Make 2008 a year of spiritual adjustment

(this is the article i wrote for the temple newsletter)

Make 2008 a year of spiritual adjustment

For the first Sunday Love Feast program of 2008 we were fortunate to be in the midst of HH Bhakti Caitanya Maharaja. Maharaja gave an awe-inspiring class and the theme was “Make 2008 a year of spiritual adjustment.”
Maharaja gave us the key to quick spiritual advancement: devotional service in the association of loving devotees. If we do this consistently through out 2008 we will find our lives transformed!

Even before hearing this transcendental class devotees brought in the New Year doing the best devotional service: Kirtan. Singing to the sweet melodies of HH Maha Vishnu Maharaja’s accordion devotees gathered at the ISKCON Lenasia temple on New Year’s Eve night.

On New Year’s Day Maharaja again graced us with his association at a picnic at Emmerentia Dam. Devotees came bearing prasadam, cricket sets, games, etc. Maharaja in his natural mood of a preacher spoke to people passing by and encouraged devotees to do the same. The evening ended in sweet kirtan which included throwing grapes into each others mouths!

Last month the glories of the Deities were brought more in to focus as HH Bhakti Visrambar Madhava Maharaja gave a seminar on “Appreciating the Deities.” Despite the heavy rain showers many attended and Maharaja gave us tips on how to better appreciate and worship the Lord. Maharaja explained every service we do is so that we can chant better. Deity service is the same and as we worship the Deity it is important we sing Their glories as well. Maharaja gave us a short cut to perfection and that is the worship of Tulasi Devi. Tulasi Devi is amazing, if any offering is offered to Krishna with a Tulasi leaf, due to the great love Krishna has for Tulasi, He can not refuse it. Maharaja then went on to describe how we can include Tulasi in everything we offer.

Many of you may have noticed a beautiful little garden taking shape in the temple parking area. Mother Radha Kunda has been steadily working on it for the past month and half. If you would like to assist in cash or labour please feel free to contact Matajee at 083 283 7660.

Thank you to all who participated in the December Book Marathon.

To prepare for the year ahead a special Planning Meeting will be taking place on the 16th of February. Please come forward and be a part of it all.

Happy New Year!