Letters to the editor

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.

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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!!!

Hare Krsna Dear SS Hanumat Presaka swami.

PAMHO. AGTSP

We are very happy to know about your preaching in Chicago. We wish everything goes very well for you.

Here 2nd report:

1.-With respect to Atmananda d. We are sending written reports and i waiting for a meeting at November I (isvari dd)... Divya priya dd only she came one time.

2.-With respect to Chosica temple. Karuna Krsna p said: That he will be giving seminars for Temple and Nimsar give courses.

3.-Gandharva d is preparing a manual teacher and manual student of Introducction to Bhakti yoga, for this Jiva sakti d gave us his material.

NIMSAR need to have teaching material.

4.-Candra mukhi dd, will be representing NIMSAR in Brazil, she already started to prepare.We thought it would be a good topic: Educator profile.

For teaching of vaisnavas courses, it is no enough to be a teacher career, a required a certain character and competence.

Sri Nrsimhadeva protec you

Thank you very much

HpS - Hare Krsna. Thank you for your Report.  We are a little bit delayed, no?   This is 8th November and the Report is titled 2nd October.
<img alt="smiley" height="23" src="http://hps.monkeywarrior.com/sites/all/libraries/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/regular_smile.png" title="smiley" width="23" />         ... we are all to blame, and we are all trying, like children trying to cook a cake for their Father's birthday. Their Mother is always watching and really doing the cooking.
We are in Richmond, Virginia now.  The education program is so disorganized from our perspective. Top to Bottom. So we go back to us-Prabhupada-Krsna and then we can actually get some structure and then we can share it with you and others!

Now we are working on the NOI as a Vaisnava Verse Book. We are doing it as a Power Point Show. We will present it Saturday!!

Please send us any news as it developes, Yatra, Family, Goloka!

Hare Krsna Guru-Maharaj,

Pamho agtSP

Praying to Radha Damodar for Their blessing upon you.

Please excuse my pushy attempt to get your authorization for visiting the Holydham - Vrindavan this year. Actually at the end of this month.

After a very draining, intense time, we ended up dry, physical and emotionally exhausted. A urgent, revitalising and nourishing spiritual experience is required for our survival, growth, and continue in our service.  At this point, I desperately seeking senior vaisnava association, shelter, spiritual nourishment. We have heard about the glories of Holy Name and Govardhan retreats organised by VIHE. We hope this time we can take part of the latter one. Please  Sir, grand (grant) us your authorization and blessing to do it.  I do not want to commit previous mistake (2 years ago). Visiting Holydham without your authorization, taking charge and responsibility of my spiritual life overiding You.  ...  The proclivity to commit mistake is contantly present as part of my material conditioning, but at least, i should avoid to commit the same mistake again and again. Help me please!!! , So, i can procede with the preparations, getting temple authority permission, booking flights, transport, accommodation that it must be done ASAP..  I am just waiting for your authorization, which at the end means Radhe Krsna and HolyDham authorization, withour it, I can not enter  and being in the Holydham.

humbly, we also request, your advice, how I should be engaged, spending time in the Holydham - Vrindavan?. The idea is to have 8 weeks in the Holydham. After Govardhan retreat, perhaps i can enrol, CHANTING, parikrams.. introspection, critical reflection = self-evaluation.

This is my second attempt to writing you about it. Previously we  failled to use the word URGENT, hope this time.. it works.. Dont know if you can figure out who is writing you,  I am using a pseudo-name, as you suggested. It is weird way to write you, a sort of impersonal, distance.. no satisfactory way to approach to you.. but i do not have another choice..!!  <img alt="sad" height="23" src="http://www.hps.monkeywarrior.com/sites/all/libraries/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/sad_smile.png" title="sad" width="23" /> <img alt="crying" height="23" src="http://www.hps.monkeywarrior.com/sites/all/libraries/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/cry_smile.png" title="crying" width="23" />  this way of communication yields in me, an intense rejection,  pain, pushing me away.. better to be distance...  Yes, at this point, you probably figured out who is writing. Hope so.

Sorry Sir..

Thank you.   Hare Krsna 

Your, disciple.
HpS - Hare Krsna, esteemed Uknown Disciple!  Do not feel rejected!   If you want to communicate on details then please just tell us so and then we can have a private chat, with maybe association of a Senior Grhastha if we have to adjust the Ashrama situtations.
You are a senior person, so how can you deny sharing your flesh and blood with others?   Yes, please go to the Holy Dhama, if our well wishes have any effect. We also want to go there. We will be in Delhi/Vrndavana from 27th Jan - 1st Feb. Just to be alone in Vraja. Walking down the street. Even if filled with a thousand different crazy street vendors. To smell Vrndavana. To have our bare feet run over by a rickshaw and to lose two and one-half toes and maybe die of gangrene. To rub our face against the 600-year old walls of some nameless building in Loi Bazaar.

We can only suggest to read and contemplate the following link, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and Kusa-krata Das.   Make good arrangments for good association there.  Cakori Radha, Tunga-vidya Devi Dasi.  VIHE courses can be nice.

You can always help with cleaning.

Write everyday and then share the results with us and we all will be with you there. Pray to understand you eternal relationship with Radha-Krsna and of course that will illuminate any external relationships.

http://www.jayarama.us/archives/vdm.doc

All Glories to Guruji Maharaja, Sripad Maharaja and  A.C.Prabhupada Maharaja

Radha Krsna Ki Jay and Goura Bhakta Vrnda Ki Jay,
Dandavat Pranam,
Please accept my humble obeisanses unto Guruji Maharaja's padmacharan that I got Guruji Maharaja's latest letter accepting extension of one day e.g. 26th Jan. 2017 for Thoubal. All programme were set up through  consultation with Haridas Prabhu. Now he is in Imphal, so I will meet him today and will show Gurujis acceptence letter to him.  The new initiation programme is not yet finalised for Brahma Diksa two members were finalized. I will talk the expected bhaktas personally within two / three days only then I will inform Guruji Maharaja and Haridas Prabhu. Shortly I will arrange a meeting of all initiated bhaktas for final shape of the three days programme.

Yours fallen servant

Yamunesvara Das

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

HpS -  Dandavats, Sahaab!   Hari-nama Sankirtan in Manipur. You will go with us on the trips to Silchar etc???      We received the following letter from The Hari-Das Das:
=============================================

Dandavat pranam Maharaj, 
Please accept our most humble obeisances. All glories to SPP, SG, SSG & LSK. 
Hare Krsna Maharaj, 
This morning we have a discussion about your merciful North East India Tour Programme. Everything is O.K. Maharaj except the date of Manipur leaving because 26TH JAN'17 being Republic Day of India which is opposed by all the extremist groups of N/E India and observe BANDH all over N/E States, plying of vehicles on the roads are almost restricted and no one wants to take risk of untoward incident, hence, BANDH becomes successful.

We, therefore, pray your lotus feet to stay one more day in Manipur and leave for Delhi/Vrndavana next day on 27TH JAN'17. Kindly have a mercy upon your Manipur/ Thoubal disciples & devotees and advise us so that we can proceed further to arrange Air Tickets etc. Regarding initiation programme, we are seeking mercy of your lotus feet soon within a day or two. 
Thanking you and assuring you of our best services always. 
Your servant, 
Hari dasa, 
Manipur ISKCON, Imphal. 

Date : 08.11.2016.

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

HpS - Hare Krsna.  So, we will plan to leave from Imphal on the 27th for Delhi, Vrndavana early in the morning.

"Vrndavana-dhama-mahimamrta" by Prabhodananda Sarasvati:
Sataka One
5 Think of Vrndavana with love. Roll in its dust. Love it ardently. Please its moving and non moving residents. Worship Sri Radha’s birthplace. With all your heart take shelter of Sri Vrndavana, the best of all holy places.

6 If the Vedanta does not directly describe Vrndavana, why should that matter to me? If the faulty logicians, who are like serpents living in the Vedic literatures, ignore Vrndavana, why should I care? If even the devotees of the Lord do not understand the glories of Vrndavana, how does that affect me? Even if my heart were pierced by thousands of thunderbolts, I would never leave Vrndavana.

7 I meditate on Vrndavana, where the cuckoos sing the fifth note, the flute plays splendid melodies, peacocks sing and dance, vines and trees bloom, splendid and charming forests are wonderful with many birds and deer, and there are many splendid lakes, streams and hills.

See you in 10-weeks. Let us make a lot of good arrangements so that the visit is very productive. Eventually we can all continue this forever. Radha Govinda Chandra Ki Jai.