Letters to the editor

Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva

Please accept my humble obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupda

Dear Gurumaharaja, 

I'm very happy to tell you that I've recently started my Bhakti-sastri course (at last!). It's something I've been waiting for a while. For now, Laksmana prabhu is giving me on line lessons but as soon Isabelle and I move to Chosica I'll engage the classroom group at the temple. Bhagavad-gita is the most intelligent, overwhelming and sharpest book I've ever read. It is going to be very nice to study it systematically. 

Gurudeva, I have a few questions concerning to some doubts. I hope you kindly give me an answer to them.

1. Our philosophy encourages congregational chanting of the Holy Name and association with the devotees, but our relation with Krsna is individual, now and forever. In which way an incorrect understanding of what association means could harm the development of this natural individual rasa with the Lord?

HpS - ASA --- I guess the answer would be 1) When the association is based on material things eg. we are associating because we want fame, prestige etc. from our "religious" association. Eg. I associate with devotees because I want to become President, Sannyasi and have comfortable accomodation, association with the opposite sex. 2) When the association is an improper mixture of mellows. The Gopis are good citizens of Vraja, they milk cows. They have their own friends and circle of associates within Vraja. They have their own unique relations with Krsna. See Krsna Book Chapter 21.
So, they, we associate with devotees who have a similar spiritual perspective. We don't associate with Karmis.
AND it is acintya-bheda-abheda-tattva. You must give you whole energy to your unique relation with Krsna giving up all concern for GBC, Guru etc. and as you do this then you will realize that you cannot devolop it without GBC, Guru. Also, quite inconceivably you must give 100% to Guru, GBC et al and if you do this then you will realize that you cannot serve them unless you have your own unique, secret relation with Krsna. Actually this question is the whole focus of our filosophy and goes on forever in its answer.
 

2. Pure devotional service means to serve God without any trace of selfishness or personal desire and free of karma and jñana yoga. Srila Prabhupada explains in NOD that karma yoga is performed in rituals and jñana yoga in philosophical speculation. This means that in the way we achieve Bhakti we leave our analytical approach to philosophy and practice of rituals?
HpS - No, Krsna stopped the Rasa-lila for Brahma-muhurta (Mangala arati). We do the rituals and use our intellects in the SERVICE of our Rasas with Krsna. We do them. They are wonderful, but ultimately in terms of the nature of Rasa. Actually this is explained in the BhSastri curriculum!

"Whatever is produced of the Complete Whole is also complete in itself" (Isopanisad, Invocation). This phrase could refer to us, the Jivas. So, why do we need to engage whith the Complete Whole? What kind of feeling moves us towards God despite of being complete in ourselves? what kind of completeness is this?
HpS - I would say we "don't" have to engage with Krsna, in one sense. Prabhupada says Krsna is free to accept our service or not. But the devotees attitude is that he will never stop offering it, with love. So, yes the devotee is complete just like Krsna, although of course different.

I've been a little bit demanding with my wife's saddhana, can you please tell me up to which point we could be a raw example for others?

HpS - What does "raw" mean? Do you mean you are putting stress on her that doesn't let her get her rounds done, or you are putting pressure on her to get her rounds done.
1. We "put pressure on people" by preaching intelligently, nicely, humbly, to them.
2. If they don't, can't, listen then we preach by setting a good example!

Hoping you're doing well with your health and sankirtan

Your servant

Gandharva dasa

HpS - We have to establish some time for some online discussions. Also, you can certainly ask these questions to Siksa gurus like Virabahu, Bh. Bhusana Swami et al.

Thank you so much.

Hare Krsna Gurumaharaja

Please, accept my humble obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

HpS - ASA -    Paoho... !.

Dear Gurudeva, we had a week full of activity. On Monday we had a meeting with the national board. I think the balance was positive because the authorities were receptive to our proposals. Actually, they have two fundamental questions: they want to know whether the contents of our courses are related to the courses given by prabhu Jiva-sakti whom they recognize as the manager of education in the yatra. On the other hand, they want us to respect the controversial rule not allowing anyone to take the course of Bhakti-sastri, unless they have been initiated previously. We expressed some dissatisfaction with the standard but they agreed to discuss the item with us before long. In the next meeting, after the Vyasapuja of HH Jayapataka Swami, we will be defining issues related to the certificates backed by ISKCON and the permission to give our courses in Chosica and Lima temples, as appropriate.

HpS - ASA -- Very nice report. Seems to us these are significant points leading to having NIMSAR accepted as a Branch of ASA in Peru.

Yesterday we had a very long and productive day in Chosica where we talked extensively about "the incident" (my temporary resignation). The doubts were clarified, responsibilities were accepted and everything goes forward. We basically discussed the contents and agenda of the worship seminar by Gaura gadadhara mataji, the idea of traveling to different cities for a NIMSAR presentation in Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno, Huancayo and Guayaquil and the organization of the education meeting in August. I will be sending you the progress report as soon as possible.

Regarding to your request here is the result. 

About the duties for the President, Secretary and Treasurer of NIMSAR:

President:

a) To represent the Association before all kinds of people, authorities and public or private entities.

b) Convene meetings of the Board, preside, direct the debates, suspend and terminate sessions.

c) Implement the resolutions of the Board, though it can perform all acts and contracts and sign any documents necessary for that purpose or delegate this responsibility to another member of the board if necessary.

d) Comply with and enforce the decisions of the Board.

f) Tiebraker vote  in ties.

h) Perform such other duties that are inherent in its capacity as Chairman of the Board.

HpS - ASA --- The last one seems to be very ambiguous and I think should be eliminated. What do you think?

Secretary:

a) Attend meetings of the Board and draft and approve the minutes of those.

b) Perform the call to meetings, by order of the President, and citations of the members.

c) Receiving communication from the members of the Board such as notifications, requests for information, amendments, certifications or any other kind of messages.

d) Prepare the documentation that shall be used or considered.

e) Issue certificates of approved agreements and any other certifications, with the approval of the President, and the reports that are necessary.

f) To have the custody of the Archives, documents and books of the Association, except ledgers.

g) Any other functions inherent in their capacity as Secretary.

Again g) seems to be unclear and could be anything, no?

I would and iii) shall be responsible for sending and receiving all official communications of Nimsar

In cases of absence or illness and, in general, when any cause, the Secretary shall be replaced by the Treasurer.

Treasurer:

a) Raise funds of the Association, guard them and invest them in a manner determined by the Board.

b) Make payments, with the approval of the Board.

c) To intervene with his signature all documents of receipts and payments, with the assent of the President.

d) The keeping of accounting records and compliance with tax obligations in time and form, of the Association.

e) The preliminary draft budgets for approval by the Board. In the same way the accountability for annual approval by the board of directory.

f) Any other activities related to their status as treasurer, responsible for economic and financial management.

ASA - Look at BG 10.23!
As we have heard from Prabhupada etc.
1. Treasurer is to keep the assets of the organizations safe.
    All the money received by the Oragnization must be given to the Treasurer and he must deposit it in the bank. Then funds can be released with the signature of both the Treasurer and President.

2. Keep record of where every penny comes from and where every penny goes to.

3. Generate Reports on the basis of 2. for organization and other bodies.

4. Generate Projections on the basis of 3 etc.

About the Statement of Requirements for the Membership in Nimsar:

1. Professional level. Set of academic and technical skills of the candidate able to contribute directly to the development of the NIMSAR project. Example: educators, administrators, accountants, journalists, lawyers, designers, marketers, engineers or technicians.

2. Devotional and vocational level. The applicant must be a devotee, whose faith does not depend on external circumstances, or not affected by the environment.

• A devotee whose vocation or nature is directed to education and do not do things to please others.
• A devotee who is a devotee everywhere in the temple, at home, at work, on the street.

3. Psychological level:

• NOI 3
• Maturity (liability), mental equilibrium (fortress-Vaishnava etiquette), desire for improvement (evolution or spiritual advancement).
• It [He] can work as a team (shown).
• Conciliator.
• Transparent, confidential and reliable.
• Breadth of perspective (optional).

About the NIMSAR members and their status:

• Founding members (honour title, no vote or opinion): Rohini dd, Goura gadadhara dd., Candramukhi dd., Yugala Kisora dd., Laksmana-agraja dasa, Patrak dasa.
• Board of directory (vote and opinion): Laksmana-agraja dasa (president), Gandharva dasa (secretary), Isvari dd. (treasurer). 
• Directory (vote and opinion): Laksmana-agraja dasa, Candramukhi dd., Isvari dd., Abhinanda dasa, Yugala Kisora dd., Goura gadadhara dd., Patrak dasa (temporary resignation) and Gandharva dasa.
• Advisory board (to be confirmed, only opinion in specific issues): HH Hanumatpresaka Swami, HH Jayapataka Swami, Mathuresh dasa, Baladeva dasa, Om Kesavaya das, Govindanandini das, Omkara Krishna das, Vindiabali dd., Duiya dd. Gangamaji dd., Yamunesvara dasa and Jiva sakti dasa.
• Staff members (no vote or opinion): Padmavati dd., Nitya Kisori dd., Lila Sakti dd., Goura Karuna Sakti dd. and Bhaktina Isabelle.

We are waiting for your opinion and suggestions. Hoping you're in good health.

Your servant

Gandharva dasa

NIMSAR Secretary

HpS - Hmmm.    I am used to how it is done in USA. The ultimate authority is the Board of Directors. They chose the the Officers: President, Secretary, Treasurer [and others, eg. Vice-Presidents with specific port folios]. They give general and specific instructions to the Officers. Of course one can be a Director and Officer also.

President - Chief Excecutive
Secretary - Communication
Treasurer - Assets

Directors, Officers and Members
Members can be classified in different ways, but one important distinction should be Voting [for Directors] and Non-Voting Members.
What about this model?

This is very important work, but main thing is that we all chant Hare Krsna, Dance and honor Prasadam.

Hare krsna Hanumatpresaka swami maharaj

dandavat pranam at your lotus feet.

HpS - ASA --- Oink.   AGTSP.

dear maharaj

It is my great fortune to hear you in starmeeting .com singing guruastakam and chanting japa . Krsna and you maharaj have  so nicely arranged for unfortunate souls like me to remain connected with you. It is my bad karma that i am not getting personal association with you but now through startmeeting even i can expirience the power of sabdha brahma comming from you maharaj. Thank you very much .

Maharaj i have a request . Can you please traslate in  few words in english also on  the class that you give in spanish after japa is done if possible.  Sorry for making this request.

HpS - ASA - Yes, we will look to see if we have a bi-lingual audience in the future.

I also wanted to know maharaj how can we chant our rounds with the mentality of trinad api sunichena ...i mean when i do a nice round (according to me ) i feel puffed up ..i mean i feel like i chant so well ....then again the inner loving  warm emotions go away ..is there a way in which i can remain humble while chanting my japa.

HpS - That's the whole goal. If we chant with humility then the SPOG is dancing on our tongue. So it is not such an easy thing. The whole Srimad Bhagavatam is your answer.

Follow the four principles, hear SB regularly, and then it will be easy to see how much is your effort and how much is Maya and Guru.

Thank you very much for the japa session . It feels great chanting along with you.

Thank you for everything maharaj.

dandavat pranam

rituraj majumder, shillong

UG: Shillong is the capital and Hill station of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India. It is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet. Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with population of 143,007.

It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East". The population density of the state of Meghalaya is 342 people per sq mile.

Mexico = 142/sq mi

See following photos.

Hare Krishna Beloved and Esteemed Gurudeva!!!!

Please accept my humble obeisances,

All glories to Srila Prabhupada,

New adventures in bhurloka!!

 I feel that I have advanced, I was in patala loka but now in bhur loka. Of course Krishna in BG 8.15 describes this place as duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam and again in BG 9.33 he describes it as anityam asukhaṁ lokam, SP in the purport to this verse says "this world is temporary and full of miseries, not habitable for any sane gentleman." This is the perspective i always look to observe my life. I'm always tired, i feel like i dont have time to rest, but also i realize that most of the time I'm happy, thank you and SP,

_____'o__

Reentering grihastha asram with CMDD brought a new perspective in my life. Again i realized that is not easy, nor a solution but a shelter to advance spiritualy. Fortunately i really feel like that. My mind is a little bit more focused and the willing to make devotional service has increased. I feel honestly that I am where i supose to be. She gets along really well with manu and benji. And we are getting to know each other little by little in a cooperation mood.

Having your association is the biggest fortune i have in my life, I can see what a great personality you are gurudeva. Your good qualities are unlimited, wherever you are you look like a diamond between glass. Lately i have been participating in japa joe program and watching you via mayapur tv. Thank you gurudeva because your instructions are so clear, you set such a high standard example.You push me to reach to that state of conciousness. There is no limit to your Siksa!!!

Every two weeks i go to a radio show to speak about ayurveda, it is very popular, and one time i was there with a very famous doctor, Facundo Manes, he is a neurosurgeon, he operated the president of argentina Cristina Kirchner, he is the rector of a very renowned university and a neuroscientist as well. Now he wants to research about in which part of the brain God's idea is created. Anyway he wrote a book which is a best seller, he speaks about the brain and how to make it healthy. So he was making all these descripions about the brain and i realized he had no information about the mind so he couldnt explain things such as lust or violence from a biological point of view. Then after his interview i spoke with him and i told him, that he seemed to be an extremely clever man but he was too focused on the tree so he was losing perspective of the forest. And he humbly replied "yes you are right, what can i do to change this" and i suggested to research about the mind in works such as Bhagavad Gita As it is and  Carl Jung and the Philemon Foundation. Then i thought how great would be to have a book about the work you are doing in this field to preach to this kind of people.

Unfortunately i have to tell you that my sadhana is not as good as yours by a huge distance, but still i'm struggling to put it as first one priority. Actually most of the time i finish my rounds before going to bed or the next day sometimes. 

We are working this out with CMDD and making strategies to establish a strong FMP and increase the quality of our Japa.

On the other hand i sense I'm making big progress in the auto realization field. I'm observing with atention my feelings and the motto [motives] of my actions. So this allow me to go a little deeper in the process and not just a mechanical repetition.

i love ISKCON life Gurudeva!! 

Thank you for make it very clear to me,

Struggling to become your servant,

At your lotus feet,

Nikunja Bihari Das. 

HpS - ASA - Jaya. AGTSP. Paoho. The first result of devotional service is freedom from suffering. Then things becomr harmonious, auspicious, then . .  .    Very nice news.   We don't give all our strength to chanting 16-enthusiastic rounds because we haven't realized that it will improve all of our efforts, satisfy all of our desires in the most efficient way. As we put them first, then we willl realize the importance of the Japa Vrata and do it with more and more and more strength.

Hare Krsna!
Jay Srila Prabhupada!
In my previous letter I not offer my eternal humble obeisances to your lotus feet, please accept them now! Sorry for my demonic tendencies!

ys,
RMDD

HpS - ASA - We have not got lotus feet. Kind of original Carnation feet.