12 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Hayagriva das, The Hare Krishna Explosion
Tags: Dwarkadish das, hayagriva das, Jai Sri Krishna, Kirtanananda Swami, Nara-narayana, New Vrindaban, Paramananda das, Paramhansa in the Hills, Rupanuga, Srila Prabhupada, the hare krishna explosion, Vamandev das
The Hare Krishna Explosion
by Hayagriva das
Part III: New Vrindaban, 1968-1969
Chapter 18
Paramhansa in the Hills
When we arrive at the foot of Aghasura Road, the devotees are waiting beside the powerwagon. The air is vibrant with the humming of bees and fragrant with the sweet aroma of white locust flowers.
The devotees offer obeisances as soon as the Lincoln turns down the driveway. They fall face down on the grass and gravel.
“Oh, there are many waiting here,” Prabhupada says, stepping out of the car. “Jai Sri Krishna!”
Little Dwarkadish, six years old, timidly obeys his mother and garlands Prabhupada with gardenias and red roses.
“Oh, thank you, Mr. D.D.D.,” Prabhupada says. “D.D.D.” is his nickname for Dwarkadish-das, who has just arrived with his mother from the Los Angeles temple. Present also are other recent arrivals: John and Susan, students from Ohio University, where Prabhupada lectured; Patita-pavana and Uddhava, two brothers from New York; Rupanuga and his five-year-old son Ekendra; and Nara-narayana, the carpenter who’s been helping Vamandev repair the farmhouse.
“So, where do we go from here?” Prabhupada asks.
“It’s two miles up that road, Prabhupada,” Ranandhir says, pointing at the muddy Aghasura winding its way down the creek through locust and maple.
“And we go in this?” Prabhupada asks, looking at the old powerwagon.
“It’s as strong as a tank, Prabhupada, “ Kirtanananda says, getting inside and starting it. The engine roars and smokes as he revs it up.
“Why not walk?” Prabhupada suggests.
We protest that the two-mile trek would be too hard on Prabhupada. Driving the power-wagon over Mr. Thompson’s property is quicker and easier.
Paramananda calls me aside to inform me that he couldn’t contact Mr. Thompson.
“He wasn’t in last night or this morning,” he says. “I guess it’s all right to drive over. He’s never refused.”
“Well, it’s an emergency,” I say.
Purushottam and Devananda load Prabhupada’s luggage in the back of the powerwagon. Prabhupada curiously asks about the vehicle’s model as he gets in. To cushion the jolts, we’ve placed clean pillows over the bare springs of the seat. Shama-dasi has even garlanded the dashboard.
Once Prabhupada is securely seated, Kirtanananda starts driving up the gravel road to Mr. Thompson’s farm. The powerwagon shudders and lurches forward. Hrishikesh, Paramananda, Ranandhir and I jump in back. The other devotees run behind in a hurried procession.
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11 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Diksha, Guru & Disciple, Madhudvisa das, Pandu das, Ritvik Representative of the Acharya
Tags: agni-hotra, exalted priest, Pandu das, Prabhupadanuga News, ritvik, ritvik initiation system, rtvijah, rtvijah-the priests, Srila Prabhupada, Vedic culture, Vedic sastra
Pandu on 17. December 2008 at 2:41 am said:
Srila Prabhupada’s Ritvik Initiation System
Some time back I was reading and article on the Prabhupadanuga News and I ran across this comment posted by Pandu Prabhu. I thought it relevant today, so I am posting it. It is some good information on the word “ritvik”. Also enclosed at end of post is the link to original article.
Since Srila Prabhupada himself Coined the term “Ritvik”, it is very offensive to Srila Prabhupada, to denounce this term. The attempt of certain persons to degrade the transcendental Vedic term “rtvijah” or “ritvik” to a derogatory word is one more example of offenses that have entered Iskcon due to our neglect of Srila Prabhupada’s advice.
In Vedic culture, a ritvik is an exalted priest. Such priests were often endowed with siddhis and respected as gurus, yet they never pretended to be as good as Lord Hari. By the order of the Acarya, the rtvijah recites the mantras that request the presence of Lord Visnu in the fire of Vedic sacrifice (agni-hotra), and he then makes offerings to the Supreme Lord according to Vedic sastra. The rtvijah performs an exalted function. He is a pure brahmin or Vaisnava who is never concerned about the political correctness or convenience of his stance.
Srila Prabhupada’s Ritvik statements can be found in his Supporting Instructions as well as in the Srimad Bhagavatam:
“…continue to become ritvik and act on my charge.” (July 19th)
“…continue to become ritvik and act on my behalf.” (July 31th)
“…the process for initiation to be followed in the future.” (July 11th)
Srila Prabhupada to Hansadutta: “You are a suitable person and you can give initiation to those who are ready for it. I have selected you among eleven men as “rittvik” or representative of the acharya, to give initiations, both first and second initiation, on my behalf.”
Srila Prabhupada: Yes. I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acarya(s).
Tamal Krishna: Is that called ritvik acarya?
Srila Prabhupada: “ritvik. Yes”.
In these documents we find words such as “ritvik”, “continue” and “future” which, along with the word “henceforward”, all point to the permanency of the ritvik system. There is no statement from Srila Prabhupada that even hints that this system was to terminate on his departure.
SB 9.1.15 adhvaryuna–by the rtvik priest;
SB 4.5.7 rtvijah–the priests;
SB 4.5.18 rtvijah–the priests
SB 4.6.52 rtvijam–of the priests;
SB 4.7.16 rtvik–the priests;
SB 4.7.27 rtvijah–the priests;
SB 4.7.45 rtvijah–the priests;
SB 4.7.56 rtvigbhih–with the priests;
SB 4.13.26 rtvijah–the priests;
In Srimad-Bhagavatam (8.16.53), Srila Prabhupada defines “ritvik” (rtvijah) as “the priests recommended by the spiritual master”. In this instance ritviks are defined as the deputed priests of the spiritual master. They preside over a Vedic ritual meant for the worship of Lord Visnu (visnu-aradhana). The initiation ritual observed in ISKCON is a standard Vedic ceremony, and it may be performed by ritviks, who officiate on behalf of the Acarya.
This understanding and practice was clearly established by Srila Prabhupada personally, and there should be no controversy regarding the definition or function of the ritvik priest. The new initiates offer dakshina and service to the mission of the guru, and the priests may also receive some token honor or reward for their services, according to Vedic custom. (In ISKCON Srila Prabhupada would either receive the guru dakshina personally and use it for a global ISKCON project or for his traveling expenses, or he would give money to the BBT or some other important or needy branch of his preaching mission. He never said that priests representing ISKCON should receive money or expensive gifts for their services. Nor did he say they should assume positions of absolute authority and accept worship as gurus.)
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/?p=849
11 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Devotee's, Diksha, Guru & Disciple, Hansadutta das, Srila Prabhupada His Movement & You, Tamal Krishna Goswami
Tags: GBC, Hansadutta Maharaja, His Divine Grace, initiated disciples book, July 10th, July 9th Letter, representative of the acharya, rittvik, spiritual name, Srila Prabhupada, Tamal Krishna Goswami, Temple Presidents, to give initiations
Letter to Hansadutta from Tamal Krishna Goswami
July 10th, 1977
My Dear Hansadutta Maharaja:
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Srila Prabhupada has received your letters dated July 4th and July 5th, 1977 respectively, and has instructed me to reply them.
Srila Prabhupada was very pleased to hear how you have organized everything in Ceylon, and that so many people are now taking interest seriously is proof of the effectiveness of your preaching. His Divine Grace said, “You are a suitable person and you can give initiation to those who are ready for it. I have selected you among eleven men as “rittvik” or representative of the acharya, to give initiations, both first and second initiation, on my behalf.” A newsletter is being sent to all Temple Presidents and GBC in this regard, listing the eleven representatives selected by His Divine Grace. Those who are initiated are the disciples of Srila Prabhupada, and anyone who you deem fit and initiate in this way, you should send their names to be included in Srila Prabhupada’s “Initiated Disciples” book. In this way the Temple Presidents will send their recommendations for initiation direct to the nearest representative who will give a spiritual name or chant on the Gayatri thread just as Srila Prabhupada has been doing.
Srila Prabhupada smiled very broadly when he heard of the successful program organized by the local people in which 2000 persons attended. When he heard that you have introduced a full feasting program on Sundays, he said, “You are a good cook, so teach others now how to cook just as I taught you.”
Regarding the printing going slowly, His Divine Grace stated, “Never mind. Go surely. It doesn’t matter slowly.” I inquired from Pradyumna Prabhu about the Sinhalese translation which you mentioned. He said that “On Chanting Hare Krishna Mantra” was translated into Sinhalese, and that translation is in his trunk in Bombay. We will try to get it to you as soon as possible. I do not know if Gopal Krishna has any Tamil manuscript, but if he does, when I see him in about ten days, I will tell him to send it to you. You may also write him directly. Pradyumna says it will be faster just to get a new translationÑit is only one page.
Srila Prabhupada was very glad to know that you would try to bring some Ceylonese devotees to Mayapur and said, “Oh, that is very good!” He did not know whether the story about Bhaktisiddhanta’s disciples seeing a man eating a rat was true or not. Regarding the exact position of Sri Lanka, this is the opinion of some people. Srila Prabhupada advised that we not discuss this matter publicly at this time. Prabhupada also recommended that from Hari Sauri you take ghee. He said that you could have one fifth of whatever Hari Sarui sends to India. Regarding whether you should use the name Swami or Goswami, Srila Prabhupada said, “Stick to one. Swami is better.”
Your servant,
Tamal Krishna Goswami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
09 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Ananda devi dasi, Diksha, Guru & Disciple, Quotes by Srila Prabhupada, Siksa
Tags: Ananda devi dasi, association with the spiritual master, guru, instructions of the spiritual master, spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam, vani, vaphu
Srila Prabhupada is our Spiritual Master, the Bona Fide Uttama-Adhikari, the current link to the Disciplic succession, the all merciful, all compassionate Diksa Guru, impartially distributing Sri Caitanya’s mercy. And Initiating the general population into the cult of Devotional Service to Lord Krsna.
Our relationship with Srila Prabhupada is a spiritual relationship, it is not based on whether or not we were physically present simultaneously. Spiritual inspiration comes from within the heart, wherein the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His Paramatma feature, is always sitting with all His devotees and associates. The Spiritual Master is the external manifestation of the Supersoul and is simultaneously manifest within the heart of the sincere disciple seated with the Supersoul and accompanying the disciple everywhere.
The disciple and spiritual master are never separated because the spiritual master always keeps company with the disciple as long as the disciple follows strictly the instructions of the spiritual master.
“In the absence of physical presentation of the Spiritual Master, the vaniseva is more important. My Spiritual Master Saraswati Goswami, may appear to be physically not present but still I try to serve His Instruction, I never feel separated from Him” (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, August 22, 1970)
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07 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Back to Godhead, Ganesha, Satyaraja das
Tags: elephant head, Ganapati, Ganesa, Ganesh, Govinda, Hare Krishna, Hindu pantheon, Krsna, lotus feet, Pillaiyar, Saryaraja das, Vinayaka
Ganesha (Sanskrit: गणेश; IAST: Gaṇeśa) also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh, also known as Ganapati (Sanskrit: गणपति;IAST: gaṇapati), Vinayaka (Sanskrit: विनायक; IAST: Vināyaka), and Pillaiyar (Tamil: பிள்ளையார்), is one of the deities best-known and most widely worshipped in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India and Nepal. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.
Ganesha is Vighneshvara or Vighnaraja, the Lord of Obstacles, both of a material and spiritual order. He is popularly worshipped as a remover of obstacles, though traditionally he also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked. [pasted from; Wikipedia.org]
Ganesa: Remover of Obstacles
By Satyaraja Dasa
from; Back to Godhead Magazine
The joyous elephant-faced deity known as Ganesa is revered by one billion Hindus worldwide, and though his worship has little place in the modern-day Hare Krsna movement, his personality and pastimes are part of ISKCON’s heritage.
Ganesa is often seen as the creator and remover of obstacles, as the guardian at entrances, and as a spiritually potent figure who can avert all evil influences. In popular Hindu lore he is thus the god to be worshiped first, before all religious ceremonies, public and private. Things tend to start off with Ganesa, and this is reflected even in common idiomatic phrases. For example, in Maharashtra when a dedication or inauguration is to be performed, a Marathi speaker may refer to the occasion as Sri ganesa karane (“doing the Sri Ganesa”). Another such expression is ganapatice kele (“to conceive a child”). Similar phrases are found in other Indian languages.
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02 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Letters by Srila Prabhupada, Sriman George Harrison, Syamasundara das
Tags: Govinda Record, Govindam, krsna consciousness, Radha Krishna Temple Album, Srila Prabhupada, Sriman George Harrison, Syamasundara das, transcendental, Yumuna dd
Prabhupada Enjoys the Govindam Record Album
The record is so nice that I am playing it at least once in a day and it is giving me transcendental pleasure with tears in my eyes. I am sure this record will be the first-class hit as already opined by the experts.
Los Angeles 8 March, 1970
My Dear Syamasundara.,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3 March, 1970, along with the “Govindam” record. The record is so nice that I am playing it at least once in a day and it is giving me transcendental pleasure with tears in my eyes. I am sure this record will be the first-class “hit” as already opined by the experts.
Certainly this has has come out so successful because of George’s sincere effort in Krsna Consciousness. I am so pleased that he is advancing towards perfectional stage of Krsna Consciousness; and your association will greatly help. Try to convince him to avoid the four principles of sinful life and chant Hare Krsna mantra as much as possible, then he will find everything is successful in his life.
I think on account of this record, many people, at least from different parts of Europe, will come to see our Temple. Many tourists also may come there. So you do not take it as gloomy, but you should welcome them in our Temple. Regularly try to sell our books and magazines to them. So far taking away the shoes is concerned, you can make the following arrangement: just after the entrance door, arrange for a movable railing so that anyone willing to enter the Temple room, but who does not like to take of his shoes, may be allowed to enter th room, but who does not like to take of his shoes, may be allowed to enter the door but stand near the railing and see the Deity from that place. Anyone willing to go inside the railing boundary must have to get out of his shoes. And exactly by the side of the Altar another railing may be fixed up. This railing should stand between the Vyasasana and the Altar.
So anyone who may come must be well received, informed about our activities, and when we publish a little pamphlet which is in preparation, it may also be distributed to each and every one of the visitors.
I have not heard anything from you about the small leaflet to be prepared for putting along with the “Govindam” records. Are you preparing it or not? or do you think it is necessary or not?
The next song you may record isJaya Jagadisa Hare:
Kesava dhrta dasabidha rupa
Jaya Jagadisa Hare
And we shall make a children’s book with ten pictures of Krsna’s different appearances (Dasavatara.) and a short story or explanation for each. Now we have just received part of the manuscript of an abridged version of KRSNA especially meant for children.
Hope this will meet you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Pasted from http://krishna.org/prabhupada-enjoys-the-govindam-record-album/
01 Jul 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Hayagriva das, The Hare Krishna Explosion
Tags: Allen Ginsberg, chanting Hare Krishna, Dai Nippon Press, Guru and the Poet, hayagriva das, krsna consciousness, Lord Chaitanya, New Vrindaban, prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada, the hare krishna explosion
The Hare Krishna Explosion
by Hayagriva das
Part III: New Vrindaban, 1968-1969
Chapter 17
The Guru and the Poet
In his room, Prabhupada reads from an advance copy of Teachings of Lord Chaitanya, which he has paid Dai Nippon Press to print. Prabhupada is very pleased.
“Now that they have done this nicely,” he says, “we can make immediate plans to print our Krishna book.”
Kirtanananda and Pradyumna prepare prasadam for distribution tomorrow. New announcements are posted on campus: SWAMI BHAKTIVEDANTA AND ALLEN GINSBERG: A NIGHT OF KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS IN COLUMBUS. MAY 12. TRANSCENDENTAL PASTIMES. ECSTATIC ILLUMINATIONS.
Prabhupada talks about the financing of “the Krishna book,” which is to be a summary of the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, dealing specifically with the pastimes of Lord Krishna in Vrindaban and Mathura. George Harrison is particularly interested and has offered to donate printing expenses.
“Just see how these books are attracting,” Prabhupada says. “My Guru Maharaj always said that books are the big mridanga.“
At nine p.m., Allen Ginsberg enters. He has just flown in from Louisville, Kentucky. Concluding a long tour of college poetry readings, he is eager to return to his Cherry Valley farm in upstate New York. When he sees Prabhupada, he smiles broadly.
“Hare Krishna!” he says. As always, Allen touches Prabhupada’s feet, offering obeisances, then sits cross-legged on the floor. “So, we’ll sing tomorrow?”
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30 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Devotee's, Devotional Service, Palaka das, Remembering Srila Prabhupada
Tags: chanting Hare Krishna, devotional service, Hare Krsna, Hari Bol, Palaka das, Srila Prabhupada
Opening the door for Srila Prabhupada
By; Palaka-dasa,
February 19, 2009:
When Srila Prabhupada traveled to Washington DC in the summer of 1976 I wanted desperately to do what ever little direct personal service for him that I could. So I eagerly looked for any opportunity an insignificant disciple such as my lowly self could find. Considering all of my Godbrothers and Godsisters out ranked me on every level, I would have to be a little aggressive if I were to render any direct service at all. Of course all of us were already assisting and serving Srila Prabhupada and his mission of spreading the Hare Krsna movement all over the world. Still, by some extra ordinary amount of good fortune, special mercy was coming our way. Srila Prabhupada was going to reside among us for one week and the potential for personal contact would be available like never before. Especially for the majority of us who never had been given the opportunity to serve directly along side of Srila Prabhupada. This would be a special time and a rare chance to gather up the nectar of his personal presence. As it turned out, this was the first and only time Srila Prabhupada came to Washington DC, thus making the memories of these days even that much sweeter.
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14 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Book Changes, Devotee's, Remembering Srila Prabhupada, Vyasasan das
Tags: accept as truth, bhagavad-gita, Chaste to the Original, Dear Srila Prabhupada, imports of Vedic knowledge, true potency of the Hare Krishna Movement, vaishnavas
Chaste to the Original
By Vyasasan das
I also believe that to retain the true potency of the Hare Krishna Movement, we all need to be reading and distributing the same Bhagavad-gita, and offer obeisances to the same spiritual master, just as we all chant the same Mahamantra and worship the same Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Dear Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my humble obeisances, and kindly forgive my offences.
vande ham sri-guroh sri-yuta-pada-kamalam sri-gurun vaishnavams cha
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master and unto the feet of all Vaishnavas.”
I am writing to you Srila Prabhupada, because letters addressed to your Divine Grace must by necessity, be truthful. You can read the mind of your disciples, therefore submissive, honest inquiry, is required. Also I write to you because in our ISKCON society today, being truthful, is often viewed as being offensive.
Today in this letter I wish to address some of the controversy that is taking place amongst the devotees over the changes to your books. Some devotees feel that your original writing, prior to your departure from our material vision, has more potency than the changed books that are being printed today by the BBTI. Some devotees, such as myself, feel strongly about only reading and distributing your original books. That the changes made to your books were unnecessary and unfounded. And furthermore, were not authorized by you.
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11 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Hayagriva das, The Hare Krishna Explosion
Tags: Allen Ginsberg, aratik offerings, bhagavad-gita, hayagriva das, Krishna consciousness program, New Vrindavan, New Vrindavan West Virginia, Srila Prabhupada, the hare krishna explosion
The Hare Krishna Explosion
by Hayagriva das
Part III: New Vrindaban, 1968-1969
Chapter 16
Krishna, The Flower-bearing Spring
I return to West Virginia in time for a major snowstorm. Aghasura Road becomes a shimmering white path through a fantasy land of icicles. In the little farmhouse, nucleus of our transcendental village, it is impossible to keep warm. Cold air somehow seeps through the old floorboards and cuts through cracks. We stoke the woodfire in the steel oil drum. At night, the oil drum glows crimson, like a self-contained galaxy in the dark blue cold of space.
We are spared the worst northwest winds sweeping down from the Arctic and Canada, and across the plains from northern Ohio, for our wise pioneers built the little house on the eastern side of Govardhan Hill. Still, the sun rises late, reluctantly. We sit two hours in the predawn darkness, chanting aratik mantras, reading Bhagavad-gita, and stoking the fire. There are always logs to cut, brambles to break, firewood to haul in to dry before burning.
The predawn hours are the coldest. We stand wrapped in blankets before the little altar as Kirtanananda offers incense, camphor, ghee, water, handkerchief, flower, peacock fan, and yak-tail whisk to the Radha Krishna and Jagannatha Deities.
“When making aratik offerings,” he writes Prabhupada, “is it proper to meditate on the different parts of the Lord’s body?”
Prabhupada writes back no. “The Lord is actually there with you,” he replies. “And you are seeing all of His bodily features, so there’s no need to meditate that way. Food should be offered before aratik…”
Of course, this means getting up earlier to cook. We take turns tending the fire. I don’t thaw out until I’m in my office in Columbus.
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09 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Agrani Krishna das, Devotee's, Diksha, Guru & Disciple, Iskcon Bangalore
Tags: Agrani Krishna dasa, bangalore, disciples of Srila Prabhupada, false gurus, India, Initiation Ceremony, ISKCON Bangalore, Lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada, physical master, spiritual master
Initiation Ceremony at ISKCON Bangalore
By Agrani Krishna Dasa
June 8 2011, Bangalore, India — Amongst the tension and tussle in Bangalore after the Hon’ble High Court’s verdict, May 29th was a memorable day for 37 devotees in the temple here. On the auspicious appearance day of Srila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura, 37 devotees took shelter under the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and accepted him as their spiritual master. I was one among the 37 devotees who took diksha from Srila Prabhupada on that day.
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08 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Gaudiya Math, Madhudvisa das, What Happened to the Hare Krishna's?
Tags: devotional service, envious, Gaudia Math, krsna consciousness, mercy of the Lord, pure vaisnava, so-called Vaisnavas, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, Srila Prabhupada
What Happened to the Hare Krishna’s?
By Sriman Madhuvisa Prabhu
Chapter 6
Problems From India
A pure Vaisnava is very happy to see a person elevated in devotional service. Unfortunately, there are many so-called Vaisnavas who become envious to see someone actually recognized by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It is a fact that no one can preach Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s message without receiving the special mercy of the Lord. This is known to every Viasnava, yet there are some envious people who cannot tolerate the expansion of this Krishna consciousness movement all over the world. They find fault with a pure devotee preacher and do not praise him for the excellent service he renders in fulfilling Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission.
The success of Srila Prabhupada’s preaching and his increasing number of temples and disciples all over the world caused some of his godbrothers (other disciples of Srila Bhaktsiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master) in India to become envious of him and his society.
Some of Srila Prabhupada’s godbrothers did not approve of his preaching work in the West. Srila Prabhupada had only a relatively small amount of direct association with his spiritual master and spent very little time living in the Gaudiya Math temples (his spiritual masters preaching mission).
He sometimes spoke on the Srimad Bhagavatam in the Gaudiya Math and helped with raising funds, but basically he was considered a householder and businessman. No one within the Gaudiya Math ever imagined Prabhupada would go to America to preach and spread the mission of Krishna consciousness all over the world. However Prabhupada’s ISKCON had made their tiny preaching attempts in India look insignificant.
Srila Prabhupada’s godbrothers had more personal association with Srila Bhaktsiddhanta than him and some of them had been sannyasis (renounced) for many years. If anyone was to be a world preacher surely it would be one of these advanced, renounced sannyasis who had received so much personal training from Srila Bhaktsiddhanta. In the Gaudiya Math way of things Srila Prabhupada really didn’t have much importance and no one would have considered him even a candidate as a world preacher.
The real difficulty for the Gaudiya Math began when they disobeyed the orders of Srila Bhaktsiddhanta. He instructed them that after he left his body they should make a Governing Body and conjointly manage the preaching mission in that way. He didn’t want an acarya appointed in his place as he could not see anyone qualified. But after Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s disappearance his disciples decided to reject his instructions and elect an acarya. It was a disaster and the result was the disintegration of the Gaudiya Math and the end of the preaching. Srila Prabhupada saw all this going on and criticized his godbrothers for going against Srila Bhaktsiddhanta’s instructions but he kept aloof from it. He preached independently and went about working and planning how to execute the order of his spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada was the only disciple of Srila Bhaktsiddhanta who sincerely took his instructions in regard to preaching in the Western countries to heart and was determined to follow them. He received the blessings and mercy of Srila Bhaktsiddhanta, Lord Caitanya and Krishna and was empowered by them to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world. But his godbrothers were far from happy.
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06 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Ganges, Hansadutta das, Srila Prabhupada His Movement & You
Tags: demons, Great Holy River Ganges, hansadutta das, impure, Iskcon, River Ganges, Srila Prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada's books and Instructions
Srila Prabhupada, His Movement & You
By Sriman Hansadutta Prabhu
…that although garbage, debris and dead bodies are to be seen floating in the holy Ganges, it is understood that the Ganges never becomes impure or polluted on that account. So ISKCON may also have apparent undesirable and non-spiritual aspects, even demons amongst its members–still ISKCON should be accepted as pure always. As with the Ganges, we simply push the undesirable debris and garbage aside and take our bath, similarly, in ISKCON we may brush aside or avoid the apparent non-spiritual members and their effects and try to dip deep into the instructions of Srila Prabhupada (books, instructions, etc.).
ISKCON is Like the Great Holy River Ganges
Here I would like to humbly suggest a positive alternative for the future development of ISKCON, which necessitates an understanding of what ISKCON is. Everyone says, “ISKCON, ISKCON, ISKCON….” But what is ISKCON?–That is the question.
ISKCON is like the great holy river Ganges. The discrepancies we see there should be considered just like the foam or stool and dead bodies we see occasionally floating in the holy river Ganges. They never contaminate the river Ganges; rather, Ganges can absorb unlimited contamination and sins of unlimited sinful persons, and still it remains pure.
As the mighty Ganges flows down from Vaikuntha and Lord Shiva, through the Himalayan mountains, through the plains of India, ending finally at the Bay of Bengal and apparently enters the salt water ocean, but in fact does not merge into the salt water ocean but goes underwater and descends to other lower planets, returning eventually to Vaikuntha, so similarly, ISKCON flows down from Goloka Vrindavan through the mighty mountain peaks of the great acharyas, through His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his disciples who appear to be merged into the mainstream of the human society for preaching Krishna consciousness and who are all destined to go back to Godhead.
No one has any proprietorship over the Ganges. However sinful one may be, no one can throw him out of the Ganges. That would be ridiculous.
If we accept the holy river Ganges as being analogous to the flow of transcendental teachings coming down from the spiritual world to the material world via the disciplic succession (Brahma, Narada, Vyasa, Madhvacharya, Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Prabhupada), then some of the incongruities which we as devotees sometimes experience in ISKCON may be resolved in a realistic way.
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04 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Agrani Krishna das, Devotee's, Guru & Disciple, Remembering Srila Prabhupada
Tags: Agrani Krishna dasa, archa-vigraha form, bhagavad-gita, bona fied spiritual master, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Deity, Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, Prabhupada teachings, Re-establishing the Lost Link
Re-establishing the Lost Link
By; Agrani Krishna Dasa
Jun 03, 2011 — INDIA (SUN) —
A spiritual master, who is as good as Hari, has the same potency like that of the Lord. Just like how Krishna can be perceived through His photos and archa-vigraha form, a bona fide spiritual master can also be approached through his Deity and the photos. In fact, there is no difference between Prabhupada and his teachings as well. There are thousands of devotees all over the world who can stand as a testimony to this fact.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says that yare dekho tare kaho krishna-upadesa. Whomever you meet, you simply talk about Krishna, what He has taught in the Bhagavad-gita. This is the sum and substance of our preaching to the world. All the glorious Acaryas of our Sampradaya have been waiting for a day when this whole world will chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra. When will Gaura Nitai be worshipped in each and every house? This is the dream they have been waiting to be enlivened.
Srila Prabhupada descended into this material universe just to fulfill this dream of the acaryas. He was very much clear and focused only onto this. That is why Krishna unfolded the fortune which was needed for Srila Prabhupada to establish this preaching of Krishna Consciousness. It was as though Krishna Himself was personally helping Srila Prabhupada to preach His glories all over this planet, by removing all the hurdles to push on this movement. It is because Srila Prabhupada had only one thing to meditate in his mind – “I need to execute the order of my spiritual master.”
After a decade of massive preaching, Srila Prabhupada left this planet leaving behind us a treasure of Vedic knowledge, his lectures, his letters, and conversations to guide us in his “absence”. It is often Srila Prabhupada mentioned that he will live through his teachings and we would utilize the same.
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01 Jun 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Hayagriva das, The Hare Krishna Explosion
Tags: devotees, Hayagriva, Hrskesh, Kirtanananda Swami, New Vrindavan, New Vrindavan 1968-1968, Pradyumna, Seven Temples on Seven Hills, spiritual community, Srila Prabhupada, the hare krishna explosion, Vamandev
The Hare Krishna Explosion
by Hayagriva Prabhu
Part III: New Vrindaban, 1968-1969
Chapter 15
Seven Temples on Seven Hills
The Montreal temple is located in a large, grey Gothic building near McGill University. The ground floor is occupied by a commercial printing company. The upstairs bowling alley has been converted into a kirtan hall and living area for new devotees—Shivananda, Jayapataka, Hansadutta, Vaikunthanath. Now it is crowded. There has been a flurry of activity since Prabhupada’s arrival.
Kirtanananda and I visit Prabhupada in his nearby apartment. As always, it seems, Prabhupada is seated behind his footlocker, the familiar aromas of gardenias, incense and sandalwood about him. Goursundar and Govinda dasi scurry about, fretting that too many people are disturbing him. We pay our obeisances, and I offer Prabhupada yellow roses, which Govinda dasi arranges in vases.
“So how have you come?” Prabhupada asks.
“By plane from New York,” I say.
“Ah, very good. And in New York they are doing nicely?”
“Yes, Srila Prabhupada. Very nicely.”
“And what about New Vrindaban? That is doing nicely?”
“The owner has finally agreed on a long term lease,” I say, “but he wants the timber.”
“Oh, that cannot be. We must have all rights.”
“The coal rights were sold sixty-five years ago,” Kirtanananda says. “This is the case with all the properties in that area.”
“This means that if the government develops the coal industry, we may be asked to vacate,” Prabhupada says, concerned. “And no law can stop it.”
We admit that this is a point to consider.
“Yes,” he continues, “even if the government does not interfere, if some big industry moves into our vicinity, our New Vrindaban will fade away.”
I suddenly envision the little farmhouse and willow tree enveloped in a haze of smoke, the pastures invaded by steel drills abusing Mother Earth, giant smokestacks….
“New Vrindaban must be free from industrial contamination,” he says. “Industries like mining will ruin everything. Consider well the land’s future.”
“Most of the coal has already been mined through underground tunnels,” Kirtanananda says.
“Another important point,” Prabhupada goes on. “What happens to the property after ninety-nine years?”
I don’t know,” I say, not having really thought of this. “We won’t be around then.”
“But the Society will,” he says. “There must be an agreement that at the end of the lease, the property will go to us.”
This had been our oversight. Of course it must go to the Society! Great temples will be rising from the blackberries and pokeweed!
“We’ll try to get Foster to agree,” I say.
We then describe the property. As soon as Prabhupada understands where the main road is, he asks, “How do you get up to the farmhouse?”
“Well, that’s the big problem,” I admit. “It’s not really what you’d call easily accessible. But you could drive a jeep or horse and wagon up it. Otherwise, it’s a two mile walk.”
Prabhupada reflects on this a moment.
“Hm. Horse and buggy would be better,” he says at length. “You should avoid machines and become as self-sufficient as possible. And horses are pleasing to look at. They are the most beautiful of animals.”
Kirtanananda presents a quart of blackberry chutney and one of raspberry jam.
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31 May 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Devotee's, Padmapani das, Srila Prabhupada
Tags: gentleman, judge a thing by its result, Padmapani dasa, spiritual advancement, Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada The Perfect Gentleman
By Sriman Padmapani Prabhu
“…we know that as soon as one understands how to deal with God, he will automatically deal very nicely with others.”
“Although there may be some difficulties within our society, these things are not very important. What is important is that we should simply fix our mind on Krishna’s Lotus Feet. This is His instruction in the Bhagavad-gita. So we associate with one another so that we can assist each other in hearing and chanting about Krishna. That is the purpose of our Society.” (Srila Prabhupada letter, November 22, 1974)
On July 29, 1971, Srila Prabhupada was interviewed on television at the University of Gainesville in Florida (which His Divine Grace described as “a remote corner of the world, thousands of miles from the birthplace of Lord Caitanya”).
At one point, Srila Prabhupada was asked the following question:
Interviewer: How would I recognize a true follower of the Krsna consciousness movement by his behavior? What would his traits be? What would his outward expressions be?
Srila Prabhupada: He’d be a very perfect gentleman, that’s all. You could not find any fault in him.
What’s particularly striking about his reply is that Srila Prabhupada never mentioned any external symptoms such as dress, title, social position, or even what religious or spiritual practices one followed. His evidence was the result — or fruit — of spiritual advancement. As he often said, “You can judge a thing by its result.”
Earlier in the conversation, Srila Prabhupada informed the interviewer that, “We are not concerned with how one man deals with another man.” Rather surprised, the interviewer asked, “Isn’t that part of your Krsna consciousness movement?” Srila Prabhupada replied, “No, this is not important because we know that as soon as one understands how to deal with God, he will automatically deal very nicely with others.”
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30 May 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Devotee's, Diksha, Guru & Disciple, Locanananda das, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: battle over Iskcon Bangalore, Chakra, Founder Acarya, initiations in Iskcon, Iskcon Bangalore battle, Locanananda dasa, ritvik debte, Srila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement, VNN, words spoken or written by spiritual master
This Movement is Srila Prabhupada’s Mercy Upon the Conditioned Souls of this World
Originally published as; Reply To Chakra Ritvik Debate, but timely today as the Battle over Bangalore continues…
By; Locanananda dasa
Editorial, Jun 30 (VNN)
Perhaps the most significant point is, that for members of ISKCON, the most important source of authoritative statements concerning the process of initiation are the words, spoken or written, of our own spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
After offering his association to his disciples over the years, by the time he was ready to announce his plan for future initiations after his disappearance, he could judge exactly to what extent his leading disciples would be able to follow in his footsteps by acting as gurus. Therefore, in his final instructions, he announced that he would recommend some of his disciples to serve as officiating acharyas, acting as his representatives. He did not declare anyone to be a full-fledged, fully realized, fully independent diksa guru to be worshiped by all as he himself had been worshiped. Instead, he named certain members of the GBC to occupy this post and to perform the service of accepting disciples on his behalf in addition to all of their other duties as zonal secretaries.
It was (and still is) obvious that no single individual could have been called upon to succeed him as head of the institution. This was never what Srila Prabhupada had in mind for ISKCON, even for future generations. … As a result of their misunderstanding of Srila Prabhupada’s final instructions, the GBC members who began to initiate thought that they were personally capable of delivering their disciples from birth and death because they were diksa gurus. The long-lasting effect of the illusion they created was to push Srila Prabhupada into the background by denying his second generation of followers direct access to him.
…We all need to be reminded that this movement is Srila Prabhupada’s mercy upon the conditioned souls of this world. It is Srila Prabhupada who is meant to receive the credit and glorification for whatever is achieved by his followers throughout the course of this movement. As an eternal associate of Lord Sri Krishna, Srila Prabhupada is capable of entering the heart of any sincere follower and inspiring and guiding him or her from within.…And we should never think that he has abandoned us and is no longer available to us despite our most sincere prayers. His Divine Grace can be reached by whoever opens any of his books to page one and hears from him by submissive oral reception. And the role of anyone who performs initiations in ISKCON now or in the future is to simply encourage everyone to adhere themselves strictly to what has been set forth by our spiritual preceptor as the message of the disciplic succession he represents.
Full article followes;
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29 May 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Madhudvisa das, Srila Prabhupada, What Happened to the Hare Krishna's?
Tags: dependent on Krishna, determination, devotion, GBC, Governing Body Commision, intelligence, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Iskcon, Madhuvisa dasa, purity, spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada
What Happened to the Hare Krishna’s?
Chapter Four
By Sriman Madhuvisa Prabhu
Srila Prabhupada – A Transcendental Manager
The success of ISKCON (the International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was a direct result of Srila Prabhupada’s devotion, determination, purity and intelligence, however, he was a soul completely surrendered to Krishna. He depended completely on Krishna. So ISKCON succeeded because Srila Prabhupada was totally dedicated to the order of his spiritual master and Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada was the force behind ISKCON but the thousands of young boys and girls who surrendered to him and accepted him as their spiritual master were the Krishna conscious soldiers fighting maya (illusion) on her own territory. Srila Prabhupada was always unlimitedly grateful to his disciples for helping him fulfill his spiritual master’s orders. He even sometimes said, “My spiritual master has sent you all to teach me how to be Krishna conscious.”
Srila Prabhupada didn’t want to control everything himself. He wanted to encourage his disciples to take responsibility and use their intelligence in devising ways to spread Krishna consciousness. He wanted his disciples to become competent in all areas of practical work and management as well as being learned in the philosophy and expert preachers. He didn’t like centralization or bureaucracy. His management program was always for independent and self-supporting centres not in any way dependant on any other centre. The only exceptions to this independent and self-supporting model were his Indian projects where he made Bombay the head office and he personally managed everything from there. He also centralized the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust as it would have been unworkable to have every temple printing books. There had to be some central body to coordinate book publication.
…I have heard from Jayatirtha you want to make big plans for centralization of management, taxes, monies, corporate status, book-keeping, credit, like that. I do not approve of such a plan. Do not centralize anything. Each temple must remain independent and self-sufficient. That was my plan from the very beginning, why you are thinking otherwise? Once before you wanted to do something centralizing with your GBC meeting, and if I did not interfere the whole thing would have been killed. Do not think in this way of big corporation, big credits, centralization – these are all nonsense proposals. Only thing I wanted was that books printing and distribution should be centralized, therefore I appointed you and Bali Mardana to do it. Otherwise, management, everything, should be done locally by local men. Accounts must be kept, things must be in order and lawfully done, but this should be each temple’s concern, not yours. (to Karandhara 22 Dec, 1972)
Srila Prabhupada wanted a confederation of independent ISKCON centres each managed by a Temple President, Secretary and Treasurer. His mood was that each Temple President should develop the preaching in his area at his own creative rate.
The formula for ISKCON organization is very simple and can be understood by everyone. The world is divided into 12 zones. For each zone there is one zonal secretary. His duty is to see that the spiritual principles are being upheld very nicely in all the temples of his zone. Otherwise each temple shall be independent and self-supporting. Let every temple president work according to his own capacity to improve the Krishna consciousness of his centre. So far the practical management is concerned, that is required, but not that we shall become too much absorbed in fancy organization. Our business is spiritual life, so whatever organization needs to be done, the presidents may handle and take advice and assistance from the GBC representative. In this way let the Society’s work go on and everyone increase their service at their own creative rate.
…We request that everyone take these formulas to heart and execute them very conscientiously. In this way we shall certainly be successful in pushing on this movement. (Signed by Srila Prabhupada & Karandhara dasa 22 Apr, 1972)
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26 May 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Devotee's, Gangamayee devi, Remembering Srila Prabhupada
Tags: Annada devi dasi, Gangamayee devi dasi, offering to Srila Prabhupada, Prabhupada Connection, Srila Prabhupada, Srila Sanatana Goswami's disappearance day, Vyasa Purnima
Offering to Srila Prabhupada
By; Gangamayee devi dasi
1973
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri gurave-namah
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto my Spiritual Master who has opened my eyes, blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge.”
No moment I’ve lived in nor emotion I’ve shared ever found any real meaning before I learnt of the existence of your most blessed and treasured Movement. No laughter I’d ever uttered, nor tears I’d ever shed could have so completely captured my very soul than those I’d experienced by just dancing, singing, and chanting before the Deities in the temple.
From a heart so bound up with materialistic yearnings, I’ve now learnt how to free myself from all my embittered entanglements and immerse myself instead within the eternal beauty which I’ve found pervades my very being.
But for you Srila Prabhupada, I would have fallen into the deepest well of my false ego and would have remained blinded forever from all the most wonderful ecstatic feelings that I have now learnt to experience. There are no words that would befit my lips, nor deeds fine that I could impart that would ever express my eternal gratitude for your having saved me from this ocean of material existence.
By your mercy Lord Krishna may I never again fall, but continue to rise ever upward pursuing the pathways to the Spiritual Planets.
Gangamayee devi dasi
Note: Gangamayee prabhu left our world six years ago on Srila Sanatana Goswami’s disappearance day, Vyasa Purnima. She chanted loudly for seven and a half hours, and left this world with the Lord’s Holy Name on her tongue. The Supreme decoration for a valiant soul! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada’s mercy and to his loving daughters and sons. — Submitted by Annada devi dasi
Pasted from http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/offerings84.html
25 May 2011
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Devotee's, Iskcon Bangalore, Madhu Pandit das
Tags: Akshaya Patra, Hare Krishna Movement, IIT-Mumbai, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit dasa, mid day meals, Trivandrum temple
Sriman Madhu Pandit Prabhu
Madhu Pandit Dasa (former name Madhusudan S) was born in 1956 in Trivandrum, India. As a pre-degree student, he was selected by the National Science Talent search program of the country. He completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT-Mumbai in the year 1980. During his days in IIT, he became interested in the books of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON. While he was doing his M.Tech course in IIT-Mumbai in 1981, he dedicated himself to the service of humanity by becoming a full-time member of ISKCON.
He began to travel all over South India organizing programs to increase the awareness of ISKCON and its mission. Seeing his potential as a leader, he was soon made the President of ISKCON, Trivandrum. In 1983, he became involved in overseeing the activities of ISKCON, Bangalore along with his responsibilities in Trivandrum temple. At that time a small fledgling centre in a rented apartment in an inconspicuous neighborhood of the city. Under his leadership, soon the popularity and activities of ISKCON-Bangalore began to blossom. In 1988, the Government of Karnataka allotted 6.5 acres of a rocky abandoned hillock in the city to set up a cultural complex. Being dissatisfied with what the commissioned architects were proposing for the cultural complex, he took upon himself to design the complex according to what he had envisioned. Soon he also started organizing efforts to raise funds for the construction of the complex. The next ten years unfolded an unprecedented scale of development on the hillock, now called the Hare Krishna Hill: the design and construction of a colossal cultural complex, mobilization of support and fund raising to a tune of Rs. 38 crores (Rs.380 million or $ 9.5 million) and recruiting and training nearly 100 full-time dedicated members of ISKCON. The monumental Cultural Complex was inaugurated in 1997 by the then President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.
In 1994, he initiated an integrated social development project for the benefit of the rural people of Mysore and Mandya districts. A model, prototype organic farm based on natural and earth-friendly farming methods along with an internationally accredited farmer-training center has been setup in the 110-acre land on the banks of river Kaveri in Srirangapatam.
The primary purpose of this is to establish self-sufficient farming communities. The farming techniques employed are traditional and organic to promote pro-environmental agriculture. Hundreds of farmers are deriving inspiration to adopt environmental and soil friendly agricultural methods researched and disseminated scientifically from this model farm. Rural women are trained in this farm in the practices and methods of organic farming. This farm is also supporting hundreds of farmers during the transition from chemical to organic farms. Many neighboring farms have successfully converted into organic farms.
He initiated the Akshaya Patra program to provide mid-day meals to underprivileged children in the Government schools of Bangalore Rural District during July 2000.
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