Week Ahead 29 April – 5 May 2022

Dear Friends

We are happy to announce the re-opening of the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture. The college is offering a variety of in-person courses, for both children and adults. View/Download the 2022 Prospectus here.

Vaisnava Etiquette Course (Online)

With His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Registration closes today, Friday 29 April.
Register here
For further information: mailto:education.bcais@gmail.com

Sri Nrsimha Chaturdasi Festival Highlights

We will be hosting a two-day festival for Lord Nrsimha, which includes public fruit & flower offerings, Nrsimha Yajna, Maha Abhishek, Bhakti Theatre drama, a feast, and more. Details will follow in the coming days.

Sri Nrsimha Maha Abhishek

You are invited to sponsor the maha abhishek.
Contact Bhakti Katha 061 464 5327 (WhatsApp only) or psdgbhakti@gmail.com.
Kindly note: All deity sponsorships are fully booked.

Week Ahead

Saturday 29 April

Morning Class @7:30am
The Juhu Story – The Gita in Wardha

with Her Grace Priya Kishori Devi Dasi

Sunday 1 May

Morning Class @7:30am
Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 – Favourable Principles
with His Grace Jaisacinandana Das

Love Feast @11:00am

Internal Combustion – A View of Hiranyakasipu’s Anger

By Her Grace Jalangi Dasi

Tuesday 3 May

Akshaya Tritiya

Reminders

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā Book 2022
The Vyāsa-pūjā of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda takes place on 20 August 2022. Offerings for the Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā book may be submitted from now until 5 June 2022.
Submit your offering here

COVID Protocol at the Temple
1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.
2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.
3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly stay at home.

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.

Note: The Temple Receptionist can assist you at Radhanath’s Gifts on weekdays between 8am-4pm.

Govinda’s Dining
Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 10am – 2pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Function Booking for the Dining Area
1. Maximum 30 people
2. Booking to be placed five days in advance
3. Please take note of our dining times.
4. To discuss details, please contact the temple.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 (Currently out of service.) • temple@iskcondurban.net

Week Ahead 22-28 April 2022

Dear Friends

Srila Prabhupada often confirmed that his greatest contribution to the world was his books which he painstakingly and tirelessly worked to publish. These books form the philosophical foundation upon which ISKCON rests. Thus for a serious follower of Srila Prabhupada, regular engagement with his books is essential. It is also a wonderful way to develop a relationship with Srila Prabhupada. “If you want to know me, read my books,” Srila Prabhupada once said. The service that significantly pleased him was the publication and distribution of his books. Yet oftentimes, Srila Prabhupada expressed his concern that his followers must read and study his books: “Distributing my books will keep my followers happy; reading my books will keep them.”

One of ISKCON Durban’s priorities is to provide our community with opportunities to read and study Srila Prabhupada’s books. Shortly we will open up in-person classes for various courses offered by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture, both for children and adults. Following is a list of online courses coming up over the next weeks.

Online Courses

Vaisnava Etiquette Course

With His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Begins on 2 May 2022 and will continue for 4 weeks.
Classes are Mondays to Fridays @5:30pm
There are no pre-requisites to enrol for this course. The course entails attending the daily online classes and the submission of one multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course. Certificates will be awarded on the successful completion of the course.
The course fee is R250. Registration has been extended until Friday 29 April.
Register here
For further information: mailto:education.bcais@gmail.com

Teacher Training Course 1&2

hosted by the ISKCON South African Education Ministry

Dates: April 30, May 1-2, May 7-8, May 21-22
Times 10:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:00pm

This course helps to develop the skills required not only inside the classroom but also outside the classroom. How to ask a question in a specific way so that you easily draw out thoughtful answers? How to respond to answers positively, so that the student feels encouraged to open up more and speak from the heart? How to positively listen and ask questions as a teacher, mentor, manager, leader, parent, or even a spouse?

Register here

Srimad Bhagavatam Reading Marathon for South African Devotees

Hosted by ISKCON Bhagavata Mahavidyalaya

with His Grace Brajsundar Das

Sunday 15 May – Sunday 17 July (3 months)

Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (10 sessions once a week)

Self-study of one chapter of Srimad Bhagavatam from Monday to Saturday. Students need to take an online Srimad Bhagavatam Quiz after the completion of each chapter (simple multiple-choice questions). A certificate of participation will be awarded.

Register here

Study in Sri Vrindavan Dhama

Bhakti-sadacara
30 June to 23 October
Bhakti-sadacara is a pre-Bhakti-sastri course suited for those who have recently taken to Krishna consciousness and would like to gain basic knowledge and training in Bhakti. The course gives a systematic understanding of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy and enables one to assimilate the practices of Krishna consciousness step-by-step. It includes practical workshops, karatala and mridanga lessons, and discussions concerning Vaishnava values and qualities. A major part of the time is spent studying Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta.

Register here

Bhakti-sastri
16 June to 31 October
Srila Prabhupada envisioned the Bhakti-sastri level of study as a training for brahmanas. This systematically structured course enhances the philosophical knowledge of the practitioner as well as his/her ability to cultivate Vaishnava qualities and apply the sastric knowledge in real life. Devotees learn to see the world from a sastric perspective, their faith is enhanced, their conviction becomes stronger and they are able to convey the message of Krishna consciousness more effectively. Devotees are encouraged to develop the spirit of service and cooperation via practical engagements throughout the course.
Register here

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā Book 2022

The Vyāsa-pūjā of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda takes place on 20 August 2022. Offerings for the Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā book may be submitted from now until 5 June 2022.

Submit your offering here

Week Ahead

Saturday 23 April

Morning Class @7:30am
The Juhu Story – New Allies

with His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

Sunday 24 April

Morning Class @7:30am
Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 – Being Patient
with Her Grace Rasamrita Devi Dasi

Love Feast @11:00am

Finding Freedom – Tools to a Light Heart

By His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami

We explore the shackles that keep us in a negative state of consciousness and averse to spiritual growth. Is freedom found in letting go? How does the path of Bhakti free us?

Tuesday 26 April

Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes

Wednesday 27 April

Ekadasi Break Fast 06:22-10:02

Reminders

COVID Protocol at the Temple
1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.
2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.
3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly stay at home.

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.

Note: The Temple Receptionist can assist you at Radhanath’s Gifts on weekdays between 8am-4pm.

Govinda’s Dining
Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 10am – 2pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Function Booking for the Dining Area
1. Maximum 30 people
2. Booking to be placed five days in advance
3. Please take note of our dining times.
4. To discuss details, please contact the temple.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 (Currently out of service.) • temple@iskcondurban.net

Week Ahead 14-20 April 2022

Dear Friends

Temple News Update

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple and our community have been affected by the floods. The temple itself experienced an interruption of water supply and the phone lines are down. This means you cannot call the temple. Thankfully there is no major structural damage, with the water leak in the tower temporarily sorted. Some members of our community are hard hit, with complete cut-off from water, electricity, and access. We encourage the community to assist one another if you have the capacity. Let us pray for the ultimate well-being of everyone affected by the flood directly and indirectly.

The Temple remains open as per usual and we invite you to come and take shelter of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath.

Govinda’s is open as per their usual trading times. If there is any change, it will be posted on our social media. Note: they are not taking any pre-orders.

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā Book 2022

The Vyāsa-pūjā of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda takes place on 20 August 2022. Offerings for the Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā book may be submitted from now until 5 June 2022. All offerings should be submitted here

Week Ahead

Saturday 16 April

Appearance of Radha Kund

Morning Class @7:30am
The Juhu Story – New Allies

with His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

Sunday 17 April

Morning Class @7:30am
Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 – Endeavouring with Confidence
with Her Grace Gangamata Goswamini Dasi

Reminders

COVID Protocol at the Temple
1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.
2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.
3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly stay at home.

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.

Govinda’s Dining
Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 10am – 2pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Function Booking for the Dining Area
1. Maximum 30 people
2. Booking to be placed five days in advance
3. Please take note of our dining times.
4. To discuss details, please contact the temple.

How to Connect to the Temple?

031 403 3328 (Currently out of service.) • temple@iskcondurban.net

Sri Rama Naumi 2022 Festival Guide

 Week Ahead 8-14 April 2022

Dear Friends

Sri Rama Naumi Festival Seva
It’s still not too late to off your assistance. We invite you to please come forward to either volunteer your time, sponsor ingredients, festival utilities, or direct donations. Kindly contact Rupa Vilas at 072 613 2197.

COVID Protocol at the Festival
1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.
2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.
3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly stay at home.
4. Prasad is takeaway only. We request that you please refrain from gathering and eating together on the temple property.

Travelling Festival Temple in Chatsworth
The public is invited to make offerings and receive prasad.
Friday 8 April
1:00pm Unit 1 Shopping Centre
3:00pm Unit 2 Shopping Centre
4.30pm Unit 3 Shopping Centre
Saturday 9 April
12:00pm Unit 11 Shopping Centre
2:00pm Unit 9 Shopping Centre
3:30pm Unit 7 Shopping Centre

Read/Download the March/April 2022 Hare Krishna News here. The Hare Krishna News features art, poetry, writing, and recipes by South African devotees.

Week Ahead

Friday 8 April
Ramayana Week Class @6:00pm
The Glories of Sita Devi
with Her Grace Krsangi Radhe Dasi

Saturday 9 April
Morning Class @7:30am
The Juhu Story – New Allies
with His Grace Mukunda Datta Das

Sri Rama Naumi Festival Day 1
Fruit & Flower Offerings 11am-6pm
TAKEAWAY Prasad 11am-6pm
Mantra Park 11am-4:30pm

Govinda’s Pop-Up Snack Bar • Radhanath’s Gifts • Ice Cream Parlour • Books Store • Gopi Dots
11:30am-5pm

Cultural Entertainment
3:00pm Northdene Nama-Hatta kirtan
3.45pm Dance by students of Param Athman Dance Theatre
4.15pm Kirtan by His Grace Sankarsana Das
5:00pm Kirtan by His Grace Krishnastami Das & Rushen
6:00pm Rama Katha by His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami

Sunday 10 April
Sri Rama Naumi
Fast until midday
4:30am Mangal Arati & Japa
7:15am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja
7:30am Greeting of the Deities in Their new outfit
7:45am Lord Rama – His Leadership, His Humility & His Soft Heart
Class by His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

Sri Rama Naumi Festival Day 2
Fruit & Flower Offerings 9am-3pm
Govinda’s Pop-Up Snack Bar • Radhanath’s Gifts • Ice Cream Parlour • Books Store • Gopi Dots • Mantra Park • TAKEAWAY Prasada
10am-3pm

Drum Circle in the Amphitheatre
30-minute sessions
10:30am • 11:30am • 12:30pm • 1:30pm

Kids Arena 10am-2pm
Balloon Sculpting • Story Telling • Games

Cultural Entertainment
10:30am Vaishnava Bhajans
11:00am Celebration of Victory – A Discourse
by Her Grace Rukmini Devi Dasi
12:00pm “RASA” His Holy Celebration
by Students of Param Athman Dance Theatre
12:30pm Linguistic Melody of Traditional Vaishnava Rama Bhajans
by Smaranam
1:30pm Celebration of our beloved Lord Rama
by Lageshrie’s School of Dance
2:00pm Musical tribute to the great devotees of Lord Rama
by Kalavani Naicker & Group
3:00pm Bhajans by His Grace Krishnastami Das

Tuesday 12 April
Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes

Wednesday 13 April
Ekadasi Break Fast
07:31-10:02

Save the Date

Ratha Yatra
hosted by New Jagannath Puri Temple
Friday 15 April in Phoenix
Starting at the Phoenix Assessment Centre @1:30pm

Sunday 17 April on the Beachfront
Starting at Addington Beach @1:30pm

Reminders

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.

Govinda’s Dining
Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 10am – 2pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Function Booking for the Dining Area
1. Maximum 30 people
2. Booking to be placed five days in advance
3. Please take note of our dining times.
4. To discuss details, please contact the temple.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net

Week Ahead 1-6 April 2022

Dear Friends

With the further easing of COVID-19 protocols, we would like to remind visitors to strictly comply with the following:

1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.

2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.

3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly wait until you feel better before visiting.

Ramayana Week begins on Saturday 2 April. There will be Rama-katha every evening @6pm until Saturday 9 April. Please see the Week Ahead for the topics and speakers.

Sri Rama Naumi Festival Seva

We have planned our first large-scale festival after two years in celebration of Lord Ramachandra. This 2-day festival will be on the 9th & 10th of April. Festive lights are being hoisted and the temple is being transformed to host thousands of visitors. Staging a festival of this magnitude requires various resources. We invite you to please come forward to offer your assistance by either volunteering your time, sponsoring ingredients/festival utilities, and/or direct donations. Kindly contact Rupa Vilas at 072 613 2197.

Sri Rama Naumi Deity Sponsorship
Contact Bhakti Devi 082 494 7722 (WhatsApp only) or bhakti.baloo@gmail.comWeek Ahead

Saturday 2 April
Morning Class @7:30am
The Juhu Story – New Allies with His Grace Radhika Jivana Das

Ramayana Week Day 1

An Introduction to the Ramayana @6:00pm

with His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Sunday 3 April
Morning Class @7:30am
Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 – Being Enthusiastic with His Grace Jaisacinandana Das

Love Feast @11:00am

Birds & Beasts in Lord Rama’s Army with His Grace Alanath Das

Let’s peek into the lives of the awesome creatures that stood by Lord Rama’s side and pray that their valour, integrity, and loyalty rub off on us. Under the rule of Rama all beings were valued and could contribute.

Ramayana Week Day 2

Lord Ramachandra’s Childhood Pastimes @6:00pm

with Her Grace Champakalata Dasi

Monday 4 April

Ramayana Week Day 3

The Importance of Dharma in Our Lives @6:00pm
with Smita Krishna Das

Tuesday 5 April
Ramayana Week Day 5
Building the Bridge to Lanka @6:00pm
with Her Grace Vaishnava Priya Dasi

Reminders

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.

Govinda’s Dining
Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 10am – 2pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Function Booking for the Dining Area
1. Maximum 30 people
2. Booking to be placed five days in advance
3. Please take note of our dining times.
4. To discuss details, please contact the temple.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net