Letters to the editor

Dear Gurudeva,

After having for many years the romantic idea of being a full time monk, now I feel, reaching my 30’s, that I am running out of time to get some material success and so I feel like I am perishing like a riven cloud in the sky with no position in any sphere. No completely successful neither spiritual nor material. But fortunately I guess I have few more years to balance both aspects although I can die anytime.

No matter how many rounds I chant, how many hours I read, how many service I perform, how strict I am in controlling my senses, mind and emotions; PREMA seem to be just a long term promise. Although doing things from the platform of duty I guess could be consider at some degree to be LOVE, but this duty seems never turn into spontaneous service, and that worries me. Routine as full time pujari can be often very heavy, but that’s all I have for now, so no complaints.

On the other hand, college is going fine, but I am really impatient to get some financial independence to move outside the temple. Temple is helpful until you start to take things for granted, then I strongly believe it is better to live outside to appreciate again everything Kishor Kishori and you dear gurudeva are giving me.

The rest is perfect. I also started some imrov classes at The Second City just  to release some stress.

Nashville Ratha Yatra this year? I am looking forward to visit you. If not, I will keep following your instruction in the best of my capacity.

I hope Krsna protects you always.

Ys Etasa Krsna  Das

HpS - Jaya!!!   What level are you at: Adau-sraddhau, sadhu sanga, bhajana-kriya...  Different medicine at different points.

All that you have learned in ISKCON is of course 100% useful in the material world in terms of personal habits. The techincal stuff you can pick up pretty quick. Do you want to get married, have a family, society and friends.

During Kartika we will be going out to Richmond, maybe D.C., maybe Raleigh, (maybe Chicago?)?

Our annual Festival here is Saturday, October 1st.  Celebrate Nashville, but you could come before and stay later.  There is some chance there will not be a Festival because they are rennovating the Park. Watch for more news.

You seem to be on the right path and what is blocking your progress will gradually but even rapidly become obvious if you continue.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and Sripad

Radha Krsnaki Jay and Goura Bhakta Brinda  ki Jay

Please accept my humble obeisances unto Sri Guruji Maharaja's padmacharan that in our Saturday sankirtana arround 20 to 30 bhaktas and matajis participated. From the last Saturday we have shipfting one place to another started. This time we will perform at Prabhu Nanda Gopa Dasa's  Mandir. Yes, Prabhu Banamaly give prabachan on NOI, in Manipuri translation.

HpS - Hare Krsna.  Wonderful.  NOI is such a wonderful book. I have seen a translation of Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati's commentary, "Anuvrtti", where he states that one cannot make any advancement in spiritual life unless he hangs Upadesamrta around his neck. Of course, we do that by studying the comments by our Acharya's. Then becoming purified and approaching Radha Krsna in Vrndavana seems possible.

Also, the Kirtan report is wonderful also.

I get up daily at 3.30 a.m and completed my morning pujah (mangal arati) in my home at 5.00. After that started chanting three rounds only then started reading selected books. Now a days I am reading Prema Bilas a manipuri translated book - the portion of conversation with Gouranga Mahaprabhu and Lokanath Goswami.

We are discussing about Krsna Janma celebration, where and the modality.

My retirement is 28/02/2022. I had send and  talk to Prabhu Hari Dasa about Guruji's India visit. This time he suggested at least 15-20 days for North East specialy Thoubal, Silchr, Guwahti and Agartala. We want to know the dates when You are coming and going back. Please le us know date wise so as to enable us to fix Guruji's programme in advance.

In the mean time I have some problem (pains) in my backbond, neck and soulder so I am doing physiotheraphy. 

Yours fallen servcant

Yamunesvara Dasa

HpS - So, so, so nice to hear from you and the news from the North East.  The whole world needs to hear what is happening there. There is so much life there.   We are trying to fix our visit to India now. There are so many demands on us and our body cannot handle the physical travel so much at this point. It puts so much pressure on our heart muscle that sometimes we feel a heart attack. Leaving India last time we had to travel by car to the airport for like three hours. Then we had to stand in line to check in  for 1-hour, then another 1-1/2 hours standint to get through the Immigration line. So we are having to be careful about our travel, but we are certainly hearing your comments, and we are make all the plans here in the Blog with you all and everyone else.
"Prema vilasa", ki jai!  What have you found in the book?

All Glories to Sri Guruji and Gouranga Prabhu

Radha Krsna Ki jay and Goura Bhakta ki Jay

Dandavat Pranam,

Please accept my humble obeisances unto Sri Guruji’s Padamacharan that writing to Guruji through this email or blog is the only means to communicate with Guruji. It is very helpful to me and other bhaktas spiritually because we discuss every letter in our team.

In my previous letter I enquire some questions regarding my personal Shakhi & Manjari, my duty under which Shakhi among the 8 shakhis or upasakhis another 8 Shakhis under one Shakhis and directions. I know nothing about Gita, Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, Sadhana Bhakti, Bhava Bhakti and Prema Bhakti. I am just asking only the way / steps to increase spiritual standard just like “if someone wants to become a doctor or an engineer their subjects from the 10^th - 12^th standard should be selected Math / Biology” likewise if someone  wants to enter the Goloka Vrndavan he/she should become a Shakhi and Manjari otherwise he/she  could not. The events of Shiva who enter in the form of a Shakhi, is the example. We should select of particular Shakhi among the 8^th Shakhis or Upashakhis and under their guidance our duties will be fixed like chamar seva, jal seva, dhup seva, barti seva, tambula seva, nrta seva, etc. and  one particular direction or site. During our life time, it should be done by sidhaka from Nabadwip to Goloka. On the other hand, the seva of Caitanya Mahaprabhu at Nabadwip should be done by dasa name of the bhakta sadhaka (physically).

With the acceptance (anumati) from Nabadwip (Caitanya Mahaprabhu) we will get the name of the individual Shakhi & Manjari, direction and duty. Only then we have right to approach Goloka. It is the systems of Manipuri Gouriya Beisnava in Manipur as parampara. After some sadhu sanga I came to know such spiritual advancement. That is why I innocently asked Guruji? If there is any mistakes from my side in such manner, excuse me and keep me in the footstep of Guruji as padadhuli (trnadapi suni cena tarorapi sahisunam…….  Another thing I mentioned about Nectar of Devotion of A.C. Srila Prabhupada is so good and helpful for all but I meant another book translated in English sloka wise meaning of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu of Rupa Goswami’s in sangskrt.  

I am doing my sadhana daily, mangal arati, chanting 16 rounds, reciting some slokas from Gita, Bhagavatam, reading selected religious books regularly. After retirement from service in the year 2022 some fixed system will be followed until then I request some relaxation from Guruji.

Please advise me does and don’ts frequently so as to enable me to increase spiritual level.

Yours fallen servant,

Yamunesvara Das

HpS - Hare Krsna.   There are verse, by verse translations of "Bhakti-rasa-amrta-sindhu" into English by ISKCON's Bhanu Swami and by a nice American professor named David Haberman. Then Danurdhara Swami has a elaboration on Prabhupada's "Bhakti-rasamrta Sindhu" named "Waves of Devotion".

There are so many lines coming down from Lord Caitanya, but ours is from Rupa Goswami. We take Rupa Goswami as the recognized Acharya representing Lord Caitanya. This is confirmed by the verse, "Sri Caitanya Mano Bhistam...", which occurs in the start of Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita.
Of course, there may be so many details and differences, but Rupa Goswami gives us the Upadesamrta as instructions for neophyte devotees and then the BRS as the complete science of devotional service.

According to this perspective your Siddha Svarupa, eternal spiritual body, will be revived as we engage in the process of hearing and chanting etc. We don't have to have it assigned to us.

"Nitya siddha krsna prema sadhya kabu...", quoted in the Nectar of Instruction.
The different levels of waking up to our Siddha Svarupa are described by Rupa Goswami as "Adau sraddha, sandhu sanga...". You can find the full verse cited in the purport to BG 4.10 Purport.

Prabhupada also paraphases it in NOI 7 or 8. 

The stage when we realize our eternal form in Vaikuntha or Goloka would be Bhava bhakti. Before that we try to realize control of our senses in service of the Holy Names and the Arca-vigraha, Deities, as prescibed by our Acharya, Srila Prabhupada.

Hmmm. O.K?     What level are you on now:  Sraddha, Sadhu sanga, Bhajana-kriya, Anarta-nivrrti...?

When we know this then we can take the medicine at that level to advance to the next level. Srila Prabhupada criticized so call Bobbajis at Radha Kunda who were giving Siddha-svarupa initiation to people who were still smoking cigarrettes etc.

We can realize our eternal service when we are free from the necessity of service to the this gross body. Of course we can hear about Radha Krsna pastimes if they inspire us to follow four principles more strictly etc, but to enter into these pastimes we have have no more material conception of life holding us.

Am I attached to thinking this is my job, these are my children, these are my clothes?

What do you think?

Hare Krishna Gurudev!

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabuhpad!

Your last tweet read your arm was swelled up L I am sorry to hear about the wasp bite. I hope you heal quickly. As much as I despise western medicine, Benadryl does wonderful (temporary) things.

 ASA - Because of Benadryl our just regular Bhakti-yoga, it is reducing the swelling quickly.

A devotee was telling me about one of the forms of NrsngaDev during the time Hiryanakashipu was being disemboweled. The merciful lord pinched a nerve that would numb the entire body, so Hiranyakashipu would not feel the pain. It had me thinking (from a former medical standpoint) about how perfect the creation of the Lord is. Our bodies and their mechanisms are just constructed where you can see Krishna everywhere!

Just an update- so my GRE scores got cancelled and I’ll end up taking the test again...eventually. I still ponder why Krishna made me look bad and I guess my motives became too egotistical. It was His arrangement to make me humble and therefore, love Him more. We can’t love God when we’re too in love with ourselves. I’ll do better next time. 16 Rounds going well. My rounds have become more intense (in a good way). Morning programs also going well. Getting up early- in a lot of association so very blessed out J

I recently came back from Chicago from The Sanga Initiative (TSI) – a wonderful youth retreat of ISKCON youth from all over the states. We got together and discussed the infusion of Krishna consciousness in our hectic lifestyles. It was very inspiring- especially being able to share about college programs and outreach. A week before Chicago, I went to New Vrindaban and saw “old vrindaban” , a few miles down, where Srila Prabhupad originally started the temple. It was in a rundown shack at the bottom of a winded down grassy, bumpy terrain (a road named Aghasura Road). There were snakes in the basement but some original paraphernalia on the makeshift altar.  It was very austere and gave me so much appreciation for Srila Prabhupad and this movement.

Just preparing now for Balaram Jayanti and Janamastami!

 I wanted to revisit the topic of initiation. I 100% understand you are extremely busy Maharaj, so everything is at your convenience and your mercy. We last discussed a date on a Sunday feast during Kartik. October? I was hoping that would still be an option…I get butterflies just thinking about it. What do you think? Pretty please?

I heard you were coming for the opening of the Baltimore Temple in mid-October? Is that so!? My heart jumped out of throat when I heard that.

I listen to your lectures nightly and pray to be at your service. Thank you for your mercy Gurudev!

Your aspiring servant,
Sarita

HpS - We have to discuss with Braja Bihari Das about when we should go Potomac. We will try to call him tonight. Your scores being cancelled under such unfair circumstances is very, very, very intense. Seems that Krsna wants you to do very, very big service in this academic field.

What could that be?

Maybe you can take initiation in Vrndavan. Even if we are wrong in Vrndavan it is right. To have any service in Iskcon is perfection.

Hare Krsna maharaja, please accept my obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

By the mercy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu I still here. Many things happened and still happening all the time but I can realise that I dont want to come back to this world. 

My father left his body 2 months ago, so please I beg you to pray for him. I just write this and it's like it had not really happened. I dont know. It was unexpected and still being difficult to digest when I think about it. I was in Argentina for one month. I had gotten the ticket and I've spent all the money for that and hoping see my father before he passed away but I was late. He left some hours before I arrived. Anyway I could see him for a while.  Then It was hard for me even to decide what to do whether staying in Mayapur or Argentina accompany my mother and sisters. But when I came back to Mayapur I decided that whatever I can do here even if they are not agree, is more powerful and helpful for them than coming back but I need to take advantage for being in the Dham. So now I'm working here in the Goshala by doing Visual Communication and in ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry as Video maker. I'm also translating books about Cows and Enviroment but I'm not sure If I will be able to continue with that service, because I don't have enough time to do everything although I would love to. 

So my mind is busy now and quiet. I started to work in a video to promote "Holy Jail" a book of HH Chandramauli Maharaja and I saw you in some pictures inside the book. So I wanted to ask you if you have videos or pictures from you preaching in jails that I can use. It would be very useful for me to make a good video. I can't believe that ISKCON is preaching in jails. I didn't know that. That's wonderful!

Please if you have any advise for me, let me know. Whatever. I don't know what else I can write you. Actually I can write a book about my life since I'm in Mayapur. Lol!

I miss Vrndavan a lot and  I have a very strong desire to come back but I just try to think that because there's no difference between Mayapur and Vrndavan I beg you to pray for me so One day I will be able to see Vrndavan here and everywhere! 

Thank you so much dear maharaja,

and please give me your blessings to come back to Godhead in this life and If it's not possible, give me your blessings to never turn away from Radha Krishna and his devotees and to develeop the greed to become a pure devotee of the Lord wherever it is that I'll be 

Hoping Lord Nrsimha protects you.

Trying to serve,

Syamasundari devi dasi.

HpS - AgtSP.

You took initiation from Mahatma Das?

We would also like to stay in Vrndavan, do something unique for Radha Krsna.

As long as we are chanting from our heart at the feet of Srila Prabhupada were are making progress out of illusion.

If an ISKCON devotee is thinking of us at our death then our future will be up in the greatest possible way.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All Glories tu Guru Param Para!

Esteemed Gurudeva,  

Please accept my obeisanses. Hope your health is fine, Recently i saw many news about what was happenin in Peru with the psychology and the sacred , it was incredible, very strong.

There have been like 6 months not reporting my self here, sorry for my incomunication. I m in times of many changes, i have moved from Buenos Aires to Villa Allende, Cordoba, pretty close to Cordoba city. Settling in new place, new people, also settling my way of working here, proyecting to start a yoga/therapies studio in a nice place nearby very soon. 

Also last december i think i told you i get some lands here, since may we are builing a house, these experience have been wearisome, many many obstacles. But we continue, now becoming more fluid. 

Also with my wife YasodaMayi we are pregnant,very happy after 13 years together ,  so many changes at this time, like a waterfall of grihasta ashrama. 

ASA - Ah, Daddy-puri! Maybe Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati will become your son. Then you will have no rest at all.

Learning to be patient at this time, willing to improve my sadhana. Chanting my 16 rounds the better way i m beeing able to, but very far from the best way. Much  neurosis anxiety and fear many times. Insomniac make it difficult to take the mangalaratik medicine. Loosing many gayatris. Following  vows/principles. Worshiping Deities in a very basic Standar but is very nice. Reading Prabhupada Lilamrita and Radhanatha Swamis Autobiography. 

ASA - Very nice. Reading with Mataji?

Thank you so much Gurudeva for your devoteed life to Srila Prabhupadas mission and the welfare of all.

aspiring to become a servant,

Madhavendra Puri DasA

ASA - So your house, land is near the city where you live? You are near devotees?

Thank you for the news. We hope to talk with Ambarisha soon.