New BBT Book Inner Yoga Takes Practitioners Deep Into the Spiritual Core of the Yoga Tradition
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With yoga’s popularity ever on the rise, there’s a huge potential audience for the book. Enter Inner Yoga author Jayananda Das (Janne Kontala), a practitioner of ashtanga-vinyasa yoga since 1992 and an experienced yoga teacher teaching in Helsinki, Stockholm, and now the U.S. Jayananda knows his audience and their needs well.

Krishna and Christ: Are they same or different?
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By Purushottam Kumar

While being crucified, Jesus cried. But he did not cry for himself, instead he cried for those who were committing the gravest sin. Jesus was continuously praying to God to forgive those who were menacingly torturing and trying to kill him. Jesus, the son of God, had come to this world to spread the message of peace and love and to effect this change he was ready to sacrifice everything Continue reading "Krishna and Christ: Are they same or different?
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The beginning…
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2017, Cape Town, South Africa, Evening Class)

Printing books certainly is our family business. There is no doubt about that. Although the early days of ISKCON were centred around harinama and distribution of magazines on the street still Prabhupada printed books. Prabhupada had arranged books to be printed and there were basements filled with books and no one knew what to do with them. 

So the books were being stored in the basement but one devotee in particular, Buddhimanta, once he took some of these books with him in the car. At one point, they needed petrol and had no money so he did a swap – the book for petrol and that is where it started. “People actually take these books. They are not only basement books. They are not only just sitting there but people are actually interested in them.” That is basically what was discovered at the time and book distribution began.  Buddhimanta was one of these pioneers who would drive people. He was like the army sergeant type.

Later, he went to Australia and Hari Sauri mentioned that Buddhimanta just basically told him, “Hari Sauri, get out of the car and distribute this book.”
His mind was totally freaking out, “Please, anything but out of the car.”
“No, out of the car and on the street.”
So he approached someone and that person just took the book. He did not even have to say anything, Krsna was there. That is a fact that the Supersoul is present and if the Supersoul was not there, what can we do? But because Krsna as the Supersoul, as Paramatma is within the heart of everyone, he can just take over!

“I try to find common ground. I think that’s a good way to…
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“I try to find common ground. I think that’s a good way to hold a discussion.” Josiah (in the photo) said.
Mitra Dasa: I was impressed with this 19 year old. He had clarity, wisdom, humility and kindness.
“Your parents did a good job on you.”
He agreed. “Thank you sir. I love them both.”
Josiah was trying to understand the book I’d given him from the Christian perspective he’d grown up with. “If something is true,” he said, “Truth with a capital -T- how can I neglect it? How can I go elsewhere? Jesus made the perfect sacrifice for me. I accept that and shaped who I’ve become.”
“I can see that, and it serves you well.” I replied, “I don’t want to interfere with it”
“But still, I’d like to understand what this book says. Can you explain just a bit?”
“I’ll try, and I’ll be brief because I know you’re busy as a college student you have a heavy study load.”
“No. I’m good. I want to know about this.Tell me as much as you want.”
“Well, in brief, this book begins by saying there’s an unlimited source, an unlimited supply it’s infinite. We have nothing to fear, no worries. The next verse says if you follow the rules, take only as much as you need, there will be plenty for all. Greed is sinful and brings suffering and shortages.” I paused to see his response.
“I’ve got a problem with that.” He said.
“How so?”
“Well, are you married?”
“Yes.”
“Every time you do something for your wife, are you doing it because of rules or is it out of love that you…?”
“I see what you’re getting at and I’m glad you brought that up. Actually rules are meant to bring us to the platform of love. But even in love, you’ve got to have rules. I’ve been married 32 years. Rules hold the daily stuff together, it’s a platform for trust to build and THEN love can grow.”
Josiah agreed.
“Does this book talk about that level?” He pointed to the Ishopanishad in his hand, “I’d like to learn more about it.”
“Uh, well, actually…” I reached into my backpack. We’d been talking a good twenty minutes already. It wasn’t a debate. We were trying to understand each other, sharing. There was no conversion attempt on either side, just sharing. “…this book goes into it more clearly.” I put the Bhagavad Gita into his hands. He looked at it respectfully.
“Is this your main book?”
“Well, sort of, there are…, well, let’s say it’s a good start. We have a lot of books.”
I explained the story line of the Gita, Krishna’s teaching to Arjuna, “See all beings as souls, eternal souls, all bodies change, everything changes and is therefore insignificant, not worth worrying over.”
Josiah agreed.
Then I figured I’d drop the big topic on him, “Krishna reveals that He’s God.”
“Whoa, what? Wait a minute. The chariot driver is God?”
“Yup. And why not? Who can put a limit on what God can or cannot do?”
“Well, I guess they tried to do that with Jesus.”
“Yeah. This is going to challenge what you’ve grown up with. Do you think you’re up to it?”
“I want to look into it.”
“I’m not trying to change your belief. I think you’re mature enough to consider that the truth with a capital T is big enough to accomodate a lot of things you haven’t heard. There’s very little we can understand of the unlimited.”
“Yes, we’re so tiny.”
“What Church did you go to? They did a great job. They must have an excellent youth program.”
He agreed. I don’t remember the name of their church. It used to have the name Baptist in there, but they wanted to open it up, to make Catholics and Lutherans feel welcomed.
“I’m traveling with two monks who live in a van. They do this year round, visiting schools and showing these books. They asked me to try to get donations for them so they can buy gas and stuff. Would you be willing to help at all?”
“Sure.” Josiah opened his wallet and selected a ten dollar bill. “I appreciate what you guys are doing here. I wish I could have conversations like this with my friends.”
“Wow! That’s a sacrifice, coming from a college student. I really appreciate that. Thank you so much.”
We talked some more. I said, “You know, I’ve got to get going and you probably have things you need to do. I’ve taken up your entire morning.”
“Yes, I should get going.”
We talked another twenty minutes, sharing stories, wisdom, challenging each other.
“This is a good sign.” I said, “It’s hard to say goodbye. Which way are you going though? I’ll walk with you.”
“Yes, I’ve got your email. Let’s stay in touch. Let me know next time you come to Clemson.”

TOVP Australasia Tour, Days 8-10 – Fiji Reaching Fiji on…
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TOVP Australasia Tour, Days 8-10 – Fiji
Reaching Fiji on November 24th, we were greeted with great care and attention as preparations were in order for our visit to five temples and communities in Fiji.
Immediately upon our arrival we held our first program in Nadi where twelve families combined together to pledge $30,000. The same evening we were whisked away to the next program in Lautoka where one hundred devotees congregated for the program and together pledged a total of $130,000. The next day, November 25th, we visited the Sigatoka temple where ten families pledged $35,000. On our last day, November 26th, we again had two programs. In Suva the devotees’ combined pledge surpassed $650,000, and finally, in Naosori, 60 devotees pledged an amazing $220,000. In addition, Visvanath prabhu, the organizer of the entire tour personally donated $108,000. The total pledges for our Fiji Tour came to over $1 million!
We want to thank Visvanath prabhu and his father Jayram prabhu for organizing the tour as well as all our visas to Fiji. We also thank Parasuram prabhu and Gita Kirti devi dasi for their support and dedication.

Alachua Iskcon community on the rise!
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Alachua Iskcon community on the rise!
Vaisesika Dasa: This photo brings back good memories! It is from last weekend in Alachua, Florida where my wife and I visited to get the association of the advanced devotees who live there, to participate in book distribution, and to attend the wedding of my dear friend, Divyanga’s eldest son. Last Saturday, 85 devotees from that illustrious community went out together to distribute books, door to door, in various spots around the area. Near the end of the day, many of us gathered together at a middle-class apartment complex where we engaged in canvassing for Lord Caitanya. This photo was taken after we had finished knocking on every single door in the complex and we were just about to go back to the temple for prasadam and sharing of stories and realizations for the day. I must say that I am very impressed with the devotees at ISKCON Alachua. The temple president, Mukhya Dasi is keenly focused on devotee care, community development, and book distribution, and sets a stellar example for all. And then there’s Alachua’s Sankirtana leader, Sri Vrindavana Dasi, who is a brilliant organizer and under whose watch book distribution in Alachua is on the rise. We found the devotees of Alachua to be highly enthusiastic about all forms of devotional service. We were touched by how they pour out their love and affection to those who visit the community. All glories to Team ISKCON Alachua (TIA) and all the devotees there! My deepest thanks to all the devotees in Alachua for their supreme hospitality.

The Prabhupada Marathon. Sentiment or Effective Outreach?
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Hare KrishnaBy Vaisesika Das

The Prabhupada Marathon Is Mere Nostalgia, Right? Wrong! Nostalgia is nothing more than a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. Srila Prabhupada's Marathon, the worldwide end-of-year push by ISKCON devotees to increase book distribution, is far from sentimental; rather, it motivates action now and increases the practical results. It is just as important today as it was in December of 1972 when the devotees in Los Angeles, California, started this now-traditional ISKCON event by one day spontaneously staying out late into the night to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books just to please him. And none of the distributors knew that the others had decided to stay out late. It was a spontaneous burst of enthusiasm from everyone all at once, a burst that spread like wildfire throughout the ISKCON world, causing an explosion of new devotees eager to please Srila Prabhupada by distributing his books to the suffering masses. Continue reading "The Prabhupada Marathon. Sentiment or Effective Outreach?
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017
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Santa Clara / Matanzas

Cuba: Close to the End

At Club Video, we conducted our last formal presentation in Cuba.  Followers of Deepak Chopra came, as did the regular bhakti yogis of Krishna.  We went rather enthusiastic with our own aerobics and became like children in a playground.  It’s great to see adults become like that.  I was the guy on the drums thumping away as best I could. https://instagram.com/p/BcX_8ielLqo/

It was a long drive to Matanzas and to the cathedral at Monserrate where we made lasting connections with residents who practise devotion.  We touched three generations there.  Each one loves the attention and the greatest goes to the youngest.

Our final stopover was the overnight stay in Varadero.  We are now in the habit of thanking our cab drivers who really do a fine job of delivering the goods—us.  If there’s a garland to circle his neck or a group of people to chant upon his arrival after transporting his passengers, it really makes the difference.  Appreciation for any endeavour goes the longest distance, probably around the world.

I’ve found that a healthy pat on the back for the guys and a respectful bow to the female devotees also offers them an incredible boost.  After all, I only come once a year for a week, which is just a drop in the bucket as far as encouragement is concerned.

In many ways Cuba is cut off from the rest of the world culturally, socially and politically.  This has its advantages.  I love the Cubans.  Their warmth is unsurpassed.  My trip winds up soon, as does the year.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Monday, December 4th, 2017
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Santa Clara, Cuba

Life of Mixed Blessings

I believe there are more horse-driven buggies in Rodas than there are cars, thus, you’re looking at heaven.  The few motorized conveyances in this town spew out dark fumes, thus, you’re looking at hell.  The area around is blessed with great agricultural soil.  That’s good.  There are vegetables, fruits, sugar cane, beans and rice.  On the road leading to town, harvested rice kernels are strewn out on one of the lanes of the highway for drying.  That’s how infrequent a vehicle comes by and how co-operative, respectful and efficient things can carry on in Cuba.  It’s sweet, really. https://instagram.com/p/BcVZQ1GlNdu/

A diesel-fuelled car drove us to Santa Clara, a city of left-wing attitudes.  Here we had a meal of local yucca, beans and rice, cane juice and flavourful cucumbers.  The casual visitors to our hostel room were also delicious—nothing to do with cannibalism, of course.  They prescribe to Krishna devotion—Indradeva, a vet student; Devananda, a retired metal engineer; and Dhanvantari, a young charismatic aerobics and martial arts teacher.  That’s Santa Clara.

When in Havana, Hayagriva and I walked along the Malecon, the sea wall.  People are rather poor, more so in the city.  A man was catching fish for a meal.  He left one by his side after the catch.  We felt sorry for the discomfort of the fish but it was the man’s prize, not our jurisdiction.  The only water in sight for relieving the little fellow of his suffering was the ocean with it’s life-threatening waves and over a deep wall.  What were we to do? https://instagram.com/p/BcPjV_al2Ng/

The average salary, I’ve been told, is less than $25.00 a month.  If you live in the countryside, you’re probably better off.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Sunday, December 3rd, 2017
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Rodas, Cuba

The Food For Us

In the bush, not far from Havana, where we have land, a fabulous soup was cooked up in the out-of-doors, with all ingredients from that spot.  There was yucca, carrots and cabbage, some greens and raw turmeric.  It was just missing some sea salt, however, cheers to the cook, Nanda Tanuja.  How organic can you get?

And today, after a rough three hour ride to Rodas—rough because the exhaust filters through into the car’s interior—Sruti treated us to some simple buns with a unique veggie paste inside.  Yummy!  I can see that in these smaller places Krishna Consciousness is having some impact through food.  Mainly it’s the ladies who convert to a veg-based diet first.  And with today’s talk, the attendance was overwhelmingly female.  It seems the guys were outside working on machines.  I'm not judging here.

One question that popped up from one of the guests, “I still eat meat and eggs, but is it okay to offer Krishna fruit, flowers and water?  Do I qualify or do I only offer items to the Lord after I get free from meat eating?”

Answer is, “No, you perform whatever service you can.  Don’t delay.  Do it with love and pray that Krishna provides you with the means to get closer to Him.”

Another question was, “What do you tell a person who says to you, ‘Christ is the only way?’”

My answer is, “You just closed the door on me because we can’t have a two-way conversation.”

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Saturday. December 2nd, 2017
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Havana, Cuba

Good Day, Sunshine!

Eddy Alejandro is not an ordinary Cuban.  He’s a well-known musician, and his son, Christopher, is following in his dad’s footsteps.  Eddy had lots of questions about the life of a monk and it was natural, since his more deepened quest for life set in recently as his mum just passed away.  This doesn’t mean to say he’s contemplating a life of renunciation at any time in the near future.  His gorgeous wife wouldn’t have it.

“How do you live?  No salary?  When you do your walks? Where do you stay at night?  How do you see the world?  Really, no wife, no love?”

Slowly I answered those questions of his with translations by Caroline, a friend from Toronto of forty-two years.

“When you live that life of simplicity, where less is more, the world can be viewed from a very different angle, objectively.”  And so, in addition to chatting with him, we were encouraged to step into his recording studio and do a take on mantras, something he’s never been exposed to before.  He said it relieved him.  The chant was soothing.

Another event today, which served as a mind pacifier, was the yajna, conducted by Hayagriva, on the land maintained by Chaitanya Priya and Carlos, who ceremoniously received his first initiation today.  Now with a new name, Krishna Surya, he was still, as usual, Mister Content, in smiles and peace.  He’s not only the expert gardener, but he treated everyone to his own, homegrown coconuts and demonstrated his mastery with the machete so we could drink.

In the morning, we only had thirty minutes for our presentation of Krishna Consciousness at the Institute for the Science of Religion.  For that, there had to be something very stimulating.  There were sixty or so students, and their participation in the kirtan was vital.  Without force, but rather by self-inspiration, all partook in the dance and chants.  Everyone appeared to be in the state of felicidad?

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Friday, December 1st, 2017
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Havana, Cuba

Here and There

The Resort, Varadero:

One woman was super curious to know about soulmates.  Is there a soul that you’re meant to be with from life to life?  The answer we offered was, “Allow God to be your actual soulmate.”  In consideration that she is twice the age of her boyfriend with thirty years difference, that was sound advice.  “Go to the top male,” I said.

A second person, a Montrealer, and originally from Poland, had spotted Hayagriva, and swore she’d seen him in the Metro–subway–in Montreal.

“You were handing out pamphlets.  It was winter,” she said.

Hayagriva confirmed that most likely it was him.  The very sweet woman had concluded that he and I were some kind of Zen masters.  It took some time to let her know that we are of the Krishna order.  “It’s somewhat different, older, more seasoned, with directions—bhakti, love and devotion.”

She didn’t quite comprehend.

A Home, Havana:

Here we met followers at the home of Chaitanya Priya, who is the Krishna stalwart of Cuba.  And it was here that kirtan was led.  Then we discussed the list of eight qualities of a mahatmaas delineated in the Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 9.  Of all the qualities, we put the spotlight onto the practice of continual chanting, satatam kirtayanto mam.  What that phrase means, essentially, is to constantly express appreciation for the blessings that have come to you from above.

Chaitanya Priya was rough in terms of her cuisine products when I began to come to Cuba in the first decade of the 2000s.  Now, with her Indian spices, she’s doing great.  She’s excelling.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Duryodhana felt no moral compunction while persecuting the Pandavas, but Dhirtrashtra did – why the difference?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post Duryodhana felt no moral compunction while persecuting the Pandavas, but Dhirtrashtra did – why the difference? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

QA transcriptions uploaded on 07-Dec-17
→ The Spiritual Scientist

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/can-followers-religions-dont-follow-regulative-principles-go-back-to-krishna/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/did-many-devotees-leave-iskcon-because-they-couldnt-see-suffering-as-krishnas-mercy/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/08/discover-the-baahubali-within-you/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/04/how-can-a-newly-married-couple-new-to-bhakti-strengthen-their-relationship/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/how-did-krishna-as-shanti-duta-use-sama-dama-bheda-and-danda/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/how-to-decide-between-tolerating-a-situation-or-changing-it/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/if-our-mistakes-have-got-us-into-trouble-how-can-we-overcome-the-guilt-that-disheartens-us-while-taking-shelter-of-krishna/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2015/04/is-it-hypocritical-to-criticize-others-for-faults-we-ourselves-have/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/is-vedic-philosophy-confusing-because-it-has-so-many-holy-books-unlike-christianity-and-islam-that-have-only-one-holy-book/

The post QA transcriptions uploaded on 07-Dec-17 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

TOVP Australasia Tour, Days 8-10 – Fiji
- TOVP.org

Reaching Fiji on November 24th, we were greeted with great care and attention as preparations were in order for our visit to five temples and communities in Fiji.

Immediately upon our arrival we held our first program in Nadi where twelve families combined together to pledge $30,000. The same evening we were whisked away to the next program in Lautoka where one hundred devotees congregated for the program and together pledged a total of $130,000. The next day, November 25th, we visited the Sigatoka temple where ten families pledged $35,000. On our last day, November 26th, we again had two programs. In Suva the devotees’ combined pledge surpassed $650,000, and finally in Naosori, 60 devotees pledged an amazing $220,000. In addition, Visvanath prabhu, the organizer of the entire tour personally donated $108,000. The total pledges for our Fiji Tour came to over $1 million!

We want to thank Visvanath prabhu and his father Jayram prabhu for organizing the tour as well as all our visas to Fiji. We also thank Parasuram prabhu and Gita Kirti devi dasi for their support and dedication.

To make a donation and sponsor an abhisheka for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and/or Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Chakra during the installation ceremony on February 7th, please go here: https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post TOVP Australasia Tour, Days 8-10 – Fiji appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Ring in 2018 in Grand Fashion with Outdoor Kirtan!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

There are numerous busy times of year for the Hare Krishna Temple here in Toronto when activities and events come in abundance and the temple is buzzing with excitement. The end of the year is certainly one of those times and is always a fun time for everyone as Toronto's Hare Krishnas are known for closing the calendar in style and ushering in the new year on a transcendent note! The following is your guide to spending New Years Eve with Toronto's Hare Krishna Temple!

As we do every year, devotees gather at the temple on New Year's Eve and then head over to City Hall to join the tens of thousands of revelers, ushering in the new year. However, we come armed with our drums, karatalas (cymbals) and voices as well!

Here's all that you need to know about this evening:
6:00pm - We will be celebrating our weekly Sunday Feast
8:00pm - Kirtan at the temple.
10:00pm - The kirtan will really pickup by this time!
10:30pm (approx) - Bundle up and off to Rosedale station.
11:30pm - We will start chanting in front of Old City Hall (NE corner of Bay & Queen)
12:00am - the kirtan will reach it's peak as fireworks set the sky ablaze!
1:30am (approx) - We'll get back on the subway and make our way back to the temple for hot ginger tea and snacks!


Some tips to keep in mind for this evening:
  • Come early to the temple - enjoy the Sunday Feast and association of devotees before we head out to City Hall.
  • Dress warmly - it may be chilly, so dress in layers!
  • Don't worry about weather - whether it be snow, rain, hail or sleet, we will usher in the new year with kirtan!
  • Bring your voices - don't forget to chant with all of your hearts!

Srila Prabhupada Festival – Jan 1, 2018
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!


On New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2018, Toronto's Hare Krishna temple will be hosting our annual Srila Prabhupada Festival!  Promising to be a great way to start the new year, the festival is usually one of the biggest of the year.

The festival will feature plenty of kirtan, wonderful classes, a new drama presented by Bhaktimarga Swami and a sumptuous feast to help ring in the new year!  You won’t want to miss it!  There will be no better way to usher in the new year on an auspicious note!

Festival Schedule (Subject to Change):

6:00pm to 6:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)
6:30pm to 6:50pm - Guru Puja
6:50pm to 6:55pm - Welcome and Announcements
6:55pm to 7:00pm - Sankirtan News
7:00pm to 7:05pm - Temple Council News
7:05pm to 8:00pm - Drama: "Many Mothers Many Fathers"
8:00pm to 8:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)
8:30pm to 9:30pm - Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam)

Prabhupada: “Prasadam is the most important thing to bring…
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Prabhupada: “Prasadam is the most important thing to bring people out of darkness.”
Sravanananda: In Vrindavan, we would go every morning in the early days when it was just huts and a little bit of cement and steel going up.
We would take a mat and Prabhupada would sit on the side of the road, call over mayavadis and then get into a heated debate with them.
They were always respectful, however, but Prabhupada was showing us the fierceness of challenging mayavadi philosophy.
I once asked, “Srila Prabhupada, people are so stuck in darkness.
How do you tell a person who’s blind, that there’s vision, that there’s light even though they’ve never experienced it.”
Prabhupada said, “Prasadam.”
He said, “Prasadam is the most important thing to bring people out of darkness.”
That hit home for me because that pretty much was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me joining the temple because the prasadam broke my attachment to anything.
It was Govardhan Puja.
Prabhupada’s program of prasadam cannot be found in any other yoga group.
In those early days in the temples, the prasadam was just amazing.
The devotees had so much love and devotion, and it was opulent.
We were violently sick at the Mayapur festival in either 1974 or 1975.
In those days, they were using very bad oils to cook with.
Literally everyone was so ill that we could barely pay obeisances to Prabhupada.
Prabhupada walked around where we were sprawled out and he was very disturbed that everyone was so sick.
He immediately ordered that the homeopathic doctor be called.
When the doctor arrived, he put a pill in everyone’s mouth as Prabhupada walked with him and watched over the process.
Literally within minutes after the pill went in our mouth, we woke up out of a slumber of unconsciousness and a horrific disease to being almost fully conscious.
We were bewildered and thought to ourselves, “What just happened?”
I never thought about it too much until decades later when I really felt that Prabhupada was performing a miracle.
To this day I don’t believe that one little white pill could have made us go from such a state of diseased consciousness and dysentery to be standing up and ready to do service again.
It was such a short time frame from being so bad to so good that it had to have been a miracle by Prabhupada’s grace.
There was a time in Mayapur that I remember with Srila Prabhupada that I can only describe as transcendental.
Prabhupada sat on the vyasasana and became very grave.
It was very bright outside but in a short period of time, the light in the temple seemed to be disappearing and dissipating, almost like a cloud covering the sun.
Everybody became very sober.
Instead of singing “Jaya Radha Madhava”, Prabhupada started talking and as the light changed within the temple, Prabhupada’s color also seemed to change.
Prabhupada said, “In your previous life, you were all associates of Lord Chaitanya.
He said, “Somehow or other, I have been designated or assigned as the captain of this ship.
But you have actually done everything to spread this Krishna consciousness.”
Then Prabhupada went into ecstasy.
He just sat there, went into ecstasy, and the whole room was frozen in time.
Everybody was feeling it because everyone was looking at one another and whispering, “Are you feeling this?”
Prabhupada didn’t speak for a long time.
I don’t think anybody wanted this experience to stop.
All of a sudden off to the right side of the temple, I remember Hamsadutta picked up a mridanga and he started to chant Hare Krishna.
His chanting seemed to break the almost samadhi like ecstatic mood.
I felt some anger towards Hamsadutta for breaking the ecstatic wave that we were all feeling together in this boat with our captain.
Later the devotees went to Prabhupada and asked, “Prabhupada, when this happens to you, is this what we should do?”
Prabhupada said, “Yes, that’s okay, but it doesn’t happen so often, does it?”
I can’t grade every experience but I would say this was one of the most directly ecstatic, powerful experiences that I have ever felt.
—Sravanananda