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Bhuj Tridev Mandir
pirmdiena, 2014. gada 26. maijs
"BBT Only" Day
BY: SUN STAFF
Mar 13, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — The following announcement has been issued by BBT Chairman, Naresvara dasa:
"BBT Only" Day
In cooperation with the ISKCON GBC, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is marking March 14 as the first annual "BBT Only" Day.
This is a day to remember the following important instructions from Srila Prabhupada:
He formed the BBT to serve as his exclusive publisher.
He wanted all his books purchased exclusively from the BBT.
He wanted all his books purchased exclusively from the BBT.
His Divine Grace gave those instructions in a letter addressed to all ISKCON temples. The letter was dated March 14, 1974.
March 14 this year will be the fortieth anniversary of that letter.
Every devotee and congregational member of ISKCON should become familiar with that letter and have its importance clear in mind.
"BBT Only" Day is also an
opportunity for devotees to remember – or learn about – the value the
BBT adds to Srila Prabhupada's mission in ways other than by publishing
books. For example, the BBT. . .
gives large grants every year for construction and renovation of ISKCON temples (current project: the new temple in Mayapur)
provides funding for the Bhaktivedanta Institute
supports the BBT Sanskrit School started by Gopiparanadhana Prabhu in Vrindavana to train new Sanskrit editors and translators
funds the Bhaktivedanta Archives
provides funding for the Bhaktivedanta Institute
supports the BBT Sanskrit School started by Gopiparanadhana Prabhu in Vrindavana to train new Sanskrit editors and translators
funds the Bhaktivedanta Archives
If you've received a copy of Srila
Prabhupada's historic letter, please post it on your bulletin board (or
on your wall or fridge). You can also find it online at the "BBT Only"
website: www.BBTonly.org.
In 1969, while visiting ISKCON Press, the forerunner of the BBT, Srila Prabhupada said, "This is the heart of ISKCON."
A devotee said, "You are the heart of ISKCON, Prabhupada."
Srila Prabhupada replied, "And this is my heart."
May Srila Prabhupada's heart be dear to the hearts of us all.
Thank you.
Naresvara Dasa
BBT Chairman
BBT Chairman
PS: How can you tell a BBT
book? By the logo. Books published by others may look nearly the same.
But only books published by the BBT display the BBT logo. So look for
the BBT logo. It's your guarantee that what you're getting comes
genuinely from the only publisher authorized by Srila Prabhupada to
publish his books: his BBT.
Frequently Offered Objections
Those who won't like our message are likely to raise some objections. Here are some we've heard, along with answers.
1. Objection: Srila Prabhupada
wrote, "All printing of ISKCON literature must be by the BBT or under
their sanction and approval." Krishna Books, Inc., is also printing with
BBT approval. They have a license from the BBT. So what's the problem?
Answer:
It's true that KBI has a
license. That license was wrung unwillingly from the BBT by a former
trustee who had badly fallen from the principles of Krsna consciousness.
Though fallen, because of a legal technicality he could still legally
claim that he was a trustee – in fact, the only trustee – of Srila
Prabhupada's book trust. So the BBT settled the matter by giving that
license to the new company he formed – KBI.
When Srila Prabhupada spoke of
printing "with BBT approval," such an unwillingly granted license hardly
seems like what he had in mind.
KBI has legal approval. It does not have spiritual approval.
No court can give anyone
spiritual authority or declare invalid Srila Prabhupada's desire that
the BBT serve as his exclusive publisher.
2. Objection: What's this about
"BBT only"? Srila Prabhupada's original BBT has been hijacked, and now
the books are published by a newly concocted, unauthorized organization
called BBTI.
Answer:
During Srila Prabhupada's
physical presence, "the BBT" consisted of a worldwide group of BBT
entities, all publishing under the authority of Srila Prabhupada and his
global "BBT trustees."
Those entities are what we
informally referred to (and still do) as "the North American BBT," "the
Latin American BBT," "the Indian BBT," and so on.
In America, in fact, when Srila
Prabhupada was physically present his books were all published by
ISKCON of Los Angeles, publishing under the BBT's name and authority.
This same arrangement – various BBT entities publishing Srila Prabhupada's books around the world – still continues today.
The BBTI serves as the BBT's
licensing agent to license these various other BBT entities in a legally
orderly way – a suitable and much-needed function.
But the BBT International
doesn't actually publish books at all. The local BBT entities do, just
as during Srila Prabhupada's physical presence.
3. Objection: The BBT lost all authority when it began publishing "changed books."
Answer:
For extensive answers to
arguments about "the changed books," please see www.BBTedit.com. And if
you prefer the earlier editions, fine – follow Srila Prabhupada's
instruction by buying them from the BBT.
4. Objection: The BBT does not give 50% of its proceeds for construction, the way Srila Prabhupada ordered.
Answer:
True. The standard we've come
to is 25%. And that's a higher percentage than the BBT ever gave when
Srila Prabhupada was physically present.
In fact Srila Prabhupada told Harikesa Dasa that 25% would be acceptable.
Why? Suppose it costs you a
dollar to make a book. Then you double the price and sell it to the
temples for two dollars. Then you give 50% (1 dollar) for construction
and the other 50% to reprint the book. Now all your money is gone. Where
then will you get money for reprinting books in larger numbers? Where
will you get money for printing new titles or books in new languages?
And when inflation drives printing prices higher, so that the book you
printed for a dollar now costs you $1.20 to print again, so that you
get fewer and fewer books for your money, what will you do about that?
So we use 50% for reprinting,
we give 25% for construction, and – almost incredibly with such a small
percentage – with the other 25% we increase print runs, print new
titles, expand into new languages, keep up with inflation, give grants
to the Bhaktivedanta Institute, train new translators and editors,
support the Bhaktivedanta Archives – and more.
By the way: How much do publishers outside the BBT give for ISKCON construction? And how well does 25% compare with zero?
The general answer to all these objections is that one should follow the orders of the spiritual master, not look for excuses.
Visiting ISKCON Press, the
forerunner of the BBT, Srila Prabhupada said that this was his heart.
Every devotee should have this image embossed in his mind.
Those who would try to
undermine or explain away Srila Prabhupada's "BBT only" instruction are
sticking a knife into his heart. Devotees should understand this too.
5. Objection: BBT books are
more expensive. Why should we pay more when we can get books cheaper
elsewhere – and in that way distribute more of Srila Prabhupada's
glorious books?
Answer:
BBT books are in fact very economical. But they do cost more.
Why? Because we follow Srila Prabhupada's order to sell books to ISKCON centers at twice what the books cost us.
Unlike most authors, Srila
Prabhupada didn't expect any royalties from the sales of his books. But
you can think of that extra cost – that markup – as Srila Prabhupada's
royalties. That extra price you pay goes to finance larger print runs,
produce new books in new languages and new media, preserve and catalog
the manuscripts, audiotapes, and images in the Bhaktivedanta Archives,
help fund the Bhaktivedanta Institute, build and renovate ISKCON
temples.
By buying elsewhere, you can
certainly save some money – but only by disobeying Srila Prabhupada's
direct written instructions and depriving him of his "royalties" – the
share of the proceeds he asked be given to expand the BBT's work of book
publishing and temple construction.
If you're a sincere follower of
Srila Prabhupada, which matters more to you – sticking to Srila
Prabhupada's instructions or saving a buck?
The sincere follower makes the spiritual master's orders his life and soul.
(Text PAMHO:26202534) --------------------------------------
------- End of Forwarded Message ------
------- End of Forwarded Message ------
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/news/03-14/news5287.htm
Sri Mayapur Masterplan dept seeks help
The Sri Mayapur Masterplan Committee’s sub division, dealing with Exhibits and Museums is seeking help to envision and develop a series of Exhibits and Museums to be included in the development of the City of Mayapur. It is important to understand that we are not speaking of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Rather these facilities will be featured in the town that surrounds the ToVP.
Srila Prabhupada said that people would come to Mayapur to see “…the architectural culture, they’ll come to see the civilization culture, the philosophical culture, the religious culture by practical demonstration…”
He wanted our city to be based on ‘Vedic Culture’, a culture of education and elevated behavior. We have an opportunity to design a series of exhibits and museums; both static and living that will bring out the fullness of Srila Prabhupada’s vision. He described that by using western talents to develop Mayapur it would become “unique in the world”. We have no fixed plan as to how this can be achieved but we know it should be unique!
One of the concepts in our ongoing masterplan work over the years was that, as one enters the city one experiences a gradual transition from the mundane world that eventually leads to the Darshan of their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Madhava in their wondrous transcendent, cosmological temple.
One way this transition could be realized would be through the cities architecture, making it more and more grand, otherworldly and inspiring as one moves towards the temple. Another way would be to bring visitors through a series of ‘immersive’ environments, each of which builds an increasing sense of expectation.
There are a number of ‘living’ museums and ‘cultural’ villages that re-enact the way people used to live. This is something we could do to show the historic precedents of Vaisnava life and culture. We would also need practical demonstrations based on what can be achieved today. We are to implement vedic culture according to our current time place and circumstance. This should be a tangible part of the Sri Mayapur experience.
For example: We could start with a series of exhibits/experiences that demonstrate the falsehood of the bodily conception and the eternality of the soul. This can then lead into demonstrations of the teachings of our previous acaryas, establishing the position of Mahaprabhu and the dissemination of his teachings. This could be done using dioramas (as seen at Akshardham) or some other media. Next could be experiences or demonstrations that show the superiority of the vedic way in terms of quality of life; that vedic existence is not simply ‘abstract’, but rather that it is a sophisticated, rich, colorful, compassionate and deeply satisfying way. We can then demonstrate how this leads to a life of worship and dedication that ultimately delivers us to the transcendental world of Goloka…
We need to think outside of the box.
Prabhupada wanted Mayapur to be a place of constant festivity and enlightenment. An intelligent plan of facilities is required. A variety of permanent and temporary pavilions and other venues can be situated throughout, in the streets, avenues and parks, in which all kinds of festivals, demonstrations, exhibitions, or discourses, great and small, can take place continuously.
There are many ways in which we can make our Mayapur City “unique in the world”. The above suggestions are simply to give an idea of the scope of the work; we are seeking creative suggestions.
We are seeking artisans, visionaries and developers who can give some time to think deeply about the task Srila Prabhupada has charged us with. We need to cater to a wide audience, from simple Indian villagers to wealthy international intelligentsia.
Whatever is conceived of, it should be practically achievable. There are many things to consider: the sub tropical climate, floods, irregular power supply, lack of proper infrastructure, lack of available equipment or suppliers, etc.
If you are interested to participate please write to Samba Das at gregvanclark@airpost.net with details of your experience.
If you need any more information please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank You.
Your servant
Samba das
http://www.dandavats.com/?p=12624
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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders perform puja to the River Ganges in Varanasi
Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and India's next prime minister Narendra Modi, second right, and BJP President Rajnath Singh, second left, perform evening rituals with the help of a Hindu priest, as leader Amit Shah folds his hands in respect on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi, an ancient city revered by millions of devout Hindus, India, Saturday, May 17, 2014. Modi will be India's next prime minister, winning the most decisive victory the country has seen in more than a quarter century and sweeping the long-dominant Congress party from power, results showed Friday. An elaborately decorated platform was built for him to offer prayers on the banks of the river. Saffron flags fluttered above the flower bedecked platform and thousands of supporters and onlookers milled around to watch as Hindu priests chanted sacred verses and burnt incense. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/photos-of-the-day-may-17-2014-1400348010-slideshow/
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Ambarish Das writes to GBC on ISKCON-Bangalore dispute
Posted June 03, 2013
Dear Maharaja and prabhus, please be informed that on DayaramPrabhu's
request, RadhaJivan prabhu and I met with MadhuPandit Prabhu and
Chanchala Pati Prabhu, in my hotel in Bombay on the 3rd of March 2013.
MadhuPandit Prabhu explained his entire case to me, which all of you are
familiar with. The meeting lasted for five hours. In his conversations
he explained that this fight, has become dirty and has been brought to
the streets. The general masses of India are so ready to accept Krishna
Consciousness and Srila Prabhupada; but they are being victimized by
losing their faith watching us fight. He claimed he is sick of fighting
any further and therefore wishes to make a settlement. For this he is
willing to surrender his 3000 crore properties to ISKCON Bombay and work
under ISKCON management. However, he wishes to maintain his
philosophical stance at this time.
I humbly wish to make my request to you all as Srila Prabhupada's
followers and sincere well-wishers of ISKCON society, that a settlement
be made at this time since the fight has gone on intensely for a very
long time. If however, the settlement brings further problems in the
future, they can be dealt with, then. I recommend the GBC should take
their chances with the settlement at this time since there is every
chance that when a more friendlier atmosphere is created in the future,
MadhuPandit Prabhu will be open to an agreeable philosophical debate
once a working relationship is restablished.
I believe on friendly grounds people are more willing to see each
other's points of view. It is absolutely imperative that we diffuse the
situation without further delay. It might seem to be a compromise,
giving in, or diluting our philosophy, but eventually I have firm faith
that we will come out winning; influencing his heart, and the hearts of
his 300 men by this act of love and trust.
We have the example of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, when dealing with
Prakashanada Saraswati: Mahaprabhu took the humble and tolerant stance
and was able to eventually win over Prakashanada's philosophy and make
him a disciple along with his 10,000 men.
I am writing this note to you after considering all aspects of the
present situation. After deeply contemplating the pros and cons of this
long battle and its effects on our society. Although not the ideal
option for us, a settlement is a very wise and sober option; for which
there will be blessings from Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna for
making the maximum effort to maintain peace in our society. As Srila
Prabhupada mentioned your love for me will show as to how well you
co-operate with each other and also he said, no one can harm this
society from the outside, it can only be broken from the inside.
Jaha Sumati, Waha Sampati nana aha kumati taha vipati vidha
Where there is peace there is all good fortune. Where there is disturbance there is only calamity.
I beg to remain a simple servant of all of you esteemed devotees.
Ambarisa Das
Ambarisa Das
http://www.chakra.org/2013articles/060313_a.html
A detailed map of Iskcon Vrindavana
Use this link to get in zoom option or download this map :
http://m.dandavats.com/?p=4924
pirmdiena, 2014. gada 5. maijs
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