Opinion Archives

Does Religion Cause War? – A Vedic Perspective

Krishna Dharma Das

An accusation I often hear levelled at religion is that it causes so many conflicts. As the recent tragic events unfolded in the Middle East, some have indeed pointed the finger of blame at religion, as at least a factor in the long-standing dispute. Writing for the ‘Big Think’, Adam Lee observed: “…what I do believe is that that it (the Israel Palestine conflict) is being inflamed and prolonged by religious zealotry on both sides.”

The First Red Leaf

Ananda Vrindavan Dasi

The first red leaf greeted me this morning Among the dull colors of the other fallen leaves It’s redness smiled a reminder of time passing A reminder of cycles of birth and death

Political Polarization is a Stark Reminder of Prabhupada’s Request for Cooperation

ISKCON News Staff

Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON's Global Minister of Communications, was in the Senate wing of the US Capitol on Tuesday when the House of Representatives voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position, a first in congressional history. It was a front-row seat for an event that offered significant lessons for ISKCON in these difficult times.

Coming of Age #8 – Prophets versus Priests – Who are You?

Yudhisthira Dasa

Prophets have been persecuted throughout history. This fact is thoroughly counter-intuitive since all prophets are eventually revered, and many have millions of followers. So, why would they be persecuted and then later adored? Think of Moses for Judaism, Jesus for Christianity, Mohammad for Islam, Chaitanya for Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and literally countless others, especially if the whole of creation is considered.

BBC Radio Episode Celebrates the Bold Mission of Srila Prabhupada

ISKCON News Staff

On September 6th, BBC Radio 2's Pause for Thought episode was entitled "My Spiritual Inspiration" and presented by devotee Nimai Devi Dasi (Nima Suchak). Her reflection, an homage to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada, was part of the week's theme, "To Go Boldly."

Coming of Age #7 – We are ALL Students and Coaches! How to Communicate More Effectively

Yudhisthira Dasa

We know that the best students are open-minded, passionate about learning, listen well, take notes, seek out teachers/mentors (who are themselves committed students), and more. However, the fact is that throughout our lives in this world, we are both students AND teachers, whether by active sharing or teaching by example. Interestingly, the qualities needed to excel in both roles are the same.

The Precious Cargo – A Poem by Sankirtana Das

Sankirtana Das, ACBSP

O Prabhupada You are a treasure Who has brought the Treasure You are eternally wakeful Calling the sleepers to awaken

A Fresh Take: How Arjuna Helped Inspire the Character of Oppenheimer

Thomas Haribol, ISKCON News Managing Editor

J. Robert Oppenheimer's relationship with Indian philosophy, Sanskrit, and the Bhagavad Gita has experienced a revival with the recent controversial Hollywood drama, "Oppenheimer." While many articles have focused on the atomic physicist recalling a verse from the Gita when he witnessed a nuclear explosion, the author Syama Allard takes a deeper look at the relationship and parallels between Arjuna and the 20th-century scientist.