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December 2002

How does your Karma grow?

"Come and see my sunflower Daddy - its so huge!" exclaimed my youngest child as he tugged me by the hand into the back garden. As I was being pulled down the garden path I could see what he meant. It was big - for a flower. Around nine feet of bright green stalk, the thickness of a broom handle, was topped by a neon yellow bloom, happily bathing in the morning sunshine. "That's MY sunflower," my son said, pointing into the sky way above his head. He was proud of his creation, and rightly so. He'd planted the seed, watered and weeded it, and watched it grow, asking for help when it needed a bamboo stick to stop it falling over in the high winds. And very soon there would be dozens of sunflower seeds for him to plant back in the earth next spring.

The natural cycle of plant growth in the garden is used by Vedic philosophers as an analogy to describe Karma. The Sanskrit word karma, often misused to mean only the bad effect of previous activities, actually means 'action'. Every action we perform will come back to us in some way, sooner or later. The pain or pleasure we cause others will return to us as future pain and pleasure that we will tolerate or enjoy. Every action, or karma, has four distinct stages, and so too does the reaction:

(1) The Bija, or Seed.
(2) The Kutastha, or Bud.
(3) The Phala, or Fruit.
(4) The Prarabdha, or Harvest.

In the four stages of action there is first the 'seed' stage of desiring to enjoy or control something, or someone. This desire occurs after a period of contemplation on some particular object, place or person; and a consideration within the mind of what it would be like to be experiencing that object, place or person.

Then, immediately after the thinking-feeling-willing comes the 'bud' stage of deciding to perform a particular activity. This is followed, either sooner or later, by the 'fruit' stage of actually performing the activity. The 'harvest' is the enjoyment which accompanies the action. Material enjoyment is usually followed by a sense of incompleteness or even disappointment or distress, and thus the 'harvest' is the cause of further desire and the cycle begins again.

The four stages of reaction begin at our birth with the grand harvest of all that we have sown as seed within our last life. Our body, mind, parents, environment, and early experiences are all Prarabdha-Karma. These factors, while not absolutely forcing us to act, condition us in such a way that we will find ourselves almost helplessly carried along in a cycle of thinking-feeling-willing-acting linked to particular objects, people and places. As we continue to reap this harvest from our last life, we simultaneously sow seeds according to the nature of our deeds.

Meanwhile, future reactions within this life, our 'destiny', have already been seeded; set in motion by our actions many years ago. Eventually these seeds bud and become ripened fruit entering into our life as circumstances or people that cause us happiness or distress. How we deal with that happiness and distress, and what seeds we plant in this present life, has everything to do with our choice of reaction.

Spiritual life is that part of our life through which we become firstly conscious of what seeds to plant; what to do with the thinking-feeling-willing that always creates problems for us; how to rise above the unhelpful desires and how to find a higher source of happiness. Our ability to choose how we respond is based on knowledge, continued spiritual awakening, and personal effort. Once we are situated in that space where we can control the incessant flow of desires, the Bhagavad-gita explains that we will know true happiness.

For more on karma and acting in higher consciousness, please read the early chapters of Bhagavad-gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. - Kripamoya das

A Slice of Life

I live in Southampton on the southern English coast and it's a real spot for shipping and boats. Many people in this city and the surrounding villages have a connection with water in some way. I have been a canvas sail maker for many years, creating the huge sails you see on these big racing yachts. Every year down our way, right by my home, there's the annual 'regatta' - a carnival on water if you like, and this year it was going to be something special. The locals had pulled out all the stops to put on the Jubilee Regatta, an event to mark the Queen's 50th year.

In most towns and villages in England, practically every year, there is some form of traditional community celebration. Antiquarian records reveal many of these perennial pastimes in which people connect to natural elements in their local surroundings. They may be called shows, fairs, festivals or regattas; many names according to language and the nature of the event. Large, commercially organised, modern affairs seem to have practically no sense of community; celebrating little more than a prosperous financial year on a tent-covered field; but there are still many smaller events that are organised for public participation, including competitions and processions.

So there I was, faced with the annual regatta (now promoted to a Jubilee Regatta) and wondering how on earth I could bring Krishna into the proceedings. Its a devotee of Krishna's duty, say the scriptures, to think of how others can be introduced to the chanting of the names of Krishna: the maha-mantra. Problem is, it can be quite scary doing it. I mean, why would anyone want to have hundreds of people looking at you while you chant the mantra publicly? Being a quiet sort of chap, that sort of thing has never really appealed to me. They'd think I'd completely lost it! I'd rather keep the mantra to myself as my personal meditation than risk looking stupid. I mean, its OK for the temple devotees singing along Oxford Street, but the Bursledon, Swanwick and Warsash Regatta is another thing!

But Srila Prabhupada risked everything to bring Krishna consciousness to us, and we owe him our gratitude and practical expressions of that gratitude. He taught us how to see from the divine point of view - that everyone is actually a hidden devotee of Krishna, and that if you simply offer them an opportunity to come in touch with Him in some way: through sacred food, the divine names, the teachings, the art, the saintly devotees; well, you may be surprised by the result.

So taking my fragile ego in my hands I resigned myself to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', doing it for Prabhupada and not for me. And that was how me and my Godson Mark came to be rowing in the Jubilee Regatta, our boat, 'The Jewel in the Crown' festooned with coloured bunting and a mantra banner, billowing incense, with me playing a mridanga drum and singing the maha-mantra loudly! And the result? Hundreds of people smiling, applauding, and hearing the Holy Names of Krishna; and we won first prize in the fancy-dress section!

Now we've continued the chanting out of the boat and on to the streets of the city on Saturdays along with Carana Renu dasi, Petra and Joe. Shoppers also receive books and 'Simply Wonderful' sweets. Meetings continue at Southampton University. My thanks to the community of devotees as a complete whole for providing a sense of belonging to the society of Krishna consciousness worldwide. Southampton Vedic Society: http://62.190.237.180:888/vedicsoc/frameset.htm

Community Chronicle

Religions and Conservation Night hosts Royal Guests The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a faiths event staged by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace, on 13th November. When the Duke of Edinburgh was President of the World Wide Fund for Nature International he first sought to link the profound teachings of the world's great faiths to conservation of the living planet. In 1986, at the first such meeting of the religions and the environmental and conservation groups at Assisi in Italy, birthplace of Saint Francis, five religions pledged to work on care for our planet. By the time ARC was formed as an independent charity in 1995 there were nine faiths and now there are eleven.

ARC now works in over sixty countries around the world, developing environmental projects - "Sacred Gifts for a Living Planet" - through the land holdings, schools, investments, networks, moral influence, wisdom and traditions of the faiths. Two of these major initiatives are the planting of thousands of trees in Vrindavan, particularly along the 9km circular pilgrim path, and the replanting of hundreds of acres of forest dedicated to the service of Lord Jaganatha-Krishna in the sacred temple town of Puri on India's eastern coast. Ranchor dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, has been working with WWF for many years and took part in the design and organisation of the special event which featured music, chants and prayers of all the faiths. ISKCON devotees cooked and catered for around two hundred participants.

Sting records the maha-mantra

After chanting Hare Krishna with great enthusiasm at the George Harrison Memorial Concert in New York earlier this year, Sting has recorded a maha mantra track along with devotional singer Krishna das. The track is named 'Mountain Hare Krishna' and is featured on 'Just Relax' by Krishna das. You can hear a clip on: http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=product&id=1921350511

Inspiring Retreat in the Welsh hills

Around 100 devotees spent an uplifting weekend at the third annual ISKCON Congregation Retreat at Buckland Hall near Brecon, Wales. Thunderous kirtans and excellent meals were enjoyed by all, as were the presentations Bhagavad-gita Overview' by Sivarama Swami, and 'Hidden History of the Human Race' by author Drutakarma das (Michael Cremo). Many members, especially those from the city, also took time out to walk in the surrounding hills and forests, breathing in the fresh air, and surveying the stunning scenery.

New Album from Pia

Pia, otherwise known to her Krishna friends as Gaurangi, has just released a new CD with New World. 'Pacifica' is bursting with shakti and deserves a hearing. Buy it for someone's stocking this year. Festival of Lights comes to Exeter Diwali, the annual festival of lights, came to Exeter for the first time on November 3rd and fifty people attended the event at the Friends Meeting House. Larry and Samantha McCauley worked very hard to organise, advertise and cook for the festival; Kripamoya gave the talk on the story of Sita and Rama; Mick provided the sound system; Vasudeva sang bhajans and played harmonium; Mahavishnu Swami led the final arati kirtan; and everyone offered Indian candle lamps and prayers for a successful new year. The feast was excellent with Anne and Alan providing the sweets. The conclusion of the evening was a firework display. Diwali events were also held in Norwich, and at Bhaktivedanta Manor just outside London, thousands turned out for a theatrical play and a huge firework display.

Gita Jayanti - "The Birth of the Bhagavad-gita" December 15th.

Known as the "Vaishnava Bible" and read by millions over the fifty centuries of its existence, the Bhagavad-gita is the most beloved of India's sacred texts. The 700 verses of the Gita were spoken by Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, during His appearance on earth 5,000 years ago. A coversation with His warrior friend and disciple Arjuna took place on the flat plains of Kurukshetra, some hundred miles north of present-day Delhi. The day was Mokshada Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the lunar month, and devotees everywhere celebrate this day as the day the Gita was given not only to Arjuna but to all of mankind. This year it falls on December 15th. You can mark the day by purchasing the Gita, giving a copy to a friend, reading the entire Gita, one chapter; or some verses. You can write out a verse and sticking it on your fridge or dashboard. You could try to learn a verse, either in English or the original Sanskrit. Or you could simply put your palms together, close your eyes, and remember that sacred conversation.

Thoughts that count

A righteous life yields heavenly bliss. It also yields prosperity on the earth. What greater gain is there than this? Know for certain that there is no greater gain than virtue, and no greater loss than to forget the same. Strive with ceaseless effort to work your way along the path of righteousness as far as you can in all aspects of conduct. Be pure in mind. That is the nature of virtue. All else is empty sound and unecessary show. That course of conduct that steers clear of envy, lust, anger and offensive speech, is indeed the path of virtue. Adopt virtuous conduct even today. Do not say, "Let me think of virtue later on as now I am quite young." When the moment of death arrives you shall find virtue as a sure companion that never dies. If a person does good always, without allowing a single day to pass in vain, that conduct will be a boulder to block successfully his entry into rebirth. Happiness springs only from virtue. All else is sorrow and merits no praise. - Teachings on Virtue by the sage Tiruvaluvar, 90 A.D.

Glenda Jackson opens new centre

See full-page article with pictures

by Radha Mohan das On the morning of Tuesday 3rd December, Glenda Jackson MP made a visit to 176 Royal College Street in Camden to open the new Food for All centre. It's the newest ISKCON project in London and is attracting much praise. Throughout the whole day every day, the centre feeds the needy with hot prasadam dinners, provides medical assistance, free internet access, counselling and advice, opportunities to hear and take part in devotional singing, and friendship. It is a joint venture between Hare Krishna Food For All, the Big Issue magazine and Groundswell, a homeless charity which restores the self esteem of those in need, but the majority of the work in Camden is done by the devotees: Parasurama das, Dr Dene Schwarz, and Bhagavat Ananda das.

Present at the opening were representatives from ISKCON, Big Issue, Groundswell, former homeless people, social workers, general volunteers and NHS nurses. Journalists from the Camden New Journal and the Hampstead and Highgate local newspapers were also present. Touring the small property, Glenda Jackson saw the prasadam distibution, computer room, prescription/advice office, computer room and music room. "Absolutely lovely," she said, then adding "You've really packed a lot in and maximised the use of space." She also mentioned that she has noticed the centre on numerous occasions as she had passed by. Indeed, Royal College St. is a busy main road. Inside the centre, as he took prasad, I interviewed David Olapoju who was formerly homeless for years. He had a lot to say:

"This place is very convenient. It's somewhere to have a warm meal which also gives spiritual benefit. This kind of place is needed in the area. The drugs and crime scene in Camden is the highest in London. It's the most integrated borough: People from all walks of life are here. This centre provides social integration on a spiritual platform, and I think represents the way forward." Steve Scott, a representative of Groundswell, said of the opening "Absolutley fantastic. Because of all the work Food for All has done over the years, they are getting their just desserts to have it established in bricks and mortar. Absolutely brilliant!"

Manchester's first Rathayatra - and no rain!

By Bhakta Jimmy, temple secretary On Sunday Ist of December we had our first ever Ratha Yatra festival in Manchester. For days the weather had threatened to make it a damp affair, indeed the sixty or so people we had hoped would turn up soon diminished to thirty as the rain lashed unforgivingly against the Manchester pavings. All morning it rained and I began to study the map hoping there were a few bridges along the route. Suddenly the phone rang, it was Tribangananda prabhu informing me that both he and Antadwipa prabhu were about to land at Picadilly Gardens Manchester, with lord Jaganatha, Lord Balarama and their sister Subadra. The rain suddenly eased like the parting of the Red Sea, blue skies appeared and for the first time in four days Manchester was bathed in bright sunshine.

For those who attended (and five new people came to our temple for the first time, because of the event) it was a wonderful day. And for those of little faith (in ratha yatra weather) they will get another opportunity next year when we hope to hold it again with full sized cart. As far as thankyous are concerned, it was all by the mercy of the Leicester Yatra, in particular Gauranga Sundara prabhu, Tribhangananda prabhu, Antardwipa prabhu and the general enthusiasm of the Leicester yatra. I would also like to thank Ananta Vijaya prabhu for supporting us and leading the kirtan. And finally I would like to thank everyone who attended. Sri Ratha Yatra ki jai!

Kirtaneers attend George Harrison's Memorial Concert

George's memorial concert at the Albert Hall was attended by a party of devotees performing kirtan and handing out leaflets specially written for the event by Sakshi Gopal das. Many hundreds noticed the chanters and took leaflets and sweets on their way into the hall. Abhimanyu das was also interviewed by Sky TV news.