Experiences with HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj

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Servants of Bhakti Charu Swami February 24, 2012 at 6:58pm

Following is a collection of various websites where you can find ample of vani association of HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. Please visit them regularly as they are frequently updated.

http://www.bcswami.com/

http://www.bcsistagosthi.com/

http://www.bhakticharuswamilectures.co.in/

http://www.bhakticharuswamiquotes.in/

http://www.bhakticharuswamiphoto.in/

http://www.bhakticharuswamimedia.co.in/

http://www.bcswamiabhaycharan.com/

http://www.bcswamisongs.com/

http://www.bcswamidevoteenetwork.com/

http://www.ujjainiskcon.com

http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/group/hhbhakticaruswami

Bhakti Charu Swami

(From GBC)

HH Bhakti Charu Swami is from a Bengali family and spent most of his early childhood in urban Kolkata. He met with Srila Prabhupada at the end of 1976 after a long and intense search for a spiritual teacher. This initial meeting resulted in Bhakti Charu Swami being assigned to translate the books of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust into the Bengali language. He was immediately made responsible as the secretary for Indian affairs and within a few months, Srila Prabhupada gave him initiation. Soon thereafter, Srila Prabhupada awarded Bhakti Charu Swami the order of sannyasa. In addition to his official responsibilities, Bhakti Charu Swami continued to translate all of Srila Prabhupada’s works, more than fifty volumes, into Bengali. Bhakti Charu Swami is an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON and has disciples all over the world.

He became a member of the GBC in 1987 and served a term as chairman from 1989-1990. Bhakti Charu Swami’s GBC zonal assignments include Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India and is co-zonal secretary for Calcutta and Mayapur, West Bengal, and North Orissa and Puri.

Besides the significant energy Bhakti Charu Swami has spent on the development of the Mayapur project, the Hare Krishna movement’s world headquarters, he has headed the establishment and the continuing development of a large temple project in Ujjain, Gujarat, where he spends significant amounts of time. Under his direction, more than 20,000 school children in Ujjain receive a daily meal and the program is expected to expand further. Another major accomplishment of Bhakti Charu Swami is the production of an epic biographical video series, Abhay Charan. Over 100 episodes illustrate the life of Srila Prabhupada and have been televised in India and other parts of the world.

ISKCON members are known to appreciate Bhakti Charu Swami’s gentle ways and sweet singing of devotional songs and mantras. He assisted many devotees in understanding the etiquette of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as one of the original teachers at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) and continues to educate ISKCON’s members.

To read more about Bhakti Charu Swami please go to www.bcswami.com

In 1996, His Holiness took on the mammoth task of making a biographical video epic on the life of his spiritual master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. This video series, entitled Abhay Charan has been seen all over the world, as well as on Indian National Television. His Holiness is also developing projects in Ujjain, India. In February 2006, His Holiness constructed a beautiful temple in Ujjain. This is a very beautiful marble temple which is built in less than 10 months! The temple has three huge alters for the worship of Sri Sri Madan Mohan, Sri Sri Krishna Balaram and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. This temple also have an Iternational Guest House, Govinda's Restaurant, Gift and Srila Prabhupada book shops, a Prashadam shop and a separate Jagannath temple where a Mid-day Meal praject is functioning. This project in conjugation with M.P. Government and ISKCON Ujjain feads more than 30,000 students. ISKCON Ujjain is also running various other departments such as Deity dress manufacturing, temple altars construction, Murti project which make deities of Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara. A primary school had already started to built up in ujjain and also multistory apartments are also going to be ready for the devotees all over the world to stay.

Maharaj is known internationally for his expertise in vaisnava behavior, his vast knowledge and his dedication to Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON.Currently HH Bhakti Charu Swami is preaching all over the world the pure teachings of Srila Prabhupada.

All glories to Bhakti Charu swami and his service to Srila Prabhupada's movement.

http://www.bcswami.com/

http://www.bcsistagosthi.com/

http://www.bhakticharuswamilectures.co.in/

http://www.bhakticharuswamiquotes.in/

http://www.bhakticharuswamiphoto.in/

http://www.bhakticharuswamimedia.co.in/

http://www.bcswamiabhaycharan.com/

http://www.bcswamisongs.com/

http://www.bcswamidevoteenetwork.com/

http://www.ujjainiskcon.com

http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/group/hhbhakticaruswami

Get association of HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja. He is very dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He served His Divine Grace with full love and dedication. In the words of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja "In the mood in which Ishvarpuri served Sri Madhavendra Puri." His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja gave his full life and energy to serve Srila Prabhupada in all best possible ways. He is very compassionate, loving and caring. In one of the letters HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja wrote to Maharaja "Where are you now a days? I am sure wherever you are , you will be inspiring, caring for the devotees." In the words of HH Tamala Krishna Goswami Maharaja "Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja have heart of a bengali mother and courage of an British Officer."

HG Jananivas prabhu glorified HH Bhakti Charu swami as a nice gentleman, like Srila Prabhupada and spoke on the significance of Vyasapuja ceremony.“HH Bhakti Charu Swami is guiding many souls in going back to godhead. I first met HH Bhakti Charu Swami in 1976. He came to Mayapur. He was searching for the truth. He came back from Europe and he wanted to accept a Guru . He has just come from Himlayas- to search for a guru. Some how or another , he had the Nectar of Devotion and he came to contact with it, he opened the page, he saw the picture of Prabhupada & he had an attraction - this is my guru.

Then he accepted Srila Prabhupada and process of Krishna Consciousness. Like most Bengali mothers, his mother did not want him to join the ashram. But Bhakti Charu Swami’s determination was strong and he wanted to join the temple. And I think he actually met Srila Prabhupada is in Kumbha mela, Allahabad. And when Prabhupada was leaving the Kumbha Mela program, I think Bhakti Charu Swami was introduced and Srila Prabhupada told him to come with him. He traveled with Prabhupada in train journey and he gave many instructions in the first meeting. I can also give you initiation, sanyas and also you can become a member of GBC. This I have never heard before. Some one where complaining. That here is new man and he should wait. We do not know him. Prabhupada did not answer as he knew about Bhakti Charu Swami. This shows how much Srila Prabhupada had faith in him. He had service of translating the books.

He is quite unique in the history of ISKCON. It is like very very natural thing- in my opinion, certainly it is coming from previous birth- he is kind of automatically fitted in the position of sanyassi, GBC etc.

He is also unique in another sense that as it is expected that the sanyasi with danda, he has to be tough. He was exactly opposite. He is very soft spoken, very very gentle, very smiling face. He had a completely new image- his beautiful speech, very very gentle. It is said like father like son, such as Srila Prabhupada was a perfect gentle man, so, Bhakti Charu Swami is a perfect gentleman.

So, Guru’s business is to connect us to Krsna by Pancaratra initiation and guide in service to Krsna. He establishes our constitution as Krsna’s servant and he takes us from modes of goodness, passion & ignorance to transcendental position. Actually he takes you to the doorstep of the spiritual world. And he shows the disciple that you have to step in yourself. This is Guru. He is giving you Krishna Conscious instructions , he takes you to door step but you have to step into the door. Guru is also at your side even at door of spiritual world to give you confidence and to guide you to go into the spiritual world. And guru instructs that time you not to have desire that I cannot enjoy there , then you cannot go there. Guru guides you that now at this time, you should enter the spiritual world with the attitude that I can serve here. By Guru’s instruction, if one can imbibe that service attitude, then he can enter that spiritual world. And there Guru would instruct him his spiritual identity and his service etc. He reveals the spiritual world. Dham , his service to the disciple. This is the exalted position of the Guru – he guides them and takes them to spiritual world. This is why we observe Vyasapuja as such personalities are very certainly worshippable. I am fortunate that I can do a small service to HH Bhakti Charu Swami."

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HH Pankajanghri prabhu described the dedication of Maharaja in the early days of development of Mayapur. He said,"Umapati Swami reminded me that he would push the disciples to get through. He probably will. I was thinking of the story when HH first met Srila Prabhupada.. He was on a train and Bhavananda pr took him by the hand and introduced to Prabhupada. He was hesitant in his humility to go inside the compartment. But Bhavananda pushed him and closed the door. He said that he was thankful to Bhavananda. I think he will definitely do this to his disciples- push them to spiritual world. Then Prabhupada engaged him to translate his books to Bengali. He has quite a number of great achievements. When he first came to Mayapur, actually he met devotees in germany. He went to temple in Germany, he would argue with president about one great impersonal swami in Bengal. He said that you are sadhus but you harekrsna’s are critical about our parahamsas. Later,he realized by association of vaisnavas and reading Prabhupada’s books, he was misconceived in the early days. He was always very polite ,very elegant, very sophisticated. His name was kishore, as initiated by his mother. I was surprised to see him speaking fluently in German, when we traveled to Germany. We were traveling from Italy and that time, he was making the film Abhay Charan. He was always concerned about everyone- and would check time to time if everyone and even to his disciples, if they are comfortable.

He used to cook for the devotees in Mayapur – near the Samadhi brahmacari ashram. I must honestly say that it was the best prasadam we had in Mayapur. Because there was only about 60 devotees here. It was all fat rice and mustard oil but when he was cooking, it was very nice. He had vital services like BBT, construction- he used to go to Kolkata to order stone chips, steel and he had to sit in the truck so that no body steals the steel. No body would do such things today in 2010. If you ask you to sit in the truck of stone chips- now, someone would say, I came to ISKCON to become Sadhu and not to sit in the back of stone chip truck. Vaisnava never sees what service- he sees only if the service is pleasing to Krsna. Now, in Mayapur, we have so many labors, departments, housewives have housemaids are there- which we have never heard before. Lot of us were living in the boundary wall where shops are now, taking bath under the pump, even there was no facility the devotees sacrificed to give you the facility which you can enjoy now.

It would nice if we have lot of devotees like Bhakti Charu Swami and his budding devotees should imbibe his mood . One of the important qualities is dedication to Srila Prabhupada & ISKCON. Wherever there is any issue in ISKCON, Bhakti Charu Swami will step forward to protect ISKCON. So, congratulations to all those who are initiated by Bhakti Charu Swami and now you have the legacy to follow him."
Servants of Bhakti Charu Swami January 30, 2012 at 6:23pm

SENT BY KRISHNARJUNA DASA

15th January*

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*“Here today, Gone Tomorrow” *

Today was another whirlwind day, and our last full one in Kenya. Not wanting to get up at 4.13 again and have to replicate the 14 minute washing and dressing heroics of yesterday, I set my alarm for the earlier time of 3.30.

I woke up at 04.17.

I was scrambling to put my tilak on, when I heard a door in the next room click.

‘Phew, Guru Maharaja is just leaving the bathroom and I still have a minute or so’ I thought.

I bundled out of the door, clutching my video camera, voice recorder, tissues for guru maharaj and keys for both our doors, when to my horror I saw Guru Maharaja already downstairs below our balcony, proceeding towards the temple room. Alone.

“Krishna!” I exclaimed.

I somehow locked both our doors, still juggling the various items, and hurried downstairs to the temple room. I heaped my things in one corner and began recording Guru Maharaja singing Mangal Aarti – feeling completely discombobulated, but nevertheless determined to capture whatever I could of Guru Maharaja’s rendition.

“You should try to record as much as you can” Guru Maharaja had told me two months before in Mayapur “Mangal Aarti, classes, as many devotees as possible – these will be historic moments in the future.”

This was Guru Maharaja’s expansive thinking. He had everything in the proper perspective. I was always thinking in terms of ‘my’ welfare this month or this year. Guru Maharaja was thinking of all the beings on this planet, in this universe; for the whole of this life and lifetimes to come. Guru Maharaja was always cognizant of how Mahaprabhu’s mission was the only remedy for the creatures in this most degraded of ages. Mahaprabhu was bestowing the highest privilege for the lowliest entities, but for a limited period only: – Vraja Prema is only available for 10,000 years out of every 8.6 Billion - and Guru Maharaja was doing His best to ensure as many as possible would capitalise.

As I stood behind Guru Maharaja recording in the darkness of Mangal Aarti, I felt incredibly privileged to have been given this opportunity to render whatever small service I could, despite being riddled with all faults.

For morning class I had requested that Guru Maharaja be allowed to give Caitanya Caritamrta class – as I had never heard Guru Maharaja lecture directly from Kaviraj Goswami’s spotless Rasa-Sastra. I had assumed that the morning class was to be Srimad Bhagavatam, but actually the temple had scheduled it to be the third and final part of the series on Saranagati. I was, as usual, creating more havoc than help

“So will that be OK Guru Maharaja that you lecture on CC,” probed Amritesh as He served Guru Maharaja Prashadam, “Hey looks like I’m stealing all your services Krsnarjuna,” he added with a smile

“It was never mine to lose in the first place,” I said truthfully

“Yes, why not a class on Caitanya Caritamrta?” Guru Maharaja answered to Amrtiesh’s initial question – “anyway you should ask Him, he is my boss” said Guru Maharaja looking at me whilst patting me on the back, reassuring me that His causeless mercy was with me. I hung my head silently, feeling shy at Guru Maharaja’s public display of affection.

“Yes, actually it is a good idea” Gurudeva concluded.

Guru Maharaja chose Adi Lila, Chapter 3, Text 4 as the verse, using it as a spring board to discuss the tattva of Sri Caitanya Maharpabhu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and more specifically about Mahaprabhu's special mission of giving access to Vraja Prema. This class perfectly enunciated how Gaudiya Vaishnava’s achieve Raganuga Bhakti. I will post the video link and encourage you all to share it PROFUSELY, as it dispels the many bogus theories which abound relating to Raganuga Bhakti.

After breakfast Guru Maharaja immediately began making calls and writing emails, but this was interrupted as His schedule demanded that he meet some of the local youth.

“Guru Maharaja, you are so busy – maybe I should cancel this programme”

“No that’s alright – let them come. I don’t come here very often.”

Guru Maharaja seemed keen to meet the boys and I was astonished. I was finding it difficult just to keep up with Guru Maharaja schedule, and Guru Maharaja slept less and performed more than I did, and still there was no consideration of slowing down.

A meeting with 10 of the youth had been arranged. Bhakta Vincent, Bhakta Kaluu, Bhakta Robert, Bhakta Eddy, Prema Rasa Prabhu and so on were all keen to meet Gurudeva. All sweet and enthusiastic boys. All of African ethnicity.

Guru Maharaja was waiting in the meeting room, as one after another they had their meeting. So hectic was the schedule that I had to assign them strict 6 minute slots, and rigidly enforce it – no ifs, not buts. As the boys milled around outside waiting for their turn, I began speaking to Eddy, who seemed to be the one all the other boys looked up to

“So how long have you all been coming to the temple?” I said, joining the boys at the balcony railing and staring down at the radiant deities below

“Different people have been here for different amounts of time, some a few months, some a few years.”

“Really?” I was genuinely intrigued, as the group had such a closeness it seemed that they had been childhood friends “What about Bhakta Kaluu”

“Oh, he has only been coming for two weeks – he just walked in one day after hearing about the temple from some friends. He spoke to some devotees and said he was moving in. He has been staying in the ashram ever since”

I was flabbergasted. Kaluu was wearing dhoti and tilak, he was dancing in the Kirtan. And every day he had questioned Guru Maharaja with thoughtful, though albeit slightly unpredictable, questions.

“And what about you?” I asked

“I have been coming for 6 years. I stayed in the Ashram for 4”.

My face couldn’t conceal how impressed I was. “Really, you don’t seem old enough. You must have been like 10 when you joined, why did you leave, will you come back?” I blurted out all at once, feeling genuinely inspired at the huge devotee potential in Kenya, if these boys were anything to go by.

“Well I’m 26 now, and I left because…” At that moment Bhakta Robert had left Guru Maharaja’s meeting room

“OK, your turn now Eddy, well finish this off later. We Gotta stick to the schedule!”

Immediately after the meetings had finished Guru Maharaja went downstairs and held the Sunday feast class and kirtan for two hours. Guru Maharaja had lectured in English this morning, learnt some Swahili from the Bhaktas and was now lecturing in Hindi. The audience were enthralled by the class and especially Guru Maharaja’s kirtan. Spiritually gratified they applauded and cheered Guru Maharaja long after Guru Maharaja had vacated the Vyasasana. Unfortunately Guru Maharaja had limited time to speak with the assembled congregation and we left almost immediately for a lunch programme at Rajan Jaani’s home.

On the journey there my mind was whirring. I contemplated and recontemplated so many things, and the more I did so, the more humbled I felt. While my dealings with the boys had been very friendly, I had adopted an air of authority with them, explaining philosophy, offering guidance and opinion before it was sought and answering questions the devotees had on Guru Maharaja’s classes when Maharaja didn’t have the time to answer them all. Yet some of these boys had given solid years in the ashram. I realised that subtly, my title of ‘Secretary to Bhakti Charu Swami’ had allowed my self-estimation to become inflated and this showed in my behaviour. The truth was any ability I demonstrated was reflected from the Glory of Guru Maharaja. The rest of my amazing spiritual potency was fictional, existing in my mind only. The ‘boys’ I was trying to help were men. Eddy was 26, Prema Rasa Dasa was older still. Was it appropriate for me to be instructing them? My thoughts continued on, thick and fast

“But maybe age wasn’t the reason I should have taken a humble position, maybe it was there sincerity and commitment to Prabhupada’s movement. After all what is age? I am 25 now. 25! Where have the last 6 years gone…how fleeting this life it, how foolish it is to invest so heavily in this body which is here today, gone tomorrow, just like us in Nairobi…’

I smiled, realising that I had the title for the next diary instalment, but my chain of thought was broken as we had reached the Jaani’s home. Guru Maharaja was already out of the car and progressing towards the house over the bridge which connected the driveway to the home itself, as the house was surrounded by a shallow lawned moat. I hurried to keep up with Gurudeva, who was already taking off his shoes when I caught up with him. I bent down to try and assist but Guru Maharaja had almost finished and he semi tripped over my foolishly extended arm

“Sorry” Guru Maharaja said courteously looking down at me as I flushed with embarrassment

“No I am sorry, sorry that you have a secretary like me Guru Maharaja” I murmured under my breath, lamenting my inabilities.

Guru Maharaja had a quick tour of the house, which reflected the Jaani’s considerable wealth. The Deities were situated in the centre of the house, with large windows so they could be viewed from almost any area of the residence. Guru Maharaja had already praised the family, that despite having considerable facility, they were exemplary in how they engaged it in ISKCON’s service. The Jagannath Express restaurant yesterday and the Krishna-centred home today both paid testimony to that fact.

After paying obeisances to the Deities, Guru Maharaja gazed outside

“How much milk do they give a day?”

I moved to the window and to my delight in the landscaped moat were two cows! The garden was large, but it certainly was not a paddock for hosting farm animals - it was far too well kept. I was impressed that the family were following the Vedic injunction that a householder should keep cows. I snapped a few photos as ammunition in my ongoing attempts to convince my family - in suburban London - to do the same.

Guru Maharaja took an elaborate lunch and we settled down in the living area and a discussion on demons in power ensued.

“In fact Ravindra Swarup Prabhu wrote a very interesting article on theories that the universe is similar to a clock” Guru Maharaja began. “Just like an old wind up clock, these nonsense scientists postulated that the universe is simply wound up and then left to run. God simply arranges the universe and then leaves it alone to function and therefore is out of the picture. In this way the scientists were able to exile God from mainstream consciousness. Then, when God was exiled in this way for some time, Darwinism emerged. In this way they tried to assassinate God. God is dead. That is what they claim.”

The ensuing discussion lasted several hours until Guru Maharaja was introduced to some of the Sylhetti members of the family and He chatted in Bengali. I realised then that this was the fourth or even fifth language (if you include Sanskrit) that Guru Maharaja had delivered the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in today. Such was Guru Maharaja’s expertise and determination to deliver this message whenever to whoever.

From the conversation it emerged that the household regularly performed Kirtan together, with many members having undergone classical training. On Guru Maharaja’s request they began singing Bengali Bhajans of the Vaisnava Acharyas. A beautiful atmosphere filled the room as the perfect Bengali ragas were sung to compliment the time of day and mood of the Acaryas who were glorifying Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu through their words, and lamenting His absence with their hearts. Guru Maharaja sat straight on His raised chair, arms folded, eyes closed and head tilted back. Full absorbtion decorated His face as the Bhajans swooned on.

After half an hour or so, Guru Maharaja rose to leave. He was happy with His visit, but visibly tired. However the day was not over yet. We had another evening programme to attend and we proceeded straight there. Guru Maharaja was received especially warmly here, and for the entirety of the programme Guru Maharaja was at ease as if amongst close family. Guru Maharaja talked in Hindi answering questions and giving inspiration, concluding the session with a short Kirtan.

As we drove back to the temple in the darkness Guru Maharaja seat was greatly reclined as he talked mildly with a close acquaintance. Soon after we arrived back at the temple and proceeded up towards Guru Maharaja’s room. I had barely closed Guru Maharaja’s door when a knock on the door announced that some devotees were waiting for Darshan of Guru Maharaja. It was almost 21.00. Knowing that if Guru Maharaja takes rest after 21.30 he does not sleep restfully, especially because he rarely sleeps past 03.00, I declined the devotees meeting

“It just won’t be possible” I told the devotees “Guru Maharaja has had an intense day – maybe we could arrange something tomorrow,” my eyes were feeling heavy and my mind was swimming with exhaustion as I struggled to string coherent English together.

“No, that’s alright – we can talk for sometime now” Guru Maharaja had emerged from the room behind me “is the meeting room open?”

After frantically seeking out the Security Guard in the darkness, we found the key for the room. Settling down on the floor in front of Guru Maharaja, the devotees – they were responsible for the Sunday Feast – began to speak. I listened, my head propped up on my knee, sitting at Guru Maharaja’s feet looking up at Him. The devotees didn’t speak anything that couldn’t have been answered via email as their questions progressed from “how to explain the dip in Sunday feast attendance, how to improve the menu, what else can we do to improve the preaching?” Yet while Guru Maharaja’s content would have been same in the email, the inspiration would not. Devotees craved to be in Guru Maharaja’s association and to witness first hand His humour, His Sastric proficiency, His razor sharp logic and the root of all these things, His unwavering dedication to Srila Prabhupada. It motivated devotees to do even more – and Guru Maharaja was always happy to oblige them if it would help, even in a small way, push forward Mahaprabhu’s mission. Guru Maharaja has no sense of “personal inconvenience”. His life and soul is this ISKCON movement.

As Guru Maharaja finally settled down to rest after the meeting, I couldn’t help but think of Srila Prabhupada’s emphasis, that a devotee who is perfectly advanced in devotional life is incapable of wasting even a single moment outside of Krishna’s Service. What volumes, therefore, do days such as this one speak about the devotional life of Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja?

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*Harinam Sankirtan Yajna ki Jai*

*Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Guru Maharaja ki Jai*

*Srila Abhay Caranaravindam Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Guru Maharaja ki Jai*

* *

*Yours in the service of Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga*

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*Krsnarjuna Dasa*
Volunteer

kartik January 25, 2012 at 5:57pm

To read day to day experiences which devotees have with Guru Maharaj please visit

http://www.bcsistagosthi.com/