Letters to the editor

Hare Krishna Dearest Devotees,

ISKCON 50 Celebrations at ISKCON Houston bring back some special, nectarian memories.

We had the causeless mercy and good fortune of hosting my beloved Guru Maharaj, H. H. Bhakti Caru Swami, at our humble abode during His stay.

Inconceivably, the mercy kept increasing. This was the first opportunity we had to serve both H. H. Hanumat Presaka Maharaj and my Guru Maharaj, for lunch together ...  a desire fulfilled after fifteen years.

Sept 11 2015…

Sweet reciprocation between two Godbrothers: Bear Hugs… Honoring Prasad ...Sweet conversation... Karate lesson…

Without further ado, I will let the pictures below tell the stories …

Subra-devi Dasi (Principal Goswami Academy, ISKCON Houston)

Hare Krsna Dear Maharaja,

I hope ASA team are very good.

HpS - ASA - No meat, no fish, no eggs! AgtSP!!!!! paoho....

Please excuse the queries I make, they are technical, however I have no one else to consult.

Uncle Gismo - We shall tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help us God.

Consult[ation]s:

1.-August tuesday 11 is Janmastami and Tuesday 25 is Radhastami , this days classes are for English-speaking devotees. I don't know what topics they will give those days; however only for those days the class could be done with translation (bilingual)?

UG - Sounds fine to us. Any readers have any objection?

2.-Regarding the KDPC keyword I just have to write in the title KDPC or KDPC: keyword?

UG - Just the "keyword' by it self will be enough to draw the attention of our sub-human mail clerks.

Note: I sent a letter to the blog on Monday 20 but with the keyword of the previous fortnight: Govinda-Ji and I did not put KDPC, I thought that the keyword was sufficient, that's why it is my query.

UG - Ah!

3.-You are right there are no educational projects as a priority in GBC administration, according to their page their priority is in the development of temples, teamwork and training of administrative personnel, Maybe this is urgent for them. I think of the different religious orders of the Catholic Church where according to their character and priority to preach in different ways. Some orders are more contemplative, others are more social and others of study and projects like the Jesuits or expansive preaching like the Franciscans. I see here a type of Varna (division of labor). I think perhaps ISKCON could organize itself in this way or take elements of this type of organization. What do you think?

UG - One GBC Secretary, Guru, Sannyasi, nice person, told me that in conclusion it seemed to him that ISKCON was like a lose collection of Guru cults. So there is a lot management technique, focus on education in large Guru zones sometimes, but no effort to develop it in the larger society the same way. I think there is some truth in that. It may be the best we can do now. Personally I try to develop my perspective on eduation in ISKCON and then connect with others as I can. It is a big society and I don't think I can understand all of it!!!

And your good self?

NOte: Before day 30 , I will send my questions about Canto 2 chapter 2. Sorry for the delay, I am organizing to be more effective.

HpS - Ahhhh. Thank you!!!!!!

With appreciation and respect.

ys Isvari dd

UG, TB, BW, HpS - Thank you!!! Does Abhimanyu Das work from home? What is he doing???

Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva

Please accept our humble obeisances

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

• I hope you and your sankirtan are well. I tell you that on August 1 we will be starting the TTC3 course for a group of teachers under the instruction of Param Padam prabhu
• HpS - ASA - Jaya!!!!
• (Om Kesavaya d., Maharsi d., Rudra Simha d., Deva Deva d, Rupa Gosai, Laksmana agraja d ., Yugala Kisora ​​dd. And me). After 8 weeks we will have the certificate that enables us to teach BS, according to the Ministry's requirements.

• On the other hand, I make a request on behalf of Guru Mangala prabhu. The Ecuador BS group (63 devotees) has finished the Isopanisad study and would like to know if you kindly can give us a class on Isopanisad and on the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada's books. I could make most extensive the call to the rest of the BS students in Peru and Bolivia (100 more). Guru Mangala prabhu suggests Sunday August 9 at 8 or 9 am. (Tennessee time) via Zoom. I hope you agree, it would be very encouraging for Merconorte BS students to have your concepts and your wonderful association.

I will look forward for your response

Your servant

Gandharva das

HpS - Sounds fine to me. 8 or 9???????

Hare Krsna Maharaja, todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada. Por favor acepte mis humildes y sinceras reverencias.

Muchísimas gracias por contestar mi carta anterior. Entiendo que su tiempo es muy ajustado y tiene muchas responsabilidades.

Me quedé pensando algunos días sus preguntas para poder responder de forma adecuada.

En los últimos 4 meses+ he estado cantando 16+ rondas todos los días, sin excepción. Desde el 2012 que lo hago, pero tuve periodos en que no era regular en mi japa. En relación a los cuatro principios, los sigo de manera natural hace 7-8 años.

Como le comenté anteriormente, estudio Yoga y Ayurveda en Dhatri desde el 2018. Desde agosto del año pasado comencé a trabajar en la recepción de la escuela, y he estado desde entonces ayudando en lo que se necesite. 

He participado apoyando al equipo interno de los festivales que se han celebrado en Dhatri (Janmastami, Balarama Purnima, Nityananda Trayodasi, entre otros), y también en los programas que hemos tenido con Mahatma Prabhu. 

Ahora, con todo el tema de la cuarentena, hemos creado un grupo de Japa matutino donde cantamos el maha-mantra y leemos un verso del Gita para inspirar nuestra meditación. Ha sido hermoso y ha atraído a muchas personas a participar. Es muy inspirador ver como tanta gente se interesa en Krsna (¡Pero claro, si es el Supremamente Atractivo!) y como les remueve el corazón cantar sus nombres (¡Jaya!). Desde el lunes 20 de julio me haré cargo de guiar ese programa de Japa (por ahora solo los días lunes), y acompañaré al grupo en su práctica. Agradezco mucho a Vishvanath y Gita por confiar en mí, ellos me han apoyado y ayudado mucho; son mis queridos maestros y amigos.

Con respecto a su pregunta Maharaja, mi relación con el templo es inexistente. Pasé y observé cosas muy feas, tristes y poco inspiradoras y respetuosamente preferí alejarme. No tengo una opinión negativa, solo siento que formar parte de aquella comunidad, sería negativo para mi vida.

Hace cerca de 2 meses entro en las mañana al FMP y realmente es lo más maravilloso de mi día. Tener su asociación todos los días, asistir a mangala arati y cantar el maha-mantra en conjunto, me ha permitido fortalecer muchísimo mi sadhana. 

Verdaderamente Maharaja, hay muchas cosas que siento en mi interior y no encuentro palabras para describirlas. "GRACIAS" no es suficiente. La felicidad que he sentido no la había vivido antes.

Usted es una inspiración constante, y le agradezco enormemente todo lo que hace, Maharaja.

Agradecida inmensamente de su tiempo

Sinceramente,

Nicole Silva, aspirante a sirviente.

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Hare Krsna Maharaja, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. Please accept my humble and sincere obeisances.

Thank you very much for answering my previous letter. I understand that his time is very tight and he has many responsibilities.

I spent a few days thinking about your questions so that I could respond appropriately.

In the last 4 months + I have been singing 16+ rounds every day, without exception. Since 2012 I do it, but I had periods when I was not regular in my japa. Regarding the four principles, I followed them naturally 7-8 years ago.

As I mentioned before, I study Yoga and Ayurveda in Dhatri since 2018. Since August of last year I started working in the reception of the school, and since then I have been helping with whatever is needed.

I have participated supporting the internal team of the festivals that have been held in Dhatri (Janmastami, Balarama Purnima, Nityananda Trayodasi, among others), and also in the programs we have had with Mahatma Prabhu.

Now, with the whole question of quarantine, we have created a morning Japa group where we chant the maha-mantra and read a verse from the Gita to inspire our meditation. It has been beautiful and has attracted many people to participate. It is very inspiring to see how many people are interested in Krsna (But of course, if He is the Supremely Attractive!) And how it removes their hearts to chant their names (Jaya!). From Monday, July 20, I will take charge of guiding this Japa program (for now only on Monday), and I will accompany the group in their practice. I am very grateful to Vishvanath and Gita for trusting me, they have supported and helped me a lot; they are my dear teachers and friends.

Regarding your Maharaja question, my relationship with the temple is non-existent. I passed by and observed very ugly, sad and uninspiring things and respectfully preferred to walk away. I don't have a negative opinion, I just feel that being part of that community would be negative for my life.

About 2 months ago I entered the FMP in the morning and it really is the most wonderful thing of my day. Having your association every day, attending mangala arati and chanting the maha-mantra together, has allowed me to greatly strengthen my sadhana.

Truly Maharaja, there are many things that I feel inside and I cannot find words to describe them. THANK YOU is not enough. The happiness I have felt I had not experienced before.

You are a constant inspiration, and I greatly appreciate everything you do, Maharaja.

Immensely grateful for his time

Sincerely,

Nicole Silva, aspiring servant.

HpS - May Srila Prabhupada guide us in our thoughts! Thank you for your wonderful letter. Your activities are wonderful as you describe them and Dhatri. I am sorry that you found the ISKCON Temple activities so bad. Personally I have heard complaints and have tried to present them to the institutional authorities and encouraged the devotees to also push them forward.

From what I understand they have made changes, but we have not been informed all the time of those.

I think there is new Temple President and new standards have been installed. Making an institution out of Bhakti Yoga is not easy. It is like the difference between Arjuna being good himself and then trying to organize a good world. He had to kill 640 million people in the process.

Can you talk to some of the followers of Srila Prabhupada, like Visvanatha Das and see if our results have improved things.

Thank you!

Krsna says to Arjuna in BG that one who does good my friend will never be overcome by evil.

ISKCON belongs to Srila Prabhupada. If anybody is misrepreseting him and we can change that then we must do that!!

Hare Krishna dearest Maharaja!

Please, accept my respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

I really hope you are in good health at time you receive this message, or at least best as is possible.

HpS - See letter to Candramukhi Devi Dasi! 😎

I’m ok. My energy is not stable, some days energy is high, other days energy is down, but I still alive stuck in this material world, trying to do things right, trying to follow You and Srila Prabhupada, trying to do something to make Krishna look at me. I keep trying and I will still trying, because I’m flying upon wings of a bird called intent.

I’m writing to give some good news. Spanish version of Dr. Samaresh’s wikipedia biography was approved a few weeks ago. English version still under revision since almost 3 weeks ago; this is very good, when they rejected us before several times they did it almost immediately, so this is a good signal. Spanish version even have been edited by others wiki editors, so we are very happy. Wikipedia said that english version review may take 7 weeks or more. I send links with both versions to you. Please, Maharaja, take a look to the english draft, we are waiting for your comments and suggestions to improve it. After the English version is approved, I want to write on behalf of Nios and Hanumatpresaka Swami to the institutions where Dr. Samaresh participates and that we mention in the biography, as Sthapatyam Journal, University of Calcutta, Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, and others, to let them know about the presence of Dr. Samaresh in wikipedia, we consider this will be a very important news for them; what do you think?

HpS - We will look!

Spanish version:

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaresh_Bandyopadhyay

HpS - It seem like a nice start. Thank you so much!!! He gave us more references. We wrote them down. I may be able to find them, but when! We have Latin American GBC meeting tomorrow. We have more rounds to chant before taking rest. It is 8.30PM and we have been up since 2.30AM (with naps and good food), but it is your great effort that has taken it this far and we will try to work on it ourselves more. Thank you.

English version (draft currently under the wiki police review):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Samaresh_Bandyopadhyay

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The other subject I want to let you know is about your instagram chilean account. During 2018, and to promote “The Art & The Sacred”, we created “ASA Chile Producciones” instagram account (also another social networks). After the event, we never published again into no one of all these social networks accounts. So, this june 28th we started to publish again, we have changed the name and now is called “Anjana Suta Academy Chile”, you can find it this way in instagram: @anjana.suta.academy_chile  

What is Instagram???? Is it a kind of food for donkeys? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_cracker

Our work is very simple: I write and publish the contents, later I send every single post to your disciple Arjuna Das for his review. We are a good team, he is very nice partner. 

Our editorial line is diffusion of activities and philosophy of the Anjana Suta Academy and of its Director, the Vaishnava Spiritual Master Hanumatpresaka Swami.

We post 2 or 3 contents every day. Some informing about your next classes and online programs through Gotomeeting, Zoom, etc. Also some summaries of your recent past class. Besides, we got 2 permanent sections: “Drops of Wisdom” and “Drops of Poetry”, brief phrases verbatim based of your writings: twitter and Monkey Warrior Blog. We quote You and inviting the audience to follow you on twitter: “síguelo / follow him on twitter.com/huber_robinson”. Every post use spanglish language. We are using appropriate #hashtags to improve the visibility of each post.

We have slow interaction until now, we are just starting and learning how to do it better. Some new followers from different countries. An indian devotee from Kolkata writed us a Direct Message yesterday, saying that he met you during 2017 in Kolkata and remember you every day because you hold “Nectar of Instruction” into your heart, and you inspire him a lot. He asked for your english classes links and we sent to him Asa Audiovisual Youtube Channel link. I send screenshots of this and samples of the contents to you. This instagram work is turning so beautiful and inspiring. Please, Maharaja, check it out in the following link, and, please, let us know if you are agree with this and with the method we are handle it: 

https://www.instagram.com/anjana.suta.academy_chile/ 

Thank you so much for everything you do for us. My life is now better than ever before, and I know that it is only just because of your mercy and association... all glories to Srila Prabhupada!

HARE KRISHNA !!!

Your aspiring servant,

Carlos.

HpS - I think that our activities are not so important unless they lead people to KRSNA! Srila Prabhupada. About 75% of what we are doing should probably be 'Instantly' edited.

ASA as a team, yes.

NIOS as a product of the ASA work, yes.

Thank you!!!! Go on making progress in following Srila Prabhupada's basic program and you will become elevated and the Angels, Gopis, can start to catch your hand and pull you into the work/fun of Vraja even in this world!!!! Thank you. We send this link to the Professor!

Hare Krishna Maharaj,

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

I am Chithkala Dhulipati from India. I am currently pursuing my Bachelors degree in Applied Mathematics at Boise State University.

HpS - Ahhh! All glories to Srila Prabhupada (AgtSP)! We met you in Boise, no? Also, Srinivasa Das et al have been telling us your glories! So nice to hear from you here.

Through Krishna's mercy, I was able to associate with Srinivas Prabhu and Sundari Radhika Mataji from the day I arrived in Boise. I was extremely fortunate to meet you in August, 2018 at their home, when I received my first Bhagavad Gita signed by you. Ever since, I have been attending Gita classes held by Srinivas Prabhu. In April, 2019 when you had visited Boise again, I was able to get a week-long association with you and Srimad Bhagavatam signed by you.

I also attended the Sunday feast at the temple regularly. I helped with various services during the festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Gaura Purnima. I helped Sundari Radhika mataji and Sugopi when they cooked Sunday feasts.

I have been chanting 16 rounds daily for almost an year now. Sundari Radhika Mataji has helped me cultivate the habit of eating only prasadam, and I have been doing that for one year now. To further strengthen my sadhana, I am trying to wake up at 4.30am daily to chant my rounds. (You told me to do so when we met in March)

I have learned more about Krishna and Srila Prabhupada through Srinivas Prabhu's enriching classes. I have been attending his Gita classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Srimad Bhagavatam classes on Saturdays. I have also been reading verses from both the Gita and Bhagavatam everyday. My parents have been very supportive in my sadhana and their faith in Krishna consciousness has increased significantly since 2018. My mother has also been chanting 16 rounds daily for the past 8 months. Krishna has been mercifully helping me continue with my sadhana and building a connection with Srila Prabhupad.

When I asked for shelter in March during your Boise visit, you told me to read the blog and your website. I have been reading the blog occasionally and read the Guru Tattva document. I am determined to follow your instructions and would be very grateful if I can receive initiation from you.

Your servant waiting for your mercy,

Chithkala.

HpS - From the Guru-tattva document on our web page you can see that initiation requires being pretty fixed in rising early, performing Mangala-arati (incense and flower is enough), Kirtan, SB, 1-1/2 hours before sunrise. Brahma muhurta.

Of course, it is just a habit.

A change in life style.

Then we see the result. Our "material" life improves!! We start have Hare Krsna hopes and happenings in our lives?

How is your getting-up-early life? Don't worry. Krsna sees you and knows exactly what you are doing. He gives all credit for sincerity before the habits may get formed. There are neophyte pure devotees.