Planet ISKCON

Where I Went and What I Did

For the fifteenth week of 2025, I remained living at ISKCON Tallahassee for first three days. I chanted Hare Krishna each day at Landis Green, behind the main Florida State University library. In Tallahassee I distributed four “On Chanting Hare Krishna” pamphlets and thirty-nine little cups of halava to promote our Krishna Lunch at the campus, and one Nepali woman joined our temple WhatsApp group. I stayed in Alachua Friday night, and Saturday I went to the St. Augustine Ratha-yatra and subsequent harinama, which attracted the attention of many residents and tourists there, much more than in other cities.

I share a quote from Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad-Bhagavatam. I share quotes from The Delaware Diaries by Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami, which include many inspiring realizations. I share notes on a class by Kalakantha Prabhu, speaking in Gainesville, and notes on a class by Vivasvan Prabhu, speaking in Tampa. I share notes on the appreciation program for Sruti Sagara Prabhu at Krishna House.

Thanks to Dinabandhu Prabhu for his kind donation on the occasion of the St. Augustine Ratha-yatra. Thanks to Adhokshaj Govind Prabhu for driving me to Alachua and St. Augustine. Thanks to Jonathan for driving me from St. Augustine to Gainesville. Thanks to Jackson for driving me to the bus to Tampa. Thanks to Bhakta Bill of Tampa for driving me to and from the University of South Florida to Vivasvan Prabhu’s Tampa temple and for chanting with me at the campus. Thanks to Vivasvan Prabhu for letting me stay at his temple and for coming on harinama on Tuesday. Thanks to Bridget for taking the videos on Gainesville harinama in which I appear. I get by with a little help from my friends.

Itinerary

April 17–22: NYC Harinam

Chanting Hare Krishna in Tallahassee

A student of Buddhism who played the shakers for ten minutes during my harinama on Wednesday said he read a lot of Buddhist philosophy but came to the realization that if you do not do the practice you don’t really gain anything. He said it is like reading books about working out instead of actually working out!

I saw Josh, the student Jagat Trata Prabhu sold the Bhagavatam set to. He plans to read the Gita again over the summer before starting the Bhagavatam. I gave him my contact information. He is already in touch with Adikarta Prabhu.

One student was not interested in learning about the Krishna Lunch. She just said, “I love hearing you sing.”

The last day that I was in Tallahassee, the Krishna Lunch did thirty-five plates, one of the best days for the semester. I see that as Krishna encouraging me in my attempts to increase attendance. I only wish I could increase it more.

The Christian preachers generally quote a verse from John which says that Christ is the only way. The other three gospels, however, do not say that. I made the point to Evelynn, a Christian preacher who often talked to me, bought several books, and liked the halava, that the Christians should focus on the teachings of Christ that are mentioned in all four gospels rather than just one or two, because it is more likely that Christ actually spoke them. She became inspired to go through all four gospels and note down what they have in common. She gave me a pocket Bible when she left because I said the large Bible another preacher gave me was too heavy to carry on my journey. I said I would read one verse a day, and encouraged her to read one Gita verse a day, starting with the instructions of Krishna beginning in Chapter Two. I only lasted one day so far, but I will try to get back into it and inspire her to read the Gita over her summer break.

I was amazed that at least three Christian preachers regularly came by for the free halava. Maybe someday they will upgrate their spiritual practice by becoming vegetarians, as Srila Prabhupada would often advise them.

I share below my harinama statistics for the month of April and for the whole spring semester:

Chanting Hare Krishna in St. Augustine

Govinda Harris was the first kirtan leader to chant Hare Krishna in the St. Augustine Ratha-yatra (https://youtu.be/rHOohy6hP_Y):

Here Amala Harinama Prabhu chants Hare Krishna on harinama in St. Augustine, and many are attracted (https://youtu.be/_GmEVLPTqaU):

Bhadra Prabhu chants Hare Krishna on St. Augustine harinama, and onlookers dance with devotees (https://youtu.be/DNQsaIhv6yg):

Chanting Hare Krishna in Gainesville

The St. Augustine Ratha-yatra was amazing and the harinama after was more amazing. More amazing than that to me was that after driving nearly two hours each way, Nartana Priya Devi Dasi of Krishna House, seeing Gator fans in the streets celebrating a recent championship victory, decided to do harinama in Gainesville for almost an hour to share the mercy.

Here Nartana Priya Devi Dasi chants Hare Krishna with Krishna House devotees in Gainesville across from University of Florida (https://youtu.be/LxGicwEZsYU):

Chanting Hare Krishna in Tampa

I chant Hare Krishna at University of South Florida, and Rajat of India chants the mantra (https://youtu.be/psbFdtdb-eA):

Krishna Joshi of Nepal is involved with ISKCON in her country. She was happy to learn of our Bhakti Yoga Society at USF.

Insights

Srila Prabhupada:

From Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.24.28:

“Lord Shiva continued: Any person who is surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, the controller of everything—material nature as well as the living entity—is actually very dear to me.”

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami:

From The Delaware Diaries, Volume 2 (Tachycardia):

“The devotees practice akarma. Their actions are free from contamination. They do not act for their own interests and minimize their personal needs. I thought a bit about that during the japa. Was it special? It always is. Each day is a new opportunity to be steady and to improve. I can’t expect a particular session to be extraordinary. But gradually, almost without noticing it, you can improve.”

“Bhurijana teaches that each mantra should be fondled and paid attention to, one at a time. If you can chant one good mantra, you are successful.”

“I kept clinging to the idea that I was crying like a child for the mother, Mother Hara. I cried like a child crying to its mother in my chanting. I believe in the chanting because it has been given to me in disciplic succession and because I have chanted for many years with solidity. Chanting is real exchange. Chanting is Krishna Himself. I will never stop chanting, because of my vows and because of the taste I receive. I believe that I have to chant in order to practice for leaving this body and getting a next body favorable to Krishna consciousness. I will never stop chanting because I believe it is the highest form of worship of Krishna. It is easy, and it has been given to use in Kali-yuga as the only means for God realization. One should never think of stopping.”

“My need to be with You and worship You is greater than my need to eat or drink or sleep. It is the prime necessity of my life. It is the need of the soul. Please help me to be aware of this and to act on this.”

“I took shelter in spiritual thoughts, such as (a) reminding myself how important harinama is; (b) recalling statements from the scriptures about how dear the holy names are to great devotees; (c) reminding myself that if you ‘just hear,’ eventually you start perceiving the form, qualities and pastimes of the Lord; (d) asserting that the name is the same as Krishna Himself and is even more merciful than Krishna. You think of these along with your utterance, and it boosts you and keeps you steady.”

“You are the Supreme Person, and yet You are also the friendliest person. You give the most comfort and support. You are the most capable and loving.”

“To be dissatisfied while living in this material world is natural because it is not a satisfying place. But a true devotee remains satisfied in his relationship with You. The true devotee sees the world as joyful because he is with You.”

“My mind has not been wandering but has been staying fixed on the utterance of the names, so I’ve come to expect this. It’s a gain from my previous years’ chanting.”

“The names are absolute. You benefit just by touching them with your tongue. When you put your hand in fire, you’ll be burnt. When you say the Hare Krishna mantras, you become Krishna-ized.”

“Srimati Radharani thought that if Krishna did return and was unable to see Her, then He would be unable to live. So she decided to protect Her life.”

“Hearing of Radharani and the gopis’ yearning to meet with Krishna and hearing their transformations of prema produces a wonderful sweetness in the devotees, and they want to go on hearing without end.”

“I had a sense of enjoyment through the whole session. I really like to chant, and the early morning is the best time. I feel sorry when it’s over and would like to do more chanting.”

Kalakantha Prabhu:

People follow leaders because of fear, ambition, duty, and love.

Children are especially empowered to find your descrepancies.

In Toronto, the devotees do not allow cell phones in classes.

A leader must:
   1. Be exemplary.
   2. Put the needs of his dependents before his own needs.

Living in the association of devotees there is a constant sharing of Krishna katha which is enlivening for those devotees who have acquired the taste for it.

If we do not have a taste for the holy name, we will look for a taste elsewhere.

Mahatma Prabhu says that we have to make japa the most important part of the day.

We are dependent on Krishna to reciprocate with our sincere attempts to serve Him.

We are either serving Krishna or serving our own mental conceptions about how we will find happiness.

In japa we practice controlling the mind, a virtue that will help us in all circumstances.

The best way to learn something is to teach it.

Srila Prabhupada said that the acarya acquires knowledge, acts according to it, and shares it.

Krishna consciousness philosophy is great, but if we do not apply it, it is like having medicine on the shelf but not taking it or having food on your plate but not eating it.

Actual leaders are beyond the control of their minds.

Our legacy from Srila Prabhupada is to nourish those sincerely looking for God consciousness.

Comment by me: 
Regarding following a leader because of love, I recall this pastime:
“Everyone loves you, Srila Prabhupada!” one disciple exclaimed.
Srila Prabhupada replied, “Yes, that is because I love everyone.”

Vivasvan Prabhu:

Choosing real estate is all about location, location, location. If you choose a place where the neighbors do not like you, you can be forced out.

Vyasadeva was not satisfied by writing all the Vedas, but you can be satisfied by just going out and distributing a few books because the whole disciplic succession is pleased with you.

Someone said, “There is no perfect knowledge.”
I said to him, “Is your knowledge perfect?”

In the Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak was a devotee of Krishna, but future gurus became corrupted so they got rid of them and only worship the book.

Hridayananda Goswami used to say that you should read the entire Srimad-Bhagavatam every year.

Notes on Appreciation Program for Sruti Sagara Prabhu

[Sruti Sagara Prabhu was an Indian college student at University of Florida, who became a disciple of Kalakantha Prabhu and served as temple president of Krishna House for the last seven years. He is going on to serve as GBC for several southern states. Devotees at Krishna House decided to have an appreciation program for him. I share some of the many things that were said about him here.]

Kalakantha Prabhu:

Sruti’s father said before Sruti came to UF to study that he won a poetry award in India.

As a eighteen year old he became a undergraduate at UF because it was slightly cheaper than the other school he was accepted at. Soon he became attracted to bhakti. In the beginning he had a mustache to appear older but gave it up. He lost attraction to engineering which he was originally studying but changed to political science in which he excelled.

He helped out with college outreach in Maryland for four years.

I invited him to be ashram leader for a semester and then temple president for the last seven years.

He did amazing well handling COVID.

Prabhupada said coal becomes a diamond under pressure. He has matured wonderfully through dealing with challenging issues.

Sruti’s father:

In Delhi as a child of thirteen or fourteen he would do lots of social service. He would go to old age homes, etc. We did not realize his potential.

His poetry dealt with social issues.

Syamakisora Prabhu, board member:

I have known him for years. Most people from India come here to make it big materially, but he excelled spiritually.

Sruti’s fiancee:

I know him briefly, but I happy to hear all these nice things about him.

I feel so welcomed here.

Mukhya Nivasini Devi Dasi:

I’ve worked with you for four years.

I am lucky to have met you. You’re kind. You offer service.

Kumari Sakhi Devi Dasi:

You have become my brother. We had the pleasure of serving together. We brainstormed so many ideas in that office. We are excited to see you going forward.

Gopal Prabhu:

I know him from when he was 18, and he grew up to be our boss. I am proud of him. It is said that sruti is like our mother.

Jonathan:

I was convinced you were a good person when you talked to a homeless person and figured how to engage him in Krishna’s service and be transformed.

Naveen Shakti Devi Dasi:

You are down to earth. A true leader by example.

Brajananda Prabhu:

The people you meet in your foundational years have a special place in your heart.

We have done many things together.

Premamrita Devi Dasi:

Appreciating you is appreciating coming to Krishna consciousness. You were my first temple president. I am so grateful. You have been a mentor and a protector.

Amrita Keli Devi Dasi:

I am so happy to see this beautiful rite of passage.

I also met him at age 18.

He once ate so much halava at Thanksgiving that he rolled on the floor laughing.

In 2010 I went to take Bhaktisastri in Vrindavan, and Sruti’s family took such nice care of me. My family was also grateful for that.

I watched from Jacksonville as you did so many things here at Krishna House.

Thank you for encouraging us in our service.

Chris:

He was funny, he was a great singer, and he made me feel welcome. He engaged me in a lot of service.

Adi Shyam Prabhu:

You have always been caring and kind despite having so many responsibilities.

Ananta Vallabha Prabhu:

He is a leader who inspires others to become leaders. He was a leader of my sadhana.

I feel I was one of the difficulties during COVID that he had to manage.

He drove me all the way from Gainesville to Potamac for my initiation.

He asked me, “Tell me how I can improve.”

Narottama Dasa Thakura Prabhu:

Your relationship with Nanda was one of the most humorous things to see. Once Sruti really wanted Nanda to put jalapeños in the chili. She didn’t want to because they would be too spicy for some of the devotees. Finally he said, “As the temple president, I order you to put jalapeños in the chili.” That was funny because to speak like that was completely out of character for him. She didn’t care. She wasn’t going to put jalapeños in the chili no matter what.

He was deep and also funny and friendly at the same time.

Nitai Gauranga Prabhu:

He has been a big brother.

He personally upholds the Krishna House morning program, including singing the morning tune. He was very timely. He served the parampara.

Shyamala Kishori Devi Dasi:

You are the first friend who became a temple president.

You inspire new people in Krishna consciousness.

The strong desire to do something for Lord Caitanya and Prabhupada’s movement is not there in everyone, but it shines in you.

Nila Mañjari Devi Dasi:

Thanks for being supportive and personable.

I was inspired by your using Yamuna’s cookbook and encouraging people to do new things.

Advaita Acarya Prabhu, Krishna House manager:

You get to really understand someone when you work with them.

I am happy you are being upgraded.

He was available and showed kindness to everybody.

He does not let people take away his japa period, and I think that is a secret of his.

Hearing, sruti, is our first service.

Wife of Advaita:

We love you, Sruti. You have helped us through so many emergencies together.

Brahmatirtha Prabhu:

Management is a challenge because those above you think you are doing a bad job, and those below you think you are doing a worse job.

Srila Prabhupada supported his managers. He saw they had relieved him from a burden.

Sruti’s family raised him well.

We are not going to get anymore pandemics as the US has put a tariff on viruses.

Sruti: Especially from China.

In 1989 for weeks Krishna House cooked a feast for the police who were dealing the aftermath of four students being murdered. Similarly Sruti, during the COVID, served so many first responders.

Nate:

Everyone has an idea how to run Krishna House. Sruti had to deal with that.

He showed tolerance and had no fanatical mood. He encouraged me to go deeper.

Bruce:

You were available to talk.

Kunti Devi Dasi:

Although you are temple president, you manage through friendship, hearing and joking.

You have an open nonjudgmental ear.

Thank you for your friendship.

Kalakantha Prabhu:

Everyone give him your blessings to become County Commissioner of Alachua and GBC of ISKCON for the Southeastern US.

Sruti:

Thank you for your love and affection. That helps me grow in life.

I would serve prasadam and eat with the devotees, and hearing Kalakantha Prabhu reading Srila Prabhupada-lilamrita, I came to realize how amazing Srila Prabhupada was. I decided my desire to benefit society could best be achieved by serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission.

Krishna consciousness was lost after Krishna disappeared. Madhvacarya Prabhu revived it. Then Caitanya established it. Then it disappeared again. Then Prabhupada established it worldwide.

My inspiration is to keep serving Srila Prabhupada’s body.

As temple president of Krishna House I could serve and help Krishna’s mission grow.

I learned from Maryland, my hardest four years, that I should care about devotees.

I really have benefited whenever I took care of devotees. Krishna sees it and blesses you.

Krishna Kripa Das:

Niranjana Swami was my bhakta leader. Because he did that service nicely, he was promoted to temple president. Because he did that responsibly he was promoted to GBC. I see that the same is true with Sruti.

Sruti is respectful to senior people, which is a good quality recommended by Lord Caitanya that not everyone has. He was respectful even to me who am only senior by age. Once he asked if I wanted anything. I said I could use some nail clippers. Less than an hour later, he returned with some nail clippers. I had asked the temple president in Tallahassee for nail clippers two weeks before and had not gotten any, but Sruti surprised me by being right on top of it.

A lot of devotees go to bed at 8:00, 8:30, or 9:00 p.m., so you cannot interact with them after that. Sruti, however, I could count on talking to at 10 p.m., which was nice for me.
Sruti: You exposed me!

Whenever I came to Krishna House, I found Sruti was always welcoming.

One devotee: In America, people say, “How are you doing?” But they keep walking by before you can answer.

Sruti: I was told to ask, “How are you doing?” but not to disappear.

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These verses from Bhagavad-gita describe samadhi, the goal of the yoga system, a pleasure so great that it vanquishes all material miseries, and which continues without interruption. Would you all like to experience that? You can by chanting Hare Krishna, the most recommended spiritual process given in India’s vast Vedic literature for this age.

yatroparamate cittam

niruddham yoga-sevaya

yatra caivatmanatmanam

pasyann atmani tusyati

sukham atyantikam yat tad

buddhi-grahyam atindriyam

vetti yatra na caivayam

sthitas calati tattvatah

yam labdhva caparam labham

manyate nadhikam tataḥ

yasmin sthito na duhkhena

gurunapi vicalyate

tam vidyad duhkha-samyoga-

viyogam yoga-samjñitam

“In the stage of perfection called trance, or samadhi, one's mind is completely restrained from material mental activities by practice of yoga. This perfection is characterized by one's ability to see the Self by the pure mind and to relish and rejoice in the Self. In that joyous state, one is situated in boundless transcendental happiness, realized through transcendental senses. Established thus, one never departs from the truth, and upon gaining this he thinks there is no greater gain. Being situated in such a position, one is never shaken, even in the midst of the greatest difficulty. This indeed is actual freedom from all miseries arising from material contact.” (Bhagavad-gita 6.20–23)

Sometimes while trying to sell Bhagavad-gitas, I would use these verses to attract people to the books.