Letters to the editor

Dear Guru Maharaj, all glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Please accept my humble obeisances.

Hare Krishna!

I hope you are recovering from your travels and panca karma treatment.

HpSwami - AgtSP! ‼️

paoho & bw....

.... guess it is not recovering but rebuilding.

pancha karma breaks down the rusty structure of the gross body accumulated by years of distressed action and allows us to build a better tool based upon better activity.

I’m writing because I’ve been studying the Second Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita and have a question that I can’t settle on my own. I’d be grateful for your guidance.

In the purport to 2.2, Srila Prabhupada describes Arjuna’s lamentation as “impurities” that are “unbecoming,” and he calls his refusal to fight “an act of cowardice” that befits non-Āryans. In 2.1 he says this conduct “was not expected from him.”

But in the purport to 2.6, the same Arjuna is described as someone who “was not only a great devotee of the Lord but also highly enlightened and had complete control over his mind and senses,” and it concludes that “Arjuna was quite fit for liberation.”

I understand that both statements are meant for their own verses, and that Arjuna’s desire to beg rather than enjoy a kingdom does show detachment. Still, I get stuck on the strength of the words. Also, on keeping the verses in context, i.e., understanding that they are part of the book and do not stand alone for themselves.

If someone has complete control over mind and senses, how can he also be overcome by impurities?

If Arjuna can be called ‘highly enlightened’ and in ‘complete control of his mind and senses,’ and yet still act in a way Srila Prabhupada calls unbecoming, then I don’t understand what those words are meant to convey. In 2.7, Arjuna himself says his mind is confused and he doesn’t know his duty. How can I reconcile this with ‘complete control'.

My own attempt at an answer is this: Arjuna may be free from greed and from craving for enjoyment, but still attached to his family, and these are two different kinds of attachment. Or perhaps Srila Prabhupada is describing Arjuna’s true position and qualification, while the confusion is a temporary situation, or even a role he plays so that the Gita can be spoken for our benefit. But I’m not sure I’m understanding it rightly, and I don’t want to settle for an answer just because it sounds comfortable.

So, in a way, my questions are:

1. How should I understand strong words like “complete control” and “highly enlightened” when they appear next to Arjuna’s evident grief and confusion?
2. Is it correct to see Arjuna’s confusion as real, or as a pastime for our instruction?
3. How should I approach this kind of tension when I meet it in other places in Prabhupada’s books?

I ask with respect and a sincere wish to understand. Please forgive any offense in the way I’ve put things.

Thank you for your time and grace.

Trying to be... your servant,

Namacarya Das

HpS/ASA - I, agtSP, understand that under his control his mind and senses are becoming contaminated, to show us the Bhagavad Gita.

We heard that Srila P'pada said that Arjuna forgot who Krsna was but he never ceased to love Him.

He let his lower memory become contaminated because he understood the desire of Krsna.

O. K.?.

Hare Krishna Gurudev

Pamho

AgtSP

AgtYou

I am Deva Vrata das from Argentina.

Dear Gurudev, first of all, thank you for your daily association with Gotometing, both in "Japa Joe" and in "Full Morning Program."

It is only because of your immense compassion that you are in this world, to help us stay on the path of Krishna consciousness and to serve His Divine Grace Śrīla Prabhupāda.

I have been reflecting on the topic of chastity (castidad) and modesty (recato) in men.

Looking for instructive scriptural passages, as far as I could see, we could say that the basis of modesty and chastity in men is:

* brahmacharya (celibacy) – even for married men –

* not having unnecessary associations with women or men overly attached to women (maintaining appropriate distance)

* being serious, grave, and intelligent in spiritual advancement and relationships

In this regard, I recorded an audio in Spanish with several verses from the Bhagavatam on this topic, on a Telegram channel: 《Chastity and Modesty in Men (Quotes from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam)》

👇

https://t.me/Fragmentos_SByCC/147

Some of the Bhagavatam texts concerning this topic are: 1.11.36; 3.31.32-40; 7.12.1-11; 7.14.11; 9.19.17; 9.6.51; 6.1.62-63; 5.2.7-14; 11.8.13-14; 11.14.29-30; 11.26.3; 5.5.2... and many more.

Gurudev, what else could you teach about modesty (recato) and chastity in men?

Thank you Gurudev.

Hare Krishna

Deva Vrata das

HpS - AgtSP. the only thing that comes to our mind is, I think, from BG purport, SP explains that Brahmacary means moving with God. So it begins with chastity of the tongue 👅.

Hearing and talking about Krsna.

Using electronic media carefully.

Hare Krishna Maharaj pamho agtsp.

Maharaj today I got a new box of books; few of them already in the hands of our customers hare in the tattoo shop in Barcelona BCN ink.

it feels so good to write this letter knowing this it’s forever and that it will be appreciated.

Maharaj again my only hope it’s that this will bring some happiness to you. thank you for being the second most amazing personality that I know in ISKCON.

Last weekend was very sweet hearing about His Divine Grace in Venezuela from the lips of HH Bhakti Sundar Goswami.

thank you for everything Maharaj much love and appreciation to your feet’s

I am sinful but I close this letter full of joy because I believe in your mercy.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

krishna Krishna

hare hare

hare Rama hare Rama

rama Rama

hare hare

Ys Bhakta Jorge

HpSwami ASA - We, agtSP, are in Riaña near Santander.

Here until Tuesday, then back to Madrid.

so nice that books are going out.

our only meditation is, 'distribute mo' books better', no!

🐒👍👍

Song Name: Vasudeva Sutam Devam

Official Name: Krsnastakam

Author: Adi Sankaracarya

(1)

vasudevasutaḿ devaḿ kaḿsa-cāṇūra-mardanam

devakī-paramānandaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Wh

o is the spiritual master of the universe, Who is the son of Vasudeva, Who is the Lord, Who killed Kamsa and Canura, and Who is the bliss of Devaki

(2)

atasīpuṣpa sańkāśaḿ hāranūpura śobhitam

ratnakańkaṇakeyūraḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship LordKrsna, Who is the spiritual

master of the universe, Who is surrounded by flowers, Who is adorned with a garland and anklets, and Who has gem-studded necklace and arm-bracelet.

(3)

kuṭilālaka saḿyuktaḿ pūrṇacandra nibhānanam

vilasat kuṇḍaladharaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Whois the spiritual master of the universe, Who

is adorned with curly locks of hair, Who has a face resplendent like full-moon, and Who has shining earrings.

(4)

mandāra ganda saḿyuktaḿ cāru hāsaḿ caturbhujam

birhi piñcāvacūḍāńgaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Who is thespiritual master of the universe, Who is with the perfume of

Mandara (a coral tree flower), Who has beautiful smile, Who has four hands (as Visnu), and Who has peacock feather at the forehead.

(5)

utpulla padmapatrāakṣaḿ nīlajīmuta sannibham

yādavānāḿ śiroratnaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Who is the spiritual master of the universe, Who has eyes like blooming lotus flower, Who

resembles a new blue cloud, and Who is the best in the dynasty of Yadu.

(6)

rukmiṇīkelisaḿyuktaḿ pītāmbara suśobhitam

avāpta tulasīgandhaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Who is the spiritual master of the universe, Who plays with Rukmini

(Laksmi), Who is adorned with yellow-robe

s, and Who has obtained Tulasi perfume.

(7)

gopikānāḿ kucadvandva kuńkumāńkita vakṣasam

śrīniketaḿmaheṣvāsaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Who is the spiritual master of the universe, Who has the marks of saffron from the dual-breasts of the cowherdesses, Who is the abo

de of Laksmi (Sri), and Who has mighty arrows.

(8)

śrīvatsāńkaḿ mahoraskaḿ vanamālā virājitam

sańka cakra dharaḿ devaḿ kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum

I worship Lord Krsna, Who is the spiritual master of the universe, Who has the sign of ‘‘Srivatsa’’ at His broad-chest, Who has a flower-garland, and Who holds a conch and

a discus.

(9)

kṛṣṇāṣṭakam idaḿ puṇyaḿ prātarutthāya yaḥ paṭhet

koṭi janma kṛtaḿ pāpaḿ smaraṇena svinaṣyati

Having awakened in the morning, those who study these blissful prayers glorifying Sri Krsna, destroy their sins of millions from birth.

Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva! Please accept my respectful obeassances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad.

Thank you so much Gurudeva for the service.

Krishna Pramodini DD

HpS-ASA --- Do, agtSP, followers of Sankara accept that he wrote these?

Do they broadcast them as explaining Krsna as master of the universe but the whole temporarily manifest from Maya?

out, Hare Krsna, for a breath of fresh air. growing our new body.

some photos.

video clips uploading slow.

always learning how to engage tools, associates better.

in gokula or goloka!

area is extremely passionate, artistic, dozens of people moving in every direction.

paramdhama, maite, krsna Katha,

exercise new body.

growth.

fire, air...

now rest for program after 1.30 hours.

😊🙏🙇🏻‍♀️

🌼 🌼 🌼👣 🌼 🌼 🌼

Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva. Please accept my most respectful obeisances at your merciful feet.

HPS - ASA - Our respects to your lotus feet or hooves, whatever they may be in your Siddha deha also.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to You!! Jaya Radhe! Jaya Krishna! Jaya Vrindavana dham!

Dear and respected Gurudeva,

How are you?

HpS - We are all in the cycle of death and birth, no?

In present moment you can see from the other two Blog Posts from today. That we are very stimulated with our immeditiate Sankirtan and association in Spain, Madrid.

Now we will go for a walk around the neighborhood with Parampadam Das, then at 6.30PM, strong program a sankirtan center here at Espiritu Santo!

We are getting ready to return to USA.

I sincerely hope that everything related to Sankirtana is going very well and that these days of Ayurvedic treatment are helping you feel much better and regain your strength and well-being.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the many sacrifices you make by traveling so extensively in the service of Srila Prabhupada. You are an inspiring example of dedication and service, from whom we all have so much to learn.

I pray to Srimati Radharani to always envelop you in Her mantle of love and protection, and to bless you with good health, strength, and spiritual well-being.

In the letter I wrote to you a month ago, you raised two questions. I would like to answer them clearly, without being long-winded or taking up too much of your valuable time. So, I will begin by addressing your first question:

HPS: “I think you had some challenges in carrying on, but you did, and it has made you stronger spiritually?”

Writing this response has led me to reflect on everything that has happened, and indeed, we have experienced many challenges, both externally and internally, but yes, we have certainly grown stronger spiritually, Gurudeva.

A few years ago, many changes took place in our lives. We had become accustomed to living in our little home under ideal devotional circumstances, but we suddenly found ourselves in a materially more developed environment that was nevertheless very different from what we had known. Because Gandharva’s only brother came very close to leaving his body due to a serious health condition, we had to move into his home in San Borja to live with him and his two dogs.

All these changes led me to reflect that, although it is wonderful to serve Krishna under ideal circumstances, the real question is to what extent we are able—and willing—to continue serving Him when we are faced with adversity.

ASA - Srila Prabhupada said, they say, that death is the sum total of all possible bad experiences, so whatever situations we are in it is great opportunity to prepare for death. We should be so ready for death that it is like doing Ekadasi each fortnight.

At the same time, we were also very very affected by internal conflicts within ISKCON Peru, as well as by the difficult situations that have, for quite some time, been generating mistrust and contributing to the fragmentation of the community.

During that period, you would sometimes appear in my dreams, asking me about my service and showing me that you were protecting me from afar. This gave me a profound feeling of being cared for and protected.

As material conditions allowed, we were able to pursue further studies: Gandharva completed a master's degree in cultural management, and I earned a bachelor's degree in strategic design. We both hope to use this knowledge for ISKCON.

At some point, and just for your mercy, we were able to find a more spiritual perspective. After all, although these problems are real and serious, they are ultimately MATERIAL. Malati Devi Dasi, who was in Lima in March of this year, said during one of her classes: “We cannot allow material problems to stop Lord Caitanya’s movement.”

And in my heart—or perhaps it was my mind, or Paramatma speaking to me—I felt that my own spiritual progress should not be allowed to be halted by material problems either.

HpS/ASA - Jaya Prabhu!

Your personified visit in March gave us the final encouragement we needed. Through your instructions and blessings, we were able to resume active service in ISKCON—with no judgment toward anyone, and with the sole purpose of follow your instructions, serving Krishna, the Vaishnavas, and the new devotees whom He sends to the temples.

To summarize our answer to the question we were faced with: YES, we are willing to serve Krsna even in the midst of adversity, when circumstances are far from ideal, and even while recognizing that we lack many of the necessary qualities and still have so much to learn.

In this world, which seems to be increasingly falling apart under the weight of widespread corruption and conflict, there is no better path, nor any more meaningful activity, than devotional service.

ASA - The more it falls apart, the more chance there is for us to rebuild it from the foundation, no?

🙏

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to you, Gurudeva, for I know that true spiritual realizations can only be attained through the grace of the spiritual master. We always remember you and hold you close in our hearts with deep affection. We feel that you, too, remember us, bless us, and protect us, for you are a Vaishnava Thakura.

Therefore, despite my shortcomings and weaknesses, and even though I sometimes falter, I strive each day to faithfully follow my sadhana and to continue advancing in my spiritual studies and in my service within ISKCON.

Striving hard to become your disciple one day (and eagerly looking forward to your upcoming visit)

Indira-sakti dd

🥹🙏🙇🏻‍♀️

🌼 🌼 🌼👣 🌼 🌼 🌼

HpS - Thank you all.

Headed for a walk. Maybe you all can come with us.