Listen

Read once and consider very carefully what follows. Then, without lengthy consideration, write down the answer to the question that follows.

Imagine that you are a captain of a ship which is sailing due north in the mid-Atlantic at a speedof 12 knots. After steaming at this speed and in this direction for thirty minutes, the captain gives the order to the engine room to alter course through 180 degrees and then maintain the same speed on the new course for one hour. After another hour the captain orders the engine room to change course through 180 degrees back on the ship's original course of due north, 'to avoid a storm'.

Now write either the answer to the question 'What is the age of the ship's captain?" or 'I don't know'.

gauranitaidas.com

Grab the Rope!

By chance a person slipped and fell into a deep well and could not get out in spite of all his efforts; therefore he began shouting for help.

Being merciful, a very kind - hearted passer-by brought a piece of long rope which was lowered down in the well so that the man could get out by grabbing the rope. The passer-by asked the man to catch hold of the rope and try to climb up so that he could pull him up.

In response the person started shouting, “O my friend, please help me so that I can put my fingers around the rope.”

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Explanation of the story by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati

Such a kind-hearted person is like the spiritual master or the Supreme Godhead Himself. He has already lowered a rope of rescue into the deep darkness into our ignorance. It is only by our earnest effort in catching hold of that mercy that we can be delivered and liberated from material agonies.

Unless we extend out best efforts earnestly, and qualify ourselves for the Lord’s mercy, it is next to impossible that we can be rescued from our fallen condition.

gauranitaidas.com

Room to grow (part two)

Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS) ends 2008-2009 academic school year.

A couple of years ago I wrote an article about a new school building at our Sri Mayapur International Campus (SMIS). At that time the new building was only one floor but within a few months from now the second floor will be complete. Last week was our final week in the academic year. When we begin another school year in August the entire second floor will be dedicated to the preschool. The photos below were all taken on roof of the original three story building (shown above)

TO the right and beyond structure below you can see the Ganga (below). It is a great place to chant japa during lunch breaks.The next two pictures below show the new structure. In between the main building and the new one is a hut with swings and other exciting things under it.

The hut to the left is the mrdanga hut (below)

On the last day of school there was a ceremony where all of the students were awarded certificates for their hard work throughout the year.

Krishna Presthaya Mataji was the mc for the awards ceremony.(above). Balagopal won an award for the most improvement throughout the year.

Each of the elementary classes performed a short skit or song.

School is over!!

Also this devotee (below) named Bhakta Vatsala is looking for someone to help him with next year's tuition. He is an excellent student and has a saintly character. His mother and father are full time and dedicated pujaries of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Tuition is approximately $600 a year. If you are interested in helping pleasec contact me at gaura.nitai.rns@gmail.com .

Don't do nothing.

When I first started reading books about Krishna Consciousness and Bhakti yoga the holistic philosophy and lifestyle seemed to fill the gap between the theoretical and the practical. The Bhagavad Gita instructs one on how to spiritualize one's seemingly secular or mundane activities.

Prior to reading the Bhagavad Gita I had read some "spiritual" books that promoted perpetual abandonment of any "worldly" activity. The idea was that acting or working in this world always brings karmic results. Karmic results bind one to "material" consciousness and long as one is receiving the effects of karma one cannot "transcend" the limited mundane sphere. The solution was to sit in quiet meditation until there are no more karmic results and then you can attain transcendence. This idea of transcendance, despite the lack of a coherent definition, seemed intriguing. It was mystical. This word mystical is related to the word mystery or mysterious. The word mystic was appropriate because this "transcendence" could not be described and was understood only to those who have apparantly achieved that state. I suppose at that stage it is not mystical anymore.

At one point,sometime during my high school years, my father read one of these quasi spiritual books and I think he was horrified by this process of doing nothing in order to achieve perfection. Unfortunately, this is a common perception of spirituality. Accordingly, intelligent people and people with integrity dismiss any talk of spirituality as impractical and wishy washy.

This impractical idea of stopping all activities in order to be free of karmic reactions is discouraged in the Bhagavad Gita. In fact, it is stated that if one prematurely abandons his worldly duties in the name of transcendence he will receive more binding karma. Since it is impossible to give up desire the mind will force us to act. Instead the Gita advises us to maintain our worldly duties in Krishna Consciousness.

The Gita teaches what is called in sanskrit karma kausalam or the "art of work." The Gita practitioner knows how to be responsible, dutiful and realistic while at the same time live a genuine spiritual life. Instead of extinguishing desire the Gita teaches how to purify desire. These words "spiritual" and "transcendence" are not mystical (mysterious) at all. In fact the Gita gives a clear description of these terms.

Spirit is a substance completely opposite of matter. Matter is dead, insentient, without feelings, and its forms and manifestations are temporary. Spirit is fully blissful, cognizant, and a spiritual form is eternal. The ABC's or foundation of spiritual life is to understand that we are spiritual beings and our material body is temporary. The human species is like a loophole in the cycle of birth and death. Only in the human form does one have the intelligence and discipline to cultivate an understanding of one's spiritual identity. Just as we take care of our car (sometimes even identify with it) and use it for several purposes we must maintain our body to use in the Lord's service. To work in such a way that you can simultaneously maintain the body and gradually realize your identity as spirit is the true definition of spirituality. When one has a mature realization of spirit he also attains an understanding of the supreme spirit or God. Transcendence is that state where one is not affected by the negative qualities of matter. In transcendence one can revive his eternal loving relationship with God and other living entities. This substantial realization is possible even before the soul leaves the body.

It is not an exaggeration when realized personalities declare that all of our individual and collective problems can be solved by living a the pure life offered in the Gita.

Here are some books that describe Bhagavad Gita's practical applications:

Economics: Lesson in spiritual economics

Psychology: Vedanta Psychology

Ecology: Divine Nature

Epistemology (in other words, how do you know that you know): Substance and Shadow

Here is actual text of Bhagavad Gita As It Is

The description of the nature and qualities of the soul can be found in chapter 2 verses 11-30.

Also if you click the hyperlink on the text number you see the Srila Prabhupada's explanation of that particular verse.

gauranitaidas.com

Journey Home

 Many of us have heard anecdotes here and there about Radhanatha Swami's journey as a  teenager from Europe through the middle east ending up in India and finally Vrindavan. Most of us assumed that Radhanatha Swami in his humility would never write a comprehensive narration of these travels. Fortunately, he considers himself an obedient servant to  the Vaisnavas, so when one of his esteemed Godbrothers HH Bhaktitirtha Swami asked him to write these memoirs he acquiesed. The title of the book is My Journey Home . 

    It is written primarily for those interested in spiritual life but have not yet commited to any specific discipline. The narration includes his meeting with many of the famous Indian gurus of the time. These include Neem Karoli Baba (from Be Here Now), Swami Sachidananda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (Trnascendental Meditation), the Dalai Llama and many other powerful yet unknown yogis. Throughout the narration he is inspired by many of these teachers yet does not commit as a disciple until he is absolutely sure that he can fully dedicate himself to that teacher. He finally settles on A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and has never deviated from the path of bhakti yoga as enunciated by Swami Prabhupada. Indeed, almost 40 years later, Radhanatha Swami is now a living example of one who has developed a genuine love for god and humanity, by following the most powerful spiritual and religous path of Bhakti yoga.

   In this age when many of the worlds problems and wars seem to be initiated by those who claim to be godly this story is a welcome change. We are able to witness the journey of one who is genuinely sincere in his quest for truth and knowledge of god. I hope that my friends and family will take the time  to read this enlightening biography.

  One can order the book here: My Journey Home

Absolute Truth

 There is nothing like performing sankirtan (especially during Gaura Aratika during the festivals) in front of Panca Tattva...period!

What does an elephant look like?

  A group of blind men heard of a strange animal called an “elephant” from some elderly people. Naturally they had a very strong urge to have first-hand experience of such an animal through their sense of touch. With walking sticks in hand, the blind persons arrived at the elephant stable in the royal palace, and requested the elephant keepers to permit them to touch the elephant’s different limbs. Some of them rode on the elephant’s back with the assistance of the elephant keeper, some of them were touching the trunk of the elephant, some were touching the tail, and some were feeling the legs of the elephant.

  

  The blind person who touched the trunk of the elephant, decided that the elephant must be an animal with the form of a large serpent. The one who touched the legs assumed that it was just like a pillar. Another who touched it’s ears thought that it must be something like winnowing platter, and the one who touched it’s belly came to his own conclusion that the elephant must be an animal like a big drum. Thus, the understanding of the elephant was not perfect to any of the blind persons.

Explanation of story by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati THakur

Those who arrive at their own conclusion about the constitutional form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by applying materialistic knowledge, mundane education or objective observation also suffer from such imperfect and concocted conception of the truth.

   It is because of this kind of endeavour for realisation of the Supreme Godhead through one’s direct observation and speculation that various atheistic philosophies like illusionism, skepticism etc. have become established. But when one is enlightened,  which means, initiated into transcendental knowledge from a real devotee of the Supreme Lord, and is fortunate enough to enjoy a vision of the Lord, then, and then only, the perfect constitutional form and position of the Lord can be properly realized. Those who are not devotees of the Lord and are under illusion from material knowledge, deliver only such ideas about the Supreme Lord that are simply imperfect, concocted and speculated “-isms” only. Any conception of formlessness of the Lord, or of his transcendental form, is to be considered imperfect and unfounded, unless and until it is supported by a true vision and realization of his real position of a true devotee. 

gauranitaidas.com

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Happy Holidays

Every year Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS) gets a month off of school so that the students can attend the Mayapur Gaura-Purnima festival. In a sense, it is like the Christmas holidays that we have become accustomed to in the West. The last week of school before the break there is a always a sense of excitement among the students and teachers in the air.  In Mayapur, however, instead of seeing an old bearded man with a red suit exhibiting a whimsically jolly mood, we see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu dressed with a brilliant yellow dhoti exhibiting a mood of deep, genuine ecstasy. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu does not have a list of who is naughty and nice. Instead, He is willing to give the gift of ecstatic love of God to whoever opens their hearts to receive it. He knows that, for those who have sincerely accepted the name of Krishna into their hearts that the naughty and nice list can be thrown into the garbage bin. Since there is more than enough of this transcendental product to go around there will not be any quarreling over the commodity. Additionally, the nature of this transcendental commodity is that the more you receive the more you are inspired and want to give it to others. In turn, the more you give it to others the more condensed your own stock becomes.

  A unique feature of this annual Mayapur Gaura Purnima Festival is the diversity of ethnicities and backgrounds of the participants. The ISKCON community here in Mayapur is already diverse in that people from every continent (except Antarctica) stay here throughout the entire year, My seven year old son Balagopal has close friends from Nepal, Ghana, South Africa, France, Russia, Australia, Japan, India and even a few Americans! During the festival, however, the amount of devotees here increases exponentially. One can take a walk around the ISKCON complex and overhear many different languages. The spiritual practice of sanatana dharma gives one realization of our identity beyond designations that would normally separate us. Most of the people that come for this festival are fluent in the philosophy and practice of transcendence. The substantial realization that arises by regularly practicing Krishna Consiousness is unique in that even in the neophyte stages one understands the dynamic nature of the soul (atma). It is on this platform and only on this platform true equality is based. Equality on any other platforms such as nationality, ethnicity or gender is superficial at best.

  

  We are grateful that we have been given the good fortune of being involved in such a revolutionary movement. It is a movement with the soul purpose of distributing genuine compassion and care to all living entities.  

Let's go the kirtan is beginning...

sri-krsna-caitanya-daya karaha vicara

vicara karite citte pabe camatkara

 If you are indeed interested in logic and argument, kindly apply it to the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. If you do so, you will find it to be strikingly wonderful.

Gauranitaidas.com

fear and intelligence

The murderous acts towards innocent civilians in Mumbai have affected the whole world in many ways.  The most common effect is the promotion of fear.  Fear is an all-pervading component of human society. Actually all living entities are more or less controlled by fear. Animals in particular are constantly in a state of fear and rightfully so. At any moment the entity will become killed and eaten by a more powerful living entity. If you ever watch documentaries on the lives of animals (tigers, fish, birds, etc,) you will notice that there are four common elements of focus in these clips.   It is described in the Vedic literatures and obvious through observation that the extent of animals' intelligence is limited to fulfilling the four basic animal propensities. These propensities are eating, sleeping, mating and defending.  The intelligence of living entities is present in humans and animals in different degrees in order to direct their bodily sustaining activities.  The human’s intelligence, however, has a unique property. The human’s intelligence is capable of existential questioning. In other words the human is capable of asking “Who am I, where did I come from and what is my relation with the rest of the world?” Most importantly humans have the ability to practice a lifestyle so that the answers to these questions are fully realized. One of the natural byproducts of this realization is fearlessness.

    Scientists are amazed when newborn animals know what to do to insure safety or gather food. When sea turtles are born on the beach they immediately know that they must crawl back to the sea for safety. Two months or so after a kangaroo is conceived it must crawl from the bottom section of the mother to the safety of their mothers pouch half a meter up. In that pouch the young kangaroo stays in that pouch for many more months without leaving. How does this young entity know how to do this? How does the mother know that this must be done? The mothers and fathers of various species know how to make nests, procure food and defend itself from predators. How do the animals know how to do this? Where is that intelligence coming from?

  We can consider the explanation of intelligence as given in the vedic literatures and self-realized sages. Intelligence is defined as "the power to analyze things in their proper perspective." Based on the conclusion of the intelligence the mind initiates the senses and body into action. According to Vedic philosophy, intelligence is ultimately guided by the paramatma. In Sanskrit the word for an individual soul is atma and para means above or supreme. The paramatma is thus the Lord's personal expansion within the heart of every living entity. The paramatma accompanies every atma (individual soul) in its journey through different species of life.  According to our desires and karmic qualification the Lord directs our intelligence so that we may attempt to fulfill those desires. As stated earlier the intelligence given to the animals is limited to fulfilling the four bodily (eating. sleeping, mating, and defending.)  We can observe that those belonging to the human species have also used their intelligence to fulfill these four propensities. Since the intelligence provided to the human is remarkably more advanced than the intelligence offered to other species, the bodily needs are satisfied in a far more sophisticated manner. The atomic bomb (defending) and skyscraper buildings (sleeping, defending) are prime examples of this. Relatively noble advancements such as advanced medical care and mass communication are other examples of sophisticated application of human intelligence.

         Despite the advances in medical knowledge and technology there remains no solution to the basic problems of old age and death. There are also countless diseases that have not been conquered by medical application. On occasion when an antidote to a particular disease is discovered, a new and perhaps more deadly disease will likely take its place. The expectation of old age, disease and especially death are the root causes of human anxiety and fear. Anxiety is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “ painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill.” Fear is similarly defined as “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.”  Disease and old age are the precursor to death. However, if we become diseased there is always the hope that we may return to a healthy state. Old age is a sobering stage as we are aware that death is just around the corner. Nonetheless in old age we are still in our bodies and may have developed valuable wisdom from life’s previous experiences. Death, however, is the point where our relationship with everything that we have accumulated and everyone that we have known in this life is permanently terminated. Your close friends and family will grieve because there is zero chance of being reunited in this world. The person undergoing the exit from his body is horrified by the unknown nature of his future existence after death. The dying living entity is forcefully taken out of his body and placed in a new situation. The ignorance of the passage of the atma after death increases this fear.

I

       Throughout  the Bhagavad Gita there are descriptions of the self realized person and his inherent qualities. One of those qualities is abhaya or fearlessness. How does the self realized person view those things which prompt fear and anxiety in most living entities? How does the intelligence and realization of the self realized soul understand his situation such that he is genuinely fearless? As opposed to increasing the sophistication of satisfying our bodily needs, the proper use of human intelligence is to arrive at the realization of ourselves as the eternal atma and to reestablish our relationship with the paramatma.  This indeed the primary function of the intelligence and the only path to genuine fearlessness.

 to be continued...

Also below are some links that contain a lecture given by Radhanatha Swami in Mumbai. The events hotel attacks) took place just a few minutes walk from the mandir. I would suggest that you listen to this class. OK?

The first link leads to the lectures given in November. The lecture that I am refering to is the last one on the list on this page (you can download from there).   The second link is a link is the page where you can listen to the lecture by the streaming method.

Nov 2008 Lectures

listen to streamin online

Harinam Express

Double Standard

A radio talk show had an animal rights advocate on their show. This lady was relaying a story of how she saved a dog from mistreatment. She said that the dog was tied to a pole with a leash that was only two feet long. The lady called the authorities and complained that this dog was being abused because of the short length of his leash. The police came and fined the owner of the dog and requested that the leash be extended to at least seven feet. The talk show host congratulated her for her efforts and then proceeded to ask the audience if there were any questions.

One man called in and said that he had a question for this lady. He asked " What did you have for lunch?" Startled by the seemingly irrelevant question she replied that she had eaten a hamburger for lunch. The man replied by saying that this is hypocritical because cows are also animals. Why should the dog be protected while large numbers of cows are systematically slaughtered for human consumption?

She said that dogs were meant to be pets while cows were meant for human consumption. The man asking the question told here that in some countries dogs are eaten while cows are protected! So why do you have this concocted standard where some animals are to be protected while others are allowed to be ruthlessly slaughtered?

Janmastami pilgrims

If you look at a graph describing how many pilgrims visit Mayapur throughout the year you will notice that most come between Kartika (Nov/Oct) and Gaura Purnima (Feb/March). The summer pilgrims are considerably less in number except for one obvious day near the end of August. Around the time Janmastami rolls around there are more visitors here than on even Gaura Purnima. Last night as I was walking from the grhastha area to Radha Madhava’s temple I felt like I was walking down some of the busiest streets in New York. Bike riding was not even a possibility due to the congestion.

It all started the day before when on my way to Navadwipa I noticed a steady stream of pilgrims walking down from the ghats to the temple. Most of them were obviously planning on staying the weekend since they were carrying duffel bags. It was a joyous scen watching all these pilgrims from around Bengal congregating in Mayapur. Even the boats from Navadwipa were filled to capacity with pilgrims. Many of the ladies would ululate as the boats left the dock across the Ganga for Mayapur. Most of these people are materially very poor but they really know how to capture the spirit of these Vaisnava festivals. Indeed the whole town of Navadwip was buzzing with transcendental excitement.

The next day during Mangala aratika there were thousands of devotees and pilgrims at the 4:30 am mangala aratika. It was a magical scene. Throughout the day there were dramas, bhajans, classes, prasadam (for those that did not fast) and a myriad of other transcendental activities. Gaura aratika in Mayapur is always full of spiritual energy and long kirtans but Janamastami night was spectacular. The entire temple was jumping and dancing as one of our best kirtan leaders led the kirtan. Although it was tremendously hot and humid our minds were more focused on the all pervading spiritual enthusiasm of the pilgrims and devotees. These types of experiences certainly edify one’s faith and realization in the process of sankirtan yajna.

After the Gaura aratika we went to our quarters to offer a new outfit to our Gaura-Nitai deities. My wife Guna Manjari has been working tirelessly trying to finish this outfit by Janmastami. SO my 6 year old son and my wife spent an hour or so decorating Gaura-Nitai and I must say we were all impressed by the result. Later the grand finale was at the temple during the final midnight aratika.

Testing...

Looking for a few spirit souls. You know the kind that are ecstatic but may or may not have been able to clearly feel it due to some kind of temporary covering. If you think that you might qualify then I have a favor to ask you. I am placing two videos here and I want you to attentively listen to both of them in succession without distractions. Please focus primarily on the sound vibration.

There is about twenty minutes of transcendental sound vibration here so make sure that you have that much time to spare. Please make sure that you listen to both attentitively.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

vande sri-krishna-caitanya-nityananda sahoditau
gauḍodaye puspavantau citrau sandau tamo-nadau

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda, who are like the sun and moon. They have arisen simultaneously on the horizon of Gauda to dissipate the darkness of ignorance and thus wonderfully bestow benediction upon all. Caitanya Caritamrita Adi Lila 1.2

I have always appreciated the simple yet profound meaning of this verse. Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai are revealing an ecstasy and realization that already exists in our hearts. Just as the luminous orbs in our skies reveal our surroundings that would otherwise be covered by darkness, the two dancing avataras reveal our true ecstatic nature by their very presence in our life. Not only that, but the Supreme Lord in His form as Lord Nityananda falls to the ground on His knees and begs us to take this mercy. This is a far cry from the mood in our favorite story from English literature: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.

gauranitaidas.com

service for everyone

Here is a short clip of my son, Balagopal, serving caranamrta to the pilgrims. He then jumps on my shoulders as we circumambulate the deities. He films the latter part so it is a bit shaky...
Just see how blissful the devotees are as they parade around the temple...

gauranitaidas.com

Mayapur Bound

Blogs have been few and far between since I have been in the States. My plan is to increase blogs upon returning to Mayapur and SMIS (Sri Mayapur International School). We will be leaving the States on the 29th of July and arrive in Kolkatta on the 30th. We spend a few glorious days in Kolkata before we finally arrive in Mayapur. While we certainly enjoy visiting family and friends here in Alachua and elsewhere we are anxious to return the simple life of sankirtan culture in Mayapur.



gauranitaidas.com

Born across the street from the center of the World.

Prakash is in the middle rear with the red jacket

I posted this a few months back with no response…so I am asking again…Thank you for reading.

For the last five years or so our school in Mayapur (SMIS) have had a very special student in our school. This boy, named Prakash, was born right across the street from the Yogapitha (the appearance place of Gauranga Mahaprabhu). His father helped build Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi and has performed many other services for the community. Prakash has had the opportunity to attend our school for the last five years only because of the financial sponsorship from a generous well wisher. He is a very bright student, well liked among the students and has a pleasant demeanor. Unfortunately, the sponsor is no longer able to continue the sponsorship. We are trying to find a sponsor or sponsors so that he continue his academic, social and spiritual education with us . If we do not find a sponsor soon then he will have to go elsewhere for his education. He has strong desire to stay here with his friends and well wishing teachers. So if you would like to do some service for one of Mayapur’s dhamabasi’s please let us know. The approximate fees are as follows (note-The immediate need is to provide for at least the day schooling $60/monthly; he desires to joing the ashram but the regular schooling finds is needed ASAP):

Monthly

Rs 2200/USD $60 day school fees

Rs 4400/USD $115 for ashrama (provides room and board, many extracurricular activities, good association and guidance)

If you would be willing to help with his tuition or would like more information please write to me at gaura.nitai.rns@gmail.com or you can contact the school directly at e-mail: smis@pamho.net Phone (03472) 245 363. Money can be sent any in number of ways: paypal, check in the mail, bank transfer etc, etc.

I have written a few articles about our school on my blog at gauranitaidas.com and the schools website is mayapurschool.com

inadequate analogies

In the Chaitanya Bhagavata, Sri Vrindavan das Thakura attempts to offer some analogies describing the glories of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The moon, Brihaspati and Kamadeva are all rejected as suitable comparisons to the Golden Avatara. Ultimately, Sri Vrindavan das Thakura concedes that the only appropriate comparison is Sri Gopal Himself.

This weekend I attended the 24 hr kirtan in New Vrindavan. From the very beginning of this festival I was trying to compare it to a previous experience only to come up with a blank. I also tried to compare it to some monumental occasions in secular or pop culture like (please forgive me) Woodstock, the advent of the internet, and so many other events. As you can guess the comparisons (at least those that were mundane) all came up short and extremely inadequate.

This 24 hr kirtan was an experience that one always looks forward to and, at least in mundane culture, never reaches. Anyone who is convinced that chanting the maha mantra in the association of sincere Vaisnavas is the best use of human energy should make every attempt to take part in a 24 hr kirtan.

While there were many ecstasies at this yajna there were also many challenges. My mind kept trying to remind me that there were so many other things that I could be doing. My mind would say "Ok you have chanted for several hours now why don't you give something else a try now. Maybe you could go for a walk in the park or you have not checked your email in over a week, why don't you do that?!" However because there were so many sincere Vaisnavas and extremely qualified and devotional singers all day and night we were able to follow our conviction to chant all day and night.

I am hoping that this (24hr kirtan) will become a common activity for our movement. I can see how bonding it is to sit together for hours on end and simply absorb ourselves in kirtan. There were people there that I have never seen or spoken a word to and yet I feel like I could trust them with my life.

So many things could be said about this experience. True realization, however, must accompanied by experience in order to truly be designated as realization. I am hoping that these 24 hr kirtan festivals will become a foundational experience for all of the sincere Vaisnavas in our movement. If you get a chance to attend another 24 hr kirtan yajna please do not hesitate to do whatever it takes to attend with full commitment and attention.

Here is a link to some of the soundbytes from last years 24hr program at NV. My favorites are the first one from Akincina Krishna and the last one by Madhava, but still, they are all worth listening to over and over...

My o my, how they are growing up!

There is a young Vaisnava here in Mayapur who is wholeheartedly taking advantage of his auspicious birth in a Vaishnava family. Ramacandra Kaviraj Prabhu is only 17 years old and yet he has already become qualified to take Brahman initiation. These days we generally do not see many people taking first what to speak of second initiation at such a young age. However by observing his character and determination to pursue pure devotional service Indradyumna Swami gave him first initiation at 15 years old and second initation at 17 years old. I remember this kartika when he had just come back to Mayapur from Vrindavan we ran into each other while walking to the temple. He was not in the mood of “showing off” his newfound spiritual birth and said nothing about it. However I noticed the thread around his neck and he very modestly admitted that he had just taken brahminical initiation. A month or so later he enrolled in the first deity worship school here in Mayapur (Mayapur Acadamy). As he progressed through the course he was engaged in experiential learning by daily offering camara to Panca Tattva. We were all very inspired to see such a young boy taking this brahminical lifestyle seriously. After receiving blessings from the Vaisnavas from Alachua he came to Mayapur in the beginning of 2007. Ever since then we have seen that due to his sincere endeavor Krishna is giving him glorious opportunities, clear intelligence and inspiration to move closer the goal. He will be leaving Mayapur in June to visit his family who are also very sincere devotees. Then in September he will go to continue his education at the spiritually oriented college in Europe, Bhaktivedanta College. Please give Ramachandra Kaviraja your blessings.

gauranitaidas.com

How to see the sun.

A fanciful landlord once became very anxious to see the sun in a new-moon night sky. The flattering sycophants of the landlord said, "When you, our lord, desires, it must be fulfilled. We should set up in this world such an exemplary deed so that everyone will glorify you and follow the same example."

Flattering thus, one of the sycophants brought in a huge lantern and held it up towards the sky, saying, "Look here, my lord, can you see the sun?"

Two other sycophants then pleaded, "The sun cannot be seen in such a little amount of light from one lantern. Let us arrange for ten thousand candles and power lighting."

So even that was arranged for, as the landlord desired. Some of the scientific-minded friends of the landlord made an attempt to show the sun to the landlord with the help of powerful electric lighting arrangement. But all such efforts made by the scientists concerned were simply in vain.

Then a considerate person who was present there explained to the landlord that he could never see the sun in the night even if all the electric lighting arrangements in the world were assembled together -it would simply be a wastage of power, money and time. So, he must wait till sunrise to see the sun. Only with the help of sunshine can one see the sun. The sun can never be seen with the help of any other artificial light.

Explanation

Similarly, every attempt of the scientists, archaeologists, and other people under illusion, to see and realize the eternal form of the transcendental Supreme Lord, full of bliss and knowledge, with the help of so-called mundane knowledge acquired through material senses and speculative reasoning, is only self-deceiving.

As the sun can never be seen in the night even with the help of hundreds of artificial lighting arrangements, similarly, the constitutional form of Lord Sri Hari and the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas is never visible through hundreds of attempts with the help of so-called mundane knowledge acquired by the material senses of the living entities.

As the sun is visible only in the sunlight, realization of the truly constitutional forms of Lord Sri Hari, guru or the Vaisnava, will only be possible under their mercy. The spiritual master can not be assessed through a slighted understanding. Any living being conditioned under illusionary mentality can not make a proper assessment of Lord Krsna, the Supreme Controller of illusion and of the real Vaisnava who is conversant with Krsna Consciousness.

by: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada

gauranitaidas.com

Would you like to help Prakash?

(This is a post that I have placed on several other sites.)

For the last five years or so our school in Mayapur (SMIS) have had a very special student in our school. This boy, named Prakash, was born right across the street from the Yogapitha (the appearance place of Gauranga Mahaprabhu). His father helped build Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi and has performed many other services for the community. Prakash has had the opportunity to attend our school for the last five years only because of the financial sponsorship from a generous well wisher. He is a very bright student, well liked among the students and has a pleasant demeanor. Unfortunately, the sponsor is no longer able to continue the sponsorship. We are trying to find a sponsor or sponsors so that he continue his academic, social and spiritual education with us . If we do not find a sponsor soon then he will have to go elsewhere for his education. He has strong desire to stay here with his friends and well wishing teachers. So if you would like to do some service for one of Mayapur’s dhamabasi’s please let us know. The approximate fees are as follows:

Monthly

Rs 2200/USD $60 day school fees

Rs 4400/USD $115 for ashram (provides room and board, many extracurricular activities, good association and guidance)

If you would be willing to help with his tuition or would like more information please write to me at gaura.nitai.rns@gmail.com or you can contact the school directly at e-mail: smis@pamho.net Phone (03472) 245 363

I have written a few articles about our school on my blog at gauranitaidas.com and the schools website is mayapurschool.com

Pakka am

It is mango season in India!!! The mangoes that are available here are far better than the ones we get in the States. They do not have to be frozen and then shipped halfway across the world. I remember when I first gave a mango to my son a few years ago he would not have anything to do with it. Now it is a whole different story. Instead of asking for ice cream or cookies he asks for mango. They are also a lot cheaper here. I bought 20 mangoes for about 50 cents. In fact when we walk through the forest here on the bank of the Jalangi we run into mango trees all of the time. These trees are decorated with an abundance ripe mangoes. Actually many of the trees here give some kind of fruit or flower ( leechi, coconut trees, banana trees, jasmine, gardenia and many others) Everyday we offer Gaura-Nitai 15 or 20 mangoes and then distribute them to friends.

Once Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu planted a Mango seed here in Godrumadwipa. The tree grew immediately and contained fully ripe mangoes from the beginning. Not only that but these mangoes had no seed or skin. One mango from this tree would fully satisfy one materially and spiritually.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ki jay!!!

gaura-nitaidas.com

MDBC and SMIS

Mayapura Dhama Broadcasting Center (MDBC)
Mayapur channel.
This is the link...http://youtube.com/Mayapurvision

For those of you who would like to view some glimpses of Mayapur life you will really appreciate this site.

I have imbedded a sample clip here. This clip is a short presentation of the school where I serve-Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS).



I guess while I am it I can say a few words about the school. It serves grades preschool through 12th Grade. Some of the students live in the ashram and others simply take the day school option. The campus is sattvic and always infused with educational and spiritual energy. One of the first things that I noticed when I started working here is how the older kids spontaneously have bhajan together during their breaks
I teach in the high school section of the school along with 5 or 6 other full time teachers. Additionally we have many local residents that come to share some of their knowledge and talents.
We use the prestigious Cambridge curriculum for the higher grades so that when they graduate they at least have an option to further their education at either a western university or the Bhaktivedanta College. The curriculum gives a lot of freedom for the teacher to deliver the content in a variety of fashions. We , of course, heavily stress the spiritual (vedic) view while delivering our lessons. We are also working with the Cambridge system to make our Bhakti Sastri curriculum officially part of the Cambridge system. While we do transmit basic facts and knowledge typical of high school curriculum, we primarily encourage kids to develop thinking skills, social skills and the ability to make mature informed decisions. It is our conviction that if the students are able to experience positive impressions early in their spiritual lives then they will be able to make mature choices about their spiritual and occupational lives in the future.

Personally this without a doubt the most satisfying service I have ever performed. The fact that we are able to daily serve these bright students gives us a sense of being a part of our spiritual preceptors' mission. By the way now that I have your attention, if you have ever had a desire to come and teach in this enchanting land of Mayapur and to serve the Vaisnava youth we are always looking for new teachers and facilitators to come on board. If you are interested please drop me a note at gaura.nitai.rns@gmail.com .Srila Prabhupada ki Jaya!


gauranitaidas.com

mayapurschool.com

http://youtube.com/Mayapurvision

wandering

Recently, I have been spending time wandering around the nine islands of Navadwipa on a bicycle. Sometimes I am able to convince friends or family to go and other times I go alone. While I haven’t the spiritual vision to see the full blown glory of the dhama I can at least theoretically understand the nature of this place by hearing from scriptures and other sadhus. On our adventures we encounter a variety of interesting landscapes, old temples and quaint villages. The villages are always filled with friendly and curious onlookers who often greet us with the standard “hare Krishna” or my favorite “Nitai Gaura Hari Bol!” Often times we will say Hare Krishna to the villagers only to find later that we were in a Muslim village. Even though they live life as Muslims they still excitedly reply “Hare Krishna!” The relations between these two faiths are very friendly throughout Nadia. After leaving villages we often encounter acres and acres of rice fields with raised dirt paths between them for passing. Sometimes right in the middle of nowhere we will come across a temple related Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes. One such place was the shrine indicating where the great Vaishnava Kholaveca Shridhara used to live. This is one of my favorite places to visit. The stories relating the relationship between Nimai and Sridhara are such sweet descriptions of transcendental relationships.

Other times we wander around the area and do not come across any obvious holy places. I would often remind myself that the simple fact that we are in Navadwipa Dhama is in itself spiritually uplifting. Just a few days ago a came across a verse confirming this conviction by Prabhodananda Saraswati:

Sakala-vibhava-saram sarva-dharmaika-saram sakal-bhajana-saram sakala-siddhayaika-saram sakala-mahima-saram vastu khan de navakhye sakal-madhurimambho-rasi-saram viharah

To wander through the nine islands of Sri Navadwipa-dhama is the essence of all opulences, the essence of all religious principles, the essence of all bhajana, the essence of all perfections, the essence of all glories and the essence of all kinds of oceans of sweetness

sankirtan devotee

There is a harinam party that goes out everyday throughout Mayapur. Some days they go to other islands of Navadwipa and others they stay in the Mayapur Chandrodaya complex. It is led by Sastra Prabhu, Kavi Karnapura and several other regulars. One unique regular is the devotee named Sankirtan. This devotee is not yet initiated nor is he even in a human body! He is a dog. Nonetheless without fail when the devotees go on harinam in the complex he accompanies the procession. When Radhanatha Swami was here speaking Gaura-Katha under the pandal he would also come and sit under the pandal. Some of the devotees that were not from Mayapur would try to chase him away but he inevitably returned. Even Radhanatha Swami noticed that this dog may be some special soul. There are several pastimes in the Sri Caitanya Mangala, Sri Caitanya Bhagavat and Sri Caitanya Caritamrta about Nimai giving ecstatic prema to dogs. Jaganatha das Babaji also spoke in favor of the “dogs of Navadwipa dham.”

Object of Meditation

In the Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu by Srila Rupa Goswami are some descriptions of the divine qualities of the Supreme Lord Krishna. As a neophyte Vaishnava sometimes I take for granted the fact that we have access (at least theoretically) to these qualitative descriptions. These qualities are revealed in order to give the devotees an understanding of the dynamic nature of the object of their worship. Indeed, when advanced Vaisnavas practice meditation they meditate on these qualities and the attractive activities that the Lord performs. The advanced Vaishnavas experience deep ecstatic symptoms upon hearing these descriptions. The more one becomes purified by offenseless chanting of the names of Krishna the more he can relish these qualities.

One interesting point about these qualities is that some of the qualities are minutely shared by spiritually advanced human beings. When we say that someone is godly it means that they are manifesting these qualities which originate in the Lord. The individual living entities can possess these qualities to a minute degree, however the Lord is the actual personification of these qualities. Some examples of these qualities are truthfulness, cleanliness, intolerance of another’s unhappiness, the power to control anger, self satisfaction, straightforwardness, steadiness of mind, control of sense organs, responsibility, equality, tolerance, equanimity, faithfulness, knowledge, absence of mundane sense enjoyment, leadership, chivalry, influence, serenity, kindheartedness, ingenuity, gentility, magnanimity, determination, perfection in all knowledge, joyfulness, fidelity, fame, pridelessness, eternal and a few more.

There are additional qualities that can exist in living entities that are more advanced beings. These beings are not minute living entities like us but are also not on the level of the Supreme Lord. The author cites Siva as belonging to this category. Some of these qualities are omniscience, forever young, always situated in His eternal form, and possessive of all mystic powers.

Next the qualities that exist only in the Supreme Lord in His grand form or as the person who the controller and creator. This list of consists of qualities that one would expect in God. Other living entities cannot at any time manifest these qualities. Some of these qualities are possession of inconceivable great energies, has a form which can exist over tens of millions of universes, the source of numerous avataras, and attracts self satisfied living entities. These qualities evoke worship in the mood of awe and reverence in the devotees.

The highest most advanced souls are attracted by these qualities but what attracts them more is the sweetness of His qualities as displayed as a cowherd boy in Vrindavan. These highly advanced souls rarely think of the majestic qualities like creating the universe, omniscience or as the supreme controller. Their natural attraction of these great souls is towards having sweet relations with the Lord as a personal friend, lover and even as a parent. Since the qualities of majesty in the Lord can hinder these sweet relations, the Lord often covers these majestic qualities from these advanced souls so that His advanced devotees can relate intimately with Him as young, beautiful cowherd boy in Vrindavan. The four qualities that manifest only in this sweet form of Krishna are: 1. He is a wave filled ocean of the most astonishing display of pastimes 2. He is surrounded by loving associates decorated with incomparably sweet prema (pure love) 3.He plays sweet notes on His flute which attract all the minds in the three worlds. 4. He astonishes all moving and non-moving entities with the beauty of His form to which there is no equal or superior.

When one’s heart becomes pure through the chanting of the Holy name of Krishna and receiving the blessing of the great souls, he can see this form of the Lord in His heart. Thus he can taste the nectar and bliss for which he has been hankering life after life.

Gaura Purnima

The other day one devotee asked me if I had ever been in Mayapur during the auspicious day of Gaura-Purnima. Although I have been to the Mayapur Gaura-Purnima Festival six times I have never been here for the actual day of Gaura Purnima. I would always leave a few days before Gaura-Purnima. When I would tell my friends that I was leaving before Gaura-Purnima they would often say “yes, Vrindavan is also a nice place to go for Gaura-Purnima.” I would inevitably reply “no, I am not going to Vrindavan. I am going to Mumbai for Gaura-Purnima” My friend would inevitably reply with a tone of disgust on hearing the name of Mumbai. "Mumbai...for Gaura-Purnime?!?"

The fact is that it is often easier to appreciate the Lord and His Holy abode while hearing from highly realized souls. Every year at the Chowpatty temple in Mumbai there is a grand multi day festival for Gaura-Purnima. Generally Radhanatha Swami would speak Gaura Katha for many hours on those days and then the kirtans were intense, ecstatic and long. I really felt close to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at these Mumbai festivals. The festival would culminate with a Gaura Aratika as the moon was rising. Totally ecstatic.

In any case we will spend our first Gaura-Purnima here in Mayapur and I am looking forward to it. I do feel the desire to go to Mumbai for the festival but I have no money to travel so the Lord has arranged for us to stay here in Mayapur. Oh well...I will have to stay in Mayapur for Gaura -Purnima!

Pictures of the new elephant...Laxmi Priya.

Here are some pictures of the new elephant here in Mayapur. She comes out daily. She is already comfortable around people (especially when they have food). She comes out on the Saturday procession but does not carry the deities yet.

Bhaktin Laxmi Priya

Today a new resident moved to Mayapur. Her name is Laxmi Priya and although she is not married she will not be staying in the bramacharini ashram. Since she eats about 150 pounds of food every day she will probably not be dining at any of the prasadam halls. Despite her hefty weight and wrinkles all of the bramacharis are anxious to do service for her.

After two years our Iskcon Mayapur has another ELEPHANT (hati)! She is eight years old and since elephants live to be up to 70 years old she is a mere youngster. Everyone misses Radha Madhava's old elephant Gulab Kali. So Laxmi Priya has come to perform Gulab Kali's old service of taking Radha Mdhava around the complex during the Saturday processions.

The kids were especially excited watching Laxmi Priya eat her breakfast of an entire Banana tree and then some.

I will put up some pictures as soon as I take some.

ELEPHANT HATI ELEPHANT HATI ELEPHANT

Laxmi Priya ki jai!

The new GBC

A few days ago we brought the entire school (Sri Mayapur International School-SMIS) to the GBC meetings. We entered the conference room with an exuberant kirtan led by Krishna das. Apparantly these meetings are a real austerity for the participants so the kirtan was a welcome relief to them. Since all 150 (or so) kids came the room was packed. The GBC members then rose from their chairs and offered them to the some of the younger kids. Anuttama Prabhu then gave a heartwarming address to the children. He encouraged the kids to take up leadership roles in our spiritual society. Many of the devotees there did not realize how large and diverse the International school in Mayapur had become. Needless to say they were greatly inspired by seeing all of the bright faced students. Lalita, the principal of the school then gave an informative talk to the GBC on the details of the school and plans for the future. Prasadam was then distributed to the kids and teachers.

United Nations

Our school is called the Sri Mayapur International School. The word "International" is certainly an appropriate description of
the identity of our school. Below are some flags representing the countries that my students are from. Keep in mind that this is only a representation of students in my classes. Other teachers here could add other flags to this collection. I will let you do the research to find the names of these countries.
















Srila Prabhupada used to say that our Krishna conscious society was the real United Nations. This is because the members perceive their own identities as purely spiritual beyond temporary designations. It is then possible to appreciate our temporary material differences while maintaining unity on a spiritual level. The problem with the official United Nations is that there are unlimited desires from many different parties but only limited resources to fulfill those desires. Countries and their citizens thus fight for their share of resources.
The properly situated spiritual ego however impels us to identify with our true selves as a substantial spiritual entity. Every living being has this in common and this is the true basis for equality. Every soul is composed of eternity, bliss, and knowledge and their are no material impediments to such a realization. The only impediment is the material ego which blinds us to our eternal identity. The commodity for which a spiritualist craves is the harmonious association with other devotees in a mood of glorifying Krishna through His holy names.

Here in Mayapur, especially during the Gaura Purnima season, there are people coming here from all over the world with a large variety of backgrounds (race, ethnicity, economic status, social status, tall short, etc.) They have come to benefit from and share the association of other spiritually minded souls. Indeed their is automatic bond between those people who have experienced a lifestyle molded around the glorification of the Lord. This bond is most apparent during the evening and morning programs when devotees come together to sing, dance and meditate on the spiritually potent names of the Lord.

Hare Krishna!
Gauranga!

Got Dung?

When some of the kids in the ashrama become anxious for more excitement they like to take a bath here in the cow dung! This “pool” of dung is situated right next to the goshalla (cow barn). The kitchen is situated nearby and uses the methane gas extracted from the dung to power the stoves that cook our lunch. Believe it or not here in Bengal and in many other parts of rural India cow dung is actually a valuable commodity. The dung is collected and form into round patties and laid to dry out in the sun. When it is dry it is used as firewood (firedung). It is often said that cow dung is not only pure but medicinal to the human body. Apparently, this has also been confirmed by modern science. Indeed many kitchens in rural India have their entire floor covered with dry cow dung. This all may sound a bit too far out for westerners but it is common practice here in India.

Comments?

The Sun and the Moon

Those people living in the west , particularly in Protestant based countries, are not accustomed the practice of arcana or deity worship. In fact the concept of worshiping a deity is even condemned in Judeao-Christian religious circles. When visitors come to one of our temples (in the west) and witness the exquisitely dressed deities and the devotees singing for them they generally have a look that is a mix of bewilderment, curiosity and maybe even a bit of unexpected bliss.
These folks who stick around for a while and sincerely inquire into the practical philosophy of Krishna Consciousness soon learn about the great science of deity worship. The Lord who is the master and controller of all energies both material and spiritual can transform material elements (clay, wood, brass,etc) into a spiritually infused representation of Himself. The deity is sculpted according to the descriptions in scripture. When the pure devotee of the Lord invites Him to enter into the deity form He certainly comes. He does so out of compassion in to facilitate the use of our body, mind, and senses in His ecstatic association and service.
We recently ordered Gaura-Nitai deities in Navadwipa. We go to the carvers shop where They are being made as often as possible in order to witness the gradual development of their forms. We will periodically post pictures of them until they are completed in late March. They are 20 inches tall and made out of neem wood. Below are some pictures of the deities after two days of carving.






This is an example of what our deities will look like. Their arms however will reacher higher then this one.



Here is the devotee who is carving them. His family has been making murtis for many generations.

Check back soon for more pictures!

Room to Grow

The other day our school (Sri Mayapura International School) expanded into the new building. The initial building was getting a bit crowded. It is so much easier to teach when the students are not crowded together. The first building has a total of 9 rooms on the three floors. The new building is a facsimile of the original building minus the top two floors. The top two tow floors will be added as funds are available.

The view from the new building is quite spectacular. One can see sugar cane fields followed by a field of sunflowers in full bloom, and in the distance flows the sacred Jalangi River. When I think about the high school that I went to I remember a sharp contrast to this environment. At my old high school there was not even one window in the entire complex! Even if there were windows all that we would be able to see was fields of asphalt(parking lot). The environment of our schools in the west is often overlooked in the name of efficient use of space. Generally these schools look like the state penitentiary (and often perform similar functions). The pastoral setting here in Mayapura is certainly pleasing to the mind. The peaceful mind is a necessary prerequisite for an attentive and focused mind.

One More Saturday Night!

Is today Saturday daddy?

Yes it is and you know what that means, right?

Yipee, Parade Parade Parade!

Saturday night here in Mayapur dhama is anxiously awaited every week by devotees young and old. That is the night when the chota Radha Madhava deities and the larger Gaura Nitai deities come out of the temple and are carried around the complex in beautiful oxen powered carriages. Practically everyone living in the community and many thousand Bengali pilgrims join the procession each week. Some of the boys chant the Purusa Sukta Mantras, others carry flags, incense, torches or lead the kirtan. The center of it all of course is the kirtan that can be heard all over the community.

The procession stops several times as they make Their way around Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi. At each stop there is full aratika for both sets of deities. Also on some of these stops devotees bring some baked or cooked offerings to be offered to the Lord and then mahaprasadam is distributed to the devotees. At each stop devotees make beautiful mandalas geometric pictures) on the ground with colored chalk, colored rice powder and an abundance of flowers.

These festivals are a fabulous way to fully utilize the tendency to dance, socialize and get intoxicated (by the Holy Names). After the procession is over the deities are returned to Their altars while devotees shower the path with flower petals and sing bhajans into the night. It is a shower of transcendental stimulation for the senses and the soul.

Daddy I wish we could have these festivals every night!

Transcendental Market Place

On Monday we took our boys shastra class to the island of Godrumadwipa. All of the boys had bikes so we rode them to Hulor Ghata and took the old wooden boat across the Jalangi river. As soon as we got off the boats our brahmachar friend Bipin Bihari Prabhu showed us the way to several of the Holy places. It is very nice having him along with us as he was born and raised in Godrumadwipa. Once when we were visiting CHand Kazi’s Samadhi we happened to meet him there and he described to us the glory of that place. He comes with us every week now when we take the boys out.





First we went to the house of Bhaktivinode Thakur. We chanted the Mangalacharanam (invocation prayers to Lord and the acaryas).We then discussed the life of Bhaktivinode THakur Previously when Bhaktinode Thakura was younger the Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy and lifestyle was mostly misunderstood as a sentimental and even licentious doctrine. Bhaktivinode was instrumental in presenting Gaudiya Vaishnavism philosophy as pure and substantial path spiritual life. He also wrote in simple Bengali language many of the devotional songs that we regularly sing (Gaura Aratika is my favorite) We were then able to take a tour through the house and see some of his personal belongings. Here is a copy of the schedule that he used to follow:\
7:30 8:00 PM take rest
10:00 PM rise, light oil lamp, write
4:00 AM take rest
4:30 rise, wash hands and face, chant japa
7:00 write letters
7:30 read
8:30 receive guests, or continue to read
9:30 9:45 take rest
9:45 morning bath, breakfast of half quart milk, couple chapatis, fruit
9:55 go to court in carriage
10:00 court began.
1:00 PM court finished. He'd come home and bathe and refresh.
2:00 PM return to office.
5:00 PM translate works from Sanskrit to Bengali
Then take evening bath and meal of rice, couple of chapatis, half quart of milk.




After visiting Bhaktivinode Thakur’s house we went down the street to Surabhi Kunja. Bhaktivinode wrote a song about this place as the “market for the Holy name of Lord Krishna” Nityananda is selling the spiritually potent names of Lord Krishna and the only price is one’s faith. We sat down here and told the story of Surabhi and then chanted some bhajans together. As it is customary to roll around in the dust of this place we instructed the boys to find some spot with lots of dust and roll around! At first they though I was joking when I asked them to roll around in the dust but when they saw that my request was sincere they immediately jumped to the ground and rolled. Some of the resident devotees there gave us some prasadam and invited us to come back at anytime .

We then boarded the boat back to Mayapur and made it back just in time for Math class!

One More Saturday Night

Is today Saturday daddy?

Yes it is and you know what that means, right?

Yipee, Parade Parade Parade!

Saturday night here in Mayapur dhama is anxiously awaited every week by devotees young and old. That is the night when the chota Radha Madhava deities and the larger Gaura Nitai deities come out of the temple and are carried around the complex in beautiful oxen powered carriages. Practically everyone living in the community and many thousand Bengali pilgrims join the procession each week. Some of the boys chant the Purusa Sukta Mantras, others carry flags, incense, torches or lead the kirtan. The center of it all of course is the kirtan that can be heard all over the community.

The procession stops several times as they make Their way around Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi. At each stop there is full aratika for both sets of deities. Also on some of these stops devotees bring some baked or cooked offerings to be offered to the Lord and then mahaprasadam is distributed to the devotees. At each stop devotees make beautiful mandalas geometric pictures) on the ground with colored chalk, colored rice powder and an abundance of flowers.

These festivals are a fabulous way to fully utilize the tendency to dance, socialize and get intoxicated (by the Holy Names). After the procession is over the deities are returned to Their altars while devotees shower the path with flower petals and sing bhajans into the night. It is a shower of transcendental stimulation for the senses and the soul.

Daddy I wish we could have these festivals every night!

Parikrama class

Every week I have the 7^th and 8^th graders together for a three hour block for studying Sastra (vedic scriptures). At times, most of the class becomes a bit restless and need a change of scenery. It is especially difficult for kids this age to focus on one subject for such an extended amount of time. However due to scheduling conflicts it is necessary to have the several shastra classes grouped together to make one large block of class time. I mentioned this to the assistant principal Sucih Prabhu and he had a fabulous solution to the problem.

Vaishnava devotees around the world are constantly discussing the activities of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his associates which took place here in Mayapura over five centuries ago. Indeed this land of Mayapura is worshipped all over the world because of these dynamic pastimes. As residents of this holy land we have the ability to personally visit these sacred places. While it is true that one needs to have a purified heart in order to see the wholly transcendental nature of these places, by praying to the Lord and hearing from His great devotees we can achieve a glimpse of their glory.

Yesterday we all (7 of us) rode our bicycles to the village Baman-Pukkur. This is the village where Nimai used to buy bananas from Kholeveca Sridhar. Sridhar was a very poor banana seller who was constantly chanting the names of the Lord in great ecstasy. Nimai told Sridhar the one day he would reveal the great wealth of Sridhar to the world. Sridhar replied that he had hardly any money, but Nimai was referring to his wealth of devotion which invoked great ecstasy in Sridhar.

In Bamman Pukur we went to the Samadhi of Chand Kazi. 500 years ago the Chand Kazi, despite being an Islamic priest, proclaimed that all of the devotees could chant the maha-mantra whenever and wherever they wanted to in his kingdom. To this day there is very nice relations between the Muslims and the "Hindus" or Vaisnavas.

Next week we will take a boat to the island of Godrumadvipa and visit the house of the great saint Bhaktivinode Thakur. We will also visit Surabhi kunja which is also known as the "marketplace for the Holy name" where love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna is given away simply for the price of one's faith. We will bring all of our savings!

Misaya

 

When I first started teaching at the international school here in Mayapur, West Bengal I noticed that the students were calling me by some unusual name. At first I just thought that it was a mistake and the student had absentmindedly referred to me as someone else. However in the next class two other students called me by the same name…misaya. So I asked in a confused tone, "what did you call me?"

Misaya

Who is that?

Oh, misaya, that is the Bengali name for teacher.

So by the inconceivable mercy of the Lord I have been placed in the position of teacher. It is a service and occupation that I feel my psychophysical nature is most suited. I feel especially grateful to be able to help facilitate the spiritual and academic growth of the students here. The classes that I teach are as follows:

Thinking Skills grade 11-12: I finally get to use my philosophy degree here! In this class we discuss critical thinking and problem solving skills. The critical thinking component consists of understanding common patterns of arguments, how to detect fallacies in arguments, and how to express your ideas clearly. The problem solving section deals with gathering and synthesizing information from graphs, pictures, tables, and prose in order to solve a particular problem.

Geography grades 7-8 and grades 9-10: We study population info, urban and rural settlements, resources, employment sectors a in addition to many other geological subjects. Presently we are looking at the relationship between available resources in relation to development. Particularly we are looking how the availability of cheap oil and abundance of cars affect developments.

History grades 7-8: We are focusing on ancient , medieval and modern Indian history. I am used to teaching history with an USA-centered view so it is interesting teaching history from the India centered view.

Math grades 7-8: At present we are studying measurement of angles.

Sastra (scripture) grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12: In the younger class we are studying the history of Vaisnava saints and their unique contribution to our Gaudiya Vaishnav movement. In the other two classes we are studying Nectar of Devotion (Bhakti Rasmrita Sindhu). We are looking at the progression of spiritual awakening from little faith to the fully realized state of ecstatic devotion and realization of the Lord. The student are doing a project where they have to depict some of the activities required for spiritual growth in a colored drawing and a photograph. Each student gets 3 or 4 of the 64 principles of devotional growth to portray.

I am given sufficient time in the day to prepare lessons so that in the evening we can attend the evening kirtan in the temple.

Fun Fun Fun.

Mutual Respect

 

 

Today our chanting party went through a Muslim village. While there is some basic disagreements over certain theological issues the "hindus" and the muslims get along very well in this area. There is mutual respect. 500 years ago there was a muslim ruler here who tries to stop the congregational chanting of Hare Krishna. He had his soldiers harass, intimidate, break the instruments of, and ultimately threaten with death those that were openly chanting like this. When Sri Catianya Mahaprabhu heard about this he was transcendentally enraged. As a result He instructed all of the devotees to make torches and prepare for a very large congregational chanting party to go through the streets to the Chand Kazi's (the local ruler) house. An apparently unlimited amount of people showed up and began the beautiful Harinam Sankirtan party with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gracefully and ecstatically dancing along. When they reached the Chand Kazi's house there was some philosophical discussion and ultimately Sri Caitanya convinced the Chand Kazi that they were worshipping the same Lord. At that moment the ruler announced that for all time to come his descendants would never disrupt the sankirtan party.

The Lords pure spiritual form

During this auspicious month which in Sanskrit is called kartika, we sing a song every evening entitled damadorastakam. The whole song is quite sublime and esoteric so I will not go into the details of the song except for the first line. The song starts by saying namamisvarmam sat-chit ananda rupam. Namamisvaram means that I offer my obeisances and respects to the supreme lord. Next is sat-chit ananda rupam meaning that person who has a form of bliss, knowledge and eternity. While our bodies are made of all sorts of temporary material elements the lords beautiful form is sat- eternal; chit-full of sentience; and ananda-full of bliss. These are some basic qualities of the Lord's existence as revealed by great sages and spiritual literatures.

One of the important points in this verse comes from the word rupam which means form. This indicates the lord is not some formless entity but instead has a form that is composed of sat-chit and ananda as opposed to temporary material elements. Later in the song it is described how the Lord's pure devotees are awash in oceans of bliss simply thinking of the lords beautiful form. The best way for that form to be revealed to one is through sincere chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.

The good new is that our actual self is qualitatively one with the Lord. One of the differences between the Lord and the eternally individual living entities is that the Lord is never conquered by illusory energy while we are conquered by that energy. So when we meditate or contemplate on the pure qualities of the Lord we also wash away the material contamination and even in this body can realize the true nature of ourselves as eternal, fully sentient and full of bliss.

In one sense that is why we are always striving to live forever (or at least longer), always desiring to know and always searching for happiness. Death, ignorance and misery are actually foreign to our real spiritual nature. When we truly realize this fact then we become qualified, by the Lord's mercy, to enter into eternal transcendental activities with the Lord. The great souls can experience this in their heart even in their present body.

HARE KRISHNA!

A friends passing and the start of our yatra

Yesterday, a person that I used to distribute books with in the Smoky Mountains left his body due to cancer. When he found out he had cancer he immediately knew how to prepare his consciousness for this inevitable event. Spiritual life prepares one for life and the death of the body. He immediately moved here to the Holy Land of Mayapura and focused exclusively on his spiritual life. The last few months he was bedridden and not able to take care of himself. There was, however, constant medical care in addition to spiritual care consisting of reading spiritual literatures (mostly the pastimes of the Lord) and melodious chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra. Yesterday at 1:30 he left his body surrounded by 40 or 50 devotees chanting their hearts out to help him with his departure. It is said in the Gita that if one dies a natural death thinking of Krishna his eternal soul will certainly return to the spiritual world.

 

SO after his departure the devotees were both joyous and griefstricken. Grief stricken because we have lost a good friend and joyous because he lived and died in such a way that he was able to be transferred to the spiritual world after his death. After his departure there was a cremation ceremony on the bank of the Ganga. It was again a joyous and difficult situation.

 

Also today about 3000 devotees arrived from Mumbai and the place is buzzing with the transcendental sound of the holy name. We will be visitng many of the Holy placers where the incarnation of Krishna named Lord Caitanya exhibited his activities. The essence of the yatra will be lots of devotionally infused Kirtan (melodious chanting). I will try and post some pictures during the excursion.

Mayapura!

We finally arrived in Mayapura.

The spiritual abodes of Vrindaban and Mayapura are considered to be nondifferent in spiritual value. Vrindavan requires a higher degree of purification to appreciate. Mayapura however is considered to be audurya dhama which means the most magnanimous holy place. It is much easier for neophyte devotees to appreciate the presence of the Lord here in Mayapura.

 

Yesterday we walked to the Ganga. Bala has heard many stories of great sages and rsis living on the banks of the Ganges so he was in awe when he was finally was able to personally visit the Ganges River. He was telling me so many stories as we were walking there.

 

It is also the month of Kartika. This is a month where whatever devotional service is performed is amplified in its effect many thousand times over. When you add that to the benefit of being in Mayapur, the good fortune only increases. In fact it is so much easier to focus on our japa and kirtan mediation here as well as our spiritual studies.

 

In the book entitled Nectar of Devotion there is a list of 64 primary qualities of the Lord. One of those qualities is compassion. The Lord is the most compassionate and that compassion is available to anyone who willingly accepts. Of course one must know how to properly identify and accept that compassion. One of the ways in which the Lord is compassionate is by giving these holy sites like Mayapura and Vrindavan because it is in these places where one can easily and swiftly realize the absolute truth. There are many other qualities of the Lord and I will present many of them in later blogs.

 

Hope all is well!

 

Please go here for the temple webcam:

 

http://www.krishna.com/mayapur

 

 

 

Hari Bhakta and family

 

 

We had some old friends come to the temple here in Chowpatty. We used to live near Hari Bhakta and his family in Columbus and New Vrindavan. Hari Bhakta's wife Gopi Lila has been undergoing chemotherapy for her cancer. She looks very weak. They are leaving today to go back to the states so that she can recover from her chemo treatment. Their two kids Gopal (9) and Vrinda (4) are very animated little kids and Bala was able to get along with them very well. We wish them well back in the states and pray for Gopi Lila's quick recovery.

 

Documentary

Here is an online documentary on the temple that we are staying at here in Mumbai.

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3085872670599696508

 

 

We are leaving Mumbai for Mayapura West Bengal on Wednesday or Thursday…

Land of extremes

 

 

Parts of India are frozen in time while others are moving fast forward with modernity. Here in Mumbai most of the modern amenities of the west are available, accompanied with lots of advertising. Simply go into the villages, perhaps a hundred miles hinterland, and you will find many villages even without electricity! This is just one example of the extremes that are located within India. In India you have some of the cleanest places and some of the dirtiest places (literally and figuratively). You have extremely enlightened folks and also debased people, both on levels beyond the westerners imagination. India is indeed a polarized and dynamic country.

 

We are living in the Radha-Gopinatha Mundira temple complex. Here there are over 100 brahmacharies (resident celibate monks) in addition to the several hundred (even thousand)congregational members that come here daily. On Sundays there are thousands of Krishna's devotees here for the weekend programs. There is a unique difference between out exchanges here in the temple complex and those outside. Those inside and most that visit the complex live very strictly by the principles of Bhagavad Gita.

 

One of those beginning principles in the Bhagavad Gita is to see every living being equally as a spirit soul (atma) part and parcel of the Supreme Lord yet eternally individual in existence. Additionally the philosophy is that one is to serve the Lord and his devotees. The result is a vibrant atmosphere where everyone is concerned about each others well being. When this atmosphere is coupled with the glorification of the Lord's qualities, especially by chanting of the maha mantra Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Ram Rama Rama Hare Hare, an ecstatic experience is undertaken. This is not some sentimental or will o' the wisp experience but tone that is very practical and most importantly nourishing for the soul and its natural godly qualities.

 

This is the extreme experience that India has to share with the world.

 

Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

 

 

 

pictures

 

Here is a link for with our pictures there will be many more to come so please bookmark it:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridarushes/

In India for a week

 

 

 

We have been in India for a week already.

 

Today I visited with a friend named Govinda and my son the school here called gopals garden. These kids a learning a balance of devotional and regular academic subjects. They were very respectful and treated Bala as a close friend right away. Bala reciprocated the feeling. After lunch Bala and I went to a Maharastrian forest just outside of Mumbai. Bala wanted to see some tigers but we only saw monkeys. While walking down a path we saw a temple of Siva in the middle of nowhere. It was nice to get out of the bustling city of Mumbai and made me look forward to our next stop in Mayapur, which is mostly countryside and forest

At Radha Gopnatha Temple in Mumbai.

So we are her in Mumbai staying at the famous Chowpatty Iskcon temple. Every time I come here I am amazed at the care and attention given to the resident and guest devotees alike. It is certainly a priority to make everyone feel that their needs have been met both materially and spiritually. Somehow my jetlag is a little more difficult to overcome than usual. Maybe I am just getting older.

 

I see so many new faces here at the temple in addition to the stalwarts that have been here for many years. It is hard to believe that I have not been here for almost eight years. The entire temple room is completely renovated with intricately carved teek wood all around. Additionally they have acquired more buildings in the area for guests, office space and residents. It is a very well run program.

 

We just taught Balagopal how to wash his clothes by hand. He had fun wringing them out and then hanging them on the line. He has been waking up at 4:00 every morning so we have been taking him to the morning program with us. There are about 150 people in the temple for the morning program every morning from 5:00 till 9:00. It is a fantastic way to wake up!

 

I will post some pictures of the temple later

We made it…

 

Krishna kept us hanging in suspense until the end.

 

We were scheduled to leave for Mumbai on Monday the 1^st of October and on the previous Friday morning they still had not even opened up our visa package in Houston. They could not even find them (our passports) at the embassy. This meant that in order for us to make our flight they would have to process them in the morning and send it out overnight to New York so that we could pick them up between our connecting flights. If we missed our flight we would have to pay up to $600 in fees to change the ticket! Thanks to an old friend Sarvabhauma and Nadia Kumara we had our visas in time to board our flight in New York on the 1^st. They went out of their way and were persistent with those that worked at the assembly. With a tad bit of anxiety we arrived at the International airport after a domestic plane ride, three subway rides, a quick stop at the temple to pick up our passports, a taxi ride, a long walk to find the bus station, and finally a bus that brought us to the airport (in rush hour traffic) within minutes of the cutoff time for our international flight. SO I am writing this on the plane flying over Iraq on my way to India . This is my five year old son's first trip to India, my wife's second and my 6th trip to India (although the last time I was here was 8 years ago).

 

I am planning on keeping some type of blog/journal while I am in India. I am not going to be writing to anyone in particular so if you are reading this some things I will write you will be able to relate to and some not. Mostly I will be expressing thoughts and realizations inspired by the often transcendental Indian atmosphere and other times I will simply recount our journeys. Additionally, I will post some pictures and some videos as well.

 

If for some reason I do not write for a while feel free to encourage me by dropping me a mail at gaura.nitai.rns@gmail.com . I will be connecting some easy to remember domain names to the blog as well. One will be gauranitaidas.com and the other will be ericallenrush.com. Also, please do not bring these writings to your English teacher for correction. The punctuation, spelling and grammar may not always be at standard. However you can bring any philosophical comments to your philosophy teacher for analysis.

 

Hare Krishna!

 

Gaura-Nitai Das

Aka

Eric Rush

Going to India!!!

Hello Friends and Family,

 

I am about to embark on a journey to India and want to start a blog to document my thoughts and adventures there. Somehow it seems that the Lord has made every opportunity for us (my family) to go whereas in the past, that is the seven years that I have been married, it has been practically impossible. In fact it is almost as if I am being pushed to go this time. Many factors here in Alachua have contributed to this realization 1. Loss of teaching job 2. Having to leave our rented house 3. Availability of resources to purchase tickets (sponsorship) 3. My son not being able to go to either of the devotee schools this year 4. And there are several other reasons as well. We leave New York on a direct flight to Mumbai on October 1^st. We have purchased a ticket that allows us to come back anytime we like so the duration of our trip to India is not at all finalized.

 

We will stay at the Chowpatty Radha Gopinatha temple in Mumbai for about a month. In early November we will take a three day train ride from Mumbai to Mayapur (via Kolkatta) with over 2000 other friends from the temple in Mumbai. On November 5^th Radhanatha Swami will take over 2000 of us to several places and Mayapur in addition to other places in Bengal. That will last for ten days and after that we will stay in Mayapur for a while. The rest is up in the air.

 

So for those of you who are interested I will try as much as possible to post about our trip. Our goal on this trip is to purify our hearts so that we can serve and enliven those around us in the future.

 

I hope that you are well.

Recipe for Mental Health

I was apreciating my son's good fortune yesterday. He is in a school with many other young vaisnavas. It is a healthy social and spiritual situation for him. Most likely, regardless of where he or the other students live, he will be in touch with his friends for the rest of his life. It is my observation that the older kids that have gone to theses "gurukula" schools have known many of their friends since early childhood. They meet with each other every summer at Ratha Yatras and other spiritual festivals. THis is certainly a recipe for mental health. It is satisfying to watch these children grow up.

Sugar Cane

We are reading the Chaitany Bhagavat every morning in our classroom. This morning we read about Haridas Thakura's extreme humility and devotion. The students especially liked the story of the snake charmer and Haridas THakura. After hearing the story of Krishna and Kaliya, Haridas Thakur expressed natural emotional ecstasies and was praised for his actions. The proud Brahman thought that he would also be popular if he pretended to exhibit these symptoms . While the snake charmer praised Haridas Thakura's natural ecstasies he attacked and punished the pretender. Spiritual ecstasy and pride are an impossible combination. Humility is the foremost characteristic of one who can experience the natural bliss of the soul.

There is a great deal of discussion on the extent to which science can be used in order to understand the Absolute Truth. While the scientific process is indeed a tool that may be used in order to understand the Absolute Truth, it is still only a tool. The process is useless without the association of a pure and humble soul. Spiritual experience, which is the only actual "proof" of the absolute truth, is a gift. The gift is given by those pure souls who also received the gift from another pure, humble soul. This is the experiment. Associate with and serve pure souls and you can receive this experience. What makes this "experiment" different from most others is that the false ego is not separated from or comforted by the results. The scientists must give up the idea that they are the controllers and enjoyers of the situation. To the degree the scientists let go of their false ego, to that degree they can have spiritual experiences, which is the proof that they seek.

I took the kids out to a field behind the school and we found some sugar cane growing there. It is amazing how such simple things can be so amusing to children. We must be simple (non duplicitous) in order to taste the natural sweetness of life.