Week Ahead 30 June - 7 July: SSRRT Report

Dear Friends,

Vibhu Caitanya Prabhu presented the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple report yesterday at the Love Feast. In case any of you missed it, here is a synopsis:

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple leads the country in book distribution. We want to help South Africa to distribute 500 000 books in 2015 as an offering to Srila Prabhupada’s 50th anniversary of coming to the West.

Our new management team: Swarup Damodar Das and Vibhu Caitanya Das (Temple Presidents); Balaram Das KDS (Congregational Outreach); Ramvijay Das (Financial Management & Governance); Pyari Mohan Das (Temple Operations); Krsangi Radhe Dasi (Communications); Bhakta Sudhir (Administrative Secretary & Youth Development); & Akrura Das (Facilities & Temple Restoration).

Our ISKCON Outreach has been successful in both consistency and attracting people who ordinarily would not come to the Temple.

Our 2013 financial records are up to date and submitted for audit.

Our resident devotees serving in the temple have a basic hospital plan. We are grateful to our devotee doctors who assist us.

Our social media is growing and we have more than trebled our Facebook likes over the last 2 years. Our goal is to reach 50 000 Facebook likes by next year.  Please help by sharing our posts.

Now you can hear classes, view festivals, etc. on Sound Cloud, Ustream and Awdio.

Our Hare Krishna News is your link to upcoming events at the temple and is available at no cost.

We have the option to buy the Thornville Goshala. Situated 50 kms outside of Durban this, beautiful property consists of over 25 hectares of lush sugar plantations and grazing for the six cows.

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple will be celebrating the 30th opening anniversary in 2015. In order to mark the occasion we have decided to restore the Temple to it’s original glory with some improvements:
Replacing the exterior pink marble tiles.
Repainting the temple using eco paint.
Refurbishing the roof, which includes waterproofing, cleaning and re-screwing the stainless steel tiles.
Upgrading  Govinda’s and the Gift Shop.
We are making a major move towards going green:
all packaging will be biodegradable in the near future.
biodegradable detergents
changing to the use of solar powered geysers
LED bulbs for all lights
recycling water, and more…

You can be part of the renovation by either sharing contacts who can assist us or by donating to this endeavour. Attached is a form with the options and cost. Please share with as many people as you know.  You can view the temple report on our website www.iskcondurban.net (only available from later this afternoon).

Your Week Ahead

1-3 July
Kids Winter Retreat

5 July
Padayatra
Join Sri Sri Nitai Gaura on route from Burlington Heights to the RDP houses at 9.30am.

5-6 July
Durban Festival of Chariots Sale
10am-6pm on both days
A wide variety of gopis outfits (children and adults), kurtis, scarves, kurtas and T-shirts (children and adults), dhotis and much more.
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple prasad marquee.

If you have ICT skills and would like to join out team, please go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wM5yucFHJHybDrL8MCLeK0hVH69YxujB4fEs2oGbnjk/viewform?usp=send_form.
Lastly, we thank the devotees who travelled from all over KwaZulu Natal to attend the Sunday Love Feast.

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 25 June -2 July: Celebrating the pioneer of Krishna consciousness

Dear Friends

"They Call it Africa, We Call it Home” an advert on a billboard read — I had arrived in Ghana. By the mercy of His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami, Krishna consciousness is spreading like wild fire across West Africa. Maharaj spent a lot of his time cultivating prominent leaders and devotees in West Africa. Today those fruit are blossoming where hundreds of West Africans from the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigera, and Cameroon, descended in Accra, Ghana for the 5th Annual BBT Africa Conference. Attached is a group photo of the delegates attending. The conference had one theme  — how we can increase the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books throughout Africa. Realisations were shared, goals were created and challenges were assessed with the outcome of simple and realistic solutions.  Srila Prabhupada liked the phrase, "Keep on Moving”. And the devotees from Africa and doing just that — endeavouring through difficult circumstances to push on the mission of His Divine Grace. It made me think of our situation in Durban, of how we have ample ability to offer so many hearts to Srila Prabhupada. I look forward to sharing some exciting announcements and plans with you this weekend on the occasion of the 100th Disappearance Anniversary of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and also having the opportunity to hear from you as well, after all, they call it Africa but we call the Temple our home.

Your servant

Vibhu Caitanya Das

Weekend Festival Celebrating the Centennial Disappearance Anniversary of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was the pioneer of the Krishna Consciousness Movement. He was an out spoken acharya and wrote profusely on devotion and the condition of the soul. He vision was all inclusive: “Gradually, when the offensive portions of the established religions are destroyed, there will be no more differences in the bhajana performed by the various sampradayas nor any quarrel between them. Then as brothers, the people of all varnas, castes, and countries will spontaneously chant the holy name of the Supreme Lord together. At that time, no one will hate anyone...; nor will anyone be overwhelmed by the pride of high birth. The living entities will not forget the principle of natural brotherhood.” (Sajjana Toshani 4.3) 

To honour this acharya on his 100th disappearance anniversary, we are hosting festivals over the entire weekend. On Friday, the actual day,  there will be a morning, midday and evening programme. On Saturday, we are hosting a grand harinam on the Durban Beachfront. We encourage you to join. Dress in your finest, bring banners, balloons, flags, etc. and let’s get every soul to chant the holy name. On Sunday, the festivities will end at the Love Feast highlighting Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s life and also as an offering to him, we will present a dynamic report on Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple.

Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa-puja Book 2014

You are invited to share your appreciation to Srila Prabhupada by writing an offering/homage for the 2014 Vyasa-puja book.  Please send your offerings to ACBSP2014@gmail.com no later than 25th July. There is no cost. All enquiries: Haridev Das 039 978 3000

Haridev Prabhu requests that if anyone would like to serve on the Vyasa-puja Book Team to please call him. Devotees and well-wishers are needed to assist with proof reading, layout and design, editing and writing articles.

4-6 July Boys Weekend Retreat at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple for boys from 18yrs and older.   

Life skills, team building, harinam, prasada, kirtan yoga, book distribution, mantra meditation, cooking classes and much more. Spend time in a spiritually surcharged environment. Contact Ananta Gauranga Das 082 7833 599  |  agd.rns108@gmail.com

Week Ahead

Friday, 27 June
Centennial Disappearance Anniversary of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

Fast until midday

4:30am Mangal Arati
7:00am Deity Greeting
7:05am Srila Prabhupada's Guru-puja
7:50am Class on Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur
9:00am Devotees singing Bhaktivinoda Thakur's bhajans
11:50am Bhoga Offering (Please bring food offerings)
12:30pm Raj Bhoga Arati
1:00pm Pushpa-puja
1:30pm Lunch Feast
7:00pm Special Programme with His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami
9:00pm Light Prasadam

Saturday, 28 June
In celebration of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s life, there will be a maha-harinam on the Durban Beachfront.  Meet at the old snake park at 10:00am.

Sunday, 29 June

Special Love Feast at 3pm — Your Temple, Our Temple, Srila Prabhupada’s Family - Report 

Today is your last chance to book your child for the Krishna’s Kids Winter Retreat hosted at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple from 1-3 July. Suitable for children between 4-12 years old.  Cost R100 and includes all activities and meals. Booking essential. Call 083 950 5111. 

Finally, the Durban Festival of Chariots retail shop is holding a sale over the next two weekends. Items on sale arrived late. Details: 

28^th and 29^th June – New Jagannath Puri Temple – in the hall

5^th and 6^th July – Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple – in the prasada marquee

Trading times are from 10am to 6pm on all days.

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 19-26 June

Dear Friends,

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple will keep you warm with event-filled days and nights:

Spend Saturday evening by the campfire at the Annual Beach Festival with His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami. Expect to be spoilt with a Jagannath Parade, kirtan, dramas, 2 feasts and gifts. See poster for more details.

Sign up your children (4-12 years) for the Krishna’s Kids Winter Retreat hosted at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple. Booking is essential and closes on 25 June. 083 9505 111. See poster for more details.

There are just a few spots left for the Krishna Balaram Youth Group Winter Retreat (3-6 July) at Mount Aux Sources in the Drakensburg Mountains. Please contact Raji 079 490 9890 / raj108@mweb.co.za

BYS will be hosting the National BYS Winter Retreat at the temple next week. 

We honour Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur next Friday, 27 June, on his 100th disappearance anniversary. To mark this pioneering devotee we are hosting two festivals: on Friday and at the Sunday Love Feast. Details will be in next week’s Week Ahead. 

Vibhu Caitanya Prabhu has just released the Book Distribution Report for South Africa. You can view/download it at http://iskcondurban.net/kngdownloads/book2014.pdf

Your Week Ahead

Saturday, 21 June

Annual Beach Festival of Vaisnava Association with Partha Sarathi Das Goswami 

Park Rynie Beach Camp-site from 4:30PM 

Contact: Haridev Das: (039) 978 3000 or Ramesvara Das: 039 9762157

Sunday, 22 June

Sunday Love Feast with His Grace Ramanujacharya Prabhu at 3pm.

Monday, 23 June

Ekadasi

Fast from all beans, grains and legumes

Tuesday, 24 June 

Break Fast 06:51-10:16

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

Srila Prabhupada Acknowledged

Srila Prabhupada listed number 2 as “10 People Whose Lives Began at 60”.

https://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/10-people-whose-lives-began-60-025210801.html

Call for Prayer for devotees in the Ukraine & Week Ahead 09-16 June

Dear Friends,

With the threat of war in the Ukraine, the international Kirtan Mela team is calling upon the world Vaishnava community to join in prayer for the protection of the devotees suffering in the Ukraine.  Every temple and centre around the globe will unite in the biggest kirtan event for the pleasure of the Lord and protection of His dear devotees.

ISKCON Pietermaritzburg is hosting a 5 day (12-16 June) Namamrita Course with  His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami.

You can pre-register online: http://bookwhen.com/vzw9j

Registration cost is R30. Registration/Enquiries: HG Rasamrta Devi Dasi - 074 704 4266

Week Ahead

Monday, 9 June 

Join us tonight from 6pm-8pm for kirtan at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple. Be part of the global kirtan mela. 

Gillets Nama-hatta with Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 7pm

Tuesday, 10 June

Reservoir Hills Nama-hatta with His Holiness Ram Govinda Swami

Wednesday, 11 June

Pani Hati Festival with Ram Govinda Swami at 7.45am

Followed by chipped rice and yogurt feast served on banana leaves.

Thursday, 12 June 

Morning Class with Ram Govinda Swami at 7.45am

Friday, 13 June

Morning Class with Ram Govinda Swami at 7.45am

Saturday, 14 June

ISKCON Durban is privileged to host the annual ISKCON South African National Council meetings.
Weekend Retreat with Rama Govinda Swami at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple for boys from 18yrs and older . 

Life skills, team building, harinam, prasada, kirtan, book distribution and much more. Contact Ananta Gauranga Das 082 7833 599.

Sunday, 15 June

Sunday Love Feast with His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami at 3pm

Monday, 16 June

Anger Management Workshop with Rama Govinda Swami from 11am-12.30pm.

Lunch will be served. 

Register via vaishnava.research@gmail.com

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

CNN features our Temple & Week Ahead 3-10 June

Dear Friends,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You might be one of those people discounting this mail, wait right there. This email is about you.

A few days ago, our temple was featured in an article on CNN (www.dandavats.com/?p=12659). The article highlighted the 10 Most Underrated Cities in the World and included Durban. It also clearly confirmed that Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is one of the main attractions in the "Sun Fun Sea City".

We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every devotee for the valuable and loving service rendered at the temple. To the devotees who helped build and raise funds for this architectural masterpiece, to those senior devotees who have been serving here for the past 29 years, to the countless number of devotees who continue to, week in and week out, help at the temple, to our staff who endeavour every day to beautify and protect our temple, to our well wishers, sponsors and friends from all around Durban, South Africa and the rest of the world, to all the visitors who frequent the temple on a regular basis or just walk in for the first time; we would like to sincerely thank you for your service.

As we are the 2013 winners of the Durban Chamber of Commerce, Best Landmark award and recognised in various national and international websites. We would like to grow and improve our service to Sri Sri Radha Radhanath and Their followers. This is YOUR temple, OUR temple — Srila Prabhupada’s family and we plan to improve it in the months to come.
Besides continuing to excel in on our outreach programmes such as college preaching, harinamas and book distribution, we would like to increase our care to the devotees.

We would also like to Go Green, it seems to be a trending topic in the world and we would like to get serious about this long term project by also saving Krsna's energy. We made a start over the last year by banning polystyrene plates at the temple and we would like to continue this by not allowing cups and coiners as well. Polystyrene takes over 300 years to decompose. As a temple we use almost 100 000 plates and 100 000 cups a year, this excludes what is used at FFL and Ratha-yatra. So we will be playing our part in saving the planet by introducing biodegradable cups, spoons and take away containers. We are also working with the department of energy to harvest solar energy form the temple’s stainless steel roof. Every kilo watt, every drop, counts.

As an offering to the Deities we would like to restore the temple to its original majesty by October 2015, on Their 30th Installation Anniversary. Work has already begun with replacing the smaller artworks in the temple and by fixing the roof of the temple, waterproofing and re-screwing the tiles on the roof, as well as consulting experts to help with the temple landscaping. In the next few weeks we would like to begin with repairing the altar gate, the wall tiles around the moat, the pathways around the temple and a few minor adjustments in the temple room. We are also working on a donor reciprocation, CRM (customer relationship management) programme — to enable us to acknowledge contributions of ALL our sponsors.

Please contact us if you would like to get involved in any way, after all this is your temple, our temple , Srila Prabhupada’s family.

We are fortunate to always be blessed with the association with senior devotees and this week we have the good fortune of having the association of His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami and His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagvata Swami. You can listen/download some of Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami, Ram Govinda Swami and Madhavananda Prabhu’s classes on http://soundcloud.com/durbankrishna. You may also tune in live during temple programme times to our audio channel http://www.awdio.com/search?search-input=SSRRT+&search-submit=1 and Ustream channel http://m.ustream.tv/channel/ssrrt-durban. You can view/download the May/June Hare Krishna News at http://iskcondurban.net/kngdownloads/newsletters/26.pdf. 

Your servants 

Swarup Damodar and Vibhu Caitanya Das

Week Ahead

Tuesday, 3 June
Sarnia Nama-hatta with Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 7pm

Wednesday, 4 June
Northdene Nama-hatta with Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 7pm

Thursday, 5 June
Lotus Park Nama-hatta with Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 7pm

Friday, 6 June
Arena Park Nama-hatta with Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 7pm

Sunday, 8 June

Bhagavad-gita - A Brief Overview with  Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 11am
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Love Feast with Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 3pm

Finally, BBT Africa has published their 2013 Annual Report. You can view/download at https://app.box.com/s/ahxmj0xjjm0rcnshgv8n as well as an invitation to the BBT conference in Ghana. Also please see attached invite to the annual BBT Africa conference in Ghana.

As always, we look forward to seeing you and hope this finds you in the best spirits,
T: 031 4033328  |  F: 031 4034429  |  www.iskcondurban.net  |  temple@iskcondurban.net
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna  |  Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna