Loss Versus Gain
Officially for a day or so now, it’s fall. The temperature dip proves it. Nevertheless, Karuna, Wade and I, took to the ravine. Colours are starting to show like only autumn can do. You’ve got red sumac, blue chicory, orange touch-me-nots, black choke cherries, purple asters, goldenrod, and all kinds of greens.
Our First Nations people for thousands of years enjoyed this colour festival within nature’s pharmacy – the forest. Medicinal properties were known to them, and also, to some degree, the European settlers. Are we as enlightened today? No. We must be honest and claim ignorance. Furthermore then, are we forest wise? Are we able to survive? No.
Our indigenous people were gurus when it came to knowing how to survive in natural surroundings.
Wade hastened to say, “But it’s almost too late. Some Native elders may have the wisdom, but once they go…” Fortunately some of that wisdom is recorded. I guess you could say that such classic concern regarding lessons on life, which get lost, are a reality. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gives mention of the science of the self being buried in time. It was then necessary to reestablish this ancient science. This was then taught by Krishna, Himself, to Arjuna, in order that humankind would benefit.
Lost wisdom is the greatest loss. Wisdom revived is the greatest triumph.
On the topic of the ultimate science we may ask, “Do I have a good grip on my own identity? Who am I after all? What is my real purpose in being in this world? Do I just live to die?” Explore the answers and gain some freedom.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra without offenses, one increases his love for Krishna. As stated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, preme pum-artho mahan: one's main concern should be to increase one's attachment to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and to increase one's love for Him.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.24 Purport) 
Over fifty children from Varaha Ghat and Goghat organised a maha harinam and shobha yatra in glorification of the holy names this past Sunday. Brajabasi Roti and Subji sponsored the festival with the Namahatta Department of our Krishna Balaram Temple. Under the able leadership of His Grace Radheshyam Sundar Das, who lead the harinam, the children danced and sang in ecstasy. This was the temple's first outreach program with the local residents. The parents of some of the children also attended the program and were enthralled and repeatedly asked to have it every Sunday. Our visiting guest Rasa Vilasini DD from Brazil loved the kids so much that the next day she sponsored soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste for them all. And our Zaritsa Mataji, from America on holiday with her children, also sponsored some clothing for them. Her son's were playing the mrdanga. The brijbasi girls in their sari's and gopi dots had the visitors in our temple mesmerized by their beauty. After the procession they were treated to a sumptuous feast cooked in our temple devotee kitchen. We are planning to have bhakti vrksha programs for the children in the future. The preaching program started in these area's nine months ago by devotees living in the area. 
In the sastras it is said that if a person only once chants the holy name and completely surrenders unto the lotus feet of the Lord, the Lord immediately considers him His ward and is always inclined to give him protection. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.49 Purport) 
Indradyumna Swami: The rural community of New Vraja Dhama in Hungary, with 207 devotees and 50 cows, is Sivarama Swami's offering of love to his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Over two decades of selfless hard work by the Hungarian devotees has produced one of the finest projects in ISKCON. The presiding deities, Radha Syamasundara, are worshipped with one of the highest standards I have seen in our movement. 
If a devotee once utters the holy name of the Lord, or if it penetrates his mind or enters his ear, which is the channel of aural reception, that holy name will certainly deliver him from material bondage, whether vibrated properly or improperly, with correct or incorrect grammar, or properly joined or vibrated in separate parts. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.60) 
God's another name is ajita. A means "not," and jita means "conquered." Nobody can conquer God. He conquers everyone. But devotee can conquer. Although God is ajita, He becomes jita, conquered by His devotee. New York, March 5, 1975. 
This has been on my Bucket List for a long time and it wasn't disappointing. 24/7, 365 days a year, six hours a day, rain, snow or shine, Rama Raya prabhu has a wonderful group of sweet and sincere devotees and friends that are totally absorbed in this blissful service. It was very enlivening for and old crudgeon as my self to be in the association of these very serious and sweet young devotees. It was also ecstatic having Vishnujana, Harinamananda and Gaura Karuna from the World Samkirtan Party there during my visit. If in NY do yourself a big favor and sit in and be captivated. 
While dying, Ajamila chanted the holy name of the Lord, intending to call his son Narayana. Nevertheless, he attained the spiritual world. What then to speak of those who chant the holy name with faith and reverence? (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.49) 
