Letters to the editor

Hare krsna Gurudeva Dandavats 🙏

I would like to share this song composed by Locana Das Thakur and sung by Srila Prabhupada

Lochan Das Thakur has written this song “Vrajendra Nandana Bhaje Jei Jana”. In this song, Lochan Das Thakur describes the significance of the one who worships Lord Krsna.

(1)

vrajendra-nandana, bhaje jei jana, saphala jivana ta’ra,

tahara upama, vede nahi sima, tri-bhuvane nahi ara

(2)

emana madhava, na bhaje manava, kakhana mariya jabe,

sei se adhama, prahariya yama, raurave krmite khabe

(3)

ta’ra-para ara, papi nahi chara, samsara jagat-majhe,

kona kale ta’ra, gati nahi ara, michai bhramiche kaje

(4)

sri locana dasa, bhakatira asa, hari-guna kahi likhi,

hena rasa-sara, mati nahi ja’ra, ta’ra mukha nahi dekhi

1) That person who worships Vrajendra-nandana makes his life successful. In the three worlds there is none equal to Him. The Vedas cannot completely describe His glories.

2) Whoever fails to worship that Sri Madhava is taken to Yamaraja after death and put in the hell called Raurava-loka (where he is eaten alive by worms and insects). There is no one as sinful as him.

3) Since there is no greater sinner than he throughout the universe, he cannot be delivered at any time but continues to wander, performing temporary materialistic activities that result in suffering.

4) Sri Locana dasa states, "Only by my desire to obtain bhakti am I able to describe Sri Hari’s qualities. I never wish to see the face of that person whose intelligence is not fixed on Vrajendra-nandana, the very essence and embodiment of all rasa.

https://youtu.be/sef4I5pe-Rk?si=0zaV0yeFrd19JQuf

your servant Rohini Kumar Das



HpS - We will try to tag the song and listen!

Rapid, eternal progress going back home, back to Godhead.

Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja

Please accept my humble obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

HpSwami - By his divine grace we can be one step above beasts, no?

I`m finally back to Chile, quite tired and with a lot of heat, but happy and thinking in Krsna, since I stopped to speak with that mataji I started to chant Nrisimha Kavaca and I see him protecting me, I have not stopped my Sadhana and that mantra fits very well with it.

HpSwami - Also, prayers by Prahlada around SB 5.18.12!

Also I started to do sankirtan and I can see that Krsna is helping me with it a lot, now I`m doing almost in the nights (Around 9 to 10 pm) and works very well, the day is not that hot and the people are more open, I usually go to restaurants and similar places, usually people are more open to receive any book or anything if they are eating and relax.

Also I want to ask you if you would like to come to my home to spend just one afternoon with my family and some devotees that could come, not to make any specific program (I mean give any class about topic, etc.) but to just be here and have a nice meal with Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra.

HpS - Like to, but let us make detailed plans and little more in the future!

I`m quite happy also with how life is going, I feel more stable and happy, I don`t feel any rush to go and travel now or get married or anything like that, for now my only concerns are to keep my family happy and serve Krsna in the way that I can.

Also I started to do some seva in the temple and I`m kind of wondering if I could take second initiation, I just wonder if you think is a good idea, I have all the "paper work" needed to take and also I`m quite excited to be able to have a Sila and worship and serve the deities as a pujari I think could be a nice step forward, I heard some of your classes when you speak when is a good time to take second initiation, also I have being following what you have told me to be mostly fix in the mood of goodness and now you are coming so I ask you what do you think?

HpS-Seems nice.

When do you get up regularly?

Can you lead the full morning program, got basic Bhakti sastri education, cook kitri and halavah?

As always I hope your health is good and that your body is not making too many troubles for the age that it has.

Hare Krsna dear Guru Maharaja and see you soon :D

-[:0]/\___ ASA

Hare Krishna Gurudev. Pamho. AgtSP. Agtyou.

How are you, Gurudev? This is Deva-Vrata das, currently living in Córdoba, Argentina (we don't know about tomorrow).

Today, November 30th, my mind is focused on trying to have a good distribution of books during this marathon. With a clear conscience, for my own spiritual benefit, the benefit of others, and to please you and Srila Prabhupāda with this transcendental activity.

Today on the "Japa Joe" program, I asked for your blessings for this endeavor, because without your blessings and those of the paramparā, I am powerless in every aspect.

A year ago, I was with you, Gurudev, in Spain... what a privilege and undeserved gift of life... thank you for everything once again...

What else can I do in life besides distribute Srila Prabhupāda's books? I'm useless, I'm not even good at it, I have no talent, but I do have a bit of stubbornness...

Besides, my faith is weak... but, I ask again, what else can I do?

I know your way of thinking a little... this isn't about selling books... It's about trying to give Krishna to people and encouraging others to do this... And I know you're not interested in numbers... but I need to motivate myself, haha.

I'm recording Vaisesika das's book, "Our Family Business," to motivate myself and the devotees... https://t.me/SankirtanaSrilaPrabhupada

We'll be together in December in the streets of Traslasierra, Córdoba—you, me, and Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna Gurudev

HpS/ASA - Hare Krsna. AgtSP. Paoho. Thank you for this news. Numbers aren't bad. Our only Karma is to think about how to distribute books in anyway possible, but especially by making people into book distibutors.

Offer people five books instead of one. Ask them if they think these might be really useful for some of their friends. Then they are in the Sankirtan mood. Buy a book to learn, is like Jnana, no? Most people cannot do Jnana yoga in Kali yuga. Yet, joining the Sankirtan movement. Learning to teach. Is the Yuga dharma.

Then we have our technique.

SP said, Every salesman has his own technique.

We are worse than you, but we also try.

We bought books, got books from the library. Read books mentioned in other books we had read.

Bought a KRSNA book. Big hardcover from maybe Buddhimanta Das when we was in a dhoti and kirta at the Whole Earth Day festival at our university campus.

Best of wishes for a very pure Marathon!

Hare Krsna Gurudev. Pamho. AgtSP. Agtyou.

¿Cómo está Gurudev?

Aquí Deva-Vrata das, actualmemte viviendo en Córdoba, Argentina (mañana no sabemos)

Hoy 30 de noviembre tengo mi mente enfocada en tratar de tener una buena distribución de libros esta maratón. Con buena conciencia, para beneficio espiritual personal, beneficio de la gente y para complacerte a ti y a Srila Prabhupāda, con esta actividad trascendental.

Hoy en el programa "Japa Joe" pedía tus bendiciones para esta empresa, ya que sin tus bendiciones y las del paramparā soy impotente en todo aspecto.

Hace un año estaba contigo Gurudev, en España... qué privilegio y regalo de la vida inmerecido... gracias por todo una vez más...

¿qué otra cosa puedo hacer en la vida que no sea distribuir libros de Śrīla Prabhupāda? Soy un inútil, ni siquiera soy bueno haciéndolo, no tengo talento, pero si un poco de obstinación...

Además, mi fe es endeble... pero, vuelvo a decir ¿qué otra cosa puedo hacer?

Conozco un poco tu pensamiento... esto no se trata de vender libros...

Sino de tratar de dar a Krishna a la gente y de incentivar que otros hagan esta actividad...

Y sé a tí los números no te interesan... pero necesito motivarme jajaja

Estoy grabando el libro de Vaisesika das "Nuestra empresa familiar", para incentivarme a mi mismo y a los devotos...

https://t.me/SankirtanaSrilaPrabhupada

Estaremos juntos en diciembre en la calles de Traslasierra Córdoba, tú yo y Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Hare Krsna Gurudev

Todas las Glorias a Srila Prabhupada!!!

Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja, por favor recibe mis más humildes y respetuosas reverencias.

En mi carta anterior me preguntas lo siguiente:

HpS - ¡Jaya! Nunca había oído el nombre ni los pasatiempos de Maharaja. ¿De dónde es? ¿Es sannyasi de ISKCON?

Gracias por la noticia. En cualquier caso, Srila Prabhupada dedicó toda su vida a la preparación, así que quizá tengamos que dedicar veinte vidas a prepararnos, pero en cualquier caso, ya estamos experimentando el desarrollo en Bhakti Yoga que se promete.

Maharaja Bhakti Arjava Priti Vardhana Swami, es de Republica checa.

Es discipulo de SS. Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami y tomo sannyasa con SS. Jayapataka Swami.

La siguiente información es de Iskcondesiretree:

https://audio.iskcondesiretree.com/index.php?q=f&f=%2F02_-_ISKCON_Swamis%2FISKCON_Swamis_-_A_to_C%2FHis_Holiness_Bhakti_Arjava_Priti_Vardhana_Swami

Prithi Vardhana Dasa es uno de los administradores de la escuela gurukula de la Academia Bhaktivedanta. Es conocido por ser un devoto cualificado y erudito, un ejemplo de vida sencilla y pensamiento elevado. Lleva casi 30 años sirviendo en el gurukula. Predica regularmente en diferentes países de Europa y también viaja con Su Santidad Bhakti Purusottama Swami para apoyar la predicación de Cuidado Tribal en las zonas rurales tribales de la India. En la auspiciosa ocasión de aceptar sannyasa, recibió el nombre de Bhakti Arjava Prithi Vardhana Swami.

Guru Maharaja le escribí mi reporte anual en Reports.

Bueno Guru Maharaja, me despido, que el Señor Nrsimha lo proteja siempre.

Gadai Gauranga Das

-0-0-0-

All Glory to Srila Prabhupada!!!

Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja, please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances.

In my previous letter, you asked me the following:

HpS - Jaya! I've never heard of Maharaja's name or pastimes. Where is he from? Is he an ISKCON sannyasi?

Thank you for the information. In any case, Srila Prabhupada dedicated his entire life to preparation, so perhaps we will have to dedicate twenty lifetimes to preparing ourselves, but in any case, we are already experiencing the promised development in Bhakti Yoga.

Maharaja Bhakti Arjava Priti Vardhana Swami is from the Czech Republic.

He is a disciple of His Holiness Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami and took sannyasa with His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.

The following information is from ISKCON Desiretree:

Prithi Vardhana Dasa is one of the administrators of the Bhaktivedanta Academy's gurukula school. He is known as a skilled and learned devotee, an example of simple living and elevated thought. He has been serving in the gurukula for almost 30 years. He preaches regularly in various European countries and also travels with His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami to support Tribal Care preaching in rural tribal areas of India. On the auspicious occasion of accepting sannyasa, he received the name Bhakti Arjava Prithi Vardhana Swami.

HpS - Thank you!!! I think I may have met Maharaja and know him by his Brahmacari name.

Are you going to take Sannyasa? 🙂

Guru Maharaja, I wrote my Annual Report to you in the Reports section.

HpS - We just checked and sixteen devotees have filed Reports. Considering our incompetence that is nice. If we only have sixteen disciples to serve following Srila Prabhupada in Disciplic succession we might be able to do the job properly.

Well, Guru Maharaja, I bid you farewell. May Lord Nrsimha always protect you.

Gadai Gauranga Das

HpS - Thank you so much.

More News of your developing Sadhana and Sankirtan as it develops.

Hare Krishna, honorable Maharaj, H. H. HpS 🙏🏾

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

PAMHO

to your lotus feet 🐵

Thank you for your MERCY every single day...

These questions are about sunday classes.

Upendra Prabhu talked about Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya Lila, chapter 17. Thanks for his comments.

I have some doubts about this lecture.

In the harinamas, when we go out into the streets, I have seen people get excited and dance, but there are others (few afortunately) who completely reject the Holy name. Why are animals more receptive to the chanting of the Maha Mantra? They are living entities are supposed to be more savage and less evolved than us.

HpS - First, animals and humans are both influenced more by Lord Caitanya than us.

Even with Lord Caitanya it may be that some animals, like some humans, respond.

Spiritually bad animals, like spiritually bad people, do not.

O.K.

Holy Names can directly touch the soul, by pass the Karma, gross body.

Why does this happen, Maharaj? Are animals nobler and more receptive to accept the holy name?

HpS - Usually they are less receptive, and trees worse, but the Holy Names from Sri Gauranga and deep power.

Maybe Human beings may pretend that they do not like it, but deep down, the holy name will gradually cleanse their hearts?

Just as the people who listened to Caitanya Mahaprabhu and became Vaishnavas because Krishna is the Supreme personality of God, completely pure, were present. However, when we go out on Harinama, if we fail to captivate anyone after our journey, does this mean that we are not purifed enough, that is, we are not performing a correct sadhana? Or is it the karma of the people that prevents the chanting from reaching their hearts?

We know Lord Caitanya is the most merciful Lord to the fallen souls and the poor ones, yet there are people who reject him. Is His mercy the same for them, or would they have to surrender and ask for His forgiveness first?

HpS/ASA - In general, our experience is that different people in different communities, countries, respond differently. USA people are more mechanistic. Japanese people have been more inclined to hear from Monks with trust.

Yes, it seems we can improve our chanting!

I can directly see how this can happen.

Yet, there is certainly an effect on them by hearing the Name, even consciously or unconsciously, and certainly when presented by devotees following Srila Prabhupada's instructions.

I have another question about the relationships with relatives.

It is said about service to the Lord that by performing it we are nourishing the source and everything else will be nourished; however, I had a conversation with a very Catholic person, and it made me wonder as well. For example, if I serve to a sick person, a relative or another person who needs anything, in this way I am serving Krishna and offering my service to Him, does that service have the same value as, for example, serving the Deities?

this question arises because my family, my closest ones, do not understand devotional service. They believe that by going to the temple and attending to the Deities or in my house when they see me offering flowers, incienses, bhoga to my Deities, so I am neglecting my relationships with family members. They are convinced my priority is just adoring Krishna and go to the Temple.

How should I manage this kind of topics with my family? Thank you for your guidance, Maharaj, your time and patience 🙇🏽‍♀

HpS - As far as I know, there are identical questions in the Bible, Koran etc.

If we follow the process given by an authorized Acharya like Srila Prabhupada, Lord Caitanya, the Prophet Mohammed, Lord Jesus Christ, then our spiritual understanding will gradually wake up, just like someone awakening from sleep and dreams.

Then we will see the position of God and all of His children.

We can serve our relatives for selfish motives.

We can worship the icons in the temple for selfish motives,

or we can see how the fingers, hands and arms are related to the whole body and serve them in proper perspective.

Some one is scraped in a travel accident and their is some mild blood flow. Yes, we should clean and dress the wound, but that is silly if they are suffocating to death.

We want to serve God and His family, and as we wake up we can see how they are related.

Half awake, we should keep a full morning and evening Temple program etc. and serve all of our brother and sisters in the world during the day time.

Many more details, but that seems like some basic thoughts.

O.K.?

Your silly but very thankful servant,

AGTSP

AGTHPS

Annie from Lima 🐦

Please adored Gurumaharaja accept my humble obeisanced to Sweet dust of Your lotus feet🙇🏻‍♀️🙏🙏🙏💖🌷🌹🌷💐🌻🌹🌷💐🌻🎵🎶

HpS/ASA - We feel really unhappy when people talk about "the sweet dust of our lotus feet". It seem kind of like what a lady might feel like if her husband washed her feat in public and sprinkled the water on his head and the head of others. 😆

In Vaikuntha I guess we all have lotus feet (or lotus hooves) but here they are maybe just venerable as chaste ladies, austere Sannyasis, no?

AgtSP!!!

All Glories To Srila Prabhupada!!!🙇🏻‍♀️🙏💐🌻🌹🌷🌻💐💖

HpS/ASA - 👦 🐒 🐖 Jaya! !

All glories To You Gurudeva!!!🙏🙏🙏🎵🎶🙇🏻‍♀️💐🌻🌹🌷🌹🌻💐🌻💐🌷💐🌹🌻💐🌷💖

We have been concerned about your throat for a long time, and we are very happy to be allowed to talk about this on the blog. How can we help? ... I always think that a little tea with honey and perhaps ginger would help... but I really don't know what is good for your dosha.

If any well-intentioned disciple knows what is best for you, it would be so good if they could help you so that this stops once and for all. It is very painful to think that your throat might be hurting from the inflammation caused by making that sound that helps you continue speaking.

I think—please correct me if I am wrong, beloved Gurudev—that although, as disciples, we cannot advise you, and that is taken as offensive, there is also the example of the gopis, who did not care about going to hell if they had to give the dust of their lotus feet to cure Krishna's headache. And... even though we may not be advanced or pure like Them, I think it's normal to feel pain if you see the most beloved person in the world suffering, and you know how to help, but... for fear of offending, you don't help.

So... I sincerely hope that some devotee who knows how to reduce the swelling in a throat that's draining... water? from Her lotus nose, can help stop this and allow you to have some peace of mind, at least about this.

Please forgive me if I've caused any offense... I've long wished this could finally stop bothering you.

On the other hand, it's so lovely and inspiring to see my brothers and sisters wanting to follow SDG Srila Prabhupada so well! My deepest respect to all! I hope we can all understand how to improve our service and relationship with You. Better and better, clearer and clearer...!!! Jaya Gurudeva! Your class was so wonderful; it was exactly what I needed to hear.

Always aspiring to serve the dust of her fantastic lotus feet;

Japa Prati Jalpa Radha Devi Dasi

HpS/ASA - Very nice ayurvedic doctor here, Ananta isvara Das. South Indian Brahmana boy.

Very, very nice.

I hope that he and Nikunja and others can all be in touch.

Maybe a Latin American Tour.

We have some specific medicine, daily: Chaywan Prash, specifically blended for our nature. Is very strong.

Other than that our throat, eyes, ears, skin, heart are all under systemic care that seems to be the best remedy.

Of course, when we get up in the morning we have to wake up everything, so there is some coughing to clear the throat.

In general, it is o.k. Weaker that ten years ago, but still functional.

I hope to get a new one when this one is finished!!!

Thank you!!!

I think you speak for many people.