Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur writes: “Many of us maintain a similar concept that we renounce our family life, we sacrifice a lot in the service of our spiritual master, some of us collect donations and do a lot of multifarious direct and indirect service for the satisfaction of our spiritual master, but what do we gain? Here we forget that we do such sums very well and it is only for our own well-being that he is getting the sums done by us. The spiritual master is engaging us in different services for our own satisfaction and welfare in the path of devotion. Those who are averse to their own benefit, only consider such services to be meant for the welfare of the spiritual master, for the temple complex, for the vaisnavas, for the Lord, and thus foolishly take little interest in them”.(Upakhyane Upadesa) Continue reading "Who benefits from our service to iskcon?
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The post Mayapura Gurukuli Yamuna asks why there is so much suffering in a world made by Krsna appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Gita Upadesham - an offering for ISKCON 50.
All glories to ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary! With great pleasure, we would like to announce that the Temple President of Sri Jagannatha Mandir Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, HG Kripa Sindhu Krishna Das has received the Congregational Preaching Medal from HH Jayapataka Swami the Co-GBC for ISKCON Malaysia.
Some of the preaching activities that actively is conducted by the Congregation devotees of SJMKL currently are Gita Upadesham home to home preaching, Bhakti Vrikshas, Nama Hatta, Harinam & Palanquin Processions, Book Distribution Activities.
The Gita Upadesham programme is specially designed as an offering to Srila Prabhupada for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary.
The congregation of Sri Jagannatha Mandir is taking up to this service very enthusiastically and up to date the devotees have visited 900 homes. The aim is to complete 5000 homes by December 2016.
The Gita Upadesham is a simple programme whereby a devotee approaches people by going home to home. If allowed devotees will chant a verse of Bhagavad Gita and explain it’s meaning to the residents of the home. The Hare Krsna mahamantra is also introduced to them. All this is done in less than 15 minutes and we move on to another home. It is not only easy to do for the devotees but is preferred by the residents of Kuala Lumpur as it suits their busy schedule.
The Gita Upadesham also acts as a tool to identify potential people who will be interested to attend a more comprehensive programme and learn more. It helps the SJMKL preachers to channel those interested to weekly Bhakti Vriksa programmes. As for the Bhakti Vriksa programme, SJMKL Congregation is now conducting a total of 22 house programmes in Kuala Lumpur. The aim is to conduct 50 house programmes by December 2016
We seek the blessings of the glorious Vaishnavas to make this endeavour a success.
SJMKL Admin
More photos here: https://goo.gl/nogGZt

Our heart is compared in the scriptures to be like a clear crystal that reflects what is before it. We become like who we associate with closely or intimately. That means that when we open our heart to someone, and they open their heart to us there is an exchange of energy or power--we and they are influenced. I meet people all day where I work. Some I have gotten to know well, others casually. I see coming together with someone like two doors facing each other. Behind each door is many pathways leading to different oceans. So two people coming together has the potential of revealing many oceans. We could get lost in our own or another persons' ocean unless we can uncover the soul, which is what spiritual association can offer us. There is an urge of human beings for intimacy---to be able to share their story and who they currently are or are trying to become. Sharing our self means being able to open our door to let someone in. It may be a crack to reveal our particular color of light in the beginning, as we are all eventually guarded as to who we let in---otherwise we may have boundary issues or be taken advantage of. Continue reading "The Importance of Friendship and Association
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By Madhavananda Das

There is a lot of discussion right now, especially in America, about the latest presidential election. In a recent issue of Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu we put together a collection of statements from Srila Prabhupada regarding his mood towards voting in secular circles. As always, Srila Prabhupada’s attitude is purely Krishna conscious. I also found it very detached — he was asked several times if he wanted his followers to vote or not, — he repeatedly replied that the choice was up to them. For brevity, I’m only posting some of the most relevant quotes below. To see the complete article in issue 185 click here or go to: http://gopaljiu.org/Bindu/Bindu_back_issues.htm

Because of the importance of the Krishna consciousness movement, people should be Krishna conscious and should not vote for anyone who is not Krishna conscious. Then there will be actual peace and prosperity in the state. When a vaisnava sees mismanagement in the government, he feels great compassion in his heart and tries his best to purify the situation by spreading the Hare Krishna movement. (Purport to Bhag. 6.2.3)

We don’t very much like this so-called democracy. What is the value of this democracy? All fools and rascals. They vote for another fool and rascal and he becomes prime minister, or this or that. That is not good for the people. We are not for this so-called democracy because they are not trained. (Lecture in London, 24 July 1973)

The first teaching of Bhagavad-gita should be taken by the persons who are going to be elected in the government service. The public should be aware of this. If somebody comes to canvass for votes, you should first inquire, “Have you have read Bhagavad-gita? Mahatma Gandhi read Bhagavad-gita. Why shouldn’t you? Do you know what is Bhagavad-gita? If so, then I will give you my vote. Otherwise, get out.”… It is a great necessity that government men must study Bhagavad-gita. Otherwise, don’t give them vote. (Lecture in Bombay, 22 March 1974)

Devotee: Some of our devotees should run for office.

Prabhupada: No. If you can make the people Krishna conscious, then everything will come automatically. If they vote for a Krishna conscious person to be president and prime minister, then everything will be saved. So that means you have to create Krishna conscious voters. Then everything will be right. That should be one of the aims of the Krishna consciousness movement. The government is still under the control of the public. If the public becomes Krishna conscious then naturally the government will be Krishna conscious. But that is up to the public. (Lecture in Bombay, 6 November 1970)

Educate the people. “Don’t vote for the rascals. Just try to understand who is the real man, who is the real leader. (Morning walk conversation in Los Angeles, 11 December 1973)

Interviewer: Do you think most of the Hare Krishna members will participate in the election in November? Do you think they will register and vote?

Prabhupada: Personally I never give votes.

Interviewer: Will they follow your example and not vote?

Prabhupada: I do not know, but our principle is that I vote for this man or that man if there is some spiritual benefit. That is our point. (Interview with the religion editor of the Associated Press in New York, 16 July 1976)

I have never given vote. Since we have got this sva-raj, Indian independence, as soon as the vote question comes up, I go away. I think, “Why shall I give this nonsense person my vote? None of them are liked by me.” So I avoid it. I don’t believe in it. (Room Conversation in Bombay, 8 January 1977)

Jayapataka Swami visits the new Iskcon temple at Ekachakra after exiting the hospital (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One who hears the transcendental sound vibration of the holy name of the Lord, Hare Krishna, also improves in health. We have actually seen that many brahmacaris and grhastas connected with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness have improved in health, and a luster has come to their faces. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 3.21.45-47 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/gb6ugL

You are a pujari and you are too busy for making ghee wigs by hand? Check this video :-) Watch it here: https://goo.gl/d7TuSg
Srila Prabhupada: If we make our Deity worship program extremely opulent and gorgeous, and if all of the devotees are always attending arati and holding kirtan in front of the Deities, that will be the best program for attracting the Indian people to Krishna Consciousness Movement. Letter to Giriraja, June 8, 1972.

NBS#32 Lord Kapila’s Teachings.
This issue dives deeper into the philosophies presented by The Supreme Lord to mother Devahuti.
NBS # 32 Features:-
1) What is Sankhya Philosophy ?
His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
2) Further Inquiries By Mother Devahuti
Sri Maitreya Rishi
3) Material Life
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur
4) Renunciation Of Conduct Unfavorable To Pure Devotion
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur
This issue can be viewed through these links:
ISSUU: http://issuu.com/nbsmag/docs/nbs_32
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/302354221/NBS-32

By Janesvari Devi Dasi

The design for the overall TOVP Master Plan has been created by one of our Russian architects, Rangavati dasi, who has been with the TOVP since 2013.

We are trying to create the most aesthetic and colorful gardens in India for the pleasure of the Lord.

By clicking on an icon number, you will get a glimpse of how magnificent the surrounding TOVP gardens will look. There are currently 2 sections available: Vegetation and Outdoor furniture.

Here is the link for the masterplan: http://masterplan.tovp.org

NOTE: For best visual experience please follow the following guidelines.

Use FULLSCREEN mode to get the best visual experience. Fullscreen mode can be activated by clicking an icon in the top left corner of the map.

Please be patient while the images load initially. Due to their large size (high resolution) it will take some time to load the maps fully. And then, when you click each pin/point on the map the first time wait for each image to load fully, it will auto-position itself properly on the map. The second and all consecutive times you load the map and each point it will open almost instantly.

Gauranga das S.B.7.2.9-10 – Feb 25th 2016

Pioneers of Kirtana

March 5. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Pioneers of Kirtana.
Prabhupada gave us – and is giving us – the great opportunity to be pioneers in the spreading of kirtana. Often the word “pioneer” conjures up the image of leaving our home country and going to open a centre in a different part of the world, or join a world tour of kirtanas. However, Prabhupada also encouraged us to perform kirtana among our own people. Therefore, he made those of us who were pioneering among the student population in Boston as much a part of the pioneering movement as those who went to Germany and London, or later, Japan and Africa. We always felt that Prabhupada was with us and that we were trying to accomplish what he asked of us. We could only pray to be successful. No one could sit down and relax. We were so caught up in immediate preaching that we had no time to reflect on our relative position to other temples, or what the non-devotees would think of as later. To serve Prabhupada, we were forced to live in the present. We hardly had time to think. Such a life thoroughly engaged our minds and senses in Prabhupada’s service and we left it to him to define whether it was pleasing or not, and to encourage us.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=6

Written by Nandan

Morning Class at the Manor, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.21

As mentioned before, Maharaj does have the bearing of an all knowing wizard. Not just on spiritual matters but even on material things. On the morning drive to the Manor, Maharaj was pleasantly chanting to himself. I had accidently put the heating on full blast, soon enough a feeling of déjà vu came as Maharaj looked at me quizzically and questioned why the Brits are so much into their heat? They have the Gulfstream coming through and so it’s never as cold as Europe and yet they have the hottest houses!

The cold in Holland is a different matter, particularly the Friesland area. Maharaj went into the fascinating history of the North Europeans. For example, the Friesland people are actually of Celtic origin while the rest of Holland is completely Germanic. The Germanic people can be overbearing, but the Dutch contingent is probably the worst and by far the most stubborn. That is why they have always maintained their separateness from Germany.

Of course, it is all hypocrisy; Maharaj remarked that the Dutch had no problem in trying to impose their way on other people. Thus we have the terrible history of colonialism, and yet it is not even talked about properly in the schools. There is still a lot of whitewashing of history going on. But if one ever goes to the Dutch museums, you’ll always see a black and white photo of some guy posing with his hand on the globe. A symbol of taking over the world, real demonic mentality…

Soon Maharaj arrived at the Manor, near the end of Guru Puja and commenced his class. It could have been a continuation of the conversation in the car for it was all about the demonic tendencies in humans. Kamsa used the scriptures but twisted their meanings. He was also confused; one moment he wanted to kill Devaki and the next minute he was feeling some overwhelming family affection. There was some semblance of human affection. But this affection is hollowed out by his own desires and was very external. One moment he was one thing then the next minute he switched. Now Devaki wanted to believe him because she is soft-hearted but he was influenced by modes of nature so his family affection was never going to be that deep.

Of course, Vedic culture certainly helps to curb the demonic tendencies. Just like in astrology when one is dominated by one planet and then another, you become a completely different person. So the scriptures will give that awareness. But it goes deeper, like when Indra tried to kill the Vrajavasis and Krishna asked why he was doing that. Indra replied that he was proud. The devotees are able to curb their pride through intelligence but he was angry. But Indra himself IS also a devotee?

So the point is, it’s not JUST demons who are prone to this behaviour, we also have to be introspective. Maharaj made a very deep point that we’re all operating under different combinations of the modes. So externally we may act the part of the ideal devotee, folding our hands nicely and saying all the sweet, humble stuff. Maharaj then did a side splittingly funny impression of a devotee that bought the whole house down. BUT inside there is still a raging animal within us like when we ravenously gobble up a mangal aarti sweet when no one’s looking!! Cue more laughter.

The whole situation reminded Maharaj of a book he once saw in a German bookstore called ‘The Inner Schweinhund’ or ‘The Inner Pigdog’. Pigdog apparently is a common German term! We all have to be aware of the Schweinhund within us. We’re in a war and infiltration is the worst tactic of the enemy, the enemy within. It was such a deep class, I’m only giving the basics but Maharaj gave a comprehensive analysis of the human condition regardless of whether one calls oneself a devotee or not. Yet at the same time, Maharaj conveyed it in a way where you get the impact but you’re also left in stitches because of all the humour he uses to get the point across!

Maharaj concluded by giving a wonderful glorification of the legendary Agnidev Prabhu who was present in the class. And how in Radhadesh recently, Agnidev Prabhu didn’t just do his spell binding kirtans but spoke at length on the history of bhajans in Iskcon and how he became part of it all. And that was something Maharaj was highly appreciative of. Agnidev Prabhu ki Jai! Afterwards both personalities expressed mutual appreciation for each other, exchanged some personal words, realisations and warm embraces. It’s always amazing to see the dealings between great vaishnavas. Something for us to emulate.

…Later as Maharaj was freshening up in the ashram, he further glorified Agnidev Prabhu and his brilliant translation of  Krishna tave Purina by Srila Prabhupada. He got the essence of it perfectly. Before, another devotee named Jaya Sacinandan Prabhu had translated it but Agnidev Prabhu’s one was better because he brought it directly to Krishna as it was meant to be. The conversation then moved onto the different servants Maharaj has had. Nimai Prabhu would be relieved to know that Maharaj considered Nimai to be a very switched on, sharp lad. Maharaj also recalled his time being served by Gurudas Prabhu (larger than life personality who does everything to the max) and started smiling. The rest of us were also smiling. Gurudas Prabhu is one of the characters where there is never a dull moment, everything becomes an adventure. Maharaj mentioned that Gurudas does have a bit of the ‘Guru’ in him. On the plane, he wouldn’t just talk to random passengers about who he is, he would get them to chant Hare Krishna and all!

Off to Soho…

Around lunchtime, Maharaj arrived at the bustling Soho temple in Central London. He happily sat down in the corridor, reading from his smartphone. The devotees wanted to give him a VIP room but he just said he was at home in the corridor. After all, he has been coming there for a long, long time since the deities were in Bury Place…

After lunch, arati Maharaj gave a Bhagavad-gita class. It was a mixed crowd of mainly professionals. The main theme was the transient nature of this reality and the old Mr Bean example was given where he pulls up at a hotel and drills holes in the wall, puts up pictures on the wall and drills a door in the wall to make a toilet!! Ridiculous but just as ridiculous is us calling this place home. Our nature is to look for a permanent situation; but one has to remember this is only a transit lounge.

In this little temple Maharaj explained how we approach Krishna in his intimate Vrindavan form, not in his universal form. That would be akin to us connecting with an ant! How much of an intimate relationship can you develop with an ant?

Afterwards, Maharaj went upstairs to honour prasadam and rest in the VIP room. A host of devotees accompanied Maharaj and naturally some devotees starting asking questions. Madan Mohan Govinda Prabhu (the UK head of Bhakti Vriksha) was there and asked some pertinent questions related to devotee care, developing the grhastha congregation and varnashrama. A few questions here and there was okay but Maharaj was insistent that he didn’t want to get into a full blown ‘Q & A’ session, which is what it was turning into. He just needed to recuperate this trip. So after a point, Maharaj deflected the questions to Ter Kadamba Prabhu and went downstairs to rest in the restaurant.

The restaurant has a kind of French roadside café feel to it, there was a nice gentle breeze outside, the sun was out and the street was as vibrant as ever. And to top it all, one of the devotees was doing a really sweet but funky kirtan on the roadside with nothing but his voice and a large silver bass drum. It was brilliant, had raw, pioneering mood to it. Sitting at a window side seat, Maharaj was enjoying the ambience. He remarked that was good there, relaxed and chilled; not so formal and certainly no need to put on the ‘sadhu profile’. A couple of disciples were with him. They were tucking into some delicious chilli paneer, creamy cakes and gateaux. And Maharaj was simply giving his realisations about life and Krishna consciousness. A lot of disciples would probably admit that these informal chats are the most nectarian times one can have with Maharaj.

He soon got talking about how so many devotees come to devotional life through some sort of bereavement. His own parents left the planet 45 years ago and very close to each other. So near that the funerals were exactly the same, with the same people, sitting in the same position, in the same formation greeting each other, in the same way with the same expressions and the same clothes and the same priest saying the same things and then everyone leaving in the same way!! After the second funeral, Maharaj’s thoughts were, “I’ve been in this movie before.” The disciples couldn’t take it anymore, any more laughter and they would be rolling on the floor!!

Meanwhile a Mataji had started distributing books outside and Maharaj observed her, commenting on how expertly she was doing books, using all the tricks to get people’s attention. On the train journey back, Maharaj spoke about Jayadvaita Maharaj, his various qualities and areas of interest. In particular, the detailed research Jayadvaita Maharaj has done in the field of hypnotherapy. Maharaj also mentioned a technique that Jayapataka Maharaj uses to remember his thousands of disciples names. He would question them in a testing manner, “Do you know what your name means?” In the process of explaining, the disciple would reveal their names and Maharaj would act as if he remembered all along!!

The conversation soon turned to the nitty, gritty aspects of varnashrama. Not surprising since this is one of the hot topics in Iskcon now. While Maharaj explained the ins-and-outs of the Vedic social order, he was quick to assert that in the Golden Age, ultimately there is only ‘eka varna’. Under the mercy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the one varna of the paramahamsa will take root. This is not the first time that Maharaj has qualified the concept of varnashrama as being secondary to Mahaprabhu’s shelter. It seems Maharaj has noticed that devotees can get overly hung up on the varnashrama issue, losing sight of the ultimate goal.

Back at the house, Maharaj was having personal chats with disciples. Meanwhile I was playing around on the harmonium. Not knowing anything about playing, I was speculating a particular tune and producing sounds similar to that of a cat stuck up a drain pipe. After a while Maharaj just shook his head, he couldn’t take it anymore and sat down with me and for the next 20 minutes and taught me about cords, what cords to use and the notes for the tune. He then went back to his chat upstairs. I continued playing, but every time I would play a note wrong he would shout out, “What was that? What did I show you? Play the correct cord!”

Oddly enough, it was one of the most nectarian experiences I’ve had with Maharaj which I’ll always remember.

HH Kadamba Kanana Swami Ki Jai!

By Indradyumna Swami

Volume 14, Chapter 8.

March 3, 2016

The Light of the Soul

“Welcome home!” Mahavan dasa, a Russian disciple, greeted me as I came out of New Delhi’s slick new airport terminal, tired after my flight from Bangalore. Mahavan is my secretary when I travel in India. A brahmachari in his thirties, he wears saffron, shaves his head, and stuffs his bag with the latest gadgets—cell phones, iPads, ear buds, chargers.

“We’re not home yet,” I said. “I wish we were, but Vrindavan is still a good three hours away.”

“Well, let’s get there quickly,” he said. “The car is just over here.”

We began working our way through the crowd of people that were going into and coming out of the terminal when Mahavan suddenly pointed to an elderly man in soiled burgundy-colored robes in the midst of the throng. “Gurudeva,” Mahavan said, “look at that man. It looks like he’s asking people for help. I think he’s a beggar.”

“He’s not a beggar,” I said. “He’s a Buddhist monk from Tibet. It’s part of his tradition to approach others for alms. It helps the monks develop humility.”

“But he doesn’t have a begging bowl,” Mahavan said, “and he looks desperate.”

No one was giving the man anything. As we watched, a teenage boy shoved him aside. The monk covered his face with his hands and sat down on a bench. A moment later, an affluent-looking couple walked past, and he got up and approached them, but they too ignored him, and when he persisted the man shouted at him. The monk looked flustered. He sat back down on the bench and stared straight ahead, as if in contemplation. Despite his bedraggled condition, he appeared effulgent.

I was shocked at the way people were treating him. I felt it was my duty to help him, so I started to walk toward the bench when he noticed me and jumped up to hurry over and grab hold of my sleeve. “Please let me stay with you for a while,” he said in English. “I need the shelter of spiritual people.”

“Sure,” I said. “Why don’t we sit down?”

“Do you have the time?” he asked softly.

“For someone like you I have all the time in the world,” I said. We walked toward the bench he had been sitting on. He continued to hold onto my sleeve.

“Are you hungry?” I asked. “Can I get something for you to eat?”

“Thank you, no,” he replied. “I am not hungry.”

“Have you lost your way?” I asked. “Maybe I can help you get to your next destination.”

“Just a minute,” he said. He straightened his back and closed his eyes, assuming a meditative pose. As he slowly inhaled and exhaled, he became calm, serene, and composed.

“How in the world did he manage to find such peace right after being mistreated?” I wondered. The minutes passed, and I felt a wave of tranquility come over me as well. Finally he opened his eyes. He didn’t look directly at me, but stared into the distance as he told me his story. “My name is Tsering Lama,” he said. “I come from the Sera Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. I have lived there since I was five years old.”

“Wow!” I said. “How old are you now?”

“I am seventy years old.”

“And what service do you do in the monastery?” I asked.

“I study the scriptures,” he said. “Since my childhood I have studied the teachings of Master Lama Tsongkhapa who lived in the fourteenth century. He was the founder of the Gelug-pa School which I belong to, and a highly respected teacher of the Buddhist scriptures. My main service is to debate with others about the scriptures. It is an integral part of our tradition.”

“I am honored to meet such a learned scholar,” I said. “And I am sorry to see how people are treating you today.”

He shook his head, as if to suggest the mistreatment was of no concern or perhaps to dismiss my praise. “It has been my lifelong dream to visit Bodh Gaya,” he said. “It is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. That holy site is here in India in the state of Bihar. Several months ago I said goodbye to my beloved disciples and set out on foot alone for Bodh Gaya.”

I wondered how many hundreds or even thousands of disciples such a man could have.

“When I arrived here in Delhi,” he continued, “two men invited me to spend the night at their home. I was exhausted from months of traveling, so I accepted their invitation. That night they fed me and gave me some tea to drink. The next thing I knew I was waking up on the sidewalk in a Delhi slum. It seems that the tea they gave me was laced with some drug that caused me to fall unconscious. I discovered that they had stolen everything I possessed: my clothes, my passport, my money, of course, and even my sacred chanting beads. I had been saving that money since my childhood for this pilgrimage, and suddenly it seemed impossible that I would make it to Bodh Gaya.

“Now I have nothing. I have been here at the airport for three days begging for money to complete my journey. Nobody has given me a single rupee, most likely because I look so dirty and disheveled.”

I took his hand. “I will help you,” I said.

“No, no,” he said. “I will not take money from a holy man like you.”

“It’s OK,” I said. “I am not holy yet. I’m trying, but I’m just a beginner, really. I have a long way to go. Believe me, you can safely accept some money from me.”

“What you say in humility is not true,” he said soberly. “I studied your face. I can see your true self through your eyes.”

“You can see me through my eyes?” I asked.

“Yes” he replied. “I have learned this from our Tibetan masters.” He looked straight into my eyes with a steady stare. Feeling uncomfortable, I looked away, but he caught my chin with his hand and turned my head toward him so he could study my face. His small hand had a powerful grip.

I also looked at his face. His dark brown eyes peered out from slanted eyelids that curved upward at the outer corners, reminding me of Tibetan art. He had a small flattish nose, and his thin lips, though fixed in a determined line, seemed to be slightly, almost imperceptibly, smiling. He obviously had not shaved for some days, and his golden skin bore a few small scars. He seemed to glow with a radiance that I could feel more than see, and the softly pungent fragrance of Tibetan incense still hovered about his stained, travel-weary clothes. Though his head barely came up to my nose, I had the feeling that I was standing in front of someone large and powerful, someone who could knock me over with the flick of a finger.

After some minutes he spoke. “You have served your master well in this life.”

“Well, I have done some service,” I said. “Like I said, I’m trying, but…”

“You have spread his glories through the written word, through discourses, and through festivals that you hold in distant lands.”

“Distant lands?” I thought. “How could a Tibetan monk know about the festivals in Poland?”

“But your service was interrupted last year by disease,” he said.

“Well, yes. I had a bout with cancer and…”

“In March,” he said.

I caught my breath. “Yes,” I said. “Yes. You are exactly right. It was in March of last year.”

“And there is more disease to come,” he said.

“Oh really?” I said. I could hear the disappointment in my own voice.

“But don’t worry,” he said. “I will help you.”

He got off the bench and sat down on the ground in a full yoga asana. He closed his eyes once more and quickly seemed to be transported to another plane. After a few minutes his eyebrows furrowed in the intensity of his meditation and his lips moved as he chanted mantras in the Tibetan language.

People stopped to stare at the unusual sight: a sannyasi sitting on a bench and a Buddhist monk meditating on the ground next to him. They looked at me as if asking for an explanation, but I had none. I could only sit silently while he offered prayers on my behalf. Twenty minutes later he opened his eyes and turned to me. “I have removed the obstacles,” he said. “You will live a long life in service to your master.”

“Well, gosh,” I said. “Thanks so much.” I got up and helped him back onto the bench.

“Compassion is central to the teachings of Buddha,” he said.

“I know that,” I said. “But why are you being so kind to a stranger like me?”

“We are not strangers,” he said. “I am returning a favor you offered me several lifetimes ago.”

I felt the hair on my arms stand up.

“You mean… Are you saying we were together in a previous…?”

“Some things are better left unsaid,” he replied. “And I must go. I must try to fulfill my dream.”

“Wait,” I said. “Wait a minute. I want to help you.” “No,” he said. “As I already told you, I would not accept money from you. You are using it to help people less fortunate than yourself.”

“But wait,” I said. “How do you know how I use money? We’ve only just met.”

“As I told you,” he said, “the eyes show the light of the soul.”

He turned and started walking away toward the terminal.

“No!” I said running after him. “I won’t let you be mistreated by those people again. Please take this donation. It’s enough to get you to Bodh Gaya and back to Tibet by train.” I pushed some bills into his hand.

He looked at the money for a long time. When he looked up his eyes were moist.

“I will accept your kindness,” he said slowly. “And I will not forget you.”

He started walking away again, but then stopped and turned back.

“We won’t meet again in this lifetime,” he said. “But I will leave you a special gift in the monastery in Lhasa. When you arrive, mention my name. The monks will direct you.” He took a small piece of paper from the sleeve of his robe and wrote down the address of the monastery. I felt goose bumps erupt on my body.

“Please make sure you go there,” he said. “What I am leaving for you will be a great asset in service to your master.”

“Do you mean money?” I asked.

“Oh, no,” he said. “Nothing like that. It is something more wonderful than anything money could ever buy. You will not be disappointed.” With that he disappeared into the crowded metro station.

I turned to Mahavan. “What just happened? Was that a dream?”

“No,” he said, looking as astounded as I felt. “I saw it with my own eyes. Will you actually go to Lhasa?”

“Yes, of course I will,” I replied. “I’ve always wanted to go to Tibet. And now I have the best reason ever: to increase my service to my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.”

“Can I go with you?” Mahavan said.

“You must come,” I said, “just to remind me that I’m not dreaming when we discover what the monk has left us. And to confirm that service to a great soul never goes in vain.”

“One can attain the path of liberation from material bondage only by rendering service to highly advanced spiritual personalities. These personalities are impersonalists and devotees. Whether one wants to merge into the Lord’s existence or wants to associate with the Personality of Godhead, one should render service to the mahatmas. For those who are not interested in such activities, who associate with people fond of women and sex, the path to hell is wide open. The mahatmas are equipoised. They do not see any difference between one living entity and another. They are very peaceful and are fully engaged in devotional service. They are devoid of anger, and they work for the benefit of everyone. They do not behave in any abominable way. Such people are known as mahatmas.”

Travel Journal#12.2: North and Central Florida

Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 12, No. 2
By Krishna-kripa das
(January 2016, part two)

North and Central Florida
(Sent from Mumbai, India, on March 2, 2016)

The second half of January I spent four days in Orlando, four days in Tallahassee, and five days in Gainesville chanting at Krishna Lunch and the Farmers Market, except Sunday when I attended the Alachua Sunday Feast. I also spent two days in Tampa, one chanting at University of South Florida and the other with Gainesville and Alachua devotees chanting at the Gasparilla Pirate parade. While I was in Orlando, I came to Gainesville just for the day, to chant Hare Krishna with my friends from Gainesville and Alachua in the Martin Luther King Day March, a yearly event we have been attending for several years.

I share insights from Srila Prabhupada’s books and lectures, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami’s books and journal, lectures by Amala Bhakta Swami and Giriraja Swami, a seminar on cow protection by Balabhadra Prabhu, Prabhupada memories by Govinda Dasi, lectures by Prabhupada disciples, Kalakantha Prabhu, Krishnasravana Prabhu, Sesa Prabhu, and Sukhada Devi, and lectures by newer devotees.

Thanks to Megan Sauer for her pictures of Nama Kirtana Prabhu and I chanting at Lake Ella in Tallahassee. Thanks to Jeremiah for his recording of the kirtana at our Tallhassee temple. Thanks to Audrey for her picture of the Gainesville Farmers Market harinama. Thanks to Carol Cole for her video of me playing harmonium and chanting in front of the University of South Florida library. Thanks to Sudevi Dasi for her pictures of the program with Amala Bhakti Swami at University of South Florida in Tampa.

Itinerary

March 1–3: Mumbai

March 5–10: Mayapur Kirtan Mela

March 12–21: Rishikesh Harinama

March 22–April 11: Vrindavan

April 13: Mumbai

April 14–21: Dublin, Ireland

April 22–24: Newcastle, England

April 27: King’s Day, Amsterdam

April 28–29: Holland

April 30–May 1: Birmingham 24-hour kirtana

May 2–: The North of England and Scotland

July 10: Prague Ratha-yatra

July 12–16: Polish Woodstock

August 5–11: Baltic Summer Festival

August 18–21: Trutnoff (Czech Woodstock)

September 13–: New York City Harinam

Chanting Hare Krishna in the Martin Luther King Day March

Hare Krishna devotees from Alachua and Gainesville chanted in the annual Martin Luther King Day March this year as they have for several years. As usual we were the only group with music, and because we had a nice loud sound system, it was easy for people to hear us. Despite our dominating presence, many people were favorable, and no one complained about us.

Christiana danced with some of the people from other groups in the parade, including this lady, who also played the shakers.

This gentleman played his own drum along with us.

Kalki, our fired-up brahmacari book distributor, danced blissfully in the march.

The young ladies at Krishna House danced very joyfully as well.

This lady dances with us every year.

Here is some video showing what it was like (https://youtu.be/b4VeY4WzVDE):

Chanting at University of South Florida

Having taken a bus from Orlando, and a city bus to the campus, I was late getting to University of South Florida so I decided to chant as walked to the library because I like to chant a full three hours. One Asian-looking girl looked toward me and moved her head to the music as I approached. I asked her where she was from and she said India. I asked which part, and she said South India, Karnataka. Recalling the most significant place I had been in that state, I told her had been to Udupi. She said, “I am from Udupi.” She talked about how they had their big biannual festival there recently for the changing of the swami who manages that famous Krishna temple. I mentioned I had been to a program a Hare Krishna swami did in a nearby town at a university with a large medical school. She said, “Oh, you must mean Manipal.”

“Yes,” I said, “Manipal.”

She replied,  “Actually I am an exchange student from Manipal University.”

I met a librarian who taught yoga and was very interested and said she would come next week.

One girl who was senior, was just starting to learn about yoga. She said she would definitely come, and she did and brought three friends.

One Christian lady, Cathy Cole, who loves to chant in her church choir, was intrigued with my portable harmonium and the chanting, and she took this little video (https://youtu.be/CYjnc6V9O8s):

When she sent me the link to the video she said, “It was a pleasure listening to your music and sharing thoughts.”

As the time of the program approached, I left the library to set up in front of the Marshall Student Center, the program venue.  On the way there, I met a Bhakta Carlos, who was distributing books. I told him the details about the program and asked him to tell the people he meets. As I approached the Marshall center, I saw Sudevi Dasi, who was wondering where I was chanting, and we went to sing together in front of the center with books on display for ten or fifteen minutes before program. One young guy skateboarded up to us, and said, “Hare Krishna.” Earlier in the week he had been playing recordings of George Harrison chanting Hare Krishna, and was happy to see us, and learn of the program. He also came to it.

Altogether I was very pleased that five people came to the program because I took the trouble to come from Orlando to Tampa to chant at the campus.

Amala Bhakta Swami gave an interesting, entertaining, and informative lecture, and I think there is a good chance that all the new people who came to the program will come back.

Chanting Hare Krishna in Tallahassee

I chanted at Lake Ella in Tallahassee on the weekend and at Florida State University, behind the library, on Monday and Tuesday.

Saturday it was so cold, I wanted to quit after just an hour and a half. I ended up staying out two hours, as I had to wait for a ride.

Still we met some nice people, like two girlfriends who were FSU students, and one of whom, Megan Sauer, took this picture of us.

Ramiya Prabhu and his wife, Ananta Devi, joined me in chanting at the campus, and it was so wonderful to have their contribution to the kirtana, an increase in our outreach this year.

A seriously inquisitive young man named Jeremiah came to a couple programs, even recording a kirtana because he liked it. You can hear it too at:

https://soundcloud.com/krishna-kripa-das/tallahassee-kirtan

Krishna Lunch Kirtana

Different devotees sing at Krishna Lunch each day. Usually Adi Karta Prabhu just distributes books and talks with students. This time he led kirtana (https://youtu.be/HRZmrWCB754):

Palika, visiting from Bhaktivedanta Manor, also a wonderful singer, played karatalas.

Krishna House Devotees Chant at the Gainesville Farmers Market

A kid enjoyed playing the tambourine and shakers and a visiting musician enjoyed playing the flute as Krishna House devotees chanted at the Gainesville Farmers Market (https://youtu.be/i5xuMxsQpQs):

Interfaith Progressive Dinner

The progressive dinner is a yearly event put on by the University of Florida chaplains, with the intent of creating a forum for students of different religious faiths to get to know each other. This time it was not the last week of classes, and more people could attend, a suggestion from Amy of Krishna House, who is involved with interfaith at University of Florida. The idea is that people take snacks at the Hillel House, then the main course, which is Hare Krishna spaghetti, at the St. Augustine Catholic Church, hot drinks served at the Episcopal Church, and the desserts served at Gator Wesley, where there is entertainment.

I had an interesting conversation with a Mormon preacher. I asked him about the Mormon references to restricting the eating of meat, and he showed me the reference from a book associated with the Book of Mormon on his smartphone.

He elaborately explained to me and a young lady from the Episcopal Church the whole history of the Book of Mormon. As the discussion continued, he made a reference to how peaceful the Hare Krishna people were. That reminded me of a story, which I asked if I could tell briefly. I asked one student eating our Krishna Lunch how he liked it, and he said it was great but the most amazing thing was that whenever he eats the Krishna Lunch, the whole afternoon he never becomes angry, and he advised us to market this. I then explained how by cooking food in the spirit of devotion to God, the food becomes transformed and has spiritual qualities, which is something that the student experienced although he did not know the philosophy behind it. The young Episcopal lady smiled and appreciated the point that the consciousness the food is prepared in has an effect on the food itself.

The Gator Wesley people were really conscientious this year to make sure that there were plenty of desserts did not violate the lactovegetarian diet of the Hare Krishnas.

Michael Collins and his wife Madhava Devi Dasi sang and played instruments, and Madhava danced as well, which was something not there in the other performances. They sang devotional tunes with a lot of feeling and expertise. Because I tend to like more mellow music than the genre they played, I could not completely appreciate it, but I am sure it reached many of the students who regularly hear more intense music. In particular, Audrey of Krishna House really loved it.

One of the interfaith leaders read an inspiration quote I thought had some value, and I asked him about it afterward. I decided to take a picture of it to share with others.

Hare Krishnas Chant and Dance at Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival

The Gasparilla event had two Hare Krishna chanting groups because instead of waiting at our meeting place, the first Alachua devotees to arrive went in one direction along the crowded roadway while the Gainesville devotees and the Alachua devotees who came later, not finding them, decided to go in the opposite direction. We did not meet for an hour and twenty minutes. Then we chanted together for an hour or so.

Vanna was very enthusiastic and successful in distributing some vegan oatmeal cookies I had leftover from my college outreach in Tallahassee. Many people liked them. I asked two girls who seemed especially enthusiastic to see us if they had encountered Hare Krishna before.

They smiled and said they ate Krishna Lunch at University of Florida all the time. We told them we were the people who serve the Krishna Lunch. And that made them more happy.

Many people enjoyed dancing with us.

Some took photos of themselves and their friends dancing with us.

One lady came by two or three times and played the karatalas. I asked her how she knew about Hare Krishna. She said she has seen the devotees in different places and always likes to participate with them.

One young lady took pleasure in striking Abhi’s drum.

I was happy to see the enthusiasm of all the devotees who came from Krishna House to participate in the event. They included Abhi, who played the drum, Carlos, who played harmonium, Vaishnava, who helped drive, Audrey, who danced, and Vanna, who danced and distributed cookies.

Here is a collection of video clips from the event (https://youtu.be/EKVyiqIbw2o):

Insights

Srila Prabhupada:

The atheist wishes there may be no God so he can do what he likes.

Dharma is to obey the laws of God. Adharma is to disobey them.

Our real dharma is to serve God and if we neglect this, we are liable to be punished.

Preaching means whatever Krishna says in Bhagavad-gita you simply repeat. Both speaker and hearer become liberated.

From a class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.18 in Mayapur on September 28, 1974:

It is the desire of Krishna that someone as pious as Maharaja Yudhisthira is in control of the government.

From a class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.18 in New York on April 10, 1973:

Unless you deal with God, you cannot experience His greatness.

Meditation is to concentrate the mind to see how the Lord is in the heart. This is real yoga.

The more you purify, the more you can see God within and without.

It is not so cheap thing that you can see God, especially when affected by lust and greed, the lower qualities of material nature. But by the process of Krishna consciousness, we can change our qualities.

God is giving our daily bread. Why should we bother him by asking? Do the animals go to the church and ask for bread? God consciousness does not mean you go to God and ask for something, rather you give everything to God.

Mother Yasoda is always anxious to give Krishna protection. This is Krishna consciousness.

The Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy is very sublime, to see God as subordinate, and in that mood serve Him with affection.

If we apply the ointment of love of God, we can see Him.

If you can see God, talk with God, and go back to Godhead, why should you lose this opportunity? That is Krishna consciousness.

From Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.5.24, purport:

“Lord Krishna is very much pleased with His devotees, even if they are not on the topmost stage of devotional service. Even on the lower stages of devotional service one is transcendental, and if one continues with devotional life, he continues to be a deva or sura [a godly person]. If one continues in this way, Krishna will always be pleased with him and will give him all instructions so that he may very easily return home, back to Godhead.”

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami:

From Japa Walks, Japa Talks:

The Bhagavatam is our daily newspaper, our in-depth study of current events. As we read the news, we’ll stay in touch with our needs and our predicament as entangled, permanently bound jivas. And we will also be reminded of the remedy.

From “Poem for January 28” in Viraha Bhavan:

“The harinama devotees
have a strong bond.
They may express some
differences and have
superficial conflicting
personalities, but they
are an elite corps
with firm allegiance
to a common, highest cause.
Their main feature
is cooperation in
steadily, staunchly, going out together
every day. They exchange
a non-sentimental love

and a high degree of efficiency in
working together.
They serve Lord Caitanya
and endure petty differences.”

Amala Bhakta Swami:

Srila Prabhupada said that ISKCON is here forever.

We go from this Vaikuntha to that Vaikuntha.

Speaking during the occasion of the solar eclipse at Kurukshetra, Krishna indicates the amazing power of the great sages is such that ordinary people become interested in inquiry about the Absolute Truth simply by being in their proximity.

After greeting the sages and washing their feet, those who are intelligent take that water on their heads and bodies to facilitate and expedite their spiritual advancement.

The sages are greeted so nicely they are made to feel what they are, truly venerable persons.

The sages came to glorify the Lord, but the Lord surprised them by glorifying them before they had a chance to glorify him.

The Lord accepts the cowherd girls with romance in their eyes, cowherd boys with friendship in their eyes, and the elderly ladies with maternal affection in their eyes, because He does not want to disturb their pure emotions for Him.

Although Krishna is always happy, that happiness can be increased. Like an ocean always has waves, yet a sudden wind can create a much bigger wave.

Mike Phelps, famous as all-American hero, won eight gold medals for swimming. He was harassed by all kinds of businessmen wanting him to endorse their products. He became an alcoholic, got in a car accident, and had to go through rehab. Thus success without Krishna consciousness is failure. The Pandavas were successful, but because they were conscious of Krishna, they were happy.

The more you think “me, me, me, mine, mine, mine,” the more you distance yourself from Krishna and you feel an emptiness within, and thus you are unhappy.

If you endeavor for wealth, strength, and beauty, and you have no knowledge of Krishna, you will be miserable.

The devotee wants to serve the Lord with joy and with love, knowing that there is nothing better.

Although originally callous to the many great sufferings of the animals he half killed, by the purity of the association of Narada, Mrgari, the hunter, became willing to change his life. By chanting the mantra and following the lifestyle that Narada suggested he become so nonviolent he did not want to kill an ant.

After Dhruva performed austerities and saw the Lord, he no longer desired to have a kingdom greater than Lord Brahma, but the Lord, impressed by his saintly qualities, wanted him to rule the world for 36,000 years to set an example.

We can pray, “O Lord, you are nondifferent from this book,” and beg for His revelation.

If there is one thing that bothers Krishna it is the misery of His children, and Srila Prabhupada knew his books could eliminate that misery.

From a class at the University of South Florida in Tampa:

I always make sure that everyone understands each point before we move forward.

We offer respect to our spiritual teacher to get the maximum blessing before we even begin.

Reality is much more than we see. If we look at our hands with a microscope, we see so many things we do not see with our eyes. Similarly if we look at the sky with a telescope, we see so much more.

Spiritually elevated beings see themselves as one with you as they are all also connected to the same source.

Krishna was so beautiful that anyone who saw him, male or female, would practically pass out. That is because Krishna is the reservoir of all beauty.

In yoga we begin to look into ourselves more carefully, and then we can look into others more carefully.

Yoga helped me retain vigor.

Yogis traditionally meditate on the tip of the nose or on a place on the forehead between the eyes.

In yoga you become the captain or master of your mind.

The five senses are all pulling on the mind, and thus the mind is agitated, and you cannot make clear decisions.

As we cannot see the bottom of the stream when the water is agitated and it becomes muddy, we cannot think clearly unless our mind is peaceful.

The peacefulness of yoga samadhi is very deep, but it does not reach the bliss of bhakti-yoga.

God reciprocates with the love in your heart so nicely it satisfies the soul.

When our team wins, we rejoice because we identify with our team. One man became so frustrated with his team losing, that he moved to the city of the team predicted to win the next year. Unfortunately, the next year that team lost and he remained frustrated. When we identify ourselves materially, we will always be frustrated.

Real love is experienced between the soul and the Supersoul in the heart.

As we become more aware that we are souls, we try to serve God more. We associate with people who inspire us and give us their blessings so we feel peace.

Yoga gives us a happiness that is above and beyond our little physical form.

When our consciousness is cleansed we can experience the peace we are looking for without external endeavor.

By yoga we can become impervious to all kinds of material tribulations.

The best meditative state is to develop pure love of God and that will bring us to the greatest ecstasy.

Giriraja Swami:  

We come to the temple because of the association of devotees. If everything was here, but there were no devotees, no one would come. What brings us to Krishna is the association of devotees.

We develop good or bad practices by association. Babies do not smoke, but by association with people who smoke, one develops that habit.

Association is the most critical factor in peoples’ lives to bring them up or down.

With a damaged car, you can replace the parts and eventually get it to work, but you cannot do that with the body when it is dead.

The car needs the help of a driver or it cannot move, and similarly the body needs the presence of the soul to function.

Most people identify with the body and act for the body but only achieve some stimulation, not lasting happiness.

As if we make a mistake in the beginning of solving a mathematical equation, we will be assured of an erroneous result despite doing all subsequent calculations perfectly, we mistake the body for soul, our calculation of how to be happy will be incorrect.

There was a generation of people who did everything their society taught them would make them happy, but never obtained happiness. This led people to investigate the cause of actual happiness. One professor wrote a book called Stumbling on Happiness. He discovered that we are very poor at predicting what will make us happy.

Most people identify with the body, and those who don’t identify with the mind. The mind simply accepts and rejects things but is never satisfied. Sometimes it rejects something it accepted just a moment before.

Anything material that gives us happiness will not continue to give us happiness for long.

As a youth, I would be so excited to get a new phonograph record, but I realized I could not listen to it too much, or I would lose my taste for it.

At a campus program, I had just seen Srila Prabhupada dismantle the arguments of many challenging students, and I knew he could have easily torn me apart for getting lost while driving him home from the program, but he smiled compassionately and dismissed it. I was so impressed with his kindness.

One Muslim student who heard Srila Prabhupada speak at Harvard went on to become a Muslim professor. He told the devotees that whenever he is in some difficulty or crisis, he always remembers the swami who gave that talk, what he said, and Krishna Himself. When he hears the devotees speak of Srila Prabhupada, tears well up in his eyes.

“The root cause of devotional service to Lord Krishna is association with advanced devotees. Even when one’s dormant love for Krishna awakens, association with devotees is still most essential.

‘O my Lord! O infallible Supreme Person! When a person wandering throughout the universes becomes eligible for liberation from material existence, he gets an opportunity to associate with devotees. When he associates with devotees, his attraction for You is awakened. You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead – the highest goal of the topmost devotees, and the Lord of the universe.’

‘O devotees! O you who are free from all sins! Let me inquire from you about that which is supremely auspicious for all living entities. Association with a pure devotee for even half a moment in this material world is the greatest treasure for human society.’” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya 22.83–85)

Ordinary association reinforces the illusion that you are the body and by getting things for the body you will be happy.

Association with devotees helps us as individual souls connect with the Supreme Soul, and that will give us ultimate happiness.

Q (by Kalakantha Prabhu): What about inappropriate feelings that arise in the course of pursuing our spiritual goals?”

A: Krishna recommends in Bhagavad-gita to tolerate. Others say control your breath, count to ten. Do not react and damage relationships. If you know something is going to bring a bad result then do not indulge in it. Try to see the good in others. If we are seeing bad in others, perhaps we should look to see if that fault is in ourselves and try to correct ourselves. If we find a place is full of the atmosphere of criticizing devotees, we can try to change the atmosphere, but easier and more practical is to just do the right thing ourselves because it is the right thing.

The principle with chanting and everything else is to do the best we possibly can at the moment. It may not be the best we have ever done.

We cannot always predict what situation will be favorable. Sometimes we get the most mercy when we least expect it.

Q (by me after class): What did you gain especially from Srila Prabhupada’s personal association?

A: I was impressed most by his humility, his faith in Krishna, especially in His holy name, his enthusiasm to preach, even when no one was present, and his kindness to all living entities. I could tell many examples of each.

You bathe every day don’t you? The problem is we think eating and sleeping are necessary but not chanting. This is because we do not read enough.

[To an Indian student:] Work is worship is not in Bhagavad-gita. Whatever anyone says has to be supported by Bhagavad-gita.

Arjuna accepts Krishna as param brahma, and we must also accept Him as such. Arjuna also accepted that whatever Krishna says is true, and therefore we must accept Bhagavad-gita in total as well.

To develop his theory of psychology, Maslow studied healthy people as opposed to studying mentally ill people or rats. He was the chairman of the department of psychology at Brandeis University where I studied. He found healthy people had peak experiences that transformed them. He was very open to have all sorts of yogis and swamis speaking. I had an idea of perfection and finding a perfect master, so I was excited by this.

I rejected the swamis and yogis for different reasons, one for too tightly embracing his female followers, one for getting angry, one Zen master, who when asked about Vedanta replied, “Why are you asking me about Vedanta? I can hardly keep up with Zen,” and one professor, whose Zen was playing golf.

When Srila Prabhupada said in the first lecture I ever attended that only one in thousands of people is looking for perfection, I thought, “That is me.”

I asked Srila Prabhupada, “Every swami advocates his own method as best? Which is the best method?”

Prabhupada replied, “What is your goal? Do you want to become God or do you want to serve Him? If you want to become God, that means you are not God now. How can someone who is not God become God? If you want to serve God, if you hear and chant about Him, He will give you guidance. If you want to become God, why should God help the competition?”

I was reminded of the sign I had put in my bathroom “You are God.” I learned that I could not become God and that Srila Prabhupada could understand what was going on within me. I understood he was my master and bowed down before him.

Once while chanting Hare Krishna in Boston, I felt love for everyone in the classroom and beyond the classroom, like all the way to California. I praised the chanting to Srila Prabhupada and he chuckled and replied, “Thank you very much.”

At the age of eight, I got some inkling I was meant for a higher purpose, that I have a mission.

I wanted to help people so I thought of being a doctor, but then I realized that those in mental agony suffered more, so I thought of going into psychology. But studying anxiety at college I saw that the psychology professors had quarrels about the budget.

Balabhadra Prabhu:

From a seminar on ox protection at the Orlando Sunday feast:

While training the oxen, when we stop, I always talk to them, and say they are doing a good job.

At Bhaktivedanta Manor, practically all the farming is done using the oxen. When tour groups of children visit, they love to go for ox cart rides.

At a program solely about cows near Udupi, in nine days the organizers got the 500,000 attendees they were hoping for.

One cow at the Czech farm, Rasalila, gave milk for the pleasure of Krishna for many years without giving birth to a calf.  I tasted her milk, and it was the most incredible nectar. She had a friend, Tungi, and just two weeks before Rasalila left her body, Tungi also started giving milk without a calf, as if taking over Rasalila’s service.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.3, both verse and purport, are very important statements on cow protection. Verse 8.24.5 is also important.

If we show how to protect cows, it does not matter where we are, it will be very beneficial.

The question we are asked most often is how many cows are giving milk, but cows and milk are just part of cow protection. Religious principles are derived from cow protection. In Vedic times, cows were bred to produce bulls to assist in agriculture, transportation, and religious principles. The second reason was dung, and the third, urine, for medicine. Milk was the last reason, and it considered to come as a natural byproduct.

I always had a problem with anger, even when I began working the oxen at Gitanagari. In Small Farm Journal I read, “You cannot have any anger when you are working the bulls. If you become angry, stop working them. Feed them, and come back when your mind is peaceful.” I took note of that and applied it. One devotee, with a degree in psychology, who observed me working the oxen for some time, told me, “The more you work with the oxen, the more you improve at controlling your anger.”

It is not that Krishna was a cowherd boy, but Krishna is a cowherd boy.

A lot of devotees who follow vegan diets, do so out of compassion for the cows.

It would be so helpful if more and more temples got involved in cow protection so the deities could be offered ahimsa milk.

The cows and bulls are more valuable alive than dead.

Rajsthan Goseva Sangh, one goshala in Rajasthan, was completely self-sufficient from selling cow products when we visited them about 1998. They had a cancer clinic which used medicine derived from cow urine and had a success rate of 85%.

Bhakti Raghava Swami never touched a cow before once he came to visit me. Now he is a great advocate of cow protection and has done valuable service.

When people would accuse of us exploiting the oxen by forcing them to work, I would point how because their great size, 2,500 pounds each, I could not force them to do anything. They work because we have a relationship with them. Actually they love to work, especially when they are being treated properly.

Usually vegans would be the ones who complain about us exploiting the oxen. I would point out they were eating vegetables produced with tractors. And I would explain in detail, all the exploitation of the environment needed make the tractors.  Then I explain about the tires necessary for the tractors and the exploitation to obtain the rubber. Then I tell how because of the tractors, the oxen were not worked but slaughtered, and how the farm workers replaced by them were jobless. The real fact is not using the oxen for farming has resulted in mass exploitation.

Srila Prabhupada captured our hearts with his gratitude. Whatever service we did for him, he would always say, “Thank you very much.” And it melted our hearts.

Organic milk is really just a smokescreen. It still has the problems of calves sold for slaughter, cows slaughtered after they stop giving milk, etc.

We created a minimum standard for cow protection in ISKCON. It included the idea that before breeding, there must a program for training and working the bulls.

Still too few farms live up to this standard.

When I was minister of cow protection, I tried to incite a competition between farms, getting them to report how many oxen were working and how many hours of work they performed.

Srila Prabhupada said on December 4, 1968 in a lecture in Los Angeles:

“So the example is set by the Supreme Personality of Godhead that human civilization will advance only on the basis of brahminical culture and cow protection. As soon as there is falldown from brahminical culture, and as soon as there is discrepancy in the protection of cows, there will be no more peace in the world. Therefore He specifically said, go-brahmaṇa-hitaya ca. This Krishna consciousness movement is for the protection of brahminical culture and cows.”

More information on cow protection, see the ISCOWP website at http://www.iscowp.org or write to iscowp@gmail.com.

Govinda Dasi:

I was a senior at University of Texas in Austin. There was the first shooting from the university tower. We were so disillusioned that we left school in the middle of the year and went to San Francisco seeking enlightenment. 

I did yoga and read in a yoga book when the chela is ready, the guru will appear. Thus I practiced celibacy and meditated for eight hours a day. I must have got this inspiration from a previous life. I found a Back to Godhead in a head shop. 

In the second BTG I read the description of Srila Prabhupada walking down the street, and it was like the doors of perception opened and I had a darsana (vision) of Srila Prabhupada. I realized without doubt he was my guru. I looked up the address of the temple, and it was just five blocks away, and we went there and asked for an interview with the swami.

Srila Prabhupada would ask many questions to familiarize himself with America. He was surprised that I had traveled so much, and when I said in all my travels nothing had made me happy, he smiled broadly, and said, “That is required.” He understood that although I could get whatever I wanted, I was not happy.

He listened to our problems attentively, and he told us, “If you come to my classes morning and evening, all your problems will be solved.” Of course, there are always problems, but the devotee becomes detached from them.

In college you have philosophies like existentialism which elaborately describe the problem but have no solution.

From the beginning Srila Prabhupada engaged us according to our propensities, and do this he inquired what we were studying. He immediately engaged us in painting Radha Krishna because we had an art background.

We had no desire to be anywhere except with him, so when he went to New York, we went to New York, driving in there four days with some hippies.

The charm, the personal wit, and the caring in Srila Prabhupada is more than I can describe.

Srila Prabhupada wanted all his lectures recorded. On the bhajans he recorded himself playing both the drum and the harmonium. These recordings are his gifts.

“A pure devotee always engages in the service of the Lord, taking shelter of His lotus feet, and therefore he has a direct connection with the saffron mercy-particles that are strewn over the lotus feet of the Lord. Although when a pure devotee speaks the articulation of his voice may resemble the sound of this material sky, the voice is spiritually very powerful because it touches the particles of saffron dust on the lotus feet of the Lord. As soon as a sleeping living entity hears the powerful voice emanating from the mouth of a pure devotee, he immediately remembers his eternal relationship with the Lord, although up until that moment he had forgotten everything.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.20.25, purport)

Once I tried correcting his pronunciation for the word “analogously” in his  reading of the preface of Brahma-samhita, and he replied, “You pronounce it your way, and I will pronounce it my way.” I never tried to correct him again.

Gaurasundara was learning the Sanskrit and Bengali. He learned about the suffix “ji” and asked Prabhupada if he could call me Govindaji. Prabhupada indicated “ji” was low class. I asked, “Why do we call you “Swamiji” if it is a low class ending?” He said it was not important, but I thought it was important so I pressed him several times.  That was out of character for me, so I think Supersoul was pushing me.

Prabhupada said, “You can call me Gurudeva, Guru Maharaja, or Srila Prabhupada.”

“That is three,” I said, “what about one?”

He replied, “You can call me Srila Prabhupada. That would be very nice.”

Then he explained what Prabhupada meant and said, “I am the Prabhupada and you are the Prabhus are taking shelter.”

Prabhupada means he whose lotus feet the masters take shelter of.

He was the most gentlemanly and fatherly person you could ever hope to meet.

Srila Prabhupada started us studying Sanskrit and Bengali.

When the lotus blooms, the bees come. Although there were no devotees, sankirtana parties or books, but somehow so many people came.

I prayed to be able to understand his accent, and almost immediately I was able to understand.

If you ask Srila Prabhupada for some service, he will guide you from in the heart.

Our first service was putting up posters for the mantra rock dance.

Krishna speaks through his devotees, and therefore their association is so important.

The whole year I was cooking for Srila Prabhupada he had the same five things on Ekadasi: pan fried peanuts, sweet potatoes mashed with yogurt, a wet vegetable preparation with cauliflower and potato slightly fried, and fruit salad with sour cream.

Srila Prabhupada said, “Ghee is for cooking for Krishna, oil is for cooking for Shiva.” He also said, “Ghee is for the inside of the body, and oil is for the outside of the body.”

People take lots of prasadam in the beginning because it their first contact with Krishna in many lives and they cannot get enough.

I dealt with a contractor in Gainesville who lived on Krishna Lunch when he was a student.

There is a problem in ISKCON that some tulasis have crossbred with other varieties of basil, so we have to be careful.

Srila Prabhupada said that personal ambition cannot be dovetailed in devotional service.

Srila Prabhupada said regarding our children, “Demigods are waiting in line to take birth in this movement.” And you can see that in their spirit of enjoyment. But 

Prabhupada also said that the children of our children would be pure devotees.

Kalakantha Prabhu:

It is an art to not be too liberal or too conservative, to retain the essence of the tradition, while attracting new people.

Comment by Caitanya: Now there are more people who work in the department of agriculture than there are farmers.

Krishnasravana Prabhu:

We can go up or down or remain in this realm. Krishna does not force anyone, but He advises how we can return to Him.

Other names like Allah and Jehovah have the same power as they are all names of God, but I am a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, so I chant Hare Krishna as he advised and the Vedic literature recommends.

Q (by me): In Bhagavad-gita 18.65 Srila Prabhupada stresses worship of Krishna alone, yet in Bhagavad-gita 8.14 he accepts worship of the other Vishnu-tattva avatars. Why is this?

A: When you love someone you want His name and fame glorified all over the world, and because Srila Prabhupada is a pure devotee of Krishna, so he is glorifying Krishna. Even in Dvaraka, Vasudeva Krishna is attracted by the beauty of the youthful Vrindavan Krishna. Even Maha-Vishnu wanted to see Krishna so He kidnapped the brahmana’s sons. Even Laksmi was attracted by the sweetness of Krishna and tried to attain the position of the gopis.

A (by another SP disciple): Srila Prabhupada is trying to bring us to the topmost platform in Bhagavad-gita 18.65 and so he promotes Krishna as superior to the other incarnations. He also says the knowledge is the most confidential.

In a war, if you surrender, you lose, but if you surrender to Krishna, you win.

Q (by Jorge): How to we think of Krishna while talking to someone at our job?

A: If a woman has a lover, she will do her household duties nicely so her husband does not suspect, but she is always thinking of her lover because of her intense attraction. Similarly we are all lovers of Krishna by constitution, so we should perform our duties in this world very nicely, and at the same time always think of Him.

Sesa Prabhu:

We are eternal individuals, and we have each have a history by which we have become here today, to Srimad-Bhagavatam class.

Fiji is the island where Kaliya came from and eventually returned. During a brief transit through a Fiji airport, one Indian man with governmental influence, who was amazed at hearing of Srila Prabhupada’s great preaching work in the West, visited him at the airport, and Srila Prabhupada convinced him to build a Krishna temple within that brief time. There was installed a deity of Kaliya-Krishna.

The Kaustuba gem was given by Kaliya to Krishna.

Within in the last couple of years, in Fiji, workers in an excavation reported seeing a multi-headed snake in the mountains.

Comment by Dhameshvar Mahaprabhu Prabhu: It is explained in a former life, Kaliya was a king who washed a devotee’s feet but did not respect the water considering the devotee’s social position. Thus he got a mixed result.

One of the key lessons of Kaliya pastime is that Krishna’s mercy follows the mercy of the devotees. Because Kaliya’s wives offered prayers on his behalf he attained Krishna’s mercy. When they saw in their husband exalted qualities of humility, remorse, regret and doubt in response to Krishna’s chastisement, they prayed to Krishna for His mercy upon their husband.

Sukhada Devi:

The cowherd boys offer the challenge to Krishna and Balarama of liberating the Talavana Forest from influence of the Dhenuka demon, and the two are up for the challenge.

Radha-Damodara temple is said to be the hub of the universe. Srila Prabhupada was inspired to serve Rupa Goswami and thus he stayed there. He desired to be blessed by the mercy of sages there.

Srila Prabhupada prayed to Rupa Goswami for his mercy, and he attained it. He literally cried for the mercy as he swept the Rupa Goswami’s samadhi.

The Yamuna River is described as a necklace of sapphires or blue lotuses.

The children I take on sankirtana look forward to it every year. One girl suggested we bring lunch next time so we could stay out all day.

Once a devotee was saying how Vrindavana is becoming degraded. Srila Prabhupada said no, that those who are responsible for taking care of Vrindavana will take birth as hogs and dogs there, but even the hogs and dogs in Vrindavana are liberated.

Comments by me:

I always go to Radha-Damodara temple.

Srila Prabhupada described Vrindavana as a place where people are inclined to love Krishna and where Krishna is inclined to love them.

Vrindavana is a special place. Even a young Afro-American lady who was not a Hare Krishna concluded that sacred places do in fact exist and Vrindavana is such a place, after she stayed there for a month as some devotees friends had encouraged her to.

Madhava Prabhu [from New Raman Reti]:

Part of Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s daily bhajana, in addition to glorifying Radha-Krishna, is to take shelter of the Lord to overcome material tendencies. We can learn from this.

Q: When are the exams [for your series of seminars on Saranagati]?

A: Every day, at every moment. [laughter]

Visvambhara Prabhu of Bhaktivedanta Academy:

We find that the students who went out distributing prasadam cakes and Srila Prabhupada’s books enjoyed that experience. That was our goal. In fact, some of them did not want to come back.

Kalki Prabhu:

By Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, through his books, we can understand who is actually a sadhu, a saintly person.

By giving classes morning and evening, by speaking with people, and encouraging disciples, in so many ways, Srila Prabhupada expressed his compassion by enlightening people in Krishna consciousness.

This chanting of Hare Krishna is so nice that plants, animals, and insects, all advance spiritually by hearing the chanting.

Devotees asked Srila Prabhupada what happens to the grass that hears the chanting of a pure devotee. Srila Prabhupada explained that it gets a human body in the next life, which would normally take ten million births.

People do not understand how on the material platform, there is no steady happiness, but if we explain this carefully, they can come to get an appreciation of it.

Like Krishna wants to glorify His devotees, the advanced devotees want to glorify the other devotees.

Srila Prabhupada’s minimization of sleep was just a symptom of being fully engaged in devotion.

Srila Prabhupada was doing the same thing as the Goswamis, using the Vedic literature to support the conclusion of pure devotion service to Krishna.

Humility and tolerance are very important. If we are humble and tolerant, we will not commit offenses, and thus we will be able chant the holy name constantly.

We should always be looking within ourselves to see how we can improve our devotional service.

Krishna consciousness is already spreading all over the world, but if we assist we will get the credit for helping. Otherwise, it will happen anyway and we will miss out.

Comment by Abhimanyu Prabhu: Locan Das Thakura wrote in one of his books that Lord Caitanya said some people would try to escape by going to Western countries but that he would send his senapati bhakti [commander-in-chief devotee] to rescue them.

Comments by me:

If we are not tolerant, we will be absorbed in the dualities of material life, and will not have time to mercifully benefit people.

Sometime we have the idea that we want everyone to love us, but that is not realistic. Even the greatest saints and the Lord Himself, although they are goodness personified, still have enemies.

Vasudeva Datta:

If you do not read in the morning, you may find that you do not have time to read later, and the reading does not happen.

—–

This verse inspires me when I chant Hare Krishna in public in different cities around the world. I am an instrument, although tiny, in fulfilling Lord Caitanya’s prediction. Although not everyone will appreciate the chanting, Lord Caitanya will be pleased, and He is the bestower of all benedictions:

prithivite ache yata nagaradi grama

sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama

[Lord Caitanya said:] “In every town and village of the world, in every place, My name will be propagated.” (Caitanya-bhagavata, Antya-kandha 4.126)

Mayapur GBC Meeting (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: Every year at the time of the Mayapur Gaura Purnima festival, the GBCs from all over the world come to meet.
There are many proposals of various kinds put to the GBC body and discussions go over.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/7Wvrfc

Iskcon Toronto: We are happy to share our March edition of our monthly newsletter!
ISKCON 50th - This year, around the world, ISKCON is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary! Our Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada incorporated ISKCON in 1965 in New York. Global festivities will celebrate Krishna conscious values, spiritual contributions by Srila Prabhupada, and the incredible impact ISKCON has had around the world! We encourage you to help us showcase Krishna consciousness through books, prasadam, educational initiatives and even by simply encouraging your friends and family to visit the temple! The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple is working on very exciting plans to celebrate ISKCON’s 50th anniversary! You can read more about the international celebrations at ISKCON 50.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/ZNlh0f

Seminar: Sri Tattva Sandarbha – The Life of Jiva Goswami – Romapada Swami.
HH Romapada Swami Maharaja is a disciple of ISKCON Founder Acarya His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He was first introduced to this movement of Krsna consciousness when he was a college student more than 37 years ago. He has accepted renounced order of life- sannyasa, and preaches the message of true devotion by traveling all over the United States of America, Canada, the Caribbean, India, and many other parts of the world. With his most kind and loving persona, he inspires his followers to take to the process of devotional service. He is also serving the movement for years as a Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) of ISKCON in the North America region. HH Romapada Swami very strongly believes in educating everyone in the process of devotional service. He frequently makes presentations and delivers seminar lectures across the world, in many famous educational institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Harvad University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Penn State University, Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, BITS-Pilani, and at many renowned corporate offices such as Microsoft, Lucent Technologies, just to name a few.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/Eh7Rjd

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The post Bhaktividya Purna Maharaja and Radha Damodara appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Krishna-conscious Carnival at Hungarian Nursery Schools.
It is an age-old custom in Europe that in every February, people say goodbye to the cold and dark winter and welcome spring in a celebratory way, singing, dancing, and dressed up in colorful costumes.
The students of Krishna-valley and the Budapest Gurukula’s nursery schools did not want to miss out on the fun all their fellow nursery schoolers enjoy during this season, so with the help of their teachers, they also put up their own show.
The day of the carnival was full of activities – they decorated the school, enjoyed dancing and singing, playing with the balloons, eating delicious donuts, but everyone agreed, the highlight of the day was the Krishna-conscious costume party.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/kfDtbi

The seven subterranean planets, i.e. those are below the earthly plane (not to be confused with the earthly globe) known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla (SB 5.24.7) are, in fact, more opulent than the Heavenly planets!!! In those subterranean heavens, known as bila-svarga, “there are very beautiful houses, gardens and places of sense enjoyment, which are even more opulent than those in the higher planets because the demons have a very high standard of sensual pleasure, wealth and influence”. (SB 5.24.8). Srimad Bhagvatam keeps describing, “There are many wonderful houses, walls, gates, assembly houses, temples, yards and temple compounds, as well as many hotels serving as residential quarters for foreigners.”(SB 5.24.9) “There are many lakes and reservoirs with clear, transparent water, agitated by jumping fish and decorated with many flowers such as lilies, kuvalayas, kahlāras and blue and red lotuses.”(SB 5.24.10) Continue reading "The Illusion of Heavenly Planets
→ Dandavats"

At which stage of devotional service does, a person understands that he/she is better off practicing spiritual economics (giving rather than taking)?

The post Bh. Alexey asks appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

It is an age-old custom in Europe that people say goodbye to the cold and dark winter and welcome spring in a celebratory way, singing, dancing, and dressed up in colorful costumes. The students of Krishna-valley and the Budapest Gurukula’s nursery schools did not want to miss out on the fun, so they also put up their own show, -- while at the same time kicking off ISKCON's 50th Anniversary year. 

Vaishnava wedding (Album with photos)
Congrats to the lovely couple Krishna Kishora das and Radha Padmini Devi Dasi!
Srila Prabhupada: I am your Spiritual Father, and Krishna is your Spiritual Husband. A girl can never forget either her father or her husband. Letter to Jadurani, July 8, 1967.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/RpBTpy

“Iskcon Leadership Sanga” moments (Album with photos)
Kavicandra Swami: There were about 90 seminars at the ILS. All were well attended and much appreciated. Info will be published by the Strategic Planning Team.
HG KrpaMoya Prabhu gave four daily on guru discipe relationships and introducing his book on the subject. The book is on amazon.
Classes have been great, all on leadership. HG Laximoni Dasi did great job of setting the venue with displays from world wide preaching. Prasad was TOO MUCH!!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/QukbTf

The post Daily Darshan: March 4th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Krsna Kshetra Swami S.B.7.2.7-8 – Feb 24th 2016

March 4. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: On Separation.
Some of the most direct instructions on feelings of separation from Srila Prabhupada are in the Fourth Canto of Bhagavatam, where Prabhupada explains that the disciple is supposed to cry after the disappearance of the spiritual master. As far as separation from Krishna, or separation from the devotee is concerned, it’s the most exalted part of our philosophy. The worst kind of unhappiness is separation from the devotee. If we feel there is no devotee around us, then Ramananda Raya said, “This is the most unhappy condition.”
Prabhupada, in 1966, wrote about this unhappiness in his diary: “According to Mayapur Panjika, today is Adhivas day of Gaura Purnima. Devotees at Vrindavana and Navadvipa are enjoying the celebration. I am here alone without a devotee companion, but I have come here to serve the Lord and not for personal happiness. I am prepared to live in hell, even if I am able to serve the Lord. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted that His mission should be propagated all over the world, and that is my objective. I do not mind the inconvenience personally felt.
Prabhupada also expressed the mood of separation from Krishna in the poem he wrote while crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Jaladutta:
“Today the remembrance of You came to me in a very nice way. Because I have a great longing, I call to You, I am Your eternal servant, and therefore I desire Your association so much. O Lord Krishna, except for You, there is no other means of success.”
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=6

On Separation

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The post If our outreach services require us to go away from devotees how can we get their association? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Recently, the office wing of the temple building and the apartment building II went through roof transformations. Yoder Amish Roofing Company began replacing the temple’s office wing roofing on Monday, February 29^th, 2016 and replaced the apartment building II roofing on Tuesday, March 1^st, 2016.

The crew of about 8-10 men stripped old shingles, laid new plywood, added top quality synthetic underlayment and finished with a layer of lifetime duration shingles onto the temple roof.

The new office wing roof.

Five beautiful Swiss Velux skylights were installed in the prasadam hallway.

Above, the roofing company stripped and replaced the metal panel roofing on the apartment building II.

The apartment building II roof is now complete.

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The post Bhagavatam study 35 01.7.52-58 Law codes alone aren’t enough for justice – an expert judge is needed appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Written by Nandan

During the day Maharaj was with Jayadvaita Swami, no doubt engaging in intimate guru-disciple talk.

In the evening, there was a Pandava Sena (youth wing of the British yatra) program at Krishna Kirtan Prabhu’s. The house was packed and Ravi Pattni Prabhu (up and coming kirtaneer and leading University preacher) led a deep and slow kirtan full of raag but mixed with some serious capriccioso mrdanga playing. The crowd was predominantly young and British Asian. Prasadam consisted of Caesar salad, pasta, hing bread and strawberry cheese cake.

Afterward, the lights were dimmed and Maharaj broke into an exquisite melody. As you may have guessed by now it wasn’t a classic ‘Kadamba Kanana Swami explosive kirtan’. But the melody was sung with so much focused emotion that it beckoned one to go deeper into what it means to be Krishna Consciousness – to really introspect and purify one’s heart. Maharaj finished off with a controlled but incredibly intense crescendo that left one hankering for the emotional ecstasies that are mentioned in the sacred scriptures.

He then opened up the Brhad Bhagavatamrita which chronicled the adventures of Gopakumar through the universe and beyond. With just a lamp providing some reading light in an otherwise dark room, it evoked an ‘old school’ mood of devotees meeting together and having clandestine discussions at night under the occupation of the Nawab.

Needless to say it, was a highly esoteric discourse. Starting off with Gopakumar taking over the post of Indra and getting to know his ‘new’ younger brother, the Supreme Lord, Sri Vamanadev. In this role, Gopakumar had such intimate exchanges with Lord Vamana who is also known as Upendra that it was literally like a younger and older brother embracing and playing with each other. One doesn’t always realise what a deep relationship Indra and Vamanadev may have and it’s easy to dismiss the demigods as material, fallible personalities. But here, Maharaj demonstrated how exalted they really are and deserving of our full respect.

As Gopakumar floats to higher realms like Brahmaloka, he gets the throne of Brahma. The question arose: What does Brahma do once he creates the universe? He may be the grandfather but what does he do… At this point a devotee offers one, too many fisherman’s friends tablets to Maharaj who states that he doesn’t want to overdose on them and somehow the young devotees found that funny and started cracking up… Surya is riding through the sky and Indra is taking care of the cosmic affairs. Well, it turns out that Brahma is constantly engaged in the puja of Lord Vishnu whose deity is fully alive. The way Maharaj was describing this pastime in the darkened room with a little lamp light; he really bought the pastime to life and gave it so much warmth and humour…

So Brahma was doing this worship. And there were various cultural events going on up there. So when Gopakumar became Brahma, there was a huge festival and he asked all the Vedas to come and they all came, then came the Upanishads and so on. Then some of the Upanishads started to dominate the show and promote their own impersonalistic understandings. Many of the confidential Puranas and scriptures like the Gopala Tapani Upanishad got exceedingly annoyed at this state of affairs and staged a walk out. At which point, they had to be pacified and the other Upanishads had to be chastised and warned to stop their impersonalistic nonsense. And so the pastimes continued. As Maharaj carried on with his discourse, it was incredible to think that this is actually going on in the upper echelons of the cosmos. Truly mind boggling!

Ultimately Brhad Bhagavatamrita should be seen as an expansion Srimad Bhagavatam. You can also see it as a key to the Srimad Bhagavatam. But Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence. Everything is pointing to the Srimad Bhagavatam, even the Bhagavad-gita is pointing to the Srimad Bhagavatam. So in that way, the Brhad Bhagavatamrita is giving a new and fresh vision of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

As the night carried on, it was obvious some of the devotees were feeling sleepy. Krishna Kirtan Prabhu mentioned that maybe everyone can chant with Maharaj a bit more and those who want to leave can by all means leave. Maharaj immediately answered, “Yes I’ll leave!” Everyone burst into laughter and Maharaj did a nice lullaby style kirtan to finish of the night.
HH Kadamba Kanana Maharaj ki Jai!