May 11, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS (SUN) — I've been listening to a lot of the Vintage series of recordings produced many years ago by the BBT. It's a collection of kirtan and bhajan recordings that Srila Prabhupada made, either singing solo, leading kirtans, or sometimes, singing in response to one of his disciple's leading kirtan.

Prabhupada was very humble about his own singing. He insisted his lectures be recorded, for the benefit of his disciples and future generations. But i think it was more by the initiative of his disciples that his singing was also recorded. I was in L.A. in 1972 when he recorded some bhajans at a small studio we had there. We had to ask him to record them. After finishing a bhajan, he asked us if it was all right, and went on to sing the next one. Everything of course was just one take. Sometimes he added his own mrdunga (drum) or kartals (hand cymbals) part on another track. That same year, he also sang the first couple of chapters of Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita-- specifically for me-- to engage me. He suggested that i could go to the temples and teach the devotees how to sing Gita and Bhagavatam verses.

May 11, OJAI, CALIFORNIA (SUN) — I have often referred to Ojai as the Western equivalent of Banares India. During the days of Lord Caitanya, that city was considered to be a haven for Mayavadeis. Similarly the small Ojai Valley 0of approximately 40,000 residents hosts: The Theosophical Society, The University Of World Religions, Krotona Institute, The Happy Valley School, The Ojai Retreat, Meditation Mount, The Church of Religious Science, The Chumash Indian Vortex, The Symphony Of Life Fellowship, the Kutir of Meyer Babba, and the home of one of the biggest impersonalists from the 20th century Krishamurti's his residence, library and Oak Grove School! Hardly a week goes by without some new-age guru coming into town to hang his shingle and open shop for "Enlightening" the ignorant souls who think it can be attained by enrolling in a weekend seminar. This article is a public service announcement exposing those who promote such nonsense at the expense of the innocent public.

May 11, INDIA (ORGANISER) — Hindu ideal of life in global context.

As soon as certain powerful nations feel inconvenienced by these restrictions they pass new amendments to the treaties that allow them to develop the very weapons they agreed not to produce.

The 2nd International Symposium on the Social Sciences, Globalisation and the Cultures of Resistance was held in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico on April 24-26, 2008.

Shri Ram Madhav Varanasi, a National Executive member of the RSS was the keynote speaker. In an appropriately relevant speech entitled Hindu Spiritualism vs. Global Materialism, Shri Ram Madhav highlighted the fact that Hindu civilisation is not solely based on spiritual pursuits. Rather Hinduism recognises the pursuit of happiness as an integral part of life. It therefore prescribes methods for the pursuit of pleasure in a righteous manner.

May 11, LONDON, ENGLAND (TIL) — Beef Off the Menu To Avoid Offending Hindus, Says British Airways.

British Airways has taken beef off the menu for economy passengers amid concerns about its “religious restrictions”. BA’s second-biggest long-haul market is to India, where the majority Hindu population do not eat beef because of their beliefs.

The decision to scrap the nation’s favorite fare was described as a “great shame” by the English Beef and Lamb Executive, formerly part of the Meat and Livestock Commission. A spokesman said: “It is regrettable that Britain’s flag carrier is not proposing to serve Britain’s national dish.

May 10, UK (SUN) —

I received a call late last night.
One of many from a member of the Bhaktivedanta Manor community.
Apparently, one of ISKCON's leading traveling preachers had issued a warning to his followers, in the temple room at Bhaktivedanta Manor,
"Do not believe anything you read/hear on the Internet ".
(I wondered if that included any of Srila Prabhupada's lectures.)
"They are attacking ISKCON and therefore attacking Srila Prabhupada."
(I also wondered who or what the Swami was referring to.)
"These people are going to hell."
"You are the future of ISKCON."
Very interesting!
Once again...
I wondered if the said Swami had ever bothered to read/hear what was actually being said.
I thought about it....
No doubt the Swami's devoted followers will now be spending time trawling the Internet to find out just what, or who, the Swami is referring to.
Of course,
this does not tally with Srila Prabhupada's instructions wherein He wanted His followers to be "independently thoughtful people."
Neither does it tally with brahminical culture.

May 10, UK (SUN) — When you look back at South Africa's recent past you could easily have thought there is no way they could ever reconcile their past abuses. Whatever has happened in ISKCON over it's forty-three years in no way compares to what happened in South Africa in one week or in one month, what to speak of one year!

The GBC can learn though, from what they now see was going on and what was done. You need to make amends. You need to create a forum in which perpetrators are forced to sit and listen to the hurt they have done and beg forgiveness.

May 10, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY, USA (SUN) — A Unique Concert featuring World Class Artists from India.

June 14, 2008 @ John Witherspoon Middle School Auditorium Time - 4.30 pm

‘Strings in Harmony’ is a path-breaking initiative conceptualized as a confluence of the best talent on offer in the Hindustani and Carnatic genres. It is a beautiful and soulful amalgamation of 2 string instruments, both having its own uniqueness and yet blending with each other to bring mesmerizing music to our ears. And this ever-lasting musical confluence will be performed by two eminent musicians from India, Shri.Gaurav Mazumdar and Lalgudi Shri.G.J.R.Krishnan

May 09, OHAI, CALIFORNIA (SUN) — How our eating is impacting the environment.

Years ago the hippies chanted, "Get back to the earth" and advocated organic gardening. Now CEOs and mainstream Americans patronize "Health Food" stores. The environment is a major concern and many are now reevaluating "modern life." Recycling and wholesome foods have become a public religion.

Modem communications, international travel, instant computer resources, and the FAX machine have brought people closer together. Political barriers have fallen and national customs have mixed. For the politically suppressed, timely news has been the catalyst for revolution.