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.
By advancing spiritual and academic discourse within ISKCON, the recently revived ISKCON Communications Journal (ICJ) has emerged as an annual platform for engaging in theological and philosophical discussions and addressing contemporary sociological and institutional issues. Doing so reflects ISKCON's intellectual vigor and an openness to contributions by sympathetic outsiders. The articles written by devotees are rooted in the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda and offer profound insights into complex spiritual understandings and societal concerns.
Over a decade ago, Kolkata, the birthplace of Śrīla Prabhupāda, witnessed the founding of the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) by H.G. Hari Śauri Prabhu and H.G. Praṇava Prabhu. Inaugurated in 2009 by H.H. Jayapatākā Mahārāja and H.H. Bhakti Cāru Mahārāja, the BRC has since blossomed into a thriving research center and guest house, serving as a significant destination for the global academic and Vaiṣṇava community.
The 22nd Annual Diwali in London (DiL) celebrations brought hundreds of people to Trafalgar Square for the annual “Festival of Lights” on Sunday, October 29th. ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor was this year’s hosting organization for the joyful event, which is a partnership between the DiL Committee and London’s Mayor representing diverse organizations and religious traditions across the city.
October 27, 2023 - "Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder." was released by Peacock via streaming service in the United States on October 24. The documentary, a 3-part, 3-hour mini-series, is an in-depth study of the gradual descent into acts of abuse, violence, and crimes committed by Keith Ham, formerly known as Kirtanananda Swami and his associates. It also carefully showcases, via heart-wrenching interviews with some victims, the culture of secrecy and exploitation that he created at New Vrindavan, the movement's first farm community located in rural West Virginia.
At ISKCON Nairobi, the Bhaktivedanta Nritya Academy, under the guidance of Gitanjali Parida and Sandhya Iyer, recently showcased an enthralling dance drama inspired by the epic saga, "Ramayana," on the 7th of October, 2023. The play also served as a fundraiser for Mwingi School in Kenya, which helps in improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children in the community.
Chaitanya Chandra Dasa has unveiled his latest offering, an e-book titled "Traps in our Path Back to Godhead." Drawing inspiration from a publication by Suhotra Swami during the 1990s, this e-book sets a philosophical foundation to illuminate the common pitfalls in one's spiritual evolution, empowering one with the wisdom required to navigate and transcend these impediments.
Located in the wealthiest mile of Africa, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Sandton - South Africa has embarked on an endeavor to share the wisdom of Bhakti yoga with a global audience. Their new podcast, "Unveiling the Spirit," hosted by Temple President Vibhu Chaitanya Das, aims to bridge the gap between ancient spiritual wisdom and contemporary living. Through interviews and discussions, the podcast explores the spiritual journeys of devotees, with a particular focus on the ISKCON Sandton and broader South African devotee community, as well as the Krishna Balaram Youth Group. ISKCON News spoke with Vibhu Chaitanya about the podcast's inspiration and potential impact.
The new Bhaktivedanta Institute journal, Purva-paksa: Fine-Tuning Opposing Views, was a “#1 New Release” in the Hindu History category for its inaugural edition of the publication.