Letters to the editor

Hare Krishna, honorable Maharaj HpS🙏🏾

All glories to Goura Nitay

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.  

Please accept my humble obeisances.

First of all, thank you for your response to my first letter introducing myself to you. I apologize for the length of the letter; I felt inspired and wrote too much, I am really sorry 😓

HpS - Do, not, agtSP, remember the exact letter, but usually when letters are to long for our long tailed secretary to deal with he just lets the sender know and asks for more bite sized posts.

Thank you!!

🙂

Yes, I have been following your morning programs daily for a couple of weeks. Every day I cannot miss the opportunity to have your association and devotees' All is such inspiring and positive for my spiritual life.  I love that time 🐵

The best hours of the day for me are during the japa Joe and FMS programs because I feel very inspired to chant the 16 rounds and to finish these in the morning.

After my rounds I get a clearer mind and determined to accomplish my daily tasks at home, taking care of my mom, who is still recovering from their wrist surgery. My sadhana helps me to get a nice motivation during the hole day... do my service and daily activities with a good mindset.  Thank you, Maharaj, for being my guide.

I make many mistakes when chanting my rounds; many times when I chant by myself, my mind goes from one thought to another, these ones are not related to Krishna... but since I have started to follow your programs, I can see some changes, it's more easy to focus my attention on listening to you chant and repeating the holy names by myself following you. This technique helps me a lot.  Thank you so much for your help daily.

Maharaj, I would like to ask you, what should I think about while I am chanting the Holy Name of the Lord? Should I look at an image of Him or should I just listen attentively without thinking about anything?  I have this doubt. Thank you very much in advance for your answer 🙏🏾 Thank you for everything you do for us.

HpS - Srila Prabhupada, as we remember, comments that for the basic sixteen rounds, for sure, we should just focus on chanting and hearing attentively. of course, adopting place, posture, breath, may help this, but we should remember that we only adopt other things as help us focus on just hear the HOLY NAMES.

From Them...... form, character, associates, pastimes will follow.

We can chant in the mood of the Siksatakam, especially 'ayi nanda tanuja kinkaram...' is we cannot just chant, sit anyhow, breath anyhow.

Also, I want to tell you that I have a big fear about death and diseases, since I have a family history of physical illnesses. I usually hear that Maya is stronger and that no one is safe in the movement. I just want to remain stable in performing my daily sadhana and I trust more in the Supreme Lord.

HpS - Proves you are a wiseman. This must not be your first life as a philosopher like Socrates.

Sometimes I believe that I am trying to surrender to Him, but these fears arise—how could I remove them from my mind? Please, help 🙏🏾

HpS - You mention several. If you go on chanting Hare Krsna and reading the SB you will get answers to all of them, more and more.

Here is nice link to some practical suggestions. We have taken some to heart!!

https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/1/9/27/#bb15339

Yes, Maharaj, I live in Lima, and I am attending to Temple of Parama Karuna Goura Nitay at ISKCON Lima center for Wednesday and Sunday programs.

HpS - Miraflores, or Wilson, or other???

The devotees in charge have entrusted me to do service like pujari for the Goura Arati of every Wednesday, this is Krishna's mercy.

As I mentioned in the previous letter, since February of this year I started doing garland service at temple of Lima Center, and from the last 7 weeks I have started this new service in pujari. I am very enthusiastic for doing my best in this new service😊

Since february of 2024 I have been visiting the Miraflores Temple for following the programs, fortunately actually I have daily association with devotees in the Temple because I am working in the store of the temple part time and I participate every Harinam saturday's. It's really amazing every Saturday doing Harinam in Miraflores. Many people like our chanting and energetic dance... they feel attracted to Holy names; it's a nice service. Thanks, Supreme Lord!!

The motivation to improve my sadhana was to offer a good service to the Deities. Maharaj, everything was aligned for me; Krishna and SP was helping me every day. I see their guidance. For example, he devotees I frequently associate with told me about your Mangala Arati program, and here I am very enthusiastic because of your inspiring association🙏🏾

The Supreme Lord has guided me to You. Thanks Krishna who allows me to join every day at your programs, I am learning to be more disciplined, taking seriously the spiritual life. Thank you, Maharaj and all devotees who join daily. I feel more confident; I must confess that discipline was a weak point for me during the last years... Now, I am surprised about my determination in order to get a stronger sadhana, and all is because sadhu sangha... for that reason this time (morning programs) is the best part of my day.

You have a lot of kindness, mercy and a good sense of humor. Thank you so much, Maharaj, for your daily guidance 🙏🏾

Thanks too for recommending that I read canto 1 of the SB, 4-6. I am going to read the very interesting conversations between Narada Muni and Srila Vyasadeva. I am very interested in reading them 🤓

About the Chosica Temple, they have very nice programs with static kirtans. I went to the Chosica Temple for the first time for this year's Radhastami, at the end of August. I was fascinated by Sri Sri Radha Madan Vihari Deities 💖

🙇🏾‍♀.  

Yes, Maharaj, there are mature devotees in the temple who present very inspiring classes every sunday. I know Prabhu Laksman Agraja Das, who is my teacher, his wife Mataji Raman Reti Devi Dasi, Mataji Mitravinda Devi Dasi, Prabhu Ramasundarya Das, and other brahmanas. They are dedicated to spreading Krishna consciousness and excellent devotees. Also, I often listen to the Sunday classes online. Chosica is located 3 hours by bus from my home.

Hare Krishna, dearest Maharaj, thank you very much once again for your daily spiritual support in the morning programs. As you say, they give us the strength to face the day's problems. You give us priceless teachings every day 😊I'm very thankful.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada and his disciples.

All glories to you 🙇🏾‍♀️

Your servant,

Annie from Lima 🐷

PAMHO at your lotus feet, Maharaj 🙇🏾‍♀️

HpS - Thank you.

We had to start scanning the last half of the letter, because it was too much for us.

Take devotees and spiritual brothers, sons etc as practical.

Dear GM,

Pamho

Agtsp

OK, I surrender. Sending news to blog. Compelled to reflect on the mission of being receptive to Sri Krsna’s mercy, Who guides us through Guru, Sanga, Sastra, and Nature.

ASA - agtSP!!! 🐸

I am still abiding in the land formerly known as the Kingdom of Siam, which is from Sanskrit Syama - a name for our dark, wonderful Lord, who provides relief from the miseries of material existence as a storm cloud gives soothing rain and is the source of irresistable, charming beauty.

ASA - Good God! We live in Houston, which is named after Hugh! You are so fortunate.

I was recently wandering in the Himalayas where the immensity of nature provides the oppportunity to experience humility and the fragility of this mortal coil, whilst also experiencing the grandeur of the Lord’s creation.

Still under the influence of the monsoon season in September, the clouds were both beautiful and terrifying, as I succumbed to the rain and snow they bestowed.

But in the belly of these storm clouds, I could remember our Lord as megha-shyama with his dark complexion that is limitless, like the sky and ocean, and divine.

Feeling the peril of big mountains, I was comforted to feel the Lord’s eternal presence, adi-purusham.

In the Himalayas, I felt like a small child walking day after day through a temple that is unimaginably vast. Every which way, all the while, it felt undeniably holy. Divinity in raw, beautiful, harsh nature.

Occasionally, when the clouds would relinquish their grip on the mountains, I could see the immense peaks, including Everest, which is formally named Sagarmatha, meaning it is at the top of the sky, also implying it is a heavenly place (svarga+math).

ASA - Gets mention in BG?

Thinking about this, I need to go back and read Light of the Bhagavat.

I too am living until I die

And by death I step out of this body

With hope 

That nothing is without a source

Which is Sri Krsna

All glories to your service in Krsna consciousness

Yh+fs,

Tcsd

ASA 🐷 🐖🐖🐖🐖

We follow in your footsteps!

Any general idea about the Fundamental Ideas of Wife/Children/Family?

👪

PAMHO. AGTSP! All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!

HK Maharaj! How are you??

HpS/ASA - Aaaah! Haaaaa! The sun has gone down. the whole world in plunged in darkness. our body has about 35% of the terrible skin rash that it had yesterday. our eyes are burning and aching. the hearing aides its.

Our posture and sitting place is killing us. . . . etc.

Yet, it is so stimulating associating with devotees.

We will do two more letters, then we will be caught up to three days!!!

Well I do review my journal just once in a while, but now that your asking will review it more often.

Maharaj, I’m looking for new devotees to start a friendship, would you be so kind as to recommend me someone? I speak Portuguese, English and well, Spanish, which is my mother tongue, so I think it would be great, and if you consider of course, to have some friends from abroad with which I could practice another language as well, beside Spanish.

You had referred me to Jagad Guru from Chile, and you know I had certain issues regarding an ex girlfriend of mine who formerly dated him, so I would prefer to avoid that relationship.

HpS - Where are you camped? How would you communicate? I do physical with local community. Travel to other places [90% less now]. Tele phone, Tele graph... Try to send paper mail to local devotees, Spain... India. Hand sketched.

Could you please send me any verse from the scriptures that you consider? I certainly need some inspiration.

HpS - Look at the table of contents in the KRSNA book. Pick out a pastime that stimulates you. Read it and share your thoughts with someone else.

We do that.

Thank you very much and best regards,

HK!!!!

Federico

Todas las gloria a Goura Nitay

Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada

Querido Gurudev aqui esta mi reporte le comento que en estas últimas semanas todo está muy movido con la operación de Lad, restableciendo las actividades y organizandolas. debo hacer mi sadhana ademas de cocinar, limpiar, lavar y trabajar, antes nos repartimos las labores no es imposible pero requiere organización. estoy un poco cansada pero bien. deje por un tiempo mi servicio de lectura pero lo retomaré con entusiasmo, en la carta anterior preguntó por mi suegra ella está muy bien, lúcida se hace la mayoría de sus cosas sola la visitó a diario, ella tiene 87 años le damos prasadam (las bolitas dulces que hacemos). mis sobrinos y cuñada bien. cada vez que hay una fiesta les combinamos lo que preparamos. Sigo trabajando con los chicos estoy muy feliz por su progresos me propusieron trabajo con una de ellas para el próximo año desde marzo en adelante, estoy muy bien de salud mi epilepsia controlada, le comento que este domingo voy a Chile a ver a mis padres y familia además de ir a votar ya que es obligatorio la multa es altisima, krishna hizo el arreglo para qué Lad se operará antes de irme. El esta muy bien su herida completamente cicatrizada, caminando y haciendo fisioterapia. tengo todo arreglado un devoto le dejara el prasadam todos los días y también le lavaran su ropa en un mes más lo autorizaron a bajar escaleras y una vez al mes debe ir al hospital donde lo operaron. de aquí a cuatro meses le darían de alta. Nunca tuvo dolor, querido Gurudev sin la inspiración de Srila prabhupada y usted esto no es posible con sus consejos y bendiciones he podido sobrepasar cada obstáculo que se ha presentado muchas gracias se despide su humilde sirviente Raman Reti Devi Dasi

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All glory to Goura Nitay

All glory to Srila Prabhupada

Dear Gurudev, here is my report.

I wanted to let you know that these past few weeks have been very busy with Lad's surgery, getting back up and running, and organizing everything. I have to do my sadhana in addition to cooking, cleaning, washing, and working.

Before, we divided up the chores; it's not impossible, but it requires organization.

I'm a little tired,

HpS/ASA - Unless you are Wonder Woman you must be exhausted!!!

...but I'm doing well. I put my reading service on hold for a while, but I'll resume it with enthusiasm.

In your previous letter, you asked about my mother-in-law. She's doing very well, lucid, and does most of her own things. I visit her daily. She's 87 years old, and we give her prasadam (the sweet little balls we make).

My nephews and sister-in-law are also doing well.

Whenever there's a party, we share what we've prepared.

I'm still working with the kids and I'm very happy with their progress. They offered me a job with one of them starting in March. I'm in very good health; my epilepsy is under control. I wanted to let you know that this Sunday I'm going to Chile to see my parents and family,

and also to vote,

. . . since it's mandatory and the fine is very high.

Krishna arranged for Lad to have surgery before I leave. He's doing very well; his wound is completely healed, he's walking, and he's doing physical therapy.

I have everything arranged; a devotee will leave him prasadam every day and will also do his laundry.

In a month, he'll be allowed to go downstairs, and once a month he has to go to the hospital where he had the surgery. He should be discharged in four months

.....He never had any pain.

...........Dear Gurudev, without the inspiration of Srila Prabhupada and you, this wouldn't be possible.

HpS - The biggest devotees in ISKCON. Very tough B'caris and Sankirtan men, everyone, when we ask, "Did you cry when you read Lilamrta?" They all answer yes. Srila Prabhupada gave his life, and ease for us, no. For you!

With your advice and blessings, I've been able to overcome every obstacle that has come my way. Thank you very much. Your humble servant, Raman Reti Devi Dasi, bids you farewell.

HpS - Yes, is by Guru Krpa. AgtSP. We are bad tools he is using!

I think many people look at you and your challenges and think, "Oh, my God, if this lady and survive, be super productive, and be happy, what do I have to complain about".

Onward. Will you be Queen Kunti in your next life? Her servant?

All respects to your family.

Hare Gurudeva. PAMHO, AGTSP

I am doing very well. I am trying to adjust to the hip and femur prosthesis I recently had implanted. I am improving rapidly. The doctor said my recovery is miraculous, and my scar is healing very well.

HpS - Spiritual Body!

Thanks to my insurance, I didn't have to spend much. Such an operation costs around $12,000. I wouldn't have been able to afford it. I would have just had to wait to leave my body.

HpS - ... or use a cane made of nima wood?

I resumed my teaching duties immediately.

Of course, my wife, Raman reti dd, is a great help, as is my family. I am very fortunate. Through the prayers of the devotees and the protection of Lord Nrsimhadeva, I will be able to resume my other services at the temple and in the kitchen of our Deities.

ASA - 🍠 🍠 🍠 Sweet potatoes for Radha and Madana.

Prabhu Puspa Gopal of Chosica is very excited about your visit and advises you to stay in Chosica, as the ashram is well-equipped.

Furthermore, we will have more opportunities to have dharsana with you.

I completely agree. Furthermore, the program in Chile seems quite intensive, and in Peru, there might be more internal programs with devotees, classes, festivals, etc.

HpS - Wrote all about that in the Blog Posts to Govinda Carana Das and The President of ISKCON Santiago de Chile! 🙂

🎠

P. Puspa also asks about M. Aruddha's book on programs for children. How could he obtain it?

HpS - You have Prof. Ravi Gupta's Whats App? He can ship it, I think. Maybe it is an e-book on Amazon by now.

May Krishna grant us the mercy of having you here once again. We truly miss your illuminating presence, which fills us with enthusiasm to continue our sankirtan and improve it more and more.

One of my students, Annie Albitres, a wonderful person and a great devotee, is very enthusiastic about your association. Please keep her in mind.

HpS - She joins our Japa Joe and FMS program daily. She sent, nice bio-data!

Blessings, dear gurudeva, to continue serving despite my ailing body.

Thank you so much for your programs that keep us Krishna conscious.

ssLAD

HpS - If we all take birth in Nadiya with Nimai in our next lifetime who will you be? Who will others be? Will someone be Chand Kazi!!!

Others dogs, boy friends, Murari Gupta, Sacci mata?

All Glories to Sri Sri Gaura Nitay

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

Hare Krishna Gurudeva, please accept my sincere and respectful obeisances.

We were in Vrindavan with my father for the month of Kartik. It was a beautiful adventure traveling with my father. I think Krishna blessed my father for all the preaching he did to me, my family, and friends. He is not initiated, but he chants some rounds, and a few weeks before coming to Vrindavan, he prepared himself.

We arrived at the holy dhama without any problems, and my father didn't have any difficulties in Vrindavan whatsoever. His health was very good. We ate every day at the goshala, and even though it's not pleasant for Western devotees to eat at the goshala, my father humbly accepted everything, from eating there to walking around Vrindavan, tolerating the monkeys, rickshaws, the noise, and the transcendental chaos of Vrindavan. He was very happy. He accepted all the austerities.

HpS/ASA - 😮

Ready to die. Ready to fly. Back home to, the spiritual sky!

Even though my father is not initiated into ISKCON, he possesses great humility, and he sees all the energy of Vrindavan with eyes of love and purity. Truly, every day I learned from him in Vrindavan. One anecdote: one day, while walking, my father found a champa flower, smelled it, and placed it on his heart, saying, "All of this is spiritual energy." I was very impressed by his devotion.

We continue chanting 16 rounds, following the four regulative principles, chanting the Gayatri mantras, and performing deity and Tulasi worship. We also cook for our deities. If there is anything else you would like me to do to advance in my spiritual life, I would be grateful.

HpS - Keep improving your service to Srila Prabhupada's Sankirtan Party. Of course, that is His ISKCON, which includes GBC, Temple, Presidents, but is especially focused on creating an atmosphere were like minded people can chant Hare Krsna.

This is my 5th year of observing Bhishma Panchaka, and I feel happy; it's one of my favorite fasts.

Returning to Peru very soon with beautiful memories and realizations, Hare Krishna Gurudeva.

Nadiya Nivasi Dasi

HpS - Thank you.

Hope Krsna gives you more and more stimulating Sankirtan position in the material world.

Of course, He gave such a benediction to Queen Kunti. All respects to your father. What is his name? Is he retired? Working? 😆