We can blame others for our problems but hatred, envy, anger, lust and greed are the actual enemies we face. Some of us succumb to them rather more than others, and hence dissent arises on one scale or another. But all of us find these nuisances assailing us at times, and when they do our peace of mind is naturally disturbed. In such a condition we become likely candidates for conflict, often turning on whoever happens to be available at the time.

A year ago, a shooter entered a one-room Amish school in Nickel Mines, Pa., dismissed all but 10 girls, and fired at them execution-style, killing five before shooting himself. Within hours, the Amish community forgave the killer and his family. News of the instant forgiveness stunned the outside world – almost as much as the incident itself did.

After a heavy rain storm in Mayapur, India on Wednesday 3 September, devotees were surprised to see what looked like a flimsy inflatable catamaran float through the main gate. It was barely 12 feet long, open, with no covering against the sun. Onboard were five sun-burnt, tired but happy devotees arriving after a month-long journey on the Ganges river from the town of Vrindavana.

IMPHAL, Oct 6: A 60-year old man who is in police custody for allegedly chanting "Hare Krishna, Hare Rama, Shan-na-mahoure" (beef is the best) repeatedly in front of devotees of Krishna was served prasadam (spiritualised food) Saturday by a devotee in police custody even as he was accused of blaspheming Lord Krishna.

Since 2003 Partha-sarathi Dasa has served active duty for the US Army in war-torn Iraq. Despite his circumstances he manages to maintain his devotion and encourage it in the hearts of others.