last updated 20th December  2007

Kazakhstani online petition

Kazakhstani online petition

By Radha Mohan Dasa

Please visit http://www.krishnatemple.com NOW and click the link to the new petition, or go straight to the petition webpage:

http://harekrishna.epetitions.net

Please sign it soon as you can, and please tell as many people as you can about it.

Background: Workers and police arrived on 15th June at the village near Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the embattled Hare Krishna commune is based to demolish twelve more Hare Krishna-owned homes. “The houses were literally crushed into dust. By ten o’clock it was all over,” said ISKCON spokesperson Maksim Varfolomeyev.

The temple, which the devotees have been ordered to destroy, has not been touched but the devotees fear it could be the next target. Human rights activist Yevgeny Zhovtis is outraged at the continuing destruction. “The authorities are showing that they will do what they want, despite the international outrage at the earlier demolitions of Hare Krishna-owned homes.” He believes the local administration chief “doesn’t care about the political damage to Kazakhstan’s reputation – or to its desire to chair the OSCE.”

ys Radha Mohan das

Image: http://www.kazakhkrishna.com
Hare Krishna members' homes demolished by the Kazakh government.

Madrid ­ Foreign Ministers of the 56 member states belonging to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will discuss the issue of Kazakhstan’s bid to chair the OSCE in 2009, at the group’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, held here on November 29-30. The current meeting follows the OSCE’s earlier decision to postpone approving Kazakhstan’s bid until the Central Asian country could demonstrate efforts to improve its poor human rights record.

The ongoing persecution of a Hare Krishna community in Almaty ­ which the OSCE Advisory Council said “raises serious issues regarding the enjoyment of the freedom of religion and belief by members of the Hare Krishna community in Kazakhstan” ­ is said to be one reason the bid was turned down.

Since then, however, the plight of the Krishna devotees and other persecuted religious minorities seems only to have gotten worse. A series of court rulings, contested by the devotees and by human rights activists as seriously compromised, have officially handed ownership of the116-acre Krishna community over to the government. Meanwhile, officials continue to deny that the matter is in any way connected to the group’s religious faith or that the government acted improperly in confiscating the coveted property.

Human rights experts disagree. In a Congressional Hearing held in Washington, DC last month, Kazakh human rights expert Yevgeniy Zhovtiz and U.S. Representative Christopher Smith both called Kazakh Ambassador Erlan A. Idrissov to task on reports that his country was sponsoring religiously motivated land grabs.

“I will not be able to support a Kazakh bid any year until the country makes the substantive reforms. And that's what we're calling for,” Mr. Smith testified at the hearing. Smith also called the confiscation of the Krishna farm a “compelling issue” and likened it to a “holdover from the Nazi era [and] the Communist era.”

In a curious twist, only one month ago,Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Masimov ordered the forced resignation of several local officials (hakims)—including the one overseeing the area with the confiscated Krishna property. KazakhstanToday reported that Hakim Bularbek Kutpanov of the Karasai district of Almaty was among several local officials given the pink slip as part of a purported corruption crackdown. According to the report, the Prime Minister left the question of punishment or censure of the ousted hakims “up to the head of the state.”

“The fact that the governor was removed only underscores what we have been trying to communicate to the Kazakhstan government all along: that corruption and persecution on the ground level is making a mockery of Kazakshtan’s stated ideals,” opined Hare Krishna spokesperson Vyenkata Bhatta Dasa, who helped to author ISKCON’s report on the persecution. “At the same time, we can’t help but wonder whether this is a genuine attempt to weed out the corrupt and abuse players, or just an attempt to repair Kazkahstan’s tarnished image in time for the OSCE meeting.”

By (Bhakti Bhrnga) Govinda Swami on 6 Nov 2007

On November 4, 2007, the practitioners of the Society for Krishna Consciousness were informed that they have one week to vacate their farm.

Mr. Ermek Abdykalykov, the former owner of the Krishna property, visited the Krishna farm during the Sunday services, and placed this demand upon the members of the community. He stated that since the provincial court has ruled in favor of his appeal and he has set the deadline of one week for the society to vacate the premises.

According to the ruling of the supervisory instance of the Almaty provincial court of October 23, 2007, Abdykalykov’s appeal to regain possession of the land was satisfied. Thus the sale and purchase contract of 1999 with the members of the Society for Krishna Consciousness was cancelled and 116 acres of land were returned to him as a former owner.

This action is an ongoing instance of the flawed judiciary and blatant breakage of rule of law of the nation.

In a previous hearing of the same court, the 116-acre land was returned to the land reserve of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The satisfaction of Abdykalykov’s appeal has again shown the ability to manipulate the Kazakh judiciary for the purpose of confiscation of properties.

It should be noted that Abdykalykov’s right of appeal expired 22 months ago.

During his visit to the Krishna farm, Abdykalykov was accompanied by Mr. Batyr, who had previously visited the Krishna farm and had introduced himself as an “an interested party from Astana.” When formally requested to identify themselves only Abdykalykov responded.

Walking freely on the property they questioned how native Kazakhs, who are Moslems, have become Hindu Krishna believers. They then emphatically declared that, “Now, finally, we will finish the Krishna Society. At that point they left without waiting for the society chairman who was on his way from the city.

On November 5, 2007 the chairman of the Krishna Society was informed by the Secretary of the Provincial Court that the decision of the October 23rd case has been written and is in the post.

Kazakh officials have repeatedly attempted to assure the world community that the Krishna land has been commissioned for usage as an orphanage. The Kazakh ambassador to the United States, Mr. E. Idrissov, presented this point during a congressional hearing in Washington in October.

The chairman of the Religious Committee, Mr. E. Tugzhanov echoed the same point in a meeting with the officials of the Krishna Society in Astana on November 1, 2007. He stated, “Our government wants this property. Do you actually think that the government can give up this land so easily?”

The Religious Committee repeatedly states that the Krishna Society was offered 5 acres of land in Talgar District as compensation for the 116 acres confiscated by the government. When asked why the government does not place its orphanage in Talgar District, and allow the Krishna Society to remain on their own property, the committee repeatedly states that the land was lost in the “courts of Kazakhstan.”

But if this committee, and the Kazakh government, have raised objection to the October 23rd court decision, why is it not possible for them to understand that all other cases in regard to the Krishna issue have been the products of procedural flaw, and biased judgments.

In one Provincial Court hearing the judge questioned if the Krishna Society was a “terrorist organization.” The officer of the government land committee replied yes, and, the case was ruled against the Krishna Society.

The Krishna Society has been ordered to vacate the land within one week. The Hindu practitioners are fearful that they will be subjected to violent measures to evict them from their property. It is a common practice to engage gang members or mobsters to violently evict tenants.

If this situation arises only Abdykalykov will be responsible for the violence. The Kazakh government will remain uninvolved.

Thus, the Krishna Society will be driven out by Abdykalykov’s hands and later the Prosecutor’s office will contest the October 23rd ruling and return the land to the Kazakh government.

That is the apparent cause of the government’s escalated actions. The Krishna member will be beaten and forcefully driven away and their 116-acre property will be awarded for the noble usage as an orphanage.

Submitted by jswami on November 11, 2007 - 4:39am.

from His Holiness Bhakti Bhringa Govinda Swami, leader for the Hare Krishna devotees in Kazakhstan

November 5, 2007

On November 4, 2007, the practitioners of the Society for Krishna Consciousness were informed that they have one week to vacate their farm.

Mr. Ermek Abdykalykov, the former owner of the Krishna property, visited the Krishna farm during the Sunday services and placed this demand upon the members of the community. He stated that since the provincial court has ruled in favor of his appeal and he has set the deadline of one week for the society to vacate the premises.

According to the ruling of the supervisory instance of the Almaty provincial court of October 23, 2007, Abdykalykov’s appeal to regain possession of the land was satisfied. Thus the sale and purchase contract of 1999 with the members of the Society for Krishna Consciousness was cancelled, and 116 acres of land were returned to him as a former owner.

This action is an ongoing instance of the flawed judiciary and blatant breakage of rule of law of the nation.

In a previous hearing of the same court, the 116-acre land was returned to the land reserve of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The satisfaction of Abdykalykov’s appeal has again shown the ability to manipulate the Kazakh judiciary for the purpose of confiscation of properties.

It should be noted that Abdykalykov’s right of appeal expired 22 months ago.

During his visit to the Krishna farm, Abdykalykov was accompanied by Mr. Batyr, who had previously visited the Krishna farm and had introduced himself as “an interested party from Astana.” When formally requested to identify themselves, only Abdykalykov responded.

Walking freely on the property, they questioned how native Kazakhs, who are Muslims, have become Hindu Krishna believers. They then emphatically declared that, “Now, finally, we will finish the Krishna Society. At that point they left without waiting for the society chairman, who was on his way from the city.

On November 5, 2007, the chairman of the Krishna Society was informed by the Secretary of the Provincial Court that the decision of the October 23rd case has been written and is in the post.

Kazakh officials have repeatedly attempted to assure the world community that the Krishna land has been commissioned for usage as an orphanage. The Kazakh ambassador to the United States, Mr. E. Idrissov, presented this point during a congressional hearing in Washington in October.

The chairman of the Religious Committee, Mr. E. Tugzhanov, echoed the same point in a meeting with the officials of the Krishna Society in Astana on November 1, 2007. He stated, “Our government wants this property. Do you actually think that the government can give up this land so easily?”

The Religious Committee repeatedly states that the Krishna Society was offered 5 acres of land in Talgar District as compensation for the 116 acres confiscated by the government. When asked why the government does not place its orphanage in Talgar District and allow the Krishna Society to remain on their own property, the committee repeatedly states that the land was lost in the “courts of Kazakhstan.”

But if this committee and the Kazakh government have raised objection to the October 23rd court decision, why is it not possible for them to understand that all other cases in regard to the Krishna issue have been the products of procedural flaw, and biased judgments.

In one Provincial Court hearing the judge questioned if the Krishna Society was a “terrorist organization.” The officer of the government land committee replied yes, and the case was ruled against the Krishna Society.

The Krishna Society has been ordered to vacate the land within one week. The Hindu practitioners are fearful that they will be subjected to violent measures to evict them from their property. It is a common practice to engage gang members or mobsters to violently evict tenants.

If this situation arises only Abdykalykov will be responsible for the violence. The Kazakh government will remain uninvolved.

Thus, the Krishna Society will be driven out by Abdykalykov’s hands, and later the Prosecutor’s office will contest the October 23rd ruling and return the land to the Kazakh government.

That is the apparent cause of the government’s escalated actions. The Krishna member will be beaten and forcefully driven away, and their 116-acre property will be awarded for the noble usage as an orphanage.

By Felix Corley for Forum 18 News Service on 9 Nov 2007

A court in Kazakhstan decided on 23 October to hand a confiscated Hare Krishna farm near the commercial capital Almaty from the regional authority's ownership into the hands of the man who originally sold it in 1999. But since the court decision, Forum 18 News Service has learnt, a battle has emerged between the state and the new "owner".

The Hare Krishna commune fears that this conflict has made their community even more vulnerable. "Now the court has transferred the land to a private individual, the authorities will have a strong basis to argue that this is a purely economic issue," Maksim Varfolomeyev of the Hare Krishnas told Forum 18 from Astana on 1 November. "They can claim that any expulsion is a private matter between the owner and us. They have someone to do their dirty work for them. It is a very dangerous situation."

Varfolomeyev insists that religious factors are behind the long-running campaign to crush the commune. "The conflict is based upon the apparent and proven intolerance of a minority religious group," he told Forum 18.

Amongst other religious minorities facing Kazakh authorities' hostility are Presbyterians targeted by the KNB secret police, Baptists facing home confiscations for "illegal" worship and Jehovah's Witnesses fined for worshiping without state registration.

A new Religion Law is planned to even more severely restrict religious freedom. Presidential and Justice Ministry documents encourage intolerance of religious minorities including Ahmadi Muslims.

Ermek Abdykalykov, who sold the rights to use the 47.7 hectare (118 acre) farm in 1999, lodged a suit to have the sale annulled, eight years on. The Hare Krishna community claims the deadline for him to challenge the original sale had run out 22 months earlier. Yet his suit was upheld at the 23 October hearing in the Supervisory Division of Almaty Regional Court, overturning a 2006 court ruling that the land should be taken from the Hare Krishna community and handed to the local authority. The Hare Krishna community expressed astonishment that the three judges accepted Abdykalykov's claim based only on his oral presentation and with no documentation.

Abdykalykov in 1999 sold the rights to use the farm land (before the law allowed privatisation) to three individuals, who later sold it on to one individual (not a Hare Krishna devotee) who was prepared to hold legal title on behalf of the community. The land was privatised in 2004. The following year the community bought it from the owner in the name of the community, but the authorities repeatedly refused to register the community's formal ownership of the land.

Varfolomeyev said the latest court ruling was unprecedented. "It is very strange that the government took back the land and then gave it to another individual. In Kazakhstan this is incredible." He says that Abdykalykov will "definitely" expel the commune from the farm.

Yet Yerali Tugzhanov, Kazakhstan's senior religious affairs official, angrily rejected the 23 October court ruling. "The land still belongs to the authorities. Why should any private individual have any claim to it?" he told Forum 18 from Astana on 1 November. "I don't know what right this individual has, but that's his problem." He insisted that the General Prosecutor's Office "and other agencies" are already looking into the legality of the court decision.

But Tugzhanov, who has been deeply involved in the long-running state attempts to close down the commune, had little comfort for the Hare Krishna devotees. "The land doesn't belong to the Hare Krishna community either ­ it's long been in the hands of a children's home," he insisted. He declined to answer any other questions, declaring that he does not "get involved in legal questions" and put down the phone.

No official has previously told Forum 18 that the land has been handed to a children's home. Forum 18 was unable to reach any officials at the Karasai District Akimat (administration) on 1 November to find out if this is true. The woman who answered the phone of Gulnara Sultanova, the head of the Akimat's Internal Policy Department, told Forum 18 that she was out. No other official was available to discuss the case.

Varfolomeyev of the Hare Krishna community regards the claims that the land has been given to a children's home as a "trick". "It's obvious that people will still be following what happens to the land," he told Forum 18. "The officials want to show they're not bad people, so they will say they confiscated the land from the Hare Krishna community to hand to a children's home."

On 28 October, Forum 18 visited the Sri Vrindavan Dham commune - located in the village of Seleksia in Zhetisu rural area of Karasai district and named after the "beautiful forest of Vrindavan" in India where Krishna spent his youth. The commune's temple is located in the two-storey former farmhouse.

Some 40 devotees live crammed into buildings on the farm since 26 Hare Krishna-owned homes on separate plots near the farm were demolished by the authorities in November 2006 and June 2007. No compensation was ever offered for the seized farm or for the 26 bulldozed homes. Similar homes owned by non-Hare Krishna devotees on the same basis have not been touched. In September, Migration Police accompanied by the police and Akimat officials raided the commune.

The commune has decided not to plant any new crops on the farm because of the uncertainty, but it retains its herd of some 30 cows, an animal considered sacred by Hindus. Hare Krishna devotees told Forum 18 that Abdykalykov, the new "owner", had telephoned commune members several times and harassed them. He told the devotees the most he could do is to pay for the buildings on the farm. Forum 18 tried repeatedly to reach Abdykalykov on 1 and 2 November, but his mobile phone was switched off.

Azamat Aitzhan, an Almaty-based lawyer who represented the member of the Hare Krishna community in whose name the farm was owned, told Forum 18 on 1 November that he was present at the 23 October hearing, but was not allowed to participate. "In accordance with the Civil Procedure Code I should have been allowed to participate, but the judge refused to allow this. I'm going to lodge a complaint about that."

Aitzhan admitted that the hearing was "strange". "It was fairly one-sided in court ­ I was the only one there on behalf of the Hare Krishna devotees." He said the representative of the Almaty Regional Prosecutor's Office had urged that the land continue to be held by the regional administration, but that the court had rejected this.

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has found that court proceedings in Kazakhstan do not offer the guaranteed right to a fair trial. In a February 2007 report on trial monitoring, the OSCE found that Kazakh court proceedings needed to offer "the right of the public to attend court, equality between the parties and the presumption of innocence".

Hare Krishna community lawyer Aitzkhan declined to speculate on who the farm should ultimately belong to. "The law covering land ownership is contradictory, and anyone who wants to can find a pretext for questioning any transaction," he told Forum 18. "No land-owner in Kazakhstan has a guarantee that tomorrow their land might not be taken away from them. But I can't say that either the 2006 court decision to take the land away from the Hare Krishna devotees and hand it to the local authority, or the latest decision to hand it to the original user is legal. We consider neither decision to be legal."

Aitzhan said that the decision to transfer the land to the original user came into force immediately it was announced, though the court has up to one month to issue the decision in writing. He said he would lodge an appeal on behalf of the member of the Hare Krishna community as soon as he has been able to study the written decision. He said he did not know if the prosecutor's office will also appeal against the decision.

The lawyer added that now the land has officially been transferred to the original user Abdykalykov, he could now remove the Hare Krishna devotees from what is now officially his land.

Varfolomeyev and fellow devotees were in Astana, the capital, on 1 November to meet officials. They believe the order in late October by the Prime Minister Karim Masimov to remove from office a number of akims (administration chiefs), including Karasai District Akim Bolat-bi Kutpanov over alleged corruption, makes the time right for officials in the capital to review all decisions over the commune.

"Now the Prime Minister himself is confirming the fact of the corrupted actions of the ex-Akim," Varfolomeyev told Forum 18. "It would be nice if the government would not stop at verification of this fact, but would take concrete steps to eliminate the consequences of the ex-Karasai Akim's malpractice in regard to the Krishna community."

By BB Govinda Swami

On November 8, 2007, the Supervisory Panel of the Almaty Provincial Court cancelled its decision on the transfer of 116-acre Krishna Society farm to Mr. E. Abdykalykov. The court ruled that the land be again returned to the Kazakhstan Government.

This is the second time the court has returned the property to the government of Kazakhstan.

In April 2007, by decision of the provincial court, the property which was legally owned by the Krishna Society was transferred to the state land reserve. This decision was enacted without consideration of compensation to the Society.

On October 23, 2007 Abdykalykov presented an appeal to the provincial court to regain ownership of the property.

The panel of judges satisfied his appeal despite his right of appeal having expired twenty-two months earlier. When the land was returned to his ownership he appeared at the Krishna farm demanding the society to vacate the territory within one week.

But, during the November 8th hearing, a joint protest of the decision was presented by the prosecutors of Karasai District and Almaty Province.

The protest was based on new evidence which stated that the disputed
116-acre property was offered, on a lease of five years, to an orphanage, for camping in the summer.

Abdykalykov was not present on the court hearing. The panel of judges ruled in favor of the government and transferred the land back to the land reserve of the Karasai district.

On November 10, 2007 Abdykalykov became aware of the decision. He explained that he had not been informed of the hearing and still considered himself to be the rightful owner of the property.

Karasai District was represented by the Hakimat’s hired advocate and Ryskul Zhunisbayeva, the Hakimat’s expert on religious issues.

Zhunisbayeva was last seen leading a migration police raid at the Krishna farm in September. She has also presented inflammatory statements regarding the Krishna Society on the national television.

Her xenophobic attitude to the Krishna followers, and her presence at the hearing, only solidified the doubt that the Krishna issue is an economic dispute with no traces of religious discrimination.

The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr. Karim Masimov, has issued a directive to dismiss Karasai District Hakim BS Kutpanov on charges of corruption related to property deals. Kutpanov is the government official who illegally acted as the plaintiff in every case against the Krishna community.

As the Prime Minister has ordered the dismissal of the official responsible for this tragedy, why can’t the government acknowledge that things have gone terribly wrong in the handling of the Krishna issue.

For three years the government has procrastinated in fairly resolving the issue. Now, the government has placed the Krishna community and camping orphans on a collision path. This further complicates the unresolved issue.

The land was properly purchased, privatized, and cultivated by the Krishna Society for eight years. This provided food for the members, and dairy cattle, of the community.

On that property, forty Kazakh citizens, faithful Krishna devotees, still worship in their small temple. They still cultivate the land, and still care for their cows. They do this despite the fact that the government has destroyed twenty-six of their homes.

They stay because the government has made no fair offer of compensation for the destruction that has taken place due to discrimination and corruption in the Karasai District.

More than 500 members of the Krishna faith from Almaty city and province have been deprived of their place of worship.

Truly, the Kazakh government’s efforts to give children a summer camp, even if only for five years, is noble. But after five years of summer camp, what will happen to this multi-million dollar property? Who will camp on it next?

The real question is why should this be done at the expense of peaceful citizens who have purchased property, made sizable investments, and who are ultimately left with no compensation?

Press-service,

Society for Krishna Consciousness Kazakhstan

+7 701 7407943

+7 72771 34287

info@kazakhkrishna.com

Visit www. kazakhkrishna. com to see the tragedy of the Hare Krishna community in Kazakhstan.

See the video of the destruction of the Krishna Community:

http://www.kazakhkrishna.com/en-video/4.html

Dear devotees of the Lord,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The reason of this letter is to encourage you to help in any capacity the Moscow Temple in Russia. In September of 2007 the Moscow City Government donated five acres of land for devotees to build a temple for Lord Krishna. The catch is that they only have a certain amount of time to get started with the construction; otherwise, the government will take the land back.

See our APPEAL

I am very excited and happy to help the Moscow devotees with a humble donation to get this most valuable service to Srila Prabhupada done. I want to encourage you to do the same and spread the word to as many friends and family members as possible. I am sure that we will all benefit tremendously by helping make this happen for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya.

Please visit their website at http://www.MoscowTemple.org  and there, you will find more detailed information about this fantastic project. At the website you will find the donation page for you to help financially.

Thank you very much in advance for your enthusiasm and participation and spread the word!

Your humble servant,
Ekabhokta das
Alachua Krishna Community Member

Indo Asia News Service on 4 Dec 2007

MOSCOW: The Russian capital will soon have a second Krishna temple.

Sergei Zuyev, vice-president of the Centre of the Krishna Consciousness Societies in Russia, told a gathering of Russian Indologists on Thursday that the construction of the temple will start next year.

They were participating in a conference: "The Spiritual Problems of India: Antiquity and Modernity."

Once completed, the temple complex will have a spiritual centre, an Indian history museum, an Indo-Russian centre, art centre, a library and a vegetarian restaurant.

"We want to give as many Russians as possible access to the treasures of Indian culture, spirituality and philosophy," Zuyev said.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) represents the Gaudiya Vaishnav trend in Russia, which took roots more than 20 years ago. It currently has 15,000 members, including Indian nationals living in the city.

The Vaishnav community has distributed 12 million books and 5 million free meals since its inception. It takes care of 7,500 Moscow pensioners and disabled people. The community intends to establish model farms in southern Russia that employ non-violent practices.

"We are already tilling land in five regions to show how to survive in the harsh Russian climate on a diet without meat and other products," Zuyev explained.

From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

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The movie is just the beginning of the story.  Watch it, send it to friends, learn more on the interactive website, get involved in an organization and follow along on Annie Leonard's inspiring blog.

Enjoy,

- Free Range Team

By The Times of London
Sun. Dec 2 - 8:02 PM

Women can give their children a lifelong taste for healthy foods such as broccoli and brussels sprouts simply by eating them during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, researchers have found.

The discovery could help avoid the battles over food and diet which dominate the dinner tables of many young families as parents try to persuade children to eat their vegetables.

It suggests that mothers should adopt a stealth approach, indoctrinating their offspring’s taste buds with a liking for cabbage, broccoli and other healthy vegetables even before they are born, say the researchers.

"Flavours from the mother’s diet are transmitted through amniotic fluid and mother’s milk. A baby learns to like a food’s taste when the mother eats that food on a regular basis," said Julie Mennella of Monell Chemical Senses Center, a research institute in Philadelphia.

The technique can work for a variety of vegetables. In one experiment Mennella gave carrot juice to a group of pregnant women and to a separate group of breastfeeding women. Their babies were subsequently far keener on carrots than those born to women who had not been given carrot juice.

A similar experiment with fruit showed that babies whose mothers ate raw peaches while breastfeeding were far more willing to accept them in their own food.

courtesy of Hinduism Today  http://www.hinduismtoday.com

http://www.gopala.org/node/117

Birth
Appearance at midnight of Sravana k8 (July 19/20), year 3228 BC to Devaki
taken by Vasudeva from Mathura to Nanda and Yasoda in Gokula

Till 3
lived in Gokula
killed Putana, Sakatasura, Trinivarta demons

3 - 6
moved to Vrindavana
killed Bakasura, Aghasura, Dhenuka and Balarama killed Pralamba
moved to Nandagrama

7-10
Brahma steals and returns cowherd boys
Govardhana puja
played rasa-lila with the gopis
invited to Mathura for wrestling match
killed Canura and Balarama killed Mustika
killed Kamsa and Balarama killed his brothers

10-28
lived in Mathura
Intiated with Balarama into chanting Gayatri by Gargamuni
Instructed with Balarama in the sixty four arts by Sandipani Muni
Protects Mathura from many demons

29 - 125
establishes kingdom in Dvaraka
marriage to Rukmini and 7 principal queens
marriage to 16,100 princesses

161,080 sons born to Krishna
speaks Bhagavad-Gita at Kuruksetra Battle(~90)(3138 BC)
saves King Pariksit in the womb
instructs Uddhava

125
Disappearance on February 18th 3102 BC

Start of Kali-yuga

Nick Hall sent a message using the contact form at http://news.iskcon.com/contact.

Please make all of your readers aware of these sites that explain your rights when dealing with the RSPCA and the many criticisms of their behaviour.

RSPCA-Animadversion

http://cheetah.webtribe.net/~animadversion/

SHG

http://the-shg.org

13 year-old cow Gangotri was unable to walk, but had no disease. Despite protests from the Hindu community, the RSPCA vet sneaked in and took her life.

The shock and bereavement felt by Hindu monks yesterday after a temple cow was killed by the RSPCA, was today turning to anger and a mobilisation of Hindus throughout the country.

Hindu leaders are united in their condemnation. “I understand that assurances were given, both by the government department Defra and the police, that nothing like this would possibly happen,” said Arjan Vekharia, of the Hindu Forum of Britain, “It is quite unthinkable that the RSPCA entered a holy place and killed an animal which is considered by Hindus to be worthy of the greatest care and affection. It is quite outrageous that the priests were lied to.”

“Hindu leaders from all over the country are gathering this Sunday,” said Sudarshan Bhatia, head of the Hindu Forum of Europe. “This issue has incensed and united everyone. They are extremely shocked and angry about this, and the completely underhanded way it was conducted. The entire episode is shameful and I am disgusted with how our peaceful and law-abiding community has been dealt with.”

Gauri Das, head of the Bhaktivedanta Manor temple, explained: “Our belief is that life itself is sacred and that we must always make every effort to prolong life. Death, even for an animal, should be met with dignity.”

The temple head further added that none of the customary last rites were performed for a cow that served her community for many years, and he is now engaged in a last-minute desperate attempt to plead with government ministers that her ashes should not be thrown into a landfill site along with other household rubbish.

“How is it that in Britain we have to have such things happen to our faithful pets, even when that pet happens to be a cow? Cows are beautiful creatures, and although they are routinely viewed as food and killed, a little dignity is all we’re asking for.”

But Hindus are not content with merely protesting and expressing their anger. “We want a change in the law,” said Britz actor Ravin Ganatra, “If the animal welfare law states that it is alright for Jewish and Muslim communities to have their own legal methods of killing, why can’t the Hindu community have a law passed that helps to keep animals alive?”

For more information please contact Gauri das on:
07809 548 673 (m)
07912 533 397 (PA)
07818 815 978 (Communications Secretary)

In an act that will shock Britain's Hindu community, the RSPCA aided by a vet and escorted by police officers this morning secretly killed a cow at the largest Hindu temple in Britain while worshipers were at prayer.

The cow, named Gangotri, a 13 year-old Belgian Blue and Jersey cross, and much loved by the community, was killed at 9.00 am at the Bhaktivedanta Manor. Police bundled away monks who were in attendance of the sick cow, and the head farmer was kept talking while inside the barn a lethal injection was given to the cow.

Cows are sacred to Hindus, and the killing of a cow is considered to be an outrageous act. The killing of a cow at a temple amounts to religious sacrilege of the worst kind.

The killing was conducted despite personal assurances given the previous day from RSPCA officers and police that due to religious sensitivities no immediate action would be taken.

Concerns that they now had an extended legal situation on their hands, rather than an imminent action, caused the priests at the temple to contact sympathetic MPs who then contacted Hilary Benn MP, the head of DEFRA. Again, assurances were given from DEFRA that no immediate action would be taken.

"This is shocking and duplicitous behaviour" said Gauri Das, the head of the community. "We have been deceived by those who had given us their word."

The religious concern of the Hindu community was evidenced recently by the protests surrounding the case where a temple bull in Wales, Shambo, had a notifiable disease.

It was for this reason that, the previous day, RSPCA regional veterinary Superintendent Timothy Wass, accompanied by two assistants, together with local Hertfordshire police, had visited the temple and engaged in lengthy discussions with Gauri das, who said: "They expressed their sensitivities, and the police gave us their assurances that we would be given time to pursue a legal recourse."

The cow was sick but had no disease. She was being cared for by temple residents and visiting worshipers, and was being administered pain relief.

The temple runs 'The Cow Protection Project' and allows old cows and bulls to die naturally.

Head Farm Manager and former Royal Marine Stuart Coyle explained: "Gangotri was unable to walk, but due to her condition there was some tolerable discomfort".

Editor's Notes:

Stuart Coyle continued in detail: "When she first became sick we called our local vet and followed all the recommendations he directed. Along with with allopathic treatments from our local vet we have also administered a range of alternative treatments which include homeopathy, acupunture, manipulation, massage, and reiki."

"We did expect that she would pass on quite soon after going down however here we are one year and quarter on and she was still going strong.

We have one of our farm personnel who is specifically tasked to nurse her and attend to all her needs.

She was located in the most visitor-accessible position in the farm to enable her to get plenty of company and also to demonstrate an important aspect of Cow protection wherein our cows are cared for the entirety of their natural life.

Over the past month there has been a series of visits from various professional persons who have been requested to make a judgment on her condition. About one month ago our local vet came to visit her at the request of a visitor.

Last week on the 4th of December a Vet from the State Veterinary Service (SVS) came to conduct a test on three of our cows and at the same time to look at Gangotri again at the request of a visitor to the farm. The Vet was informed of our position regarding cows and how we take care of them within our faith. Despite this information he wrote a formal letter advising us that we make arrangements to kill the cow. I have not received this letter yet but I was shown it when he visited again on the 7th of December.

On the second visit of the vet from the SVS he stated his opinion regarding Gangotri and I gave the position of the temple. He indicated on his departure that nothing further would probably come from it taking into count the seriousness of the cows connection with the Hindu Faith.

On the 10th and 11th (I wasn't available on the 10th) of December we were visited by an officer from the RSPCA who had also been contacted by a visitor to the temple regarding Gangotri. He had already been in contact with DEFRA.

He read me my rights under caution and proceeded to issue me with a warning notice stating that we should euthenize gangotri immediately. Later in the afternoon a police office came under the request of the RSPCA to also reinforce the legal position of the RSPCA officer and the SVS vet. Both the RSPCA and police indicated that they would not act without any notification but reminded us that the legal wheels are now turning.

On the 12th of December we were visited by a senior member of the RSPCA accompanied by two other junior RSPCA officers. The RSPCA were also accompanied by two local police officers. During the visit the RSPCA pointed out their position regarding Gangotri and we informed them of our position.
During the meeting we were led to believe that we would have the opportunity of taking some legal action to stop the slaughter notice. The police indicated that we would get time to counter the slaughter notice.

The next morning - this morning - at 9am I received a call that the RSPCA and police were at the farm. On my entering the farm the police issued me with a warrant to enter the premises. At the same time the head of the RSPCA delegation stopped me and apologized about the action they were going to have to make.

During my protestations to the RSPCA officer another officer came and reported that the cow had already been killed. The senior officer had delayed me whilst they sneakily were killing our cow.

I immediately went to the barn to see a vet declaring the cow was dead accompanied by other RSPCA officers."British ISKCON Community Betrayed by RSPCA
http://news.iskcon.com/british_iskcon_community_betrayed_rspca
By Radha Mohan Dasa on 15 Dec 2007

In an act that will shock Britain's Hindu community, the RSPCA aided by a vet and escorted by police officers this morning secretly killed a cow at the largest Hindu temple in Britain while worshipers were at prayer.

The cow, named Gangotri, a 13 year-old Belgian Blue and Jersey cross, and much loved by the community, was killed at 9.00 am at the Bhaktivedanta Manor. Police bundled away monks who were in attendance of the sick cow, and the head farmer was kept talking while inside the barn a lethal injection was given to the cow.

Cows are sacred to Hindus, and the killing of a cow is considered to be an outrageous act. The killing of a cow at a temple amounts to religious sacrilege of the worst kind.

The killing was conducted despite personal assurances given the previous day from RSPCA officers and police that due to religious sensitivities no immediate action would be taken.

Concerns that they now had an extended legal situation on their hands, rather than an imminent action, caused the priests at the temple to contact sympathetic MPs who then contacted Hilary Benn MP, the head of DEFRA. Again, assurances were given from DEFRA that no immediate action would be taken.

"This is shocking and duplicitous behaviour" said Gauri Das, the head of the community. "We have been deceived by those who had given us their word."

The religious concern of the Hindu community was evidenced recently by the protests surrounding the case where a temple bull in Wales, Shambo, had a notifiable disease.

It was for this reason that, the previous day, RSPCA regional veterinary Superintendent Timothy Wass, accompanied by two assistants, together with local Hertfordshire police, had visited the temple and engaged in lengthy discussions with Gauri das, who said: "They expressed their sensitivities, and the police gave us their assurances that we would be given time to pursue a legal recourse."

The cow was sick but had no disease. She was being cared for by temple residents and visiting worshipers, and was being administered pain relief.

The temple runs 'The Cow Protection Project' and allows old cows and bulls to die naturally.

Head Farm Manager and former Royal Marine Stuart Coyle explained: "Gangotri was unable to walk, but due to her condition there was some tolerable discomfort".

Editor's Notes:

Stuart Coyle continued in detail: "When she first became sick we called our local vet and followed all the recommendations he directed. Along with with allopathic treatments from our local vet we have also administered a range of alternative treatments which include homeopathy, acupunture, manipulation, massage, and reiki."

"We did expect that she would pass on quite soon after going down however here we are one year and quarter on and she was still going strong.

We have one of our farm personnel who is specifically tasked to nurse her and attend to all her needs.

She was located in the most visitor-accessible position in the farm to enable her to get plenty of company and also to demonstrate an important aspect of Cow protection wherein our cows are cared for the entirety of their natural life.

Over the past month there has been a series of visits from various professional persons who have been requested to make a judgment on her condition. About one month ago our local vet came to visit her at the request of a visitor.

Last week on the 4th of December a Vet from the State Veterinary Service (SVS) came to conduct a test on three of our cows and at the same time to look at Gangotri again at the request of a visitor to the farm. The Vet was informed of our position regarding cows and how we take care of them within our faith. Despite this information he wrote a formal letter advising us that we make arrangements to kill the cow. I have not received this letter yet but I was shown it when he visited again on the 7th of December.

On the second visit of the vet from the SVS he stated his opinion regarding Gangotri and I gave the position of the temple. He indicated on his departure that nothing further would probably come from it taking into count the seriousness of the cows connection with the Hindu Faith.

On the 10th and 11th (I wasn't available on the 10th) of December we were visited by an officer from the RSPCA who had also been contacted by a visitor to the temple regarding Gangotri. He had already been in contact with DEFRA.

He read me my rights under caution and proceeded to issue me with a warning notice stating that we should euthenize gangotri immediately. Later in the afternoon a police office came under the request of the RSPCA to also reinforce the legal position of the RSPCA officer and the SVS vet. Both the RSPCA and police indicated that they would not act without any notification but reminded us that the legal wheels are now turning.

On the 12th of December we were visited by a senior member of the RSPCA accompanied by two other junior RSPCA officers. The RSPCA were also accompanied by two local police officers. During the visit the RSPCA pointed out their position regarding Gangotri and we informed them of our position.
During the meeting we were led to believe that we would have the opportunity of taking some legal action to stop the slaughter notice. The police indicated that we would get time to counter the slaughter notice.

The next morning - this morning - at 9am I received a call that the RSPCA and police were at the farm. On my entering the farm the police issued me with a warrant to enter the premises. At the same time the head of the RSPCA delegation stopped me and apologized about the action they were going to have to make.

During my protestations to the RSPCA officer another officer came and reported that the cow had already been killed. The senior officer had delayed me whilst they sneakily were killing our cow.

I immediately went to the barn to see a vet declaring the cow was dead accompanied by other RSPCA officers."

Meetings

I'm writing at the end of a long day. I arrived at the temple for the 7.00 am darshan this morning, and immediately went to work completing the final details of a Powerpoint presentation on "2008: The Year of the Congregation." Next year is thus designated so that we'll all put more effort into developing strategies for 'Learning, Guidance and Organisation' for our growing congregation in London and the South.

The senior managers of the temple took everything needed for long-term growth in this important area and formed a strategic planning document for it. Well, at least we completed the Vision, Mission Statements and the Key Result Areas. Our KRAs came to eight in number, so we labelled that the 'eight petals' of our lotus and head-hunted qualified devotees for those areas.

Included in this online-book:
Devotees deceived, then cow secretly killed on Krishna temple farm  http://namahatta.org/en/node/6030
Cow Killed at Hare Krishna Temple: Day One  http://namahatta.org/en/node/6058
The Madness of Modern Morality  http://namahatta.org/en/node/6062
Day Two  http://namahatta.org/en/node/6065
Day Three  http://namahatta.org/en/node/6070
Day Four: Hindu Leaders Plan the Next Move  http://namahatta.org/en/node/6074
Everything on one page http://namahatta.org/en/book/export/html/6030
General Content

Angry Hindu leaders from across Britain massed for an emergency meeting on Sunday following the putting to death of a cow at a temple outside London.

They were united in their condemnation of the ‘officious and self-righteous’ RSPCA, and the ‘unthinking complicity’ of Defra and the police.

Representing dozens of organisations and communities, they converged on the Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire and saw for themselves the spot where a temple cow was mercilessly given a fatal injection, despite all pleas and attempts at negotiation on religious grounds.

They were further incensed to learn that the cow’s medical care was being supervised by two veterinary surgeons, neither of whom insisted that the cow be killed, and neither of whom reported the animal as ‘suffering.’

The assembly of delegates expressed their outrage and frustration, considering the killing to be not only an entirely unnecessary waste of life, but also a symbolic attack on Hinduism itself, a religion of non-violence.

“Never before have I seen such anger and solidarity in our community,” said Arjan Vikaria of the Hindu Forum of Britain. “We want answers and retribution and we will not stop until we get them.”

Raj Joshi, vice-chairman of The Society of Black Lawyers, angrily commented: “This action is showing complete disregard for the sensitivities of the third largest religion in this country. It is astonishing that the authorities seem to have disregarded all customary tolerance and understanding, and certainly the relevant legislation, in carrying out this unwarranted and inhumane destruction of an animal.”

Research was presented on the previous conduct of the RSPCA, and the organisation’s sorry history of overly zealous ‘mercy killings’ was discussed. “We call upon Hindus throughout the country to withdraw their financial support from the RSPCA,” said one leader, “they are not morally fit to represent the compassionate nature of the British public.”

“We are very upset by the deceptive way in which this charity has behaved and presented the situation to the public,” said another, “they grossly exaggerated the physical deterioration of the cow, and have covered up the plain fact of the matter, which is that she was being very well cared for by a local, highly qualified vet and her carers.”

Head of the temple where the cow was killed, Gauri Das commented: “The RSPCA deceived us and are now attempting to deceive the public.  A charity organisation with no powers came uniformed into our temple and enforced the killing of Gangotri, a loved and cared for cow with no disease. Her only crime was that she couldn’t walk.”

Delegates formed a task force and will now demand both the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and Hilary Benn MP, Defra minister, to explain who gave the order to kill the cow, despite ministerial promises that no action would be taken because of the special circumstances. They also voted to register their protest in other ways and are considering prosecution of the RSPCA.

NOTES

RESOLUTION FROM NATIONAL MEETING OF HINDUS LEADERS:

 “We the undersigned, condemn the murder of Gangotri which we as British Hindus consider to be a fundamental assault on the principles of our faith. British Hindus call on the Prime Minister to investigate the actions of the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Police, the RSPCA and DEFRA to account for the murder of Gangotri.”

Sudarshan Bhatia ­ Hindu Forum of Europe

Arun Thakar

Umesh Chandrasana

Madhubhai Shastri ­ National Council of Hindu Temples

Arjun Vikaria

Kapil Dudakia ­ Hindu Forum of Britain

Anant Vyas ­ Hindu Council of the UK

Kishorbhai Ruparelia ­ Vishva Hindu Parishad

Pravinbhai Ruparelia ­ Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangha

Ananad Arya ­ Hindu Seva Sangha

Navinkrishna

Shailesh Govindia ­ I Foundation

C.B.Patel ­ Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice newspapers

Prashant Popat ­ Indian Business Association

Wenda Shehata ­ Animal Sanctuary, East Sussex

Drutakarma Dasa's month-long lecture tour in Bulgaria has ended after traveling almost 1500km. He visited fourteen towns and lectured at the country's major universities. The tour was covered by the media and was accompanied by articles in major newspapers and interviews on radio and television, reaching millions of Bulgarians.

Hundreds of Drutakarma's books and the Origins magazine were distributed and he held book-signing sessions at the country's largest chain of bookstores.

It was Drutakarma's third lecture tour of Bulgaria. When his book Hidden History of the Human Race was translated and published in Bulgaria in 2003 he was invited to lead the first Darwin's Sunset Tour. Following publication of Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory in 2004 he lead the second Darwin's Sunset Tour, on which he was given the medal of honor of Southwest University of Blagoevgrad

Organizers called this year's tour "Darwin's Sunset: Bulgarian Tour 2007," and lectures included topics from the two earlier books as well as the more recent Humanity: Origins, Essence and Perspectives. As well as lecturing and distributing his books, Bulgarian cultural events and institutions were also on Drutakarma's itinerary as he was among the special guests at Veliko Tarnovo University's celebration of the National Revival Day. After meeting the Rector he went to the main hall of the university for the celebration where he talked to students and professors.

There is now an air of anticipation among some of Bulgaria's intelligencia concerning Drutakarma's 2008 tour.

Read more on Chanting Hare Krishna HERE:

December 14, 2007

Imagine a committee of the Left parties headed by veteran Marxist Jyoti Basu, with CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat, CPI-M Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri, CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee (West Bengal's chief minister) as members, along with a few other 'religious Marxist experts' secretly meeting in Kolkata to select the reincarnation of the CPI-M leader.

After a couple of days, white smoke may appear above the building where they are meeting and a Vatican-style announcement made, Habemus Pappam ('We have a new pope' or, in this case, a new general secretary).

You may politely tell me: 'Do not play an April fool joke on me.'

Unfortunately, it is not a joke. It has happened in China. The stage was set for the tragicomedy when, on July 13, the Communist government in Beijing [Images] decided to implement the 'Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism.'

Soon after it was discovered on the State Administration of Religious Affairs' Web site, the new policy was denounced as 'ludicrous and unwarranted' by the Dalai Lama's [Images] government in exile. They found that 'replete with contradictory statements and wild claims, the document reflects the ulterior or true motives of the Chinese leadership.'

Obviously the Dalai Lama was targeted; China watchers knew that Beijing had been 'preparing' for his succession.

Article 2 of 'The Measures' explains their purpose: 'Reincarnating living Buddhas should respect and protect the principles of the unification of the State, protecting the unity of the minorities, protecting religious concord and social harmony, and protecting the normal order of Tibetan Buddhism. (They)... may not re-establish feudal privileges which have already been abolished.'

It makes an even more pointed reference at the Nobel Peace Prize laureate: 'Reincarnating living Buddhas shall not... be under the dominion of any foreign organisation or individual.'

If he could read some of the 14 articles listed in 'The Measures', poor Karl Marx would be uncomfortable in his grave. They describe in great detail how 'reincarnating living Buddhas should carry out application and approval procedures.' Thirteen hundred years after the introduction of the Awakened One's doctrine in the Land of Snows, China's Communist Party has taken over the most sacred religious tradition of Tibet, the search and recognition of the tulkuS or reincarnations of deceased realised teachers (lamas in Tibetan).

From September 1, the party and its 'religious department' will have the monopoly over the selection: 'No group or individual may without authorisation carry out any activities related to searching for or recognising reincarnating living Buddha soul children.'

It practically means that the Communist Party of China forbids the Dalai Lama and other senior lamas living in exile to perform their centuries-old religious duties. They are even threatened: 'Persons and units who are responsible for being in contravention of these measures and who, without authority, carry out living Buddha reincarnation affairs, shall be dealt administrative sanction by the people's government religious affairs departments... when a crime has been constituted, criminal responsibility shall be pursued.

Soon after the announcement, Lodi Gyari, the Dalai Lama's special envoy declared: 'These stringent new measures strike at the heart of Tibetan religious identity. They will only create further resentment among the Tibetan people and cannot override the Party's lack of legitimacy in the sphere of religion.'

The Chinese government's announcement strikes primarily at the current negotiations that Lodi Gyari is holding with China since 2002 (six rounds have been held so far) and more particularly at the 'genuine autonomy' envisaged by the Dalai Lama. Can there be any autonomy if even the innermost traditions are controlled by the party and its leadership?

On November 27, at a gathering of religious leaders in Amritsar [Images], the Dalai Lama clarified his position: 'The Tibetan nation is 2,000 years old. The Dalai Lama institution is relatively recent -- only a few centuries old. If I die, it will be a setback for the Tibetan people for some time. But then, the struggle will continue.' He added: 'If the Tibetan people decide that the Dalai Lama institution is no longer relevant, then it will automatically cease to exist. If people feel that the institution of the Dalai Lama is still necessary, it will continue.'

He then spoke of a referendum: 'When my physical condition becomes weak, then serious preparations (for a referendum) should happen.' He further elaborated: 'The very purpose of reincarnation is to carry out the tasks of the previous life that are not yet achieved. If I die while we are still refugees, my reincarnation, logically, will come outside Tibet, who will carry out the work I started.'

A week earlier, in Japan [Images], he had spoken of the possibility of naming a new Dalai Lama while he was still alive. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao had immediately rejected the process which would 'blatantly violate religious rituals and historical conventions of Tibetan Buddhism.'

The Tibetan leader's recent declaration raises some important questions. First, in view of the intransigence of the Beijing government, it is clear that the 'negotiations' will lead nowhere if institutions like finding reincarnations are controlled by an atheist party in Beijing and not by knowledgeable Tibetans.

Second, the present approach of the Dalai Lama is a continuation of his past position; in 1963, he promulgated a charter to launch democracy in his exiled government. In February 1992, he himself issued The Guidelines For Future Tibet's Polity And Basic Features Of Its Constitution in which he made significant suggestions for introducing the democratic process in Tibet.

Categorically declaring that he will not hold any official position in the future government, he mentioned a referendum. The Tibetan population inside Tibet would be consulted and 'if the parliamentary system of government is adopted, there shall be a president and a vice-president elected by members of the two national-level houses and regional assemblies.' The present proposal for his succession is the logical continuation of these earlier statements.

Historically, the 'rule by incarnation' has not always been prevalent in Tibet; it was only established during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682). In the 14th and 15th centuries for example, the hierarchs of the Sakya monastery ruled over the Land of Snows (as Tibet is also known); their succession was set up by way of 'transmission' from uncle to nephew. Contrary to what the present regime in Beijing may think, there are no rules fixed for eternity for the succession of Tibetan teachers.

Some historians (one of them was Michael Aris, the late husband of Burmese leader Aug San Suu Kyi) believed that, at the beginning of the 17th century, two Dalai Lamas were alive at the same time (the sixth and the seventh).

There was no fixed place either as to where a Dalai Lama should be reborn -- the fourth one, Yonten Gyatso was born in Mongolia while the 6th one, Tsangyang Gyatso, took birth in India (in Tawang district of today's Arunachal Pradesh).

During an interview for India Abroad (the Indian-American weekly owned by rediff.com) in 2003, my then 13-year old daughter asked the Dalai Lama a question which was bothering her: "Why can't the Dalai Lama be a woman?" He answered: "Regency is a disruption. Many unfortunate things happened during regencies. After the death of the 13th Dalai Lama, I had two regents. Of course, both of them were my teachers, my gurus. I respect them and I had full faith in them. However their conduct was not always up to the mark, sometimes even harmful (to Tibet's interests). My point is that if, in certain circumstances, a female form is more useful, then certainly a female form will come."

That is to say, the Tibetan system of governance can evolve with time; it is not for the Party to decide on a matter in which it is an ignoramus.

The Dalai Lama is also perfectly aware of the weakness of the Tibetan system of 'rule by incarnation'. During the interregnum between the death of a Dalai Lama and the attainment of majority by the newly reincarnated child, there is a political vacuum lasting between 15 and 20 years.

The 19th century saw a succession of five Dalai Lamas. The Chinese, through their ambans (or ambassadors) in Lhasa, made full use of this weakness. Many historians surmise that the premature deaths of the ninth, and up to the 12th Dalai Lamas, were not a mere coincidence. The Chinese ambans certainly took great advantage of their 'timely departure.'

Today, even if the Dalai Lama holds a referendum to know if the Tibetan people want the present system to continue, he will still have to decide upon the best way to 'transmit' his knowledge and experience to 'carry out the tasks of the previous life.'

One thing is sure, it is not for you or me or the Karats or Hu Jintaos to decide; it is too profound a tradition to be left in the hands of the profane.

Read more on Reincarnation HERE:

...and that's before adding in the presents. Yvonne Roberts asks if spending so much really makes us happy, and reports on the season's struggles for rich and poor

Sunday December 15, 2002
The Observer

Gucci sandals; diamond studded wellies; Harry Potter anything, and there are still 10 presents to go - plus food; booze; cards; glad rags; CDs and DVDs. The festive season is a retail Olympics. We spend a ridiculous 15 hours hunting for the perfect gift and two hours queuing. This year, as always, Christmas is a time of Great Exhortations to spend, spend, spend.

A report, published this week, 'Banishing Scrooge, the Cost of Christmas', conducted by grant-giving charity The Family Welfare Association, reveals that a family on an average income spends a staggering £564 on the trimmings - food, drink, decorations and the like - on Christmas Day alone. And that figure doesn't include presents.

Updated 12/6/2006

By Lacey Rose, Forbes.com
'Tis the season to spend.

This year, Americans celebrating Christmas will fork over $795.86 each, up 5% from last year, according to BIGresearch, a Worthington, Ohio-based consumer research firm. And while growth is somewhat slower than it has been in years past — in 2005, the firm forecast an 8.1% increase — total spending will be a record $154 billion.

IN PICTURES: Holiday spending

So why the increase? "Because we don't have $3 gasoline," says Phil Rist, vice president of strategy at BIGresearch. "And because we don't have the fear that we had last year about winter heating bills going through the roof."

Soaring corporate profits, big Wall Street bonuses and a record-high stock market are among the other factors contributing to increased yuletide spending this holiday season.

But shoppers can't afford to be frivolous right now either, says Rist. "[Consumer] debt level is still high, and the housing market is declining," he says. "We're going to see proactive consumers searching out the best deals this year. Even though people want to be fun and festive during the holidays, there is still a real world that they live in."

Whether shoppers are spending time sifting through deals or simply delaying buying, they seem to be in no rush. According to Deloitte & Touche's holiday survey, 24% of shoppers will wait until the last minute to make their holiday purchases this year. And it's more men than women when it comes to last-minute shopping: 18% of men will wait until early December to make their holiday purchases, while 10% will wait until late December.

"As a result, the department store is the shopping location of choice for [men] because [they] can go in there and within a couple of hours, hit lots of different types of things and cover a lot of people on [their] list," says Bruce Westbrook, Deloitte's Atlanta-based managing director.

If BIGresearch predictions ring true, 65% of shoppers will do at least some of their holiday shopping at department stores this Christmas. And while discount stores remain the most popular place to purchase holiday items — 74% of shoppers will make Christmas purchases at discount stores — online venues continue to grow in popularity. Online heavyweights Amazon (AMZN) and eBay (EBAY) will profit from the 50% of holiday shoppers who will place orders online this Christmas.

Also growing in popularity — and acceptance — are gift cards. According to the National Retail Federation, gift card sales will total $24.8 billion this holiday season, up $6 billion from 2005.

"If you gave someone a gift card when I was young, you were considered less thoughtful because you didn't put time into the gift," says Westbrook. "Now, people welcome the gift cards because it is a chance for them to get something that they wanted most. [Recipients] don't have to have their needs or desires intuited by someone else."

But even with the increased options, Deloitte says 24% of celebrators still don't think they'll get what they want come Christmas morning.
© 2006 Forbes.com LLC.™   All Rights Reserved.

"I have never been able to reconcile myself to the gaieties of the Christmas season. They have appeared to me to be so inconsistent with the life and teaching of Jesus."—Mohandas K. Gandhi.

MANY would completely disagree with Gandhi. 'What,' they may wonder, 'could a Hindu statesman really know about a Christian holiday?' It must be admitted, though, that Christmas has spread all over the world, affecting all manner of cultures. Each December, the holiday seems all-pervasive.

For example, some 145 million Asians celebrate Christmas, 40 million more than a decade ago. And if by "gaieties" Gandhi meant the secular side of modern-day Christmas, the frenzied consumerism that we all observe, it is hard to deny that this aspect of the celebration is often the most prominent. Asiaweek magazine notes: "Christmas in Asia—from the festive lights in Hong Kong to towering hotel Yuletide trees in Beijing to a creche in downtown Singapore—is largely a secular (mainly retail) event."

Has the modern-day celebration of Christmas lost sight of Christ? Officially, December 25 has been observed since the fourth century C.E., when the Roman Catholic Church designated that day for religious observance of Jesus' birth. But according to a recent poll taken in the United States, only 33 percent of those polled felt that the birth of Christ is the most important aspect of Christmas.

What do you think? Do you at times feel that in all the insistent advertising, the harried buying of presents, the decorating of trees, the organizing and attending of parties, the sending of cards—Jesus has somehow been left out of the picture?

Many seem to feel that one way to put Christ back into Christmas is by displaying a Nativity scene, or crèche. Likely you have seen such groupings of figurines, representing the baby Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, some shepherds, "three wise men," or "three kings," some barnyard animals, and some onlookers. It is commonly felt that these crèches serve to remind people of the real meaning of Christmas. According to U.S. Catholic, "a crèche gives a more developed picture than any single gospel can give, though it also emphasizes the nonhistorical character of these narratives."

How, though, would a Nativity scene suggest that the narratives in the Gospel accounts of the Bible are nonhistorical? Well, it must be admitted that quaintly painted little sculptures lend an aura of legend or fairy tale to the birth of Christ. First popularized by a monk in the 13th century, the Nativity scene was once a fairly modest affair. Today, like so many other things associated with this holiday, Nativity scenes have become big business. In Naples, Italy, rows of shops sell figures for Nativity scenes, or presepi, year round. Some of the more popular figures represent, not characters from the Gospel accounts, but modern-day celebrities, such as Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, and clothing designer Gianni Versace. Elsewhere, presepi are made of chocolate, pasta, even seashells. You can appreciate why it is hard to see history in such displays.

How, then, could such Nativity scenes give "a more developed picture than any single gospel can give"? Are the Gospel accounts not truly historical? Even hardened skeptics must admit that Jesus was a real, historical person. So he must at one time have been a real baby, born in a real place. There should be a better way to get a developed picture of the events surrounding his birth than merely gazing at a Nativity scene!

In fact, there is. Two historians wrote independent accounts of Jesus' birth. If you sometimes feel that Christ goes largely ignored at Christmas time, why not examine these accounts for yourself? In them, you will find, not legends or myths, but a fascinating story—the real story of the birth of Christ.

Marie Jon' - December 17, 2006

All across the land, happy package-laden people revel in the joys of another Christmas season. Retailers gear up for these six weeks that follow Thanksgiving, giving meaning to the term, "Black Friday."

All that really means is that stores hope to turn all their ledgers — which to hear merchants tell it, sport a modest amount of red ink, or debt-into profit or, as the saying goes, "in the black."

But black or red ink is not what Christmas is really all about, and we all know this, don't we? Surely, most do, but as to why we have this U. S. federal holiday has little to do with "X-Box's" and "Tickle" me Elmo dolls

But it has everything to do with Christ; for it is He that gives the holiday its meaning, even in the most non-threatening of terms. But the commercialization of Christmas, thereby creating much confusion — and malice among some — regarding the day as the birth of Jesus Christ, seems to get more obfuscated every year.

December 25... no, the entire seasonal holiday of Christmas, has become a political and sadly religious shell game of sorts as "offended" individuals and groups such as the ACLU (who love Christmas like a bleeding ulcer loves stress) have gone well out of their way to promote Christian bigotry in the form of First Amendment violations

But as we see, even mere individuals carry real sway over a society that has become an appendage of political correctness — even at the cost of Christmas or Christ Himself.

In Seattle-Tacoma International airport recently, Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky complained loudly enough to officials that Christmas trees in the airport lobby offended him; principally because there were no menorahs to accompany said Christmas trees. Naturally, the good Rabbi said the magic words: law suit.

He insisted on an "8-foot menorah to be installed and have a public lighting ceremony. He also threatened to sue if the menorah wasn't put up, and gave a two-day deadline to remove the trees."

Well, trees, Christmas or otherwise, are not what a Christian would call a religious symbol that personifies the birth of Christ. In fact, Christmas trees, if one wants to get right down to it, are more inclined to reflect a Pagan ritual than anything to do with Christianity.

In this vein, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman — beloved and excepted as they are by almost all — are not the reason for the season. December 25 is probably not even the actual birth date of Jesus. But that is what the Federal Government had mandated in 1870 when making Christmas a federally recognized holiday, thereby making any other date officially mote, as it is "the" date.

To this writer, Rabbi Bogomilsky, who is undoubtedly wed to his faith as I am to mine, looked to be offended, and so he was. The mere existence of Christmas tress in the lobby of a Seattle airport is threatening to no one, and exalts no religion over another.

They are trees with lights and red ribbons, folks, not Crucifixes and mangers with the Christ-child inside.

So what was the outcome of this entire hubbub over this perceived degradation of the rabbi's culture? The airport removed those trees quicker than one could say "God" in the public square, rather than capitulate to the rabbi's demands — thereby stopping future legions of other "offended" parties who would surely demand their representation of the holiday be displayed, no matter what it really meant to them

So, now there is nothing. Is everybody happy now? Well, no, but maybe in this latest act of "the world revolves around my sensibilities, Christmas be damned," maybe we can all start to see past the ribbons, stores, lights, and yes, Christmas trees.

Maybe we can remember, and even celebrate, the true reason for the season, and that is the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

There is nothing at all wrong with Christmas, as it truly brings out — as Charles Dickens Displayed in his 1843 English classic, "A Christmas Carol," as a holiday emphasizing family, goodwill, and compassion. It is, absolutely, the best time of the year.

But Christmas is more; and it is so much more. It is about Jesus, and not just at Christmas, but all throughout the year. Indeed, Christ is born upon this day, but He is being born all year round in the hearts of those who choose to answer His knocking upon it, and let Him in.

For if you do, it is Christmas everyday, as Christ will provide for you the greatest treasure of all, His eternal love.

Indeed, 'tis the season to be jolly, and all the wonderful and fun trappings that come with it. But it is also — and primarily — the season of Jesus Christ and his remarkable birth. It is a time to recognize the fact that God gave mankind His only son so that we may live eternal.

So Merry Christmas, one and all. May the season treat you well. But the greatest gift that we all received was given to us without packages, boxes, or tags. This Christmas season, remember that a Savior was born, and He is Jesus Christ.

Finally the Seattle Airport returned the Christmas trees after Rabbi Bogomilsky withdrew his threat of a (lawsuit.)
 

Marie Jon' is a political/religious-based writer. She is the founder of www.DrawingClose.org/ — a sister website to RenewAmerica. Marie extends her hand of welcome. Come visit her website and receive your free gift of salvation by taking an on line Bible study. She personally invites you to join Christians from all over the world by becoming a free member of GOD Fellowship http://www.gofellowship.com/. The site is a nondenominational gathering of believers.

Marie's writings have appeared on many sites, including The New Media Journal, ChronWatch, and Commonconservative, to name a few. She is a regular columnist for Capitolhillcoffeehouse, The Daley Times Post, RenewAmerica, The Conservative Voice, Newsbull, GreatAmericanJournal.com, Radiofreewesthartford.com, Greatmindsthinkright.com and Conservativecrusader.com.

Marie brings a refreshing and spirited point of view that is reflected in her writings, as well as a genuine and spiritual opinion regarding God and his teachings. Marie is an practicing Christian, a nurse, a student of the Bible, and a patriot. Many of Marie's articles are a reflection of her great admiration for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is an advocate for the troops, as well as the Blue and Gold Star Mothers of America, and their families. Marie has appeared as a guest with political talk show host Bruce Elliott on WBAL-1090 AM. Saturdays 5AM-9AM EST http://www.wbal.com/shows/elliott/

© Copyright 2006 by Marie Jon'
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/jon/061217

By Cynthia E. Brodrick • Bankrate.com

Why should you worry about next Christmas in January? Because, if you are like a majority of Americans, you're getting a ghastly reminder of last year's festivities right about now.

The Ghost of Christmas Past appears in your mailbox around mid-January, wrapped in credit card bills, chained to an empty safe representing your depleted bank account. He can make the first few months of the year dreary with money concerns and busted budgets.

If this is happening to you -- fear not. Unlike Scrooge, you are not alone in this haunting. While folks often make a point of saving up a down payment for a car or for their kids' education, few plan ahead for their annual holiday spending. But it takes an expensive bite out of consumers' wallets.

The average American spent $835 on Christmas this year, according to the annual holiday spending survey by Myvesta.org, a nonprofit consumer education organization. That's up from $722 in the 2002 Christmas season.

Since most people don't plan on the expense of their giving, those holiday costs were racked up on credit cards. Now many Americans are receiving those holiday bills.

To make matters worse, the Ghost of Christmas Past demands finance charges to keep him alive and kicking well into the new year. One in five Americans will live with this ghoulish reminder of impulse purchases, last-minute mall runs and overindulged online buying all the way to Independence Day. At least Scrooge's nightmare only lasted one night.

Instead of letting the Ghost of Christmas Past make your new year miserable, make friends with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This helpful ghost is all about planning ahead -- saving up for those holiday expenses, making lists and checking them twice, and paying cash to play all those reindeer games.

While January heralds the arrival of holiday bills, it's also a traditional time for a fresh start. This year can be the year you plan on enjoying the holidays like a kid again -- without money worries.

How to reduce your debt

Here are a few tips to reduce holiday debt as soon as possible:
Commit to managing your money every week, not just once in a while.
Cut back on day-to-day spending.
Find a lower-interest credit card. (Bankrate's credit card search engine is a great place to start.)
Find ways to bring in extra income, whether it's a part-time job or a garage sale to get rid of items that are other ugly reminders of Christmases Past.
Stop using your credit cards until they are paid off, and then charge only what you can pay off the next month.

How to avoid future debt

Licking that old, gray Ghost of Christmas Past is only half the battle. The other half is planning ahead with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come:
Commit yourself to finding ways to accumulate and save money.
Start a Christmas savings account now, and contribute to it regularly for the next holiday season.
Plan your shopping ahead of time. Think like Santa: Make your list, check it twice and stick to it. This will save you money and time -- both of which are valuable commodities during the holidays.

The Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come are counterbalances to each other. With the bills of last Christmas, the credit card interest accrues, giving you and other Americans an increasing cash crunch with each passing month. Saving for future holidays puts that interest money in your account and provides you with a wee bit more for your gift shopping. The choice is yours whether to keep giving to the Ghost of Christmas Past ... or receive a little gift next fall from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Admittedly, things could be tight this year when you are saving for next year's Christmas while still paying for this year's Christmas. If you need to scale back this year's holiday spending to meet both of these goals, you won't have to be a Scrooge -- just creative.

Just remember that you'll be enjoying a debt-free Christmas the next holiday season and beyond. That is the best Christmas present you can give yourself and your family.

XmasSurvivaledition

Ho ho ho

Christmas Dinners with Dignity
(heaps of recipes)

Some guidelines to get through Xmas season when visiting non-devotees
 

Mother cow gives us her excess milk - the hen loses her family - pigs don't have a leg to stand on............what to speak of the Turkey (he's stuffed)

See our pages on Xmas Madness

see our pages on Jesus Lived in India

Ancient Mexican Artifact with Vedic Tilak
http://vedicempire.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=9

Vedic World Heritage links:

See our pages supporting these views HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html (Vedik World Heritage)
Western Indologists been exposed page:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/WesternIndologists-page.htm
How British Misguided the World on Vedic History
http://www.hknet.org.nz/MotiveBritishRajMissionaries.html

Researchers at the University of Texas have concluded that curcumin, the dye that lends turmeric its yellow color, can block the biological pathway to melanoma and other cancers.

Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, who headed the 12-member team of researchers at UT's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, told India-West in a telephone interview earlier this week that his clinical research has made available not only "the master switch to turn off cancer, but also a cure for it." "It was already known that curcumin can prevent cancer," Aggarwal said. "Now it can also be used to cure cancer." And, he added: "We are providing evidence that curcumin can work on at least one dozen cancers."

In fact, "let's put it this way: we have not found a single cancer on which curcumin doesn't work," Aggarwal asserted. Turmeric, whose vernacular name is haldi, is a rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa. The medicinal use of this plant has been documented in Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of medicine that has its origins in India.

Turmeric has long been used as a food preservative, a coloring agent, a spice to flavor food and as a folk medicine to cleanse the body.

Two to five percent of turmeric contains curcumin.

Because of turmeric's extensive use in foods in India and Pakistan, the incidence of cancer, especially breast, colon prostate and lung, is a lot less in those countries, Aggarwal said. And because south Indians use turmeric more widely than north Indians, "the prevalence of cancer is less among them than among north Indians," he said.

The spice has been shown to relieve arthritis as well, he added. The UT team's research focused on how curcumin stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating, and pushes the cancer cells to commit suicide.

The team homed in on a molecule called NF-kappa B, a powerful protein known to promote an abnormal inflammatory response that leads to cancer in some people, arthritis in others, and a wide range of other diseases in other people.

"Nearly 98 percent of all diseases are controlled by this molecule," Aggarwal told India-West, pointing out that the humble yellow dye can subdue this potent molecule.

Earlier this year, a UCLA study published in the online edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, indicated that curcumin inhibits the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

The team determined that curcumin is more effective in inhibiting formation of the protein fragments than many other drugs being tested to treat Alzheimer's. The prevalence of the disease among older adults in India is 4.4 times less than in the U.S., suggesting that many Indians might be benefiting from having turmeric as a dietary staple.

Researchers at Emory University have tweaked the curcumin structure and made analogues - synthetic versions -- of it which are far more potent than the real thing, Aggarwal said. The analogues were tested by the National Cancer Institute and found very effective, he said. Combined with black pepper, curcumin becomes 2,000 times more potent, a fact that has resulted in the manufacture in the U.S. of a formulation called "Super Curcumin" and sold as a dietary supplement.

Note Tattvas Herbs Turmeric contains Bioperine (extract of Black Pepper)

Aggarwal said that Indians have known all along about the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, but "there was no documented proof" up until now.

See our World Vegetarian Day Newsletters 2004 - 2005 - World Vege Day

See similar articles at Vegetarianism & beyond:
http://turn.to/Vegetarianism

Prior to the 18th century, the church had a great influence over Europe, especially the catholic monasteries where the monks performed austerities.  But the monasteries dwindled as time went on, and gradually they became historic sites.  One such monastery was inhabited by an order of monks who had previously consisted of many branches, but now only one monastery remained, with only five monks living there, and all of them were over seventy years old.  The abbot was worried that the order would be lost, so he was trying to make recruits, but all his efforts were going in vain.
The monastery was situated on the edge of a forest, and people used to come there to picnic.  In the forest was a hut which was visited by a rabbi.  They all knew the rabbi, and also they knew the times when he visited the hut.  So one time when the abbot came, the abbot thought to go and visit him.  "Maybe he can give me some advice about how to save the order."  So the abbot went there and when he arrived he and the rabbi embraced.  They were glad to see each other, and they began to discuss deep spiritual topics.  So he was just about to leave when he remembered the purpose of his visit.  "Can you give me any advice about how to save the order?"  So the rabbi said, "Well to tell the truth, I also have the same problem.  No one is interested in coming to the synagogue.  I can't really help you."  So the abbot was just about to leave when the rabbi said to him, "I do know one thing, however.  One of you is the new messiah."
This cryptic answer confused the rabbi and he returned to the monastery.  He related his meeting with the rabbi to all the other monks, and told them of the cryptic answer he had received.  From then on, all of the monks began to think, "I wonder which one of us is the new messiah?  Maybe it's Brother Frederick, he's so strong willed.  Or maybe it's Brother Peter, he's very shy and humble, always willing to lend a hand."  And then they began to think.  "It couldn't be me, could it?  I mean, God, would have to be pretty hard up to pick me as the new messiah."  So, thinking like this, the monks all began to act very nicely towards one another, as they didn't want to commit any offence if one of their Godbrothers might be the new messiah.  And they also began to act in a very dignified way themselves, just in case they themselves were the new messiah.  And the people who came and picnicked by the monastery at the edge of the forest also began to come and pray in the monastery.  They noticed a change of mood in the monastery, that the monks were acting very reverentially towards their Godbrothers, and that they seemed to have a very nice relationship.  The people also noticed that the monks themselves also appeared very dignified, and seemed to be emanating an aura.  The people noticed this distinct change, and sometimes they would talk with the monks.  One man decided that he wanted to experience what the monks were experiencing, so he joined up .  His friend came along to see what he was up to, and he also joined.  In this way the monastery built up again.

MORAL:  If we can act nicely toward each other and behave nicely ourselves, then people will become attracted.

See similar inspirational snippets HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/parables.htm

The phaomnneil pweor of the hmuan mnid: Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig!
Mybae the I can sotp slpel ckchenig?

http://www.gaura-gambhira.com/

Written by HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami

Dear Maharaj/ Prabujis/ Matajis,

It is my great pleasure to inform all the devotees of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that a great service opportunity has been offered by the temple authorities of Gambhira, in Puri dham, where Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spent the final years of His manifested pastimes on this earthly planet. Kasi Mishra's house, also known as Gambhira, and the Radha Kanta math, were both under the care of the Orissa government due to 20 years of litigation. Finally, this litigation problem has been resolved and the management of the institution has been returned to the temple mahanta.

The temple has sustained much damage over the years due to lack of proper maintenance. The whole place is very dirty and the roofs and walls are falling down. The temple roof is also cracking. Additionally, the temple has a lack of proper income for the maintenance of the devotees and for deity puja—and, of course, the more the Gambhira is allowed to deteriorate, the fewer visitors it will have.

At this crucial point, the mahanta of Gambhira has requested ISKCON to extend kind assistence to him in order to protect and maintain this most holy place. Devotees from all over the world come to offer their prayers and obeisances at Gambhira. This is one of the most important places for the followers of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and must be maintained nicely.

Thus, this is a golden opportunity for devotees to render service to this most sacred cause. I request all devotees to kindly donate towards this purpose. There are many things to be fixed at the place. For the time being we have prepared a rough budget, for whatever the most urgent needs are, just to bring the situation up to  survival position. Later on, we will let you know about further opportunities for service in the development of the Gambhira.

For further information contact

Bhakti Purusottama Swami

Phone: ++ 91 9434506434

E mail: bps@pamho.net

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Vegetarianism & Beyond - http://turn.to/Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism in the major Religions - All manner of religions
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Self Help and Motivational pages - Deals and Affiliate programs: - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-selfhelp.html
Myth of the Aryan invasion by Dr. David Frawley: - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Aryan-invasion-mythDF.html

The Peace Formula - (By HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) http://www.hknet.org.nz/PeaceFormula.html

.........many other articles - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-articles.htm

and from there go to the Main Index http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm

Iskcon News Articles now available - many topical insights
http://www.iskcon.com/new/index.html

Paradigms - where things are not all they seem

 The Peace Formula
http://www.hknet.org.nz/PeaceFormula.html

The Real Peace Formula
http://www.hknet.org.nz/PeaceRealF.html

See more on Yoga and Meditation HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-yoga.html

World Vegetarian Day October 1st yearly &
World Vegetarian Awareness Month of October yearly
...please visit our links and see what you can do to help

World Smoke Free Day
31st May Every Year 

http://www.be-free.org/b-media/market-bfree03/cinema.php

yeah kick the butt
...and remember from 10th December 2004 no more smoking in public places in New Zealand by law