There is a realization within my admission that I find worth sharing. That is, while legions of popular music fans may have taken to bhakti-yoga thanks to Beatle George, he took to it on his own – with no mentor or influence other than that of Srila Prabhupada! No pop culture icon led the way for George the way he did for us.

At the end of August 2001, Srila Prabhupada's complete Bhagavad-gita As It Is, translated into Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, went to press in Karachi. In early October, the first copies came back from the printer. 

Within the next two months, devotees around Pakistan distributed over four hundred copies of this long-awaited book, undisturbed by the political unrest in their country.

I am writing to ask for the prayers of all the Vaishnavas. My very close friend Radha Vrndavana Chandra has been in a severe car accident.

Radha Vrndavana was born and raised in Krsna Consciousness. She was named after the Deities in New Vrndavana and her parents, Upendranatha and Shankari, are both initiated disciples of Srila Prabhupada.

The Mayapur Institute of Higher Education (MIHE) adminstration is pleased to announce a large number of new course offerings for our upcoming MIHE semester. We have posted them on our website along with many other updated files.

If you are attending the MIHE Bhakti-sastri course, we kindly request that you submit an online application at our website by December 24th.

The Harinama Press has two new books by Bhakti-Tirtha Swami that will be made available at a 20% discount for those who order before January 1st. The first book is Volume Three of his Beggar series. The title is False Ego: The Greatest Enemy of the Spiritual Leader in soft cover. The Beggar series are short prayers and meditations using the ten common types of Vaishnava prayers mentioned by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakur in his book Prarthana. These same types of prayers were practically all exhibited in the writings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. 

Dear Vaishnav!

My name is Krishangi. I have distributed 7 years of the book Shrila Prabhupada and gave back all money in a Temple, not leaving for itself of any percent from the widespread books. However now I became very sick, therefore I can not more do it! So, now I live at home with the parents... I very much want to go to ours a Temple in Vrindavan to serve! But, I live on Ukraine, and you probably know, what bad situation here... 

December 25^th is Gita Jayanti!
Celebrate this holy day with Bhagavad-gita, The Song Divine, the ideal gift edition of the world’s greatest spiritual dialog. 

Kalakantha dasa’s poetic rendition of the Gita makes this classic enjoyable for any audience. Its dramatic, easy-to-read format seems to roll off the tongue and fills the reader’s ears and heart with pleasure.

The Harinama Press has two new books by Bhakti-Tirtha Swami that will be made available at a 20% discount for those who order before January 1st. The first book is Volume Three of his Beggar series. The title is False Ego: The Greatest Enemy of the Spiritual Leader in soft cover. The Beggar series are short prayers and meditations using the ten common types of Vaishnava prayers mentioned by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakur in his book Prarthana. These same types of prayers were practically all exhibited in the writings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. 

Please Help
from Krishangi Shevchenko

Dear Vaishnav!

My name is Krishangi. I have distributed 7 years of the book Shrila Prabhupada and gave back all money in a Temple, not leaving for itself of any percent from the widespread books. However now I became very sick, therefore I can not more do it! So, now I live at home with the parents... I very much want to go to ours a Temple in Vrindavan to serve! But, I live on Ukraine, and you probably know, what bad situation here... 

I was saddened to think that he left without the support and encouragement of all those devotees who loved him so much. Those who saw him in Brazil said that he had wanted it like that, that he was hoping he would get well and be able to preach again....in Africa and elsewhere. I also think he wanted it that way for another reason...to leave without a lot of fanfare. 

Diary of a Traveling Preacher, 
Volume 4, Chapter 6
by Indradyumna Swami

After I had spoken for some time about the similarities in our cultures (we are both God conscious communities and we both love to sing and dance), the leader suddenly stood up and, while pointing at the gypsy men who were practicing Krsna consciousness, challenged me loudly, "Do our people have to give up our culture to practice your religion?"

Mayapur Website
From Tusti Mohan Krsna Das
[from Free Forum]

This is to announce that by the mercy of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Panca Tattva Bhagavan and Srila Nrsimhadeva, the presiding Deities of Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, we now have online a complete website exclusively about Mayapur, < www.mayapur.info >. We begin this service by posting the activities, attractions, facilities, and contacts for the 2002 Sri Gaura Purnima Festival.

Humor
Sannyasi Power
from Alexander Krause

What is the unit called in which the spiritual power of a swami is measured?

Answer: Dandawatt.
[Complete on this page.]

Have Things Changed?
by Bhakta Dan Pascavage

I don't know about worldwide, but that has been my experience. Not to denigrate the citizens of New Vrindaban, but please see my letter entitled "New Vrindaban and My Journey"; perhaps I was there at the wrong time in recent years, but I had to basically go out of my way to find someone to talk to and get questions answered.

The Vedic Theatre Company

The Vedic Theatre Company is now accepting inquries, letters of intent and photos from devotees who desire to participate in future film and theater productions for the late 2002-2003 season. We seek devotees within the continental USA who can be available and free to travel for extended periods. Second-generation devotees between the ages of 19 and 30 are greatly needed. 

Forbidden Archeology News #7

At the present moment anti-evolution views are not very popular among scientists, and are therefore not often found in peer-reviewed journals. But perhaps even more significant is that there are no articles in peer-reviewed journals that actually support the current theories of evolution. The current theory is based on molecular biology and genetics. Genes code for proteins, and changes in genes supposedly result in different proteins being produced in different ways that change the structure of organisms on the biomolecular level. 

Looking for the American-Born Krsna Balarama Swami
by Vaikuntha

Anyone who may know the current whereabouts of an American-born sannyasi by the name of Krsna Balarama Swami kindly email me his address or phone number. He is slight, not too tall and wears glasses. 

This will be part of the Hare Krishna New Years Eve Fest!!!! The Rock Concert will be a tribute to George Harrison, so a few of his songs will be performed and another song dedicated to him. Plus other hits will be performed. There will be a Feast, Play (Drama), Puppet Shows, Multimedia Shows (Offerings to Srila Prabhupada and Bhagavad Gita Presentations), Kirtana's, Arati's, Children's Activities, Games, and more!!!

Helping to Re-Release "My Sweet Lord"
by Radha Mohan das BCS

A journalist who works for the British Sun newspaper is in a personal campaign to urge EMI records to re-release George Harrison’s "My Sweet Lord" in time for Christmas. (This song includes the Hare Krishna maha mantra).

Virus Warning
by Ramakanta dasa
[from PAMHO System Info]

Do not open any file attached to mail from the Internet, if the Internet address in the From: line starts with an underscore (e.g. <_xyz@abc.com>), or if the file size is 29020 bytes. This file is a virus.

[The article is complete on this page.]

France: Religious Freedom at Risk
by Merudevi Dasi

The French National Assembly voted on 3rd May in favor of a controversial new law that is designed to "reinforce the repression of groups with a sectarian character." The bill has met with a considerable amount of criticism, notably from the Catholic and the Protestant Churches, the US State Department, and the Council of Europe. Pope John Paul II has also expressed his concerns on the state of affairs in regards to religious freedom in France.

Hare Krishna New Year's Eve Festival 2001!
by ISKCON Berkeley Hare Krishna Youth

Spread the word! Hare Krishna New Year's Eve 2001 Festival is Coming Soon! You are invited to come to Berkeley at Northern California. We are taking a night that is normally conquered by maya and converting it into a Krsna Conscious event for everybody to enjoy and experience. 

What Is Free Forum?
from SBalarama

To whom it may concern,
I notice some articles are said to be reprinted from the "free forum." What is that and how can I read this free forum???
Thanks,
SBalarama
[Free forum is a service provided by PAMHO, formerly known as Com. For information go to http://www.pamho.net  — Ed.]

"Himalayan Roadtrip" Video
from Nistraigunya das

VishwakarmaVideo.com announces the release of "Himalayan Roadtrip," a documentary on the pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath Mandir— two of the revered Char (four) Dhams found in the Land of Eternal Snows in northern Uttar Pradesh. Visit the interactive website to preview several video clips from this intimate journey.

New Vrindaban and My Journey
by Dan Pascavage

But I had a reassuring feeling in my spirit that this place was good and I needed to be here, so I laid my fears to rest.

Diary of a Traveling Preacher, 
Volume 4, Chapter 5
by Indradyumna Swami

December 1-12, 2001

Memories of my two-month pilgrimage to Vrindavan were still fresh in my mind as I boarded a flight from Moscow to Barnaul, deep in the Siberian countryside. As the old Russian plane lumbered down the dark runway at midnight, the dirty seats, the stench of perspiration, and the unfriendly attitude of the stewardesses all served as a stark reminder that I had, indeed, left the haven of Vrindavan's spiritual atmosphere.

Offerings for Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja
from Dravida dasa

This year the deadline for writing offerings for Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja book is March 1, 2002, six weeks earlier than in previous years. The idea is to leave more time for promoting the book before Vyasa Puja and to enable us to ship the book earlier, thus greatly reducing shipping costs.

His Holiness or His Grace?
by Krishna Kripa Dasa

Regarding the article about the new temple in Queens,  ... according to my little understanding of Vaisnava etiquette, His Holiness is a title used only for Sannyasis. 

More about ITV’s George Harrison Video
From Nrsimhanananda dasa

The video will also be available on DVD for 19.95 from ITV Los Angeles. It will include extra footage and features. See New ITV Release on George Harrison,  [The article is complete on this page.]

New Temple In Queens, New York
by Bhaktin Trina Ramlogan

There is a new temple in Queens, New York, called Sri Krishna-
Caitanya Mandir. It is a small temple located at 114-37 Lefferts Boulevard, in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York. This temple was incorporated in recent months and is listed in the Back to Godhead magazine.

An Apology to Srila Prabhupada's Daughters
by Vyenkata Bhatta dasa

Thank you very much for pointing out the oversight in my article about George Harrison. It was a foolish mistake, but I assure you that in no way did I intend to disrespect or diminsh the acccomplishments of these courageous and empowered mothers. I offer my repeated apologies and obeisances to the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada's daughters, Malati Mataji, Yamuna Mataji, Janaki Mataji, and also to Saraswati Mataji...

George Harrison: A Link to Our Future
by Sri Nandanandana dasa

For many of us, George Harrison was our first Siksha Guru, or Vartmana Prakarshaka Guru, the person from whom we first heard the chanting of Hare Krishna, the holy names of the Lord. So even though we may not have realized it then, he was a link to our future. And though many may mourn the loss of his presence, I feel that he is still a link to our future.... 

Afghan Women: 
An Appeal from Indian Feminists

The oppression of Afghan women had become symbolic justification for repeated military intervention by the international alliance. The media has shown the need to liberate the most oppressed women in the world from the Taliban. This concern should now be turned to re-building civil society with women partners.

30th Mayapur Festival

[from Free Forum]

The Mayapur Festival Committee has intensified its planning and organization for this year's festival to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Mayapur Gaura Purnima Festival. This coming Mayapur Festival will therefore be particularly ecstatic!

All Glories To Bhakta George Harrison!
by Gaura dasa

I always thought that if I ever had the good fortune to meet you in person, I would like to bow down and offer my obeisances to you. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving and transforming my life by introducing me to our spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

The Druze: A Tourist’s Diary
by Kavicandra Swami

Starting at Gaura Purnima 2001, a group of senior sheiks (religious initiates) went with some devotees for a tour of India. They feel a great brotherhood with us and feel that their religion originated in India. They first visited Mayapura and were overwhelmed by the Vedic greeting ceremonies which were arranged by HH Jayapataka Swami.
[Photos inside]

The First Women Devotees in England
by Malati devi dasi (ACBSP)

I would like to thank Bhakti Marg Maharaja for his thoughtful inclusion of three of the ladies who accompanied their husbands to the UK on the order of our Spritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. But still, the list is incomplete: there was a fourth mataji, six-month-old Saraswati....

Respects to George Harrison
by Nandapatni devi dasi

I would like to offer my respects to George Harrison, who was more than instrumental in bringing me to Krsna Consciousness. I first heard the Radha Krsna Temple album in the late 60s, when it went to the top of the hit parade in England. I saw his Krsna Books presented to Srila Prabhupada the night they came off the press in Kensington Town Hall, London, in 1970. I bought his album Living in the Material world (which really finished me off and that’s when I went to Bhaktivedanta Manor and surrendered to Srila Prabhupada, at that point.

New ITV Release on George Harrison
by Nrsimhananda dasa

ISKCON TV (ITV) has recorded an exclusive interview with HH Mukunda Goswami, videotaped an exclusive Rolling Stone magazine interview with Syamsundara dasa, and obtained never-before-seen photographs of George Harrison with devotees — all of which is being compiled with footage of Gurudas speaking at the LA memorial service to offer an in-depth portrait of Harrison's association with the Hare Krsna Movement. 

Never mind the rumors in the press; this is the real scoop.

Statement from the Hare Krishna Movement 
Regarding the Death of George Harrison
from Anuttama Dasa

"We are most disappointed in several untrue statements published in the media about our dear friend, the late George Harrison. Many of these have been unsubstantiated, unauthorized and disrespectful to George’s family and closest friends," said Ramai Swami, the chairperson of the Krishna Movement’s Governing Body Commission.

All Glories to Srimad Bhakta George!
by Sadhusanga das

So I picked up the original two-volume hardbound edition of Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead (which I still have!). When I saw George Harrison’s introduction I immediately thought: "If George is into this stuff, it must be right! Let’s check out this Hare Krishna thing..." So George, you’re the actual one who made me a devotee! All glories to you!

The First Devotees in England
by Bhaktimarga Swami, New Remuna Dhama, Toronto

To my knowledge, I understood that Srila Prabhupada sent three couples to the U.K. There was no mention of the female spiritual daughters of Srila Prabhupada in the explanation, namely Yamuna Devi, Malati Devi, and Janaki Devi Prabhus. This oversight might be perceived as disrespectful to the female members of our society when we are all attempting very hard to build that good old family spirit of the early days. It certainly struck me as discrediting the deserving.

For Accommodations in London, Contact Ravi

I have been staying in London for over 20 years. A lot of devotees have asked me for suitable accommodations so I approached friends and families who visit Hare Krishna Temples, and I compiled a list of those that were willing to give accommodations to devotees visiting England. Some agreed to provide free accommodations, and some for a small donation.

The Fall of the Jiva: 
Srila Prabhupada's Answer — Again
by Dravida dasa

Atul Krishna Prabhu has provided many quotes from Srila Prabhupada's books to show that the conditioned living entities were never in the spiritual world. Here's a bunch that show the opposite.

[Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.28.53] [Translation]: The brahmana continued: My dear friend, even though you cannot immediately recognize Me, can't you remember that in the past you had a very intimate friend? Unfortunately, you gave up My company and accepted a position as enjoyer of this material world.

Teacher Needed in Australia
by Bhuvanamohini devi dasi

Do you have a Bachelor or Diploma of Education?

Here at New Govardhana Farm, Australia, we have an established Krishna Conscious School (21 years—previously a boarding Gurukula) and have a full-time teaching position available for a qualified devotee teacher.

Download: The Origin of the Jiva

The Origin of the Jiva, by Drutakarma Prabhu, an in-depth analysis of the questions concerning the origin of the jiva and the reason for the jiva’s fall into the material world.

© CHAKRA 6 December 2001

False Reports about George Harrison’s Estate
by Anuttama dasa

Several days ago, media reports appeared in major media sources worldwide stating that George Harrison’s family was already on their way to India to put George’s ashes in the sacred rivers. Now we know from the same media sources that those stories were untrue and that his family is still in California.

Living in the Material World No More

Washington, D.C.—Hare Krishna communities around the world observed memorial services over the weekend for George Harrison, the former Beatle whose personal spiritual search and devotionally inspired rock music helped to introduce millions of young people to Indian spirituality.

Celebrate George Harrison Dec 8th
by Vrin Parker

Here, in Eugene, Oregon, we are having a festival in his honor. In accordance with Vedic tradition, we are having a festival nine days after his passing, on Dec 8th. I pray and encourage all devotees and temples to do the same thing. Let’s show our gratitude and honor this great Vaishnava.

A Vaisnava Speaks the Truth 
without Criticizing Others
by Srila dasa

While a devotee apparently traverses a specific path, as a true spiritualist he carefully avoids the tendency to get stuck in any mundane 'groove' of limitation, sectarianism, and misidentification, as someone following a traditional religious course generally does. We have often heard the New Age expression, "I am spiritual but not religious." A Vaisnava similarly strives to become free from all material designations and not get caught up in the superfluous. 

Lord Krishna Back to Vrindavan
by Maha Mantra Das
[from Free Forum]

We have the pleasure of informing you that a historical Ratha Yatra starting from Kurukshetra to Vrindavan under the auspicious title "Lord Krishna Back to Vrindavan" will be celebrated from 26th January to 25th February 2002. The Ratha Yatra will be unique and it will pass through Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat, Delhi, Badarpur, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, Palwal, Kosi, Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, and Mathura and will terminate at Vrindavan.

Madhava Toshani’s Last Rites
by Amogha das

[from Free Forum]

I wish to thank the many devotees who have e-mailed condolences and words of kindness and praise for my beloved daughter. It is a very difficult time for us, and your words have helped greatly. The devotees in Kuala Lumpur saw her off with great kindness, attention, and reverence. We are forever indebted to them.

To George Prabhu, With Gratitude
by Niscala devi dasi

To my vartma pradarsaka guru,
George Harrison Prabhu,
Whose words in the Foreword
Of Krsna Book Two,
Gave me faith to read on
And great inspiration
To take it all in
With intense meditation. ...

George: Last Journey to His Spiritual Home
from the New Indian Express Daily, Bangalore, India, December 3, 2001

LONDON: Former Beatle George Harrison was secretly cremated within six hours of his death, before the world even realized he was gone. The spiritual explorer and Krishna devotee, who had a long association with India, chose to be cremated and the simple funeral service held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Crematorium was in all secrecy, so as to ensure that finally in death the star would elude the Beatle-mania.

Vartmana Pradarshaka Gurudeva George Harrison
by Raghavendu das

Clearly, the most potent song on the album was "My Sweet Lord," in which George Harrison introduced millions of people to the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. The kirtan on that album is unbelievably beautiful. Also it must be noted that how he transitioned from Halleluyah to Hare Krishna and the song’s title was a brilliant way of introducing people to the personal conception of God. 

The Fall of the Jiva: One More Question
by Umapati Swami

My thanks to Atul Krishna Prabhu for his article "The Fall of the Jiva: The Question Strikes Back." The article gives many quotations from Srila Prabhupada stating that no one ever falls from the spiritual world. One question, however, remains unanswered: How did the fallen jivas come to the material world in the first place?

My Sweet George
by gHari

My Sweet George,

Thank you forever for the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. I didn't even know what it was when I would sing along with you.

His Divine Grace 
by Vipramukhya Swami

Hare Krishna. I, for one, object to the way Srila Prabhupada is referenced in Syamasundara and Mukunda Goswami’s article about George Harrison. In the article, Srila Prabhupada is addressed as "Bhaktivedanta Swami" without the "His Divine Grace" or the "A.C." and the word "Prabhupad" is put in quotes.

Parikrama Photos, 2001
from Ekanatha dasa

Photos from ISKCON’s 15th Annual Vraja Mandala Parikrama, 2001

ISKCON’s 15th Annual Vraja Mandala Parikrama, 
Final Part
by Ekanath dasa

HH Lokanath Swami: "We are now in the forest of Mahavan where Krsna mostly performed his pastimes in vatsalya rasa. These pastimes are very sweet. Lila Madhuri. Such sweet, sweet pastimes, meant to attract the conditioned soul and encourage him to desire to return to Krsna. One of the last pastimes to be performed here was the Damodara lila. We know that it is after this lila that the residents of Gokul decided to go to Vrndavan.

BTG Remembers George Harrison

"Everything else can wait, but the search for God cannot wait." —George Harrison

Did George help you come to Krishna consciousness? Post your thoughts, appreciations, and memories to share with others around the world.
www.krishna.com 
[ photo inside]

Great Humility
by Ambarisa dasa

I met George Harrison only once. We went through the F.A.T.E. museum in L.A, then sat on the floor eating samosas. I remember thinking, here is such a famous man, eating on the floor with great humility. I was originally attracted to Krishna Consciousness through the Radha Krishna album, which I had purchased from my college record store. 

The Fall of the Jiva: The Question Strikes Back
by Atul Krishna (das)

I also hardly fit in the category of a learned devotee, but I’ll anyhow refer to how Srila Prabhupada repeatedly wrote in his books about how the residents of the spiritual world never fall to the material world. Perhaps any realized soul can explain these references properly. 

A Prayer for George Harrison
from Cobham Yatra

We all in Cobham Yatra (Kent), U.K, pray to Lord Shri Krishna to give Shelter to George Harrison (great messenger of Lord Shri Krishna ) at His lotus feet and give strength to his family and friends at this time of sadness.

Hare Krishna

Radhanath Dass
Ganesh Narain
[The article is complete on this page.]

Sriman George Harrison—
by the Grace of Krishna, Fortunate
from Vyenkata Bhatta Dasa

Yesterday at 1:30 pm in Los Angeles, California, Sriman George Harrison — a sincere and gentle friend of the worldwide Hare Krishna movement — left his body. He was 58 and had been suffering from cancer. He is survived by his wife Olivia and son Dhani. Most of the world will remember George as a member of the most influential and popular musical group of all time, the Beatles. George was often called "the quiet Beatle."

Sriman George Harrison Passes On
by Rama Kesava das

Former Beatle guitarist George Harrison has died in Los Angeles at age 58, after an arduous battle with cancer. Sriman George Harrison will be fondly remembered by the Hare Krsna movement for his selfless devotion to Srila Prabhupada's cause during the establishment of his mission here in the United Kingdom. 

Son of Hari
by Bhakta Jerry

Chanting my rounds, I heard the breaking news...The Son of Hari has departed from this world. He was very dear to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; without the Son of Hari, the Krishna Consciousness movement would not be what it is today.

George Harrison: A Personal Appreciation
by Rama Raghava Dasa

It was October 1974 and I was only fourteen years old. However, I had already listened to The White Album, All Things Must Pass, and The Concert for Bangladesh so many times that I probably knew all the lyrics by heart. I was a sophomore in a Catholic high school in Augusta, Georgia, and many of the kids there knew that I was curious about Krishna Consciousness because of the Beatles and specifically George Harrison.

George Harrison’s Death 
a Great Loss to the Krishna Community
ISKCON UK Media Release

George Harrison donated Bhaktivedanta Manor, Hertfordshire, UK, to the Hare Krishna devotees in 1973, and ISKCON feels greatly indebted to him for his generosity. The Manor has since served as one of the most important Hindu temples in Europe.