mercy - Blog - ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT2024-03-29T07:07:29Zhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/mercyLord Jagannath’s Mercy in the Desert at the ISKCON Phoenix Ratha-Yatrahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/lord-jagannath-s-mercy-in-the-desert-at-the-iskcon-phoenix-ratha-2024-02-23T13:26:03.000Z2024-02-23T13:26:03.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12388580690,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12388580690?profile=RESIZE_584x" />By Syama Mohinī Devi Dasi and Nama Priya Devi Dasi </strong></p>
<p>On February 10th, hundreds gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, for the annual Jagannatha Ratha-Yatra parade hosted by ISKCON of Phoenix. In addition to the procession, a festival was held at the Steele Indian School Park, which included book distribution, yoga and meditation, henna and face painting, children’s activities, cultural programs, dance presentations, and the distribution of 1,000 plates of prasadam. Though inclement weather threatened the event, it was marked by a special divine touch.</p>
<p>As we got closer to the event, the weather conditions were not suitable at all for holding the festival, as strong winds and heavy rain were expected. Some devotees in the congregation started keeping a close tab on the rain prediction for that day. Others decided to wait for the Lord’s action and encouraged others to do the same. Nevertheless, the organizers had to be ready with a “Plan B.”</p>
<p>Since rain continued pouring throughout the night, last-minute changes were made. But at the break of dawn, as the team of devotees was finishing the assembly of the chariot, we received the message,” The rain has stopped!” Indeed, it stopped just as the Deities had arrived; the cold breeze was the prelude to the shining sun waiting for his master to take His place on His chariot. What was most interesting was that the rain stopped just in the area of the festival and continued to pour in the surrounding area. The cold morning began to warm up as devotees were arriving at the festival grounds to get the various booths ready. We were very grateful to Ratna Bhushan Das for his help and guidance in teaching our devotees how to assemble our chariot.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/lord-jagannaths-mercy-in-the-desert-at-the-iskcon-phoenix-ratha-yatra/">https://iskconnews.org/lord-jagannaths-mercy-in-the-desert-at-the-iskcon-phoenix-ratha-yatra/</a></p></div>From Lust to Love–With Krsna’s Mercy By Giriraj Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/from-lust-to-love-with-krsna-s-mercy2024-02-02T10:00:00.000Z2024-02-02T10:00:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2515162433,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2515162433?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450" /></p>
<p>We read from Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapter Three: “Karma-yoga.”</p>
<p>TEXT 41</p>
<p>tasmat tvam indriyany adau niyamya bharatarsabha papmanam prajahi hy enam jnana-vijnana-nasanam</p>
<p>TRANSLATION</p>
<p>Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, in the very beginning curb this great symbol of sin [lust] by regulating the senses, and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization.</p>
<p>PURPORT by Srila Prabhupada</p>
<p>The Lord advised Arjuna to regulate the senses from the very beginning so that he could curb the greatest sinful enemy, lust, which destroys the urge for self-realization and specific knowledge of the self. Jnana refers to knowledge of self as distinguished from non-self, or in other words, knowledge that the spirit soul is not the body. Vijnana refers to specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul. It is explained thus in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.9.31):</p>
<p>jnanam parama-guhyam me yad vijnana-samanvitam sa-rahasyam tad-angam ca grhana gaditam maya</p>
<p>“The knowledge of the self and Supreme Self is very confidential and mysterious, but such knowledge and specific realization can be understood if explained with their various aspects by the Lord Himself.” Bhagavad-gita gives us that general and specific knowledge of the self. The living entities are parts and parcels of the Lord, and therefore they are simply meant to serve the Lord. This consciousness is called Krsna consciousness. So, from the very beginning of life one has to learn this Krsna consciousness, and thereby one may become fully Krsna conscious and act accordingly.</p>
<p>Lust is only the perverted reflection of the love of God which is natural for every living entity. But if one is educated in Krsna consciousness from the very beginning, that natural love of God cannot deteriorate into lust. When love of God deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition. Nonetheless, Krsna consciousness is so powerful that even a late beginner can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service. So, from any stage of life, or from the time of understanding its urgency, one can begin regulating the senses in Krsna consciousness, devotional service of the Lord, and turn the lust into love of Godhead–the highest perfectional stage of human life.</p>
<p>COMMENT by Giriraj Swami</p>
<p>In the beginning of the movement in America, one of the first young men to come forward to serve Srila Prabhupada was Bruce Scharf, who was later initiated as Brahmananda dasa. Brahmananda dasa had taken a class in English literature, and the professor had asked the students to give an interpretation of the motives of a character in a story. So, Brahmananda told Srila Prabhupada that he had interpreted the motivations of the character in a cosmic, or spiritual, way and that the professor had explained the motives in terms of lust, or sex desire. Srila Prabhupada replied, “Your professor was right. In the material world everything is impelled by lust.”</p>
<p>Because of lust we remain encaged in the physical body, which is full of misery. Both the gross body and the subtle body, which includes the mind, suffer pain and anguish. We want to become free from the bondage of the material body. As long as we are imprisoned in the material body, we have to suffer greatly. And we never know what may come next. Things may go well for a while–even for years–but then all of a sudden something goes wrong that we never expected. And the result is that we suffer great pain, either physical or mental or both.</p>
<p>A sober, intelligent person will think, “As long as I am in this material body–gross body and subtle body–I am subject to so many miseries, but my nature, as a spiritual soul, is joyful.” The soul by nature is eternal, full of knowledge, and full of bliss (sac-cid-ananda). But the body is the opposite: asat, acid, and nirananda–temporary, full of ignorance, and full of misery. The eternal soul imprisoned in a temporary body is in an awkward position, an incompatible situation. Therefore an intelligent, wise, sober person will endeavor to become free from the bondage of material existence, from the cycle of birth and death in the material world. And as long as we identify with the body and act on the impulses of the body to enjoy the senses, we will have to take birth again.</p>
<p>Contemporary society has made much propaganda in favor of enjoying the senses without restriction. They say that there is no problem with sensual gratification; the problem is that we feel guilty about it. If we can get rid of the sense of guilt, we can really enjoy the senses. This theory may sound attractive to materialistic persons who want to enjoy the senses, and we also don’t insist that you should avoid sense gratification because it is “bad” or “evil.” There is sense gratification even in the spiritual world–spiritual sense gratification. But the problem with material sense gratification is that it increases our material attachment and bondage, which extends our duration of suffering in this material world, extends our prison sentence. And it is also not true that the sense of guilt or shame in relation to sense gratification or sex is just a false imposition by society. Experimental studies of children who were taught from the very beginning that there is nothing wrong with sex and that they should have as much as they want revealed that even they felt there was something not quite right about it. Even without moral instructions and admonitions from others, they felt some guilt and shame. They felt bad.</p>
<p>Every culture has restrictions on sex indulgence, and the general rule is that if one wants to have sex he or she should get married; the husband should be responsible for the wife, and the wife should be faithful to the husband. There is restriction, regulation, as indicated in the verse (niyama). But even such regulation does not qualify a person to be liberated from the repetition of birth and death. What qualifies a person is Krsna consciousness.</p>
<p>So, regulating the senses means not only that a man limits himself to his wife and a woman limits herself to her husband; it means that they engage their senses in devotional service in Krsna consciousness. That is what it means to regulate the senses. Yes, there is restriction, but the ultimate regulation is to always engage the senses and mind in the service of Krsna, in Krsna consciousness. Krsna consciousness will purify the mind and ultimately liberate the soul from material bondage.</p>
<p>And we should engage in Krsna consciousness from the very beginning (adau). As Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport, the living entity is naturally endowed with pure love for Krsna (nitya-siddha krsna-prema), but when the living entity comes in contact with matter, that pure love for Krsna becomes perverted into lust, selfish desire; and when lust is frustrated, it turns into anger, and there is a whole cycle. But that lust is just an inverted reflection of the living entity’s original, pure love for Krsna. And just as pure love can be transformed into lust by contact with material nature, so too lust can be purified by engagement in devotional service. Thus kama, “lust” or “desire,” can be transformed by desiring Krsna’s happiness. We cannot stop desire. But we can transform selfish desires for sense gratification into desires for Krsna’s happiness. Basically, lust (kama) means the desire for my own happiness, and pure love (prema) means the desire for Krsna’s happiness.</p>
<p>atmendriya-priti-vancha-tare bali ‘kama’ krsnendriya-priti-iccha dhare ‘prema’ nama</p>
<p>“The desire to gratify one’s own senses is kama [lust], but the desire to please the senses of Lord Krsna is prema [love].” (Cc Adi 4.165)</p>
<p>So we do not try to eradicate desire–we cannot kill desire–but we do attempt to change the quality of the desire. Instead of desiring personal happiness in the bodily conception, I desire Krsna’s happiness. Instead of working to gratify my senses, I act to please Krsna’s senses. And thus lust becomes purified and transformed into love. And when we have pure love for Krsna, we are always happy, always eager to sing His glories, hear His pastimes, serve His devotees, and worship His Deity. We are always eager to engage in devotional service and think of Him.</p>
<p>It is natural that when you are in love with someone you think of the person all the time. It is not an effort. It comes naturally. Sometimes lovers have a quarrel or one partner leaves the other, and the partners suffer terribly. One partner wants to forget the other, but he (or she) can’t–because of attachment. In the same way, when we become attached to Krsna, when we fall in love with Krsna, we will think of Him constantly. We won’t be able to forget Him.</p>
<p>On a very high level of love of God in Vrndavana, the devotee, out of intense affection, forgets that Krsna is God and simply loves Him as a friend loves a friend or a parent loves a child. And on the highest level, the devotees–the young gopis, led by Srimati Radharani–love Krsna as their dearmost beloved. When Krsna left Vrndavana to go to Mathura, all the residents of Vrndavana were plunged into an ocean of separation. Of course, that ocean of separation was really an ocean of bliss, because on the absolute platform separation also means meeting. Still, within the variegatedness of spiritual emotion, they felt separation.</p>
<p>Some time thereafter, a bumblebee began to hover around Srimati Radharani, the greatest lover of Krsna. She was like a lotus flower, and the bumblebee wanted to taste that flower’s nectar. Srimati Radharani, in Her ecstasy, took the bumblebee to be a messenger from Krsna. And in Her intense love for Him in separation, She apparently criticized Him:</p>
<p>yad-anucarita-lila-karna-piyusa-viprut- sakrd-adana-vidhuta-dvandva-dharma vinastah sapadi grha-kutumbam dinam utsrjya dina bahava iha vihanga bhiksu-caryam caranti</p>
<p>“To hear about the pastimes that Krsna regularly performs is nectar for the ears. For those who relish just a single drop of that nectar, even once, their dedication to material duality is ruined. Many such persons have suddenly given up their wretched homes and families and, themselves becoming wretched, traveled here to Vrndavana to wander about like birds, begging for their living.” (SB 10.47.18)</p>
<p>She said that people give up their families, their hearths and homes, which ordinarily are very difficult to leave, to come to Vraja to search for Krsna, but that in Vrndavana too they are miserable, because Krsna doesn’t give Himself to them. They are aggrieved. They have left everything to find Krsna, but they don’t get Krsna either. Or if they get Him, He leaves them. Thus they wander about Vrndavana like birds, homeless and searching for food.</p>
<p>But learned scholars have revealed the inner meaning of Srimati Radharani’s words. These birds–who are they? They are paramahamsas, the topmost, liberated souls, who have gone beyond the dualities of material existence and given up fleeting material attachments. And they are always filled with transcendental ecstasy in separation from Krsna.</p>
<p>In Her ecstatic mood of love, Srimati Radharani criticized Krsna–for His pleasure. Everything the Vraja-vasis–especially the gopis–do is for Krsna’s pleasure. And some authorities say that Krsna Himself came as the honeybee to drink the sweetness of Srimati Radharani’s speech.</p>
<p>In another verse, Radharani says that Krsna had been cruel even in His past lives, as Rama and Vamana:</p>
<p>mrgayur iva kapindram vivyadhe lubdha-dharma striyam akrta virupam stri-jitah kama-yanam balim api balim attvavestayad dhvanksa-vad yas tad alam asita-sakhyair dustyajas tat-katharthah</p>
<p>“Like a hunter, He cruelly shot the king of the monkeys with arrows. Because He was conquered by a woman, He disfigured another woman who came to Him with lusty desires. And even after consuming the gifts of Bali Maharaja, He bound him up with ropes as if he were a crow. So let us give up all friendship with this dark-complexioned boy, even if we can’t give up talking about Him.” (SB 10.47.17)</p>
<p>Thus She criticized Krsna. In effect She said, “If Krsna can live without us, we can live without Him.” The messenger may have responded, “If Krsna is so bad, why don’t You just forget Him? Why do You always talk about Him?” And She would have replied, “We can live without Krsna, but we can’t live without talking about Him.”</p>
<p>That is love. When there is love, no matter one’s condition, one cannot but think of the beloved. You can’t forget the person. Even if you want to forget and try to forget, you cannot forget–out of love.</p>
<p>The love of the devotees for Krsna is not shaken in any condition. Sometimes devotees face trials and tribulations, but their love for Krsna never wavers. In the Mahabharata we see how the Pandavas were insulted, sent into exile, and put through so many difficulties, but their love for Krsna never wavered. While they were in exile, Krsna, unannounced, came to where they were and approached Arjuna. And when Arjuna saw Him, he was immediately overwhelmed with ecstatic love. He didn’t waver for a moment. He never thought, “Oh Krsna, we are suffering so much. Why are You making us suffer so? Why are You allowing us to suffer?” No complaint. Only pure love–completely spontaneous. Sometimes someone we don’t like–or someone with whom we are angry–may come to meet us, and we have to make an effort to be polite: “All right, I have to be gracious now.” It wasn’t like that–“Oh, I’m really mad at Krsna, because we’ve had to suffer so much.” No complaint–just pure love, causeless love. Devotees love Krsna without any material motive. In fact, if there were some material motive, it wouldn’t be love. If I love you to get something from you, it is not pure love; it is lust. I am actually thinking of my own desires, what I can get from you to gratify my senses. It is not love, but lust. Pure love is causeless and thus is never disturbed by material affliction.</p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada says that in the material world the boy says to the girl, “I love you,” and the girl says to the boy, “I love you,” but that as soon as there is some disruption in their sense gratification, there is quarrel, separation, divorce, because there was some material motive. But in prema the only motive is to make Krsna happy. There is no question of personal gain or loss. Our only interest is to please Krsna. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, echoing the sentiments of Srimati Radharani, said, “If by my suffering Krsna becomes happy, I will take the greatest suffering to be the greatest happiness–because Krsna will be pleased.” That is Srimati Radharani’s mood:</p>
<p>na gani apana-duhkha, sabe vanchi tanra sukha, tanra sukha-amara tatparya more yadi diya duhkha, tanra haila maha-sukha, sei duhkha-mora sukha-varya</p>
<p>“I do not mind My personal distress. I only wish for the happiness of Krsna, for His happiness is the goal of My life. However, if He feels great happiness in giving Me distress, that distress is the best of My happiness.</p>
<p>ye narire vanche krsna, tara rupe satrsna, tare na pana haya duhkhi mui tara paya padi’, lana yana hate dhari’, krida karana tanre karon sukhi</p>
<p>“If Krsna, attracted by the beauty of some other woman, wants to enjoy with her but is unhappy because He cannot get her, I fall down at her feet, catch her hand, and bring her to Krsna to engage her for His happiness.” (Cc Antya 20.52, 53)</p>
<p>Such is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s internal mood of surrender, the mood of Srimati Radharani, as expressed in His Siksastaka (8):</p>
<p>aslisya va pada-ratam pinastu mam adarsanan marma-hatam karotu va yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparah</p>
<p>“Let Krsna tightly embrace this maidservant who has fallen at His lotus feet, or let Him trample Me or break My heart by never being visible to Me. He is a debauchee, after all, and can do whatever He likes, but still He alone, and no one else, is the worshipable Lord of My heart.” (Cc Antya 20.47)</p>
<p>A devotee wants only Krsna’s happiness. He has no separate, selfish interest. And he can desire and work for Krsna’s happiness in any situation. No material impediment, no condition, can stop one’s service or mood of service to Krsna, to please Krsna.</p>
<p>On a morning walk in Chicago, Srila Prabhupada commented on a car called Thunderbird. “Is there any bird called thunderbird?” he asked. Some devotees ventured, “It’s a legendary bird from Indian legend, American Indian. Sometimes their chiefs are called Thunderbird.” Srila Prabhupada said, “We have got an idea of thunderbird. The bird flies near the cloud in expectation of water, and he is not afraid of thunder.” He said that that example was given by Rupa Gosvami. “The cataka bird will not take water from the ground. He will take water only from the cloud. So, in the beginning of every cloud there is thunder. And this bird, because he is expecting water, although the cloud is giving him thunder, still he will not take water from the ground.” When a devotee asked what the example illustrated, Srila Prabhupada replied, “A devotee will take mercy only from Krsna, not from the material world. Even if there is thunder–Krsna . . . puts him into difficulty–still he will not take any mercy from the material world.”</p>
<p>Srila Rupa Gosvami was a great devotee and poet, a direct disciple of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He wrote this very beautiful verse:</p>
<p>viracaya mayi dandam dina-bandho dayam va gatir iha na bhavattah kacid anya mamasti nipatatu sata-kotir nirmalam va navambhas tad api kila payodah stuyate catakena</p>
<p>“O Lord of the poor, do what you like with me, give me either mercy or punishment, but in this world I have none to look to except Your Lordship. The cataka bird always prays for the cloud, regardless of whether it showers rains or throws a thunderbolt.”</p>
<p>The devotee will not look for shelter in the material world, but he will tolerate the thunder and lightning and wait for Krsna’s mercy, those nectarean drops of pure rain.</p>
<p>And the devotee also takes the thunderbolt as Krsna’s mercy. Srimad-Bhagavatam says that when a devotee is put into difficulty, into distress, he patiently suffers the reactions to his past activities, expects the Lord’s mercy, and serves the Lord with body, mind, and words. And if he passes his life in this way, he will earn the right to enter the kingdom of God.</p>
<p>tat te ‘nukampam su-samiksamano bhunjana evatma-krtam vipakam hrd-vag-vapurbhir vidadhan namas te jiveta yo mukti-pade sa daya-bhak</p>
<p>“My dear Lord, one who earnestly waits for You to bestow Your causeless mercy upon him, all the while patiently suffering the reactions of his past misdeeds and offering You respectful obeisances with his heart, words, and body, is surely eligible for liberation, for it has become his rightful claim.” (SB 10.14.8)</p>
<p>This verse is very significant. In the Bhagavad-gita (18.66) Lord Krsna says, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja/ aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah–“If one surrenders unto Me, I deliver him from all sinful reactions.” For a devotee there are no sinful reactions. So, when a devotee suffers, what is actually happening–what does it mean that “he patiently suffers the reactions to his past deeds”? Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains that a devotee knows that his present happiness is due to past devotional activities and that his present distress is due to past offenses. Thus he peacefully endures all happiness and distress and patiently awaits the mercy of the Lord. Or, he takes his present happiness and distress as the Lord’s mercy on him. As Srila Prabhupada writes, “He accepts all miseries as the mercy of the Lord, thinking himself only worthy of more trouble due to his past misdeeds; and he sees that his miseries, by the grace of the Lord, are minimized to the lowest. Similarly, when he is happy he gives credit to the Lord, thinking himself unworthy of the happiness; he realizes that it is due only to the Lord’s grace that he is in such a comfortable condition and able to render better service to the Lord.” (Bg 2.56 purport)</p>
<p>Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti explains further that a devotee thinks, “As a father sometimes mercifully gives a cup of milk to his small son and at other times mercifully gives him bitter medicine, at other times embraces and kisses him and at other times spanks him, so the Supreme Lord, who is like my father, knows what is actually good and bad for me, who am like His son. I do not know myself.” Thus, as a service to His dear child, for the child’s benefit, the loving supreme father administers both happiness and distress.</p>
<p>Thus Prthu Maharaja prays,</p>
<p>tvan-mayayaddha jana isa khandito yad anyad asasta rtatmano ‘budhah yatha cared bala-hitam pita svayam tatha tvam evarhasi nah samihitum</p>
<p>“My Lord, due to Your illusory energy, all living beings in this material world have forgotten their real constitutional position, and out of ignorance they are always desirous of material happiness in the form of society, friendship, and love. Therefore, please do not ask me to take some material benefits from You, but as a father, not waiting for the son’s demand, does everything for the benefit of the son, please bestow upon me whatever You think best for me.” (SB 4.20.31)</p>
<p>It is a beautiful thing–Krsna consciousness. It is different from ordinary life. In ordinary life: “Sweets yea! Bitter medicine nay!” That is not the vision of a devotee.</p>
<p>Krsna’s supreme quality is His affection for His devotees, bhakta-vatsalya. The word vatsa means “calf” or “dear child.” Cows are so affectionate, so loving and caring, to their calves. And the word vatsalya comes from vatsa. Krsna is so loving and caring, so kind and compassionate to His devotees, that the question may be raised: Why should He put them into suffering?</p>
<p>As the acaryas explain, there is a great purpose behind the material creation: to rectify the living entity’s tendency to enjoy without the Lord, so that he becomes fully purified and liberated. When a person engages in a sinful activity, he suffers a reaction that is meant to purify his heart of the desire to commit that sin. Although a devotee who has surrendered to Krsna no longer engages in sinful activities, he may have some lingering trace of the enjoying spirit, of wanting to enjoy independent of Krsna, so even though he doesn’t actually engage in a sinful activity, the Lord, out of His mercy, will give His devotee a punishment that resembles a sinful reaction, to remove the last traces of the devotee’s sinful mentality. Thus the misery suffered by a sincere devotee is not technically a karmic reaction. Rather, it is the Lord’s special mercy for inducing him to completely let go of the material world and return home, back to Godhead. Thus the devotee, completely cleansed in heart, becomes fully absorbed in loving service to Krsna and in the end returns to Him–the devotee’s goal. The devotee’s deepest desire is to attain the Lord’s association in loving service.</p>
<p>When a devotee’s only desire is to serve and please Krsna, he becomes eligible to go back home, back to Godhead. As stated in the purport, “A sincere devotee earnestly desires to go back to the Lord’s abode. Therefore he willingly accepts the Lord’s merciful punishment and continues offering respects and obeisances to the Lord with his heart, words, and body. Such a bona fide servant of the Lord, considering all hardship a small price to pay for gaining the personal association of the Lord, certainly becomes a legitimate son of God, as indicated here by the words daya-bhak. Just as one cannot approach the sun without becoming fire, one cannot approach the supreme pure, Lord Krsna, without undergoing a rigid purificatory process, which may appear like suffering but which is in fact a curative treatment administered by the personal hand of the Lord.” (SB 10.14.8 purport)</p>
<p>If one passes his life in this spirit, he will attain the lotus feet of the Lord. As a legitimate son has simply to remain alive to gain an inheritance from his father, one who simply remains alive in Krsna consciousness, following the regulative principles of devotional service, becomes eligible to inherit the kingdom of God.</p>
<p>That is how a devotee lives. He is like a cataka bird. He awaits the Lord’s mercy, and even if for some time the Lord gives thunder and lightning, still the devotee doesn’t go anywhere else. He simply awaits the Lord’s mercy. He expects the Lord’s mercy (su-samiksamana) and offers obeisances to the Lord with heart, words, and body (hrd-vag-vapurbhir vidadhan namas te). These two processes are so potent that they can bring the devotee back to Godhead.</p>
<p>Thus our lust is purified and transformed into its original state of pure love. The enjoying spirit means lusty, selfish desires. Any remnant of that enjoying spirit–lust–can impede our progress. We want to become completely purified, perfectly Krsna conscious. And if we accept whatever remedial measures Lord Krsna arranges to purify us, however painful they may be, as His mercy, and expect further mercy in terms of attraction to Krsna–that is the real mercy, not that the pain will stop. Of course, the pain may stop, but the real mercy is that one is able to think of Krsna without deviation, which really means to develop love for Him. If you love someone, naturally you always think of the person, and that state of pure Krsna consciousness will carry us back home, back to Godhead, to the lotus feet of the Lord. And that is why we are here–to practice and preach Krsna consciousness, pure love for Krsna.</p>
<p>Hare Krsna.</p>
<p>Are there any questions or comments?</p>
<p>Devotee (1): Thank you for your talk. You said that if you are fond of Krsna you should talk about Him.</p>
<p>Giriraj Swami: The gopis said, “We can live without Krsna, but we can’t live without talking about Him.” That is our business, to talk about Krsna. Especially in separation, one finds solace by speaking about Krsna.</p>
<p>Maha-sakti dasa: Thank you, Maharaja. We haven’t seen you in a long time. It is so nice to hear you speak. Thank you very much.</p>
<p>I think the example about the bird was really neat. Is the bird cakora or cataka?</p>
<p>Giriraj Swami: Cataka. The cakoras like the moon; they subsist only on moonlight. Manasa-candra-cakora. Krsna is the candra, moon, for the cakora bird of the devotee’s mind (manasa). As the cakora bird goes to the moon, so the devotee’s mind goes to Krsnacandra.</p>
<p>Maha-sakti dasa: I was thinking that the example of the cataka bird is so powerful, and very appropriate. We do austerities in Krsna consciousness, but they are not really austerities. There is always something related to Krsna to replace what we give up. Prabhupada would say, “Don’t stop talking; just talk about Krsna.” Or “Don’t stop eating but eat only krsna-prasada.” The functions of the tongue are to vibrate and to taste, and Srila Prabhupada explained how to engage both in relation to Krsna: vibrate krsna-katha and taste only krsna-prasada. It is a simple yet extremely powerful point. Our tongue wants to taste so many things, and the tendency is to eat anything we like: “Oh, I want this tasty food, or that tasty food.” By allowing our tongue to taste any type of food, we are literally letting our tongue drag us to hell. And by accepting the austerity of tasting only krsna-prasada, by that simple agreement to accept that vrata, vow, we are raising ourselves back home, back to Godhead. We are becoming Krsna conscious. And it is not that prasada is bad-tasting; it is incredible. [laughter] But it is an austerity that we follow.</p>
<p>So, getting back to the example of the cataka bird, if prasada is not there a devotee will not take something else. He would rather fast or wait for something that he can offer as prasada. It is that loyalty that qualifies him.</p>
<p>Giriraj Swami: Yes. Very good. Srila Prabhupada made the same point: The cataka bird drinks water when the rain falls; otherwise he will die of thirst. He will never accept any water from this earth. In the same way, a devotee will never accept materialism, even if he has to die of starvation. “There are still mainly saintly persons in India who do that,” Srila Prabhupada said. “If some food comes, they eat; otherwise, not. They just sit in one place and chant or meditate without any concern for bodily necessities.”</p>
<p>Tamal Krishna Goswami said, “We see, Srila Prabhupada, that you also have no such concern, but just to deliver the whole world you are taking on this concern.” And Srila Prabhupada replied, “This is for Krsna. We are constructing buildings and begging money only for this purpose: People may become Krsna conscious. That is the only idea.”</p>
<p>Syamananda dasa: You were describing from the Tenth Canto how a devotee patiently tolerates the difficulties that he is going through because there are these little anarthas left and Krsna is correcting him by giving him some mercy which seems like pain. I was wondering, if the devotee is sincerely endeavoring and practicing, why couldn’t the Lord make him . . . I am looking for a shortcut, easier in the sense that that difficulty, that tendency . . . Like when Caitanya Mahaprabhu came, He just gave mercy without any requirements. One may have lust–one may have anything–but He just gave them love, and because of receiving that love, the rest, all the bad qualities, just fell away. So I was wondering why the Lord doesn’t always do that.</p>
<p>Giriraj Swami: The acaryas have addressed the same question in relation to a similar verse:</p>
<p>yasyaham anugrhnami harisye tad-dhanam sanaih tato ‘dhanam tyajanty asya svajana duhkha-duhkhitam</p>
<p>[Lord Krsna said:] “If I especially favor someone, I gradually deprive him of his wealth. Then the relatives and friends of such a poverty-stricken man abandon him. In this way he suffers one distress after another.” (SB 10.88.8)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, the question can be raised, Why does Krsna have to purify him in this way? Why can’t He do it in a less painful way?</p>
<p>As explained in the purport, “The beloved devotees of the Lord do not regard as very troublesome the suffering He imposes on them. Indeed, they find that in the end it gives rise to unlimited pleasure, just as a stinging ointment applied by a physician cures his patient’s infected eye. In addition, suffering helps protect the confidentiality of devotional service by discouraging intrusions by the faithless, and it also increases the eagerness with which the devotees call upon the Lord to appear. If the devotees of Lord Visnu were complacently happy all the time, He would never have a reason to appear in this world as Krsna, Ramacandra, Nrsimha, and so on.”</p>
<p>For example, Vasudeva and Devaki were imprisoned by Kamsa, their children were mercilessly massacred in front of them, and they suffered tremendous pain. But when Krsna finally appeared and ultimately delivered them–killed Kamsa and delivered them–they appreciated the Lord’s presence more than if everything had been very comfy and cozy.</p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada discusses the same question in Krsna, Chapter 88: “If the Supreme Lord is all-powerful, why should He try to reform His devotee by putting him in distress? The answer is that when the Supreme Personality of Godhead puts His devotee in distress, it is not without purpose. Sometimes the purpose of putting the devotee in distress is that in distress a devotee’s feelings of attachment to Krsna are magnified. For example, when Krsna, before leaving the capital of the Pandavas for His home, asked Kuntidevi for permission to leave, she said, ‘My dear Krsna, in our distress You were always present with us. Now, because we have been elevated to a royal position, You are leaving us. I would therefore prefer to live in distress than to lose You.’ When a devotee is put into a situation of distress, his devotional activities are accelerated. Therefore, to show special favor to a devotee, the Lord sometimes puts him into distress. . . . Besides that, it is stated that the sweetness of happiness is sweeter to those who have tasted bitterness.”</p>
<p>“Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti here counters a possible objection: ‘What fault would there be in God’s incarnating for some other reason than to deliver saintly persons from suffering?’ The learned acarya responds, ‘Yes, my dear brother, this makes good sense, but you are not expert in understanding spiritual moods. Please listen: It is at night that the sunrise becomes attractive, during the hot summer that cold water gives comfort, and during the cold winter months that warm water is pleasing. Lamplight appears attractive in darkness, not in the glaring light of day, and when one is distressed by hunger, food tastes especially good.’ In other words, to strengthen his devotees’ mood of dependence on Him and longing for Him, the Lord arranges for His devotees to go through some suffering, and when He appears in order to deliver them, their gratitude and transcendental pleasure are boundless.” (SB 10.88.8 purport)</p>
<p>And as explained by Srila Prabhupada in Krsna, when the devotee is bereft of material riches and is deserted by his relatives, friends, and family members, because he has no one to look after him he completely takes shelter of the Lord. And from within his heart, the Lord inspires him to surrender to His devotees:</p>
<p>sa yada vitathodyogo nirvinnah syad dhanehaya mat-paraih krta-maitrasya karisye mad-anugraham</p>
<p>“When he becomes frustrated in his attempts to make money and instead befriends My devotees, I bestow My special mercy upon him.</p>
<p>tad brahma paramam suksmam cin-matram sad anantakam vijnayatmataya dhirah samsarat parimucyate</p>
<p>“A person who has thus become sober fully realizes the Absolute as the highest truth, the most subtle and perfect manifestation of spirit, the transcendental existence without end. In this way realizing that the Supreme Truth is the foundation of his own existence, he is freed from the cycle of material life.” (SB 10.88.9, 10)</p>
<p>Krsna says, “My devotee is not deterred by any adverse conditions of life; he always remains firm and steady. Therefore I give Myself to him, and I favor him so that he can achieve the highest success of life.” (Krsna Chapter 88)</p>
<p>Although it is true that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave the holy name and love of God without any condition, one can accept these gifts fully only if one’s heart is completely cleansed of material desires and attachments. Therefore Locana dasa Thakura, a great acarya almost contemporary to Lord Caitanya, requests everyone, bhaja bhaja bhai, caitanya-nitai: “My dear brothers, I request that you just worship Lord Caitanya and Nityananda with firm faith and conviction.” He sings,</p>
<p>bhaja bhaja bhai, caitanya-nitai sudrdha visvasa kori’ visaya chadiya, se rase majiya, mukhe bolo hari hari</p>
<p>Explaining this verse, Srila Prabhupada says, “Don’t think that this chanting and dancing will not lead to the desired goal. It will. It is the assurance of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu that one will get all perfection by this process. Therefore one must chant with firm faith and conviction (visvasa kori’). But what is the process? The process is visaya chadiya, se rase majiya. If one wants to be Krsna conscious by this process, one has to give up his engagement in sense gratification. That is the only restriction. If one gives up sense gratification, it is sure that he will reach the desired goal. Mukhe bolo hari hari: one simply has to chant, ‘Hare Krsna! Hari Hari!’ without any motive of sense gratification.”</p>
<p>And we are not alone in our efforts. The Lord, the scriptures, the devotees, the acaryas, the Deities, the holy names–they are all there to help us.</p>
<p>Hare Krsna.</p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=34631">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=34631</a></p></div>Srila Prabhupada and Rupa Gosvami’s Mercyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/srila-prabhupada-and-rupa-gosvami-s-mercy2023-07-13T13:41:40.000Z2023-07-13T13:41:40.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12144990470,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="259" alt="12144990470?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>Sripada Hridayananda Babaji Maharaja was born in Radha-kunda and has been a pujari for 78 years. He lives next to the Radha-Damodar Temple. When, at the beginning of an interview, Babaji Maharaja was asked if he knew Srila Prabhupada, he began to cry. He said, “Never have I seen anyone do sadhana as he did. I have lived all my life in Vraja, and I have never seen anyone like him. Prabhupada did many arduous things. He worked very hard there at the Radha-Damodar Temple. At that time it was austere, undeveloped, and very muddy and dirty, with no facilities.</p>
<p>“Many years later, when I heard that it was actually he who had been chosen by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to spread the Hare Krishna maha-mantra around the world, I was not surprised. Prabhupada spread this Krishna consciousness by the mercy of Rupa Gosvami. Prabhupada used to pray to Rupa Gosvami, ‘You please give me your mercy.’ And then he got that mercy. I know this because I saw some things he did at the Radha-Damodar Temple. My room is still located in the same place as it was then, in 1964 or ’65. Many times in the middle of the night, at midnight or 1 or 2 in the morning, I would hear a voice crying from inside the courtyard near Rupa Gosvami’s samadhi-mandir. That voice was calling out and crying, but I did not know what it was, because I was trying to take rest. But one night, on the full moon, I heard that voice again, so I climbed up to the roof of our house and looked down into the Radha-Damodar courtyard. I saw something very amazing. Srila Prabhupada was sweeping the courtyard of Rupa Gosvami’s samadhi. He was bending down with a small broom, and as he swept the ground by the samadhi, he was crying out, ‘He Rupa! He Sanatana! He Gurudeva! Please give me your mercy. Without your mercy, I cannot do anything. Give me the mercy. Give me the strength that I may fulfill your orders.’ Then I realized that it was he who almost every night was calling out as he was sweeping like this.”</p>
<p>Hare Krishna.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19080">https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19080</a></p></div>Lord Narasimhadeva’s Mercy Shines Upon All in ISKCON Simhachalam, Germanyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/lord-narasimhadeva-s-mercy-shines-upon-all-in-iskcon-simhachalam-2023-05-22T14:01:12.000Z2023-05-22T14:01:12.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11136420691,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11136420691?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Gopi Gita Devi Dasi </strong></p>
<p>“Narasimhadeva is the eternal protector, still this year, we were able to offer him a golden Kavacha armor,” said Govindadeva Dasa, who worked endlessly for weeks in South India alongside the experts to ensure the Golden Kavacha was made to perfection and on time for this year’s Narasimha Caturdasi.</p>
<p>The Narasimha Caturdasi Festival, in ISKCON Simhachalam, situated in the Bavarian Hills in Germany, was a grand collection of festivities, including kirtan, dancing swamis, and spellbinding darshans this year.</p>
<p>Uniquely at ISKCON Simhachalam, the main presiding deity is Sri Sri Prahlad Laksmi Narasimhadeva, ensuring this is Their most significant Festival of the year. Before the event, considerable organization and planning were going on. “Months of meditation, preparation, and suddenly there is a boom,” said Ramananda Gopala Dasa, Head Pujari, “This boom is the festival!”</p>
<p>“This Festival was a return of the long history of Narasimha-Caturdasi Festival celebrations after a several-year mandatory break due to COVID-19 restrictions. “It was bigger, more spectacular, and better organized. The Festival was well attended by many devotees,” stated Govindadeva Dasa, Temple President. Having all the restrictions removed led to a record level of pre-event registrations, even with a five-day schedule of “12-hour daily nonstop kirtan or katha” advertised.</p>
<p><strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/lord-narasimhadevas-mercy-shines-upon-all-in-iskcon-simhachalam-germany/">https://iskconnews.org/lord-narasimhadevas-mercy-shines-upon-all-in-iskcon-simhachalam-germany/</a></p></div>Lord Caitanya’s Mercy by Hari Caitanya Thamnineedihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/lord-caitanya-s-mercy-by-hari-caitanya-thamnineedi2023-03-20T09:40:00.000Z2023-03-20T09:40:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11000306266,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="11000306266?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>An irresistible offer from the Supreme Lord</p>
<p>What is the current situation of the world? Miseries and suffering everyday. Terrorist attacks, global warming, deadly diseases, earthquakes, floods. The list goes on.</p>
<p>But there is hope.</p>
<p>God has decided to give an offer to uplift ourselves from this miserable condition of life. How? By giving personal loans of His special mercy. God is our father, our best friend, and our ever well-wisher. He is supreme, so He can give unlimitedly—so much that you can’t take it all with your limited potential. This is the offer from that Supreme Person who owns and controls everything. When we take a loan from any bank of this material world, we undergo tension and suffer mental disorders.</p>
<p>What is the offer?</p>
<p>The offer is the gift of the most valuable commodity in the entire existence: the Lord’s holy name. Just by chanting the names such as Krsna, Allah, Jehovah, Rama, etc., all auspiciousness will dawn into your life; you will be freed from all sufferings and miseries of this world.</p>
<p>There are many names of Lord, so one may get confused as to what to chant. For this reason, very recently the Supreme Lord Himself came as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and propagated the congregational chanting of the holy names in India, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. He openly distributed this gift without considering if the receiver was fit or unfit and this has been the policy of His bank ever since. Everyone can take this loan: children, young, old, men, women, people of all caste, creed, color etc.</p>
<p>It is clearly mentioned in the holy scriptures that whoever takes to the chanting of the holy names of lord, all his material sufferings will come to an end.</p>
<p>The best part of the offer is that we need not return anything! No need of any documents, or any security. Just take it to your heart and propagate this offer to all the unfortunate people who are not yet the recipients of the offer. This will be your repayment!</p>
<p>Now let us analyze this matter as a business transaction. If we are given some loan which need not be repaid back and also is actually giving us something very valuable to our lives without taking much of our time and energy, then what’s wrong in giving it a try? There is no question of this not working, as many people since long time are experiencing a joyful and blissful life. An intelligent person will think, “Why should we be barred from something which has benefited so many people?”</p>
<p>We are not exaggerating the effects of the gift. All major religions recommend chanting the holy name of Lord.</p>
<p>® Christ glorified the Lord’s holy name: “Our Father thou art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.” (Matthew 6:9)</p>
<p>® Guru Nanak prayed: “In the ambrosial hours of the morning I meditate on the grace of the true name.”</p>
<p>® Muslims repeatedly chant the 99 sacred names of Allah on their prayer beads.</p>
<p>® Buddhists also practice repetition of the name of Lord Buddha (namu amida butsu).</p>
<p>® Sanatana-dharma recommends the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra:</p>
<p>viceyani vicaryani<br /> vicintyani punah punah<br /> krpanasya dhananiva<br /> tvan-namani bhavantu nah</p>
<p>O Lord, just as a miser continually collects, counts, and remembers his money, in the same way let us continually collect, count, and remember Your holy names. (Sri Bhavananda, from Srila Rupa Goswami’s Padyavali.)</p>
<p>So no other bank in the world can give us such a fantastic offer with so many benefits. Therefore let us celebrate this new year with extra bliss by chanting the holy names of the Lord.</p>
<p>So hurry up!</p>
<p>Hari Chaitanya Thamnineedi has Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engg. and is currently working with a multinational company.</p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15889">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15889</a></p></div>Unknown spiritual benefit by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/unknown-spiritual-benefit-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2023-01-07T10:54:12.000Z2023-01-07T10:54:12.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10926940664,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10926940664?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></p>
<p>In the Caitanya-caritamrta, Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami has given us a verse which is an open invitation. He is saying that if you are interested in logic and arguments, then apply them to the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. By doing so, you will experience amazement in your heart. So that is the foundation of this movement that the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is flowing, and the topmost love of God is made available to the most fallen. That is what happened and what is still happening everyday and every moment in our spiritual life. We are seeing how people have no idea what we are doing but are somehow becoming touched by this movement. Not only are some becoming convinced by the arguments found in the books, but many are unknowingly engaging in some devotional service. That level of ajnata-sukriti of unknown spiritual benefit is tremendous. There is one example where in one lecture, Srila Prabhupada is speaking about the microphone and saying that, “We don’t need a microphone, but we use a microphone to purify the microphone-maker”. That is extraordinary, that the potency of this movement is benefitting the microphone-maker also! In this way, all things and people that are engaged in devotional service are sharing the benefits. The impact of the sankirtana movement is way beyond our imagination but just by such revelations, we can begin to think about the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and how far it extends, and how the entire world is changed by this movement. And then our life is also changed!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You can watch the full program on our YouTube channel or by clicking below:<br /> <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8qNQlj2Hp3M" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2023/01/unknown-spiritual-benefit/">https://www.kksblog.com/2023/01/unknown-spiritual-benefit/</a></p></div>It’s all about taking shelter by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/it-s-all-about-taking-shelter-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2022-12-06T11:22:07.000Z2022-12-06T11:22:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10902325653,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10902325653?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>I just meditate on mercy. The point is this – we have to appreciate that this is a mercy movement and we somehow or other just take shelter constantly. We do not measure ourselves all the time, because if we start measuring ourselves, we will always fall short and then we will become increasingly frustrated. So, there is no need for measuring, instead, we just take shelter. Take shelter of the Holy Name, take shelter of the Srimad Bhagavatam, take shelter of the devotees, take shelter of prasadam and take shelter of devotional service.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2022/12/its-all-about-taking-shelter/">https://www.kksblog.com/2022/12/its-all-about-taking-shelter/</a></p></div>Truly extraordinary! by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/truly-extraordinary-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2022-07-07T06:30:00.000Z2022-07-07T06:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9208118057,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9208118057?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="400" /></p>
<p>One of Prabhupada’s intimate followers after Prabhupada’s departure had a period where it was difficult to connect. For many devotees after Prabhupada left, it was not so easy. Those disciples of Prabhupada who had his association and who were there during his time, were there during the difficult period when Prabhupada left and ISKCON went into the hands of new leaders. As a result, many withdrew. So as they withdrew, the standard of Krsna consciousness also went down a little bit, or externally the practices of Krsna consciousness at least did. But the connection of Krsna within the heart did not disappear so easily. Even if a devotee, after a prolonged practice, is now interrupting his practice, Krsna still remains in his heart. Once that faith that Krsna is the Supreme Lord is there, once the credit of all the service is there, then Srila Prabhupada says in the Srimad Bhagavatam that one is rasa-graha. Rasa-graha means that one has the taste of transcendental mellows. So therefore, one cannot just turn away from Krsna and Krsna does not turn away from that devotee. Neither does the spiritual master. So the devotee in particular that I am speaking about was Upendra. Upendra was such a close servant of Prabhupada in the early days. When Upendra died after having not such a good period, then at the end of his life he sat up in bed and said, “Prabhupada you have come.” He saw Prabhupada in the end! So the amount of mercy that we accrue in this movement is truly extraordinary.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2021/07/truly-extraordinary/">https://www.kksblog.com/2021/07/truly-extraordinary/</a></p></div>Lord Caitanya’s mercy by Smita-Kanti devi dasihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/lord-caitanya-s-mercy-by-smita-kanti-devi-dasi2022-03-23T10:26:39.000Z2022-03-23T10:26:39.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10231311277,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10231311277?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></p>
<p>Madhava Mohini, Gita Govinda, and I were in Waipukarau for one day of the mid-year marathon, and we had permission to set up a book table in front of New World.</p>
<p>About mid-way through the day, I called over a mature Maori lady (named Liz) with the line, “You look peaceful. Have you tried meditation?”</p>
<p>She didn’t answer the question, but she came straight to our table. She seemed captivated by the books and pictures on display and flicked through the books one by one. She fully focused on looking and had little interest in talking. Then she picked up the pamphlet about Srimad Bhagavatam and asked what it was. I explained the set while trying to gauge her interests.</p>
<p>After twenty minutes, she left to do her shopping and promised to be back. More than an hour later she returned, and we asked whether she would like the set. After some more strained conversation and awkward silences, she agreed to take it and gave a down payment of $250. This whole time she hadn’t told us much about herself or asked many questions.</p>
<p>We followed her back to her house with the Srimad Bhagavatam, while doing a little kirtan, and she became like a different person. She opened up and started asking questions about reading the books, practicing bhakti-yoga, and staying in touch in case she had questions. Liz hadn’t received a book before and now, after many lifetimes, she has received Lord Caitanya’s unparalleled mercy in the form of having a large set of books about Krsna in her home.</p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/lord-caitanyas-mercy/">https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/lord-caitanyas-mercy/</a></p></div>Empowerment comes from mercy by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/empowerment-comes-from-mercy-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2021-10-29T10:25:08.000Z2021-10-29T10:25:08.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9747562280,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9747562280?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">We all know our capacity. We have our limits in all directions. All these limits are expanded through empowerment which comes from mercy.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9747565888,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9747565888?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2021/10/empowerment-comes-from-mercy/">https://www.kksblog.com/2021/10/empowerment-comes-from-mercy/</a></p></div>Mercy multiplies by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/mercy-multiplies-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2021-10-19T07:44:35.000Z2021-10-19T07:44:35.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9714126476,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9714126476?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dktwz--hCdw" target="_blank">Click here</a></strong></span></p>
<p>When we give away mercy, mercy multiplies.</p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2021/10/mercy-multiplies/">https://www.kksblog.com/2021/10/mercy-multiplies/</a></p></div>Receiving the mercy of Lord Narasimha by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakurahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/receiving-the-mercy-of-lord-narasimha-by-srila-bhaktivinoda-thaku2021-05-25T05:30:00.000Z2021-05-25T05:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6142947863,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6142947863?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></p>
<p>Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has written five beautiful prayers in “Sri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga” for receiving the mercy of Lord Narasimha. These prayers are certainly assurance to all sincere devotees that the worship of Lord Narasimha is purely in the line of aspiring love and devotion to Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. Those prayers are as follows.<br /> e dusta hrdaye kama adi ripu chaya<br /> kutinati pratisthasa sathya sada raya<br /> hrdaya-sodhana ara krsnera vasana<br /> nrsimha-carane mora ei to’ kamana<br /> Within my sinful heart the six enemies headed by lust perpetually reside, as well as duplicity, the desire for fame, plus sheer cunning. At the lotus feet of Lord Narasimha, I hope that He will mercifully purify my heart and give me the desire to serve Lord Krsna.<br /> kandiya nrsimha-pade magibo kakhana<br /> nirapade navadvipe jugala-bhajana<br /> bhaya bhaya paya yan’ra darsane se hari<br /> prasanna hoibo kabe more daya kari<br /> Weeping, I will beg at the lotus-feet of Lord Narasimha for the benediction of worshipping Radha and Krsna in Navadvipa, perfectly safe and free from all difficulties. When will this Lord Hari, Whose terrible form strikes fear into fear itself, ever become pleased and show me His mercy?<br /> yadyapi bhisana murti dusta-jiva-prati<br /> prahladadi krsna-bhakta-jane bhadra ati<br /> kabe va prasanna ho’ye sa krpa-vacane<br /> nirbhaya karibe ei mudha akincane<br /> Even though Lord Narasimha is terrifying toward the sinful souls, He offers great auspiciousness unto the devotees of Lord Krsna headed by Prahlada Maharaja. When will He be pleased to speak words of compassion unto me, a worthless fool, and thereby make me fearless?<br /> svacchande baiso he vatsa sri-gauranga-dhame<br /> jugala-bhajana hau rati hau name<br /> mama bhakta-krpa-bale vighna jabe dura<br /> suddha cite bhajo radha-krsna-rasa-pura<br /> He will say, “Dear child! Sit sown freely and live happily here in Sri Gauranga-dhama. May you nicely worship the Divine Couple, and may you develop loving attachment for Their Holy Names. By the mercy of My devotees, all obstacles are cast far away. With a purified heart, just perform the worship of Radha and Krsna, for such worship overflows with sweet nectar.”<br /> ei boli’ kabe mora mastaka-upara<br /> sviya sri-carana harse dharibe isvara<br /> amani jugala-preme sattvika vikare<br /> dharaya lutibo ami sri-nrsimha-dvare<br /> Saying this, will that Lord delightedly place His own divine lotus-feet upon my head? I will experience sublime love for the Divine Couple Radha-Krsna and undergo the ecstatic transformations called sattvika. Falling on the ground, I will roll about at the door of Sri Narasimha’s temple.<br /> (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, – “Sri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga”, 36-40)</p>
<div><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=61671">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=61671</a></div></div>Special Gaura Purnima Mercyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/special-gaura-purnima-mercy2021-03-27T13:36:12.000Z2021-03-27T13:36:12.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8721891473,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="8721891473?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Lilasuka dasi</strong></p>
<p>Any activity that you begin on Gaura Purnima day becomes very auspicious. There is a special, true story in this regard. On the afternoon of Gaura Purnima, a few of us were chanting bhajans in the temple room for the pleasure of their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. As we were doing so, a large group of about twenty-five students came in and Gauranatraj das began to give them a tour of the temple room.</p>
<p>He began his tour in front of Srila Prabhupada and then they visited each altar, as Gauranatraj offered explanations and answered their questions. Meanwhile, our bhajan group sang on. When the student group arrived at the front altar, Gaura politely interrupted our bhajans and asked me to speak a bit about the significance of chanting Hare Krsna.</p>
<p>After I spoke for a few minutes, Gaura declared, “OK, now we’re all going to chant and dance!!”<br /> I thought to myself, “This subdued-looking crowd doesn’t look like they want to start dancing right here and now in some strange Hare Krsna temple. What is Gaura thinking?!”</p>
<p>Gaura threw his arms up into the air and commanded, in a very friendly tone with a big smile on his face, “OK. Everyone do this!” Fifty arms shot up into the air. Then Gaura demonstrated the “Swami Step”, “Now just move your feet like this side to side in the “Swami Step.” Twenty-five sets of feet imitated him, making the long line of students look like a wheat field swaying in the wind. Gaura shouted, “Lilasuka, Sundari, start a kirtan!”</p>
<p>We started a kirtan and that group of students threw themselves into dancing and chanting Hare Krsna with total enthusiasm and joy for twenty minutes non-stop. We became quickly convinced that each and every one of them had just taken a huge step forward in their spiritual lives.</p>
<p>All glories to Lord Caitanya and His liberating chanting movement!</p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=10396">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=10396</a></p></div>Flooding with mercy by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/flooding-with-mercy-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2021-03-07T12:41:33.000Z2021-03-07T12:41:33.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8639944885,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8639944885?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada would describe how sometimes during the rainy season in Mayapur, the Ganga is flooding its banks and the entire area goes underwater. And sometimes, Mayapur is almost two months in a lockdown underwater, imagine that! I remember spending some time in that flood during a year and it was quite an experience. We would have to swim from one building to another and we were not the only ones swimming. There were also cobras swimming to add some excitement. Some had rubber boats and the pujaris were taking the water and just using it by filtering it through the cloth and bathing the deities during the abhisekha on Radhashtami.</p>
<p>So I remember that flood vividly, and I also remember how Srila Prabhupada described that the floods in Mayapur symbolise the mercy of Lord Caitanya flooding the entire world. And that mercy of Lord Caitanya has reached everywhere. That mercy came through the disciplic succession, through the six Gosvamis, to Krsna das Kaviraj Gosvami, Narottama das Thakura, Visvanatha Cakravati Thakura and so on, up till the present date – Srila Prabhupada – and here we are! That knowledge has touched the lives of so many people and everything has changed. Suddenly, everything has become auspicious. Suddenly, we are walking on the blessed path. Even those who are touched only a little, they become blessed!<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2021/03/flooding-with-mercy/">https://www.kksblog.com/2021/03/flooding-with-mercy/</a></p></div>Increasing the glories by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/increasing-the-glories-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2020-07-12T11:42:52.000Z2020-07-12T11:42:52.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6812078852,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="6812078852?profile=RESIZE_584x" />I do not usually cover the topic of disrespecting vaishnavas, as in one sense, it is a distasteful topic. I do not like to discuss all the unpleasantness of vaishnava-apradha as it is not filling our hearts with great happiness. To make vaishnava-apradha the focus of spiritual life is also not what it is about. Our lives must be dedicated to devotional service. Let us just think day and night about expanding our devotional service and about expanding the mercy of Lord Caitanya in all directions. Then in this course, we avoid vaishnava-apradha. But if one is merely spending their life avoiding vaishnava-apradha, that alone is not enough. Let us do something to increase the glories of the Lord and the glories of His devotees. And in this way, we increase the glories of the sankirtana movement.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2020/07/increasing-the-glories/">https://www.kksblog.com/2020/07/increasing-the-glories/</a></p></div>Vaisnavas are Treasure Houses Transcendental Mercy by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/vaisnavas-are-treasure-houses-transcendental-mercy-by-kadamba-kan2020-05-17T10:20:52.000Z2020-05-17T10:20:52.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5098958698,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="5098958698?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>So we see how Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced Santana Goswami to all of his associates from Nabadwip, who were all from Bengal, all these devotees were obviously great personalities. And of course amongst them were Advaita Acarya and Lord Nityananda, who are both the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So Lord Caitanya asked Santana Goswami to offer his obeisances to all these personalities, which he did, so they could bestow their mercy upon him. And the Vaishnavas bestowed upon him mercy, friendship and honour.</p>
<p>The Vaishnavas are the caretakers of mercy. They live by mercy, they are engaging in devotional service and they get mercy through that devotional service. They are associating with Vaishnavas and they get mercy through those Vaishnavas. They visit the holy abodes such as Vrndavana, Mayapur and Jagannatha Puri, and they are getting mercy there. They are digging for jewels in the minds of scriptures for whole collections of jewels from various sources. Mercy from service, mercy from association, mercy from the holy dhamas, mercy from scripture, mercy from Krsna prasadam and mercy from the holy name.</p>
<p>So in this way, all that mercy is building up within a Vaishnava. All these different aspects of mercy that one gets from one’s spiritual life, become building blocks of one’s bhakti.</p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2020/05/vaisnavas-are-treasure-houses/">https://www.kksblog.com/2020/05/vaisnavas-are-treasure-houses/</a></p></div>By His Mercy, All Our Desires Are Fulfilledhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/by-his-mercy-all-our-desires-are-fulfilled2020-02-19T07:47:32.000Z2020-02-19T07:47:32.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3871988283,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="274" alt="3871988283?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p>
<p>Those who are intelligent know that everything is supplied by Krishna. So why not depend on Krishna only? Why so many other attempts? Therefore Krishna says,</p>
<p>vyavasayatmika buddhir<br /> ekeha kuru-nandana<br /> bahu-sakha hy anantas ca<br /> buddhayo ’vyavasayinam<br /> [Gita 2.41]</p>
<p>Vyavasayi means one who knows business particularly. Vyavasaya. Or one who knows confidently, “This is the cause; this is the effect.” Those who know that Krishna is the origin of everything are fixed up in Krishna. Vyavasayatmika buddhir ekeha. One. Just depend on Krishna. They who do not know this depend on so many things. Buddhi avyavasayina.</p>
<p>So, if we want to be Krishna conscious, we shall fix up our mind on Krishna. And how to become fixed up—that art will be given to you by the spiritual master. Therefore Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura says in connection with the explanation of this verse, vyavasayatmika buddhih means to take the words of the spiritual master as one’s life and soul. That is vyavasaya . . . That is called vyavasayatmika buddhih. Visvanatha Cakravarti says that “Whatever I am ordered by the spiritual master, that is my life and soul. I don’t care for liberation. My only business is to serve my spiritual master.” And in the song we sing, Ye prasade pure sarva asa. Ye prasade means, “By his mercy, all our desires are fulfilled.” Ye prasade pure sarva asa.</p>
<p>So, this is our process, to depend on Krishna. “Depend” does not mean I shall remain idle. Depend means to work according to the direction of the shastra. Sadhu-sastra-guru-vakya, tinete kariya aikya [Srila Narottam dasa Thakura].</p>
<p>—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.16.24, July 14, 1974, Los Angeles</p>
<p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=15484">http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=15484</a></p></div>Mercy means… by Kadamba Kanana Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/mercy-means-by-kadamba-kanana-swami2019-12-09T11:13:18.000Z2019-12-09T11:13:18.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3762014730,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="3762014730?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p>
<p>Mercy means we are increasing our relationship with Krsna.</p>
<p>This quote is part of the morning class on Srimad Bhagavatam 4.25.50. Kadamba Kanana Swami was in Melbourne on the 21st of Nov 2019.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E6iUgGFmlZA" width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.kksblog.com/2019/12/mercy-means/">https://www.kksblog.com/2019/12/mercy-means/</a></p></div>“Overcoming Death through Mercy – A tale of a Silent Book Distributor”https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/overcoming-death-through-mercy-a-tale-of-a-silent-book-distributo2019-04-16T12:13:09.000Z2019-04-16T12:13:09.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>By Vibhava Krsna Das</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Seven decades ago in a remote Muslim village in the Kashmir valley (where a bus would come once in a day to drop the passengers) on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, a child was born in one of the few Hindu families that lived there. Although the family belonged to Brahmin class due to their association with the local Muslims for years they gradually fell from the Brahmanical standards and became voracious meat-eaters. The boy gradually grew up very intelligent and sharp. Though the family had a lot of land and facility life wasn’t easy. He had to walk almost 5 miles to his school and cross a river in between.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">As time passed the family grew and so did the problems. Finally, the family decided to separate, and the property was divided between the brothers. The situation wasn’t friendly enough and somehow, he couldn’t hold on to his share. He easily gave it up and didn’t resist.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">He left his village and tried to do some business on his own which initially went very well. But one dark night everything was lost due to an accident where one of the employees lost his life. He remembered it as one of the darkest nights of his life.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">With no support from anywhere or anyone he left the state to undergo a training course in electronics. He successfully completed the course and started his small-time business in the city of Srinagar. He later was employed by a television company as their service engineer for the state. By that time, he had a family of his own with his wife and two kids (me and my brother). Gradually things started to settle for him and his hard work started paying dividends. Finally, after a lot of struggle of 13 years he bought some parcels of land and built a nice house.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">But Krsna had some other plans and in January 1990 terrorism struck Kashmir valley in the worst possible way. Kashmiri Hindus were mercilessly killed in broad daylight. Even the Influential scholars, High-rank Government Officers who were Hindus were not spared. It created a panic situation in the whole Kashmir valley. Most of the others fled in the dead of night leaving behind everything they had, their homes, belongings everything. To write about the atrocities Hindus faced in the Kashmir valley in those years is humanly impossible. What to speak of hearing them??? This tragedy is one of the largest human exodus in the history of mankind. Official figures put it at 6,00,000 to 7,00,000.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">At the age of 40 my father lost materially everything he had. He had nothing left, Absolutely Nothing. His family was literally on the road seeking shelter with some relatives and friends. They finally moved to Jammu (another city of J&K state). With no work he could hardly maintain himself forget his family. Things started to get tougher day by day. But what I vividly remember is that despite such hardships –</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Ø He never gave up his faith in God. He never blamed God for whatever bad was happening to him and his family. He always maintained the vision. He would religiously worship Lord Shiva and never ask any material benedictions save and except goodwill for his family. His faith in God, I must say was the foundation of my own spiritual values & Culture.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Ø He continued doing charity though meagre. It created an extremely strong impression on me. I saw him doing it every now and then despite hardships. He would always say – Householders should do charity.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Ø He ensured anyone who came to his tiny little room (where the whole family lived) was fed sumptuously and given proper respect.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Ø He continued working honestly and whatever small amount he would earn was for sure earned through honest and fair means. This he told me was his greatest value of life. And this is etched in my heart forever and I haven’t forgotten this value in my life.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Despite the hardships he pushed me for higher studies and sent me to Pune, considered to be the Oxford of the east. Maybe that was Krsna’s plan as I never wanted to leave my native place. I came to Pune in 1998 and got introduced to devotees in the same year. He somehow managed to pull things off and in June 2002 I got a small job in Pune. I had seen him struggle his whole life, so I told him to that he should take rest now (though I wasn’t earning much) and on my pushing he retired from active material life. He wound up his small shop in Jammu and came to Pune. This led to his introduction to Srila Prabhupada’s supreme mercy, His books. I gifted him the “Srimad Bhagvatam” set in 2002 and he finished reading it in just over 3 months. I vividly remember he telling me after reading the third canto – “Are you planning to get married”? I said, “Yes” and he was kind of disappointed and he said, “This householder life is very tough and one gets captured by Maya further and entrapped forever. What have you learnt?? Didn’t you read SB properly?? It’s very clear.” He was so convinced with the words of Srila Prabhupada. After finishing the Srimad Bhagvatam he pointed out, “I am not sure about Krsna but this man (Srila Prabhupada) is extraordinary. How can someone write like this?”</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Srila Prabhupada reciprocated with his genuine feelings and sincere heart. He soon began to serve in the temple immediately. He would take care of the accounts Dept. His meticulous nature was a perfect match for such service. Gradually, the devotees in the temple appreciated his service and gave him full support. He would also preach vehemently to devotees who were deciding their future ashram. He would tell them there is not much pleasure in this world, so better stay as a lifelong bramhachari.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Later, he got the service at the Jiva Daya Department (Book Distribution Program of ISKCON Pune) and would take care of the accounts for them. He spent the rest of his life serving in this department of the temple. He never expected anything in return for the service he did. He was always serving in the background always ensuring the temple got the necessary funds from the book sale. He made very nice strategic systems which ensured the funds flow was smooth enough and the book distribution service continued without any difficulty. He was very meticulous about his service and ensured the book distribution department not only managed to get the funds for the books but for the temple as well. He was always punctual for his service and would always be on time. He was never critical of devotees and who would never talk ill about them. In many ways he was a “Silent Book Distributor”. He was very sober and grave personality but had a very amazing sense of humor as well.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Recently, his health started deteriorating suddenly. Initially, he began to have back pain and we consulted an orthopaedic who gave some pain killers etc. But after some initial relief the pain increased again. All the X-rays were done but nothing was clear what was causing the pain. After some time, doctors recommended we go for MRI where they noticed some abnormalities in the lung area and bones especially spine. Later, on 30th Nov 2018 we got the PET scan done and our fears came true when the doctor confirmed that it was 4th stage Lung Cancer which had gone into his bones. The pain was excruciating, and it began to take a toll.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Soon, his mobility got restricted and he couldn’t even sit what to speak of stand and walk. We decided to undergo some radiation therapy focussed on his hips so that he could atleast get some mobility. Although an Ayurvedic man whole life he decided to go for some Chemo therapy cycles for immediate relief. After couple of chemo therapies, he began to feel better. He would tell me please pray that I become ONLY that much healthy that I can walk upto Jiva Daya Dept. for my service. He was focussed on his service of Book Distribution. During this year book marathon, he would keep asking about the book distribution scores of the devotees. He was worried that temple might not break the last year record. But the Pune Temple devotees gave him a beautiful prize of coming second in the world in this year marathon, which they very lovingly dedicated to him.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">But on 5th Feb suddenly, his condition deteriorated and he started to breathe heavily. He started showing signs of dizziness. He began to loose the sense of time and a bit of memory. It was followed by a lot of breathlessness. We decided to take him to the doctor who was treating him. Upon reaching the hospital he underwent some checks and X-rays of the lungs which confirmed severe infection in his chest area. His breathing stayed heavy, but he was pretty much conscious.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">As the oxygen level was dropping we had to admit him in the hospital. By early morning his oxygen level wasn’t improving, and they decided to put him on the ventilator. I wasn’t sure about that, so I decided to ask him. He immediately consented. He said he was too tired as the machine kept him awake throughout the night and he wanted to sleep. Before they put him on ventilator I went to him and told him that this might be the last time he will be talking. I asked if there was anything or any work he wanted to do. Raising his left hand in complete confidence and control he said, “All done”. I took this as an opportunity and went close to his ear as he lay there on the bed and expressed my gratitude to him. Thanked him for whatever he had done for me and told him to remember the holynames of Krsna and his service to Srila Prabhupada. I left the room for him to be prepared for the ventilation knowing well this will be the last time I will see him fully conscious. By that time my younger brother also arrived from Mumbai to be at his side.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">On 7th his situation started deteriorating a bit more. I was in touch with HG Radheshyam Prabhu (Temple President, ISKCON Pune) and would give him regular updates. The doctors called us in the afternoon and told they would like to go for dialysis as his kidneys apparently weren’t functioning properly. After discussing this with HG Radheshyam Prabhu who suggested we don’t give my father and inflict further pain which was even confirmed by some of the devotee doctors as well. We decided to sign the palliative care form for him. The doctors gave us 3 days’ time. He was conscious meaning he could hear us. Sometimes I felt he was very fearful as he would shake his whole body but couldn’t move as his hands were tied up for the artificial ventilator. I remembered when my holy God-brother, HG Stoka Krsna Prabhu left his body Srila Radhanath Swami Maharaj would speak in his ear. I didn’t know what to say so I just repeated the same words like a parrot in my father’s ear – “Don’t be afraid. Leave this bag of flesh and bones. Remember Krsna’s Holyname and the service you rendered for Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada is waiting for you. He will take you by your hand back to Krsna. Don’t worry. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.” And yes, as I would say this my father would press my hand and become peaceful again. This I continued many times during the day.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In the evening I again called Radheshyam Prabhu and asked him if he could ask HH Radhanath Swami and other senior Vaishnavas (who were in Pune for the bureau meeting) to give their blessings for my father’s final journey. This was the first time ever Bureau Meeting was happening in Pune. He immediately agreed and even fixed up some time with Maharaj. I rushed to the temple immediately. HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj prayed for him intensely and chanted for him and he thanked my father for his selfless service to Srila Prabhupada. Later when I was leaving HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj asked me what happened, and I told Maharaj that father was sick and might leave his body. He looked at his picture and asked what service he did. I told Maharaj that he served in Book Distribution Department for many years. Immediately, Maharaj said he has perfected his life. He is in the hands of Srila Prabhupada. Then on the request of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj I called my brother (who was with my father in the hospital) and both HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj and HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj chanted for my father. Later, HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami also called him and blessed him through transcendental sound vibration.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I am not able to express what I felt at that moment. It was extremely special. All I remember now is that a sense of solace arose in my heart and soul. There was no fear in my heart after that. It was like ‘mission accomplished’ situation. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!!! All Glories to our Supreme Saviour!!!</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Immediately after that my father’s heart beat started to slow down. I was still at the temple but my younger brother who was there immediately poured Radha Kund water in his mouth. Kept Maha Tulasi from the Lordships Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra on his tongue. His body was already marked with Vaishnava Tilak and Narashimadeva Maha abhishek Oil. We had also tied Tulasi (kanthi) malas on both his hands with Narshima Kavach. My brother ensured Srila Prabhupada chanting radio continued close to his ear and while listening to that he left his body.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I was wonderstruck by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada on my father. What a great fortune !!!! Imagine a life of 68 years of hard work and labour but that last few minutes of his life he received so much mercy which is unimaginable. Srila Prabhupada opened the doors of Vrindavan for him and even his ashes were offered to Mother Yamuna. We got much more than we could have ever imagined. That I believe is the true nature of our Dearmost Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Dear Reader you might be wondering why did I put this article here ?? This article is not to glorify the material relationship I shared with my father or how he struggled in his life for his family or for that matter even his service to Srila Prabhupada (he would have never liked that) but I wrote this to share with you that this process of Krsna Consciousness works. It works even with the most down-trodden and sinful people like me. Whatever Srila Prabhupada has written and spoken is a fact. I saw this in action as things gradually unfolded in front of me. It took me time to realise – This is for REAL. This process is actually meant to give us Victory Over Death, make us fearless. Once someone asked Prabhupada – What is this movement going to do to us ?? And Prabhupada very boldly responded, It will make you Fearless.I have been always fearful in my life, always anxious of losing my possessions but this is one of the best things I ever heard in my life and I hope one fine day I realise this.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">But the most important thing I wanted to share is that –</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">“SRILA PRABHUAPDA NEVER FORGETS EVEN AN IOTA OF SERVICE YOU RENDER FOR SRI SRI RADHA-KRSNA AND LORD CAITANYA. PRABHUAPDA NEVER FORGETS. PRABHUPADA WILL TAKE CARE.”</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">As Sukhdeva Goswami points out in the 6th Canto of Srimad Bhagvatam (6.1.15) –</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">na tathā hy aghavān rājan<br /> pūyeta tapa-ādibhiḥ<br /> yathā kṛṣṇārpita-prāṇas<br /> tat-puruṣa-niṣevayā</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">My dear King, If a sinful person engages in the service of a bonafide devotee of the Lord and thus learns how to dedicate his life unto the lotus feet of Krsna, he can be completely purified.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Srila Prabhupada in the purport for the verse mentions –</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Tat-purusa refers to the preacher of Krsna Consciousness, such as the spiritual master. Srila Narottam Das Thakur has said, chadiya vaisnava-seva nistara payeche keba, “Without serving a bonafide spiritual master, an ideal Vaishnava, who can be delivered from the clutches of maya?”</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">For all the devotees Srila Prabhupada is the first Tat-Purusa who through his books and his sincere followers is preaching Krsna Consciousness to us. Also Srimad Bhagavatam (5.5.2) explains mahat-sevāṁ dvāram āhur vimuktes, one can attain the path of liberation from material bondage ONLY by rendering service to highly advanced spiritual personalities. Somehow my father also got this rare opportunity to associate with Srila Prabhupada through his books and rendered some service for his pleasure. And Srila Prabhuapada also took care of him at the most important phase of his life. He fulfilled the promise he has made to all of us. Let’s do our part of the bargain…….</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I would like to express my deepest gratitude to –</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HH Radhanath Swami, my spiritual master for giving me shelter and showering his mercy and compassion upon my father</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HH Gopal Krsna Goswami, for blessing my father at the very moment of his departure</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HH Krsna Ksehtra Swami, for his blessings and inspiration behind this article</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HG Rukhmini Devi (SP Disciple) for her selfless love and encouragement to my family and inspiring me to write this letter of gratitude</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami for his love and care, I will be lost without that.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HG Radheshyam Prabhu for introducing me to Krsna Consciousness and Srila Prabhupada. For that I am eternally indebted to him.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">HG Sarva Laxan Prabhu for the friendship he shared with my father and engaging him in the transcendental book distribution service.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Congregation Devotees and Bramachari Ashram of ISKCON Pune for their endless support, love and care. You have shown the world through example what Prabhuapda Family really means.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">My brother Shyam Ram Prabhu and my dear wife Janaki Prema dd for their selfless service during the last phase of my father’s life. Gratitude to them.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">And to you Dear Reader who read this with an open heart and mind, allowed me to serve you.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=85711">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=85711</a></p>
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