Letters to the editor

Todas las Glorias a Srila Prabhupada 🙏

Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja, por favor reciba mis respetuosas reverencias, espero se encuentre bien de salud 🙏

En mi carta anterior usted me responde lo siguiente:

hps/asa - agtsp... En nuestra carta de iniciación, Srila Prabhupada escribió que nuestra enfermedad estadounidense es que siempre queremos cambiarlo todo, que es mejor mantener el sistema antiguo y fortalecerlo. Sin embargo, nosotros, los estadounidenses (sudamericanos), somos pioneros, ¿no? ¡Así que cambiar de lugar, de asociación, puede ser bueno!

Mantén el mismo espíritu de Sankirtan, ¿no? ¡Mejóralo moviéndote!

En la primera parte de su respuesta no entiendo lo que me dice, no logro relacionar su respuesta con lo que le dije:

hps/asa - agtsp... En nuestra carta de iniciación, Srila Prabhupada escribió que nuestra enfermedad estadounidense es que siempre queremos cambiarlo todo, que es mejor mantener el sistema antiguo y fortalecerlo.

En esa parte 👆.

Bueno, lo que podemos decir en ese sentido es que a lo largo del tiempo Iskcon, GBC, BBT, modificaron muchas cosas, por ejemplo el GBC estaba analizando el aceptar Gurus madres, el BBT corrigió los libros de Srila Prabhupada después del año 1977, por otro lado se ocultaron muchos abusos a menores y madres y así hay muchas cosas por mencionar. (Las leyes no se respetaron para dar un castigo ejemplar). Considero que esos cambios no son para nada buenos.

No soy de estar dando problemas, muchas veces se ve que los devotos de primera o segunda iniciación solo sirven para dar problemas al Maestro Espiritual, como si el Maestro Espiritual fuera una esponja que tiene que absorber todos sus problemas de ellos o ellas.

Recuerdo que cuando me propusieron el divorcio y se divorciaron de mi, yo nunca le conté o informe nada a usted a pesar de tener mis razones y mi versión de los hechos, preferí guardar absoluto silencio y no darle problemas a usted, porque usted es el Guru. Digo todo esto porque hasta ahora hay personas que especulan sobre este tema, sin saber la realidad de los hechos. Ahora ya paso mucho tiempo y ya todo es pasado y olvido.

Estoy cambiando de rumbo, a donde voy (Paraguay - Ciudad del Este) hay mucho que hacer, mucho servicio y sinceramente espero que todo salga muy bien.

Bueno Guru Maharaja me despido y que el Señor Nrsimha nos proteja a todos, le pido disculpas y que me perdone si he cometido alguna ofensa. 🙏

Hare Krsna

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All glories to Srila Prabhupada 🙏

Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja; please accept my respectful obeisances. I hope you are in good health 🙏

In my previous letter, you replied as follows:

hps/asa - agtsp... In our initiation letter, Srila Prabhupada wrote that our American disease is that we always want to change everything, whereas it is better to maintain the old system and strengthen it. However, we Americans (South Americans) are pioneers, aren't we? So, changing locations or associations can be good!

Maintain the same spirit of Sankirtan, right? Improve it by moving!

I do not understand what you are saying in the first part of your reply; I cannot connect your answer to what I had told you:

hps/asa - agtsp... In our initiation letter, Srila Prabhupada wrote that our American disease is that we always want to change everything, whereas it is better to maintain the old system and strengthen it.

That part right there 👆.

HpS - We were just trying to illustrate a point that Srila Prabhupada made about our American, USA, disease, and then apply it to your news. Latin American does become influenced by USA and its diseases sometimes, no?

So, must be careful that change of place, job, etc are a part of the same system, principles and just improving on that. Not tear things down to make another "new idea".

O.K.?

Well, regarding that, one could say that over time, ISKCON, the GBC, and the BBT have modified many things; for instance, the GBC was considering accepting female gurus, and the BBT revised Srila Prabhupada's books after 1977. Furthermore, many instances of abuse against minors and mothers were covered up, among many other issues. (Rules were not followed to ensure exemplary punishment.) I consider these changes to be far from good.

HpS - As you are describing them, and we have seen some of the problem ourselves, they are not good.

I am not one to cause trouble; often, one sees that devotees with first or second initiation serve only to create problems for the Spiritual Master—as if the Spiritual Master were a sponge expected to absorb all their personal issues.

I recall that when divorce was proposed to me and I was divorced, I never told or informed you about it, despite having my own reasons and my version of events. I preferred to remain completely silent rather than cause you trouble, because you are the Guru. I mention all this because there are still people speculating about this matter without knowing the actual facts. However, a long time has passed now, and it is all in the past—water under the bridge.

I am heading in a new direction; where I am going (Ciudad del Este, Paraguay), there is much to be done and much service to render, and I sincerely hope everything goes very well.

Well, Guru Maharaja, I bid you farewell and pray that Lord Nrsimha protects us all. I ask for your forgiveness if I have committed any offense. 🙏

Hare Krsna

HpS - I guess the conclusion is that whatever we do it to distinguish reality from illusion for the welfare of all!!

Servants of everyone but adapting our service for the best benefit.

Hope to hear some more news.

asa[e] - dvad [sannyasa [260804]]

All Glories To Srila Prabhupada!

Esteemed Bhakti Raghava and Bhakti Vikasa Swamis et al, please accept our humble obeisances.

We are writing an article for our Anjana Suta Academy (asa) Encyclopedia on Sannyasa Dharma. The principal contributor and editor is Professor Guy, "Uncle", Gismo PhD. We would gratefully accept any contribution and suggestions that you can make along the way of its development:

Dvad [Sannyasa [260804]]

To achieve the highest success in life by becoming a gosvāmī and then a pure devotee of the Lord, one must follow the instructions known as Upadeśāmṛta, which have been given by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has given many other books, such as Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, Vidagdha-mādhava and Lalita-mādhava, but Upadeśāmṛta constitutes the first instructions for neophyte devotees.

https://vedabase.io/en/library/noi/preface/#bb5772

The execution of devotional service is not a matter of idle meditation but practical action in the foreground of spiritual life.

https://vedabase.io/en/library/noi/3/#bb5879

Hanumatpresaka Swami and many other Sannyasis in ISKCON confront different practical social/psychological situations in traveling and preaching.

In this practical perspective, what strikes him first, is the instruction on Sannyasa that Srila Prabhupada gives in his purport to Bhagavad-gita As It Is, The Divine and Demoniac Natures (16.1-3):

Then he has to purify his existence. There are so many rules and regulations to be followed in the renounced order of life. Most important of all, a sannyāsī is strictly forbidden to have any intimate relationship with a woman.

He is even forbidden to talk with a woman in a secluded place.

Lord Caitanya was an ideal sannyāsī, and when He was at Purī His feminine devotees could not even come near to offer their respects. They were advised to bow down from a distant place. This is not a sign of hatred for women as a class, but it is a stricture imposed on the sannyāsī not to have close connections with women.

One has to follow the rules and regulations of a particular status of life in order to purify his existence. For a sannyāsī, intimate relations with women and possession of wealth for sense gratification are strictly forbidden.

The ideal sannyāsī was Lord Caitanya Himself, and we can learn from His life that He was very strict in regards to women. Although He is considered to be the most liberal incarnation of Godhead, accepting the most fallen conditioned souls, He strictly followed the rules and regulations of the sannyāsa order of life in connection with association with women. ... Choṭa Haridāsa ... Lord Caitanya said, “For a sannyāsī or anyone who is aspiring to get out of the clutches of material nature and trying to elevate himself to the spiritual nature and go back home, back to Godhead, for him, looking toward material possessions and women for sense gratification – not even enjoying them, but just looking toward them with such a propensity – is so condemned that he had better commit suicide before experiencing such illicit desires.” ..."

https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/16/1-3/#bb3636

In Iskcon we see that different Sannyasis take this in different ways. Some may be in Kuticaka, some in Bahudak, Parivrajak.

Some ascribe to the "open door" policy, that a Sannyasi can talk alone in a room with a woman if the door is open, even if the room is in a remote part of the Temple.

Discussing it with H. H. Prahlada-ananda Swami, then Director of the ISKCON Ministry of Sannyasa Services, we remember that his comment was that if there were two or three ladies present in a discussion then he felt it proper to discuss important topics with them for some time.

We have heard first hand accounts of Srila Prabhupada's dealings with the situation from close friends who were there with His Divine Grace.

We think there is a lot of individual variety that is expected in dealing with the standard.

Personally, we, Hanumatpresaka Swami and Anjana Suta Academy, feel comfortable with a very iconoclast definition.

We remember that once we traveled and preached in India in the 1980s for at least once month. At the end we realized that we had not talked alone with a woman one time.

The only time ladies would even approach us would be, for example, after a class with some relevant questions. Iwould be with their husband or grown up son introducing them and their questions. Then we could talk with the lady in the presence of and participation of, their guardian, protector or through him in their presence.

We realized this at the end of the tour and realized that it had been a very peaceful experience. A relief from the the agitation that contact with the opposite sex brings.

We do not think this is necessary for all ISKCON Sannyasis, but for some it may feel like the most natural relationship.

It may also feel like the most natural relation for many ladies in ISKCON also.

We feel comfortable with the Thai Buddhist social spacing between monks and ladies. If they both raise their arms at the same time, they should not touch.

Ahhhh! Happy life!

Again, we feel that many ladies will also feel that these regulations are a great relief for them also.

A Sannyasi should not converse in a secluded place with women or those involved in political affairs involving men, money and women:

As we understand Srila Prabhupada defines, "secluded place", as anyplace where they may discuss illicit sex and no one will hear.

Of course, this would even include talking on the phone with a woman even if the room is filled with GBC Secretaries and Sannyasis, where both sides of the conversation could not be heard.

A Brahmacari or Sannyasi should have short term contact with women for preaching purposes only:

This citation we remember from the purports to Haridasa Thakura being tempted by Maya personally.

We can write a lot on these topics as it is practical for helping Lord Caitanya in His mission of giving the science of Krsna to the conditioned souls.

Should we proceed? How?

1. Sannyasa and eating.
2. More about relations with opposite sex.
3. Sannyasa in tradition and modernity - A dialog between ISKCON and Jesuit monks.
4. Experiencing and practicing Sannyasa in the modern moment.

Thank you.

Hope to hear from everyone.

We like, hope for, talking with our Vaisnava Mothers with a little etiquette. Sannyasi more than anyone should be the person that a lady feels sees her as a person, not as a body.

'There is no difference between the Grhastha fully engaged in spiritual life, and the man in the renounced order of life, but the because of more formal austerities, the man in the renounced order of life is given more formal respect', Remembered from SP.

Hare Krishna

Dandavat Pranam

H H Hanumat Presaka Swami Guru Maharaj

Vyas Pujah, Guru Pujah ki jay.

Gurura Brahma, Gurura Vishnu, Gurura Deva Maheshwara, Gurura sakshat param Brahma tusmei Gurubai namah.

Kripa karo more Goura Nityai ko milado.

Daya karo more, Radhey Shyam ko milado.

Your fallen servant

Yamunesvara Das,

Yamuna Manjari

HpS - Jaya!!! 😃

H D G Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Prabhupada, Ki Jai?

H. H. B. S. Damodara Swami, Ki Jai.

Any plans from your Yatra?

We are posting here with our Kapi Dhvaja each Punima and Daily Sankirtan Reports of the Monkeys looking for Sita for Rama?

Are you reading Srila Prabhupada's books alone and together?

How is your family? All respects to Yamuna manjari!!!!

We will start reading Madhya Lila; 20.45 onwards up to verse 20.107

(Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructs Sanatana Goswami)

The class starts at 7:30 am ~ Houston Time

Thank you to all devotees for their dedicates service to ASA ~~ SB workshop class. H. G. Nikunja Bihari Prabhu will help us with Spanish translation seva for Maharaja's class and reading notes of CC.

H.G. Mitravinda Mataji will help us with seva of back up translator; in case there are technical difficulties.

Maharaja, thank you for engaging everyone in reading systematically books of Srila Prabhupada's.

YS

Upendra Dasa

HpS - We, agtSP, tried to join last Sunday, but just exhausted from the travel. Try again this week.

Hare Krishna, always remembering Guru-maharaja 🙏🏻

Please accept my sincere obeisances 🙏🏻

All glories to Srila Prabhupada 🙏🏻

Gurumaharaja, I have been reflecting a great deal on various matters, so I decided to write to you once the mental storm had subsided. I remember you once told me, "Yasoda, you had better tell me how you resolved your problems." Therefore, I want to divide this letter into two short parts.

1. HpS's ARRIVAL IN NVM: We are very happy about your upcoming visit. As I understand it: Arrival in NVM on September 23.

🐵 - As we understand it he arrives, agtSP, with Anantesvara Das about 1pm 24th.

Departure for India on September 26. Return to NVM on October 12 and return to the United States on October 21. And you will be accompanied by a devotee, is that correct?

🐷 - Oink!

My questions are: Will the devotee who will accompany you from India return with you?

HpS - Yes, British Airways.

Gurumaharaja, is the same room as before (next to Bhakti Gauravani Swami) okay with you?

🐷 - Super.

Has anyone else confirmed their attendance at NVM on the dates of your visit?

🐵 - Nope!

Please reply so I can reserve rooms at the NVM guesthouse.

If anyone else would like to visit NVM during those dates

and

stay at the ashram/guesthouse,

please email me at [email protected].

2. PERSONAL REFLECTIONS: Gurumaharaja, I am tired of EVERYTHING and almost EVERYONE... I feel that material life is like a video game where I repeat the same move so many times that I want to throw everything away and leave. I remember the days at Radha Kunda - Barsana and I regret having left the most sacred place to return to the materialistic anxiety of wanting to work to earn money... I am a coward... I admit it! I hate being a coward.

In the end, I understood that everything I'm experiencing is a necessary stage I must go through to move forward. I am so grateful to God for having devotees nearby who tolerate me 🙏🏻, to Radha Govinda Chandra with her smile that always revives me, and of course, I am infinitely grateful to Krishna because you are the strength in my life, and every day I think of your imminent arrival. It's like water on the mental fire I feel: "Gurumaharaja will come soon! Gurumaharaja will come soon!"

May Lord Nrisimha protect you ALWAYS 🙏🏻

Trying to serve you

Yasoda Devi Dasi 🙏🏻

HpS/ASA - First time I went to Vrndavana💥

Kartika, 1978. I did not want to leave. I thought that it would be better just to wander off into the fields and die under a tree, but then I had this impression of gopi like substance in front and above me saying, "If you don't go back to the regular world and tell them about it, who will!?

As long as you have any Krsna consciousness eg. the smell of oil offered to the Diety, Japa, we will be connected to you.

The Kapi Dhvaja

Monthly Sankirtan Report of the Añjana Suta Academy.

An esoteric branch of ISKCON.

Founder-Acharya - Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Branch Head - Hanumatpresaka Swami (Bh. Ved).

Purnima [8] (Vamana masa)

2026 July 30

Every Kapi-dhvaja contains all past and future KDhs – Abbey Hoffman, Revolution for the Hell of It.

HpS, ASA tskp, have returned to their 🏕️ camp at Kakachand Ji Dhama (Iskcon Dallas, Texas).

Getting their camp set up, adjusting to local program with:

·       Patita-pavana Das,

·       Jaya hari Das,

·       Sundara Radhika and Su gopi devi Das,

·       President Saranga thakura Das {!}

·       et al al al.

Keeping full morning program: Sixteen rounds before Mangala-arati, SB class,

Setting Calendar with Sankirtan partners.

HpS and Nanda-braja Das went to Boise for two weeks. Super meeting with Niti-sara and Radhika-ramana Das’ and their wives with with three prominent Mormon families. Future Sankirtan with Mormon community planned.

White water rafting and three days of flu.

Then, Oakland, Dublin, Los Gatos, Berkeley, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area,

With meetings with Govinda-priya Devi Dasi and her esteemed husband Sankara-ananda Das of the ministry for women’s services, H. H. Bhira-krsna Goswami who is our GBC in Tennessee who played guitar while HpS played the flute at a beautiful rich couple’s home,

And Srivasa Pandita Das and Vaisesika Das about Bhakti sarva bhauma diploma, and 1,001 eternal associates at Berkeley Temple.

On to Seattle, with Panda-vijaya Das and the second self-driving car from Amazon, Hari-vilasa Das, new Campus center, ISKCON Balaji Temple, a Bhakta-vrksa group grown into another new Temple and the Old Temple.

Leading Kirtan with the devotees is such a great Yoga.

HvDas stayed for HpSwami’s class (PhD!)

Back to Houston with a very nice black lady in our adjacent seat who had been on missionary work to Africa, Europe and asked excellent questions for 2-1/2 hours, and took NoI with great enthusiasm.

Expect in Houston until Janmastami.

Look for periodical updates in the Blog 🐸 under Category A and Calendar Development.

Camping in Houston until 2 September, then Janmastami in Nashville, after that the Bhakta vrksa of Sankirtan Das, Vrndavana Forest of Gayatri Das and hoping to visit Krsna Life in South Tennessee.

By Radhastami back to Houston and then on September 23^rd to Madrid with Ananta Isvara Das for our NIOS/ASA documentary, “Ayurveda, Traditional Medical Philosophy of Asia”.

24th and 25^th in Madrid etc.

26^th fly on British airways with AID to Bangalore and start Ayur Veda at Tan Mayi Goswami’s Maitreya Ashrama in Udipi on the 28^th (?) until the 9^th.

Back to Madrid on the 12^th and HpS stay until like the 21^st, October and AID as long as there are programs at Universidad Complutence etc.

21^st October, HpS back to Dallas, and off to Mexico for like five days and then Lima and Santiago for ten daze each.

Back to ??? Nila Madhava Dhama and rest.

Radha Kunda ??????????????

Thank you.

Hari Bolo!

See you in WhatsApp

Blog. www.MonkeyWarrior.com

H. P. Swami, Tom Brown et al.

Appendicitis

Projects we are involved in are:

1.     Caitanya Cinema Circle – With Pablo and Abhaya Joshi. Establishing a Department of Media Resources in ISKCON Houston integrated with ISKCON North America.

2.     DVAD – Daivi Varna Ashrama Dharma – With Bhakti vikasha Swami project in South Tennessee, ministry of ladies services.

3.     ASA[e] – ASA Encyclopedia – With Sri Rama Krsna Das in Dallas. You can see it as part of the web page: www.jayarama.us. Made a little progress in learning how to edit the articles, and trying to integrate the editing and writing with our community and schedule.

4.     Bhaktivedanta Library – Sastric studies with Vaisesika Das et al.

5.     Yare Dekhi – Wherever you go, whomever you meet, tell them about Krsna based upon the Kirtan in your heart and Caitanya-caritamrta.