Letters to the editor

12/16/14   ALL GLORIES TO MIGHTY SRILA PRABHUPADA WHO TOOK IN THE LOST, THE IMMATURE, THE DRUGGED AND OVER STIMULATED, THE UNWASHED, THE SEEKERS- WHOMEVER KRSNA SENT TO HIM, AS A POSSIBLE DISCIPLE, ALTHOUGH HE WAS AN ACARYA WORTHY TO HAVE KINGS AND QUEENS AS DISCIPLES.

Please accept my tearful dundavats and pranamas as the date for your vyasa puja draws nearer, my dear most Guru Maharaja.  How I wish I could celebrate it in person with you and your other disciples, my God-brothers and sisters.  But I am very fallen and do not deserve this priviledge so must accept this sorrow.  Still I hope you accept my sincere gratitude for your eternal frienship, your shelter and understanding and advice, your fixed and steady example, your faithfulness to HDG Srila Prabhupada; your faithfulness to all your disciples; your acceptance of Monkey and Piggy as your alter ego to the benefit of fallen souls.

Turns out Lila has early kidney disease.  She was on a regular diet which  included limited (but too much) salt and phosphate which caused a renal crisis.  Now she is on special renal diet; her health is normalizing.  Kidneys will continue to deteorate but correct diet will slow down that process.  Also has intestinal problems for which she is on medication; is improving.  I hope she can skip human birth; I personally recommend it!

HpS - Ha! Ha! Of course, someone might comment that taking birth in the West we may not have actually experienced "human birth".

Wow your schedule is ambitious!!  Whenever are you going to have time for Ayruvedic Conferences next year??  So, when you are in San Jose late July 2015 is the best time to approach you re. a possible darsana date with you at Sac preaching center?

HpS - Yes, seems like nice time to visit Sacramento! The Ayur vedic stuff seems like it won't happen. What we have to offer is mostly already available in USA, but we will see.

Re. Preaching Center:  Mahat Tattva Das (look up his web pages AND YOU TUBE STUFF) who is currently San Diego Temple President, publishes a magazine for the young beach crowd entitled 16 ROUNDS TO SAMHADI, scheduled to take sanyas 2016, very fixed up, excellent communicater, has been approved by GBC to be our "captain."  Before he can move here, we must be able to pay rent for a barely adequate brahmacari dwelling close to Sac State for him and other brahmacaris.  Now he is helping us in pledge drive so we can rent our own center building sometime next year.  For now, he drives to Sac from San Diego about every month and a half; will be here next Sat.  MEANWHILE, xxx, young, charismatic prabhus from Fiji, who have been part of this group of devotees for a long time, swayed about half the group to follow them to start up their own preaching - future temple - program elsewhere in Sac. We are all sad but Mahat Tattva Das said, though saddened, upon seeing our pledges and dedication, he is uplifted and hopeful we will be able to push forward Srila Prabhupada's mission as we all long to do.

OK,Wow, "Esteemed, Kalindi Devi Dasi Mataji, Prabhu"  Good ole' Monkey and Piggy, always able to instill wisdom by the use of exaggeration  and humor!!  Last Sat at the center Sangeeta Mataji came up to me and said, "You know of course that we all look to you as our mother...". So between your advice and her words I understand "Kalindi Mataji" is just fine, Krsna's arrangement and a responsibilty.

Please help me pray for larger home, closer to Sac, which we can afford.  I am not generally any more inclined to pray for material benefits, but in this case, it is absolutely mandatory for continuance of serving SSG, G and maintaining KC lifestyle until death.

HpS - ASA - - Maybe Krsna wants you to pray for facility for your service so that you will appreciate it.

Here's hoping your Vyasa Puja is all your disciples want it to be.  I have a picture of you bathed in God's glow taken at Ratha Yatra.  If D.P can help me, I will download it to your site for Vyasa Puja as I believe you and your disciples will be blessed by it.

Hare Krsna!   YWS,  Kalindi Mataji

HpS - Jaya! AGTSP! Lila has a very bright future. Keep some Prasdam going out always.

December 13, 2014

Dear Maharaja Hanumat Presaka Swami,

Please accept my humble obeisances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Time again for reflection and evaluation as another year is gone and by your mercy another Sadhana report is requested. This event always surprises me for I really don’t surmise a 365 day culmination in my practice; it is more of a day by day survival application for me. Regardless the actual composition is refreshing and retrospective for what have I accomplished since last report? Is there progress, new revelations, advancement, regression or just mediocre existence? These are moments to ponder further and in my case probably indulge too.

Reviewing last year’s Sadhana-updates I’m slightly overwhelmed, it appears I actually was somewhat astute and poetic in my efforts, at the moment I’m sludging to even be sincere. This might be more of a contrite summarization.

Going in reverse, let’s see if there were some new lessons to revive this fallen fool. At the juncture of 2013 to 2014 times were at their usual momentum, japa, grhastra practice, coasting maintenance and minimal sense gratification. Then proceeding into the 1st quarter of the year you kindly intervened with an offer of service for the Hare Krsna Dham in Houston. This propelled a needed perspective to our thick-skinned comfort zone, always nice to get a reality check… with interest.

Packing last winter and moving in spring revealed just how much accumulation takes over. Sorting boxes of nonsense, semi-nonsense and needed nonsense took a toll on the “desire-consciousness” bringing clarity of attachments little closer. What do we really need? Concluding it is what may be used in devotional service; leave the rest behind…though am still sorting through the last of the remnants.

Journeying East to the Dham during Kartik we visited various Temples and found good association, big and small. Was actually a more Soulful visit as I was alone except for Vaisnava association during the days. Met Prabhupada disciples, 3rd generation devotee’s, beggars and Bulls. All had a lesson for me; “Serve nicely and if you’re not, get out of the way”, to summarize. Concluding with this realization I am now comfortable in both situations, active or inactive... except with japa.

Nothing gets to me such as japa. Have gotten over being angry with japa, still frustrated at times when rounds go slow though am accepting that my mind has a difficult time with such concentrated internal focus when all it wants is external engagement. Full conscious effort of 16 rounds has not been fully absorbed because of immaturity, but after 20 years you’d think I’d have it dialed in.  Will keep on it knowing one day there will be a breakthrough for this stubborn brain.

I’ve been keeping in Seva as it is offered, though now some discretion is being exercised, getting where not all service has to be done by “moi’, if it is mine it will track me down and stare me in the face. Believe that our dear Lord will not let us go so easily if it is our dharma, which I’m very grateful… it is getting to convenient to be lazy in an older body.  This “Seva-holic” is slowin’ down some (until the next job).

On the regular programs am happy to report Mangals is still number one with 90% at the Temple, otherwise a mini-bhajan wherever I may be. Guru-Astaka is a favorite, though sometimes I bow out after this song if japa is behind. Have been writing the sloka’s on our class board appreciating the sastric exposure and if I can’t make it physically, take advantage of the net. Plus still handing out the BBT books when possible and even with these activities I still try to listen to Srila Prabupada’s lectures when possible for there is nothing better than the Master.

Ok, enough about me… even though this correspondence is about “me”, it really isn’t. It’s about relationships, the relationship between our fragile existence, the Supreme, the devotee’s and of course your good self, all culminating in “Sadhana” in my humble opinion.  Am secure in that I will always seek good association, but very insecure that I won’t fully surrender when it is necessary. Something else I need to meditate on, while I indulge with the self –imposed illusion of perfecting Bhakti-yoga. Fortunately, the Lord is so kind as to easily smash my indolence… even at my ego’s expense, great for a laugh though am not sure who’s laughing the most.

Enough of such shallow revelations just would like to conclude that the real depth of strong sadhana is time-tested and the best that one can do is keep the 4 principles and 16 + rounds going… bearing in mind that this process may be improved too.

Motto being: “Maintain and you will gain”.

Thank you for your valuable time Maharaja and all glories to your service!

Your humble servant in training,

ccd    

(caitanya caritamrta das anu das.)

HpS - Thank you. Even if God was a big rock, I think He would be impressed by your determination.

Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj,

Please accept our most humble obeisances.  All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Maharaj, we feel very fortunate that you asked for more news.  More news from a devotee stunt lady who is now totally sick with a unending 2 week bronchital cough... possibly due to trying to perform too many 'show bottle' devotee type of stunts??

I really like Srila Prabhupada's show bottle analogy: we seem to have a recurring dialogue with our ego who needs to feel like a praised humanitarian and our spiritual intelligence that says we should work on gaining more sincerity and humility.  Please advice Guru Maharaj.

HpS - ASA - AgtSP!     paoho..... A "Praised humanitarian"?   Hmmm....  what about the cats and dogs?  We don't know details, but sounds like the Witch is torturing with the same magic she caught Adam (of Eve) and Bharata Maharaja. BG . 5.29. Not the Supreme Owner. Not the Supreme Enjoyer, but . . . Kama-gayatri Devi Dasi, the Supreme Friend!

If that is the disease, then the cure is to think that you are not the Supreme Friend. You have to get out of His way and let humans and animals and ... bask in His sun-shine. You have to direct to Him and act as a proper post-man!

We hope your health is doing well for travels.  Will we be celebrating your Vyasa Puja in Boise?  We were trying to look for a date.

HpS - ASA - We will be in Nashville. It will be 23rd December. On line 6.30 - 8.30PM. Look for details in the forthcoming Kapi Dhvaja ja ja!

Excerpts from last letter.  Thankyou for the reply!

I pray for it, but I am still so distracted.

   HpS - The Gopis didn't know how to read and write, Nanda Maharaja didn't know how. He would  hire some educated fool to do it for him. They would watch puppet shows about these things andd understand it all. Hour in the morning, hour in the evening. One standard. That can some with Aja, some with devotees. Some before breakfast.
How to eat better? Experiment with different diets.

>>>Our new update Maharaj is we are making some adjustments and definitely strive to be chanting, doing mangal for Brahma Muhurta time: 6:15 to 7:45 here.  Struggles on days we slack: sickness/toddler up all night coughing. Devotee classes starting at 7:45-8 daily and ending at 9.  We leave at 9 but it might be best to just listen to lecture at home.  Classes are very late here.

I am now about to start my internship as well as a class on Evidence based counseling to finish my degree. Part of me does not even want to finish school (Haha, silly, I know!!) because I am already very busy with teaching 25 hours a week and keeping up with my sadhana and Aja. I am incredibly scared that I will lose my sadhana and service if I take this on.  Let me know if you have any advice!

HpS - Everything you do, if you don't chant 16-enthusiastic rounds daily and follow the four principles strictly will just be a source of great wailing and lamentation at the time of your death. You were so close to going back to Krsna in your last lifetime, but you didn't follow these principles and you messed it all and took birth again . and again . and again. You were a great Baron in you last life and Nick was a rival Prince, and Aja his son. You were not fair with them and they have come back to get their revenge. We told you this last lifetime but you didn't take it seriously and made your own priorities for success rather than doing your part and messed up your own material and spiritual success as well as everybody elses, maybe.

HpS - Of course, don't do anything that doesn't first INCREASE your attachment to Japa-vraja and 4-principles and Full Morning Program. Krsna will send the Prasad if you do that. 

>>>Maybe Krsna is making arrangements for us to not do the internship (our internship just magically fell through the last minute).  We do have a HUMUNGOUS student loan though.  So trying to get this paid off and being able to make more lakshmi will enable us to work part time with a higher paying job and spend half of our time doing sankirtan activities (helping with the school, preaching center, etc.)  We are not sure if our logic is correct, but we hope that being materially better situated will increase our attachment.

HpS - Ask a lot of people for advice on how to make a practical balance. Rounds, principles first thennnnnn you will have gud inteligentz!

Another bit of news is we have been very involved in trying to resurrect, renovate, and now hold preaching programs at My Sweet Lord Cafe.  Lots of insightful dialogues with great devotees such as Sadhu and Sudhevi, Mahat Tattva in San Diego on how to run a preaching center that appeals to the 21st century American. Our team is composed of a lot of smart Microsoft Indian intellectual preachers, so a crash course from Mahat Tattva on how to preach logically and universally and NONJUDGMENTALLY has been very helpful.  Working with those senior to me and with the authorities here, I am trying to contantly reiterate your advice Maharaj of "understanding my position" so I do not step on any toes but also inspire.  We have our first kirtan, vegetarian feast this Saturday at MSL!  I made a flyer.  But so much coordination is needed so it doesnt look like a train wreck (nice kirtaniyas, nice 15 minute discussion, no in your face preacher fanatics).  Also, this is a big commitment since it should be a weekly program not just a monthly one.  Feeling like the lone Joan of Arc in the crowd!  I know my awkward ashram position may be a reason why trying to organize these programs with this team feels strange.  It most definitely is keeping my active mind very creatively engaged though.  Please let me know if you have any comments/advice.

My unending gratitude for the shelter you and Srila Prabhupada have given to us all.  I read some of my past letters from four years ago.  So, so much tolerance you have given.

Your aspring servant,

Kamagayatri dd

Get up early and get your rounds done (enthusiastically), then Krsna can do the magic!

AGTSP

paoho & bw.

The Black Witch (Durga Devi) never sleeps:  "Ha! Ha! I gonna make you forget Krsna!"
(Of course, She is just playing that role for our benefit.)

But the White (Golden) Witch (Radha) sleeps even less!!!!
Thank, You Mataji. We are struggling so hard with our mind and senses. We hope to be very intelligent to use our lust for usefule purposes and get free from all lust.
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Mail answered up to 3 days ago. 6.11PM, rush to NGD's ashrama for walk. 2 degress Celscius here. Stop to buy razor blades.
Finished our Bh. Vai,, SB 6.5 Essays and our PPTX for Hawaii tommorrow and shipped both.
Hari Bolo!!

Sankirtan! Make everyone you meet a distributor. Give them 5-books!

Hare Krsna dear Hanumatpresaka Maharaja, please accept my respectful obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada!

A couple of days ago I read your question to write about my Sankirtana so I try to collect few things about it.

As Radhe wrote finally we moved from Manchester to Luton which is very near to Bhaktivedanta Manor. We can say that we are fortunate because we can attend the temple morning program and can hear from advanced devotees once a week. Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda are very very beautiful, so good to see Them and sing&dance before Them with the devotees! And we can chant japa in the presence of Tulasi devi as well.

In a smaller Sankirtana circle we are together with Radhe, daily we sing Mangala arati and chant japa. During last Kartik month we sang the Damodarastakam every day and we made a practice of doing it; nowadays we sing the Gaura arati song at evenings and it is a good experience.

In a point of view my wife is a guru for me, because she (or Krsna through her) teaches me how to be in a proper serving mood all the time continually.

Our common preaching is limited to the colleagues. We try to give them some prasadam and I think in this effort the upcoming festive season will help us.

And in the smallest Sankirtana circle there are two kind of activity. The first is to preach to the outside world. It means that I run a blog about chanting Japa and translate/managing the translating tasks of a book called 'When Good Fortune Arises' about Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja from His disciple Madhavananda prabhu.

The second is to preach to myself. Actually it means that I have to learn so many things about how to be a servant of Sri Krsna, study the sastra and learn how to chant properly. Sometimes I have to start from the very basics due to the forgetfulness, laziness, 'i do not know what else'-ness.

These were the small news from Luton with love! I hope your health is ok! Recently I have not read any bad news about it. And hope that your preaching plans are / will be successful!

Thank you for your valuable time, Jaya Sri Sri Guru Gauranga! your servant, Kadamba Kanana dasa

HpS - ASA -- Sooooooooooo nice to hear from you. We met just a little bit somewhere in Europe. I cannot remember where, but always hoping to get more of your association.

We moved the Temple from San Francisco across the Bay to Berkeley where the big university is. Then Jayatirtha Das wrote to Prabhupada that we had discovered that the preaching was good there.

Prabhupada responded, "You have discovered that the preaching is good there because you have made the endeavor there. Wherever you make the endeavor you will discover that the preaching is good."
It's a fact, just preach, get across the idea, "Well, I don't know, but my old Grand Daddy used to say...", and then more and more preaching will come as Krsna desires! I have to learn this.

Madhavananda is such a nice devotee!