pray - Blog - ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT2024-03-29T10:22:12Zhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/prayPraying on Maha-Sivaratrihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/praying-on-maha-sivaratri2024-03-08T04:30:00.000Z2024-03-08T04:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2515175679,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2515175679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2515175679?profile=original" width="225" /></a></p>
<p>Today, Sivaratri here, we did special worship of our deity of Gopisvara Mahadeva, gifted to us by His Holiness Indradyumna Swami. We prayed to Gopisvara,</p>
<p>vrndavanavani-pate jaya soma soma-maule<br /> sanaka-sanandana-sanatana-naradedya<br /> gopisvara vraja-vilasi-yuganghri-padme<br /> prema prayaccha nirupadhi namo namaste</p>
<p>“O gatekeeper of Vrindavan! O Soma, all glories to you! O you whose forehead is decorated with the moon (soma), and who is worshipable to the sages headed by Sanaka, Sanandana, and Narada! O Gopisvara! Desiring that you bestow upon me pure love for the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, who perform joyous pastimes in Vraja-dhama, I offer my obeisances unto you again and again.” (Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, Sankalpa-kalpadruma 103)</p>
<p>Lord Siva is in charge of false ego, so I prayed to him to free me from mine and to establish me in my constitutional position of eternal service to Sri Sri Gandhavika-Giridhari and Their divine servants. And I wish the same for all of you.</p>
<p>Hare Krishna</p>
<p>Your servant,<br /> Giriraj Swami</p>
<p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=11617">http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=11617</a></p></div>How Do We Pray to Krishna? by Vraja Vihari Dasahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/how-do-we-pray-to-krishna-by-vraja-vihari-dasa2023-03-23T09:30:00.000Z2023-03-23T09:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<p>Srimad-Bhagavatam presents prayers by great devotees of the Lord that can guide us in our own life of prayer.</p>
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<p>“Therefore, although I was born in a demoniac family, I may without a doubt offer prayers to the Lord with full endeavor, as far as my intelligence allows. Anyone who has been forced by ignorance to enter the material world may be purified of material life if he offers prayers to the Lord and hears the Lord’s glories.” (Sri Prahlada to Lord Narasimhadeva, Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.9.12)</p>
<p>I couldn’t grapple with the shocking news. “Cancer has spread fast; he has only a few more days in this body,” the doctor revealed to us. Our friend Stoka Krishna Dasa was thirty-four years old, and his wife had just delivered a baby girl.</p>
<p>“This isn’t fair,” my mind protested. “He has just begun a new life.”</p>
<p>As emotions of shock me and sadness churned in my heart, I gathered the strength to visit Stoka Krishna. What could I tell him to comfort his heart? I was clueless.</p>
<p>To my pleasant surprise, however, he was at ease. Amongst the many things he spoke to me that evening fifteen years ago, his realization of prayer still rings loud in my heart.</p>
<p>“If we can’t thank God for all the gifts He gives us when we are healthy, we’ll fail to remember Him when He starts taking it all away.”</p>
<p>We receive abundant blessings in our lives. Our health, finances, and family, besides many daily experiences, are God’s benedictions on us. However, one day it’s all going to end; everything we hold dear in our lives will be taken away from us. And our spiritual success depends on how grateful we are as we leave this body and enter the afterlife. But it is extremely difficult to practice gratitude when things we are attached to are snatched away from us, especially if we haven’t thanked God when we received them in the first place.</p>
<p>Therefore scriptures teach us gratitude and appreciation as the essential elements of prayer. And prayer is a daily practice of sincere bhakti-yogis.</p>
<h3>Four Elements of Prayer</h3>
<p>Often we mistake prayer to mean asking benedictions from God. But Srimad-Bhagavatam reveals that before we ask God to give us what we want, we would do well to examine other components of prayer. A devotee of Krishna learns to pray by studying the prayers of stalwart devotees.</p>
<p>Queen Kunti’s prayers in the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam teach us to first praise the Lord, then express our own disqualifications, then thank Him for all He has given us, and finally request Him for the blessings we seek.</p>
<p>When Kunti, the mother of the five Pandavas, saw that Krishna was leaving them to return to His home in Dwarka, she was distraught. Krishna had protected her sons during the fratricidal Mahabharata war and at other times. She wished that Krishna would stay with them, and in a desperate attempt to stop him from leaving Hastinapura, she offered her heartfelt prayers. But the first thing she did was not to ask Krishna to stay; instead, she glorified Krishna’s amazing power of independence, which He exhibits by remaining invisible to all living entities although He’s present in the hearts of all. Kunti reveals that Krishna is like an expert actor who is unrecognizable to the ignorant. She then presents her disqualification to know Krishna. She says that she is a simple woman and only highly realized sages can know Him. Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport to this verse that Krishna knows one’s sincerity of purpose and one’s simplicity in accepting the Lord’s authority, as exhibited by Kunti, and that these qualities are more effective than showy, insincere religious fervor.</p>
<p>Kunti Devi thanks Krishna for all the help He provided her family. Often we express thanks to God for everything He has done for us, and this is usually said in a general sense. Kunti, however, explains in specific details how Krishna protected her and her sons from many dangers. She thus teaches that gratitude is shown more by a specific delineation of the Lord’s blessings upon us than by a general expression of gratitude. Remembrance of God’s specific kindness upon us helps us connect to His love on a deeper level.</p>
<p>Towards the end of her prayers, Kunti Devi asks Krishna to break all of her material bonds and allow her to fix her mind exclusively on Him. She wants no distraction on the path of devotional service to the Lord.</p>
<h3>Why Pure Devotees Don’t Ask for Material Blessings</h3>
<p>Prahlada displayed the same mood as Kunti Devi. When the Lord asked him to accept a benediction, he plainly refused, saying he was not interested in a business relationship with God. He wanted to serve the Lord for His pleasure, and not for anything in return. Upon the Lord’s insistence, Prahlada finally accepted a blessing, but not for himself; he asked that his father be pardoned and granted liberation.</p>
<p>The Sixth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam reveals the prayers of Vritrasura. He emphatically declares that he doesn’t want an unrivalled kingdom or yogic powers. He desires neither liberation from the cycle of birth and death nor opulence greater than that of the heavenly abodes. He simply seeks to be united with God through loving service.</p>
<p>Pure devotees of Krishna refuse to take material gifts from Him because they know that all blessings in the material world are temporary and pregnant with suffering. This world guarantees repeated misery and impediments as we seek enjoyment.</p>
<p>Misery can be defined as getting what you don’t want and not getting what you want. Srimad-Bhagavatam, in many instances, reveals this nature of the material world. For example, Maharaja Anga was unhappy because his son, Vena, was cruel. Even as a child, Vena would kill his friends during casual play. Anga was so fed up in his failed attempt to reform his son that he renounced his kingdom. In stark contrast, Hiranyakashipu was blessed with a saintly son, Prahlada, yet he lamented that his son wasn’t an expert demon. How happy he and Anga would have been if they could exchange places! And we hear of King Chitraketu, who despite having many wives was miserable because none of them could bear him a son. Each one of these persons described in the Bhagavatam suffered by not getting what they wanted.</p>
<p>Therefore Srila Prabhupada gave us the best benediction to ask from God – the opportunity to serve Him selflessly. Dhruva had desired a kingdom greater than that of his grandfather, Brahma, and he was determined to get great material wealth. Yet when the Lord appeared before him, he regretted cultivating these desires. He candidly told the Lord that by gaining an audience with Him, he was now getting a precious diamond although he had all the while been seeking only broken pieces of glass.</p>
<h3>But I Am Not a Pure Devotee; I Have Material Desires!</h3>
<p>Like Dhruva, we can begin our devotional prayers from the platform of honesty. If we have material desires, rather than artificially denying them, we can pray to God for the purification of our heart. And if the Lord desires, He will fulfill our wish.</p>
<p>As a new apprentice in the temple ashram, I desired to secure the first rank in our monthly Bhagavad-gita exams. I knew this was a silly desire to cultivate, given the fact that the brahmacharis in the ashram had left all material pursuits simply to serve the Lord and His devotees. To compete with them, that too on a trivial exam, didn’t behoove me. I knew it wasn’t right. Still, my academic and competitive background urged me to compete with them. Unable to resolve this inner conflict, I approached my mentor in the ashram for guidance. His words of wisdom have guided me ever since. He said it’s better we honestly confess to God our desire, such as my desire to come first in the exams. However, he added, we can include a small petition at the end. We can tell Krishna, “O Krishna, I am so foolish that I seek to come first in these exams, and I really want this desire fulfilled. But, O Krishna, please give me intelligence so that next time when I come in front of You, I request blessings that will be in my best interest. Let me seek benedictions that will help me come closer to You. Let me ask for things that will help me serve Your sincere devotees.”</p>
<p>A prayer like this helps us authentically seek our desires, and yet we express our sincerity to seek something higher.</p>
<h3>How Can We Grow in Our Prayers?</h3>
<p>Aryaman was twelve years old when I saw him rush for his exams with his deity of Lord Jagannatha in one hand and his pen box in the other. I asked him why he was taking the Lord for his school tests. He said he always carried his Lord with him. As soon as the examiner hands out the question paper, Aryaman first shows the paper to his deity, who sits on the table, watching His devotee write the exam. After he has finished answering the tests, he again shows his answer paper to the Lord and then submits it to the exam monitor. This is a simple way he devised to become God conscious and evolve in his prayerful relationship with Krishna. His parents have helped him creatively remember Krishna in his own unique way.</p>
<p>The essence of all the rules and regulations we practice in Krishna consciousness is to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. We can accept whatever works best to help us remember the Lord. Unlike Aryaman, for you it could be singing bhajanas or dressing the deities or chanting the holy names or hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam classes. Whatever works. Somehow or the other we need to fix our minds on Krishna.</p>
<p>Gratitude in daily life is yet another practical way to improve our prayers. If you are thirsty and someone offers you a cup of water, you’ll most likely say thank you. But isn’t God supplying unlimited water, air, heat, sunshine, etc., daily? Awareness of the daily gifts, especially what we have received in the last twenty-four hours, is an excellent way to keep our gratitude practices fresh and exciting.</p>
<p>A question now stares me in the face: While Stoka Krishna Dasa could see God’s love even in his cancer, can I see Krishna’s love in my good health? It’s time I celebrate God’s daily gifts with gratitude, for one day soon I’ll have to thank Him for a life that quickly passed and filled me with abundant blessings. But did I even realize I received so many blessings?</p>
<p><em>Vraja Vihari Dasa, a disciple of His Holiness Radhanath Swami, has served full time at ISKCON Chowpatty since 1999. He has an honors degree in economics and a master's in international finance. He teaches Krishna consciousness to youth and the congregation and has written four books. You can read his daily reflections at <a href="http://www.yogaformodernage.com/">www.yogaformodernage.com</a>.</em><br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://btg.krishna.com/how-do-we-pray-krishna">http://btg.krishna.com/how-do-we-pray-krishna</a></p></div>Dear Mind by Bhaktimarga Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/dear-mind-by-bhaktimarga-swami-12021-08-11T09:22:02.000Z2021-08-11T09:22:02.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9407435657,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9407435657?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Some days you are a friend</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Some days you are foe</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You swing moods up</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You swing them low</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">I can’t always trust</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You’re not in one place</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You respond well to lust</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Big dose or a trace</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You lead me to greed</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">It’s not what I want</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You convinced it’s a need</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">In truth it’s a taunt</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">When there is anger</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Pent up inside</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You then do hanker</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">To push it outside</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">I don’t know why</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You are so cruel</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Cunning and sly</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And wanting to rule</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You’re some kind of clown</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Silly and joking</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A laugh or a frown</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Nabbing and poking</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Yet you are subtle</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Silent and swift</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Keen to befuddle</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">On your full-time shift</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You are your worst</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">When the body is idle</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Every bubble you burst</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">To retain your title</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">But my dear Mind</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">I’m not your slave</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">I’ll reverse the role</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Get you to behave</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And be under control</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">It’s my turn to reign</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">So settle down — sit</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Magic is in the name</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">It’s the perfect fit</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Now just cooperate</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And take out your sting</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Let us then celebrate</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">With mantra we sing<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://thewalkingmonk.blogspot.com/2021/08/tuesday-august-3-2021.html">http://thewalkingmonk.blogspot.com/2021/08/tuesday-august-3-2021.html</a></p></div>World’s first and only ICU where Doctor is leading kirtan, nurses repeating ithttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/world-s-first-and-only-icu-where-doctor-is-leading-kirtan-nurses-2021-05-01T12:20:28.000Z2021-05-01T12:20:28.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8877016300,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="8877016300?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p>
<p>World’s first and only ICU where Doctor is leading kirtan, nurses repeating it. (DR Shyamlal Prabhu singing kirtan in Bhaktivedanta Hospital ICU)<br /> Double Cure -Body + Soul!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><iframe style="border:none;overflow:hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchaitanya.s.das.1%2Fvideos%2F315574110081856%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="307" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=95019">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=95019</a></p></div>Vishal Prabhu ACBSP left his bodyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/vishal-prabhu-acbsp-left-his-body2021-02-09T12:13:58.000Z2021-02-09T12:13:58.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8535026496,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="8535026496?profile=RESIZE_400x" /><span style="font-size:12pt;">Video: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2009227035785247" target="_blank">Click here</a></span></strong><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Deena Bandhu Das: </strong>Please join us in prayers for my very dear older Godbrother, Vishal Prabhu, who was living here in Vrindavan. Devotees hadn’t seen him for a couple of days, so just a half-hour ago, the police broke the door and found his lifeless body! Just happened so no details yet, but he was 85 years old. He constantly distributed Srila Prabhupada’s books till the present day!</p>
<p>Whenever Prabhupada would circumambulate the temple in the morning in Vrindavan, Vishal would be standing with his hands folded chanting prayers from the Bhagavatam and then give the English translations. On this particular morning there was water on the temple steps because it had just rained. Prabhupada just snapped at Vishal and said, “Do something practical,” He said, “Clean this up.” (laughs) So that was his response to the glorification. He ordered him to do some cleaning.</p>
<p>Reference: Memories Anecdotes of a Modern Day Saint – Volume 4 by Siddhanta Dasa</p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8535027283,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="8535027283?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=93191">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=93191</a></p></div>Karnamrita Prabhu ACBSP left this worldhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/karnamrita-prabhu-acbsp-left-this-world2021-02-09T12:10:00.000Z2021-02-09T12:10:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8538672870,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="8538672870?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Partha Dasa:</strong> Today, February 9th, a most dear friend and fellow Grihastha Vision Team member, Karnamrita Prabhu left this world. Karnamrita was someone who cared about others in a deep meaningful way and devoted his life to make the lives of others better; someone who knew the meaning of love and lived it through his words and actions; someone who made everyone feel relaxed, valued and accepted.<br /> Karnamrta always added an element of humor and lightness that would allow even a six-hour meeting to pass like a few moments. In our numerous meetings, we always knew that one of Karnam’s quips might be coming around the corner, and he never failed to deliver.<br /> With the loss of his and Krsnanandini’s association, a large void is left in our hearts. Rather than praying for the wellbeing of these two great souls after their departures, I pray that from their exalted destinations with Lord Krsna and Srila Prabhupada, they will look down and pray for us.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=93232">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=93232</a></p></div>Russian pioneer HG Brahmananda Puri Prabhu Passes Awayhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/russian-pioneer-hg-brahmananda-puri-prabhu-passes-away2020-12-16T09:51:34.000Z2020-12-16T09:51:34.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8293325052,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="480" alt="8293325052?profile=RESIZE_584x" />By Mandakini Devi Dasi</strong></p>
<p>Dear devotees we are very sad to inform you that one of the first preachers in the Soviet Union Brahmananda Puri Prabhu left his body out of Covid. During that time where circumstances were extreme, he published Srila Prabhupada’s books in clandestinity, at his own life’s risk. He came from Armenia and became so enthusiastic after reading Srila Prabhupada’s books that most of his village inhabitants became devotees. Let us all pray that he reaches safely the Lord’s mercy guided by his heroic devotional service for Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Brahmananda Puri Prabhu ki Jaya!!!<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=91931">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=91931</a></p></div>HH Nitai Chaitanya Goswami left his bodyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/hh-nitai-chaitanya-goswami-left-his-body2020-10-15T04:00:00.000Z2020-10-15T04:00:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8038864084,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="8038864084?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>H.H. Nitai Chaitanya Swami Maharaja left his body in the hospital on 14th of Oct.<br />
While he was fighting COVID-19, his blood pressure drastically increased, which resulted in pulmonary edema.<br />
His Holiness Nitai Chaitanya Goswami Maharaj, is one of the first sannyasis of Russia and one of senior most devotees from the times of USSR. It was in 1970 that while listening to the underground western radio station he was fortunate to hear the sounds of Hare Krishna Maha-mantra broadcasted and a few years later he became convinced in the tradition of bhakti. In the year 2000 he received re-initiation from HH Radhanath Maharaj and it was then when he was given the name Nitai Chaitanya Dasa.<br />
In 2010 he was initiated as an ISKCON sannyasi and continues to preach fearlessly just as he did in the Soviet times when he was under surveillance and a constant danger of arrest from the KGB; it was then when he (known as Evgeniy Jarov) was initiated with the spiritual name Yagna Priya dasa.<br />
Since then he served as ISKCON temple president in Ukraine and later and to this day as a Regional Secretary of Central Russia region. Dedicated to preaching in the Central Russia that he supervises, he opened first purpose-build temple of the area in 2012.</p>
<p>We pray for Maharaj <br />
Hare Krishna<br />
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His Holiness Jayapataka Swami offers prayers for the soul of His Holiness Nitai Chaitanya Goswami, who left his body on October 14, 2020.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><iframe style="border:none;overflow:hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmitravinda.devidasi.50%2Fvideos%2F478331246456250%2F&show_text=0&width=261" width="261" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=90374">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=90374</a></p></div>Dealing With the Loss of One’s Spiritual Masterhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/dealing-with-the-loss-of-one-s-spiritual-master2020-07-29T12:30:49.000Z2020-07-29T12:30:49.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><center>
<p><a href="https://i.imgur.com/CgMts4O.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.imgur.com/CgMts4O.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" alt="CgMts4O.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></p>
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<p><strong>By Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)</strong></p>
<p>When the spiritual master leaves the body and moves on, it is naturally the worst day of the disciple’s life. Many times we have become accustomed to thinking of our guru in a particular way, serving him in certain ways, listening to his classes, waiting and longing for him to visit our town or local temple, engaging in special exchanges with him or her, and then suddenly all such prospects are gone. The depth of our despair can be unfathomable. So what do we do then?</p>
<p>[I originally wrote this article shortly after the disappearance of Bhakti Tirtha Swami years ago to help his disciples. But as we are all growing older, such situations will not only continue, but will increase. Therefore, I thought this may be more pertinent than before.]</p>
<p>There are so many ways in which a disciple deals with this situation. Some become so numb that they simply can not dwell on it. Some can hardly accept it. Or they naturally cry and cannot face the idea of continuing life without their gurudeva. Others may absorb themselves in service or in remembering him. Some may never have thought of the fact that one day their guru would be gone. So it can be shocking as well as extremely upsetting. The way that each disciple deals with the situation is as varied as there are disciples.</p>
<p>The next step is how to continue getting the spiritual master’s association. Naturally there are his books, tapes, CDs, video recordings, or other methods by which one can still remember his teachings, his mannerisms, or his own ways of spiritual practice. And, of course, the disciples can also share with each other their own stories and memories of various events that took place with their guru. Through these methods, one can fill the time and mind with the association of one’s guru. However, now you may have to work a little harder to invoke the presence of your guru.</p>
<p>HOW ARE YOU GOING TO CONTINUE?</p>
<p>In spite of so many ways we may deal with the situation, the bottom line is, what are you going to do now? The loss of your spiritual master may mean that it is time for you to grow up… to a new level of understanding your own purpose, your own potential, responsibility and even leadership ability. Maybe it is time for you to move forward to help fill the gap that has been left by the physical absence of the spiritual master. Your guru may have been called to serve someplace else by the Lord’s desire, which means you and your Godbrothers and Godsisters are here to carry on with the mission of your guru and some of you will need to step forward to take up more of that responsibility. It may also be time to depend more on your Godfamily as well as be better association for them. I personally remember this quite clearly from the time when Srila Prabhupada departed.</p>
<p>It may also be time to meditate more on what your guru would want you to do, or what your guru would expect from you in the situations you encounter. It may be time to allow more of your own potential to manifest. You may feel that you will never be what your guru was, or that you will never do anything equal to what he did, and that is all right. A disciple will never feel that he or she will be as great as their own guru and do all that he could do. However, that does not mean that you allow your humility to create a feeling of uselessness or stifle your own potential to carry on your guru’s legacy and mission. His determination and preaching is a sign of his dedication to his own guru, which is the example you must follow to your spiritual master.</p>
<p>We have to remember that the more spiritual we become, the more we can perceive that which is spiritual. And the more you will understand that everything is going according to plan, according to the schedule. It may not be your plan. It may not be what you want. And it may even be months or years before you begin to understand why things happened the way they did. But when you do, you will understand that things happened to bring about a certain event or situation to move things forward. Everything that is happening is a preparation for something else to manifest. Furthermore, a key element of what is meant to take place is the next step in the process of your own development.</p>
<p>In this line of thinking, Jiva Goswami uses some quotes from the Srimad-Bhagavatam in his Sri Krishna Sandarbha (Anuccheda 123, texts 2-3, Anuccheda 124, text 1, taken from Bhagavatam 11.30.49) to clarify how everything that happens in connection with Krishna is part of a bigger plan. In these verses, Lord Krishna explains to His chariot driver, Daruka, that all catastrophes related to His pastimes, such as the disappearance of His associates, are like illusory displays of His potencies. Therefore, even when the Lord’s associates, such as our present-day pure devotees and great sages disappear, we should consider it a part of the Lord’s pastimes, as He explains as follows:<br /> “My dear Daruka, do not be unhappy because of the destruction of the Yadu dynasty, or the disappearance of Lord Balarama. Become patient and fixed in actual knowledge. These calamities are simply an illusory show, fabricated by My internal potency. There is no need to become agitated because of these so-called catastrophes.”</p>
<p>Jiva Goswami explains further, “In this verse, the words tvam tu refer to Daruka, jnana-nisthah means “understanding the truth about My transcendental pastimes,” mad-dharmam means “My natural inclination to protect My devotees, such as yourself,” and asthaya means “having faith.” Krishna tells Daruka that the present calamities, such as the destruction of the Yadu dynasty, are like magical tricks performed by Him. Daruka should understand all this (vijnaya) and become free (upashamam vraja) from grief and agitation of the mind, which is produced by superficial understanding. By the word tu (but), Sri Krishna tells Daruka: Others may become bewildered by these pastimes of Mine, but you should not.</p>
<p>“Daruka, a perfectly liberated devotee, who had descended with the Lord from Vaikuntha, understood this statement of the Lord. This is the proper explanation of the Lord’s final pastimes and the destruction of the Yadu dynasty.”</p>
<p>“The transcendental nature of the appearance and disappearance of Lord Sri Krishna and His confidential associates is described in three verses from Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.31.11-13). In the first of these verses (11), Sukadeva Gosvami says to Maharaja Pariksit: O King, please try to understand that the appearance of Sri Krishna and His confidential associates (who have spiritual forms just like that of the Lord), their pastimes, and their disappearance from this earth, are like a dramatic play enacted by Lord Krishna’s internal potency. Sri Krishna is not an ordinary living entity, but in truth is the Supreme Person who has created this entire material world, who entered into every atom of that creation as the all-pervading Supersoul, and who will destroy the entire universe at the time of annihilation. He is the Supreme Lord, who sometimes comes to this material world to display His pastimes here, although He always remains free from the influence of the material energy, and situated in His own transcendental glory.”</p>
<p>There are many insights we can get from this, but one thing we can take is that when our great devotees, sages and gurus leave this world, it is under the arrangement of the Supreme Lord, and that their service to Lord Krishna continues on another level, a level that we may or may not be able to see, but which goes on in some other way nonetheless. That means our service to our guru and such devotees can also continue, but in what appears to be in their absence. In that regard, there is little that changes. We continue to serve our spiritual master or the great devotees, and in this way our connection with them remains or even becomes stronger. If we continue like this, then in time, when we also give up these bodies, we will follow them towards a higher destination.</p>
<p>In the meantime, you cannot think about fading away from your guru’s mission, in which he undertook so much austerity, sacrifice and determination to establish. This is also a continuation of his own spiritual master’s mission. You cannot legitimately feel that because your spiritual master is no longer physically present you are not so inspired to continue, or that you’ll fade away. If you feel you cannot go on because your guru is no longer present, then how would that please your guru? So that is not an option. Otherwise, the love you have shown for your guru is only conditional love, love as long as things are as you want them to be, or as long as your own spiritual master is in the form with which you are most familiar.</p>
<p>If you are attached to only one form of the guru, that is conditional love. If we are attached to his form such as being a young man who can dance wondrously while leading great kirtans, or as a great scholar with a photographic memory, etc., but can not imagine him as someone who could get old and sick, or even lose a limb from disease, or not being able to be his usual, dynamic personality, then that is conditional love. The spiritual master can manifest in so many ways for the mercy of the disciple if the disciple is open to it. The changing situation may even be a test for the disciple. Even appearing to be physically sick and dependent on the disciple is a way the guru provides extra mercy and a chance to advance for the disciple. So we must raise our love to the unconditional level and not have it based merely on particular forms. These bodies that we are in are bound to change. But our love must be unconditional.</p>
<p>Some disciples may say that they cannot imagine their guru being sick, or never being able to dance up a storm during kirtan, or not being able to preach in a robust manner. But in this ever-changing material world, we cannot be attached to temporary appearances. The guru will utilize whatever is necessary to inspire the disciples to take up the chanting of the holy names, even through dancing and ecstatic kirtans, or inspiring lectures, etc. We have to raise our love to an unconditional state and see that the essence of the spiritual master is his preaching, teaching, his writings, and the inspiration he provides that brings us to want to follow the process of hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord. This is what is permanent in the service of Lord Krishna. This is the legacy of the guru which is what we should be most attached and dedicated to preserving, continuing and expanding. My own spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, did not do a lot of dancing. He mostly gave class, wrote letters, translated Sanskrit texts, and lead kirtans while sitting on the Vyasasanna, and engaged in exchanges with his disciples. But he inspired everyone to chant the holy names.</p>
<p>We also must remember that it is through our attachment and dedication to our guru and his mission that we stay connected to him as well as to the whole parampara that appeared before him. The parampara is like the long arm of Krishna descending down through generations. When you are still connected with your guru, you are then connected to the whole parampara, or sampradaya. In our Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya, this goes up through Srila Prabhupada, Bhaktisiddhanta, Gaura Kishora dasa Babaji, Bhaktivinoda Thakur, on up to Lord Chaitanya, Srila Vyasadeva and Brahma, and to Lord Krishna Himself. So it is like grabbing an electric line that is powered by the original power house. By grabbing onto your own guru through faith and service, who is connected with the parampara, you have the backing of all these great and powerful spiritual authorities. So think of how much potency is there to help you and which can come through you to help others. The disciple never need feel that he or she is alone, without the physical presence of the spiritual master. The guru is always there, depending on the faith and sincerity of the disciple. The spiritual platform is all around us, and the more focused we become to the spiritual dimension, the more we are in tune with all those spiritual authorities who also exist on that strata.</p>
<p>Furthermore, you should expect miracles on the spiritual path and in Krishna consciousness. So many miracles have already happened. But this does not mean that you act merely as a witness to the miracles around you. But you should also be ready to see and allow miracles to happen within you, or through you. This is the affect of the potency in your connection to the parampara through your spiritual master. Even if our actions are full of faults, if our intention is sincere, then the potency of the parampara can still come through and empower us with unexpected results, even miracles. In this way, miracles can manifest through us or in the projects we sincerely try to do. And we never know exactly how these will manifest. They may develop in quite unexpected ways, or doors of opportunity will open when we did not even know they were there. So we must be determined to continue our service and preaching work and never give up. This is how we will continue to get the blessings of our spiritual master, even if it appears that he is no longer physically present.</p>
<p>Thus, the guru can still make himself known to the sincere disciple in many ways. We simply have to keep dedicating ourselves to his teaching and instructions. We have to honor the spiritual master and his guidance, his books, and accept them as they are. We must not think that we know better, or that we accept certain things but not others. Such an offensive view will surely create a slow or even immediate disconnection between us and our guru and, thus, the whole parampara. So, we must make sure that does not happen.</p>
<p>In these ways, a disciple can continue to honor and respect the guru and his teachings, as well as remain connected and inspired to preserve and expand his mission. Then we also uphold all that the spiritual master worked for and the purpose of the whole parampara, the line of spiritual masters before him. In this way, our own lives become spiritually successful, and we go on to give the blessings and potency of our guru to others.</p>
<div><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87922">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87922</a></div></div>Nadiya Mani and Bada Haridas Dedicate New Song to Bhakti Charu Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/nadiya-mani-and-bada-haridas-dedicate-new-song-to-bhakti-charu-sw2020-07-26T12:02:07.000Z2020-07-26T12:02:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div id="article_byline" style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="https://iskconnews.org/media/img_versions/2020/07-Jul/om1_00JHS8I_slideshow.png?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="550" alt="om1_00JHS8I_slideshow.png?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></div>
<div id="article_image"><br /> <strong>By Madhava Smullen<br /><br /></strong></div>
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<p>First and second-generation kirtaniyas have created a new song dedicated to beloved ISKCON guru Bhakti Charu Swami, who passed away on July 4th. </p>
<p>Second-generation devotee Nadiya Mani sings lead vocals and Prabhupada disciple Bada Haridas backing vocals on the epic nine-and-a-half-minute standalone single Ocean of Mercy, which was released on Friday July 17th to iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Google Play. <a href="https://smarturl.it/oceanofmercy">https://smarturl.it/oceanofmercy</a></p>
<p>The deeply moving, soul-stirring track presents the prayer Sri Gurvastakam by Visvanath Chakravarti Thakur in a unique style that combines elements of classical, New Age and meditation music. It has been described by Bada Haridas’ wife Kosarupa Dasi as “pure meditation.”</p>
<p>In a Facebook post about the release, Bada Haridas wrote, “Feelings of melancholy have pervaded the global Vaisnava family after the loss of my beloved Godbrother, His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami. Inspired by Maharaja’s surrendered life at the lotus feet of our spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, we dedicate this song to him and his followers.”</p>
<p>Bada Haridas also shared his translation of the song’s first verse, based on Srila Prabhupada’s explanation: “Just as clouds drink water from the ocean and shower their rain upon the parched earth, enlightened spiritual masters receive mercy from the ocean of mercy, Lord Sri Krishna, and shower that mercy on our burning hearts like a cooling rain.” <br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/nadiya-mani-and-bada-haridas-dedicate-new-song-to-bhakti-charu-swami,7441/">https://iskconnews.org/nadiya-mani-and-bada-haridas-dedicate-new-song-to-bhakti-charu-swami,7441/</a></p>
</div></div>An empty space in my heart by Hrdaya Caitanya dashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/an-empty-space-in-my-heart-by-hrdaya-caitanya-das2020-07-24T11:39:07.000Z2020-07-24T11:39:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.imgur.com/dP8tpTk.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" alt="dP8tpTk.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Dear Devotees,</p>
<p>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s sudden departure has left an empty space in my heart.</p>
<p>Up to the last moment, I was praying and hoping that Maharaja would be able to overcome this disease.</p>
<p>I was always cherishing his association because it filled me with warmth, with a feeling of a close family member that was always there for me when something would go wrong. A hug from Maharaja was a booster in my Bhakti.</p>
<p>Maharaja’s outstanding spiritual status, his deep love for Srila Prabhupada, his imbibed and realized Vaishnava culture, his loving care touches deeply my heart.</p>
<p>We can see from the reactions of so many devotees from all over the world who have been touched by Maharaja’s love in Krsna Consciousness. Because Maharaja was able to expand his heartfelt feelings for all the devotees, Godbrothers and disciples, that’s why so many devotees rightly feel they have a deep connection with Maharaja.</p>
<p>Maharaja while speaking of his realisations and pastimes of Srila Prabhupada, brought us always in direct connection with the mood and the teachings of his Divine Grace.</p>
<p>By what I feel, I can understand what the disciples are going through. Our solace and the solace of the disciples is that if we continue the process of Krsna Consciousness there is never a separation from the spiritual master.</p>
<p>As to the question, why this happened to our dearmost Bhakti Charu Swami,<br /> Srila Prabhupada explains in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.16.37 When something is arranged by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one should not be disturbed by it, even if it appears to be a reverse according to one’s calculations. For example, sometimes we see a powerful preacher is killed….one should simply understand that in these matters there must be some plan of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.</p>
<p>HH Bhakti Charu Swami ki jaya.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87615">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87615</a></p></div>All glories to His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja by Gopal Krishna Goswamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/all-glories-to-his-holiness-bhakti-charu-swami-maharaja-by-gopal-2020-07-12T11:19:35.000Z2020-07-12T11:19:35.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.imgur.com/JrLi81g.jpg?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" alt="JrLi81g.jpg?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>Dear disciples of Bhakti Charu Maharaja:</p>
<p>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>Bhakti Charu Maharaja participated in the ISKCON Bureau meeting on May 25th, after which he left for Bombay and flew to America. Unfortunately, Maharaja fell ill in America and departed from this planet on July 4th. This was a very auspicious day. It was the first day of Caturmasya, the disappearance day of Sanatana Goswami and also Guru Purnima. This was a most auspicious departure for a very special Vaisnava, although painful for everyone. The community of devotees worldwide was shocked when they heard of Maharaja’s departure.He was willing to go to any lengths to serve Prabhupada’s mission by his exemplary behavior and determination.</p>
<p>Maharaja was very fortunate as he received first and second initiation in a single ceremony and sannyasa on Gaura Purnima in 1977. Srila Prabhupada gave him the monumental assignment of translating his books into Bengali.</p>
<p>Maharaja took this assignment very seriously. I believe he used to wake up at night and continue translating till morning. For Prabhupada’s pleasure he built a beautiful temple in Ujjain in just ten months. This is one of ISKCON’s most beautiful temples and speaks volumes about Bhakti Charu Swami’s dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. He had a burning desire to make Prabhupada’s achievements well-known around the world. With immense struggle and persistence, he was able to convince even India’s premier and practically lone TV channel at that time, to telecast the ‘Abaya Caran’ series for a whole year. These are only a few of his unlimited achievements.</p>
<p>I first met Bhakti Charu Swami in Vrindavan in late 1976 when Prabhupada’s physical health condition was deteriorating. Bhakti Charu Swami was one of the members of the team that was ably serving Srila Prabhupada at that time.</p>
<p>He was fortunate to render personal service to Srila Prabhupada by massaging him, cooking for him, etc.</p>
<p>He was very gentle by nature and kind in his dealings with everyone. We shared a cordial relationship. He liked serving the Vaisnavas and would regularly invite me and other Vaisnavas for prasadam. He was a scholarly Vaisnava and a good orator. His absence is a great, irreparable and painful loss to our world-wide ISKCON movement.</p>
<p>As we all know, death is inevitable. Maharaja’s disciples will undoubtedly be aggrieved beyond words. We must remember Srila Prabhupada’s instructions on Guru-tattva at this moment. Prabhupada had explained several times that the guru is present in two forms – Vapu and Vani. Prabhupada had also explained that Vani is more important than Vapu. With regards to his own spiritual master, Prabhupada remarks in his dedication in the first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam – “He lives forever by his divine instructions and the follower lives with him”.</p>
<p>From the Bhaktivedanta Purports we read, “However, the disciple and spiritual master are never separated because the spiritual master always keeps company with the disciple as long as the disciple follows strictly the instructions of the spiritual master. This is called the association of vani (words).</p>
<p>Physical presence is called vapuh. As long as the spiritual master is physically present, the disciple should serve the physical body of the spiritual master, and when the spiritual master is no longer physically existing, the disciple should serve the instructions of the spiritual master. (SB 4.28.47 purport)</p>
<p>Thakur Bhaktivinode writes,</p>
<p>He reasons ill who says that Vaisnavas die When thou art living still in Sound!</p>
<p>The Vaisnavas die to live and living try To spread the holy life around!</p>
<p>By meditating on these words, every disciple and follower of Bhakti Caru Swami may strengthen his/her commitment to his instructions -Vani- and remain fixed in Krishna consciousness just as he himself was surrendered to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions.</p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada built a house in which the whole world could live in. I often tell devotees that ISKCON is a joint family. In a joint family; the parents, children and grand-children all live in one house. When the father passes away, the uncles, aunts and cousins look after the aggrieved family.</p>
<p>I am certain that all the senior members of our society and devotees will gladly extend their association and guidance to Maharaja’s disciples and followers. Prabhupada wanted all of us to stay under the ISKCON umbrella.</p>
<p>Bhakti Caru Swami always wanted all his disciples to stay in ISKCON. He would often quote Prabhupada’s statement that ‘your love for me will be shown by how you co-operate with each other’.</p>
<p>Devotee care is a very important element in our society and I am sure that in this most disturbing moment in the spiritual lives of many of Bhakti Caru Swami’s disciples, the entire network of Senior Vaisnavas will not only pray for their spiritual safety and progress, but will also be available to them for all assistance in meeting their spiritual needs.</p>
<p>He had also served twice as the Chairman of the GBC body and will always be remembered for his sincere surrender to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions.</p>
<p>Bhakti Caru Swami will also be fondly remembered for his transcendental qualities and humility. All the devotees of our movement must try and imbibe from his life the innumerable devotional qualities exhibited by him.</p>
<p>All glories to His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja!</p>
<p>I pray this meets you all well.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87371">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87371</a></p></div>Respected Members of ISKCON by HH Sri Jeeyar Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/respected-members-of-iskcon-by-hh-sri-jeeyar-swami2020-07-11T11:04:40.000Z2020-07-11T11:04:40.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6783570284,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6783570284,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="6783570284?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>PRANAAM, Hare Krishna</p>
<p>It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we heard of the loss of the Spiritual Global leader and Senior Member of ISKCON & GBC, HH Sri Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj.</p>
<p>We offer our deepest heartfelt condolences to the devotees of H.H Sri Swamiji Maharaj and the ISKCON family worldwide.</p>
<p>Vedic Sanatana Dharma lost a great spiritual Guru, H.H Sri Bhakti Charu Swamiji Maharaj built a global faith and community founded on Vedic Sanatan value, His Holiness was highly respected for his personal piety and dedication, as well as his commitment to promoting Vedic values around the<br /> world. The great soul like H.H Sri Swamiji Maharaj rarely visits this planet, we are very lucky to have him for 75 years,</p>
<p>We will be forever grateful for H.H Sri Swamiji Maharaj ‘s works and contributions for Vedic Sanatana Dharma.</p>
<p>We pray that during this difficult time and in the day to come, the whole world will find inspiration in remembering the life and teaching of HH Sri Bhakti Charu Swamiji Maharaj.</p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6783607282,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="250" alt="6783607282?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>On behalf of HH Sri Jeeyar Swami,</p>
<p>(Tridandi Sanyasi of Sri Sampardaya & Former Chairman of International Srivaishnava Community)<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87291">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=87291</a></p></div>Prayers for HH Bhakti Charu Swami by HH Jayapataka Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/prayers-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami-by-hh-jayapataka-swami2020-07-03T12:10:11.000Z2020-07-03T12:10:11.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<div><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6551348478,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="295" alt="6551348478?profile=RESIZE_400x" />HH Jayapataka Swami participated in the Bhakti Charu Swami prayer meeting this evening and Maharaja chanted the Narasima prayers.<br /> </div>
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<div>“I advise everyone to circumambulate Tulsi and read the 12 Chapter Sanskrit of the Bhagavat Gita and offer the results to Bhakti Charu Swami also , chanting extra rounds. There are special Sankalpa mantras and Arpana Mantras to chant before and after the meeting.” – Tweeted by HH Jayapataka Swami</div>
<div><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6551404255,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="6551404255?profile=RESIZE_400x" /><br />Here are the Mantras to be chanted:</div>
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<div>SHORTER VERSION OF ĀROGYA SAṄKALPA MANTRA FOR BHAKTI CĀRU SVĀMĪ</div>
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<div>BEFORE TULASI PUJA:</div>
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<div>śrī-bhakti-cāru-svāmī dṛḍha-ārogya, dīrghāyu, siddhyarthe, śrī-tulasī devī pūjām-kariṣye</div>
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<div>I execute the worship and circumambulation of Śrī Tulasī Devī for the good health and long life of Śrī Bhakti Cāru Svāmī of Acyuta Gotra, who is a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedānta Svāmī Śrīla Prabhupāda.<br /> </div>
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<div>AFTER TULASI PUJA:</div>
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<div>śrī-bhakti-cāru-svāmin dṛḍha-ārogya siddhyarthe, iti śrī-tulasī-devī-pūjā-phala-nivedanamastu</div>
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<div>I dedicate the results of the worship and circumambulation of Śrī Tulasī Devī for the good health of Śrī Bhakti Cāru Svāmī.<br /> </div>
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<div>BEFORE EKADASHI VRATA:</div>
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<div>śrī-bhakti-cāru-svāmī dṛḍha-ārogya, dīrghāyu, siddhyarthe, śrī-ekādaśī mahā-vrata-pālanam-kariṣye</div>
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<div>I observe the great vow of Ekādaśī Vrata for the good health and long life of Śrī Bhakti Cāru Svāmī of Acyuta Gotra, who is a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedānta Svāmī Śrīla Prabhupāda.<br /> </div>
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<div>AFTER EKADASHI VRATA:</div>
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<div>śrī-bhakti-cāru-svāmin dṛḍha-ārogya siddhyarthe, iti śrī-ekādaśī mahā-vrata pāraṇa phala nivedanamastu</div>
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<div>I dedicate the results of observing the great vow of Ekādaśī Vrata for the good health of Śrī Bhakti Cāru Svāmī.<br /> </div>
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<div>BEFORE CHANTING EXTRA ROUNDS OF HARE KṚṢṆA MAHĀ MANTRA:</div>
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<div>śrī-bhakti-cāru-svāmī, dṛḍha-ārogya, dīrghāyu, siddhyarthe, hare kṛṣṇa mahā mantra jape viniyogaḥ</div>
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<div>I chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā Mantra for the good health and long life of Śrī Bhakti Cāru Svāmī of Acyuta Gotra, who is a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedānta Svāmī Śrīla Prabhupāda.<br /> </div>
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<div>AFTER CHANTING EXTRA ROUNDS OF HARE KṚṢṆA MAHĀ MANTRA:</div>
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<div>śrī-bhakti-cāru-svāmin dṛḍha-ārogya siddhyarthe, hare kṛṣṇa mahā mantra japa phala nivedanamastu</div>
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<div>I dedicate the results of chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā Mantra for the good health of Śrī Bhakti Cāru Svāmī.</div>
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<div><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.mayapur.com/2020/prayers-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami-by-hh-jayapataka-swami/">https://www.mayapur.com/2020/prayers-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami-by-hh-jayapataka-swami/</a></div>
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</div></div>Iskcon devotees, shocked from the latest update of HH Bhakti Charu Swami, pray and focus on his wellbeinghttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/iskcon-devotees-shocked-from-the-latest-update-of-hh-bhakti-charu2020-06-30T13:10:46.000Z2020-06-30T13:10:46.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img style="height:438px;width:350px;" src="https://i.imgur.com/7ACwNQZ.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong>By Jayapataka Swami</strong><br /> <br /> It has come as a shock for worldwide devotees, disciples and well-wishers of HH Bhakti Charu swami to receive the update from HH Bhakti Charu Swami health care team (29 June – 10 AM US EDT) that Maharaj has become critically unwell. He has suffered a heart attack in the last few hours and this is affecting all his organs and bodily functions. At this time the doctors are working full time to stabilize Maharaj.The coming hours are the most critical Maharaj has been and we will be giving updates as soon as we can. At this time we are asking for full attention, prayers and focus on the wellbeing of HH Bhakti Charu Swami.</p>
<p>Following this update, a massive Japa wave & Narasimha Prayers has been going on everywhere and HH Jayapataka Swami called for an online Marathon Japathon at 9:15 pm IST and he addressed as follows:</p>
<p>“We all know how dear His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami is, to Srila Prabhupada, and all his followers. And how he is so dear to all the devotees of ISKCON. So it seemed that he was improving a lot, but he had a mild heart attack and that has complicated issues a lot. So that is why we are having a prayer marathon. Because, if the Lord wishes, we hope we can have Bhakti Caru Swami back. So, I sent him a message that he ordered me to stay, (HG Mahavaraha prabhu: this happened when Jayapataka Swami maharaj had a stroke, HH Bhakti Caru Swami visited him in the hospital, and he requested him to stay), and now I requested him to also stay. Right now we can pray to Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Panca Tattva, Sri Prahlada Nrsimhadeva, Sri Jagannath Baladeva Subadra Sudarshana cakra, because They are our only hope.”</p>
<p>Update – 29 June – 11 PM US EDT</p>
<p>Dear Disciples of HDG Srila Prabhupada, devotees, disciples and well wishers of HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj,</p>
<p>The ongoing kirtans, Japas and Yagnas are of great benefit and solace to all the devotees and the world in general.</p>
<p>Maharaj remains in the most critical position and remains on the ventilator with increasing oxygen requirements. He has now developed further complications with his kidneys and they may require support. His heart is requiring some supportive medications.</p>
<p>We remain hopeful that things will improve but the next 12 hours are dangerous.</p>
<p>We ardently request Lord Narasinghadev’s mercy and blessings.</p>
<p>Your aspiring servants,<br /> HH BCS Medical Care Team<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86908">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86908</a></p></div>Massive Prayers request for HH Bhakti Charu Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/massive-prayers-request-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami2020-06-30T12:57:01.000Z2020-06-30T12:57:01.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6465390872,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="420" alt="6465390872?profile=RESIZE_584x" />It has come as a shock for worldwide devotees , disciples and well wishers of HH Bhakti Charu swami to receive the update from HH Bhakti Charu Swami health care team (29 June – 10 AM US EDT) that Maharaj has become critically unwell. He has suffered a heart attack in the last few hours and this is affecting all his organs and bodily functions. At this time the doctors are working full time to stabilise Maharaj.The coming hours are the most critical Maharaj has been and we will be giving updates as soon as we can. At this time we are asking for full attention, prayers and focus on the wellbeing of HH Bhakti Charu Swami.</p>
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<p>Following this update, a massive Japa wave & Narasimha Prayers has been going on everywhere and HH Jayapataka Swami called for an online Marathon Japathon at 9:15 pm IST and he addressed as follows:</p>
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<p>“We all know how dear His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami is, to Srila Prabhupada, and all his followers. And how he is so dear to all the devotees of ISKCON. So it seemed that he was improving a lot, but he had a mild heart attack and that has complicated issues a lot. So that is why we are having a prayer marathon. Because, if the Lord wishes, we hope we can have Bhakti Caru Swami back. So, I sent him a message that he ordered me to stay, (HG Mahavaraha prabhu: this happened when Jayapataka Swami maharaj had a stroke, HH Bhakti Caru Swami visited him in the hospital, and he requested him to stay), and now I requested him to also stay. Right now we can pray to Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Panca Tattva, Sri Prahlada Nrsimhadeva, Sri Jagannath Baladeva Subadra Sudarshana cakra, because They are our only hope.”</p>
<p>Latest Update:</p>
<p>Update – 29 June – 2 PM US EDT</p>
<p>Dear Disciples of HDG Srila Prabhupada, devotees, disciples and well wishers</p>
<p>We thank you deeply for the out pouring of the Holy name that is sweeping the world.<br /> We only have a short up date at present.</p>
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<p>HH Bhakti Charu Swami remains in the critical period- things are constantly changing and the doctors continue to work with HH Bhakti Charu Swami. At this time prayer remain our most important weapon and medicine.</p>
<p>A fuller update will be posting in 6-7 hours- in the mean time please continue with focused prayers and chanting of the holy name. Narsimhadev is our hope and prayer is our thought.</p>
<p>Your aspiring servants<br /> HH BCS Medical Care Team<br /> </p>
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<p>Recent Update – 29 June – 2 PM US EDT</p>
<p>Dear Disciples of HDG Srila Prabhupada, devotees, disciples and well wishers</p>
<p>We thank you deeply for the out pouring of the Holy name that is sweeping the world.<br /> We only have a short up date at present.</p>
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<p>HH Bhakti Charu Swami remains in the critical period- things are constantly changing and the doctors continue to work with HH Bhakti Charu Swami. At this time prayer remain our most important weapon and medicine.</p>
<p>A fuller update will be posting in 6-7 hours- in the mean time please continue with focused prayers and chanting of the holy name. Narsimhadev is our hope and prayer is our thought.</p>
<p>Your aspiring servants<br /> HH BCS Medical Care Team<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.mayapur.com/2020/massive-prayers-request-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami/">https://www.mayapur.com/2020/massive-prayers-request-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami/</a></p>
</div></div>Entering the next phase of HH Bhakti Caru Swami’s recoveryhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/entering-the-next-phase-of-hh-bhakti-caru-swami-s-recovery2020-06-24T11:09:29.000Z2020-06-24T11:09:29.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/eoGf3YZ.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.imgur.com/eoGf3YZ.jpg?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" alt="eoGf3YZ.jpg?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p>
<p>Dear Devotees</p>
<p>The medical team has reviewed Maharaja’s progress in the last 12 hours.<br /> Maharaj remains continuously stable.<br /> At this time the next milestone we are looking forward to is waking up of Maharaja as he has been on some medications to help him rest. This is a long process generally and during this, some fluctuations are expected.</p>
<p>Please pray intensely and wholeheartedly with intent for His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami during this time.</p>
<p>With devotion,</p>
<p>HH BCS Health care Team<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86718">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86718</a></p></div>A message of prayers for HH Bhakti Charu Swami by HH Subhag Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/a-message-of-prayers-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami-by-hh-subhag-swami2020-06-22T12:31:19.000Z2020-06-22T12:31:19.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><center>
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<p>At present, everywhere, we are all praying for Sri Srimad Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. As everybody knows, his condition is very critical. He is affected by Covid-19 and is in an ICU near Deland.</p>
<p>According to the latest updates about his health from time to time, devotees all over the world are praying for him because he is very dear to all ISKCON devotees and outsiders as well. Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj is very dear to Srila Prabhupada. So, G.B.C. and his well-wishing devotees are performing sacrifices, praying and chanting harinama Japa for his health recovery.</p>
<p>We all know that previously also we got very good results of such prayers for some ISKCON leaders and Krishna bestowed His mercy. Everybody knows that Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj is very dear to devotees irrespective of his disciples or other devotees. He can make everyone feel like his own very easily. He can easily make somebody feel at home. I have seen from the very beginning. Some say that he came to ISKCON in 1977. But within this short time, he became very dear to everybody in general. ISKCON means service. Prabhupada says, “Service is very important.” Not only that, in other fields also, he did outstanding tasks according to our leaders’ assessment. As an example, he constructed Ujjain temple within one year. It is not heard usually that within one year someone can make a huge temple. I went there and it’s really very wonderful. The film he made on Prabhupada serial- ‘Abhay Charan’, I liked it. I expressed my appreciation to Maharaj one time. He is very expert in collecting donations. Once G.B.C. very badly required a nice hall for Gaura Purnima meeting, And he arranged that by collecting lakhs of rupees donations. He made conch building.</p>
<p>Maharaj was taken to Mayapur first. Then Bhavananda took him to Allahabad. At that time, very famous festival, Kumbha Mela was going on. And Maharaj saw Srila Prabhupada there. Maharaja says that Prabhhupada gave him instructions to translate his books. And I know that he has translated many of Srila Prabupada’s books into Bengali. And we can see that he has translated Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, Prabhupada’s Shloka book and many more books within a short time. I remember that Bhavananda arranged one compact electric machine like tape recorder. BBT made him an editor for back to godhead magazine.</p>
<p>I liked his Prabhupada’s serial- ‘Abhay Charan’. And it was dubbed into different languages of the world so that people of different languages can understand this. Even Indian government television showed our ‘Abhay Charan’ film as a serial in television. I remember that I also watched and liked that.</p>
<p>As it is the prayer of Narottam Das Thakur, ‘ebe yasha ghushuk tribhuvana.’ it is the duty of a disciple to spread glories of spiritual master all over the world. Maharaj has done it very beautifully without any doubt. By spreading the glories of the Spiritual master, God becomes pleased. Lord will be pleased if his devotee is glorified. And he did it very wonderfully. That is the secret of success. As we all know- ‘guru krishna Prasade paye bhakti lata bija’. He met Prabhupada in January 1977 and till November 1977, he was very near to Prabhupada. He went to Haridwar with Prabhupada. He used to cook for Prabhupada many times. Everybody knows that Bhakti Charu Maharaj is a very good cook. And everyone gets delight by eating whatever he cooks. I also ate his cooked prasad many times. While cooking for Prabhupada, he used to make ‘Baati charchari’. Prabhupada was very fond of that dish. It was spicy and at the same time has a lot of oil mixed with turmeric to make potol and potatoes like charchari.</p>
<p>Bhakti Charu Maharaj wrote one book which is very nice and essential. It is about ‘Vaishnava shishtachar’ (Vaishnava behavior). Because of his ideal behavior, he was made other than G.B.C. as culture minister also. We know this is culture of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Everybody knows. You can call it Gaudiya culture, Vaishnava culture or Bengali culture. And whole world accepts this. Everybody knows that culture relates to dressing, clothing, dance, drama etc. Maharaj used to do lot of these things. Everybody likes his singing. Sometimes he leads chanting and mantras of pranam in Mayapur.</p>
<p>Maharaj cooks very nicely. I ate many times his cooking. Especially once he asked me in Kolkata, “What do you like to eat?” I said, “Monk’s delight.” That is nothing but just like ‘Khichari’, adding a lot of ghee and large sized potatoes in it. It is sadhu’s diet.</p>
<p>Prabhupada gave him initiation and Brahmin initiation very quickly. And also before Prabhupada went away from our vision, he got Sanyasa from Prabhupada. He is very fortunate. Definitely he has many qualifications and qualities. That’s why Prabhupada gave him so many responsibilities. And comparatively, within very short time, he did lot of services. I remember once a festival was going on in Black Sea, Russia. And I saw Maharaj there. I was giving a seminar on the pastimes of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. When there was break time, I was just walking to see what Prasad is being distributed to devotees. Suddenly I saw Maharaj sitting in one corner. I asked Maharaj what happened. That time a lot of disturbance was going on concerning New york temple. One person wanted to sell it off. And ISKCON G.B.C. president did not want that. Maharaja’s role was very prominent in leading to organize meetings of devotees to control the situation. Some would create so many disturbances in organizing meetings. But still, Maharaj was fixed up in his endeavors. I asked Maharaj, “What happened.” He didn’t say anything. Then I heard that temple is in our hands. And Maharaj was inviting all to visit there. One Prabhupada disciple from America, who was previously serving in Mayapur, was new President there. In this way, Maharaj faces very nicely many challenging situations. He is very determined. Whatever tasks he takes in his hand, he performs very nicely. I appreciate Maharaj as Prabhupada’s man. He established the siddhanta that Prabhupada’s position in ISKCON is distinct as an Acharya. Maharaja’s role was very prominent in it.</p>
<p>Maharaj made deities of Bhakti Vinod Thakur, Gaura Kishor Das Babaji, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, and our Guru Maharaj, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. I liked it very much that Prabhupada will be on focal point. Prabhupada’s special position must be there in centre. He is shiksha Guru to everyone. Whoever may be guru or shiksha guru, Prabhupada is the original shiksha guru of everyone. He gave great emphasis on this consideration.</p>
<p>He made Prabhupada’s deities. I saw previous deities of Prabhupada resembling Prabhupada a lot. But when I saw his Prabhupada’s deities, he asked my opinions about that. I said, “This seems to me more perfect as I saw Prabhupada directly. I got a good fortune to see Prabhupada, got his association for many years.”</p>
<p>He is a gifted person. Among G.B.C. he has a special position. That’s why everyone is requested all over the world in all ISKCON temples to chant extra mala (japa), pray and perform yajna for his health recovery. Our spiritual leaders are asking everyone to pray in this condition of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Maharaj, who is beloved of all ISKCON devotees and thousands outsiders in general.</p>
<p>And we are getting some news that he is getting better sometime. But still his condition is critical. it’s not that he has completely recovered. But they are trying their best. So we require intensifying our prayers. We heartfully pray to The Lord. There is a vaishnava song- ‘Vaishnaver avedane Krishna daya-moy’. God hears request of a vaishnava. Previously also it was done in many situations. In Prabhupada’s time and his other disciple’s time also, this is done. That is the expression of our love and affection. God is watching. Everything depends on God’s desire. Without his sanction, nothing happens. But if we pray, not officially, but heartfully, then definitely Krishna will consider our prayers so that we can have his association for a long time to come, for inspiration and encouragement to ISKCON devotees. Thus, we can jointly push Prabhupad’s movement to fullfil Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prediction and thereby make everyone’s life joyful, peaceful and happy. This way we can please Prabhupad and Acharyas</p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada has spread all over the world the flow of Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura’s prediction about the distribution of sankirtan movement for coming 10,000 years. And his disciples are also doing this with responsibility. And their grand disciples are getting inspiration. That’s why there is a need of many qualified preachers. Prabhupada has told that those who are G.B.C. and leaders, they should set up examples, take responsibilities and inspire others. Here we can see all these qualities in the personality of Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. We hope that all those inspired from him and others also together pray for his quick recovery. Hare Krishna. Gauranga. Nityananda. Haribol.</p>
<div><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86679">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86679</a></div></div>Health update of HH Bhakti Charu Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/good-news-from-hh-bhakti-charu-swami-s-recovery2020-06-19T12:10:45.000Z2020-06-19T12:10:45.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/V2DntTi.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.imgur.com/V2DntTi.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" alt="V2DntTi.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="450" /></a></p>
<p>By Gita Duncan</p>
<p>****UPDATE AS OF 8:30PM EST 06/18/20****</p>
<p>Another positive update:</p>
<p>We had been requesting the team of doctors at the hospital to give Maharaj convalescent plasma, which is plasma that contains antibodies from people who have recovered from COVID19. Patients who received this convalescent plasma are usually taken off the ventilator within 3-4 days.</p>
<p>The doctors managing Maharaj’s condition informed us that there are 3 patients ahead of Maharaj. It takes 4-5 days to get the plasma for each patient, so it could take up to 2 weeks to get to Maharaj.</p>
<p>My husband did some research and found out that the plasma had to be in a clinical trial and that Advent Health has its own research institute. He then directly contacted the Advent Health Research Institute and spoke to one of the trial coordinators for the plasma. They were very excited to sign Maharaj up for the trial and said that if my husband could sign all the papers this evening, there is a good possibility that Maharaj could get the convalescent plasma by tomorrow. My husband immediately downloaded, signed, and returned the paperwork. We are now hopeful that he will soon receive the convalescent plasma.</p>
<p>We request that all devotees pray to Krsna to arrange for this treatment for Maharaj. It would also be a wonderful way for all the people who contributed to making the plasma to get the opportunity to serve Krsna’s devotee.</p>
<p>Sucitra Devi Dasi</p>
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<p>****UPDATE AS OF 3:30PM EST****</p>
<p>Good news, Maharaj’s dependency on the ventilator has continued to go down, and has now been lowered it to 50%. Once these levels are down to 20% Maharaj can be taken off the ventilator. My husband spoke with a very kind nurse, Amy, who agreed to video call with him. </p>
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<p>****UPDATE AS OF 12:00PM EST 06/18/20****</p>
<p>We have arranged for a team of international vaisnava medical staff who are expert in different areas of treating COVID19 patients. That staff is headed and coordinated by Dr. Vivek Baluja and Dr. Nila Madhava. Dr. Baluja is a neurologist stationed in Mayapur and does tele medicine all over the world, and Dr Nila Madhava was recommended by Anutama prabhu. They are coordinating this group of over 10 experts. The team has full access to Maharaj’s medical records, blood tests, x-rays, and his doctors, and they are dynamically advising the doctors to make sure that Maharaj gets the best amount of care.</p>
<p>They are trying hard to reduce his oxygen dependency from the ventilator. They also have requested for convalescent plasma as well as the continued use of the existing drugs. In some cases they have offered alternative medications but their objective is to take Maharaj off the ventilator as soon as possible.</p>
<p>Currently they are projecting at least 10 days in the ICU, it could be more. This group of international medical staff are continually monitoring and have direct access to the doctors. Many vaisnavas have requested some medical doctors to please speak to Guru Gauranga, or directly to the doctors, but the doctors at the local hospital have requested that there be one point of contact. Right now Dr. Baluja is that point of contact, stationed in Mayapur, as well as Guru Gauranga. So if anyone has any urgent suggestions or requests then please forward those to either one of those devotees.</p>
<p>Thank you very much and Hare Krsna.</p>
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<p>****UPDATE AS OF 7:00AM EST 06/18/20****</p>
<p>My husband spoke to the doctors this morning and they informed him that Guru Maharaj’s condition is more stable.</p>
<p>They tested the different components of his blood, such as the oxygen levels, about 4 times a day, so after doing an early morning test they reduced the ventilator down to 70%. It was initially at 90%, they lowered it to 80% and now 70%. Which means that Maharaj’s demand for the ventilator has decreased.</p>
<p>He has shown remarkable improvement in his respiratory condition, and shows less signs of stress. His heart, liver, and kidneys have also been tested in the meantime.</p>
<p>The doctors are giving positive affirmations that he is doing very well. They hope and expect that he will make a full recovery, but they can’t give any guarantees, and they can’t say when he will be removed from the ventilator. They said that that depends on his need and demand for being ventilated.</p>
<p>We will have a better update when Maharaj’s main doctor comes in, but so far it seems that he is slowly moving in the direction of being in a much better condition.</p>
<p>—————————————–</p>
<p>Dear devotees, I’m writing to inform you of HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s current condition.</p>
<p>Yesterday HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj had a temperature of 104°F, so he was taken in an ambulance from DeLand farm to the hospital and was admitted into the Adventist hospital in DeLand. After 4 hours they discharged him. He decided to come to the preaching center near our house. My husband moved there to take care of him together with Shyama Murari prabhu and Anish prabhu.</p>
<p>Maharaj’s temperature was up again to 104°f in the evening. He was administered 2 tablets of Tylanol and was given tepid sponging to bring his temperature down. Maharaj had no appetite and was feeling very uncomfortable.</p>
<p>After 3 hours he took another fever reducing medicine and by 10pm his temperature was down 97.5°F. He slept for the first time in days and my husband woke him up at 3am to give him medicine, some light potato soup, and some liquids. His temperature remained at 97.5°F. At 6:45am he was chanting and sitting in a chair when my husband went in the room. He said he felt fine and didn’t want to take medication because it’s not good for the liver. My husband pressed him to take it but he refused. He broke his ekadasi fast with a small piece of toast and avocado but his appetite was not there. Maharaj continued to chant most of that morning.</p>
<p>At 11am he called my husband and said his temperature was high again, at 104°F. His pulse oxygen level was 79%-90%. When my husband saw that it was so low he suggested Maharaj go back to the hospital. Maharaj agreed.</p>
<p>We called the hospital in advance and they informed us that he tested positive for covid-19 because they had tested him five days ago. We then immediately rushed him to advent health hospital in Altamonte Springs. The doctors found out that he is in grave condition and wanted to immediately ventilate him.</p>
<p>Maharaj had previously said that he didn’t want to be put onto a ventilator because he didn’t want to be unconscious. At 8pm the doctors called my husband and said Maharaj had named him as his health surrogate, they also said that if Maharaj is unable to make a decision they’ll call my husband to make the decision of whether to put him on the ventilator or not.</p>
<p>My husband called Maharaj’s doctor and Sesa prabhu, the local GBC, was connected to the call. My husband told them that this responsibility should not be on him and that the GBC should make the decision. Sesha said he will call HH Ramai Swami, the executive chairman of the GBC and get back to my husband. 20mins later Sesa prabhu and Maharaj’s doctor called Guru Gauranga and informed him that in the event that Maharaj is unable to make the decision, they decided that he should be ventilated because the doctor said Maharaj will pass away if he isn’t put onto the ventilator. At 9:09pm Maharaj called my husband and told him he was feeling very uncomfortable, very stressed, and was finding it very difficult to breath.</p>
<p>My husband mentioned to Maharaj that it was the concensus of the devotees that he should take the ventilator. They spoke for 10mins and Maharaj said he would leave his life in the hands of the devotees and do what they wanted. The call ended at 9:23. Maharaj called at 9:29 and informed him that he told the doctor he will accept the ventilator and he also asked my husband to thank the devotees for their prayers and keep in touch with the doctor while he is unconscious.</p>
<p>During the last week that maharaj was so sick, he had been continously speaking of how to spread Krsna consciousness vigorously in Orlando and had not cared much about his own health but rather about how much still has to be done to fulfill Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya’s mission. Not a moment of his time while he was sick was lost, but rather he kept working, up until today, even though his health was deteriorating rapidly. We are all praying to Krsna that he comes back to us healthy, quickly. Please also pray for his rapid recovery.</p>
<p>Your servant,<br /> Sucitra Devi Dasi<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86572">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=86572</a></p></div>Prayers requested for HH Bhakti Charu Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/prayers-requested-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami2020-06-18T11:28:04.000Z2020-06-18T11:28:04.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6076177688,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="225" alt="6076177688?profile=RESIZE_400x" />Dear Devotees,</p>
<p>Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>We write today to inform you that HH Bhakti Charu Swami has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently in critical condition in the ICU at a hospital in the USA.</p>
<p>We request the worldwide community of devotees to offer heartfelt prayers for Maharaja’s prompt and smooth recovery.</p>
<p>As you all know, HH Bhakti Charu Swami is a most respected Vaisnava leader who has generously given his life to the service of his beloved spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Maharaja is an initiating spiritual master, a member of the Governing Body Commission, a renowned speaker on the Vedic scriptures, a most melodic kirtan leader, an innovator in Krishna conscious arts and culture, and above all, a dedicated servant of Srila Prabhupada in whichever capacity he serves. He began his life in Krishna consciousness as Srila Prabhupada’s personal servant and secretary and continues every day to serve Srila Prabhupada in the same personal manner.</p>
<p>Again, please pray with all your heart, in line with the instructions Srila Prabhupada gave his own disciples when he was not well, “My Dear Lord Krishna, if you so desire, please cure His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami.”</p>
<p><iframe style="border:none;overflow:hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJayapatakaSwami%2Fvideos%2F307033480694847%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you very much.</p>
<p>Hare Krsna,</p>
<p>Your servants,</p>
<p>Ramai Swami</p>
<p>Bhakti Caitanya Swami</p>
<p>Bhanu Swami,</p>
<p>GBC Executive Committee<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.mayapur.com/2020/prayers-requested-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami/">https://www.mayapur.com/2020/prayers-requested-for-hh-bhakti-charu-swami/</a></p></div>Chant and be Still by Anandahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/chant-and-be-still-by-ananda2020-06-09T12:00:00.000Z2020-06-09T12:00:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2515291193,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2515291193?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="380" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">There is a great connection between stillness and listening. “Don’t move” we say when we hear some noise around the house in the middle of the night. In yoga we hold the body still in order to hear the breath. We will hold the shoulders of our child while we tell her something important.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In the tradition of mantra meditation, the repetition of a sacred sound, how we listen, how we hear the mantra is the difference between a successful practice or not. Although in the Krishna Bhakti practice there are no hard and fast rules for chanting, and we are encouraged to chant in whatever way works best for us, being still while we do our daily japa meditation is very helpful for the practitioner wishing to advance.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">When I sit down to do my mantra meditation I make a commitment not to move for 15 mins (that’s about 2 rounds on the japa beads). It’s important to make sure we are comfortable and the lower back is supported. Then I begin the meditation. Holding the body still immediately helps my mind to settle down. I move quickly to a clear sense of separation from the outer world to the inner world. I have arrived at an important place and time and the holding still invites me to be present.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Besides the small movements of the beads through my fingers, and the audible chanting, all else is quiet and my focus is on hearing the mantra and hearing it again and again. With a still body, my mind is easier to control, easier to bring back to the mantra with better focus and feelings. After 2 rounds I adjust my sitting position and set it again for another 15 minutes.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Be warned! When we hold the body still, it talks to us. We are more conscious of it than usual and it will twitch and itch and pain. But it’s a powerful experience to ignore all that and lean into the sound of the mantra.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">At the end of the day it’s important to be careful about our practice so that it does the work it’s meant to do – remind us of who we are beyond our body and awaken pure love. Deep listening to the maha-mantra has a lot to tell us. Stillness can help us hear the message better.</p>
<div style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=67020">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=67020</a></div></div>A person who celebrates the festivals of Lord Krsna goes back to the spiritual world!https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/a-person-who-celebrates-the-festivals-of-lord-krsna-goes-back-to-2020-05-19T12:45:50.000Z2020-05-19T12:45:50.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}5163398860,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="5163398860?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Indradyumna Swami</strong><br /> <br /> One day, we pray, we’ll chant and dance with them again!</p>
<p>A verse in the Brahmanda Purana states: “Those who get the darsana of Acyuta, the son of Devaki, can attain Visnuloka and never fall back to the material world. A person who celebrates the festivals of Lord Krsna with full faith becomes free of all sins and goes back to the spiritual world.”</p>
<div><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=85660">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=85660</a></div></div>Prayers request for Ramesvar prabhuhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/prayers-request-for-ramesvar-prabhu2020-03-29T11:58:21.000Z2020-03-29T11:58:21.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/sUsMdR4.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.imgur.com/sUsMdR4.jpg" alt="sUsMdR4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Dear Devotees<br /> I just received a message to communicate to devotees that Ramesvar prabhu’s lungs have been completely compromised by the virus, doctors said they can’t do anything and have given him a few hours. Please pray for Ramesvar prabhu and Krisangi mataji at this very difficult time.<br /> He is a disciple of HH Bhakti Caru Swami and HG Srutidharma prabhu’s close friend and a major part of the temple council of Bhaktivedanta Manor.</p>
<p>May Lord Krsna ease his passage and award him His lotus feet.</p>
<div><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=84050">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=84050</a></div></div>