Class by Radhanath Swami, today, February 26th, 2016 8 A.M in Mayapur, West Bengal. (video)
Summary: Vaisnava is one who is free of envy. One who is a well-wisher of everyone. This is what we must aspire for. To be well-wishers of everyone. Chanting of the Holy Name is the only medicine for those who are tormented by the age of Kali.
If someone saves us from dying… how could we ever give up the service to them. We will be internally indebted.
When the spiritual master saves us from envy…how can we ever give up the service to him. That is our gratitude.
Vasudev Datta prayed to Lord Caitanya to accept all sinful reactions of everyone, so they can be happy. Let me suffer instead of them.
Mahaprabhu’s heart softened by hearing that.
Haridas Thakur saw everyone as a brother and a sister.
Krsna also comes to show compassion. What’s the greatest service we can do? We must assist Him in His mission of compassion.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared here in Nawadvip to reveal the heart of Sri Radha.Her compassion.
3 principles.
1. Our own sadhana to be serious- All around the chanting the HN. Careful study of S.P’s books. We need mercy to chant, read and serve the Vaisnavas.
Humility is empowering. Tolerance, Forgiveness, offering all respect to others.
Abuse, justice must be motivated by compassion.
If the doctor gives us medicine to relieve us from cancer we will take it very seriously. But the medicine for envy, we do not wish to take. Envy is the greatest disease that causes us to fall into this world again & again and suffer many diseases, old age and death.
2. Deep relationships - in the mood of being the servant of the servant of others.
3. Spreading Krsna consciousness:
Prabhupada was willing to physically die if that was to please Krsna, while spreading Krsna consciousness.“ Pls give me the power so that the people can understand my words…to be a puppet.”
How to please? Srila Prabhupada: Just receive what I have given you. The Holy name, books and farm communities.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/ln2U4p

Jayapataka Swami Official Health Update 26/02/16 (8:50 Mayapur time)
Jayapataka Swami is now out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the specialist hospital in Delhi. He was transferred to a private room within the same hospital and is responding quite well to the treatment. The doctors are reporting his progress as promising.
Jayapataka Swami has been receiving get-well-soon video messages and he is happy to receive good reports about the developments in Mayapur with the gathering of over ISKCON 1200 leaders before the Gaura Purnima festival.
As we all know he is very keen on being able to recover as soon as possible so he can attend the celebrations in Mayapur. He has requested to participate the GBC meetings via teleconference and arrangements have been made for that to happen.
Although these are all good signs, we still are concerned that there is a relapse, thus, we kindly request all Jayapataka Swami’s disciples and well-wishers to, at this time, please maintain your sincere prayers for Lord Nrisimhadeva and Srila Prabhupada to kindly protect HH Jayapataka Swami so he is able to recover rapidly.
Your servants, Jayapataka Swami’s Health Team

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19301

By Nimai Pandit dasa

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami
20th Anniversary of his departure
A brief life history

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami appeared in this world on the 2nd of September 1929 in the village of Jagannatha-puri, in the Indian state of Orissa (Odisha). Both the paternal and maternal sides of his family had been very strict Vaisnavas for many, many centuries.

His father, Isvara Manik, was from a long line of Gaudiya Vaisnavas and his mother, Pata Devi, was from the famous village of Orissa Gadai Giri. The Giri family from Gadai Giri are the most famous Vaisnava kirtaniyas in Orissa. In fact they have a special invitation from the King of Puri to sing in the Puri temple for Lord Jagannatha whenever they can and this invitation dates back to the 17th century. Where ever they go to do kirtana, people do arati to them, they are kirtana -gurus. That invitation still holds to this day and is written in the history book of the temple of Lord Jagannatha – the Madala-panji.

The main occupation of the Giri family is deity worship and hari-kirtana. Having performed auspicious ceremonies (samskaras) according to the Vedic tradition, his parents begot their first son, whom they named Brajabandhu [later to become known as Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja].

From his birth, Brajabandhu’s home life revolved around the service of the Supreme Lord, with both his parents and all of their relatives constantly engaged in service to the family deities. Brajabandhu’s family deity was the famous Gopal Jui.

Pata Devi was always quiet and absorbed in serving her husband and children and every Saturday she would fast as an offering for their wellbeing. Each morning, she would worship Lord Jagannatha and recite from the Puranas and Bhagavad-gita. Every evening she chanted hare krsna and performed tulasi-parikrama with her husband and her son Brajabandhu. After parikrama, she would recite from the Srimad Bhagavatam. She was so compassionate that any beggar or sadhu who came to her house never went away empty handed

Brajabandhu was trained to chant Hare Krsna from the early age of two years by his exalted Vaisnava grandfather – Bauri Bandhu Giri. Bauri Bandhu Giri was a great Vaisnava and a great kirtaniya, who also had a mystic siddhi: if anyone was sick, in the village, he would touch them and chant the name of the family deity Gopal and that person would be cured.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami began study of the Srimad-Bhagavatam with his Vaisnava father at the age of 6 to the age of 11. He began the study of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta from the age of 12 to 16 years with his uncles the great kirtaniyas from the village of Gadai-Giri.

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja said that he could remember from when he was very young that his grandfather, father and all his uncles had a sikha, would put on Vaisnava tilak after bathing and wore kanthi-mala. They were all Vaisnavas and they were always chanting Hare Krsna. The first memory he had as a child was his uncles singing the songs of Srila Narottama dasa Thakura.

In this way, from the very beginning of his life, he was absorbed in chanting Hare Krsna, studying Vaishnava literature and worshipping his beloved Gopal. His natural inclination to the Lord indicated his future devotional life, just as the morning shows the day.

When he finished High School he was already proficient in Sanskrit and he began studying the 4 Vedas, 108 Upanisads and the 18 Puranas. This was all done in his spare time after working as a schoolteacher.

When he finally left married life, at the age of 44, on Rama Navami 1974, he gave himself a new name: Gour Gopalananda dasa. He travelled the length and breadth of India, searching for that sadhu who could give him sannyasa so as he could begin preaching the mission of Mahaprabhu a dream that he had cherished since the age of nine.

Carrying only a Bhagavad-gita, begging bowl and a stick, he wandered around India for many months, visiting many sacred places along the river Ganges. After many philosophical debates with mayavadi sannyasis and yogis in the Himalayas, he proceeded on foot to Vrindavana, the sacred lila-bhumi of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, thinking that in Krsna’s dear abode his desire would be fulfilled.

Gour Gopalananda finally entered Vrndavana in the last part of 1974; he would visit different asramas, spending a day here, a night there. He would just observe what was going on in the different asramas and then he would move on. Then one day as he was passing through the Raman Reti area, in front of a large compound he saw a large sign that said:

“International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder Acarya:
His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada”.

When Gour Gopalananda saw this he thought “What is this? An International society? Let me go and see what it is!”. The temple was not built yet, it was just at the beginning stages, only the foundation was laid, and there were a few thatched cottages in which some devotees lived, and among then were a few westerners. The only pukka house was the one where Srila Prabhupada lived.

Gour Gopalananda dasa and His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada met in the sacred land of Sri Vrndavana Dhama, at midday, 15 September 1974. Within six months Srila Prabhupada awarded first, second and sannyasa initiation to his new disciple, Gour Govinda Swami. Then he sent him off to spearhead the preaching in Orissa.

The Three Sevas
Srila Prabhupada entrusted Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami with three important sevas (services):

1. To stay in Orissa and build a temple like the famous Temple of Jagannatha in Puri, as Orissa is a very important place in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s lila.
2. To translate Srila Prabhupada’s books from English into Oriya.
3. To accept disciples and train them in Krsna consciousness.

Upon receiving these instructions from his spiritual master, Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami immediately returned to Orissa and started working earnestly on plans for what would become the famous Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama Temple in Bhubaneswar. Srila Prabhupada famously predicted, “This temple will be one of the best ISKCON temples in the world. This place will be the heart of the city.” Gour Govinda Swami also embraced the seva of translating Srila Prabhupada’s books into Oriya as a sacred duty, which he continued every day without fail for the rest of his life.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami immediately began to execute the first two instructions given by his spiritual master. The third and final instruction he received from Srila Prabhupada was to prove more difficult to carry out. After many years, he very hesitantly took on the role of being a spiritual master himself, as he understood the position of guru was a very heavy responsibility.

Lord Jagannatha Is in Bhubaneswar
Srila Prabhupada had accepted many Western disciples and taught them the glories of Purusottama-ksetra, Jagannatha Puri Dhama, where Mahaprabhu performed many pastimes in the eighteen years He resided there. However, when Srila Prabhupada’s disciples went to visit Jagannatha Puri they were refused entrance to the famous Temple of Lord Jagannatha because they were considered foreigners and not Hindus. Srila Prabhupada said “I will build a temple in Bhubaneswar like the Temple of Jagannatha in Puri, because my western disciples are not allowed there. Lord Jagannatha will come and stay in Bhubaneswar, so all my disciples can go there and have His darsana.” Srila Prabhupada, who had been donated land in Bhubaneswar, instructed Gour Govinda Swami to stay on the land and build that temple. He entrusted to Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami the mission of establishing ISKCON in Orissa, the most important place of Mahaprabhu’s pastimes, telling him, “Gour Govind, you will take me to Orissa.”

Under Extreme Conditions
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami went to Orissa and stayed on the ISKCON land (near the Nayapalli village) in Bhubaneswar under the most extreme and austere circumstances. There were no facilities at all on the land: no shelter, no building, no running water, no toilet, no electricity, no telephone, nothing! To take bath one would have to go to a far off paddock where there was a pump and take a bath from that pump. The only light available for reading and writing in the early hours of the morning and late in the evening came from a castor oil lamp. Wild bears, tigers and elephants would wander the area, which was also frequented by dacoits (thieves).
On Ekadasi, Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja would fast and chant the whole Bhagavad-gita and on other days he would recite one chapter of Bhagavad-gita. He would often walk up to twenty kilometres a day to collect donations to build the temple, print literature and to buy foodstuffs to prepare and offer to the Lord.

Seventeen Days
Srila Prabhupada visited Bhubaneswar in 1977 and stayed for seventeen days on the ISKCON property in the mud hut, which had been constructed for him by Gour Govinda Swami. On 2nd February 1977, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Nityananda, Srila Prabhupada laid the foundation stone of the Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama Mandir. This Temple in Bhubaneswar was to be Srila Prabhupada’s last founded project (108th).

Instruction Fulfilled
After sixteen years of determined endeavour, and with practically no outside help, (in one of the poorest regions of India), SríSrimad Gour Govinda Swami fulfilled the instruction of his most beloved spiritual master when the magnificent Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama Mandir was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar in 1991. Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadradevícame of their own accord, as Srila Prabhupada prophesied, and this Temple now attracts tens of thousands of people to Krsna consciousness.

Travelling the World
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami spent many years travelling the world preaching Krsna consciousness. His travels took him to Europe, U.S.A., South America, Canada, Africa, Mauritius, Australia, Asia – Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Bali; the Caribbean – Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and he preached vigorously throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in the state of Orissa, where he most notably constructed the glorious Temples of Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama, Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha and Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu.

Spellbound
Wherever he went Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami would leave his audience spellbound by his dynamic presentation of the philosophy of Krsna consciousness. He would often speak for up to four hours at a time on topics about Krsna, leaving his audience enchanted and always eager to hear more. On occasions he would speak on a single verse of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, both morning and evening for seven days. There was no question put to him that he could not answer, and hearing from Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami on a regular basis would melt even the hardest heart, convincing one to seriously take to the path of bhakti-yoga.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami was an expert in his understanding of the sastras and from the depth of his conviction, he was able to dispel the doubts [sarva-samsaya-samchetta] of those who came to him for spiritual guidance. He would place great importance on chanting: encouraging and inspiring everyone to chant the holy names of Krsna without offence, to chant the pure name and thereby achieve the goal of life; to get Krsna and develop krsna-prema in this very life.

SriKsetra
Jagannatha Puri – Bhubaneswar Dhama
One of the most important aspects of Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja’s preaching was to reveal the innermost secrets of Puri-Bhubaneswar Dhama, of Lord Jagannatha, and to explain the reason why SríCaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in Jagannatha Puri. He gave the most subtle and clear understanding of the Lord’s pastimes in Jagannatha Puri and why Bhubaneswar is so important to the Gaudiya Vaisnava community.

In Mayapur, at the Gaura-Purnima 1996 Festival, devotees were coming for darsan of Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami in his guest house room every evening. Two devotees requested an appointment to meet with him to ask some questions. They wanted to know why Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in Sri Jagannatha Puri. Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami explained the confidential significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes in Puri. He described the viraha, the pain of separation Srimati Radharani feels when Krsna is away from Vrindavan, gradually unfolding the pastime to where finally Srimati Radharani and Krsna are united after Their long separation – eye to eye union.
Unable to continue, he folded his hands and in a barely audible voice said, “Please forgive me, I cannot speak more.” Then he gave his final instruction: “Nama koro! Nama Koro!” The devotees began to chant as he lay back on his bed. Upon request a servant placed a picture of Sri Gopaljiu in his hand. Gazing at Sri Gopal he called out, “Gopal!” Then he closed his eyes and departed from this world.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami was brought to the Sri Sri Krsna Balaram Mandir in Bhubaneswar where he was placed in samadhi in the small mud hut that had served as his bhajan-kutir for many years.
While astrologers predicted that he would live up to the age of ninety and deliver many conditioned souls, Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami left this world, twenty years ago, by his own volition, while speaking krsna-kathäon February 9th 1996, in SríMayapura Dhama, on the holy appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada.
Compiled by Nimai Pandit dasa.
www.tvpbooks.com

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19299

The ISKCON Leadership Sanga is in full swing in Mayapur!
BB Govinda Swami: We have had 2 full days of ISKCON Leadership Sanga since I last posted.
The meeting opens daily at 10 AM with a plenary session with keynote addresses presented by an variety of the wonderful servants of ISKCON.
Then the delegates break out into a vast array of seminars.
More than 1,000 ISKCON leaders have come from around the globe to associate, hear seminars, share their experiences, and come “up to date” with ISKCON’s Organisational Development initiatives.
A beautiful meeting area has been developed by Her Grace Laxmimoni Mataji. She has spent each day since late November here in Mayapur and has organised an amazing team to perform this service for the pleasure of His Divine Grace.
It is simply fantastic seeing smiling faces like a rainbow: black, white, yellow, brown, haven’t seen blue faces yet, and old rednecks like me … becoming inspired to return to their countries and firmly establish the Krishna consciousness movement to carry the legacy of Prabhupada to future generations.
The mood here is calm, peaceful, audarya Mayapur.
The pre-meeting tensions were stirred by an individual who took advantage of an already tense situation to stir up the hearts of our ever sweet, gracious, loving Bengali vaisnavas hosts.
I remember years ago hearing some song:
“Don’t Funk With My Heart.”
Well, I really don’t feel we should funk with Vaishnava hearts to gain political momentum.
So, it is beautiful here. Enthusiastic here. Peaceful here.
The Gaura Prema is flowing, filling the hearts of all those who wish to taste that sweetness of His love.
May the love imbued rays of Sri Mayapur Chandra fill our hearts with enthusiasm to serve ever diligently;
To bring the slightest sweet smile to the face of Srila Prabhupada.
Good night to all from Sri Mayapur Chandradoya Mandir.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19307

HH Kadamba Kanana Swami’s health update: After a successful 2nd operation on Wednesday afternoon Maharaja was recovering on Thursday and Friday morning. Kadamba Kanana Swami is currently recovering from the operation at the Durban temple. If his health permits, he will give SB class Saturday at 11 am SAST which will be streamed live in Mayapur.tv.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19303

Tiny ‘alien’ caught on CCTV cameras as it floats around in mid-air then strolls down street – Mirror Online

A bizarre creature filmed ‘hovering’ in the street has caught the eye of conspiracy theorists – who believe it could be an alien. The odd object was reportedly filmed by CCTV cameras in Diyarbakir, Turkey, before the video was shared thousands of times online.

The grainy footage shows the weird creature, only thought to be about a foot tall, moving slowly around the street. At one stage, the creature rises into the air, appearing to hover there for several seconds before landing back on the road.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for YouTube viewers to start guessing what the creature was, with some claiming it was simply an oddly-shaped balloon. But others weren’t so convinced: “Wow!!! I say no way that’s a balloon.” Another said the creature cold be extra-terrestrial, writing: “Look, it’s an alien!” Tiny ‘alien’ caught on CCTV cameras as it floats around in mid-air then strolls down street – Mirror Online

Check it out for yourself. It could be anything.

Source: http://mayapurvoice.com/svagatam/92442-2/

Day 3 of ILS: ISKCON 50 is our big chance for a global impact

25th February 2016, Mayapur, India

By Romapada Das

The third day of the ILS started with a presentation on ISKCON’s 50th anniversary by Anuttama Das, GBC Minister for Communications and Pancharatna Das, Executive Member of the International Fiftieth Anniversary Committee.

They spoke about the importance of the 50th as an opportunity for glorifying Prabhupada, educating the public, celebrating achievements, appreciating devotees and accelerating our mission. “Not many of us may be here to see the 100th anniversary of ISKCON,” said Anuttama Das. “This is our big chance to make a global impact, and accelerate our missionary work.”

Pancharatna Das spoke about 50th events already held such as the Kolkata inauguration, the Boston event for Prabhupada’s arrival in America, and the Mumbai VIP event. He also listed many future events that have been planned such as a youth conference in Pune with 5000 participants, an academic conference in Harvard, a grand dinner at the Sydney Opera House, a major event at Wembley Arena in London and a commemorative function at the European Parliament.

“Every temple should now consider what they can do locally for the fiftieth,” requested Anuttama Das. “They should do at least three things: 50-ise al regular events such as Janmashtami and Ratha Yatra; have a special VIP dinner with a cultural programme to celebrate 50 years of our incorporation; and have a maha harinama on August 14th, the day that Prabhupada lead ISKCON’s first public harinama in New York.”

This was followed by a talk by Gopal Bhatta Das, Kaunteya Das and Gauranga Das on the GBC College of Leadership Development. Gopal Bhatta Das explained that the College was created in keeping with Prabhupada’s expressed vision that he wanted to train GBCs so that they could manage the ‘whole society nicely’ in his absence.

“We studied everything Prabhupada said on this matter, and designed the course so that devotees can be spiritually qualified and also have the managerial expertise to satisfy Prabhupada’s vision of leadership in ISKCON,” he explained. “We have created five training modules: spiritual excellence, compliance and administrative excellence, personal excellence, relationship excellence and organisational excellence. The idea is that those who run a zone, need individuals who can serve as a zonal supervisor. And the shift in the thinking is that one can only become a zonal supervisor after going through our course.”

Kaunteya Das thanked Radhanatha Swami and Gauranga Das for hosting and financing the entire GBC College at Govardhan Eco Village and being the driving force that encouraged over eight candidates to graduate out of the College this year.

Like the previous two days, delegates rushed to attend different seminars at various venues after the plenary session.

“This is the third year that we have organised ILS,” commented Laxmimoni Dasi from the GBC Strategic Planning Committee who oversees the organisation and planning for ILS every year. “Our main aim is to bring together devotees from around the world and provide a facility to inspire each other in spreading Prabhupada’s mission, share best practices, and see the upside of the movement. We want everyone to go back to their places with new tools and new enthusiasm so that they feel better equipped to make their place better. This ISKCON movement has so many resources. ILS seems to be the only place which brings these resources together so that everyone can access them.”

Rupeshvar Gaura Das who serves in the IT Support Desk at the ILS feels highly motivated to see hundreds of leaders collecting in one place to share their valuable realisations. “Most people see the eight days of seminars at the ILS. But there is a whole year of preparation that goes behind it in the background. There is the planning, mailing, sorting of responses, scheduling, arranging speakers, getting the site ready, the pandals and exhibits, the visuals and design, the prasadam, the services, and tonnes of logistics. We are grateful to the Mayapur management for their unstinting support, and to the Chowpathy temple for providing 30 brahmacharis who are helping out this year.”

The TOVP team has contributed financially to the ILS this year to partially fund the accommodation and prasadam. “But this is not enough,” continued Rupeshvar Gauranga. “We still have a shortfall. Almost 30% of the delegates are sannyasis and brahmacharis who cannot contribute a fee. Therefore, we appeal to grihasthas to support us through voluntary contributions. Many big-hearted grihasthas have already done so, and others could also follow.”

Bhaktan Alexandria Wallace has been working with the ILS team for almost a year. She has been in Mayapur since January to help in the accounts and registration department. “The workload can be quite intense sometimes. But everyone does their bit, and the team work is amazing. Being a part of the ILS has been a wonderful experience for me. I get to work closely with devotees talented in various aspects, and get to learn a lot from them.”

The mood by which the ILS team has hosted the event is captured in Laxmimoni’s closing remarks, “There are many devotees who come to the ILS from small temples where they may have been working really hard through the year. But when they come here, I want all of them to become highly energised and feel like they are royalty. I feel like I am inviting 1000 VIPs for lunch. That’s my mood, and that’s the mood of everyone who is hosting the ILS.”

THINK 50! Act 50!

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19311

Dear Friends,

We are going out to Calais next week, we will cook for over a thousand people, plus bring lots of fruits,cake,clothes,and a big trailer of fire wood(for people’s cooking and staying warm). 6,000 people are living in damp tents and these mornings as so frosty, as always we need help. Also need help with our on going 1,000 meals daily.

go fund me – food for all uk

Yours Para (Director of Food for All)

Parasuram and Jennie Matthias would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the people that have donated thus far to our causes for the UK feeding the homeless and Calais without your input we would not be able to continue and so for this we are very grateful THANK YOU so much for your kindness

Source: http://david.deltaflow.com/?p=3339

By HariKirtan Das

There are around six lakhs or more villages in India stretching north, east, west and south. Though certain features like muddy roads, thorny bushes, open drains, narrow roads, etc. are common features in all villages but distinctly the culture, topography, food, lifestyle, occupations, etc. still vary distinctly from place to place all over India.

After preaching in the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh since the last few months, preaching in Khargone District villages of Madhya Pradesh was a very novel experience. The preaching was organized by Shamik Rsi prabhu, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada who held many devotional responsible positions.
in the USA Yatra and who is also a renowned doctor practicing his profession from the last 45 years. Khargon happens to be his native place.

The 9 days Yatra was blessed with the presence of HH Bhakti Raghava Swami, ISKCON Guru and Minister for ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry in India (promoting rural development) and HG Bala Krishna prabhu, a very senior Srila Prabhupada disciple, an active preacher and a farmer in Saranagati Village in Western Canada. Three devotees from Indonesia were part of the Yatra headed by HG Kisora Krishna prabhu a prominent leader in Indonesia preaching yatra. His sweet kirtans attracted the attention of all villagers. Also on hand was Kinkini prabhu and Bhakta Ashok.

One very pleasing thing seen in these villages is that people still keep desi cows and use bulls for agriculture. In comparison, sadly in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana buffalos have largely replaced the cows and even the poorest farmer resorts to the use of tractors and other machinery
instead of using bulls. Everywhere in the villages we had darshan of the beautiful local cows. We were even blessed to get cow’s milk to drink in almost all villages we visited. Amazingly, there is a bullock cart for almost every house. The design of the cart is unique, made with the combination of wood and metal, seemed like even a child could easily handle the cart. The bullock carts are widely used for all purposes even as schools cart to drop and pick up students from schools.

The villagers are fortunate to have many rivers that are tributaries of the sacred river Narmada. But due to improper planning there is a lot of wastage of water thus there is a shortage of water for agriculture. Cultivating mono crops has become a practice all over India after the “green revolution”
program. There are mainly crops of wheat, corn, cotton and chilies seen in all villages.

The women, especially the married and older ones, still follow the custom of covering their head with a veil. They are shy and humble in demeanor and display natural awe and reverence for sadhus. But these old traditions seem to be watering down as the young girls move around in trousers and t-shirts are becoming common and acceptable. The modern education system is particularly designed to destroy these finer traditions and sentiments. Thus Srila Prabhupada referring to modern educational institutes as slaughterhouses is no exaggeration and it’s an irrefutable fact.

The natural interest to attend spiritual programs is also a remarkable feature in these villages. People in 100s very enthusiastically assembled for the satsanga programs. They attentively heard the discourses and enthusiastically participated in dancing along with kirtans.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19290

It was July 1972. For one of the first events in his Hare Krishna Festivals UK program, organizer Tribhuvanath Das – then in his early twenties – had Srila Prabhupada himself as the VIP guest.

Speaking to 500 people packed into Glasgow’s Woodside Hall in Scotland, Prabhupada delivered an incisive non-sectarian lecture. All bonafide religions, he said, teach us how to love and serve God, no matter what name they call Him by.

Prabhupada’s power and clarity had the entire audience rising to their feet, clapping, cheering and whistling as if someone had just scored a goal in the World Cup. As the talk concluded, bright, energetic Tribhuvanath took the opportunity to segue into a stomping kirtan – and everyone spontaneously joined in, clapping and dancing in ecstasy.

Afterwards, Srila Prabhupada encouraged Tribhuvanath: “If you can stay there in England and continue your festival program, that will be best,” he wrote in 1975. “It is a very nice program. You should increase it as much as possible.”

Tribhuvanath, always ready to dedicate his life and soul to please Srila Prabhupada and serve his mission, did so. Despite a several-year break, he restarted the program in 1986, and it went from strength to strength, touring all over the UK, Ireland, and Africa too.

When Tribhuvanath passed away in 2001, his long-time assistant Giridhari Das and others on the festival team ensured that the Hare Krishna Festival program continued on an unbroken 30-year trajectory to this day.

“We learned a lot from Tribhuvanath,” says Giridhari. “He showed us many subtleties of presenting Krishna consciousness to the public in an attractive way, and giving them a nice experience. He wasn’t in-house or institutional in any way. He was very much reaching out to people’s hearts.”

Giridhari, his team, and the congregational volunteers who assist them are now planning to hold 50 Hare Krishna Festivals throughout the UK for ISKCON’s 50th year, a fitting tribute to Srila Prabhupada and his courageous disciple Tribhuvanath.

As always, most of these will be indoor events, held at neutral venues that local people are familiar with – such as community halls, theaters, and arts centers. Giridhari is planning two to three a month, in towns all over the UK including Swindon, Colchester, York, Bath, Basingstoke, Edinburgh, and more.

His team stick to the simple, straightforward standard set by Srila Prabhupada and carried out by Tribhuvanath: Every event is completely free for the public to attend, with costs raised through the Hare Krishna Festivals charity. There’s also added support from local ISKCON centers and devotees in each town.

Giridhari and friends then advertise the festival locally with posters, flyers, Harinamas and social networking, inviting the general public to come and experience a Hare Krishna cultural event.

The festival itself always has the same newcomer-friendly formula. It begins with bhajans, then a Bharatanatyam or contemporary dance by a local devotee dancer. These are followed by a short introductory talk after Srila Prabhupada and Tribhuvanath’s powerful logical style, about how we are not the temporary body but an eternal soul. A video in which devotees ask people on the street to ‘Point to yourself’ drives the point home, as does a drama about the soul finding his way back to God.

Next, there is a video clip of Srila Prabhupada talking to a TV interviewer about the importance of chanting. Then, during, a rocking final kirtan, the audience is encouraged to join in the chanting and dancing. The program concludes with devotees chatting to guests as they tuck into  delicious free sanctified vegetarian food together. This allows local devotees to follow-up by inviting people to come to their weekly gatherings.

This year, for ISKCON’s 50th, the international ISKCON 50 magazine will also be distributed at every event, and devotees will talk about ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada’s historical achievements to the media and audiences.

With ISKCON around the world facing challenges in how to attract the local Western public, many are now trying to package Krishna consciousness in different ways. But Giridhari assures us that the same formula that worked for Srila Prabhupada in the 1960s and ‘70s, and for Tribhuvanath in the 1990s, continues to work today.

“I remember talking to one devotee who asked me, ‘You mean you just advertise it as a Hare Krishna Festival? And completely new people come?’ He couldn’t get his head around it,” Giridhari says.

“But Tribhuvanath often quoted Srila Prabhupada saying, ‘Krishna consciousness is so simple that you’ll miss it.’ There are sincere spiritual seekers everywhere. And Krishna is going to inspire people who are looking for the real thing. If we just let them know what we’re doing in a straightforward way, they’ll come.”

Sure enough, Hare Krishna Festivals UK routinely fill 200 to 400 capacity venues with indigenous British public, who end the festivals dancing with their arms raised in the air, chanting along – just as they did in Glasgow in 1972 with Srila Prabhupada.

“They love it!” Giridhari says. “They love the kirtan, the prasadam, the philosophy, the devotees… It really touches their heart.”

Proof of this appears regularly. During ISKCON London’s book distribution marathon last Christmas, two middle-aged English women visited the Soho St. temple and participated in the marathon for a day or two, distributing over 100 of Srila Prabhupada’s books between them.

When temple president Jai Nitai Das asked them if they had been connected with Krishna consciousness for a few years, they replied, “No, we just spotted posters for a Hare Krishna Festival in Nottingham a couple months ago, went along, got books, started chanting and attending meetings, and we just love it!”

Hare Krishna Festivals are also inspiring for the devotees who put them on.

“Prabhupada said that the festivals will benefit both the public and the devotees,” Giridhari points out. “It’s enlivening to the devotees too because they feel so blissed out and refreshed that this is Sankirtana, we’re reaching out to people.”

This year’s 50 festivals for ISKCON 50 will end with a huge Saturday night Harinama on November 26th -- Tribhuvanath Prabhu’s birthday – in honor of the man who started it all. Hundreds of devotees are expected to join the Central London Hare Krishna street party, which will be followed by a hall festival the next day.

The event will also coincide with the release of a Tribhuvanath biography entitled “Hare Krishna Festivals with Tribhuvanath Prabhu,” featuring interviews with many devotees about their experiences with Tribhuvanath and his festival program.

“Tribhuvanath started this program under Prabhupada’s order, and we still feel his presence there,” says Giridhari. “We’re just trying to continue what he taught us to do. And we’re glad to see some younger devotees start to take up responsibilities. We hope the next generation will take up the baton of this kind of program for the next 50 years. Because it’s enlivening, inspiring, and traditional yet ever-fresh.”

Source: http://iskconnews.org/uk-holds-50-hare-krishna-festivals-for-iskcon-50,5417/

25th February 2016, Mayapur, India

By Romapada Das

On the second day of the ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Praghosa Das, the GBC Chairman presented several quotes of how Srila Prabhupada’s appearance was predicted in many scriptures and spiritual masters. Titled, ‘The greatest story ever told’, his presentation pointed out the five steps Srila Prabhupada had taken to make his institution more effective:

1. Founding ISKCON

2. Accepting the honorific title ‘Prabhupada’

3. Establishing his role as the ‘Founder Acharya’

4. Creating the GBC

5. Setting up Mayapur as ISKCON’s world headquarters

Praghosa Das appealed to the delegates to become a part of the ISKCON 50-50 project which is an initiative to ask every ISKCON devotee to distribute 50 books in the year 2016.

“Our central challenge is to cooperate together to spread the Krishna consciousness movement,” he concluded.

Bhakticharu Swami delivered a talk on the importance of ISKCON as an institution that Prabhupada established to secure the movement for future generations. “Srila Prabhupada is not only the Founder Acharya of ISKCON, but also the Acharya for all devotees for all times,” he said. “Everyone in ISKCON has to serve as subservient servants of Prabhupada. That is why the institution he established is so important.”

Gopal Bhatta Das and Pancharatna Das made a presentation on a global exercise they were undertaking on consolidating the ISKCON brand. “We have created a brand with the accumulation of all the actions, words and interactions we have had all these years,” explained Gopal Bhatta Das. “We have had some positive branding and some challenging ones. But there is a lot of the world out there that does not know us.”

Gopala Bhatta Das explained that Prabhupada had been consistently thinking of branding ISKCON in many different ways. “While branding ISKCON, we should not forget the basic seven principles given by Prabhupada. They form our core branding element. For the global branding exercise, we will launch after we seek input from all of you today, we have to go back to our sources: the words of Prabhupada.”

After the plenary sessions, delegates rushed to attend the seminar sessions which were running in parallel in 12 different venues.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19283

Invitation for Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016.
Dear Gaura bhaktas,
With great pleasure we invite all of you to participate in Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016.
ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee year promises to be very special for the pleasure of our Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He wanted all of us to follow in the footsteps of the previous acharyas, and make Mayapur, Sri Navadvipa Dhama very famous around the world.
Last year, Parikrama was an ecstatic experience for so many devotees from many different countries:
“I don’t think I can describe fully about this program. I’m too happy and excited that I had participated. I felt very much changed up..” Bala Bhadra Krsna das (Malaysya)
“Gets more ecstatic each year… I really appreciated the Caitanya Caritamrta Katha. Only one problem with Parikrama- it’s too short!” Prabhupada Priya dd (USA)
Divided into 6 different groups, 8500 devotees performed Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama for a chance to be close to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the ocean of mercy.
In 2016, fulfilling the devotee’s desire we increased Parikrama’s duration in one day. Instead of 6 nights and 7 days, we will have 7 nights and 8 full days of bliss! Hari bol!
Ecstatic kirtan, enlivening Katha and delicious prasada, is surely an inspiration to any sincere soul desiring to continue further on the path of devotion!
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj said, “This not like you do Parikrama once or twice, you should do Parikrama every year!”
By the association of great souls like HH Jayapataka Swami , HH Lokanatha Swami, HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami, HH Gopal Krsna Goswami, HH Kavicandra Swami, HH Sacinandana Swami, HH BVV Narasimha Swami, HH Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami and HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and HG Rajendranandana prabhu who join Parikrama every year, all our desires will be fulfilled.
As written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur in the Navadvipa Mahatmya, performing Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama is the way to get free from material bondage. And with every step in the dhama, a person gets the same benefit as if he would have performed an Aswamedha Yajna.
So, please let us serve you with our best. And note the Parikrama dates in your diary!
Highlights 2016
ISKCON 50th anniversary
Sri Mayapur dhama is waiting for 50 thousand devotees from more than 60 countries. The association of so many devotees gives us a unique experience in devotional life!
Sadhu Sanga
Great opportunity to have close and personal association with many ISKCON gurus, sannyasis and senior devotees.
Kirtan
The most ecstatic Kirtan lead by different devotees from all over the world!
Evening Cultural programs
Beautiful and insightful drama, recitation, dance presentation and much more!
Navadvipa Dhama’s divine nature
Seeing and touching the most beautiful place in the whole creation with sacred rivers, lakes, birds, trees and village life, give us a glimpse into the eternity of Sri Navadvipa Dhama
Gauranga lila
An opportunity to learn the confidential meaning of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes, from the most learned devotees.
Prasada
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj said, that even the vegetables of Sri Navadvipa Dhama are surcharged with Krsna Prema, what more can be said!
Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama dates:
Adivas day (Opening ceremony at Yoga Pita): 10th of March
Registration: from 8th to 10th of March
Parikrama starts: 11th of March
Parikrama finishes: 18th of March
For on line registration and information: www.navadvipaparikrama.com
For Contact: register.parikrama@gmail.com
Parikrama Chairman
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj
HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj
Parikrama Coordinator
HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaj
bps@pamho.net
Parikrama Manager
HG Sankarshan Nitai das
snd@pamho.net
Parikrama Secretary
HG Sundar Govinda das
sgd108@pamho.net
International Group Leader
HG Krsna Vijay das
kvd@pamho.net
Marketing Coordinator
Nitya Kishora dasi
nityakishora@gmail.com
Please find us here:
http://www.navadvipaparikrama.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NavadvipaMandalaParikrama/
https://twitter.com/NavadvipaP
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpi5XEZKW05aCaMNo8aqWQ
Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016 promotioal video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJmmCV7v1U

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19264

You might have heard it or already seen messages on various Facebook groups or even on Dandavats. Kadamba Kanana Swami was diagnosed with rectal cancer and is currently treated for this in Durban, South Africa. The latest update (Health Update #4) was just published.

“Wednesday 25th of Feb there was a second operation. The results came in today (thursday) and the conclusion was that the surrounding tissues is tumor free. The doctors are advising oral chemotherapy. Maharaja is feeling nauseated and has low blood pressure. If his situation improves he might be dismissed on friday.”

More news will follow in the next few days.

Source: https://www.kksblog.com/2016/02/health-situation-of-kadamba-kanana-swami/

First Meaning: –

Srila Jiva Gosvami reveals the meaning of each of the sixteen Names in the Hare Krishna Mahaamantra in his Mahaa-mantrartha Dipika as follows: –

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

(1-Hare)
Krishna steals the minds of everyone, yet Radha steals even His mind by Her divine expertise. Thus She is known as Haraa.

(2-Krishna)
He forcibly attracts Sri Radha with the sweet sound of His flute, therefore that Lord of all enchanting qualities is known as Krishna.

(3-Hare)
It has been heard that during the rasa-lila, doe-eyed Radha was stolen away by Krishna to be alone with Him in a secret forest bower. She is therefore known as Haraa.

(4-Krishna)
When Krishna sports with Radha, Her golden hue takes on the dark complexion of Krishna’s skin. He is thus known as Krishna.

(5-Krishna)
In order to please Sri Radha, Krishna manifested the most wonderful lake (Syama-kunda) in Vrndavana. He then called all the holy rivers to fill it. He is thus known as Krishna.

(6-Krishna)
By Her unsurpassed love, Radha charms He who performs wonderful lilas on the banks of the Yamuna. Therefore, those who are sober know Him as Krishna.

(7-Hare)
While in Gokula, Sri Hari (Krishna) killed the demon known as Aristasura. During that time, Radha cried out to Him with great feeling and by doing so, She stole His mind. She is thus known as Haraa.

(8-Hare)

Filled with ecstatic love, Radha sometimes sings the glories of Hari’s exploits quietly and sometimes She sings them aloud. Those who are expert in the secrets of divine sentiments call Her Haraa.

(9-Hare)
Due to the intense love of Sri Radha, Sri Hari becomes so captivated that His flute falls from His hand. With the desire to enjoy in the forest bowers with Krishna, Radha steals His flute. That goddess is thus famous as Haraa.

(10-Rama)
Krishna, who is expert at embracing, sports with Radha in the forest groves or in the caves of Govardhana. Thus He is known as Rama.

(11-Hare)

That most merciful Radha destroys the miseries of Her devotees and gives them great happiness every day. Therefore that goddess is known as Haraa.

(12-Rama)
The minds of the devotees are continuously drowned in an ocean of supreme joy by seeing the beautiful dark form of Krishna. Therefore He is known by the Name Rama.

(13-Rama)
Radharani is known as Rama because She enjoys loving pastimes with Acyuta (Krishna) in a secret forest pavilion. Since He is always by Her side, He is known as Rama.

(14-Rama)

When the residents of Gokula were crying due to fear of the forest fire, Krishna immediately swallowed it and gave His devotees great joy. In this way, He is known as Rama.

(15-Hare)
Sri Krishna went to Mathurapuri in order to destroy the demons. However, due to being captivated by the love of Radha, He later returned. Therefore She is known as Haraa.

(16-Hare)
When the son of Maharaja Nanda returned to Vraja, He took away the suffering of all the Vrajavasis. By His wonderful exploits, He steals the heart of Sri Radha. Thus He is known as Hari.

Second Meaning: –

There are three Holy Names that make up the Maha-Mantra, Hare, Krishna, and Rama.

1. ‘Hare’ is a powerful word that directly addresses the energy of the Lord

2. ‘Krishna’ is the Name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Krishna is the Possessor of every quality in and out of the universe. He also possesses these qualities in an unlimited quantity.

3. ‘Rama’ means the reservoir of pleasure.

By chanting this Maha-Mantra and doing service to Krishna, anyone can be linked to this reservoir and get unlimited happiness.

While engaged in nama-sankirtana one should chant with deep feeling, full faith, firm determination, and the realization that Radha-Syamasundara are personally present in the maha-manlra with all of their transcendental beauty, qualities, and pastimes. Such performance of nama-sankirtana will surely bring the desired result of Krishna-prema

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19266

Krishna is the real husband. 
Ruchika Srivastava: I have written this poem based on Srimad Bhagavatam slokas 5.18.19-21, where Laxmi Devi says that Krishna is the real husband of all living entities.
“Seeking a husband for protection,
Of children, wealth and life’s duration.
Seekers of such a benediction.
Dwell in the kingdom of illusion.
Says LaxmiDevi with compassion
And guides us to this illumination.
—
Dependent on karmic reactions
Based on past fruitive actions
Who himself needs supreme protection
That is material husband’s position.
—
Krishna respects your decision
If worshipped with pure devotion
But outcome of material requisition
Is broken heart and lamentation
—
Supreme shelter and protection,
Deliverance from sinful reactions,
Krishna’s promise knows no violation,
One must have that firm conviction.
Trying to claim His position
Is false prestige and self-deception.
—
Serve Him without motivations,
Guru’s guidance and regulations
With dormant love’s manifestation
He guarantees His care and protection.
—
Living entities are all females
Krishna is the only male
We are not this body at all,
Soul is our identity real.
—
Who has nothing to demand, stay always at His command
Whose majesty is grand, and Whose glories outstand
Braj Gopis always understand, Krishna is the REAL husband…”

Hari Hari!!
Bhaktin Jamuna: All must chant this whether in a dhoti or sari.
You may worship Govardha as Giriraj or Giridhari.
But whenever you hear these names approach the sound vibration quick be in a hurry.
There is danger at every step but just proceed don’t worry.
Because ito Harih parato Harih !
Plus Sri Nimai instructs us kirtaniyah sada Harih !
—
This maha mantra is like music to the ears.
O jivas! lets opt for relishing it in these 10 000 years.
To the heart it brings joy and to the eyes blissful tears.
The contribution required simlpy be that one hears.
So lets come together and drink this nectar- cheers !
—
Take Care !
This human form of life is very rare !
Spending one’s life serving this body no I wouldn’t dare.
For this is called maya and is a very tricky snare.
This Krishna Consciousness is complete and the greatest wellfare.
You can see all the suffering going on so don’t just stand back and stare.
Distribute Sri Gauranga’s mercy because this irreligiosity you can’t bear.
In this way you will qualify to go back home and wake up from this nightmare.

…The idea is that one gopī is advising another gopī, “My dear friend, there is one boy. His name is Govinda. He is standing on the bank of Yamunā near the Keśi-ghāṭa, and He’s playing on His flute. And He’s so beautiful that especially during full moon night, please do not go there.” [laughter] Why? “Now, because if you have got intention to enjoy in this material world with your family members, wife, children, husband, please do not go there.” Smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭim. Bhaṅgī-traya. “Kṛṣṇa always stands in three-curved way with His flute. That is Kṛṣṇa’s tri-bhaṅga-murāri.” Tri-bhaṅga. Three places, He is bent. (Lecture 1.2.12)

Lecture on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
First Canto, Chapter 2, Text 12

Full lecture

tac chraddadhānā munayo
jñāna-vairāgya-yuktayā
paśyanty ātmani cātmānaṁ
bhaktyā śruta-gṛhītayā
[SB 1.2.12]

“The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well equipped with knowledge and detachment, realizes that Absolute Truth by rendering devotional service in terms of what he has heard from the Vedānta-śruti.”

Very good, thank you. Yes. She has done better than all of you. All right. [chanting resumes] [Prabhupāda interrupts again:] Yes. That’s all.
So people, they sometimes say, “Can you show me God? Have you seen God?” These questions sometimes we meet. So the answer is here. Yes, you can see God. Everyone can see God. I am also seeing God. But there must be the qualification. Just like God is there… Suppose a motorcar is there, something is wrong there. Everyone is seeing. But one engineer or mechanic, he sees differently. Therefore we have to go there. “What is the wrong in this car? It is not running.” He immediately touches some machine part; it runs. So these rascals, they do not know that “How I can see God if I have not the qualification?” The machine has gone wrong, I am seeing the machine. And the engineer, the mechanic, he is also seeing the machine. But his seeing and my seeing is different. He’s qualified to see. Therefore when the machine has gone wrong, immediately he touches some part, it runs. So if for a machine we require so much qualification, and we want to see God without any qualification? Just see the fun. Without any qualification. Rascal, they are so rascal, so fool, that they want to see God with their nuisance qualification.

Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā: nāhaṁ prakāśaḥ sarvasya yoga-māyā-samāvṛtaḥ: [Bg. 7.25] “I am not exposed to everyone. Yogamāyā, yogamāyā is covering.” So how you can see God? But this rascaldom is going on, that “Can you show me God? Have you seen God?” God has become just like a plaything. “Here is God. He is incarnation of God.” Na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ [Bg. 7.15]. They are sinful, rascals, fools, lowest of the mankind. They inquire like that: “Can you show me God?” What qualification you have acquired, that you can see God? Here is the qualification. What is that? Tac chraddadhānā munayaḥ. One must be first of all faithful. Faithful. Śraddadhānāḥ. He must be very much eager to see God, actually. Not that as a proclivity, frivolous thing, “Can you show me God?” A magic, just like God is a magic. No. He must be very serious: “Yes, if there is God… We have seen, we have been informed about God. So I must see.”

There is a story in this connection. It is very instructive; try to hear. One professional reciter was reciting about Bhāgavata, and he was describing that Kṛṣṇa, being very highly decorated with all jewels, He is sent for tending the cows in the forest. So there was a thief in that meeting. So he thought that “Why not then go to Vṛndāvana and plunder this boy? He is in the forest with so many valuable jewels. I can go there and catch the child and take the, all the jewels.” That was his intention. So, he was serious that “I must find out that boy. Then in one night I shall become millionaire. So much jewelries. No.” So he went there, but his qualification was that “I must see Kṛṣṇa, I must see Kṛṣṇa.” That anxiety, that eagerness, made it possible that in Vṛndāvana he saw Kṛṣṇa. He saw Kṛṣṇa the same way as he was informed by the Bhāgavata reader. Then he saw, “Oh, oh, you are so nice boy, Kṛṣṇa.” So he began to flatter. He thought that “Flattering, I shall take all the jewels” [laughter]. So when he proposed his real business, “So may I take some of your these ornaments? You are so rich.” “No, no, no. You… My mother will be angry. I cannot…” [laughter] Kṛṣṇa as a child. So he became more and more eager for Kṛṣṇa. And then… By Kṛṣṇa’s association, he had already become purified. Then, at last, Kṛṣṇa said, “All right, you can take.” Then he became a devotee, immediately. Because by Kṛṣṇa’s association…

So some way or other, we should come in contact with Kṛṣṇa. Some way or other. Then we’ll be purified. Kāmād bhayād dveṣyāt. Just like the gopīs… The gopīs came to Kṛṣṇa being captivated by His beautiful features. They were young girls, and Kṛṣṇa was so beautiful. So actually, they came to Kṛṣṇa being lusty, but Kṛṣṇa is so pure that they became first-class devotees. There is no comparison of their devotion. Because they loved Kṛṣṇa with heart and soul. That is the qualification. That is the qualification. They loved so much Kṛṣṇa that they didn’t care for family, for reputation. When they were going at dead of night… Kṛṣṇa’s flute was there, and they were all fleeing. Their father, their brother, their husband: “Where you are going? Where you are going in this dead of night?” They didn’t care. They neglected their children, their family, everything: “We must go to Kṛṣṇa.” So this is required. We must be very, very eager so that… And many gopīs who were forcibly stopped, going to Kṛṣṇa, they lost their life. Just see how much eager they are. So this eagerness is wanted. Then you can see God. Either you become lusty or a thief or a murderer or whatever it may be. Some way or other, if you develop this eagerness, that “I must see Kṛṣṇa,” then Kṛṣṇa will be seen.

So here is… The first thing is how much eager you are to see Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa will respond. If you are actually eager to see Kṛṣṇa… It, the reason may be different, either you are lusty or to steal His ornament. Some way or other, you become attracted to Kṛṣṇa, then your business is successful. Rūpa Gosvāmī has advised that… He says in a poetry. It is on the matter of the gopīs talking. One gopī is advising another gopī that “My dear friend…”

smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭiṁ
vaṁśīnyastādhara-kiśalayām ujjvalāṁ candrakeṇa
govindākhyāṁ haritanumitaḥ keśi-tīrthopakaṇṭhe
mā prekṣiṣṭhāstava yadi sakhe! bandhu-saṅge ‘sti raṅgaḥ

The idea is that one gopī is advising another gopī, “My dear friend, there is one boy. His name is Govinda. He is standing on the bank of Yamunā near the Keśi-ghāṭa, and He’s playing on His flute. And He’s so beautiful that especially during full moon night, please do not go there.” [laughter] Why? “Now, because if you have got intention to enjoy in this material world with your family members, wife, children, husband, please do not go there.” Smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭim. Bhaṅgī-traya. “Kṛṣṇa always stands in three-curved way with His flute. That is Kṛṣṇa’s tri-bhaṅga-murāri.” Tri-bhaṅga. Three places, He is bent. So,

smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭiṁ
vaṁśīnyastādhara-kiśalayām ujjvalāṁ candrakeṇa
govindākhyāṁ haritanumitaḥ keśi-tīrthopakaṇṭhe
mā prekṣiṣṭhāstava yadi sakhe! bandhu-saṅge ‘sti raṅgaḥ

“If you think that you will enjoy more your life in this material world, then you do not go there. You do not go there.”
The idea is that if you once see Kṛṣṇa, then you will forget all this nonsense material enjoyment. That is seeing Kṛṣṇa. No more. Svāmin kṛtārtho ‘smi varaṁ na yāce [Cc. Madhya 22.42]. “My dear Lord I don’t want anything.” Dhruva Mahārāja… Dhruva Mahārāja went to see Kṛṣṇa to get the kingdom of his father, but when he saw Kṛṣṇa, Viṣṇu… Viṣṇu offered, “Now, whatever benediction you want, you take.” He said, svāmin kṛtārtho ‘smi varaṁ na yāce, “My dear Lord, I have no more any desire.” That is Kṛṣṇa seeing. That if you want to see Kṛṣṇa for some business, that “I shall see Kṛṣṇa…” Just like… Of course, if you are eager to see Kṛṣṇa, the motive may be different, but somehow or other, due to your eagerness, you’ll see Kṛṣṇa. That is the only qualification.

In another poetry Rūpa Gosvāmī says, kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ kriyatāṁ yadi kuto ‘pi labhyate. The, our this Kṛṣṇa consciousness, I have taken this from this word kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ. This is actual translation in Sanskrit or… Kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ. So Rūpa Gosvāmī advises that “Kṛṣṇa consciousness, if it is possible, please purchase. Don’t delay.” Kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ kriyatām. “Purchase immediately!” Kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ kriyatāṁ yadi kuto ‘pi. “Where it is available? It is very nice thing.” “Yes, it is available. You can purchase. The movement is going on.” “And what is the price?” “Price?” “It is such a nice thing; you have to pay price.” “Yes, there is price.” “What is that?” Tatra laulyam ekalaṁ mūlyam: “Simply your eagerness. That is price. This price you have to pay.” Then you get Kṛṣṇa. Immediately. Kṛṣṇa is not poor. And the Kṛṣṇa-seller, the Kṛṣṇa devotee, he is also not poor. He can distribute Kṛṣṇa free. And he’s doing that. Simply you have to purchase by your eagerness. That is wanted. Tatra laulyam. “Oh, eagerness? I have got eagerness.” “Oh, it is not so easy.” Tatra laulyam ekalaṁ mūlyaṁ janma-koṭi-sukṛtair na labhyate: “This eagerness cannot be achieved even by pious activities for millions of births.” If you simply go on doing pious activities… Because without being pious, you cannot approach Kṛṣṇa. So if you go on doing simply pious, janma-koṭi-sukṛtaiḥ… Sukṛti means pious activities, simply pious. Still, this eagerness is not awakened.

So this eagerness is very important thing. But it can be awakened by the association of devotees. Therefore we are giving chance to everyone to invoke that eagerness. Then you will see God eye to eye. It is not difficult. Tac chraddadhānā munayaḥ. Those who have developed that eagerness, faith, that “I must see Kṛṣṇa in this life…” This life is meant for seeing Kṛṣṇa. It is not meant for becoming dogs and hogs. Unfortunately, the whole civilization is going on, they are being trained to become dogs and hogs. It is the only institution that is teaching people how to see Kṛṣṇa. This is the only institution, this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. It is so important. Tac chraddadhānā munayo jñāna-vairāgya-yuktayā [SB 1.2.12]. By eagerness, automatically you will be enriched with knowledge and detachment. Knowledge does not mean, “Now we have discovered this atomic bomb.” That is not knowledge. What knowledge this is? People are dying. You have discovered something which will accelerate death. But we are giving some knowledge to stop death. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is knowledge. Jñāna-vairāgya-yuktayā. And as soon as you get this knowledge, automatically you become detached to all this nonsense material happiness.

Hare Kṛṣṇa. Thank you very much. Hare Kṛṣṇa. [devotees offer obeisances] Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. [end]

Source: http://theharekrishnamovement.org/2016/02/24/become-very-eager-to-see-krsna/