last updated 24th July 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

Great Britain Hinduists supported Kazakhstani Krishna followers
http://eng.gazeta.kz/art.asp?aid=93392

Kazakhstan Today
ALMATY. July, 10. Kazakhstan Today. Great Britain Hinduists came out to support Kazakhstani Krishna followers, reports the agency with reference to the information distributed by "Krishna Consciousness Community".

"On Tuesday, July 4, in London opposite to Kazakhstan embassy in the UK building gathered people who are indignant with continuing prosecution of Hinduists in Kazakhstan. The petition with 10 thousand of signatures to support Krishna Community was handed over to Kazakhstan attache on political questions", - stated in the information.

"Kazakhstani government does not want to hear anybody. This is a rude violation of human rights, and we will oppose any tries of the country to hold presidency in OSCE", - stated the president of Hinduists Forum in Europe Sudarshan Bhatia, whose words were quoted.

"This is direct violation of religious minority rights in Kazakhstan, non-stop prosecution of Hinduists in Kazakhstan causes a big anxiety of our community here, in the UK", - stated the president of Hinduists Forum in the UK Ishwer Taylor, also quoted "Krishna Consciousness Community".

As reported earlier, a piece of land in Karasai district in Almaty oblast was bought by "Krishna Consciousness Community" in 1999. In 2005 local administration brought a suit against Krishnaits blaming them in changing the end use of the bought land. In November 2006 local authorities destroyed 14 houses belong to the community, on June 15, 2007, - 12 houses more.

This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today

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

By IANS

Jul 17, PURI, ORISSA (TUES)­ More than an estimated million people yesterday witnessed the world famous Rath Yatra, the annual chariot festival, with devotees driven to a frenzy to catch a glimpse of the chariots. Residents clad in saffron and foreigners, members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), were part of the sea of people.

The chorused chant of hymns, beating of the traditional drums and other musical instruments and the roar of the teeming crowds were loud enough to drown the roar of the waves by the seashore. “As pulling of chariot is restricted after evening, it couldn’t be pulled up to Gundicha temple. The chariot which is half-a-km away from the temple will be again pulled today morning,” a temple official said.

“The unique annual event has caught on in different parts of the country, but the celebration at Puri continues to be special as the triad comes out and is visible to those who are normally barred from entering the temple,” Surya Narayan Rath Sharma, a Jagannath cult researcher said.
All the rituals related to the festival were performed as per schedule. The main ritual of pulling of the chariots took place on time.

“In the morning, the three chariots were parked in front of the Lion’s Gate. Thereafter, they were taken out in a colourful procession.

The scene of coming down the 22 steps of the main staircase in a swaying manner amidst beats of gongs was a feast for the eyes,” said Suresh Mohapatra, chief of the temple administration.
The much-awaited moment came when the frenzied crowd started pulling the 43ft-high chariot which has 14 wheels. Next came the 44ft high chariot with 16 wheels, both proceeding towards the temple.

Elaborate security arrangements were made by the state government for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual sojourn.

“About 68 platoons of armed police forces were deployed for the occasion, supervised by high ranking officials,” a police official said.

To prevent any untoward incident, close circuit television cameras were installed along the Grand Road, the road leading to Mausima temple from the Jagannath temple and important places like bus stands and railway stations.

“Quick Reaction Teams of the state police, a group of specially trained commandoes, were deployed for any exigency. Sniffer dog squads, a bomb-disposal team and rooftop watchers gave police the extra edge in surveillance,” Bhubaneswar range Deputy Inspector General said.
“Sixty-eight platoons of armed police force, two companies of specially trained Rapid Action Force, 16 officials of superintendent of police or commandant rank, 20 assistant commandants, 45 deputy superintendents, 56 inspectors, 600 assistant sub inspectors and 1,200 home guards were deployed for the event,” he added.

The chariots will stay at temple for nine days.

Watch the recorded events of the Jagannath Puri Rathyatra 2007 as it happened Monday 16th July 2007.
http://rathjatra.nic.in/live07rb.htm

When the page opens go to the options on the small video screen to watch in REAL Player or REAL Player Theater Mode (best = full screen)

You can chose either Dial-up or Broadband

There's a running commentary on the events in Hindu, Oriya and English. The entire presentation is 6 hours and 2 minutes of coverage.

Jaya Jagannath Swami nayana patagami bhavatu me =D>

http://www.brijabasispirit.com/2007/07/18/photos-of-ratha-yatra/

Ratha-yatra photos at the New Vrindaban Website in the Gallery and then look under Festivals. This link should get you there, http://www.newvrindaban.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=607

http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=46365

By Sarada Lahangir, Puri (Orissa), July 13 : The famed Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa, boasts of having one of the biggest kitchens in the country.

Around 500 cooks and 300 helping hands prepare 56 different offerings known as 'Mahaprasad' or 'Abhada' for Lord Jagannath, which are served to the deity six times a day.

The kitchen has 32 rooms, 752 stoves and nine earthen pots.

The meals include seven different types of rice, four types of pulses, nine types of vegetables and different items of sweet dishes. Fine molasses, instead of sugar is used for preparing sweet dishes. But potatoes, tomatoes and cauliflower are not used in the temple.

Every meal that is prepared has a name like Jagannath Ballabh, ladu, mathapuli, sarapuli and many others.

'You will never see it in any part of India. In one hour, food for one lakh devotees can be prepared in the kitchen,' claimed Balbhadra Mahapatra, a servitor at the kitchen.

Temple cooks say there is no limit to the quantity of offerings made.

Sukadev Mohapatra, another servitor, said: 'It is not written in any book how much rice is to be cooked. Food is cooked for the devotees who come.'

Devotees consider the holy offerings as being as important as the prayers offered at the sanctum sanctorum.

'This Mahaprasad has great significance because only people who are fortunate can have it. All your work is done and wishes are fulfilled after having it,' said Radhakrishna Mahasuar, a devotee.

The 12th century Jagannath temple is one of the holiest places for Hindus and is usually swarmed with devotees, who come to get a glimpse of it.

According to Hindu believers, Lord Jagannath is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, one of the trinity of the Hindu pantheon. The other two are Brahma, the Creator and Shiva, the Destroyer.

Lord Jagannath's idol is carved in wood, unlike other Hindu temples where the idols are made of granite or a combination of metals.

July 18th, 2007

jagannathaishtakam punyam ya pathet prayata shuci
sarva-papa-vishuddhatma vishnu-lokam sa gacchati

The self-restrained, virtuous soul who recites these eight verses glorifying Lord Jagannatha becomes cleansed of all sins and duly proceeds to Lord Vishnu’s abode.

(1) kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravo
mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupa
rama-shambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesharcita-pado
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

Sometimes in great happiness Lord Jagannatha makes a loud concert with His flute in the groves on the banks of the Yamuna. He is like a bumblebee tasting the beautiful lotuslike faces of the cowherd damsels of Vraja, and great personalities such as Laksmi, Siva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesa worship His lotus feet. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.

(2) bhuje savye venum shirasi shikhi-puccham kati-tate
dukulam netrante sahacara-katakisham vidadhate
sada shrimad-vrindavana-vasati-lila-paricayo
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

In His left hand Lord Jagannatha holds a flute, on His head He wears peacock feathers, and on His hips He wears fine yellow silken cloth. From the corners of His eyes He bestows sidelong glances upon His loving devotees, and He always reveals Himself through His pastimes in His divine abode of Vrindavana. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.

(3) mahambhodhes tire kanaka-rucire nila-shikhare
vasan prasadanta sahaja-balabhadrena balina
subhadra-madhya-stha sakala-sura-sevavasara-do
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

On the shore of the great ocean, within a large palace atop the brilliant, golden Nilacala Hill, Lord Jagannatha resides with His powerful brother Balabhadra and His sister Subhadra, who sits between Them. May that Jagannatha Svami, who bestows the opportunity for devotional service upon all godly souls, be the object of my vision.

(4) krpa-paravara sajala-jalada-shreni-ruciro
rama-vani-rama sphurad-amala-pankeruha-mukha
surendrair aradhya shruti-gana-shikha-gita-carito
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

Lord Jagannatha is an ocean of mercy and as beautiful as a row of blackish rain clouds. He is the storehouse of bliss for Laksmi and Sarasvati, and His face resembles a spotless full-blown lotus. The best of demigods and sages worship Him, and the Upanisads sing His glories. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.

(5) ratharudho gacchan pathi milita-bhudeva-patalai
stuti-pradurbhavam prati-padam upakarnya sadaya
daya-sindhur bandhu sakala jagatam sindhu-sutaya
jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

When Lord Jagannatha moves along the road on His Rathayatra car, at every step large assemblies of brahmanas loudly chant prayers and sing songs for His pleasure. Hearing their hymns, Lord Jagannatha becomes very favorably disposed toward them. He is the ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds. May that Jagannatha Svami, along with His consort Laksmi, who was born from the ocean of nectar, be the object of my vision.

(6) para-brahmapida kuvalaya-dalotphulla-nayano
nivasi niladrau nihita-carano ‘nanta-shirasi
rasanando radha-sarasa-vapur-alingana-sukho
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

Lord Jagannatha, whose eyes resemble full-blown lotus petals, is the ornament on Lord Brahma’s head. He resides on Nilacala Hill with His lotus feet placed on the heads of Anantadeva. Overwhelmed by the mellows of love, He joyfully embraces Srimati Radharani’s body, which is like a cool pond. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.

(7) na vai yace rajyam na ca kanaka-manikya-vibhavam
na yace ‘ham ramyam sakala jana-kamyam vara-vadhum
sada kale kale pramatha-patina gita-carito
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

I do not pray for a kingdom nor for gold, rubies, or wealth. I do not ask for a beautiful wife. as desired by all men. I simply pray that Jagannatha Svami, whose glories Lord Siva always sings, may be the constant object of my vision.

(8) hara tvam samsaram druta-taram asaram sura-pate
hara tvam papanam vitatim aparam yadava-pate
aho dine ‘nathe nihita-carano nishcitam idam
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

O Lord of the demigods, please quickly remove this useless material existence I am undergoing. O Lord of the Yadus, please destroy this vast, shoreless ocean of sins. Alas, it is certain that Lord Jagannatha bestows His lotus feet upon those who feel themselves fallen and have no shelter in this world but Him. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.

http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2355&Itemid=88

PURI, ORISSA, INDIA, July 17, 2007: An estimated million people Monday witnessed the world famous Rath Yatra, the annual chariot festival, with devotees driven to a frenzy to catch a glimpse of the triad of Hindu Deities in this eastern Indian seaside town. In the morning at about 9.30 a.m. the Deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra - came out of their 12th century abode amidst chants of hymns and the rhythmic beat of traditional instruments. The devotees surged forward for a glimpse of the Lords on three chariots as fine sunny weather greeted the huge crowds. Devotees danced to the beats of gongs and chants of 'Haribol' and 'Jai Jagannath' as the three gigantic chariots - Taladhwaja, Nandighosha and Devadalana - rolled down the Grand Road. The chorused chant of hymns, beating of the traditional drums and other musical instruments and the roar of the teeming crowds were loud enough to drown the roar of the waves by the seashore.

Click URL above for rest of report.

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

http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=48260

Bhubaneswar, July 18 (IANS) There are no religious barriers between Hindu and Muslim residents in Orissa's port town of Paradeep, where members of both communities came together to celebrate the famous Rath Yatra (chariot festival).

There are strict restrictions preventing non-Hindus from entering the world famous temple of lord Jagannath in Puri. But in Paradeep, about 70 km from here, Hindus and Muslims joined hands Monday to pull the chariots of the lord Jagannath, lord Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra.

"This communal harmony comes at a time when good news and goodwill have both become rare commodities and violence, hatred and indifference to the dignity of human life have made people cynical," said religion researcher Prasanta Kumar Padhi.

This was not the first time that people from both communities pulled the chariots here during the Rath Yatra. Since time immemorial, this practice has been followed in the tiny village of Deulisahi, on the outskirts of Paradeep. Out of about 2,500 residents of the village, nearly 800 are Muslims.

"Both Hindus and Muslims are active members of the Ratha Yatra committee. The Muslim members cleaned the village road for the smooth arrival of the chariots and they also dragged the sacred ropes of the chariots from the Jagannath temple," 43-year-old Mustaq Khan, a villager, told IANS.

"Some Muslim carpenters were also engaged by the village committee to build the chariots. Members of both communities provided the timber for the construction of the chariots," said villager Dayanidhi Das.

Hindus in the village also participate in festivals observed by Muslims. "Hindus join in our Id and Bakari Id festivals. Hindus and Muslims also attend each other's marriages and other ceremonies," said Sahid Khan, another resident of Deulasahi.

"Since time immemorial, both the communities have been living peacefully in this village. As per Hindu traditions, Muslims are not entitled to enter temples. But here we allow the entry of any person irrespective of caste, creed and religion," said Damodar Panda, the chief priest of the Paradeep Jagannath temple.

IANS

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

The association of devotees is the most precious gift of God in all of creation. When Krsna wants to bestow His most intimate mercy, He allows us to associate with His most sincere devotees. Srila Krsna Das Kaviraj Goswami, the author of Sri Caitanya Charitamritam has prayed that on this path of bhakti I am a cripple and I am tripping and falling but the stick in the form of the mercy of the vaisnavas is keeping me able to continue walking forward on the path of devotion. Srila Prabhupada has said that anyone who thinks that they can be Krsna conscious without the association with sincere devotees is insane. Each and every devotee who is honestly struggling to follow the path of the previous acaryas is such a rare jewel in this world and to the degree that we are able to appreciate the earnest efforts of these rare jewels; to that degree we will become dear to Krsna. And to the degree we try to see the faults of others or the negative side of a person who is struggling to be Krsna conscious; to that degree we will be neglected by Krsna.

-H.H. Radhanath Swami

The last sentence really struck me because I am beginning to realize, to some extant, how many offenses I have made by criticizing devotees who are sincerely struggling to be Krishna conscious, by trying to see their faults rather than appreciating what rare jewels such exalted personalities are.

And the amazing thing is that in the name of Krishna consciousness or devotional service one can justify criticizing the devotees of the Lord.

Srila Raghunath Das Goswami in his Manah Siksa (Instructions to the Mind) compares duplicitous and wicked activities such as fault finding to the urine of an ass. Only a great fool would think that by taking bath in the urine of an ass he can become purified, if someone is foolish enough to bath in the urine of an ass he will only become more contaminated. In same way sometimes in the course of our Krishna conscious we indulge in such lower propensities as faultfinding and criticizing and although one may justify them in so many ways and actually believe that by doing so he is cleansing his consciousness and making spiritual advancement, factually such a person is only sinking lower and lower into material consciousness.

And he says that rather than indulging in such deceitful behavior which is compared to the urine of an ass one should dive into the glistening nectar-ocean of pure love for Sri Sri Gandharva-Giridhari (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna).

In the next verse Srila Raghunath Goswami instructs us that the root cause is, pratisthasa, the desire for name and fame or as Srila Prabhupada would say desires for profit, adoration, and distinction.

His advice is that one constantly serve one's guru who is very dear to the Lord and with a voice choked with emotion cry out to Lord Giridhari, in order to be free from such wickedness and attain the pristine treasure of pure love of God.

Many people have asked us what we think of The Secret http://www.thesecret.tv/home.html, the wildly popular book and movie.

We offer our opinion below, along with additional information we feel is imperative to consider in tandem with the tenets of The Secret.

What we liked most about The Secret is that it's a very inspiring collection of ancient truths, such as the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, letting go of the past, asking for what you want, believing you are worth it, and acceptance. Lots of great reminders!

What we disliked about The Secret is that the author says the following and implies the same throughout the movie and book: "With the knowledge from The Secret there is not anything any human cannot be, do or have...not a single thing. No limits whatsoever. It doesn't matter where anybody is now--it doesn't matter if they're sleeping in a park, if they're totally broke, it doesn't matter if they're not well, it doesn't matter if their relationships are a mess.It doesn't matter where they are, when they gain this knowledge and when they apply and use The Secret in their life, their lives will totally change."

We disagree. While we believe there is a law of attraction, we feel The Secret fails to include some very important related factors.

Our work and research since 1992 involving cyclical timing methods and past life regression entirely confirms that everyone has a predestined path in life and that you can only "attract" that which fits your personal fate.

We've said it many times over the years and we still feel it's true: You cannot attract and maintain what you want, no matter what you do, unless it's part of your karmic path, fate, and what you've earned from present and past life actions. Furthermore, there are many unwanted circumstances in people's lives, which are not part of "getting what you want," that are integral to spiritual growth.

The good news is that you have free will to make the most of your karma and fate. When you are aware of the general inclinations of your predestined path, you are better able to capitalize on your strengths, opportunities, and inborn skills, rather than waste time with goals that are not part of your plan. In other words, rather than feeling like a failure because you didn't reach a goal that wasn't meant to be, when you are in touch with yourself and your fate, you spend time and effort on goals that are more likely to be manifested.

We are advocates of many of the concepts in The Secret, are glad there is a growing awareness of the related philosophies and we're excited to offer additional information that will help you be even more successful with your goals and dreams.

Copyright © 2007 Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo

Scott Petullo has been professionally employed as an astrologer, numerologist, and certified handwriting analyst since 1997. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona and has been exploring metaphysics since the early 1980's. Scott is a self-taught astrologer and numerologist, and received his Certified Master Graphologist designation from the Institute of Graphological Science in Dallas, Texas. http://www.scottpetullo.com

http://www.mysti
About the Author
http://www.mystictwins.com Stephen Petullo has studied metaphysical concepts since the early 1980s and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona that includes a minor in psychology. He has been doing consultations and intuitive readings professionally since 1997. He is a Reiki master-teacher, past-life regressionist, natural medium and channel, metaphysical consultant and has published a book and 20 audio recordings. http://www.holisticmakeover.com

Crime in the Union Territory appears to have taken on a new dimension, writes Rajesh Nair

Crime in the Union Territory appears to have taken a new dimension with the two incidents of robbery in which chilli powder was sprinkled on the face of the victims and ornaments and lakhs of rupees in cash were robbed.

In one such incident, a group of jewellery dealers from Chennai were waylaid during the wee hours by masked men in two-wheelers and decamped with more than one kg of gold and 22 kg of silver after sprinkling chilli powder on their face.

Just a week after that, in broad daylight a petrol bunk cashier was robbed of Rs.13 lakh in a similar manner. The incident took the law enforcement agencies by surprise, as it was the first crime of its kind reported in the Union Territory.

Apparently, the two incidents are not interlinked and the veracity of the second incident was still being investigated because of the conflicting statements given by the cashier, according to Chhaya Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, Law and Order.

However, separate teams of the Special Task Force wing of the police have been formed to investigate the cases. The team investigating the robbery had already visited Chennai to gather information about similar crimes that happened in various districts of Tamil Nadu, including the recent incidents in Cuddalore and Villupuram.

The investigation has been narrowed down to five persons, with previous involvement in robberies and who have been released recently from jail. However, the police are keeping all options open.

Police said they have already passed on information about the suspects to the Tamil Nadu police and are working in close coordination with them. The Senior Superintendent of Police said it would take a few more days for them to crack the case, particularly the one in which the jewellery dealers were robbed.
Checkposts

In order to boost security, the police have increased day and night patrolling and installed permanent checkposts bordering the three neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu.

Checkposts have been put at Kanakachettikulam, Navakulam, Muthialpet, Sonapalayam, Marappalam, Abhishekapakkam, Muludi, Gorimedu, Pathukannu, Madhagadipet, and Sedrapet. Besides the presence of two constables with walky-talkies in the checkposts, officers would make routine visits and conducts vehicle checks in these places. A senior officer said the initiative was to plug at least the main routes to the neighbouring districts taken by criminals after committing offences here.

Soon, those manning the checkposts would be provided with the photographs of known offenders in the Union Territory and the numbers of stolen vehicles.

The territorial police have also decided to interact more closely and share crime related information with their counterparts in Villupuram and Cuddalore. A joint meeting has been planned in the beginning of next month, according to senior officials.

http://weirdindia.blogspot.com/2007/06/school-trains-women-to-be-submissive.html

Subscribe to Weird India

It may sound Bizarre but its true! In Bhopal City in Madhya Pradesh state of India here is one school that trains women to become ideal, obedient and submissive wives and daughters-in-law. "Manju Sanskar Kendra" school in Bhopal city was founded in 1987 & teaches young women the art of being good wives by serving their husbands and in-laws, and thereby preventing splits in the family.

'The primary aim of the Kendra is to prevent Indian families from breaking up under the pressures it faces nowadays,' says Bhau Ayaldas Hemnani, the founder and director of the rather unique school.

It offers a three-month course that stresses on the importance of 'Indian culture' and the woman adjusting to her new family after marriage. While students spend the first month learning Sikh and Hindu scriptures, the second month has lessons in naturopathy and the third is entirely dedicated to domestic life.

As per Hemnani, 'We teach women how to serve their husbands and win laurels and how to behave with in-laws. We also tell them to be tolerant while adjusting to their new home,'.

Women's rights activists and groups have termed the very idea of the school 'ridiculous', anti-women and regressive. They have in fact suggested that schools now be opened to train ideal husbands too.

'We don't have any objection if the centre starts teaching men to be an ideal husband, father or son. It would be a step towards building a balanced society. Why only train girls to be submissive?' asks Sandhya Shelly, state president of the All India Democratic Women's Association.

Chandna Arora of the All India Women's Council, says: 'Thousands of women are doused with kerosene and set on fire by their greedy husbands and their families. Most of these dowry-related deaths are passed off as kitchen accidents. How will they resist dowry or other domestic abuse?'

Contrary to one's expectations, the centre is very popular with over 4,500 having graduated from it so far.

 http://deshika.wordpress.com/2007/06/24/on-opinions-dissension-and-iskcon-schisms/
 
by Kripamoya dasa ACBSP

I wrote this after witnessing a long and drawn out internet exchange between devotees on doctrinal issues which, after a period of politeness, descended into self-righteous indignation and the insidious web behaviour of ‘flaming.’

Opinions, they say, are like belly-buttons. Everybody’s got one. You’d expect Vaishnavas to be articulate and forthright in their opinions wouldn’t you? What you might not expect is just how many different opinions there can be from people who are all supposed tto be following the same religion.

And every one of them you talk to will insist that his particular shade of understanding – or that of his guru is the definitive conclusioon of a particular matter and therefore not an opinion but TRUTH. If only being so convinced about something made it true; our existence in the universe would be a much easier thing. And running a religious movement would be a doddle.

Solipsists have it easy by comparison. They believe that there is only one conscious observer in the universe, and that’s them. All else is illusion. Even relationships with their nearest and dearest are nothing but mental projections on the void. They never argue with anyone, they don’t have to. The other person doesn’t exist. It’s a comforting philosophy I suppose, but they’ll never have a good football team. And they will probably never have a movement of the size and diversity of our ISKCON.

Religions seem to be OK in the beginning when there’s just the founder and a few listeners. One prophet or saint speaking on a mountain, a riverbank, or under a tree. Only one opinion, with no disputes or disagreements easy. Its when there’s a few folllowers that the problems start. And when followers actually try to work together to achieve something, that’s the time to watch out. With philosophy, religion and politics, as everyone who’s ever had a dinner party knows, it’s so easy for feelings to escalate and to have heated conversations and disputes. And we certainly have a lot of philosophy, religion and politics in ISKCON.

Are we alone in this? Is ISKCON the only organisation where deeply held opinions over relatively minor points threaten to open up wide schisms? Of course not. Everybody’s at it. This is the Age of Quarrel after all, so feeling that you are right and the other guy is definitely wrong comes as second nature.

But isn’t ISKCON meant to be above all that stuff? Isn’t this the revolutionary, peaceful movement meant to spiritualise human society and rise above the dissension of Kali Yuga? Oh yes. And it would be so easy to do if arguing and having the satisfaction of being right wasn’t so damned temmpting.

What do devotees mainly disagree about? The same things as other religions do: Theology, Liturgy, and Governance. If you study religious movements and their growth, gradual splintering, weakening and extinction, you’ll find they argued over these three things. These three subjects have fuelled the fires of controversy within each of the religions and kept them weakened for centuries. And if we’re not careful it will keep the Vaishnavas going for many more.

Theology Who are we? Whatt do we believe? Who is God? How do we interpret scripture? How is God’s grace attained? Who is a saint? How do they behave?

Liturgy How do we worship? Whatt books do we read? Whose songs should we sing? What language shall we use in our rituals? What daily practises will the believers perform and to what level of discipline? How do we publicly recognise membership of our religion and at what stage?

Governance Who setttles disputes on doctrinal issues? How and when do we assemble? How do we organise ourselves? Who leads us? How are leaders appointed? Who appoints them and how often? Who has a voice? Where does power reside? Who decides how money is apportioned?

Unity on these issues helped keep some religions relatively strong, whereas intractable disagreements rendered them weak or useless. Christianity, the fruit of just one preacher and a few early disciples two thousand years ago, has become a staggering 104 main denominations and 33,839 organisations, the majority of which have no working relationship with each other.*

With reference to this tendency for even well-intentioned human beings to be so much less than divine, and in light of his spiritual master’s mission dividing into factions, Srila Prabhupada said about ISKCON: “I am always afraid of this crack.”

It is, naturally, in everyone’s interest to keep the mission of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON, as one international movement. Certainly it is part of his disciples’ sacred duty to maintain what he gave us. He wanted it. In 1976 he wrote a letter reminding his disciples of the story of the king who had many sons. He asked them to break single twigs, and then asked them to try to break a bunch of twigs. By this he indicated that after his death, if the sons stayed together the kingdom would not be broken. ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’

The founder of the Hare Krishna movement knew that his organisation would grow, and that it would ultimately attract millions of people of all persuasions and political shades. And he prayed that his most intelligent followers would not fall into dissent and party spirit, but act as a force for harmony and unity.

Otherwise, historians of the future will note that Srila Prabhupada was a great saint whose movement later fractured into schisms. He was afraid of that crack and so must we be. The solution? Tolerance. Always tolerance. And mutual understanding, negotiation, and compromise. Not over-reacting to differences of opinion but seeing how we can negotiate to an equitable solution whereby our most important service to our spiritual master gets done - and gets done together. Of course, we must not under-react either. There must be discipline within a movement such as ours, as well as organisation and intelligence.

ISKCON is already an extremely broad church. We can celebrate our diversity only if we are acting in Sattva-guna. The influence of Raja-guna will cause us to identify with party spirit and to polarise us into rigid political camps. And Tama-guna will propel us into acrimonious campaigning against each other. We have a choice.

* Figures from World Christian Encyclopaedia

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/QA_Ancient_India_was_in_the_middle_of_global_trade/articleshow/2124322.cms

NEW DELHI, INDIA, June 18, 2007: S. P. Gupta, former director of Allahabad Museum and current chairman of Indian Archaeological Society, is credited with excavating several Indus Valley sites. He spoke to Rohit Viswanath on recent developments in marine archaeology.

What are the latest advancements in marine archaeology? "We do not use the term marine archaeology anymore. It is called underwater archaeology. That is because the term merely denotes oceanic and deep-sea archaeology. However, underwater archaeology has a wider scope. Fresh-water sources have been historically conducive to human habitation. Many ancient port cities and towns were located at the mouth of rivers or estuaries, where ships could be anchored. S. R. Rao has done great work in Dwarka. Vast discoveries have also been made in Lakshadweep and Elephanta islands. Several port sites have been found on the east coast in Andhra Pradesh."

What is the significance of these findings? "Rao asserts that the remains excavated by his team from the mouth of the Gomti river in the Gulf of Kutch are part of Krishna's Dwarka, on the basis of a seal found at the site. At the Elephanta islands, 2,000-year-old Roman pottery has been discovered, indicating rich trade with the late Roman Empire between the 4th century AD and 7th century AD. The findings establish it as a significant port of the period. Further, on the west coast, at Chaul, a team from Deccan College has found evidence of trade with Oman from the 1st century AD to 13th century AD. Evidence of trade has also been traced right up to Japan from the west as well as the east of the country. We now know that India had contacts all over the ancient world, right from the Red Sea in the west to South China Sea in the east. India was right in the middle of global trade.

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

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

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/press_releases/mcdonalds/

KAUAI, HAWAII, July 6, 2007: HPI reader Ranji Singh points out that, following the US$10 million judgment against McDonalds in 2005, Hinduism Today warned that:

"Hindu vegetarians around the world may wish to take note of the little-publicized fact that McDonald's made no changes in their fries, which are still beef-flavoring saturated. Sure, the oil is vegetable. But make no mistake about it. There is meat in those luscious Golden Arches french fries." (See URL above for complete report.)

"Today," laments Ranji, "this issue is forgotten. Every Hindu with whom I have spoken about this matter believes that McDonald's no longer use their beef flavoring since they lost the lawsuit."

So, consider yourself reminded, beef flavoring remains in the fries, and if you don't believe us, believe McDonalds: click here and scroll down to "Natural beef flavor" in the list of ingredients for "Small French Fries."

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

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

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

VARTULA-PRAVAHA

Vartula-pravaha.  One Brahmin was taking bath daily in the Ganges.  So as a Brahmin's regulative principle, they take kosa-kusi to offer oblations to the forefathers, sraddha.  So one day he found that there were so many kosa-kusis, so he could not understand which was his own.  On the next day, just to find his own, he put one earth ball on his own Kosa, the plate.  So after bathing, when he returned he saw that every kosa had a ball on it, a vartula.  Then again he was puzzled.  He asked the other Brahmins, "How is it that there are balls on everyone's kosa?"  So they said, "Oh, I thought that it is an occasion to put a ball there.  I thought it was a fashion now."

MORAL: Prostitutes are having so much difficulty because women are so freely available that no-one is coming to pay for them.  Because everyone is a prostitute.  Vartula-pravaha.  The same difficulty.

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?

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Vegetarianism in the major Religions - All manner of religions
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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

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Paradigms - where things are not all they seem

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

The Real Peace Formula
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