Letters to the editor

asa(e) sankirtan; writing

Please accept my obeisances to your adorable lotus feet, which I miss so much watching dance🙏💐💖🌺🌹🎵

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!🙏🙇🏻‍♀️💐🌺🌹🌺💐🌺🌹🌺💐💖🎵

All Glories To You our Spiritual master!!!🙏🙇🏻‍♀️💐🌺🌹💖🎵💖🌹💐

I hope I can please Uncle Gismo and that he will engage me in His service🙏🙇🏻‍♀️

always trying to please him:🙏🙇🏻‍♀️🌹🌺💐🌺🌹🎵

Radha Japa Prati Jalpa Devi dasi 🌹💖🎵💃

I've been writing garbage since before I was a devotee, and when I first encountered the movement, the figure of Krishna and his beautiful face inspired me so much. He was and is my sole inspiration for writing. You and Srila Prabhupada's immense love! Everything combines to make my heart write. I never think, "Now I'm going to write." Sentences just come out, and I have to run to get paper and pencil so my songs or poems don't get lost.

Now, by Your mercy, I'll take some time out of the week to write. It's so beautiful. And then, do I send you my writings? In fact, before sending you my poems and songs, I always thought, while laughing, "Where is the current Ramananda Roy?" to show him my writings and see if they're appropriate, and if they don't have rasabasa... but I never asked who could read them before you. I just sent them to you. Please forgive the mistakes. So, what should I do? I've accumulated a lot of junk😅, a few more songs for Govinda... How should I refine them? Can I send you what I'm writing and polish it little by little? Whatever you say, it'll be a pleasure to continue.

I would like Uncle Gizmo to engage me in His service. Thank you, Gurumaharaja, and please forgive any unintentional offenses in this letter.

. I'm trying to please you:

JPJ Radha devi dasi

HpS/ASA - AgtSP.

First

write once. then edit right after you write for better grammar, choice of words, rhythm and rhyme.

Second

look at it after one week and edit again or shred it and use it for fire starter.

after one week you will not be able to remember the personal thoughts that you had while you were writing and which your reader will not know.

you will be able to read it much more like your audience is reading it.

Third

post it to the Blog and HpS/ASA will comment as best they can.

HK PAMHO Gurudeva, I am infinitely happy about your upcoming visit to Spain. For a moment, I resigned myself to just seeing you again in the United States.

The day I verbally presented my proposal for sankirtan at universities, Maharaja Yadunandana appointed me as a service coordinator. From your experience and my own experience, I remember that administering in ISKCON, even a small position, is like trying to teach cats to scratch. That service takes up a large part of my time. I'm doing everything I can to accomplish my goals for the rest of the year. For now, I'm already at a library in Alcalá de Henares. I hope this is the beginning of my field research work. That's the first step. We'll go slowly but surely.

On the other hand, I saw your travel itinerary to India. In less than a month, you'll be traveling to five places, not all nearby, and it will surely be all by plane, not counting Spain and Chile. After having been in Houston for a whole year recovering your health, I'm worried. Perhaps, instead of traveling to five places in India, you'll only go to Radha Kundha, or two, or three places at the most. The rest of the devotees can do the full tour. Maharaja has already announced a tour here, which means many people will be traveling, which means more fatigue, different foods, different temperatures, and little time to adapt.

I am very grateful to Krishna for allowing us to associate with him for a longer time. At the same time, if, as disciples, we are unable to care for him, we are of no use; it is a great frustration. For your sankirtan, your service to Srila Prabhupada, I ask for more breaks. That way, Hanumatpresaka Swami's sankirtan will last longer.

I wish I could travel with you. That is what I most desire: to return to India and continue my pilgrimage and seva in the dham. However, I urge the organizers to be prudent, so I ask:

How many classes does HpS teach each week, and how long will they last?

What is your diet? How many times do you eat a day?

What should you avoid to take care of your heart?

I hope I'm not being impertinent, but it's best to ask you so that devotees are aware that we shouldn't overdo it with stressful schedules. And thus, I can help you in your phase of meditation on the holy names and enthusiasm for filming.

My apologies for expressing this concern.

Your servant:

Yugala Kisora ​​Dasi

(The White Lion[ess] of Brihuega)

HK PAMHO Gurudeva me alegra infinitamente su próxima venida a España, por un momento me resigne a solo volver a verlo en Estados Unidos.

El día que expuse verbalmente mi propuesta de sankirtan en universidades, Maharaja Yadunandana me dio el servicio de coordinadora de servicios, por Ud. y experiencia propia, recuerdo que administrar en ISKCON, así sea un cargo pequeño, es como intentar enseñar a arar a los gatos. Ese servicio abarca gran parte de mi tiempo. Estoy haciendo de todo para cumplir mis objetivos en lo que resta del año. Por lo pronto, ya estoy en una biblioteca en Alcalá de Henares, espero que sea el inicio de mi trabajo de investigación de campo. Ese es el primer paso. Iremos lento pero seguro.

Por otro lado, vi su itinerario de viaje a India, en menos de un mes, va viajar a 5 lugares, no cercanos, seguro será todo por avión, sin contar España y Chile. Después de haber estado en Houston todo un año recuperando su salud, por ello estoy preocupada. Tal vez, en vez de viajar a 5 lugares en India solo va a Radha Kundha, o dos, o tres lugares como máximo. El resto de devotos puede hacer el tour completo. Aquí Maharaja ya anunció un tour, eso significa que van a viajar muchos, lo cual genera más cansancio, diferentes comidas, temperaturas y poco tiempo para adaptarse. 

Estoy muy agradecida con Krsna por permitirnos su asociación por más tiempo, a la vez, si como discípulos, somos incapaces de cuidarlo, no servimos, es una gran frustración. Para su sankirtan, su servicio a Srila Prabhupada, le pido más pausas. Así el sankirtan de Hanumatpresaka Swami durará por más tiempo.

Ojalá pudiera viajar con Uds. es lo que más deseo, regresar a India y continuar mi peregrinaje y seva en el dham. Más hago un llamado a la prudencia de los organizadores por ello le pregunto:

¿En la semana cuántas clases da HpS y cuánto tiempo de duración?

¿Cuál es su dieta?, ¿Cuántas veces come al día?

¿Qué debe evitar para cuidar su corazón?

Espero no cometer ninguna impertinencia, sin embargo, es mejor preguntarle a Ud. para que los devotos sean conscientes que no debemos excedernos, con itinerarios estresantes. Y así, ayudarlo en su etapa de meditación en los santos nombres y entusiasmo por filmación. 

Mis disculpas por expresarle esta preocupación.

Su sirviente:

Yugala Kisora Dasi

(El León blanco de Brihuega)

HpS/ASA - Venerable Lioness, Yugala kishora Devi Dasi.

We remember that Srila Prabhupada said that he is lady disciples should be like Lions on the street but like lambs at home. 😆

Thank you for all the nice Sankirtan news, and suggestions for traveling Sankirtan in the future.

90% of recovering our health from our stay in India and Spain at the end of last year, was coming to the more mechanized, and warmer environment of ISKCON Houston.

There are advantages and disadvantages in ISKCON Houston, Nashville, Boise, Mexico, Santiago, Madrid, Radha-kunda.

You have learned, no... that both the advantages and disadvantages are advantages if we are strong in our Krsna Bhavan amrta.

DAILY SCHEDULE AND DIET

This is adjusting. We try to communicate what is happening.

90% of our current diet and schedule is adjusting around getting up by 12.40AM for Japa.

Is wonderful result.

For us.

Maybe not for Grhastha of others.

Have to talk more about diet and agenda as our visit approaches.

Yes, it is a short visit to India.

It is a very strong echo of the VIP Tour that we developed with Hector and others.

We would go along as a VIP tourist, not a director.

If Hector was satisfied with the arrangement at 80-years old, then should be O.K. for us.

Main group might go for some programs and we would go for other, meeting with devotees.

Certainly in good contact with Yadu Swami and will publish the plan as it develops for your and others comments.

We land on Christmas day with Papa Noel, and then we have some time to recover and work on Sankirtan event to present when we return from India, before we leave. Eg. we might meet with some faculty and friends from Complutence about a symposium on Cultivation of the Human Spirit before we go to India, with presentation planned for after we return!

Is Subal Das still cooking???

Will try to send a paper letter tomorrow!

Thank you!

Hare Krishna, Maharaja and Devotees.

We have lost another disciple of Prabhupada today, Vishvareta Prabhu. I met him in India in the 80's and reconnected with him in Miami. He, without a doubt, was my very good friend. Anyone that came in contact with him will say the same.

He departed today in the glorious month of Kartika surrounded by devotees. Oh, if only I could be so fortunate.

I am sharing a picture of him and me in New Vrndavaba 1986. This material world is so temporary and we (more me) are baffled to believe we will be eternally healthy and good looking.

I plan to be more active here as long as no one is offended

YS

Jaya Krishna das

HpS/ASA - AgtSP!! We had little contact with Prabhu. Of course, his son, Bhakti Visvareta was famous for being attended by by Prabhupada and leading Kirtan even as a child.

We will chant the Maha-mantra in front of his picture, and ask other so also chant!!

If you like, keep a picture of him prominent in your Ashrama and chant Maha-mantra in front of it as you decide, no?



Hare Krishna Gurudeva

PAMHO - AGTSP

I'm sorry for not connecting to the programs for a while. On the one hand, it was because I forgot after you didn't connect during a lapse in your travels, and also because I woke up late.

A few months ago, I felt a lack of motivation in my spiritual life, and some days I didn't chant all my rounds. Thanks to Krishna, I was now able to chant those missing rounds.

This whole earthquake in my consciousness is basically due to my sexual desire.

Krishna has shown me that it's time to take the step of getting married. Once I became aware of that, my sexual desire changed completely, and my mind became quite calm in that regard.

I wish to fulfill this role well. I've been avoiding marriage for nine years, but it's no longer healthy for me to continue struggling.

My obeisances, Gurudeva.

HpS/ASA - agtSP!!! paobw..... One thought.

https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/3/21/15/

Kardama and Devahuti is indicated from Srila P'pada as a Grhastha manual!

Thank you!

asa[e] - yoga ladder; sadhana bhakti; vaidhi bhakti; Service Priorities.

Hare Krishna Maharaja

Dandavat pranam. All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Hoping this message finds you good health.

HpSwami - AgtSP. Of course that must mean relatively good health, because these bodies are diseases, no?

As many disciples of Srila Prabhupada are nearing 50 years of service there are many in need of service them selves. It gives us, their juniors, an opportunity to serve them nicely and offer our selves as receptacles for Srila Prabhupada mercy.

As much as we're in need of devotee association they are enacting their aprakata lila which gives us neophytes a chance to help them do basic menil services for our own self purification. Where are we may not be able to always serve our Guru Dev personally or confidentially were greatful that your God brothers allow us to render service to them.

A question bearing in mind, can the service we provide them be considered 'Guru Seva ', specifically does it hold priority over other areas of our Sadhana? Or temple seva? And more importantly can we incur any sinful reaction from neglecting these kinds of service provided the opportunity to serve has been presented? Please forgive us of our ignorance in this matter and any inability to follow instructions that have been render in this or any other matter. All of our short comings originate from our anarthas.

Devoid of any desire to serve

Bhakta Leroy

HpS - ASA --- AgtSP!!!

We did the following search on www.VedaBase.IO - "https://vedabase.io/en/search/?query=aradhanam".

Looks like could be some good thoughts about your question.

Does it help?

I would say that constant chanting, praying to Radha to pray to Rama Krsna, for vidya, good intelligence with enlighten us about how to make priorities in our service, no?

Serve ISKCON deities according to the regular schedule. Srila Prabhupada is there and his authentic disciples, so there is nor conflict in serving, Guru, devotees, and Krsna.

Follow NOI 5 and 6 in terms of priorities and types of service to different "gurus".

If we make mistakes because of immaturity there is no problem. Senior devotees understand amongst themselves.

If a child offers plate of Prasada to his mother first, she says thank you and then says, let us offer this to daddy first etc.

This is very useful, no? https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/10/9/5/

Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances🙏

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

We are very happy (Tarangaksi dd, my sister Devahuti, and I) that we may have your association again when you come to Spain-India. My family is still living in NVM. I moved to Mayapur 4 months ago, and I'm here teaching at the Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS). In this letter, I'd like to share about my seva, some reflections, and another opportunity that has arisen.

Teaching at the SMIS has been one of the best experiences so far! I truly feel that I'm the one learning. The kids inspire me so much spiritually, and I feel so happy serving them. Of course, it is definitely NOT easy... a great responsibility, difficulties every day. Initially, I started as an assistant, but later, the school principal requested that I be the classroom teacher for grade 5. I teach all subjects: math, science, English, shastra, history, geography... While it’s challenging, I love giving my all to the future generation of Vaishnavas.

HpS//ASA - You, agtSP, are a Mahatma! The whole nation of Peru should thank you for honoring them with so, so much sacrifice and expert efforts.

Even if life leads the kids down different paths (even away from Krishna consciousness), I believe this stage of their lives is crucial; they'll always remember it. I've learned a lot about myself and my character during this time—how to be a disciplined teacher while also being loving and caring. I can’t imagine doing any other job than educating! It's both exhausting and rewarding, and I feel immensely grateful for being here.

I look forward to your association when you come to India, Guru Maharaja. I'll be settled in Mayapur til the end of the school year (June 2026). After that, I'm completely uncertain about where I should go or what I should do next. I'm just praying to Prahlad Nrsimhadev that They may arrange what is best and where I can continue my seva and dharma. However, I want to share an opportunity that has come my way, and I'd appreciate your guidance so much.

In my previous letter, I mentioned my master's studies in Finland, and you replied as follows:

HpS - Did we mention Bhadra rupa Das to you? He is from Peru. He has gone through a very similar route as you.

Studied in Japan, then Finland or Sweden??? Then did his Doctorate in Switzerland, and is now on the United Nations promoting music education as essential for world peace and getting an audience.

We think he is doing like Bhakti vaibhava with Yadunandana Swami.

We will send a link to this post to him.

Thank you!

After that, Bhadra Rupa Prabhu and I got in contact, and he proposed that I join his "Luis De La Calle Foundation", contributing to his preaching mission and organising educational programs. When he shared his plans, I was super interested. I decided to join his foundation. However, as my responsibilities at the school increased, I was unable to maintain my role. It was too much, and my health collapsed. So, I sought another devotee to replace me in the meantime. Still, I'm uncertain whether this is a path I should consider. I'm torn between being a school teacher or supporting larger preaching programs. I trust that if I focus on my sadhana and chant good rounds, Krishna will reveal His plan when the time comes. However, I'd like to know if you have any insights on this, Gurudeva?

HpS - There is another letter that we answered today that directly deals with this question. Hope you can find it!!!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. All my efforts are offerings to Srila Prabhupada and You!

Trying to be your disciple,

Rukmini Devi Dasi