Letters to the editor

Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

HpS/ASA - Gurudeva, Ki Jaya!!

My family (Tarangaksi dd, Devahuti) and I are grateful to Krishna for having your association online. We truly appreciate reading and staying connected through your messages on the anveSaka WhatsApp group. They've been especially helpful for us (particularly for me living in Finland), and we are thankful for the effort, energy, and time you put into it.

HpS/ASA 👦 🐵 🐖 We are very enlivened by your association and hope it develops more and more into association with you all and everyone on the completely spiritual platform!

What are people in Finland like? Do they all have big beards and drive sleds with reindeer?

It has been almost 10 months since I moved to this northern country. It has been tremendously hard, perhaps the hardest experience in this life so far. Even though the city I live in is relatively warmer than others, 2 things disturb the mind the most: the dark winters (with little or no sunlight) and the isolation (as Finnish people often build homes in the middle of forests🌲).

ASA - The Sun is as incarnation of Aniruddha and Aniruddha is the predominating deity of the mind. ... Therefore, it is impossible to keep good mental health without sufficient sunlight!

(Of course, KRSNA is the divine Sun!) 🌞

Multiple times, the mind felt so disturbed, caught in lamentation and ignorance. Yet, by Krishna’s mercy, we have good friends here, and a Buddhist sangha became our refuge, too.

Now, I realize that solitude is a great opportunity for introspection—the chance to look deeper within ourselves and better understand who we are.

When you are 'alone', you can hear the mind louder (and you can easily go crazy😅), but you can also engage with your inner wisdom and discover the incredible strength that lies within. Ultimately, I believe all this comes from Krishna (Paramatma?).

ASA - https://vedabase.io/en/library/bs/5/38/

Now, I'm reaching the end of the 1st year of my master’s program. My conclusion is that the program has given me a broad perspective on how education systems function around the world, particularly how international organizations (e.g. United Nations, OECD, World Bank, etc) manage global education agendas through a sort of 'soft power' that encourages countries to align with them. To sum up, we learnt how this material world works and how conditioned we are by it. For the 2nd year, I must complete both an internship and a thesis.

I'm eager to write my thesis as an offering to You and Srila Prabhupada. By the mercy and help of Maha Lakshmi mataji (from Spain), I was able to connect with Sri Mayapur International School. Since the school follows the Cambridge curriculum, I'd like to write a thesis on how the school keeps a 'balance' between what this global curriculum expects/demands, and the values, principles, and knowledge from our Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. For that, I intend to intern as a teacher at the school for a full year, which means moving to Mayapur. Therefore, if You consider this a favorable plan, Gurudeva, and I could be useful to the Mayapur community, and ultimately to ISKCON, I humbly beg for your permission and blessings to move to Mayapur and carry out this seva.

HpS - Sounds fine. Of course, this is the material world, so there will be problems in Mayapura too, but the more we become devotees, we see that all these problems are great. Purifying our relation with the looney bin! 😬

Thank you so much for reading this letter🙏

Trying to be your disciple,

Rukmini Devi Dasi

HpS - Did we mention Bhadra rupa Das to you? He is from Peru. He has gone through a very similar route as you.

Studied in Japan, then Finland or Sweden??? Then did his Doctorate in Switzerland, and is now on the United Nations promoting music education as essential for world peace and getting an audience.

We think he is doing like Bhakti vaibhava with Yadunandana Swami.

We will send a link to this post to him.

Thank you!

Do you feel Srila Prabhupada thanking you!!!?

Hare Krsna, Gurudeva,

PAmho, agtSP

HpS/ASA - AgtSP. Paoho!!!

In node 15383 you wrote -"Start with the general principle of Hayagriva Avatar"

This is what we found about

Hayagriva appeared to restore the sacred Vedas, which had been stolen by two demons, Madhu and Kaitabha. He descended to retrieve the Vedas and restore order. This avatar symbolizes the triumph of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance and evil. Hayagriva is often revered as the deity of knowledge and learning, and his story emphasizes the importance of preserving sacred texts and wisdom.

The principle of Hayagriva Avatar, seems to be very Brahminical , its not about propagation of knowledge, but rather preservation/restoration of knowledge.

If we follow this principle does it mean we are to be a scholar and write books?

HpS - We don't know. We hope that the names we give are on behalf of Srila Prabhupada, Krsna.

One general principle is that when there is trouble Krsna incarnates in a suitable form to help his devotees, people, even if He has to take the head of a horse!

That could definitely be a Sankirtan attitude.

If Vedic knowledge has been lost to public, village, global village drama, puppet shows, then Hayagriva Das will help His master take the head of horse, or CPU, screen name and incarnate to spead Vedic knowledge even in popular media.

Now it 🌄 sun is at 4.33PM, Sunday. We will head to the Temple and be available for people to talk!

Then, at 5.30PM is Arati, Kirtan, then... Class, then we can stay for a little longer in the adjacent hall to get/give a little association.

Thank you!!

Best wishes for your Sankirtan, finding Sankirtan partners in ISKCON.

regards,

Das of Hayagriva Avatar

Hare Krishna Gurudeva todos las Glorias a Srila Prabhupada🙏

🌺

Escribo con sentimiento muy amorosos esta humilde ofrenda de Vyasa Puja, es un día muy especial porque es un momento en donde puedo meditar en lo importante que es para mí su refugio y asociación. Cada carta escrita en su blog son tesoros para mí, ya que en sus respuestas se plasma sus instrucciones que son guías que me acompañaran por el resto de mí vida. En estos días me he enterado que su salud esta delicada y es imposible no pensar en el día que ya su cuerpo material no este junto a nosotros, pero intento apegarme a sus palabras y meditar que siempre estaremos unidos a través del santo nombre. Al escribir pienso que una vez usted comento en una clase que no vio muchas veces a Srila Prabhupada, sin embargo eso le basto para saber que quería servirlo durante toda su vida. Yo siento algo similar Gurudeva con usted, no he tenido tantas instancias en donde he podido estar con usted en persona, pero lo que he compartido me basta para saber que usted es mi inspiración en Conciencia de Krishna, admiro su sencillez, determinación, inteligencia, diplomacia, ecuanimidad y sentido de humor. Al escribir también recuerdo que una vez en una clase menciono que el verdadero olvido de Krshna es no cantar nuestras rondas, esa frase calo profundo en mi mente y corazón, y me sirve para no caer en mis rondas. No me alcanzan las palabras para agradecer por tantas enseñanzas que nos entrega día a día en su Programa de Japa y por estar siempre dispuesto ayudar en nuestra vida espiritual. Espero poder servir y ayudar en su servicio a Srila Prabhupada siempre querido Gurudeva.

Con mucho cariño y admiración Havihsara Devi Dasi.

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Hare Krishna Gurudeva, all glories to Srila Prabhupada🙏

🌺

I write this humble Vyasa Puja offering with great love. It is a very special day because it is a time when I can meditate on how important your shelter and association are to me. Each letter written on your blog is a treasure to me, as your responses reflect your instructions, which are guidelines that will accompany me for the rest of my life. These days I have learned that your health is failing, and it is impossible not to think about the day when your material body will no longer be with us, but I try to cling to your words and meditate that we will always be united through the holy name.

HpS/ASA - AgtSP Our health is pretty good. It is just the natural cycle of a machine growing old, then at some point the repairs become to major, so we get a new car and the iron in the old one is melted down to form a new car for someone else.

We have all been through it thousands of times!

As I write this, I think that you once mentioned in a class that you didn't see Srila Prabhupada very often; however, that was enough for you to know that you wanted to serve him for the rest of your life. I feel something similar about you, Gurudeva. I haven't had many opportunities to be with you in person, but what you've shared is enough for me to know that you are my inspiration in Krishna Consciousness.

I admire your simplicity, determination, intelligence, diplomacy, equanimity, and sense of humor.

As I write, I also remember that once in a class you mentioned that the true forgetfulness of Krishna is not chanting our rounds. That phrase resonated deeply in my mind and heart, and it helps me not to fall into my own rounds. Words fail me to express my gratitude for the many teachings you give us every day in your Japa Program and for always being willing to help in our spiritual lives. I hope to be of service and help in your service to Srila Prabhupada, always my dear Gurudeva.

With much love and admiration, Havihsara Devi Dasi.

HpS - We always remember again, and again and again how we have been completely self centered at every step of our devotional life. Jayananda Das once said that Krsna consciousness is eating and sleeping in the best of company. Only eat Prasadam and sleep in the Brahmacari ashrama and you will have no problems.

Srila Prabhupada has pulled us!!! Pulled us!!! and figured out how to make his servants from mud!

AgtSP.

Thank you for your association!!!

Querido Guru Maharaha, PAMHO, TLGTSP!!

Espero que esta carta te encuentre bien y que tu salud sea buena a pesar de todo. Como han expresado algunos hermanos y hermanas, preferí no escribir para no saturar su buzón y su valioso tiempo, pensando en la carga que esto podría ser. Siguiendo sus instrucciones de hoy en el Servicio Matutino Completo, a continuación se muestra un informe resumido de actividades:

- 16 R y 4P: Me levanto temprano y salgo a caminar para cantar mis rondas; Para mí, es la mejor manera de mantener mi mente enfocada en cantar. 4P muy bueno.

- En enero celebramos tu Vyasa Puja: Havihsara hizo las decoraciones, Danistha dio la clase y Priya Sakhi fue nuestra maestra de ceremonias (fotos adjuntas). Un hermoso día de servicio para honrar todo lo que hacen por nosotros.

- Con Nityananda Prana das, tuvimos unos días de vacaciones en el sur de Chile, visitando amigos devotos en varias ciudades, llevándoles libros y compartiendo prasadam. Fue un lindo viaje para compartir y ver a Krishna presente en la naturaleza... Parece obvio, pero se nos olvida.

- Con Nityananda Prana das, hicimos una modificación a nuestro altar: ahorramos espacio manteniendo las mismas deidades. Tom Brown está justo al lado de tu foto 🐵

- Principales festivales (Balarama Purnima, Nityannda Trayodasi, Gaura Purnima et al): Lo celebré en casa porque he estado viviendo lejos del templo. Hice guirnaldas para mis deidades con flores de mi jardín.

- SS Bhakti Sundar Goswami estuvo acá en Santiago, estoy leyendo los libros que distribuyó. Muy interesante.

Infinitamente agradecido a ti, Gurudeva, por ser tu discípulo. ¡Gracias por todo!

Tu siervo,

Damni dd

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Dear Guru Maharaja, PAMHO, TLGTSP!!

I hope this letter finds you well and that your health is good despite everything.

HpS/ASA - 😆

How can you ask that! 😆

😆

😆

Your Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great, Great Great Great.... are all dead or have diseases. You and I and our readers and Srila Prabhupada all have diseases.

"This body does not get diseases, this body is a disease"!

If KRSNA wants us to stay here to preach, or get more purification in a certain type of body (dog, hog, god, frog) then it is O.K.

We see, experience the distress and enjoy it as KRSNA's push to go back home, back to Hog hood (if we are worshipping Lord Varah).

Hope this does not reach you.

Hope you are "dead"!

... and on the pathway up ahead! Leading us to Nimai, Nabadvipa Dhama! Thank you!!!

As some brothers and sisters have expressed, I preferred not to write so as not to overwhelm your mailbox and your valuable time, considering the burden this could be.

HpS - No, it's fine! Just see our rhythm.

Following your instructions today at the Full Morning Service, below is a summary report of activities:

- 16 R and 4P: I wake up early and go for a walk to chant my rounds; for me, it's the best way to keep my mind focused on chanting. 4P very good.

HpS/ASA - Yes! Has advantages for us too. We must be Shudras, no? All our energy is in our legs?

- In January, we celebrated your Vyasa Puja: Havihsara made the decorations, Danistha taught the class, and Priya Sakhi was our master of ceremonies (photos attached). A beautiful day of service to honor all you do for us.

- With Nityananda Prana das, we spent a few days on vacation in southern Chile, visiting devotee friends in various cities, bringing them books and sharing prasadam. It was a lovely trip to share and see Krishna present in nature... It seems obvious, but we forget.

- With Nityananda Prana das, we made a modification to our altar: we saved space by keeping the same deities. Tom Brown is right next to your photo 🐵

- Major festivals (Balarama Purnima, Nityananda Trayodasi, Gaura Purnima, et al): I celebrated at home because I've been living far from the temple. I made garlands for my deities with flowers from my garden.

- H. H. Bhakti Sundar Goswami was here in Santiago; I'm reading the books he distributed. Very interesting.

HpS/ASA - He is our old friend! He has a 37% Arab body, no??? 🙂

Infinitely grateful to you, Gurudeva, for being your disciple. Thank you for everything!

Your servant,

Damni dd

HpS/ASA Infinitely grateful to Srila Prabhupada for having association of you and all of your associates.

If you live far from the Temple, then make all you neighbors, contacts devotees. Make it a Temple!!

Such nice photo journalism! Thank you for the pictures and clips. All respects to Nityananda Prana Dhana Das!!!

We are eternally part of the Sankirtan in Chile!

All glories to Sri Sri Guru And Gauranga!

PAMHP AGTSP!!

Hare Krishna Maharaj how are you? how have you been? I watched some of your ISKCON Houston preachings and another from Radha Kunda :) were really good :) where are you now?

I'm listening to Prabhupada Bhagavatam Classes again and it really inspires me.

I sent you pictures of my family and I, did you receive them?

Well here I am doing somehow better I think, I kept chanting my rounds, even though I chant a humble number of them, I kept singing, and it makes me feel better.

I'm quitting staying up really late or hanging out with people from the english group till late night. And well it made me feel better.

I watched the other day some of the productivity videos I used to watch, and it helped me a lot, those YouTubers teach a lot of ayurveda and devotional life, and some of them even they are christian themselves.

I began journaling with pen and paper instead of digitally, as I was doing so, and I feel better this way, I don't have the text corrector so I have to push myself a bit harder to write good english :)

And well, I was feeling better following the principles till I got some news from my daughter. My parents went to visit her and frankly speaking I got really sad of hearing about her and not getting to see her.

My parents are paying for the attorneys and they are the ones who maintain communication with them, so I don't really get a chance to speak with the guys, and it's been almost 6 months since last time I saw my child. I feel so so bad. My parents always keep me saying that the trial is on pause, and Jesus Christ it's been almost 4 months since I don't have and substancial news about what's happening.

Sometimes I feel better and improve in my spiritual life and then I get depressed because of something related to her and then my own circumstances drag me down again.

HpS / ASA - Hare Krsna.

We are Camped in Houston until we leave this body, or Janmastami, August 15th, which ever comes first.

Your news sounds good. Progressive.

Fix a certain number of rounds that you know you can do. Eg. I will chant five rounds/day until the next Ekadasi. Then, when you mind says, "No, I can't do it! 😥 I will die!". Your intelligence can, must, say, "No, sit down (or walk around) and chant! Five rounds a day for two weeks."

Then, reevaluate and fix another number.

You will find that it becomes very practical.

If you connect with Krsna, then Krsna can connect with you.

He can connect you with your daughter et al.

Thank you.

Join us with the next devotees report, post!!!

Become a Hero for Prabhupada.

Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja.

Por favor acepte mis respetuosas reverencias.

Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhuoada!

Todas las glorias usted!

Gurudev, disculpa por no escribir más.

Todo sigue más o menos igual.

Estamos con un nuevo curso para discípulos con 5 estudiantes. Comenzamos un nuevo curso Bhakti Sastri éste mes. Preparamos una página web donde subimos videos y ejercicios de conocimiento y otros que aparecen en el manual del VTE.

Prabhu Aravinda Das de Argentina, pero que vive en México, me ha invitado a ayudarlo en algunas clases de BVB... eso es algo para mi muy bueno, porque dar ese curso para mi es más "difícil" y es un entrenamiento.

.....

Este último tiempo experimento constantemente que no soy éste cuerpo, que no somos éste cuerpo. Todavía no de una manera pura, pero del conocimiento teórico ha pasado a la inteligencia creo. Krsna me lo está recordando constantemente.

Cuando leo de sus dolores de pecho fuertes, recuerdo que yo también tengo esos dolores pero mucho más suaves.

Ayer el médico me dijo que si son fuertes y duran mucho tiempo, y se debe hacer un esfuerzo para que el dolor pase, es más preocupante.

Gurudev; Honestamente, cómo deberíamos orar por ti? Que Krsna te mantenga aquí? O que Krsna te lleve a Su morada?.

¿Cómo podemos servirte con respecto a esto?

Gurudev. Si en algún momento te fueras de aquí, en qué podría yo ayudar?

Bueno, disculpa por alargar esta carta.

Tu aspirante a sirviente

Priyasakhi Devi Dasi

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Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja.

Please accept my respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhuoada!

All glories to you!

Gurudev, sorry for not writing more.

HpS/ASA - Krsna!!! Hare Krsna!!!!

What have.... you written now? How is the family, Yatra, your Yoga: 🙂

Everything remains more or less the same.

We are running a new discipleship course with 5 students. We are starting a new Bhakti Sastri course this month. We are setting up a website where we upload videos and knowledge exercises, among others, that appear in the VTE manual.

ASA - 👍

Prabhu Aravinda Das from Argentina, but who lives in Mexico, has invited me to help him in some BVB classes... that is very good for me, because teaching that course is more "difficult" for me and is training.

HpS/ASA - BVB is Bhakti-vaibhava??

.....

Lately, I have been constantly experiencing that I am not this body, that we are not this body. Not yet in a pure way, but from theoretical knowledge it has passed to intelligence, I think. Krsna is constantly reminding me of this.

ASA - 'Old age is a good friend for a devotee!'

When I read about your severe chest pains, I remember that I too have those pains, but much milder.

Yesterday the doctor told me that if they are severe and last a long time, and an effort must be made to make the pain go away, it's more worrisome.

Gurudev: Honestly, how should we pray for you? That Krishna keep you here? Or that Krishna take you to His abode?

HpS - We should all pray that She, They, engage us in Their work!! Devotional service is non-different from the Kingdom of God.

How can we serve you in this regard?

Gurudev: If you were to leave here at some point, how could I help?

Basically just go on as you are now. It seems to be fine. Just learning how to travel your path faster and with more depth!!!

Well, sorry for making this letter so long.

🐵

🐷

🔧

- Not long. How is family? Yatra?

Your aspiring servant

Priyasakhi Devi Dasi

ASA - Some piggy's parting pearls/pictures.