Letters to the editor

Hare Krishna, Gurudev.

Please accept my humble obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am writing to share a recent experience.

I spent five days in Brazil, associating with His Holiness Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami.

As Srila Prabhupada says in text 5 of the Upadesamrita, the association of advanced devotees is the most precious thing there is.

I can tell you that this association created a turning point in my spiritual life: a before and an after.

I had the realization that I was unconsciously identifying with the mind and believing I was my emotions. Due to traumas from my childhood and the past—such as losing part of my family in an accident and the subsequent abandonment by my first wife—I associated bhakti and relationships with suffering and loss. Suddenly, I realized that I am not my body, but I am also not my mind.

HpS/ASA - ❗

I understood that devotional service, Krishna Prema, is an extremely powerful device. However, due to those fears, traumas, and my identification with the mind, I was not being serious in my spiritual life. I was chanting my rounds at any time, not waking up early, and eating food prepared by anyone. Somehow, I was unconsciously boycotting my progress out of fear of suffering. Today, I think about how I wasted my time and held back my progress all these years. I feel ashamed; I have associated with so many advanced devotees who made great sacrifices to visit us, and I was simply asking childish questions. It's like having invited Albert Einstein to my home only to ask him what 2 + 2 is: a complete waste.

This realization has given me an impetus and a strength that I cannot describe in words. It is a great mercy. Since that moment, I am determined to follow your instruction to wake up early and chant my rounds during the Brahma Muhurta. The truth is, it's another level, another reality. Chanting the rounds before sunrise is the perfection of life; the day truly flows in a different way.

The auspicious month of Kartik is approaching, and I am meditating on my vows. I truly want this Kartik to be special and to take advantage of the mercy of Radharani and Damodara to advance as quickly as possible. I feel that I have already lost a lot of time, and it is time to become serious so that I can become your disciple. You always said it, the instruction was clear: "wake up early and chant your rounds," but out of fear and identification with the mind, I did not want to listen.

By the mercy of Guru and Krishna, and because this process is scientific, this anartha is gone. Now I am sure that there is no danger in advancing towards Krishna; that Krishna consciousness and the Holy Name are the greatest benediction a living entity can receive. I truly want to worship the Holy Name and to be a positive instrument in the Sankirtan movement and in Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON mission.

Thank you, Gurudev, for your austerities, for your extremely clear vani, and for always being there for us.

Your humble servant,

Nikunja Bihari das .

HpS/ASA - I think I can relate to what you are describing fairly well. I have always related it to:

"...because they are too materially absorbed, the conception of retaining the personality after liberation from matter frightens them. When they are informed that spiritual life is also individual and personal, they become afraid of becoming persons again, and so they naturally prefer a kind of merging into the impersonal void.", https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/4/10/

So, we kind of make our Sadhana practices something kind of impersonal and they float around without personal commitment. Verse relates to your realization? BG 4.10. Purport includes the "adau sraddha verse..."

Hare Krishna, Gurudev.

Por favor, acepte mis humildes reverencias.

Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada.

Le escribo para compartir una experiencia reciente. Estuve cinco días en Brasil, asociándome con Su Santidad Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami. Como dice Srila Prabhupada en el texto 5 del Upadesamrita, la asociación con devotos avanzados es de lo más preciado que existe. Podría decirle que esa asociación generó una bisagra en mi vida espiritual: un antes y un después.

Tuve la realización de que, inconscientemente, me estaba identificando con la mente y creyendo que yo era mis emociones. Debido a los traumas de mi infancia y del pasado —como la pérdida de parte de mi familia en un accidente y el posterior abandono de mi primera esposa—, asociaba el bhakti y los relacionamientos con el sufrimiento y la pérdida. De repente, me di cuenta de que no soy mi cuerpo, pero tampoco soy mi mente.

Entendí que el servicio devocional, Krishna Prema, es un dispositivo extremadamente poderoso. Sin embargo, debido a esos miedos, traumas y a mi identificación con la mente, no estaba siendo serio en mi vida espiritual. Cantaba mis rondas en cualquier momento, no me levantaba temprano y comía alimentos preparados por cualquiera. De alguna manera, boicoteaba inconscientemente mi avance por miedo a sufrir. Hoy pienso en cómo desperdicié mi tiempo y frené mi avance todos estos años. Me siento avergonzado; me he asociado con tantos devotos avanzados que hicieron un gran sacrificio para visitarnos, y yo simplemente hacía preguntas de niño. Es como haber invitado a Albert Einstein a mi casa solo para preguntarle cuánto es 2 + 2: un completo desperdicio.

Esta realización me ha dado un ímpetu y una fuerza que no puedo describir con palabras. Es una gran misericordia. Desde ese momento, estoy determinado a cumplir con su instrucción de levantarme temprano y cantar mis rondas durante el Brahma Muhurta. La verdad es que es otro nivel, otra realidad. Cantar las rondas antes de que salga el sol es la perfección de la vida; el día realmente fluye de otra manera.

Ya se acerca el auspicioso mes de Kartik y estoy meditando en mis votos. Realmente quiero que este Kartik también sea especial y aprovechar la misericordia de Radharani y Damodara para poder avanzar lo más rápido que pueda. Siento que ya perdí mucho tiempo y es momento de ponerme serio para así poder convertirme en su discípulo. Usted siempre lo dijo, la instrucción fue clara: "levántate temprano y canta tus rondas", pero por miedo y por identificación con la mente, yo no quería escuchar.

Por la misericordia de Guru y Krishna, y porque este proceso es científico, esta anartha se ha ido. Ahora estoy seguro de que no hay peligro en avanzar hacia Krishna; que la conciencia de Krishna y el Santo Nombre son la bendición más grande que una entidad viviente puede recibir. Quiero realmente adorar al Santo Nombre y poder ser un instrumento positivo en el movimiento de Sankirtan y en la misión de ISKCON de Srila Prabhupada.

Gracias, Gurudev, por sus austeridades, por su vani extremadamente claro y por estar siempre para nosotros.

Su humilde sirviente,

Nikunja Bihari das.

Please Gurudeva accept my respectful obeisances to the life-filled dust emanating from His merciful lotus feet. You are taking us to Vrndavam!

All Glories To Srila Prabhupada!

All Glories To You, Our GuruMaharaja!

We've spoken with the respected Prabhu Abhiram to give you some dakshina. And he very kindly replied that it would be difficult to send you if it's a little money. So I want to tell Gurudev that, no matter how expensive it is to send you via Western Union, please send me your details so I can send you some dakshina. It's the least I can do for helping me so much. I don't have much money to send, but whatever I have, I want to send it to you. Please give me your mercy so that I can somehow reciprocate.

Very grateful, asking for forgiveness for unintentionally committing any offense, I await your response.

Radha Japa Prati Jalpa Devi dasi

asa - he, agtSP, is right. western union etc are useless. maybe start an ASA account with Ambarisa Das, vrsabhanu devi das et all and then we can use it for ASA work in Cordoba, Are Gin Tee Na.

Watch for devotees traveling to USA, Mexico etc. and they can hand carry it!!

Hare Krishna Gurudeva

PAMHO - AGTSP

I'm sorry for not connecting to the programs for a while. On the one hand, it was because I forgot after you didn't connect during a lapse in your travels, and also because I woke up late.

A few months ago, I felt a lack of motivation in my spiritual life, and some days I didn't chant all my rounds. Thanks to Krishna, I was now able to chant those missing rounds.

This whole earthquake in my consciousness is basically due to my sexual desire.

Krishna has shown me that it's time to take the step of getting married. Once I became aware of that, my sexual desire changed completely, and my mind became quite calm in that regard.

I wish to fulfill this role well. I've been avoiding marriage for nine years, but it's no longer healthy for me to continue struggling.

My obeisances, Gurudeva.

HpS/ASA - agtSP!!! paobw..... One thought.

https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/3/21/15/

Kardama and Devahuti is indicated from Srila P'pada as a Grhastha manual!

Thank you!

Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances🙏

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

We are very happy (Tarangaksi dd, my sister Devahuti, and I) that we may have your association again when you come to Spain-India. My family is still living in NVM. I moved to Mayapur 4 months ago, and I'm here teaching at the Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS). In this letter, I'd like to share about my seva, some reflections, and another opportunity that has arisen.

Teaching at the SMIS has been one of the best experiences so far! I truly feel that I'm the one learning. The kids inspire me so much spiritually, and I feel so happy serving them. Of course, it is definitely NOT easy... a great responsibility, difficulties every day. Initially, I started as an assistant, but later, the school principal requested that I be the classroom teacher for grade 5. I teach all subjects: math, science, English, shastra, history, geography... While it’s challenging, I love giving my all to the future generation of Vaishnavas.

HpS//ASA - You, agtSP, are a Mahatma! The whole nation of Peru should thank you for honoring them with so, so much sacrifice and expert efforts.

Even if life leads the kids down different paths (even away from Krishna consciousness), I believe this stage of their lives is crucial; they'll always remember it. I've learned a lot about myself and my character during this time—how to be a disciplined teacher while also being loving and caring. I can’t imagine doing any other job than educating! It's both exhausting and rewarding, and I feel immensely grateful for being here.

I look forward to your association when you come to India, Guru Maharaja. I'll be settled in Mayapur til the end of the school year (June 2026). After that, I'm completely uncertain about where I should go or what I should do next. I'm just praying to Prahlad Nrsimhadev that They may arrange what is best and where I can continue my seva and dharma. However, I want to share an opportunity that has come my way, and I'd appreciate your guidance so much.

In my previous letter, I mentioned my master's studies in Finland, and you replied as follows:

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!

After that, Bhadra Rupa Prabhu and I got in contact, and he proposed that I join his "Luis De La Calle Foundation", contributing to his preaching mission and organising educational programs. When he shared his plans, I was super interested. I decided to join his foundation. However, as my responsibilities at the school increased, I was unable to maintain my role. It was too much, and my health collapsed. So, I sought another devotee to replace me in the meantime. Still, I'm uncertain whether this is a path I should consider. I'm torn between being a school teacher or supporting larger preaching programs. I trust that if I focus on my sadhana and chant good rounds, Krishna will reveal His plan when the time comes. However, I'd like to know if you have any insights on this, Gurudeva?

HpS - There is another letter that we answered today that directly deals with this question. Hope you can find it!!!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. All my efforts are offerings to Srila Prabhupada and You!

Trying to be your disciple,

Rukmini Devi Dasi

Hare Krsna Dear Gurudev,

 Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.

 All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 All glories to Guru parampara.

 Gurudev, Below are update about me.

 1. Sadhana and Sankirtan ( Spritual practices ) are as usual. No change.

 2. BG & SB study - Daily. Prepared notes on BG & SB ( 7 Days ). while, BG in deeper. Intention is

to explore further other commentaries of BGs - Madhavacharya, Ramanujacharya,

Uddhav, Srila Vishwanath chk thakur etc.

HpS - 👍

 3. Staying at home town with parents.

 4. Stopped online classes for study, but will re-start after 3 months.

 5. Plan to visit Vrndavana in the month of November ( after Karthik ).

Your dependent,

Girivaradhari-Gopal Das

HpS - How is your Sankirtan with parents, neighbors?? Where in India??

Hare Krsna Gurudev.

Por favor acepte mis más respetuosas reverencias.

Todas las glorias sean para Srila Prabhupada!

Todas las glorias a Usted.

Gurudev muchas gracias por responder a mi carta de Su VP del año pasado.

Escribo para reportarme.

Le cuento que acabo de comenzar otro curso para discípulos, comienza mañana domingo 28 de septiembre y hay 4 devotas inscritas. Espero que más devotos se inscriban a último momento.

Como familia hemos estado participando en algunos festivales y programas, del templo y fuera del templo.

Mantenemos nuestras rondas, lectura del Srimad Bhagavatam, y lectura del Krsna Book por la noche.

En nuestro negocio las personas llevan libros del BBT y también podemos conversar con ellas sobre espiritualidad y religión.

Estamos intentando colectando para apoyar económicamente la visita de Prabhu Radhika Raman Das.

Esperamos Su visita a ISKCON Chile para 2026. Muchas gracias.

Le enviaré algunas fotos.

Muchas gracias por su profunda misericordia.

Su aspirante a sirviente

Priyasakhi Devi Dasi

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Hare Krsna, Gurudev.

Please accept my most respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All glories to You.

Gurudev, thank you very much for responding to my letter from Your VP last year.

I'm writing to report.

I'm telling you that I've just started another course for disciples. It begins tomorrow, Sunday, September 28th, and there are four devotees enrolled. I hope more devotees will sign up at the last minute.

As a family, we've been participating in several festivals and programs, both inside and outside the temple.

We continue our rounds, reading Srimad Bhagavatam, and reading Krishna Book at night.

At our business, people bring BBT books, and we can also talk with them about spirituality and religion.

We're trying to collect funds to financially support Prabhu Radhika Raman Das's visit.

We look forward to your visit to ISKCON Chile in 2026. Thank you very much.

I'll send you some photos.

Thank you very much for your profound mercy.

Your aspiring servant

Priyasakhi Devi Dasi

HpS - Super, Super, Super!! We will try to answer five more Annual Reports now that we see that they are for this year!!!

You don't take care of your husband and children et al perfectly, and we are not perfect in our "family" responsibilities as Diksa guru, no? So slow in answering the Annual Reports.