Back to Godhead September/October 2010

According to the Vedic literature, Krishna, the Supreme Lord, lived on Earth five thousand years ago. Then, about five hundred years ago, He came again, this time disguised as His own devotee. Known as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, He appeared in Mayapur, West Bengal, and revealed the best spiritual practice for this age: the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), or the Hare Krishna movement, comes in the line of spiritual masters linked to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and has a large temple complex in Mayapur, just down the road from Chaitanya's birthplace. In this issue we hear what it's like to visit ISKCON Mayapur.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's disciples codified His spiritual teachings and the devotional practices He recommended. Srila Prabhupada incorporated those practices into the Hare Krishna movement. In "Motivation in Krishna Consciousness" Rashi Singh discusses some examples of those practices that help her keep up her spiritual enthusiasm.

At the core of Lord Chaitanya's teachings is the idea that we should aspire only for pure devotion to God. With that principle in mind, Urmila Devi Dasi, in "Prayer for the Welfare of Others," raises the question of how intercessory prayer fits with the principle of pure devotion.

Hare Krishna.-Nagaraja Dasa, Editor

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The Ecstasy of Insignificance: Happiness Through Reality

We are truly significant when we freely acknowledge Krishna's significance and unify our will with His.

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An Intellect Discovers Its Perfection

A young man finds that academic achievement is not enough to fulfill his deepest longings.

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An Experience of Mayapur Dhama

ISKCON's impressive complex near Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birthplace abounds with examples of devotional service.

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Offerings with Love

Krishna accepts what His devotees offer Him, and they want to offer Him their whole lives.

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Finding Shelter in Times of Suffering

The ancient story of the elephant Gajendra provides valuable guidance on how to respond to adversity.

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Motivation in Krishna Consciousness

How to stop the material energy from dampening our spiritual enthusiasm.

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Harmful Inclinations

Srila Prabhupada explains that as long as we engage in sense enjoyment, we have to stay in the material world.

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Praying for the Welfare of Others

What part does intercessory prayer play in our spiritual lives?