Letters to the editor

Hare Krsna, Gurudev.

Please receive my most humble and respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you.

I hope you are well in every way 🙏

Thank you for everything you do for Krsna, Srila Prabhupada, your godbrothers, your disciples and for humanity 🙏

ASA/HpS - We are like little babys taking first steps, no? Whatever progress we make is because our father is holding our hand.

AgtSP!!!

16 and 4 okay.

Gurudev, I have a question and a need... How can we surrender, be submissive, humble?

HpS - The question is like, "How can I build a vast economic empire that spans the world, and occupies my efforts for the next 14-lives". 🙂

Yet, the basic answer is the Bhakti-yoga that SP has given us.

Just do it then. . . SB 5.18.12.

Yet, Krsna, Advaita Acharya, is sending lessons in humility all the time, no? Our job is to accept them, learn from them. Then we can become BIG humble guys! 😄

Jaya!

Jaya ananda Das said that humility does not mean to just avoid being artificially large. it also means to avoid becoming artificially small.

humility is self realization.

"I am the 25th best book distributor in argentina. o.k. i will get better at that. follow those ahead of me, teach those behind me of me!".

In the sense that everything that happens to us in life is our responsibility, and no one (not even Krsna) is to blame for what we conceive as our frustrations, failures and misfortunes....

How can we accept?

Surrender, resign ourselves, sink... how is it done?

HpS - Answer above, but Krsna/Radha, et al, are responsible in at least one sense. they are causelessly merciful. prabhupada said that his karma was to be a rich dude, but KRSNA and guru saw that is would not be good for his spiritual life, so they frustrated him again and again

Maybe someone can be very productive in Sannyasa ashrama as civil Widow, so Radha Krsna arrange a quick marriage experience that shows them what the situation actually is.

There is pretty well documented quote from Edison, who said that before he found out how to make an electric light bulb he had 1,000 failed attempts.

So, we might need to make 1,000 failed attempts to get to pure devotional service, so start making failures [and learn A LOT from each one].

thank you for everything Gurudev and for accepting me despite my lack of qualification.

Your would-be servant DevaVrata das

..........................

Hare Krsna, Gurudev.

Reciba mis más humildes y respetuosas reverencias.

Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada y a ti.

Espero que te encuentres bien en todo sentido 🙏

Gracias por todo lo que haces por Krsna, Srila Prabhupada, tus hermanos espirituales, tus discipulos y por la humanidad 🙏

16 y 4 ok. 

Gurudev, tengo una pregunta y una necesidad...

¿Cómo podemos rendirnos, ser sumisos, humildes? 

En el sentido de que todo lo que nos pasa en la vida es nuestra responsabilidad y nadie (ni Krsna) tiene la culpa de lo que nosotros concebimos como nuestras frustraciones, fracasos y desdichas.... 

¿Cómo podemos aceptar? Rendirnos, resignarnos, sumirnos... 

¿cómo se hace?

gracias por todo Gurudev y por aceptarme a pesar de mi falta de cualificación.

Tu aspirante a sirviente DevaVrata das

Hare Krsna Gurudeva, AGTSP, PAMHO

Can you kindly describe/elaborate on ability of swan to separate milk from water?

What can we learn and implement from it?

Devotees are like swan or bees, or both?

Connection with you is the only hope.

HpS - If that is the case, you in a lot of trouble Bobba!

🙂

Take advantage of the books that Srila Prabhupada has given us through ISKCON, use us in our capacity. God is in your heart.

He is controlling your life in detail.

🌷

We cannot get much detail on these analogies. Guess mechanically it is like us filtering liquid from beans through our teeth!! ?

In general the analogy seems to be the same, yes:

Swami takes only the milk from the lotus.

Bees look only for the honey from the flower.

Smart guy accepts good lady for wife from low class family.

Nectar from poison.

Gold from stool.

Education from low class teacher!

Harsh pradhan

[Haya griva Avatara Das???]

I knew a Harsh pradhana, but he died!

Hope he has not become a Zombi.

7.02Pm we must go for a walk or die!

Thank you so much. Hari bolo! Hari bolo!

asa[e] - vad; sannyasa; in iskcon

Please accept my humble obeisances, Guru Maharaja.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Regarding your question about taking Sannyasa, this is a very important question, because it is you who is asking it.

For the moment, I must say that I am not prepared (although it feels difficult and lacking to say No to one's own Guru).

At the same time, I will explain myself and seek your understanding.

I am about to turn 40 years old. My mind and nature are solitary and content, and in a few years, they will mature further in that direction.

I have many desires to read and study various things, both in spirituality and material pursuits, achieving a certain balance and realization.

Personally, I enjoy speaking and assisting devotees when they ask questions, or nurturing ideas so that they don't lose their enthusiasm or faith, or both.

Due to my passionate nature, there is always something new to investigate or learn, and the Vedic worldview does not allow for giving up.

However, it is difficult for me to be in a position (sannyasa) that sets me apart from others, especially within an institution with a lot of diplomacy (bureaucracy), which I find exhausting. One knows oneself in their heart; I try to be a simple servant, making an effort to rise above the modes of passion and ignorance.

HpS - 😁 This is almost exactly my answer to Hansadutta (and then B. S. Damodara, Trivikrama, Ramesvara and Tripurari Swamis and Atreya rsi Prabhu) when they pushed us to take Sannyasa.

"The purpose of Sannyasa seems to be to get free from respect and worship, but it seems to be the exact opposite."

Srila Prabhupada quotes a V. Puja offering from Sril Bh. Siddhanta S. P. where is he says that Majaprabhu preaches Trnad Api Sahisuna, but here I (Bh. Siddhanta) am sitting like a big arrogant beast up on an elevated seat above everyone else.

The conclusion is that in most cases it is the best thing to do.

We have to show people an example of what they should do.

It is like having a public wedding ceremony. You and your "novia" are fully committed to living a chaste Vedic life together, but the ritual is not without meaning.

It has an effect.

It makes you humble, "Why are all these people offering obeisances, donations to me???"

"Because they see Krsna and Prabhupada acting through me."

Unless you realize that you are the mailman and not the sender of the letter, then you will fall down.

I follow the regulative principles and chant the 16 rounds. I understand the advantages this has in life. Brahma Muhurta is crucial in the equation, as are Ekadasis. Reading and memorizing are enjoyable and uplifting.

I spend 4 days a week in Govardhan (MDP), attending 4 Mangalartiks, sometimes 3. 3 days in Mar del Plata at a devotee's house, studying welding and electricity from 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, and electricity from 6:40 PM to 9:30 PM on Wednesdays. I return to Govardhan on Thursday morning.

I cook most of the food I offer, although there are some items that I don't cook and it shows; this should improve over time, I believe.

I associate only with married devotees or those who intend to marry (good devotees). Nevertheless, I interact with others as needed (since it happens naturally). I have a strong sense of my purpose, and my nature doesn't lend itself to much socializing.

Enthusiasm: reading, Mangala Japa, and Ekadasis; I also watch Mayapur TV. I also engage in Prajalpa, watch some movies or series, but I recognize that these are temporary pleasures, and there's some inertia from this life.

I still discuss worldly topics, perhaps in this lifetime we will reach a point where we only speak Krishna Katha.

HpS - Or see how everything is related to Krsna in a fascinating, practical way.

I have distanced myself from senior devotees who visit. I try to be respectful and maintain a distance, as otherwise, it might not be good for my enthusiasm.

The plan is to continue studying electricity and other trades this year and the next, while also studying the Srimad Bhagavatam, slokas, fire sacrifices, etc. I am laying the groundwork for the future. My parents are now 74 and 70, and my plan is to spend a few months with them in 2025 and then return to Govardhan. This is what I can project.

Looking at this panorama, I don't see myself ready for renunciation, nor do I understand it in the way I currently perceive it. Being a public figure is also a significant obstacle.

Thank you for accepting me as your disciple, despite my circumstances, and for being an example. Please forgive me for talking so much about myself.

At your service,

Adi Yajña Das

HpS - Jaya! Super. Personally I think you are excellent candidate for Sannyasa. You can show everyone how even the greatest idiot in ISKCON must become Goswami and if in a male body try to take Sannyasa formally as a declaration of becoming exclusively a maidservant of the Gopis in their service to Krsna.

The GBC rules, as we remember, are that you mist be 50-years old except for special adjustments.

So, your plan seems good, but it seems that you and most others as discussed should take Sannyasa. Seems we may formally be gone from this gross atmosphere ten years from now. Maybe we will take birth in New Govardhana. 🙂 😼😼😼

but Yadunandana Swami seems like someone who would be a deligtful Sannysa Guru.

Thank you.

Todas las glorias a nuestro Fundador Acarya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda! 

Querido Gurumaharaja

Por favor acepte nuestras respetuosas reverencias. 

Orando y agradeciendo al Señor Nrisimhadeva para que siempre proteja su energía consagrada al sankirtana eterno de Śrīla Prabhupāda y porsupuesto para que proteja mi contaminado corazón de nuestro enemigo más grande: la lujuria.

Prontamente se celebrará Janmastami, por la bendición de Śrīla Prabhupāda desde el corazón purificado podemos saber que existe una atmósfera de paz y prosperidad en todas partes y en todas las direcciones pero quizás nuestros ojos materiales no pueden ver, sin embargo las estrellan brillarán en su máximo esplendor por el nacimiento del Señor Krishna.

Estamos leyendo los libros de Śrīla Prabhupāda y escuchando algunas clases regularmente, tenemos algunas preguntas.

De acuerdo a Srila Jiva Goswami el paribhasa sutra del Srimad Bhagavatam es el 1.3.28 , nos gustaría saber por favor si es correcto que el paribhasa sutra del BG es el 18.65 ? 

Atma Tattva 

•BG. 2.24

El alma está en todas partes y es inmóvil..

Cómo entendemos está aparente contradicción? 

También queremos aprovechar la oportunidad para solicitar por favor su ofrenda para el Vyasapuja 2023 de Śrīla Prabhupāda para poder leer en el templo.

Muchas gracias por su misericordiosa atención.

Disculpe por favor nuestras ofensas. 

Vuestra eterna aspirante a sirviente

Asta Sakhi dd

Prabhu Manash Ranjan le ofrece sus respetuosas reverencias. 

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All glories to our Founder Acarya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda!

Dear Gurumaharaja

Please accept our respectful obeisances.

Praying and thanking Lord Nrisimhadeva to always protect his energy consecrated to Śrīla Prabhupāda's eternal sankirtana and of course to protect my polluted heart from our greatest enemy: lust.

HpS/ASA - AgtSP. . . . ! . We wonder how we can continue in devotional service, since we are very insincere, but maybe it is because of the best wishes of other devotees!

Janmastami will soon be celebrated, by the blessing of Śrīla Prabhupāda from the purified heart we can know that there is an atmosphere of peace and prosperity everywhere and in all directions but perhaps our material eyes cannot see, however the stars will shine at their maximum splendor by the birth of Lord Krishna.

We are reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's books and listening to some classes regularly, we have some questions:

According to Srila Jiva Goswami the paribhasa sutra of Srimad Bhagavatam is 1.3.28, we would like to know if it is correct that the paribhasa sutra of BG is 18.65?

HpS/ASA - As we remember, we have read from devotees that the most cited verse by Srila Prabhupada is BG 18.66. Yet, we remember one comment by Srila Narayana Maharaja that BG 18.65 was the essence of BG.

That is all I know.

It seems to me that Srila Bhakti siddhanta might have comment that it is the PBS.

Certainly very important verse, often emphasized and used by Srila Prabhupada, no?

Atma Tattva

•BG. 2.24

The soul is everywhere and it is immobile.

How do we understand this apparent contradiction?

HpS/ASA - In the Purport Srila Prabhupada makes some comment on this: https://vedabase.io/es/library/bg/2/24/#bb572.

The souls collectively are distributed everywhere.

🐒 Bh. Tom suggests it is like saying that in Mexico Tamales are everywhere and immobile.

Also, we remember that SP comments the soul is sarva-gataḥ (omnipresente) means within the entire body... by its consciousness.

We also want to take the opportunity to please request your offering for Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vyasapuja 2023 so that we can read in the temple.

ASA - We searched our files on our computer and letters in our E-mail account and cannot find it.

🤔

We will compose a little offering in another Blog Post!

Thank you very much for his merciful attention.

Please excuse our offenses.

Your eternal would-be servant

asta sakhi dd

Prabhu Manash Ranjan offers his respectful obeisances.

HpS - Thank you! What will be our next ASA service assignment from Srila Prabhupada! Will he give us one??!1

Thank you.

Respond to other posts.

Come with us?

W/A

AGTSP

PAMHO

Jay Gurumaharaja, we have already booked a house 20 mins away. With 3 bedrooms and full kitchen we can organize a small program there also , we may cook some pizza for you as well as anything else, we were wishing to be calm and close to you mainly, so I think it worked out perfect. Thank you

HpS/ASA

Very nice. Srila Prabhupada mercy.

What is the location?

How do you find Krsna Consciousness?

🐒🐒🐒🦍

asa[e] - ISKCON; Stay away! ISKCON Will Break Your Heart

WhatsApp from Carudesna Das (Name Changed to Protect the Innocent):

Hare Krishna, Maharaja, please kindly accept my most humble obeisances; all glories to Srila Prabhupada.  I hope that all is going well for you in your devotional service. 🙏 

I feel very embarrassed and afraid to share with you the following information.  There was some kind of discussion that took place with the GBC and the leaders of this community.  As a result of that discussion, I was so hurt by what our GBC shared with me that I have decided to stay away from the temple indefinitely.

I only know what the GBC shared with me in our drive back to the airport and nothing more.  I don't wish to burden you with my grief, but because you have always been so kind and merciful to me in the past, I have this great responsibility to let you know well in advance what has transpired and why I will be absent during your visit. 

Our GBC and I are good friends. I hold no blame, no ill thoughts or feelings towards him for anything.  By Krishna's grace I have been spared such foolish tendencies.🙏🏻

He actually gave a genuinely warm and compassionate hug when I dropped him off at the airport.  So, I feel very confident of his support. 🙏🏻

Please forgive me for my offenses. You are still a siksha guru in my life. 🙏🏻😞🙏🏻

HpS/ASA - AgtSP! AgtSP's ISKCON. We have discussed so many times that there are three ISKCON"s. The institution. The circle of friends and finally our individual, directly experienced relationship with Srila Prabhupada FAOI.

Jaya.

I have hellish, HELLISH, H-E-L-L-I-S-H experiences in ISKCON, usually in management relations eg. Temple Presidents, GBC. B. S. Damodara Swami expressed the same to me. Three other GBCs I know express the hell of being involved with the situation.

Even today, I wrote we write notes in our Diary of how to deal with these things:

Devotees in the institution who are causing intense pain to others may be doing it because of the hell they personally, confidentially, are experiencing. They torment others, even to such a degree that they hope others will react with physical violence and kill them. (Direct admission of the tormenters revealed to us).

O.K, we have to avoid, mentally, socially, physically this problem and keep ourselves in a situation where we can give as much help to them as possible.

Of course, this may be Hanuman "helping" the Raksasa army that Ravana sent to the Asokavan when he was talking to Sita. He snuffed them all. (To help them 👍) but he left Ravana for Rama to chastise!

In general, in our association with your self, we never see that you act in such a way as to cause anything other than a desire for your association! We want it!

Maybe... some misunderstanding??

Maybe GBC miscommunicated something??? Possible??? Go to the source and ask them politely if this is true.