The ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry's "16 Days of Activism for Safer Families" campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, focuses on cultivating healthy family systems and community cohesion by bringing together ISKCON’s top devotee experts to address a wide range of family-related issues.
As I stand where earth, sea, and sky meet, and watch the sun rise before me, it’s easy to feel the emotion of gratitude. Who am I to be so blessed and where does all this life and beauty come from?
I write a journal daily (well, almost daily), and sometimes, when I can’t think of anything to write, I just type “Thank you, Krishna …” and let my fingers move on the keyboard. I thank Krishna for whatever good things have happened in my life. I thank him for whatever good ideas I have got for my writing because writing is my main service and I can’t write without ideas. And I thank him for whatever good service I was able to do, being grateful that whatever needed to go right for doing that service did in fact turn out right and the many things that could have gone wrong didn’t go wrong.
Aruddha Devi Dasi, a luminary in the realm of Krishna-conscious education, with the help of a team of parents worldwide, has been publishing "Srimad Bhagavatam – A Comprehensive Guide for Young Readers." Recently, she has released the sixth canto in the series. She has also authored "Homeschooling Krishna's Children," a complete guide to Krishna-conscious parenting published by the BBT, and is now traveling the world to share her wisdom and experience with teachers and parents.
Celebrating the 46th Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada was a jubilant and spiritually uplifting affair for thousands of devotees gathered at the revered samadhi in remembrance of the remarkable life and teachings of the founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Diwali celebrations have been happening worldwide, and for ISKCON devotees, these festivities can often create strong connections with their local communities and even inspire creative service opportunities. We looked at four examples, from Bloomington to Brooklyn and Utah to the UK. Diwali, or the "Festival of Lights," is a five-day celebration widely recognized as the Hindu New Year. It is traditionally marked by the illumination of candles or other lights in homes, temples, and public spaces, accompanied by the offering of lavish food preparations to the Lord. In the West, Diwali is increasingly serving as a point of connection and interest for spiritual seekers, an "entry point" to learn about the philosophy and sacred texts behind the stories it celebrates. Here's a look at four examples:
Inspired by the announcement of the upcoming “Safe Families, Strong Communities” campaign from ISKCON's Vaishnavi Ministry, 15-year-old devotee Ila H. shares her reflection “From the Eyes of Our Youth.”
Known for its creative and successful outreach efforts, ISKCON Tucson integrated its first Ratha Yatra event into the city's 34th annual All Souls' Procession on Nov. 5, 2023.
Within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a question often arises for the devotee—how does one balance family life with dedicated service to the movement? Gaura Narayana Das stands as a testament to transcending this challenge. A former brahmachari, he has seamlessly transitioned into the roles of a family man and a pioneering business owner. His brainchild, Fly Sacred, represents not only a travel agency but also a bridge connecting spirituality, commerce, and community support within the ISKCON sphere.