Letters to the editor

Hare Krsna Gurudeva,

Please accept my respecful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada !

Well[,] I finished studing e[E]nglish last year and I have forgotten even more[many] things so I hope I wont [won't] make many mistakes. There is [was] always a continue [continuous] strive [strife [struggle]] to finish our good rounds at [on] time and [but] now that I came back to Chosica there is more time to chant better without homeworks [singular, no 's'] to present for the following day, everyday. As You know I left Cusco and it was like four weeks ago, before leaving I tried to leave my documents ready if I wanted to come back to Cusco and continue studing in the second semester  because I ap[p]roved [passed] all the courses of the first semester when I went to Cusco when You Gurudeva where already here in Chosica, however, everything happened so fast that I couldnt do everything, so all of this makes me think that if I come back to Cusco I could start since the begining, of course, if Krsna wants me back. The reason I came is because we are doing Harinama everyday with some devotees and then we can probably go to the Holy Dham next year ! s[S] o far, is kinda difficult to believe this is going to happen, however, we wont [won't] stop and we will give our best because Maya is very, very strong and we can clearly see that she works trying different ways and we feel so weak because we have ups and downs all the time. We hope all this three hours daily of Harinama during six months will purifies [purify] us enough to get to the Holy Dham, we know Harinama is as strong as Krsna Himself because there is no difference between Them, however, if it is not the moment  we will keep preparing ourselves to be ready when the moment comes.  Finally, we are nothing without Your and devotees blessings[,] so we are going to strive to be worthy to receive them.  Que el Señor Nrsimha Deva lo siga protegiendo.

Su aspirante a sirvienta,

Sita Lalita Devi Dasi.

HpS - ASA - Thank you for the news. As you can see your English is quite good, just some practice to correct some details.
Yes, chant Hare Krsna as much as possible and pray to Krsna to help you to advance very practically in devotional service. It should be fun and exciting, lots of progress everyday!
Send more news.

Who goes on Hari-nama?  Where do you go?  What type of people do you meet? ..

Hare krsna Gurudev Reverencias 

Estare con Vijay Govinda Das por un año y es posible que estemos con usted en Brasil y en kartika del proximo año con sus vendiciones al santo dham .

Y ojala krsna me permita servirlo mejor. ayudandole en lo que ested necesite .

Trabajare todo un año alli en paraguay , perfeccionar mi ingles y asi quizas pode asistirlo en alguno de sus viajes .

Gracias por todo Gurudev

HpS - ASA - Gracias TlgaSP!   Quien es Vijaya Govinda Das?   Esperamos encontare un gran adventura en Uraguay!

Dear Maharaja,

PAMHO  All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

My dear friend, it sounds like your Chicago visit went very well even though it was so cold.  Sounds like the Chicago devotees are doing a lot of great activities.  Our little center is struggling right now and we may be out in the cold.  The owner of the Yoga studio who generously allows us to use her facility once a week for a very low fee has moved.  She purchased and remodeled a new facility which is not working out as well as before.  We failed to keep control of the children the first night there and she is very protective of her brand new studios.  She actually saw the children acting up with her new security cameras!  So we are on a short leash.  But the rooms are smaller and I don't think the shiny new facilities are a good fit for us.  In her old rented studios she didn't care much when the children broke something.  Where ever we go it will be conciderably more expensive so we are up in the air right now.

I watched a good on line talk by Dr. B. Alan Wallace on the brain, mind, and intellegence.  Much of it was over my head.  Some things he discussed were about scientific and medical studies.  Most researchers believe the mind and the brain are the same thing (which he does not).  Many believe the only way to explore the mind is with medical instruments like brain scanners.  The extreme ones believe there is no such thing a consciousness and self examination is impossible.  I loved one of his arguments.  He said if the brain is just an amoral body organ like the liver or gallbladder than we are not responsible for our actions.  How can the scientists respond to that?

Praying Krishna continues to bless you, Dave

HpS - So nice to hear from you.  If you have to meet in people's homes or wherever it will be O.K?  No, just go on with the essence which is to get together and Kirtan, Lecture, Kirtan, Prasad more and more!!

We will look for the B. Alan Wallace lecture.   Yes, it is a very good point, no?  Once it was thought that the liver was the seat of consciousness, no?
The SB gives nice details of how the Atma contacts the visually experienced body by going through different levels.   We are going right now for "Psychology and the Sacred" at Virginia Commonwealth University. We hope to distribute a lot of  Nectar of Instructions, and then engage people in following the advice therein!

Writing anything?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._Alan_Wallace

We will read more about him and hope to contact him!  Our video clip on the Youtube is our best propaganda now!

Term “mataji”

Hits in SP Folio.

In books there are no hits for the term mataji.

In lectures 10, conversations 11, letters 21 hits. Total 42.

~

This question was raised by Pariksit Maharaja when Sukadeva Gosvami described the rasa-lila. So that... "Krsna appeared on this material world, dharma-samsthapanarthaya, paritranaya sadhunam [Bg. 4.8], dharma-samsthapanarthaya. So why He violated these rules of dharma?" Violation because, according to Vedic civilization, nobody can mix with other's wife or other woman. Even in moral principle, as Canakya Pandita said, matrvat para-daresu. "All women should be treated just like mother." Not like the present society. Formerly, every woman should be addressed as "mother," Mataji. And now they have invented "Bahinji." No. Woman should be addressed as "mother." Matrvat para-daresu.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.14 -- Vrndavana, August 6, 1974

Devotee: When you address a woman do you use the word "Mataji"? Is that the right, proper word for her?

Prabhupada: Mataji. Yes, very good. "Mother." All right. Chant. (end)

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.14 -- Vrndavana, August 6, 1974

So senses are so strong. Balavan indriya-gramah. It is prohibited. What to speak of others. Therefore, the common moral teachings and the Vedic civilization is to accept any woman except his own wife as mother. Matrvat para-daresu. Para-daresu. Everyone is supposed to be married. Dara means wife. Para-daresu, other's wife. It doesn't matter if she is younger or older, but she should be treated as mother. Therefore it is the system in Vedic culture, as soon as one sees another woman, she (he) addresses her, "mother," Mataji. Immediately, "mother." That makes the relationship. The woman treats the unknown man as son, and the unknown man treats the unknown woman as mother. This is Vedic civilization. So we should be very careful. In our society, you are all Godbrothers, Godsisters. Or those who are married, they are like mothers. So you should be very careful. Then you will remain dhira, sober. That is brahminical qualification, brahminical culture. Not that "Because I have got facilities to intermingle with nice girls, so I shall take advantage and exploit them." Or the girls should take... No. Therefore our restriction: no illicit sex.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.13 -- Los Angeles, September 18, 1972

That is the system still in India, any unknown woman who has no introduction with you, (s)he is addressed "Mataji." Address her. She may be just like daughter or granddaughter, but one would address, as a respect to the woman, as "Mother, Mataji." This is Indian system. Now some rascals have introduced "Bhaginiji, sister." But that is not shastric. In the sastra, all the woman, except one's wife, should be addressed as "Mother."

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.16.10 -- Los Angeles, January 7, 1974

Except his own wife, he should treat all women outside, taking them as mother. Therefore, still in Hindu society, every woman is addressed by an unknown man, "mother." It doesn't matter if a person is unknown. He can speak with another woman, addressing him first..., addressing her first, "mother," "mataji." Then nobody will be offended. This is the etiquette.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.56-57 -- Bombay, August 14, 1975

Woman should be looked as mother. Still in India, a unknown woman should be addressed, "Mother." They have introduced now in the northern India, bahinji (?). No, this was not the etiquette. "Mataji." This is Indian culture, not bahinji (?).

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.9 -- Mayapur, February 16, 1976

Now Mataji requested me to explain one verse, so I have tried to explain.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Radhastami, Srimati Radharani's Appearance Day -- Montreal, August 30, 1968

Perhaps Mataji knows this. (chuckles)

>>> Ref. VedaBase => His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada's Appearance Day, Evening -- Gorakhpur, February 15, 1971

Boliya mataji. Prasna boliya? There should be question. (another long silence)

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Lecture Engagement at Birla House -- Bombay, December 17, 1975

No, she is different. I know one Mataji. She came to see me from Vrndavana in Los Angeles. She's in London.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation with Allen Ginsberg -- May 11, 1969, Columbus, Ohio

Prabhupada: Mataji?

Allen Ginsberg: Srimata Krsnaji.

Guest (1): Mathura, I think this Mataji lives so(?).

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation with Allen Ginsberg -- May 13, 1969, Columbus, Ohio

(chuckles) And that Mataji, she has taken land.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Meeting with Devotees -- June 9, 1969, New Vrindaban

In Bombay we can go to you..."Mataji we have no more money, please give me some."

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- July 5, 1972, London

But why a woman should be refused? This is not authentic. Why Rupa Gosvami should refuse her? They were bhiksu, madhukari. So when one goes for bhiksa, so how he can check that he will not see any woman? How it is possible? He has to go to the householder, "Mataji, a capati lijiye."(?) Or he'll stand. Generally woman comes to give capati. So how it is possible to restrict the eyes? That is, he does not...I think I cannot accept this, that Rupa Gosvami refused. Why he should refuse? Vaisnava is kind. But we must mix with women cautiously. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says yare dekha tare kaha krsna-upadesa [Cc. Madhya 7.128]. He never says, "Only to the men."

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- December 26, 1976, Bombay

My Dear Kedar Mataji,

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Kedar Mataji -- Los Angeles 25 January, 1969

Regarding this Syama-Mataji Dasi from Vrindaban, does she sing Hare Krishna Mantra or not?

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Malati -- Los Angeles 28 January, 1969

I understand that Mataji Syama Devi is back there in London, so she will also help in your efforts.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Syamasundara -- San Francisco 5 April, 1969

And what about Mataji? When she was here she assured me so many things hopeful that she wants to work conjointly. I understand that Syamasundara. has gone to Mataji to build an altar. This means that she has already started the temple. She wanted me also to go to London, and I told her that as soon as opening of temple is assured, I shall go to London, leaving aside all other engagements here. But since she has departed she has not written me anything, although I have written her one letter forwarded through Malati, acknowledging receipt of her book, Mataji Charitavali.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Gurudasa -- Allston, Mass 27 April, 1969

If you have no place to live together immediately, ask Mataji to give you a place.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Gurudasa -- Allston, Mass 27 April, 1969

Regarding Mataji, she must have some trouble because she has done something which is nescience.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Gurudasa -- Columbus, Ohio 15 May, 1969

… as well as one letter from Mataji Syamadevi in Hindi.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969

When Mataji Syamadevi came to see me...

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969

On the whole, Mataji Syamadevi is ready to cooperate with me...

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969

...either send it yourself or through Mataji, ...

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969

Mataji Syamadevi has invited ….

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Syamasundara -- New Vrindaban 26 May, 1969

I am writing Mataji Syamadasi in Hindi,… …. on the principles of Mataji,

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Yamuna -- New Vrindaban 27 May, 1969

Regarding Mataji, I have noted your remarks...

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Syamasundara -- New Vrindaban 3 June, 1969

Regarding Mataji Syamadevi's temple ...

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 10 June, 1969

I understand that Mataji is going to donate one pair of Sri Murtis.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Yamuna -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969

I learned that Mataji has arranged for the Radha-Krishna Deities for our temple.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 29 June, 1969

Regarding Mataji Syamadevi, she cannot live there at any circumstance.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mukunda -- Los Angeles 2 July, 1969

Regarding Mataji Syamadevi, she wanted to give us some pairs of Deities, but since she has left the USA she has not mentioned what she is going to do. … In any case, if Mataji does not contribute the Deities, I shall take with me some Deities when I go to London.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Yamuna -- Los Angeles 3 July, 1969

I am pleased to learn that you now have Radha-Krishna Murtis given to you by Mataji Syamadevi.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Yamuna -- Los Angeles 5 August, 1969

You were very much anxious to worship Radha Krsna Deity and you took one pair from Mataji. At that time I advised you to wait. Now when the pair of Deities were taken by Mataji again and you were little bit sorry...

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Yamuna, Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 16 April, 1970

Hoping this will meet you and your good wife, Mataji, in strong health and lively mood.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Hamsaduta -- Bombay 10 January, 1972

Mataji Himavati can train your wife or someone how to worship the deities nicely, and you both stay there for the time being.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Krsna dasa -- Bombay 10 January, 1972

====================

HpS - We also remember where Prabhupada was talking about Narayani Devi Dasi and said, "Mother Narayani".   We feel it is just as respectable a title as Maharaja for a Sannyasi.  Of course, there is not resticition to say, Narayani Mataji, Prabhu, no?

Dear Gurumaharaj.
Please accept my most humble obeisances All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
First I wanted to apologize for not writing all this time.

HpS - ASA -  No, excuse. You must pay a penalty of one Laddu to three Brahmanas to be free from the guilt of your crime.

All goes well, from this month im combining the university (Master in  Sciences of religions, you asked me in the last letter if i can give classes i think also i can give classes in school but its more focus for people that want to investigate in academic way or do PhD, very good profesors its the 3(rd) best university in Spain, the person that is guiding me in my final work is expert in sanscrit, the title of my final work will be "Bhakti: origin and first interpretations of the concept of devotion in the hinduism ) with my service in the temple. My routine is very complete: spiritual program, service, university, pujari, etc ...

I feel these past months have been very difficult situations  in many ways but I think that gradually everything returns to a natural position.
I'm trying to have every day a little more faith in Krishna I try to protect my little devotion ... it is a fact that I am in the early stages of bhakti yoga.
I try to put in the center of my life the spiritual program, chanting my rounds and spending time with devotees. I think that this is the most important thing I do in my life. All other things around us social, personal, economics, friendships, families are like pieces in a theater that we should know how to use to promote our attraction and the rest of people to Krishna.
I am calm and happy, but I see that the service on the administrative council of the temple is not so natural and attractive as other services, but I will try to continue, I have faith in our team.

Looking ahead I think I'm in a year of transition and I feel that when I finish the university I'm going to take some time to reflect on my life and see where I want to address. Of course, the materials plans are completely fallible but I also like to have a projection of life in the medium term.

During these three years I have been very protected in the temple and now I return to interact daily with people who don’t do spiritual life I'm realizing how important it is to chant rounds and have a strict sadhana. Always remember Krishna and never forget him.
 

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sorry this time i used google translator, maybe you find some fails...

Mantri Rama Das

Do you like taoism?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM6kdJ6xq2A

ASA - Sun Wu Kong. Taoism. Ahuri Mazda... So much very nice perspective in this world. So many fresh things that teach us to apreciate the present moment. Then we can begin to appreciate Paramatma and then Bhagavan. Until we are accomplished in Brahma-bhuta, Tao, Upanisad, then we cannot appreciate Krsna in truth. Yes, some light of his smile, but it comes through many filters.

So, nice to get advantage of the Taste of Water. the Fragrance of the Earth, the majesty of a 747-taking off, but if we have any service that we can appreciate by the mercy of Sri Gauranga, then let us do that first, then all the knowledge of the Tao, Upanisad, the Dharma will increase auto matically. Watching some Taoism can very much be Hari Kirtan.

Have you seen this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRVnIwcJj6M

Your letter and attitude seem very nice!!  Our respects to everyone. We hope to get to Spain very, very soon.  Krsna will arrange it, no?

Todas las Glorias un Su Santidad Swami Hanumatpresaka 

Todas las Glorias un AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Acepte mis porfavor Más humildes y respetuosas reverencias. 

Muy cerca de verlo, cada día esta lleno de ansiedad en mi vida sin usted. Me siento muy feliz. 

El tiempo se me escapa de las manos, me Parece Que escurre Como el agua. El recuerdo de Sus Palabras yo Mantiene cantando. Aun no encuentro u n COMPAÑERO para cantar Pero estoy buscándolo . Las clases estan en los versos preguntando sí Llega a Roma. Quiero Escribir Tanto Pero las palabras se me han ido. ¿Qué más importa en la vida aparte de ESTO? Me refiero una Ser conciente de Krishna. ¿Cuando Llegará mi Momento de Ser conciente de Dios?

HpS - The question really does not have much meaning in terms of our Modern View of time. It can happen in a moment or after a long time. It happens at the pace that the relationship with Krsna dictates.

 ¿Cómo se avanza más rápido? Solo ud. sabe eso. Muchos cambios de autoridad en el templo, de la mente, de amigos. . . Cambiando de tema prabhu Dharmaraja me dijo que van a iniciarme estoy lista Gurudev para seguirlo lo más cerca que se pueda. Por mi parte y gracias a madre Astasaki y al prabhu Laskman Agraha estoy estudiando a distancia el curso para discípulos en NIMSAR Prabhupada siempre tendra un lugar muy especial en nuestros corazones es increíble . Quiero ocupar un día o más en distribuir libros. 

Trabajos incompletos en la escuela, qué opina si se llega a un acuerdo con el presidente para tomar un día y hacer tarea.

HpS - El Espanyol es poco denos para nosotros entender la pregunta exacta!  "Hacer tarea" ===??   Hmmm.   Necesita hablar con bastante devotos locales y entonces buen perspectivo en cosas cotidianas, no?

Me despido, su aspirante a sirviente Bhaktin Diana

HpS - ASA --- Gracias su carta!!!    Piense era Monja/e en su vida previo. Saboreando la necesidad de relacionar con la pasion de Krsna.   Senyor Gauara.   El siento muy mal ver la situacion de la gente moderna. Aparece Vd es en el sendero correcto. Entonces es un hecho no de cambiar nada de su sendero para adelantar mas rapido, es un hecho de concentar sus actividades, como esta realizando en el tiempo tiene. Tomando Prasadam pero con mas attention. Asistiendo Mangal arati, pero con conocimiento de el significado de las palabras.  Esta bien.  Concentran su servicio.

El vaso esta llena con piedras pero puede introduzcar arena fina tambien, y despues, agua!!!