Letters to the editor

Maharaja Your Holiness,

PAMHO

AGTSP

HK

Thank you kindly for reply to our last letter.

Phone number - 971 XXX

HpS - Just texted you to try it.

My father was a recieving clerk for 30+ years for Albertson's grocery store. He stuck with the job because it was a job that he got off work at 3:30pm and was able to engage with my brothers and I in sports. He was a good coach. Not the most knowledgeable of the sports, he didn't play much sports when he grew up, but he was creative, structured and put together good systems in a way to have fun and see advancement in my brothers, myself and the other kids on our teams. I believe that I am similar in my father in that he had a very strong since of duty for others, loyal and creativity in how to get to his goals with the resources he had available.

He had a lot of goods idea and some he was able to use and cultivate them practically. I remember him reading a lot of golf magazines to improve his golf game and he would do his best to pass that on to us. He coached baseball and football and was really actually successful with them to the degree. Good systems (use of resources in a positive way), very encouraging/loving to others, and very dedicated/loyal. These things I see in him that I attract to and try to grow in myself.

My mothers family I don't know so well because she doesn't talk about them really and have much to do with them. They where abusive and alcoholics.

I was in college in a psychology class and the teacher was doing a unit on Alcholism and the family dynamics of a family with an alcoholic or alcoholics in it. My parents didn't drink alcohol but smoked marijuana. It hit me like a ton of bricks that the professor was describing my family while he was speaking about an alcoholic family. I guess I am saying this because I believe with out the addiction my father would see a lot more success with his unique abilities and appreciation of things in his life. He would often get very angry and would throw poop like the one monkey demon you described in class. However, I have little realization that this is material since gratification addiction we all have to a certain degree and that addiction is focused on some kind of "drug". We like to throw fits, throw poop, when we aren't getting it. Our addiction needs to refocused to Krsna in a way that pleases him, pleases Srila Prabhupada.

HpS - We heard that Srila Prabhupada said that to get free from intoxication COOK and OFFer nice Bhoga to Krsna, then, if He leaves any, honor Prasad! Better than Bud!

I did see the mention of the acticle on Sunday school. I have been looking on the Ministry of Ed website and it's very interesting. I will look more into it and read the journals. Also I will encourage Alicia to read the sunday school article.

I do have a weed whipper! I'm straight 🤣

Thank you again Maharaja, your association is very dear to me and encourages me to fight for becoming more attached to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet and serving him kindly. Please bless me that I may become a competent instrument for him and do some nice service for him.

Haribol!

Your aspiring servent,

Bhakta Big Foot (Nathen)

HpS - Hopefully we won't have four Big Feet. In our next life. I don't like ticks and fleas!

Dear Maharaja,

please accept our humble obeisances.

All glories to your service.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I was hoping to hear what are your thoughts/knowledge regarding the claim that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura ate fish and goat until he received diksha from HH Bipin Bihari at the age of 42 (I’m recalling that number from memory). 

Here are two quotes from his alleged autobiography sent to his son, Lalita Prasada.

“At that time I used to eat a lot of fish and meat. I had known that killing animals was bad for a long time, but I still had a strong desire to enjoy fish and meat. Chapra had very large fish, but I did not like them. So I ate more mutton. After prolonged eating of food of this kind combined with red chillies and mustard pickle, I developed a bleeding ulcer...

“...While I was living in Narail I took diksha along with my wife. I had been searching for a suitable guru for a long time but without success. I was very unhappy on that account. It seemed that if I had faith in anyone, upon examining his philosophical ideas and character, I would lose that little bit of faith. I had done much anxious thinking, but the Lord erased my unhappiness by appearing to me in a dream. In the dream I got some indication of what was to happen and when morning came, I felt joyful. One or two days later Gurudeva wrote to me saying, "I will come soon and give you initiation." When Gurudeva came and performed the initiation rituals, it made me very cheerful. From that very day the sinful desire for eating meat was removed from my heart and I began to feel some compassion towards all living beings.”

I first came across this when reading Hindu Encounter with Modernity by Shukavak Das. For me, reading that book and witnessing Thakura Bhaktivinoda's humility and example through his journey, was a great inspiration for me. I could see how sometimes it appears that a pure devotee, what to speak of little devotees, is entangled in the material world. But really there is a greater lesson being shown or needing to be learnt (for us), and we should never be disheartened, wallowing in the mental sense gratification of guilt and hopelessness, from our own current lack of qualification or standard. And this is coming from myself, who was born and remained vegetarian my whole life.

I read Shulavak’s book about two years ago and it was a part of a great surcharge in my enthusiasm and determination in Krishna consciousness. I started this blog, podcast and YouTube channel with the title “Essence Seeker” all from Bhaktivinoda’s instruction to be saragrahis. He set the example of how to actively find and please Krishna across cultures; regardless of one’s material circumstances. 

As I share my thoughts with devotees, and observe others passing this particular topic around, I sometimes see that some devotees become greatly disturbed hearing that a pure devotee participated in eating animal flesh, even when he was aware of proper conduct. Some claim that the letter to Lalitā Prasad is inauthentic. Even there is suspicion of political strategy being mentioned; with Lalitā Prasad also being an acharya of a line in direct “competition” to Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. 

So I was hoping to get your thoughts on this topic, if you have any, please Maharaja. 

From last letter: I filmed the “Origin of the Jiva” video myself with my smart phone. It’s incredible what we can do with this devices today. Mystic sidhis!

I have attached some images. Two are of myself and my eldest daughter meditating in the forest. One is of our Thakuraji at home, and one is of my daughter starting gurukula. I tried to send the image of Suryani starting gurukula with the last letter I sent but it did not make it through. (Actually I have tried several times but it looks like they haven't made it through). Maybe another time.

Hare Krishna

ys

Dhruva

HpS - Hare Krsna. It is so, so nice to hear from you. I am sorry that we could not answer letters while traveling. Sitting here in Tennessee it is a challenge because now, although, we do not have 33-interviews a day, we don't have the regulated association of Temple life that we have while traveling. All in all we are making progress in both environments. Thank you so much for the letter. So much!

I don't know much about Bh. V. Th. eating meat. Of course, Srila Prabhupada does not mention it. Also, he does not mention Lalita-prasad Ji to my knowledge either. So, can't make any comment. I think Prabhupada told us what he thought was necessary. Not that we can't investigate more, but he has made a foundation for ivestigation.

We will look for the photos!!!

Your news is always great.

What about contacting Prof. Mabbit????

Hare Krishna Gurudeva

pamho agtSP

Primero de todo pedirle perdón

No se porque me reporte no llego puede que sea fallo en la computadora o en mi memoria

En cuanto a mi vida espiritual no estoy muerto todavía

Cantamos nuestra rondas los principios y los gayatris , y Hacemos servicio regular en el templo.

HpS - Gracias. Vds. es una de las columnas de ISKCON!!!

Por ejemplo ayer unas diez horas Mangala arti baño vestir a las Deidades

srila Prabhupada Luego cocina a la mañana luego cocina a la tarde si dará arti hoy cinco horas pero no es siempre así condo el presidente de templo no está hay que hacer más servicio

Ademas tengo otras dos deidades en casa que hay que atender y programa espiritual personal .

Asi que todavía me puede incluir entre los devotos activos otro año más

no soy muy bueno pero lo sigo intentando y voy hacer treinta y ocho años intentando y no tengo planes de cambiar con si misericordiosa amistad guía amor estamos en el buen camino

asi que todo se lo debo no sólo yo sino toda mi familia

esperando seguir recibiendo su misericordia que es el oxigeno que necesito para seguir viviendo

su sirviente

murari dasa

HpS - Era un gran placer ver Vd. En Boise. Claro, tiene sus fuerte, grave, problemas con el cuerpo. No, te preocupes, Haz lo que puede y Krsna va a arrelgar la demas. Hari Bolo! Buscamos mas cartas de Vd. Son super.

Hare Krihsna Guru Maharaj , porfavor acepte mis respetos , todas la glorias a SP!

Como se encuentra Gurudev?

HpS - Feliz porque puedo morir, sufrir, convierto viejo para KRSNA!!!

Supe que quisas vendria en julio , agosto por argentina, que linda noticia , espero podamos ir a verlo.

HpS - Las fechas son en el calendario en la Kapi Dhvaja.

Nosotros ahora estaremos un tiempo en santiago del estero capital (norte), aqui tenemos un lugar y estamos haciendo una casa de adobe ( barro) .Las personas por aca ( el norte y esta zona) se sienten muy atraidas por lo mistico, pienso que las ceremonias y rituales vedicos son una linda forma de acercamiento.

HpS - Svaha!!!!

En respuesta a su respuesta ; Usted es muy amable , gracias por confiar . Le cuento un poco mas , sobre sus preguntas.

Luis - (mi compañero), es una persona muy dulce , amable , piadosa, gentil. El es de aqui Santiago capital , nos conocimos en la universidad. Es agradable compartir con el , siempre me concidera , es una persona simple .El es compone musica, principalmente, le gusta relizar intrumentales para documentales , peliculas , su vision al respecto es un todo ..la puesta en escena, la atmósfera a interpretar, mucho que ver con la arquitectura , esa busqueda por distinguir el espiritu de la materia. Tenemos mucho en comun le agrada que le lea el SB ,es conciderado, respeta. De todas formas soy muy cuidadosa con los procesos de las personas.

Sobre el bebe- Su llegada no fue un accidente Gurudev , fue decidido, quisas no parece el momento indicado pero creo que lo es .. En respuesta su aparicion : sera a finales de abril, con forma de varon jeje , y ya elegimos un nombre cada uno "Nimay Amouq" ;amouq significa en la lengua nativa quichua de esta zona,Santiago del estero, "el que viene". Esperamos que salga todo bien en el parto y su salud este bien .

Bueno querido Gurudev espero poder escribirle seguido, me es dificil. Espero podamos acercarnos siempre a usted y que luis y Nimay lo puedan ver , seria fantastico.

Muchas gracias , Hare krihsna GM!!

No puede adjuntar una foto nuestra para usted. Tambein habiamos realizado un video para su VP ...Probare en la proxima o aparte :)

yamuna tiravana dd

HpS - ASA -- Hare Krsna. Tiene que ser cuidado de 'accidentes'. A veces hay grandes problemas resultando de ellos! Ayudanos idotas Krsna!!! Rondas? 16, 75, 7, yo-yo???? Respectos a Luis. Nos gustaria mucho encontrar a el. Unas noticias antes de Julio y esperamos mas detalles de nuestra pasas entre Argentina pronto!!!

Querido Gurumaharaja!

Por favor acepte mis respetuosas reverencias! 

Disculpe que recién envíe la información que solicitó, por teléfono fue difícil contactar a la aerolinea así que preferimos tener un agradable paseo en el aeropuerto. 

Vuelo de conexión:

-Al ser ambos viajes (Lima- México, México -Houston) con la misma aerolínea las maletas pasan directo, ellos se encargan.

- Si puede salir a visitar amigos. 

- El pasajero debe estar una hora y media antes del vuelo en el aeropuerto (adentro). 

Cualquier duda podemos seguir investigando. 

Sri Krsna hizo el arreglo para nuestro beneficio, un momento de asociación con el Guru nos puede salvar del mayor peligro. 

Podemos organizarnos para ofrecerle un descanso breve y prasadam.

Respecto a los devotos aspirantes y ceremonia de iniciación es muy poco tiempo para realizarlo en esta ocasión, humildemente así parece, la prioridad es un tránsito relajante, talves y si a Usted le parece podría cantar las japas, dejar los nombres, entregar el gayatri y en una próxima ceremonia que se realice en México los devotos podrian participar. 

Es una humilde idea o propuesta si el caso sería que México no contaría con una próxima visita con más días este año. 

Krsna hace los arreglos y su devoto puro los entiende, nosotros como aspirantes al Bhakti seguimos las instrucciones de nuestro maestro espiritual que nos liberarán de este mundo material. 

Oramos porque Sri Nrsimhadeva proteja siempre Su sagrada energía. 

Perdón por nuestras ofensas. 

Vuestra aspirante a sirviente 

Asta Sakhi dd. 

HpS - ASA - Moo! Chas Gracias!!!! Podemos hacer mas arreglas, pero, si, super tener poco maha-prasad de Radha Madana gopal y associacion, kirtan, con los devotos. Regresando de Peru, Chile in Deciembre? Quedamos en Mejico para mas tiempo!!

Hare Krsna.

AGTSP..... Traveling Creatures here! How are you.

It is 5.24PM and we have head-ache and butt ache. So, we are tired top to bottom of sitting in front of this computer screen and writing. It is nice. All the letters are at least O.K. Some are very interesting!!! Many teach us how to be better devotees.

Class was fine today. Looking at Canto Nine under Upendra's inspiration. Mostly we just answered mail today and rest this morning. We have:

NIOS webpage India Tour Report.

Board of Examiners work.

Viplavah / Kapi Dhvaja.

NIOS - Jung's Red Book Introduction x the Bhagavata as our work toward education and the sacred.

Blog, Yahoo, Whats app mail.

... but now we will go for a walk with NGD!

Thank you!!!! Krsna uses all this effort. Got 16 nice rounds done. Offered fruit, three baked sweet potatoes and tomato, oat, spit pea, almond soup to Lord Nrsmha Deva.