Letters to the editor

Hare Krishna, dear gurudev. Pamho, AGTSP!

About a year ago I was summoned to be part of the legal board of ISKCON Peru. You told [HpS/ASA - Suggested! 😎] me to try it for a year. Well, a year has passed and nothing happened. Therefore, as you encouraged me to help a little in that area, I now ask your permission to decline.

HpS-ASA - You also seemed to push it a little and try to get some reaction from the President etc. Ooof! We can't give up on the Institution, but if one way doesn't work, then as friends of each other and servants of Srila Prabhupada we have to try another way. Srila Prabhupada tried for years to get The League of Devotees et al.

So, if you think it is best to resign, at this point I certainly bow to your ideas, but with this attitude that with whatever ability and nature we have we will never stop trying to expand ISKCON not only as a community of friends, but also as a formal institution. O.K.?

In reality, administration was never my true service, it was always education, for that I have trained outside and inside ISKCON. In civil life I got a master's degree, I only need the thesis that was frustrated with the pandemic. I'm not sure yet about the PhD. Within ISKCON I have taken practically all the courses they have. I am now taking Teachers Trainnig III. Whenever there is an opportunity, I study. I consider myself an eternal student and an eternal teacher. Everything I learn I share with my students. I have a Bhakti sastri group, another of Pada padma and one of the Disciples Course. I also have seminars every Friday. And I listen as much as I can to your lectures and the lectures of other devotees from whom I learn a lot.

So, I'm going to do my thing. Personally, I believe that the solution to the ISKCON problems, whatever it may be, I do not believe that it will be solved by the administrative area and I say it with knowledge of the facts. The solutions will be given by a concerted force from the various areas of ISKCON, which seems quite far from reaching, cohesion, cooperation, unity in diversity. You are very optimistic, I am not. However, I have not stopped fighting, I always do what I can, but the area where I can help a little is in the educational area. I already have experience of when I enter administration I do not help at all. What's more, I create more inconveniences. That is why I am declining the position assigned to me. In any case, it was never legalized. I think other devotees will do much better.

With my girlfriend [Fiancee], Raman reti devi dasi, we [and I] are very excited doing Sankirtan projects. We want to do different things. Distribution of prasadam, Food for Life and also with gourmet prasadam for the wealthier classes. We plan to do bhajans in the open air and whatever we can. Make contact with the Municipality of Chosica or some NGO to do bigger programs, if Krishna allows it. Actually what we always think is to start something and Krishna will decide if it becomes big or we continue on a simple platform. We will live a "high thinking life." That is our moto.

I always wanted to preach in schools and educational and cultural institutions, let's see how things are presented. I also want to dabble in universities, but again, I will put my effort and Krishna will show me where to go.

My asrama situation I would describe as a process from grhasta to vanaprasta. We will do charity and serve together in the temple 2 days a week in the morning, apart from everything described. Really, I have seriously thought about this, I think Raman retir will be a big boost in my life. She is very determined, very organized and will not let me slack. Now, when I don't feel like it, I just watch Netlix with a pint of chocolate ice cream and oatmeal cookies. With her I will be very inspired to do service. "Women are the inspiration of men and in that sense they are better [stronger] than men" S.P. [https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/1/9/27/#bb15340 ]

Thanks, gurudev, for all your inspiration. I learn a lot from you. For me it is an honor and a pride to be your disciple. I am always trying to follow your discipline. Your instructions are my soul and my life, really. I'm not perfect, but I try my best.

What strikes me about all this is that I am not a blind follower. I don't do things just because you say them, but I really feel them important and they coincide with what I think. I don't really understand this feeling, maybe it's my big ego, but I feel happy. Happy to have met you, happy to have accepted me as your disciple, happy to be in this great institution, happy to have the friendship of so many wonderful devotees, happy to have Srila Prabhupada, happy to be who I am, happy to have found a devotee who is going to help me become a better person, happy to belong to Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan movement, happy to have Prabhupada's books, happy to be able to offer Krishna wonderful prasadam, happy to be alive here and now. And when it is my turn to leave, I will be happy because I will go to another place to continue doing what makes me happy.

Your servant,

Laksmana-agraja das

HpS - Oh, Many Happy One! Thank you for your letter. You must be a great fool also, because I agree with so much of your analysis of the situation, plans etc.

Well maybe several fools can reach some intelligence.

I agree with all you are saying. We made our point above also.

Only thing I thin might be different is that I think from my intelligence and from what I have heard from others eg. Hector, Jagad-guru (CNN) et al, that a very likely scenario is that we will not go back to normal. Krsna may allow an antivirus for the Karuna virus, but then peoplel will not trust the industrialization model as much as before. Of course, the solution is to start to return to the Vedic model of mostly self sufficient villages that link to the county, nation, world in a practical sense.

So your Sankirtan plans may want to look in that direction. Maybe your should become teacher/counselor for the Mayor of Chosika (A Different Kind of City). Next letter.

Picture of Happy Dogs attached.

Write with the breaking news!!

HK, PAMHO, AGTSP 

How are you Gurudeva? How is your health? Glad hear your voice every day on the calls. Kindly take care of your health Gurudeva.

HpS - ASA --- AgtSP! Paoho. "This body does not get diseases, this body is a disease", they say SP said. You, me, everyone, is suffering mental and physical distess at all time. If not then there would be not material happiness!!!

O.K. 😎

Best use of a bad bargain - The donkey, Brother Ass, is getting old. We are learning that he is a very efficient vehicle at this point, but very sensitive. We are learning and adjusting, consolidating and finishing our work. Not taking on any new projects.

Please write here to the Blog using the protocols mentioned n the KAPI DHVAJA. We have a lot to discuss!!! Thank you.

Hare Krishna,

Please accept my humble obeiscances.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!!

On 23rd March, a public curfew was announced by Hon. Prime Minister of India, which was extended further as Lockdown and is still continuing today- on 16th May. Tomorrow, further notices are expected regarding it. Till now as many as 85,940 Corona cases have been registered officially while death toll stands at 2,752. No transportation is allowed with exception of some necessary items like – grocery, vegetables, milks etc. Almost all industries, commercial firms, trains, airplanes are closed. In order to facilitate the students and labours locked down in others state 15 special trains are running since 1st May. So, overall life is standstill for most of the people.

In temples, visitors are not allowed. However, devotees are utilizing this opportunity for outreach. Famous ex-Indian Cricket Team Captain Mr. Saurav Ganguly is supporting ISKCON Kolkata to feed 10,000 people prasadam every day.

Link- https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/coronavirus-covid19-relief-sourav-ganguly-iskcon-kolkata/article31257030.ece

Similarly, ISKCON Delhi has been supporting government by providing prasadam for lacks of people everyday. Delhi Chief Minister appreciated his work of ISKCON.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/divine-service/article31384031.ece

Devotees in general are utilizing this time for increasing their sadhana and also conducting online classes practically everyday and discussing Krishna-katha. Now, in this lockdown, no one is able to put excuses like- ‘I am busy’, and hence participation has increased. Also, regular devotees are becoming more fixed up in their individual sadhana, since there is no travelling. From devotees point of view, I feel this lockdown has helped many to become more serious in their individual sadhana. Also there are ample opportunity to undergo different e-cources being conducted by different temples and thus deepen their understanding of bhakti.

Devotees are taking this opportunity in positive spirit. Of course amongst most miserable are those who are addicted to intoxication and not getting anything in this tough situation. The crime has reduced to practically nil in India while ‘in-house’ quarrels are in rise than ever.

I have been in Haldia since last 2 months. It’s a small village near the oil-refinary factory of Haldia. These days have offered me wonderful opportunity to go deeper in my own sadhana. I am able to regularize my sadhana and increase it. Devotees here organized a yagya on Sri Nrisimha Chaturdashi for protection from Lord. It’s just unimaginable to be in such a situation. 

Your servant,

Purushottam Keshav Das

HpS - Jaya!!! Please send an update like this here!

Querido Gurumaharaja.

Por favor acepte mis respetuosas reverencias.

¡Todas las glorias a Srila Prabhupada! 

Hace poco hablaba con mi esposo sobre la grandeza de Srila Prabhupada, él vino a esta parte del mundo en el momento correcto, no antes cuando era más joven, no después, el Occidente necesitaba de aquel sabio de edad justa que demostraba tanta sabiduría y potencia en sus palabras, toda una vida de preparación para satisfacer a su Gurudeva; los malestares, mareos y ataques al corazón en el Jaladuta no fueron más que enseñanzas de como se sirve al maestro espiritual en medio de las dificultades... es un humilde razonamiento. Nos gustaría saber su apreciación por favor. 

Me siento muy agradecida con Usted Gurumaharaja, porque por su infinita misericordia puedo intentar ser parte del glorioso ISKCON de la gran personalidad Srila Prabhupada, aquel ISKCON que Srila Prabhupada visualizo un día, aquel ISKCON que nunca fue pequeño para Su Divina Gracia.

Muchas gracias por sus esfuerzos de cada día por mantenernos en la práctica espiritual, soy sentimental y a veces me preocupa mucha actividad de Su parte para nosotros, sin embargo sé que Usted irá equilibrando lo necesario, tal como él médico dosifica la medicina al paciente, Usted es el maestro y por acá su tonta discipula sentimental.

PEDIDO

Realmente mi intención en esta carta es implorarle por favor si nos puede compartir su ofrenda de Vyasa-Puja 2020 de Srila Prabhupada. 

Seríamos muy bendecidos! 

Gurumaharaja, por otro lado, el Templo de Ciudad de México ya está abierto al público en general bajo un protocolo de sanidad del gobierno, hay un cupo límite de asistentes, uso obligatorio de cubreboca, gel, distanciamiento etc. 

Hemos celebrado Jhulan yatra, estuve a cargo estos 5 días de atender a Radha Krsna chotas y sus variados arreglos para tal pasatiempo, gran misericordia una vez más este servicio, ahora en medio de la pandemia a sido una gran bendición.

Ayer en el festival de Sri Balarama varias patrullas circulando y supervisores acercándose al Templo, es muy cierto que los devotos son como gatos : ) difíciles de organizarlos a cada quien en un lugar. Nos informaran cómo serán los próximos festivales.

Hubo propuestas de que se celebre los festivales con austeridad pero también pujaris que desean que no se deje de ofrecer lo máximo posible a las Deidades haciendo el mejor esfuerzo, en este festival una vez más Su Señoría Mandan Gopal ha demostrado que El es quien provee a través de sus sirvientes con variedad de flores, más de 108 ofrendas de bhoga, abhiseka, un gran pastel y buen varuni. 

Sacinandana y Arya Srestha prabhus están apoyando mucho en el templo.

Prabhu Tejasvit ahora es el nuevo encargado del Templo ( aclaró que no es el presidente) 

Que Sri Nrsimhadeva nos proteja en estos intentos por servirle. 

Muchas gracias por su generosa atención .

Vuestra eterna aspirante a sirviente

Asta Sakhi dd. 

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Dear Gurumaharaja.

Please accept my respectful obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Recently I was talking with my husband about the greatness of Srila Prabhupada, he came to this part of the world at the right time, not before when he was younger, not after, the West needed that wise man of just age who demonstrated so much wisdom and power in his words, a lifetime of preparation to satisfy his Gurudeva; the discomforts, dizziness and heart attacks in the Jaladuta were nothing more than teachings on how to serve the spiritual master in the midst of difficulties ... it is a humble reasoning. We would like to know your appreciation please.

HpS - We read Lilamrta from vedabase.io almost every day and we cry at how much mercy, effort, blood, srila prabhupada gave to make this movement grow. then it could reach many people including you and me.

I feel very grateful to You Gurumaharaja, because by your infinite mercy I can try to be part of the glorious ISKCON of the great personality Srila Prabhupada, that ISKCON that Srila Prabhupada visualized one day, that ISKCON that was never small for His Divine Grace.

HpS - We feel that Srila Prabhupada is 99.9999% pulling us. We try too little to help.

Thank you very much for your efforts every day to keep us in spiritual practice, I am sentimental and sometimes I worry about a lot of activity on Your part for us, however I know that You will balance what is necessary, just as the doctor doses the medicine to the patient. he is the teacher and here his silly sentimental disciple.

ORDER

Really my intention in this letter is to implore you please if you can share with us your offering of Vyasa-Puja 2020 from Srila Prabhupada.

We would be very blessed!

Gurumaharaja, on the other hand, the Mexico City Temple is already open to the general public under a government health protocol, there is a limited number of attendees, mandatory use of mask, gel, distancing, etc.

We have celebrated Jhulan yatra, I was in charge these 5 days of attending to Radha Krsna chotas and his various arrangements for such a pastime, great mercy once again this service, now in the midst of the pandemic it has been a great blessing.

Yesterday at the Sri Balarama festival several patrols circulating and supervisors approaching the Temple, it is very true that the devotees are like cats:) difficult to organize each one in one place. They will inform us about the upcoming festivals.

There were proposals to celebrate the festivals with austerity but also pujaris who wish that they do not stop offering as much as possible to the Deities by making the best effort, in this festival once again His Honor Mandan Gopal has shown that He is the one who provides through his servants with a variety of flowers, more than 108 offerings of bhoga, abhiseka, a great cake and good varuni.

Sacinandana and Arya Srestha prabhus are supporting a lot in the temple.

Prabhu Tejasvit is now the new head of the Temple (clarified that he is not the president)

May Sri Nrsimhadeva protect us in these attempts to serve Him.

Thank you very much for your generous attention.

Your eternal would-be servant

Asta Sakhi dd.

HpS - ASA -- Thank you so, so, so much for the ISKCON Mexico news!!!!

Vyasapuja Offering

We offer our humble obeisances to His Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, author of the book, KRSNA: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, and Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada, we suspect that our attempts to illuminate your glories on your Vyasapuja day are like a candle trying to illuminate the sun. The flame just becomes invisible. On the other hand if we are allowed to consider the task like a fire-fly trying to illuminate some of the features of your lotus feet then we might be able to make a small contribution to today's activities.

When your divine grace was in Berkeley. California in 1975 we heard from your lips that anyone who chants the Pancha-tattva Maha-mantra and follows it with the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra has achieved the perfection of life, but if they wanted to preach they should probably read your books.

Then, when asked by a reporter what would happen to your movement when your divine grace died, you answered firmly that you would never die, you would live forever in your books.

These two statements are our life an soul.

Thank you.

We try to always be chanting Maha-mantra internally and externally under the shelter of your divine grace's lotus feet and over and above that read and preach from your books.

Now we read Caitanya-caritamrta daily before Mangala-arati, and it is 90% a novel experience for us. We understand it with so much more depth than before. We see that your divine grace's book is deep beyond our abilities to plumb.

Then after Mangala-arati we read and discuss a little with the devotees in Spanish. Before we were doing Nectar of Devotion, but now we are read a verse a day from the Light of the Bhagavata. We find the purports as direct truth, illumination, on such topics at Veganism, administration in ISKCON etc.

We keep a daily Srimad Bhagavatam class. Sometimes it is with an online group, sometimes local temples. We are integrating our study with the development of questions for the Bhakti-vaibhava diploma with your ISKCON Board of Examinations.

We cite your books from Vedabase.io and the concepts we have learned therein in our humble attempts to preach in the university, Jungian, world classical literature and interfaith communities.

They are the guide for devotees advancing from adau sraddha, sadhu sanga... to prema.

Thank you Srila Prabhupada. We feel we have always been a heavy load that you have had to drag forward in our purification, but we are experiencing practical advancement.

We hope that we can be a little, pleasing, grain of sand under your lotus feet, in the sandy path that is your ISKCON, helping your Sankirtan expand and expand and expand.

Thank you.

Your very fallen servant, Hanumatpresaka Swami

11 March 2020.

Hare Krsna!!

We think Srila Prabhupada chose the term "Consciousness" because it was a term appreciated by the Hippies and other New Age people at the time of the formation of ISKCON and could also be related to our deeper traditional philosphy.

In Hindi ISKCON is like - Antarastiry sri krsna bhavan amrta sanga.

So Conscsiousness is Bhavan amrta.

Bhava is the last stage before Prema (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/4/10/#bb1200 )

Our senses and mind are engaged in Krsna's service and now our heart, intelligence. It is the next door neighbor to Pure Devotional Service. It is described in the Southern Wave of Nectar of Devotion in great detail and in summary in: https://vedabase.io/en/library/nod/17/ and the following chapter also(?).

Hare Rama.

AgtSP

Paoho.

Several people have asked us how to donate to NIOS. First let us assure you that donation to other bona fide projects related to Srila Prabhupada's Sankirtan accomplishes the same thing. Second, if you are going to donate to NIOS let us know how we can engaged the donations.

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