Reflections During Japa

Dear Siksha Guru Maharaja, Hare Krishna;


HpS/ASA - Sudama Swami said that when he was with SP in Japan he asked him what was a Siksa guru, and SP replied that anyone who enlivens you in devotional service by citing from the scriptures or previous Acharyas is a Siksa Guru.

He asked SP, "Anyone?", and SP responded firmly, "Anyone". 👍



. . . please kindly accept my most humble obeisances; all glories to Srila Prabhupada; all glories to your good self, his faithful and devoted servant; all glories to all the devotees of Lord Chaitanya, who have dedicated their lives to the spreading of the holy names of the Lord. I have been struggling with trying to find a peaceful moment to be able write some things down, but in my domestic world that seems like a most impossible opportunity. It seems that I am forced to take the time out of my japa to write things.


🐵 🐖 🐖 - Yup! ... but not too much time, no?


I find myself reflecting the many turn of events in my life, particularly during my years as a devotee. It's during my japa period that I can peacefully reflect on how it's all been Krishna's mercy. The tears of sadness and moments of laughter; the blissful association and the painful separation of devotees. It is a very overwhelming experience. When I feel such peaceful moments I can face myself and acknowledge my faults, and my failure to surrender: all of these thoughts are solely due to Krishna's mercy. In this way I can better understand that there is nothing outside of Krishna's mercy: even misery.


It's amazing how these thoughts all come to me during my japa.


I am supposed to be focused on my chanting, and instead my mind is fixed on these sentiments, hoping for some solace or tranquility.


I feel embarrassed with offenses and inattentiveness during my japa. All these thoughts seen to come to me, as if Krishna wants me to know of them and to be aware of them. But I also feel as if Krishna wants me to see how He hasn't pushed me away, in spite of my poor character and offensive chanting: again, His special mercy.


This much I can take in when I am feeling peaceful and serene during my japa. When I am feeling disturbed, it is another matter all together.


I find great comfort in my japa period in spite of all the mental distractions. I find it almost unbelievable how something so incredibly simple, as chanting Hare Krishna can be so calming.


It sounds almost too good for something to be so simple and so true.


I am convinced that Krishna is real, that He is really there in the sound of His holy names. It's beyond my comprehension to explain.


ASA - We are pretty convinced that we are talking with you, and not an AI robot that has invaded your house!!


In the evenings, when the temperature is cooler and things seem to quiet down, I am able to finish my rounds in the backyard. As the sun is setting I reflect on the verse from first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, "ayur harati vai:" how our lives are diminished with each rising and setting of the sun.


I then wonder about life, why we are born and the inevitable death that awaits us all. I reflect on Krishna's instructions in the Bhagavad gita about working "under His protection." I simultaneously feel within me the confidence that Krishna is protecting me, and at the same time hoping that He is going to protect: remembering all that I have tried to do in my life as a devotee. All of these things go through my head when I am supposed to be chanting, begging Krishna to please engage me in His devotional service. What kind of japa is this?


HpS - Second class???

I do it a lot!!!


I know that my words sound foolishly sentimental, and perhaps even like some mode of sahajya mentality. In addition to my japa, I have found it within me the willingness to visit the temple, but only once every few weeks: and then again, only when no one is around, save and except for the pujari on the altar: I still don't trust or feel safe. How offensive that must sound! At home, our Deity worship continues, as does our japa, daily readings and online classes. And on occasion some books will go out when driving for Uber. I recently acquired a couple of hundred small books for distribution, so I am very hopeful that Lord Chaitanya will allow me to remain connected to His Sankirtan movement through my work.


HpS/ASA - Did we mention Jayananda Das'a Taxi-kirtan? asa[e] - Sankirtan; Jayananda's Taxi-kirtan.

He would put a nice big book on the back seat and when the next passenger got in they would mention, that there was first class book in the back seat.

He would say, what's it about, there was a really interesting Indian guy as my last passenger. He must have left it.

Then the passenger would read SP's book and they would talk about it.

He would suggest the passenger take it with him, and usually he would, and give nice tip.


And with this much having been said, I will close here, hoping to remain a beneficiary of you ongoing kindness and mercy. I am very confident that Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna are waiting with all eagerness to shake your hand and congratulate you for your own selfless life of devotional service: inasmuch as Lord Vishnu shook Lord Brahma's hand at the dawn of creation: Hare Krishna.


HpS - Krsna is very greedy, egoistic person. He really wants to enjoy life, so even the tiniest contribution is greedily scooped up by Him and henchmen!!



Your lowly servant,

Balabhadra dasa



Consejería para matrimonio

asa[e] - DVAD, Grhastha, Divorce


Querido Gurumaharaja

Por favor acepte nuestras respetuosas reverencias.

Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada!

A veces nos piden dar alguna opinión sobre las dificultades matrimoniales y la idea del divorcio como una solución, pensamos que no somos buenos consejeros sobre este tema pero después de escuchar la situación y dar una humilde opinión de introducción invitamos a leer sus palabras y buscar otros buenos consejeros, en algunos casos parece necesario la ayuda profesional.

Si a alguien le sirve comparto el material que he guardado, hay cartas particulares pero tengo dos buenas publicaciones de su parte.


El divorcio: ¿un espejismo de felicidad? (Primera parte )

https://monkeywarrior.com/detail/12498/


El divorcio, el espejismo de la felicidad (segunda parte)

https://monkeywarrior.com/detail/12644/


Muchas gracias por sacrificar su energía por sus niños.

Vuestra eterna aspirante a sirviente

Asta Sakhi dd


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Dear Gurumaharaja

Please accept our respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Sometimes we are asked to give an opinion on marital difficulties and the idea of ​​divorce as a solution, we think that we are not good counselors on this subject but after listening to the situation and giving a humble introductory opinion we invite people to read your words and look for other good counselors, in some cases professional help seems necessary.


If it helps anyone I share the material that I have saved, there are private letters but I have two good publications from you.


Divorce: a mirage of happiness? (Part One)

https://monkeywarrior.com/detail/12498/


Divorce, the mirage of happiness (Part Two)

https://monkeywarrior.com/detail/12644/


Thank you very much for sacrificing your energy for your children.

Your eternally aspiring servant

Asta Sakhi dd


HpS/ASA - Thank you. AgtSP and His Divine Grace's ISKCON.

ASA has been trying to publish an Encyclopedia [asa(e)] for many years. We get asked the same questions again and again and we try to answer them in depth one time and then have that work sorted by topic.

Many nice devotees have tried to work on it but not so much result so far.

Maybe after we finish our last movie: Hanuman Reporting to Rama, and release it on Janmastami, and travel to Richmond, Spain, India. We can work on that.

Hare Krsna.

Hare Krsna.

Thank you so, so, much.

We have all, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and Nitai-Nimai, changed so many lives.

Thanks to you and Jambavati Devi Dasi, H. H. Bhakti-bhusana Swami et al.

Rohini kumar das

4 months, 3 weeks ago by Rohini kumar das in Personal Sadhana Reports

Hare krsna Guudeva acepte mis reverencias .

AGTSP.

hace un año que llegamos a NV por la misericordia infinita de Krsna esto me ha ayudado en todos los aspectos de mi vida.

continuamos cantando 16 rondas cada día ,4 principios muy poca lectura últimamente .

cocino para las deidades 5 días a la semana , también los visto por las noches , hago los dulces de mangalartik y el kheer que se ofrece en las noches. He conocido muchos grandes devotos , algunos discípulos de Srila Prabhupada .

Krsna siempre me das más de lo que puedo merecer y yo solo hago mi mejor esfuerzo para ser útil de alguna manera .

siempre agradecido por guiarme en el camino de regreso a casa

du eterno sirviente Rohini kumar das


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Hare Krsna, Gurudeva, please accept my obeisances.


AGTSP.


It's been a year since we came to NV by the infinite mercy of Krsna this has helped me in all aspects of my life.


We continue chanting 16 rounds every day, 4 principles very little reading lately.

I cook for the deities 5 days a week, I also dress them at night, I make the mangalartik sweets and the kheer that is offered at night. I have met many great devotees, some disciples of Srila Prabhupada.


Krsna you always give me more than I can deserve and I just do my best to be helpful in some way.


Always grateful for guiding me on the way back home


Your eternal servant Rohini Kumar Das


HpS/ASA - Hare Krsna. Hare Rama.

What kind of Sankirtan does the NV community do?

Do they have any annual festivals, tourism?

Always be looking how Krsna wants to engage you in His personal plan.

See you soon.

Vakresvara pt.!! Hare Krsna Gurudeva

4 months, 3 weeks ago by rohini in Personal Sadhana Reports

Hare Krsna, Gurudeva

My respected Gurudeva, please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

¡Om namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya!

 

Gurudeva I am configured in such a way that I turn out to be a great emotional and sensitive package, that when something impresses me I overflow into tears that are difficult to control, that seems not only my emotion but it is as if I channel the emotion of others as well.


I have avoided many situations in my life to avoid facing this emotional overflow, but this has made my body sick.


So I chose to be aware of this detail of mine and I am working on it and researching it, and thus, my illness is controlled, and I can see myself when the emotion overflows.


According to Empedocles (5th century BC - Presocratic, philosopher, scientist, healer and Greek seer) matter is made up of "groups of roots" or elements, which he described not only as physical manifestations, but also as spiritual essences, associated with Greek deities.


In later theories (alchemist, Neoplatonic, Gnostic) the elements are not only material and spiritual forces, but also aspects of the human being, whose various combinations produce different types of personality.


Jung's concept of the four fundamental components of personality is a consequence of Empedocles' ancient theories about earth, water, air, and fire.


This is the constitution of the Living entities and Vedic knowledge does not contradict this fact, great elements (mahā-bhūta).


Living entities have these elements in our constitution. but the configuration is different for each one. In my case, these energies (fire 14%, earth 0%, air 23% and water 63%), thus, are activated in me.


Gurudeva, to what extent does this limit the development of my state of consciousness?

This situation is uncomfortable, but this could be transformed into something beneficial and useful?

I feel more aware of the events in my environment; my principles, my rounds and your association Gurudeva are the most important thing for me.

Thank you very much for your attention Gurudeva, your time and mercy.

 

Your disciple

Rohini dd


HpS - So sorry that we could not answer this earlier. Our great misfortune.

We are certified 60% deaf (was 40% last year), and rest of body, institution is about the same.

What you describe sounds normal.

I have 70% fire according to one analysis.

Of course, hard to find good analyst in Kali yuga, but with common sense and HK/HR ... Srila Prabhupada's association, this can be practical thing.

Of course, the more we are in the mode of goodness, I guess sound element, the easier it is to cultivate the spirit.

But even that can be a trap. BG! Those in the mode of goodness, think they are better than OTHERS.

So, we accept the kind of body we have and learn to connect it with Krsna.

Even a dog can take part and dance in ecstacy.

Like to hear anymore realizations on this matter.

Very nice.

Thank you.

Hope some other readers respond.


Please advise (continued) Mangala arati

Hare Krishna!

Guru Maharaja,


Yes, you are very right, my wife has been a rock in my spiritual life.

My materialistic nature of ignorance like to see her as a problem but that is right.

She is a gift Krishna has put in my life allowing me a lot of growth when I am mature enough (and sometimes even when I am not) to see it as Krishna arrangement.


I do know how important morning program is for you. I appreciate it very much in that I have also made it an upmost importance in my life. This is because of your example and encouragement (instruction 😉).

You have made it very clear what Srila Prabhupada has asked and wants from us in morning program. THANK YOU!!!!! I have grown to LOVE morning program.


This discussion was taken a bit to WhatsApp however can we please continue it here.


Haribol

Your servant,

Nanda-braja das.


HpS - AgtSP.

Apologize that have not been able to answer this or other letters so quickly.

Body, Buddy, is disintegrating.

Were 40% deaf last year and now, as expected, tested at 60% this year.

Our skin, teeth, eyes, mind, institution about the same.


Yet, we are only satisfied when we can squeeze the last drop of use of them out of Krsna's service.


Also, yes, yes, yes. Using this Blog forum for the kind of communication work it is supposed to do and using WhatsApp and Twitter for the kind of work they are supposed to do is correct.


We are in very stressful circumstances. Me, probably you, probably all of our esteemed readers.

😆

God certifies this!


Now it is 3.03AM.

Chanting Japa.

Doing little Blog work.


3.15am bath, tilaka, Deity worship, Mangala arati.. Kirtan.. Reading LoB... = FMS


In the middle of hell it allows us to focus on Krsna's name, Associates, Qualities, Form and ... it allows us to express our spiritual nature.

💥

Hari Bolo!

Sing and Dance in ecstacy.

Better than joining Larry Bird in basketball.


We were really struck by one incident related by Nava-yogindra Swami.

He came from a little town in Nepal. The devotees were there on traveling Sankirtan from Krsna Balarama Temple.

He was so attracted that he took permission from his Mother and Family and went back with them on the bus to Vrndavana.

As I remember he said he was looking out of the back of the bus as it drove away, seeing his mother with tears of anguish in her eyes, waving good bye.

Then, he served as B'cari in Temple in Braja.

Met Srila Prabhupada and had some direct interaction with him. Was Temple Commander at one point.

Yet early on he explained that he was in the Temple room during Japa time in the morning and Srila Prabhupada's Secretary came to him and told him that Srila Prabhupada wanted to speak with him immediately.

He was shocked.

He went to Prabhupada's rooms and paid his obeisances and asked how he could serve him, and Srila Prabhupada told him that he had a Temple in Africa that was failing and he was going to send him, NYD, to become the Temple President.

NYD said he was shocked again and replied, "SP, I am just a new man, little village boy. Coming to Braja has been a culture shock for me. How can I go to different country, different continent and become not only President of a Temple, but President of one that is failing!"


He said that Srila Prabhupada smiled and then looked at him very seriously and said that if he followed four principles strictly and chanted 16-nice rounds daily and kept a full morning and evening program and saw that everyone under his authority did the same thing, he would have... no... problems.

He said he applied it and it worked.

We have applied it and it works.

Of course, some very nice devotees like President in Los Angeles keep full morning program in Temple with devotees, and evening program with their family.

Etc.

Yet, if it is nice program, even not in Temple room, then seems they should be so encouraged that then want to share it in practical ways with others from time to time.

O.K.?

NoI 5 shows how to relate to different kinds of devotees.

NoI 10 how to relate to kinds of devotees and all others.

O.K.?

Must run to bath.

Thank you.


Photo attached of man on way to Mangala arati.


Daughter born by your blessings and Daily Sadhana

4 months, 4 weeks ago by divya in Personal Sadhana Reports

Hare Krishna Dear Guru Maharaja

Please accept my humble obeisances

All glories to you, All glories to Srila Prabhupada


Please accept my sincere apologies for not writing in the blog for a long time

I pray to Sri Radha Kalachandji for your good health

We are doing good, by your mercy we are blessed with daughter. She is doing good and now she is two weeks old. It is a very happy moment for us Guru Maharaj, and we are very greatful to you and all the devotees who were continuously praying for us and showering their blessings. This day wouldn't have been possible without your blessings Guru Maharaj.


This stage is little difficult for us since we are figuring out things and trying to adjust our schedule according to the newborn.

Please forgive me Maharaja because I am not able to do my daily sadhana. Most of my energy goes away in doing things for the baby and I am also recovering from the surgery. I have kept an account of my rounds and hopefully by your mercy i will be able to catch up and complete my rounds. Please forgive me Guru Maharaja for not fulfilling the promise which i made it to you.

I am patiently waiting to resume deity services in the temple. And once again engage myself in the service of Sri Radha Kalachandji.


Please always keep us in your service dear Guru Maharaj and give us your blessings


Yours Servant

Divya Sri Devi Dasi


HpS - Thank, agtSP, you.

Well done!

Fix a minimum Japa standard and then later catch up.

💪💪💪🐒


Please be kind and send report of new Vaishnava from time to time.