Letters to the editor

AGTSP

AGTHPS

PAMHO

Hare Krsna GuruMaharaja:

En este día tan auspicioso, de la aparición de su personalidad, quiero agradecer su paciencia y misericordia en este proceso de Conciencia de Krsna. Por sus instrucciones tenemos claridad en los objetivos de nuestras insignificantes vidas y  poner empeño en nuestro servicio, el cual, a veces pareciera muy difícil y/o con obstáculos. Sin embargo, por su apoyo y empoderamiento podemos cumplir con algún programa de distribución de libros y/o permanecer constante en la preparación de ofrendas para sus señorías Sri Sri Radha Madan Gopal. Así como en el sencillo servicio de mantener el con algunos arreglos de flores, altar de sus señorías, que humildemente contribuimos para cumplir con este requerimiento.

También quiero recordar a Srila Jiva Goswami en su libro de Sri sandarbha tatva p.17

Explica que la novedad, apenas se considera una virtud en la tradición de la filosofía Brahminica de la India. Mucho más valor es la lealtad en una escuela de pensamiento. Una tarea de los filósofos de la India tradicional no era inventar nuevos esquemas de ideas. Más bien, cada autor se apega a lo que el fundador original de su escuela enseña.

En este caso, quiero enaltecer esta cualidad como Guru, de respetar la tradición y palabras de Srila Prabhupada, solamente comenta y aclara. Asimismo, la cualidad de depender del conocimiento revelado registrado en las escrituras estándar (sastras) y recibidos a través de líneas antiguas o sucesión discipular (guru-parampara)

Si uno tiene devoción pura por el Señor Supremo y la igualdad de devoción por el maestro espiritual, la inteligencia se amplía, y todo lo descrito en estos textos se revela a él (Svetasvara Upanisad)

Conforme ha pasado el tiempo hemos podido confirmar que, en nuestras vidas, con Krsna, se puede todo. Sin Krsna, nada se logra. Por su intermediación hemos sido objeto de una misericordia que nos ilumina para seguir nuestro camino, pues como se cita en la oración: nosotros nacimos en la más obscura ignorancia. Su ejemplo es motivación e inspiración para que nuestras almas aspiren a ser autorrealizadas y algún día morar en los terrenos de grandes almas, junto a Radharani, conservando el deseo de servicio.

El recorrido se hace más ligero porque sabemos que tenemos su apoyo, consejo y visión para nuestro propio bienestar, naturaleza y nuestra poca cualificación para una modalidad bondadosa. Ojalá Krsna lo conserve en buena salud y cuide de su bienestar.

Su inútil sirviente

Lalita Gopi Devi Dasi

HpS - Thank you very much.  We only hope that we have been of some help is making some steady ground in your efforts to preach Krsna consciousness to your family and community and professional relations. We hope this expands and in this life you see the beauty of Vrndavana Dhama.

On this auspicious day, the appearance of your personality, I want to thank your patience and mercy in this process of Krishna Consciousness. By instructions from you, we have clear objectives of our little lives and try to focus on our service, which sometimes seems very difficult and / or with obstacles. However, for your support and empowerment we can fulfill a program of distribution of books and / or remain constant in the preparation of offerings to  Sri Sri Radha Madan Gopal. As in the simple service of maintaining some flower arrangements, in altar of their Lordships, who humbly contribute to get this requirement.

I also want to remind Srila Jiva Goswami in his book Sri sandarbha tatva p.17

He explains that the novelty is hardly considered a virtue in the tradition of the Brahmin philosophy of India. Much more value is loyalty to one school of thought. A task of the philosophers of traditional India was not invented new schemes of ideas. Rather, each author adheres to what the original founder of their school teaches.

In this case, I want to praise this quality as Guru, to respect the tradition and words of Srila Prabhupada, only says and clarifies. Also, the quality of relying on revealed knowledge registered in standard scriptures (sastras) and received through old lines or disciplic succession (guru-parampara)

If we have pure devotion to the Supreme Lord and equal devotion to the spiritual master, intelligence is extended and everything described in these texts revealed to us (Svetasvara Upanishads)

As time has passed, we may be able to confirm that everything in our lives is possible, with Krishna. Without Krsna, nothing is accomplished. For your intermediation we have received mercy that enlightens us to go on our way, because as cited in prayer: we were born in the darkest ignorance. Your example is motivation and inspiration to our souls, to aspire to be self-realized and someday dwell in the land of great souls, with Radharani, conserving this desire to serve.

The route becomes lighter because we know that we have your support, advice and vision for our own well-being, nature and our low qualification for goodness mode. Krsna hopefully keep you in good health and look after your welfare.

Your useless servant

Lalita Gopi Devi dasi

TLGASP!!

Llegamos at Lima, 1 Febrero, Lunes, 9AM, de Santiago, AV 624.   Vamos directamente a Chosica?

Reunion con Ramon y todos?  Iniciaciones? Cuando?

Pienso regresar a Lima 2, Martes, al minimo por clase in Wilson por la tarde.  El vuelo es 1AM, 3-Miercoles, entonces tenemos que reportar a  las 11PM, 2-Martes.

Abhirama, todos, cual es el plan???

Hare Krsna Gurudeva.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!!! Please accept my respectful obeisances to Your lotus feet!!!

First of all I would have to tell You that for me is very difficult to express myself and as a result any speech or offering coming from me will not enumerate all of Your transcendental qualities… however I feel like a need to glorify You Gurudeva as a Great and very Dear devotee of Sri Shyamasundara, just like the mantra we chant everyday that says that we offer our obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and our Spiritual Master because They are very dear to Krsna because They have taken shelter of His lotus feet; I personally believe that is the reason why I feel the way I do that is very rare in me having this thankless, selfish and envious nature.

Your humility, loyalty, sincerity and the expert way of preaching (depending of the person or the group of people) are just the principal qualities I admire most and for me is more than inspiring because not only shows you that this process works, it gives you the opportunity to meet devotees who have achieved the goal of their lives and their level of consciousness is just amazing. And Even living a life only trying to serve that kind of devotees makes your life worth.  

Please Gurudeva forgive all my offenses, I am still trying to make my mind my friend, to curb all of my bad habits, to improve my chant and principles mainly that need all my attention and concern!!!… if there is something else that I can do to help in the future or now please let me know and I will try to do my best! Hare Krsna Gurudeva and I wish You a wonderful Vyasa puja! Tomorrow!!!

Su aspirante a sirvienta,

Sita Lalita Devi Dasi

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HpS - ASA --  Thank you for your association.   Canakhya Pandita says that our own senses become our worst enemies from the ages of like 18-25. Maybe is a little different for a young lady, but whatever enerrgy we can save from those battles is our asset for our whole life.

Thank you for your offering. We hope you get taken to Mayapura, Vrndavana...   We have had so much anxiety about this second initiation for you and your esttemed Mother. The obstacles that we seem to face seem terrible, but it seems there are many devotees working so sincerely to adjust these things, so we plan to perform the ceremony on the 1st or 2nd while we ar in Chosica. Then you can go on the altar and touch the lotus feet of Radharan, for whom you have been making garlands for so many years, then ....

nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale 

śrīmate hanumatpreśaka-svāmin iti nāmine

nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine

namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe

om ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ 

titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām

ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ

The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime. (SB 3.25.21)

mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim

yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande paramānanda-mādhavam

I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains. (CC Madhya 17.80)

Dhyana Mulam Guru Murti Puja Mulam Gurur Padam

Mantra Mulam Gurur Vakyam Moksha Mulam Guru Kripa

The Guru's form is the best to meditate upon; the Guru's feet are the best for worship; the Guru's word is the mantra; the Guru's Grace is the root of liberation.     [Guru Gita - Skanda Purana Dialogue between Shiva and Uma (Shakti)]

Dear Gurumaharaja Please accept my humble obeisances. 

All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja.

The time of year has come when have to write a vyasa puja offering.  The words and sentences just stop.  How difficult it becomes to put the thoughts into words? ‘cakṣu-dāna dila yei, janme janme prabhu sei’, You are my master, birth after birth. still We are unable to glorify you. Each and every moment of your life, you teach us by example. You never lose a single moment to glorify your spiritual master A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Anytime anyone credits you with the wonderful service you are doing, you attribute it to Srila Prabhupada’s mercy.

GuruMaharaja, you have made all arrangements not only for your disciples but for humanity at large through your many innovative ways of getting your association through your lectures, live internet broadcasts, activity reports, DTC, KDh  etc. In every activity of yours, you never fail to strengthen our commitment and conviction to Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON. In a very exemplary way, you teach us the mood of becoming an eternal disciple by displaying your unconditional pure love for Srila Prabhupada. Please GuruMaharaja, instill in our hearts a drop of that mood of servitorship for your divine grace as you have for Srila Prabhupada.

Since, we have initiated we have been tried to follow your instruction to the best extend. Srila Gurudeva, as you mention preaching is the mood of spiritual master we try our best to preach every chance we get. I have completely depended on your mercy on this. By your mercy only we can perform devotional service without any difficulties and can be success also.

Your most valuable guidance has given us great courage and enthusiasm to manage our spiritual life. Your blessing and encouragement has given us great strength to render devotional service and to serve the mission of Sri Caitanya Maha Prabhu by spreading the holy name and message of the supreme lord. Please accept our heartily gratitude by accepting and guiding us by taking us through the path of divine knowledge (Krishna Consciousness).

Last but not the least; your health is very important for our tender spiritual life. We beg the mercy of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krsna and Sri Sri Krsna Balaram to keep you in best health for preaching KC all over the world – apratihata.

For now We pray at your divine lotus feet to always have your shelter despite my entire shortfall. Thank you for being there when We need you. Thank you for always answering questions and clearing my doubts. Thank you for everything you gave us this year. We look forward to serve you more and more. Please bless us so that We can follow your instructions and become a worthy servant of yours.

A.S.N.F. (A Son Never Forgets)

Your eternal servant 

Patrak Das

HpS - ASA ==  Thank you for using your very, very disturbed body to serve Krsna! We hope to see you in Lima, Chosica, in a few days!!!

My dear guruji:

I read in Sri Harinama Cintamani the following: “The achievement of any success in this world requires the help of a guru’s instructions. How, then, can one obtain perfection in the best of all subjects, spiritual science, without the aid of the guru?”.

Also, in the purport of verse7.72 of Cc Adi Lila it says: “… only fools give up the service of the spiritual master ad think themselves advanced in spiritual knowledge…, Every disciple must consider himself completely unaware of the science of Krsna and must always be ready to carry out the orders of the spiritual master to become competent in Krsna consciousness”.

Sometimes, I have become proud of myself because I have the chance of living in Radhakunda, but then I remember your instructions before coming here:

1. You are going to Radhakunda to enhance your sadhana, not for prestige or to make social relationship with the devotees living there.

2. You have to grow in your spiritual life and develop your relationship with Radha-Krsna.

3. You have to be as humble as you can.

But sometimes I fail in all this and become puffed up, but this kartika, Radharani helped me to put my feet on the floor in a very funny way. I was trying to keep on cleaning the kunda every day, so I went the first day of the month in the evening and when I got there I prayed to Radharani: “Radharani, please, if I get proud, throw me to the water, ok?” so, I started cleaning and suddenly one person came and told me “hey, haribol, you are doing the best seva in the world” and I said to myself “oh yes, I am doing it”, and what happened: at that moment I fell into the water, I really could not believe it but I confess, that made me proud, so I realized, one more time, that in this place They, Radha and Krsna really hear everything, after that, Radharani, who is so merciful, arranged the scenario so I could make the seva without hearing any other comment, with all the things we had to do at home, the only time I could go to the kunda was after 8:00 o’clock at night, at that hour, the kunda was almost empty, so I could work very quietly, only to please them and without pride.

Before kartika, as every year, I made a list of the things I WANTED to do to please Radha-Kunja Bihari, these things included to chant more rounds, to read more books, to memorize more prayers, to do more parikramas to Govardhan, but this year all this was a complete failure. I once heard “if you want to make Krsna laugh, tell him your plans” and that was I did, but Krsna had another plans for all of us (my family and I) and since the first day of kartik, fortunately, we had a lot of people coming home, so all my plans came to the ground because I could not chant more or read more or doing parikramas or anything, but giving us, on the other hand, the opportunity to make another seva, vaisnava seva and all along the month, we were doing this, vaisnava seva. The day of Bahulastami, for example, we had the chance to celebrate the vyasa-puja of HH Guru Prasad Swami here at home, one of his disciples ask us to make it here since maharaja did not want to make a big party this year, and so we did, and had kirtan, offerings, prasadam and maharaja was very happy, and we also were happy because we participated doing again vaisnava seva, haribol.

After all this, I decided that this new year I won’t make any more list, I will only adjust what I am doing now, and will also make what Radharani wants me to do, so, this is my offering: This year, I won’t chant more rounds, but the rounds I chant, I will try to chant them more attentively; I won’t read more books, but the books I read, I will try to read them more careful and submissively so I can assimilate better the instructions given in those books, I will not memorize more prayers, but to analyze them better to learn their meaning, I won’t look for doing more seva here and there, but the seva I do, I will try to make it more selfless and only for the pleasure of my Gurudev and the Divine Couple.

To accomplish all these I only need three things: Radha-Kunja Bihari krpa, to follow your instructions, and to ask you to give me your mercy and blessings so I would be able to be a little better devotee and person, dedicated only to satisfy you and as a consequence, to satisfy Bhagavan.

And as you can see, the failure in my kartika vrata became a success because I did what Radharani wanted me to do, instead of what I wanted to do, realizing one more time that we are not the doers, but Their instruments.

So, my dear guruji, I want to thank you again and again because without your causeless mercy, I could not be here in this beautiful Radhakunda, full of sweetness and festivals and holy names and I could not be trying to be a servant of the servant of the servant.

Your (trying to be humble) servant

Tungavidya devi dasi

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HpS - ASA - AGTSP!   Paoho.   So, Krsna personally pushed you into Radha-kunda. Or was it one of the Monkeys. In any case it seems so refereshing. You can see we are in here in South America. You can see our Itinerary, no?    Ooof.  I think we will be able to see you very soon with Professor and everyone.

Thank you so much for your offering and the association of your family.

Let us go to another letter.

Let us all see that Srila Prabhupada's Sankirtan is always intimately related to Radha kunda!!!!!

AGTSP

Esteemed Bloggers;

Follows are current India Intinerary. We are seeing what Raktaka Das and Prof. Samaresh's ideas are but things are pretty fixed. We hope The Raktaka Das can co-ordinate the travel and then we are looking forward to the association of Girivaradhari Das, Harsh Swami, Cakori, TUNGAVIDYA DD, et al in route. (PND))))   >

Please write with your opinions.

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

Hare Krsna,

Esteemed Professor, Raktaka Das,
Here we are in Buenos Aires.     Thank you Professor for your conversation today.
1. Our itinerary for India, now it:

Feb
18/Thu, Arrive Delhi 10.45PM.  Go to ISKCON Temple and stay until 21/Sun.
21/Sun, Del to CCU.  We have this ticket. Spend the night. Raktaka Das, can you book a room for two for the nights of 18th to 20th at the Guest House. We can both stay there.  Prof. is there any work that we should do while in Delhi???
22/Mon, Kolkat to Mayapur via the Huzaar Duaari. Our thought is that Professor and Mataji can travel with us, HpS - Raktaka Das, and then stay in Mayapura for four days. Raktaka Das - Train tickets? Accomodations in Mayapura for you and Professor and Mataji? We will stay with the ILS quota. The ISKCON Leadership Sanga will be from 24th February to 2nd March. Then we were thinking to spend one more day, 3rd, to finish any work with the Ministry of Education et al, then..

Mar
4/Fri, Mayapura to CCU airport and fly to Manipur.
7-8/Mon-Tue, back to CCU from Imphal.  This will be just a personal counseling and formal religious tour as far as I know. May also go to Agaartala etc. So, would sem to be waste of Professor's time, but we will keep both of your good selves informed as we receive letters from Manipur. Returning to Kolkata we have no plans, except those that Professor suggests. Then..
18/Fri, We are programmed to go to BBY, but we don't have any ticket yet, if Professor wants us to to travel from CCU to some other place. In Bombay we would be with Rama-giridhari and the Goloka Education work. Of course, the Raktak et al are can travel with us, but again, I think that it would be a waste of Professor's time unless Rama-giridhari Das et al, get some specific program or Professor sees some need.
25/Fri, we have ticket from BBY to DEL (AI 864). Then we would go directly from the airport (With Professor and Mataji) to Vrndavana and stay until,
29/Tue. when we would go to the Delhi airport at as late as possible because our flight is on the 30th at 2.30AM.

O.K?  It is a head-ache trying to do all this travel planning, but this seems to be the most efficient way.

Rakataka Das, what is your plan? You are with us all the way? You can make the above reservations?

Professor, we apologize for any disturbance we are causing by these travel plans and sincerely hope to hear from you with any suggestions we have. Of course, we are 87% available for any NIOS work that you have for us in Delhi, Kolkatta or Bombay!