Offerings to H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami – Ambarisa and Svaha Prabhus
- TOVP.org

Dear Bhakti Charu Maharaj,

Please accept my prostrated dandavat. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Oh Maharaj, how we will miss your sweet words and gracious mood. Whenever Svaha and I would be in Mayapur when you were there, you would always ask us to your room for prasadam. It was always a glorious occasion and overabundance of prasadam beautifully offered. I will miss your sweet smile so much.

You are a loyal servant of Srila Prabhupada, and always have been. I met you for one of the first times in San Francisco in the early 1980’s when you visited Atreya Rsi’s independent community. Iskcon was in a lot of turmoil after the departure of Srila Prabhupada in 1977. Many were leaving Iskcon to start separate communities. You argued very strongly to remain with Srila Prabhupada and preserve Iskcon. I was always impressed by your loyalty and I have tried to follow your example.

I was very happy to come to Ujjain for the new temple opening. It was an amazing occasion with so many important people and VIPs. They all came to have your association and be part of something special. I remember fondly your hospitality and great love you showed to all those who attended.

Recently Maharaj, you have been the most enthusiastic supporter of the TOVP. At every opportunity you have been willing to help with funds and time. We were scheduled to tour with you this spring in the U. S.. Fate has taken a cruel twist which has robbed us of your sweet association.

It will not be easy to carry on without your solid support. I have learned from you to keep fighting the battle no matter what the opposition. Thank you, Maharaj, for your love, leadership and sweet personality, which we will miss the most.

Your menial servant,
Ambarisa das

Now, my wife would like to say a few words.

 

Our most beloved and respected dear Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj,

Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

My heart weeps and tears flood my eyes as I write this humble offering.
I feel you were wounded in the battle as one of the bravest generals in our Senapati Acharya Srila Prabhupada’s army who chose to fight on the front lines despite all the risks. And like Bhismadev lying on a bed of arrows you endured the hospital stay until it was the most glorious day of Guru Purnima and Srila Sanatana Goswami Maharaj’s disappearance day that Srila Prabhupada and Krishna called you back to the spiritual world within Their loving embrace!

We don’t know how we will carry on the mission of building the TOVP without your love and personal guidance. It’s a deep personal loss for all of us in our TOVP family, and especially for me. You were always so very kind and loving to me. Your presence at our wedding was especially appreciated by my parents who felt an immediate bond with you because of being Bengali.

I remember sitting down to take prasad at Srila Prabhupada’s centennial celebration and you were seated beside my good husband and in an amazing gesture of humility took a piece of prasad from his plate and then he took from yours and I took from his and it was such a spontaneously loving and fun prasad honoring party!

When my whole family visited Mayapur a few years back you invited us all for prasad and fed us lovingly. Your loving disciples trained in perfect Vaisnava etiquette were offering water at the table to wash our hands and but I declined and so did my daughters and son in law who went to the washroom but you personally showed me to your bathroom to wash my hands. In all humility I accepted but couldn’t believe how attentive you were to everyone.

You are like a family member to me and it’s so painful to bear your loss. When you came to take prasad at my home the last time you personally cooked a prep to show me one quick and easy prep. I will forever cherish that memory. When I went to the temple that evening some of my friends told me how you had said that I had served you wonderful Bengali prasad! Tears of appreciation welled up in my eyes because I had felt my cooking was not quite up to the mark that day.

You have always been the most stalwart supporter of the TOVP and organized a fundraising event in Kolkata where you enthusiastically led the whole ceremony of the abhisek of Lord Nityananda’s padukas despite suffering from the pain of shingles. You are a true leader because you have followed Srila Prabhupada’s example, followed faithfully in his lotus footsteps, and understood his cherished desire to see the TOVP built. We feel lost without you.

You have guided and encouraged me in my feeble efforts at Bengali Preaching by personally taking the trouble to organize and record an episode in your apartment. I could go on and on but I will end with the most loving note you sent my husband on his birthday and the gift you wanted to give him.

The last time you came to our home you said you needed my help in offering a gift to my husband. I agreed of course but when I heard what it was, I said, “Maharaj you have so much service, why do you want to take this added headache?” And your words are etched in my memory because they were so memorable. You said, “it’s a joy for my heart to offer this gift.” Unfortunately, I have not done it yet but I will; better late than never. I’m sorry Maharaj I have taken so long unnecessarily but now broken-hearted as I am I will certainly do it.

Had I known about your 2012 Vyasa-puja offering to Srila Prabhupada, I would’ve certainly pleaded, implored, and begged you to please stay until the opening of the TOVP. Of course, I’m a tiny insignificant jiva unable to understand Lord Krishna’s plan or fully appreciate your longing to be with your beloved spiritual master.

We were fortunate to celebrate your Vyasa-puja in Durban along with so many wonderful devotees and it was an incredibly memorable and blessed event. Two days later when my husband and I joined Jananivas and Brajavilas prabhus in the queue to board a flight for Capetown, Jananivas prabhu was carrying a cake for my birthday that your loving disciples had sent for me. I was embarrassed yet filled with so much admiration and appreciation for their love. We pray we may serve them to alleviate their feelings of separation and deep loss.

Your departure reminds us of Sri Gopa Kumar’s return to our beloved Lord Krishna. I’m sure everyone, especially Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, are happy to have you back and that is our only solace as we carry on without your loving presence.

With unlimited gratitude and prayers at your holy feet,
I beg to remain your humble servant,
Svaha dasi

Fruits of a 100-year-old “Kalpataru” saving millions
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By Vaishnavanghri Sevaka Das

Shortly after the conclusion of World War-I, in December 1918, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur inaugurated a centre, "Calcutta Bhaktivinoda Asana" at 1, Ultadinghee Junction Road in North Calcutta. Feeling a deep sense of urgency to propagate the divine teachings of Lord Chaitanya for the benefit of the suffering world, he dedicated this centre for propagating the practice of bhakti or devotion. It is very crucial to note that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had just came back from Mayapur after chanting 192 rounds per day for 9 years i.e. approximately 1.1 Billion Names. Continue reading "Fruits of a 100-year-old “Kalpataru” saving millions
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ISKCON’s Incorporation
Giriraj Swami

On the anniversary today of the incorporation of ISKCON in New York City . . .

Bhavananda: In Svarup Ganj there’s one big astrologer. So, he saw your photograph, and he said, “This is the face of the most powerful spiritual personality on the planet.”

Prabhupada: [laughs] Hare Krishna.

Brahmananda: Then what else?

Bhavananda: Then he said that “I can tell from his face that he can make a house in which the whole world can live peacefully.”

Devotees: Jaya Prabhupada!

Prabhupada: At least I desire so.

(Morning Walk, July 1, 1975, Denver)

Saturday, July 11, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Greater Toronto Area

Honouring the Distancing

In what is normally an event with 30-40,000 people in attendance, the Festival of India/Chariots was down scaled substantially due to the epic Covid-19 epidemic. That’s the reality today—learn to adjust. 

 

The organizers of this year‘s program in Toronto operated as cool as cucumbers, as usual, and their approach to this beloved event was full of innovation.  Deities of Jagannath were stationed in a convertible and were taken for a ride down the customary route of Yonge St to the waterfront at Sugar Beach, to Scarborough, to North York and finally to Brampton. At each location devout followers of the Universal Lord came in car-loads while honouring social distancing and thus engaged in darshan (viewing), receiving some prasadam (sacred food) and then moving on. Traffic was simply conducted in caravan style. Some folks would come for a second or third darshan. Kirtan was also going on, enacted by occupants of the vehicles.

 

There were many smiles.

 

My lightest moment was when I took a seat with a tray of contactless cookies. I clutched onto a device that had a considerable pole-length and which would clamp the package of cookies as I would slowly fling them over to each driver and he/she would stretch out a hand to receive the mercy.

 

The spirit of the event was sweet, like the cookies.  Kichari was served out to the managers of the event. It was the perfect food for the occasion.

 

May the Source be with you!

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The Monk’s Podcast 34 with Shyamananda Prabhu – War – A Spiritual Perspective
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Podcast


 

Video:

The post The Monk’s Podcast 34 with Shyamananda Prabhu – War – A Spiritual Perspective appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

With Gratitude
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By the GBC Executive Committee

On behalf of the GBC Body, we would like to thank all those involved, particularly the Government of India and the State of West Bengal for their kind cooperation. We also extend our appreciation to all the devotees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Maharaja’s vapu safely reached Mayapur Dham and was placed in samadhi with the utmost care and respect. In particular, this wonderful service could not have been completed without the support and hard work of the ISKCON Mayapur administration. Continue reading "With Gratitude
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Half a Million Boxes of Prasad Distributed in London since lockdown
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Parasuram das: In ISKCON's incorporating document, Srila Prabhupada imparts the "Seven Purposes of ISKCON" as follows: 1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.

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Hare Krishna! the Movie available in TAMIL, GUJARATI & MARATHI
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By Yadubara das

The 90-minute feature-length Documentary ‘HARE KRISHNA! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami who started it all’ will be available in TAMIL, GUJARATI & MARATHI Srila Prabhupada’s uplifting story is emotionally moving and has given inspiration and hope to many, especially in this very difficult time. Please take the time to watch HARE KRISHNA! and spread the word to others. Continue reading "Hare Krishna! the Movie available in TAMIL, GUJARATI & MARATHI
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A Tribute to the life of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami (13 min. video)
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Radha Mohan das: This is a tribute to the life of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami. A Bengali saint, sannyasi (holy renunciate) , diksha guru with many disciples around the world, a true gentleman, and one of the prominent leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He was also a disciple of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON’s Founder Acarya.

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How to keep the devotees together and closer to Krishna? (video)
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By The ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team

Join us to hear from Giriraj Swami on the Purpose #3 of ISKCON (To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead, Krishna). Continue reading "How to keep the devotees together and closer to Krishna? (video)
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HH Bhakti Charu Swami placed in Samadhi in Mayapur (video)
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By Bhakti Charu Swami Live

A three-day festival will be held in Sri Dham Mayapur to inaugurate the samadhi which will soon be under construction. On February 25th, we will celebrate Nityananda Trayodasi. On February 26th, Maharaja’s samadhi will be officially inaugurated with a day-long event including auspicious Vedic rituals, kirtans, remembrances, and feasts. On the following day, February 27th, Srila Prabhupada will enter the TOVP in his murti form and the seva-puja of His Divine Grace will commence in the new temple. Continue reading "HH Bhakti Charu Swami placed in Samadhi in Mayapur (video)
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During the moment of sudden difficulty, how can we think positively at that time?
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Answer Podcast

The post During the moment of sudden difficulty, how can we think positively at that time? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Friday, July 10, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

 

Getting Ready

 

My tooth—the left crown—popped out during my meal yesterday. I was lucky to book an appointment today for a temporary fix-it job at the dentist. I sat on the chair, which was elevated upward, with my head bent back, which exposed me to their TV screen in the ceiling. There I saw Anita Sharma—the anchor for Bloomberg News. “That’s my former Sunday school student,” I said to the surprise of the dental hygienist.

 

I felt a sense of pride. Anita does a mighty fine job with her broadcast voice.

 

Anyway, it was time to set my crown back into its location, however, when I got back to the ashram, on my first bite, before I had a chance to swallow, it popped out again like a weasel. A bridge job is now to follow. No problem! An appointment is in place.

 

In the meantime everyone is getting ready for the festival of Jagannath, the Universal Lord. It’s going to be a virtual display this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There’s excitement in the air. I did receive an email for booking a zoom class for the community in Ujjain, which was the headquarters for the late Bhakti Caru Swami. This is an honour. We are looking at a community that is naturally in a state of grieving.

 

No walking again for me today. The humidity is too much outside, so mopping the temple floor was my option in preparation for tomorrow. That was just awesome for me.

 

May the Source (Jagannath) be with you!

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The Monk’s Podcast 33 with Anuttama Prabhu – Going beyond the we-they mentality
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Podcast


 

Video:

The post The Monk’s Podcast 33 with Anuttama Prabhu – Going beyond the we-they mentality appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Lokanatha Goswami Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

lokanathakhya-gosvamishri-lila-manjari pura    

Lokanatha Goswami was known as Lila Manjari in Krishna lila. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 187)    

Lokanatha is considered to be Mahaprabhu’s direct disciple and associate. Prior to coming to Navadwip, he lived in the village of Talakharii in Jessore district in what is now Bangla Desh. Prior to that, he lived in Kachna Paria. His father’s name was Padmanabha Chakravarti and his mother Sita Devi.

 Lokanatha Goswami renounced the householder ashrama in 1431 of the Shaka era (1510) and came to meet Mahaprabhu in Navadwip. Mahaprabhu immediately told him to go and live in Vrindavan, telling him that it was His own intention to take sannyas very shortly and go there Himself.

Lokanatha started to cry when he imagined the Lord with His beautiful curls shorn and the distress the Devotees would feel at His departure. When the Lord saw Lokanatha’s anxiety, He embraced him and consoled him with various spiritual instructions and Lokanatha surrendered completely to Him. When Bhugarbha saw how unhappy Lokanatha was, he decided to accompany him to Vrindavan. 

When he got the news that Mahaprabhu had taken sannyas and then gone to Puri and thence to the South on pilgrimage, Lokanatha hurried to Southern India in order to join Him. When he arrived in the South, he heard that Mahaprabhu was no longer there, but had gone to Vrindavan. Lokanatha immediately set off for Vrindavan, hoping to see the Lord there, but by the time he arrived, he heard that the Lord was now in Prayag.

Lokanatha was disappointed, but still determined to see the Lord and decided to set off again for Prayag. This time, however, Mahaprabhu appeared to him in a dream and told him to stop running around and remain in Vrindavan and do his bhajana. Not long afterwards, Rupa, Sanatan, Gopal Bhatta Goswamis and others of the Lord’s associates started coming to live in Braj. Their association cheered him immensely.

Lokanatha Goswami worshiped Radha and Krishna in a state of separation, increasing the intensity of his renunciation. He was afraid of the slightest amount of fame. Thus he forbad Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami to write anything about him in the Chaitanya Charitamrita, with the result that only his name can be found mentioned there.

 Lokanatha Goswami constantly travelled through Braj, ecstatically visiting the various holy places where Krishna had engaged in His pastimes. Once, he came to Khadiravana. Then he visited Kishori Kund near the village of Umarao by Chatravana. He was so impressed by the beauty of the site that he stayed there for some time to do his bhajana in isolation. After being engaged in this way for some time, he developed a deep desire to worship Radha and Krishna in the Deity form. 

 The Lord knows the desires of His Devotees and feels Himself obliged to fulfill them. He came personally to give Lokanatha a Deity, telling him that Its name was Radha Vinoda before disappearing. Lokanatha was astonished to see the Deity and then filled with anxiety at the thought that the Lord Himself had come and gone.

But Radha Vinoda cast His sweet glance on Lokanatha and said to him, “I live here on the banks of Kishori Kund in the village of Umarao. I saw your eagerness to serve Me and so I came here Myself. Who else would have brought Me to you? I am very hungry. Quickly prepare something for Me to eat.”    

When he heard these words, tears began to flow from Lokanatha’s eyes. He quickly started cooking for Radha Vinoda and then made an offering which the Deity ate with great satisfaction. He then made Him a bed of flowers upon which he placed Him, fanned Him with branches and joyfully massaged His feet.

Lokanatha devoted himself in body, mind and soul to Radha Vinoda. He wondered where he would keep the Deity, and decided to make a large bag which became Radha Vinoda’s Temple. He kept his worshipable Lord constantly close to his heart like a necklace.

This attracted the people of Braj to Lokanatha and they wanted to built a house for him and his Deity, but he refused. He was so renounced that he accepted nothing other than what he absolutely needed for the Deity’s service. Narottama Das became Lokanatha’s disciple. 

 Lokanatha Goswami left this world somewhere around 1510 Shaka (1588-9 AD) in the month of Asharh, on the eighth day of the dark moon. His samadhi tomb is found in the Radha Gokulananda Temple in Vrindavan. His Radha Vinoda Deity is also being served in the same Temple.

HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s Samadhi Ceremony
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By Ananda Tirtha das

HH Bhakti Charu Swami's vapu will be placed in samadhi on Monday, July 13th morning, India time. As Maharaj’s Vapu enters into Samadhi on Monday 13th July early morning (IST), you may wish to engage in deep prayer in honor of Maharaj. There are many prayers of the Vaishnava Acharyas that we can recite. Continue reading "HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s Samadhi Ceremony
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H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami Samadhi Program
→ Mayapur.com

Monday 13th July 2020 (from 4.30am IST) Sridham Mayapur The Samadhi Puja of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami commences at: US PDT: 4:00pm (Sunday 12th July) US EDT: 7:00pm (Sunday 12th July)  UK: 12:00am (Monday 13th July)   South Africa: 1:00am (Monday 13th July)    India: 4.30am (Monday 13th July)   Bangladesh: 5:00am (Monday 13th July)   Singapore: 7:00am […]

The post H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami Samadhi Program appeared first on Mayapur.com.

How to bring the members of ISKCON together with each other and nearer to Krishna (video)
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By the ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team

Please join us to hear from Radhanath Swami on the Purpose #3 of ISKCON (To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead, Krishna) Continue reading "How to bring the members of ISKCON together with each other and nearer to Krishna (video)
→ Dandavats"