In Brihad-Bhagavatamrita, Sanatana Goswami beautifully narrates the journey of a soul to the kingdom of God. Gopa Kumara is that fortunate soul who decides to go back to the kingdom of God, Goloka Vrindavan.

In this world we are on a never-ending journey. We have been wandering in this material world away from God for an uncountable number of years.

Sometimes we travel to the upper planetary systems to enjoy good karma. Sometimes we are compelled to go to the lower planetary systems to suffer bad karma. Sometimes we wander in a human body, sometimes in a non – human body. Sometimes we live on land, sometimes in water and sometimes in the sky. The dollops of happiness given to us during our travels hardly give any joy, in fact it brings more frustration. Just as the water of the ocean cannot quench our thirst the allurements of this world cannot satiate our hearts.

During our journey we come across other travelers too. We identify them as our father and mother, brother and sister, spouse and children, friends and foes. We start liking their company. We desire to live with them forever. But just as the waves of the ocean devoid of emotions demolishes the castle of sand, the unconquerable time unmoved by our tears crushes all our dreams and steals all our loved ones from us. This is the nature of this world. This is how this world has been functioning since the dawn of creation.

We are residents of the spiritual world

So, Krishna, the architect of this world, warns us that nowhere in this entire material creation one can enjoy forever, miseries are everywhere because death is everywhere. Bhagavad Gita 8.16. But away from this material world is the spiritual world which is not ephemeral but is eternal. In that world there is no death and is free from all sufferings. We originally belong to the eternal spiritual world. So, Krishna asks us to return back to the spiritual world. Srila Prabhupada in his writings have underlined the importance of returning to the spiritual world thousands of times. In fact, he started a monthly magazine and named it as “Back to Godhead (BTG).”

Just as a fish separated from water will always remain miserable similarly as long as we are separated from our eternal spiritual homes we will continue to suffer. Krishna gives opportunity to each and every one to come back to him. You and I can also live with Krishna in his beautiful kingdom.

Sanatana Goswami in his book, Brihad-Bhagavatamrita, tells the story of a fortunate soul, Gopa Kumara, who also got an opportunity to return back to the spiritual world. Just like us, Gopa Kumara was also in this material world where we are living now. But Gopa Kumara unlike us consciously decided to leave this material world and return back to the spiritual world. In his magnum opus, Brihad-bhagavatamrita, Sanatana Goswami explain in detail Gopa Kumar’s journey to Goloka Vrindavan. Goloka Vrindavan is the abode of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Each nugget of the book allows us to experience the emotions he went through during his travel. The book captivates our mind and tantalizes us to join Gopa Kumara in his journey.

Gopa Kumara decides to go back to the spiritual world

Gopa Kumara wanted to end all his sufferings. “Enough is enough. I no longer want to suffer the pains and pleasures of this ephemeral world,” he thought. So, as soon as he got the chance to go back to his original spiritual home, he immediately grabbed it. With enthusiasm, confidence and complete faith in the Supreme Lord, he decided to march towards his final destination. On his way to Goloka Vrindavan, he also went to the higher planets of this material world where lots of opportunity for sense gratification was present. But he wasn’t happy there. So, from there he went to the spiritual world. He went to different spiritual planets of the spiritual world. He went to Vaikuntha, to Ayodhya, to Dwarka. In that spiritual abode he met the spiritual residents who were as glorious as the Supreme Lord and all were in utter bliss. There he experienced unlimited joy, he achieved complete perfection.

But still he missed something. He missed Krishna. He missed brajvasis, the residents of Vrindavan. There was a tinge of dissatisfaction in his heart. His heart longed to be with Krishna. He desperately wanted to go to Goloka Vrindavan. How will Krishna not fulfill the desire of his dear devotee? A celestial plane which travelled faster than the speed of the mind travelling along a wonderful path took Gopa Kumara to that glorious land which is the topmost of all the spiritual planets.

Gopa Kumara arrives in Goloka Vrindavan

Sages and saints meditate for thousands of years to get a glimpse of that land. In that glorious land of Goloka Vrindavan Gopa Kumara’s heart attained supreme satisfaction. He wanted to see Krishna and so began searching Krishna. He saw the brajvasis, the most exalted devotees, and inquired from them about Krishna. But they were so absorbed in Krishna that they were not able to say a word. One elderly man who was overwhelmed with emotions in broken words showed him the palace of Gopa King, Nanda. At the palace he saw millions and millions of wonders which he had never seen or imagined. At the entrance of the palace, Gopa Kumara inquired from an elderly brajvasi about Krishna. With a heavy heart she said, “he who has stolen our hearts left with his friends and cows in the morning to the forest to enjoy his pastimes.”

Unable to bear separation from Krishna the brajvasis with great difficulty were spending their time in the day. To alleviate their pain some had absorbed themselves in remembering his many pastimes. Some composed songs which described his many activities and sang it throughout the day. Many got busy in preparing delicious preparations which they planned to serve him as soon as he returns. Engaged in different activities, everyone tried their best to hide their emotions, but their eyes belied them, tears constantly flowed from their eyes and in broken words they kept calling Krishna, Krishna. It was difficult for anyone to understand whether they were in bliss or were in pain. Whether they were with Krishna or not with Krishna.

They were desperately waiting for Krishna to return from the forest. And as soon as it was evening, all frantically ran towards the shore of Yamuna. Fixing their eyes towards the forest trying their best not to blink they were eagerly waiting for him. Gopa Kumara was also present there.

Krishna welcomes Gopa Kumara to Goloka Vrindavan

Suddenly the atmosphere got filled with the melodious sound of the flute. The Yamuna stopped flowing. The birds flying in the air stood still. The trees decorated with beautiful flowers spread their arms to embrace the sound. Some of the brajvasis overwhelmed with emotions fainted. Many desperately tried looking in the direction of the sound but their tears blurred their vision. Some stood stunned. Gopis carrying pots of delicacies ran hurriedly. Some fell on the ground. And in great pain of separation they cried again and again. Yashoda with her husband, Nanda Maharaj, Radharani with her many friends and along with all the moving and non- moving residents of braj anxiously waited to have a glimpse of Krishna.

And suddenly a bluish boy in yellow garments appeared. He was decorated with forest flowers and was wearing crown made of peacock feathers. The fortunate flute whom the bluish boy had embraced with his lips joyfully danced and informed all that Krishna has arrived. It was celebration time. Krishna was so happy to see all. After whole day work, he was back home. But suddenly Krishna’s joy multiplied manifold!

Krishna is so happy to see Gopa Kumara

Amongst the brajvasis who had assembled at the shore of Yamuna, he saw Gopa Kumara. He stopped playing his flute. Leaving his friends, leaving his cows, and leaving all confused he ran frantically towards him. He leaped towards Gopa Kumara and embraced him. Seeing his dear friend after such a long time, Krishna overwhelmed with emotion fainted in the arms of Gopa Kumara. After regaining consciousness, Krishna took the hand of Gopa Kumara in his lotus hand and inquired, “How are you? I missed you so much, Sarupa. Every day I waited for you hoping that you will return one day for sure. I am so thankful. I am so grateful. You are back. Now please stay here. Don’t go anywhere.” Gopa Kumara’s name in the spiritual world was Sarupa. Although Gopa Kumara had forgotten the name Sarupa but Krishna remembered. Sarupa got reunited with Krishna and with his spiritual family in the spiritual world to live eternally and blissfully.

In the spiritual world there is no anxiety, no fear. It is free from all kinds of suffering which afflict us in this world. Scriptures tell us that the same destiny awaits us too. Through his book, Brihad-bhagavatamrita, Sanatana Goswami is inviting us to the spiritual world, our original spiritual home. Are we ready?

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=94205

Dear devotees, 
gradually, our this year's HOLY NAME RETREAT at EKACHAKRA DHAM is coming closer....!

Please come and join this transformational journey....Deepen your relationship with the holy name - in japa as well as in kirtan!

When..........? From Wed, 24th to Sun, 28th of December 2025

We will leave Mayapur by bus on 24th at 5am and will return on the 28th by lunch time.

THIS RETREAT WILL BE OPEN TO ONE AND ALL - MEN AS WELL AS LADIES!

* PRICE: The only price to pay for attending this wonderful event is an intense greed for deepening our relationship with the holy name. The entire event including transport, accommodation and prasadam will be offered on donation basis. (The actual expense comes to around Rs.3500 per person).

* QUALIFICATION: This retreat is for seriously practicing devotees who are chanting some rounds regularly for at least one year.

Registration is absolutely required in order to assure that you will have a place to sleep. 
www.theholynameretreat.net

Holy Name Retreat at Ekachakra Dham

Looking forward to receive you in Vaishnava hospitality and serve you...!

Your servant,
Devaki Devi Dasi

One way many people came in contact with the Hare Krishna movement was through college programmes. From the early days of ISKCON devotees have been presenting the Vedic philosophy to students at universities around the world. Srila Prabhupada was very happy to receive reports from such events.
In this film we hear from devotees who attended lectures and kirtan at universities in Philadelphia. It is always nice to film devotees and hear the stories and thoughts about how they came to the sankirtan movement.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116522

[Please note that the deadline is now December 1, not January 1, as mistakenly announced previously].

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society will begin in February 2026. Following the ISKCON GBC Society’s Rules of Order, the GBC Secretariat requests proposals, duly sponsored by two GBC members, to be submitted by December 1, 2025. Note that no proposals will be entertained after this date.

Please follow the format for GBC Proposals, attached as a fillable PDF (https://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/uploads/GBC_Proposal_Application_2023.pdf), The PDF is also here:

http://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GBC_Proposal_Application_2022.pdf

Once ready, kindly email your proposals to proposals@pamho.net.

You can also submit any queries to that address.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant,

Ananda Tirtha Das
(GBC Corresponding Secretary)
 

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116441

By Radha Mohan Dasa 

ESSAYS brings together over three decades of unpublished research by the late Sadāpūta Dāsa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson)—a remarkable polymath whose intellect ranged across mathematics, physics, philosophy, cosmology, and the practice of bhakti-yoga. This collection offers a rare glimpse into the evolving mind of a thinker who sought to bridge the rational world of science with the metaphysical depth of the Vedic tradition.

These essays trace Thompson’s intellectual journey from his early investigations into biological complexity to his later studies of consciousness, astronomy, and the philosophical dimensions of science. In the opening essay, his 1977 monograph Consciousness and the Laws of Nature, Thompson proposes that awareness is not a by-product of matter but rather an essential aspect of reality itself. Subsequent essays challenge the limits of Darwinian theory, suggesting that texts like the Bhagavad-gītā may offer a more coherent account of life’s origins. His analysis of the Princeton PEAR experiments demonstrates his fearless engagement with the controversial frontiers of consciousness research.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/book-review-essays-papers-and-presentations-exploring-the-vedic-tradition-and-modern-science/

By Baladeva Dasa

In this interview, we meet Caitanya Priya Devi Dasi and her husband, Govinda Damodara Das, who have dedicated their lives to a unique and special form of service. They share their inspiring experience of bringing the holy names of God (Hare Krishna chanting) directly into the classrooms of educational institutions for people with disabilities.

Discover the challenges, joys, and profound spiritual lessons they have learned by connecting with these special souls and witnessing the transformative power of faith in such a sensitive environment.

ISKCON News (IN): The work you do is deeply inspiring. Tell us, how do you structure a typical session to introduce the Mahamantra to the children and achieve that initial connection?

Caitanya Priya: We begin, as always, very gently, entering into a meditation to help them become familiar with the space. We introduce ourselves, talk about our clothing [referring to traditional garments], what we do, what we eat, and what we pray about. Then, Govinda begins to play the flute very softly.

IN: You mention a very particular and brief meditation. Could you describe that moment of inner connection in more detail?

Caitanya Priya: We do a very short meditation, just a few minutes. We ask them to connect with their hearts, explaining that God is there in the form of Paramatma [the Oversoul]. We tell them to touch their hearts, to feel their heartbeat, and to mentally repeat the Mahamantra, to calm themselves. Then, we raise our arms, symbolically touch Krishna’s feet, and draw all that energy down to us.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/interview-the-healing-power-of-the-mahamantra-at-special-institutions/

By Atma Tattva Das

Devotees from Bhakti Center Monterrey represented the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) at the 2025 Monterrey International Book Fair, distributing nearly 850 of Srila Prabhupada’s books and sparking spiritual curiosity across Mexico’s industrial north.

When the fair opened this October for its ten-day run, the small but determined team from the Bhakti Center stepped into the crowded exhibition halls with a clear mission: to share Srila Prabhupada’s teachings with thousands of visitors seeking meaning amid the bustle of modern life. Hosted annually by Tecnológico de Monterrey, the event attracts publishers, authors, and readers from across Mexico and beyond. For the Monterrey devotees, this was their first time representing the BBT on such a prominent cultural stage, a milestone born of teamwork, determination, and faith.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/bbt-books-shine-at-monterrey-international-book-fair/

What is the use of a bowman’s arrow or a
poet’s poetry if they penetrate the
heart but do not cause the head to spin?
What is the use of a bowman’s arrow or a
poet’s poetry if they penetrate the
heart but do not cause the head to spin?

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116511

I was born into a vegetarian family. They practiced yoga and followed the philosophy of con men, an impersonal philosophy but rooted in yoga and principles like not eating meat. That was my upbringing. At the same time, I attended a Roman Catholic school. So from a young age I was exposed to both yoga, the idea of having a teacher and that whole atmosphere because of my parents’ practices.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116514

 

A beautiful cultural event themed around Diwali was arranged by the devotee community in Basingstoke, in collaboration with devotees from Bhaktivedanta Manor.

In the arts faculty at Queen Mary’s College in the town, the Bhaktivedanta Players’ continued their 40th anniversary celebrations with a special version of The Ramayan.

As a prelude, the Ladies’ Ashram lead a soulful kirtan, followed by a talk about Diwali by Godruma das.

Source: https://www.krishnatemple.com/ramayan-in-basingstoke/

https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116516

By Krsangi Radhe Dasi,

In a heartwarming encounter of faith and diplomacy, the Honorable Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav from India, paid a special visit to the ISKCON Cape Town temple during his trip to South Africa for the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting.

The visit, which took place in the temple in Rondebosch, highlighted the shared values of environmental stewardship and spiritual consciousness that underpin ISKCON’s global mission.

The Minister was warmly received by Gokulesh Dasa, Temple President of ISKCON Cape Town, who extended greetings on behalf of the local devotee community. In his welcome, Gokulesh Dasa expressed deep gratitude for the Minister’s time and presence, especially ahead of demanding governmental engagements. Gokulesh Dasa highlighted the Minister’s busy schedule and asked him how he manages to keep up with all the travel. The Minister replied, “I pray to Krishna.” He also shared that he has a personal connection with ISKCON’s Chowpatty temple in Mumbai, which further inspired him to visit the Cape Town temple during his stay.

It was even more special for the Minister to visit during the auspicious month of Kartik when he had the opportunity to offer a ghee lamp to Lord Damodar, joining devotees in this sacred tradition that reflects the simplicity of devotion to the Lord. Thereafter, the Minister enjoyed a meal at Govinda’s Restaurant, where he commended ISKCON’s commitment to vegetarianism, community outreach, and holistic living.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/indian-minister-of-environment-visits-iskcon-cape-town/

By Sankirtana Das 

A recent article from America: The Jesuit Review describes an official church statement from Bishop Scott E. Bullock of Rapid City and the De Smet Jesuit Community of West River entitled “A Faithful Response to the Wounded Knee Decision.” Their response objects to an announcement by the current Secretary of Defense (or War) honoring a group of soldiers who received medals after brutally killing an estimated 300 Lakota women, children, and men (the majority women and children). Historians have described the December 29, 1890 event at Wounded Knee as a massacre, not a battle. The document also draws upon a personal letter General Nelson A. Miles sent to his wife just several weeks after the killings. He described the event as “the most abominable, criminal military blunder and a horrible massacre of women and children.”

Lakota Chief American Horse, who survived the slaughter, testified to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1891 of the horror he witnessed. He said, “After most all of them had been killed, a cry was made that all those who were not killed or wounded should come forth,  and they would be safe. Little boys who were not wounded came out of their places of refuge, and as soon as they came in sight, a number of soldiers surrounded them and butchered them there.”

In light of such testimonies, a group of soldiers at the time still received Medals of Honor. That decision has been mulled over by Congress for decades. A report commissioned last year by the previous Secretary of Defense sought to examine the issue again, but it never appeared. Its findings seem to have been repressed.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/opinion-wounded-knee-and-the-principles-of-dharma/

All the unmarried gopīs in Vṛndāvana used to daily worship goddess Kātyāyanī early in the morning after taking a bath in the river Yamunā. Kātyāyanī is another name for goddess Durgā. 

The goddess is worshiped by preparing a doll made of sand from the bank of the Yamunā. The gopīs used to prepare the deity of goddess Durgā and worship it with candana pulp, garlands, incense, lamps and all kinds of presentations—fruits, grain and twigs of plants.  

The unmarried girls used to pray with great devotion to goddess Kātyāyanī, addressing her as follows: “O supreme external energy of the Personality of Godhead, O supreme mystic power, O supreme controller of this material world, O goddess, please be kind to us and arrange for our marriage with the son of Nanda Mahārāja, Kṛṣṇa.”

From Krsna Book by His Divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/katyayani-vrata-8/

By Giriraj dasa

There so many benedictions for the month of Kartika and we get constant reminders via email, messages on mobile and so many other mediums. The list grows only bigger by the day.

“In the month of Kartik, which is very dear to Sri Hari, one who bathes early in the morning attains the merit of bathing in all places of pilgrimage. Anybody who offers the Lord a ghee lamp in the month of Kartik, O brahmana, becomes free from all kinds of sins, such as killing a brahmana, and he goes to the abode of Lord Hari.”

(Brahma Khanda)

There is no other month equal to Karttika. There is no other scripture equal to Vedas. There is no other place of pilgrimage equal to Ganges, therefore, the month of Karttika is very dear to the Vaisnavas .

(HBV, 16/39,40 quoted from Skanda Purana)

A very senior vaishnava shared (most of the below content is also from the same senior vaishnava) that there are five essential limbs of Kartika. They are very simple but very important. During the month of kartika:

1. One should rise early in the morning for the pleasure of Lord Hari
2. Take a morning bath early
3. Serve and worship Tulasi
4. Offer a ghee lamp
5. At the end of the vrata celebrate a festival. ( Which means kirtan and prasadam distribution)

Of course because it is Kartika, month of Lord Damodara, so daily chanting of Damodaratkam is also a must.

Sri Sri Damodarastakam is sung during Kartika, also known as month of Damodara. As quoted in the Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa,”In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodarastaka, which has been spoken by Sage Satyavratra and which attracts Lord Damodara.

(Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa 2.16.198)

So it a very very powerful month.

Now let us hear a different point of view from Srila Prabhupada.

You have asked about the specialness of the month of Karttika, and the answer is that it is a special inducement for persons who are not in Krsna consciousness to perform some devotional service. For persons who are doing nothing in Krsna consciousness, it is an indirect inducement to take to devotional service in earnest seriousness, every moment is Karttika. In this connection, there is a good example that sometimes a store gives a special concession to attract new customers. But for those who are already customers there is no need of a special sale. They will purchase at any cost if they know the important value of the goods. Similarly, those who are pure devotees do not aspire for any concession, and out of spontaneous love try to engage themselves in devotional service twenty-four hours each day, three hundred and sixty five days every year, without any stoppage.”

(SPL to HH Jayapataka, 30th January, 1969)

Isn’t this a very interesting angle on what all we have been reading since past many days. We should be certainly aware of what Srila Prabhupada wants to convey- for a serious and sincere devotee. Being the Kaliyugians, or a dyed in the wool karmi like me, we have a tendency to forget the preciousness of what Srila Prabhupada has given us and actually how dynamic and how powerful every single little tiny thing is. Let us read some other quotes from Hari Bhakti Vilasa.

Just by offering obeisances to Lord Hari even once, a devotee can attain His transcendental abode.

(HBV 8.367)

Even if one offers obeisances with duplicity, all of his sinful reactions that have accumulated during hundred of previous lives are at once eradicated.

(HBV 8.370)

Know for certain that in Kali-yuga, drinking Lord’s caranamrta is the best atonement for all kinds of sinful activities. Just by drinking caranamrta , one’s body becomes purified.

(HBV 9.26,51)

One who worships the lotus feet of Lord Hari with offerings of tender tulasi leaves never returns to this miserable world after attaining the abode of supreme Lord.

(HBV 7.322)

Lord Keshava becomes pleased with a devotee who prepares a garland of tulasi leaves and manjaris and then offers it to Him. Indeed, He awards such a devotee residence in the spiritual world.

(HBV 7.340)

Those who offer incense to the Supreme Lord achieve prosperity in this life and enter the spiritual world in the next. Just as the incense smoke rises, the devotee who offers incense everyday advances towards an exalted destination as a result of his devotional activities.

(HBV 8.25)

The purification one achieves by bathing in hundreds of millions of holy places can be achieved simply by smelling the remnants of incense offered to Lord Hari.

(HBV 8.30)

Lamps give us vision and upliftment. The more a devotee offers lamps to the Lord, the more he makes advancement.

(HBV 8.70)

Lust, anger and pride that born of ignorance, as well as one’s material entanglement, are destroyed simply by worshipping the Lord with a beautiful ghee lamp.

(HBV 8.303)

Now the most interesting thing is that all the above benedictions are not for Kartika but these are for everyday of the year. Can we see and appreciate how strong and potent devotional practices Prabhupada has given us. Everything about Krishna consciousness process is cintamani but we are blind, slow fools and just can’t see it. And so we have to be encouraged with strong, fruitive type ‘incentives’ like Kartika. That’s why Prabhupada is saying that for the awake devotee every day is Kartika. These are common everyday things in our devotional life. Prabhupada has got us do them every single day. Even if I am a rascal still I get unlimited benefits.

The process Srila Prabhupada has given us is very powerful. So if we become aware of what we have got then every moment is Kartika for us, every moment benedictions are being showered on to the devotees. If every moment we are conscious then every moment we are gaining in a similar way as we are supposed to gain in Kartika!

This brings us to the point that we have to approach Kartika with intelligence. Let us hear some questions and see what is our heart’s response to them.

Q: Kartika is here, am I performing vratas because I want pious credits or I want prema bhakti?

Q: Am I going to approach it as a ‘process wala’ or as a personalist?

Q: Do I want to love Radha Damodar or I want to ‘use’ Their mercy?

The answers are quite obvious for any sincere and serious devotee.

So we should also be aware of subtleties. We should not get caught up in the externals or too many activities in Kartika, or the numbers. Of course, we do the things which are the essence, the five things that we discussed in the beginning. We do the things we are very attached to. But we can think of what are my weaknesses in my devotional life.

Is it something about my relationship with devotees?

Is it something about my relationship with my guru?

Is it something about my relationship with the Holy Name?

What are my weaknesses? I am going to work on them this Kartika.

And we use the mercy of Radhika to help us with that. We can speak to Her about that and don’t let it finish with Kartika. Radharani’s mercy doesn’t end on the last day of Kartika. It’s ongoing!

So if we use the month to facilitate building a relationship which is based on the realisation of our needs in our Krishna consciousness. And we actually want to meet those needs. And we are depending on her mercy then it illuminates our hearts. In this way Kartika can be very very special.

So we should not try to approach Kartika as some quick fix or as a process. The temple will be packed all Kartika but it is practically empty a day after Kartika. That should not be the condition of our heart. Because if we are actually wanting to use Kartika to develop our attachment to Radha-Shyam, then mercy during Kartika should be propelling us, pushing us in Krishna consciousness- after the Kartika! Not that Kartika finish, all done and dusted and back to the same old routine! Next year, Next special! Not a very healthy mentality.

If we are careful and intelligent then we will realise that is it is such a rare opportunity. It is said that Radharani has no eyes for anyone other than Krishna but this month she has an eye for all of us fallen conditioned souls. Are we going to talk numbers to her? We should be wanting to develop our relationship with Her and Her devotees.

What does this means?

As her aspiring servants should we be worried about pious credits or cultivate bhakti? Proper cultivation means that it should be inspiring to continue AFTER the Kartika has finished.

I found an amazing quote by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura which speaks of similar essence for sincere and serious devotees.

What should one specifically think of, on an each Ekadasi?

“On each Ekadasi, one should think, how much advancement I have made since the last Ekadasi. If one finds that he has not made any advancement or rather he has degraded then one should think bad association as the cause of this, and thus he should endeavor to give up that association.”

(Sajjana Tonani 4/5)

(Quoted from Bhaktivinoda Vani Vaibhava)

So I shared whatever little I heard and I hope, and I pray, that it helps us not to let this Kartika end on the last day of Kartika but rather propel, and inspire, us to continue after Kartika. That would indeed be very pleasing to Srimati Radharani.

All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Your servant,

Giriraj dasa
 

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=32662

bhagavan api ta ratrih

saradotphulla-mallikah

viksy- arantum manas cakre

yoga-mayam upasritah

Sri  Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in all opulences, yet upon seeing those autumn nights scented with blossoming jasmine flowers, He turned His mind toward loving affairs. To fulfill His purposes He employed His internal potency.    – S.B 10.29.1

On this most sacred and holy evening on the full moon night of the month of Kartik,in the forest of Vrindavan the moon starts rising on the eastern horizon. It is a beautiful golden color and all around the atmosphere is surcharged. The sky; it seems as if it is painted by the beautiful golden illuminating aura of the moon. The birds are singing with sweet sounds; most pleasing to the ears. The wind in its charming way is blowing through the leaves and the trees are singing a beautiful song. The whole forest of Vrajdham was intoxicated with the sweetness of this most auspicious evening and thus within the heart of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Shyamsundar awoke the desire to enjoy the beautiful Lila of the Rasa Dance with His most beloved Gopis.

In Sridham Mayapur, identical to Vrindavan dham, pilgrims turn up in huge numbers. It’s a festival they’re most familiar with as they come on this holy expedition to have their most spiritual experience.

Devotees of ISKCON Mayapur most aware of the significance of this festival decorate beautiful dancing deities of Srimati Radharani and the Asta Sakhis, each with their own Madhava, set up on the platform just below Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s altar. The Vaisnavas make sweet rice and many other milk sweets for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Madhava on the night of Their Rasa-lila to offer to the Lord.

Rasa Purnima also marks the first of Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s weekly elephant processions in Mayapur. During this festival, Their Lordships come out of the temple and go on a procession around the Mayapur campus on the back of an elephant. Sri Sri Gaura Nitai from Srila Prabhupada’s Bhajan Kutir also come along and lead the procession. The harinama party leads ecstatic kirtans as the Lords proceed around the campus.

As Their Lordships move about, auspicious mantras are constantly being chanted by the Mayapur gurukula boys, along with the sounds of their conch shells. Other gurukula boys play the vibrant drums, electrifying the atmosphere, announcing the arrival of the Lord. The whole pathway is illuminated by lamp light and all of ISKCON campus is lit up with lights.

On the pathway, the community devotees design stunning rangolis. Using coloured powders, chalks, mineral paints, flowers, cow dung, ganga mud, and fire. The devotees create breathtakingly stunning offerings. They also get the opportunity to prepare different cuisines to offer to their Lord.

The Supreme Lord Krishna is thus playing upon His flute for all of us. He is calling each and every one of us to enter His divine Lila simply, and this is how his devotees reciprocate. Due to the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada, we have the knowledge to receive Krishna’s pastimes in the correct manner and relish it’s sweetness.

By gradual development of transcendental knowledge, one can rise to the stage of the transcendental arts of music and dance displayed by the Lord in His rasa-lila. But without having the Vedic knowledge one can hardly understand the transcendental nature of the Lord’s rasa dance and music. – Srila Prabhupada on Rasa Lila, SB – 2.2.4.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/2019/sri-krishna-rasayatra-nothing-else-but-the-pleasure-of-the-lord/

Shri Nimbarka Acharya comes in the line of the Kumara Sampradaya and is believed to have lived around the 11th and 12th centuries. Born in the modern Murgarapattam in the southern Dravidian province, he was the son of Aruni and Jayanti, a very pious brahman a couple of the Tailanga order.

 He was a great ascetic of the Tridandi order. He wrote many books according to the Dvaitadvaitavada and he lived most of his devotional life at a place called Nimbagrama near Govardhana at Vrindavana.

While at Nimbagrama, he defeated a great Jain pandit in a discussion. The Jain had refused to dine with him saying that the Sun had already set and so he would not take any food. At this, Nimbarka by his own potency made the sun appear from a Nimba tree and the astonished Jain accepted his hospitality. It is said that his name Nimbarka or Nimbaditya has been derived from this miracle of Aditya or Arka meaning sun from a nimba tree.

Once in a village near the forest of Bilva Paksha, a group of brahmanas came to engage in the worship of Lord Shiva. Just as Lord Vishnu is very much pleased when He is offered the leaves of His most beloved Tulasi, so Lord Shiva is pleased by offerings of leaves from the bilva or bael tree. Thus the brahmanas worshipped Lord Shiva by offering bilva leaves, for a period of one fortnight and satisfied Lord Shiva greatly.

Amongst those brahmanas was one whose name was Nimbarka. He had been particularly attentive in his worship of Lord Shiva. Being especially pleased with Nimbarka’s devotion, Lord Shiva personally appeared to him.

“Nimbarka,” said Lord Shiva, “at the edge of this village is a sacred bael forest. There, in that forest, the four Kumaras are absorbed in meditation. By their mercy you will receive transcendental knowledge, for they are your spiritual masters, and by rendering service unto them you will receive all that is of value.” After saying this Lord Shiva disappeared. 

Nimbarka immediately went to that place and with great determination he searched for the four Kumaras in every direction, until he finally found them, shining as brilliantly as the sun. They were seated on a very beautiful natural platform beneath a tree and they appeared like fire blazing on an altar. They were all very young, seeming to be no more than five years in age, but they appeared most noble in character as they sat there naked, rapt in meditation. Nimbarka was so excited that he cried out, “Hare Krishna!”

This sudden sound startled the four brothers, breaking their meditation. Opening their eyes, they saw before them the blissful form of an ideal Devotee, and with great pleasure they embraced Nimbarka, one after another.

“Who are you,” they asked, “and why have you come here? We are certainly ready to answer all your prayers.”

Nimbarka fell at the feet of the four brothers like a rod, and with great humility he introduced himself.

 With a sweet smile on his face Sanat Kumara then said, “The all-merciful Supreme Personality of Godhead, knowing that Kali-yuga will be extremely troublesome for the living entities, resolved to proagate devotional service to Himself. With this goal in mind, He has empowered four personalities with devotion and sent them into this world to preach.

Ramanuja, Madhva, and Vishnuswami are three and you are the fourth of these great souls. Lakshmi accepted Ramanuja as a disciple, Brahma accepted Madhva, Rudra accepted Vishnuswami and meeting you today we have the good fortune of being able to instruct you. This is our intention.

Previously we were engaged in meditating on the impersonal Brahman, but by the causeless mercy of Lord Vishnu, we have been relieved of this sinful activity. Since I have realised that it is essential to preach pure devotional service, I have composed a literary work entitled Sanat Kumara Samhita. After taking initiation from me, you should follow the instructions I have set forth therein.”

Nimbarka was greatly enlivened at the prospect of taking initiation and he immediately ran to take bath in the Ganges. After this he quickly returned and prostrated himself once more before the effulgent brothers.

“O deliverers of the fallen,” said Nimbarka, in all humility, “please deliver this low-born rascal.”

The four Kumaras gave him the Radha-Krishna mantra and instructed him in the method of worshipping Radha and Krishna with the sentiments of great love called Bhava Marga.

In that sacred bael forest Nimbarka began to worship Shri Shri Radha Krishna according to the Sanat Kumara Samhita and he chanted the mantra they had given him. Very soon Radha and Krishna revealed Themselves to Nimbarka. They stood before him, spreading an effulgence which illuminated all directions. In sweet voices They addressed him thus: “Nimbarka, you are very fortunate, for you have performed Sadhana in Shri Navadwipa. We both combine, and assume one form, as the son of Sachidevi.” At that moment Radha and Krishna combined and displayed Their form of Gauranga.

Beholding this splendid vision, Nimbarka began to tremble. “Never,” he said, “Never have I ever seen or heard of such a form at any time.”

Lord Gauranga then said, “Keep this form, which I now show you, a secret for the time being. Just preach about devotional service and the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, for I gain great satisfaction from this. When I make My appearance and perform My education pastimes, you will also appear.

Taking birth in Kashmir as a great pandit, you will tour all over India defeating all opposition. Your reputation and learning will be celebrated everywhere and you will be known as Keshava Kashmiri. Whilst wandering in Shri Navadwipa you will come to Shri Mayapur. Simply by hearing your name all the great pandits of Navadwipa will flee.

Intoxicated with scholastic pride, I will take great pleasure in defeating you. However, by the mercy of Mother Saraswati, the goddess of learning, you will realize My true identity. Giving up your false pride, you will take shelter of Me and I will reward you with the supreme gift of loving devotional service and will again despatch you to preach. Thus you can satisfy Me by preaching the philosophy of dvaita-advaita.

Keep My identity a secret. In the future when I begin My sankirtan movement, I will personally preach, taking the essence of your philosophy and the philosophies of Madhva, Ramanuja and Vishnuswami.”

After instructing Nimbarka in this way, Lord Gauranga disappeared, and filled with intense ecstacy, Nimbarka began to shed tears of love. After worshipping the lotus feet of his gurus and taking their permission, he left Shri Navadwipa to begin his preaching mission.

   (Source: Shri Navawipa-dham mahatmya) 

Source: http://www.ramaiswami.com/sri-nimbarkacharya-appearance-3/

The most adorable and transcendentally fragrant tulasi is endowed with transformative potency and has a special significance in the worship of Lord Krishna.

What kind of offerings please God? Gorgeous, expensive, elaborate…? Not necessarily! If one can afford, one may make magnificent offerings to God, but what the Supreme Lord is looking for behind any offering is love and devotion. In a nutshell, attitude behind an offering is greater than the magnitude of the offering.

Lord Krsna says in Bhagavad-gita, “patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati,” If one offers to Krsna, with sincerity and devotion, either a leaf, or a flower, or fruit, or a little water—Krsna is fully satisfied. Thus, even the poorest man can serve the Supreme Lord Krsna as completely as the richest. Worshiping and pleasing Lord Krsna is that simple for simple-hearted devotees.

The leaf mentioned above especially refers to the tulasi. By watering, worshiping and circumambulating the tulasi plant, and offering her leaves and flowers (manjaris) to Lord Krsna, one makes tremendous spiritual advancement. In fact, tulasi leaves are offered to Krsna or Visnu along with all the other offerings too, because tulasi is extremely dear to the Lord (tulasya priyaya prabhum).

THE MOST ADORABLE PLANT

Tulasi has special significance even amongst the divine plants that bear the most colorful, fragrant and beautiful flowers of different shapes in the spiritual world. Vrndavana is the forest where Srimati Vrndadevi (tulasi) grows profusely. Vaikuntha is the place where tulasi gets special respect from all the other beautiful plants.

Tulasi in Vaikuntha: The plants in Vaikuntha have flowers with the sweetest divine perfume, but when these plants smell the fragrance of tulasi from the tulasi ornaments adorning the Lord, as He performs pastimes in the forest, they offer respect to tulasi for her austerities to achieve that position. They do not envy tulasi, because she has a pure heart (sumanasah).

mandara-kunda-kurabotpala-campakarna-
punnaga-naga-bakulambuja-parijatah
gandhe ‘rcite tulasikabharanena tasya
yasmims tapah sumanaso bahu manayanti

“Although flowering plants like the mandara, kunda, kurabaka, utpala, campaka, arna, punnaga, nagakesara, bakula, lily and parijata are full of transcendental fragrance, they are still conscious of the austerities performed by tulasi, for tulasi is given special preference by the Lord, who garlands Himself with tulasi leaves.” (SB 3.15.19)

Tulasi in Vrndavana: Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti glorifies Tulasi-devi or Vrnda-devi as the ruling monarch of Vrndavana in Sri Vrndadevy-astaka (3)

samasta-vaikuntha-siromanau sri-
krsnasya vrndavana-dhanya-dhamni
dattadhikare vrsabhanu-putrya
vrnde namas te caranaravindam

“O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Srimati Radharani, the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, has made you the ruling monarch of Lord Krsna’s opulent and auspicious abode of Vrndavana, which is the crest jewel of all the Vaikuntha planets.”

The Gopis praise Tulasi: Searching for Lord Krsna, overwhelmed with feelings of separation, the gopis of Vrndavana, the topmost devotees of Lord Krsna, spoke to the chief of all plants tulasi, expecting her sympathy:

kaccit tulasi kalyani govinda-carana-priye
saha tvali-kulair bibhrad drstas te ‘ti-priyo ‘cyutah

“O most kind tulasi, to whom the feet of Govinda are so dear, have you seen that infallible one walk by, wearing you and encircled by swarms of bees?” (SB 10.30.7)
The gopis say that Lord Sri Govinda is very affectionate to tulasi and cannot leave her (a-cyuta), even if the tulasi garland that He wears is surrounded by humming bees.

RECIPIENT OF LORD KRISHNA’S DUST

Devotees of Lord Krsna offer tulasi leaves and flowers at His lotus feet. Upon being placed the Lord’s feet, tulasi is beautified, attains all divine qualities and receives the Lord’s foot dust, which is aspired for by great devotees, yogis and even Laksmi.

Laksmi and Tulasi: Tulasi is dearer to Krsna than even Mahalaksmi. Laksmi aspires for the dust from Lord Govinda’s feet with great endeavor. But tulasi naturally receives that dust, being so dear to His feet (govinda-carana-priye). Srila Prabhupada writes, “The goddess of fortune, Laksmi, is sometimes envious of the tulasi leaves which are placed at the lotus feet of the Lord, for they remain fixed there and do not move, whereas Laksmiji, although stationed by the chest of the Lord, sometimes has to please other devotees who pray for her favor. Laksmiji sometimes has to go to satisfy her numerous devotees, but tulasi leaves never forsake their position, and the Lord therefore appreciates the service of the tulasi more than the service of Laksmi.” (3.16.21 Purport)
Srila Prabhupada writes, “Lord Krsna’s lotus feet are always besmeared with the tulasi leaves, and thus as soon as His lotus feet contact the water of the Ganges and the Yamuna, the rivers become at once sanctified.” (SB 1.19.6 Purport)

Ganga and Tulasi: The water that emanates from the lotus feet of the Lord or the water that washed His feet becomes the greatest of all rivers – the Ganges that purifies the three worlds. Thus the water of the Ganges always carries the dust of Krsna’s lotus feet along with the divine fragrance of the tulasi leaves that are always adorning them (ya vai lasac-chri-tulasi-vimisra-krsnanghri-renv-abhyadhikambu-netri, SB 1.19.6).

Yamuna and Tulasi: Along with river Ganga, river Yamuna is also sanctified by the touch of the lotus feet of Lord Krsna who performed various transcendental pastimes in her waters right from His childhood. For instance, while Vasudeva was crossing the Yamuna with baby Krsna to keep Him at Nanda Maharaja’s house in Gokula, Lord Krsna fell down in the river, and the river at once became sanctified by the dust of His lotus feet, mixed with tulasi leaves.

Tulasi’s Transcendental Fragrance

Appreciated only by devotees: Tulasi, although exalted in many ways, is generally not considered an especially fragrant plant. However, early in the morning tulasi emits a transcendental fragrance that ordinary people cannot perceive but spiritually advanced personalities fully appreciate, even more than the fragrance of a lotus. The privileged bees that swarm about the fragrant forest flower garlands on the neck of Lord Govinda specifically appreciate the fragrance of tulasi manjaris, more than even the spiritually advanced persons. Even Krsna’s nostrils relish this most sublime of fragrances. By the covering of yogamaya, these fragrances cannot be perceived commonly by the spiritually unadvanced.

Monists transformed: From the Srimad Bhagavatam we come to know that once the sons of Lord Brahma, the four Kumaras, went to Vaikuntha. At this stage they were still attached to the impersonal aspect of the Lord. They were protagonists of the philosophy of monism, becoming one with the Lord. But as soon as they saw Lord Visnu’s beautiful features in Vaikuntha and smelled the fragrance of tulasi offered to His lotus feet, their minds changed.

tasyaravinda-nayanasya padaravinda-
kinjalka-misra-tulasi-makaranda-vayuh
antar-gatah sva-vivarena cakara tesam
sanksobham aksara-jusam api citta-tanvoh

“When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasi leaves from the toes of the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead entered the nostrils of those sages, they experienced a change both in body and in mind, even though they were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.” (SB 3.15.43)
Srila ViSvanatha Cakravarti Thakura writes, “When the sweetness of the Lord’s body produced in them a level of astonishment much higher than the bliss of Brahman, it penetrated within them. Their mind and bodies became agitated. First the mind became very strongly agitated by the changes arising from bliss. Then the body became agitated with tears, hairs standing on end, and perspiration… Even though they had been practicing contact with the Brahman, the bliss of Bhagavan was more powerful because of its sweetness.” (SB 3.15.43 Commentary)

Transformative Potency of Tulasi

Just as the four Kumaras, many others were also transformed by the divine potency of tulasi. Srila Prabhupada emphasizes that the process of chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra before the tulasi plant has immense spiritual potency.

A prostitute elevated: Srila Haridasa Thakura, a great devotee of Lord Krsna, used to chant 300,000 holy names of the Lord in front of tulasi every day. Once a professional prostitute attempted to distract and defame him. She would daily come to Haridasa’s place, offer respects to tulasi plant, and sit in front of him as he chanted. Gradually she also started chanting along with him. She felt shameful of her sinful mentality and accepted Haridasa Thakura her guru. Haridasa instructed her to give up her profession and property, and chant Hare Krsna in front of tulasi and worship tulasi. By doing so, she was purified and became a great Vaisnavi.

A hunter transformed: Once Narada Muni met a cruel hunter named Mrgari who was accustomed to half killing animals and taking sadistic pleasure in their pain. Narada asked Mrgari to give up killing and promised that he would arrange for the daily food the hunter needed. Narada mercifully instructed Mrgari to distribute his riches and live in a small cottage, grow a tulasi plant before his house, and daily circumambulate and serve her by offering water and other things (tulasi-parikrama kara, tulasi-sevana), and continuously chant the Hare Krsna (nirantara krsna-nama kariha kirtana). The hunter followed this sincerely and was soon elevated in his consciousness so much so that he wouldn’t even harm an ant.

Tulasi’s Significance in Krsna’s Worship

In the Gautamiya-tantra it is stated as follows:

tulasi-dala-matrena jalasya culukena va
vikrinite svam atmanam bhaktebhyo bhakta-vatsalah

“Sri Krsna, who is very affectionate toward His devotees, sells Himself to a devotee who offers Him merely a tulasi leaf and a palmful of water.”

Lord Caitanya’s descent: Considering the meaning of the above verse, Advaita Acarya Prabhu worshiped Lord Krsna with tulasi leaves and Ganges water. He appealed to Lord Sri Krsna with loud calls with a desire to make Him descend on this earth. Thus Lord Krsna appeared as Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu to spread the chanting of the holy names and deliver the people of Kali-yuga.

Srila Prabhupada emphasizes the importance of offering tulasi to the Lord, “Tulasi leaves are very important for satisfying the Lord, so as far as possible an arrangement should be made for growing tulasi leaves… In the Western countries, while engaged in propagating the Krsna consciousness movement, we were brought great unhappiness because we could not find tulasi leaves. We are very much obliged, therefore, to our disciple Srimati Govinda dasi because she has taken much care to grow tulasi plants from seeds, and she has been successful by the grace of Krsna. Now tulasi plants are growing in almost every center of our movement.” (SB 4.8.55 Purport)
The devotees of Krsna respect and adore tulasi so much that they wear tulasi beads around their necks. They make all the food offerings to their beloved Lord Krsna along with tulasi, because any aspect of worship of Krsna or Visnu is incomplete without offering tulasi. Devotees water, worship, circumambulate, smell and taste tulasi every day. Therefore, one should never consider tulasi plant to be ordinary, but recognize her great significance for our spiritual progress and our attempts to please the Supreme Lord Krsna. By taking shelter of tulasi, one can hope to receive Lord Krsna’s mercy.

bhaktya vihina aparadha-laksaih
ksiptas ca kamadi-taranga-madhye
krpamayi tvam saranam prapanna
vrnde namas te caranaravindam

“O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Those who are devoid of devotion to Lord Hari, and who are thrown by their offenses into the waves of lust and other inauspicious qualities, may take shelter of you.” (Sri Vrndadevy-astaka 8)

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=79651

During Kartik, in addition to reciting the Damodarastaka, I read about the damodara-lila in Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapters 9 and 10, including Nalakuvara and Manigriva’s beautiful submission to Lord Krishna, which I pray will be my own:

vani gunanukathane sravanau kathayam
hastau ca karmasu manas tava padayor nah
smrtyam siras tava nivasa-jagat-praname
drstih satam darsane ’stu bhavat-tanunam

“Henceforward, may all our words describe Your pastimes, may our ears engage in aural reception of Your glories, may our hands, legs, and other senses engage in actions pleasing to You, and may our minds always think of Your lotus feet. May our heads offer our obeisances to everything within this world, because all things are also Your different forms, and may our eyes see the forms of Vaisnavas, who are nondifferent from You.” (10.10.38)

Source: http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=15133