Hare Krishna Dear Guru Dev!

PAMHO. All glories to Srila Prabhupad!

Progressing nicely here in DC getting back into the swing of things after being shut down for a week due to a blizzard. I can’t help but wonder, is there ever snow in Goloka?

HpS - AGTSP!!!!   As far as we know there is but it is not cold!

It seems like an obvious answer but I find snow extremely beautiful and peaceful and if we get that here on the hellish planet, then there must be a full, more exquisite version of it on the heavenly planets right? (besides Shiva's planet)...

Back on track, I am getting up early, doing morning program, figuring out the right beat of japa. Still a novice at best.

HpS - We are a bumbling bear, but we are trying to also do good MP and Japa!

My mom and I are going to India next month (March 2-22), to the holy dham of Vrndavan! I am extremely excited for that. I’ve been losing myself reading the histories and stories of ancient temples and can feel my spirit already in Braj. You will be there at that time too, correct? Is there any way we can arrange to hear and see your programs? (If appropriate, serve you in anyway?) Being in vraj and serving guru is thousandfold a blessing.

HpS - Our Calendar is in the Kapi-Dhvaja. We 2-22 we will be in Mayapura, Manipur and maybe Kolkatta!!!!  Have a very nice trip!

Besides shoveling the temple, there hasn’t been much activity. At work however, a nice (new) Indian lady asked if I was observing ekadasi one day and I said yes. Since then, we’ve been “ekadasi partners” and are always engaging in talks about the Bhagavad Gita and SB and sharing prasadam. So there has been some preaching activity on the workside! Everyone inquires about vegetarianism in the office and are baffled at how I do it.  It seems like the most difficult subject to convey or convince them of. Sharing prasadam usually sways the crowd. I’m hoping sooner or later, it will affect their consciousness to opt for a better, sattvic diet, but I must focus on being the instrument and not on the results. Need to learn to better respond in a more didactic manner.

HpS - Yes, didactic: Stories, Prasadam(!), but also example of your own activities. Have you read Diet for a New America?  It is still a great book?

I’m more than halfway done with the Disciple course and have learned a significant amount. I have a better understanding of Guru...

HPS - ASA - It is unlimited, but we want enough to work today, no?

I am continuing BG classes led by HG Subala Sakha Prabhu.  I may have mentioned this before, but I feel like I don’t have a purpose anymore in Sri Chaitanya’s mission. In school, preaching was on my mind all day every day for four years. It was targeted towards a specific audience so that helped. Would you instruct me a specific service that I can channel my energies towards ?

HpS - Can't do it without specific knowledge of your situation. Krsna sent the Ekadasi partner.  Keep looking. Krsna will send more.

Sorry for taking up your time maharaj with my petty problems. I hope your health is better than good, and the travels are not taking a toll on your body. I look forward to hearing of you and from you! Harinam Sankirtan ki jai!

Your fallen servant,

Sarita

HpS - I'm sorry our letters are slow.  We will send a DTC right now!  Thank you so much!  More.