Week Ahead 26 February - 5 March

Dear Friends

Gaudiya Vaishnavas will observe the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri on Friday, 28 February. In his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 4.24.30, Srila Prabhupada guides us on how to honour Lord Shiva and how Lord Shiva himself, worships Lord Krishna and His devotees:

“It is said, vaishnavanam yatha sambhuh: Lord Siva is the best of all devotees. Therefore all devotees of Lord Krishna are also devotees of Lord Siva. InVrindavana there is Lord Siva's temple called Gopisvara. The gopis used to worship not only Lord Siva but Katyayani, or Durga, as well, but their aim was to attain the favor of Lord Krishna. A devotee of Lord Krishna does not disrespect Lord Siva, but worships Lord Siva as the most exalted devotee of Lord Krishna. Consequently whenever a devotee worships Lord Siva, he prays to Lord Siva to achieve the favor of Krishna, and he does not request material profit. In Bhagavad-gita (7.20) it is said that generally people worship demigods for some material profit. Kamais tais tair hrita jnanah. Driven by material lust, they worship demigods, but a devotee never does so, for he is never driven by material lust. That is the difference between a devotee's respect for Lord Siva and an asura's respect for him. The asura worships Lord Siva, takes some benediction from him, misuses the benediction and ultimately is killed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who awards him liberation.

“Because Lord Siva is a great devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he loves all the devotees of the Supreme Lord. Lord Siva told the Pracetas that because they were devotees of the Lord, he loved them very much. Lord Siva was not kind and merciful only to the Pracetas; anyone who is a devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very dear to Lord Siva. Not only are the devotees dear to Lord Siva, but he respects them as much as he respects the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, devotees of the Supreme Lord also worship Lord Siva as the most dear devotee of Lord Krishna. They do not worship him as a separate Personality of Godhead. It is stated in the list of nama-aparadhas that it is an offense to think that the chanting of the name of Hari and the chanting of Hara, or Siva, are the same. The devotees must always know that Lord Vishnu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that Lord Siva is His devotee. A devotee should be offered respect on the level of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and sometimes even more respect. Indeed, Lord Rama, the Personality of Godhead Himself, sometimes worshiped Lord Siva. If a devotee is worshiped by the Lord, why should a devotee not be worshiped by other devotees on the same level with the Lord? This is the conclusion. From this verse it appears that Lord Siva blesses the asuras simply for the sake of formality. Actually he loves one who is devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

Thursday, 27 February

In Anticipation of Shivaratri

Understanding and Glorifying Lord Shiva, An audio-visual presentation by Sri Hari Das at 7pm 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Sunday, 2 March 

Love Feast from 4pm with Swarup Damodar Das. He will discuss vandanam, or prayer as a process of bhakti-yoga.

Included in the Sunday programme will be a special presentation on Food For Life.

As always, we look forward to seeing you and hope this finds you in the best spirits,

Your friends at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

T: 031 4033328  |  F: 031 4034429  |  www.iskcondurban.net  |  temple@iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna  |  Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Her Grace Urmila Devi Dasi's Classes

Her Grace Urmila Dasi’s conviction is that we can only really reach out to people and connect by being authentic and real. Her classes over her short stay have energised many. If you missed her classes or wish to hear them again you can download/listen by simply going to Sound Cloud : https://soundcloud.com/durbankrishna

or ISKCON Durban http://iskcondurban.net/?page_id=1510

Class List:

Sunday, 16 February 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Love Feast class on Bhagavad-gita 18.73 - Krishna consciousness is acting according to Krishna’s order.

Monday, 17 February

Writers’ Workshop (Part 1 and 2) - For anyone interested in devotional writing and literature.

Tuesday, 18 February

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath morning class on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.6.26 - Full satisfaction with Krishna & giving up envy and pride.

Swarup Damodar's Festival of Chariots Message and the Week Ahead 20-27 February

Dear Friends and Devotees,

Please accept my best wishes. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Appreciating the successful impact of last year’s social cohesion themed Festival of Chariots, the eThekwini Municipality approached me in November 2013 to consider hosting two festivals—the traditional Ratha-yatra Festival of Chariots in April and a social cohesion festival in September. We were glad to accept this proposal which would afford us much more scope to cater for the vastly different audiences and more opportunities to share the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.

Another progressive development is that we have decided to merge the Phoenix Ratha-yatra into the Durban Festival of Chariots - there will be one major Festival of Chariots over the Easter weekend (18-21 April 2014) and will be held at the Old Durban Drive-In site. This festival will engage our resources from all over Durban, KwaZulu Natal, and South Africa under the leadership of His Holiness Indradyumna Swami. Although there will no longer be a separate Phoenix Ratha-yatra, the organizers of both festivals are  excited to consolidate their efforts to make a bigger impact in spreading the mercy of Lord Jagannath.

We are just eight weeks away from the start of the four-day Durban Festival of Chariots, one of the largest spiritual gatherings outside of India and much effort is required from all of Srila Prabhupada’s followers. Please share in this important service of hosting the Durban Festival of Chariots. For general festival information and for ideas on how you can assist contact Merumala Devi Dasi (0836760844  |  merumaladd.kks@gmail.com). For a full listing of the festival departments and its heads:

We look forward to your inspired and enthusiastic participation in the preparation of the Durban Festival of Chariots.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant, on behalf of the festival organisers,

Swarup Damodar Das

Your Week Ahead

Thursday, 20 February

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s Appearance Anniversary

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master. He advised: "Look within. Amend yourself, rather than pry into the frailties of others."

We will fast until noon and honour him with pushpa-puja and guru-puja at midday at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Tuesday, 25 February

Ekadasi

Fast from all beans, grains and legumes

Wednesday, 26 February

Break fast time: 05:44-10:00

Thursday, 27 February

Shivaratri 

Special evening programme to honour the greatest of Vaishnavas - Lord Shiva.

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple at 7pm.

Subscribers to Back to Godhead magazine can expect the magazine in the mail later this week.

As always, we look forward to seeing you and hope this finds you in the best spirits,

Your friends at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

T: 031 4033328  |  F: 031 4034429  |  www.iskcondurban.net  |  temple@iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna  |  Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

The Bhaktivedanta College 2014 Course Highlights

We kick off with Her Grace Urmila Dasi's seminar on the Art of Forgiveness on Monday night at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple at 7pm.

Lord Nityananda Meditations

"Lord Nityananda, who is Balarama Himself, the first direct manifestation or expansion of Krishna, is the original spiritual master. He helps Lord Krishna in His pastimes, and He is a servant of the Lord." Cc. Adi 1.44, purport

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Krishna Caitanya and Lord Nityananda, who are like the sun and moon. They have arisen simultaneously on the horizon of Gauòa to dissipate the darkness of ignorance and thus wonderfully bestow benediction upon all.” Cc. Adi 1.84

The appearance of Sri Krishna Caitanya and Prabhu Nityananda has surcharged the world with happiness. Cc. Adi 1.87

Week Ahead 11-19 February

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow we celebrate the appearance anniversary of Lord Nityananda, Who is the direct manifestation of Lord Balaram in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes. Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Gosvami describes Him in Caitanya-caritamrta 1.5.208, thus: "Because He [Lord Nityananda] is intoxicated by ecstatic love and is an incarnation of mercy, He does not distinguish between the good and the bad.” We can pray to Lord Nityananda to bless us with love for Lord Krishna and also to give up judgmental mentality. 

Wednesday, 12 February

Appearance Anniversary of Lord Nityananda Prabhu

Fast until midday

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Programme

7:00pm Arati and kirtan

7:30pm Class by His Grace Haridev Prabhu

8:30pm Prasada

On Friday we welcome Her Grace Urmila Dasi (Dr. Edith Best), a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Urmila Mataji travels worldwide teaching sastra as well as practical courses in education and organisation and will be with us for five days.

3 Day Seminar with Urmila Mataji at New Jagannath Puri Temple

Friday, 14 February at 7pm

Preachers, Teachers, Leaders & Fellowship with Devotees

Saturday, 15 February at 5pm

Humility

Sunday, 16 February at 11am

Forgiveness

Registration is essential, 031 5076559. Course fees R100. 

Sunday, 16 February

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Love Feast Programme with Urmila Mataji at 4pm

Monday, 17 February

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath morning class with Urmila Mataji at 7.45am

Writer’s Workshop with Urmila Mataji at 10am. 

If you enjoy writing or would like to start writing then this is for you.

Limited space. Booking essential, contact Rukmini 0845791080

Special Evening Seminar with Urmila Mataji

Learning How to Forgive

Tuesday, 18 February

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath morning class with Urmila Mataji at 7.45am

Wednesday, 19 February

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath morning class with Urmila Mataji at 7.45am

Bhaktivedanta College - Courses and commencement dates in February:

Go to www.iskcondurban.net for the full prospectus, details of venues, teachers, and contact details.

Bhagavad-gita Concise

21/02: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Living In Krishna Consciousness

12/02: Ladysmith

17/02: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

21/02: Pietermaritzburg

Bhagavad-gita Overview

12/02: Estcourt

19/02: New Jagannath Puri

20/02: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

21/02: Newcastle

21/02: Somtseu Road Temple

21/02: Pietermaritzburg

Nectar of Instruction

15/02: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Sri Isopanisad

17/02: New Jagannath Puri Temple

Youth Seminar

22/02: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Srimad Bhagavatam Overview

15/02: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

As always, we look forward to seeing you and hope this finds you in the best spirits,

Your friends at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

T: 031 4033328  |  F: 031 4034429  |  www.iskcondurban.net  |  temple@iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna  |  Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Week Ahead 5-12 February 2014

Dear Friends,

It is with deep regret we inform you that His Grace Bimal Prasad Prabhu passed away last night his home in Adelaide, Australia. Devotees at the temple were chanting in front of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath at that moment and were thus fortunate to connect with him on the spiritual plane. His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami said about him, "He was one of the founding fathers of the South African yatra. I met him first when I arrived at our then temple in Cato Ridge, near Durban. He was always the most jovial and friendly devotee, and was a dependable friend to me. We went through a lot together. Through it all he remained fixed in devotional service and a mood of surrender to Srila Prabhupada. So now he's moving on. [When I spoke to him on the phone earlier] I asked him to put in a good word for us when he meets Krishna.” 

We will be hosting a memorial for him tomorrow, which is also the appearance anniversary of Advaita Acharya. Sri Advaita Acharya is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu whose fervent pleas blessed the world with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s footprints.

The Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture courses begin from the 12th February. Please the the attached 2014 Prospectus for the courses on offer. This year the College offers exciting short courses to help integrate spiritual values with our modern lifestyle. You are warmly invited to the 2013 Graduation ceremony on Sunday. 

On Friday we welcome His Holiness Bhakti Visvambara Madhava Maharaja, who will be with us until Tuesday. 

Week Ahead

Wednesday, 5 February

Third Day Memorial for Sangita Madhava Mataji at 7pm 

Thursday, 6 February

Appearance Anniversary of Sri Advaita Acharya and Memorial of His Grace Bimal Prasad Prabhu

Fast until noon for Sri Advaita Acharya

Special evening programme with Bhakti Caitanya Swami at 7pm.

Sunday, 9 February

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Morning Class with Bhakti Visvambara Madhava Maharaja at 7.45am.

New Jagannath Puri Temple Sunday Love Feast with Bhakti Visvambara Madhava Maharaja at 11am.

Special Sunday Love Feast at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple - The Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture 2013 Graduation at 4pm

Graduating students are requested to sign in by 3pm.

Look out for the 2014 Prospectus and Graduation list. 

Monday, 10 February

Ekadasi

Fast from grain, beans and legumes

Fast until noon for Lord Varaha

Tuesday, 11 February

Appearance Day of Lord Varaha

Wednesday, 12 February

Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda

Fast until noon

Finally the Jan/Feb Hare Krishna News can be viewed/downloaded at www.iskcondurban.net

As always, we look forward to seeing you and hope this finds you in the best spirits,

Your friends at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

T: 031 4033328  |  F: 031 4034429  |  www.iskcondurban.net  |  temple@iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna  |  Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna