Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and to his faithful and truthful followers such as yourself.

 HpS/ASA - We have a some distance to go before we can say that we are completely faithful to all of Srila Prabhupada's instructions eg. Bathing three times daily and applying Tilak, avoiding completely hearing mundane news etc.

It has been several months since I last reported on the blog. Because of that silence, someone might say, “It seems that Manuel monkey has distracted himself in some leafy tree in Pogo Park” But that is not the case. I am always very attentive to your sankirtana. My ears, my hands, my tail, and mainly my heart stay alert, trying to receive your mercy and to be of useful in the seva.

Thank you so much for giving us delicious bananas of bhakti every day in the FMP and a transcendental feast every Sunday in the ASA Workshops.

Allow me, then, to offer you a brief report on the editorial fruits that have already ripened and those that are still developing on the branches of the NIOS publications tree:

I) Book for the 40th Anniversary of Grupo Integro: It has already been published. Your greeting letter in both English and Spanish appears inside, and the NIOS logo is included in the credits.

HpS - Didn't NIOS pay to receive some copies???

II) Educating Krishna’s Children: This is the Spanish version of Mother Aruddha’s book. It is fully typeset. The interior layout and the cover have already been approved by Radhika Raman Prabhu and his mother. We expect the printed copies to be ready during the first week of December. This book is beautiful and helpful for parents and caregivers, as well as for anyone who needs to remember that Krishna is mischievous and joyful, and that raising and educating Krishna-conscious children can be delightful and in fact it is a very valuable service for the pleasure of Guru and Gauranga. The translation was done by Mother Purnamasi, and the layout and design by ARTd. Do you have any suggestions?

HpS - No. Wonderful to hear. Hope it can be made readily available in Spanish community. Create a revolution. Be presented in Santiago in February/March.

III) WOD (Waves of Devotion in Spanish): It is currently 80% typeset, but we cannot complete it as a part of the English edition’s typography is still missing. ARTd spoke with Dhanurdhara Swami, who said he would contact the disciple responsible for the editing of his books, but that has not happened yet. ARTd will try one more time to contact Maharaja. Do you have any suggestions?

HpS - Send a copy of the letter to Maharaja to us. We may even see him personally when we are in Radha kunda.

IV) SOLARIS No. 9: It is in the midst of the layout process. In addition to the Spanish articles, this issue includes four articles in English. (Our goal is that each issue can contain between 30% and 50% of its content in English.)

One more point: ARTd has been talking to Hector, Miguel, Oscar, Raul, Pablo, and Walter to prepare a NIOS-Perú proposal for the academic Sankirtana during your stay in Lima. (they have a group meeting next Thursday Nov 20th). He is coordinating activities with Laksmana-agraha to organize with ISKCON to host events on Varna-asrama dharma and Guru-tattva. He is also talking with mothers and devotees such as Candra-mukhi, Palika, Mitravinda, Nitya-kisori, Gita-Govinda, Gandharva, Ray Ramananda, and others; they are all very happy about your arrival. So, starting next week, I will send you a report and a proposal from NIOS-Peru for the academic Sankirtana and activities with ISKCON. All of this, of course, considering that you are now making this trip as emeritus professor. 

Radhika Raman, his mother, and other scholars from Latin America will also attend on certain days during that period.

We are happy that, Krishna willing, we will have your auspicious association next March along with Tom Brown, Buck White, and the entire ASA team.

That is all for now. HARE KRISHNA, Bhakta Manuel.

HpS/ASA - As per our conversation, you will take charge of organizing the online Vyasapuja on the 20th December in the morning.

We will post that under a separate post also.

Thank you.

This is all such substantial work.

We hope that other groups in Latin America will also make such great reports.

Of course, they should all be also released at the Third Latin American Congress in Santiago, no?

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frutos que Maduran:

Reporte de las Publicaciones de NIOS en el Perú

Hare Krishna. Todas las Glorias a Srila Prabhupada y a sus seguidores fieles y veraces como usted.

Hace varios meses que no me reporto en el blog. Quizá, por ese silencio, alguien podría decir: “Parece que el mono Manuel está entretenido en algún árbol frondoso del parque Pogo”. Pero no es así. Siempre estoy pendiente de su sankirtana. Mis orejas, mis manos, mi cola y, sobre todo, mi corazón están atentos para tratar de recibir su misericordia y ser útil en el seva. Muchas Gracias por regalarnos todos los días deliciosos plátanos de bhakti en el FMP y un banquete trascendental todos los domingos en los Talleres de ASA.

Permítame entonces, esta vez, hacer un pequeño reporte sobre los frutos editoriales que ya maduraron y los que todavía están en la rama, madurando, en el árbol de las publicaciones de NIOS:

I) Libro por los 40 años del Grupo Íntegro: Ya se publicó. En los interiores está su carta-saludo en inglés y español, y en los créditos aparece el logo de NIOS.

II) La Educación en el hogar de los niños de Krishna: Esta es la versión en español del libro de la madre Aruddha. Ya está totalmente diagramado. Los interiores y la carátula han sido aprobados por Radhika Raman Prabhu y su mamá. Esperamos que la primera semana de diciembre ya estén impresos. Este libro es bonito y útil para padres, madres y para quienes necesiten recordar que Krishna es travieso y divertido, y que criar y educar a los hijos conscientes de Krishna puede ser algo alegre y, de hecho, un valioso servicio para el placer de Guru y Gauranga. La traducción la hizo la madre Purnamasi, y la diagramación y el diseño, ARTd. ¿Alguna sugerencia?

III) WOD (Waves of Devotion en español): Ya está diagramado al 80%, pero no podemos finalizarlo porque nos falta una parte de la tipografía de la versión en inglés. ARTd habló con Dhanurdhara Swami, y él dijo que lo iba a conectar con su discípulo encargado de la edición de sus libros, pero aún no sucede. ARTd intentará una vez más comunicarse con Maharaja. ¿Alguna sugerencia?

IV) SOLARIS No. 9: Está en plena danza de diagramación. Aparte de los artículos en español, esta vez tenemos cuatro artículos en inglés. (La meta es que, en cada número, entre el 30% y 50% del contenido esté en inglés).

Un punto más: Para hacer una propuesta de NIOS-Perú para el Sankirtana académico durante tu estadía en Lima ARTd ha estado conversando con Héctor, Miguel, Óscar, Raúl, Pablo y Walter (tienen una reunión grupal el jueves 20). Con Laksmana-agraha está coordinando actividades con ISKCON para realizar eventos sobre el Varna-asrama dharma y el Guru-tattva. Y también está conversando con madres y devotos como Candra-mukhi, Palika, Mitravinda, Nitya-kisori, Gita-Govinda, Gandharva, Ray Ramananda y otros, todos están muy contentos con su llegada. Entonces, comenzando la próxima semana le enviaré un reporte y una propuesta de NIOS-Perú para el sankirtana académico y actividades con ISKCON. Todo esto, considerando, por supuesto, que ahora usted realiza este viaje como profesor emérito.

Radhika Raman, su mamá y otros académicos de Latinoamérica estarán presentes, algunos días, para esas fechas.

Estamos felices de que, Krishna mediante, en marzo tendremos su auspiciosa asociación junto con Tom Brown, Buck White y todo el equipo ASA.

Eso es todo por ahora. HARE KRISHNA, Bhakta Manuel.

Todas las Glorias a Srila Prabhupada!!

Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja, por favor reciba mis respetuosas reverencias.

Guru Maharaja, mi mudanza a la ciudad de Tarapoto solo duro aproximadamente dos meses y medio, ahora estoy nuevamente por Huancayo, al parecer estaré nuevamente por aquí, y quizás sea por corto tiempo, después no sé que pasará.

Hago planes, pero al parecer hay una fuerza sobrehumana que los cambia, debe ser el Señor Supremo Sri Caitanya. No lo sé.

A Huancayo llego su SS. Bhakti Arjava Priti Vardhana Swami Maharaja con su sirviente Prabhu Jaya Prahlada.

Su Santidad estuvo una semana en Huancayo, en el templo de madre Laksmirani, Maharaja dio entrevistas en las radios locales y algunos canales de televisión de la región, también dio conferencias en unos auditorios, y gracias a Srila Prabhupada tuve la misericordia de tomar su santa asociación y servirlo.

A Maharaja y a su sirviente les gusta cocinar y nos enseñaron algunas recetas, fue una experiencia muy bonita e increíble. Maharaja fue muy misericordioso con nosotros y muy tolerante con nuestras deficiencias.

Aquí le comparto algunas fotos.

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

Hare Krsna.

Gadai Gauranga Das

-0-0-0-

All Glory to Srila Prabhupada!!

Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja, please accept my respectful obeisances.

Guru Maharaja, my move to the city of Tarapoto only lasted about two and a half months. Now I'm back in Huancayo, and it seems I'll be here again, perhaps for a short time. After that, I don't know what will happen.

I make plans, but it seems there's a superhuman force that changes them. It must be the Supreme Lord Sri Caitanya. I don't know.

His Holiness Bhakti Arjava Priti Vardhana Swami Maharaja arrived in Huancayo with his servant Prabhu Jaya Prahlada.

His Holiness spent a week in Huancayo at the temple of Mother Lakshmirani. Maharaja gave interviews on local radio stations and some regional television channels. He also gave lectures in auditoriums, and thanks to Srila Prabhupada, I had the grace to enter into his holy association and serve him.

Maharaja and his servant love to cook and taught us some recipes. It was a very beautiful and incredible experience. Maharaja was very merciful to us and very forgiving of our shortcomings.

Here are some photos.

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

Hare Krishna.

Gadai Gauranga Das

HpS - Jaya! I have never heard Maharaja's name or pastimes before. Where is he from? Is he ISKCON Sannyasi?

Thank you for the news. In any case Srila Prabhupada spent a lifetime in preparation, so maybe we will have to spend twenty life times in preparation, but in any case we are already experiencing the development in Bhakti Yoga that is promised.

Hare Krishna! Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Guru maharaja,

We watched this video on the ISKCON Ministry of Education YouTube channel about Guru tattva from HH Bhani Swami

https://youtu.be/J5gtm15q3nY?si=q7M_mJ4KcR9Tdbp_

Would you please take a look at it and let us know your thoughts. I found it interesting and would like to hear from you about it.

Your servant,

Nanda-braja das

Ps. here is a video of the presentation, I haven't watched it yet, just the q&a.

https://youtu.be/kSFXTV7TV7A?si=-eZHGp02CfpcrcrJ

HpS/ASA - We, agtSP, looked at it.

It is, a very interesting istagosthi.

of course, we have commented that we feel like we were Chinese, Mexican monks in our last lifetime, and we are technically natives of the Oriental pacific island Guam.

so it seems natural that we have so much affection when we hear from Bhanu maharaja, who is from oriental tradition.

we feel we have a very common perspective with him in so many ways.

one point about uttama Adhikari being a sadhaka. in waves of devotion dhanurdara swami explains a text from BRS that talks about the uttama Adhikari being a saddhaka and he explains that there are two senses for the word. one is someone who is following the rules and regulations as service and the other is someone who is acting in terms of the mellows of devotional service but is still not completely beyond the boundaries of the material structure.

so many statements from SP about guru, no?

it is like easy to make practical decision.

any special thoughts you have in terms of the istagosthi?

Nanda. - One specific question: what do you expect, ask and desire of your disciples who may take on the a role of a siksa guru?

HpS - That is included above, no? Jayananda Das would start casual conversations with people wherever he would go, and then he might comment by saying that his old grand daddy said... and then gives some statement from srila prabhupada.

so we act as Siksa guru differently as the situation demands.

I think Maharaja comments that there are no rituals for accepting someone as a Siksa guru.

From WhatsApp

[10/23/2025 6:24 PM] HP Swami - Prof HHR: "VDM 2.95 Please always remember what Lord Caitanya has taught about the nature of Sri Vrndavana, the nature of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna, and the nature of us individual spirit souls."

Studied to 2.99.

To properly understand, apply, these verses one must be eating only enough to keep body and soul together, no?

[10/23/2025 6:37 PM] Krsna-lila Das: I am doomed

HpS/ASA - If Krsna wants us to serve Him directly in Vraja's groves, then let us be determined to become adept. if He wants us to join Radha as Sita, and play Rama-lila, then let us grow a tail and more hair.

🌴

🌴🌴🌴🌴

. . . . 👯.. 🐒....

. . . . .

October 6, 2025

pamho, AGtSP!

TILL DEATH DO WE PART.

  Thought I’d better write before I’m dead, too busy to be this old, yet, am learning to pace better. The jobs are all odd now, aside from “Harinam,’it seems to be a re-honed destiny, bringing reality.

Now having to fix our gate and fence, occasional side work in the trades and keep vigilant with dear Subhra’s compromises in career.

She’s now doing administration and I monitor her stress from the “slaughter house of knowledge.”

Regardless she sometimes, covertly, influences sincere people into the Temples’ fold, something unintentional and quite bold for modern Academic standards.

While all the juggling & balancing go on, the 16-4 is truly what sustains us in days that are sometimes too long. It is our foundation in our house of gyrations, along with some sincere effort in our Buddhi aspirations... carry on, chant the Holy Song!

 YUGA DHARMA FIRST.

 Speaking of duty, the “Gate” has 2 posts out, one to go, then 3 specifically placed 4X’S.

Today just digging out and then off to Gainesville (GNV) for Friday Harinam. Tuesdays we do Harinam in Alachua, seems to help lessen my conditioned state, God knows I do need association, out for now, digging in the dirt, got another post out, one to go... if it wasn’t warped I could of left it there, se la vie.

. . .

Showered up and heading to GNV, 4pm Hari Nam at 13^th & University across from the UF campus, we’ve got a few devotees, mostly seniors and Prabhupada disciples, still more to come, we’re on for 90 minutes, more or less, preferably more! Looks like it will be even more, Football game tomorrow, we come and chant at the pre-game entrance, a lot of good exposure.

. . . 

   Keeping pace on japa this morning, have to keep it going, and then we can focus on the Harinam this afternoon. If done right it will also free time for a bit of the “Honey-Dues” at the house. ‘Grha’ is a tricky ashram and I now know why Vanaprastha is offered, it’s to keep a vision of dharma to prevent from getting buried in a deep-well covered with grass.

   Finished our Saturday “bonus” Kirtan at the “Gator Game,” now back at our abode, we had a good group of about 25 devotees at the University of Florida, quite few new Russians visiting, we all managed to get fired up enough that the rain held off till we left, free shower after a balmy campus Kirtan. Devotee association really does keep us enthusiastic. Next game is October 17^th in Jacksonville, time for road tour.

 DAILY SEVA TAPASYA.

     Been keeping up with Yantra-Japa now for almost 3 years now, and have been getting some presentiments of shortcomings. If more focus is not applied, sleep becomes an enemy in this “jotting-japa” (as with any japa) and may now see actual deflection of concentration on paper. When my autopilot takes over during nod-offs, immediate scrawls or disfigured shapes graphically appear on the chart.

  The good part is I may retro-fit some fresh mantras in to correct, whereas on mala I tend to lose track. With age, that “sleeping” tendency gets to easy. When consciousness and lethargy hover together it is almost a third state of consciousness, very self-deceptive. Standing up, spray of water, or even a short break does help restore attentiveness. I know this will be an ongoing battle till the end. Challenge is on!

. . .

  Well, well, time does tell, another project within another project. Likened to dominoes, one leads to another. This is a formula that becomes quite a task in daily affairs, along with lifetime practices, yet the needful brings to needed fulfillments, not just for the self, but to persons in “need,” this why the art of seva is so rewarding, it’s not for us... it is US! We are complete when engaged and temporarily surcharged to perform, then rest until the next service; this is peremptory training in my humble opinion. Be it duty or decreed, it will bring satisfaction in selfless activities, just what we need, thus fulfilling closings in daily services, enchanting our Soul and pleasing the Supreme, a worthy goal.

HpS/ASA - Jayananda Das commented that you don't need a big, very significant service at every, even any moment. You just need to always be engaged in service. That service is the best way to be engaged in more intense and broadly significant service. "vidya vadu jivanam"

Kartika

It’s that time again! The month of enhanced awareness and sacrifice, do what I can, maintaining always is a good start.

Love the extra songs with the pastimes, breaks routine to tangible notions of devotion. Pet project is the completion of the SFRY SEVA book and sending it to Granthraja Prabhu. 1st day in, guess this is a good time to drop this letter at the Monkeys tree.

HpS - Maybe learning word by word meanings of part or all of the song.

Learn how to respond to the song without a song sheet. how to lead without a song sheet.

we are reading Vrndavana Dhama Mahimamrta as translated by his grace kusa krata das. posted details on the WhatsApp group!

Thank you for your most valuable time.

sincerely, C.C. your servant in training. 

hps/asa - how much is our time worth by the hour???? is there soul-money? USA Karmi paycheck is in Wally Dollars, no? Money that can be exchanged for any goods or services at Walmart.

We are getting paid in dollars that can be exchanged for things at K-Mart??

[Remember. Money is just Monkey spelled with a K (for KRSNA) inserted in the middle. 😱

Have lots of Mon(k)ey! It's good for you!

Of course, we are eternal and possessed of unlimited energy. Self recharging AAA cells. Thus, all we want to do is serve Krsna.

Haw Haw Hare!

We are manufactured to work for free, forever.

For Go, Gopa, Gopi Govinda-nandana!

Who is Self absorbed in His own narcistic pleasures!

Hare Krsna. Hare Krsna...

Hare Krishna, Gurudev.

Please accept my humble obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am writing to you because, while reading the Bhagavad-gita (Chapter 17, Text 9), where the foods dear to each mode of nature are described, I noticed a detail in the translation of certain Sanskrit terms that I would humbly like to share with you.

From my familiarity with Ayurveda, where the twenty attributes (gunas) and the six tastes (rasas) are studied, I understand that these terms have very specific meanings. In the word-for-word translation of the verse, I noticed that:

• The term katu is translated as "bitter," when traditionally tikta is "bitter," and katu refers to "pungent."
• In turn, the word tiksna is translated as "pungent," when its meaning within the gunas is closer to "intense," "sharp," or "penetrating."

This led me to wonder, with all due respect, if the BBT's translation team is aware of these nuances and maintains them for a specific reason, or if it is something that might be considered for future editions.

Of course, this observation is purely technical and does not at all impede the transmission of Srila Prabhupada's instruction, nor does it diminish the immense potency of the Bhagavad-gita. I am simply sharing it as a reflection that arose from my study, with no intention of offending anyone.

Thank you very much, Gurudev.

Your servant,

Nikunja Bihari das.

HpS - Hare Krsna. Thank you very many! Maybe these are English word usages that were prominent during the time of Bhaktisiddhant Sarasvati.

For example, I think at that time one might say that he went into the Bosses office and he was, "making love to his secretary". In current common English that my community uses, this would be interpreted as complete physical, sexual interaction, but at the time of Bh. Siddhanta, beginning of the 20th century (India) it would mean by what my community means, "flirting, hitting on her", verbal interplay.

Where are the translations you are using coming from?

Is very nice, practical discussion.

Hare Krishna, Gurudev.

Por favor, acepte mis humildes reverencias.

Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada.

Le escribo porque, mientras leía el Bhagavad-gita (capítulo 17, texto 9), donde se describen los alimentos preferidos en cada modalidad, noté un detalle en la traducción de ciertos términos en sánscrito que me gustaría compartir humildemente con usted.

Desde mi familiaridad con el Ayurveda, donde se estudian los veinte atributos (gunas) y los seis sabores (rasas), entiendo que estos términos tienen significados muy específicos. En la traducción palabra por palabra del verso, noté que:

• El término katu se traduce como "amargo", cuando tradicionalmente tikta es "amargo" y katu se refiere a lo "picante".
• A su vez, la palabra tiksna se traduce como "picante", cuando su significado dentro de las gunas es más cercano a "intenso", "penetrante" o "agudo".

Esto me llevó a preguntarme, con todo respeto, si el equipo de traducción del BBT es consciente de estos matices y los mantiene por alguna razón específica, o si es algo que podría considerarse para futuras ediciones.

Por supuesto, esta observación es puramente técnica y no impide en absoluto la transmisión de la instrucción de Srila Prabhupada ni opaca la inmensa potencia del Bhagavad-gita. Simplemente lo comparto como una reflexión surgida de mi estudio, sin intención de ofender a nadie.

Muchas gracias, Gurudev.

Su sirviente,

Nikunja Bihari das.