Letters to the editor

Hare Krishna Maharaja

Please accept my sincere obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

I am writing to you in response to my informal request for shelter.

My sadhana has not changed much since the last report.

16 rounds: Yes. (For two years but I failed for a few months) I resumed them 8 months ago with a few days of rebellion.

4 Principles: Yes. Strict two years ago with some flaws. I took them back 8 months ago.

Studies and Sadhana: Mangala Aratik, four or more days a week. Daily SB classes, currently studying Bhakti Sastri.

I lead a life outside the temple so it is an eternal struggle with time, professional and devotional occupations.

Let me explain, I asked you for shelter in this informal way because of your response to my previous letter, where you tell me that: “I should initiate before marriage”, just for that. I am aware that I must greatly improve my japa chanting if I am to serve you as you indicate on Jayarama.us. I apologize if my request seemed bold.

HpS - ASA - Enthusiasm is more important than patience, but without patience it turns to passion. You seem to us to be doing very well.

My goal is to cultivate a relationship with you through your daily classes and general instructions in each of them. For me, the relationship with the guru is a priority, getting to know each other, learning to serve Krishna through his preaching. Initiation is not a priority for me (at this time) and precisely because of this I am communicating more fluently on your blog and classes, to cultivate a relationship between guru and aspiring servant. I do not know if one day I will feel ready for initiation, the regulative principles are not a problem for me, thanks to Krishna, but the rounds are a great challenge that I live every day.

HpS - In 10th chapter of BG Krsna say, "Yajnanam japa yajno 'smi". Among sacrifices I am Japa. If that is a fact then how can we find it a small thing!? Yet, the challenge is not talking, chanting, for 2-hours. We can all do that withour hesitation, usually. The thing is to sacrifice our tongue and mind to focus on KRSNA!!!!

Chanllenge for me daily. I have developed lots tricks. Lots of experience an education from SP that it is root of all success in everything so I have that asset. You will get the same asset from this life, or previous lives, as you continue.

I am making plans to live in a city (another country) where I can be protected and congregate in a healthy way, where I can cultivate a healthy association and resume my practical service in the temple. But that will be after the pandemic. Meanwhile, I am away from the temple and devotees.

I hope I have cleared up this confusion and been clear with what is in my heart.

My only wish is to know more about Krishna from a bona fide spiritual master and you inspire me.

Your would-be servant

Petti Michelena (Stefani S. Michelena) / Chile.

HpS - Have there been problems with participating in the Temple programs in Santiago? Not details, just general perspective. Have those improved with the new management arragements? On the path your are on, success is guaranteed!

Jaya Gurudev! Hare Krishna!!✨✨✨

Gloria a Srila Prabhupada!✨✨✨

Gloria a este movimiento dorado de sankirtan del Señor Caitanya y Sus asociados eternos!

Gurudev, deseo que usted se encuentre bien, acepte mis reverencias a sus santos pies.

Quiero compartir con usted y los devotos y devotas la ofrenda que le escribí a Su Divina Gracia Srila Prabhupada. Por alguna razón es una de la actividades que mas me cuesta hacer, aun no se por que, pero una vez mas lo hice y aquí va...

Srila Prabhupada, Hare Krishna!

Por favor acepte mis reverencias postradas a sus divinos pies de loto.

Aquí estamos un año mas intentando poner en practica sus enseñanzas, entonces cada vez somos mas conscientes de de nuestras propias limitaciones y eso nos permite admirar mas y mas todo lo que usted hizo para el placer de su Maestro Espiritual y El Señor Krishna. Wow!!

Es solo por su misericordia Srila Prabhupada que estamos desarrollando algo de inteligencia para entender profundamente la importancia de Cantar los Santos Nombres, al menos eso solo, así que cumplimos lo mas sinceramente posible lo que prometimos el día en que su discípulo Hanumatpresaka Swami, muy bondadosamente nos dio iniciación diksha, 4 principios regulativos y 16 buenas rondas (créame que lo intentamos!!) del Maha Mantra Hare Krishna:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Podemos apreciar también, cada día, que gracias al conocimiento que nos a acercado, podemos valorar mas y mas el propósito de esta existencia e intentar ser útiles en algo. Nuestro corazón es muy duro aún, pero sabe también que éste es al camino que debe seguir: "No hay otra manera, no hay otra manera, no hay otra manera."

De mi parte solo tengo palabras de gratitud por haberse acercado hasta Occidente y habernos abierto las puertas del Reino de Dios. Todo cobra sentido en la vida con sus palabras grabadas en la Bhagavad Gita y todos los libros a los cuales les dio significado. Usted hace todo simple y accesible para que podamos comprender la Verdad y salir del juego sin sentido de la existencia material. Nos da los ojos para atravesar este mundo loco y oscuro y justamente ver al Señor Krishna detrás de todo. Gracias.

saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka

trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam

prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya

vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

"El maestro espiritual recibe bendiciones del océano de misericordia. Así como una nube derrama agua, extinguiendo el incendio del bosque, el maestro espiritual libera a este mundo materialmente afligido extinguiendo el fuego ardiente de la existencia material. Yo ofrezco mis respetuosas reverencias a los pies de loto de tal maestro espiritual, quien es un océano de cualidades auspiciosas."

Esperamos pronto salir nuevamente a las calles a distribuir sus libros y seguir estudiando su literatura trascendental para seguir limpiando nuestra conciencia y corazón, y realmente ser útil en algo en este Iskcon Glorioso. Nunca alcanzaran las palabras para agradecerle todo lo que hace por nosotros cada día, por favor denos sus bendiciones para poder seguir en asociación con los devotos...siempre:

nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale

śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine

namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe

nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe

Ofrezco mis respetuosas reverencias a Su Divina Gracia A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, quien es muy querido por el Señor Kṛṣṇa, habiendo tomado refugio a Sus pies de loto.

Te ofrecemos nuestras respetuosas reverencias, ¡oh, maestro espiritual, sirviente de Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī! Bondadosamente estás predicando el mensaje del Señor Caitanya y liberando los países occidentales, que están llenos de impersonalismo y nihilismo.

Hare Krishna.

Intentando servirlo de alguna manera. Jahnava Devi dasi.

-------------

Gurudeva no le robo mas tiempo, gracias por todo su amor.

Su sirvienta, Jahnava Devi dasi.

Bolo Hari!! 💖🙇‍♀️🙏🏻

HpS - ASA -- Leyendo rapido. Muchas cartas!!! Pero apparece bien!!!! Claro. Directo. Servir a Srila Prabhupada!!!!

Hare Krishna Gurudeva

Please accept my humble obeisances

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

I disappeared for a while and I did not write you since February when I was traveling. I remember I said that my next letter would be reflections about my trip. However, these reflections took longer. Some plans I had were turned upside down due to the pandemic situation and I naturally fell into frustration. So I had to work internally before writing you.

HpS - O.K. but this is also a hospital, not just a theater!! 🙂 !

In these last months, my focus was introspection. Why do I act like this? Why do I feel this emotion? For example, in the past I used to be very shy. Why? Am I really shy? Now, I realized that's not a real characteristic of me. And many other questions. At university, I took an anthropology course and the part of existentialism really caught my attention. I consider that, before delving into a spiritual and more transcendental knowledge, one must work with the gross and psychic aspects. If you don't know you, how is your nature, why do you have those thoughts or feelings... so, you won't be able to know Krishna or perform spiritual practices with true significance.

HpS - This process is sublime also! https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sublime

That means that Lord Chaitanya tastes hogs, dogs, camels and asses and to see the Rasa-lila!!!! Wow! From the most gross to the most subtle. Beyond the purified mind of a Buddha even! Of course, with that light house in mind, like a free vacation for one week in Hawaii, then we have to go back and work on the gross level, psychological level, EXACTLY as you are desciribing, but remembering the high goal we are seeking, and if we can engage in devotional service, eg. chanting our rounds without introspection, that is better than not chanting and trying to develop introspection (Yoga), but chanting DEVELOPING an introspective mood is the best.

Is this correct? Let us see what The Peruvian Teacher says ....

Recently, I'm a little apart from Krishna consciousness because I observed situations that I didn't like or dissapointed me. However, I don't feel bad, because I know I'm in my process. I have a lot of working on myself... and it may take me lives working on it. But the best thing is that I've recognized and started it.

My last reflection is that I believe and I really feel with all my being that everybody has a dharma or a purpose in his/her life. I am happy to realize this and that my realization is not because of fanaticism or simply because "it should be like this". I experienced on myself that Krishna or God or the Universe really gives you clues on what you should do to follow your way in order to achieve the purpose of your life. If you understand this, you won't feel anxiety neither frustration.

That's all for now! I will continue with my process of introspection in the next months.

Happy Janmastami!

Rukmini dd

HpS - We hope you can chant 16 nice introspective rounds and follow the four principles to give clarity for the introspection. You only take birth in Peru if you were intested in introspection (and potatos) in previous life.

You think you weren't a Monk in you last life???

Hare Krishna Maharaja

Please accept my sincere obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

It gladdens me to greet you. I write in response to your instruction to my letter on marriage. I deeply appreciate your comments.

You tell me that taking initiation before marriage is better, I understand.

I tell you, a year ago I wanted to ask my authority in Chile (Prabhu Amara) for recommendations to ask for formal shelter and it was denied to me for the following reasons:

1- I did not fulfill ekadasi on two occasions.

2- I had a discussion with a devotee of the board of directors because I defended a pigeon that was being mistreated and he felt offended (that situation was settled on good terms).

3- The board of directors advised me to maintain more communication with you before taking shelter.

At that time I had been living as Brahmacarini in the temple of Santiago for four months and seriously participating in ISKCON for 3 years. Also, I’ve been following your preaching for two years now. You inspire me to have a desire to advance steadily by taking seriously my devotional vows and shelter in Srila Prabhupada.

Currently I have improved my sadhana and live outside the temple, I study Bhakti Sastri and seriously adhere to all the regulative principles.

I am clear that I must have a high standard to aspire to be your servant, these years I have made an effort to achieve that, that is why I did not communicate with you before, since I failed a lot in chanting my rounds. However, that has improved, every day I feel more inspiration thanks to the fact that I am doing mangala arati with you (more often).

I work and have many occupations during the day, but I try to keep moving forward and chant good rounds.

I ask you, how can I hope to take formal shelter from you? It would be a great blessing for me.

I appreciate and await your comments.

Your would-be servant

Petti Michelena (Stefani Salazar Michelena)

HpS - Have you read - "http://www.jayarama.us/kd/guru-tattva.txt" Are you chanting 16-rounds/day, now??? If yes, for how long? So many details in this link. Wating for your timely response.

Dear Guru Maharaj,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your great service unto him.

Yes, Maharaj, I can continue as the corresponding secretary. Yes, I saw the webpage, and my information is given correctly there on the web page.

I apologize I could not communicate with you over the email and monkeywarrior blog, but I will again keep in communication with you over that blog. Life has changed so much after the COVID-19 epidemic. All the classes shifted to online. We thought that might reduce work load, but it actually increased it because now all submissions are emailed to us and we have to grade them all from home. Now, we can get no help from teaching assistants.

As you asked, what I teach, I am doing research and teaching artificial intelligence and machine learning because I am in computer science department. At one point, I am interested in showing to the world that all artificial intelligence programs and robots are actually just programs running and being executed, but they do not have a will power of their own. Thus they are not actually living. I know because this is what I do for a profession.

For now, I feel so overwhelmed with all the work and I hope and pray to again perform more service unto you Guru Maharaj and obtain your holy association once more in ISKCON Houston.

Your servant,

Aja Govinda das

HpS - AGTSP!!!!! As we said in the Yahoo letter, Krsna will never, never, never, punish us for putting our Japa first. If we die because we are chanting 16-good rounds, lose our job, then that is because Krsna wants it for us! He has better plan of us.

More and more tests, changes, will come in life. Every time put your 16/4 first and you will become more and more potent, alive, in every aspect, life after life!!

Take birth in Nabadvipa with Nimai!

Your help in NIOS is super essential.

Agt Radhe Syam!!!

Agt Nimai Nitai!!!

Jay Srila Prabhupada!!!

Hare Krsna Gurudeva!

I hope You had a happy birthday from Balarama.

HpS - Also hope Lord Balarama had a Happy Birthday!!

I wish You all the best in Krsna consciousness, and that You are doing your best.

I just wanted to tell you that I am very well. My rounds very good. Advancing very well in Krsna consciousness. Very happy, and I believe tt this is exclusively the merit of the association by the holy names.

ASA - Su SU S U P E R!

I don't have much to tell you, and what I would like to tell you I cannot say here because it would be politically incorrect, except that people are looking for their own ruin by living as they live.

All the hours that I am conscious I recite internally or externally the holy names, or some holy name. This is the same as the first Christians, the desert fathers, or like the real Sadhus or Babajis.

At this moment in my journey, it is being a good complement for the rounds, and above all, for meditation on the objective of the rounds ... the why.

Honestly, I'm ashamed of people and how they behave, and I see it impossible for them to have a good ending.

I would like to tell you a lot of things, but I think it would be artificial at the moment.

...Oh, I have read the entire SB, without meanings, and it has been a very different experience, I imagine that especially for those who are familiar with the teachings of SP, if not it is perhaps a bit disorienting.

I wonder if the timelessness of this SB recitation is Sukadeva Goswami's sting. I don't think Suta Goswami would have recited it so out of chronological time but for Sukadeva Goswami.

I think it helps to understand that this universe is outside the laws of time ... for advanced, of course.

My humble obeisances, Gurudeva.

I remember a lot about you and me at the Vrndavan Parikrama. One of the best things that has happened to me in life, without a doubt.

At your feet, and greetings.

Hare Krsna.

HpS - Thank you.

???? https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/1/9/28/

Some information about Desert Christians in antiguity, no? Have to dig through some of the infomation to find the valuable. Have any other sites? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copts