Experience a taste of Bhakti every Sunday from ISKCON of DC. Learn more about the Bhakti lifestyle, culture and philosophy from inspirational speakers.

Sunday Open House Talks 2019

Join us as we explore the story of Prahlada and the courage it takes to trust.

Courage To Trust - HH Bhakti Charu Swami

Sometimes the first chapter of Bhagavad Gita is referred to as "The Yoga of Despair", because of Arjuna's emotional condition at the end of that chapter.  In the following chapters, Krishna's teachings relieve Arjuna of his grief and place him on the path to bliss.  Using Arjuna as a model and as an inspiration we will look at how we can do the same.

From Despair To Bliss - Giri Govardhan Das

To take up or continue a spiritual practice may, at times, seem daunting.  How do we 'get it right' or at least be assured we are heading in the right direction?  Visiting Guru, Giriraj Swami, shares with us the secret of a successful spiritual journey in Krishna Bhakti and gives us hope that we can all achieve it.

To Grow Spiritually - HH Giriraj Swami

The great devotee Prahlad lists nine methods of devotion to Krishna.  The Nectar of Instruction lists six things favorable and six things unfavorable for devotion.  The Nectar of Devotion lists 64 elements of devotional practice.  Nevertheless, without diminishing the importance or relevance of these analyses, we will present the argument that Krishna really only wants one thing from us.

The One Thing Krishna Wants From Us - Giri Govardhan Das

Join visiting teacher HH Gopal Krishna Goswami as he shares inspirations on the practice of Krishna Consciousness and how it can help us find deep happiness within.

The Path Of Happiness - HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj

We all love the notion of freedom. But is our freedom limited (or not) by the choices we make? We'll explore choice and free will as integral parts of the bhakti practice.

The Choices We Make - Devaprastha Das

The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.  Still, we will examine ways to survive and thrive in this most important phase of life.

Secrets to a Spiritually Powerful Marriage - Vraj Vihari Das

We might feel that spiritual life and emotions don't go well together.  After all, the Bhagavad-Gita teaches that happiness and distress 'come and go' and we should tolerate them 'without being disturbed'.  Yet, who  are we without our feelings?  Our emotions?  Are they to be developed or ignored or both?

Emotions In Krishna Consciousness - HH Bhakti Vasudeva Swami

The self-identification of "spiritual but not religious" is a growing trend in the United States and abroad promoting the de-institutionalization of religion and a kind of spiritual individualization. Is it possible to be spiritual and not religious at the same time? What is meant by "spiritual"? And what is meant by "religious"? We'll explore a Krishna conscious response to this complex issue.

Spiritual But Not Religious - Garuda Das

Among the many Puranas in the library of the Vedas, the Srimad Bhagavatam stands out. Through story and beautiful sanksrit verses it offers unique perspectives on life's deepest questions which can nourish all levels of spiritual seekers. This Sunday we will explore what makes this set of books so special and why they should own a shelf in everyone's house.

A Shelf Of Its Own - Vraj Vihari Das

Krishna, by definition, is independent. He controls all and none can control him. Or maybe not? Join us in this talk to learn a little more about Krishna and His intriguing personality.

Who Can Control God? - Adi Purusha Das

Radha (the consort of Krishna) is the source of the "supreme joy" or 'ananda' of Vrindavan. Radhastami is considered one of the most sacred celebrations of the year. We will reflect on what Radha means to Krishna and what She means to the devotees of Krishna (bhaktas).

Lessons On Love - Garuda Das

We have all experienced happiness coming and going. Is there a way to help it stay?

Yoga of Happiness - HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami

Members of a visiting group of vaishnava scholars dialogue on the personal and impersonal understanding of God, and how it is resolved in the Bhakti practice and philosophy.

To Be Or Not To Be - Urmila Devi Dasi & Radhika Raman Das

We hear of Krishna's greatness - omniscient, omnipresent, and completely independent. The cause of all causes and nothing is higher or beyond Him. All that being true, why does He identify as a little boy who is dependent on His mother?

Omnipotence is Overrated - Giri Govardhan Das

We'll take a look at the brothers Rama, Laxman, Bharat and Shatrughna and their different roles and relationships in the inspirational epic, the Ramayana.

Brotherly Love - Raghunandana Das

Bhakti is described as a seed that grows in the heart. What is the nature of the seed that we are personally trying to grow? What is the harvest we are hoping to get?

Harevsting The Garden Of Your Heart - Rukmini Devi Dasi

In life we often think in terms of right or wrong, and win or lose, as we interact with others. Today, we'll explore a third option that Krishna uses when approaching such situations.

I'm Right, You're Wrong - Vraja Vihari Das

What seemed like a family obligation turned out to be full of insights and spiritual inspirations - especially for the practice of validating others as a central part of Krishna Bhakti.

Notes From A Funeral - Caitanya Kishor Das

This is a good question to ask ourselves at the end of the year. Or better yet, where do we want to go? And, are we headed in the right direction? We'll take a look back and also share some thoughts and ideas for 2020.

Where are we going - Ananda Vrindavan Devi Dasi [last 30 minutes]

ISKCON is an acronym that stands for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. We are an active community in the Washington, DC area.

This is where you can hear music, lectures, narrations, talks, and seminars from our temple.

ISKCON was founded by the exceptional Indian gentleman A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Hare Krishna movement is part of his ongoing mission to present Gaudia Vaishnavism to the world. 

We hope that you enjoy these audio recordings.