14th Annual Festival of India at Spanish Fork
By Caru das

Utah Valley1s KHQN Radio and Krishna Temple, located on South Main St. in Spanish Fork, will host the 14th Annual Festival of India on Saturday, September 16th from 4 pm. The presence of a new temple construction site adds mystical flavor to this year's celebration. After 13 increasingly successful editions of the India Fest, few people in Utah County are ignorant of the fact that, once a year, you can go to India without spending a lot of money. You can have India right in the middle, of all places: Spanish Fork, Utah!  

© CHAKRA 30-August-2000

Pleased With CHAKRA Every Time
By Caitanya dasa

I am so pleased to read your articles every time. I believe that your contribution to ISKCON is very nice and much needed. Here in Mexico, it makes a big difference to have a resource like CHAKRA.  

© CHAKRA 30-August-2000

Battle Plan for the Millennium: Response to Govinda Madhava Prabhu
By Vaikuntha dasa

This brief article is in response to Govinda Madhava dasa's recent article, "What is ISKCON's Battle Plan for the Next Millennium?" What can one say? Perhaps Krsna Himself is arranging the "new" battle of Kuruksetra. Will it be nuclear? Will it be economic? No one knows since we cannot enter Krsna's mind. However, the bottom line for any Vaisnava is, "What would Srila Prabhupada do or say in any given situation if he were personally present?" I think we know. Just chant, try to follow the four regulative principles (no meat eating, no gambling, no illicit sex, and no intoxication) and let Krsna take care of the rest.  

© CHAKRA 30-August-2000

More About the Passing of Savitri Priya devi dasi
By Priyavrata dasa

CHAKRA (London, England) - On the 21st of August at 9:20 AM, Savitri Priya Devi Dasi left her material body to enter the spiritual world. She was surrounded by 5 devotees and despite her frail condition and horse voice, she chanted along with them, japa in her hand and Guru's voice softly in the background singing the glories of Srimati Radharani. As she left her body, she raised her right hand holding her japa, to the air and then to her head and quit her body smiling.  

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

Thanks But No Thanks
By Bhaktin Teagan Haynes

I wanted to write and thank the devotees at Alachua and New Vrindavan for their kind initiations. I am actually in Australia, and so that would be an impossible scenario for my son and me. My son has had too many upheavals in the name of Krishna Consciousness and is also quite inimical to the devotees due to his own experiences growing up in ISKCON anyway.  

© CHAKRA 26-August-2000

What is ISKCON's Battle Plan for the New Millennium?
By Govinda Madhava das

I am a former gurukuli and I'm not sure who to direct this question to but here it goes: Could someone please outline the five main goals of ISKCON in the year 2000 and beyond and how these goals are to be carried out?  

© CHAKRA 26-August-2000

Deities to be Installed in Mauritius
By Sriniketana Das and Arjuna Das

In 1994, the Ananta Sesa was placed in the ground to support the temple itself, and it took six years to complete the construction. The temple is embellished with red sandstone imported from Karoli, Rajasthan, the same type as found in the Radha Govinda temple in Vrindavan. The 70-foot high dome is entirely clad in white marble, and is graced by a beautiful Sudarsana Chakra, the exact replica of the one in Jagannath Puri.  

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

Janmastami in Juhu, Mumbai Attended by Nearly One Million
By Parijata devi dasi

CHAKRA (Mumbai, India) - August 24, 2000: Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Mandir hosted one of the largest and most splendid Janmastami celebrations in its history between the 19th and 24th of August. An estimated eight to ten lakhs of devotees (800,000 to 1,000,000) visited the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Temple located in Juhu, Mumbai, during a weeklong festival to participate in the Janmastami festival - one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the world.  

© CHAKRA 26-August-2000

Change in Ashrama for Rohini Suta Prabhu
By the Executive Committee of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission and the Executive Committee of the European Regional Governing Body

Rohini Suta Prabhu, an initiating spiritual master and a GBC zonal secretary for parts of Germany, the CIS and the former Yugoslavia Republic, has notified the GBC Executive Committee and the leaders of ISKCON in Europe of his desire to change from brahmacari to grihastha ashrama.

In and of itself, such a change in ashrama is in conformity with the standards of Krishna consciousness. It is acceptable for a brahmacari to change to grihastha and to remain qualified to act as spiritual master. In other words, this alteration is not in itself a fall-down.

Nevertheless, there is an irregular element in this case. It is that Rohini Suta Prabhu's intended wife had been first of all his initiated disciple. Hence the proposed union goes against a well-established ethical principle that prohibits marriage between a guru and a disciple.  

© CHAKRA 26-August-2000

Hilo Rathayatra Wins Prize
By Jagaddhatri devi dasi

Not only did the parade organizers appreciate Lord Jagannatha, but they gave Him a prize as well!

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

Grand Observance of Sri Krishna Janmastami in Baroda
By Basu Ghosh Das

CHAKRA (Baroda, India) - August 24, 2000: On Wednesday, 23 August, 2000, the auspicious observance of Sri Krishna Janmastami was observed in a grand way by ISKCON at Hare Krishna Dham, Gotri Rd., Baroda. The Mandir was especially decorated both inside and without by flowers, balloons and lights. Crowd control arrangements by the management of ISKCON insured that the members of the public all had the change for a peaceful darshan on the auspicious day. Crowds queued up from the gate of the Mandir for almost 1/2 a kilometer onto the main Gotri Road.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 26-August-2000

Obituary: Savitri Priya devi dasi
By Vipramukhya Swami

CHAKRA (Bhaktivedanta Manor) - August 22, 2000: She touched her beads to her forehead, and then in the presence of a room full of devotees, gave up her body there and then. When I went to her home after her passing away, I saw her lying in bed, looking extremely effulgent, holding her beads in her hand by her head, and with a smile on her face. I have never seen such a peaceful face on the body of a deceased person before. There was a definite air of transcendence in the room.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 22-August-2000

Message From Indian Prime Minister
By Vipramukhya Swami

CHAKRA (Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK) - August 19, 2000: The Prime Minister of India, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, has sent the following letter of best wishes to the ISKCON devotees in New Delhi:

© CHAKRA 19-August-2000

Thoughts on Omniscience
By Jagannidhi das

In general I agree completely with Hari Sauri, especially on the jiva issue. But I wish to make a point concerning the "higher purpose." If Krishna can choose to do nothing about the ongoing abuse in the gurukula, why can’t His pure devotee - at least theoretically - do the same?  
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 19-August-2000

Obituary: Yajnanga das, disciple of Srila Prabhupada
By Vraja Kumara (SRS)

We are very saddened by the news that he left his body in New Delhi, on July 28th 2000. We all feel sure that Krishna has protected him.  

© CHAKRA 19-August-2000

Dhanurdhara Maharaja Should Have Followed the ICOCP's Mandates
By Bhaktin Miriam

Some devotees are saying that Dhanurdhara Maharaja has changed and that he is not the same person that he was 20-25 years ago when he committed child abuse. That is very true, however, in the last few months he has not been very sensitive towards the abused Gurukuli veterans, their parents and the rest of the Vaisnava community concerned with the Child Abuse issue in ISKCON. The reason why I say this is because he has not abided by all the terms of the "Official Decision on the Case of Dhanurdhara Maharaja" set out by the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection (ICOCP).  

© CHAKRA 16-August-2000

Radha-Krishna to be Installed at New Raman-Reti
By Jalakara dasa

The deities of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna will be installed at ISKCON's New Raman Reti community in Alachua in a gala three-day festival to take place September 3rd, 4th and 5th.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 16-August-2000

How Could Lord Visnu Not Be Omniscient?
By Krishna-kirti das (HDG)

Dear Chakra Readers,

Hari Sauri Prabhu's recent article entitled “Was Srila Prabhupada Omniscient?” caught my attention because of the assertion that Lord Vishnu Himself does not necessarily know everything. The reference he provided (Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.7.31 + purport) seems to support his statement. However, I felt that this point needs further elaboration because Lord Vishnu is, after all, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so how could He not be omniscient?

© CHAKRA 16-August-2000

Correction
By Krsnacandra dasa

In my article, the following paragraph was incorrectly printed:

Jayapataka Swami wrote, "From my perspective I 'did' not see any difference between the GBC executive committee and the GBC body. I was under the impression that the Executive Committee was a plenary body comprised of devotees elected from the GBC to respond to the more day to day responsibilities of the GBC.”

Your editor has edited this paragraph to make it appear that Jayapataka Swami made this statement. This paragraph originally read as follows:

© CHAKRA 16-August-2000

VIHE Kartik Semester 2000
By Kripa Pala das

The VIHE in Vrindavan was established to fulfill Srila Prabhupada's desire for an educational institute in Vrindavan. The VIHE in the holy dhama provides an ideal facility and atmosphere for you to improve your sadhana, develop your devotional qualities, engage in serious study, associate with senior devotees and receive training in practical skills relevant to management and preaching. The VIHE also aims to preserve and disseminate standards Srila Prabhupada set for acting in Krishna consciousness and to deepen devotees' understanding, realization and appreciation of Srila Prabhupada's teachings and movement. 

© CHAKRA 12-August-2000

Ekadasi Cake
By Sucharya devi dasi

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients to make a thick batter. Pour into well buttered baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, until cake is golden brown. 

© CHAKRA 12-August-2000

Was Srila Prabhupada Omniscient?
By Hari Sauri das

I have read with great interest Dravida Prabhu's reply to Swami Bhaktivedanta Aranya on the topics of Srila Prabhupada's supposed omniscience and his statements on the fall of the jiva. I thought Dravida's article was excellent, very nicely presenting Srila Prabhupada and his teachings "as it is" and countering the speculative interpretations that have appeared over the last few years. I can only present what I saw, heard, and read of his actions and teachings and hope that it will provide others with some further insights.

© CHAKRA 12-August-2000

Vancouver to Hold Rathayatra Today
By Jaya Govinda dasa

CHAKRA (Vancouver, Canada) - August 12, 2000: ISKCON Vancouver will celebrate Rathayatra today, 12 August 2000.

 © CHAKRA 12-August-2000

Hilo Hawaii Rathayatra
By Jagaddhatri devi dasi

Hare Krsna! With so much 'bad' news, devotees will be happy to hear that little Hilo Hawaii celebrated its 3rd Annual Rathyatra last Friday (August 4th). Every year the town of Hilo hosts "the Festival of the Pacific,” which includes a parade. We just hook right into it.

© CHAKRA 12-August-2000

Vasudeva Prabhu From Fiji is a GBC Emeritus
By Vipramukhya Swami

CHAKRA (Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK) - August 9, 2000: Vasudeva Prabhu, a long time GBC member and disciple of Srila Prabhupada residing in the Republic of Fiji, South Pacific, was named GBC Emeritus this year at the annual GBC meeting in Mayapur.

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

Dhanurdhara Swami Misconception?
Name Withheld on Request

There is a misconception that Dhanurdhar Swami didn't try to apologize to the gurukulis. I know that he went to all the Ratha Yatra's on the east coast (in around 95-96) and personally fell at the feet of anyone who felt offended or abused by him. I was with him on his way to the New Vrindavan and LA Gurukula reunions to do the same, when he received urgent letters from the Gurukula Alumni not to do so.  

© CHAKRA 9-August-2000

Just Imagine! Cooperation?
By Devarsi Muni dasa

Though some CHAKRA readers may question the value of visiting VNN, I would like to report something that occurred recently in the "Forums" section of VNN that could have great value.  

© CHAKRA 9-August-2000

San Franciscan Friar Case

SANTA BARBARA, California (AP) -- The Franciscan Friars of California will pay $1.7 million to a man who claims a priest molested him when he was 9 years old, settling the last of more than a dozen lawsuits based on sexual abuse allegations at a seminary.  

© Copyright 2000 The Associated Press.

Radhe Syama Severely Injured
By Indradyumna Swami and Radhe Syama

CHAKRA (Poland) - Upon reaching the pole and grabbing it firmly, I was hit by lightning. It took me just a fraction of a second to understand that I was being electrocuted. So, of course, due to my grabbing firmly the lampost, and being under electrocution, I couldn't let go. The muscles were completely contracted.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

We Must All Take up the Healing Process
By Anuttama Dasa

I would like to share some thoughts regarding our community's response to the Turley lawsuit. As a parent, a board member of Children of Krishna, a supporter of the Child Protection Office, and the principle spokesperson for ISKCON on this issue, I have been personally pulled from all sides by this case, and I find it the most emotionally draining and spiritually challenging issue I have faced in 25 years as a Krishna devotee.  

Personally, I continue to lobby for more funding for the Child Protection Office and for restructuring of the GBC to regain the faith of the devotee community.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 8-August-2000

Deity Dressing Seminar In Alachua
Submitted by Rupa dasi

Three days of Absolute nectar! SEPTEMBER 8, 9, & 10 2000 10 am-1: 00 PM and 3:00pm - 6:00 PM New Ramana Reti, Alachua, Florida. This seminar will be conducted by Ramabhadra Dasa and will include:

First time ever; see actual dressing of installed Deities (Sri Sri Radha Govinda) on video. Accompanied by Power Point presentation. Both morning and evening dress standards presented.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 8-August-2000

Rain in Mayapur
By Madhumati devi dasi

No one told me that rainy season means hot and humid weather. It gets more and more humid, until you think you can no longer tolerate. Your cloth becomes damp in the humidity, sticking so you can barely walk. Perspiration trickles down your face, and drops with a splatter from your chin.

But the rains ease all this, bringing down the humidity and blowing cool breezes. If it rains at night, this coolness stays and one can sleep peacefully, but if it rains in the morning, the sun simply begins to heat everything up again, and with it comes the humidity.  
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 7-August-2000

CHAKRA Back Online
By Vipramukhya Swami

CHAKRA (Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK) - 7 August, 2000: Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, it was not possible to update CHAKRA for over a week.

The difficulties have now been solved and we will begin regular posting and updating the web site. We apologize for the problems.

Technical difficulties began when the local telephone company accidentally cut off our regular telephone lines as well as our ISDN line which are used to update the web site.

© CHAKRA 7-August-2000

Srila Prabhupada's Reputation Will Shine On His Own Merit
By Subhadra dasi

Ksamabhuddi claims this lawsuit may destroy and dismantle ISKCON. First of all it is the abuse that went on that would dismantle ISKCON not the victims of the abuse. Second, maybe it would destroy the deeply entrenched good “ol’ boy's” attitudes which has made it possible for so much abuse to take place, and which also made them (the good “ol’ boys”) ignore and negate these Gurukulis until they felt right filing this suit.  
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 7-August-2000

Should Parents Be Let Off the Hook?
Name Withheld On Request

I can forgive those parents who have stepped forward and begged for forgiveness and who are willing to bend over backwards to make up for what happened, but those parents who are still so puffed up and won't stand by their kids are as bad as the abusers.

The parents are the cause of our suffering because had they been involved in our lives, most of the abuse could have been stopped. It was a known fact that if your parents called or visited, you most likely wouldn't be as harassed. It was the kids who had little to no contact with their parents that were abused the most.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 7-August-2000

Disclaimer
By His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami

Dear Readers, 

Someone has sent a heinous message in my name about Srila Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja. 

I have always revered Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja and consider him one of my dearest well-wishers. The actual author apparently wishes to promote the ritvik cause. It is a pity that he has chosen to do so by such unsavory means for which even he is too ashamed to take responsibility.

Remembering Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja will automatically purify us from having read such blasphemy. Hare Krishna.

Servant of the servant, 
Tamal Krishna Goswami

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

Two Invitations for Bhaktin Teagan

After Bhaktin Teagan submitted her farewell letter to ISKCON, there has been considerable response from our readers. The latest comes from devotees inviting her to come to their communities.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003