www.bhaktivedantamanor.co.uk A Hindu festival this weekend marks the 40 years of use after George Harrison's gift of a manor. Up to 70,000 worshippers are expected to have attended a landmark Hindu festival near Watford by the end of Sunday.
www.flickr.com The two days of celebrations, which were also held on Wednesday, mark the birth of Lord Krishna. The annual event at the Hare Krishna movement's European headquarters at Bhaktivedanta Manor is especially significant this year. It is 40 years since George Harrison bought the property for the group. The former Beatle donated the 19th Century manor house in the Hertfordshire countryside following a trip to India in the late 1960s.
Only about 150 people attended the first Janmashtami festival at the site in 1973. But this year a record attendance is expected as a special garden has been opened in Harrison's memory. The festival is believed to be the largest Hindu gathering outside India.
Only about 150 people attended the first Janmashtami festival at the site in 1973. But this year a record attendance is expected as a special garden has been opened in Harrison's memory. The festival is believed to be the largest Hindu gathering outside India.
Bhaktivedanta Manor is a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple set in the Hertfordshire countryside of England in the village of Aldenham near Watford.
This is a five minute drive from where I live. I've written about other significant historical buildings in the area before. I have glimpsed the manor from the road when I worked close by at the Bull Pen (tearooms), Battlers Green Farm, Radlet. In the 1990's, they welcomed visitors.
Many of us don't know what this widespread religion is all about.
This is a five minute drive from where I live. I've written about other significant historical buildings in the area before. I have glimpsed the manor from the road when I worked close by at the Bull Pen (tearooms), Battlers Green Farm, Radlet. In the 1990's, they welcomed visitors.
Many of us don't know what this widespread religion is all about.
Srila Prabhupada:
There are many devotees who are engaged in the propagation of Krishna consciousness, and they require help. So, even if one cannot directly practice the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga, he can try to help such work... Just as in business one requires a place to stay, some capital to use, some labor and some organization to expand, so the same is required in the service of Krishna. The only difference is that in materialism one works for sense gratification. The same work, however, can be performed for the satisfaction of Krishna, and that is spiritual activity. BG: 12.10 purpor
As I see it, all religions seek the divine. No one belief is superior. By using understanding, we can learn from every way of thinking. And that's what life is about—learning. Every problem along our path is there for a reason. We could moan and decry our bad luck, or find something inside that needs changing, strengthening, or eradicating. Imagine if all the world could live as one. 'You could call me a dreamer—but I'm not the only one'.
Every morning I study a Chinese scroll on my wall. In a few colorful brushstrokes, the artist has captured four important things in life. Protection. Luck. Companionship. Joy.
Maybe life lived without a challenge isn't living at all. It's mere existence.
Every morning I study a Chinese scroll on my wall. In a few colorful brushstrokes, the artist has captured four important things in life. Protection. Luck. Companionship. Joy.
Maybe life lived without a challenge isn't living at all. It's mere existence.
RSS Feed
