Monthly Archives: May 2024

Date: 29 May 2024
Speaker: HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji
Topic: Disappearance day of Ramananda Raya
HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji:

How lord Chaitanya release and manage the energy and makes Sri Ramananda Raya speak.
Similarly, Gurumaharaj is empowering me to speak.
Yesterday was the Disappearance day of Sri Ramananda Raya and we heard the pastimes from Gurumaharaj. Today we will hear more for the pleasure of Guru Maharaj..

In this Kaliyuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to relish the love of Godhead and he came with his associates. The associates are from the pastimes of Krishna. On the Disappearance and appearance days, we usually glorify the vaishnavas. On these days their mercy intensifies. I have heard from Guru Maharaj says on the day of Srila Prabupada’s disappearance day, that on the day of appearance and disappearance, those vaishnavas enters more in our life and we become more conscious with their love and affection. So, when we gaudiya vaishnavas want to get the love of Godhead, Bhaktivinode Thakur says:

Vaishnav Song, Kabe Gaura Vane:

gauḏa-vraja-jane bhedanādekhiba
ha-ibabaraja-bāsī
(takhana) dhāmerasvarūpasphuribenayane
ha-ibarādhāradāsī

Translatrion:

When I cease to make distinctions between the residents of Gauda and Braj Dham, I will become resident of Braj. The Dham will then appear directly before my eyes and I will become Radha’s dasi.

The people resides in the abode of Gaursundar are called gauravane. When I factually observe that the transcendental land of Navadvipa is non different from Sri
Vraja-bhumi, then I shall be transformed into a Vrajabasi also. Then I will see the true form of
the transcendental realm opening up before my very eyes, and I will thus become one of the
maidservants of Srimati Radharani.

We not only get the adobe but also get the opportunity to enter in the pastimes of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Śrī Caitanya-Candrāmṛtam Chapter 4.22 &23:

ācaryadharmaṁparicaryaviṣṇuṁ
vicaryatīrthānivicāryavedān
vinānagaura-priya-pāda-sevāṁ
vedādi-duṣprāpya-padaṁvidanti

Translation:

[BhaktisiddhāntaSarasvatīṬhākura]: Even by following the rules of varṇāśrama-dharma, worshiping Lord Viṣṇu, visiting hundreds of holy pilgrimage places, and studying the Vedic scriptures, without serving the lotus feet of the dear devotees of Lord Gaura, no one can know ŚrīdhāmaVṛndāvana, the abode of Rādhā Govinda, which is rarely found by the Vedas or which is not understood by ordinary persons because it is very secretly described in the Vedic scriptures.

What is difficult to get even by the Vedas, the bhava of vraja.

The 4 things they do:

1. follow varnashram dharma
2. Worship Vishnu
3. Visit holy places
4. And read scriptures

Yet love Godhead will not come untill one takes the shelter of Gaura bhaktas

Caitanya Chandramrta chapter one:

dharmamkrdvisnusevi ca tirthati Veda paragah,
navettiVrajatatram hi gorabhaktarayam vina

When Lord was having his pastimes in Puri, on the banks of the ocean.

Harinam Chintamani:

lavanajaladhi tire nilacalesrimandire
daru brahma purusapradhana |
jive nistaritehari arca rupeavatari
bhogamoksakarenapradana ||2||

In the Sri temple, the lord has appeared as daru brahma, Jagannath to deliver all people. The Lord can give all the things of enjoyment and liberation.

sei dhamesricaitanyamanave karite dhanya
sannyasi rupetebhagavan |
kalite ye yuga dharma bujhaite tara marma
kasi misraghareadhisthana ||3||

The lord appeared in the same place in the form of a sanyasi Lord. The lord resides in Gambhira as the son of Mother Sachi and Jagannath Mishra.

nija bhakta vrndalayenijekalpataru haye
krsnapremadenasarvajane |
nana mate bhakta mukhe bhakta katha suni sukhe
jivasiksadenasuyatane ||4||

and he delivers all humans by teaching the glories of the holynamewithgout any prior qualification. He has become a desire tree. And through his devotees, he is hearing the glories. The Lord is here to spread the glories of Holy Name. Usually the lord appears to instruct his devotee, but here lord Chaitanya wants to make the people to become the best preacher.

Everyone one eager to speak, everyone has opened up the Youtube channel and create their own audience, but the lord is here trying to be an eager listener.
Only he who listens can be the best preacher. The lord who is all knowing is sitting and listening.

SB 1.1.1:

oṁnamobhagavatevāsudevāya
janmādyasyayato ’nvayāditarataścārtheṣvabhijñaḥsvarāṭ
tene brahma hṛdāyaādi-kavayemuhyantiyatsūrayaḥ
tejo-vāri-mṛdāṁyathāvinimayo yatra tri-sargo ’mṛṣā
dhāmnāsvenasadānirasta-kuhakaṁsatyaṁparaṁ dhīmahi

Traslation:

O my Lord, ŚrīKṛṣṇa, son of Vasudeva, O all-pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. I meditate upon Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa because He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance and destruction of the manifested universes. He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations, and He is independent because there is no other cause beyond Him. It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmājī, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal. I therefore meditate upon Him, Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa, who is eternally existent in the transcendental abode, which is forever free from the illusory representations of the material world. I meditate upon Him, for He is the Absolute Truth.

The lord instructed Rupa and Sanatan Goswami and got empowered them and sent them to Vrindavan.

CC Antya 5.87:

śrī-rūpa-dvārāvrajeraprema-rasa-līlā
kebujhitepāregambhīracaitanyerakhelā?

Translation:

Also, the Lord fully exhibited the ecstatic love and transcendental pastimes of Vṛndāvana through ŚrīlaRūpaGosvāmī. Considering all this, who can understand the deep plans of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the teachings to Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami. Everyone, who has to preach , must be empowered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The teachings given by Chaitanya mahaprabhu is compiled by Rupa Goswami in the scriptures, like, Nectar of Instruction, Nerctar of Devotion and Lalit Madhav etc., although the speaker is lord Chaitanya himself.

CC Antya 5.86:

haridāsa-dvārānāma-māhātmya-prakāśa
sanātana-dvārā bhakti-siddhānta-vilāsa

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu exhibited the glories of the holy name of the Lord through HaridāsaṬhākura, who was born in a Muslim family. Similarly, He exhibited the essence of devotional service through SanātanaGosvāmī, who had almost been converted into a Muslim.

Through Haridas Thakur he glorified the holyname and through Sanatana Goswami, he preached Bhakti shastras.
In Hari Bhakti Vilas, Sanatan Goswami explains the daily activities of a devotee; like, how to brush the teeth, how to go to toilet, how to do achamana, everything is described in the scriptures.

CC Antya 5.85:

‘bhakti’, ‘prema’, ‘tattva’ kaherāyekari’ ‘vaktā’
āpanipradyumna-miśra-sahahaya ‘śrotā’

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu preached about devotional service, ecstatic love and the Absolute Truth by making RāmānandaRāya, a gṛhastha born in a low family, the speaker. Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself, the exalted brāhmaṇa-sannyāsī, and Pradyumna Miśra, the purified brāhmaṇa, both became the hearers of RāmānandaRāya.

The philosophy of devotion is heard by Mahaprabhu from Raya Ramananda
Pradyumnya Mishra told Mahaprabhu that I’m most fallen so please tell me the pastimes of Krsna.

There are two references in Chaitanya Charitamrita: one is in Madhya lila and another one is in antyalila.

In Madhya Lila, chapter 8, where the lower devotional practices to the highest devotional practices are described, Sadhna- Sadhya Tatva, Varnashrama Dharma, Karma Mixed Devotion, Knowledge-Mixed devotion, Pure devotion and all the nectar of mellows, Shant Rasa, Servitor mellow, parental mellow, friendship mellow and conjugal love of Gopis to the topmost love of Srimati Radha Rani. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has heard all the pastimes from Ramananda Raya.

Another reference came in Antya Lila, where Pradyuman Misra reaches to Mahaprabhu and asked to tell him the pastimes. I am very fortunate to take the lotus feet of yours.

CC Antya 5.7:

prabhu kahena, — “kṛṣṇa-kathāāmināhijāni
sabe rāmānandajāne, tāṅramukheśuni

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “I do not know about topics concerning Lord Kṛṣṇa. I think that only RāmānandaRāya knows, for I hear these topics from him.

Mahaprabhu humbly replies, i don’t know. All I know have heard from Ramanand Raya. Go to Ramananda Raya and listen from him. You are very fortunate that you have developed the taste for hearing the pastimes of the lord.

SB 1.2.8:

dharmaḥsvanuṣṭhitaḥpuṁsāṁ
viṣvaksena-kathāsuyaḥ
notpādayedyadiratiṁ
śramaeva hi kevalam

Translation:

The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labor if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.

So, lord Chaitanya made Ramananda Raya the speaker of the essence of devotion.

CC Antya 5.8

bhāgyetomārakṛṣṇa-kathāśunitehaya mana
rāmānanda-pāśayāi’ karahaśravaṇa

Translation:

“It is your good fortune that you are inclined to hear topics regarding Kṛṣṇa. The best course for you would be to go to RāmānandaRāya and hear these topics from him.

BG 4.34:

tad viddhipraṇipātena
paripraśnenasevayā
upadekṣyantitejñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

Translation:

Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

What are the qualities of an ideal disciple:
There are three main qualities:

1. surrender completely to Spiritual Master
2. ask questions
3. Serve

Can everyone get a chance to ask questions?
Is there some thing less in those disciples who can’t question?
Pari prashna really means the Disciple is very eager to hear every word from the Guru. When we get knowledge we want to speak and hear less. We think only Maharaj speaks on the zoom. We should also speak sometimes. This is bad thoughts So, questioning means eagerness to hear.

BG 4.39:

śraddhāvāḻlabhatejñānaṁ
tat-paraḥsaṁyatendriyaḥ
jñānaṁlabdhvāparāṁśāntim
acireṇādhigacchati

Translation:

A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.

Lord Chaitanya has brought the Mahabhava of Radharani. But only 3 and a half
Devotees can see that Mahabhava:

• Ramananda Raya
• Svarup Damodar
• Sikhimahiti
• And his sister Madhavi is half

So, Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada said Gaudiya vaishnavas is one, who has heard the lord Chaitanya’s pastimes 100 times.

We should ask how can we be humble.

We can learn each quality of the devotee from the pastimes of Lord. The lord emphasises by his different associates.
So, by hearing again and again, their life will develop these qualities.

SB .18.12:

Yasyastibhaktirbhagavatyakincana
sarvairgunaistatrasanaste surah
haravabhaktasyakutomahad-guna
mano-rathenasatidhavatobahih

Translation:

All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as religion, knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāsudeva. On the other hand, a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the practice of mystic yoga or the honest endeavor of maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by his own mental speculations and must engage in the service of the Lord’s external energy. How can there be any good qualities in such a man?

Determination to chant by Haridas Thakur, and humility by Krishna Das Kaviraja Goswami, etc.
So, when we hear about them on their appearance and Dissapearance day. They become pleased by us and then, by their mercy we get these qualities not by any artificial means.

Hare Krishna!

Topic – Ramananda Ray Disappearance day

Date – 28th may 2024

HH Lokanath Swami – I am in Nagpur right now. You all know. I have to depart sometime. Today I was not supposed to give Japa Talk. We saw cows. When we see cows, naturally affection overflows. Although I was not supposed to speak, I have a heart to speak today. I will just short japa talk. I don’t know what to say. All glories to Ramananda Rai disappearance day.

He was a grihastha. But he was not less, in devotion, knowledge and renunciation, than sannyasis. Even Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya advised to Caitanya Mahaprabhu was about to leave for south India tour and Sarvabhauma Bhattachary said,”In your way, in Andhra Pradesh, Rama make sure you meet him.” he was the most important personality that is why sarvabhauma bhattacharya suggested. Sarvbhauma Bhattacharya was a renowned spiritual teacher.

One day Mahaprabhu left Jagannath Puri. And one day, without any endeavor, he met Ramanand Rai. Rai Ramananda saw Mahaprabhu at a distance. When he saw Mahaprabhu’s personality, His bodily effulgence at a distance, he started to run. He was naturally drawn towards Mahaprabhu just like a magnet is automatically attracted to iron pieces. Magnet does not put any effort but it is naturally attracted to iron. It has no option. Similarly, Ramananda Rai was attracted to mahaprabhu. All glories to Sri Caitanya mahaprabhu. Meeting has not happened yet. From a distance only, they saw and embraced each other. They don’t shake hands. Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Ramanand Rai. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is playing the role of devotee. They both are embracing each other with tears overflowing from their eyes. Their eyes were flooded with tears like torrents of rain. They are doing abhishek of each other with tears of love. Many things take place afterwards. It was a meeting of great personalities. We all have a right to have such a type of meeting with the Lord. you all have this right. But if embraces of this world is going on simultaneously with the desire to embrace the Lord – then it is not possible. Only one embrace is possible – either wordly people or worldly folks, man embracing woman or woman embracing man – then forget it. You are a soul and the Lord can embrace you. The bliss of embracing the Lord if we hear that, then we are in extreme bliss and all eight expressions of Love are visible in them. If we hear this only then our embrace to this world will be loosened. Then embracing this world will come to an end. Only if you want the Lord to embrace you.

Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu met Ramanand Rai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has come to meet all of us actually. He has come in so many forms.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Shikshashtakam vese 6

nayanam galad-aśru-dhārayā
vadanaṁ gadgada-ruddhayā girā
pulakair nicitaṁ vapuḥ kadā
tava nāma-grahaṇe bhaviṣyati

Translation:

My eyes are flowing with tears, My voice falters, choked with emotion, My body thrills with ecstatic shivers— When will that day be mine, When I chant Your holy name?

The result of that meeting of Ramanand Rai with Mahaprabhu, symptoms of devotion were easily visible there.

In Shikshashtakam, mahaprabhu says when that day will come when I will have the attraction to chant Holy names. Holy names are non different from Krsna. So when I will embrace the Holy names or Lord. This is the link. This is Bhakti yoga. Yoga means link. “Yuj” means link. Bulls are connected to each other with wood while plowing fields. That wood in “yuj”. When Holy names will embrace us. When we will meet Holy names so that one day all these symptoms are visible in us also just like mentioned in verse 6 of Shikshashtakam.

Similarly, if we do bhakti like this.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) 1.2.7

vāsudeve bhagavati
bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ
janayaty āśu vairāgyaṁ
jñānaṁ ca yad ahaitukam

Translation:

“By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world.”

The Bhagavatam states that when we perform devotional service to the Lord, the result is the acquisition of both knowledge and detachment. These two outcomes should naturally manifest as a consequence of sincere devotion.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramanand Rai had a conversation later after meeting. Conversation was going on for 1 week. One request of Ramanand Rai , Mahaprabhu stayed there for 1 week. Mahaprabhu has come as a devotee or sadhu.

“Caitanya-caritāmṛta,” Madhya-līlā 22.54

sādhu-saṅga’, sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

Translation:

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that even a moment’s association with a pure devotee brings all success in life”

SUpreme Lord has become teacher, devotee and giving his association to Ramanand Rai. In the end, he said, take early retirement. Rai Ramanand said,”My dear Lord, I am not satisfied with a few days’ association. It would have been better if I could get your association for many more days.” Mahaprabhu said,”That’s fine. When I return from the South India tour then you come to Jagannath Puri. Stay with me forever in Puri.” Why only 2-3 days or a few months. Stay with me forever or whole life. That’s what happened later. When  Mahaprabhu returned from the South India tour , again he came to the banks of Godavari. There is a place called Kohur where Rai Ramanand used to stay. Rai Ramanand is Vishakha devi also.

Narottama Dasa Thakura wrote song “Radha Krsna Prana mora verse 5”

lalita visakha-adi jata sakhi-brinda
ajnaya koribo seba caranaravinda

Translation:

With the permission of all the sakhis, headed by Lalita and Visakha, I will serve the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna.

Vishakha has appeared in the form of Rai Ramanand. She was playing the role of regular governor. She was a governor of Madras(Tamil Nadu). She took early retirement. Mahaprabhu when returned from a south India tour, He said to Rai Ramanand, “let’s go to Jagannath Puri.” Rai Ramanand said, “You go. I will come after you.” Sometimes people say that but never come. Even though they say that they’re just coming now. But in this case, Rai Ramanand came. He was with Mahaprabhu for the rest of his life. Today, he departed. Today is his disappearance day. He entered into the eternal pastimes of Mahaprabhu.

So like this, including myself, we should follow in the footsteps of Ramanand Rai. Especially, taking early retirement. We should think about it. Retirement for forever. Everyday you can take some retirement, like for a few hours and not just minutes. Increase your hours of devotional service. Come fast and rush to Gauranga and be with Radha Gopinath. Chant Hare Krsna in the association of devotees. Hear, remember, preach, deity worship in the association of devotees. Like that you can increase the number of hours like 2 hours then 4 hours. But the Lord is not pleased with this much. Krishna is not pleased with just what you give. He is pleased with what you’re giving from your purse, but He is looking at what you’re holding back in your purse. He wants, “Hey, whatever is there, give.” So, Lord will be satisfied completely, when there is “Atmanivedanam” – complete surrender.

Song “Manas deho geho” written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur:

manasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor
arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisor!

Translation:

Mind, body, and family, whatever may be mine, I have surrendered at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda!

Bhaktivinoda Thakur said this and he lived this also. The live example of this is Ramanand Rai. He was a grihastha (householder), king, governor. He had a big post and position. We can also see the effect of association of devotees. It develops renunciation in heart and attachment to the Lord increases. This should happen. And we have to devote more and more time to the Lord, more and more time to the Lord, over which the Lord has a right. This is our religion and duty. Another name of religion is duty. Now HG Anant Shesh Prabhu will speak.

HG Padmamali Pr – Today we heard about the divine personality Ramanand Rai, His divine character and mood from our dear Guru Maharaj. We can hear in detail about Ramanand Rai from HG Anant Shesh Prabhu tomorrow. Today, time is over. We will stop our session today. This is a very nectarine topic. Few years back, Guru Maharaj gave a session on this topic – “Ramanand Rai “ in Pune.This is a very important topic also. Tomorrow, we will hear from HG Anant Shesh Prabhu. We should invite others to join Japa Session also.

Harinaam Prabhu ki Jai!

Hare Krsna Mahamantra ki Jai!

Ramanand Rai ki Jai!

Sri Ramanand Rai disappearance day ki Jai!

Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu ki Jai!

Srila Gurudev ki Jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!

Anant koti Vaishnava vrind ki Jai!

28 April 2024
Feel Krsna’s presence Everywhere
Speaker: HH Sunder Chaitanya Goswami Maharaj

I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of Gurudev. We will talk about how to experience Krsna at home by practicing Krsna consciousness at home. Best process to live happily at home is to follow Krsna Consciousness at home. It’s an easy way so just chant at home. Chant Hare Krsna Mahamantra, do Deity worship, do Krsna Katha at home and eating the remnants of Krsna prasadam.

These four activities will make one happy and also all the family members happy. All the family members can sit together and chant holy name nicely. So if we follow these four principles, then there will be no need to take Sanyasa and leave home, one can follow all the regulations at home. It’s a challenge for a devotee to be Krsna conscious at home.

tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu
mām anusmara yudhya ca
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir
mām evaiṣyasy asaṁśayaḥ (BG 8.7)

Translation: Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Kṛṣṇa and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.

This shloka describes how one can be engaged in Krsna Consciousness. You can read some scriptures and be in association of devotees and chant nicely. If we follow morning program then we can have  good sadhana that will help us to progress in devotional life. We have our desires, one is external and the other is internal. External desires pull us out towards material enjoyment and internal desire takes us towards Krsna.

So we understand that our bhakti does not just mean that we complete our 16 rounds, but we need to make strong our internal force to make our Sadhana strong. As we do sadhana, we get linked with Lord Krsna. Because during the day, devotees come in contact with the material world. So there are chances to get disturbed. So this internal force needs to be strong, so our sadhana should be good  then we can fight with material energy.

If we dont chant properly then our sadhana is disturbed, then slowly our bhakti is removed. In Srimad Bhagavatam, its explained that Bhishmadeva says, I’m offering my intelligence to you, O Lord. Intelligence is compared to a chaste girl, so Bhishmadeva says, I don’t have a son but a daughter so please accept that.

It’s also explained that the Son-in-law who stays at his in-laws is called Ghar Jamai. So Lord Vishnu stays in the milk ocean which is the father’s place of Laxmi, so he is at his In-laws. Similarly Lord Shiva is also staying at Kailash which is the abode of Durga’s father, so Lord Shiva also stays at his In-laws.

In the same way, Bhishmadeva is requesting the Lord that, please accept my intelligence. So this is how the Lord resides as intelligence.

We perform Aarti. Rati means attachment. It means getting rid of in-attractiveness towards the world. Arati means to increase attachment towards the Lord.

Mind is the opulence of Krsna. So its like fire.  Fire naturally goes up. If you throw water, it goes down toward the ocean. Because water belongs to the ocean and fire belongs to the sun. If you throw stone then it will come down to the earth. Similarly mind is naturally attracted to Krsna because it belongs to Krsna (mayy arpita-mano-buddhir [BG 8.7]).

Krsna is saying, always think of me and at the same time carry out your duty. And with activities dedicated to me, you will reach me. We should try to nourish the internal force. If we have devotees, we can interact with them.

We can eat with them, whenever we get time. Then our Krsna consciousness progresses. Then we realize Krsna at temple. After that we realize Krsna’s presence at home and at our work place. When our bhakti gets stronger, so that bhakti gets expressed as external source in our life. The Lord is not only in our temple but he is everywhere. Then we have alter at home and we make our family as devotees.

Not only the temple, but even our home becomes temple and then our heart also becomes a temple. Then we make Krsna our goal of life. Our goal is that Krsna stays in our heart. We can carry Krsna in our heart to our workplace. This point is not just an imagination, because Krsna is placed as the Supersoul in our heart. But we dont remember him always, that’s why we don’t remain Krsna conscious always. Then we do bhakti and read the Granthas then its possible.

We can take a break to connect us to Krsna and if we try to do bhakti then Krsna will help us to be Krsna conscious. Kumar Brahman wanted to go with Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he said this world’s material desires are troubling me. The lotus feet which are worshiped by Brahma has come to my house. So the Lord gave him an instruction.

yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa
āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa (CC Madhya 7.128)

Translation: Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa as they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land.

If you follow this, then material desires will not affect you. So this is the dynamism of bhakti, so Krsna gave us advice as Bhagavad Gita to live a happy life. So this is how we can be Krsna conscious. When our external desires are not Krsna conscious, so its very important to have a very strong sadhana. That can be a strong foundation, this reduces the external force and increases the internal force then we can make our house a temple. We become very strong internally.

Then we go to the office and that also becomes a temple. So Krsna consciousness is very unique and valuable, so it needs protection. Our house needs to be protected. People keep a Gate at home to protect themselves. So Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam give us this knowledge of how to protect bhakti.

BG 6.24 represents how to protect our Krsna Consciousness with determination.Just like people may enter our house, like that desires can enter in our heart. Protection of house is more important than the protection of our mind. Media is just trying to force our consciousness. So media is telling us to see wrong material things like the intruders enter our house.

So these kind of intruders, they are very very deceptive so if we are less alert, intruders can enter our mind. So it’s better to be safe than to be sorry taking our consciousness in a wrong place.

If there is a flood or earthquake, usually people get disappointed and they immediately think of their house, how to reach home but sometimes they take shelter of a wrong house. The house encourage us for material enjoyment. But it does not give us relief.

They take shelter of TV, sports drinking. Instead of giving us shelter, it gives us burden. So taking solace on remembrance of Krsna, Sri Krsna is our first shelter then we can know that we have accepted Sri Krsna.

grihe thako, vane thako, sada ‘hari’ bole’ dako,
sukhe duhkhe bhulo na’ko, vadane hari-nam koro re (Gay Gaur Madhur Sware 2)

Translation:  Whether you are a householder or a sannyasi, constantly chant “Hari! Hari!” Do not forget this chanting, whether you are in a happy condition or a distressful one. Just fill your lips with the hari-nama.

Thankyou. Hare Krsna.

Speaker:H.G Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu

Date: 27-05-2024

Main Theme: Importance of Association of Holyname and Lords Pure Devotees

Sub-Theme: Lord glorifying his devotees

Hare Krishna

HG Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu speaks, Prayers

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Lotus feet of Shrila Gurudev and all other devotees.

Today we will read from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. While Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was travelling towards South India. On his way he reached the banks of Godavari. He remembers the dialogues of Sarvabhaum Bhattacharya who has recommended Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to meet a devotee Ramananda Rayresiding near Godavri River. SarvabhaumBhattachary mentioned earlier we were not able to distinguish between as real devotee and ordinary personal but with Mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu we are able to understand difference and recommended to meet great devotee Ramanda Ray.

Now Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meets Ramananda Ray. And through various important conversation with him he is explaining the different mellows of the Devotional service. He is making him an instrument as had made Shrila Haridas Thakura an instrument in explaining the glories of Holyname. It is so strange the Almighty Lord himself is asking questions. In this conversation is Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is asking some important questions and Ramananda Ray is responding, while speaking He is explaining the different mellows. Some of them we will discuss, it is in Chaitanya Madhya lila 8.251 verse

‘śreyo-madhyekonaśreyaḥjīverahayasāra?’
‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-saṅgavināśreyaḥnāhiāra’

Translation

Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Out of all auspicious and beneficial activities, which is best for the living entity?” [CC Madhya 8.251]

Out of all auspicious activities which is best and which is best thing to remember.

‘kāṅhārasmaraṇajīvakaribeanukṣaṇa?’
‘kṛṣṇa’-nāma-guṇa-līlā — pradhānasmaraṇa’

 Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “What should all living entities constantly remember?”[CC Madhya 8.252]

RāmānandaRāya replied, “The chief objects of remembrance are always the Lord’s holy name, qualities and pastimes.”

tasmātsarvātmanārājan hariḥsarvatrasarvadā
śrotavyaḥkīrtitavyaś ca smartavyobhagavānnṛṇām

Translation

ŚukadevaGosvāmī concludes, “The business of the living entity is to always remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead in every circumstance. The Lord should be heard about, glorified and remembered by all human beings.”[Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.2.36]

Sub-Theme: Importance of Devotee association

Ultimately best service of human is that Lord should be glorified and remembered by all human beings and association of devotees of Krishna.

Srila praphupada has mentioned it in this shloka. Ultimate goal of ISKCON is to attract common man to associate with devotees. That was Srila Prabhupada s mood and mission. The only motive of building such huge temples is to provide association of the devotees and will get benefitted. Similarly,the aim to establish this zoom temple is to facilitate devotee association.

There is no service bigger than this. H.H Radha Govind swami maharaj also says that association of pure devotees is the highest of all services and hear from them. Sometimes we think if we prepare any dish for the pure devotee that is highest service, but in contrary, just hearing in association of pure devotee is the highest order of service. And that pure devotee is the spiritual master.

Further in another Shlokas Mahaprabhu is saying

‘duḥkha-madhyekonaduḥkhahayagurutara?’
‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-virahavināduḥkhanāhidekhi para’

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Of all kinds of distress, what is the most painful?”ŚrīRāmānandaRāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”[CC Madhya 8.248]

Which is the top most painful distress.ŚrīRāmānandaRāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”

sva-jīvanādhikaṁprārthyaṁśrī-viṣṇu-jana-saṅgataḥ
vicchedenakṣaṇaṁcātranasukhāṁśaṁlabhāmahe

 Translation

“Out of all kinds of desirable things experienced in the life of a living entity, association with the devotees of the Lord is the greatest. When we are separated from a devotee even for a moment, we cannot enjoy happiness.”[Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta 1.5.44]

 Amongst all the endeavours to be performed to attain anything in this material world, the association of the devotees of Lord Vishnu is the most attainable. And a person who lost such association of pure devotees, from where will he get satisfaction. If we have developed any auspiciousness in our lives then it is because of the association of such pure devotees and the change starts happening in your life. As soon as we lose such association all our advancement in Krishna consciousness vanishes.

Sub-Theme: How Holyname helps to take poison of envy from us

And our life becomes filled with inauspiciousness. How can we manage to lose such a precious accent of the devotee association?To understand this we need to hear the story of Kaliya Snake

He was residing in Yamuna River. Vrindavan is considered as highest abode. But Kaliya Snake was so poisonous that because of him, the cows, calves and Vrajavasis were dying. And because he caused suffering to Lord’s dear devotees thus he asked him to leave. And instructed him to leave Vraja

Why was Kaliya Naag causing trouble to the Vrajavasis?

Because he is envious in nature. He is so envious that he would bite you even if you are not disturbing him at all.That is why even the Saints would ask you to kill the Snake as soon as you see him. Even Shrila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada asked his disciples to kill a snake in the temple. Shrila Prabhupada was confused for some time, but later on he readand understood the reason.

So, if we are so envious then, Krishna will make such an arrangement that we ourselves will say, that I want to go away from here. So, we should be careful, and avoid committing offense towards the devotees. We saw how Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya Snake and took out all the poison from him

Before Krishna had to do it for us forcefully, we should leave it out ourselves. As Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya and then all the poison came out. Similarly,we should request Krishna in form of his Holyname to come and dance on our tongue. So that all the poison comes out and we could offer the required respects to the devotees of the Lord. Shrila Prabhupada used to say when we are chanting the Holyname. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, then Sri Sri Radha Krishna or Yugal Kishore are dancing in our tongue. So, we should also pray to them please remove this poison from my heart. We should sit in association of devotees and chant the holyname

kṛṣṇa – he kṛṣṇa, sva-bhakta-dvārābhajana-jñāna-dānena mac-cittaṁśodhaya

Gopāla Guru Gosvāmī’s explanation of the Mahāmantra—

Sva-bhakta-dvārā: Through the devotees (those who sincerely serve and worship the Lord).

Bhajana-jñāna-dānena: By engaging in devotional practices, gaining spiritual knowledge, and giving in charity.

Mac-cittaṁ śodhaya: Purify your mind and consciousness by focusing on Me (the Supreme Lord).

The verse encourages us to purify our hearts and minds by practicing devotion.

Krishna! O Krishna! Send me the association of your devotees who will purify my mind through instructions about your devotional service

śṛṇvatāṁsva-kathāḥkṛṣṇaḥ
puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
hṛdyantaḥ-sthohyabhadrāṇi
vidhunotisuhṛtsatām

 Translation

Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramātmā [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.[SB 1.2.17]

Oh! Krishna by giving us intelligence to associate with your devotees please help me to practice devotional service. This is my humble request unto your lotus feet. In this way a devotee should beg from the Supreme personality of Godhead. As we observe many a times a beggar comes to us to beg alms.

Just imagine if this beggar comes well-dressed will we feel obliged to give him alms?His pity look forces us to give alms. Sometimes they come with little kids on with them. Others with torn clothes etc. They continue to beg from every single person so that we get mercy to give some alms. They try from all end so that we take pity on them and donate some thing.

Sub-Theme: Taking Mercy of the pure devotees to progress in devotional service

Someone might refuse but at least someone will be merciful and give something. Similarly, we should continue to beg from the Lord and his devotees always. We should try our best to beg their mercy and touch the heart of the Lord taking the holyname. Same thing should be applied while praying to Lords pure devotee so that we touch their heart.

As King Kulashekhar prays to the Lord

majjanmanahphalamidammadhu-kaitabhare
mat prarthaniya mad anugrahaesaeva
tvadbhrtya-bhrtya-paricaraka-bhrtya-bhrtya
bhrtyasya-bhrtyamiti mam smaralokanatha—

 Translation

O Supreme Lord of all, slayer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha! Please be merciful to me and grant my prayer that You may remember me as a servant of Your servant’s servant, a servant of such a servant of Your servant’s servant, a servant of a servant of Your servant’s servant, and a servant of Your servant’s servant servant.[from Sri Mukunda mala stotram by Maharaja Kulashekara]

Maharaja Kulashekara is praying lord to be merciful. He repeats 6 times bhrityabhritya means servant of the servant of the servant. Only then will I relish Krsna’s holy names. Holyname is the personification of the Mellows of devotional service

Still, we are not getting any taste. What is the reason?Because we are not begging for mercy

nāmacintāmaṇiḥkṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥśuddhonitya-mukto
’bhinnatvānnāma-nāminoḥ

Translation

“ ‘The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Kṛṣṇa Himself. Since Kṛṣṇa’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with māyā. Kṛṣṇa’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are identical.’ [CC Madhya 17.133]

Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. So we need to chant Lord name in full devotion in association of his pure devotee.

satāṁprasaṅgān mama vīrya-saṁvido
bhavantihṛt-karṇa-rasāyanāḥkathāḥ
taj-joṣaṇādāśvapavarga-vartmani
śraddhāratirbhaktiranukramiṣyati

 Translation

In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin.[ ŚB 3.25.25]

In case we are falling in sea and do not know swimming, then we will cry with all our senses to save our life. We understand the intensity of the situation. But while chanting same intensity is missing, we will get rid of the envious behaviour if we chant with same intensity. As Lord will be dancing on our tongue and we would request lord for his blessing to be in association of the devotees. If we stand in front of Lord He may forget us, but when you are in association of the pure devotee, He will help us to remember God.

Similarly we are fortunate to have Japa in association of our Guru Maharaj, Take this opportunity and get benefitted

Hare Krishna

26 May 2024
Preaching Krsna Consciousness
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. How was your japa? From the stage of remembering the Lord, two minutes prior to going to sleep and two minutes after waking up.

tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā 
amāninā mānadena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (Shikshastakam 3)

Translation: One should chant the Holy names of the Lord in a humble state of mind , thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than a tree devoid of all false prestige and should be ready to offer all respects to others . In such a state of mind , one can chant the Holy names of the Lord constantly.

So in total giving four minutes to the Lord. And remaining 23 hours 56 minutes for our own sense gratification. You understand from where I reached to this calculation. We need to get to a point of remembering the Lord always.

sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati (ŚB 1.2.6)

Translation: The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.

When we worship the Lord, we ask him for boons. We give them homework to complete. Ideal worship should be without any material motivation. We should render devotional service to the lordship, he is Adhokshaja. Devotional service can only be performed for the Lord. Worship to the demigods can’t be stated as devotional service.

arjuna uvācha

paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān
puruṣhaṁ śhāśhvataṁ divyam ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum (BG 10.12)

Translation: Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth. You are the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn, the greatest. All the great sages such as Nārada, Asita, Devala and Vyāsa confirm this truth about You, and now You Yourself are declaring it to me.

As soon as there is a desire for sense gratification, the material energy of the Lord maya steals the intelligence of this person. And blinded by the material desires he reaches at the shelter of other demigods leaving Krsna behind.

kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānāḥ
prapadyante ’nya-devatāḥ
taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya
prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā (BG 7.20)

Translation: Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.

Krsna has given a detailed description to everything. But who has time to go through it. After many births a person may develop some intelligence and such an intelligent person once again comes back to the shelter of the Lord.

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante 
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ (BG 7.19)

Translation: After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.

Demigods don’t incarnate. They remain in this world always. Incarnation is when the Lord comes to this material world from his Vaikuntha planets. There are 33 crore demigods. But the incarnations of the Lord are unlimited. So the number of demigods is very limited.

yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām (BG 9.25)

Translation: Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me.

ūrdhvaṁ gacchanti sattva-sthā 
madhye tiṣṭhanti rājasāḥ
jaghanya-guṇa-vṛtti-sthā
adho gacchanti tāmasāḥ (BG 14.18)

Translation: Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the abominable mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds.

Some demigods may be in the mode of Goodness and others in passion or ignorance. So the demigod worshipers may go to Swargaloka (Heaven), but those who worship Krsna will go back to Krsna loka. By misfortune our intelligence has been stolen that’s why people in general have no clue what is the difference between Swargaloka and Vaikuntha. They think it’s all one. They are not one, they are infinite. Demigods are like the workers.

They have some positions and tasks to perform. All the gyana Kanda and karma Kanda is part of demigod worship. Hinduism is full of gyana kand and karma kand. It’s based on the fulfillment of the material desires. Please bless us with a house by the side of the beach and a colour TV.

yāvat jīvet sukhaṁ jīvet ṛṇaṁ kṛtvā ghṛtaṁ pibet | 
bhasmībhūtasya dehasya punrāgamanaṁ kutaḥ bhavet ||

Translation: As long as you live, drink clarified butter (means enjoy a royal life). If you don’t have money then take loans and just enjoy. When the body gets destroyed then when does it comes again?

At least he is saying drink Ghee not wine. So we should be worshiping the Lord. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to teach this to us. The latest incarnation of the Lord, who appeared around 538 years back.

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśhāya cha duṣhkṛitām 
dharma-sansthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge (BG 4.8)

Translation: For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for establishing Dharma, I take birth in every age.

And whatever he donated to this world, you are taking benefit of that on this day. I am very happy to see this.

sarva-dharmān parityajya 
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ (BG 18.66)

Translation: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

You left your morning sleep and ran towards the temple. This is also like the activities of Vraja Gopis. You all have gathered here and not just you all but there are devotees on Zoom temple. And not just you but there are so many in Nagpur and around the world.

āpani ācari prabhu jīvere śikhāya
āpna vañcaka yei sei jirjane bhajāya (Apani Acari Prabhu Jivere 1)

Translation: The Lord sets example Himself to teach the spirit souls. The one who performs nirjana bhajana simply cheats himself.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead himself appeared disguised as the devotee. And he performed different pastimes.

mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gitavaditra- 
madyan-manaso rasena
romancha-kampashru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam (Sri Gurvashtakam 2)

Translation: Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his bodily hairs stand on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

He was born and brought up at Navadip. Then he went to Jagannath Puri. Then for six years he went for a visit to South India. He performed Sankirtan in the forests of Jharkhand. He made the animals like lion, cat, deer etc to dance in Sankirtan. He made them chant the holy name.

The entire Jharkhand state wherever Chaitanya Mahaprabhu passed by, he made the animals dance and perform Sankirtan. They were chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra. It was like a crash course. Within a very short span of time they crossed over all the nine states from sraddha(strong faith) to prema. It can take up to many years or sometimes many lifetimes but here in the association of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, these animals developed all the different 9 stages in just a few hours. This pastime is very amazing. Though we have many pastimes which prove the lordship of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They prove that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna himself.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya, rādhā-kṛṣṇa nahe anya

Translation: Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

But this pastime is also a very significant pastime to prove his supremacy. There was a sight when a lion and a deer were walking side by side rubbing the shoulders. The Lion was not looking at the deer with an enemical sight, neither the deer was afraid of the Lion.

All the pairing of animals in this material world having enemical feelings for each other were dancing side by side or on the top. All the enemical feelings had gone. These tendencies are unnatural from the Lord’s point of view.

But they are natural in this material world. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu observed that the Lion and the deer were embracing each other. The snakes were dancing. They were offering obeisances to each other.

vancha-kalpatarubhyash cha 
kripa-sindhubhya eva cha
patitanam pavanebhyo
vaishnavebhyo namo namaha (Vaishnava Pranam)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord. They are just like desire trees and can fulfill the desires of everyone, and they are full of compassion for the fallen conditioned souls.

They were embracing each other and what to speak of embracing they were kissing each other. And this sight reminded Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of the holy land of Vraja – Vrindavan. There was no lust, greed anger or any of the six anarthas. And he said, “This is Vrindavan”.

We continue to render many devotional services. We continue to have Radha Gopinath’s darshans, Read Srila Prabhupada’s books, honour prasadam, share our hearts with other devotees confidentially etc.

dadāti pratigṛhṇāti 
guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati
bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva
ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam (NOI 4)

Translation: Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasāda and offering prasāda are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.

And in this way our lifestyle becomes completely different. And all our activities center around the chanting of Hare Krsna Mahamantra. Initially when I joined Hare Krsna Movement and there was a time I had to go back home to my village and looking at my lifestyle, the villagers used to comment. “Have you gone Crazy?” He was such a good child and later he joined Hare Krsna movement and now he has become mad.

cheto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam 
shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambhdhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritasvadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate shri-Krsna-sankirtanam (Shikshastakam 1)

Translation: Glory to the Shri Krsna sankirtana (congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names), which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. That sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

You can also experience such comments in your life. All this revolution in consciousness is coming  up in our lives because of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These activities gradually form our lifestyle. All this chanting of the holy name will reach all the towns and villages of this world.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma 
sarvatra pracāra hoibe mora nāma (CB Antya-khaṇḍa 4.126)

Translation: As many towns and villages there are on the surface of the globe everywhere people will know My name.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did a lot and then Srila Prabhupada followed and contributed a lot. And our padayatra has travelled 3+ lakh kilometers, till now spreading the holy name. And this is just the beginning. All the different teams of padayatri’s will make sure that the holy name would reach each town and village of this world Param vijayate Sri Krsna sankirtanam (Shikshastakam 1)

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo 
yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ
tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir
dhruvā nītir matir mama (BG 18.78)

Translation: Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.

This is the Last verse of Bhagavad Gita. This is very important. And wherever we preach Hare Krsna movement all these things appear with time. We can see the transformation. Who used to come to attend Mangla Aarti 10 years back? And now we need a calculator to calculate. It’s houseful and flooded. And the transformation which we see here, this transformation is happening everywhere. Because I keep travelling everywhere. I was in Dehradun with HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. From there I went to Delhi then we went to Vrindavan and then back to Delhi.

Then Gaziabad, Faridabad, Noida. Then we went to Ujjain, Bhopal and now Nagpur. We at least went to 10 cities in the last 20 days. We as a preacher if we try a little bit, then Krsna awards us with so much. Krsna is the witness and permittor. This flood of devotees is the result of Lord’s mercy.

mayadhyaksena prakrtih 
suyate sa-caracaram
hetunanena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate (BG 9.10)

Translation: This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and it is producing all moving and unmoving beings. By its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

And it’s not that we have reached Zineth that now we have a sign board out of the temple. It’s over no more. Krsna can engage any number of the living entities in his service. He can give employment and services to anyone. And remember Bhagavan is not limited to the people of any particular caste, creed or religion.

Dharma means the laws of the Lord and they are the same for all the living entities. Srila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada instructed Srila Prabhupada to go and preach in the western countries which Srila Prabhupada executed successfully. Srila Prabhupada used to travel throughout India and the world.

One day Shrila Prabhupada was sitting with a globe. And most of his disciples were foreigners. He was pointing out that we should have a temple at this place and that place. And also he mentioned, we should have one ISKCON temple at Nagpur also. This is like the last will of Srila Prabhupada.

25 May 2024
How Krsna reciprocates with his devotees 
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. Instantaneously I am instructed to deliver today’s Japa Talk. I was not prepared. How is the climate?Everyone is talking about the rise in the temperature. I was thinking about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastime. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu never took a leave from performing his pastimes.

tṛṇād api su-nīcena 
taror iva sahiṣṇunā
amāninā māna-dena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (CC Adi 17.31)

Translation: One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.

Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was returning from his quarters. It was very hot and he was very thirsty. While passing by the market he saw a dairy shop. He stood by the shop, the shopkeeper understood that he wanted something to drink. So he offered a glass of buttermilk. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s focus was on the big pot of butter milk.

The shopkeeper understood that he wanted that pot, so he permitted him to go ahead. Then Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took that pot and drank the complete pot of butter milk. And once finished he started to move ahead. The shopkeeper stopped him and asked for the payment.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu replied, I don’t have any money, I can’t make any payment. My followers are coming and there are some Grashtha’s also amongst them. You can ask them for the payment. The shopkeeper followed, as soon as followers passed by, he asked them for the payment.

But they also replied, we have nothing with us. We have been out for sankirtan for many days now. The shopkeeper then replied, tell your leader that I sponsored this pot of butter milk for him. Then he began to wonder, what would I tell my wife that how much did I earn today? Still he went on to close the shop and return back.

As soon as he went ahead to lift the empty pot of butter milk, he realized it was full of gems, gold coins, jewellery etc. Immediately he could realize this miracle was the mercy of that leader. So he immediately went to see Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and offered his obeisances unto his Lotus feet. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu lifted him and embraced him.

Earlier he had filled his empty pot with wealth. And now he filled his heart with Krsna prema. There is a song which says, when will that day be mine, when I’ll get a taste for Harinaam. Also he expressed this in Shikshastakam.

nayanam galad-ashru-dharaya 
vadanam gadgada-ruddhaya gira
pulakair nichitam vapuh kada
tava nama-grahane bhavishyati (Shikshastakam 6)

Translation: O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?

ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam 
adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va 
yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato 
mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha  (Shikshastakam 8)

Translation: I know no one but Krishna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally.

Either you accept me or reject. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna himself. So he gave his own prema to the shopkeeper. That shopkeeper was experiencing all the eight bodily transformations. Sometimes he would stand and dance and sometimes he would fall down. Now he wanted to go ahead with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had this policy.

On his way South India, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would embrace people, bless them with Krsna Prema and then they would want to travel with him.

kabe ha’be bolo se-dina āmār 
(āmār) aparādha ghuci’, śuddha nāme ruci, 
kṛpā-bale ha’be hṛdoye sañcār (Kabe Ha’be Bolo 1)

Translation: When, O when, will that day be mine? When will you give me your blessings, erase all my offences and give my heart a taste [ruci] for chanting the Holy Name in purity?

There were other followers heading towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They had noticed this shopkeeper running towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and now he was returning back. They could feel the difference in his consciousness and they rejoiced.

Hari Haribol Haribol! They are associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu so they had an idea of what has happened and who Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is.

ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ 
kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam
indrāri-vyākulaṁ lokaṁ
mṛḍayanti yuge yuge (SB 1.3.28)

Translation: All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the original Personality of Godhead. All of them appear on planets whenever there is a disturbance created by the atheists. The Lord incarnates to protect the theists.

Raya Ramananda had his darshans also as Supreme personality of Godhead. Thus the shopkeeper returned back to his shop. He was rich now both with material as well as spiritual wealth. Also he had a similar pastime at Nandagram. When that lady fruit seller had kept her basket full of fruits in front of Nanda Bhavan.

Krsna had given just handful of grains to her. But in exchange the fruit seller gave Krsna the entire fruit basket gradually. Though she should have just given a single banana ideally. And when she was going back, she could see that the entire basket was full of gold coins and gems etc.

Similarly though Sudama Brahmin was not personally willing to do this. But his wife pushed him to go to Krsna saying you may be poor but your friend is Dwarkadhish. She asked him to go to Dwarka and ask him to help.

Sudama took some chipped rice for Krsna. He was reluctant to offer that to Krsna, but Krsna knew he should have definitely brought something for him. Krsna snatched that cloth bag with chipped rice from him forcefully and he honored it.

Similarly Shabri offered Jujube fruit to Lord Rama. So such pastimes continue to repeat. Rukmini devi stopped Krsna from finishing all the chipped rice, she said these rice are very expensive, you will find it very difficult to pay back.

Recently I was in Ujjain, there we discussed these pastimes of Sudama and Krsna. They spent the entire night discussing their different childhood memories.

mach-chittā mad-gata-prāṇā bodhayantaḥ parasparam 
kathayantaśh cha māṁ nityaṁ tuṣhyanti cha ramanti cha (BG 10.9)

Translation: With their minds fixed on Me and their lives surrendered to Me, My devotees remain ever content in Me. They derive great satisfaction and bliss in enlightening one another about Me and in conversing about My glories.

In the morning Sudama returned back. While returning back, Sudama immediately remembered, my wife had asked me to ask for Alms. Then he thought, it’s good that I didn’t ask anything from Krsna and neither did he give me anything in return.

I might have misused my accumulated wealth in unnecessary expenses and wasted my time. Sometimes, Krsna gives the fruits immediately, and sometimes he gives in subtle manner. To the Shopkeeper he gave immediately but to Sudama, he made a home delivery.

He gave him an extension of Dwarkapuri. Krsna can give and he can take away everything too. He is our father.

sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya 
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā (BG 14.4)

Translation: It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.

There is a verse in Shrimad Bhagavatam.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca 
yasyāham anugṛhṇāmi
hariṣye tad-dhanaṁ śanaiḥ
tato ’dhanaṁ tyajanty asya
svajanā duḥkha-duḥkhitam (SB 10.88.8)

Translation: The Personality of Godhead said: If I especially favor someone, I gradually deprive him of his wealth. Then the relatives and friends of such a poverty-stricken man abandon him. In this way he suffers one distress after another.

Krsna was not giving anything, instead he takes everything away. When Shrila Prabhupada was in Jhansi, Srila Prabhupada’s first disciples Prabhat Mishra received a telegram. Even when Srila Prabhupada was running his pharmacy in Prayagraj, he lost everything.

Prabhakar Mishra thought Srila Prabhupada will be sad to hear this. But Srila Prabhupada was smiling instead. He said, Krsna is being merciful towards me.

Similarly even Radharani is saying in this verse of Sri Shikshstakam (ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha (Shikshastakam 8)).

Accept me or reject. Real wealth is Krsna Prema. Real success of life is to accumulate and make fixed deposits of this wealth. A devotee of the Lord remains satisfied with Krsna’s wealth. They remain aloof from the material wealth of this world.

prema-dhana vinā vyartha daridra jīvana 
‘dāsa’ kari’ vetana more deha prema-dhana (CC Antya 20.37)

Translation: Without love of Godhead, My life is useless. Therefore I pray that You accept Me as Your servant and give Me the salary of ecstatic love of God.

yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo 
dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ
samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca
kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate (BG 4.22)

Translation: He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.

sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā 
lābhālābhau jayājayau 
tato yuddhāya yujyasva 
naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi (BG 2.38)

Translation: Do thou fight for the sake of fighting, without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat – and by so doing you shall never incur sin.

He remains satisfied with the Lord’s name, form, pastimes and qualities. He has no other reason for satisfaction except the Lord. We also need to get over the effects of heat and cold. This material world is full of suffering and it’s temporary.

bhajahū re mana śrī-nanda-nandana 
abhaya-caraṇāravinda re
durlabha mānava-janama sat-sańge
taroho e bhava-sindhu re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 1)

Translation: O mind just worship the lotus feet of the son of Nanda, which make one fearless. Having obtained this rare human birth, cross over this ocean of worldly existence through the association of saintly persons.

śīta ātapa bāta bariṣaṇa
e dina jāminī jāgi re
biphale sevinu kṛpaṇa durajana
capala sukha-laba lāgi’ re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 2)

Translation: Both in the day and at night I remain sleepless, suffering the pains of the heat and cold, the wind and the rain. For a fraction of flickering happiness I have uselessly served wicked and miserly men.

e dhana, yaubana, putra, parijana 
ithe ki āche paratīti re
kamala-dala-jala, jīvana ṭalamala
bhajahū hari-pada nīti re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 3)

Translation: What assurance of real happiness is there in all of one’s wealth, youthfulness, sons, and family members? This life is tottering like a drop of water on a lotus petal; therefore you should always serve and worship the divine feet of Lord Hari.

śravaṇa, kīrtana, smaraṇa, vandana, 
pāda-sevana, dāsya re
pūjana, sakhī-jana, ātma-nivedana
govinda-dāsa-abhilāṣa re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 4)

Translation: It is the desire and great longing of Govinda Dasa to engage himself in the nine processes of bhakti, namely hearing the glories of Lord Hari and chanting those glories, constantly remembering Him and offering prayers to Him, serving the Lord’s lotus feet, serving the Supreme Lord as a servant, worshiping Him with flowers and incense and so forth, serving Him as a friend, and completely offering the Lord one’s very self.

We are dependent on the Lord.

arjuna uvāca 
naṣṭo mohaḥ smṛtir labdhā
tvat-prasādān mayācyuta
sthito ’smi gata-sandehaḥ
kariṣye vacanaṁ tava (BG 18.73)

Translation: Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.

Gaur Premanande Hari Bol.

Date- 24^thMay 2024 
Speaker- Guru Maharaj
Theme- How to relish Krsna?

While traveling I have reached Bhopal Hari Bol! I was thinking that yesterday it was announced, there will be kirtan Mela and satsang. When CaitanyaMahaprabhu used to come, He used to do only kirtan. Among public or general people- kirtan and among associates- Katha and discussions.

krsna-varnamtvisäkrsnam
sängopängästra-pärsadam
yajnaihsankirtana-präyair
yajanti hi su-medhasah

Translation-

In the Age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krsna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krsna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions. [SB 11.5.32]

This is philosophy of Bhagavatam. One who issu-medhasah intelligent, yajanti hi, they will worship Lord. How? yajnaih by performing yajna. And which yajna, that is also given by SukadevaGosvami in this 11^th Canto. The intelligent people of Kaliyuga will do ‘sankirtan yajna’, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare! So, this has been authorized. Bhagavatam, scriptures, sadhu and sastra are the authority.

When CaitanyaMahaprabhu appeared, He was giving less lectures, talking less and acting more.

vairägya-vidyä-nija-bhakti-yoga-
siksärthamekampurusahpuränah
sri-krsna-caitanya-sarira-dhäri
krpämbudhiryas tam ahamprapadye

Translation-

Let me take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, who has descended in the form of Lord CaitanyaMahäprabhu to teach us real knowledge, His devotional service and detachment from whatever does not foster Krsna consciousness. He has descended because He is an ocean of transcendental mercy. Let me surrender unto His lotus feet. [CC Madhya 6.254]

Siksartham, to teach, purusahpuranah, eternal Purusa or GovindamAdipurusam appeared in the form of CaitanyaMahaprabhu. He taught vairagya vidya. In the form of CaitanyaMahaprabhu Lord Himself became a devotee.

panca-tattvätmakamkrsnam
bhakta-rüpa-svarüpakam
bhaktävatärambhaktäkhyam
namämi bhakta-saktikam

Translation-

Let me offer my obeisances unto Lord Sri Krsna, who has manifested Himself in five as a devotee, expansion of a devotee, incarnation of a devotee, pure devotee and devotional energy. [CC Adi 7.6]

Svarupakam was NityanandaPrabhu. Lord becomes devotee. But in Kaliyuga, devotee wants to become Lord. But here we can see that Lord becomes a devotee. Lord becomes Acharya. And by His own example He shows, representsBhakti.

Sub-theme: Give Krsna, Distribute Krsna

Sri KrsnaCaitanyaMahaprabhu took sannaysa. Nimai sannyasa, a special pastime. Why did He take sannyasa? We can say Bahujanahitaya, bahujanasukhaya- for the welfare of many others and for the happiness of many others. Sri KrsnaCaitanyaMahaprabhu said, ‘you do it’. But before that He Himself showed by doing it.

bhärata-bhümitehailamanusyajanmayära
janmasärthakakari’ kara para-upakära

Translation-

One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India [Bhärata-varsa] should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people. [CC Adi 9.41]

This is very famous statement of CaitanyaMahaprabhu. We heard this many time from the lotus mouth of SrilaPrabhupada. Have you taken birth in Bharat?And wants to make your life perfect? Then what you have to do? kari’ kara para-upakära work for the benefit of all other people.What is that paropakar?One of our Acharya says

kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇadītepāro,
tomāraśakatiāche
āmi to’ kāńgāla, ‘kṛṣṇa’ ‘kṛṣṇa’ boli’,
dhāitavapāchepāche

Translation-

Krsna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, “Krsna! Krsna!”. [Verse 4 from song ‘OheVaisnavaThakura’ by Bhakti Vinod Thakur]

You have Krsna. You are receiving Krsna. When we come in the contact of Hare Krishna movement, come in satsang, then we meditate on Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Hare KrsnaKrsnaKrsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare. And with that Krsnapraptihoyajahahoite, we started to gain Krsna. It is not that, we had zero and at next moment hundred percent achievement. It’s not zero to hundred. It is gradual process. Every day or we can say every moment we know more and more about Krsna and we have more and more realisations. Therefore, the Acharyas say,Krsna se tomarKrsnadite para, you have Krsna and you are capable to give Him to others. Then what you have to do? Give him to others.āmi to’ kāńgāla, ‘kṛṣṇa’ ‘kṛṣṇa’ boli’, So the faithful people, who are innocent like small children, to them we should give Krsna. Take Krsna. To give Krsna to others is paropakar.

Sub-theme: Give Krsna in His various forms

So, we can give the name of Krsna. Main is the name, name is Krsna. Whose name is Krsna? Krsna’s name is Krsna or name Krsna is Krsna. Abhinnatvannamanaminoh.

nämacintämanihkrsnas
caitanya-rasa-vigrahah
pürnahsuddhonitya-mukto
’bhinnatvännäma-näminoh

Translation-

The holy name of Krsna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krsna Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Krsna’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krsna Himself. Since Krsna’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with mäyä. Krsna’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Krsna and Krsna Himself are identical. [CC Madhya 17.133]

So, the name of the Lord is Lord. His words Gita, Bhagavatam is the Lord.

gitäsu-gitäkartavyä
kimanyaihsästra-vistaraih
yäsvayampadmanäbhasya
mukha-padmädvinihsrtä

Translation-

Because Bhagavad-gitä is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad-gitä. In the present age, people are so absorbed in mundane activities that it is not possible for them to read all the Vedic literatures. But this is not necessary. This one book, Bhagavad-gitä, will suffice, because it is the essence of all Vedic literatures and especially because it is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. [Gitä-mähätmya 4]

What is Gita? yäsvayampadmanäbhasya Lord’s one name is Padmanabha. His navel is like a lotus; therefore, His one name is Padmanabh. Lord is having thousands of names as per His qualities and pastimes, and as per His relations. yäsvayampadmanäbhasyamukha-padmädvinihsrtä, su-gitä, that is Gita. It is not air, carbon dioxide which comes from the lotus mouth of the Lord. Lord is SacchidanandaVigraha and from His mouth only Lord comes out who is Sacchidananda. So, Gita is also Lord and Bhagavat is also Lord.

Okay, so, we have to give Krsna to others and should not sleep. So, we can give Lord’s name, can give books of Prabhupada. Prabhupada said ‘books are the basis and preaching is the essence and book distribution is the preaching’. We can give Prasad to others. This is the duty of grhastha. Anna Parabrahma, Prasad is nondifferent from the Lord. Anyways not going to say whole list what we can distribute, how we can distribute various forms of the Lord. And to do this is paropakar, welfare. If we will do this as said by Caitanya Mahaprabhu bhärata-bhümitehailamanusyajanmayärajanmasärthakakari’ kara para-upakära.

Sub-theme: Lord wants distributors

In Caitanya Caritamrta, Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu before saying this statement also said that I am the only gardener. So many trees are full of fruits in this garden. How many fruits I alone can distribute? Distributors wanted! Lord Himself is saying, ‘I want distributors.’Come on, wake up,jiva Jagogauracanda bole and what to do? Fill the baskets with fruits and distributeKrsna, share Krsna. Share market is big business now a day. We share everything but Krsna. We keep sharing Maya in so many forms. Form, taste, smell, touch and sound, these are the objects of the senses. We have five senses, so there are objects of those senses. Various senses are mounted in the body. And then the world is full with the objects of the senses.Unfortunately, we keep distributing this. What to say.

dhyäyatovisayänpumsah
sangastesüpajäyate
sangätsanjäyatekämah
kämätkrodho ‘bhijäyate

Translation-

While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. [BG 2.62]

The words, sound, cinema music and all that we have shared, that touch, cosmetics and all that to make that touch more pleasing. Cosmetic industry is biggest industry, you must have heard or read. So, sound, touch, form, taste and smell we keep distributing all this and when people use them, then what happens? Krsna says dhyäyatovisayänpumsahsangastesüpajäyate, you develop attachment. We will get attached to those objects and then will run towards mall or from home we will place orders. Home delivery from Amazon. During corona virus everything was locked down. Wine shops were closed, but many people were thinking how to survive without wine. Then government kept everything else closed but opened wine shops. Then so much rush and pushing started there. Everyone was saying, ahampurvam, ahampurvam, me first, I will be the first. So, this was a problem. So, the government had pity and then what arrangements were made? There will be home delivery. Wine will be delivered to your homes.

So, dhyäyatovisayänpumsahsangastesüpajäyate, you develop attachment and then sangätsanjäyatekämah, only by this lust arises. Intensity of the lust increases and then kämätkrodho ‘bhijäyate, then we become angry, and then

krodhādbhavatisammohaḥ
sammohātsmṛti-vibhramaḥ
smṛti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo
buddhi-nāśātpraṇaśyati

Translation-

From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool. [BG 2.63]

krodhādbhavatisammohaḥ, from anger comes delusion and sammohātsmṛti-vibhramaḥ, smṛti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo, gradually we lose our intelligence and then buddhi-nāśātpraṇaśyati. praṇaśyati This is the path of destruction. Whole world is moving towards destruction. We want, Hare Krsna devotees want everyone to take U-turn and progress towards flourishment and not destruction. They are going towards hell. So, we have to give Lord to the people. Or have to give the words related to the Lord, this is the same thing. Senses have five objects. Soul also have senses, they are divine, transcendental senses. The soul has a form. It also has mind and intelligence and it is aham, ahamdasosmi. I am the servant of Lord Krsna. This is our real identity. Srila Prabhupada says, real ego and false ego. We really exist. And what is that existence? We are souls and

(jīv) kṛṣṇa-dās, e biśwās,
korle to’ ārduḥkhonāi
(kṛṣṇa) bolbejabe, pulakha’be
jhorbeāńkhi, bolitāi

Translation

If you just understand that the spirit soul is the eternal servant of Krsna, you will never have any more sorrows. Chant Hare Krsna and your eyes will fill with tears and your body will feel transcendental shivering. Chant, chant “Radha-Krsna!” Everyone chant!. [Verse 2 from song ‘Radha KrsnaBolBol’ by BhaktivinodaThakura]

Bhakti Vinod Thakur says, if we will understand that jīvakṛṣṇa-dāsa, e biśwās, with this understanding what will happen? duḥkhonāi, we will be free from miseries.

Sub-theme: So-called Brahmin- ‘I relish beef’

So, the Hare Krsna devotees, should relish Krsna consciousness. We have to relish Krsna. When I say relish, I remember, long time ago I was in Ahmedabad. I went to make life member to one gentle man. I called him gentle man but he was not. He introduced himself that he is from brahmin family. ‘I am born brahmin’, but do you know what he said next? He said ‘I relish beef’. He didn’t say I eat, but he said I relish beef. Do you understand what is beef? If not then it’s better. You don’t have to know. So that Brahmin didn’t say, he eat beef, but he said, I relish beef. That was hellish thing.

So, we should relish Krsna and Krsna is relishable. Krsna is sweet, madhuradhi pater akhilammadhuram.

adharaḿ madhuraḿ vadanaḿ madhuraḿ
nayanaḿ madhuraḿ hasitaḿ madhuraḿ
hṛdayaḿ madhuraḿ gamanaḿ madhuraḿ
madhurādhi-pater akhilaḿ madhuraḿ

Translation

His lips are sweet, His face is sweet His eyes are sweet, His smile is sweet His heart is sweet, His gait is sweet—Everything is sweet about the Emperor of sweetness! [Verse 1 from song ‘Sri Madhurastakam’ by Vallabhacarya]

Everything related to Krsna is madhuram.

Sub-theme: You read, you hear, and then share your experience

So, we have to relish and CaitanyaMahaprabhu did the same. He became devotee and He performed two things. One is relish Krsna and second is distribution of Krsna. What we have experienced, that we have to give to others. This is my first-hand experience of Krsna. And then we can explain this with the help of scriptures.

We Hare Krishna devotees should become bhajananandi, always engaged in Bhajan. And even in bhojan, if it is Krsna Prasad, then there is only bliss. When we say Bhajan, that means not only the songs of vaisnavas but italso includes the whole life style of the vaisnavas. This is not only worshiping deities. No, it is one part of Bhajan. We ask, ‘how is your Bhajan going on?’It includes everything. So, we have to become bhajananandi as well as gosthyanandi. We have to share in our own words whatever Krsna realization we have achieved. Prabhupada used to say, you read, you hear, and then share your experience in your own words. That is preaching. Your own realizations, and of course you can give reference of Gita Bhagavatam or sadhu sastra acaryas.

So, CaitanyaMahaprabhu is magnanimous.

namomahā-vadānyāya
kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāyate
kṛṣṇāyakṛṣṇa-caitanya-
nāmnegaura-tviṣenamaḥ

Translation:

“O most munificent incarnation! You are Kṛṣṇa Himself appearing as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, and You are widely distributing pure love of Kṛṣṇa. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You. [CC Madhya 19.53]

Sub-theme: Become bhuri-da janah

tavakathämrtamtapta-jivanam
kavibhiriditamkalmasäpaham
sravana-mangalamsrimadätatam
bhuvigrnanti ye bhüri-däjanäh

Translation-

The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly, those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent. [SB 10.31.9]

Gopis said, those who distribute this kathamrta or Namamrta or prasad-amrta, how are they? bhüri-däjanäh they are very magnanimous. Such magnanimous we have to become. When we will develop Krsna consciousness then we will develop all these divine qualities. To be magnanimous is one quality.

yasyästibhaktirbhagavatyakincanä-
sarvairgunaistatrasamäsatesuräh
harävabhaktasyakutomahad-gunä
manorathenäsatidhävatobahih

Translation-

All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as religion, knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Väsudeva. On the other hand, a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the practice of mystic yoga or the honest endeavor of maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by his own mental speculations and must engage in the service of the Lord’s external energy. How can there be any good qualities in such a man? [SB 5.18.12]

When we will do bhakti, yasyästibhaktirbhagavatyakincanä, by becoming akincana, or niskincana, materially exhausted, then sarvairgunaistatrasamäsate surah, tatra, in that person all qualities of the demigods, you will become godly. You will not become God but you will become godly. So, to become kind, magnanimous is also one quality.

jive dayänämerucivaisnavasevana
ihachära dharma nähisunasanätana

Translation

“Hear, Sanätana! Kindness to all living beings, taste for the holy name, and service to Vaiñëavas—apart from these there is no other religion.”

We have to increase nämeruci, taste for the holy name. And how to do that? That formula is given. One is, serve vaisnavas, do not do any vaisnavaaparadha. We become expert in vaisnavaaparadha. Serve vaisnavas and have jive daya, have compassion for the faithful living begins. Develop ruci, taste in Holy name and to develop taste in the name of the Lord means to develop taste in the Lord. Because Lord’s name is Lord Himself. jive dayänämerucivaisnavasevana. And this is the life of Hare Krsna devotees, life of welfare for others, para-upakara.

paroparakaryaphalantivrikshah
paropakarayavahantinadyah
paropakarayaduhantigavah
paropakarthamidamshareeram

Translation

Trees give fruits for the welfare of others, rivers flow for the welfare of others and cows give milk for the welfare of others, In the same way this body is also for the welfare of others.

paroparakaryaphalantivrikshah. Do you have fruit trees here? Okay, there is guava and amalaki. So much merciful is this amalaki. Its importance is given in the scriptures.

Lord says give Me-

patrampuspamphalamtoyam
yo me bhaktyäprayacchati
tad ahambhakty-upahrtam
asnämiprayatätmanah

Translation-

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it. [BG 9.26]

From where all this coming? From tree we get patrampuspamand phalam, and even toyam we get in some quantity from trees. So, what the trees do? paroparakaryaphalantivrikshah, for others benefit, not for their own self, they give fruits. paropakarayaduhantigavah Cows give milk for others. Does the cow drink her own milk? She gives it for others. paropakarayavahantinadyah, rivers flow to give water to others. And then paropakarthamidamshareeram, this human body is for the welfare of others. So, Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu wants from us and Srila Prabhupada kept on repeating it, what is expectation from us by the Lord? We should do paropakara.

Time is getting over. We have to move ahead. For the benefit of our own and for the welfare of the residents of Bhopal, for their achievement of Krsna Consciousness, those who have come in the contact of Krsna Consciousness, in the contact of Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in good number, tent full. Here tent is full. One time those who used to do house full cinema theatres, they are making ISKCON temples full. ISKCON temples are full, full and overflooded, and therefore here tent is full. Yesterday we were shown 8 Acre land which we are having here. This is one project and then Acyut Krsna Prabhu and I am sure you are also having land. There are Goshalas and lands and here will be projects, because this is full now. We need a bigger facility. Looks like there is a big demand. Krsna is in demand. What else the soul needs? Soul wants the Lord. People are coming to the senses.

Sub-theme: Mercy of Corona

Dukha me smaran sab kare, sukha me karena koi- everyone remembers Lord only in miseries, and not in happiness. That Bhopal tragedy happened here right? Those chemicals and thousands of people were burnt or killed. Like that,this Kaliyuga is making our lives difficult, more and more. This is good. This is having benefit. The purpose of this is, we should turn towards Lord. After the mercy, karuna of Corona virus, the world is changed. You have noticed it or not don’t know. But wherever I am traveling, everywhere I am seeing visitors’ number, devotees’ number is increased by two three times. And young and old, youth also! Yesterday night, one Prabhuji was introducing me. He gave too much introduction. Little exaggeration was there. That happens.

So, one time I was college student, who took admission in ISKCON and became Hare Krsna devotee. But see now, the world is changed. Corona virus has changed the world more. Thoughts, thinking of the people is changing. Then there is ISKCON temple or Kumbhamela or Jaya Sri Rama! When Rama Lalla came on 22^ndJanuary, I was also there. That day and now also people are running towards Ayodhya, and now to every Dham, Holy place. Dham is asraya sthal, place of refuge, where we can live and take shelter, we are protected. This is the definition of the Holy places. People are running towards thedhama, tirtha. And Lord’s devotees are also

bhavad-vidhäbhägavatäs
tirthi-bhütähsvayamprabho
tirthi-kurvantitirthäni
sväntah-stenagadä-bhrtä

Translation-

“Saints of your caliber are themselves places of pilgrimage. Be-cause of their purity, they are constant companions of the Lord, and therefore they can purify even the places of pilgrimage.” [SB 1.13.10]

Devotees are tirthi-kurvantitirthäni, the places of pilgrimage. So, we have to take advantage. People are changing. They are coming towards Krsna. So, get ready. Not right now. Yes, all of you should get ready. Do something like this. So, when you will leave, depart, when you took birth, you were crying and everyone else was laughing, but we should work in such a way that when we will leave, we will laugh but all others will cry due to separation. Just as world is crying for Gopal Krsna Maharaj ki Jai! Bhakti Charu Maharaj moved forward and we are also in the line. Will you stay forever? Is there such plan? śeṣāḥsthāvaramicchanti…

ahanyahanibhūtāni 
gacchantīhayamālayam
śeṣāḥsthāvaramicchanti
kimāścaryamataḥ param

Translation

“Day after day countless living entities in this world go to the kingdom of death. Still, those who remain aspire for a permanent situation here. What could be more amazing than this?” [Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 313.116]

Yudhistir Maharaj said, this is very astonishing. What is most wonderful? kimāścaryam? This was conversation between Yaksa and King Yudhisthir. What is most wonderful thing? Tajmahal! Wonder of the world! He didn’t say like this. He said ahanyahanibhūtānigacchantīhayamālayam, śeṣāḥsthāvaramicchantikimāścaryamataḥ param, is there anything more wonderful than this? We see that people are dying, family members and neighbors, ahanyahanibhūtāni, everyday gacchantīhayamālayam, and those who are left behind, the balance, what do they think? Sthāvaram, we are not going to die. We are not in that list. kimāścaryamataḥ param, what could be more amazing than this?

Sub-theme: Prepare for ‘ante Narayana smrti’

Hari Hari! We also have to go. We should be preparing. Govind namaleke tab prana tana se nikale. Gopal Krishna Maharaj also, I was there with him in the hospital and ICU. I was not getting idea if Maharaj is still here or left to another word, so I started chanting loudly and one time I chanted loudly ‘Hare Krishna’ so that Gopal Krishna Maharaj may listen and give some response. Body was not moving. Only activity which I noticed that Maharaj whole heartedly said ‘Hare Krishna’. I couldn’t hear the sound but definitely it was Hare Krishna. He opened his mouth wide open. Similarly, I witnessed SrilaPrabhupada’s departure in 1977, in Prabhupada’s quarter. Many other devotees also were there. I noticed that while leaving body Prabhupada said ‘Hare Krishna’. and next time few days back same thing repeated. Gopal Krishna Maharaj also said ‘Hare Krishna’and after that he didn’t say anything. After some time, the doctors declared that he is no more with us.

So, everyone will die, but if we have to die then we should die like this, leave body like this. But this doesn’t happen all of a sudden. This needs life time practice and sadhana. Ante Narayana smrti! Ante Narayana smrti!

King Pariksita was also told, what is the target? Ante Narayana smrti, Narayana should be remembered at the last moment. So, to remember Narayana ALSO at the last moment what need to do? Sravanamkirtanam and then there will be visnuhsmaranam.

śrī-prahrādauvāca
śravaṇaṁkīrtanaṁviṣṇoḥ
smaraṇaṁpāda-sevanam
arcanaṁvandanaṁdāsyaṁ
sakhyamātma-nivedanam
itipuṁsārpitāviṣṇau
bhaktiścennava-lakṣaṇā
kriyetabhagavatyaddhā
tan manye ’dhītamuttamam

Translation:

Prahlāda Mahārāja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Viṣṇu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one’s best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words) — these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Kṛṣṇa through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge. [ŚB 7.5.23-24]

So, we have to prepare. There are two things. One is sadhana bhakti and other is its preaching, distribution. One this is to relish it and another is to distribute it. If we will do this then our life will be successful and others lives will also be successful with the achievement of Krsna.
Hare Krsna Hare KrsnaKrsnaKrsna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare!

Speaker :HH Bhakti karunamayivanamalimaharaj 
Date 23-05-2024
HH Bhakti karunamayivanamalimaharajspeaks – hare Krsna

Main Theme: Importance of Devotional Service by Great Acharya and end result
Sub Theme: Sri Radharaman Lal ji Appreance day narration

Today is very auspicious day, It is appreance day of Srimad Gopal Bhat Goswami Maharaj. Also we have today SrimadMadhavendra puri appeared today.

Srimadparmeshwar puri s dis-appearance day

Srinivas acharyas appearance day.

Today is Purnima, Srila Gopal bhatta Goswami was one of the pioneers amongst the 6 goswamis of Vrindavan. He lived for 120 years. When he was a small child he met Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Sri Rangam.

The temple is situated in the centre of the city. Anyone can take darshan during Mangala aarti in Sri rangam. This is our Vaishnava etiquette. A temple should be the tallest building in a city so that everyone can take darshan of the chakra and tomb of the temple. So when Mahaprabhu arrived in Sri rangam everyone though that He was not an ordinary person

Srila Venkata bhatta, father of Gopal bhatta was moved to see the 8 changes of Mahaprabhu while taking darshan of the dieties. He invited Mahaaprabhu to his house. He met little Gopal Bhatta. After accepting bhoga ,mahaaprabhu was ready to leave.

teṣāṁsatata-yuktānāṁ
bhajatāṁprīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁtaṁ
yenamāmupayāntite

Translation

To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.[BG 10.10]

Krsna Bhakti is very clear “ Krsna Bhakt Bada Chatur”. He said you are Sanyasi and now it is Chaturmas and Sanyasis do not travel during this time. Venkat bhatta requested Mahaprabhu to stay with them for the rest of the chaturmaasi.e 120 days..

Little Gopal served Mahaprabhu for 4 months. Sri Krishna Chaitanya MahaPrabhu was performing Puja, reciting prayers, he would circumabulate Sri Ranga Shetra, Bath in Kaveri river every day etc.Gopa Bhatt was always serving Sri Mahaprabhu through Vapu and Vani sewa.  He was attached to Mahaprabhus service. After serving for 120 days when Mahaprabhuwas about to leave Gopal Bhat Started crying. Mahaprabhu blessed and  instructed him to come to vridnavan only after their parents leave their bodies. So Mahaprabhu left performing his Kirtan. Gopal Bhat served his parents till they left their body and was intensely remembering Sri Mahaprabhu. So, it happened during this time from his uncle Shri Prabodhananda Saraswati, Gopal bhatta learnt and became expert in Bhakti Vaibhav, Bhakti Vedanta and  BhaktiSarvabhom and others scriptures. During this period he was serving his parents and also learnt the scriptures and become expert in them.

After Venkat Bhatt’death and his mother’s departure, Gopal Bhat planned his journey to Vrindavan. During this time at Vrindavan Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told Rupa Goswami that when Gopal Bhat comes to Vrindavan, receive him well, treat him just like your brother Sanatan Goswami.

When Gopal Bhat Goswami reached Vrindavan, he was happily received by Rupa Goswami and he was very happy. Gopal Bhat Goswami was an expert in Shastra and followed all Vaishnav Etiquette, which impressed others in Vrindavan and was respected by all.

When ChaitanayaMahaprabhu heard that Gopal Bhatt Goswami had come to Vrindavan than he arranged to some items for him from Jaganthpuri. He was given the dhot,Uttatri,chaupai (Wooden Chauki on which wordship was being conducted by Mahaprabhu) of Mahaprabhuas he served Him very diligently. Since then, all these things are being worshipped in Vrindavan earlier by Gopal Bhat Goswami and is continued till todayeveryday. In this way Srila Rupa Goswami, Sanatan Goswami and gopal Bhat Goswami started working on the scriptures and preaching they were fully absorbed in devotional service of the Lord. They were involved in finding the lost places and temples connected with pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna and also building temples. During this time Lord Chaitanya disappeared from this material world when Gopal Bhat Goswami was 30 years old. He was feeling great separation from Mahaprabhu and was not understanding what he needs to do. At the time Mahaprabhu appeared in his dreams and instructed him to go to Nepal in Gandaki river and will never leave you, I will always be with you. When he was dip in Gandaki river he got 12 shilas, he placed them back in the river. But this process happened many times, (~ 108 times) the shilas appeared as smiling at Gopal Bhat Goswami.  He was wondering what is this and why is this happening. Looks like lord wants to come with me or accompany me. There he got 12 Shilas in the form of Shaligram. He remembered that Lord had mentioned in his dream that will always be with him. He brought them with him and  served nicely, built a beautiful temple for them. Then during Shukalpakash Chaturdashi which happens to be NarsihmChaturdeshi. He was performing kirtan and preaching.

At that time a businessman was distributing clothes in Vrindavan for deities, he visited Gopal Bhatta Goswami also and gave him beautiful clothes. But Gopal bhatta Goswami said did not have any deities, have just shilas, which are served by offering Yamuna water and Tulasi what will I do with these clothes. The businessman pleaded not to reject this offering. Gopal Bhatt remembered the past times of Narasimha dev wherein Narshim dev had emerged from a pillar. Gopal bhatta Goswami begged the Lord that if you can appear form a pillar for Prahalad Maharaj, can you not appear from these shilas ? Gopal Bhatt Goswami had all qualities of surrender to lord.

Sub Theme: Pure devotional love and service results in Lords appearance

He was praying to Narsim dev bhagawan whole night. Next say while he was bathing in Yamuna he found 11 shilas, one was missing. He saw the missing shila had got converted into a nice deity, bent 3 fold , appeared. Sri Radha Raman appeared with big eyes. Jai Jai Sri Radharaman lal ki Jai. Everyone in Vrindavan came to see the beautiful deity of Sri Radharaman ji.

He is beautiful with amazing captivating smile. He is lotus eyed. His eyes extend from the nose to the ears. Similar 5000 years ago when krishna descended in Vrindavan He was also very beautiful with beautiful eyes. That is why Lord is being called with different names as Lotus eyed (Padam Lochan, Padam Nayan, Kamal Netra, Kamal Lochan etc). This way looking at beautiful eyes devotees praise the lord who has His eyes extend from the nose to the ears. Some times self styled bogus people call themselves God, We should get their eyes tested. So this is about Radharaman ji of Vrindavan. Great festival was conducted on his appearance day. They performed abhishek of the lord pouring Yamuna, Ganga water and applied  He sandalwood paste etc. Once a naughty child  took up a long stick and passed it from one ear to the other ear of Radha Raman. Soon there was blood oozing out from Radha Raman. Belive it or not

The child who witnessed this vomitted  blood and left his body the next day !It has mahapran. Once a Britisher had a watch that would run on the heart beat of a person. He wanted to test Radharaman ji. But the Pujari was hesitant to put this watch thinking that he is a Melach or outcaste, but not to take any risk agreed to put the watch on Radharaman ji. After performing purification process, then that watch was taken close to the deity of Radha Raman, the watch started working.

On seeing this the Britisher was shocked, since that day he developed immense attraction to the lotus feet of Krsna. So we should not think that theseDiety are made of wood, steel, metal, just metal , it is Krsna Himself. Like Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said

pratimānahatumi — sākṣātvrajendra-nandana
vipralāgi’ kara tumiakārya-karaṇa”

Translation

“My dear Lord, You are not a statue; You are directly the son of Mahārāja Nanda. Now, for the sake of the old brāhmaṇa, You can do something You have never done before.” [CC Madhya 5.96]

The Vrindavan devotees pray their Lord in the form of Archa “ Shyam Sunder”, “Nila Sunder”, “Braj Sunder”. These are in the form of Para Veyom.  But Archa is very important.

golokeraprema-dhana, hari-nama-sankirtana,
ratinajanmilokenetay
samsara-bishanale, diba-nisi hiya jwale,
juraitenakoinuupay

Translation

 The treasure of divine love in Goloka Vrindavana has descended as the congregational chanting of Lord Hari’s holy names. Why did my attraction for that chanting never come about? Day and night my heart burns from the fire of the poison of worldliness, and I have not taken the means to relieve it. [Hari HariBifale 2]

Today also Radha Raman is worshipped with Yamuna water especially during boat festival. Devotees  gather in lakhs to take darshan today. If anyone you are Vrindavan, you should visit the temple and take His darshan and pray as you have blessed Gopal Bhat Goswami and listened to His prayer, Please bless us too.

Jai Jai Sri Radharamn Lal Ki Jai.

Sub Theme: Importance of Archaryasappreance and Disappreance day

Today is also SrimadMadhavendra puri appeared today. Ashta Sattvik Bhawa is prevelant in three personalities one is Srimati Radharani, SrimadMadhavendra Puri and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It is said if you visit Navedeep on SrimadMadhavendra Puri’s disappearance day to Advait Acharya place and take Kichadi Prasadam one will be bestowed with Krsna Prem.

Srimadparmeshwar puri s appearance day. Just remembering Parmeshwar Puri one get Krishna Prem

Srinivas acharyas appearance day. He is one of the pioneers of book distribution and disciples of Jiva Goswami

Let us remember these great acharays today and progress in our devotional service

We shall stop here. Hare Krishna

Date: 22 May 2024
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj and HH Karunamayi Vanmali Swami Maharaj
Topic: Pastimes Of Lord Narsimha Deva

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj:

I would like to request HH Karunamayi Vanmali Maharaj to give a nectarian lecture on the mercy of Narsimha dev.

nahamtisthamivaikunthe
yoginamhrdayesuva
tatratisthaminarada
yatra gayanti mad-bhaktah

 Translation:

“I am not in Vaikuntha nor in the hearts of the yogis. I remain where My devotees engage in glorifying My activities.” It is to be understood that the Supreme Personality of Godhead does not leave the company of His devotees.

In 2015, HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj had installed lord Narasiṁha Deva deities in this very day in Ujjain.Last year, on this day, I was in Delhi, when HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj was installing Lakshmi Narasiṁha deities at Radha Parthasarthi temple and half day, I had spent here in Ujjain. So, please shower the mercy of lord Narasiṁha Deva by relating his glories to all of us.

HH Karunamayi Vanmali Swami Maharaj:

Today is most beneficial day for us devotees.Today is lord Narasimha Deva’s appearance day.By mercy of Lord Narasimha Deva all our obstacles and problems are vanquished.

When people of this material world choose us, then we can get the seat in parliament. And when God chooses us then, we get good association. In Satya Yuga, Prahlad Maharaj received the Lord’s mercy.So, does it happen now? Few years back, in Iskcon Durban, South Africa.
One 4 years old girl was attracted to Lord Narasimha dev there.She even got a little stuffed doll of lord Narasimha, who she would feed and put to sleep and play with.A year later, she was playing ball with her friendsand her father was watching from the balcony.The ball bounced away and was going to towards road,where there was traffic.Her father started shouting.A big truck hit her. Truck was coming in a very high speed. and she was hit and she fell 30 feet away on a haystack. She was taken to hospital in an unconscious state. When she regained consciousness after 2 days.And she started asking where is Narasimha Dev?He picked me up in his arms and put me onthe hay stack and saved me.

As Narsimha dev protects Prahlad Maharaj, He surely saves us too. So, if we serve Narasimha Dev with even a little dedication, seriousness and sincerity., he will be pleased and protect us. Even though we may not be as pure as Prahlad Maharaj, So, even too we can see his mercy.

We should trust on his strength. Because lord say the truth only and the strength in the prayers are even stronger.

On this day, I usually call HH Prabhodananda Saraswati Maharaj, a disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. That in 2010 or 2011, you had told a pastime of Lord Narasimha Deva and you told his mother and father’s name.Please tell me that pastimes.

SB 1.1.10:

prāyeṇālpāyuṣaḥsabhya
kalāvasminyugejanāḥ
mandāḥsumanda-matayo
manda-bhāgyāhyupadrutāḥ

Translation:

O learned one, in this iron Age of Kali men almost always have but short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and, above all, always disturbed.

He said why don’t you make note of it? He scolded me but he agreed to tell me after some request.

This same happen next year also.

So, every year, I would call him and he would tell me same pastime after scolding me.In Pakistan, on the banks of river Indus, a couple prayed and wanted to get a child as lord Narasimha Dev. The couple’s name was Haritmani and Lilavati. They did penance for 21 yugas.The lord being pleased and asked them to make a boon. The couple asked to get a child, like Narsimha Deva.

Lord says no one is like me. I myself will be come as your son soon.

BG 7.7:

mattaḥparataraṁnānyat
kiñcidastidhanañ-jaya
mayisarvamidaṁprotaṁ
sūtremaṇi-gaṇāiva

Translation:

O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.

Lord Narsima was pleased with the couple and promised themto have a son like Narasimha Dev.No one like me or more than me. How can I fulfill this? Only by becoming your son. They both became very happy. and on this day, lord appeared in the evening of Forteen day of Vaishakh Month and did many childhood pastimes. In padma puran, it is mentioned that one who remembers this pastime and the form of Harimuni and Liladevi alongwith the child Narsimha dev, one can get lot of benefit.

Child Nrasimha relished the Vatsalya Rasa very much and he also make his parents relished the same rasa. Parents were very happy to have him.

When prahlad pointed saying my lord is in the pillar. Narasimha dev came and appeared there in the state Multan, in Pakistan and made Prahlads words true.

Lord says onlt truth and nothing and the devotees are also same.

Hiranyakashipu started laughing at and counting all the boons, he had received from brahma Making him almost immortal.

Lord Narsimha slapped him continuously. In Andra Pradesh, we see that Ugra pillar and 18 miles away he dragged Hiranyakashipu to the gate. So, you canimagine how big was Hiranyakashipu palace. Lord put him on his lap. This is no land but my lap. This is not one of the 12 months, but Purushottam month.
There are no any weapon but my nails.Hiranyakashipu become furious on seeing that.

Hiranyakashipu had a heart attack and lord Narsimha Deva cut his stomach by his nails only. Lord Narsimha Dev was very angry, as Hiranyakashipu tortured his devotee at a very extent.

Lord Narsimha was amused as no one is praying in front of him. Whenever, He took any incarnation, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva offered their prayers onto his lotus feet. But, this time no one is coming forward. Not even a garland is offered. He himself dragged a throne to sit.

Hiranyakashipu disappearance day came once in a four year but Narsimha Chaturdashi is celebrated every year on the fourteenth day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh Month.

SB 7.8.17:

satyaṁvidhātuṁnija-bhṛtya-bhāṣitaṁ
vyāptiṁ ca bhūteṣvakhileṣucātmanaḥ
adṛśyatātyadbhuta-rūpamudvahan
stambhesabhāyāṁnamṛgaṁnamānuṣam

Translation:

To prove that the statement of His servant Prahlāda Mahārāja was substantial — in other words, to prove that the Supreme Lord is present everywhere, even within the pillar of an assembly hall — the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, exhibited a wonderful form never before seen. The form was neither that of a man nor that of a lion. Thus the Lord appeared in His wonderful form in the assembly hall.

Lord full filled the desire of Jaya and Vijaya to play a war in 3 births. He kept the promise of Brahma. Lord kept the words of narada muni, who said this boy in the womb of kayadu is agreat devotee who will be protected by lord. Also, he kept the words of the 4 Kumars when they cursed Jaya and Vijaya. And also, he kept the words of prahlad that my lord is in the pillar.

In padma puran, it is said that on Brahman named Vasudeva became fallen. And he was very distressed upon losing his prostitute Friends after fighting with them and wandering through the forest he came upon a broken temple of Lord Narasimha Deva.It was this very day of the fourteenth day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh Month.

and he happened to keep a Nirjala fast remembering his friends.But, because it was Narasimha chaturdasi, he got benefit for fasting.If, we observe Narsimha Dev Chaturdashi, then we get the benefit of 10,000 Dwadashi (Ekadashi, that lies on Dwadashi with rising sun) and a fast of Janamashtami gives the benefits of 1 crore ekadashis. So, we should pray, “oh lord Narasimha Dev please protect us till we are alive.” This was advised by Srila Prabhupada. When Chaitanya math was being constructed, dacoits were troubling again and again.Bhaktivinod Thakur and Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur installed lord Narasimha dev and asked to worship him.

Later Srila Prabhupada also installed it in mayapur during trouble times.

The Ugra Narsimha Iis not installed anywhere, but when Jaya Pataka Swami Maharaj asked to install it. Then the person, who makes deities on the name of ISKCON. We should pray to the lord to protect us, our Bhakti, our organization our Acharyas and Guru. We should go forward to get the Krishna Prem. Radha Rani also worship Lord Narsimha to get the love of Krishna. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also hears the pastimes of Lord Narsimha Many times. So, we should also follow the footstep of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Mati Radha Rani.

Hare Krishna!

Topic – Rukmini Mangalam Part 2
Date – 21st may 2024

HG Anant Shesh Pr- Today HG Sri Sri Krsna Prabhu is here with us to give Japa Talk. He is younger brother of HH Gaur Krsna Swami Maharaja and disciple of HH Radha Govind Swami Maharaj. We heard from him Rukmini katha part 1. Guru Maharaj’s vyasa puja will be celebrated in Vrindavan Dham. We will get the association of many Prabhupada disciples there. Initiations will take place on 18th July in Sri Vrindavan dham. And aspiring devotees from Maharashtra will take initiation in Bhuvaikuntha Pandharpur Dham on 20th July.

HG Sri Sri Krishna Prabhu –

 om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
cakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah

nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesha-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

vande ‘ham sri-guroh sri-yuta-pada-kamalam sri-gurun vaishnavams ca

sri-rupam sagrajatam saha-gana-raghunathanvitam tam sa jivam

sadvaitam savadhutam parijana-sahitam krishna-caitanya-devam

sri-radha-krishna-padan saha-gana-lalita- sri-visakhanvitams ca

he krishna karuna-sindho

dina-bandho jagat-pate

gopesa gopika-kanta

radha-kanta namo ’stu te

tapta-kancana-gaurangi radhe vrindavanesvari

vrishabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priye

(jaya) sri-krishna-caitanya prabhu nityananda

sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

I offer humble obeisances to the lotus feet of Maharaj and all Vaishnavas. Let us continue with the discussion on Rukmini Mangalam. Yesterday, we initiated this topic, and today we shall proceed further. It is imperative for us to make strides in sadhana bhakti. We must earnestly pray to Rukmini Devi, as without her grace, progress in our devotional journey remains arduous. As I have previously mentioned, both Radharani and Rukmini are our spiritual guides. Rukmini perpetually serves at the lotus feet of the Lord. We learned yesterday that upon hearing about the Lord from Narada, Rukmini accepted him as her husband in her heart.

Bhishmak had 5 sons and 1 daughter. Except, Rukmi everyone wanted that Rukmini should get married to Krishna. But Rukmini was against this. She wondered why her elder brother acted as her adversary, despite the absence of enmity in this life. Rukmini contemplated on the fact that everyone wished for her marriage with Krishna, yet her brother remained unsupportive.Regardless of the circumstances, she resolved that she could only accept Krishna as her husband, having dedicated herself entirely to him. She expressed that if Krishna did not accept her, she would find no purpose in continuing her existence.This is very beautiful. We should understand her mind. She thinks,”I have given myself to Krsna completely. Now how can I accept anyone else as a husband?”  In the past, individuals would honour their commitments without fail, never reneging on their promises.

If my brother forces me to marry someone else, then i will give up this body. Then someone can say,”then give up this body because your brother won’t allow you to marry Krsna.” She says,”No. No. Now I don’t have any right to my body. Because i have given it to Krsna. Now Krsna has right on my body. He is  life and soul. My body is his property and how can I destroy it without his consent.” She thinks,”I have accepted him as my husband but he should also know that. Somebody should inform him.” Although he is Parmatma, supersoul. But she wants to inform him.

Then a brahmin comes infront of her. That time a brahmin comes and sees that she is very upset. Brahmin sees that she is very morose and asks her,”why are you so miserable?” She starts weeping in front of him. She says,”O Brahmin, please help me and protect me.” Brahmin says,”I will surely go to Dwarka. Dont worry.” This type of work only a Brahmin can do. Because krishna katha and marriages, sacrifices are done by Brahmin only.They go to each and every house and see their boys and girls and inform others about boys and girls they have seen. Thats how marriages would take place. That time, people used to have strong faith in Brahmin, that they would easily believe them and give their daughters for marriage. We should always have faith in Sadhu and Vaishnavas. They are our true well wishers. Brahmin says,”DOnt worry, have faith in me. I will convey your message to Him. And I am sure Krsna will accept you. Just like you want him, he will surely accept you.” Then Brahmin departs for Dwarka with a love letter written by Rukmini.

When he reached Dwarka, Krishna got to know that from Kaundilyapur a brahmin had come. When he heard Brahmin, he immediately ran towards Brahmin just like he ran when Sudama came. Lord paid obeisances to him, gave a nice seat to him, gave sumptuous prasadam to him, gave service to him.

CC Madhya 13.77. Viṣṇu Purāṇa (1.19.65)
namo brahmaṇya-devāya
go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya ca
jagad-dhitāya kṛṣṇāya
govindāya namo namaḥ

Translation:

“ ‘Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Kṛṣṇa, who is the worshipable Deity for all brahminical men, who is the well-wisher of cows and brāhmaṇas, and who is always benefiting the whole world. I offer my repeated obeisances to the Personality of Godhead, known as Kṛṣṇa and Govinda.’

He has a nature to serve brahmins, spiritual master.he started massaging his feet. Rama and Lakshaman would serve Vishwamirta when he would got to take rest.

Tulasi carita manasa Balakanda
munibar sayan kinhi tab jaee.
lage charan chapan dou bhaee॥
 jinh ke charan saroruh lagi.
karat bibidh jap jog biragi॥

Translation:

“Then the revered sage went to rest. Both brothers began to press his feet, for touching which even renunciants engage in various kinds of chanting and meditation for the vision and touch of the lotus feet.”

Both of them would massage his spiritual master’s lotus feet. He has practised that. He does the same when this Brahmin comes, he asks Brahmin,”is everything fine in Vidarbha? Is the king able to fulfil his duties properly?” is there any challenge?” Brahmin says,”No. No. there is no problem but there is one problem also.”

Krishna asks,”What is the problem?” Brahmin says,”He has one daughter- Rukmini- very beautiful, sincere. Maharaj has 5 sons. All the other 4 sons and the king himself with Rukmini want you to marry her. Rukmini has accepted you as husband from her body, mind and soul completely. But her elder brother  Rukmi doesnt want that to happen.he is against it. That’s why Rukmini has written a letter for you out of fear. Please read this letter which she has written.” Krishna says,”you read the letter for me.” Brahmin starts reading the letter. Rukmini lives in Maharashtra and Lord is in Gujarat. Then Rukmini has written a letter in which language? Marathi or gujarati? If she writes in marathi then Krsna may not understand and if she writes in gujarati then that means she knows gujarati also. We should inquire like that. She has written neither in marathi nor in gujarati. She has written in sanskrit. Sanskrit is the mother of all languages. We should carefully read sanskrit. When I was in Varanasi and studying sanskrit. There is a place called “Sarvabhauma Sanskrit school”. From there, we used to go to take bath in ganges. They used to teach us how to speak sanskrit. I read that in 1974 and I still remember. Nobody wants to study Sanskrit nowadays, there is no good for them in future. Because then you can’t understand the scriptures, Bhagavatam. What is the use then if we can’t understand our scriptures. When they will see themselves unqualified to read scriptures, they will be embarrassed. So whatever happened . it’s ok. But now, please be alert now. Start studying and reading sanskrit carefully. With sanskrit , we should understand Hindi also. Both languages we should understand. And we should learn english also. Sanskrit, Hindi and English – these 3 languages we should know. That’s why Rukmini has written in Sanskrit and not in Gujarati or marathi. So that we also learn sanskrit. That’s why i said she is our spiritual master. This is the duty of a spiritual master to illuminate and destroy ignorance. She is illuminating us by writing in sanskrit.

ŚB 10.52.37

śrī-rukmiṇy uvāca
śrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me

Translation:

Śrī Rukmiṇī said [in her letter, as read by the brāhmaṇa]: O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your qualities, which enter the ears of those who hear and remove their bodily distress, and having also heard of Your beauty, which fulfills all the visual desires of those who see, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You, O Kṛṣṇa.

Brahmin repeats the words of Rukmini, “ since I heard about your name, form, qualities and pastimes, I have shamelessly desired to marry you. I can’t see anything else. I Can only see you everywhere. Since the day, I  heard your glories from Narada, wherever I see, I can only see you. I see you inside, outside and everywhere. You have captured my heart and mind.

ŚB 10.52.38

kā tvā mukunda mahatī kula-śīla-rūpa-
vidyā-vayo-draviṇa-dhāmabhir ātma-tulyam
dhīrā patiṁ kulavatī na vṛṇīta kanyā
kāle nṛ-siṁha nara-loka-mano-’bhirāmam

Translation:

O Mukunda, You are equal only to Yourself in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, youthfulness, wealth and influence. O lion among men, You delight the minds of all mankind. What aristocratic, sober-minded and marriageable girl of a good family would not choose You as her husband when the proper time has come?

She says,”O lord, bestower of love, my life, there’s no one like you. Nobody is as knowledgeable, wealthy, beauty, power, renowned, powerful, opulent. Everything comes from you. Nobody is compatible with you. Who would like to marry other than you?

Everyone wants to have a very nice husband, knowledgeable, wealthy, powerful, beautiful husband. Their Relatives and parents also want the same for the girl. But all these qualities are there in Krsna only.

 (Visnu Purana 6.5.47)

aisvaryasya samagrasya viryasya yasasah sriyah

nana-vairagyayos caiva sannam bhaga itingana

Translation:

“Full wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation – these are the six opulences of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Vishnu Purana 6.5.47) By these six opulences one can ascertain what is God.

 Wherever lord goes, everyone wats to have His darshan. Once Radharani writes a letter to Krsna, in that she claims clouds as her brother “oh brother, please convey my message to Shyamsunder.” Because clouds always moves from one place to another. Then cloud says,”how will i recognise who is your lover?” Radharani says,”His color is bluish” Clouds says,”there can be many people with bluish color.” Radharani says,”he must be having flute in his hands.” cloud says,”there can be many bluish people with flute in hands.” Radhrani says,”he must be in yellow garments then you’ll understand that he is my master.” Clouds says,”there can be many bluish people with flute in hands and wearing yellow garments.” Radharani says,”Oh dear brother, wherever my beloved may go, hundreds and thousands of people will be drawn to catch a glimpse of him. Then you will understand he is my master and my only lover.”

Lord is so beautiful that everyone is longing to have his darsana. His face is so beautiful that even dust looks beautiful on his face. Not that he gets ready and then he looks beautiful.

ŚB 3.2.12

yan martya-līlaupayikaṁ sva-yoga-
māyā-balaṁ darśayatā gṛhītam
vismāpanaṁ svasya ca saubhagarddheḥ
paraṁ padaṁ bhūṣaṇa-bhūṣaṇāṅgam

Translation:

The Lord appeared in the mortal world by His internal potency, yoga-māyā. He came in His eternal form, which is just suitable for His pastimes. These pastimes were wonderful for everyone, even for those proud of their own opulence, including the Lord Himself in His form as the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha. Thus His [Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s] transcendental body is the ornament of all ornaments.

Every aspect of Krishna is so exquisite that even ornaments and garments become resplendent when adorned by him. Rukmini is also saying- You are incredibly beautiful; there is no one else quite like you. Your qualities are unmatched by anyone in this world. Your knowledge is unparalleled; no one else can possess 64 qualities in just 64 days. Oh Lord! What patient maiden would not eagerly accept you as her husband?Who would not be willing to accept you as husband or master? I, too, desire only you as my husband.

SB 10.52.39

tan me bhavān khalu vṛtaḥ patir aṅga jāyām
ātmārpitaś ca bhavato ’tra vibho vidhehi
mā vīra-bhāgam abhimarśatu caidya ārād
gomāyu-van mṛga-pater balim ambujākṣa

Translation:

Therefore, my dear Lord, I have chosen You as my husband, and I surrender myself to You. Please come swiftly, O almighty one, and make me Your wife. My dear lotus-eyed Lord, let Śiśupāla never touch the hero’s portion like a jackal stealing the property of a lion.

She says “Oh Lord, I have accepted you as my husband. I have completely surrendered to you. You are Supersoul. You know my mind and heart. Please accept me as your wife.Oh lord of my life,I have surrendered to you. Just like jackal should not take the prey of a lion, nobody should take me(your wife) apart from you. This is your responsibility. This is your duty and dharma. Shishupal should not take me. There is very little time.”

ŚB 10.52.40

pūrteṣṭa-datta-niyama-vrata-deva-vipra
gurv-arcanādibhir alaṁ bhagavān pareśaḥ
ārādhito yadi gadāgraja etya pāṇiṁ
gṛhṇātu me na damaghoṣa-sutādayo ’nye

Translation:

If I have sufficiently worshiped the Supreme Personality of Godhead by pious works, sacrifices, charity, rituals and vows, and also by worshiping the demigods, brāhmaṇas and gurus, then may Gadāgraja come and take my hand, and not Damaghoṣa’s son or anyone else.

If ever i have done any piety(giving charity, gave food to poor, made home for beggars, made wells in a village, made gardens for others). This is all religious. If ever i did nay piety, served any vaishnavas, guru or sadhu then the result should be only that you accept me as your wife. I dont want anything else.

CC Antya 20.29

na dhanaṁ na janaṁ na sundarīṁ
kavitāṁ vā jagad-īśa kāmaye
mama janmani janmanīśvare
bhavatād bhaktir ahaitukī tvayi

Translation:

‘O Lord of the universe, I do not desire material wealth, materialistic followers, a beautiful wife or fruitive activities described in flowery language. All I want, life after life, is unmotivated devotional service to You.’

I just want to be yours. I want to be your wife. Accept me as your wife. Oh Shyamsunder, please accept me.

ŚB 10.52.41

 śvo bhāvini tvam ajitodvahane vidarbhān
guptaḥ sametya pṛtanā-patibhiḥ parītaḥ
nirmathya caidya-magadhendra-balaṁ prasahya
māṁ rākṣasena vidhinodvaha vīrya-śulkām

Translation:

O unconquerable one, tomorrow when my marriage ceremony is about to begin, You should arrive unseen in Vidarbha and surround Yourself with the leaders of Your army. Then crush the forces of Caidya and Magadhendra and marry me in the Rākṣasa style, winning me with Your valor.

You are unconquerable. Just one day before my marriage, please come to Kaundilyapur. All warriors will be present here. My elder brother Rukmi, will invite all the powerful demons here. So you come one day before my marriage and kill all of them and take me with you.

Now Krishna may say, “you are princess, living in a palace, how will I come? You must be inside the core of the palace. How will I come and kidnap you?”

Rukmini answers that also,”Oh Lord, you dont know about one ritual. I will tell you that in our family,there is one religious affair.

ŚB 10.52.42

antaḥ-purāntara-carīm anihatya bandhūn
tvām udvahe katham iti pravadāmy upāyam
pūrve-dyur asti mahatī kula-deva-yātrā
yasyāṁ bahir nava-vadhūr girijām upeyāt

Translation:

Since I will be staying within the inner chambers of the palace, You may wonder, “How can I carry you away without killing some of your relatives?” But I shall tell You a way: On the day before the marriage there is a grand procession to honor the royal family’s deity, and in this procession the new bride goes outside the city to visit Goddess Girijā.

There’s one ritual in our family where a girl before marriage goes to Girirja temple and worships her. It is a big festival. They dress the girl very beautifully and she goes to the temple with all her girlfriends. Oh lover of my life, that time you come and kidnap me. You hold my hand and take me with you on your chariot. Nobody will do anything that time.

ŚB 10.52.43

yasyāṅghri-paṅkaja-rajaḥ-snapanaṁ mahānto
vāñchanty umā-patir ivātma-tamo-’pahatyai
yarhy ambujākṣa na labheya bhavat-prasādaṁ
jahyām asūn vrata-kṛśān śata-janmabhiḥ syāt

Translation:

O lotus-eyed one, great souls like Lord Śiva hanker to bathe in the dust of Your lotus feet and thereby destroy their ignorance. If I cannot obtain Your mercy, I shall simply give up my vital force, which will have become weak from the severe penances I will perform. Then, after hundreds of lifetimes of endeavor, I may obtain Your mercy.

Oh lord, lotus eyed one, Personalities like Lord Shiva and other great demigods worship your lotus feet for their purification. If I don’t get you then I will do the necessary austerities and give up my life. And lifetimes after lifetimes I will do austerities till I get you as my husband. If you won’t come to take me then i will do austerities and i will dry up my body but will never go to Shishupal.

When Uddhava came to Vrindavan,

ŚB 10.47.61

āsām aho caraṇa-reṇu-juṣām ahaṁ syāṁ
vṛndāvane kim api gulma-latauṣadhīnām
yā dustyajaṁ sva-janam ārya-pathaṁ ca
hitvā bhejur mukunda-padavīṁ śrutibhir vimṛgyām

Translation:

The gopīs of Vṛndāvana have given up the association of their husbands, sons and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Kṛṣṇa, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers or herbs in Vṛndāvana, because the gopīs trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet.

Dust of the lotus feet of Krsna is the dust of Vrindavan. Rukmini wants to serve the lotus feet of Krsna. When lord heard this letter of Rukmini, he immediately says to Brahmin,”Dont worry, i will surely come.” He called his charioteer and with the Brahmin came to Kaundilyapur from Dwarka. When he approached Kaundinyapur, the Brahmin requested, ‘Please allow me to alight from the chariot so that the citizens do not learn of my visit to Dwarka.” On the other hand, Rukmini was very morose, sad and at that time Brahmin came and informed her,”Please don’t worry. Shyamsunder has come.” When she heard, Rukmini was in ecstasy. All the kings have come to take her. As soon as Rukmini removed her veil, all the kings were illusioned,lust aroused in their heart and they fell down from their chariot. They were awestruck. That time, Lord Krsna came and hold the hand of Rukmini and pulled her to chariot. Everyone was looking at Rukmini and Krishna. Everyone was witnessing the beautiful divine couple of Rukmini and Krishna. Then all the kings came into their senses.

Le gayo re Rukmini ko bhaga kar le gae re (song. Couldn’t find source)

Translation –

Rukmini was taken away, they abducted her away.

When Krsna started his chariot, everyone started shouting. Then her elder brother said,”don’t worry. I am here. Till I kill this Krsna and bring my sister back , I am not kshatriya.if i can’t do that then I will never come back to kaundinyapur, Vidarbha.” he was a fool number one. How can he bring Rukmini back and fight with Krsna. He went with one whole army. Krsna killed his army and He tied Rukmi up with a piece of cloth and snipped at his mustache, beard and hair, keeping some spots here and there. Then Rukmi didn’t return to Vidarbha. He made his own place – Bhojakata.

Then Lord Krsna and goddess Rukmini went to Dwarka. They performed a marriage ceremony properly, this way He created the fortune of Rukmini and also He created our fortune. Because we read and hear this beautiful pastime. From this pastime, we learn that Rukmini never saw Lord but she only heard pastimes of Krsna. She heard it so beautifully that she fully dedicated her life to Krsna. We should also be attentive while hearing. Krishna has given us two ears to hear and one mouth to speak. So we should not speak instead we should hear more and more. If we hear properly and attentively then only we can speak. That in why in nine devotional process, first is hearing (sravanam). Sravan should be from bonafide spiritual teachers. Spritual teachers who read bonafide literatures, are connected to bonafide sampradaya, have taken shelter of bonafide parampara. If we hear from those acaryas with love and devotion, then we will also achieve Krsna prema. Just like Rukmini achieved Krsna.

HG Anant Shesh Pr- We are very grateful to Prabhuji. His voice reminds us of HH Radha Govind Goswami Maharaja and especially HH Gaur Krsna Swami Maharaj. It is our great fortune that Maharaj has set aside two days for us. Prabhuji with his brother studies Sanskrit in Vrindavana and Barsana. Presently also, Prabhuji studies Bhagavatam near samadhi of HH Gaur Krsna maharaj. Everyone invited him for Bhagavat class worldwide. He did one katha in Belgaon on 24 acaryas for 3 weeks. Again, we will express our gratitude to Prabhuji.

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

We should also remember what he taught us that how we should hear about Krishna just like Rukmini.

Srimati rukmini Maiya ki Jai!

Srila Gurudeva ki Jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!

20 May 2024
Speaker: Srish Krishna Prabhuji
Theme: Sri Rukmini Mangalam

Hare Krsna!

I am feeling very happy. I know the fact that many disciples of HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj from different locations join this zoom conference daily and chant with him with firm faith and obey his orders. I have been told to speak upon Rukmini Mangalam as today is Rukmini Dwadashi, a very pious day. Rukmini ji had appeared today. It’s important to know that there has been no description of Rukmini Mangalam in the original Bhāgavata; though only marriage of Rukmini has been described. Mangalam means benefactor. Sridhara Swami had written a very beautiful commentary on Bhāgavata which is followed by many Acāryās and named as Rukmini Mangalam by him.

(02:08:03) rukmini mangalam nama bahu mangalam sarva mangalamayam mahapataka nasanam

 Those who contemplate on the divine personality Rukmini, he is bound to get blessed with auspiciousness. If we want our behavior to be right, we must listen to Rukmini Mangalam. Without her mercy, we cannot progress in devotional life. Even the biggest problems can be destroyed just by listening to Rukmini Mangalam. It has been described in Bhāgavata that just by remembering and surrendering unto the Lord, all our miseries get vanished.

tasmin praviṣṭe ’sura-kūṭa-karmajā
māyā vineśur mahinā mahīyasaḥ
svapno yathā hi pratibodha āgate
hari-smṛtiḥ sarva-vipad-vimokṣaṇam

 Translation

As the dangers of a dream cease when the dreamer awakens, the illusions created by the jugglery of the demons were vanquished by the transcendental prowess of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as soon as He entered the battlefield. Indeed, simply by remembrance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one becomes free from all dangers. (ŚB 8.10.55)

Theme: the importance of hearing

How did Rukmini ji choose Sri Krishna? It has been described that at first, she heard about the Lord.

śrī-rukmiṇy uvāca
śrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām
akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me

Translation

Śrī Rukmiṇī said [in her letter, as read by the brāhmaṇa]: O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your qualities, which enter the ears of those who hear and remove their bodily distress, and having also heard of Your beauty, which fulfills all the visual desires of those who see, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You, O Kṛṣṇa. (ŚB 10.52.37)

 It is said that Parikshit Maharaj is an exemplary personality for śravana but Rukmini ji is the primary exemplary personality for śravana, who heard about the Lord just for once from Nārada Muni and accepted the Lord for the lifetime. Bhajan is also known as Śravana Bhakti (hearing). The main pillar of devotional service is śravana or hearing about the Lord, just like strong pillars of a building act as a base for a tall or strong building. Therefore, we must learn from Rukmini ji. She saw the Lord through hearing. Actually, hearing is also seeing. When we hear something, we start imagining or seeing those things. So, śravana or hearing about the Lord is very important. As soon as Rukmini ji heard about the Lord, she wrote a love letter to Him. She expressed Her feelings or prayers to Him.

śrī-rukmiṇy uvāca
śrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām
akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me

Translation

Śrī Rukmiṇī said [in her letter, as read by the brāhmaṇa]: O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your qualities, which enter the ears of those who hear and remove their bodily distress, and having also heard of Your beauty, which fulfills all the visual desires of those who see, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You, O Kṛṣṇa. (ŚB 10.52.37)

We should recite this verse frequently. We tend to start a letter by addressing that person with a relation or bond we have with him like respected sir, my dear, etc. Similarly, Rukmini ji addressed the Lord in Her letter as Bhuvana Sundara or beauty of the worlds. She says, “O beauty of the worlds, having heard of your qualities from Nārada Muni, who always talks, hears and contemplates about you, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You. Since that time, all my miseries have gone.” So how can we expect to situate our mind unto the lotus feet of the Lord till the time we don’t hear about Him. Therefore, hearing is very important. We should hear about the Lord again and again. Valmiki Ramayan describes, when Śrī Rāma asked Hanuman ji to come to Saket Dhāma, he denied. He said to Śrī Rāma that he enjoys hearing His pastimes which will not be available in the Saket Dhāma but wherever the pastimes of the Lord are spoken, the Lord will be there. That’s why he surrendered himself in listening to the Lord’s pastimes. And that is the reason Rukmini ji also surrendered herself unto the Lord because the Lord is really very beautiful in and out.

advaitam acyutam anādim ananta-rūpam
ādyaṁ purāṇa-puruṣaṁ nava-yauvanaṁ ca
vedeṣu durlabham adurlabham
ātma-bhaktau
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

Translation

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is inaccessible to the Vedas, but obtainable by pure unalloyed devotion of the soul, who is without a second, who is not subject to decay, is without a beginning, whose form is endless, who is the beginning, and the eternal puruṣa; yet He is a person possessing the beauty of blooming youth. (Śrī brahma-samhitā 5.33)

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ
sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ
anādir ādir govindaḥ
sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam

Translation

Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes. (Śrī brahma-samhitā 5.1)

Everything about the Lord is beautiful be it His body, His mind or His heart. He is the same inside out. The Lord is not like us who just pretend to be beautiful from inside but filled with so many sins. He is all beautiful. That’s why Rukmini ji, while writing a letter to Krishna, mentioned His character, His potential and His temperament. The Lord’s character is sweet.

Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram
Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram
Hrdayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram
Madhura-Adhipater-Akhilam Madhuram

Translation

O Krishna, Your lips are sweet, Your face is sweet, Your eyes are sweet, Your smile is sweet, Your loving heart is sweet, Your gait (walk) is sweet, Everything is completely sweet about You, the Lord of Sweetness.

We should pray to Rukmini ji for Her mercy so that we can also situate our mind unto the lotus feet of the Lord. It is important to understand that śravana is more important than kīrtana. This is the reason we are given two ears and one mouth. We have to listen more than to speak. The more we listen about the Lord, the better we can perform devotional services. Some people just want to speak and not listen but we are given two ears to listen more and more. But when it comes to speak, we should speak less and just the truth. To speak the truth, we should first listen. So we must follow the footsteps of Rukmini ji and hear more and more about the Lord so we can also attain the lotus feet of Krsna and become dear to Him.

Theme: the advent of the love letter

Rukmini ji is a resident of Vidarbha, Amravati. Her father’s name is Hiranyaroman, also called Bhishmaka. He has five sons and one daughter. The eldest among five sons is Rukmi; then Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesa and Rukmamali and the youngest is Rukmini ji. When Nārada Muni was glorifying Lord Krsna among Bhishmaka, his wife, five sons and Rukmini ji, Bhishmaka became very happy listening to the glories of Sri Krsna as every father would want a handsome groom for his daughter and Sri Krsna is the most beautiful and handsome in the three worlds. His wife also wanted her daughter Rukmini to get married to Sri Krsna. His four younger sons also wanted the same as Rukmini was very dear to all. Bhishmaka decided to get his daughter married to Sri Krsna but as soon as Rukmi, his eldest son and Rukmini’s eldest brother heard this, he got very angry. He said that Sri Krsna is the greatest thief. He won’t let his sister get married to Him. Then Bhishmaka ji asked him the reason for his denial as Sri Krsna has everything. He is beautiful, wealthy, knowledgeable, etc. Every parent must see two things before getting their daughter married. First, the behavior and character of the person and second, the capability of that person to run a household; in other words how wealthy he is. All these things are present in the Lord. That’s why Bhishmaka ji was in favor of this marriage. But Rukmi was not. On asking the reason for his denial, he said, “Krsna is a thief. He had stolen everything He has now in Dwarka. He further added that Krsna has no strength as He was unable to kill Kalayavana. He took help of a Mahatma to kill him whose name was Mukund and after the demon was killed, Krsna stole all his wealth. Otherwise Krsna had no wealth. Therefore, I would not allow my sister to marry such a thief.” Then he advised his father to marry Rukmini with his friend whose name was Shishupal. He told him that Shishupal is the son of King Damaghosha and about to be a king. He is wealthy and powerful. Rukmini ji was listening to her brother Rukmi and she didn’t like what all he said and felt miserable. Then Rukmi consoled his father saying that he will arrange everything for marriage with Shishupal in 2 days. This thing bothered Rukmini ji a lot. She immediately started writing a letter. She wrote,

śrī-rukmiṇy uvāca
śrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām
akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me

 Translation

Śrī Rukmiṇī said [in her letter, as read by the brāhmaṇa]: O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your qualities, which enter the ears of those who hear and remove their bodily distress, and having also heard of Your beauty, which fulfills all the visual desires of those who see, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You, O Kṛṣṇa. (ŚB 10.52.37)

The Lord is hearing these words of Rukmini very carefully. When the brahmanas went to Dwarka with the letter of Rukmini, the Lord became very excited to hear her out. Then a brahmana recited the letter to the Lord. The Lord reciprocated with her in His mind. He consoled Rukmini that He belongs to her now. Those who hear about the Lord and get attached to Him, the Lord becomes more attached to that person. Therefore, if we want the Lord to get attached to us, then we need to hear about Him. We can learn this from Rukmini ji.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma
Rāma Rāma Hare Hare

Hare Krsna!

19 May 2024
Pastimes of Sri Rama and Mother Sita
Speaker: HG Anantashesha prabhu

So we were hearing the description of the divine form of mother Sita. We will continue to hear the descriptions of her glories on this auspicious occasion of Mohini Ekadashi. We shall continue with the description of Mother Sita as shared by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshman. Just like one cannot attain Sri Krsna without the mercy of Srimati Radharani similarly, one cannot attain Sri Rama without the mercy of Sri Sita devi. In the last session we heard Sri Rama is expressing his amazement.

(Ramcharitmanas Balkand 231)

Karata batakahi anuja sana mana siya rupa lobhana
Mukha saroja makaranda chabi karayi madhup iva pana

Translation: Thus Ram is talking to his younger brother, but his mind, attracted by the form of Sita, is drinking the nectar like a bumblebee in the image of her lotus face.

How mother Sita’s beauty is like that of a lotus and Sri Rama’s mind is like a bee who is continuously moving around the lotus. Mother Sita’s eyes are moving here and there looking for Sri Rama thinking ‘Where is that charming boy about whom my friends were describing and talking’.

Chitavata chakita chahu disi sita kaha gaye nrupa kisora manu chita
Jaha biloka mruga savaka naini janu taha barisa kamala sita sreni

Translation: Sita is looking around in surprise. The mind is worrying about where the prince has gone. Wherever the deer-eyed Sita looks, it seems as if rows of white lotuses rain down there.

Lata ota taba sakhinha lakhaye syamala gaura kisora suhaye
Dekhi rupa lochan lalachane harashe janu nija nidhi pahichane

Translation: Then the friends showed Sundar Shyam and Gaur Kumar behind the creeper. Seeing his beauty, his eyes were attracted; he became happy as if he had recognized his treasure.

Her friends show her from a bush, on the other side are Sri Rama and Lakshman. She is amazed and extremely happy.

Thake nayana raghupati chabi dekhe palakanahihu parihari nimeshe
Adhika sneha deha bhe bhori sarada sasihi janu chitava chakori

Translation: The eyes became astonished (immobile) after seeing the image of Raghunath. The eyelashes also stopped falling. Due to excessive affection the body became restless (uncontrollable). As if Chakori is looking at the autumn moon (fainting).

We can understand from Mother Sita’s example what the mood of a devotee should be so that even Lord Rama become forced to get attracted. The dark and the fair complexioned boys are on the other sides. Mother Sita is attracted and very happy as if she had found her long lost wealth.

She couldn’t move her eyes away from the beautiful form of the Lord. And very soon she began to manifest eight bodily transformations. All her friends are witnessing Mother Sita’s condition. She couldn’t even utter a single word.

Lochan maga ramahi ura ani dinahe palaka kapata sayani
Jab siya sakhinha premabas jani kahi na sakahi kachu mana sakuchani

Translation: Having brought Ram into her heart through her eyes, Chaturshiromani Janaki closed her eyelids (i.e. she closed her eyes and started meditating on him). When the friends came to know that Sita was in love, they were troubled in their hearts and could not say anything.

Having brought Rama into her heart through her eyes, chaturshiromani Janaki closed her eyelids (that is, she closed her eyes and started meditating on him). Later on she got married to Lord Rama. Valmiki Ramayana has given a very elaborate description of Mother Sita’s dialogues with Lord Rama prior to heading for exile. In Tulsi Das’s Ramayana there is limited description.

As soon as Mother Sita heard that Lord Rama has gone to meet Mother Kaushalya and was taking her permission to leave, immediately Mother Sita went to her room also. She paid her respectful obeisances to Mother Kaushalya. Once she was blessed by Mother Kaushalya, she began to express her grief.

Samachar tehi samaya suni siya uthi akulayi 
Jai sasu pada kamala juga bandi baithi siru nayi (57)

Translation: At the same time, after hearing this news, Sitaji Akula got up and went to her mother-in-law, worshiped both her lotus feet and sat down with her head bowed.

She said, the owner of my life is going to the forest. Now who will accompany Lord Rama to the forest? Just my life or my body along with my life.

Chalana chahat bana jivananathu kehi sukruti sana hoihi sathu
Ki tanu pran ki kevala prana bidhi karatabu kachu jai na jana (2)

Translation: Jeevanath (Prannath) wants to walk in the forest. Let us see which virtuous person will accompany them – will both body and soul accompany them or will only the soul accompany them? Nothing is known about the actions of the Creator.

Mother Sita is standing with her eyes looking at the ground and she was scratching the ground with her toe nails.

charu charan nakha lekhati dharani nupur mukhar madhur kabi barani
Manahu prem basa binati karahi hamahi siya pada jani pariharahi (3)

Translation: Sitaji is scratching the earth with the nails of her beautiful feet. While doing this, the poet describes the sweet words of the Nupurs in such a way that it seems as if the Nupurs, under the influence of love, are requesting that Sitaji’s feet should never abandon them.

While she was moving her feet in such a way, then her anklets were making sound as if they were saying something. The ornaments were thinking now its time to leave for the forest and Mother Sita will give away all the ornaments and expensive dresses. Anklets were thinking, will Mother Sita take me along with her or will she renounce me too?

Then Mother Kaushalya told Lord Rama, your good wife is very dear to all of us. She is very well behaved.

Manju bilochana mochati bari boli dekhi rama mahatari
Tata sunahu siya sukumari sasa sasura parijanahi piari (4)

Translation: Sitaji is shedding tears from her beautiful eyes. Seeing his condition, Shri Ramji’s mother Kausalyaji said – Oh father! Listen, Sita is very beautiful and is loved by her mother-in-law, father-in-law and all her relatives.

Pita janaka bhupala mani sasur bhanukula bhanu
Pati raghukula kairava bipina bidhu guna rupa nidhanu (58)

Translation: Her father Janakji is the crown of kings, her father-in-law is the Sun of the Surya clan and her husband is the moon that feeds the Kumudvan of the Surya clan and is the storehouse of qualities and form.

Mai puni putrabadhu priya payi rupa rasi guna sila suhayi
Nayana putari kari priti badhai rakheyu prana janakihi layi (1)

Translation: Then I have got a lovely daughter-in-law with good looks, beautiful qualities and modesty. I have increased my love for her (Janaki) by making her the apple of my eyes and have dedicated my life to her.

Kalapabeli jimi bahubidhi lali sichi saneha salila pratipali
Phulata phalata bhayau bidhi bama jani na jai kaha parinama (2)

Translation: Like Kalpalata, I have nurtured them in many ways with great care and affection by watering them with the water of love. Now at the time of flowering of this creeper, the Creator left. It is not known what the result will be.

Palanga pitha taji goda hindora siya na dinha pagu avani kathora
Jianamuri jimi jogavata rahau dipa bati nahi tarana kahau (3)

Translation: Sita never set foot on the hard earth except on the paryankapshtha (above the bed), the lap and the carousel. I have always been guarding them (carefully) like a life-giving herb. She never even asks me to remove the light from the lamp.

Soi siya chalana chahati bana satha ayasu kaha hoyi raghunatha
Chanda kirana rasa rasika chakori rabi rukhanayana sakayi kimi jori (4)

Translation: The same Sita now wants to go to the forest with you. Hey Raghunath! What orders does he have? How can a chakori, desiring the juice (nectar) of the moon’s rays, turn its eyes towards the sun?

Kari kehari nisichara charahi dushta jantu bana bhuri 
Bisha batika ki soha suta subhaga sajivani muri (59)

Translation: Many evil creatures like elephants, lions, demons etc. keep roaming in the forest. O son! Can the beautiful Sanjeevani herb grace the garden of poison?

Bana hita kola kirata kisori rachi biranchi bishaya sukha bhori 
Pahana krimi jimi kathin subhau tinahahi kalesu na kanana kau (1)

Translation: For the forest, Lord Brahma has created the girls of Kol and Bhils who do not know sensual pleasures and have a tough nature like stone insects. They never face any trouble in the forest.

Kei tapas tiya kanana jogu jinha tap hetu taja saba bhogu 
Siya bina basihi tata kehi bhanti chitralikhit kapi dekhi derati (2)

Translation: Or the women of ascetics are eligible to live in the forest, who have given up all pleasures for the sake of penance. O son! How will Sita, who gets scared after seeing the monkey in the picture, live in the forest?

Is the swan that wanders in the lotus forest of Devsarovar worthy of living in ponds? Considering this, I will give the same education to Janaki as per your orders.

Ehi te adhik dharamu nahi duja sadara sasu sasur pada puja
Jab jab matu karahi sudhi mori hoiha prem bikala mati bhori (3)

Translation: There is no other religion greater than worshiping (serving) the feet of mother-in-law and father-in-law with respect. Whenever mother remembers me and due to being overwhelmed with love, her mind will become innocent (she will forget herself)

Tab tab tumha kahi katha purani sundari samujhaehu mrudu bani 
Kahau subhaya sapatha sata mohi sumukhi matu hita rakhau tohi (4)

Translation: Oh beautiful! Every now and then, explain them to them by telling them old stories in a soft voice. Hey Sumukhi! I swear hundreds of times, I say this by nature that I keep you at home only for mother.

(By obeying my orders and staying at home), you get the result of following the Dharma (conduct) as per the Guru and the Vedas without any trouble, but due to stubbornness, Galav Muni and King Nahush etc. all endured troubles.

Hey Vama! If you are stubborn out of love, you will suffer as a result. The forest is very difficult (painful) and terrible. The sun, cold, rain and wind there are all very terrible. There are bushes, thorns and many pebbles on the way. One will have to walk on them without shoes. Your lotus feet are soft and beautiful and there are huge inaccessible mountains on the way.

The caves, caves (passes) of the mountains, rivers, streams and drains are so impassable and deep that one cannot even look at them. Bears, tigers, wolves, lions and elephants make terrible sounds.

One will have to sleep on the ground, wear clothes made of tree bark and eat tubers, roots and fruits. And will they also be found every day? Everything will be available only as per one’s own time.

In this way the Lord describes the difficulties of going to the forest. One who does not wholeheartedly follow the teachings of a Guru and Swami who are naturally interested in welfare, repents deeply in his heart and his welfare definitely suffers. Sitaji’s beautiful eyes filled with tears after hearing the soft and lovely words of her beloved.

Janakiji could not answer anything, she became distraught thinking that my holy and loving master wanted to leave me. By forcefully stopping the tears from the eyes, he brought Sitaji, the daughter of the earth, into his heart. Touching her mother-in-law’s feet, she folded her hands and said – O Goddess! Please forgive my extreme audacity. Pranapati has given me only those teachings which are for my ultimate benefit. But I understood in my mind that there is no sorrow in the world like separation from my husband.

Prannath karunayatana sundar sukhada sujana 
Tumha binu raghukula kumuda bidhu sunupur saman (64)

Translation: Hey Prannath! O abode of mercy! Hey beautiful! O giver of happiness! Hey Suzanne! O moon that blooms the lilies of the Raghu clan! Without you even heaven is like hell for me.

Matu pitu bhagini priya bhai priya parivaru suhrdaya samudayi 
Sasu sasura guru sajana sahayi suta sundara susila sukhadayi (1)

Translation: Mother, father, sister, loving brother, loving family, community of friends, mother-in-law, father-in-law, teacher, relatives, helpful and beautiful, well-mannered and happiness-giving son.

Hey Nath! As far as affection and relationships are concerned, a woman without a husband is more scorching than the sun. Body, wealth, house, earth, city and state, all this is a society of sorrow for a woman without a husband.

Bhoga rogasama bhushan bharu jama jatana sarisa sansaru 
Prannath tumah binu jaga mahi mo kahu sukhad katahu kucha nahi (3)

Translation: Indulgences are like diseases, ornaments are like burdens and the world is like Yama torture (pain of hell). Hey Prannath! Without you there is nothing pleasurable for me in this world.

Just like a body without a soul and a river without water, so O Lord! There is a woman without a man. Hey Nath! By being with you and seeing your face like the clear moon of autumn (full moon), I will get all the happiness. With you, birds and animals will be my relatives, forests will be cities and tree barks will be pure clothes and Parnakuti (hut made of leaves) will be the source of happiness like heaven.

Only the forest goddess and the forest goddess with a generous heart will take care of me like mother-in-law and father-in-law, and only the beautiful bed made of kusha and leaves will be like Kamadeva’s beautiful toshak with the Lord.

The tubers, roots and fruits themselves will be food like nectar and the mountains (of the forest) will be like hundreds of palaces in Ayodhya. By seeing the lotus feet of the Lord every moment, I will remain as happy as Chakvi is during the day.

You have told about many sorrows of the forest and many fears, sadness and anguish, but oh blessed one! All of them together cannot even be equal to the sorrow caused by separation from God. Knowing this in my heart, O Sujan Shiromani! You take me with you, don’t leave me here. Oh lord! What more can I request? You are compassionate and know what is inside everyone’s heart.

O humble friend! Hey beautiful! O giver of happiness! O storehouse of modesty and love! If you keep me in Ayodhya for this period (fourteen years), then know that I will not survive.

ananya-chetāḥ satataṁ yo māṁ smarati nityaśhaḥ
tasyāhaṁ sulabhaḥ pārtha nitya-yuktasya yoginaḥ (BG 8.14)

Translation: For one who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Pṛthā, because of his constant engagement in devotional service.

Mother Sita is giving such a wonderful sacrifice here. All the Ayodhya vasis are devastated by the thought that their beloved Sri Rama is going away to the forest, but they are all admiring the sacrifice of Mother Sita. In the past 3 days we could listen to a few pastimes of Mother Sita from Valmiki Ramayana and Ram Charitmanas.

Today is Mohini Ekadashi and tomorrow is Rukmini Dwadashi. In the next two days, we will be celebrating the appearance day of Rukmini devi here in Kaundanyapur, the appearance place of Rukmini devi. The first Iskcon temple in LA is of Rukmini Dwarkadhish. The first temple in IMPM, Guru Maharaj’s zone, also has Rukmini Dwarkadhish here in Amravati.

Hare Krsna.

18 May 2024
Become a Yogi instead of Bhogi
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. This holy name is also a medicine. We are providing you this medicine. This is the greatest cure of all. Thank you for inviting me and I welcome you all Yogis, you all are trying to become Yogis.

Krsna emphasizes to become yogi.

tapasvibhyo ’dhiko yogī
jñānibhyo ’pi mato ’dhikaḥ
karmibhyaśh chādhiko yogī
tasmād yogī bhavārjuna (BG 6.46)

Translation: A yogī is greater than the ascetic, greater than the empiricist and greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O Arjuna, in all circumstances, be a yogī.

This world is teaching us to become Bhogi’s(sense gratifiers). But the scriptures teach us to become yogis.

dhyayato visayan pumsah
sangas tesupajayate
sangat sanjayate kamah
kamat krodho ‘bhijayate (BG 2.62)

Translation: While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.

Yesterday when I met Ramadev Baba Ji, I told him that he is benefiting humanity at large by providing this facility of Karma Yoga. I told him that, I came here to express my gratitude towards him for this contribution.

yadā yadā hi dharmasya
glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham (BG 4.7)

Translation: Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion – at that time I descend Myself.

evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
sa kāleneha mahatā
yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa (Bg. 4.2)

Translation: This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.

When yoga is destroyed then Krsna descends.

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge (Bg. 4.8)

Translation: To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.

Krsna appears in this material world from time to time to deliver the fallen souls of this material world. Also he sends his empowered representative for this cause. Ramdev Babaji Maharaj is also one such empowered personalities.

Ayurveda is also Veda (Upaveda). It’s the vani of the Lord. Keeping our body fit is a medium to attain our ultimate goal of keeping our souls fit by connecting ourselves to the Lord. Our body is an instrument to reach our goal which is Krsna consciousness. Once in history when people used to ask, Are you okay?

Then by default it used to mean that are you situated well in connection with the Lord. When we talk about our well-being then all these three aspects must be considered – Our body, mind and soul. We should not use our healthy body to enjoy this material world. If we do that, then once again we will develop disease.

Any disease originates from our mind. dhyayato visayan pumsah(BG 2.62). When the mind contemplates on the material desires too much then we develop such disease in our body as a result.

There are 2 types of diseases – Physical Sickness and Mental Sickness.

Once I read a research paper, it said, America is on top in terms of the most diseased people in the world. I was not amazed with this report. It’s natural, a place where we have the largest number of people with enjoying propensities then definitely we will have the most diseased people there.

Krsna has innumerable names and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is the Lord himself and he has given us this means to connect with him through the chanting of this Mahamantra. Please chant this Mahamantra with me.

śrī-prahrāda uvāca
śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ
smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam
arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ
sakhyam ātma-nivedanam (SB 7.5.23)

Translation: Prahlāda Mahārāja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Viṣṇu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one’s best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words)

These 9 processes of devotional service start with hearing and then with the chanting and this will result in complete wellness.

cheto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam
shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambhdhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritasvadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate shri-krishna-sankirtanam (Shikshashtakam 1)

Translation: Glory to the Shri Krishna sankirtana (congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names), which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. That sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

Also it’s my humble request to all of you. The lifestyle you are learning here, you should carry these practices with you.

oṃ sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
sarve santu nirāmayāḥ
sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu mā kaścidduḥ khabhāgbhaveta
(Sarve Bhavantu Prayer)

Translation: May all sentient beings be at peace, may no one suffer from illness, May all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer. Om peace, peace, peace.

You should not be acting like an elephant who bathes nicely in the river, and as soon as he comes out he throws all the dirt on himself and becomes dirty again.

kvacin nivartate ’bhadrāt
kvacic carati tat punaḥ
prāyaścittam atho ’pārthaṁ
manye kuñjara-śaucavat (SB 6.1.10)

Translation: Sometimes one who is very alert so as not to commit sinful acts is victimized by sinful life again. I therefore consider this process of repeated sinning and atoning to be useless. It is like the bathing of an elephant, for an elephant cleanses itself by taking a full bath, but then throws dust over its head and body as soon as it returns to the land.

You should adapt these practices in your life and practice them on a regular basis.

Japa Talk : 16^th May 2023 Hare Krsna!

Speaker:-HG Loknath Swami Maharaja

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare! Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare!!

You all can see on the side and behind a portrait of Shri Vrindavan Das Thakur. You all can see the deities of Shri Shri Gaur Nitai and Shri Jagannath. Welcome Gate is the same place where Vrindavan Das Thakur stayed inVrindavan. These are deities served by Shri Vrindavan Das Thakur in Mamgachi, Mayapur. You can also see his scripture Shri Chaitanya Bhagwat translated into English. You can see Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is doing Kirtan. You can also see his signature in the Pandu script.

Paramdekhedukhi,parasukhesukhi

Devotees become sad when they see others sad or in misery. They become happy when they see others happy. Participants are reduced today since yesterday when we had 1500 participants.

Like Children are motivated to go to school and again the next day they need to bemotivated to go to school. You shall continue your efforts and keep this room full. Similarly, new joining devotees would be happy. I would also be happy after seeing them and Krishna will be happy too. Yashaprasadabhagwatprasado, this is our ideology.

jivedayänämerucivaisnavasevanaihachäradharmanähisunasanätana

Hear, Sanätana! Kindness to all living being staste for the holy name, and service toVaisnavas—apart from these there is no other religion. This is the theme till the next Ekadashi! This is a campaign to increase the taste in the holy name, service to Vaishnavas, and kindness to all living beings. We will do all possible efforts to increase the taste in Holy Name. To increase the taste in Holy Name, we first need to service devotees, and second,we need to show kindness to all living beings. These three are the home work or one consolidated homework i.e. taste inthe holyname, service to Vaishnavas, and kindness to all living beings.

One of our targets is driven by the increase in the holyname’ stastei. e making this conference house full. That is onething. The second thing is reciting Shikha Astakaman drecitingor remembering the 10 offenses towards Hari Naam. We all need to understand and focus on these two items i.e. understanding Shiksha Astakam and understanding 10 offences towards Holy Name. When we learn about the 10 offences it talks about the prohibition. We shall not commit these mistakes or those mistakes. Shikha Astakam talks about how shall we do the Japa i.e. We shall do the Japa with pure devotion and surrender. This is also called law or method of practicing the Holy Name. Similarly, we have Service offenses, Vaishnav offenses, and deity service offenses that come under the 10 offenses. Offenses talks about what we shall not do. These are the dos and don’ts, Yam or Niyama. There is AsthangYog and DhayanaYog which Krishna explained in the sixth chapter of the Bhagwat Gita. Asthang Yog–The first two rules of Asthang Yogis Yam and Niyam. Yam–means the work which will take us to Yam Puri. Niyam – means the regulations or methods.

satataṁkīrtayantomāṁyatantaścadṛḍha-vratāḥ

namasyantaścamāṁbhaktyānitya-yuktāupāsate [Bhagwat Gita 9.14]

Our objective is to always perform Kirtan of Holy Name. What is the work of Gopis?

smartavyaḥsatataṁviṣṇurvismartavyonajātucitsarvevidhi-niṣedhāḥsyuretayorevakiṅkarāḥ

[Bṛhat-sahasra-nāma-stotra]CCMadhya22.113

Gopis only knows two things i.e. SmartavyahsatatamVisnur – Always remember Krishna and vismartavyonajātucit–never forget and always remember Krishna. Krishna Kanahiya Lal ki Jai! Radha Shyam Sundar Ki Jai! Hare Krishna! Radhe Krishna!

ārādhyobhagavānvrajeśa-tanayastad-dhāmavṛṇdāvanaṁramyakaścidupāsanāvraja-vadhu-varga-vīryakalpita

śrīmad-bhāgavatamamalaṁpurāṇaṁpremāpum-arthomahānśrī-caitanyamahāprabhormatamidaṁtatradaraḥnaparaḥ[Caitanya-mañjusā]

[The Supreme Personality of Godhead,the son of Nanda Mahārāja,is to be worshiped along with His transcendental abode, Vṛndāvana. The most pleasing form of worship for the Lord is that which was performed by the gopīs of Vṛndāvaṇa. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the spotles sauthorityon everything, and pure love of God is the ultimate goal of life for all men. These statements, for which we have the highest regard, are the opinion of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.]

As per Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, one of the points is how shall we worship Krishna, we all shall worship Krishna similar to Gopis of Vrindavan. This is the recommendation of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. We shall always remember Krishna and never forget Krishna. Understanding Shiksha Astakam will help us to remember Krishna.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!  Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!!

When we chant this MahaMantra in the full mood of remembering Krishna. And when we avoid the offenses we will be able to do offense-free chanting of Holy Name.

aparadha-sunyaho’yelohakrishna-namakrishnamatakrishnapitakrishnadhanaprana from nadiya-godrume by Bhakti Vinod Thakur

We all need to very well understand these dos and don’ts till the next Ekadashi. We will have classes intheJapaTalkto haveadeeperunderstandingoftheShikhaAstakam.Wehaveprepared a syllabus

which will be covered by various speakers including me. I will be showing you the book which was covered during the Pad yatra. This book unfortunately is out of stock because of the high demand. Does any one of you have this book? Raise your hand in case you have.

Who all have these book can scan and distribute this book to all of you?

dadātipratigṛhṇātiguhyamākhyātipṛcchatibhuṅktebhojayatecaivaṣaḍ-vidhaṁprīti-lakṣaṇam NOI 4

This way you are going to help lots of devotees.We will not spend much time on this. If by any means it reaches you it would be very nice. Anyways padayatrapress need to reprint this book, but it will take time and you might not be able to get reprint version near soon. You can get it from Shyam Sundar Prabhuji fromVrindavan. He is one of the most intelligent and knowledgeable disciple of mine. He has compiled and written this book. We will discuss the 10 offenses and other offenses for the next 2 weeks.

mac-cittāmad-gata-prāṇābodhayantaḥparasparamkathayantaścamāṁnityaṁtuṣyanticaramantica [Bhagwat Gita 10.9]

Devotees will share their deeper understanding of these two topics and you can also share your opinion and understanding on the topic. This small thinking is actually not a small and can-do revolution in your consciousness. It can bring transformation in your behavior. We all believe that today’s you will not be there till next Ekadashi. You will be a different you after these 15 days. With these attempts Gauranga will be happy will all of you! Hari Hari!

These things are our objectives or our homework till the next Ekadashi! We will have a strong foundation in Devotion and on top of it we can build many more stories of devotion further. We can build high devotional buildings touching the skies. To have such buildings we need a strong foundation and this theme will provide the required foundation for the same.

Yam, and Niyam are the foundation of AshtangaYog. After this foundation only we can follow other asanaslikeAsana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi! If Yamand Niyam arenot stable then we will not have a stable foundation and it can lead to our destruction. We all will make our foundation very strong. This is our resolution to have a stable foundation. You all are also ready to have a strong foundation. I am proposing this resolution. Who all are ready to participate in this transformation journey? Is there anyone who is not interested in this journey, came forward?

It seems all of you are taking this resolution.

We will close this Japa talk with a discussion about Vrindavan Das Thakur’s Appearance Day. Vrindavan Das Thakur Ki Jai!

Vrindavan Das Thakur appeared at the same time as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! He was an in carnation of SrilaVyas Dev Ji! VyasDev appeared in the form of Vrindavan Das Thakur. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wasin Jagannath Puri, aftertaking Sannyasa, that time Vrindavan Das Thakur appeared in Mamgachi, Modadruma-dvipa, Nawadweep! Wedon’t know all these places. Modadruma-dvipais in between Jahnudvipa and Rudradvipa. Elder brother of Srivas Thakur, Nalin Pandit’s daughter Narayani’s sonis Vrindavan Das Thakur. Narayani was also a very special devotee.When Narayani was only 4 years, Mahaprabhu revealed his Mahaprakash pastime for 7 pahrs (21 hours). Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked Narayani to perform Kirtan during his Mahaprakash time. She performed Kirtan will full submission and involvement. She was crying and doing Kirtan. She was showcasing the eight types of devotions. Vrindavan Das Thakur was the son of such exemplified devotee Narayani. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in this material world, a complete spiritual universe appeared along with him on this earthas mentioned by Kavi Karnapura in his scripture, Gaura Ganoddesa Dipika. He mentions who from Krishna’s pastime appeared as what in Sri ChaitanyaMahaprabhu’s pastime. There he mentioned that Sri Vyas deva appeared as Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur.

Krishnaraj Kariraj Goswami was similar to Six Goswamis. He also wrote Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit. He has mentioned a lot about Vrindavan Das Thakur.

bhāgavatekṛṣṇa-līlāvarṇilāvedavyāsacaitanya-līlātevyāsa—vṛndāvanadāsa CC Ādi 11.55

Śrīla Vyāsadeva described the pastimes of Kṛṣṇain Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The Vyāsa of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu was Vṛndāvanadāsa. He is given a detailed explanation of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in his scripture Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat! He is very well qualified to remove the darkness from this world from his scripture. Earlier Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur names his scripture Sri Chaitanya Mangal. But when he came to know that Lochan Das Thakur, another spiritual master,has also written a scripture named Sri Chaitanya Mangal, then he renamed his scripture as Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat.

bhāgavateyatabhakti-siddhānterasāralikhiyāchenaiṅhājāni’ kariyāuddhāra CC Ādi 8.37

In ŚrīCaitanya-maṅgala [later known as ŚrīCaitanya-bhāgavata] ŚrīlaVṛndāvanadāsaṬhākura has given the conclusion and essence of devotional service by quoting the authoritative statements of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The way Sri Vyasadev has written Srimad Bhagwatam, similarly, Vrindavan Das Thakur has written in Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat, as mentioned by Krishna Raj Kaviraj Goswami.

manuṣyeracitenāreaichegranthadhanyavṛndāvana-dāsa-mukhevaktāśrī-caitanya CC Ādi 8.39

This scripture cannot be written by an ordinary person. The subject matter of this book is so sublime that it appears that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has personally spoken through the writings of Śrī VṛndāvanadāsaṬhākura.

vṛndāvana-dāsa-padekoṭinamaskāraaichegranthakari’teṅhotārilāsaṁsāra CC Ādi 8.40

I offermillionsofobeisances unto the lotus feetof VṛndāvanadāsaṬhākura. No one else could write such a wonderful book for the deliverance of all fallen souls. We offer our obeisances to Vrindavan Das Thakur who has given this scripture which has thecapability to overcome fallen souls from this material world. We have to study this Shri Chaitanya Bhagawat as well. Al though Srila Prabhupada has only given Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit to us. In case he had more time he could have translated Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat in English as well.

We will know the character and pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu only when we read both Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit and Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat. They complement each other. It is because the pastimes of nawadweepa re explained in detailin Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur. Only a few of these pastimes are explained by Krishnaraj Kaviraj Goswamiin Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit. Thismight be the policy Krishnaraj Kaviraj Goswami that he has either completely om it tedor written in short those pastimes which were written in detail by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur.

Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur was the councilor and was close to Sri Nityanada Prabhu. He was very educated and initiated the disciple of Sri Nityanada Prabhu. If you want to read the pastimes of Nityanand Prabhu then also you have to read the Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat. It is so because Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit has very less description of the pastimes of Nityanand Prabhu! Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur became the benevolent disciple of universal spiritual master Nityanand Prabhu. It is because of the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu he wrote this magnificent scripture Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! Hestayed here for 82 years and disappeared after that from this material world.

As Prabhupada said if you want to know me, read my books. Similarly, if we want to know Sri Vrindavan  Das Thakur you shall read his books. Prabhupada also said that I will never die and will always remain alive with my books. Certainly! Similarly, Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur is also alive with his scripture. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the gift of Sri Harinaam. Similarly, Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur, the expansion of Sri VedVyasa, has given Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat, a magnificent gift, as a gift to all of us. So we all shall read, listen and hear Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat along with Sri Chaitanya Charitamrit.

NitaiGaurPremamananda,HariHariBol!!

Date: 15 May 2024
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj 
Topic: Spread the Mercy

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj:

Hare Krishna!
Today, we have 1835 participants. In just one day, the number has reached this level. The credit goes to you all. The target is to reach 2000 by July.Butyou have increased the number by 125 in just one day.

Good Job!!
Keep up the good work. Spread the mercy.
People usually pray for themselves but Gaudiya Vaishnavas pray for the welfare of others too.

Paropakarayaidamsariram

Translation:

This body is given by God for helping others.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had said that we should make our life successful by helping others.

Of course, Many of you have worked hard.This will bring foremost joy to the Lord. It gives happiness to the Lord when he sees a person chanting Hare Krishna.

phalenaparicīyate

Translation:

one’s success or defeat in any activity is understood by its result

He will be pleased with the person chanting and also with the person who inspired this person to chant. A Gaudiya Vaishnava should be bhajanandi as well as gosthyanandi. A devotee should talk to others to tell them things for their benefit. We should preach and spread this movement.

This conference is not limited to my disciples.All the followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu or Srila Prabhupada is welcome.By this we will definitely get a profit.

They may be the disciples of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj or HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. You can invite them also. All are welcomed in this conference. When Krishna becomes pleased, then we are pleased and vice versa. Krishna’s happiness is the cause of our happiness. Laughter or happiness is contagious.When we see a person happy or laughing, we also begin to laugh. This is known as Laughter therapy.Whenever we visit Nanada Bhavan to take darshan of Little Krishna and Balaram, the Pujaris there make you hold the strings of Lord’s Craddle and ask you to laugh, they say it will give joy to Krishna.

Vaishnav Song, Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu Daya Karo More, By Srila Narottama Das Thakur:

ha ha prabhu nityananda, premanandasukhi
kripabalokana koro amiboroduhkhi

Translation:

My dear Lord Nityananda, You are always joyful in spiritual bliss. Since You always appear very happy, I
have come to You because I am most unhappy. If You kindly put Your glance over me, then I may also
become happy.

If we are unhappy, we can be happy just by seeing the joyous Krishna. When you meet others, do share some good news.Something that inspires others.Do not share the offenses and sins of others.

Nectar Of Instruction, Verse 2:

atyāhāraḥprayāsaś ca
prajalponiyamāgrahaḥ
jana-saṅgaś ca laulyaṁ ca
ṣaḍbhirbhaktirvinaśyati

Translation:

One’s devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities: (1) eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required; (2) over-endeavoring for mundane things that are very difficult to obtain; (3) talking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters; (4) practicing the scriptural rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically; (5) associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness; and (6) being greedy for mundane achievements.

You can remember and share the pastimes of Krishna and Panduranga.

BG, Verse 10.9:

mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥparasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁnityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca

Translation:

The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.

This will bring Joy to them and you will also feel joyous. Don’t forget you all are preachers. You all are the protectors and preachers of religious principles.
I named one of my disciples as “Dharmrakshak”. But this title and duty belongs to you all.
Its’s not limited to him only.

BG, Verse 4.8:
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge

Translation:
To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.

When you establish or protect Dharma then Dharma will also protect you.

Mahabharata, Vana Parva 313/128:

dharmevahatohantidharmorakshatirakshitah।
tasmaddharmonahantavyo maa no dharmohatoऽvadhit॥

Translation:

The phrase means, the one who destroys dharma, dharma destroys them, and one who protects dharma, dharma also will protect them. That’s why dharma should never be destroyed so that the destroyed dharma can never destroy us.

You might have a big list of friendsin your mobile phones, you can invite them to join the conference.
This is a zoom temple. You can invite everyone to join.
If you practice such attempts then definitely, one day you will be very happy.Good days will come for you as well as for the world. If as much as Bhagvad Gita will be distributed, Prasad will be distributed and yatras will be there.

Every Iskcon Temple is a place of pilgrimage and also you can transform your home to a place of pilgrimage.You can maintain your home in such a way that every visitor could feel connected to the Lord.

SB 1.13.10:

bhavad-vidhābhāgavatās
tīrtha-bhūtāḥsvayaṁvibho
tīrthī-kurvantitīrthāni
svāntaḥ-sthenagadābhṛtā

Translation:

My Lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage.

You can keep scriptures.You can establish Grahstha Ashrams.The place where we establish the deities and perform deity worship or Naam Sankirtan, that place is Tirtha. That is how, we can make the whole world a tirtha.

You should not just limit your life to a routine life.You should continue to swim towards the shore. These Tirthas are like the beaches or an Islands.
A drowning man feels, if somehow, he could get to theIsland, then he will be protected.We have been entrapped in this cycle of birth and death.
But now we are heading towards the end of the tunnel.We are chanting the Holyname.We are performing Naam Sankirtan.Also, we are honouring prasadam.Our hope is association of devotees. We are moving towards tirtha.
He needs to return back home back to Godhead in this life itself.
Is anyone willing to share something?
You can share some preaching reports or some realizations.

HG Shyamalangi Mata ji:

Recently, we were hearing the Glorification of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj
that he did the book distribution so nicely. We are facing some challenges with preaching in Dubai. I was wondering how to continue to preach and book distribution.

I have tried it online and send messages in the Indian Women of Dubai group. As a result, she received 100+ responses.So many ladies came to take books and to take Bhagavad Gita classes. One lady came through that group was of my society. I am seeking your blessings for the same to continue and spread the Krishna Conscious movement.

HG Purnanandi Mata ji:

At the time of Corona, you have instructed to start class on Zoom. I have started a group of 100 devotees during covid.
They read Bhagwad Gita and now they are reading SB Canto 3.
We want to read complete SB. We are preaching to the devotees in Pakistan and some of them are going to accept initiation also.

HG Ratnabhusan Prabhu Ji:

Also, we are preaching at 2 Centres. I was preaching in Chilvara for 2 years. Now HH BhaktiPrem Swami Maharaj instructed me to preach in Naya District. We have started 2 centres here. Around 45 devotees are coming to Sri Pandharpur Dham. I am seeking your blessings to serve you.

HG Madhavi Kumari Mata ji:

I am running a centre at my home.
I am also coming to Pandharpur Dham with a group of 11 devotees and 5 amongst them are going to accept initiation.Also, I am raising funds for Pandharpur Project.I am seeking your blessings to preach in the movement.

HG Madhavali Prabhu Ji:

Today we will start kids’ class for 12 kids. Many devotees are coming to Pandharpur..

HG Bilwa Mangala Thakur Prabhu Ji:

We have started a centre with the help of other senior devotees in Gangotri. Last Monday we did nagarsankirtan and aarti also. 15-20 devotees attended the very first class. Also, one mata ji accepted BG. I am seeking your blessings to preach well.

HG Dharmarakshak PrabhuJi:

I have written an email to Guru Maharaj with preaching reports. I am requesting for some assistance from your end. I am trying to preach in tribal community and running an eduacational institute for them and distributing prasadam and people are chanting Hare Krishna.

HG Vanshivadan Prabhu Ji:

We have pledged to distribute 7500 BG from the day of Akshaya Trityaas part of the Vyaspuja Offering as being a part of 75000 book distribution.

HG Lila Priya Shyama Mata ji:

As part of Guru Maharaj’s instructions, we have started a zoom temple which has 100 regular participants. I have got an opportunity to organize Disciple course at Pakistan. We are also planning to go for Padyatra.
Also we have pledged to distribute 75 BG by Guru Maharaj’s Vyaspuja as part of our offering for Guru Maharaj’s Vyaspuja.

HG Badarayan Prabhu Ji:

We are preaching at Schools. We have started a Gita Champion League here. 500 kids participate among 50 schools. We have organized a competition at Junior and Senior level.

We have distributed the prize of 5100, 2100and 1100 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd position and 25 consolation prizes are also distributed. We are organizing two summer camps also. One is from 30 may to 2 June, for small kids and another is from 3 June to 8 June.
In last 1 month, we have distributed 15 sets of SB and 10 sets of Chaitanya Charitamrita.

HG Kaunteya Prabhu Ji:

We had a very successful Rama Katha program of 9 days. We have also started many Nama Hattas. Also, a Glorification session for HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj was organized. We are also planning to preach bin various areas. We are trying to organize Vaishnavi Padayatra and we are also planning to come to Pandharpur for Vyaspuja. I am seeking your blessings for further preaching programs.

Date- 13th May 2024
Speaker – Parthasarathi Prabhu
Theme- Mind your mind

Hare Krishna! My humble obeisances to all zoom temple devotees. Today’s subject is mind. It is not easy to engage our mind in Bhakti, but with the help of Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas we can do it. As it is said in the scriptures –

samāśritā ye pada-pallava-plavaṁ
mahat-padaṁpuṇya-yaśomurāreḥ
bhavāmbudhirvatsa-padaṁparaṁpadaṁ
padaṁpadaṁ yad vipadāṁnateṣām

Translation –

For those who have accepted the boat of the lotus feet of the Lord, who is the shelter of the cosmic manifestation and is famous as Murāri, the enemy of the Mura demon, the ocean of the material world is like the water contained in a calf’s hoof-print. Their goal is paraṁpadam, Vaikuṇṭha, the place where there are no material miseries, not the place where there is danger at every step.[SB 10.14.58]

padaṁpadaṁ yad vipadāṁ,in this Kaliyuga there is problem at every step, but by the mercy of Sri Guru and vaishnavas and as said by Guru Maharaj by the mercy of parampara this ocean of material world becomes a small pond of water made by a calf’s feet, vatsa-padam. By their mercy we get the Holy name and with the strength of this Holy name we can control our mind.

As we say naman, that means it makes the mind humble. Only by the Holy name, the blessings of Vaishnavas and by offering them obeisances our mind can be humbled, controlled. Otherwise, it is very difficult. It is mentioned in various scriptures, Puranas, and also in Bhagavad Gita Lord is giving instructions to Arjuna. We will have short glimpse of those indications. Arjuna said to the Lord that I can even control the wind but I cannot control the mind. He was with the Lord, was listening the Lord, yet his mind was not controlled. Then how we can do it? We can do it only by following the instructions of the Lord. This is very important in bhakti. In morning we give time for chanting. We keep saying, ‘while chanting I am not able to focus. My mind is going here and there.’So, we will try to know about the instructions given by the Lord to Arjuna.Daily we chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare, we chant this Mantra. Mantra means that which delivers our mind. Every day we chant, remembers the Holy name in the association of devotees, online or offline.

Sub-theme: what is good, chanting or kirtan?

Sometimes devotees ask, what is good, chanting or kirtan? So chanting is for our self-benefit and kirtan is good for other’s benefit and with that we also get benefitted. We give morning time for chanting and evening time for kirtan or lecture or preaching. In other words, morning time is to take in and evening time is to give, to distribute that which we have gained, which bliss and mercy we have gained.

Bharata-bhumitehailamanusya-janmayara
janmasarthakakarikara para-upakara

Translation-

“One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people.”[CCĀdi 9.41]

So, in the morning we do chanting and, in the evening, kirtan or giving lecture. But sometimes we feel that when we chant alone, we cannot concentrate our mind. Alone we have to fight with the mind, but as we are with devotees then it becomes very easy. And in kirtan there are mrdanga, karataletc, so we can easily concentrate our mind. Both are very important. Caitanya Mahaprabhu did kirtan as well as chanting.

hari-bhakti-param hari-nama-dharam
kara-japa-karamhari-nama-param
nayanesatatampranayasru-dharam
pranamamisaci-suta-gaura-varam

Translation-

He is absorbed in devotion to Sri Hari. He maintains the chanting of the names of Hari. While chanting He counts the holy names on the fingers of His hands. He is addicted to the name of Hari. He always has tears of love welling in His eyes. I bow down to Gaura, the beautiful son of Mother Saci.[Sacisuta Astakam-3 by SarvabhaumaBhattacarya]

Sub-theme: Best way to purify the heart

Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to chant and Gosvamis also used to chant on beads. Our Acharya taught us that chanting is important and kirtan is also important. But today we will try to know more about chanting from the Bhagavad Gita and Gita Mahatmya and from Bhagavatam. So,in Gita Mahatmya there is one verse-

maline mocanampumsam, jala-snanamdine dine
sakridgitamrita-snanam, samsara-mala-nashanam

Translation-

One may cleanse himself daily by taking a bath in water, but if one takes a bath even once in the sacred Ganges water of Bhagavad-gita, for him the dirt of material life is altogether vanquished.[Gita Mahatmya by Adi Sankaracarya Text 3]

maline mocanampumsamWhen our body gets maline, dirty, then we take bath, jala-snanam dine dine, every day. Similarly, to clean our mind what we need to do? sakridgitamrita-snanam, samsara-mala-nashanam, dirt of material world though we do not want, it comes in our mind. Do this, do that, this is good, this is bad, like this the material dirt fills our mind. We have only one heart. To whom we should give it? To the Lord! Lord is everything. If we will give our heart to Him then everything else will be automatically satisfied. Yasmin tuṣṭejagattuṣṭam: if the Supreme Personality of Godhead is satisfied, everyone is satisfied.Only Lord can control our mind. Maya tries to pull our mind and Maya is Lord’s energy. Many times,Prabhupada said to his disciples, Maya is as powerful like Krsna. She is Krsna’s Maya and only by the Lord she could be conquered. So Gitamrta, or Namamrta, mantras enter through our ears, and with that samsara-mala-nashanam, the dirt which is on our brain and heart that gets cleaned out. That’s why every day the morning time, Brahma muhurata time we give for chanting of Holy names, because of that we do not get affected by the dirt of material world. Therefore, it is said that the easiest way to control the mind is Hare Krishna Mahamantra. With this Mantra our heart gets purified.

‘śraddhā’-śabde — viśvāsakahesudṛḍhaniścaya
kṛṣṇe bhakti kailesarva-karma kṛtahaya

Translation–

Śraddhā is confident, firm faith that by rendering transcendental loving service to Kṛṣṇa one automatically performs all subsidiary activities. Such faith is favorable to the discharge of devotional service.[CC Madhya 22.62]

If with niścaya, determination we will chant every day in the morning, then what happens?

nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema ‘sādhya’ kabhunaya
śravaṇādi-śuddha-cittekarayeudaya

Translation-

Pure love for Kṛṣṇa is eternally established in the hearts of the living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, this love naturally awakens.[CC Madhya 22.107]

śravaṇādi-śuddha-cittekarayeudaya, our heart gets purified and kṛṣṇe bhakti kailesarva-karma kṛtahaya. There is no need of any other activity for heart’s purification if we are chanting daily in the morning. The easiest way to control our mind is Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. And the Lord Himself said in the Bhagavad Gita-

man-manā bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yājīmāṁnamaskuru
māmevaiṣyasiyuktvaivam
ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ

Translation-

Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, offer obeisances and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.[Bg. 9.34]

Lord has given this verse, 9.34. The same verse He repeated again. We keep repeating the important things. So, the Lord repeated the first two lines, but this time He said, this is not just My opinion, but I confirm this-

manmana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaisyasisatyamte
pratijanepriyo’si me

Translation-

“Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.”[Bg. 18.65]

This is satyam te, truth. I promise you this because you are dear to Me. First, He said, man-manā, engage your mind in Me. We do that, but then various thoughts keep coming in the mind. So next time in eighteenth chapter Lord is saying, satyam, I am saying this truth and I promise you this. Lord has given this seminar to Arjuna. I am trying to give a glimpse. ‘How to control the mind.’

Sub-theme: if you act enthusiastically, enthusiasm comes automatically

Many times, we think, should I do this or not? Sometimes it is required to do it, but our mind does not get ready for that. One time, one devotee asked Prabhupada, ‘Swamiji, I do not feel to offer obeisances.’ But Prabhupada said, ‘yet you have to offer obeisances.’ Once one devotee said, ‘if you act enthusiastically, enthusiasm comes automatically.’ At least in the beginning we have to act. Then gradually this act will become fact. Our mind will react. Similarly, we have to think that whether my mind wants or not, I have to do this. As it was said by Prabhupada, khābo ki khābonāyadikhāotupauṣeif mind is thinking ‘should I eat or not’, that time better is don’t eat. If stomach is not cleaned, Jābo ki jābonāyadijāutuśauce, should I go to clean my stomach or not, then I must go. To eat or not, means no need to eat. But for cleaning the stomach, to go or not, then better we should go. And if there is question of opening mind to someone then we should open our mind in front of any right person, at right time and right place. Similarly, our mind should be cleaned. Therefore, there are mentors, guides, counselors and Siksa Gurus, Diksa Guru, so that we can open our mind to someone. Lord also tried to make Arjuna understand and Arjuna understood. Here the peace formula is given. It is given in Bhagavad Gita that peace is-

bhoktāraṁyajña-tapasāṁ
sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁsarva-bhūtānāṁ
jñātvāmāṁśāntimṛcchati

Translation-

The sages, knowing Me as the ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.[Bg. 5.29]

Lord is the ultimate enjoyer, proprietor and owner. He is everything.  And in the fifth and sixth verse of sixth chapter, sometimes Guru Maharaj has also given class on this. We will try to understand this in brief.

What is the purpose of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s incarnation?

patita-pāvana-hetutavaavatāra
mosama patita prabhu nāpāibeāra

Translation-

Your incarnation is just to reclaim the conditioned, fallen souls, but I assure You that You will not find a greater fallen soul than me. Therefore, my claim is first.[Sri Krsna Caitanya Prabhu song by Narottama Das Thakur]

Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to liberate us, but we ourselves must have to take efforts, then Caitanya Mahaprabhu will help. We have to accept that ‘O Lord I am fallen, mosama patita prabhu’. When we will endeavor then seeing our efforts Lord will be pleased and will help us, will give us Mantra. Prabhupada has given one analogy, we can see the sun with the help of light, but we cannot see even our hand in the dark. Even though we have eyes, and when there is no light, no knowledge, then we cannot see even our hand. Only by the mercy of the Lord we can see everything.

And then in the sixth chapter it is said that it is up to us whether the mind is our friend or enemy. We have to choose. It is said-

bandhurātmātmanastasya
yenātmaivātmanājitaḥ
anātmanastuśatrutve
vartetātmaivaśatruvat

Translation-

For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind will be the greatest enemy.[BG 6.6]

For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is best friend, but one who has failed to do so, for him mind is worst enemy. Therefore, it is very important toconquer the mind. But it is not easy. Arjuna has said

cañcalaṁ hi manaḥkṛṣṇa
pramāthibalavaddṛḍham
tasyāhaṁmanye
vāyorivasuduṣkaram

Translation-

The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.[Bg. 6.34]

Sub-theme: Balance and tolerance to conquer the mind

So, we have only two options, either friend or enemy. If we will conquer it then friend, if we will lose then enemy. So, Lord has given the solution. With balance and tolerance, we can do it.

jitātmanaḥpraśāntasya
paramātmāsamāhitaḥ
śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkheṣu
tathāmānāpamānayoḥ

Translation-

For one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquility. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same.[BG 6.7]

Whatever situation is there, comfortable or not, good or bad, we have to balance and tolerate. As we heard that one devotee said to Prabhupada, ‘I do not feel to offer obeisances.’Prabhupada said, first you try to do it. If you are not feeling enthusiastic then you act, then mind will react, then it will become fact.Even though you are not feeling to do it, but if you will act enthusiastically then enthusiasm will come automatically. When we will bow down and offer obeisances then it will become our habit. In this way our mind will be controlled. In the beginning we have to put our efforts, then the Lord will shower His mercy. We have to keep balance between happiness and sadness, heat and cold, honor and disrespect, good and bad, day and night. Balancing is very important. If we will not balance then we will have to tolerate. Then in next verse Lord instructs Arjuna

yatoyatoniścalati
manaścañcalamasthiram
tatas tatoniyamyaitad
ātmanyevavaśaṁnayet

Translation-

“From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the Self.” [BG 6.26]

Wherever your mind will go bring it back. And then at the end Lord gave the essence.

śrī-bhagavānuvāca
asaṁśayaṁmahā-bāho
mano durnigrahaṁcalam
abhyāsenatukaunteya
vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate

Translation-

“Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa said: O mighty-armed son of Kuntī, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment.”[BG 6.35]

There are two things, practice and renunciation. Both are very important and we must do that. You have to do practice and detachment with determination. Practice to practice. In the beginning somehow engage the body, the senses, then the effect will be seen on mind.

yena tenaprakāreṇamanaḥkṛṣṇeniveśayet
sarvevidhi-niṣedhāsyuretayorevakiṅkarāḥ

Translation-

One should fix his mind on Kṛṣṇa by any means. All the rules and prohibitions mentioned in the śāstras should be the servants of this principle.[Brs. 1.2.4]

Caitanya Mahaprabhu said-

smartavyaḥsatataṁviṣṇur
vismartavyonajātucit
sarvevidhi-niṣedhāḥsyur
etayorevakiṅkarāḥ

Translation-

Kṛṣṇa is the origin of Lord Viṣṇu. He should always be remembered and never forgotten at any time. All the rules and prohibitions mentioned in the śāstras should be the servants of these two principles.[CC Madhya 22.113]

sarvevidhi-niṣedhāḥsyuretayorevakiṅkarāḥ -All other rules and regulations are servants of this rule and what is this rule? smartavyaḥsatataṁviṣṇurvismartavyonajātucitWe have to constantly remember the Lord. Then we will never forget Him. One day Guru Maharaj said, we are Lord’s and Lord is ours. Lord become charioteer of our mind and He is our companion as well. Vaisnavas are also our guide as well as companions. Caitanya Mahaprabhu always used to say, mora mana — vṛndāvana

anyerahṛdaya — mana, mora mana — vṛndāvana,
‘mane’ ‘vane’ eka kari’ jāni
tāhāṅtomāra pada-dvaya, karāhayadiudaya,
tabetomārapūrṇakṛpāmāni

Translation-

Speaking in the mood of ŚrīmatīRādhārāṇī, Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “For most people, the mind and heart are one, but because My mind is never separated from Vṛndāvana, I consider My mind and Vṛndāvana to be one. My mind is already Vṛndāvana, and since You like Vṛndāvana, will You please place Your lotus feet there? I would deem that Your full mercy.[CC Madhya 13.137]

When we will make our mind Vrndavana, then Lord will reside there, will not go anywhere else.

So, the process of cleansing our heart begins with sravan.

nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema ‘sādhya’ kabhunaya
śravaṇādi-śuddha-cittekarayeudaya

Translation-

Pure love for Kṛṣṇa is eternally established in the hearts of living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, the living entity naturally awakens. [CC Madhya 22.107]

Sravan is at the first place in navadha bhakti. By Sravan, hearing our mind gets purified and then it becomes place of the Lord.

tomarahridoyesadagovinda-visram
govindakohena—mora vaishnavaparan

Translation-

Your heart is always the resting place of Lord Govinda, and Lord Govinda says, “The Vaishnavas are in
My heart.”[From ei-baro karuna koro vaishnava gosai-5, by Narottama Das Thakur]

Govind resides in the hearts of vaishnavas. So, if we want to give our mind to the Lord, we do give our body, we apply tilak

āmāranitāi mile nābholā mana
gaura mile na
sarāgāymākhilatilaka
gaura mile nā.

Translation-

O Lost Mind You cannot find my Lord Nityananda as well as Lord Gauranga. You have smeared
your whole body with tilak but still cannot find Gaura chaand.[Songāmāranitāi mile nā]

That we are doing. So along with body our mind will also come. Right now, it is the exam time for the mind. In the devotee association we easily pass exam of the body, but for the exam of mind we alone have to fight. Therefore, we will make this mind a devotee. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, Mora mana Vrindavan. And Gosvamis who were at Govardhan, yet they said-

he rādhevraja-devīke ca lalite he nanda-sūnokutaḥ
śrī-govardhana-kalpa-pādapa-tale kālindī-vane kutaḥ
ghoṣantāvitisarvatovraja-pure khedairmahā-vihvalau
vanderūpa-sanātanauraghu-yugauśrī-jīva-gopālakau

Translation-

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who were chanting very loudly everywhere in Vrndavana, shouting, “Queen of Vrndavana, Radharani! O Lalita! O son of Nanda Maharaja! Where are you all now? Are you just on the hill of Govardhana, or are you under the trees on the bank of the Yamuna? Where are you?” These were their moods in executing Krsna consciousness. [Sri Sad-Goswamyastakam-8, by Srinivasa Acarya]

They used to call, where are You Radharani, where are You Krishna? In one purport Prabhupada says, it is said in Amrtabindu that-

mana evamanuṣyāṇāṁ
kāraṇaṁ bandha-mokṣayoḥ
bandhāyaviṣayāsaṅgo
muktyainirviṣayaṁmanaḥ

Translation-

“For man, mind is the cause of bondage and mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage, and mind detached from the sense objects is the cause of liberation.” [ViṣṇuPurāṇa 6.7.28]

Lord Himself is saying this. Mind is the cause of bondage as well as liberation. When the mind is attached to sense gratification then it is the cause of bondage. When the mind is detached from the sense objects, then it is the cause is liberation. When our mind will be engaged in Krishna Consciousness then it will free us from material bondages. And when Lord is residing in our heart then – Mora mana Vrindavan. It is Vrndavana. Where there is Lord Krsna, that place is dham.

And what does mind do?I do not like these things. I like those things. Then what we have to do? Which things we have to accept and which things to reject? So, Sanatan Goswami says, and in the scriptures, it is given-

ānukūlyasyasaṅkalpaḥ
prātikūlyasyavarjanam
rakṣiṣyatītiviśvāso
goptṛtvevaraṇaṁtathā
ātma-nikṣepa-kārpaṇye
ṣaḍ-vidhāśaraṇāgatiḥ

 Translation-

‘The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those things favorable to devotional service, the rejection of unfavorable things, the conviction that Kṛṣṇa will give protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one’s guardian or master, full self-surrender, and humility.[Hari-bhakti-vilāsa 11.676]

Sub-theme: Sankalpa and Vikalpa

There are two things- sankalpa and vikalpa. Accept the favorable ones, reject the unfavorable. In this way gradually along with body, mind will also get surrendered. According to acharyas there are two definitions of sankalp and of vikalpa. Sankalpa means we have options, do this or that. Sankalpa means determination, I will do this; first, we should have clear vision of the decision. And then another definition is I will definitely do this. I will be ready to do this. Means preparation to take the sankalpa and then the decision. If we do not have anything in front of us then how we will do it? So, to take sankalp, there should be determination, preparation and decision. We have a seed and soil. If we will sow the seed in the soil then there will be a plant. If seed is good but soil is not good then plant will not grow. If the soil is good but seed is not good then also it is of no use. Both should be good. Balance is required. Similarly, the situation and our mind’s preparation, both should be there.

What is the definition of vikalpa? Option and efforts to reach there, to that process. There is vikalpa means there are options, we can go, and for that Sankalp is required. We have to accept what is favorable and reject unfavorable. So, in vikalpa it comes which one we have to accept and which one to reject. There are two things, determination and discrimination. There are many things. I am telling briefly. So, determination and discrimination, determination comes bymaking efforts, doing services again and again and discrimination comes with knowledge, faith, sadhana, by keeping down the false ego.

Once there was conversation between Prabhupada and Nandarani Mataji, on 11^thAugust 1976. In the morning,Prabhupada was going and Nandarani Mataji said, this is also in devotees, ‘should I accept this and reject that, do this and don’t do that’. These sankalpavikalpas are there till we have freedom. In devotees also these things are there. This sankalpavikalpas, choices come in our mind till we have freedom. So Prabhupada said, in devotees also these things are there; the old things which we have done, they still have some effect on our mind. As there are bubbles hidden somewhere in water, similarly there are thoughts hidden in our mind. We need to clean them. And this happens gradually, when we take efforts. Sometimes we do not like, we accepted that opinion because of some situation or reason, but mind is not accepting it. Therefore, in the beginning just do it, then gradually there will be cleansing, purification and then mind will accept it. Sometimes devotees get entangled in do this and don’t do that. This is because of old habits. This fan is moving. When we will switch it off, it will stop gradually. We see that it is still moving, but it is slowing down and going to stop soon. We need to keep moving ahead, then we can take the decision. So, determination comes after discrimination. Utsah, niscayaanddhairyawill take us ahead. Similarly, our mind fools us by telling do this and don’t do that. In Bhagavad Gita Lord says-

aneka-citta-vibhrāntāmoha-jāla-samāvṛtāḥ
prasaktāḥkāma-bhogeṣupatantinarake ’śucau

Translation-

Thus, perplexed by various anxieties and bound by a network of illusions, they become too strongly attached to sense enjoyment and fall down into hell.[BG 16.16]

Those who have demoniac mentality, they do not have knowledge, intelligence, discrimination, so their mind remains in anxiety, illusion and gets affected to sense objects. So, what is the solution?

vyavasāyātmikābuddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-śākhāhyanantāś ca
buddhayo ’vyavasāyinām

Translation-

Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched.[BG 2.41]

Those who are determined, they have one fix goal, to attain Lord’s devotional service, Lord’s devotees and the Lord. All three things, Bhagavan, Bhakti and Bhakta. It is known as prayojana, sambandha andabhidheya. After starting the process, we will automatically attain prayojan. One-timePrabhupada said, ‘Krishna consciousness is successful, it drags one to success.’ For that we have to tie ourselves with the rope of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare. We have only one goal and that is Lord. Lord says to Arjuna, O Kurunandana, you are one of the Kurus, but your intelligence is fixed, determined and not divided in many branches. EkehaKurunandana, you have only one goal. So, surrender! We do not have to divide in two different branches. We should have one goal. Get up in the morning and do chanting, then rest things will gradually fall in place. So many questions are asked regarding mind.

yatatohyapikaunteyapuruṣasyavipaścitaḥ
indriyāṇipramāthīniharantiprasabhaṁmanaḥ

Translation-

The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them.[Bg. 2.60]

Senses are so strong that it carries away even the intelligent person. Then what is the solution?

tānisarvāṇisaṁyamyayuktaāsīta mat-paraḥ
vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇitasyaprajñāpratiṣṭhitā

Translation-

One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.[Bg. 2.61]

So, first we have to engage our senses in the service of the Lord and mind will also get engaged. But if we cannot engage our senses then engage mind, senses will follow. There is a ladder, first sense objects, then senses, then mind and then intelligence. Gradually we have to progress.

Avanti Brahmana gave one definition. He said, this mind is the biggest problem and one who will control it will havesthir buddhi, absolute determination. This is given in Bhagavatam.

dvijauvāca

nāyaṁjano me sukha-duḥkha-hetur
nadevatātmāgraha-karma-kālāḥ
manaḥparaṁkāraṇamāmananti
saṁsāra-cakraṁparivartayedyat

Translation-

The brāhmaṇa said: These people are not the cause of my happiness and distress. Neither are the demigods, my own body, the planets, my past work, or time. Rather, it is the mind alone that causes happiness and distress and perpetuates the rotation of material life.[ŚB 11.23.42]

Mind is the cause of all problems.

mana evamanuṣyāṇāṁ
kāraṇaṁ bandha-mokṣayoḥ
bandhāyaviṣayāsaṅgo
muktyainirviṣayaṁmanaḥ

Translation-

“For man, mind is the cause of bondage and mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage, and mind detached from the sense objects is the cause of liberation.” [ViṣṇuPurāṇa 6.7.28]

These are my bondages but I will cross over it by being engaged in the services, by keeping hold of Krishna’s lotus feet. Then there is sannyasa mantra-

etāṁsaāsthāyaparātma-niṣṭhām
adhyāsitāṁpūrvatamairmaharṣibhiḥ
ahaṁtariṣyāmiduranta-pāraṁ
tamomukundāṅghri-niṣevayaiva

Translation-

I shall cross over the insurmountable ocean of nescience by being firmly fixed in the service of the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. This was approved by the previous ācāryas, who were fixed in firm devotion to the Lord, Paramātmā, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.[ŚB 11.23.57]

This is approved by the acharyas who were fixed in the service of Krishna. We are not the only one who are fighting against mind.

vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhā man-mayāmāmupāśritāḥ
bahavojñāna-tapasāpūtā mad-bhāvamāgatāḥ

Translation-

Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me – and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me. [Bg. 4.10]

Many acharyas have gone back to the Godhead after purifying their minds. There are many examples. We are not only one and if we will remain alone then we cannot win the mind. Thinking feeling and willing are the functions of the mind. Mind thinks and it is having feelings. It keeps on trying to know more and it always stays in all three times, past, present and future. So, we do not have to think what happened on the past. We just have to accept it. And we do not have to worry what will happen in future. We have to remain in present and think where am I, what am I doing. Then only we can save ourselves.

We can have self-realization. Past is gone. When future will come don’t know. Right now, present is in hand and we have to act accordingly. At present some devotees are having bead bags in their hands. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare. In present we have to win over the mind. Bhakti Vinod Thakur said, in the morning we have to beat our mind with shoes and in the evening, we should beat our mind with broom. Then we will win. This is philosophy. To beat with shoes means have to chant and read, it is same like beating with shoes. And in the evening, all dust will be accumulated. So, we need to clean it with broom. In the morning sometimes mind becomes hard. So have to beat it with shoes. That means have to wake up early and start chanting.

This mind always keeps on increasing the problems. If the problem is small then the mind makes it very big. It always keeps on imagining. What if this will happen, what is this will not happen? It gets stuck in favorable, unfavorable, sankalpa, vikalpa, etc. And then sometimes due to lack of devotee association and determination we miss many opportunities. Because there is no knowledge, no proper understanding of philosophy, then we do not understand the reality and miss the opportunity.

That’s the problem. He doesn’t understand. It magnifies the problem. If a small child gets hurt, he started to cry, mummy! But mother says, no problem, dear, it’s not big thing. So, we need to teach our mind also like a child. This is the time of chanting. I am with the devotees in temple. Like that. Then imagine the pleasure! Mind tries to imagine pleasure in sense gratification. For example, a prostitute imagines pleasure in her work, but that is not true. She just imagines. We have to make the mind understand, not to magnify the problem.

It neglects the opportunity. Monkey always keeps on postponing the work of making a house. I will it next time. Right now, it is raining, so I will construct it afterwards. Now it’s summer, no need of house. Like that he keeps on postponing. So, if we will keep on neglecting the opportunities then we will roam like a monkey.

Then comes reality. In the cinema theatre people gets absorbed in the movie due to darkness. But as soon as there comes light they realize the reality. Therefore, we need to understand the reality with the help of Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam and the devotees. Mind your mind! We can control our mind. And in Bhagavad Gita solution is given. So, we must conquer the mind, but how to do that? With the help of mantra, man trayateiti mantra, one which controls the mind.

One last formula I will tell you. Accept, tolerate and go on. If we will listen then we will improve and if we will read then we will progress. So, we should keep on chanting and by the mercy of Lord, Guru and vaishnavas we should control the mind.

Thank you.

Sub-theme: Questions and answers

Question by Mitravrnda Rani Mataji- Hare Krishna Prabhuji. Prabhuji sometimes we get fully focused while chanting. We feel that there is only Krishna and me. But sometimes we cannot focus at all. When we chant without focus, then will it be of any use?

Answer- Yes Mataji, in this world there is always duality. Sometimes we can focus and sometimes we cannot. The senior devotees always think about the Lord. But we, in case of a house wife, we think this needs to wash and this news to do; if we are working in bank, then we will think about from whom to get money and all. So, mind will keep on running here and there. We need to endeavor. Yato yatoniscalati, wherever it will go, we have to bring out back. From many births, life times, mind is doing this same job of running here and there. It will not come on the path of devotion so easily. We have to keep walking on this path. Gradually we will achieve the goal. One day we will be successful. Right now, we are not on pure stage. When we will be on pure stage, then our mind will be focused on one goal and there won’t be many branches, bahu sakha. To clean the house completely we need time. It is not work of a day. Brooming, mopping, cleaning every cupboard and so many things are there. This is not work of one day. But we should keep on doing it. One day out will get cleansed completely.

Question by Damodar Priya Mataji –Prabhuji, I do not want to do any offence but unknowingly I commit offence. Like in mind we think bad about someone, but later on we think, no we should not think like that. So, is the offence done by the mind will get counted?

Answer –Thereare many faults of Kali yuga, but there is one benefit,

kalerdoṣa-nidherājann
astihyekomahānguṇaḥ
kīrtanādevakṛṣṇasya
mukta-saṅgaḥparaṁvrajet

Translation-

My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇamahā-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.[ŚB 12.3.51]

There are so many bad things about Kaliyuga, but there is one good thing and that is kīrtanādevakṛṣṇasya. We are in Kaliyuga, there will be faults like looking at the shortcomings of others and all. As we fall down in the water, we will get wet. But we should not sit just by saying, I got wet. We have to hold the rope given by acaryas and Parampara. Hold the rope, acaryas will pull us. Kaya, manasa, vaca, first it comes in mind and then in words and then in action. So first we have to control our mind. In satyayuga, if we think bad in mind, then we have to face the result. Ahilya devi, thought in mind, but had to face the result. But in Kaliyuga, if we will think good in mind, then we will get the good result. As there is example of one brahmin, who made sweet rice in mind and in reality, his finger got burnt. If we will think bad, we will not have to face the bad result. But that doesn’t mean that we can keep on thinking bad by our mind.

Question by Ugrasen Prabhu- Hare Krishna Prabhu, Dandavat Pranam. In the morning while chanting after waking up early, we keep on thinking the services we have to do in the day. What is the solution to this?

Answer- As it is said, if morning is given for chanting, then whole day is ours. Initiated devotees should do maximum chanting in the morning. Because we get the energy. In the advertisement of Chyavanprash, he eats it in morning and then goes to school. In the school even if someone sneeze on him, he doesn’t get affected. Similarly, when we first do our chanting and then start our work, then the bad thoughts of colleagues or boss or other things will not affect us. Prabhupada has said, those who are living near temple, they must go to temple for mangal arati. Those who are not near temple, they should go to their centers. Do you want to go to Goloka? Then must have to follow all these things.

Question by Shyamala Mataji- Sometimes while cooking or chanting we think bad about any devotee, but immediately another thought comes in mind that we should not think like this. And then we start chanting. And again, we come back to that bad thought. Will this give bad result?

Answer- Dirt is dirt, whether it is small or big. Have to clean it. One sannyasi said, in our mind also bad thoughts come. But we immediately conquer over them with the help of intelligence. Small child will try to put finger in fan, we will immediately stop him. Similarly, when bad thoughts come in our mind, immediately we should start chanting loudly. Mind will become alert. Therefore, we chant loudly. Once I asked Guru Maharaj, many thoughts are coming in mind while chanting. So, Maharaj said, ‘thought about chanting; do not chant the thoughts.’ So, this is important.

Question by Panchali Mataji- Prabhuji, you said in the morning we chant for our own benefit and in the evening, we do kirtan to benefit others. I liked it. At least we are giving something to others. Prabhuji my question is even one round we can not keep full focus. What to do?

Answer- Why Prabhupada said 16 rounds and not one round? One pure name can take us back to Godhead. But we can not chant that pure name as our mind is very flickering. In Hare Krsna Mantra also there are only three words. Hare, Krsna and Rama! We do not chant Hare HareHare, but in between comes Krsna and then Rama. So, the mind gets focused. In the beginning to drive bike we get afraid, but by practice we becomes expert. In the beginning we say to new devotees, very good you did one round. Because in the beginning one round is also very difficult. Appreciation is required in the beginning. So, Prabhupada said 16 rounds. By throwing many stones, at least one will hit the target, similarly by chanting 16 rounds, we will chant at least one pure name.

Hare Krishna!

12 May 2024
HH Krsna Chaitanaya Swami Maharaj
Glories of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj

It has been a very difficult week for all of us. We have been suffering from the disappearance of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. We are feeling the pain of his disciples that are suffering from the loss of the physical presence of their guru Maharaj. We are praying that we can all stay together as ISKCON family members and continue serving the Srila Prabhupad’s mission together. At the same time we have been blessed with the wonderful opportunity to hear the glories of HH Krsna Goswami Maharaj and that has been very purifying on our parts. And this is very nourishing for our spiritual lives. So our mouth should always be filled with the glories of the devotees. On this day I will also say a few words trying to glorify HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. Today is also the appearance day, Vyas Puja of HH Kadamb Kanan Maharaj. Here I am staying in Australia and devotees are having a big celebration, they are celebrating the vyas puja. I agree with the devotees in Australia that I would come online and glorify HH Kadamb Kanan Swami Maharaj. So at the same time I am speaking, I am on my laptop and will join the Zoom meeting to share the glories of HH Kadamb Kanan Maharaj at the Vyas puja celebration.

It is very important to glorify the devotees. Lord Chaitanaya said that when we glorify devotees, it’s like nectar and when we blaspheme devotees it is like poison. So we should always fill our mouths with the glories of the devotees, that’s the nectar that will neutralize the poison that we may have spoken of blaspheme of the devotees. And we see an example of this in the life of wonderful Srila Prabhupad’s disciples Jai Nandan Thakur. Jai Nandan Prabhu whenever he heard anyone criticizing or blaspheme any devotee he would immediately leave that place. We should take his example. Because if someone is criticizing a devotee and we are also hearing that then we also become implicated in the aparadha. How can somebody speak blaspheme if he has no one to talk to. So in this way if we give someone an opportunity we also become implicated in the aparadha. We should take every opportunity to glorify the devotees.

When a devotee disappears from this world like HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj has disappeared, it’s an opportunity for us to glorify him. And when a devotee appears in this world, that is also an opportunity to glorify him. So today is the most auspicious appearance day of HH Kadamb Kanan Maharaj. Kadamb Kanan Maharaj is a very dear disciple of HH Jai Advait Swami Maharaj, a very beloved and grand disciple of Srila Prabhupada.

And now we are also addressing the devotees here in Australia, there is a joint another zoom group. They have physically gathered together and celebrating the Vyas puja of HH Kadamb Kanan Swami Maharaj.

I meet first Kadamb Kanan Maharaj when he was a Krsna Balrama temple president. He was doing Gaura aarti, he was chanting for three hours from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Sunday with the gurukul boys. He will be covered with sweat and perspiration. He will just be shining with wonderful effulgence and smiling happily. And he would say I have sing for two hours just to get warmed up to start to sing. So this was one of the qualities of HH Kadamb Kanan Maharaj that I most appreciated with his taste for kirtan, enthusiasm for kirtan, powerful kirtan that would knock the heart of all the devotees. When I was a Bhakti Vaibhav student in Mayapur, Maharaj took all the bhakta vaibhav students on a parikarma and we went to Mayapur modadrumdwipa. We had a wonderful kirtan for more than one hour. Everyone was dancing and jumping and flying there.

Another time after Maharaj has taken sanyasa, I was traveling with HH Lok Nath Swami Maharaj and we met Maharaj in Paris. He was so serious about chanting his japa that he woke up at 1 o’clock in the morning before traveling because he said “I don’t like to chant japa when I travel therefore I have to chant all my japa before I have to leave for my journey”.

When I was a sanyasa candidate, Maharaj was on the sanyasa committee, he said that “because you stay at Chowpati in Bombay for two years, it means you are very serious. So I am going to give you my recommendation”. He inspired me and persuaded me for sanyasa.

The last time I met Maharaj, it was in kartik in Vrindavan, just before he was leaving his body. We were sitting together for Srimad Bhagvatam class and HH Jai Advait Swami was giving the class. At the end Maharaj asked “are there any questions?” and I had a question but then I was a little shy. Then HH Kadamb Kanan Maharaj said “don’t be shy, ask your question”. In this way I gained the understanding that we should be bold – preaching boldly and practicing boldly, sincerely and strongly. The last time I met Maharaj he was doing kirtan at the MVT kirtan-mela in Vrindavan. After the kirtan we got together and he shared with me that … He was persuading me to preach in New York City. Because New York City is a very dear project of Kadamb Kanan Maharaj. On his Vyasa puja I offered the prayers that he can empower me with his enthusiasm to practice and preach Krsna consciousness. HH Kadamb Kanan Swami Maharaj ki Jai…Sila Prabhupad ki Jai…I thank you those devotees in Australia.

Now I am back to Zoom temple, where I will speak of my memories and the glories of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. I came to India in 1992 in Delhi, East of Kailash, I was staying with guru Maharaj. At that time the New Delhi temple construction had not yet started. I was going for morning program every day in the temple and HH Gopal Krsna Maharaj was there many times. I received a lot of spiritual encouragement and enthusiasm from him. He used to chant his japa session very enthusiastically. He would walk back and forth from one end of the room into another and chanting strongly and very loudly like a lion. In those days I used to chant Harinam sankirtan with my kartals, walking to the temple and then back to our ashram and Gopal Krsna Maharaj said “very good, keep it up, keep it up”.

In 2000’s I had a chance to do some seva with Maharaj with some presentations. We co-presented two presentations. One was ICC (ISKCON India Continental Committee) presentation about the GBC resolutions. I met Maharaj in his room in the Delhi temple and we sat together. We decided how we would share the presentation. We took some prasadam together and then we made the presentation together. Maharaj is a very strong presenter; he is very enthusiastic and he is very focused. The second presentation we made was in Mayapur, we both attended one course. The leadership course (the spiritual leadership course in ISKCON). This course is compulsory for all gurus in ISKCON. Even though he was alredy very experienced guru, Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj decided that I will take this course. That is how we were batch mates. The teacher said to divide all the students into teams of two each. He and I were teamed together. We had to make one topic about spiritual life and we sat together almost one hour for preparing the presentation. I felt so fortunate because it is difficult to get one hour with Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj without the phone ringing. And when we made the presentation Maharaj was the leader and he presented most of it and I presented some of it.

Around 2016, I was sitting in East of Kailash temple chanting my japa, Gopal Krsna Maharaj called me and said “Why don’t you take sanyasa”. He said “You like to travel, you like to preach, you should take sanyasa” So I said “I don’t know if I am qualified” He said “You should do it”. So he was the first senior devotee to encourage me to take sanyasa. If he had not come up to me that day, maybe I would not be a sanyasi today. So I owe it to you that – HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj.

As guru Maharaj mentioned this morning, they were very close – friends, brothers, buddies. They did the service together for more than 14 years. HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj gave guru Maharaj the greatest gifts. He gave him wonderful services; he made him temple president in Delhi. He made him regional secretary in Maharashtra.

In the accomplishments of Gopal Krsna Maharaj, his scores are just incredible – 18 temples in Delhi, he was instrumental in helping guru Maharaj complete the Noida temple. He was a BBT trustee, he did so much book distribution – Delhi’s book distribution is incredible and book publishing. He made so many devotees. He really encouraged book distribution. One time a devotee told me that he would go and book distribution to a big factory. HH Gopal Krsna Goswami would go any time, 24 hrs. If a devotee called him “Guru Maharaj please preach this person to take books, he is in a big factory, they can take thousands of books” then Gopal Krsna Maharaj would come, get up any time, go and facilitate the book distribution. Any time, any place any situation Gopal Krsna was always ready for prachar.

I am here in Australia, the devotees here just got a new land to build new temple after so many years. As devotees soke to Gopal Krsna Maharaj a few months ago. Gopal Krsna Maharaj said “Would you like me to come to Australia and help you with the fund raising”. This is when Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj could barely walk and barely move and he was so enthusiastic to assist the devotees around the world to preach Krsna consciousness. So we are praying at the lotus feet of Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj that we too can get some drop of the mercy, of the enthusiasm that he has for spreading Krsna Consciousness. And we also pray to his disciples, followers, friends, well wishers that we can be of some service to them. If there is any service that we can do for them, please let us know and we are eager to serve them with all compassion.

I have made something of Jai Lila Prem Dhan that I would like to share and then conclude today’s session.

11 May 2024
Krsna provides intelligence
Speaker: HG Vedanta Chaitanya Prabhu

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj: Hare Krsna. Rub sandalwood, prepare paste and apply it on the beautiful form of the Lord. It enhances the beauty of the Lord multi-fold. There was a saint. He was performing yoga asanas and he was lamenting that, I passed my life without chanting the holy name of the Lord. Yesterday we celebrated Akshay Tritiya. I had initiated a disciple on Akshay Tritiya.

And I named her as Akshay Tritiya devi dasi. I received a letter from her in appreciation that I accepted her as my disciple and gave her the name “Akshay Tritiya”. I remembered her yesterday.

This is how Paramatma inspired her to write and express this gratitude. Paramatma acted as witness and he inspired Akshay Tritiya devi dasi to contact me and he reminded me of her also. She is present in this conference. Keep chanting.

HG Vedanta Chaitanya Prabhu: Please accept my humble obeisances. As Guru Maharaj shared his realization, in relation to the same context once HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj shared that there is a spiritual communication channel between the spiritual master and disciple. It’s beyond our material conception. That’s why we can’t apply much logic in spiritual concepts.

When we water the root, the complete tree gets nourished. Similarly when we worship Krsna, all the other demigods and living entities are satisfied. As a tree and its leaves get dried up when the root is not watered, similarly if we do not practice Krsna consciousness, then our soul will die.

Only a spiritually potent person can understand the creation of the creator Krsna. Rathangpane – this is a name given to Krsna, when he held the chariot  wheel in order to kill Bhishma dev. A person who worships Krsna without any reservation. Amayaya means without any reservation. We should serve Krsna consistently and without any other motivation.

anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ
jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu-
śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā (CC Madhya 19.167)

Translation: When first-class devotional service develops, one must be devoid of all material desires, knowledge obtained by monistic philosophy, and fruitive action. The devotee must constantly serve Kṛṣṇa favorably, as Kṛṣṇa desires.

When Narshimha dev asked Prahlad Maharaj to ask for a boon then in response Prahlad Maharaj said , do you think I am a businessmen? Our devotional service should be unflinching. We should stick to our pledges which are made in the service to Krsna.

ādau śraddhā tataḥ sādhu-
saṅgo ’tha bhajana-kriyā
tato ’nartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt
tato niṣṭhā rucis tataḥ (CC Madhya 23.14)

Translation: In the beginning there must be faith. Then one becomes interested in associating with pure devotees. Thereafter one is initiated by the spiritual master and executes the regulative principles under his orders. Thus one is freed from all unwanted habits and becomes firmly fixed in devotional service. Thereafter, one develops taste and attachment. This is the way of sādhana-bhakti, the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles. Gradually emotions intensify, and finally there is an awakening of love. This is the gradual development of love of Godhead for the devotee interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Krsna says in the Bhagavad Gita that he awards intelligence to a person who tries to serve Krsna constantly to understand him.

teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ
bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ
yena mām upayānti te (BG 10.10)

Translation: To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.

How to understand this. Consider I want to serve you. And you don’t like to eat bitter gourd, but I am offering you bitter gourd repeatedly without considering your likes and dislikes. Then this is not favourable.

Though every living entity is serving Krsna but they are rendering this service unknowingly. As Krsna says in Bhagavad Gita, even those who are worshiping other Demigods, by default they are worshiping me only. If you like to drink mango shake then you will share instructions on how to prepare it. Similarly Krsna has shared his likes and dislikes in the scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ
yo me bhaktyā prayacchati
tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam
aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ (BG 9.26)

Translation: If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.

He is not putting an emphasis on the menu, instead he is focusing more on the intention. He is the maintainer and provider of everything. So what can we offer to the Lord. Still when we offer what the Lord himself has provided to us then we are accompanying our love with the article. And Krsna accepts that love and devotion with which it’s offered.

When Krsna accepts our services and he is pleased with our services, then it results in the destruction of all sorts of lamentations, fears and attachments.

yasyāṁ vai śrūyamāṇāyāṁ
kṛṣṇe parama-pūruṣe
bhaktir utpadyate puṁsaḥ
śoka-moha-bhayāpahā (SB 1.7.7)

Translation: Simply by giving aural reception to this Vedic literature, the feeling for loving devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, sprouts up at once to extinguish the fire of lamentation, illusion and fearfulness.

We should hear the glories of the Lord attentively and understand the favourable mood to render service to the Lord. Gradually it will result in the loss of all the lamentations, fears and attachments.

nehābhikrama-nāśo ’sti
pratyavāyo na vidyate
sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya
trāyate mahato bhayāt (BG 2.40)

Translation: In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.

Guru and Krsna are one team. Service to the spiritual master is service to Krsna and vice versa.

sa veda dhātuḥ padavīṁ parasya
duranta-vīryasya rathāṅga-pāṇeḥ
yo ’māyayā santatayānuvṛttyā
bhajeta tat-pāda-saroja-gandham (SB 1.3.38)

Translation: Only those who render unreserved, uninterrupted, favorable service unto the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa, who carries the wheel of the chariot in His hand, can know the creator of the universe in His full glory, power and transcendence.

We can take some questions as we have time.

Q :- You mentioned that Krsna gives intelligence to everyone. But we have seen many material scholars, they have crab mentality.

Ans:- There may be people, materially very intelligent but here Krsna is not talking about material intelligence. Krsna is talking about the intelligence needed to serve Krsna.

Q:- How to understand the fall downs of very sincere devotees?

Ans:- It happens due to bad association or committing offenses against the devotees which results in an increase in the material desires. We should be beware of the bad association.

asat-saṅga-tyāga, — ei vaiṣṇava-ācāra
‘strī-saṅgī’ — eka asādhu, ‘kṛṣṇābhakta’ āra (CC Madhya 22.87)

Translation: A Vaiṣṇava should always avoid the association of ordinary people. Common people are very much materially attached, especially to women. Vaiṣṇavas should also avoid the company of those who are not devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Q:- Even though we are following the process to the best of our abilities, we are unable to experience the bliss of practicing devotional service, why? It may be sentiment.

Ans:- Our understanding should be that the spiritual master knows Krsna and his likes and dislikes. So we should serve Krsna following the instructions given by our spiritual master. The devotees asked Srila Prabhupada what pleases you the most, Srila Prabhupada replied Book distribution, then we should distribute books. And that only we should do.

Hare Krsna.

Date- 10^th May 2024
Speaker- Guru Maharaj
Theme- Significance of Akshay Tritiya

Hare Krishna! Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!

om ajnäna-timirändhasya jnänänjana-saläkayä
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah!!

sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityänanda sri-advaita gadädhara sriväsädi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda!!

Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare!!

Welcome to all devotees assembled in ISKCON Noida temple and also on the zoom temple. First you are welcomed for Japa and now you are welcomed for Japa Talk. Welcome and congratulations. Today is a special day, Aksaya Tritiya Mahamahotsva ki Jai!

It is one of the three and half muhurtas. Akshay! Ksaya means destruction, reduction. There is one disease as well named as ‘Ksaya’, TB. You know what happens with that person. After getting kshaya, gradually only bones remain in the body. So this is opposite to that. A-ksaya, it does not get ksaya, diminished. It never gets reduced or diminished. Such is the importance of this day.

Sub-theme- Important events happened on Aksay Tritiya’s day

Today, means on Aksaya Trtiya day many things happened and some keeps happening. Ganga appeared on earth on this day. Ganga Maiya ki Jai! You know how much efforts Bhagirath Maharaj was doing to bring Ganga on earth from heaven. Finally on today’s day he was succeeded and Ganga came at Gomukha. Ganga arrived at the pick of Himalaya. Shivaji was sitting there. He is known as Gangadhar because he held Ganga on this head, in his jata, clustered hair. There is Kedarnath and Badrinath; so today Lord Badrinatha’s darshan opens. Their darsan gets closed during winter and opened on today.

In Jagannath Puri, the chariots of Jagannath, which are used in Rathayatra; only two times these chariots are used, while going to and coming from Gundicha mandir. So every year new chariots are prepared and today the work of chariot construction begins.

Today, Sudama was reached at Dwaraka. After long time Sudama and Krsna were met again on today. When will we meet? We are also friends. They met today, but when will we meet? One day we will also meet Krsna. When we will listen this pastime of Krsna and Sudama Milan- meeting, and when we remember the Lord, then that remembrance is nothing but meeting with the Lord. And then on today’s day, Sudama fed chipped rice to Dwarakadhish. That happened today. We have a small list with us.

On Akshaya Tritiya day, Satyayuga appeared. Whenever Satyayuga appears, then that day is Akshaya Tritiya only.

mayädhyaksena prakrthih
süyate sa-caräcaram
hetunänena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate

Translation-

This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again. [BG 9.10]

Krsna Kanhaiya Lal ki Jai! Such is the arrangement of the Lord. Every action is niyama-baddha, rule-bound, pre-planned. Lord again said-

upadrastänumantä ca
bhartä bhoktä mahesvarah
paramätmeti cäpy ukto
dehe ‘smin purusah parah

Translation-

Yet in this body there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul. [BG 13.23]

Upadrasta anumantä ca, I am the overseer and permitter. We keep on hearing that ‘Not even a leaf moves without the permission of the Lord’. Here is the proof. No admission without permission. Lord is the superintendent. See how mush accuracy is there. The day when Satyayuga begins, it is Askaya Tritiya day. Satya, Treta, Dwapar, Kali and again Satya, Treta, Dwapar, Kali. So every time Satyayuga begins on Aksaya Tritiya.

Lord has done the arrangements to make us intelligent. There are two types of personalities. One is jna and another is ajna. Together they are called as jnajna. So the jna party is the Lord Himself and His devotees. And we conditioned souls are from ajna party. So to give us knowledge, Lord –

mäyä-mugdha jivera nähi svatah krsna-jnäna
jivere krpäya kailä krsna veda-puräna

Translation-

The conditioned soul cannot revive his Krsna consciousness by his own effort. But out of causeless mercy, Lord Krsna compiled the Vedic literature and its supplements, the Puränas. [CC Madhya 20.122]

Lord in the form of Vyasadeva compiled Vedas and Puranas. Vyasadeva is Sakyavesa incarnation of the Lord. So He, Vyasadeva also started the work of his writings on Aksaya Tritiya. There is Vyasa-gufa and Ganesha-gufa, cave in Badrikarsrama. So Srila Vyasadeva dictates and Ganesha writes. This work began today. So, with the help of Vedic literatures Lord makes us intelligent.

Today is Lord Parasurama appearance day as well. We see bow and arrow in the hand of Lord Rama, but one more Rama was there and He was Parasurama, who was carrying parasu, axe in His hand. With this axe He did vinasaya ca diskritam, destroyed 21 generations of ksatriyas. He also appeared on Aksaya Tritiya.

Draupadi-vastraharan also took place today. In Hastinapur, not far from here! Duryodhan was evil minded and result of his evil mind was also bad. So today Lord provided unlimited sari to Draupadi.

Sub-theme: Whatever you possess, use that in the service of the Lord

We should perform pious activities on Aksaya Tritiya. Today is the day to become pious soul. The day for giving charities! People do shopping and all today, buying gold, properties, etc… Who knows how they are going to use that gold or property. So, you do shopping, but use that in the service of the Lord. Otherwise, you purchased gold, Ravana also did that. Buy, borrow, steal and he became Lankesha. It was city of gold. Not one or five tolas. So, wealth is known as Laxmi. She belongs to Narayana and she should be used in the service of Narayana. If we will not do that, then our situation will be same like Ravana, who wanted to enjoy Laxmi. The result of bhoga, enjoyment is only roga, diseases and then the ultimate result is death penalty. Don’t know how many times we died. punarapi janaman punarapi maranam, why there is maranam, death? Because we are punished, and what is that punishment?

mrtyuh sarva-haras cäham
udbhavas ca bhavisyatäm
kirtih srir väk ca närinäm
smrtir medhä dhrtih ksamä

Translation-

I am all-devouring death, and I am the generating principle of all that is yet to be. Among women I am fame, fortune, fine speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness and patience. [BG 10.34]

Lord says, for those evil minded people, for those materialists, I appear in the form of death and whatever money, wealth they have collected, I snatch it away. I throw them out of their homes and give them death penalty. Unfortunately we forget that this has happened with us. If we wish not to receive such punishments then whatever we have-

manasa deha geha, yo kichu mora,
arpilün tuwä pade, nanda-kisora

Translation-

My mind, my body, my home, or whatever I have got in my possession I surrender unto Your Lotus Feet, O my dear Lord, Son of Nanda Maharaja (Krishna). [Saranagati, by Bhakti Vinod Thakur]

This was the policy of Bhakti Vinod Thakur. Take a note. Bhakti Vinod Thakur was our Acharya. What was he doing? He was doing and saying– manasa deha geha, yo kichu mora, arpilün tuwä pade, nanda-kisora- whatever I possess, if we will use that in the service of the Lord then

sarva-dharmän parityajya
mäm ekam saranam vraja
aham tväm sarva-päpebhyo
moksayisyämi mä sucah

Translation-

Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear. [BG 18.66]

‘I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions’, this is Krsna’s guarantee. Lord is saying this in the essence of the Gita. Do you want to die? No, no! If you do not want to die then mäm ekam saranam vraja and then aham tväm sarva-päpebhyo moksayisyämi mä sucah, do not fear. Get free from anxieties. So today is the auspicious day. Some people try to do pious activities and all, but also remember these things.

Creation took place on today’s day. Lord is the creator. Some say, GOD, G for generation, O for operation and D for destruction. So out of that, the work of creation begins today.

Sub-theme: Lord Jagannath’s special form

Lord Jagannath gave instruction to King Indradyumna or He expressed His desire that ‘from today you celebrate Chandan-yatra’. So Indradyumna Maharaj, who was the staunch devotee of Purushottam, for him Jagannath became Jagannath. Before He was Nilamadhava and then He became Darubrahma. Daru is not wine. It is wood. It was not any ordinary wood from forest. King did arrangements for carving of the Deities from that kastha, wood. The artist who was making the deity, he carved the deity only in those forms which we can see now. He said, ‘I will do the work behind the doors. I will do it alone. Until the work is complete, no one should interrupt the work.’ But deity making work was taking much time. King was very eager. We hear that one day the sound of carving stopped. So Indradyumna Maharaj pushed opened the door, but he saw that Deities are not complete. Where is the beauty? They are ugly forms.

Then Narada Muni arrived and he said, ‘No no King. These Deities are more than complete. Not only complete, but more than complete. Do installation.’ He must have informed to the King, ‘How Lord took these forms; how in Kuruksetra Krsna, Balarama and Subhadra took the forms of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra?’ So there installation ceremony took place.

At no other place so many festivals are getting celebrated as many are celebrated in Jagannath Puri. So, there is possibility that there was no Chandan yatra festival earlier and Jagannath Baladeva inspired King Indradyumna to start it in Jagannath Puri. ‘Start this festival in Jagannath Puri for Me. These are summer days. It is very hot!’ So on today’s day Chandan Yatra began in Jagannath Puri. This took place millions of year back. So following this order of Lord Jagannath, Indradyumna Maharaj used to make sandalwood paste to apply on Jagannath. This festival starts today and will go on for 21 days. There will be special darsan in these days.

kasturi-tilakam laläta-patale vaksah-sthale kaustubham
näsägre vara-mauktikam kara-tale venuh kare kankanam
sarvänge hari-candanam su-lalitam kanthe ca muktävali
gopa-stri-parivestito vijayate gopäla-cüdä-manih

Translation-

All glories to the crest jewel of cowherd boys known as Gopal, who has a musk tilaka-mark on His forehead, the kaustubha jewel on His chest, a graceful pearl on the tip of His nose, a flute in His hand, a bracelet on His wrist, graceful sandalwood paste on all of His limbs, a necklace of pearls on His neck, and who is surrounded by a host of gopis. [Sri-gopäla-sahasra-näma, text 28]

sarvänge hari-candanam su-lalitam, graceful sandalwood paste on all of His limbs. So the same work is going on right now with Radha Govinda and Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra. Therefore today’s darsan will be little late. Is that ok? Hari Bol! What to do? But before eight o’clock for sure!

In Vrndavana Lord told Madhavendra Puri in dream, ‘I am feeling very hot. Go to Jagannath Puri. Bring sandal from there.’ So Lord gave order to Madhavendra Puri, ‘I want sandal.’ Sandal has cooling effect. That’s why in summer the snakes who are most suffered in summer days, they run to sandal trees and get themselves wrapped around these trees. It would have been better if we were like sandal. Lord would have applied us on Him.

Sub-theme: Life style of Gokula

Yashoda also used to worry. ‘Dear son, these are summer days. Take umbrella with you.’ And in the morning she applies sandalwood paste on the limbs of Krsna with her own hands. She thinks that, ‘this sandal paste will protect Lala from summer heat.’ This is vatsalya, motherly affection of Yashoda. We also get chance to express such vatsalya during these candan yatra days. So many devotees were making sandalwood paste. Yesterday our GBC chairman Guruprasad Maharaj saw many devotees are making sandalwood paste. He was appreciating. He also said that, ‘this is good, it gives little exercise’. Devotees were also sweating. We do not do that now. We do not perspire. We do not want to take efforts. Just relax! I was telling Maharaj, how I was born in a village and my mother early in the morning used to grind floor and then used to churn the yogurt, etc. etc. That was the culture in villages; the culture of Gokula. When we were small, we were cowherd boys. We used to take our cows for pasturing. There used to be buffalos and goats as well. Krsna was also cowherd boy.

krsi-vänijya-go-raksä
kusidam türyam ucyate
värtä catur-vidhä tatra
vayam go-vrttayo ‘nisam

Translation-

The occupational duties of the vaisya are conceived in four divisions: farming, commerce, cow protection and moneylending. Out of these, we as a community are always engaged in cow protection. [SB 10.24.21]

Nanda Maharaj was vaisya, the leader of vaisya. So his son, born in Gokul, same life style He was having. Now if you want to churn yogurt, then there are machines. We have machine for each work. We have machine to wash clothes. Machine works and we remain relaxed. We watch TV or internet. We do not want to run or take efforts. Don’t do efforts and get sick. Naturally in those days they used to take efforts, such was their life style. Life style of Gokul! To make sandalwood paste is also one part of Gokul’s life style. Yashoda used to do that. We can also do. Uthi Uthi Gopala, like this she used to sing to wake Krsna up. Lord has appeared in the form of Radha Govinda for the residents of Noida. Sometimes it is said, Noida- no idea. The residents of Noida can do

sri-vigrahärädhana-nitya-nänä-
srngära-tan-mandira-märjanädau
yuktasya bhaktäms ca niyunjato ‘pi
vande guroh sri-caranäravindam

Translation-

The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri Sri Rädhä and Krsna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. [Sri guru astaka by Srila Visvanätha Cakravarti Thäkura]

You are doing that. You come for Mangal Arati. The Brahmin initiated devotees cook for the Lord, do srngar of the Lord.

Sub-theme: Bhava of pure devotees (Vatsalya and sakhya)

Yashoda was cooking and today also she is cooking. This is not past, she was cooking. She is doing today also. Various dishes, kachori and sweets! What are you feeding me? Maiya I want butter. You feed Me butter. This conversation between mother and son, Kanhaiya was saying, ‘you keep me feeding other things. Why don’t you feed me butter?’ One Vraja Gopi heard this conversation while standing at the window of Nanda Bhavan. Krsna was saying, ‘I want butter. Feed me butter.’ So Suradasji writes in his song, when that Gopi heard this demand of Krsna, she thought, ‘Kanhaiya, your mother do not feed you butter, then why don’t you come to our home? And when you will come, I will be there, but I will pretend that I am not there. I will make butter available for you. Why don’t you come?’ So Suradasji writes, Krsna noted that this Gopi standing at the window of Nanda Bhavan is thinking like this and requesting Krsna in her mind. Krsna said, ‘yes yes, for sure, I will come to your home.’ So Krsna goes to her home and steals butter.

So this is the mood, bhava of Yashoda. It is named as Raganuga. And the bhakti we should do, is this Raganuga, Raga-anuga. The ideal devotees of Vraja, and the leader of Vatsalya bhakti is Yashoda and Nandababa. And not only Yashoda or Nandababa, but all elders, senior citizens have vatsalya for Krsna. So there are unlimited devotees who serve Krsna with Vatsalya bhava. Then there are also devotees with Sakhya rasa, like Lord’s friends are having Sakhya rasa. This rasa, mood, bhava or bhakti, use any word, but the feelings are same. Only names are different. So making them ideals, when we perform bhakti, following their footsteps, then it is known as Raganuga bhakti. Anuga means to follow them or do the same way the Vraja devotees do. Then that bhakti is Raga-anuga bhakti. Gaudiya vasnavaism is known for Raganuga Bhakti. These are the bhava of devotees for Krsna. ‘Krsna is helpless child, very tender’ the devotees in vatsalya rasa, the caretakers of Krsna, like Nandababa and elders think like this. So the devotees become caretakers of the Lord and Lord gets pleased when His devotees become His masters or caretakers or friends.

sakhä suddha-sakhye kare, skandhe ärohana
tumi kon bada loka,—tumi ämi sama

Translation-

My friends climb on My shoulders in pure friendship, saying, ‘What kind of big man are You? You and I are equal. [CC Adi 4.25]

Lord’s friends say, ‘Hey! What do you think you are? Game is not over. If you will leave now, then we will not play with you again. Do you understand? Tumi ami sama, we are equals.’ These are their genuine feelings. And Lord becomes pleased with this. Same thing with Vatsalya bhava and He becomes pleased also with Madhurya rasa. This is play of Bhakta bhava.

Sub-theme: Does Lord really feel hot?

What does it matter, weather it is summer, 44 degrees and all?

mad-bhayäd väti väto ‘yam
süryas tapati mad-bhayät
varsatindro dahaty agnir
mrtyus carati mad-bhayät

Translation-

It is because of My supremacy that the wind blows, out of fear of Me; the sun shines out of fear of Me, and the lord of the clouds, Indra, sends forth showers out of fear of Me. Fire burns out of fear of Me, and death goes about taking its toll out of fear of Me. [SB 3.25.42]

The sun shines out of fear of the Lord; then will the Lord be affected with that sun’s shine? There is so much energy for heating and burning in the sun.

In Bhandirvana, once there was fire. Krsna’s cows were caught in that fire. They started to cry. Krsna reached there. His friends also reached there. Friends are in anxiety. Cows are in anxiety. What does the Lord do?

sri-suka uväca
vaco nisamya krpanam
bandhünäm bhagavän harih
nimilayata mä bhaista
locanänity abhäsata

Translation-

Sukadeva Gosvämi said: Hearing these pitiful words from His friends, the Supreme Lord Krsna told them, “Just close your eyes and do not be afraid.” [SB 10.19.11]

‘Dear friends and cows close your eyes.’ You (devotees) are closing your eyes without asking. ‘mä bhaista, do not be afraid’. Do not fear, I am near, oh dear come here. So, as friends and cows closed their eyes, Lord drank the fire. Acharyas write in their commentary, Lord is saying to fire, ‘come on in’. Fire emanates from the mouth of the Lord. Svaha! Svaha! Svaha! We do in agnihotra yajna. Svaha is the name of fire’s wife. Whatever offering we do, Lord accepts it through fire, but her place is in the mouth of the Lord. This is also seen in the universal form of the Lord at Kuruksetra. All warriors were entering in the mouth of the Lord. Some were stuck in the teeth of the Lord. Fire appeared there and these warriors’ final rites were taking place in the mouth of the Lord.

So, in ‘the drinking of fire’ pastime, the Lord asked His friends and cows to close eyes, and then the Lord drank the fire. So were the limbs of the Lord burnt? Was the moustache of the Lord burnt? Lord is not having moustache, why? When does the moustache come? At the age of 20-22! But Lord does not become 20-22 years old. He always remains 16 years old. At Kuruksetra war, He was more than hundred years old, but He looked only of 16 years old. Kumar avastha, Pauganda avastha, kishor avastha, only up to this kishor avastha He reached. So, why this temperature and all will affect the Lord? Lord has said-

nainam chindanti sasträni
nainam dahati pävakah
na cainam kledayanty äpo
na sosayati märutah

Translation–

The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind. [BG 2.23]

Here Lord is talking about the soul. You are saying that I don’t want to kill anybody. Arjuna, I challenge you, go ahead and try to kill. You can not kill because problem with you is, you are considering everyone as bodies. But they are not bodies, they are spirit souls and what is the identity of the soul? The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nainam chindanti sasträni, nainam dahati pävakah, nor burned by fire, na cainam kledayanty äpo, nor moistened by water, na sosayati märutah nor withered by the wind. Earth, water, fire, and air, these are the four elements out of pancha-mahabhuta, five elements. Soul is avyayi, avinasi, never dies. It is ajar, unborn and amar, immortal.

So, when the soul cannot be cut into pieces or cannot be burn or dry, then how can the Supersoul be burn?

mamaivämso jiva-loke
jiva-bhütah sanätanah
manah-sasthänindriyäni
prakrti-sthäni karsati

Translation-

The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind. [BG 15.7]

Lord is finite and we are infinite. We are His parts and parcels. He is Saccidananda, and we are also saccidananda, as we are His parts and parcels. Sat means eternal, and cit means knowledge, and änanda means bliss. So Lord is saying to Arjuna- nainam chindanti sasträni, nainam dahati pävakah, 50 degrees or 500 degrees or 500 thousand degrees, what does it matter? It can not affect the Lord. But Yashoda is worried, and this is bhakti of Yashoda. And we also have to be like the thoughts of Yashoda or Nandababa. And we are having these thoughts but we have forgotten. We have forgotten soul. Every single person of this material world is forgotten soul, but the soul is not forgotten, but Mäyayä apahrta-jnänäh, Maya makes us forget. I look like this, this is my address, but this is not our address and the mother and father we have now are only for some limited time. We had so many mothers and fathers. Now we are Indians, who knows who we were in previous birth? There are 84 lacks species of living entities; that means so many types of bodies.

väsämsi jirnäni yathä vihäya
naväni grhnäti naro ‘paräni
tathä sariräni vihäya jirnäny
anyäni samyäti naväni dehi

Translation-

As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones. [BG 2.22]

This body is a garment. This body is compared with garment and chariot and bag and so many things. So, we wear many types of garments. King Bharat gave up his body and in next birth he became a deer.

So the bhava bhakti of Yasoda, Nandababa or of His friends, girl friends, we are also having such bhava bhakti. We are no less, but unfortunately from time immemorial we became bahirmukha and

krsna-bahirmukha hanä bhoga-vänchä kare
nikata-stha mäyä täre jäpatiyä dhare

Translation–

As soon as the living entity wants to enjoy life without Krsna, without God, immediately he comes under the clutches of mäyä. [Prema-vivarta]

When one breaks the traffic rules, he immediately gets caught by the Police, similarly when one breaks the rules of the Lord, he turns around and becomes forgotten soul.

Durlabha manava janama, how is the life? durlabha, it is very rare and Prahlad Maharaj says,

sri-prahräda uväca
kaumära äcaret präjno
dharmän bhägavatän iha
durlabham mänusam janma
tad apy adhruvam arthadam

Translation-

Prahläda Mahäräja said: One who is sufficiently intelligent should use the human form of body from the very beginning of life—in other words, from the tender age of childhood—to practice the activities of devotional service, giving up all other engagements. The human body is most rarely achieved, and although temporary like other bodies, it is meaningful because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection. [SB 7.6.1]

Sub-theme: importance of devotee association

Human life is adhruvam, temporary. Human life and all other births also are temporary. Yes they are temporary, but they are meaningful, arthadam, they have purpose, and what is that?

durlabha mänava-janama sat-sange
taroho e bhava-sindhu re

Translation-

Having obtained this rare human birth, cross over this ocean of wordly existence through the association of saintly persons. [From bhajhü re mana by Govinda das Kaviraj]

We should run towards Sat-sang. And just to make such satsanga, devotee association available, Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON, so that people from all over the world, not only Indians, but also Chinese and Japanese, Canadians, Astralians and Africans should also get the devotee association. With this intention Prabhupada established ISKCON. And when in this rare human birth we get association of the devotees,

durlabho mänuso deho
dehinäm ksana-bhangurah
taträpi durlabham manye
vaikuntha-priya-darsanam

Translation-

For the conditioned souls, the human body is most difficult to achieve, and it can be lost at any moment. But I think that even those who have achieved human life rarely gain the association of pure devotees, who are dear to the Lord of Vaikuntha. [SB 11.2.29]

To get human birth is a rare thing and more rare than that is vaikuntha-priya-darsanam, to gain the association of pure devotees, who are dear to the Lord of Vaikuntha. And when we gain both of these rare things then taroho e bhava-sindhu re, then we can cross over this ocean of wordly existence and reach from where we came. So, Lord has given this rare human birth and He also has given the rare devotee association. You are being benefited with that. You should be thanking the Lord.

uttisthata jägrata präpya varän nibodhata

Translation-

“O living entity, you are sleeping in this material world. Please get up and take advantage of your human form of life.” [Katha Upanisad 1.3.14]

Oh human being uttisthita jagrata, wake up, and varan nibodhata, understand that this human birth and this devotee association is blessings to you. When both things are gained then what comes next? Krsna prapti hoya jaha hoite, we gain Krsna and is there anything more to achieve after gaining the Lord?

Sub-theme: Feelings and thoughts of pure devotees

Lord gave darsan to Dhruva Maharaj. Lord knew that he came to Me with some desire. He was performing austerities with the desire, ‘I want such position, the topmost position.’ But when Dhruva gained the Lord and Lord said, ‘ask what you want. I am Varadaraj, the king of benedictors.’ There is Varadaraj Deity in Kanchipuram. So when Lord said, ask benediction, Dhruva Maharaj said-

sthänäbhiläsi tapasi sthito ‘ham
tväm präptavän deva-munindra-guhyam
käcam vicinvann api divya-ratnam
svämin krtärtho ‘smi varam na yäce

Translation-

“[When he was being blessed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Dhruva Mahäräja said:] ‘O my Lord, because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.’ [CC Madhya 22.42]

Dhruva Maharaj said, ‘I do not want benediction. The material position which I was seeking for is just like a piece of a glass.’ In the accident, we see so many pieces of the glasses. Does it having any value? Who cares? O there are so many pieces. We will pick one and say, ‘I got one’. Dhruva Maharaj said, ‘I was desiring for a piece of glass. I achieved you. You are everything.

aisvaryasya samagrasya
viryasya yasasah sriyah
jnäna-vairägyayos caiva
sannäm bhaga itingana

Translation-

Bhagavän, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is thus defined by Paräsara Muni as one who is full in six opulences—who has full strength, fame, wealth, knowledge, beauty, and renunciation. [Visnu Puräna 6.5.47]

You are full in six opulences. Varam na yace, I do not want anything else.’

na dhanam na janam na sundarim
kavitäm vä jagad-isa kämaye
mama janmani janmanisvare
bhavatäd bhaktir ahaituki tvayi

Translation-

O Lord of the universe, I do not desire material wealth, materialistic followers, a beautiful wife or fruitive activities described in flowery language. All I want, life after life, is unmotivated devotional service to You. [CC Antya 20.29]

Caitanya Mahaprabhu expressed these feelings. I do not want wealth, followers, wife, etc. Do you want liberation? No no, I am even ready to take birth again. All I want, life after life, is ahaituki bhakti, unmotivated devotional service. So these are the feelings of the pure devotee, which are expressed by Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Dhruva maharaj, and all devotees of Vrndavan are of such feelings. We, the souls are having these feelings, and we need to awaken them and manifest them in our life. We need to become high thinkers, ‘simple living and high thinking’.

Sub-theme: become high thinkers

I was in America, there people were telling me, ‘Swamiji Swamiji, we have adopted a new formula.’ I asked, ‘what is that formula?’ they said, ‘Its name is KISS formula.’ I said, ‘no, no, you are calling me Swamiji. Swamiji has nothing to do with kiss. Why are you telling me kiss formula?’ They said, ‘No no no Swamiji, not that kiss.’ ‘What kiss is your kiss?’ They said, ‘Keep It Simple Stupid! KISS!’ Keep it simple, don’t complicate. This is also one thought of the scriptures- simple living and high living. So we need to become high thinkers like the thoughts of pure devotees, scriptures and the Lord. Again we need to become like that. These are not new things for us. Not at all! So take such sankalpa, vow on today’s auspicious day. Take sankalpa that I will awake such bhava, like the bhava of Yashoda and Nandababa.

Sub-theme: start the beginning of the end of the Kaliyuga

In last month, for our youths there was one seminar and its name was ‘Arambha’. I add Shubh to it. So Shubharambha- good beginning! And there was one subtitle- beginning of the end of the Kali. Such motivation was given to the youth, who fortunately reached there. You do not let your children, and so they need to come secretly. You can go to watch movie, but can not go to temple. You can do sin but to do pious work is not allowed. You want to become duratma? Welcome! You want to become Mahatma? Don’t do this. Not now, you can see in old age. First do study and this and that. Postpone becoming devotee and mahatma. Give priority to other things. To become devotee, Krsna Conscious is at the bottom of the list. Who knows if you are lucky to reach that bottom?

So, it was told to those children that start the beginning of the end of Kali. You may be late to finish it, but first do the beginning. Do it from today. So, ‘the beginning of the end of the age of Kali’ this was said by me. So, when Srila Prabhupada started preaching in America, some boys and girls were coming from few months. From them Prabhupada collected few youth boys and girls and asked, can you help me to spread this Krsna Consciousness all over the world? But for that you have to follow some rules. One is you have to chant Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Then you have to study Gita, Bhagavat, eat prasadam, etc. All this is vidhi, to do’s. But there is nishedha, not to do’s and will you follow that? ‘Swamiji first tell us what is that?’

So Prabhupada said, in Kaliyuga there are four great sins. 5000 years ago Kali accepted the form and he wanted to bit and cut the cow. That time King Pariksit said, ‘I will kill you to pieces’. So, Kali said, ‘save me, forgive me’. To forgive someone is a superior thought. Anyone can punish but rarely anyone can forgive. This is also one thought or feeling. ‘Okay I forgive you. I am not killing you. Keep living.’ ‘Okay you saved me, but give some place to stay.’ That time King Pariksit said, this is from first canto, he said-

süta uväca
abhyarthitas tadä tasmai
sthänäni kalaye dadau
dyütam pänam striyah sünä
yaträdharmas catur-vidhah

Translation-

Süta Gosvämi said: Mahäräja Pariksit, thus being petitioned by the personality of Kali, gave him permission to reside in places where gambling, drinking, prostitution and animal slaughter were performed. [SB 1.17.38]

You reside where there are four types of irreligious, sinful activities- dyütam, gambling, pänam, intoxication, sünä, meat eating and striyah, illicit sex. One is vidhi and another is avidhi or avaidha, illicit, illegal sex. In Grhastha asram legal sex, you can do this much, you get license. But after crossing the parameter, it is illegal sex. So King Pariksit said, where you will find gambling, drinking, prostitution and animal slaughter, there you can live. So Kali received these four places. Once there was time when such places were very rare to find for Kali. It was the end of Dwapar Yuga. Kaliyuga was just to begin.

Okay, back to New York, when Prabhupada said, you can help me. You need to follow some rules and regulations? How many of you are ready? Raise your hands. No, no, I am not asking you. Prabhupada is asking in New York. In response American boys and girls, unanimously raise their hands and said, yes Swamiji we are ready. So it was the first incident, first group of people in the Kali yuga, in the western countries. They were taking vow against Kaliyuga. No more gambling, no more intoxication, no more meat eating, no more illicit sex! That was the beginning of the end of Kaliyuga.

Sub-theme: Do you want to be free from difficulties?

So, today’s day is very auspicious. You also have taken some vows. You can take vow to intensify those vows. When there is raining, you do not have potency to stop the rain, but you can protect yourself with umbrella. When there are thorns and stones everywhere, who knows when the road will be repaired, but you at least can wear proper shoes. Similarly we are in anxiety due to this Kali yuga, you do not even think why you are anxious, but the scriptures say

Yada mukundo bhagavan
ksamam tyaktva sva padam gatah
tad dinat kalir ayatah
sarva sadhana badhakah

Meaning- the day when Lord Mukunda left for His eternal abode, from that day kalir ayatah, Kaliyuga began. And Kaliyuga is sarva sadhana badhakah, it is the job of Kali to crate obstacles, difficulties in the sadhana of devotees. [Bhagavat mahatmya 1.65]

So, do you want to get free from the difficulties? Yes! But you do not know how to do that. No one wants to become miserable. Everyone wants to be happy. But people do not know how to become happy. Lord, Scriptures and pure devotees, for sure want to see everyone happy. Child is sick, then mother and family members want him free from sickness, but they do not know how to do that. Therefore they go to Dr, you do something. Dr knows. So, like this, we want you to be happy, and you also want to be happy,

Sarve bhavantu sukhinah
Sarve santu niramayah
Sarve bhadrani pasyanti
ma kascid duhkha bhag bhavet

Translation-

May all be happy. May all be free from illness. May all see what is auspicious. May no one suffer. [Peace formula- prayer in sanskrit]

But Lord, Lord’s devotees and scriptures know how we can be happy eternally. Not happy, but blissful! When we say happy, then the counter part is sad, but there is no counter part of bliss. After enjoying happiness, the result is sadness. If you do not want to be sad, then do not try to get material happiness. If you will seek for that happiness then you will get sadness. Happy- sad, happiness-sorrow, this will go on in this material world. No one in this material world is only happy or only sad. This is the nature of this world. It is made like that only. Therefore-

yadrcchä-läbha-santusto
dvandvätito vimatsarah
samah siddhäv asiddhau ca
krtväpi na nibadhyate

Translation-

He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions. [BG 4.22]

We need to go beyond these dualities and the way is Krsna Consciousness. That is the life of bliss. Nanda ke ghar Ananda bhayo! You experienced some bliss, some spiritual bliss, then what will be the result? Will that bliss reduce? Happiness gets reduced or destroyed, but bliss only increases.

ceto-darpana-märjanam bhava-mahä-dävägni-nirväpanam
sreyah-kairava-candrikä-vitaranam vidyä-vadhü-jivanam
änandämbudhi-vardhanam prati-padam pürnämrtäsvädanam
sarvätma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krsna-sankirtanam

Translation-

Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Krsna, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Krsna expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step. [CC Antya 20.12]

There is no question of reduction or destruction of spiritual bliss. It keeps on increasing more and more. Such blissful life is waiting for all of us. Or we can say that the person whose name is Ananda, He is waiting for us. Krsna’s one name is Ananda. That is why they were saying, Nanda ke ghar Ananda bhayo. He is the personification of bliss, ananda. He is the source of ananda. He is everything. Mama sarva deva deva!

So on today’s auspicious day take such vow, one is there should be the beginning of the end of Kali. But this is not the only one aim. Goal of life is not to become free. One who is a devotee, he is free, but he who is free, not necessarily he will be a devotee. So become devotee, as Krsna said-

man-manä bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yäji mäm namaskuru
mäm evaisyasi satyam te
pratijäne priyo ‘si me

Translation-

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. [BG 18.65]

If you will do this then-

janma karma ca me divyam
evam yo vetti tattvatah
tyaktvä deham punar janma
naiti mäm eti so ‘rjuna

Translation-

One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna. [BG 4.9]

You will attain Me and I will bring you to My eternal abode. Just remember Me while leaving your body.

Gaurapramanande Hari Hari Bol!

Japa Talk:

Vedio – Paying Homage to H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj at ISCKON Delhi by H.H Lokanath Swami Maharaj and some important announcements from the Will of H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj

Dated: 9^thMay 2024
Theme: Homage to H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj on his Tirobhav
Sub: Theme: H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj Writes in his Will

I do not have any cash, Bank deposits, lock boxes, stocks in my name all property in my zone is registered legally in ISKCON’s name except of the Rolex Watch which was gifted by Prabhupada in 1977 to me, my laptop and two mobiles. I desire this watch to be handled over to one of my disciples who had helped in serving Srila Prabhupada. I would request Krishna Priya das Prabhu who has been personally serving H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj almost for 30 years announce the name of the person and in the context of which it was done.

I would request H.H Loknath Goswami Maharaj to hand over this watch and fulfil the important element of His Will to that particular person.  I want H.G Krishna Priya Prabhu to introduce that person.

Hare Krishna this is first time when Guru Maharaj fell ill he wrote his Will and is not registered but waswritten on paper and in that will he clearly mentioned the name of the person and that devotee has done so much more since 1995, that person’s name is, none other than our H.G Ved Vays Prabhu.

In that will Maharaj has also mentioned when I go then my disciples can take shelter of H.H Loknath Swami Maharaj. Hari Bol Hari Bol,

Hari Bol. Hari Bol

Personal Servant H.G Ajay Gaurang Prabhu Speaks: This watch stoped functioning the day, Maharaj left his body. Now H.G Dashavatra Prabhu has got it rectified and is now functional. This watch was very precious of Guru Maharaj H.H. Gopal Krishna Maharaj, whenever there was Rath-yarta procession or Special functions Maharaj  would not wear it and would request  to keep it in safe custody so that it is not lost. He would request always kept it in safe custody.

Sub: Theme: Executing H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj Will – handover of the Prabhupada Watch.

H.G Krishna Priya Prabhu speaks about H.G Ved Vyas Prabhu special qualities which is not known to most of us. Why H.G Ved Vyas Prabhu was so dear to Maharaj ji and how we developed so intimate friendship with him. H.G Ved Vyas Prabhu is a big industrialist when this temple was under construction duringinitial days he helped us a lot, helped through bank to get us loan and money.

Devi Prabhu from Bombay had arranged for the Architect, when we were not able to pay him then at that time he would directly go to the Ved Vyas prabhu and get the money. One day while I was Chastising him, H.G Ved vyas Prabhu heard, he then narrated. He told me prabhu just cool down, let me tell you the shirt I am wearing is also brought with the money taken as loan from Bank my car is also brought with loan money from bank, even my all necessities of life like food, accommodation etc are dependenton that money. If we can get all these things for material comfort from bank why temple constructioncan be done from the money taken from Bank .Not only this Ved Vyas prabhu used to guide us, just go to the bank Manager Mr. Agarwal, he used to oblige us and lend money, When We used to call him he would say please come and take this some additional money. We have seen so much of miracle this is all due to blessings of Sri Radha Parthasarthi Deities, they are very special as Srila Prabhupada had himself brought them.  He had told if you pray this deity, you will see lot of miracles. One of the miracle was getting a Gem like H.G Vedvyas Prabhu.

We are all proud of him he had done so much for ISCKON and many god brothers. One of his qualities is that he cannot say no to anyone. In case you need his help in assisting you in getting loan from the bank he will somehow get it done for you.

Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai

Nitya Lila Pravisht Srila H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj Ki Jai

A.C Bhakti Vedanta Srila Prabhu Pada ki Jai

H.H Lokanath Goswami Maharaj Ki Jai

H.H Lokanath Guru Maharaj Speaks:

Please accept my Pranamas .

Vanch KalpatruVakshakripasindhuevacha
(jaya) sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityananda
sri-advaitagadadharasrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare – Hare Rama, Hare Rama Rama Rama, Hare Hare

You all belong to Gopal Krisna Maharaj and he was mine too.

Gopal Krishna Goswami Tirobhav Tithi ki Jai. This is a challenge to observe this occasion, in front of all us and for me too. In his association we have been working and there are other teams also. But I and Gopal Krishna Maharaj always worked as a team. Now in that H.H Gopal krishna Maharaj is not with us now. In this situation our mind is feeling the separation of that person, This TirobhavThithi is anoccasion of grief as well as happiness. As we know this through the song

je āniloprema-dhanakoruṇāpracur

heno prabhu kothāgelā Sri Gopal Krishna Gosai Maharaj

It is mixed feeling of separation and happiness. They enter into Leela of Personality of Godhead. Then it becomes reason for our happiness. For last so many years when he was in Canada. He was quite responsible person and hence Srila Prabhupada asked him to come to India and become GBC of entire India.

He did everything for it from 1975 till few days back. We lived and served Srila Prabhupada together. Gopal Krishna Maharaj was in Mumbai, when I took Sanyas, I wanted to travel as one of our God brother Hans Dutt Maharaj had brought some German Buses and wanted to do some travelling and preaching. Hans Dutt Maharaj also wanted me to be part of that team and I also wanted to be part of that, but H.H Goaplkrishna Maharaj did not wanted to leave me, while I wanted to travel.

Then Hans Dutt Maharaj and Gopal krishnamaharaj went to Srila Prabhupada. Gopal Krishna Maharaj said that Lokanath Maharaj is key person in Bombay how can he go.Srila Prabhupada said he wants to go let him travel. I as released from cluthes, of Gopal krishna Maharaj. After that Srila Prabhu asked me to start travel in bulkcarts. Then when I was in Bombay Gopal Krishna Mahraj was thinking how can I get him back, besides being BBT Trustee. After discussing with Srila Prabhu, I was made Leader of Sankritan travelParty. So, I was again in the courtyard of Gopal Krishna Maharaj. Narda Muni book distribution party and after travelling we reached Nagpur.  We used live in MLA house that time there was no smsetc , even phones was not there.

Gopal krishna Maharaj Arrived in this MLA hostel as he had to catchup with me. Till date, I could not figure out how he came to know that we were staying in that guest house.

For Sri Radhapartasharthi there was no one to look as president as the person handling had left for other country.He asked me to go to Delhi, on 8^th July 1978 , I reached and then I was made Temple president of Sri Radha Parthasharthi Temple.

So, I was back again in the vicinity of Gopal krishnaMahraj. His presence was always pleasurable. When he was asked to come to India Srila Prabhupada in his letter had mentioned that for some timeno important temple has been opened in Delhi, you come and build temples in Delhi. It was Srila Prabhupada will to get at least 12 temples build in Delhi.

Initially Radha Parthasarthi was in Anand Niketan and then Bengali Market, Todar mal lane and then Lajpat nagar. These buildings were filled with big landlords, all land is of Gopal “ Sarvalok Maheshwara “ . But lord was residing in rented house in GK-1 ( M119). As Maharaj (H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami) was BBT Trustee, then what he did, he Purchased that house. For first time after lining in rented house, Radha parthasarthi lived in the house of its own.

Gopal Maharaj did this; he was also looking for land. He had given this assignment to me, I was visiting DDA many times was accompanied by Gopal Krishna Maharaj also, finally we got this land. We gave it name as Hare krishna hill. This hill was not in good condition, better not to speak about it.

Finally, the temple was constructed, I along with Gopal krishna Maharaj was part of it and some of you were also part of that journey. Then on inauguration Atul Bihari Vajpaee came, who had become PM just few days prior. First engagement after becoming the  PM came to open Radha Parthasarthi temple.

Right here , then gradually we got a building in Panjabi Bagh, then we sold that, Surbhi Swami  as architect Ministry of ISKCON then we brought new land – for Radha Raman lal. After it was 3^rd, 4^th , 5^th etc . Initially he was told by Srila Prabhupada to make few temples, but Maharaj maharaj made 18 temples.

Worshiping deities was his favourite pastimes. There was a vedio, have you seen it Srila Prabhupada used to say we should serve krshna how much time 24 hours as day. Gopal krishna was serving 24 * 7. Today morning I saw a vedio, Maharaj performing aarati while he is in sleep.

Maharaj is in deep sleep, he is performing aarti – first of lamp, than of chamar. All articles it went for several minutes. Hari Hari.

He was totally absorbed in Krsna, serving Srila Prabhupada and his ISCKON. I do not know any other hardworking leader as Gopal krishnamaharaj, full of anxiety for ISKCON. Do you know Chinta haran Temple, I used to tell him Maharaj Pray to Chinta Haran Mahadev to get relief from anxiety, even Yashoda was also praying there for Krsna. He was always in anxiety for ISKCON

His Anxiety was like meditating for ISKCON.  Such apersonality, till last moment he was with me and we cooperated. Till his last breath, in Dehradun, I was with him. When Dr’s were going to see him, I also insitedthe Guards that I have to go inside. Doctors were trying to revive the functioning of the heart, they were trying it for some time. Then since I was there, I was not able to understand if Maharaj was with us still or left. So, I one more time though to check, I was praying that do not go, stay with us. Then, to check I loudly recited Hare Krsna , then I saw Maharaj opened his mouth,  till that time he was motionless, actionless. I could see moment of his tongue he wanted to say Hare Krshna. After dometimeDoctors declared Maharaj is not with us.

He has done so much for us, whole world, Delhi and for you also. Certainly, you will be feeling that gratitude for him. We are all indebted to Gopal Krishna maharaj.

Someone had asked Prabhupada can we become free from your debt. Then he said no you cannot become free from this debt. Then after pause, he said yes you can get free from the debt. You do As I did.

If you also want to get rid of this debt so do as H.H Gopal Krsna Maharaj did. Not sure where he said that, but I am saying this on his behalf, This is even for me. No imitation but follow in his footsteps. Are you ready. Not louder. Again. I am known for long talk. I will take one more minute. IF I can do anything for you, I cannot as much as H.H Gopal Krishna did. I will be reachable and what ever help I can provide In absence for Gopal Krsna maharaj.  I will do, you can think about it.

Srila Gopal Krsna mahara ji jai

Srila Prabhupada ki jai

Srila Lokanatha Goswami maharaj

Date: 08 May 2024
Speaker: Various
Topic: Glorification of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj

HG Padmamali Prabhu Ji:

Hare Krishna!

We will hear the glorifications from the devotees joined in the zoom temple.

Firstly, we will hear the glorification done by HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj yesterday at Iskcon Vrindavan Temple.

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj:

My obeisances to the lotus feet of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj!

Some devotees are very insistent on telling how Maharaj left this world as I was the only one with Maharaj at that time. As the doctor was trying to revive his heart, I was witnessing the process. They were not succeeding. I was wondering whether Maharaj was here or not. To check I shouted- Hare Krishna! Maharaj opened his mouth widely and moved his tongue to say something. I couldn’t hear the response but I knew he responded to me with Hare Krishna. Those were his last words. In a few moments, Doctors confirm that he is no more with us.

Je anilo Prem Dhan Karuna Prachura

These are not only my words but these are your words. All are singing this Vaishnav song to express their feelings.

I could simply weep. I am going to be missing him. I thank Srila Prabhupada for giving me Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj as my Godbrother, friend. Not only his disciples, but I am also feeling separation from him. We did many services together. He arrived in 1975 in India. Although there were some ups and downs in our relationship which is natural in this material world. But we maintain unity in diversity. When Srila Prabhupada departed, we had only seven temples in India. Some days ago, I heard from Bhakta Rupa Prabhu that now we have close to 700 entities which submit their account in India. Iskcon was in survival mode. And then its revival happens and credit goes to the all members of the team but the whole credit goes to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. There is no doubt. Maharaj is known for temple openings. He initiated a number of devotees. He sold a number of books. He was the trustee of BBT. Prabhupada assigned him that duty. He was the trustee for his whole life. He was the longest GBC member in Iskcon. Prabhupada instructed him to Distribute my books. Book distribution was the most pleasing thing to Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada must be very pleased with Gopal Krishna Goswami. He was also part of Food for life. He was the big force behind TOVP Construction. There are thousands of devotees in the temple. This is the manifestation and glory of Gopal Krishna Goswami.

People used to say this is the temple of foreigners. He made it the hare krishna temple. He is deep rooted. Movement has been leading through survival to revival and through revival to trivial. They all love Gopal Krishna Maharaj.

Now I am going to say that if you love Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj then I also love you. My love is conditional. I was remembering the sentence said by Srila Prabhupada. Your love towards me will be shown how you cooperate in the services for this institution. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj would surely say it’s our responsibility to cooperate with each other to maintain whatever Iskcon has made. Bring SrilaPrabhupada Movement to another level.

We are here together to give our homage to HH Gopal krishna Goswami Maharaj. The best offering is to do what is needed for the pleasure of Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.

I remember once Srila Prabhupada asked how this movement will go fast? Giriraj Goswami was sitting near Srila Prabhupada and he said by chanting Hare Krishna and Follow four regulative principles. Of course, Srila Prabhupada agreed with the answers but not fully satisfied. Then he added an organization run with intelligence. This is the homework for all of us to maintain this organization. We don’t have to take a step back in the absence of Gopal krishna Goswami maharaj but take a step forward.

HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj has returned to Vrindavan. For the pleasure of Gauranga, Srila Prabhupada and Gopal krishna Goswami Maharaj, take some responsibility to spread the movement of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This would be the best offering ever.

All Glories to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj!

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All Glories to Krishna Balaram!

HG Acharya Prabhu Ji:

Many devotees were talking about the glories of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. Once we were in Iskcon Aravade. It was not a big temple at that time. HH Gopal Krishna Goswami was from Iskcon Nasik. There were only 8-10 devotees to welcome him. Maharaj interacts with each and every devotee. Devotees were asking him to take prasad. He said that firstly my Gaur Nitai will honor prasad and then I will take it. Devotees arranged prasadam meanwhile Maharaj was giving the lecture. After the lecture Maharaj offers garland to the small deities of Gaur nitai and offers them the prasadam.

We can see his attachment towards deities. Even in Mayapur festival time, he attended all the aarti of deities. At the time of Vraj Mandal Parikrama he always went for Chintaharan Mahadev. He used to say that there is a worry that disturbs me is Srila Prabhupada has written so many scriptures, but no one is reading them. Parikrama often held in the month of November and he gave the targets of book distribution to the devotees for December in advance. This is the dedication of Maharaj for Srila Prabhupada.

In Navadwip Parikrama, he came to the samadhi of Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj. He used to do kirtan and tell the glories of Jagannath Babaji Maharaj. Yesterday Anant Sesa Prabhu ji was telling that Maharaj has no personal bank account. He used to give the example of Jagannath Babaji Mharaj that we must try to live like him. He doesn’t take a single penny from anyone. If one gives him some donation, he feasts all the villagers with that donation.

Now he is no more with us. Guru Maharaj gave a very good talk. Maharaj went to Kumbh Mela also. All the disciples of Srila Prabhupada along with Gaur Nitai seem like a big family. They all went to take a bath together. It’s my fortune that I got the association of Maharaj many times. And misfortune is that we will not be able to get his association anymore.

Let’s pray in the lotus feet of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj that he always has his mercy on all of us.

Hare Krishna!

HG Revati Raman Prabhu Ji:

We are very fortunate to get the association of Maharaj in Juhu Temple. He has many qualities. I would like to elaborate some of them. When I invited him to see the project. He was amused on seeing that project and asked me who had given me that project. I said someone has given the property for this. He was extremely interested in building temples. He gave us the inspiration and enthusiasm to make the temple. A video is going viral in which he is doing aarti in his dreams. We often do Aarti as per the time duration. But his only focus while doing aarti is on Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari. We have to wait sometimes for 2-4 minutes.

Their dedication towards book distribution is commendable. He personally visits every stall at the railway stations. He visits all the four temples in Mumbai; Khar, Juhu, Mira Road and Chowpatty to inspire the devotees to distribute books. He never wastes a single sec to follow the instruction of Srila Prabhupada. He insists that Bus traveling of book distribution should be always continued.

It was the time of the opening of Aravade temple. A was fortunate to get the opportunity to serve 35 Srila Prabhupada’s disciples. I got the service of washing their feet. I washed the feet of HH Radha Natha Swami Maharaj and some other maharajas. But HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj refused to wash his feet out of humility. He never expects any respect.

Another incident was at the time of Noida temple opening. The dressing of the deities was going to happen and an incident happened with the deities of Srimati Radha Rani. HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj was looking at all this with no expressions. But HH Gopal krishna Goswami Maharaj was crying his heart out. His attachment towards deities is extreme.

Two things required in the deity worship: punctuality and cleanliness. Maharaj used to change his clothes three times a day. And he dresses his deities so nicely. He builds so many temples. He is also known as the founder acharya of temple opening. His bond with Lokanath Maharaj is also very rare. They both can be seen together at various times. By chance, at the time of his departure, Lokanath Swami Maharaj was also with him and he chanted the holy name in his ear. It is a very difficult time as we are not going to see him again. I wanted to come to Vrindavan but couldn’t go. I have attended all the programs online.

Once a disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj went to an astrologer. The astrologer said that your Spiritual master is an extraordinary person. Do his service and everything will be alright. He is a Vaikuntha Man. All demigods walk behind him. You don’t need to go anywhere. Just Serve him.

HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu:

Here we did the glorification program for Maharaj. I will try to repeat it again.

Everyone will leave their body in Vrindavan. His servants did not want him to go to Dehradun. Late night till 10:30, this discussion was on whether he is going or not. HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj was saying that he held the meeting and he is the head of that bureau meeting. It will not be good if he cancels. He did the Bhumi Pujan of Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Dehradun. He was not feeling well and was led to the hospital there, from where he departed back to godhead. He was fulfilling the instruction of Srila Prabhupada of management till his last breath.

He met with Srila Prabhupada in 1968 in Montreal. He was asking whether there is any hindu temple in Montreal. The first service was to clean the temple of Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada was coming in the upcoming two days. He was excited to know about spirituality and to surrender. But He often says that it was Krishna who inspired him to select Prabhupada as his spiritual master. From the first day to till date, he dedicatedly served Srila Prabhupada.

I met Maharaj in 2004, in Mega Youth Festival, Pune. It was the national Youth Festival. Around 5000 youth took part in that festival. Maharaj was the GBC of Pune, so he was also there actively. HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and Others were also there. It was the first festival of youth of that scale. After that Umang and Viplava went on.

Srila Prabhupada brought him to India in 1975 and gave him many responsibilities along with the GBC. In all the legal documents of Iskcon in India, there is mentioned the name of only two members: HH Jaypataka Swami Maharaj and HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. Maharaj fulfilled all his responsibilities from 1975 to 5th of May 2024. He asked his secretary in the hospital to write a resignation letter that he will not be able to be the chairman of the bureau. After signing that resignation letter, he leaves this body.

Once Maharaj said to Prabhupada that the books are not being sold. Prabhupada Said that the books will not be sold by placing them in the stores or stalls. The book distribution is depending upon the enthusiasm of the devotees who went to distribute them. He took that sentence of Prabhupada very seriously. As we can say that in any marathon, Delhi, Juhu and Mayapur temples are always on the top list. Around 8000 congregation devotees and brahmacharis came on road on weekends to distribute books.

His dedication about deity worship is out of this world. Everyday at 4:30 AM he was seen at the altar. Whatever time he comes from travel, wherever he is, he will surely attend the Mangala Aarti. As we hear in the homage of Guru Maharaj that he made from seven to seven hundred temples in India. The very first worship after installation is being done by Maharaj whether it is of Aravade temple or Noida temple, Solapur or any other temple.

He was not feeling well when I invited him to Solapur. In spite of his bad health, he came to Solapur by taking flight till Pune and by car from Pune to Solapur. He installed the deities of Sri Sri Radha Damodar in Solapur. After that ceremony, he went to Pandharpur, where the students of Bhaktivedanata Gurukul welcomed him. On seeing that, Maharaj was very pleased and said it seems he was in Mayapur. This is like mini-Mayapur. He visits everywhere in Pandharpur; Prabhupada Ghat, Chandrabhaga River, Bhaktivedanata Gurukul, Brahmachari Ashram etc. He had to reach Pune at 1:30 PM so he arrived early in Pandharpur to visit every location.

After deity worship in the temple, he gives almost two hours to serve his personal deities Gaur Nitai, Laxmi- Narsimha, Vrinda devi and Saligrama Shila. He instructed in his will to distribute his deities in every zone so that the worship will be continued eternally. By giving the deities to a single person, serving is not that sure because no one can serve the deities with the same passion every day. But in the temple every service of the deities will be performed precisely.

When Prabhupada came to Mumbai, he instructed Maharaj to talk with visa minister to give some concessions to foreigner devotees. Mharaj came back after talking with the minister and some MR. Vajpayee was there and he agreed to give the concession to the devotees. Prabhupada was very pleased and declare that He will be very famous in future. Then after some time, this Vajpayee becomes the prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayi. He inaugurated the Radha Parthasarathi temple along with Maharaj. Within three hours of departure of Maharaj, many ministers including Narender Modi and ministers of many states like Haryana, Rajasthan, UP etc. sent their condolence message on this situation.

People in America were very happy as Maharaj had planned to go there on 9th of august, just before Janma Ashtami. Everyone was preparing to welcome him. According to the English Calendar, the Vyasa Puja celebration of Maharaj will be on 14th of august. So, the ceremony was going to happen in the Baltimore Temple in America, which is near to the capital of Washington DC and the devotees of Canada were planning to come.

He also mentioned in his will that he has nothing personal except his deities and a Rolex watch which is gifted by Srila Prabhupada Himself. He has no bank account and any wealth. He is my elder brother. We should feel the grief when a father leaves his son. Although his instructions were always with us, we will not be able to get his association personally.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramananda Rai were discussing what is the biggest grief.  The biggest grief is not getting the association of the devotees.

As he mentioned in his will that he is the trustee in Iskcon only and he has no other wealth, we should also surrender ourselves to Srila Prabhupada and his mission Only. We should pray to Maharaj to give us strength to do that.

Hare Krishna!

HG Murli Mohan Prabhu Ji:

When I completed my college and visited JUHU Temple, I met HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj first. He is my first Shiksha Guru.Our relationship kind of friends. Because I was an art student and he loves art. He asked me what I was doing. I replied I am a student of JJ College and working in Makhija in an advertising agency. His friend, Ishan Khanna was in HTA, he talked with him and gave me some freelance work. When I told him about my inconveniences, that I am living in Vasai and it is really hard to do work, he advised me to go to Ahmedabad and meet with Yashomati Nanadan Prabhu, he will help me out. So, we can see how he took care of everyone. Yashomati Nandan and Maharaj are very very good friends. Maharaj used to come there and inspire us to distribute books. It was only his inspiration that Ahmedabad distributed 1,50,000 and more books in marathons.

In 1997,before the temple opening of Delhi, I arranged an exhibition called Moods of Prabhupada. I have to go to Vrindavan to sell the books. HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj was in Noida at that time and they saw my paintings and he saw the letter sent by HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.

The letter was:

Dear Lokanath Swami

Pamho

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

Is Murli Mohan ready to help Gyangamyam (Prabhupada’s Disciple). I will be grateful if you convince him to help out for two weeks. We will pay him ten thousand and more per week and we will also help him to sell his paintings.

Jai Prabhupada

Gopal Krishna Goswami

When Maharaj saw this letter he sent it to serve HH Gopal krishna Goswami Maharaj.

When Delhi Temple was being constructed, He was very worried how Prabhupada’s panel would be ready as  Gyan Gamyam Prabhu ji was busy with some other projects. So, I have to assist him in making Prabhupada’s panel. Then I got the opportunity to read Prabhupada’s lilamrita.

Maharaj asked me to finish all the work in one and a half months. As there was no computer facility, I hired a studio near the temple to work on the panels. I used to go there at 9 AM everyday and returned from there at 2 AM at night. After Maharaj completed his japa after Magala Aarti, I used to show him the designs. This was my daily routine. I completed this work in just fifteen days. Maharaj was very pleased. He handed me a flight ticket to Ahmedabad and an amount of thirteen thousand and said to me that it was half of the amount and half amount would be given in the service of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi.

Once Maharaj was saying that rulers like khilji used to destroy temples. It is my uncleared realization that Prabhupada would always think that we will make so many beautiful temples that these rulers will get tired of destroying them. And this responsibility is given to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.

I pray to Maharaj that he gives us strength and energy so that we can build at least one or more temples for the service of Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna!

HG Srimati Radhika Mataji:

Hare Krishna!

I met HH Gopal krishna Maharaj in 2007, in Delhi Iskcon Temple. He is the one who leads me to my Spiritual Master.

I would like to thank him for this. When I was connected with Iskcon Punjabi Bagh, Guru Maharaj wanted us to preach. And every disciple of him was always ready for that. Vimpla Prasad Prabhu Ji, Rukmini Krishna Prabhu ji and Amogh lila Prabhu ji used to come to our home to preach.

I would like to get blessings from maharaj on this day so that we can serve for the pleasure of maharaj and Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna!

HG Madhvi Gopi Mataji:

Hare Krishna!

I first met with Maharaj in 2004 in Delhi Temple. He used to come to Gurgaon occasionally and he has organized Janmashtami Festival there.

Then we moved to Thana and once he was giving a lecture and I was sitting near to his lotus feet. He asked if anyone knows the meaning of Adhokshaja? I replied and he was very pleased by hearing my answer.

His departure was very shocking. We have arranged an homage for Maharaj on Monday as there are many new devotees who hardly know about Maharaj. So we will tell them a brief biography of Mharaj and some glorification.

I asked Maharaj’s blessing so that whatever he had taught us we can act accordingly and can preach it to others.

Hare Krishna!

HG Syama Preyasi Mataji:

I Have seen Maharaj since my childhood. Maharaj always came to Noida for the Janmashtami Festival.

I remember once our family went to Delhi Temple to take Darshan and we came across Maharaj. We paid our obeisances to Maharaj and started talking with him. Then they asked if we had taken the darshan. We said we will do it right after talking with you. He said go fast and take the darshanas. We were not sure as it was the closing time and the doors might be closed. We rushed to the temple hall and we were surprised as the doors were still open and we took darshans of Radha Parthsarthi, Gaur Nitai and Ram Sita Laxmana and Hanuman.

Then I realized that without a vaishnava we can’t get the darshana of Lordship.

I completed my graduation with the same university byu which Mharaj had studied. This is the small connection between us.

I am very fortunate to get the association of Maharaj.

Hare Krishna!

HG Naam Premi Mataji:

Hare Krishna!

Maharaj is the warrior of the movement of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He follows the instruction of Prabhupada till his last breath.

Prabhupada used to say that Iskcon is my body, the laxmi you have collected is my blood, BBT is my heart and book distribution is my heartbeat. Prabhupada gave his heart to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj was with him till his last breath. It shows how strong the brotherhood relationship was between them.

I feel amused reading his quotes and teachings.

I prayed to maharaj that please bless me so that i can follow his teachings and instructions.

Hare Krishna!

HG Vraj Vilasini Mataji:

Once I met with HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj in Delhi Rath Yatra Festival. Maharaj was moving forward to the Ratha and there was some vacant place and me and my daughter paid obeisances to Maharaj and pleaded with him to come to Meerut. He said yes I will come. Within two months he came to Meerut. I was very surprised that in our prayers he visited there.

Then my daughter passed away and we were in Vrindavan for her last rituals. My husband was not in good condition and I was also crying. Maharaj came to know the whole situation and he smiled at me and asked that you are doing services in Meerut. Don’t leave meerut. It was my second meeting with Maharaj.

I would like to thank Maharaj for inspiring me and to HG Purnanandi Mataji also for her support.

His departure for me was like the departure of my own Guru Maharaj. I realized the importance of my Guru Maharaj and took a pledge to do two rounds of japa for the wellbeing of my Guru Maharaj.

Hare Krishna!

HG Symalangi Mataji:

Hare Krishna!

Thank you to HH Lokanath swami Maharaj for arranging this session for all of us. It seems that this session will continue till eternity. Yesterday I was hearing the glorification of Maharaj from Vrindavan. It was amazing and it lasted for five hours.

I lived in Canada and often met with him as it was his zone. Thanks to HG Syama Preyasi for remembering the last meeting of Mahraj in Vrindavan. I was also with her at that time.

Once we went to leave our daughter in toronto and we came to know that Maharaj is also in toronto. My husband and I went to take his darshan. But his servant stopped us as Maharaj’s throat was not in good condition. But we pleaded that we came from Dubai and didn’t know when we got the next chance to meet with him. Then the servant takes us to Mharaj and Mharaj gives us a lot of blessings. It was a very nice meeting.

Hare Krishna!

HG Yashwant Prabhu JI:

My relationship with Maharaj was like a father-son relationship. Once he tapped on my head and I realized he had initiated me.
It was his blessings that we are following devotional life. I would like to thank him and offer our homage on behalf of my whole family.

Hare Krishna!

HG Nar Narayana Prabhu Ji:

Hare Krishna!

I have written a poem as homage.

ब्राह्मण के घर जन्म लिया, पर ब्राह्मण जैसा कुछ न किया,

काम, क्रोध, लोभ, मोह, मत्सर्य, इन सब का पीछा किया,

लेकिन ब्राह्मण जैसा कुछ न किया,

एक दिन ऐसा आया, मैने एक सही निर्णय लिया,

रथयात्रा के आमंत्रण को स्वीकार कर लिया,

भगवान और भक्त के प्रेम का दर्शन किया,

उस भीड़ में चलते आते एक संत को देखा,

दिल्ली की उन सड़कों पर परम पूज्य गोपाल कृष्ण गोस्वामी महाराज को जगन्नाथ के समक्ष शीश झुकाते देखा,

महाराज जी, आपके दर्शन मात्र से हृदय में एक किरण को उगते देखा,

दिल्ली की मायानगरी में खुद को जलते देखा,

और फिर से एक सही निर्णय लिया,

आपके शिष्यों को संपर्क किया, जिस प्रेम को ढूंढता रहा अपने घर की चार दिवारी में,

वो मिला मुझे श्री श्री राधा पार्थसार्थी मंदिर की गौर आरतियों में,

श्री श्री राधा पार्थसार्थी मंदिर के आप ही तो थे सारथी,

इसलिए आपके कई शिष्य बन गए मेरे जीवन के सारथी,

मुझे इतना प्रेम दिया, की मैने फिर से एक निर्णय लिया, अपने जीवन में आपके शिष्यों का संग कूट कूट के भर लिया,

आपके सानिध्य में सेवाएं करना सीखा,

जीवन में भक्ति के चमत्कारों को होते देखा,

आपकी करुणा को हृदय में उतरते देखा,

भक्तों को मित्रता से हृदय को बदलते देखा,

फिर से मैंने एक निर्णय लिया,

मैंने जा कर IYF ज्वाइन कर लिया,

सुंदर गोपाल प्रभु जी जैसे भक्तों की कृपा से भक्ति विनोद सभा को उभरते देखा,

गुरु पद आश्रय की इच्छा को हृदय में उबलते देखा,

आपके आश्रय में ही पहली बार श्रील गुरुदेव लोकनाथ स्वामी महाराज को देखा,

आप मेरे गुरुदेव नहीं, गुरु महाराज नहीं,

पर हृदय से कहता हूं, मेरे गुरु महाराज से कम भी नहीं,

श्रील भगवद पाद जिनका नाम है,

राधा पर्थसार्थी जिनका धाम है,

ऐसे श्रील गोपाल कृष्ण गोस्वामी महाराज को मेरा बारंबार प्रणाम है,

श्रील प्रभुपाद जिनके प्राण हैं, और book distribution ही जिनका ध्यान है,

ऐसे श्रील गोपाल कृष्ण गोस्वामी महाराज को मेरा बारंबार प्रणाम है।

Hare Krishna!

Topic: Glorification of HH Gopala Krishna Swami Maharaj
Date:  07^thMay 2024
HG Padmamali Prabhu:

How can we fill this void?Mohanrupa Prabhu- For us life was very wasy till now. We could easily ask Mahraj but now it will be difficult. Everyone is taking shelter under Maharaj. So let’s hear from senior devotees from Maharaj

HH Radhey Shyamanand Prabhu:

Om aja..

Namo om lok

Namo Gopala krishna

Vancha

Jai sri Krsna Chaitanya..

Hk mantra

So yesterday HH GKGM was GBC of India and he comes to Vrn and I used to talk to him everytime. I am seen such good qualities in Maharaj. I will discuss 3-4 qualities. I saw his sadhna. Whereever he is he will attend Mangala aarti and perform aarati. Purity is the force. He used to serve personal deities. Sp had said deity worship is imp and this will engage our mind in Krishna. He used to today it personally. His sadhana and japa is perfect. His management tactics are great and he used to be called as Problem shooter. He used to be always engaged in Krishna’s service. Maharaj’s book distribution is splendid. He used to always emphasize on book distribution. He engaged everyone in Krishna’s service/ He opened 18 temples in Delhi more than he was asked to. Once I was in Barelliey and he used to call devotees and he used to personal dealings with  his disciples. He used to forgive all the devotees. He used to change the location but he used to never throw away anyone. He used to recognize the qualities in his devotees. Maharaj used to call or meet a devotee who left ISKCON. He used to never let anyone free. They are ready to give their life. HH Jayapatka Maharaj’s disciples are powerful because of which he is protected. His contribution is unmatchable and only 2-3 sannayasis could have matched his level. I met Maharaj and t asked me to go Agra for preaching and he knows and recognises everyday. He didn’t suffer from ailments and his face was very peaceful and the whole world came to Vrindvan around 10,000 people which is a record. He always wabted to please his master. So we should take alteast one or two qualities of him.

HG Anant Sesha Prabhuji:

Hk. DP.

HH GKGM ki Jai. So HH Shyamanana Maharaj told everything. So whole India ccameyesterday and he was the first prominent leaders of ISKCON. When we heard HH GKGM he took personal care of bank account of SP. His 47 years of service is unmatchable. Till his last breath he served ISKCON. He served as chairman till his last breath. He preached in many countries like Russia, USA etc and in India in Vrn, Juhu and Delhi temples. NIDC, WIDC he was head of everything. His final will was narrated yesterday and his determination for BBT is unmatchable. He said that I will always be loyal to GBC and he used to speak on SP books. My disciples should follow GBC and I never deviated from ISKCON. So always wanted to cooperate with GBC. He alos mentioned that he wanted to build his samadhi in Vrindavan in case he leaves his body in North India and in Mayapur if he left somewhere else. His disciples has registered a place for his samadhi and this place should be utilised for ISKCON Vrindavan. One mtg gave a land to Vrindavan and gave this land to his Russian devotees and he said he has no wealth of his own. He just had a watch given by SP. All my belongings should be given to my disciples. And his laptops and all should utilised properly. He was unstoppable. I had my last darshans in Mayapur and in the beginning he misunderstood me as HG Vedanta Chaitanya Prabhu and in Kartik also this crowd was seen and this much of crowd was not seen in Srila Prabhupada’sDisappearnce day. Everyone came there even we had small space for the samadhi and I was in Maharashtra and I wanted to take part in this.

In every center, this memorial should be held and gm told this when he came out of the altar today.

HG Vedanta Chaitanya Prabhu:

Hk . Thank for this opportunity. He was the first sannayasi I met in IIT Kanpur. His secretary was in our batch of Brahmachari and he never missed mangalaaarati . Once Maharaj and his servant reached at 1 pm in Mayapur and then Maharaj is tired and said I might be late. He saw that Maharaj went and attended Mangala aarti and he was very determined and unstoppable in his services. His servant once told me that once it was raining a lot in Delhi and Maharaj asked is that road empty or busy and if I am doing service of Lord why should I stop if these people are not stopping. His consciousness was at the topmost stage. Once a crow hit Maharaj’s car and then Maharaj did one mala foe that crow and then went to Vrindavan. His secretary told me that once Maharaj and then there where a lot of ants and his servant said that why did you kill those ants with wiper. His determination for SP. I I heard many lectures of him and he took SP’s name more than Krishna. His determination for SP was so much. He was once given a sweatshirt in which SP’s pic was on the back of that sweatshirt so he said that I cannot wear this SP cannot be behind me. Once he was gifted a shirt in which SP’s fave was printed on the front. So he always took off that shirt while going to toilet. So I was thinking that there was a tussle between Lord and the devotees but in the end Lord won.

HG Brajbhumi Prabhuji:

HH GKGM ki jai.

I had the fortune of associated with HH Gopala Krishna Maharaj since my beginning. I know him from 27-28 years. I personally met Maharaj many times in Vrindavan. Many devotees had personal association of Maharaj and he used to serve his deities. He used to always solve problems with a smile and he was called a Problem Solver. Sp was able to expand his movement with his able disciples like Maharaj. His life was dedicated for the mission of Maharaj. So 18 temples were opened in Delhi. He used to always come to Vraj Mandal and used to like walking and he came last time as well. See his determination still came in his bad condition as well. He used to say that you should distribute his books in your area. We have lost a Prabhupada gem. Even I never saw such a crowd for any other sannayasi. I want to beg for any offenses if I committed on his lotus feet.

HG Harikirtan Prabhuji:

Namo om Gopala

For the pleasure of GM we had a memorial in Nagpur for Maharaj. Everyone was listening and we gave an introduction about Maharaj and he was a great soul and I told about his educational background.

Shloka

He went to Mc Gill University. He surrendered his life to Prabhupada. From his life we can take this that he can see his determination to serve Srila Prabhupada. He followed Prabhupada’s instruction at any cost. It is exemplary and then we saw all the crowd which came to meet Maharaj. He never left ISKCON. He listen to other babas and this shows our determination. He was my first siksha guru in 1978 and Maharaj and he said how many spiritual engineers are being produced amongst lakhs of engineers. He came in Nagpur and Noida and he used to always meet everyone with equal eyes. He used to love GM everywhere and he was there in all the meetings with Srila prbahupada. The success of HH Gopala Krishna Maharaj and he was sold out to SP and he was such a dedicated soldier.

2 days before I didn’t go to Dehradun and I asked HG Raman Krishna Prabhuji and HG Rishi Kumar Prabhu said and GM went again and went to ICU. GM told that till 20 mins we tried to save him and he said HK in his last time just like SP. GM never left him till the time he was put in Samadhi. He said that I have lost a 50 year old friend.

HG Keshav Prabhuji:

Hk mantra

Maharaj was very humble and compassionate. So on the way there were a lot of ants and he immediately asked to remove those ants and he said that it should be removed. He used to stay in temple even when the conditions were not suitable. He used to be engaged in his sadhna. In 1988, he came me  aNarismha photo and I made a locket and chain. He used to wear Prabhupada’s ring and I made this for him. I made  a lot of deity jewellery. He told me to get Mercedes car as per his instructions. So he also said that the Pandharpur and he used to say that where ever GM is plz offer my obeisances to him. I took 2 cr and acquired a land. And NVCC temple and radha Kunj Bihari temple was also built His personal attachment and always focused on proper chanting and take sankalpas for reading. He use to give the answers to all the questions. I had darshans of Maharaj and I took the blessings from his Charan paduka. We also had the Rohini temple inauguration and also for Noida, Khargar and in Delhi temple and he along with GM served with Maharaj.

Shloka

He always wanted to make book distribution in Pune and 4 times it came first. I prayed that plz our temple should be built in Pandharpur prabhu.

HG Ishtadev Prabhuji:

As the time is over, but still I will say. I get very less time to glorify and I joined in 1983 and he was the first sannayasi I saw Maharaj. He was very expert and he used to say HK first. I used to go to Russia and he used to ask me to say. I got his association in his initial days and whenever he used to hold my hand he used to misunderstood me as sakshi Gopal and used to ask about his wife also. I went with Maharaj and he held my hand and it was such a nice feeling. He was going from Mayapur and he had a wonderful smile. My wife used to make garlands and dress for deities and Maharaj said that you take care of the children and Maharaj used to say about book distribution even in Vraja. HH Jayapataka Maharaj was also there and he had so much of managmement capabilities. He had no energy to do aarti but still he used to perform that. He worked tirelessly for Prabhupada just like a soldier he left his body. In BBT, in 5 years for every Vyasapuja and Brajvasa. He loved TOVP. He gave a lot of initiations and when in Jodhpur and Maharaj gave all his initiation for the TOVP. He asked to give all the donations for TOVP. So when we went to Rohini temple. Making a temple is easy but the inspiration for us. I saw one interview where he was boldly contradicting the host who was telling that ISKCON brainwashed. You should all hear this lecture. Just like GM he tirelessly served. I don’y know what injection Prabhupada has given to these people. He has Prabhupada man and it is a great loss of us and specially for GM and they used to meet imp leaders with him. Janannic=va prabhu is very disturbed and I know it is very happy for you and we all are with you. His disciple said that you are our ashraya now. Om nityalilapravishta .. and he reached Delhi and we sat in the lotus feet of Maharaj and even though I am not his shishya but I deeply miss him.

5th May 2024
Glories of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. I have sent someone to get an health update of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaja and until then, please kindly continue to pray for Maharaja’s speedy recovery.

We do not have any new update as of now but devotees are waiting outside ICU to get the latest updates for HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaja’s health. Additional devotees have joined after 6am just to inform you that HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaja suffered a cardiac arrest multiple times yesterday.

He is admitted in synergy hospital Dehradun where I am also present where Maharaja is on life support and the doctors are trying their best. Acme is a life support machine which is being transported from Delhi to Dehradun which may help revive Maharaja so then Maharaja can be transferred to Delhi for further care.

Some ISKCON leaders and senior disciples of Maharaja have also reached here even this hour, and now only Krsna can help to improve Maharaja’s health. So please kindly pray to Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi for Maharaja’s recovery. Narasimha Yagya was also performed in Mayapur and Delhi

and please continue with Sankirtan yagya and offer oblations to Krsna in the form of Sankirtan Yagya.

enechi ausadhi maya nasbaro lagi’
hari nama maha mantra lao tumi magi (Jiv Jago 4)

Translation: I have brought the medicine that will wipe out the disease of illusion from which you are suffering. Take this maha mantra Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says the above. And as we know, a friend in need is friend indeed. Maharaja needs help at this hour in terms of our prayers. Our best friend is Krsna who will fulfil all our desires so kindly encourage others to chant as well for Maharaja. Maharaja’s urine output has improved due to additional medications

and this is wonderful improvement!

Our prayers have been heard by Krsna, nevertheless his health condition remains critical. You could also arrange Kirtan in your respective temples and temple leaders can organize the Kirtans. Congregation devotees may also join and we all devotees shall continue to chant a few more rounds and offer them to HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj.

All of you should forward this message to other devotees. HH Gopal Krsna Maharaja’s health update:

Respected Maharajas, Prabhujis, and Matajis, please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The latest update is that Guru Maharaja responded by moving his lips, when Dr. Saligrama Krsna Prabhu of our Healthcare team called out to him ten minutes back. Maharaja’s urine output has improved due to additional medical support.

While this is wonderful, Gurudeva’s health condition remains critical. We beg that your intense prayers continue and not to believe in any irrelevant rumors.

Your servants

HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaja Health Care Team

5th May, 2024 6.45 am
Camp: Synergy Institute of Medical Sciences Dehradun

On screen you can see that the alter set up of Maharaja which he carries with himself wherever he goes. Guru Maharaja says, ‘I remember, in 1977, when Srila Prabhupada was sick, I asked him, ‘we all are doing something or the other for your health, is there anything that we are not doing?’ Srila Prabhupada said, ‘just keep chanting Hare Krishna.’ On screen you can see images of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaja with Srila Prabhupada on other important occasions.

In the past two months Maharaja has inaugurated two projects, ISKCON Rohini, Delhi NCR and ISKCON Rukmani Vihar, Vrindavan. Also, there has been a land breaking ceremony here in Dehradun

This is a letter by Srila Prabhupada to Maharaja in 1969, at the time of his Initiation. We can continue chanting for some more time. We are reminding you all that Guru Maharaja’s 75th Vyasa Puja offerings are to be written and sent back on time.

We had planned to sit together and write the offerings today, but now we are all m sincerely praying for HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaja today. But you must think about the glories of Guru Maharaja, his interactions with you and how he has influenced you in your life.

You have to open your hearts and you all must not think that whether to write this or not? Do not think that ‘only new devotees are supposed to write offerings, I don’t need to send.’ He carries this book with himself while traveling during the Chaturmasya. Today is a Sunday, so you can spare time today and write the offering.

If you you have any doubts you can approach senior devotees to get more guidance so you can write an offering to Guru Maharaja with the mood of surrender, gratitude and love. We shall end this session here now and your all may chant more rounds for the health of HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj or perform Kirtan for him. Hare Krishna.

04 May 2024
How to reach Krsna
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. It’s Ekadashi today. All glories to the Ekadashi festival. The word “Ekadash” represents a count of 11. Even our senses are 11 in number. Five working (Karma) senses, five knowledge acquiring senses and one mind.

śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ
kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ
brahma-karma svabhāva-jam (BG 18.42)

Translation: Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness – these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work.

Here, śamaḥ — peacefulness; damaḥ — self-control;When we restrict our senses in this way then we will be able to attain peace.

Shaanta-Aakaaram Bhujaga-Shayanam Padma-Naabham Suresham

Vishva-Aadhaaram Gagana-Sadrsham Megha-Varnnam Shubha-Anggam

Lakssmii-Kaantam Kamala-Nayanam Yogibhir-Dhyaana-Gamyam

Vande Vissnnum Bhava-Bhaya-Haram Sarva-Lokai[a-E]ka-Naatham (Sri Vishnu Stuti)

Translation: Salutations to Sri Vishnu, Who has a Serene Appearance, Who Rests on a Serpent (Adisesha), Who has a Lotus on His Navel and Who is the Lord of the Devas, Who Sustains the Universe, Who is Boundless and Infinite like the Sky, Whose Colour is like the Cloud (Bluish) and Who has a Beautiful and Auspicious Body, Who is the Husband of Devi Lakshmi, Whose Eyes are like Lotus and Who is Attainable to the Yogis by Meditation, Salutations to That Vishnu Who Removes the Fear of Worldly Existence and Who is the Lord of All the Lokas.

Krsna is also Shanta. Ekadashi is also known for Fasting (Upavas). Upavas means to reside closer to the Lord. Today we will avoid Grains. Also we need to fast from Maya. We will feast for Krsna and fast from Maya. Krsna is like Sun and Maya is compared to the darkness.

kṛṣṇa — sūrya-sama; māyā haya andhakāra
yāhāṅ kṛṣṇa, tāhāṅ nāhi māyāra adhikāra (CC Madhya 22.31)

Translation: Kṛṣṇa is compared to sunshine, and māyā is compared to darkness. Wherever there is sunshine, there cannot be darkness. As soon as one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the darkness of illusion (the influence of the external energy) will immediately vanish.

nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto
’bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ (CC Madhya 17.133)

Translation: The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Kṛṣṇa Himself. Since Kṛṣṇa’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with māyā. Kṛṣṇa’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are identical.

Somebody questioned me, Maharaj,how do you manage?You are chanting daily at this zoom conference for the past five years?I replied, It’s not just a question of 5 years, I have been following this schedule for the last 50 years.

As soon as you go away from Maya, there is only one more destination, Sri Krsna.There should be continuity, sincerity. In the morning HG Revati Raman Prabhu, the president of ISKCON Trupati approached me with Tirupati Balaji’s Prasadam. I said immediately, It’s ekadashi today I can’t honour grain Prasadam today.

As Ekadashi reminded me to not honour grain prasadam today. Similarly we have accepted this pledge of chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra for the rest of our life.

harer nāma harer nāma
harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva
nāsty eva gatir anyathā (CC Madhya 6.242)

Translation: In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.

So we should practice this pledge with full conviction and determination. We should be very firmly situated in our practices.

utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt
tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt
saṅga-tyāgāt sato vṛtteḥ
ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati (NOI 3)

Translation: There are six principles favorable to the execution of pure devotional service: (1) being enthusiastic, (2) endeavoring with confidence, (3) being patient, (4) acting according to regulative principles [such as śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇam [SB 7.5.23]—hearing, chanting and remembering Kṛṣṇa], (5) abandoning the association of nondevotees, and (6) following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas. These six principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.

Why should we approach Maya?Why should we contemplate Maya?

dhyayato visayan pumsah
sangas tesupajayate
sangat sanjayate kamah
kamat krodho ‘bhijayate (BG 2.62)

Translation: While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.

That Maya which kicks us, why should we go near her?Why should we meditate on the Maya, which makes us get trapped in these clutches of birth and death. And she sends us to suffer in hell. We should instead focus and remember Krsna.

nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema ‘sādhya’ kabhu naya
śravaṇādi-śuddha-citte karaye udaya (CC Madhya 22.107)

Translation: Pure love for Kṛṣṇa is eternally established in the hearts of the living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, this love naturally awakens.

By remembering Krsna, our love for Krsna will get awakened and we will become eligible to go back home back to Godhead.

itidrik sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghosham nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyeshita-jneshu bhaktair jitatvam
punah prematas tam satavritti vande (Sri Damodarashtaka 3)

Translation: By such childhood pastimes as this He is drowning the inhabitants of Gokula in pools of ecstasy, and is revealing to those devotees who are absorbed in knowledge of His supreme majesty and opulence that He is only conquered by devotees whose pure love is imbued with intimacy and is free from all conceptions of awe and reverence. With great love I again offer my obeisances to Lord Damodara hundreds and hundreds of times.

One of the names of Krsna is Ananda. Krsna is Bliss. And if we associate with that Ananda, then we will become eligible to enter the eternal pastimes of Krsna. Do you want to become a part of those eternal pastimes of the Lord?It is possible!!!

The result of mediating in Krsna’s Holyname, form, qualities and pastimes is that we become eligible to enter his abode. That is our life.

radha-krishna prana mora jugala-kisora
jivane marane gati aro nahi mora (Sakhi-vrinde Vijnapti 1)

Translation: The divine couple, Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, are my life and soul. In life or death I have no other refuge but Them.

We have a choice, whether to choose Maya or Krsna. Take a pick. Whom will you choose?

Specially Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in this material world out of his causeless mercy.

avatérëe gauracandre vistérëe prema-sägare
ye na majjanti majjanti te mahänartha-sägare (Sri Caitanya Candrämåta 135)

Translation: The Advent of Çré Gauracandra is like a vast ocean of nectarean prema. One who neglects to gather the priceless jewels from that ocean is certainly the poorest of the poor. The golden moon of Gauracandra has now created a great tidal wave in the ocean of prema, and those who do not dive deep into that vast ocean will find themselves floating

instead on that great ocean of futile deeds and useless goals.

It’s a team of Guru and Gauranga.

Golokam ca parityajya lokanam trana-karanat
kalau gauranga-rupena lila-lavanya-vigrahah (Markandeya Purana)

Translation: In the Kali-Yuga, I will leave Goloka and, to save the people of the world, I will become the handsome and playful Lord Gauranga.

As Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared, similarly even the spiritual master appears in our life.

saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (Sri Gurvastakam 1)

Translation: The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.

It happens by the Mercy of Gauranga Mahaprabhu.

brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja (CC Madhya 19.151)

Translation: According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.

He sends us in the association of the devotees and introduces us with our spiritual master. And then whatever he wants to convey, he conveys through the spiritual master. Though Krsna never leaves us alone, he acts like caring parents. Just like parents never leave us alone, Krsna does not leave us. Krsna is everything for us.

He is our father, mother, caretaker, everything. Even in the lower spices of life he accompanies us. And as a human being also we have him with us.

sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo
mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca
vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham (Bg. 15.15)

Translation: I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedānta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.

Even though Krsna wants to give every possible knowledge toliving entities. But we are so engrossed in the material energy that we are not ready to listen.

dehāpatya-kalatrādiṣv
ātma-sainyeṣv asatsv api
teṣāṁ pramatto nidhanaṁ
paśyann api na paśyati (ŚB 2.1.4)

Translation: Persons devoid of ātma-tattva do not inquire into the problems of life, being too attached to the fallible soldiers like the body, children and wife. Although sufficiently experienced, they still do not see their inevitable destruction.

So in order to give the same knowledge, Krsna sends the Sadhus and spiritual master. They are repeating the same message. This association of devotees is very rare to achieve.

durlabha mānava-janma labhiyā saṁsāre
kṛṣṇa nā bhajinu-duḥkha kahibo kāhāre? (Durlabha Manava Janma 1)

Translation: The human form of life is the rarest opportunity for attaining spiritual perfection. But now I am lamenting, because I’ve somehow or other been born with such an opportunity, and I wasted it by never worshiping Lord Krsna. Oh, to whom shall I tell the tale of this misery?

And if we are getting this opportunity then we should consider ourselves as very fortunate. It’s by Krsna’s mercy that we are able to get this association. One of the aims of establishing ISKCON by Srila Prabhupada was to provide the association of devotees to the people of this world.

ajanu-lambita-bhujau kanakavadatau
sankirtanaika-pitarau kamalayataksau
visvambharau dvija-varau yuga-dharma-palau
vande jagat priya-karau karunavatarau (CB Adi 1.1)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu, whose arms extend down to Their knees, who have golden yellow complexions, and who inaugurated the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. Their eyes resemble the petals of a lotus flower; They are the maintainers of the living entities, the best of the brahmanas, the protectors of religious principles for this age, the benefactors of the universe, and the most merciful of all incarnations.

Srila Prabhupada who was the founding father of our society. His aim was to make the devotee association feasible for the people in general. Even Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had the similar mission.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma (CB Antya 4.126)

Translation: In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard.

If Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had remained in Nabadwip for his entire life then we would have never been with devotees. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took Sanyas and he left Nabadwip. He travelled through South India and preached Krsna consciousness. When people are not ready to come to the temple then devotees themselves go out on road and perform Harinam Sankirtan. Devotees go out for book distribution to different places like Railway station,  airport, bus stand etc. So that the people could get devotee association and hear the message of Krsna, which they were unable to hear.

padārthāḥ saṃsthitā bhūmau bījahīnāstuṣā yathā |
viprairbhāgavatīvārttā gehe gehe jane jane (Padma Puran 6.193.73)

In this way, they would hear this message of Godhead from Saint’s and spiritual masters and their life will get transformed. They themselves will become devotees and experience this eternal bliss.

There is no choice other than becoming devotees. Chanting the Hare Krsna Mahamantra, Reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and distributing them to others.

Taking the pledge of just honouring prasadam for the rest of our lives. Honouring prasadam and distributing prasadam. We need to follow these rules and regulations ourselves and let others do the same.

dadāti pratigṛhṇāti
guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati
bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva
ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam (NOI 4)

Translation: Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasāda and offering prasāda are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.

It’s not that we are delivered, we don’t bother about others. No It’s a concern of a devotee to practice Krsna consciousness and give Krsna consciousness to others. We have to be merciful unto others, this is part of Jiva Daya. There are 3 qualities of a devotee – Name Ruci, Jive Daya and Vaishnava Seva.

jive daya name ruci vaishnava sevana
iha chara dharma nahi suna sanatana

Translation: Hear, Sanätana! Kindness to all living beings, taste for the holy name, and service to Vaiñëavas—apart from these there is no other religion.

We shouldn’t be criticizing the devotees. Instead we should be serving them. This has to be a lifestyle of a devotee unless we attain the perfection. Stop not unless the aim is achieved. ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati (NOI 3)

Don’t stop until the goal is achieved. Don’t take it easy, keep going. Are you listening?Do you agree to follow these practices?If yes then you can raise your hands.

If you have any special achievement to share which you achieved from last Ekadashi to this Ekadashi, If you have any good news to share then you are welcome to share.As ISKCON Thane reported they distributed 500 Bhagavad Gita to the students. HG Swarupanand Prabhu and HG Purnanandi Radha Mataji from Greater Noida organizedone day Vaishnavi Padayatra with a group of 200 Vaishnavi’s. ISKCON Pandharpur construction is going on nicely. Similarly you can share other reports also.

The devotees who have a special report to share in the past fortnight can share by raising hands. ISKCON has reached Pakistan. HG Padmaksi Prema Mataji says they organized Vaishnavi Padayatra at Gondia in Maharashtra and they had a very blissful experience. HG Shimla Mataji reported they organized a Vaishnavi Padayatra under the guidance of HG Jaybhadra Mataji. Mataji distributed 40 Bhagavad Gita.

HG Krsna Kumar Prabhu from ISKCON Aravade shares they had organized a youth festival where HG Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu was the chief guest. HG Arjuna Krishna Prabhu shares he is conducting a Bhakti Vriksha program.

Also PDC training program is being conducted. HG Sumit Charan Prabhu from Sri Ekachakra Dham shares, he is being guided very nicely by HG Acharya Prabhu. And he wants to accept initiation from Srila Gurudev.

HG Padmamali Prabhu speaks , in today’s Japa talk we heard about the connection between Spiritual Master and Krsna. And annually we just get one occasion to express our gratitude towards our spiritual master.

As we all know Guru Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja ceremony approaching. And we need to write the Vyaspuja offering for the same. Use vrndavanalila108@gmail.com for English Offerings. You can share your Vyaspuja offerings in any of these 3 languages, Hindi, English and Marathi. Use shridharmadhavdas.lok@gmail.com for Hindi, Marathi Offerings.

Last year we managed to achieve our desired target. This year’s last date for Vyaspuja offering submission is May 15^th. We request you all to please submit the Vyaspuja offering prior to last submission date.

A few days Back HG Anantasesa Prabhu shared that we have 8000 initiated disciples of Guru Maharaj and including the aspiring disciples this number can be counted as 12500 approximately. So on the occasion of 75th Vyaspuja, we are expecting at least 7500 offerings.

It’s Saturday today and tomorrow we have Sunday, So utilize your time.Some devotees are leaving the meeting we are requesting you all to please stay for a bit longer this is a very important announcement. Tomorrow’s Zoom session is going to be very special, please make sure not to miss it

It’s a surprise for you all.

Hare Krsna.

Japa Talk : 03^th May 2024
Speaker:- H H Loknath Swami Maharaj
Theme: Srila Vrindavan Das Thakura Appearance Day

Sub Theme: Introduction

Hare Krsna!

Param dekhe dukhi, para sukhe sukhi

Devotees become sad when they see others sad or in misery. They become happy when they see others happy. Participants or locations have reduced today since yesterday when we had 1500 participants. Due to your endeavor’s, the class was houseful yesterday.

Like Children are motivated to go to school and again the next day they need to be motivated to go to school again. You shall continue your efforts and keep this room our housse full. Similarly, new joining devotees would be happy. I would also be happy after seeing them and ultimately, Lord Krishna will be happy too. Yasha prasada bhagwat prasado, this is our ideology.

 Theme: Jive Daya/Name Ruci/Vaishnava Seva

jive dayä näme ruci vaisnava sevana iha chära dharma nähi suna sanätana

Hear, Sanätana! Kindness to all living beings taste for the holy name, and service to Vaisnavas—apart from these there is no other religion. This is the theme till the next Ekadashi! This is a campaign to increase the taste in the holy name, service to Vaishnavas, and kindness to all living beings. We will do all possible efforts to increase the taste in Holy Name. To increase the taste in Holy Name, we first need to service devotees, and second, we need to show kindness to all living beings. These three are the homework or one consolidated homework i.e. taste in the holy name, service to Vaishnavas, and kindness to all living beings. I will not tell much.

One of our targets is driven by the increase in the holy name’s taste i.e making this conference house full. That is one thing. The second thing is reciting Shikha Astakam and reciting or remembering the 10 offenses towards Hari Naam. We all need to understand and focus on these two items i.e. understanding Shikshasthakam and understanding 10 offences towards Holy Name. When we learn about the 10 offences it talks about the prohibition. We shall not commit these mistakes or those mistakes. Shikshasthakam talks about how shall we do the Japa i.e. We shall do the Japa with pure devotion and surrender. This is also called law or method of practicing the Holy Name. Similarly, we have Service offenses, Vaishnav offenses, and deity service offenses that come under the 10 offenses. Offenses talks about what we shall not do. These are the dos and don’ts, Yam or Niyama. There is Asthang Yog and Dhayana Yog which Krishna explained in the sixth chapter of the Bhagwat Gita. Asthang Yog – The first two rules of Asthang Yog is Yam and Niyam. Yam – means the work which will take us to Yam Puri. Niyam – means the regulations or methods.

satataṁ kīrtayanto māṁ yatantaś ca dṛḍha-vratāḥ
namasyantaś ca māṁ bhaktyā nitya-yuktā upāsate [Bhagwat Gita 9.14]

Our objective is to always perform Kirtan of Holy Name. What is the work of Gopis?

smartavyaḥ satataṁ viṣṇur vismartavyo na jātucit sarve vidhi-niṣedhāḥ syur etayor eva kiṅkarāḥ
[Bṛhat-sahasra-nāma-stotra] CC Madhya 22.113

Gopis only knows two things i.e. Smartavyah satatam Visnur – Always remember Krishna and vismartavyo na jātucit –never forget and always remember Krishna. Krishna Kanahiya Lal ki Jai! Radha Shyam Sundar Ki Jai! Hare Krishna! Radhe Krishna!

ārādhyo bhagavān vrajeśa-tanayas tad-dhāma vṛṇdāvanaṁ ramya kaścid upāsanā vraja-vadhu-varga-vīrya kalpita
śrīmad-bhāgavatam amalaṁ purāṇaṁ premā pum-artho mahān śrī-caitanya mahāprabhor matam idaṁ tatradaraḥ na paraḥ [Caitanya-mañjusā]

[The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Nanda Mahārāja, is to be worshiped along with His transcendental abode, Vṛndāvana. The most pleasing form of worship for the Lord is that which was performed by the gopīs of Vṛndāvaṇa. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the spotless authority on everything, and pure love of God is the ultimate goal of life for all men. These statements, for which we have the highest regard, are the opinion of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.]

As per Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, one of the points is how shall we worship Krishna, we all shall worship Krishna similar to Gopis of Vrindavan. This is the recommendation of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. We shall always remember Krishna and never forget Krishna. Understanding Shiksha Astakam will help us to remember Krishna.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!!

When we chant this Maha Mantra in the full mood of remembering Krishna. And when we avoid the offenses we will be able to do offense-free chanting of Holy Name.

aparadha-sunya ho’ye loha krishna-nama krishna mata krishna pita krishna dhana prana from nadiya-godrume by Bhakti Vinod Thakur

We all need to very well understand these dos and don’ts till the next Ekadashi. We will have classes in the Japa Talk to have a deeper understanding of the Shikha Astakam. We have prepared a syllabus

which will be covered by various speakers including me. I will be showing you the book which was covered during the Pad yatra. This book unfortunately is out of stock because of the high demand. Does any one of you have this book? Raise your hand in case you have.

Who all have these book can scan and distribute this book to all of you?

dadāti pratigṛhṇāti guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam NOI 4

This way you are going to help lots of devotees. We will not spend much time on this. If by any means it reaches you it would be very nice. Anyways padayatra press need to reprint this book, but it will take time and you might not be able to get reprint version near soon. You can get it from Shyam Sundar Prabhu ji from Vrindavan. He is one of the most intelligent and knowledgeable disciple of mine. He has compiled and written this book. We will discuss the 10 offenses and other offenses for the next 2 weeks.

mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā bodhayantaḥ parasparam kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca [Bhagwat Gita 10.9]

Devotees will share their deeper understanding of these two topics and you can also share your opinion and understanding on the topic. This small thinking is actually not a small and can-do revolution in your consciousness. It can bring transformation in your behavior. We all believe that today’s you will not be there till next Ekadashi. You will be a different you after these 15 days. With these attempts Gauranga will be happy will all of you! Hari Hari!

These things are our objectives or our homework till the next Ekadashi! We will have a strong foundation in Devotion and on top of it we can build many more stories of devotion further. We can build high devotional buildings touching the skies. To have such buildings we need a strong foundation and this theme will provide the required foundation for the same.

Yam, and Niyam are the foundation of Ashtanga Yog. After this foundation only we can follow other asanas like Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi! If Yam and Niyam are not stable then we will not have a stable foundation and it can lead to our destruction. We all will make our foundation very strong. This is our resolution to have a stable foundation. You all are also ready to have a strong foundation. I am proposing this resolution. Who all are ready to participate in this transformation journey? Is there anyone who is not interested in this journey, came forward?

It seems all of you are taking this resolution.

We will close this Japa talk with a discussion about Vrindavan Das Thakur’s Appearance Day. Vrindavan Das Thakur Ki Jai!

Vrindavan Das Thakur appeared at the same time as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! He was an incarnation of Srila Vyas Dev Ji! Vyas Dev appeared in the form of Vrindavan Das Thakur. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was in Jagannath Puri, after taking Sannyasa, that time Vrindavan Das Thakur appeared in Mamgachi, Modadruma-dvipa, Nawadweep! We don’t know all these places. Modadruma-dvipa is in between Jahnudvipa and Rudradvipa. Elder brother of Srivas Thakur, Nalin Pandit’s daughter Narayani’s son is Vrindavan Das Thakur. Narayani was also a very special devotee. When Narayani was

only 4 years, Mahaprabhu revealed his Mahaprakash pastime for 7 pahrs (21 hours). Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked Narayani to perform Kirtan during his Mahaprakash time. She performed Kirtan will full submission and involvement. She was crying and doing Kirtan. She was showcasing the eight types of devotions. Vrindavan Das Thakur was the son of such exemplified devotee Narayani. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in this material world, a complete spiritual universe appeared along with him on this earth as mentioned by Kavi Karnapura in his scripture, Gaura Ganoddesa Dipika. He mentions who from Krishna’s pastime appeared as what in Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastime. There he mentioned that Sri Vyas deva appeared as Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur.

Krishnaraj Kariraj Goswami was similar to Six Goswamis. He also wrote Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit. He has mentioned a lot about Vrindavan Das Thakur.

bhāgavate kṛṣṇa-līlā varṇilā vedavyāsa caitanya-līlāte vyāsa — vṛndāvana dāsa CC Ādi 11.55

Śrīla Vyāsadeva described the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The Vyāsa of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu was Vṛndāvana dāsa. He is given a detailed explanation of Sri Chaitanya Mahapurabhu in his scripture Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat! He is very well qualified to remove the darkness from this world from his scripture. Earlier Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur names his scripture Sri Chaitanya Mangal. But when he came to know that Lochan Das Thakur, another spiritual master, has also written a scripture named Sri Chaitanya Mangal, then he renamed his scripture as Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat.

bhāgavate yata bhakti-siddhāntera sāra likhiyāchena iṅhā jāni’ kariyā uddhāra CC Ādi 8.37

In Śrī Caitanya-maṅgala [later known as Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata] Śrīla Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura has given the conclusion and essence of devotional service by quoting the authoritative statements of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The way Sri Vyasa dev has written Srimad Bhagwatam, similarly, Vrindavan Das Thakur has written in Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat, as mentioned by Krishna Raj Kaviraj Goswami.

manuṣye racite nāre aiche grantha dhanya vṛndāvana-dāsa-mukhe vaktā śrī-caitanya CC Ādi 8.39

This scripture can not be written by an ordinary person. The subject matter of this book is so sublime that it appears that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has personally spoken through the writings of Śrī Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura.

vṛndāvana-dāsa-pade koṭi namaskāra aiche grantha kari’ teṅho tārilā saṁsāra CC Ādi 8.40

I offer millions of obeisances unto the lotus feet of Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura. No one else could write such a wonderful book for the deliverance of all fallen souls. We offer our obeisances to Vrindavan Das Thakur who has given this scripture which has the capability to overcome fallen souls from this

material world. We have to study this Shri Chaitanya Bhagawat as well. Although Srila Prabhupada has only given Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit to us. In case he had more time he could have translated Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat in English as well.

We will know the character and pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu only when we read both Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit and Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat. They complement each other. It is because the pastimes of nawadweep are explained in detail in Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur. Only a few of these pastimes are explained by Krishnaraj Kaviraj Goswami in Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit. This might be the policy Krishnaraj Kaviraj Goswami that he has either completely omitted or written in short those pastimes which were written in detail by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur.

Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur was the councilor and was close to Sri Nityanada Prabhu. He was very educated and initiated the disciple of Sri Nityanada Prabhu. If you want to read the pastimes of Nityanand Prabhu then also you have to read the Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat. It is so because Sri Chaitanya Charitmrit has very less description of the pastimes of Nityanand Prabhu! Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur became the benevolent disciple of universal spiritual master Nityanand Prabhu. It is because of the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu he wrote this magnificent scripture Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! He stayed here for 82 years and disappeared after that from this material world.

As Prabhupada said if you want to know me, read my books. Similarly, if we want to know Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur you shall read his books. Prabhupada also said that I will never die and will always remain alive with my books. Certainly! Similarly, Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur is also alive with his scripture. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the gift of Sri Harinaam. Similarly, Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur, the expansion of Sri Ved Vyasa, has given Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat, a magnificent gift, as a gift to all of us. So we all shall read, listen and hear Sri Chaitanya Bhagwat along with Sri Chaitanya Charitamrit.

Nitai Gaur Premamananda, Hari Hari Bol!!

Japa Talk 2 May 2024
HG Shankhadhari Das
Dovetail and not Control the Senses

Hare Krishna!

First of all I thank to HH Loknath Swami Maharaj and to other devotees for giving me an opportunity to talk to all of you about Lord Krishna. Also, I am now travelling between Dehradun to Rishikesh in the car so there might be some disturbance so kindly excuse me for that. Besides, I am very fortunate to be among the all of you.Today, I am going to take a simple topic which brought me faith in the Bhagavad Gita and Krishna. It was around 1989 or 88 when I first came across Bhagavad Gita but I was not having so much strong faith in that and the main reason was actually I was not understanding it properly. However, around 1989, I happened to attend one of the Bhagavad Gita classes in Bangalore.Itwas chapter 2 text 59.

There is no use of controlling the senses but by dovetailing the senses, you will be able to control the senses. We are in Rishikesh and river Ganga is there.Youcan see mother Ganges is in the background.The point is that in my life, I was scientist. I was in control system and I used to work in nanosecond 10^-12 but I was not in a position to control the mind.Thequestion for me was how to control the mind?

Even though I was scientist controlling the satellite in the 10^-12thof the nanosecond. But the real question was how to control my mind and the main thing was I was looking for a direction. I came to Rishikesh in 1984-85 to Divine Life Society to practice how to control mind. I went to Kanyakumari for 21 days Yoga camp in Vivekananda Kendra camp to learn how to control the mind. But everything I learnt would not last for more than a week.It’s very tough to continue practices.

Only solution is paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate

Thenat that moment I heard this verse. Here, in this verse, first of all Krishna tells that you may not be able to control the senses when you have taken the body.

viṣayā vinivartante
nirāhārasya dehinaḥ
rasa-varjaṁ raso ’py asya
paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate

Translation:

Though the embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.

This I liked because first thing was that you cannot control the senses.Itis their nature because if our senses are not acting then we are dead body.Therefore, first of all I like the way  Krishna presented that you cannot control the senses.But, then does it mean that we will allow the senses to go on freely through?The problem is we cannot allow senses then we will become animal.Thenwhat is the solution? Only solution is paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate, that by giving  the higher test, lower taste goes.This simple principle I loved it.Youdon’t control but you dovetail. Prabhupada used this word ‘dovetail’. ‘Dovetail’ means use your senses.Thisis very strange word, Srila Prabhupada used it. I heard this very lovely word for the first time. Since you cannot control but you can use it.Properly use it. Themain thing is now we know that Gandhi used to tell about three monkeys.One will close eyes, one will close the ears and one will close the mouth.Don’t see the bad thing; don’t hear the bad thing; don’t eat or talk the bad thing. Everybody knows it that we should not do it.Thisis controlling the senses. We can’t control because even if we control, but our mind has all the impressions.Theforce will not work here because once get the chance, it will let loose. It is like a child is crying and if you close his mouth forcefully  then the cries stop but the moment you leave the hand he criesten times louder than earlier. Similarly, when senses are forced like a crying child mouth is forcefully closed, he doesn’t cry that time but when left open hecries much faster.Similarly,the controlled census, when they get a chance they act heavily.Therefore controlling is of no use.Everybody is gentleman in a gentle place among gentle people but in a dirty place who is gentle is great. Similarly we can control the senses in a proper environment but when the environment is bad we cannot control it.Then, what is the solution again?Now Krishna tells that you have to engage the senses properly and Srila Prabhupada showed us a practical way how to dovetail the senses.Your tongues are very powerful therefore, you give them prasadam. If your nature is to talk then talk of Krishna katha, talk of chanting and everything do with the speech.And, if you want to hear please hear nice kirtan, nice Bhajan like yesterday night Maharaj sung very wonderful Bhajan kirtan here in Dehradun. If you hear Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwatam and you hear kirtan then these are all dovetailing your ears and avoiding all the nonsense.

Youuse your eyes in the darshan of Lord, for reading Krishna’s books.Evenif you go to nature and see, try to see with your eyes Krishna in viraat rupa. Now I am seeing Ganga and Himalaya together but I should able to recognise that Krishna’s presence in that. Similarly when you are holding your Tulsi mala, let it touch and it will purify you. Your touching sensation will be purified. Your nose, let it smell the good garland offered to Lord. Nose can be used in the service of Lord by smelling the garland and flowers offer to Lord.Thisway you are trying to continuously engaging your senses in Krishna’s things. This taste when once you get it you will lose the lower taste and this is the easiest way.It’s a natural way, spontaneous.No strain on controlling senses because when senses get higher taste then lower taste goesautomatically.The simpleexample I can say that instead of controlling the child by forcefully closing the mouth, you give the child some nice things to play with.Thenchild gets involved in the play and forgets the crying. Similarly our senses are longing for nonsense  and you give them some good Krishna’s taste then your senses will not long for nonsense.For example, if you eat a nice feast in your house, you don’t go outside on the roadsidefor small toffee or something. Similarly, if you get higher test for all the senses then lower taste will have no place and it is so wonderful when practiced like simple chanting.

Firsttime when I chanted I used to go to ISRO by vehicle, before chanting one round I used to sleep for four times.Therefore, for the senses, that it is very simple way where the senses automatically become controlled by dovetailing and while chanting, even sleeping also, you find it tremendously benefitted and I was able to little balance my mind. ThenI went to the temple and found the devotees and they were living with lot of simplicity. Those times, big temples were not there and devotees’ life was very simple. They were very happy with the khichdi and sleep on the floor and bathing 2-3 times and they were very happy. They were very peaceful. I was earning a lot of money, lot facilities but I was not peaceful.ThenI asked them “How come you are so peaceful?”Then, they told me to “Chant sixteen rounds”.ImmediatelyI started chanting sixteen rounds and thereal taste, I was able to get it.The result of that taste is peace. The result of that taste is control the mind and being peacefulness.Eventoday I used to think if Prabhupada had not given the practical solution I may be decent person but a very decent dog.Therefore, I am indebted to Krishna and Prabhupada birth after birth. I am still progressing but there is a lot of progress. I am not perfect but I have lot of improvement.Therefore, one who has intelligence should immediately take up this Krishna consciousness. This is really the best solution.

Quality Chanting is the Key!

You should not stop at 16 rounds we should do more and more. Srila Prabhupada told his disciples in the beginning to chant 64 rounds. And even if you can’t do all the things you must chant. Once they asked, “Prabhupada, you have given us so many instructions.Wecannot follow all of them.Tellonly one.”Srila Prabhupada said, “Chant 16 rounds.” What does it mean?Allother instructions need not to follow?No, because by chanting all other things will be followed.Some of us may ask that “I am chanting but I am still not able to control my senses fully.Forthat we need to do quality rounds. The quality rounds mean that your mind, words, deed, everything should be on chanting.Therefore, that is a real way you can improve the quality of chanting.”

Therefore, in short we are fortunate enough to have all these instructions in this Yuga. Let us not waste it.Useit properly.Letus advance. I am very-very really happy to see that you all got the fortune of Loknath Swami Maharaj and his association, his disciples andteachings, and you are able to hear him chanting every day.Yougot the opportunity to chant with the Maharaj directly but when you are chanting don’t be inattentive.Try to engage all your sense it chanting, especially the process of speaking and listening. Then it will be more useful and I am very thankful to all of you for giving me this opportunity. I also thank to Lokanath Maharaj also for giving me this opportunity to talk and to get associate with all of you.Thankyou very much.

Hare Krishna!

Date: 01May 2024
Speaker: HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji
Topic: Param Vijayte Sri Krishna Sankirtanam

HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji:

From last few days, we we’re discussing the teachings of lord Caitanya. In the Sikshastakam Prayers; whereverse 1-8 wasexplained as the steps from faith to love. The 1st verse has both do’s and don’ts. It also has ‘Param Vijayate’.

CC,Antya Lila, 20.12:

ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇaṁ
śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁvidyā-vadhū-jīvanam
ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaṁprati-padaṁpūrṇāmṛtāsvādanaṁ
sarvātma-snapanaṁparaṁvijayateśrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam

Translation:

‘Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step.’

The steps of cetodarpanmarjanam and bhavmahadavagninirpanam are of Anartha Nivriti. From śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁ to
sarvātma-snapanaṁis Artha Pravriti. Both provided by Hari Naam Samkirtana.

We will continue on the commentaries of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakurand Bhakti Vinod Thakur.

Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur explains the word ‘Sri Krishna Samkirtanam’ that how one forgets Krishna and is disoriented from Krishna. One forgets his own real identity. Then he becomes miserable. And when he takes shelter of a spiritual master and hear the pastimes of Krishna from them, He can call out Krishna intensely.

Haridas Thakur explains in the book Harinaam Chintamani.

Harinam Chintamani, Chapter 1, Verse 34:

cid-vaibhavapürëa-tattva mäyächäyätära |
cid-aëu-svarüpajévavaibhavaprakära ||

Translation:

Chidvaibhav is the complete element and Maya is only its shadow. The independent soul is a microscopic molecule of your spiritual power.

Harinam Chintamani, Chapter 1, Verse 35:

cid-dharma-vaçataùjévasvatantragaöhana |
saìkhyäyaanantasukhatäraprayojana ||

Translation:

Being spiritual, living beings are independent, they are infinite in number and eternal happiness is their only purpose.

The one who Chooses Krishna and take shelter of Krishna, always thinking about the pleasure of Krishna, Will become associate of Krishna.

Harinam Chintamani, Chapter 1, Verse 36:

sei sukhahetuyäräkåñëerebarila |
kåñëa-päriñadamukta-rüpeterahila ||

Translation:

Those who have accepted the shelter of Krishna for that eternal happiness or eternal bliss, they are free and living eternally with Krishna as his advisors.

The one who thinks about his own pleasure; will be caught in the trap of Maya.

Harinam Chintamani, Chapter 1, Verse 37:

yäräpunaùnija-sukhakariyäbhävanä |
pärçva-sthitämäyäpratikarilakämanä ||

Translation:

On the other hand, the living beings who desire their own happiness get attracted towards Maya, which is always nearby.

Then he will surely change one body after another body.

Harinam Chintamani, Chapter 1, Verse 38:

sei sabanitya-kåñëa-bahirmukhahaila |
devé-dhämemäyä-kåtaçarérapäila ||

Translation:

Only those living beings, turning outward from Krishna daily, attain the body created by Maya in the Devi Dham.

Krishna Das Kaviraj also tells in,

Srila Prabhupada also quotes this verse often.

Prema-vivarta 6.2:

kṛṣṇa bhuliya jīva bhoga vāñchā kare,
pāśate māyā tāre jāpaṭiyā…

Translation:

As soon as a soul desire to be enjoyer, then he is immediately captured by māyā
The living beings are the servants of Bhagavan and are for His enjoyment. When you try to acquire and enjoy those objects, you commit great sin. The wealth of the soul is manifested from Bhagavan’s potency and is meant for His service. We are suffering in this material existence because we have lost our service nature and forgotten that we are Krsna’s eternal servants.

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 20.117-118:

krsna bhuli’ sei jiva anadi-bahirmukha
    ataeva maya tare deya samsara-duhkha
kabhu svarge uthaya kabhu narake dubaya 
    dandya-jane raja yena nadite cubaya        

Translation:

“Because he has forgotten Sri Krsna, the jiva has been absorbed in his attempts to enjoy the material energy since time immemorial. Therefore, Krsna’s maya-akti awards the jiva the various sufferings of samsara. Sometimes he is elevated to the heavenly planets, and at other times he is thrown in the hellish planets. This is just like a man who is punished by the king by being tied to a wooden plank and dunked in a river. Sometimes he is immersed till he nearly drowns, and sometimes he is released for a few moments of apparent happiness.”

When we forget our true nature, then, the witch of maya attacks us with countless kinds of affliction. By great fortune, the living beings come in contact with Vaisnavas, and they then come to realize their dreadful condition in material existence, and pray to Krsna for mercy. As described in Sri Prema-vivarta (6.1-13)—

pisaci paile jena mati-cchana haya
maya-grasta jivera haya se bhava udaya

Translation:
“The dharma of the jiva who has turned away from Krsna becomes covered, just as a person’s intelligence becomes covered when he is haunted by a witch.”

ami siddha krsna-dasa, ei katha bhule
mayara naphara hana cira-dina bule

Translation:
“He forgets Bhagavan’s identity, and his own identity as a servant of Hari. Becoming a slave of maya, he wanders here and there for a long time in this bewildering material existence.”

kabhu raja, kabhu praja, kabhu vipra, sudra
kabhu duhkhi, kabhu sukhi, kabhu kita ksudra

Translation:
“Sometimes he is a king and sometimes a subject, sometimes a brahmana and sometimes a sudra. Sometimes he is happy and sometimes distressed, and sometimes he is a tiny insect.”

kabhu svarge, kabhu martye, narake va kabhu
kabhu deva, kabhu daitya, kabhu dasa, prabhu

Translation:
“Sometimes he is in heaven, sometimes on earth, and sometimes in hell. Sometimes he is a deva and sometimes a demon. Sometimes he is a servant and sometimes a master.”

ei-rupe samsara bhramite kona jana
sadhu-sange nija-tattva avagata hana

Translation:
“As he is wandering like this throughout material existence, if by some great fortune he happens to obtain the association of pure bhaktas, he comes to know of his own identity, and his life thus becomes meaningful.”

nija-tattva jani ara samsara na caya
kena va bhajinu maya kare haya haya

Translation:
“By his association with those bhaktas, he understands his true identity and becomes indifferent to material enjoyment. Grieving bitterly for his predicament, he laments, ‘Alas! Alas! Why did I serve maya for so long?’”

With this feeling, he cry with his heart.

kande bole, ohe krsna! ami tava dasa
tomara carana chadi’ haila sarva-nasa

Translation:
“He cries profusely, and prays at the lotus feet of Bhagavan. ‘O Krsna! I am Your eternal servant, but I have been ruined because I disregarded the service of Your feet. Who knows how long I have been wandering aimlessly as the slave of maya?’”

Then he takes the process to conquer maya; Maya daman prakriya. He learn about jeevatatva and develop devotion. Srila Prabhupada often says that one should cryfor krishna loike a small child. If once a pure name of Krishna comes from one’s mouth, then he will get the mercy of Krishna and he can conquer maya.

kakuti kariya krsne dake eka-bara
krpa kari krsna tare chadana samsara

Translation:
“’O Patita-pavana! O Dina-natha! Please protect this destitute soul. Deliver me from Your maya and engage me in Your service.’ Sri Krsna is an ocean of mercy, and when He hears the jiva cry out in such desperation even once, He quickly transports him across this insurmountable material energy.”

mayake pichane rakhi’ krsna-pane caya
bhajite bhajite krsna-pada-padma paya
krsna tare dena nija-cic-chaktira bala
maya akarsana chade haiya durbala

Translation:
“Krsna empowers the jiva with His spiritual potency, so that maya’s power to attract the soul gradually wanes. The jiva then turns his back on maya and desires to attain Krsna. He worships Krsna again and again, and finally becomes competent to attain His lotus feet.”

‘sadhu-sange krsna-nama’–ei-matra cai
samsara jinite ara kona vastu nai

Translation:
“Therefore, the only infallible method to cross this insurmountable material existence is to chant krsna-nama in the association of bhaktas.”

Vaishnava Song, Thakur Vaishnava Pada By Srila Narrottama Dasa Thakur:

thakurabaisnaba-pada abanirasu-sampada
suna bhai hana eka mana
asrayalaiyabhajeta’rekrsnanahityaje
arasaba mare akarana

Translation:

O brother, please hear my words with rapt attantion. The lotus feet of the Vaisnavas the most valuable treasure of this world. These  vaisnavas continuously take shelter of Lord Krsna and worship Him, They never abandon their Lord. They are liberated. They are free from the cycle of birth and death.

Yesterday, I have ended with some hard words.

23. Madhya Lila, 23.14-15:

ādauśraddhātataḥsādhu-
saṅgo ’thabhajana-kriyā
tato ’nartha-nivṛttiḥsyāt
tatoniṣṭhārucistataḥ

athāsaktistatobhāvas
tataḥpremābhyudañcati
sādhakānāmayaṁpremṇaḥ
prādurbhāvebhavetkramaḥ

Translation:

‘In the beginning there must be faith. Then one becomes interested in associating with pure devotees. Thereafter one is initiated by the spiritual master and executes the regulative principles under his orders. Thus one is freed from all unwanted habits and becomes firmly fixed in devotional service. Thereafter, one develops taste and attachment. This is the way of sādhana-bhakti, the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles. Gradually emotions intensify, and finally there is an awakening of love. This is the gradual development of love of Godhead for the devotee interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.’

When we take Holy Name under the shelter of Guru and Srila Prabhupada, then our chanting will be fruitive. This verse, I am quoting from shastras.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.23:

yasyadeveparābhaktir
yathādevetathāgurau
tasyaitekathitāhyarthāḥ
prakāśantemahātmanaḥ

Translation:

“Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of the Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.”

Here daiva meanskrsna.

We must follow our spiritual master and follow the instructions. As all the associates of lord Chaitanya followed the instructions of the lord to preach everywhere.Caitanya Mahaprabhu instruct Raghunath Das Goswami to follow the Samyas Ashrama strictly. No Goswami went to Vrindavan by their own will. In pancharatrik Vidhi, Spiritual master provide the service of the lord; Ijya; to their disciples. Even coming to Vrindavan was his order, not their desire.He orderd them to write books, worship deities, open temples and preach. When Goswamis found the deities of Radha Madanmohan, Radha Govind Dev Ji and Radha Gopinath, they firstly tell Caitanya Mahaprabhu. When he allowed them to worship the deities. So, to even worship deities, we need the permission of spiritual master.This is wrong that we buy deity and start worship on our own. To follow the instruction of spiritual master without break is important.

Srila Prabhupada used to say that If we don’t follow the instruction, then it acts as a mad elephant and destroys the creep of bhakti.The beginning uprooting is done, when one stops following spiritual master or commits offense against Him, then this act of ours will be the steps of a mad elephant.Accepting the bona fide spiritual master as one’s life and soul, the submissive disciple should learn from him the process of pure devotional service, which satisfies the Supreme Lord. By thus following the path of devotional service, the disciple gradually develops all good qualities.
Srila Prabhupada hardly associate four or five times with his spiritual master. He had no recorded lecture to listen. He took the essence of their words. We might not get association but instructions of the Spiritual master is enough.

As, Mrigari took the instruction of Narada Muni and starts chanting ‘Mara Mara’, then he automatically comes to chant ‘Rama Rama’. We just have to follow the instruction.

As Guru Maharaj used to say, ‘name will bring us to dham’. But name only arises when we strictly follow the instructions of spiritual master.

One should not be eager to go back, backto Godhead. But one should be eager to follow the instructions given by his Spiritual Master. One should always think about, How to fulfil the desires of my Spiritual master.

There are two things: one is to follow the instruction and another is to contemplate the instructions.

Srila Prabbhupada: In conclusion, if a disciple is very serious to execute the mission of the spiritual master, he immediately associates with the Supreme Personality of Godhead by vāṇī or vapuḥ. This is the only secret of success in seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Instead of being eager to see the Lord in some bush of Vṛndāvana while at the same time engaging in sense gratification, if one instead sticks to the principle of following the words of the spiritual master, he will see the Supreme Lord without difficulty.

We don’t need to search Krishna. As Srila Bhakti Siddhant Sarasvati Thakur says, ‘Don’t try to see lord, do service in a way, Lord wants to see you.’

Some people try to imitate devotion. If one is in the KG class, then how he can get the degree of graduation?

Srila Bhakti Vinod has warned us in Bhajan Rahasya:

adhikara na labhiya siddhadeha bhave
viparyaya buddhi janme saktira abhave

Translation:
“The intelligence of one who thinks of his siddha-deha without first acheiving elegibiltiy becomes bewildered.”

If one tries to jump on the 20th step of the ladder from the 1st step, then he will surely get a fracture. So, we should follow carefully.

Srila Prabhupada left Vrindavan Dham to preach in the West countries.

Vaishnav song; Mana, Tumi TirtheSada RataBy Bhakti Vinod Thakur:

(1) mana, tumitirthesada rata
ayodhya, mathura, maya, kasi, kanci, abantiya,
dvarabati, ar ache jata

(2) tumicahobhramibare, e sakala bare bare,
mukti-labhakoribara tare
se sakalatababhrama, nirarthakaparisrama,
cittasthiratirthenahi kore

(3) tirtha-phal sadhu-sanga, sadhu-sangeantaranga,
sri-krsna-bhajanamanohar
jatha sadhu, tatha tirtha, sthirakori’ nijacitta,
sadhu-sanga koro nirantar

(4) je tirthebaisnabanai, se tirthenahi jai,
ki labhahantiya dura-desa
jathaybaisnaba-gana, sei stanabrndabana,
sei sthaneanandaasesa

(5) krsna-bhakti jeisthane, muktidasiseikhane,
salilatathaymandakini
giritathagovardhana, bhumitathabrndabana,
abirbhutaapanihladini

(6) binodakohiche bhai, bhramiya ki phal pai,
baisnaba-sebana mor brata

Translation:

1) My dear mind, you are always attached to all the different places of pilgrimage such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kasi (Varanasi), Kancipura, Avantiya, Dvaravati, and so on.

2) You want to travel to all these holy places of pilgrimage again and again simply to the sake of obtaining liberation from the material miseries. But we actually see that your heart is not becoming resolutely fixed up by going to all these places; therefore all of you wanderings are simply useless labor for nothing tangible.

3) The ripened fruit and real benefit of any place of pilgrimage is the company of the pure-hearted devotees of the Lord. Establishing intimate and friendly relations with such devotees, let your mind be captivated by performing the charming worship of Lord Krsna in their association. Actually, any place in the entire world becomes a worshipable place of pilgrimage if devotees are living there. Thus, you should immediately seek out such a place, wherever you happen to be, and you should become fixed up in Krsna consciousness by constantly remaining in the company of such devotees.

4) Personally, I never bother to visit any so-called place of pilgrimage which is devoid of the presence of unalloyed devotees, for what other worthwhile benefit could possibly be gained by taking the trouble of walking to such faraway places? Only that place which is graced by the presence of the devotees is actually Vrndavana, and only at that place can you come into contact with unlimited spiritual pleasure.

5) Liberation personified is herself the humble maidservant of that place which is surcharged with devotion to Krsna. All the water at that place is the celestial Ganges, every hill there is Giri-govardhana, and the very earth is indeed Vrndavana. Only such a place can manifest the appearance of the eternal spiritual joy which is revealed by the Lord’s pleasure-potency.

6) I ask you now, dear brother, what benefit would I get by circumambulating all of the holy places of pilgrimage? Personally, my vow is to serve the Vaisnavas with firm resolution and untiring endeavor.

my vow is to serve the Vaisnavas with firm resolution and untiring endeavor.

Sri Prema-vivarta: 7.1:
asadhu-sange bhai krsna-namanahihaya
namaksarabahiraya bate tabu namakabhunaya

Translation:

“Brother, the Name of Krishna never appears in bad association: the letters of the Name may appear, but the Name never does.”

Pure Holy Name comes only in association of devotees and Spiritual Master.
Chanting in separation. From the Hari Bhakti Vilas:

ācāraevanṛpapuṅgavasevyamānodharmārthakāmaphaladobhavitehapuṃsām |
tasmātsadaivaviduṣāvahitenarājanśāstroditohyanudinaṃparipālanīyaḥ || 19 ||

Translation:

O best of kings, conduct alone, if served, will bestow the fruits of righteousness, wealth and desire on men

Therefore, O King, the scriptures should always be observed with the attention of the learned.

brāhmemuhūrtautthāyakṛṣṇakṛṣṇetikīrtayan |
prakṣālyapāṇipādau ca dantadhāvanamācaret || 20 ||

Transaltion:

Get up in the moment of Brahma and chant Krishna, Krishna

He washed his hands and feet and brushed his teeth.

ācamyavasanaṃrātrestyaktvānyatparidhāya ca |
punarācamanekuryāllekhyenavidhināgrataḥ || 21 ||

Translation:

Leaving the unwanted lust at night and putting on something else

Again, in the ablution, he shall do it in writing according to the prescribed method.

athecchanparamāṃśuddhiṃmūrdhnidhyātvāguroḥpadau |
stutvā ca kīrtayankṛṣṇaṃsmaraṃścaitadudīrayet || 22 ||-

Transaltion:

Supreme purity on the head, meditating on the teacher’s feet

Praising and chanting Krishna and remembering this, one should rise up.

We will read a realisation of a devotee:

Itis not hard to chant when we’re in association. But it is much more difficult when we are in the West.How can we have such a strong sadhana, when we are without association?Then Gurudev took the Japa mala and showed us his tulsi beads. He put his hand in the bag and said, ” We should chant together right here.” There were four or five devotees and he was looking at all of us.
We all took the japa beads. We were looking at Gurudev, and he was looking at us. Then, very slowly, he began to chant the maha-mantra on the japa:

Hare Krsna Hare KrsnaKrsnaKrsna Hare Hare – Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare

And we began to sing along with him, at the same time, very slowly. We did everything together and it was amazing.
Gurudev led the chanting at a slow pace, and we chanted together in one circle. We sat opposite Gurudev and looked at him, and he sat and looked into our faces and chanted the maha-mantra. It was really powerful.
At the end, Gurudev stopped. Then he looked at the person, who asked the question and asked: “And did your mind wander somewhere?” Gurudev then smiled and said, ” No, where will your mind go if we are sitting alone like this?”

Indeed, if you are sitting opposite Gurudev and he is looking at you, while you are chanting, your mind will not go anywhere, will it? Can you imagine that? It’s really beautiful.
Gurudev said that when we chant in the West, we should not take japa mala with an absent mind and chant Holy Name.

“First of all, you must come here as you did now. You should sit across from me and see that I have taken my japa beads and I am slowly chanting Holy Name.

I look at you, eye to eye, and you sit and look at me. Then you start chanting with me. You should meditate in this way when you chant the maha-mantra.”

Meditating on Gurudeva in this way is the first step in meditating on Guru Puja, through the mantras that I have explained earlier. Gurudeva very gradually introduced me to this process of meditation while chanting Holy Name.

He emphasized that this is not a one-sided meditation. We should not sit and meditate on Gurudeva, who has completely forgotten us. We should meditate on the fact that he is sitting and chanting with us and looking at us. This is an internal action. This is a two-way meditation.
Then Gurudev said: “If you chant in this way and your meditation becomes deep, like,’ I am sitting next to Gurudev, I am sitting in front of Guru Maharaj. ‘

When we remember someone while chanting, a small part of their sadhna added in our account. The existence of a pure devotee can purify one.

We discussed on ‘param vijayate sri krsna sankirtan’.

How to win over mayaand how win over Kaliyuga. We don’t even have to meditate on Sri Guru.

Hare Krishna!