Living the Dream
→ Tattva - See inside out

There seems to be a tension between comfort and aspiration in our lives. We seek to explore, to grow, to achieve, yet we also desire security, safety and certainty. It’s clear, however, that we often have to sacrifice one to get the other. If we opt to remain in the comfort-zone, we may have to live with the inevitable feelings of being humdrum, run-of-the-mill and unexciting. On the other hand, if we dive for our dreams we’ll have to ready ourselves to brave the rocky road of uncertainty and opposition. Every significant achievement has its price tag.

In reality, we usually go for something in between. Decisions on where to pitch our life are largely based upon the prevailing social mood of the day. What is everyone else doing? What are the expectations of society? What will keep everyone happy? Breaking free of such barriers and pursuing our ‘inner calling’ is a tough job. As life responsibilities increase, it’s easy to get boxed in, sealed tight and shelved up. Shifting the daily routine becomes more and more taboo. Doing something different may be seen as unintelligent, rash and irresponsible. And even when there are no grounds for such accusation, we conveniently accept those opinions just to reinforce our comfortable life and maintain the status quo.

Life has its way of grounding us down. Very few people have a dream, even fewer seriously consider how to fulfill it, and only a rare soul actually has a decent shot. In an age where security, establishment and balanced prosperity have become the guiding beacons for our comfortable life, a pause for thought may be worthwhile. The Bhagavad-gita reminds us of a broader vision that needs to be etched into our consciousness. The inevitable laws of nature mean we come to this world empty-handed and we leave empty-handed. Everyone, without exception, is guaranteed to lose everything. Although our temporary constructed situations of life seem so real, they are all washed away by the ruthless waves of time. We’re building castles in the sand. It sounds counterintuitive, but I’m trying to invest quality time in developing this “vision of eternity”, hoping that it will make me a whole lot more dynamic in this temporary phantasmagoria.

As I wander around in the spiritual hub known as Vrindavana, I’m reminded of a local saying which is beginning to make more and more sense to me: “All reality outside of Vrindavana is actually a dream, and all dreams in Vrindavana are actually a reality.”

Devotees Remember Sankara Dasi on 30th Anniversary of Her Passing
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

New Vrindaban Sankara Dasi 20th Anniversary Memorial Bench 2005

A flower offering in remembrance of Sankara devi dasi.

By Madhava Smullen

Friends and family are remembering Srimati Sankara devi dasi — known for her deep love of her children and quiet dedication to Krishna’s service — as the 30th anniversary of her passing approaches on January 25th, 2015. On that day, the Sunday Feast program at ISKCON New Vrindaban will be held in her honor.

Born Sylvia S. Walker on January 5th, 1946, Sankara dasi was raised in Michigan. She first met ISKCON devotees in San Francisco in 1969, two years after the first ever Rathayatra there.

Returning to Michigan, she lived near the Detroit temple with her young family and visited often. In the early 1970s, she and her husband regularly invited devotees to hold weekend festivals at their farm near Ann Arbor.

In 1978, tragedy struck. Sankara was diagnosed with acute hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), an extremely rare form of leukemia. She wanted to use whatever time she had left delving deep into her Krishna consciousness. So she moved into the Detroit temple full-time.

“When I first met Sankara and her children, in Detroit, she was a happy introspective person who held an extraordinary ability to see God everywhere,” recalls her friend Mrigaksi Dasi.

In 1980, when her eldest children had grown too old for the small devotee school in Detroit, Sankara moved to ISKCON’s New Vrindaban farm community near Wheeling, West Virginia, which she felt would be the best place for them.

Her own children weren’t the only ones Sankara cared for. From 1980 to 1983, she watched many young kids at the New Vrindaban nursery. From 1983 on, she taught kindergarten and first grade at the community’s Nandagram School to children from all around North America. Many of her former students remember her fondly as patient, sweet and caring.

Sankara also sewed for New Vrindaban’s presiding Deities Sri Sri Radha-Vrindaban Chandra and made their garlands daily, which was her favorite service.

“Sankara was easy to do service with; having an insightful and creative nature,” says Rupa Dasi, who worked with her on a sewing project. “She had a keen sense of focus for the project and really put all her heart into the service. She also was always very concerned for the welfare of her children. And this was a frequent topic of her talks. She knew her time was limited, and she was determined to use it to the very best advantage she possibly could on their behalf.”

During this time, Sankara had to go for heart surgery more than once due to the stresses her chronic condition placed on her heart. She also suffered from asthma. Yet Vidya Dasi, who lived and worked with her – both in the nursery and in garland-making – says that no matter how sick she got, Sankara always did her service with devotion and dedication.

“I don’t think we understood at the time how her failing health must have made her feel,” says Vidya. “And I’m thinking back, ‘How did she not complain, how did she keep up with us?’”

Even on the morning when Sankara went to the hospital for the last time, devotees remember her making sure her daily garland-making service would be covered and that her children would be looked after. It was this mood that encapsulated her life.

At the Intensive Care Unit, when doctors declared they couldn’t do anything more and invited her devotee friends in, Sankara’s vitals stabilized as she heard them chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. It was in this setting, surrounded by a number of her godsisters, that she finally left this world on January 25th, 1985.

Sankara Dasi is survived by her five children, Chaitanya Mangala, Makara, Veena, Sesa and Bhima; her five grandchildren, Kalindi, Airavata, Lauren, Hayden and Daniel; and her former husband, Danakeli Das.

Her family had her remains cremated, and scattered her ashes among the flower beds at Prabhupada’s Palace Rose Garden, one of her most cherished places. In 2005, on the 20th anniversary of her passing, they dedicated a Nama Samadhi in the form of a granite memorial bench in her honor at New Vrindaban.

The bench is situated along the scenic walkway that winds around the Kusum Sarovara Lake at the lotus feet of Gaura Nitai and in the shadow of Srila Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold. It serves as a place for people to relax and appreciate their surroundings as they follow a parikrama path through the holy dham.

New Vrindaban Gaura Nitai Sankara dasi memorial bench 2005

Sankara dasi’s memorial bench, situated at the Lotus Feet of big Gaura Nitai (bottom left corner).

Etched into the bench are the words: “In loving memory: Sylvia S. Walker – Sankara devi dasi. January 5th, 1946 – January 25th, 1985” and a quote from Sankara herself – “I am surrounded by the radiance, glory and richness of the Creator. In the final analysis, all things come from the same Source. We are all related; even the rocks are our brothers.”

“My mother was a sensitive, thoughtful and highly spiritual person who quietly and determinedly performed her services despite whatever obstacles were placed in her path,” says her eldest son, Chaitanya Mangala, who is a board member for both ISKCON New Vrindaban and ECO-Vrindaban. “To me, that’s a sign of a genuine devotee.”

“Moreover,” he continues, “She cared deeply for her children and was totally convinced that the fledgling Hare Krishna Society, and more specifically New Vrindaban, was the best place to raise us. Despite the hardships and shortcomings, I do appreciate the sincere attempts made by my mother and others of her pioneer generation. And, as we honor the 30th anniversary of her passing, I humbly dedicate my community building efforts in her memory.”

New Vrindaban Sankara dasi family memorial bench installation 2005

Members of Sankara dasi’s family with her memorial bench.

Sadly Missing Krishna
→ Life With the Cows and Land

1/21/15

All the cows went in the barn at the end of November. In later December we noticed Krishna getting thin. This was usual for him for the past three years and we didn't worry. He would get thin in winter but have no problem moving around and eating. Then he would fatten up in the spring when he and all the other cows were let out on pasture. His spring, summer and fall video updates showed him well and happy.He seemed to be following the same pattern this year.

This evening Balabhadra found him lying down in the barn. He said he is real weak and doesn't seem able to get up. He is surrounded by his friends and we have the Hare Krishna mantra chanted by Srila Prabhupada playing in the barn 24/7. Balabhadra and Lakshmi put a bunch of hay under him to make him comfortable.

We had an ox quite a few years back who had similar problems and the vet said he had Johnes disease for which there is no cure even if recognized in the early stages. It is a digestive disease. For that particular ox we tried a bunch of remedies anyway to no avail.

If you could please pray for Krishna that he receive the mercy of Lord Krishna.

1/22/15

Hare Krsna!

Balabhadra went to check this morning on Krishna and found him in the same position. He sprinkled Govardhana dust and Radha Kund water on his head, put Tulasi leaves in his mouth and put a Lord Nrsringhadev kavitra on his horns. The sound of Hare Krsna bhajans could be heard in the barn from a CD player which we have playing 24/7. An hour later Balabhadra called me from the barn to tell me Krishna had passed away. He will be buried on the farm today.

Krishna's passing is unexpected and therefore difficult to accept. He was ten years old and in human years he would be 50 years old. Some of the cows were nudging him and sniffing him as if expecting him to get up. Narayana (a young Milking Shorthorn) was trying to lift him by his horns to get him moving. Balabhadra said that Krishna came over to him three days ago, the day before he went down, to talk to him while he was filling the feed aisle with hay. Krishna was quite chipper and his usual friendly, charming self. He went down yesterday evening and left us this morning, a very quick departure which greatly reduced his physical suffering.

Krishna and his friend Balaram were found in a petting zoo by some devotees who were told they were about to be shipped to the slaughterhouse because they had become too big for the petting zoo. They were 3 months old. The devotees called us and asked us to take them and they have been with us ever since. Balaram is quite healthy and I am sure will be missing Krishna.

Krishna will be remembered for his handsome appearance and his charming personality. He was always friendly to guests and patient with them in his mild mannered way. He was especially popular with the female guests. I always looked forward to visiting with him as he was always so relaxed and friendly. His association had a calming, soothing affect.

We will all miss Krishna greatly. Please pray for his journey to greener pastures.




Krishna (on the right) and Balaram setting foot on ISCOWP ground
for the very first time in 2004.

Krishna (on the left) skinny and with large cuts.  Balaram on the right. 
We were surprised at their condition when they arrived.
Krishna fattening up during the summer.
Amicable Krishna.

Balaram and Krishna (sitting down).
      Krishna (with Balabhadra) and Balaram (with Lakshmi)received           
      basic training by voice commands early in their lives.



Krishna and his friends during the fall of 2014.






Advaita Acharya
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 November 2008, Lecture at Mamgachi)

avaita_acaryaWe will just read something from the Caitanya Bhagavata. Srila Prabhupada said that the nature of scripture is that it is sweet on all sides so it does not matter where you begin, it is always sweet.

Lord Visvambhara looked at Advaita Acharya and said, “I have descended to this world in response to your vow and repeated worship. I was resting on the ocean of milk but your roaring woke Me up. You are so merciful that you could not bear to see the suffering of the conditioned living entities and so you summoned Me to alleviate their painful condition. All of these demigods, sages, devotees and associates have appeared in response to your call.”

Advaita Acharya had worshiped the Salagram Sila with Ganga-jal and Tulasi because he had read in the scriptures that the Lord said, “When you offer Me Ganga-jal and Tulasi, then there is nothing in My possession to repay such an offering. And thus all I can do is give Myself.” Thus, Advaita Acharya thought, “This is it! I will force the Lord to appear!” but he never knew that the Lord had appeared because for so many years Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu remained hidden.

No one knew that Nimai Pandita, the extraordinary scholar, was the Supreme Personality of Godhead. No one had any idea but at this point, where we are reading now, Lord Caitanya has just revealed to Advaita Acharya that He is the Supreme Lord so Advaita Acharya is in ecstasy.

Lifting his arms, Advaita Acharya responded, ‘Today my life has become successful. All of my dreams have been fulfilled. By seeing Your lotus feet, my birth has gained meaning. O Lord, who else but You could liberate all the living entities.” Tears rolled down Advaita Acharya’s cheeks as He spoke. “Now perform My worship,” the Lord said. Having received this instruction, Advaita Acharya began worshiping the Lord’s lotus feet in great ecstasy. First, he washed Visvambhara’s lotus feet, then he smeared scented oil on them. Next, he dipped tulasi-manjari’s into sandalwood paste and placed them on the Lord’s lotus feet. Advaita Acharya performed worship with flowers, frankincense and lamps while everyone glorified the Lord. While Advaita Acharya continued the worship, he chanted the verse, ‘O my Lord, You are well-wishers of the cows and the brahmanas indeed. You are the maintainer of the entire universe.’

Or the famous verse: namo brahmanya-devaya, go brahmana-hitaya ca, jagad-dhitaya krishnaya, govindaya namo namah. Advaita Acharya kept on repeating that mantra again and again while he was worshiping the Lord. So it is very interesting how that mantra is now so much part of our everyday life. At least a few times a day, we are chanting that mantra as if it is just another mantra and not realizing how intimate that mantra is to the Supreme Lord, how dear it is to the Lord and how essential it is to the pastimes of the Lord.

Staying with Krishna for the Long Haul by Finding Our Personal Mission and Potential Power—Part 1
→ Karnamrita.das's blog

Author: 
Karnamrita Das

photo bridgetoenlightenment_zpsfe0d7408.jpg
In my last blog I spoke of illness or difficulties that can be used to rekindle our spiritual practice. In this blog I am sharing a sample of what of what some friends and I have been discussing about regarding the difficulty in finding one’s personal power and life mission. In a general sense all Gaudiya Vaishnavas, or devotees of Shri Krishna Chaitanya, share the same ultimate mission of prema, or loving service to Krishna and the spiritual practices to obtain it, or sadhana. However, the details concerning how one lives their life to obtain this ultimate mission, whether as a renunciate or married person with countless occupational possibilities, is as varied as are the types of people who come to Krishna. We could think of a personal unique mission, and a general spiritual one. They may look the same or seem very different. Many years ago I discovered I had issues with my personal power—or my lack of it. Reading the comments of devotees on this subject, I realized that I’m not alone, and so the topic of personal mission and personal power is essential to discuss for our long term standing as devotees.

Reflecting on how I grew up in a family situation where I had to turn off my personal power in order in to survive in a negative, violent atmosphere, it is easy to see that using my personal power is a major life lesson. My withdrawal of energy, or not being very conscious of it, continued to cast a shadow over my life when I came to Krishna. At first it helped me focus on my spiritual practices, but later I was practically forced to become a more balanced and integrated devotee. I have always been a late bloomer and so it isn't surprising to me that it is only now, toward the later years of my life that I have found the gift in this personal deficiency. Of course, we all have our own time in becoming aware of what we need to do in our life. I'm endeavoring and praying to manifest my personal mission in the world—or my corner of it—as my offering for my gurus and Krishna, and to encourage others to do the same.

For the spiritually minded, life is really about managing our human energy in relationship to our spiritual path, and giving it shape according to our personal mission. Some intuitives call our personal mission our "sacred contract," and I have called it our "karmic mission."

read more

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Dallas, Texas

What Do You Think?


In the morning Bhagavatam class, speaker Anuttama, touched on some good topics.  Most topical was the subject of religious fanaticism.  In every camp you have right wingers to the far extreme and it’s these people who are of the mindset to destroy.

The terroristic tendencies to be oppressive to an innocent public is the current concern worldwide.  That type of spirit isn’t religious at all.  I still recall Sheila Copps, a dignitary in Canadian politics say, “It has nothing to do with religion.,” in response to an arson act that destroyed Sita Ram deities in a demolished Hindu temple in Hamilton.  I was there when she said it at a ceremony to lower the deity parts at the base of the harbor.  Some fanatic decided that the peaceful temple was culturally connected to the 9-11 devastation in New York.  Were they ever wrong!

I asked Anuttama after his class whether he had an opinion on what was worse – spiritual arrogance or regular mayic or materialistic arrogance (I also ventured to say that spiritual arrogance is like an oxymoron).

“Well, what do you think?” he asked.

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely!”  And I expressed that when you put God behind your ego, you are worse off.

He nodded.

After his class I felt like I wanted to start an anti-fanatic walking crusade.

May the Source be with you!

4 KM

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Dallas, Texas

The Fabric Came


Nancy had come to drop off the material – fabric that was flowy, dreamy and meant to be used as a prop in the weekend production of “Blue Mystic”.  Nancy I consider to be Miss Fabric herself because she deals with it all the time with her bridal boutique called “Gowns of Grace”.

She was telling me that gorgeous gowns had lost their lace in the sixties.  Princess Diana then reintroduced fancy feminine dresses to the world.  Her trail blazing the attire of glamour or perhaps grace is like Bruce Lee being credited for popularizing martial arts from the east.

I then though how our own guru, Prabhupada, set a trend for bringing kirtan to the west.  He really did trail blaze and made an impact on the world, whether people are aware of it or not.  I discussed this with my dear godbrother, Gunagrahi Goswami, and brought to his attention the article by journalist Brennan O’Connor who declared that we are all now Hare Krishnas.  He admitted that Hare Krishna may not be mainstream, but all their ideas are.

What an honour it is to be a small component to the arrow head of the pioneering of Krishna Consciousness.

May the Source be with you!

0 KM

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Dallas, Texas

Tough guys!


Cowboys?  No!  I haven’t met any yet.  But tough guys, yes.  Pitbulls and other ferocious dogs are abundant, at least in the neighbourhood of Kalachandji’s Restaurant and Palace where our continental meetings are held.  Meetings of sadhus or sages, both men and women, converge at Texas to discuss Krishna Consciousness.

Back to the pitbulls:  young Brajananda, my monk companion and I, venture down this alleyway.  It was daring for both of us to trek down this unused trail, uneven in terrain and overgrown with weeds, yet it became our opportunity for adventure. 

We started to hear the snarls from the other side of the wooden fence.  And then there were these fences that were of steel mesh where teeth and bark are clearly revealed.  The look and bark of these boys coming from both sides of the alley way was rather intimidating.  One particular canine stuck his aggressive head and paw through a hole in the fence and it was hair-raising because a little more push from him and he could have burst through.  Thant would mean open game for us. 

As Brajananda and I ambled along through that noisy trail of barkers, some emotional buttons including fear were pushed.  Believe me, these were mean dogs who looked eager to tear us asunder.  Tough guys made of muscle, hair and teeth, their arousals didn’t let up. 

The alley way continued on but our journey had to come to an end.  We veered off.  We got our thrill for the day.  I guess we were a little like stray dogs.  All the fellows we met had masters.

Come to think of it, we are all dogs, servants to our Master?  You know whom I’m talking about. 

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

Monday, January 19th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Dallas, Texas
 
Pilots
 
 
On our way to Dallas the pilot was sleeping while in flight.  I was sitting right next to him.  Now let's get this right.  I was not sitting in the cockpit, nor was the sleeping pilot next to me in the cockpit.  He and I were in passenger seats while he was being flown to his next destination assignment.  Another pilot was flying.
 
As the pilot next to me with uniform and all arose from what appeared to be a good slumber, I decided to ask him, do you fly planes?
 
"Yes I do."
 
I asked him about the training he went through, so he told about his year in flight school.  I also was curious if he had his own life, whether his work was very demanding.
 
"Do you have down time, and at home?"
 
"I spend about half of my time on the road."
 
"The road?" I asked the pilot.
 
"Not exactly on the road, but in hotels while in transit..."
 
The plane had landed and stopped.  Passengers where filing out.  We kept talking. He was in the aisle seat, I had the window.  We were immersed in conversation.  "I better let you get out", he said.  He had proudly spoken of his trade, which I could appreciate.
 
Not but 3 hours later, on the Santa Fe Trail, on foot with monk Vrajananda, we spotted a proud owl perched on top of a tree.  It was at dusk and one fellow at the base of the tree was transfixed on the bird (and the bird on him) until Braj and I shouted out to get the owl's attention.  The owl turned his head around towards us.  He then spread out his wings and took to flight.
 
That's two pilots I personally met in one day
 
Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, said of piloting that each one of us must fly our own plane, meaning that after taking guidance and training by the guru one must learn to be somewhat self reliant while keeping guru's instructions in mind.
 
And may the Source be with you.
 
7 KM

We Need The Holy Names
→ Japa Group

"Chanting should reach meditation or calling out, like a child calling for the mother. It should be a real emotional confrontation, not a mechanical act. We’re calling to the persons Radha and Krishna from our needful position. We need Them; we need the holy names."

From Bhajan Kutir #113
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Bhagavatam-daily 100 – 11.08.16 – See analogy in the light of its purpose to avoid misunderstanding
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

“Wintery” Harinama in Gamla Stan, Stockholms Län, Sweden (Album…
→ Dandavats.com



"Wintery" Harinama in Gamla Stan, Stockholms Län, Sweden (Album 8 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The names of the Lord and the Lord are non-different. So Lord Krishna’s instructions to Arjuna to “remember Me” and Lord Caitanya’s injunction to “always chant the names of Lord Krishna” are the same instruction. (Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)
See them here: http://goo.gl/zfWqfK

Christchurch Devotees
→ Ramai Swami

IMG_1140IMG_1141

The devotees in Christchurch have finally got resource consent from the city council to rebuild the temple, which had to be demolished a few years ago after the earthquake.

 Hopefully, by the end of the year it will be up and running.
In the meantime, the devotees continue with their weekly hall programs as well as community home class, kirtan and prasadam.

Harinama 22/1/2015 Tel-Aviv, Israel (Album 91 photos) Srila…
→ Dandavats.com



Harinama 22/1/2015 Tel-Aviv, Israel (Album 91 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Kirtan means sometimes chanting with music, and sometimes speaking. Both of them are kirtan. Kirtayati iti kirtanam. Whenever we glorify the Lord, that is called kirtan. The Srimad-Bhagavatam reading is also kirtan.
(Janmastami, Montreal, August 16, 1968)
See them here: http://goo.gl/cGGR9b

BBC: The hazards of too much stuff Srila Prabhupada: Everyone…
→ Dandavats.com



BBC: The hazards of too much stuff
Srila Prabhupada: Everyone requires possessions such as food grains, clothing, money and other things necessary for the maintenance of the body, but one should not collect more than necessary for his actual basic needs. If this natural principle is followed, there will be no difficulty in maintaining the body. According to scriptures, collecting of more than necessary (atyahara) is prohibited. Now the entire world is suffering because of it. (The Nectar of Instruction, 2)
Here is today’s article from BBC which presents practically the results of such over accumulation: http://goo.gl/kvlGx3

Auckland New Zealand Friday night ecstatic Harinam (Album 32…
→ Dandavats.com



Auckland New Zealand Friday night ecstatic Harinam (Album 32 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We have seen many philosophical speculators. They simply talk in the meetings and that’s all. And if we examine their private character it is less than ordinary. A person may be a nice speaker but will that help you in your spiritual realization? On the other hand, if you chant Hare Krishna, it will give you immediate results. (Lecture 1968, Los Angeles)
See them here: http://goo.gl/kgn1j2

Radhadesh Mellows: Arrival 23-01-2015 (Album 58 photos) Srila…
→ Dandavats.com



Radhadesh Mellows: Arrival 23-01-2015 (Album 58 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all the senses become inert. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 4.71 purport, Vidagdha-Madhava 1.12)
See them here: http://goo.gl/dWCZyi

Bhakti Groove (Album 15 photos) SUBANG JAYA – Inspired by the…
→ Dandavats.com



Bhakti Groove (Album 15 photos)
SUBANG JAYA - Inspired by the success of Kirtan Mela in Malaysia, the youths from Klang and Kuala Lumpur gathered at one of the youth’s home in Subang Jaya to start a monthly gathering of spiritual and fun bliss called “Bhakti Groove.”
Bhakti means devotion emphasizing the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee towards the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. Groove in the urban dictionary is an adjective describing a rhythmic quality of music that is emotionally communicative and soulful.
The combination of both words “Bhakti Groove” formed a mystical formula of invocation, assisting communion with Sri Krishna.
See them here: http://goo.gl/5QxSJP

From Kirtan Mela to Bhakti Groove
→ ISKCON Malaysia

BY JAI SITA RANI DEVI DASI

SUBANG JAYA - Inspired by the success of Kirtan Mela in Malaysia, the youths from Klang and Kuala Lumpur gathered at one of the youth's home in Subang Jaya to start a monthly gathering of spiritual and fun bliss called "Bhakti Groove."

Bhakti means devotion emphasizing the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee towards the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. Groove in the urban dictionary is an adjective describing a rhythmic quality of music that is emotionally communicative and soulful.

The combination of both words "Bhakti Groove" formed a mystical formula of invocation, assisting communion with Sri Krishna.



The enthusiastic youths began the session with kirtan from Rasika, a devotee from France who was visiting Kuala Lumpur, and was followed by Gauravani Dasa who kept the youth singing out loudly the names of the Lord with all their hearts to the music tempo.

Gadadhara Pandit Dasa then shared the sweet pastimes he had with HH BB Govinda Swami during the Kirtan Mela that was organized, his experience preaching in the prison, encouraging words and anecdotes he received from HH Jayapataka Swami and HH Radhanath Swami, all which emphasized the urgent need for the youth to take up the mission of Caitanya's seriously and to inundate the world with the message of Godhead. And he said it should all begin with preaching to as many people they meet about Krishna Consciousness.

After a good meal with spagetti with tomato sauce, pasta with creamy white sauce plus spinach, potato gnocchi, quesadilla, chocolate cake, blueberry cupcakes, peanut cookies and local delicacies, the very vibrant youth then played an interactive game called "George", which was Krishna-ized and called, "Krishna", which brought about peals of laughter and formed an even stronger bond among them.