04 June 2013 – Apara Ekadashi
Second Generation Drift From Hare Krishna Movement
→ Seeking The Essence
Second Generation Drift From Hare Krishna Movement Many In The U.S.-born Second Generation Are Leaving The Cloistered Life For More Mainstream Pursuits.
By Kristin Holmes, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: January 16, 1995
Gabe and Rupa Deadwyler, brothers born and raised in the Hare Krishna movement, recall their first unsteady steps outside the tightly prescribed lifestyle demanded by their faith.
Rupa, now 17, endured the taunts of his elementary school mates, who couldn’t understand a child who had never experienced television and did not know the words to “Jingle Bells.”
As a teenager, Gabe, now 24, hid his background from classmates and co- workers, retreating to the company of other Krishna children with whom he experienced a series of firsts – first cigarette, first beer, first “high.”
“A lot of people assumed that by us growing up in it, it would be such a great thing because we were exposed to it so young, and we would stay in it forever,” said Gabe, a Navy ensign whose parents live in Mount Airy. “But among the kids I know, a lot of them aren’t doing the temple thing.”
For the first time, the 29-year-old United States-based Hare Krishna movement is facing a dilemma confronted by many religions – how to keep its youngest members from losing faith.
It is likely to be one of the most sobering challenges of the movement’s short history in this country, a problem that is particularly acute because the Hare Krishna movement remains very much outside the mainstream of U.S. culture and religious beliefs.
“For all very marginal groups, it becomes very difficult when kids realize that there is a society out there and if they remain in the group, they remain outside of the society,” said Stephen N. Dunning, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Hare Krishna is a monotheistic branch of the Hindu religion that was brought to the United States from India in 1965 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Devotees believe that Krishna is God and seek to purify their bodies and minds to allow a spiritual relationship with God.
In the mid-1970s, there were between 5,000 and 10,000 devotees who lived a monastic life in U.S. and Canadian temples. Followers became known for their shaved heads, saffron-colored robes, drum- and cymbal-backed chanting on street corners, and solicitation in airports. Currently, there are about 50,000 devotees.
Most are congregational members who live and work outside the temple. They are less visible than in the past, choosing to forgo religious robes and shaved scalps. Many are immigrants from India.
The movement directs adherents to not eat meat; to avoid gambling and using intoxicants, including alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and caffeine; to engage in sex only within the confines of marriage, and then only on the day of the month when a woman is most fertile.
Strict devotees chant their mantras 1,728 times daily or 16 times on each of 108 japa beads, which are similar to rosary beads.
“As long as it’s expected that the stricter lifestyle is the only standard, it will be hard for the movement to keep a majority of its young people,” said Chaitanya Mangala dasa, former editor of a publication aimed at second-generation devotees.
There are approximately 500 to 1,000 second-generation Hare Krishnas ranging in age from 16 to 30 in the United States and Canada, Chaitanya said.
Most are in college, getting jobs, starting new families, and minimally involved in temple life.
Gabe and Rupa Deadwyler describe their participation as marginal.
Neither has taken the vows of the Hare Krishna movement, as their father, Ravindra Svarupa dasa, and mother, Saudamani, did 24 years ago as a young married couple living in Germantown. Yet both young men say that many of the faith’s teachings are deeply ingrained.
“I don’t think I believe that chanting ‘Hare Krishna,’ shaving your head and moving into a Krishna temple is the best and only way, but I also know that I’m not an average American. I’m definitely in the counterculture,” said Gabe, whose Sanskrit name is Yudhisthira, meaning “steady in battle.”
Gabe and Rupa’s parents, whose given names are William H. and Constance Jean Deadwyler, live in the Mount Airy temple that is the Philadelphia headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Ravindra, who joined the movement while studying for his Ph.D. in religion at Temple, is a member of the group’s international Governing Body Commission, and supervises temples in the east/central zone of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
The couple are strict devotees who wear traditional Krishna garb. Their sons are indistinguishable from most of their non-Krishna peers, right down to the holes in their jeans and socks.
“Like any parent, the idea is to raise a child, teach them slowly to be more and more independent, and that involves making their own choices,” said Saudamani. “When they are in our buildings, they have to follow the rules of ISKCON, but they are free citizens.”
Rupa, a student at Saul High School for Agricultural Science in Roxborough, lives in the temple with his parents. Gabe is stationed in Mayport, Fla.
His decision to join the armed forces was more practical than anything else – he wanted to get an ROTC scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania. Besides, he had seen the movie Top Gun and wanted to fly jets. The fact that his grandfather was an Army colonel probably had something to do with his choice, but Gabe isn’t sure how much.
“It’s very difficult to say you’re joining the Navy,” Gabe said. “I know some kids who started doing stuff that wasn’t necessarily part of being a devotee and their parents flipped out, and their relationship just fell apart. My parents haven’t done anything like that.”
As for following Krishna tenets, Gabe says that although he is vegetarian, in general, he “doesn’t follow the rules or go to temple,” but adds that he is on a spiritual quest.
Both Gabe and Rupa attended gurukulas, Hare Krishna boarding schools.
Typically, Krishna children are sent to same sex-schools at age 5, and live there most of their adolescent and teen years, said Burke Rochford, a sociology professor at Middlebury College, and author of Hare Krishna in America. Students have little contact with their parents during their years at the gurukulas.
During the 1980s, when many of the second-generation Krishnas were attending school, the movement went through its darkest times in the United States. It was plagued by internal political disputes, a dogged anti-cult movement, scandals and allegations of abuse that focused on the schools themselves. The result was a short-term loss of faith for some and a more lingering disillusionment for others.
“We had a lot of problems that were the product of immaturity of people who joined the movement,” said Ravindra, who helped to lead a reform movement that took over the Governing Body Commission in the late 1980s.
Neither of the Deadwyler brothers says he is disillusioned. They describe their boarding-school experience as a lesson in austerity – students lived in bare rooms with little more than a clothes trunk and a straw floor mat for sleeping in summer and a quilt for winters.
Students rose at 3:30 a.m. for a program of chanting, meditation and lecture, followed by breakfast, chores, academic and religion classes, and vocational training.
“It gave me a real foundation,” Gabe said. “A simple life is the best life. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need Nintendo to be happy.”
Gabe attended the school until he was 16.
Rupa left earlier, having grown tired of the rigor and constant fighting with his schoolmates. He rejoined his parents and began his secular school life in the third grade.
The transition from gurukula to life outside the faith was made with varying degrees of success, second-generation members say.
Gabe and Rupa’s adjustment was marked by periods of being ostracized, or feeling the need to hide their background. At 24, Gabe has never had a steady girlfriend. He isn’t sure if it is his upbringing or “dumb luck.”
But once introduced to pop culture, neither could get enough. Gabe says he overdosed on television and Madonna. A friend of Rupa’s gave him his first television, and his first movie, Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, scared him to death.
The brothers are uncertain about their spiritual future. They value the Krishna consciousness with which they were raised, but neither is sure where they will end up.
Scholars, second-generation Krishnas and the movement’s leaders say the challenge is to provide alternatives and programs for young people.
“If you ban offer jobs and culture within the movement, they won’t want to go somewhere else. And right now, the choices are limited,” Ravindra said.
But many see hope in the evolution of the Krishna movement. Economic difficulties have forced followers out of the temple and into the workforce. The movement is based less on a communal, monastic temple life and more on a congregational one, where devotees live and work in a secular world and come to temple to worship. That could be, Chaitanya says, more attractive to young people.
“If there is a religion I choose, this will be it,” Rupa said. “I think it’s superior to others out there. But I don’t know if I’ll follow it the same way my mom and dad do.”

Who’s the Bhakti Buster?
→ Devamrita Swami's Facebook notes
When Krishna seems unattainable, and advancement in His service seems light years away, frustration and resentment may subtly slip into our heart.
"Why is this process, which makes so much sense, so hard?" we cry out.
Then we read verses like the following:
"Devotional Perfection is very difficult to attain for two reasons. First, unless one is attached to Krishna, he cannot attain devotional perfection even if he renders devotional service for a long time. Second, Krishna does not easily deliver perfection in devotional service." (Cc. Madhya 24.172)
"Just see!" we tell ourselves, downcast and downhearted. "I'm justified in my discouragement. Real bhakti is the greatest treasure, but almost impossible to attain."
A deeper meaning, however, resides in this verse.
It's telling us that Krishna, the supreme expert in love, knows what He wants from us.
And He knows how to get it.
What He wants is to see that we are genuinely sincere, serious, and without ulterior motives. Wouldn't you want someone to love you in that way? Doesn't your heart long for that?
So then why blame Him, the supreme connoisseur of real love, for knowing exactly how to easily produce the greatest love affair?
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that when bhakti endeavors radiate sincerity, seriousness, and freedom from submerged material agendas, then devotional success is easily achieved. I repeat, easily achieved.
Let's admit it: we are the ones who bust up our bhakti and impede it. And we can be the ones to make it all so easy, especially as happy-hearted servants of the servants of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Bhakti Ease-maker.
Who’s the Bhakti Buster?
→ Devamrita Swami's Facebook notes
When Krishna seems unattainable, and advancement in His service seems light years away, frustration and resentment may subtly slip into our heart.
"Why is this process, which makes so much sense, so hard?" we cry out.
Then we read verses like the following:
"Devotional Perfection is very difficult to attain for two reasons. First, unless one is attached to Krishna, he cannot attain devotional perfection even if he renders devotional service for a long time. Second, Krishna does not easily deliver perfection in devotional service." (Cc. Madhya 24.172)
"Just see!" we tell ourselves, downcast and downhearted. "I'm justified in my discouragement. Real bhakti is the greatest treasure, but almost impossible to attain."
A deeper meaning, however, resides in this verse.
It's telling us that Krishna, the supreme expert in love, knows what He wants from us.
And He knows how to get it.
What He wants is to see that we are genuinely sincere, serious, and without ulterior motives. Wouldn't you want someone to love you in that way? Doesn't your heart long for that?
So then why blame Him, the supreme connoisseur of real love, for knowing exactly how to easily produce the greatest love affair?
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that when bhakti endeavors radiate sincerity, seriousness, and freedom from submerged material agendas, then devotional success is easily achieved. I repeat, easily achieved.
Let's admit it: we are the ones who bust up our bhakti and impede it. And we can be the ones to make it all so easy, especially as happy-hearted servants of the servants of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Bhakti Ease-maker.
Govindas Burleigh
→ Ramai Swami
New Govardhana temple began renting a premises in Smith Street Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast a few years ago for a restaurant.
They called it Govindas and right from the very beginning it was a great success, so much so that the temple was able to buy it outright.
The area is home to a mix of people ranging from families, businesses, alternates and surfers. It is also a popular destination for tourists who go there on holiday.
The restaurant, even though small in size, is always packed up, right from when it opens at 11am to closing time around 8pm. It trades 7 days a week. The menu is a mix of 3 or 4 salads, hot curries and savouries, nice sweets and drinks. The customers seem pretty happy and the clientele keeps growing every month.
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 3 – Concluding Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 2 – Evening Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 2 – Mid-morning Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON'S BLOG
“This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam
Please join us for this Harinama at Gage Park on Saturday morning. If you've never been on sankirtan before, or if you've always wanted to go but never had the time to this is the opportunity to get started. There are various ways to serve; playing drum or kartala, kirtan singing, dancing, distributing books, cards or candies. For more information, please contact Rajneesh Prabhu - rsalwan@ryerson.ca.
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu

Check out his wonderful website www.ISKCONbookdistribution.com
The program consists of arati, kirtan (devotional chanting), philosophical discussion and prasadam. Please come, get inspired and inspire others through your desire to share Krsna Consciousness!
Program Schedule:
11:00 am - 11:30 am Guru Puja
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arati & Kirtan
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Narasingadev Prayers
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Vedic Discourse by His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON'S BLOG
“This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam
Please join us for this Harinama at Gage Park on Saturday morning. If you've never been on sankirtan before, or if you've always wanted to go but never had the time to this is the opportunity to get started. There are various ways to serve; playing drum or kartala, kirtan singing, dancing, distributing books, cards or candies. For more information, please contact Rajneesh Prabhu - rsalwan@ryerson.ca.
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu

Check out his wonderful website www.ISKCONbookdistribution.com
The program consists of arati, kirtan (devotional chanting), philosophical discussion and prasadam. Please come, get inspired and inspire others through your desire to share Krsna Consciousness!
Program Schedule:
11:00 am - 11:30 am Guru Puja
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arati & Kirtan
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Narasingadev Prayers
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Vedic Discourse by His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 2 – Morning Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
Irish Brown Soda Bread
→ Servant of the Servant
- Preheat the oven to 350 deg Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in the dry ingredients. Blend nicely
- Create a well in the middle and add the wet ingredient that is the buttermilk
- Mix nicely but DO NOT knead long like a regular dough. It is important not to knead too much as the bread will become hard and stiff. Just incorporate the ingredients nicely together and add flour till the dough is not sticking. Make the dough into an oval like ball.
- Move the dough to a pan with parchment paper.
- Make an "X" on top of the dough so when the dough rises it will expand nicely.
- Leave the dough on the table top for around 30 minutes so the ingredients start to chemically react with each other. Some recipes skip this step. However, I allowed the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting for 30 minutes, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Remove from oven. It can tested by inserting a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean then it is cooked. Another way is to tap the base for a hollow sound. I tested using both methods.
- Very important: Leave the bread to cool completely for at least 2 hours. Then cut it into slices otherwise the bread will crumble and become powdery which will not be nice.
- Finally I applied some butter on top and offered to Lord Krishna.
Irish Brown Soda Bread
→ Servant of the Servant
- Preheat the oven to 350 deg Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in the dry ingredients. Blend nicely
- Create a well in the middle and add the wet ingredient that is the buttermilk
- Mix nicely but DO NOT knead long like a regular dough. It is important not to knead too much as the bread will become hard and stiff. Just incorporate the ingredients nicely together and add flour till the dough is not sticking. Make the dough into an oval like ball.
- Move the dough to a pan with parchment paper.
- Make an "X" on top of the dough so when the dough rises it will expand nicely.
- Leave the dough on the table top for around 30 minutes so the ingredients start to chemically react with each other. Some recipes skip this step. However, I allowed the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting for 30 minutes, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Remove from oven. It can tested by inserting a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean then it is cooked. Another way is to tap the base for a hollow sound. I tested using both methods.
- Very important: Leave the bread to cool completely for at least 2 hours. Then cut it into slices otherwise the bread will crumble and become powdery which will not be nice.
- Finally I applied some butter on top and offered to Lord Krishna.
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 1 – Evening Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
Nrisimhadeva, Every Day, Everywhere
→ Karnamrita.das's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer)
Shri Nrisimhadeva's appearance is one of my favorite holy days. His lila is so illuminating and important. Though I wanted to prepare this offering by the actual day, it wasn't meant to be--occurrences and other duties diverted me--and yet, that is also part of the teaching: to see everything in relationship to God and to keep a humble service mood throughout. Whether pulling weeds and planting, or having one's car battery die--everything is instructive. In this case, reminding me to keep my devotional creeper free of "weeds", and that I must recharge my batteries with spiritual practice. May the fire of spiritual life burn brightly in our hearts and souls!
Unusual life events
intersect with special days
strange creatures prepare us
emerging from the ground
shedding their skins to fly
teaching us to transform
if we want to dwell in the sky
realizing our true self
keeping our purpose in mind
always vibrating the primal sound
the great chant for deliverance
17 year cicada’s ballad serenades
Lord Nrisimhadeva’s appearance.
Eerie sounds like alien starships
reminding us of the extraordinary
half man, half lion incarnation
Nrisimhadeva, Every Day, Everywhere
→ Karnamrita.das's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer)
Shri Nrisimhadeva's appearance is one of my favorite holy days. His lila is so illuminating and important. Though I wanted to prepare this offering by the actual day, it wasn't meant to be--occurrences and other duties diverted me--and yet, that is also part of the teaching: to see everything in relationship to God and to keep a humble service mood throughout. Whether pulling weeds and planting, or having one's car battery die--everything is instructive. In this case, reminding me to keep my devotional creeper free of "weeds", and that I must recharge my batteries with spiritual practice. May the fire of spiritual life burn brightly in our hearts and souls!
Unusual life events
intersect with special days
strange creatures prepare us
emerging from the ground
shedding their skins to fly
teaching us to transform
if we want to dwell in the sky
realizing our true self
keeping our purpose in mind
always vibrating the primal sound
the great chant for deliverance
17 year cicada’s ballad serenades
Lord Nrisimhadeva’s appearance.
Eerie sounds like alien starships
reminding us of the extraordinary
half man, half lion incarnation
Radhanath Swami – Stories of Inspiration & Hope for Women and the World
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
Radhanath Swami – Stories of Inspiration & Hope for Women and the World
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 1 Mid-Morning Session
Bhakti Charu Swami
Educational Week Ahead!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Blog!

Their visit is in a series from the Grihastha Vision Team (GVT) that is focused on educating and preparing members of the community towards spiritually married life as well as supporting strong family connections.
They will be facilitating seminars and events throughout the next week geared towards those entering married life as well as be available for private consultation.
Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, June 1st:
1:00pm - 4:30pm: "How not to Marry a Jerk" Seminar
***Attendees: please bring your own notebook as you will need it for exercises!***
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Evening Event for Singles
Sunday, June 2nd:
6:30pm - 7:15pm: Sunday Feast Class
Monday, June 3rd:
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Man to Man/ Woman to Woman Sessions for Single Devotees
Wednesday, June 5th:
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Couples Evening - "The Five Love Languages"
Thursday, June 6th:
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Man to Man/ Woman to Woman Sessions for Everyone
For more information, please contact Yogendra das. We hope you can join us for what will be an informative week!
Educational Week Ahead!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Blog!

Their visit is in a series from the Grihastha Vision Team (GVT) that is focused on educating and preparing members of the community towards spiritually married life as well as supporting strong family connections.
They will be facilitating seminars and events throughout the next week geared towards those entering married life as well as be available for private consultation.
Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, June 1st:
1:00pm - 4:30pm: "How not to Marry a Jerk" Seminar
***Attendees: please bring your own notebook as you will need it for exercises!***
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Evening Event for Singles
Sunday, June 2nd:
6:30pm - 7:15pm: Sunday Feast Class
Monday, June 3rd:
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Man to Man/ Woman to Woman Sessions for Single Devotees
Wednesday, June 5th:
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Couples Evening - "The Five Love Languages"
Thursday, June 6th:
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Man to Man/ Woman to Woman Sessions for Everyone
For more information, please contact Yogendra das. We hope you can join us for what will be an informative week!
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 1 – Introduction
Bhakti Charu Swami
No more death!
→ Servant of the Servant
I was listening to Prabhupada lecture and found the below narration highly inspirational hence sharing here.
So mrtyu, death, is stopped as soon as you take Krsna consciousness very seriously, immediately, from that moment, as soon as you are initiated. You promise before the spiritual master, "Yes, I am initiated, I shall act like this," and if you follow, then your death is stopped from that point. No more death. No more death. Simply an official business, just like you sleep and again you awake, similarly, a devotee's death is like that. It is like sleeping, and next moment in the spiritual kingdom, immediately. Immediately. When he will rise, he will see that "I am with Krsna." This is the fact!
No more death!
→ Servant of the Servant
I was listening to Prabhupada lecture and found the below narration highly inspirational hence sharing here.
So mrtyu, death, is stopped as soon as you take Krsna consciousness very seriously, immediately, from that moment, as soon as you are initiated. You promise before the spiritual master, "Yes, I am initiated, I shall act like this," and if you follow, then your death is stopped from that point. No more death. No more death. Simply an official business, just like you sleep and again you awake, similarly, a devotee's death is like that. It is like sleeping, and next moment in the spiritual kingdom, immediately. Immediately. When he will rise, he will see that "I am with Krsna." This is the fact!
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW …
→ GITA COACHING
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW …
→ GITA COACHING
Vyasa Puja Address Lecture by Radhanath Swami
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
Vyasa Puja Address Lecture by Radhanath Swami
10-Giriraja Swami – The Importance of Self Care
→ Successful Vaisnavas – Personal Development for Hare Krishnas
In this episode H.H. Giriraj Swami talks about Stephen Covey‘s concept of maturity as the “balance between courage and consideration” (win-win). He shows how we need to look after ourselves if we want to keep helping others. To learn more about His Holiness Giriraja Swami visit: http://www.girirajswami.com/ Other topics in this episode: Hear more about […]
The post 10-Giriraja Swami – The Importance of Self Care appeared first on Successful Vaisnavas - Personal Development for Hare Krishnas.
10-Giriraja Swami – The Importance of Self Care
→ Successful Vaisnavas
In this episode H.H. Giriraj Swami talks about Stephen Covey‘s concept of maturity as the “balance between courage and consideration” (win-win). He shows how we need to look after ourselves if we want to keep helping others.
To learn more about His Holiness Giriraja Swami visit:
Other topics in this episode:
Hear more about the “clean up the house” project.
To learn about the Successful Vaisnavas Online Course and to watch the latest hangout go to http://successfulvaisnavas.com/hangout
Leave a comment below or to leave a voice message using the popup box on the right.
Make your life successful.
Your servant,
Krsnendu dasa
A River of Nectar
→ travelingmonk.com
Travel Journal#9.8: New York, London, Amsterdam, and More
→ Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk
By Krishna-kripa das
(April 2013, part two)
(Sent from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on May 28, 2013)
to chant sixteen rounds is the most essential,’ wrote
Prabhupada. We have taken a solemn
vow at the time of our initiation. We
learn to chant avoiding the ten offenses
and then the whole panorama of Krishna’s fame,
qualities, pastimes and Krishna Himself
is revealed to us. Who is such a fool
that he will not take to the chanting
and hearing of the holy names?”
the others for lunch today.
Eating alone is good as
occasional relief. I like
to be with the devotees
even if it causes a
certain strain because
it’s my duty to sit with
them and hear the Bhagavatam
and then personal
conversations. I want
to please and serve
them by my presence.”
I discovered
that Srila Prabhupada was a perfect psychologist.
He assured us that we were fortunate and happy.
We have given up sinful life and
attained Krishna consciousness
so no one should be despondent.
But Prabhupada also made it clear
we are not Vaisnavas
but servants of the Vaisnavas.
A pure devotee is very rare.
He was expert and did it subtly
so no one noticed how—
giving us confidence and humility at the same time.
And what he gave we accepted.”
Travel Journal#9.8: New York, London, Amsterdam, and More
→ Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk
By Krishna-kripa das
(April 2013, part two)
(Sent from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on May 28, 2013)
to chant sixteen rounds is the most essential,’ wrote
Prabhupada. We have taken a solemn
vow at the time of our initiation. We
learn to chant avoiding the ten offenses
and then the whole panorama of Krishna’s fame,
qualities, pastimes and Krishna Himself
is revealed to us. Who is such a fool
that he will not take to the chanting
and hearing of the holy names?”
the others for lunch today.
Eating alone is good as
occasional relief. I like
to be with the devotees
even if it causes a
certain strain because
it’s my duty to sit with
them and hear the Bhagavatam
and then personal
conversations. I want
to please and serve
them by my presence.”
I discovered
that Srila Prabhupada was a perfect psychologist.
He assured us that we were fortunate and happy.
We have given up sinful life and
attained Krishna consciousness
so no one should be despondent.
But Prabhupada also made it clear
we are not Vaisnavas
but servants of the Vaisnavas.
A pure devotee is very rare.
He was expert and did it subtly
so no one noticed how—
giving us confidence and humility at the same time.
And what he gave we accepted.”
Devotee Association – Most Essential Element in Krishna Consciousness
→ Servant of the Servant
- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur (Page No.17 and 18 of the book ‘Amrta Vani’)
Devotee Association – Most Essential Element in Krishna Consciousness
→ Servant of the Servant
- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur (Page No.17 and 18 of the book ‘Amrta Vani’)
Sadhu Sanga Notes – HH Sacinandana Swami’s class "Faith III – Prajña Nuggets Prospector"
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas
SB 07.09.18 Sacinandana Swami
Sum: Prahlada expresses his deep faith in the chanting the holy names of the Lord.
Two minds sets for the this festival.
1. Let me see what is happening.
2. Or How can use the days to the best of my abilities how can I go deeper.
As a neutral observer or an active participant.
Faith III
Faith is the ground on which we walk.
No faith no results.
Two things in the beginning. Place. A resting place
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Thakura says it is sastra & process
Śaraṇām gacah
Faith and surrender
Faith in the upaya, the sadhana, by which you reach your upeya, the goal.
Gold nuggets in Alaska. Journey made on faith, so much austerities.
As one attempts to find gold whether he is successful or not.
Jīva Goswami
Virya strength comes from faith, no wobbly knees
smriti remembrance, clarity
Prajña realization of Krishna.
Samadhi Nama samadhi
"Sanga is the birth place of faith"
Therapeutic efforts.
Prajña nuggets prospector
Story of Sumanasena Maharaja.
Nārada Muni came, why depressed?
Yes help me. Are youu Bahir Mukha or Antar Mukha.
You body will have you smelly body go quickly down a river.
Only thing permanent, Bhakti. When Kali Yuga come, Gauranga.
Chanting Pancha Tattva
But he wanted to see Lord Caitanya
Then one night a dream
A golden flash in a dark night.
QUESTIONS
Question 1: the king he had no faith. He got he highest associating. Faith vs association.
Answer: One make offenses & seal heart off
Or
Left me follow. - Viśvanātha Cakravartī Thakura
Did not seal off. Open his heart.
Question 2: difference between intellectually understand. In the mind Vs movement of heart.
Answer: How do we know the difference.
When we get the fruit.
A matti? Will arise. Leaning towards goal. Encouraged good, discouraged then did not work. Not to validated in our maya. No prajalpa
Sadhu Sanga Notes – HH Sacinandana Swami’s class "Faith III – Prajña Nuggets Prospector"
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas
SB 07.09.18 Sacinandana Swami
Sum: Prahlada expresses his deep faith in the chanting the holy names of the Lord.
Two minds sets for the this festival.
1. Let me see what is happening.
2. Or How can use the days to the best of my abilities how can I go deeper.
As a neutral observer or an active participant.
Faith III
Faith is the ground on which we walk.
No faith no results.
Two things in the beginning. Place. A resting place
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Thakura says it is sastra & process
Śaraṇām gacah
Faith and surrender
Faith in the upaya, the sadhana, by which you reach your upeya, the goal.
Gold nuggets in Alaska. Journey made on faith, so much austerities.
As one attempts to find gold whether he is successful or not.
Jīva Goswami
Virya strength comes from faith, no wobbly knees
smriti remembrance, clarity
Prajña realization of Krishna.
Samadhi Nama samadhi
"Sanga is the birth place of faith"
Therapeutic efforts.
Prajña nuggets prospector
Story of Sumanasena Maharaja.
Nārada Muni came, why depressed?
Yes help me. Are youu Bahir Mukha or Antar Mukha.
You body will have you smelly body go quickly down a river.
Only thing permanent, Bhakti. When Kali Yuga come, Gauranga.
Chanting Pancha Tattva
But he wanted to see Lord Caitanya
Then one night a dream
A golden flash in a dark night.
QUESTIONS
Question 1: the king he had no faith. He got he highest associating. Faith vs association.
Answer: One make offenses & seal heart off
Or
Left me follow. - Viśvanātha Cakravartī Thakura
Did not seal off. Open his heart.
Question 2: difference between intellectually understand. In the mind Vs movement of heart.
Answer: How do we know the difference.
When we get the fruit.
A matti? Will arise. Leaning towards goal. Encouraged good, discouraged then did not work. Not to validated in our maya. No prajalpa
Sadhu Sanga Notes–Realizations of Senior Vaisnavas
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas
Dhanudhara Swami - 10 sentences about Sadhu Sanga
Nityananda Prabhu - liberate the 3 worlds, ABCDE,
Gaura Sakti - anarthas dissolving,
Mother Chandravali - amazing, I thought I had to go to India.
Braja Mandala Priya - only shelter, holy name,
Purushartha Prabhu - the bass player - saintly persons all leading kirtan, book distribution. Now a new wave, hours and hours of kirtan festivals.
Sudevi Sundari - my husbands name sake. Thanking all the helpers. Thanking Indradyumna Swami.
Mother Kosa Rupa - last year I thought that this was the best festival. This weekend was especially wonderful, I got to meet so many wonderful devotees, new devotees will chant all the way Back to Godhead.
Edhaniaswabhava - giving thanks
Devarsi - no anxiety, just come and chant.
Syamala Kisori - so many great devotees helped us to focus on the only name.
Lila suka - top most favorite gathering, even though I am from Alachua
Nityānanda Chandra Dās - dreams of Krishna
Kapil Patel - reflecting on Kirtans, this helped me chant deeper.
Lalita Madhavi - thank Maharaja and others
Sundara - cry out to the Holy Name,
Mother Guru Bhakti - so much better than last year. New people were blown away. What people are looking for.
List of thanks.
Kirtaniyas
cooks
Transportation
VIS Very Important Sadhus hospitality
Child care
Registration
Deity Sevaka
Clean up crew
Flight arrangement
CYJ Helpers
Organizers
Indradyumna Swami - thanks Caturatma.
My heart of hearts is bringing Krishna to the public. I haven't been to a temple in months due travel festivals. But I feel that this festival is like a reward.
Sadhu Sanga Notes–HH Giriraj Swami’s Class “Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Kirtan World Revolution”
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas
Giriraj Swami
Memorial Day weekend there is a Prabhupada Festival in Los Angeles.
“I hope you can change your plans.” – Indradyumna Swami
Prabhupada's Sanskrit editor, Pradyumna Prabhu said a Striking statement.
Śrīla Prabhupāda took the same principles. That most acharyas take it for personal advancement to the advancement of the world.
Purport of this verse refers to Cetah Darpana marjanam.
It shows his inner mood. Śrīla Prabhupāda is telling us what is going on inside him. He wants the leaders of the world to take it. So Revolutionary
Reforming the world.
Tamal Krishna Goswami had a hernia operation. There was no phone.
America phone story with Śrīla Prabhupāda “Is this the time to inquire”
They decided to the hospital. Śrīla Prabhupāda was so concerned about Tamal Krishna Goswami.
When he was wheeled out, he said. “I just I had a dream. You were reporting to previous acharyas on your preaching mission, you said on Earth they have:
No good qualities.
No knowledge
No background
But one good quality
What ever I tell them they do.”
That is the what Śrīla Prabhupāda is saying in this purport.
Did not care even if they were not Indian.
Smartas say. Greatest disservice by giving sacred thread.
What is more powerful Paapa or Naaama. .?
Tree of Lord Caitanya
Rupa and Sanantan, the best of all.
They spread Krishna Consciousness in pascyamdesha.
How does Kaviraja Goswami describe such residents,no good behavior or well educated and etc
And trained them
When Śrīla Prabhupāda returned to India he went to a Sadhu Mela on the sands of Chowpatty
Long winded dry talks by impersonalist.
Śrīla Prabhupāda instead did kirtan
Malati then got everyone dancing.
"I don't wish to speak much" He said.
But these Americans. Sad achar
They had never seen white sadhus. Nor such enthusiasm.
One man said, "”I get people to chant Hare Krishna for health, can we join forces?”
“No! We serve Naama”
Our own worse enemy like the panic of a drowning man is his worse enemy
Reflections from the 2013 Sadhu Sanga Retreat
→ Trying to reach a state of equilibrium....

HG Sridama dasa – Advent of Sita – consort of Lord Ram
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
HG Sridama dasa – Advent of Sita – consort of Lord Ram