Revelations at Florida State’s Grid Iron Hari Nam
Was on the way to the Krishna House next to the University in Gainesville, Florida, the freeway traffic signs warning: “Congested Traffic at University!” Just lovely, turned off one avenue early to mitigate the milling masses of Football clashes.
They weren’t kidding, even 5 miles out there was vehicle congestion, snaked around, back-tracked and finally made it to the Krishna House, $50 parking fee (free for Kirtaneers). All of the devotee’s already had left for gate #7 at UF (University of Florida) campus, so I hoof down University Avenue, ducking and weaving through the crowded streets.
Made it to the lucky number 7 gate, and sure enough we had about 35 devotees on Sankirtan. All were keeping to outside left of the stadium promenade while attendees would enter on the right. Facing the ongoing people entering the Arena area we all could give a resounding, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna-Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Ram Hare Rama, Rama-Rama, Hare Hare!”
Many were reacting favorably, some would come and dance in front of the Kirtan, and others would play on the gong a devotee offered. All the while, 2 Mothers were handing out sweets to those who would take them. Subhra and I baked about 80 cookies to bring along, so we stocked those with the “Sweet” Mothers.
What was interesting is when I handed cookies to some of the devotee children, another Mother was very suspect on my part. Guess she didn’t know I was with the Hari Nam group. She inquired with the other Mothers about the cookies while inspecting each one. Then she finally decided to let the young ones enjoy them and I continued in the Hari Nam.
Was quite a mixed group of Vaisnava’s, more seniors then youth, yet all were enthusiastic. Did my best to keep chanting and realized my voice was not carrying.
So, found a tone that I could keep volume with and it wasn’t straining my vocal cords. In the Temple, sounds are more confined, outdoors in the public arena, sound has more dispersion. Regardless, my voice does not have much endurance and my Kirtan’s grow short compared to the Vaisnava’s there. At least now I’ve found a voice that will at almost accommodate the Hari Nams.
Kartik Kicks Kali Kraziness
Now, the Kartik moon Is shining, which is reflecting how delayed I am in sending you this note. Apologies, still working with devotee’s houses and getting minimal quality time at home. Of course at least there is some quality, quantity is debatably superfluous... am happy with any of your association I may get.
These days of Kartik have already impelled tapasya, even though I still think I’m choosing what to sacrifice... “ RIGHT!” I haven’t a clue in actuality, so Sri Bhagavan has me tumbling already. My Swiss Army knife has disappeared, I’ve opened a can of worms at Pushkara Prabhu’s ceiling & skylight, plus keeping a mess out of his art studio. Then all the editing I’ve done had been neutralized, and I had to redo it, maybe 7 times before I’m done, I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Forever Seeking Sadhana
Happy to say the “japa-yantra” technique is revived my rounds, the essence that I think helped the most is the “Acintya-Bheda-Bheda” technique. Keeping all three Names as they are with the separate groups of 8 linked together in breath, then all 16 names stay in cadence. Works for me.
With my baby boomer brain and toxic dried-out levity, it’s fortunate I can even attain reasonable consciousness. The external affairs of karmic placement really complicate renewing stable habits of Bhakti-yoga. The challenge I find is understanding one's own character development, keeping the bonafide qualities and disposing of the nonsensical ones.
Sadhu Hug-a
Personally speaking about personal speaking, I find it is necessary to monitor offensive behavior on our own part to really keep good relations. An example of devotee association with Braja Raja Suta Prabhu and myself, we met briefly at the NRR (New Raman Reti) Eco-Farm with our wives. The Mata’s were exchanging pleasantries, and Braja & I just kind of stood looking at each other. Then, inspired by Bahushira Prabhu’s greeting, I stepped closer and gave the Ol’” Heart to Heart” hug chest bump with a light slap on the back. He wasn’t sure how to take it. Regardless, he did smile and maintained his composure. He is so dedicated to his empirical standards that it’s difficult to get him to loosen up... to each their own.
Hardy, R & R
At least Subhra and I got a break last weekend; we made a trip to St. Augustine Beach. It was gray, windy, and cool, confirming autumn’s arrival. Adding to the lovely ambiance was beached strife with remnants of the Hurricanes' wrath, strewn broken seashells, broken sticks, and such. It was a bit of tracking barefoot, of course, nothing compared to your journeys to the 12 forests of Vrndavana.
The Sun broke through the clouds, bringing warmth and brilliance. I was contemplating a dive into the mighty Atlantic Ocean, yet I was hesitant in my false ego. I need purification. The waves were quite massive, compared to Texas’ Gulf of Mexico. Still, I knew, it was like when one goes to a Holy Tirtha and does not bathe, it is offensive, of course drowning is another consideration. So, abandoning my mind and shallowness, I bowed into the roaring blue.
It was quite a mixture of waves. The current was going all directions, with one spot pushing towards the shore and the other going parallel, and of course, a slight rip-tide to complete the situation. I kept my footing and, as they say, “Go with the flow,” did so.
I caught a short wave coming out, stepped in, and was escorted to shore by the saltwater. It was different for me; I’ve never had such an intimate experience with the ocean like that. Plus, all the swirling actually relieved some sciatic nerve problems (yes, age is taking its toll).
Submissive Surmising
The timing of events seems to be more and more constrained, yet mystically arranged. My meanderings are more guided in the interest of Bhakti, though am not purified enough to fully embrace. Regardless, chanting, dancing and feasting always keeps me going for more practice. Seems my quasi-sentient capabilities are directing more practice at intimate levels, i/e, a perfect excuse to stay home, write, be domestic and pretend I’m retired. Then I see you with loving tenacity and persistent guidance with all whom you associate with and I am ashamed for being such a miserly Yogi.
Conclusive Congregating
Guessing my only good fortune is in getting some association at New Raman Reti. Last night was their Monthly Kirtan gathering, officially been going on for a year now, a nice mix of Senior, Junior and in-between devotees.
With Damodarastika also added to the song list, I was very ecstatic. I guess my hermit-loner desires aren’t entirely rooted as yet. We need good association in Kali-Yuga to keep us human and evolving into Vaisnavas. The sad part is when maligned neophytes or advanced ego-plights come into our circle of friends, it can be a challenge not to be disturbed. My policy still is “Chant, Chant, Chant”... then the ol’ mind trying to say, “Can’t, can’t, can’t,” such are our challenges in this material world.
With your perseverance in mind, I will continue to serve Maharaja! May your carnal existence only be limited to its departure.
All glories to your service!
CC.
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HpS//ASA - Thank you, agtSP, for the ting-y-tang of your Braja bound boom, BOOM' B O O M-a-rang!!! 🦘🦘🦘 🏈
Dipping into the modern American, whole world, whirlpool and then returning with impressions that fit our Sadhana bhakti gang.
Cookies too for the petting-zoo.
Have you got a Brahma-muhurta research-project in your lab?
How is Mangala arati at the Temple?
Visits in your Ghrastha tempo do you grab?
Otherwise, perform at home, online, according to your Ashrama size?
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Now, the sun is at 2.24pm here in Brihuega, near Madrid, Spain, SPAIN,
S P A I N!
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... krsna krsna, hare hare...
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in the sankirtan we should just find our place, the gaggles pace, then play our instrument with ever in creasing potency by His Divine Grace?
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raise the quality to the canons of goloka on high!!
hare krsna ✨️
2.56PM, chan ted 2 rounds and edited this little letter.
quack, quack.
now look for any letters from ASA Carnaval, and at 4.30pm to the Temple room back!!!
Your answers lack.
Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare!!!!!!!!!
