IPS Chairman's Blog

Have you got Character?

2008-11-08T00:27:00.018Z

Currently we have 15 very successful Krishna Consciousness Socieites all over the UK, attracting students from all different backgrounds and walks of life, it is truly a unique thing.

Just two days ago we had a very powerful event at City University, based on "Character Development" as the focus. The highlighted points were personal definitions of character; how character is tested and what is required to develop character.

We discussed current real life examples who are dominating the news and media. The first name that came to mind was Lewis Hamilton. Youngest ever winner of the F1.

He has shown great character to get to where he is today. People may have been more skilled, not believed in him etc, however due to his strong character he has achieved his goal. His character and skill will now be put to the test when he has to once again prove himself as a great driver.

Another good example is Barack Obama. He has taken over one of the most influential and powerful countries in the world, at the moment things may seem bright but will his character be up to the test to deal with criticism, change, unsupportive nations and other crisis that are bound to come.

And finally, it's ok when you're winning. Everyone's best of friends and supporting each other but true test and strength of character comes when placed in difficulties. For example Chelsea got thrashed (3-1 wohooo) this week. All these points make people realise that having skills, qualifications, attributes, good looks can only get you soo far but your character and desire to develop character will take you further and this can only be achieved in co-operation with the supreme person, Lord Krishna.

Please contact me if you are interested in knowing more about the University Socieites.

Or for more information check out:

http://www.krishnasoc.com/
http://www.tattva.co.uk/

A Visit to the "Dirty South"

2008-11-08T00:03:00.005Z

So recently I had the great fortune of facilitating a session entitled 'What a Wonderful World' in Crawley, or the "Dirty South" as us Northeners like to refer to them as. I was clever because I did not drive down myself (they steal stuff in Crawley); I hid my watch under my sleeve and tucked mu tulsi beads in. Reaching the event safely we had an interactive discussion; great music and food all in a really nice, chilled out environment. There were some really deep, some really funny and some really inquisitive questions from the members and all in all it was a great night out in the dirty south.

The points highlighted in the discussion were choosing between material and spiritual happiness; long term and short term gain; and how to practically improve our day to day lives.

They're hoping to buy there own centre soon due to their growing support and enthusiasm from the young people taking on more responsibility in thier Krishna Consciousness. It is so inspiring to see everyone working together to spread the happiness which everyone in the world is undoubtedly looking for!

Please keep it up! Hope to see you guys again soon!

The 'tourist guy'

2008-10-15T09:56:00.005Z

Whilst browsing the internet for pictures for Uni and Jamming posters I came across this image which I hadn't seen for quite a while. Look familiar? Ok, i'll tell the story once again...

Soon after 9/11 an image showing a tourist while an airliner was about to hit the building beneath him circulated on the Internet. It was claimed that the picture came from a camera found in the debris at Ground Zero. The 'tourist guy' as it was called became an Internet phenomenon and was world famous through the circulation of multiple e-mails.

Here comes the punchline...The picture won a best photoshopped picture contest. Can we still trust the camera? With Photoshop, you can now actually make pigs fly and it will take a skilled eye to tell whether any of them is true.

While that might be a creative opportunity for artistic photographers and designers, for news editors, it can all be a bit of a nightmare and for readers too when the photos skip the newspapers and land straight in your mailbox.

Doesn't it feel like 9/11 was just yesterday? It is still heavily talked about in the media, in schools, in politics (look even I'm still talking about it).

Like the image of the 'tourist guy' above Maya fools us to believe things are real when they're actually not. Maya makes things seem so believable and true (like the image above) and can only be spotted doing this by a trained eye (as mentioned above).

We have to train our minds through Krishna Conscious activities so that we can differentiate very clearly between Krishna and Maya. Especially in this age of Kali, Maya will continue to think of new ways to entagle us but we have to stay fixed and not fall for her trick.

2008-09-13T12:51:00.003Z

As you can probably guess from the image I'm a big United fan. Most of you are probably thinking he's one of them...but NO! I'm not one of those glory hunters, I was actually at the Nou Camp when United won the treble (jealous aren't you?). Anyway Recently one of my mates from University went to watch the Arsenal Vs. Newcastle game and was telling me what an exciting mtach it was, the atmosphere, the live game, the intensity and from there I realised how similar it was to what I usually do....but at the temple.

Football fans have a place of worship..their stadium like Old Trafford, The Emirates etc and we have our place of worship...the temple! Football fans wear the colours of their team to show their support and show pride in their tradition..we wear dhotis, sari's(for the girls) and tilak to please their Lordships and represent our practices, beliefs and culture. Football fans chant the names of their players, victory songs, chants for when they score to boost their teams moral and show their support..we chant the holy names of Krsna! Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!

We can notice here that the same process is used to try to make us happy, the difference is one has Krsna in the centre. All we have to do is place Krsna in the centre of our activities and our lives will be come successful. When discussing this analogy in a boys sangha, Nanda Gopa Prabhu also added a very nice point, that box seats, to get up close to the sports stars that you love are not cheap and supporters pay a hefty sum for these locations. Similarly, spiritual advancement and realisation is not cheap and we must take to Krsna Consciousness sincerely and seriously and Krsna will reciprocate unlimitedly...and you will be a winner..your team could lose on any day.

Free Running - Overcoming Obstacles

2008-09-12T14:19:00.007Z

'Free running' is one of the fastest growing physical arts in which participants (free-runners) use the urban and rural areas to perform movements through its structures focused on freedom and beauty. Jumping, leaping, diving and surviving, they travel rapidly using modern acrobatics and street stunts over what would seem to the untrained eye an obstacle or blockage in the normal path. I did something very similar recently, not on the streets but in the mind.

It's been a long time since my last blog. Maybe because a lot has happened since then. Krishna's blessings and tests come in all shapes and sizes (like buildings and walls) but the defining factor is the way in which we deal with them. Through innovative techniques, stable discipline and positive focus the 'Free runners' overcome such dangerous obstacles. Our attitude is more important than we think and with it we can change something we feel is negative into something incredibly positive. If we see all good and bad things happening as a reason to take more shelter of Krishna then our life can be successful. No matter wether something looks simple or difficult the 'Free runners' find a way of overcoming the scenario intelligently. Summer is nearly coming to an end but it's usually a time when everyone's smiling, happy and enjoying life..well usually. And in these times we often get so carried away we don't think about God, Krishna or anything else for that matter. If instead we took out some time to thank Krishna and try to understand that everything going well is only due to Krishna's will and not our own doing then we can please Krishna. Because we all know that no matter how hard we try to make things right in life most of the time they just don't work out which shows us that someone else is in control. But if we acknowledge and appreciate the person in control, Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead, our dearest, closest and best friend then he is pleased and we are also happy because we have pleased him. When put up against a slightly more difficult situation we may not be able to see a way over it or reasoning behind it but once again by taking more shelter of Krishna we are able to cleverly tackle the situation at hand.

So how to take more shelter of Krishna you may ask? The best way is through the ABCD of Krisna Consciousness. ASSOCIATION - Spending more time with devotees, discussing Krishna Consciousness topics and regular conversations about life and how to improve. BOOKS - Srila Prabhupada has given us an abundance of Krishna through his books with philosophy, pastimes and prayers. CHANTING - "If one chants the holy name of the Lord, 'even in a helpless condition or without desiring to do so, all the reactions of his sinful life depart, just as when a lion roars, all the small animals flee in fear.'' DIET - Eating Krishna Prashadam (food offered to Krishna) purifies us immensely as it is Karma free and non-different from the Lord himself.

Any major sports star, celebrity or free runner will state that in terms of their career discipline is very important. If we maintain regular chating, reading and association with devotees we are developing our relationship with Krishna and this will help us in all obstacles, education, work, relationships, spiritual, EVERYTHING!

Keep CHANTING and a positive attitude because KRISHNA is the supreme controller and he has given us his DIVINE holy names.

Thank You To All The Devotees!

2007-09-11T11:46:00.000Z

This is just a thank you to all the devotees who made Janmashtami possible this year! There was a lot of hard work and effort put into all areas to try and make Janmashtami successful and I am extremely pleased by everyone's commitment!

Please continue with this spirit of dedication and devotion to Srila Prabhupada's mission and you are bound to feel the immense reciprocation of their lordships!

Thank you once again, and please forgive me for any offenses caused!

Your servant

Derren Brown - 'Trick of the Mind'

2007-06-15T09:30:00.000Z

Derren Brown (shown on the left) has become famous for his powers of suggestion; seeing the future; art of distraction; recalling memories; and tricks of the mind. He states that it is an ability that he has had to learn, and labor hard over rather than something he was born with. It takes much time and practice to perfect the art of what he does.

His program on 4 is extremely popular and his work is became more and more known all over the world. Derren Brown thinks outside of the box and that's what makes his illusions stand out from the rest!

He works with everyone, from celebrities, to people on the street!

A lot of his stuff I believed could be linked to our philosophy or the way of the material world as it is all about the 'trick of the mind' - our worst enemy!

Below is a written description, in his own words, one of his recent tricks of the mind he conducted on his show on 4. The text in bold is my commentary.

When I leave a cash-filled wallet on the pavement in a busy street all day, I am playing with people's perceptions. By drawing a line around it, I disconcert them even more by making it look 'official'. (shown on the right)

No one touches the wallet because they think it's too weird or perhaps some sort of trap. People know that lines are drawn round the shape of the body if someone has died in suspicious circumstances, so that makes them feel the wallet has been put there by the authorities. The line makes it clear that it's not lying there by accident.

I don't think the trick would work without the line around the wallet. It makes the object look surreal, as though it has been put there for some unknown purpose. People walking past suspect that both they and the wallet might be being observed, so they don't touch it. The context and appearance of the wallet are too odd for people to be able to process the information that they have about it.

The aim of this trick of the mind is to make people feel so weird about picking up the wallet that they would rather play safe and not touch it. And it works!

Srila Prabhupada once said “If you sell diamonds, you cannot expect to have many customers. But a diamond is a diamond even if there are no customers.” Our philosophy and culture is like a diamond. It's value does not change whether people follow it or not as a diamonds value never drops but only increases.

Similarly, in this example, the cash-filled wallet can be compared to our philosophy and culture. As Derren Brown is playing with people's perceptions, Maya (illusion) has clouded our minds with materialism by drawing this line around Krishna.

People don't take up to spirituality easily as they are too tied up in themselves and their attachment to material possessions. Sometimes people also see spiritual life as a 'brain washing' mechanism, 'weird' or a 'trap'.

Maya is very clever at doing what Derren Brown is doing in this situation. Despite people knowing that what they are chasing (in this case money) is right there in front of them, Brown is able to put them off it using their OWN mind against them. Even when people know that Krishna Consciousness is the only way, Maya confuses the mind and makes it believe it is odd and surreal therefore despite their knowledge people reject it!

As Derren Brown says it works! The mind acts as such an enemy that people are reluctant to pick up the wallet, whereas in any other situation they would be more than happy to take it! Similarly our mind works against us in so many ways. Whether it be waking up early to chant; reading the scriptures; going tot he temple; following the four regulative principles; and just being disciplined.

Maya is using our mind to keep us away from what is best for us! Derren Brown has shown in this example that 'just a line' is able to separate people from the money. Maya is throwing all sorts of things at us: ignorance; laziness,;relationships; education; family duties; let alone our conditioning in this material world and neglect of Krishna for so many lifetimes.

The only way we can overcome Maya is by chanting the holy names of the lord. (arms raised) HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE! Praying that Krishna will give us his mercy by which we can get closer to him and really see what a diamond Krishna Consciousness is!

ADVERTS FROM HELL!

2007-06-14T10:33:00.000Z

Scientific research and religious scriptures alike agree that children grasp the most or learn the most effectively between the ages of 0-5.

Therefore it's hard to understand why between those ages, children are literally bombarded with adverts of all kind that could be affecting there whole life! From newspapers to magazines; and billboards to the radio. But the main factor behind it, the major player is the idiot box or the one eyed monster - THE ONE AND ONLY - TV! Children are like sponges at those ages and they are soaking up completely the wrong kind of information, so what is being done about this?

Due to the recent increase in teenage crime influenced by movies and video games this is what has happened: Issue reviewed on 'The Wright Stuff' - Channel 5

'A pressure group is calling for a ban on all advertising to kids under seven claiming commercialism is destroying our kids’ childhoods - influencing everything from the way they eat to the way they play. But is a total advertising ban really going to achieve anything? After all, we’ve already banned junk food ads during kids’ TV and many would argue programming’s suffered as a result. Maybe that’s a price worth paying. What do you say?'

A respected authority in the Early Childhood Education Research Institution stated 'The first five years are the most critical. Many theorists have researched that certain subjects if not learned before a certain age simply cannot be learned.'

Our main concern should not only be the adverts but even the children's programs today are not educational or informative.

Recognise this guy? Think of the cinema...still not yet?...how about little Britain...orange mobile phone adverts? You must have by now!

This is Steve Furst, actor, comedian and writer. He appeared on the show and explained how he believes it is a price worth paying and that adverts should be banned. He also shed some light on how he takes care of his kids at home. He said that his kids are only allowed to watch kids DVDs of his choice. He spoke on the difference in his kids behaviour when they were watching cartoons or american tv channels compared to the DVDs. He said they were glued to the tv when the cartoons or american channels with the major advertising were on whereas the DVDs did not have their attention so much. He believes it is better to take your kids out and spend time with them!

So if you have any little brother's or sisters or know anyone who is being exposed to these sort of adverts stop them now! These adverts are more polluting to the mind then we think and know!

Upcomig Jammin's - LOOK REAL GOOD!

2007-05-29T20:53:00.000Z

The next two Jammin's look like they're going to be quite entertaining!

Harrow Jammin', THIS FRIDAY 1st June, we have the amazing presence of His Grace Vaiyasaki Prabhu! For those of you who do not know him he's BETTER than any music artist out their today! His voice has so much variety, presence so inspiring and chanting of the holy name so POWERFUL. This JAMMIN' WITHOUT DOUBT SHOULD NOT BE MISSED!

So for a night full of dancing, chanting, singing and feasting : a perfect blend of blissful melodies and scrumptious prashadam -

contact Vijay - 07984414483 [Harrow Jammin']

East London Jammin', NEXT FRIDAY 8th June, we've got our very own favourite blue/green eyed brothers Viveak and Anshu! We know them as the cool guys or the funny ones or just the two that look the same! Their Jammin' entitled 'Standard Questions: Perfect Answers' a spin on the book written by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivednta Swami Srila Prabhupada [READ THIS BOOK, it's short, fun and most of all you'll learn so much without noticing]! This Jammin' promises to be full of laughs, for more details check out www.psena.co m!

So for a night full of laughs, fun learning and hilarious comedy -

contact Kush - 07958764409 [East Jammin']

So Fired Up!

2007-05-29T09:44:00.000Z

Hare Krsna Everyone!

As most of you know HH Radhanath Maharaj was at Villa Vrindavana Temple, in Italy just a couple of weeks ago, the home of Sri Sri Radha Vrajsundara! The altar is extremely extravagant and the deities so beatufiul and unique. Lord Nityandanda's crying eyes, Lord Jagantha's great big smile and Radharani's red cheeks - WITHOUT DOUBT THIS TEMPLE HAS TO BE VISITED TO SEE THE WONDERFUL DEITIES!

Fortunately a lot of Sena's including me got to be their to receieve their wonderful association and be a part of the absolutely mind blowing classes and kirtans, facilitated by Maharaj!

We got their a few days early, just so we could sort out accomodation, get a quick look around the city of Florence, eat lots of pizza and be there at the welcome celebration for Maharaj! From the point Maharaj entetred the temple everyone was smiling and completely ecstatic. Maharaj had the most wonderful smile on his face at all times and greeted the devotees with so much love!

He was very pleased to see the amount of Sena's that had come from London and welcomed them with an abundance of hugs and sweet words! Maharaj in the first few minutes had lit up everyone's hearts!

During the week, Maharaj gave the most powerful and inspiring classes, coupled with the most vibrant and ecstatic kirtans, literally NO-ONE was standing [they weren't sitting stupid, they were dancing]! Devotees from all over the world Croatia, Germany, India, Belgium, South America and obivously England and Italy all dancing together in kirtan - it was truly a unifying and bonding experience!!!

During the day everyone was lucky enough to get the association of the wonderful interantional devotees. It was great to see how far ISKCON is spreading and how enthusiastic people are for Srila Prabhupada's mission! Inspiration was buzzing and the willinges to serve and support was overflowing! Maharaj's words had touched everyone's hearts and had affected everyone's consciousness, uplifting them!

We were also fortunate enough to have the presence of His Grace Matsya Avatara Prabhu, a lcose friend of Mahraj and another very influential and key leader of ISKCON. He has designed many ISKCON temples, one of them being the one we were at - an altar beyond our imagination.

His Grace Hare Krishna Prabhu [i know what a name] led one of the most ECSTATIC Gaura arti's and then kirtan on the request of Maharaj! This kirtan is one to ask all the sena's about!!!

The highlight of the whole week was the harinam in florence! Over a 100 devotees flooded onto the streets of florence with instruments, prashadam, maha mantra signs and leaflets to take over! We danced are way through the main city centres encouraging as many people as posible, young and old, from all parts of the world to chant the holy name and dance!!! So many people toom prashadam, so many people danced, so many people chanted, all of whom were invited to the Sunday feast at the temple!

And now I'm going to explain why the harinam was the highlight of the week...lol...It was the highlight because Maharaj led the dancing and all the devotees were honestly just trying to keep up with him as he leaped elegantly through the streets, inbetween the stalls and in the centre of the churches. Watching Maharaj was unbelievable!

Trips like this provide us with so much rejuvination, inspiration and the ability for reflection on the quality of our own spiritual lives! They give us the chance to focus on our Sadhana and spend time with a spiritual master who can guide us in the best way! All of Maharaj's classes were recorded and there are MANY MANY more photographs [thanks to our very own Janak Prabhu] so make sure you get a peek!

I am now even more eager and fired up to serve you, the devotees of Pandava Sena. I have been incredibly inspired and enthused by Mahraj's classes and understood the importance of Pandava Sena dn how extremely amazing and unique we are! I hope to have all your association with you very soon, and be in you service more effectively from now on!

The Italian devotees were the most hospitable, caring and helpful devotees I have ever met! Their service attitude, sincerity and humility was astounding! I offer my most humble obeisances unto them as they took care of us so well and facilitated such a beautiful event!

Thank you very much!

MY 1s retreal - France -

2007-04-09T16:04:00.000Z

I'm sure there's a lot of people out there wondering should I go on the Pandava Sena trip?

And if you're not... then I'm expecting you've already booked and for that reason you don't really need to read this entry, unless you want to laugh your head off!

But seriously, a lot of people maybe thinking is the PS trip for me?

Will I make any new friends, will I get on with people?

Is it going to be any fun, or would a trip with my mates to Spain be better?

If you're thinking all these things THEN DON'T WORRY, I've got the answer, because last year, before my first trip, this is EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING, plus a few worse things,hehe!

Last year, 2006 I think, ISKCON Pandava Sena went off to New Mayapur in France. This was my first ever retreat. This entry is me taking you through my journey of not wanting to going on the trip; to wanting to go on the trip; to not wanting to going on the trip; to just going on the trip; and then LOVING the trip!

The story begins...

I had just finished my A- levels and been on a trip to Spain with some of my 6th form mates. I used to attend the Manor every Sunday for the Arti and prashadam. On one occaison I attended the Sunday Night Jammin's that the Pandava Sena's do. I loved the youthful nature of the program and how cool and funny the people presenting it were and at the end they advertised the trip. The poster looked heavy and the activities even better! I went up to ask one of them what the trip was about? This person was Kushal [you know the one from East London, sorry bro]. He persuaded me to want to go on the trip, but after a few days I'd once again lost enthusaiasm. Mostly I was scared of meeting a whole lot of new people I did not know and wondering wether I would get a long with them or not.

After meeting some of the Sena's at the Manor I was re-convinced to go on the trip and therefore handed in my application form and cheque. As the days went past I once againt felt like I did not want to go on the trip, but my parents said I had already paid so there was not much choice. The day of the trip came, and I was on the way to the airport. I tried to be really clever and pull a sicky hoping my parents would say, ok you don't have to go. You know like when you wake up for school and tell them you got a really bad stomach ache - but NO, that didn't work either, and the next thing I knew I was sitting on the plane!!!

The trip was THE BEST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD! EVERYONE WAS ON THE TRIP TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AND GET ALONG WITH EVERYONE! For that reason it made it so easy to make friends, so easy to have fun! The Pandaava Sena trip was SOOOOOOOOOOO much better than the trip to Spain with my mates [sorry guys but it's true]. Wether you want to come on the trip to enjoy the activites and chill with loads of like minded people, or come for a spiritual getaway the Pandava Sena trips are just for you!

The trip faciliatets for everyone WITHOUT A DOUBT! I told my mates so much about the trip that this year even 3 of them are coming to see what it's all about! Before I used to go to the temple and just chill with my family, now when I go I've got like a 100 friends waiting for me!!!

The bets thing is that you get people from all walks of life! People from universities, schools, colleges who all just want to have a good time and learn something new!

I would recommend the trip to anyone! I really didn't want to go at one point, come on, I tired to pull out THREE times, and now I would not MISS IT FOR THE WORLD! And this year fortunately I've been able to be organising the trip, so I know exactly what you want, because I was in the same position last year!

PLEASE DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

THERE'S NOT MANY PLACES LEFT, AND THE TRIP IS GOING TO BE GREAT!

check out WWW.PSENA.COM/PSUMMER - DON'T MISS IT! You WILL REGRET IT!

PSUMMER - PANDAVA SENA SUMMER RETREAT 2007

2007-04-09T15:54:00.000Z

Hare Krsna Everyone! Hope Everyone is well! It's that time of the year again where ISKCON Pandava Sena go abroad to conquer another country! The Boy's are off to Ireland, and the Girl's off to Belgium!

The boys team is like rice crispies, snap [Jiten], Crackle [Brijesh] and Pop [Me] and the girls is a blend of the good [Archana] the bubbly [Kala] and the absolutely crazy and sweet [Madhvi]! These are your trip team commanders for this year so for any further details on how to book and the fun stuff we will be getting up to please contact the above!

Don't forget to check out WWW.PSENA.COM/PSUMMER - OUR VERY OWN TRIP WEBSITE!

BOOK NOW! SPACES ARE LIMITED!

2007 - New Years Resolution/The Revolution Continues

2007-01-17T18:50:00.001Z

Hare Krishna Everyone!

Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Just over three weeks into the year of 2007, we are now at a good point to gauge as to whether we have kept to our New Years resolutions or not.....so have we? Even if we have I think this is the right time where as a group we can add something special to our independent spiritual lives, that will benefit us all as a family!

In 2007, we as members of ISKCON Pandava Sena are going to have more commitment to becoming Krishna Consciousness and more enthusiasm to giving Krishna Consciousness!

1) 'We should always remember that our body is not for sense gratification; it is for Krishna’s service only. And to render very good sound service to Krishna we should not neglect the upkeep of the body.'

2) 'If by the tongue you chant Hare Krishna mantra, and by the tongue you taste prasadam, you will be perfect, simply by executing these two things.'

3) 'We should learn to forget and forgive minor incidents because whenever there are two men in a place, there is always some misunderstanding.'

Quotes from his divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada

Before embarking on our Krishna Consciousness journey in 2007 I would like us to read these three quotes. Srila Prabhupada always stressed the importance of health, sadhna and service, in that order. The quotes I have chosen are in relationship to this order. In this year of 2007 it will be wonderful if we can all work together to serve Krishna in all these areas of health, sadhna and service!

1) The first quote relates directly to health. Often, as devotees we forget we need to take care of our material body. We are busy, enthusiastic doing service however we forget that the body we are in requires good maintenance through a good balance between exercise and rest. Without our health it will be very difficult to focus strongly on our sadhna. We have all been ill at one point or another and know how helpless and reliant on others we become. Luckily in Iskcon we have several Ayurvedic doctors who can give us good advice based on our personal diet and condition. So, we must take care of our health to the best of our ability so we can focus on our sadhna.

2) Sadhna includes: chanting of the holy name; hearing the holy name; hearing about Krishna and his past times in classes; reading about Krishna; attending of morning programs; and eating prashadam. Sadhna is the most important part of our spiritual life, it is our spiritual fuel and energy. There is an analogy that relates to this aspect of our lives. When we have a car full of fuel, we are able to drive it everywhere we want to do service! In this example the car represents us. However, once the fuel runs out, no matter how physically fit or how determined and enthusiastic the car is it is not possible for it to move until it is re-fuelled. The fuel in this example represents our Sadhna. The analogy shows we must have good Sadhna so that our enthu and drive to serve Srila Prabhupad and Krishna can be fulfilled effectively. Our Sadhna is our spiritual fuel, it is what allows us to be engaged in service in the right mood and with the right attitude. Without it, eventually we will run out of energy.

3 ) We have now looked at examples on both health and sadhna. The final aspect of our lives to look at is service. We are constantly trying to be enaged in devotional service. It is important to know what mood we are doing service in and how we are co-operating with other devotees around us to do the service. During the visit of His Holiness Radhanath Swami he gave a very POWERFUL class on Leadership in relation to service. In this class HH Radhanath Swami gave some of the most valuable instructions on how we can make our service more devotional, focussed and effective. I am going to share with you a few of these that I felt we can all apply and practice.

First of all HH Radhanath Swami explained the difference between 'High' and 'Low' service. Often we feel that a service that has more responsibility is higher service, however he explained that 'High' service is service that his done in a humble state and a 'Low' service is service that his done with pride and ego. Often in service we see it is difficult to get along with everyone around us, or that if something goes wrong we get distracted and feel less confident. HH Radhanath Swami explained we must 'accept headaches for the mission'. HH Radhanath Swami also explained we must have the 'willingness to adjust and put the higher principle above the current passion'. As Srila Prabhupada has said above we have to learn to tolerate. He understood that mistakes will always occur however devotee's of the lord live with Vaishnava qualities, no expectations. HH Radhanath Swami explained we should all be striving for the qualities of tolerance, humility, sincerity and forgiveness.

Here are a few more quotes from his classes that I believe we can meditate upon that can better our service:

'Don't worry what people think of you, the way they treat you. Worry about the way you think of people, you treat people.'

'Come to SERVE! Don't come to BE served.'

'If you are criticising people in a lower social, economic or Krishna conscious position YOU HAVE MISSED THE POINT'.

'Accept HEADACHES for the mission'

'Leaders must COMMAND respect not DEMAND respect'

I read this particular quote below, from His Divine Grace, A,C, Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada and felt, we are so fortunate. We must take this opportunity to try and perfect our health, sadhna and service. Sometimes we forget what we have, we're so lucky because we're constantly reminded by Krishna, Srila Prabhupad and all the devotees around us!

'Everyone is being controlled by God, but a devotee is so exalted that Krishna says, “I wish to be controlled by you.” This is Krishna’s position.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!

2006 - The Round Up

2007-01-17T17:35:00.000Z

2006 was a great year for IPS and a great example of the variety of opportunities there are to be engaged in devotional service. IPS were thorougly engaged in creating innovative projects of their own and supporting the Manor during festival times!

Here is a quick round up:

We made good use of the colours we organised for the Holi festival. The infamous picture of UV comes to mind [if you have seen the video/presentation]. People from all over came to see the bonfire and chuck colours at each other.

Upton Centre [home of East London Jamming] was re-decorated by the devotees - loads of hard work to make the hall look great! The numbers keep growing, a record of 210 when His Holiness Sivarama Swami graced us with his presence.

We went on our summer trip to New Mayapur! We were so so soo fortunate to have the
presence of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami - MIND BLOWING KIRTAN, His Holiness Paramgati Swami - ETERNALLY SMILING, Her Grace Urmila Mataji - WHO IS IN TOWN AS WE SPEAK and His Grace Gauri Prabhu - WHO IS ALSO IN TOWN-funnily enough!

When we returned we celebrated the beautiful festival of JANMASHTAMI! We took over both the VRINDAVAN FOREST and the 'LOST' tent [can't think of a better name]. The Vrindavan forest displayed 21 stunning past times of the lord! The Lost play was appreciated and praised by all who saw! The actors, setting and directing was excellent! All of IPS were heavily engaged into the production and organising of both areas!

From HAVS [I've never known what that stands for] to VICTORIA HALL. Harrow Jamming moved to a new and larger hall. The new hall has already been blessed with the presence of several senior devotees and we keep attracting the new people - keep up the good work!

Dussera witnessed the burning of a much more fierce, muscular RAVAN! An excellently directed play with a new cast. At one point we did not want to burn RAVAN he looked that good! PS devotees were constantly enagaged in the constructing of RAVAN and rehearsing for the play!

The Diwali program in East was moving and truely inspiring! Sandeep Prabhu, Naveen Krishna Prabhu and Bhutabhavana Prabhu blessed us with their words that touched all our hearts! The fireworks were DISPLAY FIREWORKS not DOMESTIC FIREWORKS - no more needs to be said on that! Everyone had a great time!

The Christmas programme was a good laugh as devotees took to acting, singing, dancing..........being papp'd..................and we got to reminisce about the beautiful Deities in New Mayapur! An article on the event was published in the Asian Voice along with pictures of devotees dressed up in funny costumes!

IPS was blessed and glorified by several senior devotees. His Holiness Radhanath Maharaj said Pandava Sena is a 'Spiritually satisfying group of people'.

The importance of looking back at what we have accomplished through the mercy of senior devotees and Srila Prabhupad as it helps us realise we are very fortunate to be engaged in devotional service and in the association of so many other devotees. It also makes us realise that we can do great things in this way and keep expanding Lord Caitanya's family!

With this mood it would be nice if all of us, in the next year can commit ourselves a little more to our family and be inspired to better every festival, programme, Jamming and expand into new areas and projects! Let us together further build Srila Prabhupad's army and focus, responsibly and enthusiastically on Lord Caitanya's mission!

Thank you to all the Pandava Sena devotees who have been engaged in service in 2006 and welcome to those who are new, do not worry, we have enough room for everyone!

IPS New Years Eve Extravaganza

2007-01-17T14:10:00.002Z

Hare Krishna!

Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupad!

First of all I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Yes yes I know it's a little late but I hope you had a good one!

New years Eve is by far the most extravagantly celebrated night around the world! This year, ISKCON Pandava Sena decided it should be no different for the devotees as we took over Bhaktivedanta Manor...ONCE AGAIN!

Devotees got there early to help with the decoration of the temple room. Thank you very much to both Kanchan Mataji and Toni Prabhu for being so eager to help and co-ordinate. Moving the ladder in and out of the crowds that had gathered early and experimenting with the balloon net all added to the fun as we awaited the evening's party!

The evening began with a 'Youth Interactive' programme facilitated by Sandeep Prabhu. Sandeep, as usual, connected great with the youth audience, got them involved in group activities/discussions and inspired them all to write out a Krishna Conscious New Year's Resolution and sign up to IPS - HARIBOL! A few of them have even attended Jammings! Thank you to Sandeep Prabhu for facilitating such a fun and informative event for the youth.

The night was energised by Powerful Kirtan as several PS devotees sang and played their hearts out for the happiness of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda and Srila Prabhupad! Thank you to Vijay Prabhu for co-ordinating and organising such wonderful kirtan and thank you to all the devotees who sang and played, for creating such a fascinating energy - The crowds could not stay static for long and were soon jumping and dancing ecstatically to the holy name!

Halfway through the night we took a break to be blessed by the words of His Grace Shruti Dharma Prabhu and once again Sandeep Prabhu! Shruti Dharma Prabhu and Sandeep Prabhu addressed the whole congregation speaking on the importance of Krishna Consciousness in the modern world today and how we are so fortunate to be a part of this revolutionary and unique movement! The talks were very well received as devotees were seated all the way out into the reception room where we had the live link set-up due to demand! Thank you so much to Shruti Dharma Prabhu for his constant support towards Pandava Sena and his words that I am sure have brought us valuable realisations. Thank you once again to Sandeep Prabhu who continues to inspire and encourage us.

Kirtans were then enjoyed throughout the night as devotees chanted the names of the Lord! Five minutes before 12.00 we closed the curtains. The kirtans got louder and more powerful, everyone wanting to once again see the beautiful Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda! The curtains opened and there was an explosion of confetti, balloons and bubbles. Yes, bubbles were all around the altar! The supporting nets were cut as a sky of balloons rained onto the devotees. We would like to thank the Manor for allowing us to open the Deity curtains at 12.00 which allowed us to see their Lordships the first in the New Year!

Dilraj Prabhu was the drive behind the event. He was the one to come up with the initial ideas for the entertainment and programmes for the evening. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dilraj Prabhu for his enthusiasm to make the New Years Eve event so special for all of us who were there.

I would also like to thank all the PS devotees that came on the evening to support and be a part of the New Years Eve programme. Without you the programme would not have been this successful! Thank you for dancing, co-ordinating, preaching, cleaning - EVERYONE had a part to play!

This event represented the strength and unity of ISKCON Pandava Sena! Together we were able to touch the hearts of hundreds of people, by encouraging them to dance and chant the holy name we were all engaged in the service of Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda! We should go into 2007, the new year with this mood to serve collectively and enthusiastically! We should continue to inspire our friends in PS and continue to attract others to the process as we have experienced the happiness it brings. Together with the mercy of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda and Srila Prabhupad we are capable of great things. The decision of whether or not to open the curtains at midnight went all the way to ISKCON GBC!

We are all very fortunate and blessed to be part of such a dynamic youth group that has so much potential! We must all stay enthused for Srila Prabupad and the mission, we have a lot to do, but it is possible!

If you have any ideas for future events or would like to make any suggestions or comments please feel free to contact me. I hope to be engaged in your service very soon!

Hare Krishna

Your aspiring servant

New Chairman Of IPS

2006-12-04T22:44:00.000Z

Official ISKCON Pandava Sena Notice:

Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The month of Kartik is a very special time in the lives of the devotees. It is a time for more energy in our service, more depth in our devotion and often a new beginning … with this mind, I would like to announce Jay Shetty as the new International Chairman of ISKCON Pandava Sena.

Jay Prabhu is a young, highly creative, intelligent and determined devotee. He has an intense desire to serve the devotees and unbreakable loyalty to Srila Prabhupada has his ISKCON. He has an amazing ability to be able to understand youth and connect with them on a very personal level. I am personally very eager to see this very special devotee take ISKCON Pandava Sena into the future. His selfless nature will give him the strength to perform this demanding service, however, he has the blessing of many senior devotees, which will give him unlimited ability in his endeavors.

As parting words, I would firstly like to beg for forgiveness. I have undoubtedly created countless offenses for which I pray I am forgiven. Every day I am realizing more and more the importance of ISKCON Pandava Sena. Over the last decade IPS has unleashed powerful and highly dynamic devotees with the sole purpose of serving Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON. The youth of ISKCON are the personification of the future of ISKCON.

Please pray for me and extend your blessings to Jay.

Your Little Servant,
Yuvraj (Uv)

Message from our New Chairman:

Hare Krishna Everyone!

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Pandava Sena chairman. For those of you who do not know me or have been fortunate enough to have not had my association my name is Jay Shetty. I am 19 years old, have just completed my A-levels and am currently on a gap year, going to university next year.

First of all I would like to thank Naveen Krishna Prabhu, Sandipan Krishna Prabhu and Uv Prabhu for their tremendous devotion, dedication and contribution in forming and cultivating Pandava Sena into what it is today. Without you I do not know where I would have been today. I would also like to thank you for your guidance, advice, knowledge and association over the past few months. I am so grateful to have had a chance to meet you. Uv and Chirag have had a great influence in guiding my spiritual life and helping me with my personal life for which I believe I am indebted to them. Thank you for giving someone like me so much of your valuable time.

I would like to thank Sonal Mataji who was the first person who introduced me to this wild bunch of people called Pandava Sena back in 2002. Even though I stopped going to East London Jamming after six months or so I am so appreciative I was introduced at the time. When I was lost in life, I had Pandava Sena to come back to. Thank you so much! I would also like to thank Vivek and Anshu Prabhu who have always supported me and were the first people to talk to me at a Jamming, love you guys!

During and after the trip to New Mayapur I have been blessed with the association of several devotees in Pandava Sena. Every second I have spent with anyone over the past few months has been so inspirational and enlightening. The people I have met through Pandava Sena are without doubt the most intelligent, nicest and unique people ever. For those who I have not yet spoken to, I hope to have your association very soon.

It is beautiful hearing about the glories of the devotees who have been involved in Pandava Sena and the movement in the past and have created this revolutionary troop of youth. It is now our turn to try repay and serve Srila Prabhupad and Krishna. We should also serve each other as this will enable us to gain several of the qualities devotees require. Together we can fulfil the vision we all have individually for Pandava Sena and collectively help it grow. In the association of devotees we can never go wrong and we must keep focus an inspire others around us to be engaged in Krishna Consciousness to their full potential.

I would like to wish a Happy Diwali and Happy New Year to everyone! I believe we are very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to try and become Krishna Conscious and therefore me must make the absolute most of it. I will give my all into serving you, Pandava Sena, Srila Prabhupad and Krishna. From today, I am officially your servant. Thank you. Below are my contact details. Hare Krishna!

Mobile- 079033 51416
Email - j_psena@hotmail.com

Your servant

Jay

Welcome!

2006-08-13T18:56:00.000Z

Hare Krishna!

Welcome to the Iskcon Pandava Sena's new blog - a place where you can speak to others about your thoughts, realisations & questions in your practice of Krishna Consciousness.

Remember this is your, the members of Pandava Sena, and so this blog will serve as a forum for you to express yourself and where other members can join in too.

Have fun blogging....

Your servant,

janak