Letters to the editor

Today is Srivas Thakura’s Appearance Day

Srivas Thakur (Srivas Pandit) is one of the most important personalities who assisted Lord Caitanya in His pastimes. As the treasurer of the Holy Name, he would select the participants in Lord Caitanya’s confidential kirtans. He is Narada Muni, and he is Madhumangala in Krsna Lila. He was very attached to the Holy Name.

Once Lord Caitanya even declared that He appeared in this world by hearing Srivas Thakur loudly chanting the Holy Name of Krsna. Srivas Thakur is a humble and natural devotee of the Lord. The main quality in his heart was simplicity. Simplicity means lack of pride, the total absence of selfishness, at the same time it also means very simple faith and trust in God’s ways.

He appeared in this material world for the benefit of the conditioned souls in the mood of a devotee, He played a significant role in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes by spreading and protecting the congregational chanting of the Holy Name. It is from his house, Srivas Angana, that the congregational chanting of the Holy Name, the Sankirtan Movement, flooded the entire land of Nabadwip.

Srivas Acarya was also a married man! But he would always remember Krsna. Getting married is not an obstacle for a Krsna-Conscious life, because the only worrying possibility is to forget Krsna. But Srivas Thakur, together with Advaita Acarya, gave an example of being Krsna Conscious and having a family.

Srivas Thakur and his wife, Mother Malini, had very close relationships with Lord Caitanya. Lord Caitanya, when He was known as Nimai Pandit, the greatest scholar in the land of Nabadwip, would often challenge Srivas Thakur. Srivas Thakur was disappointed by this and once told Him, ‘What is the use of all this Sastric knowledge if one does not have the love for Krsna?’ To which Lord Caitanya replied that He would become a devotee if Srivas Thakur prayed to the Lord for Him. From this, we understand that it is only by the mercy and blessings of the devotees that we can become one as well and learn who Krsna is.

Srivas Pandit and his family members were so dear to Lord Caitanya that He chose Srivas Angana for manifesting His different pastimes. It was in the house of Srivas Acarya where Lord Caitanya would perform kirtans every night, and where He showed His Viratrup, Vishnu form, to Srivas Thakur and his family members. Mahaprabhu manifested His Mahaprakash Lila there for the first time by revealing Himself as Lord Nrisimhadev, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Anyone who was coming to the sessions of these kirtans was blessed and attained Krsna prem. The only qualification that one had to have to enter the house of kirtan was an absence of duplicity or an offensive mood towards the devotees.

Srivas Thakur is jiva-tattva, the only one in Sri Pancha-tattva. He represents a pure devotee.

At the end of the prayer to Pancha-tattva we have a line: ‘srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda’ where the ‘gaura-bhakta-vrnda’ means, ‘all the devotees of Lord Caitanya, beginning with Srivas Thakur’. There is a reason, why we are praying for the mercy of Srivas Acarya and all the devotees. He is giving us access to the Sankirtan movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is opening the door for us!

On this very auspicious day of his appearance, let us beg at the dust of his divine lotus feet to allow us to spread the congregational chanting of the Holy Name all around the world. Join us!

HpS/ASA - So nice. Thank you! Maybe you can be a teacher in Nabadvipa in your next life, with Nimai????

Many new things in this biography. Were from it is?

March 20,2025

Dear Maharaja Hanumat Presaka,

   please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Spring Greetings!

  I’ve been missing your association, and find it’s getting complicated even to get a message out. The potency of Maya is relentless.

   In fact, I’m beginning to think Maya may be mad at me, for my Sadhana seems consistent, yet my association is splayed.

HpS/ASA - 😧

Hari Nam’s are there, just not regulated. Feeling ecstatic though not pursuing it enough. Grhasta life is engaging, still need to keep K.C. at the axis. Sometimes it seems easy then other times a malevolent torture. Guess Maya’s getting me just what I needed.

P R E

  We made it to the Daytona Beach Ratha Yatra, they’re doing it earlier because of the Florida weather. Was ecstatic as ever, anytime with devotee’s always brings Krishna prema closer. We only made it about halfway though, between physical limitations (was really pushed on prior seva at Gaura Purnima) and spring prep on our abode, we had to revive our minds.

 P O S T

 We booked a Hotel room and returned to get checked in. Both of us forgot about the students Spring Break Beach parties and events, the Hotel was no exception, noisy occupants and overworked Staff were adding difficulties to our getting settled in. All simmered down later, then I had a needed quick swim in the ocean. All in all, we survived though the following morning, after finishing japa, I nodded out for about 20 minute “snap” and my mind was invaded.

  On a side note, I also recently read in the Uddhava Gita that Srila Prabhupada was at a late program once, which was quite a ways from the Temple. The devotees secured him a room at a hotel and informed him. Prabhupada’s eyes rose up, and he told them, “I prefer to stay at the Temple. Hotels are just like brothels.” His Divine Grace had spoken.

  So, the little ”snap” I took was during the Brahma-muhurta hour and I was resting with my head to the North, usually I aim for the East or South. The ambience in a dream I was having was most sensual and my wife was in the same room, anticipated breaths were subtlety in my ears, then I turned and saw it was not my wife; it was an Asian Succubus, with an accomplice. Some form of seductive temptation was being placed on me, and at the time, I was quite capable of doing so, regardless my Vedic training paid off. Casting away my arousal, I pushed away from the stalkers and awoke. My pranams rang deep in my heart and I was grateful that nothing had happened; it’s been years since any such lower chakra activity was imposing. Completed Gayatri, then awaited the Sun's rise.

HpS/ASA - AgtSP!!!!!

  Reflecting on the day before, at the Festival, I did recall quite a few different women in different attires casting glances at me while I was participating in the parade. Then I remembered the Srimad 3.14.30-31 Bhagavatam classes on Kasyapa Muni & his wife, Mata Diti’s request of intercourse for children at inauspicious moments, thus bringing Hiranyaksa & Hiranyakasipu the Universe. Obviously, my Ol’ libido’s anarthas were leaping in that tama-polluted Hotel room. Everything material ruthlessly entices one’s mind. Glad that Bhakti–yoga prevents insanity. Keeping my bija together, I just kept reflecting on Lord Jagannatha & Balarama along with Lady Subhadra, that the only reason were there, in care of Their Mercy!

ASA - SB verse says that devotees meditate on the eyebrows of the Lord to be free from the attack of illicit sex desire. Lord Balarama has very big eyebrows!

P R E S E N T

  While all that goes on, we’re attempting to get our garden planted today, pursuing writing time (I'm glad you’re my inspiration), and keeping my spouse happy. Subhra’s friend, Krishna Priya d.d. (Braja Suta’s wife), has come to assist on our groundwork. KP is a very ambitious worker, and she even had Subhra getting engaged in the ”dirt.” Success thus far; we just need a water supply for irrigation..

HpS/ASA - And sunshine, and fresh air, and protection from predators!!!

AND YOU  

   It seems you’re getting more physically stable for now, going back to your “Office” for now, then seeing you in class today in Houston. I found out that the office can overtake one's free time too easily. Convenient data sources, digital comradery, and even artistic distractions. I’ve got to be careful and keep Srila Prabhupada’s mission at the center. However, as I’ve aged, my service enthusiasm has changed. Regular seva is appreciated, though I’m not seeking more. In fact, I’m turning down excessive service instead of burdening my mind on it.

HpS/ASA - Bob the Builder?

S F R Y  

I will still pursue seva at the San Francisco Ratha Yatra, even without truck driver duties, and will see what Prabhu Grantharaja has planned for the event. The SFRY “Handbook” is still in the making and the event is coming fast... need to finish up, editing takes time. The subtle seva’s still need to be performed and appreciated. It seems I’m always creating extra work for later..., which could lead to attachment and may also be a recipe for unfinished services. The rascal mind is still in the background, toying with me.

Well, this is my current events submission for now, looking forward to more organized and streamline efficiency in the near future, would be nice for my closing years, God only knows..

All glories to your service!

sincerely,

Caitanya Caritamrta das, das anu das

P.S.(!)* Noting less use of acronyms these days, At a S.B. *(oops) Class given by Caturatma Prabhu here was about how K.C. *(oops) does not encourage such short cuts in communication. For benefits exist in the full names and not so much in the shortcuts. More to come.

HpS/ASA - TKU 🙂

was very nourishing letter! 9.18PM here. Ekadasi. Let us look at another letter? Join us!

Hare Krishna Dearest Maharaj,

Paoho! AGTSP!

Yesterday, we celebrated Snana Yatra. Here are some photos below!

HpS/ASA - Srila Prabhupada is fighting impersonalism. Here we have God with a form and frock!

A smile that makes socks rock!

This movement is becoming the most powerful community in the world!!!

Catch the wave.

Find our position!!!

Hare Krishna, Gurumaharaja 🙏🏻

Por favor acepte mis reverencias 🙏🏻

Jay Srila Prabhupada 🙏🏻

Dear Gurumaharaja, the reason for my letter is because our stay in New Vrajamandala is becoming increasingly difficult. The phrase the authorities always tell us, "THERE IS NO PLACE FOR GRIHASTRAS HERE," is becoming more and more true in our daily lives. I struggled and endured until I couldn't take it anymore. We wrote a letter to the community, formalizing what everyone in NVM knows: that we live in a space that is too small (we have to take out the mattress to open the door) and that it used to be a garbage dump. We cleaned it up.

I am the daughter of a lawyer; I explained my case and supported it. Beforehand, I asked seven brahmanas, as you once told me; I asked seven families who lived and still live here. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that it's best to leave this place.

I'm already married; I can't always live in the house of my spiritual family. Prabhupada says that the grihastras should contribute to the temple, .. my husband and I should not continue living off Iskcon.

We do not want to be a burden or a nuisance to anyone (although the letter affected several of the administrative board) I repeat: I am the daughter of a good lawyer, my father taught me to tell the truth to defend what is right.

The administration no longer has normal spaces for us to live, and we accept it. It is time to go out into the world and work.

My husband and I are grateful but it is now necessary to leave.

HOWEVER I made it very clear that our commitment to supporting the hostel service is to maintain the only source of income for NVM and my husband maintains his service taking care of the 92-year-old devotee who gave and gives everything to the NVM rural project.

In short, WE WILL NOT LEAVE THE SERVICE BUT WE WILL LOOK FOR A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE OUTSIDE OF NVM 🙏🏻

**Le envío una copia de la carta que envié a la comunidad

En medio de Troya, su discípula de tercera clase Yasoda Devi Dasi

** Espero poder volver a verlo en NVM...yo no dejo de pensar en usted siempre es mi refugio espiritual Gurumaharaja 🙏🏻

HpS/ASA - Hare Krsna. Thank you for this news. We guess you are back in NVM from India.

What you describe sounds accurate. We guess your husband is of the same mind.

We talked with the Brahmana leaders of the Houston community, Temple President and authorities, State and Federal government and now we plan to be based in Houston until Janmastami.

If things really fall apart the railroad track in one block away and we can just leave all shelter and start walking East along the track toward Braja!

Thank you!!

Hare Krishna Gurudeva

PAMHO - AGTSP

I am writing to you after listening to your class on Sunday, March 2, in which you reminded us to send a sankirtan report.

The truth is that my attempt to preach through social media is bearing fruit. I have been sending reflections on Krishna consciousness via WhatsApp for approximately 2 years, with the idea of ​​providing support to the people I meet in sankirtan.

In Cabildo, almost no one takes books with them when I do sankirtan, so on any occasion that I go outside this city, I take books and distribute them.

I continue to do programs at home, but not as constant as before, and I also continue to spiritually accompany people interested in Krishna consciousness in this city.

A year ago I began to create public content on social media on Instagram, and 3 months ago on Tik Tok. Applying the knowledge I learned in the digital marketing career I studied.

On these platforms I share “lightweight”, entertaining and general content. But for those who are really interested, I send them the Krishna consciousness reflections via WhatsApp.

I have not distributed many physical books, but when people ask me for digital books, I send them the link to The Science of Self-Realization from vedabase.io. (We could have more books like that on that website)

It is amazing what can be achieved with this service and, when I am allowed, I would like to help other devotees in the community to echo what I have done.

Several people are chanting the Maha Mantra as a result of this effort, some are encouraged to visit the temple, others ask how to become a monk and one girl in particular wants to take spiritual initiation.

Preaching is my life, it is what pleases my heart the most.

Please your blessings to continue sharing Krishna consciousness through social media and other means.

Your Servant

Piyari Mohan das

HpS/ASA - Thank, agtSP, you. Srila Prabhupada talks about going preaching door to door, but in the modern world that seems to be going address to address on social media!

The Ramayana and Mahabharata by Krsna Dharma on Vedabase.Io might also be good for new comers, no?

He puts in philosophy in such a natural way!

[3/7/2025 5:32 PM] Deva-dharma Das: TgSP Pamhr Hare Krishna Maharaja 

En un mes recibí dos invitaciones para dar clases de BG en templo y en un programa de congregación. Hoy me invitaron a hacer puja para un programa de congregación. A las tres respondí que no estoy preparado. No me siento entrenado. Me falta más confianza.

También recibí la invitación para jugar soccer con amigos del colegio 

Debo empezar ya a entrenar y aprender a hacer puja, a aprender a dar clases? No tengo idea de cómo empezar.

Por favor tiene un comentario? 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Mi experiencia máxima en lo que es predicar ha sido bhakti vriksha

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[3/7/2025 5:32 PM] Deva dharma Das: TgSP Pamhr Hare Krishna Maharaja

In one month I received two invitations to teach BG classes in temple and in a congregational program. Today I was invited to do puja for a congregational program. After three I replied that I am not ready. I don't feel trained. I lack more confidence.

I also received the invitation to play soccer with friends from school

Should I start training now and learn to do puja, learn to teach classes? I have no idea how to start.

Please have a comment? 🙏🙏🙏🙏

My greatest experience in preaching has been bhakti vriksha

HpS/ASA - AgtSP. paoho. First, we are trying to help everyone by giving them Bhakti yoga based upon our personal practice and Srila Prabhupada's books.

If we are not chanting 16 nice rounds and following four principles strictly, then we should work on that.

Then, we can give classes and preach by knowing the audience. Ask the organizers about who they are. What is their level of development?

Are they just coming for the first time: Adau sraddha?

Do they understand stand the basic ideas of Bhagavad-gita, reincarnation? Karma? How God incarnates and is present through His energies?

What is the process and different levels of development of Bhakti yoga?

Ask someone else to join you in organizing and presenting the classes.

Just read NoI from the beginning to the students. Answer any questions and if you can't then try to go to an authority with them.

O.K.?