful in propagating the parampara. We have to recognize the reality that all the various processes the GBC have invented since November 1977 have all been failures. The stated objective has always been that the restrictive appointment systems will stop the unqualified from initiating. This has not been the case. All we have created is failure and contention between godbrothers by our deviation. We have to admit that we have been going down the wrong road by appointing/certifying individual diksa-gurus since November 1977. Srila Prabhupada wanted his qualified disciples to give diksa and thus have their own disciples. However, Srila Prabhupada only ever mentioned guru-by-vote-appointment systems in a mood of condemnation. This is irrefutable: Srila Prabhupada condemned the institutional appointment/certification of gurus. Therefore such systems within ISKCON will always remain very inauspicious for all involved. History bears witness to this fact right up to the present day. Unfortunately, ISKCON members and particularly the GBC have become so conditioned since November 1977 that many cannot imagine how to run the society without "appointing gurus". Therefore, even though we admit we should not "appoint" gurus, we now delude ourselves by saying that we are not "appointing", we are "certifying". This is a sorry, contradictory state of affairs. The Solution: "What is a Guru" not "Who is a Guru" If we want the solution, we just have to look to Srila Prabhupada: In his teachings, Srila Prabhupada enunciated the qualities of guru and instructed those interested in diksa to find a spiritual master on that basis. Srila Prabhupada only ever mentioned guru-appointment systems in a mood of condemnation. Interestingly, Srila Bhaktivinoda and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta P. also never appointed successors or instituted guru-appointment-vote systems. In the sastra, the qualities of a bona fide spiritual master and disciple are described, and a period of close mutual examination through preliminary tutelage is prescribed (see appendix below). Why can't the GBC adopt the same policy? It is after all the sastra, the system of the Supreme Lord, the object of our surrender. The recommended system would be to (a) educate the duties and qualities of the bona fide disciple and guru; (b) educate those interested in diksa to follow a period of close mutual examination; and © educate those giving and taking diksa that the responsibility rests squarely on their shoulders to make the right decision. A book could be prepared with all the relevant quotes and made available throughout the society. In effect the new GBC policy would be to teach WHAT IS A GURU, rather than the present policy of WHO IS A GURU. The GBC would still maintain its supervisory role of stepping in if someone misbehaves, as a check and balance. So, previous to initiation the GBC role is to educate, and after the initiation, the GBC role is to see that all duties are being followed nicely. The position of the GBC is thus enhanced because it will never more be in the position of having certified a guru who turns out to be unqualified. Furthermore, because those initiating have not been "officially certified by the GBC" their position becomes lesser than the GBC, as they cannot claim to have the institutional authority of the GBC behind them. Thus the authority of the GBC is enhanced relative to the diksa-gurus when the diksa-gurus are not appointed/certified. Thus the GBC becomes more potent in the matter of overseeing the diksa-gurus' performance. Furthermore, as the new diksa-gurus are not appointed/certified by the ultimate managing authority of ISKCON, the GBC, then the status of Srila Prabhupada as the supreme founder-acarya and foundational siksa-guru for ISKCON automatically becomes enhanced and is not challenged. Srila Prabhupada becomes the center for all standards of discipleship and guruship by the propagation of his teachings on the topic. Furthermore, as the new GBC role is to "educate what is guru", rather than "administer who is guru", then ISKCON becomes moved in the direction of a brahminical educational society. This is what Srila Prabhupada wanted: the study of his books as the basis for all ISKCON, and then the world will follow. So Maharaja, you have a leading role in ISKCON. I humbly entreat you to consider deeply all the above points in an open and contemplative mind. Kindly see that this matter of central importance is discussed at GBC level. We have to move beyond the failures of the past systems and see that the Gaudiya Parampara is continued for thousands of years without the "infiltration of material concoction". Kindly see that the system outlined above is based on guru, sadhu and sastra. And when we follow the sastra closely, then the attendant problems of living in the material world become minimized by the grace of Sri Krsna. The sastra is the "center for all" as Srila Prabhupada said. Sastra and Srila Prabhupada present the eternal parampara system and when it is taught within ISKCON, only then will the blessings of Supreme Lord Sri Krsna flow into ISKCON in full measure. We hope this is found helpful, Your servant, Balavidya dasa <center> Appendix: The Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa The Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa was composed by Sanatana Goswami under the direction of Supreme Lord Sri Caitanya, the bestower of religious principles for this age of Kali. The First Vilasa: Text 74 </center> The Mantra-muktavali instructs, "The guru and aspiring disciple should live together for a year. They should examine each other to find out their nature, character and compatibility. There is no other way of achieving this." <center> Text 75 </center> The Sruti states, "An aspiring disciple who does not stay together with the guru for a year should not be given diksa-mantra by the guru ." <center> Text 76 </center> The Sarasangraha also declares, "The guru should examine an aspiring disciple under his tutelage for a year." <center> Text 78</center> It is described in the Krama-dipika , "The disciple who is desirous to receive diksa [in the Gopala-mantra] must serve the guru for three years employing his wealth, simplicity of heart, affectionate behaviour, full physical endeavour, gentle speech and favourable attitude with the understanding that the guru is as good as the Supreme Lord. In this manner, when the disciple satisfies his guru , he may beg for diksa ."

Cidanan prabhu suggests that, "Any of such killing means a horrible karma for the future". Iraq is not Kuruksetra! BY: CIDANANDAS <center> </center> Sep 29, USA (SUN) — Reply to Praghosa Prabhu, refused for publication by Dandavats.com. Praghosa Das (NYC) wrote: "My Dear Paratha Sarathi Das, I had in the past promised to write you something in regards to your kind efforts to share the blessings of our Dear Srila Prabhupada with anyone willing to accept them while you are there in the midst of the present conflict in Iraq. I offer you now my thoughts and encouragement today." I have noted some of the recent questions being posed about the efficacy and/or value of your efforts there in Iraq and they do not seem to take into consideration some important spiritual principles. In some cases - the discussion has entered into the political aspects of this war, but for soldiers on both sides of this conflict, engaged in doing their prescribed duty, the political element is of minor or no importance. Of course there are many negative perceptions of this present conflict in Iraq. Sentiments are greatly aroused here in the United States; both pro and con. No one knows this better however - than the troops on the ground - each of whom are facing ALL the relevant matters that pertain to executing your duties there day after day - while having to internally deal with these matters. I would like to contribute something for your benefit and perhaps the benefit of any of your fellow soldiers there with whom you have provided the mercy and blessings of Srila Prabhupada and Krsna Consciousness. I recall after you and I exchanged letters - that I had cautioned you to take care that your efforts would not be misidentified with the invasion or US occupation by the Iraqis themselves. You had assured me then, that all your efforts were directed to your fellow officers and US troops who have found themselves by force of circumstances in this present conflict. I want to encourage you in every way to go on with your efforts unhindered by even a shred of doubt or fear - no matter what objection might be offered from any other quarter." Reply by Cidanandas: Dear Prabhu, It is, of course, always positive to get the message of Lord Krishna, even if one is in hell! But, as a large percentage of the world's population now agree, this war has started with a false allegation: Saddam Hussein had WMD or weapons of mass destruction, so was a danger to the world! There has to be always a reason for attacking a sovereign country, and by clever arrangement, the September 11th tragedy, sacrificing 3,000 Americans, was planned, in detail, by international asuras, so as to go immediately to Afghanistan and drop thousands of bombs, killing thousands, and so start a general war against Islamic countries. The real reason has always been the same, every time: greed! Take possession of other parts of the world by terroristic actions, no matter how dreadful the local population may suffer. So by engaging oneself in such military forces, one cooperates with such evil, at the same time tarnishing the reputation of American citizens as well as other European countries. They are now unsafe when visiting as tourists, as the news regularly reports. So why encourage young soldiers to stay in such hellish place, for the sake of "preaching" Krsna consciousness? A lot of them will never return, or will be diseased mentally or physically for life! It is suspected that bombs made of depleted uranium is causing a dreadful sort of cancer to the war veterans, who are dying like flies, with atrocious sufferings. [ Campaign against depleted uranium ] Praghosa das wrote: "First - the validity of or actual necessity for this present war in the Middle East and most wars in Kali Yuga - can be and usually are questioned or challenged by all those whose task it is to pay for or support them in anyway. The intellectuals will challenge. The Economists will challenge. The politicians will challenge. The religionist will challenge. Most importantly - the men and women - who are either asked or forced - to enact this policy of "Politics by other means" - will either challenge the validity of war in general or a particular war, as they are the principals who will be asked to make the greatest "contribution" or sacrifice to the effort; their very lives! They either challenge before they find themselves caught up in the maelstrom, if they have a choice at all, or doubts and fears and challenges fully manifest within them once they find themselves in the center of the fray." As far as I know, there is no obligation for US citizens to serve in the Army! Many joined, tempted by false promises of material benefits or because of unemployment. A lot of them end up in suicide, deserting, insane, crippled or in a black plastic bag! "As you have explained - this is your 4th tour of Duty there in Iraq. Clearly - you are answering the call from our Srila Prabhupada to deliver the blessings of simple Krsna Consciousness - the chanting of the Holy Names and honoring of the slightest bit of the Lord's prasadam - to men who are as Srila Prabhupada would describe it - placed in a materially speaking "less than adorable" situation." If any devotee dares to go to a dangerous place for preaching, he can be considered a hero; but the US soldier has put himself voluntarily in such hellish position, and a lot of them have to kill daily for their distant masters, who never dare to risk their own lives or their relatives' there: they are peacefully vacating in luxury hotels! Any of such killing means a horrible karma for the future, and it's not certain if all of such sinful activities will be erased by the Lord. Baghdad is not Kuruksetra! "Srila Prabhupada, this young man asked me a very good question also". "Oh. What was that?" Srila Prabhupada asked as he resumed walking to the porch of his little residence. "He asked me "Is it possible for me to be Krsna Conscious and remain a soldier? Srila Prabhupada stopped walking, turned and asked me "And how did you answer him" evidently interested in my reply. I said "Well Srila Prabhupada…I told him that this Bhagavad Gita was originally spoken to the greatest soldier in the history of the world. His name was Arjuna and Lord Krsna states in this conversation ….that the message of the Gita is most importantly, meant for the saintly kings and their soldiers." But not for asuras, whose only aim is to grab the middle eastern oil fields! The whole world economy is run by sinister organisations, with secret meetings, deciding about the future of this planet. With no faith in God, their only aim is to get wealthier, by any means, sacrificing even countrymen, Mother nature and general health of the population. "Srila Prabhupada paused for a moment, thoughtful, and then smiled and said "You have answered rightly! Arjuna WAS a military man!" Then Srila Prabhupada invited us in to his quarters and asked us point blank "So tell me more about this book distribution!" I proceeded to tell him more and he asked various questions. At one point I told him of another young soldier I had met the previous day - who purchased 4 Bhagavad Gitas from me saying "These are for my buddies on the base down at Fort Jackson. 8 of us fellas get together every week and study this Gita". Srila Prabhupada looked at me surprised and asked "OUR Bhagavad Gita?" I immediately replied "Yes Srila Prabhupada. YOUR Bhagavad Gita!" Srila Prabhupada looked at his servant and smiling said "Just see!". Clearly he was pleased. He was pleased that they were carefully reading on the base together in Fort Jackson. He most certainly would be pleased if they read it and act upon it - while engaged in fighting upon the battlefield!" So, if this soldier read this Gita, he should be now in the Army of Lord Caitanya, fighting against evil and not for evil! Maybe he is? Enlightened with sacred sciptures, no one should stay in demonic armies. "So do not entertain a single doubt about your dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. Nor your dedicated service to all the men in your company there in this battlefield. Soldiers of the genuine warrior class are not called upon to decide the issues that lead to and result in war. Their job is to prosecute the war - and as effectively and successfully as possible. Many will object to this and cite so many seemingly reasonable arguments against this fact. As much objection as there may be to this or any war - still war remains with us as a facet of human existence. There are so many who will protest or struggle against all that appears to unnecessarily generate war in this world. Still no one has been able to prevent what often in hindsight appears inexplicably irrational, unprovoked or unwanted." <center> </center> If you go to the right websites, you can easily understand the real reasons why this war has started: money, power, greed. The evil warmongers are getting filthy rich, by all means: sale of weapons, juicy military contracts, and trillions worth of underground wealth, while the dumb soldiers will just serve as instruments for such bloody victory, killing innocents and ruining the environment, for a long time! "Why this occurs cannot be explained too well by the materialists; those who do not see or acknowledge the Divine Hand or Will of the Lord behind all that happens in this world. But His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada provided us the most comprehensive explanation for this phenomena called WAR in his rendition of the Krsna Book, Volume III, Chapter 10. This chapter highlights Lord Balaram's touring of the Sacred Places. Here are the facts about WAR given us by Srila Prabhupada: "When Lord Balarama returned to Prabhasatirtha He heard from the brahmanas that most of the ksatriyas in the Battle of Kuruksetra had been killed. Balarama felt relieved to hear that the burden of the world had been reduced. Lord Krsna and Balarama appeared on this earth to lessen the burden of military strength created by the ambitious ksatriya kings. This is the way of materialistic life: not being satisfied by the absolute necessities of life, people ambitiously create extra demands, and their illegal desires are checked by the laws of nature or by laws of God, appearing as famine, war, pestilence and similar catastrophes." Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the West just delayed the 3rd world war, by the benediction of his preaching, followed by his disciples afterwards. He gave all instructions how to create an alternative society, with simple living in self sufficient farms, distributing his literature, prasadam, the Holy Names, protecting cows….but such instructions are not being carried out as it should be, and so many devotees have to work with karmis as there are not facilities enough. By carry on killing other human beings in materialistic wars, the burden is daily increased, and it won't be a surprise to soon have a nuclear war, thus eliminating a good portion of world's population. Cities can be destroyed while there will be more living possibilities in rural areas, where the Founder Acarya asked devotees to stay. So the only divine army is Sri Caitanya's Army, armed with Vedic knowledge, beads and prasadam. "He told the story of the teacher who was tired of the misbehavior of two of his students. They were causing such disturbance that the rest of the class was not able to concentrate on their studies. So the teacher called the two young rascals to the front of the class. He raised his cane, threatening to strike them both, but instead of beating them himself, he ordered them "You each take hold of the others earlobes with both hands and you grip them tightly! Now - when I order you …you each pull the other's ear until I order you to stop!" The boys were shocked - but - they saw that unless they did as he compelled them to do - he would beat them even more severely with his cane! So - when the teacher ordered "NOW PULL you rascals!" they each in turn began tormenting the other by pulling on the others ears. Naturally - as each pulled harder and harder - they became more and more angry with the other! They were now not only tormented by the teacher and his cane - but they were directly tormented and wounded by the other! In time - the teacher then relented and order them to cease. "Now go back to you seats and see that you do not disturb my class again" he commanded them. So this is the situation of this material world. Srila Prabhupada says in the introduction to his translation of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam - we are all forced to suffer "large scale quarrels over less important issues"." Those who follow the guidelines of Srila Prabhupada will be spared the consequences of such quarrels, if they create rural communities that will be protected by the Lord, while the city dwellers risk total annihilation. "Now - into the midst of this "large scale quarrel" you and so many other US soldiers and Iraqi nationalists have found themselves thrust into battle. Sometimes as comrades. Sometimes as enemies. Certainly this present conflict could be discussed and analyzed - literally to the point of tears - and indeed it most certainly has been and will continue to be - but all that discussion from every possible angle - does not change the moment to moment - day to day life of one G.I. or Iraqi fighter one iota! Each of you - on each side of this conflict is confronted by your prescribed duties as they pertain to your position as soldiers. There are many who would argue vehemently against your doing this or accepting your duties in this way. I would not. As you have stated - "I signed on for this to lead my men and I take it this commitment seriously". If there were a Krsna conscious Army, with real ksatriyas obeying pure brahmanas, the war would be a Holy war! And anyone who dies during such war will be guaranteed to evolve to higher planets or reincarnation in Vaisnava families. But serving demonic leaders does not guarantee anything good! Any sane person should never sign into such an army! "However - your efforts to bring the beautiful opportunity of Krsna Consciousness, the chanting of the Lord's Holy Names and the acceptance of His prasadam - to any and all who might be willing and grateful to accept it - whether they be US Soldiers or otherwise - are indescribably pleasing to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. I applaud your efforts and wish only to encourage you and the "boots on the ground" your fellow soldiers, to continiue." I beg all who have read Srila Prabhupada's books to resign immediately from such army …before it's too late! "You can inquire from every single man and woman who ever seriously engaged in the distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books and they will all tell you that we all found and still find the military men of the US forces to be some of the most sincerely interested in receiving Srila Prabhupada's books. All of us have literally COUNTLESS stories that demonstrate how they valued and or value receiving them. Naturally they are faced with very important and oft times vexing circumstances. Having the comfort of the Lord and His simple devotees - who deliver to them unsolicited the sweet names of Lord Krsna and His prasadam, in the midst of what are extraordinary circumstances - will have a lasting impact upon each of them who can take advantage of your wondeful efforts. Certainly - YOU more than anyone from the safety of our computers in the West - knows exactly how sensitive the situation there is as regards the sentiments of the Iraqis. Any attempt on our part to caution you in this regard has most certainly been deeply considered by both you and your Commanding Officers there in the midst of it all." There are millions of Iraqis who are peaceful citizens, who can be live with people of other faiths, and can even become vegetarians and Vaisnavas. Most of them had their countries invaded in the past by Islamic terrosists, forcing them to convert or die. They preferred to stay alive, still secretly loving God in their heart, and in Afghanistan and North India, secretly worshipping Hanuman, Lord Rama or Lord Krsna. Expert inter-religious encounters can bring enlightenment to them as well as Srila Prabhupada's books in Arabic, as such treasures are not found in their libraries. As soon as they would read His Divine Grace's books, some will be enlightened! Devotees' weapons are transcendental books, not machine-guns! One sun can bring light to a whole universe! "I write to you only to tell you - that for however long you are either obliged or willling to remain there - perform your duties as efficiently and expertly as possible and simultaneously continue to share this wonderful and simple process of Krsna Consciousness with every man you can. In so doing - you will be pleasing His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada unlimitedly and you will be doing the greatest possible good for yourself and all the men you so support. Despite all that may appear as threatening or chaotic or unwanted or undesirable around you all there in Iraq at this time, if you all can simply hear the following from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, taken from the 11th Chapter of his rendition of the Krsna Book, entitled "The Meeting of Lord Krsna with Sudama Brahmana" - and apply it moment to moment - then despite what your circumstance might look like - you will see it - as it actually is. King Pariksit continued: "The capacity for talking can be perfected only by describing the transcendental qualities of the Lord. The capacity for working with one's hands can be successful only when one engages himself in the service of the Lord with those hands. Similarly, one's mind can be pacified only when he simply thinks of Krsna in full Krsna consciousness." Pretty difficult after a day of killing, intoxicated by radioactive fumes from explosions, and constant fear of dying! But it's not too late to come back home…..for the joy of your family, all Vaisnavas and Srila Prabhupada…and join His Divine Army of preachers! Your servant, Cidanandas

Theist out to lunch doesnt make sense - rather he would be out to distribute books: http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article_general_news?id=56529951 Hindu religious books donated to National Library Saturday, September 29th 2007 <table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="5"></td> <td> The National Library said it recently benefited from a donation of religious books from AC Bhaktivedanta swami Srila Prabhupad. According to a press release one set of the Srimad Bhagwatam, six Bhagavad-Gita and six beyond birth and death from Arjunanath Das, were handed over on behalf of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The donation was facilitated by the Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Ashirvad Mandir, Hare Krishna Temple located at Nouville Flanders, Crane Old Road. </td></tr></tbody></table>

Till now I never saw or heard about a temple in Europe where there was an election of the temple president, instead it was usually a system of cronyism. May be it was applied in US.

Looks like this system was actually in practice: Friday, September 29, 1967 Delhi, India My Dear Jayananda, Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your letter undated. I congratulate you on your being elected as president of ISKCON San Francisco branch. Your election as president is a recognition by Krishna and therefore I have got full support for you. Mukunda and other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krishna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krishna Consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state. I've been very glad that you are appreciating by your self the effects of sincere Krishna Consciousness. I've nothing new to instruct you, the same old instruction namely constant chanting and attentively hearing the transcendental vibration Hare Krishna is the only process for self realization in this age. In San Francisco while you were driving your car and I was sitting by you hearing your transcendental vibration, this very sincere attempt has enriched your consciousness and my only instruction is that you may constantly do this habit without fail. Regarding your dispute in your mind as to remaining a brahmacari, grhastha or becoming sannyasi, there is nothing to be bothered with. Anyone who is in full Krishna Consciousness and is dedicating his life for Krishna is already a sannyasi even if he is a married man. If you like you can become a householder and I've no objection to that. Our Vaisnava philosophy instructs to become "Vidvati sannyasis", this means a man who knows things as they are, therefore a devotee who knows that everything belongs to Krishna and that He is the proprietor of all such a devotee is certainly a Vidvati Sannyasi. Our philosophy is that we should accept things as prasadam of Krishna and nothing for sense enjoyment. Anyone who accepts things for sense enjoyment even if he is externally a saffron dressed man is not a sannyasi. The mayavadi sannyasi considers himself as God, this concept of life develops under illusion. When a person fails to become the Lord of the universe it is like the sly fox who attempts to taste grapes and failing to do so says the grapes are sour. The mayavadi sannyasins are frustrated beings in their attempt to enjoy the world, therefore they say the world is fake or the grapes are sour, the world is not false, Krishna is the supreme truth and the world is His energy therefore the energy of the supreme truth cannot be false; but we must know that this energy is inferior to His spiritual energy. As there are hairs and nails on the body and sometimes we separate these parts from the body similarly when the the material energy is separated from the service of the Lord it is inferior energy. Inferior energy is not false but temporary. The same temporary energy when surcharged with Krishna Consciousness it transforms into supreme energy by the supreme will. By this will any energy can be transformed into another just like electronic energy in a refrigerator or in a heater, to an ordinary layman, he sees cold and hot but to an electrician, he sees electricity. So when one is engaged in the service of the Lord that person is already in the spiritual energy, and a sannyasi and the real purpose of a sannyasi is to transform himself from the inferior to the superior, spiritual energy. If your consciousness is absorbed in Krishna you are always a sannyasi. Your ever well-wisher, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

"The pure devotees of Krishna are all invested with His spiritual potency, however, if one amongst them commits any offences, Krishna may mercifully punish him to rectify him. Devotees who are narrow minded and bigoted start fighting over petty matters. This is a serious deviation from the path of spiritual realization and so a properly knowledgeable devotee will refrain from taking sides in such disputes. Pure devotion is possessed by someone who has no doubt that Gaurachandra is the Supreme Personality of Godhead; others who doubt Gaurachandra's supreme position are faithless. Their devotion is impure and will ultimately lead them to degradation. Such faithless persons sometimes play the part of a ‘goru' collecting disciples who themselves have the intelligence of asses and foxes. These ‘gorus' (cows and asses) instruct their disciples to think that their ‘goru' is equivalent to the Supreme Lord Himself." (Sri Caitanya Bhagavata, Madhya-khanda 17: The Glories)

http://www.chakra.org/announcements/vaisnaviretreatsched.jpg

<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" vspace="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="bg2" colspan="2">“All the books of the ISKCON Mission were kept here. There were several copies of the Bhagwad Gita, in several languages, in the bedroom where Swami Prabhupadji spent much of his time when living here. Perhaps that’s why you feel the positive energy, almost spiritual vibrations, as you walk in,” he reasons. ChartingSUCCESS</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="links" colspan="2" height="5"></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td colspan="2"> Roshmila Bhattacharya Composer Jatin Pandit opens up on his “lucky” music room, Screen Weekly - India Sep 28, 2007 http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=17264 <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" width="250"><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"> </td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>n an industry where superstitions rule, Jatin Pandit’s claim that his music room is lucky doesn’t raise any eye-brow. Rather it draws many curious queries that the quietly smiling composer is only to happy to answer. Shrugging off the sceptics with a they-don’t-know-better look, Jatin reels back to the history of the room that had once belonged to the Bhaktivedanta’s Book Trust. “All the books of the ISKCON<layer id="google-toolbar-hilite-0" style="background-color: Yellow; color: black;"></layer> Mission were kept here. There were several copies of the Bhagwad Gita, in several languages, in the bedroom where Swami Prabhupadji spent much of his time when living here. Perhaps that’s why you feel the positive energy, almost spiritual vibrations, as you walk in,” he reasons. The room does have a certain charm. Surrounded by the many tokens of appreciation he’s received down the decades, the normally reserved music directoris less inhibited here, his fair skin glowing in the dappled late afternoon sunlight. The foliage outside, dewed with drops of monsoon shower, adds to the magic. “Isn’t it beautiful? On days like thisI can almost forget the chaos and cacaphony of the city outside,” says Jatin. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" width="200"><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"> </td></tr></tbody></table>His mother, he informs, is a devout Hare Rama Hare Krishna bhakt and had frequently expressed a desire to get herself a place closer to the temple. So when ISKCON<layer id="google-toolbar-hilite-1" style="background-color: Yellow; color: black;"></layer> decided to sell the place, his mother got the first offer. “After Lalit and I became partners, we decided to turn it into our studio since it was so conveniently located in the heart of Juhu. The first film we signed through a common friend was Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander,” Jatin recalls. Pointing to a corner he informs that director Mansoor Khan had been sitting there when they came up with the chart-busting ‘Pehla nasha...’ <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" width="200"><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Jatin is quick to assert that Mansoor Khan wasn’t the only debutant director on whom his room’s luck rubbed off. Abbas-Mustan’s winning streak, he believes, started with a recording of Khiladi right here. Even Shah Rukh Khan, he maintains, owns his phenomenal success, in part, to the musical score of Aziz Mirza’s Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman that took root here. As the conversation meanders along, more names are added to the list. Aditya Chopra whose Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge ranks amongst Jatin-Lalit’s biggest hits and was a turning point for not just the duo but Adi as well. Karan Johar whose Kuch Kuch Hota Hai scored another perfect 10 with Alka Yagnik being felicitated for her rendition of the title track. Sanjay Leela Bhansali whose Khamoshi—The Musical was a win-win album as well, ‘Aaj mein upar...’ fetching Kavita Krishnamoorthy the Best Playback Singer (Female) Award. Then there’s Mahesh Manjrekar’s Vaastav that put Sanjay Dutt on the comeback trail and Sarfarosh that marked a great begining for John Matthew Mathan. It was here that ‘Tere aankhen jhuki jhuki...’ for Vikram Bhatt’s first venture for Vishesh Films, Fareb was inspired and the musical foundation of Ajay Devgan’s home production, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, that flagged off Anees Bazmi career as a director, laid. And it was in this room too that Tigmanshu Dhulia narrated the story of Haasil to Jatin and his brother. The film was a critical success, it’s music a commercial success. Memories flood in. “That was where Salman Khan and Himesh Reshammiya’s father were sitting as they watch him record his first hit, ‘Odhli chunariya...’ Another popular number from the film that marked Sohail Khan’s debut as a director, was ‘Oo jaane jaana...’ sung by another new singer, Kamaal Khan,” Jatin reminds you. Another Khan, Aamir turned singer with Ghulam’s ‘Aati kya Khandala...’ here as did Sanjay Dutt with the Khubsoorat track, ‘Aye Shivani...’ “And while Mujhse Dosti Karoge may not have given Kunal Kohli a reason to pop the champagne, Hum Tum and Fanaa gave him plenty to cheer,” quips Jatin with a broad smile. Incidentally, Fanaa was Jatin-Lalit’s last score. After composing more than a 1000 chart-toppers in this “lucky” music room and cresting the peaks of popularity together, the duo split. But recently, on Star’s talent hunt contest, Voice Of India, on the urging of celebrity judge Shabana Azmi, the brothers opened their arms to each other for a warm embrance that signalled that all was well. Any possibilities of a patch-up? “I’d love it if we came back together. A team is a team especially one which has so often in the past created history.” </td></tr></tbody></table>

This topic might be also somehow avoided by the great acaryas or turned into a "fairytale" because the karmis are rascals of that kind as they just say, look, you have two eyes in your head, use them. There're billions of eternal souls in the material world, so is this a good propaganda for the spiritual world? So better keep silent about how we came into the material world. Talk about how to become free from maya. Reporter: Who will succeed you when you die? Srila Prabhupada: I will never die! Devotee’s: Jaya! Haribol! Srila Prabhupada: I will live forever for my books and you will utilise. [interview, Berkley, 1975]

The new British empire UK plans to annex south Atlantic Owen Bowcott – The Guardian September 28, 2007 Britain is preparing territorial claims on tens of thousands of square miles of the Atlantic Ocean floor around the Falklands, Ascension Island and Rockall in the hope of annexing potentially lucrative gas, mineral and oil fields, the Guardian has learned. The UK claims, to be lodged at the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, exploit a novel legal approach that is transforming the international politics of underwater prospecting. Britain is accelerating its process of submitting applications to the UN - which is fraught with diplomatic sensitivities, not least with Argentina - before an international deadline for registering interests. Relying on detailed geological and geophysical surveys by scientists and hydrographers, any state can delineate a new "continental shelf outer limit" that can extend up to 350 miles from its shoreline. Data has been collected for most of Britain's submissions and Chris Carleton, head of the law of the sea division at the UK Hydrographic Office and an international expert on the process, said preliminary talks on Rockall are being held in Reykjavik, Iceland, next week. Mr Carleton believes the Falklands claim has the most potential for acrimonious political fallout. Britain and Argentina fought over the islands 25 years ago, and the value of the oil under the sea in the region is understood to be immense: seismic tests suggest there could be about 60bn barrels under the ocean floor. Britain has been granted licences for exploratory drilling around the islands within the normal 200-mile exploration limit and any new claim to UNCLCS would extend territorial rights further into the Atlantic. "It would be beyond the 200-mile limit but less than 350 miles," said Mr Carleton, who is involved in preparing the submission. "It effectively joins up the area around South Georgia to the Falklands. It's a claim but how it's handled has not been decided yet. The Argentinians will say it's not ours to claim. It's all a bit tricky." Martin Pratt, director of research at Durham University's international boundaries research unit, added: "The Russians may be claiming the Arctic but the UK is claiming a large chunk of the Atlantic. Some states might ask why a big power is entitled to huge stretches of the ocean's resources thousands of miles away from its land, but that's the way the law is." Because of the sensitivities - earlier this year Buenos Aires scrapped a 1995 agreement with the UK to share any oil found in the adjacent waters - the first formal application from the UK is likely to centre on Ascension. The volcanic island, 1,000 miles from the African mainland, sits just to one side of the mid-Atlantic ridge. No gas or oil is likely to be found below the surrounding waters but there could be significant mineral deposits on the ocean floor. Talks have already begun between Ireland, Iceland and Denmark for the division of rights far out into the north Atlantic. It includes the island of Rockall and the sub-sea Hatton ridge. The competing claims are nowhere near final resolution although Ireland and the UK have agreed a common boundary. Other countries that have submitted claims to the ocean floors around remote overseas dependencies have run into fierce resentment from neighbouring nations. France, which this summer registered its claim to thousands of square miles around New Caledonia, in the Pacific, has received protests from Vanuatu warning that the claim has "serious implications and ramifications on Vanuatu's legal and traditional sovereignty". Russia was criticised this summer for making claims beneath the Arctic Ocean. The UN body has been progressing slowly through its casework. The process of extending the normal 200-mile limit requires volumes of technical evidence of submarine soundings. According to the convention on the law of the sea, applicant states may register their rights by "establishing the foot of the continental slope, by meeting the requirements stated for the thickness of sedimentary rocks". Once demarcated, the ocean floor may then be claimed up to 60 nautical miles from the bottom of the continental slope. When territorial rights have been obtained, states have the right to extract any minerals, natural gas or oil discovered in the annexed seabed. There is a deadline of May 2009 for claims from the UK and other countries to be submitted, although states that ratified the treaty later have more time. "The amount of technical data required is massive," said Mr Pratt. "Australia recently submitted 80 volumes." In the past, Greenpeace has described the process as a "land grab". · This article was amended on Friday September 28 2007. About 60bn barrels of oil are estimated to be lying under the seabed around the Falkland Islands, not 60m, as we said in the article. This has been corrected. www.guardian.co.uk/oil/story/0,,2174615,00.html

http://www.dasamahavidhyasadhakparivar.org/

This was of course also never admitted by the executive office 5000 years ago, but was detected only by the Lord Himself, "it was detected by the Lord Himself that the disciplic succession was broken." "As soon as the original purpose was scattered by the motives of the unscrupulous commentators, there arose the need to reestablish the disciplic succession. Five thousand years ago it was detected by the Lord Himself that the disciplic succession was broken, and therefore He declared that the purpose of the Gita appeared to be lost. In the same way, at the present moment also there are so many editions of the Gita (especially in English), but almost all of them are not according to authorized disciplic succession. There are innumerable interpretations rendered by different mundane scholars, but almost all of them do not accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, although they make a good business on the words of Sri Krsna. This spirit is demonic, because demons do not believe in God but simply enjoy the property of the Supreme. Since there is a great need of an edition of the Gita in English, as it is received by the parampara (disciplic succession) system, an attempt is made herewith to fulfill this great want. Bhagavad-gita--accepted as it is--is a great boon to humanity; but if it is accepted as a treatise of philosophical speculations, it is simply a waste of time." [srila Prabhupada from Bhagavad-gita As It Is 4.2]

"Sources say Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Bangalore is looking at opening accommodation facilities at nine devotional destinations, which would boast of a unique product. The offering, which could range from being a budget hotel to a serviced apartment complex to full-fledged homes, will invoke the essence of the particular religious destination in which it is based." Hotel biggies bet on religious tourism The Times of India BANGALORE 28 Sep 2007, 0032 hrs IST,Anshul Dhamija & Mini Joseph Tejaswi,TNN: India's religious destinations and temple towns draw some of the largest numbers of tourists and devotees. Yet, most of them can't speak much for their hospitality facilities. It's dominated by small standalone lodging places, whose hygiene, cleanliness, safety and food offerings often leave much to be desired. That could now change. Major hotel chains and newer entrants into the hospitality industry see a potential business coming from the increasing demand for quality accommodation at affordable prices from the 150 million domestic devotional travellers. Budget hotel Ginger, which already has a presence in Haridwar, is on its way to open shop at Puri. "We are also keen on going to Tirupati," says Prabhat Pani, CEO, Roots Corporation of Tata Group which owns Ginger brand. The hotel, in order to get more room nights, is planning to offer wellness facilities at its leisure-cum-devotional destinations. Sources say Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Bangalore is looking at opening accommodation facilities at nine devotional destinations, which would boast of a unique product. The offering, which could range from being a budget hotel to a serviced apartment complex to full-fledged homes, will invoke the essence of the particular religious destination in which it is based. Taposh Chakraborty, CEO of Boutique Hospitality Consultants, says the market at religious destinations has tremendous potential for growth, as people look at quality accommodation to extend their trip for a few extra days. On an average, people visit devotional places twice in a year. There are some who visit temples every month. Around 90% visit with friends and families and stay on an average for two-three nights. What's fuelling the interest of hospitality players is also the growing number of NRI and new age urban Indians to these pilgrim centres. Some of the leading devotional destinations are Tirupati, Puri, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Shirdi, Velankanni, Guruvayoor and Amarnath. While, basic comfort and hygiene is what the masses want, some 5% of the travellers look at luxury offerings. Sudhir Gopi Holdings, pioneers in the field of higher education services, are now foraying into the hospitality sector with the launch of their debut luxury project Vaikundam Retreat in Guruvayoor. The group is planning to build a chain of luxury serviced apartments across the pilgrim centres of south India, including Palani, Velankanni, Tirupati and Puttaparti. "We are investing Rs 500 crore to set up luxury/religious hospitality properties," says Sudhir Gopi, CMD.

one example: sri-rupa-ragunatha-pade yara asa caitanya-caritamrta kahe krsna-dasa "This is the process. He does not say that "I've understood Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu directly." No. That is not understanding. That is foolishness. You cannot understand what is Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Therefore repeatedly he says, rupa-ragunatha-pade... "I am that Krsna dasa, Kaviraja, who is always under the subordination of the Gosvamis." This is parampara system. Similarly, Narottama dasa Thakura also says, ei chay gosai jar mui tar das, "I am servant of that person who has accepted this six Gosvamis as his master. I am not going to be servant of any other person who does not accept the way and means of..." Therefore we say or we offer our prayer to our spiritual master, rupanuga-varaya te, rupanuga-varaya te, because he follows Rupa Gosvami, therefore we accept, spiritual master. Not that one has become more than Rupa Gosvami or more than... No. Tandera carana-sebi-bhakta-sane vas. This is the parampara system." [srila Prabhupada from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.30 Los Angeles, December 8, 1973]

"This human psychology is the same everywhere. In India many rich men’s son, until he has spoiled his father’s whole money, he is restless. And when he is turned to a beggar, then he is satisfied. I have seen many, spoiling father’s money like anything, and the same man, when he is beggar in the street, he feels happy. I shall quote one statement of a very big man, politician, Mr. C.R. Das. So he died in 1925. He was about our father’s age. So he was earning in those days fifty thousand rupees per month. Fifty thousand… our rupee or dollar is the same. Although exchange value is different, but the… Locally, the purchasing capacity is the same. So he and his wife were sitting on the corridor, and the wife was talking that, “Why you are so morose always? You are earning like anything. You have got respect as political leader. Everyone likes you. You have no want. Why you are sorry? How you can become happy? What is your program?” So on the street one mendicant was going on. He said, “I want to become like that mendicant; then I will be happy.” And at last, he became like that." (Conversation July 26, 1975, Laguna Beach)

Prabhupada: "So at least, those who sincerely begin spiritual life, so their next life is guaranteed as human life, human form of life." Lecture, Bhagavad-gita 6.40-44

Somehow Praghosa prabhu says what you're saying, go on with the good work Paratha-sarathi prabhu: By Praghosa Das ( NYC - Sep 26, 2007) My Dear Paratha Sarathi Das I had in the past promised to write you something in regards to your kind efforts to share the blessings of our Dear Srila Prabhupada with anyone willing to accept them while you are there in the midst of the present conflict in Iraq. I offer you now my thoughts and encouragement today. I have noted some of the recent questions being posed about the efficacy and/or value of your efforts there in Iraq and they do not seem to take into consideration some important spiritual principles. In some cases - the discussion has entered into the political aspects of this war, but for soldiers on both sides of this conflict, engaged in doing their prescribed duty, the political element is of minor or no importance. Of course there are many negative perceptions of this present conflict in Iraq. Sentiments are greatly aroused here in the United States; both pro and con. No one knows this better however - than the troops on the ground - each of whom are facing ALL the relevant matters that pertain to executing your duties there day after day - while having to internally deal with these matters. I would like to contribute something for your benefit and perhaps the benefit of any of your fellow soldiers there with whom you have provided the mercy and blessings of Srila Prabhupada and Krsna Consciousness. I recall after you and I exchanged letters - that I had cautioned you to take care that your efforts would not be misidentified with the invasion or US occupation by the Iraqis themselves. You had assured me then, that all your efforts were directed to your fellow officers and US troops who have found themselves by force of circumstances in this present conflict. I want to encourage you in every way to go on with your efforts unhindered by even a shred of doubt or fear - no matter what objection might be offered from any other quarter. First - the validity of or actual necessity for this present war in the MIddle East and most wars in Kali Yuga - can be and usually are questioned or challenged by all those whose task it is to pay for or support them in anyway. The intellectuals will challenge. The Economists will challenge. The politicians will challenge. The religionist will challenge. Most importantly - the men and women - who are either asked or forced - to enact this policy of “Politics by other means” - will either challenge the validity of war in general or a particular war, as they are the principals who will be asked to make the greatest “contribution” or sacrifice to the effort; their very lives! They either challenge before they find themselves caught up in the maelstrom, if they have a choice at all, or doubts and fears and challenges fully manifest within them once they find themselves in the center of the fray. As you have explained - this is your 4th tour of Duty there in Iraq. Clearly - you are answering the call from our Srila Prabhupada to deliver the blessings of simple Krsna Consciousness - the chanting of the Holy Names and honoring of the slightest bit of the Lord’s prasadam - to men who are as Srila Prabhupada would describe it - placed in a materially speaking “less than adorable” situation. For the devotee of the Lord - hell can be converted to heaven, where he is able to share this simple method of fully and perfectly connecting with Lord Krsna. Conversely - for the devotee, even the most “heavenly” situation can be transformed into a hellish nightmare - if this simple method of fully and perfectly connecting with Lord Krsna is denied him. When I was just a young brahmacari book distributor working hard day after day to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books to the conditioned souls, I found myself in Washington DC in the centennial summer of 1976 on the 4th of July. There are many wonderful lectures, room conversations and articles from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada during that period. Srila Prabhupada even attended the wonderful fireworks display in the center of Washington DC celebrating our nation’s 200Th Anniversary! He was surrounded by many devotees as he gazed up at the sky taking in the display! It was a very wonderful 4Th of July for all of us. I would hope that you can acquire as much of the above nectar from Srila Prabhupada from that period and share that with your men there. I am sure they would delight in this history as well. Anyway - during this period - I seemed to be missing a lot of the daily darshans and each day I would arrive from the airport where we were doing our daily samkirtan and would be greeted by a different devotee “Oh Praghosa you really missed another doozy” and with each passing day - I was becoming a little more disappointed. Then one night - I came home and by Krsna’s Sweet Will - I was directly confronted with the presence of Srila Prabhuapda - standing directly in front of me with a couple of men. I immediately fell to the ground - too shocked for words really - as I had been only 15 minutes earlier driving home from the airport - offering my protest to Krsna - promising a permanent grudge against Him if I was continually denied the kinds of “nectar” the other men seemed to be getting! Now suddenly - it was as if Krsna had tore open the raincloud of mercy and just unleashed a torrent of mercy upon me! I could hardly breathe as I looked up into Srila Prabhupada’s eyes. Srila Prabhupada wasted no time. “So who is this?” and his servant told him we were the samkirtan boys from the airport. “Ahh! So how was the book distribution today?” Srila Prabhuapda asked me. I stood and without hesitating answered “Srila Prabhupada. Between Vaisaseka, Subbhudi Raya and Myself - we distributed 140 copies of the Bhagavad Gita!” Srila Prabhupada threw his arm in the air and said “Jaya! Victory” and smiled with such affection you could scarcely imagine! In that moment - my heart was stolen by him forever. There was not a single shred of a doubt - that at least for that moment - I had been made the most fortunate man in the entire universe! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt - precisely what he had meant when he said in one letter “If you want to please me - then distribute my books”. This is your position as well. Each day there in the field - no matter what happens - when you share this simple method of connecting absolutely with Lord Krsna with your fellow soldiers - His Divine Grace is indescribably pleased with you and you should know it - he is likewise smiling upon you and your efforts and throwing his arms up shouting “Jaya! Victory!” I then proceeded to tell him all about a young soldier from the US Army, stationed in Fort Jackson South Carolina - who had accepted 4 of Srila Prabhupada’s books from me in exchange for a donation of $80.00! Srila Prabhupada was absolutely delighted as I told him this. I then said to His Divine Grace the following and the exchange that followed - has served me for the rest of my life in countless ways. “Srila Prabhupada, this young man asked me a very good question also”. “Oh. What was that?” Srila Prabhupada asked as he resumed walking to the porch of his little residence. “He asked me “Is it possible for me to be Krsna Conscious and remain a soldier? Srila Prabhupada stopped walking, turned and asked me “And how did you answer him” evidently interested in my reply. I said “Well Srila Prabhupada…I told him that this Bhagavad Gita was originally spoken to the greatest soldier in the history of the world. His name was Arjuna and Lord Krsna states in this converstation ….that the message of the Gita is most importantly, meant for the saintly kings and their soldiers. Srila Prabhupada paused for a moment, thoughtful, and then smiled and said “You have answered rightly! Arjuna WAS a military man!” Then Srila Prabhupada invited us in to his quarters and asked us point blank “So tell me more about this book distribution!” I proceeded to tell him more and he asked various questions. At one point I told him of another young soldier I had met the previous day - who purchased 4 Bhagavad Gitas from me saying “These are for my buddies on the base down at Fort Jackson. 8 of us fellas get together every week and study this Gita”. Srila Prabhupada looked at me surprised and asked “OUR Bhagavad Gita?” I immediately replied “Yes Srila Prabhupada. YOUR Bhagavad Gita!” Srila Prabhupada looked at his servant and smiling said “Just see!”. Clearly he was pleased. He was pleased that they were carefully reading on the base together in Fort Jackson. He most certainly would be pleased if they read it and act upon it - while engaged in fighting upon the battlefield! So do not entertain a single doubt about your dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. Nor your dedicated service to all the men in your company there in this battlefield. Soldiers of the genuine warrior class are not called upon to decide the issues that lead to and result in war. Their job is to prosecute the war - and as effectively and successfully as possible. Many will object to this and cite so many seemingly reasonable arguments against this fact. As much objection as there may be to this or any war - still war remains with us as a facet of human existence. There are so many who will protest or struggle against all that appears to unnecessarily generate war in this world. Still no one has been able to prevent what often in hindsight appears inexplicably irrational, unprovoked or unwanted. Why this occurs cannot be explained too well by the materialists; those who do not see or acknowledge the Divine Hand or Will of the Lord behind all that happens in this world. But His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada provided us the most comprehensive explanation for this phenomena called WAR in his rendition of the Krsna Book Volume III Chapter 10. This chapter highlights Lord Balaram’s touring of the Sacred Places. Here are the facts about WAR given us by Srila Prabhupada: “When Lord Balarama returned to Prabhasatirtha He heard from the brahmanas that most of the ksatriyas in the Battle of Kuruksetra had been killed. Balarama felt relieved to hear that the burden of the world had been reduced. Lord Krsna and Balarama appeared on this earth to lessen the burden of military strength created by the ambitious ksatriya kings. This is the way of materialistic life: not being satisfied by the absolute necessities of life, people ambitiously create extra demands, and their illegal desires are checked by the laws of nature or by laws of God, appearing as famine, war, pestilence and similar catastrophes. ” Srila Prabhupada once gave another example in this regard to illustrate just how and why such catastrophes are from time to time forced upon mankind in this world. He told the story of the teacher who was tired of the misbehavior of two of his students. They were causing such disturbance that the rest of the class was not able to concentrate on their studies. So the teacher called the two young rascals to the front of the class. He raised his cane, threatening to strike them both, but instead of beating them himself, he ordered them “You each take hold of the others earlobes with both hands and you grip them tightly! Now - when I order you …you each pull the other’s ear until I order you to stop!” The boys were shocked - but - they saw that unless they did as he compelled them to do - he would beat them even more severely with his cane! So - when the teacher ordered “NOW PULL you rascals!” they each in turn began tormenting the other by pulling on the others ears. Naturally - as each pulled harder and harder - they became more and more angry with the other! They were now not only tormented by the teacher and his cane - but they were directly tormented and wounded by the other! In time - the teacher then relented and order them to cease. “Now go back to you seats and see that you do not disturb my class again” he commanded them. So this is the situation of this material world. Srila Prabhupada says in the introduction to his translation of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam - we are all forced to suffer “large scale quarrels over less important issues”. Now - into the midst of this “large scale quarrel” you and so many other US soldiers and Iraqi nationalists have found themselve thrust into battle. Sometimes as comrades. Sometimes as enemies. Certainly this present conflict could be discussed and analyzed - literally to the point of tears - and indeed it most certainly has been and will continue to be - but all that discussion from every possible angle - does not change the moment to moment - day to day life of one G.I. or Iraqi fighter one iota! Each of you - on each side of this conflict is confronted by your prescribed duties as they pertain to your position as soldiers. There are many who would argue vehemently against your doing this or accepting your duties in this way. I would not. As you have stated - “I signed on for this to lead my men and I take it this committment seriously”. However - your efforts to bring the beautiful opportunity of Krsna Consciousness, the chanting of the Lord’s Holy Names and the acceptance of His prasadam - to any and all who might be willing and grateful to accept it - whether they be US Soldiers or otherwise - are indescribably pleasing to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. I applaud your efforts and wish only to encourage you and the “boots on the ground” your fellow soldiers, to continiue. You can inquire from every single man and woman who ever seriously engaged in the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books and they will all tell you that we all found and still find the military men of the US forces to be some of the most sincerely interested in receiving Srila Prabhupada’s books. All of us have literally COUNTLESS stories that demonstrate how they valued and or value receiving them. Naturally they are faced with very important and oft times vexing circumstances. Having the comfort of the Lord and His simple devotees - who deliver to them unsolicited the sweet names of Lord Krsna and His prasadam, in the midst of what are extraordinary circumstances - will have a lasting impact upon each of them who can take advantage of your wondeful efforts. Certainly - YOU more than anyone from the safety of our computers in the West - knows exactly how sensitive the situation there is as regards the sentiments of the Iraqis. Any attempt on our part to caution you in this regard has most certainly been deeply considered by both you and your Commanding Officers there in the midst of it all. I write to you only to tell you - that for however long you are either obliged or willling to remain there - perform your duties as efficiently and expertly as possible and simultaneously continue to share this wonderful and simple process of Krsna Consciousness with every man you can. In so doing - you will be pleasing His Divne Grace Srila Prabhupada unlimitedly and you will be doing the greatest possible good for yourself and all the men you so support. Despite all that may appear as threatening or chaotic or unwanted or undesirable around you all there in Iraq at this time, if you all can simply hear the following from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, taken from the 11th Chapter of his rendition of the Krsna Book, entitled “The Meeting of Lord Krsna with Sudama Brahmana” - and apply it moment to moment - then despite what your circumstance might look like - you will see it - as it actually is. King Pariksit continued: “The capacity for talking can be perfected only by describing the transcendental qualities of the Lord. The capacity for working with one’s hands can be successful only when one engages himself in the service of the Lord with those hands. Similarly, one’s mind can be pacified only when he simply thinks of Krsna in full Krsna consciousness. This does not mean that one has to be very thoughtful, but one simply has to understand that Krsna, the Absolute Truth, is all-pervasive by His localized aspect as Paramatma. If only one can think that Krsna, as Paramatma, is everywhere, even within the atom, then one can perfect the thinking, feeling and willing function of his mind. The perfect devotee does not see the material world as it appears to material eyes, but he sees everywhere the presence of his worshipable Lord in His Paramatma feature.” I salute you prabhu and all your fellow soldiers who are taking this gift of Krsna Consciousness so seriously and are so generously offering it to one another in the spirit of our Dear Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krsna! Praghosa Das NYC pdhedemark@ <!-- end .post-middle --><!-- the bottom of the post, the background graphic gets applied here -->

Yes, Guruvani, please open the honey jar and start taste the honey of Krishna consciousness.

Also the Chinese people consider that there is some "dangerous evil, so it is a vicious circle so to speak, latest bestseller in China, "Currency Wars": <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=550 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>Chinese buy into conspiracy theory </TD></TR><TR><TD> Richard McGregor in Beijing – Financial Times September 25, 2007 The Battle of Waterloo. The deaths of six US presidents. The rise of Adolf Hitler. The deflation of the Japanese bubble economy, the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis and even environmental destruction in the developing world. In a new Chinese best-seller, Currency Wars , these disparate events spanning two centuries have a single root cause: the control of money issuance through history by the Rothschild banking dynasty. Even today, claims author Song Hongbing, the US Federal Reserve remains a puppet of private banks, which also ultimately owe their allegiance to the ubiquitous Rothschilds. Such an over-arching conspiracy theory might matter as little as the many fetid tracts that can still be found in the west about the “gnomes of Zurich” and Wall Street’s manipulation of global finance. But in China, which is in the midst of a lengthy debate about opening its financial system under US pressure, the book has become a surprise hit and is being read at senior levels of government and business. “Some senior heads of companies have been asking me if this is all true,” says Ha Jiming, the chief economist of China International Capital Corp, the largest local investment bank. The book also gives ammunition, however hay-wire, to many in China who argue that Beijing should resist pressure from the US and other countries to allow its currency, the renminbi, to appreciate. The book’s publisher, a unit of the state-owned CITIC group, said Currency Wars had sold nearly 200,000 copies, with an estimated 400,000 extra pirated copies in circulation as well. Mr Song, an information technology consultant and amateur historian who has lived in the US since 1994 and is now based in Washington, says his interest was sparked by trying to uncover what lay behind the Asian crisis in 1997. After he began blogging some of his findings, his friends suggested he find a publisher for a longer work. He professes himself surprised by the book’s success. “I never imagined it could be so hot and that top leaders would be reading it,” he says during a book tour in Shanghai. “People in China are nervous about what’s going on in financial markets but they don’t know how to handle the real dangers. This book gives them some ideas.” The thing that most shocked him, he says, was his “discovery” that the Fed is a privately owned and run bank. “I just never imagined a central bank could be a private body,” he says. The Fed does describe itself “as an unusual mixture of public and private elements”. While its seven governors are all appointed by the US president, private banks do hold shares in its 12 regional reserve banks. But Mr Song ignores the government’s role and argues that the Fed’s key functions are ultimately controlled by five private banks, such as Citibank, all of which have maintained a “close relationship” with the Rothschilds. Mr Song is defensive about his focus on the Rothschilds and what the book depicts as their Jewish clannishness. “The Chinese people think that the Jews are smart and rich, so we should learn from them,” he says. “Even me, I think they are really smart, maybe the smartest people on earth.” Jon Benjamin, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, is not impressed. “The Chinese have the highest regard for what they see as Jewish intellectual and commercial acumen, with little or no concurrent culture of antisemitism. This claim, however, plays to the most discredited and outmoded canards surrounding Jews and their influence. That it should gain currency in the world’s most important emerging economy is a great concern.” The book has been ridiculed in internet postings in China, for exaggerating the lingering influence of the Rothschilds and being a re-write of existing conspiracy theories in the west. Mr Ha puts the book’s popularity down to the decade-long stagnation in Japan and the Asian financial crisis, which he says had a profound impact on many Chinese policymakers. Such officials remain deeply suspicious of advice from western countries to open up the financial system and float the currency. “They think it is just a new way of looting developing countries,” Mr Ha says. Mr Song himself has been commissioned to write a number of new books to capitalise on his success, on the yen, the euro and also on China’s financial system. But in conversation, he sounds hesitant about the line his future tomes might take. “This book may be totally wrong, so before the next one, I have to make sure my understanding is right,” he says. “Before this book, I was a nobody, so I could say anything I liked, but now the situation has changed.” www.ft.com/cms/s/0/70f2a23c-6b83-11dc-863b-0000779fd2ac.html </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This is how pratically all the great acaryas explain, how a living entity falls in this material world: "Sometimes we are questioned that “How a living entity fallen in this material world?” Yes, that is also stated in the Bhagavad-gītā: icchā-dvesa-samutthena sarge yānti parantapa. Icchā-dvesa. Actually, we are servants of God. That is our real position. But we sometimes become envious, that, “Why shall I become servant of God? This is slave mentality.” Sometimes we are accused, the Vaishnavas are, of slave mentality because they want to serve God. And the Māyāvādīs, they think that “We are so exalted that I am as good as God. I am God.” That is their position. But actually, nobody is God here. Everyone is servant. He’s simply falsely thinking that he’s God, he’s master, he’s this or that. You have got very nice example in the life of Mr. Nixon. He was thinking that he’s everything: “I am the President.” But now what is his position, you can understand. So similarly everyone…, nobody is master. The master is Krishna. That is stated in the Caitanya-caritāmrita, ekale īśvara krishna āra saba bhritya. The master is there, that is Krishna, and everyone is servant. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches that jīvera svarūpa haya nitya krishna dāsa [Cc. Madhya 20.108-109]. We living entities, we are eternally servant of God. Krishna means God. One who attracts everyone, that is Krishna, and Krishna is God, accepted by everyone. īśvarah paramah krishnah sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahah anādir ādir govindah sarva-kārana-kāranam [bs. 5.1] Krishnas tu bhagavān svayam. These are the Vedic evidences. So actually nobody can be master; everyone is servant. Either we are servant of God or we are servant of dog. That’s all. Nobody can be master. If anyone has no master, then he keeps a pet dog to become his servant. That is nature, we can see. One is servant of his wife, one is servant of his pet or government service or this service. Nobody can claim that “I am the master.” That is not possible. That is also temporary. So actually this is the position of all living entities. Everyone is servant. But in the material sense, he is servant of māyā, servant of senses. Servant of māyā means servant of senses. And spiritual life means instead of becoming servant of māyā or servant of senses, we become the servant of Krishna or God. That is the position. Servant we shall remain. We have to change the position. And if we become servant of God, then we become happy, and if we remain servant of dog or māyā, then we remain unhappy. This is the position. We have to change the position. Kāmādīnāh kati na katidhā pālitā durnideśās tesām mayi na karunā jātā na trapā nopaśāntih. One intelligent brāhmana, he’s offering, “My Lord, I have become servant of so many senses, but neither the senses are satisfied, neither I am satisfied. This is the result of my service. Therefore now I have got my intelligence that I want to become Your servant.” This is intelligence. So I have experienced that I became a servant of my family, servant of my society, servant of my country, and so on, so on, but nobody, neither my so-called master was satisfied, neither I was satisfied. We see practical examples, there are many examples. In our country, Mahatma Gandhi, he dedicated his life for the service of the country. Nobody can doubt about his service, but what is the result? His master killed him. He worked for his country, he took country as his master, and he worked so hard, and his countrymen killed him. We should take lesson from this that you cannot satisfy in this material world by becoming servant of your family or community, society, nation. No. It is not possible. You can satisfy very easily Krishna by little service. By little service. Svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt. So this is intelligence, how to become a servant of Krishna. That is the perfection of life. That means mukti. Mukti does not mean you’ll get four hands and eight heads. No. Mukti means, as it is defined in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, muktir hitvānyathā rūpah sva-rūpena vyavasthitih. That is mukti. Sva-rūpena, legally, constitutionally, I am servant of God, or Krishna." Śrī Caitanya-caritāmrta, Madhya-līlā 20.100 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Washington, D.C., July 5, 1976

3rd All India Students’ Conference 22-23 December 2007 Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – 517501, INDIA First Prize: Gold medal, Cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- (Rs. ten thousand only) and two Publications of The Bhaktivedanta Institute (winner's choice). Essay to be published in Tattva-Jijnasa, the annual students' magazine of the Bhaktivedanta Institute. Second Prize: Silver medal, Cash prize of Rs. 6,000/- (Rs. six thousand only) and one Publication of the Bhaktivedanta Institute (winner's choice). Third Prize: Bronze medal, Cash prize of Rs. 4,000/- (Rs. four thousand only) and one publication of the Bhaktivedanta Institute (winner's choice). Topics Philosophy of Science and Spirituality Modern scientific approaches involve hypothesis and subsequent derivation of mathematical laws based on experimentation, observation and inference of matter and its interaction with energy. Scientific paradigms are based on observation of natural events and subsequent development of theories to understand various phenomena. Spirituality on the other hand involves experimentation of the conscious self through a set of principles to realize the self and its relationship with the divine. The spiritual paradigms involve an assimilation of theories based on religious and scriptural injunctions. The theme explores the philosophical approaches in both Science and Spirituality and thereby paves the way to the synthesis of science and spirituality from a conceptual view point. Scientific Exploration of God Does God exist at all? What is the scientific basis for God’s existence? How to explore and understand the conception of God through a mature scientific methodology? The theme involves fascinating examples that contribute to the solutions of the above questions on understanding God. Logical and Mathematical Approach to the Ultimate Reality Many scientists, philosophers and religious leaders agree that the consciousness is one of the important attributes of the Ultimate Reality. The theme involves deliberations on logical and mathematical approaches to prove the existence of the Supreme Conscious Being. Modeling Nature and Biological Systems To a large extent, with the help of mathematical laws, modern science has enabled the basic understanding of the functioning of various events in nature. There has been a significant emphasis to regard that nature can be completely understood by a set of comprehendible mathematical laws. The session explores the inherent difficulties associated with understanding nature through mathematical laws and reductionism. Biotechnology: Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives Research and Development in the field of Biotechnology have given a ray of hope for the synthesis of science and spirituality due to the involvement of ethical issues in decision making. Despite rapid advances in Biotechnology and Biology, basic questions such as The Origin of Life, What is Life? Emergence of Information in Biological systems, Aging and Death yet remain unanswered. The session aims to explore answers to the above fundamental questions from both spiritual and scientific perspectives. Machines, Mind and Consciousness What is the difference between a Machine and a Conscious Being? What are the different competent theories to understand Brain, Mind, Consciousness and their linkages? Can Brain be regarded as a Machine? How spirituality helps to understand and solve paradoxes related to Machines, Mind and Consciousness? The topic involves mind boggling answers to the above questions from a scientifically connected spiritual forefront. Life and Its Origin What is Life and What is matter? Is DNA Life? Can Life be made from Chemicals? What is the Origin of Life? How much probability is there for self-evolution of proteins and macromolecules? The theme puts forth the basic limitations of scientific understanding towards Life and Its Origin and propounds the basis of anti-material characteristics of life. Concept of Space and Time How are Space and Time defined? Is space dimension influenced by time dimension? What is the basic limitation of the Big Bang Theory as far as space-time conception is considered? How does one understand the purpose of meaning of time dimension? The theme puts forth a summary of concepts that evolved on space–time and their convergence towards philosophy and spirituality. Spirituality and Health Recent developments in medicinal sciences stress the importance of spirituality in improving physical and mental health through yoga and meditation. Numerous cases have been reported in which through the continued practice of spirituality, even incurable ailments from the point of medical sciences have been found cured. The session assimilates the effects of spirituality on physical and mental well-being of the self, the society, the nation and the world. Science, Ethics and Spirituality The twentieth century witnessed a society dominated with scientific thoughts with less regard to ethical principles. Continuing interdisciplinary research to understand fundamentals of Nature indicate a strong emphasis towards philosophy and its inclusion in understanding fundamental axioms. As rightly pointed out by Einstein “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind”, the topic outlines the development of ethical frameworks for an appropriate synthesis of science and spirituality to serve the humanity in a better way. Vedanta and Science Vedanta has contributed significantly in the fields of Astrology, Medicine, Scientific Measurements and above all, the Social Sciences. The theme presents the contributions of Vedanta towards integrated human and social developments and expounds the message of the Vedanta that the study of the matter and its interactions is equally important to understand the finer concepts of spirituality. It further conveys that the Vedanta is a competent platform for the synthesis of science and spirituality. Vision for Materially and Spiritually Developed India India is a country with rich spiritual and philosophical heritage. The country has been blessed with the ideologies of many prominent personalities such as Sankaracharya, Ramanujan, Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tagore, Prabhupada, Bose and Raman who brought renaissance in spiritual and scientific thought. Nonetheless, existing trends in the country stress less on spiritual principles in education as well as in professional systems. The topic is devoted for getting the views of the three best students from India to highlight a Vision for a materially and spiritually developed India, emphasizing a balanced approach by blending science and spirituality. Role of science in inter-faith dialogue Science involves experimentation, observation and inference to deduce a hypothesis. An inter-faith dialogue aims to target coherence between different faiths for harmonizing their dependence on one another in the society. Both approaches involve a conceptual similarity to achieve coherence. The theme explores the possible role of science in inter-faith dialogue. BENEFITS § All short-listed participants can register in free of cost in the 3rd All India Students’ Conference on Science and Spiritual Quest (AISSQ-2007) to be held at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India during 22-23 December 2007 § All short-listed participants can avail 15% discount on the purchase of the Bhaktivedanta Institute's publications. § All short-listed participants will receive participation certificates. § All short-listed participants will receive be entitled for free subscription to the Participants will be entitled for a free subscription to the Bhaktivedanta Institute's e-magazine Further details Mr. Varun Agrawal Bhaktivedanta Institute RC/8, Raghunathpur, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Manasi</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Manjil</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Building</st1:placetype></st1:place> Fourth Floor, <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">VIP Road</st1:address></st1:street>, Kolkata – 700 059, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> Tel/Fax: 033 25009018 Email: essay.aissq@gmail.com Web: www.binstitute.org/aissq2007

The Bhagavad-gita translated by Padma Shree Prof P Lal (right) is presently being advertised by ISKCON because it is offered as free download for all the Vodafone-Essar mobile rs in India. It is expected to be available on other operator networks soon. Question, Srila Prabhupada used to point out that presently most Bhagavad-gita translations are not to be accepted as bonafide, are tinged by mayavadha, what about the translation of Padma Shree P Lal, why they didnt took Prabhupada's Bhagavad-gita As It Is?

The false estimation of a Council to install within a period of 30 years 40 pontifexes who prove to be failures would have driven the Church right into the abysm of being a pit of deception and having to close its churches. Still the presumptuousness of the GBC is to insist upon its proceeding. So I dont see how ecclesiastical consistory bodies and the GBC can be compared?