Below is a eulogy to Jahnavi Haggard written by Anuttama dasa, former Chair Person for Children of Krishna, Inc., and posted at the Dandavats Website on August 11th, 2008.
The Kuli Mela Bug Spreads
Below is an article written by Madhava Smullen and posted at the ISKCON News Weekly website on August 23rd, 2008.
2008 Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion
Below is a review written by Kamal Vyas (above, left) about the 2008 Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, held on August 1st & 2nd, 2008.
In Memoriam – Jahnavi Jennifer Haggard
Below is a eulogy to Jahnavi Haggard written by Anuttama dasa, ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner Minister of Communication, and posted at the Dandavats Website on August 11th, 2008.
Departure of Jahnavi Haggard
Below is a eulogy to Jahnavi Haggard written by B. Radha Govinda dasi and posted at the Sampradaya Sun Website on August 11th, 2008.
ISKCON’s Gurukula Experiment
Below is a letter written by Srila Prabhupada to Satsvarupa Maharaja in 1973 wherein Prabhupada wrote the now well known statement that the children in Gurukula “are the future hope of our Society.” This was the source of the name for “Project Future Hope,” which was inaugurated in 1992 by a few GBC members, concerned individuals and the organizers of Gurukula Alumni, Inc. It was a program designed to match members of the first generation with members of the second generation for the purposes of training and employment. With little, or no, real funding and support it was a sincere, but short lived effort.
Another key phrase in the letter is where Srila Prabhupada wrote, “I am concerned that the Gurukula experiment should come out nicely.” As Prabhupada indicated, and history has shown, the gurukulas were an attempt at applying certain ideals and no one knew if they would be a success or failure. Unfortunately, for the most part, the gurukulas of ’70s and ’80s ended up being the latter. While it would be incomplete and disingenuous to describe the ashrams as totally bad, lots of negative things did happen and those experiences are still affecting and impacting people today. The bottom line is that there is still much unresolved in regards to the “Gurukula Experiment” and that dealing with the after effects will be a life-long effort for all involved.
Anyhow, lately I have been intentionally using the term “ISKCON’s Gurukula Experiment” in correspondence and conversation and a few people have asked where and how I came up with that saying. So, for the record, Srila Prabhupada’s letter (below) is the inspiration and source of the term. I find it an accurate and appropriate description for ISKCON’s Gurukulas, at least those of the ’70s and ’80s.
European “Kulis” Unite at Belgium’s Radhadesh Castle
Below is an article written by Madhava Smullen and posted at the ISKCON News Weekly website on August 2nd, 2008.
About Me
Name: Chaitanya Mangala dasa
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Select Quotes:
“Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence.” KD Kaviraja (CC Adi 1.106)
“He should be very careful to accept favorable and reject unfavorable conditions that affect his realization.” Prabhupada (BG 6.10 purport)
“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Einstein
“If we continue to do what we’ve always done, we’ll continue to get what we’ve always gotten.” Unknown
“Follow your bliss.” Joseph Campbell The Power of Myth
