In my last post, I talked about how there are different types of devotees and we should be aware not all of them are of the same qualitative nature. Similarly, when we do outreach or as in ISKCON called preaching, there are different types of audiences.

Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita (7.3) that among the millions of people, very few will know Him as He is. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made it more liberal by distributing this message to one and all. Srila Prabhupada following Mahaprabhu's footsteps took up that order of practically distributing this message. However, in many instances Prabhupada himself acknowledged that this Krishna consciousness movement is not for everyone in the sense that not all will accept it. Yet Prabhupada was always finding ways to present this message to the public at large even if only few may accept at the end. In that mood of large scale presentation (with the knowledge not all can appreciate the value), we have to strategically present this message.

I say strategic because not all audiences have the same mood, intellectual acumen and capacity to assimilate and digest the information. When we get into this place of relativity, then we also have to think about self image, marketing and messaging at all types of social, political, religious, economic etc levels to suit the particular audience. In other words, we have to employ all means to reach out to the public. As my boss in my office once said, which I liked, we have to "meet people where they are". In that spirit, we have to present the message without compromise and in digestible bits so the audience can bare the brunt of the message such as "we are not these bodies" and yes "we will die" etc.

So the challenge is presenting an Absolute truth in a relative setting maintaining the purity of the message and the messenger. Indeed, as Prabhupada said "purity is the force". Without purity of heart, this message will not penetrate the hearts of the audience. Besides,  if purity is lacking, there are always the chance that the messenger can go to the dark side.  Purity is cultivated through tolerance and perseverance. But ultimately we become pure by taking shelter of Krishna and come to the realization that we are not the ultimate doers but the instruments of Krishna.

I will end with this - Prabhupada once said that we are happy to sit under a tree and chant Hare Krishna but you (pointing to the reporters and general public) will not come if we simply did that, so we have to build big temples, dramas, music, food etc to attract as many as possible.

Hare Krishna.

Source...http://servantoftheservant-ananda.blogspot.in/2015/11/absoluteness-in-relative-setting.html

Sri Bhisma Pancaka (first day)

========================================================================
Bhishma Panchaka
This kind of 5 day fast is also prescribed for the last 5 days of Kartika
(Damodara) Month and it is known as "Bhisma Pancaka".  During that vrata
puja offerings to the Lord are also prescribed.  I am listing them below.
There are also mantras that go with these offerings.  However,  I didn't
find any specific mention about this for Purusottama month.  In the Padma
Purana it only stated that in addition to ekadasee one can observe a
"pancaratrika" fast until amavasya.  Here are offerings prescribed for
Bhisma Pancaka.
---------------------

Devotees may offer the following to the Deity form of the Lord:

On the first day, one must offer padma (lotus) flowers to the feet of the
Lord
On the second day, one must offer bilva (wood-apple) leaves of the thigh of
the Lord
On the third day, one must offer gandha (scents) to the navel of the Lord
On the fourth day, one must offer java flower to the shoulders of the Lord
On the fifth day, one must offer malati flower to the head (siro-desa) of
the Lord

Reference: Garuda Puraana (op cit.)


=========================================================================
Haribodhini - Prabodhini - Devotthani
Utthana Ekadasi
About this EkAdasi from Hari Bhakti Vilas - Dikdarshini tika


Haribodhini Ekadasi
Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, "Dear son, O best of the sages, I shall
narrate to you the glories of Haribodhini Ekadasi, which eradicates all
kinds of sins and bestows great merit, and ultimately liberation, upon the
wise persons who surrender unto the Supreme Lord.
  "O best of the brahmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges
remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadasi does not come.  This
Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Kartika, is
much more purifying than a bath in the ocean, at a place of pilgrimage, or
in a lake.  This sacred Ekadasi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one
thousand Asvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices."
  Narada Muni inquired, "O father, please describe the relative merits of
fasting completely on Ekadasi, eating supper (without grains or beans), or
eating once at midday (without grains or beans)."
  Lord Brahma replied, "If a person eats once at midday on Ekadasi, the sins
of his previous birth are erased, if he eats supper, the sins acquired
during his previous two births are removed, and if he fasts completely, the
sins accumulated during his pervious seven births are eradicated.
  "O son, whatever is only rarely achieved within the three worlds is
obtained by him who strictly observes Haribodhini Ekadasi.  A person whose
sins equal Mount Sumeru in volume sees them all reduced to nothing if he
simply fasts on Papaharini Ekadasi (another name for Haribodhini Ekadasi).
The sins a person has accumulated over a thousand previous births are burned
to ashes if he not only fasts but also remains awake throughout Ekadasi
night, just as a mountain of cotton can be burned to ashes if one lights a
small fire in it.
  O Narada, a person who strictly observes this fast achieves the results I
have mentioned.  Even if one does a small amount of pious activity on this
day, following the rules and regulations, one will earn merit to Mount
Sumeru in volume; however a person who does not follow the rules and
regulations given in the Scriptures may perform pious activity equal to
Mount Sumeru in volume, but he will not earn even a small amount of merit.
One who does not chant the Gayatri mantra three times a day, who disregards
fast days, who does not believe in God, who criticises the Vedic Scriptures,
who thinks the Vedas bring only ruination to one who follows their
injunctions, who enjoys another's wife, who is utterly foolish and wicked,
who does not appreciate any service that has been rendered to him, or who
cheats others - such a sinful person can never perform any religious
activity effectively.  Be he a brahmana or a shudra, whoever tries to enjoy
another man's wife, particularly the wife of a twice-born person, is said to
be no better than a dog-eater.
  "O best of the sages, any brahmana who enjoys sex with a widow or a
brahmana lady married to another man brings ruin to himself and his family.
Any brahmana who enjoys illicit sex will have no children in his next life,
and any past merit he may have earned is ruined.  Indeed, if such a person
displays any arrogance toward a twice-born brahmana or a spiritual master,
he loses all his spiritual advancement immediately, as well as his wealth
and children.
  "These three kinds of men ruin their acquired merits: he whose character
is immoral, he who has sex with the wife of a dog-eater, and he who
appreciates the association of rogues.  Whoever associates with sinful
people and visits their homes without a spiritual purpose will go directly
to the abode of Lord Yamaraj, the superintendent of death.  And if someone
eats in such a home, his acquired merit is destroyed, along with his fame,
duration of life, children, and happiness.
  "Any sinful rascal who insults a saintly person soon loses his
religiosity, economic development, and sense gratification, and he at last
burns in the fire of hell.  Anyone who likes to offend saintly persons, or
who does not interrupt someone who is insulting saintly persons, is
considered no better than an ass.  Such a wicked man sees his dynasty
destroyed before his very eyes.
  "A person whose character is unclean, who is a rogue or a swindler, or who
always finds fault with others does not achieve a higher destination after
death, even if he gives charity generously or performs other pious deed.
Therefore one should refrain from performing inauspicious acts and perform
only pious ones, by which one will acquire merit and avoid suffering.
"However, the sins of one who, after due consideration, decides to fast of
Haribodhini Ekadasi are erased from one hundred previous lives, and whoever
fasts and remains awake overnight on this Ekadasi achieves unlimited merit
and after death goes to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, and then thousand
of his ancestors, relatives, and descendants also reach that abode.  Even if
one's forefathers were implicated in many sins and are suffering in hell,
they still attain beautifully ornamented spiritual bodies and happily go to
Vishnu's abode.
  O Narada, even one who has committed the heinous sin of killing a brahmana
is freed of all stains on his character by faster on Haribodhini Ekadasi and
remaining awake that night.  The merit that cannot by won by bathing in all
the places of pilgrimage, performing a horse sacrifice, or giving cows,
gold, or fertile land in charity can easily be achieved by fasting on this
holy day and remaining awake throughout the night.
  "Anyone who observes Haribodhini Ekadasi is celebrated as highly qualified
and makes his dynasty famous.  As Death is certain, so losing one's wealth
is also certain.  Knowing this, O best of sages, one should observe a fast
on this day so dear to Hari - Sri Haribodhini Ekadasi.
  "All places of pilgrimage in the three worlds at once come to reside in
the house of a person who fasts on this Ekadasi.  Therefore, to please the
Lord, who holds a disc in His hand, one should give up all engagements,
surrender, and observe this Ekadasi fast.  One who fasts on this Haribodhini
day is acknowledged as a wise man, a true yogi, an ascetic, and one whose
senses are truly under control.  He alone enjoys this world properly, and he
will certainly achieve liberation.  This Ekadasi is very dear to Lord
Vishnu, and thus it is the very essence of religiosity.  Even one observance
of it bestows the topmost reward in all the three worlds.
  "O Naradaji, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi will definitely not enter a
womb again, and thus faithful devotees of the Supreme Godhead give up all
varieties of religion and simply surrender to fasting on this Ekadasi.  For
that great soul who honours this Ekadasi by fasting and remaining awake
throughout the night, the Supreme Lord, Sri Govinda, personally terminates
the sinful reactions that soul has acquired by the actions of his mind,
body, and words.
  "O son, for anyone who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, gives charity,
chants the holy names of the Supreme Lord, undergoes austerities, and
performs sacrifices for God on Haribodhini Ekadasi, the merit thus earned
all becomes imperishable.  A devotee who worships Lord Madhava on this day
with first-class paraphernalia becomes free from the great sins of a hundred
lifetimes.  A person who observes this fast and worships Lord Vishnu
properly is freed from great danger.
  "This Ekadasi fast pleases Lord Janardana so much that He takes the person
who observes it back to His abode, and while going there the devotee
illuminates then ten universal directions.  Whoever desires beauty and
happiness should try to honour Haribodhini Ekadasi, especially if it falls
on Dvadasi.  The sins of one's past hundred births - the sins committed
during childhood, youth and old age in al those lifetimes, whether those
sins are dry or wet - are nullified by the Supreme Lord Govinda if one fasts
on Haribodhini Ekadasi with devotion.
  Haribodhini Ekadasi is the best Ekadasi.  Nothing is unobtainable or rare
in this world for one who fasts on this day, for it gives food grains, great
wealth, and high merit, as well as eradication of all sin, the terrible
obstacle to liberation.  fasting on this Ekadasi is a thousand times better
than giving charity on the day of the solar or lunar eclipse.  Again I say
to you, O Naradaji, whatever merit is earned by one who bathes in a place of
pilgrimage, performs sacrifices, and studies the Vedas is only one
then-millionth the merit earned by the person who fasts but one on
Haribodhini Ekadasi.  Whatever merit one has acquired in his life by some
pious activities becomes completely fruitless if one does not observe the
Ekadasi fast and worship Lord Vishnu in the month of Kartika.  Therefore,
you should always worship the Supreme Lord, Janardana, and render service to
Him.  Thus you will attain the desired goal, the highest perfection.
  "On Haribodhini Ekadasi, a devotee of the Lord should not eat in another's
house or eat food cooked by a non devotee. If he does so, he achieves only
the merit of fasting on a full moon day.  Philosophical discussion of
Scriptures in the month of Kartika pleases Sri Vishnu more than if one gives
elephants and horses in charity or performs a costly sacrifice.  Whoever
chants or hears descriptions of Lord Vishnu's qualities and pastimes, even
if but a half or even a fourth of a verse, attains the wonderful merit
derived from giving away a hundred cows to a brahmana.  O Narada, during the
month of Kartika one should give up all kinds or ordinary duties and devote
one's full time and energy especially while fasting, to discussing the
transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord.  Such glorification of Sri Hari
on the day so dear to the Lord, Ekadasi, liberates a hundred previous
generations.  One who spends his time enjoying such discussions, especially
in the month of Kartika, achieves the results of performing ten thousand
fire sacrifices and burns all his sins to ashes.
  "He who hears the wonderful narrations concerning Lord Vishnu,
particularly during the month of Kartika, automatically earns the same merit
as that bestowed upon someone who donates a hundred cows in charity.  O
great sage, a person who chants the glories of Lord Hari on Ekadasi achieves
the merit earned by donating seven islands."
  Narada Muni asked his glorious father, "O universal sire, I best of all
demigods, please tell me how to observe this most sacred Ekadasi.  What kind
of merit does it bestow upon the faithful?"
  Lord Brahma replied, "O son, a person who wants to observe this Ekadasi
should rise early on Ekadasi morning, during the brahma-muhurta hour (an
hour and a half before sunrise until fifty minutes before sunrise).  He
should then clean his teeth and bathe in a lake, river, pond, or well, or in
his own home, as the situation warrants.  After worshipping Lord Sri
Keshava, he should listen carefully to the sacred descriptions of the Lord.
He should pray to the Lord thus:  'O Lord Keshava, I shall fast on this day,
which is so dear to You, and tomorrow I shall honour Your sacred prasadam.
O lotus-eyed Lord, O infallible one, You are my only shelter.  Kindly
protect me.'
  "Having spoken this solemn prayer before the Lord with great love and
devotion, one should fast cheerfully.  O Narada, whoever remains awake all
night on this Ekadasi, singing beautiful songs glorifying the Lord, dancing
in ecstasy, playing delightful instrumental music for His transcendental
pleasure, and reciting the pastimes of Lord Krishna as records in bona-fide
Vedic literature - such a person will most assuredly reside far beyond the
three worlds, in the eternal, spiritual realm of God.
  "On Haribodhini Ekadasi one should worship Sri Krishna with camphor,
fruits, and aromatic flowers, especially the yellow agaru flower.  One
should not absorb oneself in making money on this important day.  In other
words, greed should be exchanged for charity.  This is the process for
turning loss into unlimited merit.  One should offer many kinds of fruits to
the Lord and bathe Him with water from a conchshell.  Each of these
devotional practices, when performed on Haribodhini Ekadasi, is ten million
times more beneficial than bathing in all the places of pilgrimage and
giving all forms of charity.
  "Even Lord Indra joins his palm and offers his obeisances to a devotee who
worships Lord Janardana with first-class agastya flowers of this day.  The
supreme Lord Hari is very pleased when he is decorated with nice agastya
flowers.  O Narada, I give liberation to one who devotedly worships Lord
Krishna on this Ekadasi in the month of Kartika with leaves of the bel tree.
And for one who worships Lord Janardana with fresh tulasi leaves and
fragrant flowers during this month, O son, I personally burn to ashes all
the sins he has committed for then thousand births.
  "One who merely sees Tulasi Maharani, touches her, mediates on her,
narrates her history, offers obeisances to her, prays to her for her grace,
plants her, worships her, or waters her lives in the abode of Lord Hari
eternally.  O Narada, one who serves Tulasi-devi in these nine ways achieves
happiness in the higher world for as many thousands of yugas as there are
roots and subroots growing from a mature tulasi plant.  When a full grown
tulasi plant produces seeds, many plants grow from those seeds and spread
their branches, twigs, and flowers, and these flowers also produce numerous
seeds.  For as many thousands of kalpas as there are seeds produced in this
way, the forefathers of one who serves tulasi in these nine ways will live
in the abode of Lord Hari.
  "Those who worship Lord Keshava with kadamba flowers, which are very
pleasing to Him, get is mercy and do not see the abode of Yamaraj, death
personified.  What is the use of worshipping someone else if all desires can
be fulfilled by pleasing Lord Hari?  For example, a devotee who offers Him
bakula, ashoka, and patali flowers is freed from misery and distress for as
long as the sun and moon exist in this universe, and at last he achieves
liberation.  O best of the brahmanas, an offering of kannera flowers to Lord
Jagannatha brings as much mercy upon the devotee as that earned by
worshipping Lord Keshava for four yugas.  One who offers tulasi flowers
(manjaris) to Sri Krishna during the month of Kartika receives more merit
than can be obtained by donating ten million cows.   Even a devotional
offering of newly grown sprouts of grass brings with it a hundred times the
benefit obtained by ordinary ritualistic worship of the Supreme Lord.
  "One who worships Lord Vishnu with the leaves of the samika tree is freed
from the clutches of Yamaraja, the lord of death.  One who worships Vishnu
during the rainy season with champaka or jasmine flowers never returns to
the planet earth again.  One who worships the Lord with but a single kumbhi
flower achieves the boon of donating a pala of gold (two hundred grams).  If
a devotee offers a single yellow flower of the ketaki, or wood-apple, tree
to Lord Vishnu, who rides on Garuda, he is freed from the sins of ten
million births.  Furthermore, one who offers Lord Jagannatha flowers and
also a hundred leaves anointed with red and yellow sandalwood paste will
certainly come to reside in Svetadvipa, far beyond the coverings of this
material creation.
  "O greatest of brahmanas, Sri Narada, after thus worshipping Lord Keshava,
the bestower of all material and spiritual happiness, on Haribodhini
Ekadasi, one should rise early the next day, bathe in a rive, chant japa  of
Krishna's holy names, and render loving devotional service to the Lord at
home to the nest of one's ability.  To break the fast, the devotee should
first offer some prasadam to brahmanas and only then, with their permission,
eat some grains.  Thereafter, to please the Supreme Lord, the devotee should
worship his spiritual master, the purest of the Lord's devotees, and offer
him sumptuous food, nice cloth, gold, and cows, according to the devotee's
means.  this will certainly please the Supreme Lord, the holder of the disc.
  "Next the devotee should donate a cow to a brahmana, and if the devotee
has neglected some rules and regulation of spiritual life, he should confess
them before brahmana devotees of the Lord.  Then the devotee should offer
them some dakshina (money).  O king, those who have eaten supper on Ekadasi
should feed a brahmana the next day.  That is very pleasing to the Supreme
Personality of Godhead.
  "O son, if a man has fasted without asking the permission of his priest,
or if a woman has fasted without asking her husband's permission, he or she
should donate a bull to a brahmana.  Honey and yoghurt are also proper gifts
for a brahmana.  Someone who has fasted from ghee should donate milk, one
who has fasted from grains should donate rice, one who has slept on the
floor should donate a bedstead with a quilt, one who has eaten on a leaf
plate should donate a pot of ghee, one who as remained silent should donate
a bell, and one who has fasted from sesame should give gold in charity and
feed a brahmana couple with sumptuous food.  A man who wants to prevent
baldness should donate a mirror to a brahmana, one who has second-hand shoes
should donate shoes, and one who has fasted from salt should donate some
sugar to a brahmana.  During this month everyone should regularly offer a
ghee lamp to Lord Vishnu or to Srimati Tulasidevi in a temple.
  "An Ekadasi fast is complete when one offers a qualified brahmana a gold
or copper pot filled with ghee and ghee wicks, along with eight waterpots
containing some gold and covered by cloths.  One who cannot afford these
gifts should at least offer a brahmana some sweet words.  One who does so
will surely attain the full benefit of fasting on Ekadasi.
  "After offering his obeisances and begging permission, the devotee should
eat his meal.  On this Ekadasi, Chaturmasya ends, so whatever one gave up
during Chaturmasya should now be donated to brahmanas.  One who follows this
process of Chaturmasya receives unlimited merit, O king of kings, and goes
to the abode of Lord Vasudeva after death.  O king, anyone who observes the
complete Chaturmasya without a break attains eternal happiness and does not
receive another birth.  But if someone breaks the fast, he becomes either a
blind man or a leper.
  "Thus I have narrated to you the complete process for observing
Haribodhini Ekadasi.  Someone who reads or hears about this achieves the
merit earned by donating cows to a qualified brahmana."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Karttika-sukla Ekadasi - also
known as Haribodhini Ekadasi or Devotthaani Ekadasi - from the Skanda
Purana.

This story is from how they are found in the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The
Day of Lord Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute
Press.

(the above excerpt is used with permission)
The Ekadashi Book is now available in its entirety -free to download with
our blessing at http://www.krsna.org

Entire book acknowledged to Mahamandelswar Mahant Krsna Balaram Swami

Dr. Vijay K. Parmar
European Secretary
Bhagavat Dharma Samaj


Prabodhini Ekadasi in Kartik: (Sukla paksha) from Hari Bhakti Vilas -
Vaishnava Smriti.
PRABODHINIM UPOSYA EVA NA GARBHE VISATE NARAH
SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA TASMAT KURVITA NARADA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/289 from SKANDA PURANA spoken by Lord Brahma)

 Oh Narada Muni, one who fasts on Prabodhini (when the Lord gets up)
Ekadasi, does not enter again into the womb of another mother. Therefore, a
person should give up all varieties of occupation and fast on this
particular Ekadasi day.

DUGDHABDHIH BHOGI SAYANE BHAGAVAN ANANTO
YASMIN DINE SVAPITI CA ATHA VIBHUDHYATE CA
TASMINN ANANYA MANASAM UPAVASA BHAJAM
KAMAM DADATY ABHIMATAM GARUDANKA SAYI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/293 from PADMA PURANA)

 One who fasts with one pointed intelligence on the day when the Supreme
Lord Sri Hari, Who sleeps on a bed of the enemy of Garuda (snake) goes to
take rest in the Milk ocean on the bed of Ananta Sesa and also the day He
gets up, gets all of his desires fulfilled.

BHAKTIPRADA HAREH SATU NAMNA KSATA PRAVODHINI
YASA VISNOH PARA MURTIR AVYAKTA ANEKA RUPINI
SA KSIPTA MANUSE LOKE DVADADI MUNI PUNGAVA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/301 from VARAHA PURANA conversation between Yamaraja
and Narada Muni)

 This Prabodhini Ekadasi is famous for rewarding devotion to Lord Sri Hari.
Oh best of the sages (Narada Muni), the personality of Ekadasi is present on
this earthly planet in an unmanifested form of Lord Hari.

 Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that one who exactly
observes the Ekadasi fast by observing this, he directly worships Lord Sri
Hari. This is the meaning of this verse. Therefore, Ekadasi is said to be
equal to Lord Sri Hari Himself.

CATUR DHA GRAHYA VAI CIRNAM CATUR MASYA VRATAM NARAH
KARTIKE SUKLAPAKSE TU DVADASYAM TAT SAMACARET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/412 from MAHABHARATA)

 A person who observed Caturmasya fast stated in four different ways should
end his fast on the Dvadasi day on the light fortnight of the month of
Karttika.

EVAM YA ACARET PARTHA SOBHANAM DHARMAM APNUYAT
AVASANE TU RAJENDRA VASUDEVA PURAM VRAJET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/433 from BHAVISYA UTTARA PURANA)

 Oh son of Prtha, Oh best of the kings, one who follows his vows properly as
it is stated here achieves the highest merit and at last goes to the abode
of Lord Sri Hari, the son of Vasudeva
===========================================================================

SRILA GAURA KISHORA DASA BABAJI MAHARAJ

The next in the parampara, after and is an associate of Bhaktivinoda Thakura
- a great paramahamsa babaji by the name of Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji
Maharaja. Technically he was the disciple of Bhagavat dasa Babaji Maharaja,
who was a disciple of Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja.
In 1897 Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja came to Mayapur Navadwipa Dhama
from Sri Vrndavana Dhama, where he was accredited the exalted title
"Bhajananandi". Srila Bhaktivinoda (Kedarnath Datt), seeing the
transcendental behaviour of Babaji Maharaja, would use him as an example of
nirapeksa (indifference), as his level of renunciation was beyond belief.

 This Vaisnava saint's life was an example of utter humility and poverty,
the true attributes of a Vaisnava.  Gaurakisora never accepted any material
object from anyone.  For his clothing he used the discarded loin cloths from
corpses left on the bank of the Ganges.  For food, he would collect rice by
begging, soak it in river water, and garnish it with salt and chilly.  He
never asked favors from anyone and lived a fully detached life, devoid of
all possessions.

 Very little information is available about the past life of Gaurakisora
except that he was born in a Vaisya family in the village of Bagjana near
Tepakhola on the bank of the Padma. As a householder, Gaurakisora was known
by the name Vansidasa (different from Vamsi das babaji).  At that time he
was engaged in some agricultural trade and from the income took care of his
wife and family honestly.  After the death of his wife, Gaurakisora
renounced his home and went to Vrndavana, where he was initiated into
Vairagi Vesha by Bhagavata dasa babaji, one of the foremost disciples of
Jagannatha dasa babaji.

 Srila Gaurakisora lived on madhukari, begging and slept beneath a tree.  He
would lie prostrate, offering his humble obeisances to the residents of
Vraja, considering them as embodiments of Lord Krsna.  He even offered his
obeisances to the flowers, trees, and land around him.  He spent about
thirty years at Vraja mandala serving the deities there.  Afterwards,
perhaps by the direction of the Supreme Lord, he left for Navadvipa.

 During his stay at Navadvipa, Gaurakisora underwent various transformations
of spiritual moods.  Sometimes he danced on the bank of the Ganges chanting,
"Gaura, Gaura", while at other times he would lie on the ground in an
unconscious state.  He joyfully moved throughout the groves located on the
bank of the Ganges, considering them sites of the divine sports of Sri Sri
Radha Govinda.  His only clothing was a strip of cloth around his waist and
often went totally naked.  He chanted japa on beads or sometimes knotted a
cloth and used that as a substitute for japa beads. Occasionally, he went to
Godruma Dvipa to listen to Bhaktivinoda Thakura recite ”Srimad Bhagavatam.

Babaji Maharaja would often visit Bhaktivinoda. During his last days in
retirement, absorbed in Krsna katha, he would hear Srimad Bhagavatam at
Bhaktivinoda's house and they would discuss together. Though Babaji Maharaja
could neither read nor write he was regarded as vastly learned and
self-realized. His only possessions were the Tulasi beads around his neck
and the japa mala he kept in his hand. Sometimes he wore no Tulasi mala on
his neck and would chant on knotted cloth as beads - such was his
renunciation. Sometimes he would live under an old broken overturned boat,
and  other times he would scatter fish bones around a place he occasionally
used as his bhajan kutir to make materialists think he was a fish-eater, and
thus they would not disturb him. But by his pure bhajan he purified the
three worlds.

 He was the guru of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, the founder of
the Caitanya Mathas and Gaudiya Mathas.

In 1898 when Bhaktivinoda's son, who was now residing in Godrumadwipa in
Navadwipa Dhama, first came in contact with the person who was to be his
spiritual master, Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, the crest jewel of
avadhutas was wearing a tigerskin hat and carrying a basket with puja
paraphernalia inside. He offered the boy four or five pieces of rope for
chanting his rounds on, and a tilak stamp for marking the body with Hare
Krsna carved on it. Bhaktivinoda later told his son, "You must take
initiation from Babaji Maharaja, and don't return to this house if you
don't." Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji used to walk across a bridge at the same
time daily, so on one occasion Bhaktivinoda's son, Siddhanta Saraswati,
blocked his path and in all humility said, "If you don't give me initiation
then I will finish my life by throwing this useless body off this bridge."
Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja didn't want any disciples - he himself had
taken siksa from Bhaktivinoda, and this was Bhaktivinoda's dear son!
Siddhanta Saraswati told him how his father had instructed him to become
Babaji Maharaja's disciple or not return home, so in 1900 Babaji Maharaja
gave him the name Varsabhanavi-devi-dayita dasa. He then gave his new
initiate the tiger skin hat and basket that had been given to Gaura Kisora
by his spiritual master Bhagavat dasa Babaji, which he in turn had received
from Jagannatha dasa Babaji.

In 1908 Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja lost his external eye sight, so he
then stopped travelling and just chanted and performed worship of Krsna.
Being aloof from external consciousness, sometimes he would not dress his
body -  instead he would sit in his bhajan kutir internally absorbed in
Krsna's pastimes and in a very deep voice be heard calling the names of the
gopis of Vrndavana.

Once Srila Varsabhanavi-devi-dayita dasa, Siddhanta Saraswati, offered to
take Babaji Maharaja to Calcutta to see an eye specialist, but he refused
saying, "Never! I will never go to the material world." His disciple
protested, "But in Calcutta I could serve you nicely. You wouldn't have to
undergo any inconvenience." But Babaji Maharaja was adamant declaring, "I
will never accept this service. Better I throw myself in the Saraswati
(Jalanghi) and drown."

Once Babaji Maharaja turned up at the Yoga Pitha (Lord Caitanya's
birthplace) at two in the morning. Amazed, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati
enquired how he got there in the pitch black of night. Babaji Maharaja
replied, "Someone brought me here." "Who could have brought you such a
distance at this time?" enquired Bhaktisiddhanta. Finally his mind
concluded, "It must have been Krsna who personally brought you here or else
how did you cross the Ganges? How did you find your way across the dark
fields?" But Babaji Maharaja would not answer more than, "One person brought
me across the river, that's all."

One day Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja wrapped his body and two
feet with a cloth. Sitting covered like this he said, "Many persons, after
being informed by others, come here to collect the dust from my feet. I tell
them I am not a Vaisnava. If you go to the vicinity where there are
Vaisnavas with their feet pretentiously decorated and extended to touch, you
can have unlimited dust. How can I bless you? I don't have barfi or sandesh
or rasagulla, or even sweet words. How can I bless you? Nowadays people are
interested in spiritual masters who can give these things - wealth, good
wife, sweet words - these cheating things are now taken as anakula
(favourable)."

 Every virtuous person looked forward to rendering service to Srila
Gaurakisora.  However, he rarely allowed anyone the chance to serve him.
Once Manindracandra Nandi, the Maharaja of Kasimbazar, sent a distinguished
messenger to escort Gaurakisora to the former's palace.  Gaurakisora,
however, did not accept the Maharaja's invitation saying that if he visited
the palace he may feel tempted by the wealth of the Maharaja which may
result in a strained relation between the two.  Hence, Gaurakisora suggested
that instead of him visiting the palace, let the Maharaja free himself
completely from the shackles of wealth by donating everything he owned to
his relatives and then come to live with Gaurakisora in a specially prepared
shed where both of them could practice Haribhajan in peace."

 Srila Gaurakisora was very selective about accepting invitations for food.
He believed that partaking of food here and there could adversely affect the
spiritual life of a devotee.  Once a devotee name Haren babu partook of
prasada offered at the festival held at Bhajan kutir at Navadvipa.  For this
Gaurakisora stopped communicating with Haren for three days.  On the fourth
day Gaurakisora explained that the prasada of the above festival had been
financed by a woman of questionable profession, a pumscari (one who is moved
by other men).

 Once, on the eve of Sanatana Gosvami's disappearance day, Gaurakisora
decided to celebrate the occasion.  The devotee attending him asked who
would provide them with the materials for the celebration.  Srila
Gaurakisora replied: "Remember not to speak to anyone about it.  We shall
miss a meal and continue around the clock chanting the holy name.  This
could be the typical festival for those of us who have taken the vow of
poverty."

 Narendra Kumar Sen, a resident of Agartala (Tripura), once approached
Gaurakisora to learn about Guru pranali or Siddha pranali.  Gaurakisora told
him, "The Supreme Lord cannot be realized through worldly knowledge.  Only
through the chanting of the holy name can the true nature of the Lord be
revealed.  As the Lord is revealed from the letters comprising the Nama, the
devotee gradually begins to understand his own nature and becomes acquainted
with seva.

 Once a physician told Gaurakisora that he intended to move to Navadvipa and
take up charitable practices.  Gaurakisora advised the physician that if he
truly desired to live in Navadvipa then he should give up the plan for a
charitable practice because it would only encourage materially minded people
to save money. Those who sincerely practiced Hari bhajan should never get
distracted by the chains of welfare activities.

 A young seeker wearing only a kaupina, once stayed with Gaurakisora for
some days. later he arranged, through the agency of an employee of a female
estate owner, to obtain five kathas of land as a donation from the woman.
When Gaurakisora heard about this he was extremely annoyed: "Navadvipadhama
is beyond this material world. How can a worldly land owner dare to hold
land here and even think he can donate five kathas out of it?  A mere grain
of sand of the transcendental Navadvipa is more valuable than all the
precious gems in this world put together.  Moreover, how advanced could this
young kaupina clad devotee be if he dares to collect so much land in lieu of
his bhajan merit?"

 Once a devotee offered some sweets to Lord Gauranga and then took the
offering to Gaurakisora, urging him to partake of it. Gaurakisora told the
devotee, "Those who are non vegetarian, those who commit adultery, or offer
food to Lord Gauranga with a particular motive, their offerings never reach
Lord Gauranga and are never sanctified as prasada."

 Srila Gaurakisora regularly begged for rice, after which he would cook the
rice, offer it, and partake of the prasada.  He never touched any foodstuff
offered by someone else.  Once during monsoon, Gaurakisora stayed in the
rest house at Phulia Navadvipa.  Some prasada was left in a vessel for him
to respect later.  Meanwhile a snake passed by the vessel and a woman there
happened to notice it.  When Gaurakisora sat down to take prasada the woman
appeared there and informed him about the snake. Gaurakisora, however,
firmly stated that he would not touch the prasada until the woman left.
After the woman left, Gaurakisora said, "Look how maya works!  Taking the
form of compassion, maya attempts to hit deep into her target slowly.  Maya
can assume countless forms.  She always prevents a mortal being from
practicing Haribhajan."

 Giribabu and his wife once ardently requested Gaurakisora to stay in their
house at Navadvipa.  Gaurakisora was moved by their sincere devotion and
finally agreed to oblige them on the condition that he would live only in
their toilet room where he would perform Hari bhajan.  Giribabu tried to
persuade him to change his mind but Gaurakisora remained firm.  Giribabu
reluctantly arranged to have the toilet thorougly cleaned and Gaurakisora
used it for Haribhajan.  A realized soul can practice Haribhajan anywhere in
an unconcerned manner, and wherever he resides, that place becomes
Vaikuntha.

 Srila Gaurakisora was a highly spiritually advanced soul.  He never allowed
deceitful practices or any discussion which was not within the purview of
the holy books.  One day when a devotee questioned Gaurakisora about a well
known reiciter of ”Srimad Bhagavatam, who was in the habit of chanting
"Gaura, Gaura", Gaurakisora remarked,  "He doesn't say "Gaura, Gaura.
Rather what he means to say is, "More More" (`Money, Money.')  Those who
recite ”Srimad Bhagavatam for payment are not entitled to chant the name of
theSupreme Lord."

 Srila Gaurakisora never delivered discourses openly, yet his spotless
character drew everyone to him.  Upon meeting Gaurakisora, even a staunch
materialist would become inclined take up Haribhajan.

On 22nd June, 1914 Bhaktivinoda Thakura passed from this world into his
samadhi, deep meditation, on Lord Krsna in Bhakti Bhavan, and then on
November 17th, 1915 Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, on the auspicious
Utthana Ekadasi, also left this world. His body was placed into a samadhi
tomb, but sixteen years later, due to flooding, the samadhi had to be moved.
There was a clamour of local babajis trying to claim the samadhi, but the
bold Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati (Varsabhanavi-devi-dayita dasa) told
everybody frankly, "I am the only disciple of Paramahamsa Babaji Maharaja.
Even though I have not accepted sannyasa, I am a celibate brahmacari and by
the grace of Babaji Maharaja I am not secretly addicted to abominable habits
or involved in fornication as some monkey-like people are. If there is
someone amongst the people here present who is a renunciate of stainless
character, then he can have Babaji Maharaja's samadhi. We have no objection
to that. He, who within the last year, or the last six months, three months,
one month or at least within the last three days, has not had illicit
connection with a woman will be able to touch this spiritual blissful body.
If anyone else touches it he will be completely ruined." Hearing these
words, the Inspector of police, who had come to judge for a fair and honest
decision said, "How will evidence be had for this?" Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
Saraswati replied, "I have faith in their word." At this, one by one all the
bogus babajis slipped away without a word.

Srila Gaura Kishor dasa babaji maharaj ki jaya

Indian politicians and media persons are going crazy after the so-called “intolerance” issue, which is in fact a non-issue. Only once in a while we find political leaders speak out their minds when it comes to cow killing. I believe there are more chief ministers and party leaders who understand that cow slaughter is slaughtering India’s civilization, but they are unable to open their mouths for multiple reasons including want of personal integrity or conviction for the cause and fear of losing their political career. This in itself is a mater of concern for Indians that politicians are afraid of speaking in favor of cow protection.

It is outright ridiculous to say that not allowing cow killing, or any animal killing for that matter, is intolerance. Those who say it have become blind to the fact that human beings are not the only living creatures on the planet. Even if bans on cow killing is a sign of intolerance, it makes absolutely no sense to say that killing cows shows tolerance. Tolerance should be shown by personal sacrifice, not at the cost of killing others.

And what intolerance are they talking about? They want to kill cows, throw away tons of vegetables and fruits, and then argue that not allowing cow killing is intolerance towards freedom, indifference towards economy, or restricting one’s earning. Only paid people and fools will accept such arguments and support the ongoing propaganda that killing cows to make money is a good policy and not allowing it is intolerance.

Talking about intolerance, why not think of the pain imposed upon the animals being killed?Have our political leaders and media persons forgotten that they are living in a civilized society, not in a barbarians’ one? The following statement, reportedly from Uttarkhand Chief Minister goes perfectly in line with this understanding.

The Chief Minister, a veteran Congress leader, had been quoted by the Press Trust of India as saying at a function in Haridwar on Tuesday: "Anyone who kills cows, no matter which community he belongs to, is India's biggest enemy and has no right to live in the country."

Although the minister has said he didn’t mean to say what he was quoted as saying, there is nothing personal about any community here. After all, cow protection is not all about religious sentiments; it’s equally scientific. It is the political leaders who make it appear so in order to provoke religious sentiments for political leverage. Such leaders should be taken to task and served appropriate justice as per Indian constitution.

‘Cow Killers Have No Right to Live in India’, Says Uttarakhand Chief Minister – NDTV

Last month, ML Khattar, the Chief Minister of BJP-ruled Haryana, had backtracked after appearing to suggest that Muslims in the country must give up beef. “Muslims can stay, but in this country they will have to give up eating beef. The cowis an … ‘Cow Killers Have No Right to Live in India’, Says Uttarakhand Chief Minister

Source...http://mayapurvoice.com/svagatam/dont-worry-chief-minister-if-you-said-cow-killers-have-no-right-to-live-in-india/

By Gauranga Das

ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village (GEV,www.ecovillage.org.in) a 100 acre sustainable farming community and retreat center, based near Mumbai, India has won the Green Apple Environment Award in Gold category in the international campaign to find the greenest companies, councils and communities. 

ISKCON GEV’s participation was amongst 500 other nominations in the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice, and were presented with their trophy and certificate at a glittering presentation ceremony in the Houses of Parliament, Westminster ,London on Monday, November 16 2015. Srutidharma Prabhu, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, on behalf of ISKCON GEV, received this award from the hands of Mr. Mark Wolens, General Manager of The Green Organization

As a result of this Green Apple Award success, GEV has been invited to have their winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can follow their example and learn from their achievement. GEV is also invited to progress to represent its country in the Green World Awards and the European Business Awards for the Environment. GEV will also be given free Ambassador Membership of Partners in Protecting the Planet (PPP) the organization planting trees to help save livelihoods, wildlife and the planet.

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as UK’s major recognition for environmental endeavor among companies, councils, communities and countries. The Green Apple Awards are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies. The Green Apple Awards campaign was one of the first to be accepted by Britain’s RSA Environmental Awards Forum as meeting the high standards and criteria to be approved as an automatic conduit into the Brussels-led European Business Awards for the Environment.

The awards are organized by The Green Organization, established in 1994 as an international, independent, non-profit, non-political, non-activist environment group, dedicated to recognizing, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world. The Green Organization work for various environmental causes including the Green Earth Appeal and The United Nations to plant trees where they will do most good in the world and is having various environment initiatives of its own as well.

Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17040

ISKCON devotees in the United Kingdom recently got the chance to meet with both British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On November 10th, for the third year in a row, Bhaktivedanta Manor temple president Srutidharma Das was invited to chant prayers at an official Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Street.

Around 100 religious leaders from the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, as well as leading Hindu businesspeople, attended the event at David Cameron’s office/residence. Indian High Commissioner in London Ranjan Mathai, and Minister for Employment Priti Patel were also present.

After the lamps were lit, Srutidharma chanted the first verse of Sri Isopanishad, beginning “Om purnam adah purnam idam,” in which the Personality of Godhead is described as the “perfect and complete” source of this world. He then chanted the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and wished everyone a happy Diwali.

“I then got to shake the Prime Minister’s hand and expressed how lovely it was to celebrate Diwali with him again,” says Srutidharma. “I also mentioned to him that the Krishna Avanti primary school’s first results had come out, and that the children were in the top two per cent academically in the country.”

Prime Minister Cameron speaks on Diwali, while Srutidharma stands by to chant prayers

In his speech, the Prime Minister praised the different Diwali celebrations happening around the UK, and said, “When we think of this religion, we think of the importance of Karma, and inner peace and pleasure. But of course, what’s really at the heart of it all, is Dharma rather than Karma. The guide to life, and how to do the right thing. And as we bring up our children, I think explaining to people good conduct, and doing the right thing, and the importance of conduct is so vital. So to me, that’s what I take from this extraordinary festival, and the extraordinary story of the Ramayana.”

Before leaving, Srutidharma presented the Prime Minister with a box of Mangala-arati sweets offered to Bhaktivedanta Manor’s presiding Deities Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda.

Two days later, at a Wembley Stadium event where 60,000 people welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Srutidharma was one of just fourteen people selected to officially greet both Modi and David Cameron.

When Srutidharma shook his hand, Cameron commented, “My kids are still eating all the sweets you left at Diwali!”

Meanwhile Modi fondly recalled his 2005 visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor for its Janmashtami festival.

At the Wembley event, during which Modi spoke about his economic goals for India and partnership with the UK, children of the Krishna Avanti School recited the national anthems of both India and the UK, and got to meet both Prime Ministers.

Later, at a VIP function organized by the Indian High Commissioner, three ISKCON devotees – Srutidharma, Gauri Das and Manor head of communications Vinay Tanna – were counted amongst the 1,000 VIPs.

There Gauri also got a chance to meet with Modi, and presented him with a box of Mangala-arati sweets too, saying, “These are made with milk from our own cows,” which delighted the Indian PM.

“Because we are introduced as ISKCON, attending these kinds of events builds our international reputation and brings us political support for any future ISKCON campaigns we might have,” says Srutidharma.

 Source...http://iskconnews.org/uk-devotees-meet-with-prime-ministers-cameron-and-modi,5212/

By Parsada dasi

Our camera does not do justice to capture the mood of excitement, joy and climax of this amazing festival. The opulence and grandeur is befitting the Lord of the Universe with His brother Lord Balarama and sister Subhadra Devi. The procession took us back 5,000 years ago when Krishna and Balarama entered the city of Mathura. And it is after 20 years Their Lordships, again happily distribute mercy to the people of Mathura by the expert arrangement of ISKCON Vrindavan’s Namahatta Department headed by HG Radha Shyamsundar Das and Temple President HG Pancha Gauda Das.
Mathura is considered to be the silver capital of India and organizers left no stone unturned when it came to top class arrangement for the devotees and guests. Devotees were transported to Mathura from our Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan and a grand welcoming ceremony for Their Lordships took place amidst a roaring kirtan in Kedarnath Dham. The entrance was decorated with fresh flower garlands and the most incredible rangoli decorations we had ever seen, thereafter devotees had breakfast. Members of our management welcomed sadus and dignitaries. His Holiness Navayogendra Swami and His Grace Deena Bandhu prabhu gave classes. In a side park of the hosting site, the chariot of Lord Jagannath was being decorated with beautiful garlands of roses, jasmine and marigold and colorful rangoli. Chappan Bhog and arti was offered to Their Lordships. The atmosphere was surcharged with an electrifying energy. Lord Jagannath was ready to ascend His chariot.

As Their Lordships were carried to the chariot, devotees and local Mathura vasi’s offered obeisances and rushed to touch Them. Amidst the blowing of conch shells and a roaring kirtan led by our temple president Pancha Guada Prabhu, Their Lordships were comfortably seated on Their thrones.

Thousands grabbed the ropes and pulled Lord Jagannath slowly on the main street of Mathura, which was beautifully decorated with rangoli, police flanked both sides of the chariot and the procession was led by another smaller beautifully decorated chariot of the Yamuna Foundation, a big brass band, horses and a camel, all gorgeously decorated. The Lord was on His way to shower mercy on all. Three groups of kirtaneers pelted out the Holy Names. Shopkeepers and residents showered Lord Jagannath and the devotees with rose petals and came forward with offerings of garlands, sweets, fruits and luxmi, throughout the procession. Every five to ten minutes Lord Jagannath stops to receive the worship and offerings of His people in Mathura. It was truly a very touching sight.

We noticed the entire path of the procession decorated with rangoli, which lasted 4 kilometers, these artists had the entire Mathura glorifying their artistic talent. Dignitaries walked the procession with our ISKCON leadership, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, His Holiness Lokanath Goswam, HH Subhag Swami, HH Navayogendra Swami, HG Deena Bandhu Prabhu and a host of sanyassis and senior devotees. The kirtan led by HH Lokanath Swami had Mathura in ecstasy. Devotees and guests wore a jute cap boasting “Jai Jagannath and “ Yamuna Foundation,” highlighting the plight of our Yamuna River.

Organizers arranged fruit juices, bottled water, fruits, sweets and savories to be distributed to everyone, this led up to the end of the procession in Jubli Park Vikas bazaar, where Lord Jagannath will rest and enjoy the evening program arranged for His pleasure by His loving devotees. His resting house was opulently decorated with cream and gold cloth.
Dignitaries addressed the guests and hailed the festival and ISKCON’s activities world-wide. His Holiness Gopal Goswami thanked the people of Mathura and the organizers.
Their Lordships were treated to chappan bhog and arati. The ISKCON Vrindavan congregation devotees did a drama on Mother Yasoda binding Gopal and the devotees from Noida a sweet pastime of Lord Caitanya. Beautiful bhajans brought the most incredible Ratha Yatra festival in the most holy birthplace of Lord Krishna to a close. Guests and devotees were treated to a royal feast organized by the Yamuna Foundation.

HG Radha Shyamsundar Prabhu said, “We are enthralled at the warm and loving reception of the Mathura vasi’s, we never expected such a welcome. Lord Krishna is very very pleased. We hope to make Ratha Yatra an annual event in Mathura. We would like to thank our dignitaries without whom this festival would not be done on such a grand scale: Srimati Manisha Gupta (Chairperson Mathura Municipality), Mr Ravikant Garg (Ex-State Minister U.P.) Mr S.K. Sharma (Member State Executive BJP), Mr Mukesh Gautam (Chairman Vrindavan), Mr Pradeep Bansal (Yamuna Mission), Mr Rajendra Bansal (Yamuna Mission), Mr Mohit Mukut Wala (Vrindavan), Mr Sandeep Arora (Giriraj Group), His Grace Radha Kinkar Das, Mr Trilokinath Bansal (Real Estate), Mr Deepak Goyal (Saraswati Hospital), Mr Manohar Lal Goyal (Shorawala), Mr Amit Gautam, Mr Ashwini K Bindas, Mr Paras Jain.
The photo’s here are of the morning session, evening session will be uploaded soon.

Hare Krishna!

Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17017

Submitted by Karnamrita on Thu, 2015-11-19 07:49

Sastra Dana, Sweden. 
Here is our Shastra Dana report for October 2015.
We have been distributiing the following books:
170 Vediska texter
2 Bhagavad gita
3 Krishna books
1 Mnstares ledning
Total 176 books
We would like to thank the following devotees:
Ella & Sune HellstrAm, Sten Bergil, Gilbert Rylander, Tomas Nilsson, Mikael Forian, Robert dkerman, Cathryn Claesson, Astasiddhdd, Smita Krishna Swami, Aja das & Pancavati dd, Yogindra das, Nama Rupa dd, Magnus HedstrAm, Bh. Jarmo, Bahulashva das, Sri Jayadeva das, samt till alla dem som Anskar attvara anonyma.

Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17021

Written by Rukmini dd

Indraduymna Swami called Brahmananda Prabhu his vartmapradakshaka guru (the first person who connected him to the path of devotion). He mentioned how Brahmananda Prabhu often cried when speaking about Srila Prabhupada and how this was reciprocal because Srila Prabhupada cried when he heard about Brahmandas preaching in Africa. Radhanath Swami explained how he was the first person in the Western world to dance in Lord Caitanyas kirtan. Besides these giants in the sankirtan mission, there were those who were very close to Brahmananda Prabhu, his caretaker, his secretary from the 70’s and Navayogendra Swami who served with him in Africa.  Others mentioned that he was also the first temple president, the first to publish the Srila Prabhupada’s Gita by Macmillan, the first to give Prabhupada the Krsna book and the first to go into Africa and Brazil, when no one else wanted to go.

Brahmananda Prabhu’s brother, Gargamuni, mentioned how Srila Prabhupada said that his financial problems where solved when Brahmananda came. He gave his $400 pay check to Srila Prabhupada each month and asked him each day for the 25 cents he needed to take the bus to work. There were many loyal godbrothers and godsisters including Malati mataji, Laxmimoni Mataji and other Vrindavan veterans. Guru Kripa Prabhu mentioned a dream he had of Brahmananda Prabhu where he appeared in a lean, effulgent form and insinuated that Guru Kripa would really enjoy what Srila Prabhupada had in store for them (in the after life). Burijana Prabhu called Brahmananda Prabhu’s book, “Swamiji”, as the ultimate love story of one who gave their heart at young age and never wavered.

Kadamba Kanana Swami highlighted the innocent and unassuming nature of Brahmananda and his simple focus on what Srila Prabhupada wanted. He mentioned how once Brahmananda Prabhu was asked a question that sounded like, “For you it seems that Srila Prabhupada is God.” Brahmananda Prabhu responded by saying, “No. No. I made that mistake before. The guru is not God. He is as good as God. But these days I begin to think that he is better than God because he came to New York and saved me.” And Brahmananda Prabhu began to cry. Maharaj added that Brahmananda Prabhu was also not just lost in those moments he shared with Prabhupada over forty years ago but was very aware of the preaching happening currently around the world and thus even at the very end, Brahmananda Prabhu still felt responsible for Prabhupada’s mission. When Tamal Krsna Goswami passed away, Maharaj and Brahmananda Prabhu stood at the gates of Mayapur awaiting the arrival of his body. Brahmananda Prabhu commented that it was not the end of Tamal Krsna Maharaj but the end of an era. Similarly, Maharaj commented that this was also not the end of Brahmananda Prabhu but the end of an era. “Where would we ever find another Brahmananda?” he questioned.

We were purified by the dust of Vrindavan, by the presence of vaishnavas of exalted caliber, by simply hearing of Brahmananda Prabhu’s deep qualities; his impenetrable devotion to Srila Prabhupada , his incredible contribution and his soft heart.

It was a day to etch into eternal memory lest we forget the shoulders of the giants upon whom we stand.

Source...https://www.kksblog.com/2015/11/samadhi-ceremony-of-hg-brahmananda-prabhu/

atmanam socati dinam

—Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.47

Source...http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=10420

Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Festival

Alas, we have lost the association of yet another great Vaishnava saint in the form of H.H. Gaura Krishna Goswami. Actually, I did not know him well, but because Vaishnava dealings are all on the absolute plane, therefore I know him through hearing his glories from other devotees. It is well known that he was an amazing pandit and wonderful public speaker exclusively on the subject of Hari katha. Although we cannot say he was necessarily a paramahamsa, there is no doubt that he must be counted in his manifest preaching activities as a pure devotee.

There are many kinds of pure devotees, beginning with those who strictly follow acharya but may be madhyam adhikary (mid level), up to those who are paramahamsa, maha bhagavata (self realized in pure devotion), uttama adhikary (highly elevated), and, of course, nitya siddha (eternally liberated, who descend from the spiritual world). In any case, Maharaj must be considered a pure devotee who walked this planet to spread the mercy of Srila Prabhupad and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

There are some devotees who ask that we pray for him. This conception is defective. Why? Because he was beyond that level. When he departed this mortal world, he certainly went straight into nitya lila (eternal pastimes) with Sri Sri Radha and Krishna and (according to the authority of Sri Brahma Samhita) simultaneously into nitya lila with the Pancha Tattva and all the eternal associates of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda prabhu. This is the actual potential for the residents of Vraj, who are the most powerful of yogis and can have more than one spiritual body simultaneously.

Was there any time lag when he left this world? Did he "hang around" in some undefined place in space before being transferred to the spiritual world? Certainly not! We see from the Bhagavatam and Krishna Book descriptions of great souls who instantly attain their spiritual body, being transferred to the eternal kingdom of God without any time lag whatsoever. Generally, when a devotee leaves their body who has been following acharya but has some remaining material desires unfulfilled, they are transferred to Gokula, that realm where Krishna's manifest (prakat) lila is taking place right now in some other universe. There, their final purification takes place by direct association with the walking, talking, dancing, flute playing Krishna. The instant love becomes so strong that any remaining residual (dirt) left over from the material world is instantly burned off. Sometimes this is through intense vipralamba (the fire of separation) such as in the case of many of the gopis who had attained Gokula by their prior devotional service (sadhana siddha, perfection through regulated bhakti practice). This example may be found in the married gopis, who still had family dealings with husbands, babies, mothers-in-law, etc, yet were in love with Krishna, yearning to join the rasa dance on hearing the sound of Krishna's flute. Some even left their bodies in separation, then being transformed into nitya lila in Vraj of Goloka Vrindavan, Krishna lotus flower abode.

In any case, whether Maharaj went to Gokula or direct to Goloka Vrindavan is academic. Both places are on the absolute plane of pure loving service to Krishna, and both are "back to Home, back to Godhead". Because of his purity, however, it is quite possible that Maharaj was instantly transferred directly to Goloka. Where, then, is the scope for praying for his deliverance? It is almost insulting for such a great soul. Rather, we should pry to him for our deliverance, since either way he is now an eternal associate of Krishna in a spiritual body! Blink a few times and many of us, those who don't get de-railed to the heavenly planets to enjoy pious life and sense enjoyment, or are forced to return in another material body do to unfulfilled material desires and re-generated karma, will be again in his association in the spiritual world, regardless of his swarup (spiritual body). May we rejoice in his entrance into Krishna's nitya lila, even though we lost his association.

Eternal servant to the Vaishnavas, Bhakti Madhurya Govinda Goswami

On the evening of Wednesday, November 18, 2015, a special event took place at City Hall in the heart of downtown Toronto.  Mayor John Tory, the political head of our vibrant City of Toronto, hosted his first ever Diwali celebrations at City Hall and representatives from the Hare Krishna Temple were invited to this special evening.

As many of our devotees may recall, Mayor Tory took part in our Ratha-Yatra (Festival of India) celebrations this past July and he spent several hours at our festival, visiting the booths, taking darshan (audience) of the Deities and addressing the crowd at the main stage!  A nice connection was made and so we got a personal invitation to attend his Diwali celebrations.

Bhaktimarga Swami and members of the ISKCON Toronto Temple Council attended the event and they absolutely enjoyed meeting many esteemed members of the South Asian community.  The evening began with mingling and refreshments, continued with musical performances and then concluded with a very inpsiring speech by the Mayor himself.

Upon meeting the Mayor during the post-event mingling session, he immediately said, "What an amazing time we had on the Toronto Islands!  Thank you for inviting me to that special festival!"  It was nice to see that the Ratha-Yatra (Festival of India), our biggest festival of the year, made such a positive impression on the Mayor and that it was so memorable for him.

Check out the pictures of the event below!  Also, we've captured a "screenshot" of Mayor Tory's Twitter account as he "retweeted" the Temple Council's tweet about the event to his 82,000 Twitter followers!  Hare Krsna!

Source: http://iskcontoronto.blogspot.in/2015/11/mayor-john-torys-diwali-celebrations-at.html

President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the 500th year celebrations of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's advent in Vrindavan tomorrow.

He will also visit the Shri Radha Raman Temple.

Security has been beefed up in the area with the deployment of NSG and PAC along with police force.

"Trial landing of the helicopter has been satisfactory, first rehearsal of the fleet has been completed while second is going on," DM Rajesh Kumar said.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav would be coming to Vrindavan tomorrow to receive the President Mukherjee, he stated.

While Vrindavan is presenting bridal look, the enthusiasm amongst residents is also tremendous.

"I have never seen such enthusiasm amongst residents of Vrindavan," said Meenakshi Goswami, a local.

Madhu Mangal Shukla, who has been fighting for pollution free Yamuna since long, was also elated.

"The celebration of Panchashati Samaroh of arrival of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Vrindavan 500 years ago would prove relevant if President expresses his commitment for cleaning Yamuna, for the revival of past glory of Vrindaban," he stated.

Bankey Lal Sharma, a retired teacher, was very happy as owing to arrival of President,the dilapidated roads of Vrindavan are presenting new look.

"So much road construction has been done that even four chairman would not have succeeded to give such a nice look," he commented.

"It is matter of pride for us that President would pay his obeisance to Principal deity of Radha Raman temple tomorrow," Nandan, a youth added.

The program would be organized in Parmeshwari Devi Dhanuka Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Vrindavan.

Mathura MP Hema Malini, Leader of UP Congress Vidhan Mandal party Pradeep Mathur along with other distinguihed guests would also be there.

"A souvenir highlighting Radha Tatwa defined by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would also be released on the occasion," said Acharya Padma Nabh Goswami, the President of Sri Chaitanya Mahapabhu Braj Vrindavan Aagman Panchshati Mahotsava Samiti.

"When he (Mahapabhu) found that lion and deer were drinking water from the same pool, with lion not behaving violently on deer, he said this land must be Vrindavan as the incident itself conveys the message of love and harmony propagated by Lond Krishna," Goswami said

The credit for Yugal Upasana (duel worship of Radha and Krishna) system goes to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who himself is called Avataar of Radha Krishna.

He also advised his disciples to find out the places where Radha and Krishna played sport.

"In fact credit for re-incarnation of Goverdhan, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund Akrur Ghat etc., goes to Chaitany Mahaprabhu," Goswami added.  

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17000

Another big topic in Enquirer #5 was sexism, featured in an article blatantly titled, “Krishna and Sexism.” The article started out by defining sexism as the evaluation of a person’s worth primarily on the basis of their type of body, male or female. Thus, the ultimate root of sexism is a bodily concept of ourselves and others. Unfortunately, most modern equality movements inadvertently accept the bodily concept of self, and thus nourish the root of sexism, by identifying strongly with gender, “I am woman.”

Then I tackled the complaint, “But wait, you’re a Hare Krishna… you guys are totally sexist.” I claimed not to know where the sexist things associated with Hare Krishna came from, but said confidently that they are not a part of it’s true, core philosophy. As an example I quoted Krishna directly, who says in Bhagavad Gītā (5.18), “A wise person sees everyone equally.” Not only is Krishna consciousness not sexist, I argued, it is the ultimate cure for sexism because it provides a way to realize oneself and others as conscious beings, not just as bodies.

Who I was trying to convince more, the readers or myself? I’m not sure.

Or maybe I was trying to convince the Hare Krishna’s? Trying to remind them what Krishna consciousness really should be?

God knows I saw plenty of sexism around me every day in the temples, ingrained into the fabric of how the whole International Society operated. God knows I wished devotees would pay a lot more attention to the stuff I brought up in this article, stuff like Bhagavat Gītā 5.18 and the ramifications of “I am not this body.”

Indradyumna Swami: Varsana, where Srimati Radharani displayed Her childhood pastimes, is a favorite place for all Vrajavasis. We began our parikrama at Vilas-ghar, one of the 4 hills where the Divine Couple have Their lilas. We then proceeded to beautiful Krsna-kund, for kirtan and katha, and then walked the sacred path to the famous Sriji temple. At every step we prayed to Srimati Radharani for Her mercy.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/ltuhLy

By Purushottam Nitai Das

While the terrorists were ruthlessly killing the people in Paris they were simultaneously shouting “God is great”. It makes one wonder does the great God justify the killing of innocent people and eulogize the killers. If yes then how could God be great? Or is it that the killers are the agents of devil who are on a mission to discredit the great God?

Killing in the name of religion has spread all over the world today. The brutal massacre of innocent men, women and children, and the beheading videos are not just frightening and distasteful but it is also shaking people’s faith in the idea of God. If people unleash violence in the name of God then the world will be a much better place without God. Why not have Godless world where there will be no discrimination and murder in the name of God? Now before rejecting God and admonishing the books of God let us also try to glean through these books to figure out if violence against innocents has ever been justified? Has God promised that those who shout my name and inflict pain on others achieve me?

All the bonafide religions of the world believe in the Supreme Lord and unequivocally declare God to be our Supreme Father. For e.g. in Bhagavad Gita 14.4, Krishna says, aham bija-pradah pita, I am the seed giving father. If it is so then how could a father sanction the killing of one of his children at the hands of the other children because both the terrorist and the victims are his own children? More so it is said that a devotee of the Lord sees all the living beings of this world as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord and sees them with equal vision without any discrimination (Bhagavad Gita 5.18). And if we read the lives of the great messengers of the Lord then we find that they have never used violence but have instead used love of God as a weapon to transform the lives of people.

There are innumerable stories of people’s heart getting transformed by associating with holy men and holy books. Lord Nityananda and Haridas Thakura reformed ruffians like Jagai and Madhai by filling their hearts with love of God. It was the power of devotion to God that transformed the life of Valmiki, the composer of Ramayan.

Scripture tells a story of a cruel hunter named Mrugrari who used to rejoice seeing suffering of helpless animals and birds. He used to half kill them and then enjoy seeing them suffer and die. When sage Narada saw the suffering beasts and birds, he was aghast. Why don’t you just kill them completely, he asked? Mrugrari replied smilingly, “Because I enjoy seeing them suffer and die”. Narada understood that his cruelty is going to cost him dear, the hunter is going to get a terrible reaction for his sins. And so he decided to transform Mrugrari’s heart. He explained the hunter how his act is not in accordance with the laws of God and so it is going to bring great misfortune to him. He told him to have love, compassion and mercy towards the other children of God and most importantly asked him to chant and take shelter of the supreme Lord. Mrugrari had never heard any sagely advice before because he belonged to the family of hunters. He had witnessed such cruelty since childhood. But Narada had now told him to see the world through the eyes of the scriptures. The hunter understood that he was swiftly moving to the path of self-annihilation. And so he decided to give up violence and lead a God conscious peaceful life. Soon his heart had got so transformed that while walking he used to be cautious so that he may not step on any small living beings such as ants.

A genuine devotee of the Lord will never try to cause any harm to others even in his dreams. He is para-dukha-dukhi i.e. seeing others in pain he himself feels pain; he does not go and voluntarily inflict pain on others as some misguided men and women are currently doing in the name of God. Instead he is ready to suffer for the sins of others. Vasudeva Datta was a great saintly person; he was ready to suffer on behalf of all people of the world so that they could be absolved of all the miseries. “I will take their sins and suffer in hell on their behalf, but please deliver them from their material disease, he prayed to Lord Caitanya” (Chaitanya Charitamrita 2.15.160-163). This is the true character of a devotee.

The terrorists who were mercilessly shooting people were the messengers of evil. A genuine lover of God does not wear the vest of bombs with a mission to inflict immeasurable sufferings on others. Instead they give their life to save the lives of the suffering masses. They do not carry weapons of destruction in their hands but instead they carry the chanting beads on which they chant the names of God and inspire others to get connected to God. They do not speak words which fill people’s heart with fear but instead they speak words of love which brings joy to people’s heart. The process of devotion to God is so enlightening that it makes a ruffian a sage and a crooked man a kind hearted man.

“God is great” and the great God does not sanction violence. He is a loving and caring father and has asked all of us to live together happily like brothers and sisters. He has asked us to shun violence and embrace peace and has advised us to fill our hearts with love, mercy and compassion (Bhagavad Gita 16.1-3). And those who are massacring people are not even humans; in fact they are worse than the beasts so why to pay attention to what they say. And the best and the only way to eliminate these demons is by spreading the love of God and by disseminating the heart transforming message of the sacred scriptures. 

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=16990