Letters to the editor

Hare krishna, dear guru maharaj,

pamho agtsp this is ravanari das

We stay in san martin living in a small town in ponaza valley , we are doing farming we have a small farm which is surrounded by river , so we have planting orange, huge ones mangos , avocado diferent kind of bananas trees cacao corn etc etc etc, so our father in law give us a land for planting grass, becouse we are planing on get a mother cow , we still having those 20 hectareas of land ones we told you guru dev but is in a diferent location like 1 hour away from our base, but still thinking how to use those 20 hectareas of land in prabhupad service what do you think?

HpS - Nice to hear from you. We do not know how to use the land??? All we can say is that you chant and Krsna will send some intelligence and a nice person.

Atte your servant ravanari das

Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Thank you so much. I will read the Britannica article and put "Memories, Dreams, and Reflections" first on the list for next semester. Guru Maharaja, the professor works on interfaith dialogue and theologies of religious pluralism. I was wondering if you could guide me on how I can get started on relating Jung's autobiography with our philosophy (eg., which sastra to focus on) so that I can present a basic course structure to him. Thank you so much, Guru Maharaja.

Your servant,

Sugopi Radha Devi dasi

HpS - ASA -- AgtSP. Paoho. I would suggest you just start with the Bhagavad Gita and SB, and as you read Jung's texts you can note topics on philosophy and metaphysics that the Gita and Bhagavata Purana cover and then consult us and others and then include the relevant citations from these two texts.

I will write a letter to Shonu and Bernardo now.

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Sriman Gopinatha Das from Houston wrote:

On Monday, January 18, 2021, 12:00:13 PM CST, Desai, Apurva <[email protected]> wrote:

Hare Krishna your Highness,

Please accept my humble dandvat pranam. All glories to you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.

Thank you very much for the letter dated January 5th. I greatly appreciate that you took out time and wrote letter to insignificant person like me. I am deeply touched. The last time when you called I have been thinking of writing to you and wanted to know how are you doing and If anything I can do? I know Lord Krishna is always very close to you and you must be getting his personal associations, but my little brain keeps on doubting. Again, I am so happy to receive your handwritten letter and the prasadam as well. Thank you very much. If I can be of any service, please let me know. Twice I thought of driving up to Nashville to get your association. I am not making it up but seriously thought of it. As you may know I am operated twice and my health is compromised. So thought of driving instead of flying. Travel restriction is a challenge now a days. Anyway but I am at your service.

HpS - I did not know of your health. Interesting news. We both have our Donkey maintenance. What is your Donkey's problem? We all seem to have the good prospect of being Sankirtan partners in Srila Prabhupada's party eternally, no?

[Gopinatha] I had Cancer in 2003 and three years later Tumor. Only because of Vaisnava blessings and Lord Krishna’s mercy I am allowed to stay in this body little longer.

I am not good at writing letter but I am going to make an attempt. Please forgive my offences if I make errors in addressing and writing letter to highly elevated Vaisnava.

This past year was really challenging for the world, except maha-bhagavads like you. This Chinese virus have really turn the lives of entire human population upside down. For most part no one knew when will it end. People around us and around the world continue to get infected and many lives are lost. There was no partiality, rich or poor, young or old, no country was spared. And it is still going on. Economic uncertainty is upending lives of many. And we are living through a period of significant tension and tremendous stress.

HpS - Hmmm.  We think that it is really Koruna virus. So much mercy from Krsna. He sees that humans are destroying the, their, planet, so he is shutting down this industrialization. We still will have hi-tech, but it will not be the basic part of our lives. We will relocate to village life and then if there is a virus, we just tell the Count of the County and he says, thank you. Glad to hear you want to be quaranteened, sending one ton of beans and rice. Let me know if you need anything else.

Then after two weeks the village is clean.

[Gopinatha Das]  Yes you are correct. ECO friendly Village life is all needed. In the name of advancement planet is getting destroyed.

The only good side that I can see is people are sort of becoming god conscious. Under stress people were not open to hearing philosophies but are taking good interest in listening to Krishna katha. Since we are connected with ISKCON, I see so many kathas, talks and above all virtual Parikramas. And many took advantage including myself. From my side, we listened nine processes of Bhakti, offered by New York Bhakti center. That was very nicely organized program. They picked so many nice and well-advanced speakers. Then virtual Mayapur Parikrama, followed 84 kosh, Vrindavan Parikrama by HG Lal Govind Prabhu and HH Radha Raman Swami. GBC strategic planning committee has offered Vrindavan Praikrama too. Then came Sri Jagannath Puri Parikrama. Apart from that I listen on YouTube some katha by HG Chandra Govind prabhu, HG Ambrish Prabhu. All of this along with Chanting only kept us together. At temple during total lock down, we continue regular services to our Sri Sri Radha Nila-Madhava. I set up two computers at temple, and programed them, so it plays all aartis, kirtan and classes at fixed times. So we do not have to arrange for any devotee to come to temple for singing. This is all done to protect devotees. Devotees close to temple kept up with dressing, cooking and aartis. We are still operating very carefully and allowing just enough devotees to perform direct deity services.

HpS - Super!

I feel like GBC as whole could have taken up major roll and arranged classes daily by Maharajs as per different time zones, using zoom meetings. That could helped congregation stay connected with temple. They also could have arranged virtual trips by advance vaisnavas to temples. Well opposing argument can be, COVID is sort of dump on us without any advanced planning, so can not blame anybody. I really felt very sorry when HH Bhakti Caru maharaj got infected and then left us. This was very low point for me. He did not come here for site seeing or personal vacation. He came for preaching and felt that he was not protected. There are so many other devotees also left us because of Covid. Like economic correction is stock market, this is also kind of correction to control human population. That is what I conclude.

HpS - Can we share this letter on the Blog with no name, just A Temple Man's News.  <img src="https://s.yimg.com/nq/yemoji_assets/latest/yemoji_assets/1f642.png" alt="Emoji" height="16" width="16"> You can edit it a little as you like.  Very seriously, please.

[Gopinatha Das]  I am good with it. I am not sure what us acceptable on blog but you can edit that suits the audience.

Maharaj with your permission, likes to ask couple of questions. In Caitanya Bhagavad, when Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to different merchants shops, like Sweet Shop, Milk man, Garment Maker and many such places and took items from them and also stated what if he can not pay back. Still everyone offered what he asked. I feel like where was I, why Mahaprabhu did not come to my place? How lucky were those shop keepers? When will that day come, when I can offer some service to Caitanya Mahaprabhu?

HpS - ASA - I would say, in your very next lifetime.

[Gopinatha Das]  I will need lots of blessings

And next is, when Sandipani Rishi ask for his dead son as guru Dakshin, and Lord Krishna and Balram went and got him back. And mother Devaki asked Lord Krishna about her first 6 sons. So the question is, who were these first six sons of mother Devaki? Were they Lord Brahma’s sons, who were cursed by Lord Brahma or were sons of some demon? Then there are 6 or 7 brothers of Bhishmadev, who were killed by mother Ganga? Who were they is their last life? 

HpS - I don't know all the details.  I remember that the six murdered children of Devaki were like sons of Kamsa in a previous life time that were cursed to be killed by Kamsa or some thing like that, and like you say Ganga's kids were sages cursed for criticising Lord Brahma. I don't know too many details, but they got super purification.

Now that vaccine is available for all 66 and older. I hope you took the vaccine. I took mine about two weeks ago and next dose is on 27th. Not sure if this is ultimate cure, but still use mask and keep 6 ft distance as plan B.

HpS - My doctor, Amit Singh, was Gurukula boy when I was visiting Vancouver. He says that now it is 75 years and older here, then 65-years and older in February. So, I will take it then.  Then maybe go to Peru for one year and start a Artist-Potatoe Farm. Back to USA for some months, then go to leave body in Radha-kunda?   Plan.

[Gopinatha Das] This is what I am most worried about. As per American reliability lab, human body is designed to last for 127 years. So going to Peru is fine. But no to Radha-Kunda.

 <img src="https://s.yimg.com/nq/yemoji_assets/latest/yemoji_assets/1f920.png" alt="Emoji" height="16" width="16">   Hope your family is well!

[Gopinatha Das]  Yes by your blessings

I was thinking to make use of technology. There is OBS streaming software. We can record and stream at the same time. I am sure you must be familiar with it. I think I have loaded OBS on your computers. With your permission like to suggest. As you travel every year to different places, you can still do the same but virtually. When you travel every day you usually give two class. One in morning and one evening. You can record classes and post one Bhagavatam class in morning and 2nd class in evening on your YouTube channel. To listen, one clicks the link or go to YouTube. If one has subscribed to channel, then they get notification when new classes are posted. With this you can keep up with your planned travel and places you visit can get your association. And everyone who have subscribed to your channel, can travel with you. This is just my thought of staying connected.

 HpS - Let us talk about this with the computer in front of us. We have youtube channell - ASA audio-visual.

[Gopinatha Das]  Sure I will get Giri on line as well. He is the best.

Good idea of beach house during off season. Many of Hotels offer $159 for 3 to 7 days deals. All we need is to drive or fly. Few years back I took one such offer. And every morning and evening chanted on beach. Now a days I read Krishna book, Caitanya Bhagavad.

I do remember the evening walks with you and HG Nitai Guarsundar prabhu and his friends. I enjoyed your company. Weather got to be much colder now. Here it is cold too. I go for walk in afternoon. And while walking I listen to HH Amal Bhakta maharaj’s audio narrations of book. Maharaj, can I buy a washing machine for you? Why do you hand wash? 

HpS - Is fine. Just three pieces of cloth. Much more efficient, good exercise.

[Gopinatha Das]  But your time is very valuable.

Thank you maharaj for your association. I like the pictures that you drew. I need to get you a small computer that supports stylus pen. So you can draw electronically. By the way I was reading your Blogs and I see you mentioned eyes are weak. Should I get you bigger monitor and a docking station? So it is easy on your eyes. And for itching I can send some skin cream. It could be because of dry skin. In winter it is common.

HpS - Now the technology and medical program is fine. This computer is O.K. Again, we can talk, no?  You sent us a stylus pen. I wonder where it is?!!  Seems it should work on the current comupter.  Real trechnology is just chanting all the time. SB 10.47.63

[Gopinatha Das] I will send stylus pen.

Again please forgive me as I may have offended you by writing and making suggestions. Let me know if any of this is offensive in anyway and I will try to avoid in feature.

Looking forward to see you soon.

Yours in service,

Gopinath das

 HpS - Again, there is so much discussion here that many others want to hear, so can we edit a little. We can use a pseudonym if you like or just you name. No offense,  thank you!

[Gopinatha Das] I am good posting. You can edit any way you feel suitable.

Hare Krishna beloved Gurudeva, Please accept my humble obeisance at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

HpS - AgtSP! Paoho.... I think we might have lotus seed feet, but still not blossoming! 🙂

Happy Krishna Conscious Vyasapuja!

HpS - It was very nice, but also a lot of work! Of course, otherwise we would work hard for Maya!

I am Praying to Krishna to give you more than 100 years with good health to save the lives of fallen souls like me.

HpS - Let us all get our eternal life ASAP, no?! ⛺

Dear Gurudeva because of your causeless mercy now I am attending mangalrati at 4:30 everyday and my consciousness also getting better.

Finishing my 16 rounds in Brahma muhurta and whenever I have time I am doing extra rounds(48 rounds rest of the day)

HpS - Ooof! You can lead so many other ladys, families!!

Everyday reading Prabhupada book for 2 hours with group of 3 more matajis.

We completed reading SB once and we started again. Now we are discussing and trying to understand little bit not deep. (3 days in week).

We started Chaitanya Caritamrita (2 days in week) and in weekend we are reading

Prabhupada Leelamrita.

And also Sri Brihad Bhagavatmrita for half an hour in weekdays.

Doing Bhakti Sastri with Divyanam Prabhuji. Now we are reading NOD.

Everyday listening lectures in Zoom and attending Richmond activities in Zoom.

Thank you so much Gurudeva for your wonderful association everyday morning.

Please bless me to improve quality of my rounds and consciousness.

Your unworthy servant

Krishna Pramodini D D

HpS - Uddhava became Guru for the Gopis, and Suniti for Dhruva, we feel that so many of our disciples (maybe all of them 😎

) are really showin us how to be devotees.

Maybe you were a Sannyasi in your last life.

Look for the innocent people Krsna sends and preach to them. They will be patient to hear the message even if you make mistakes.

Hare Krishna Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisance, All Glories To Srila Prabhupada and Gurudeva.

Here is the report of my spiritual practice

1. Early Morning chanting (5 - 7 AM; 2 hours 20 rounds)
2. Mongalarti (7 - 9 AM) and recitation of various prayers (Brahma Samhita, Narasimha Kavacha, Mukundamala and various astakas.
3. Daily Morning Bhagavatam Reading for 20 - 30 minutes
4. Attending Morning Class 8:30 to 10:00 on Wed and Sat
5. After-noon chanting (another 5 or more rounds)
6. Evening "Gaura arati" (simplified worship)
7. Daily Evening Bhagavad Gita Recitation (Minimum two chapters)
8. Conducting Con-calls twice a week (Monday and Thursday with other devotees)
9. Remaining days, prepare for the class (listening to Prabhupada and other Devotees lectures)
10. Attending ISKCON of Richmond Weekly activities

This is all happened, because of your trip to Richmond last year. That ignited my spirits and making some worth during the Covid time.

Please take care of Gurudeva and I pray for your long health, even though I am not worth much.

Your Humble Servant

-Subala Sakha Das

HpS - Super! SUPER! S U P E R! One of the essential aspects of Rupa Goswami's Sadhana Bhakti is that we are up like Krsna for Brahma muhurta, one and one-half to three-quarters hours before Sunrise, chanting HK. Of course this is the actual time for Mangala arati, but even if we are just chanting HK it is so wonderful. Really without B. Muhurta we are not following principles strictly and things will become slack, and we will not get the satisfaction we need and after sometime, even a few years, we will leave and say, "Oh, I tried that, it did not work", but we have to apply it properly.

You are doing very, very well.

Become a saint like Narada Muni.

Hare Krishna Maharaj.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Thank you so much for being willing to initiate me. I am eternally grateful to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada for giving this unqualified soul a great spiritual master like you. I will work hard to follow your instructions and become your sincere disciple.

Regarding the recommendation letter from Temple Authorities, I requested Kamagayatri Mataji for one about three weeks ago. She is willing to recommend me for initiation. She said she wrote a letter and has sent it to you. As for the disciple course, I completed it and received the certification also. Please guide me on further steps for the initiation.

Your aspiring insignificant servant,

Chithkala

HpS - Thank you Chitkala Ji, Here is the e-mail from the ISKCON Boise, Temple Counsel:

Dear Hanumat Presaka Swami,

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

On behalf of the temple council members we would like to formally recommend Chitkala Mataji for formal initiation. Kamagayatri devi dasi and Anadi devi Dasi have been co-teaching with Chitkala on a weekly basis the last 6 months. We both appreciate her steadiness and dedication to this services as well as her natural quality of humility to serve and assist devotees and devotee children. Her patience and enthusiasm to render Sunday school service is also wonderful Vaisnava qualities that she brings to the group. We have also witnessed her attendance of Sunday darshan and Mangal Arati programs. Chitkala has also been a regular Sunday feast and festival volunteer.

Chitkala Mataji has dedicated herself to be a part of the regular Sunday school program the last 6 months. She has taken initiative to teach the children how to recite key verses from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita. Chitkala’s regular attendance as a co-teacher has enriched our regular Sunday school program and the teachers, parents, and children have appreciated her dedicated efforts in this important role.

Chitkala Mataji has reported to us that she has completed the new disciple course and has been chanting 16 rounds the last year.

Kamagayatri devi dasi has also witnessed her attendance of Anjana Suta Academy morning mangal aratis and classes. Her close contact with Srinivasa Acarya, Sundari Radhika and Sugopi the last few years also bears witness to her dedication of adhering to ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada’s standards. Her sincerity and steadiness as a new devotee is inspiring to our community and we look forward to being able to regularly serve and associate with her in the future.

Please let us know if you have any further inquiries or questions Maharaj.

Your servants,

Kamagayatri devi dasi

Anadi Radha devi dasi

Prema Lila devi dasi

Jiyad Nirsimha dasa

HpS - Jaya! So:

Mail your beads to Hp Swami; 2129 Stratford Rd.; Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Include your full secular name and date of birth.

Who can do the fire sacrifice?

Thank you.