Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Students of “Children Seminary School” visits Iskcon Newtown Kolkata

Students of Children Seminary School visited Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 13^th Dec 2024. They were accompanied by their teachers and school’s principal was also present.

Although we think that only grown-ups are interested in spirituality and like to visit temple, but we saw that the students were happy to be in the temple.

They came by bus and reached temple at around 11 am.  Anything auspicious should begin by taking darshan of the Lord. So, we decided to immediately visit the temple. Students kept their belongings in a hall and then quickly proceeded to the temple in queue. 

Darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga & Goshala visit

In front of beautiful Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, children stood in rapt attention seeking the blessings of the Lord.

Meanwhile devotees were melodiously singing Hare Krishna kirtan in the temple hall. Children and faculty members too joined in singing the holy names of Krishna. Each child and faculty members were given a flower to offer to the Lord, which they did while the kirtan was going on. 

We then decided to have dancing kirtan. We thought that students and teachers may be reluctant for dancing kirtan, but everyone happily joined and danced to their hearts content for the pleasure of the Lord. Simultaneously one of the faculty members, was applying tilak to the students and the teachers.

Students dressed in school uniform wearing vasinav tilak looked beautiful. After darshan and dancing kirtan, everyone was given charanamrita.

From temple hall we proceeded to Goshala. Children were excited to see the cows. One of the devotees, HG Somdev Prabhu, spoke about the importance of cows and how we should take care of them. They were also given food items to feed the cows. They all were happy to see the cows, to be with the cows and feed the cows.

Interactive session, Quiz & Gita sloka recitation

From Goshala, we proceeded to the hall for our next program. It was important to explain the students about the place they are visiting and essential facts associated with it. We explained to them about the deity, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, whose darshan they had taken.

We then told them about Iskcon, Srila Prabhupada, Goshala and organic farming.  This is the month of Gita Jayanti, so we also told them about Bhagavad Gita and recited the verse. 

Bhagavad Gita Verse Recitation

Bhagavad Gita 18.78

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo
yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ
tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir
dhruvā nītir matir mama

Translation

“Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.”

This verse very clearly says that if like Arjuna we too take shelter of Krishna then we will always be happy. We also asked few students to recite the verse which they did. Principal Mam also came forward and recited the verse. She also recited the famous verse from Bhagavad Gita 4.7.

Bhagavad Gita 4.7

yadā yadā hi dharmasya
glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham

Translation

“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion – at that time I descend Myself.”

The discussion was interactive and in between we had quizzes. Those students who gave correct answers were given prizes. Even Principal mam participated in the quiz and got a gift.

During our discussion, we also showed them videos. One was about the cows and how Krishna loves cows. Second video was about the importance of having good association. Although students were in a picnic mood, but it was also important to share some important spiritual lessons which will help them in their life. 

Game, lunch & gift

It was 1:30 pm but students wanted to play before taking lunch prasadam.  So, they went outside to an open ground about 300 metres away from temple to play. Meanwhile faculty members were exploring the temple and trying to see various places.

By around 2:30 pm. students returned back, and it was time for lunch prasadam.  Lunch prasadam included yellow rice, white rice, aloo rajma, lauki sabji, sweet rice. 

As per their schedule they were to leave after lunch prasadam.

While they were boarding their bus, we gave students and faculty members one rasgulla and a badge which had pictures of Krishna, Jagannath, Radharani. By seeing this badge, they will remember the Lord and their visit.

We are grateful to the principal, to the teachers and to the students of Children Seminary School for visiting Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata. We hope they will continue coming to the temple. 

We also pray to Lord Krishna to shower his blessings upon each student and all the faculty members of Children Seminary School.

Bhagavad Gita teaches us to “Win the battle within”

To win any battle in life, it is important to first “win the battle within.” If we are able to do so then we will always have the strenght and enthusiasm to face any challenges in life.

How to win the battle within is very logically and systematically explained in Bhagavad Gita by Krishna. Let us try to reflect upon the teachings of this great literature. This month we are celebrating Gita Jayanti.

Every year in the month of December on the day of Mokshada Ekadasi, we celebrate Gita Jayanti. Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Krishna spoke the message of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.

The message was spoken 5000 years back at the battlefield of Kurukshetra to Arjuna who was on the mission to fight against the evil forces. But just before the onset of war Arjuna was completely confused and he thought to not fight the war. 

He gave the reason that if I fight then I will have to kill, and I do not want to kill the Kauravas. This statement looks very appealing and gives the impression that Arjuna is a kind – hearted person who does not want to cause pain to others.

Why Krishna asks Arjuna to fight?

Now just imagine, there are tyrannical forces who are hell bent to unleash havoc on common masses but the commander in chief of the nation’s army develops compassion for the enemies of the humanity. So, will the action of the commander in chief be justified? The answer is obvious.

This is why Krishna says to Arjuna about the necessity of fighting the Mahabharat war. It is the duty of the righteous to eliminate the unrighteous. It was not that Krishna was advocating war since beginning. In fact, he was the first person to go as a peace messenger to convince Duryodhana to live amicably with the Pandavas.

But instead of appreciating the gesture of Krishna, Duryodhana tried to capture and imprison Krishna. Krishna is not an ordinary person; he is the Supreme Lord. So, how Duryodhana could have succeeded in doing any harm to Krishna.

Krishna hardly talks about the war in Gita

War was the only option left. Because if left unchecked, Duryodhana would have caused great disturbance in the society. He was the one who had asked his brother, Dushashana, to disrobe Draupadi in the Kuru assembly. So, he had to be punished and Arjuna as a soldier had the responsibility to protect the citizens of his kingdom.

Interestingly, if we read Bhagavad Gita, we do not see Krishna speaking to Arjuna much about fighting the war. When Arjuna becomes confused about his duty and is not able to decide whether to fight or not, he approaches Krishna for guidance.

Krishna could have immediately narrated the atrocities of Duryodhana and the Kauravas and would have convinced Arjuna to fight.

But instead he starts telling Arjuna about the importance of leading a virtuous life. He further talks about the necessity of controlling the mind and senses and engaging it in the service as ordained in the scriptures.  The Supreme Lord speaks about different yoga processes – karma yoga, dhyana yoga, Jnana yoga and Bhakti Yoga.  He speaks again and again how to uplift the consciousness so that one lead a sin free and happy life.

First win the battle win

To win the battle outside, it is important to win the battle within. Gita helps us to win the battle within. Once we are able to gain victory over ourselves it becomes easy to deal with the outside world. And for this it is necessary to rein in over our uncontrolled mind and senses.

Although Bhagavad Gita was spoken to a warrior, but its message is relevant to everyone. If we read Gita, we feel that Krishna is directly speaking to us.

Whether one is a student, a teacher, a working professional, a housewife, a politician, a businessman, young or old, everyone after reading Bhagavad Gita gets mantra which helps them to lead a better life.

Important principles given in Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita teaches us certain principles which helps to win the battle within

1. We are not material beings, but we are spiritual beings i.e. we are spirit souls.
2. As souls we never die. We only change our material bodies.
3. As long as we are in this material world, we will have to accept new material bodies again and again. And what material body, we are going to get in future life, depends upon our karma. If we have done bad karma, we will get a body where we have to suffer immensely. For example, we may get body of an animal, a handicapped body or birth in a place where there is so much trouble. But if we have done good karma then we will get birth in a good family, we may even go to heavenly planets.
4. Krishna says that whether we are on earth or in heaven there will always be suffering. He says that this material world is miserable and temporary. Here no matter how best we try we will have to suffer. This is why sometimes this world is compared to a prison house. In a prison house a prisoner is always subjected to different kinds of suffering. And finally in this world, everyone has to die i.e. quit his current material body.
5. So, Krishna asks us to leave this misery giving world and come to his spiritual abode where life is eternal and free from all sufferings.
6. This becomes possible when we get attached to Krishna, the Supreme Lord and gradually free our heart from all impurities. Once we become pure, we will start experiencing happiness and satisfaction in always serving Krishna.
7. And why we should get attached only to Krishna. Because he is the Supreme Lord. In Gita, Krishna reveals that he is the Supreme Lord. And to convince us, he demonstrates it practically by showing his universal form.

Know Gita to win the battle within

Now once Arjuna understands who Krishna is and who he is, it becomes easy for him to figure out his mission and purpose of life.

Purpose of life is to please Krishna and mission of life is to execute the orders of Krishna. Krishna says that he appears in this world to annihilate the miscreants and to protect the devotees who are always righteous.  So, by fighting against the Kauravas and eliminating the evil Duryodhana, Arjuna assists Krishna in his mission.

Like Arjuna, we should lead our life as per the teachings of Krishna and use our mind, senses, body, words and all talent in the service of Krishna.

This material world fails to satisfy us and give happiness to us. But as soon as we bring Krishna in the centre and use things of this world in the service of Krishan then everything becomes spiritual.

Eight instructions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura as told by HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj

We celebrated the disappearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on 19th Dec 2024. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura played a pivotal role in reviving and spreading the teachings of Lord Chaitanya to the masses.  The great acharya gave many important instructions which if applied in life can help us to attain Krishna.

HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj in one of his lectures talks about the 8 instructions of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura.

Below article is based on Maharaj’s lecture.

1. Preach the teaching of Rupa & Raghunath with all your energy and resources

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would say that each devotee should utilize their energy and resources in spreading the teachings of Rupa Goswami and Raghunath Das Goswami.  He further said that the ultimate goal of our life is to become dust at the lotus feet of Rupa and Raghunath.

And this is what we see Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura did throughout his life. He dedicated his life in spreading the message of Lord Chaitanya as per the guidelines of Rupa & Raghunath.

In fact, he was the one who conclusively defeated the caste Goswamis and caste Brahmanas who were misinterpreting Vedic literatures for their benefit.  Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura tried his best to convince devotees to practice pure bhakti.

2. Work conjointly to serve the Lord

As per the great acharya, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, we all should come together to serve the Lord. In fact, this was also one of the important last instructions of our Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada would say, “You can show your love for me by how you cooperate in fulfilling this mission of Krishna Consciousness.”

One time while addressing the devotees, he said, “You should somehow live without quarrel.” This becomes possible when we keep Krishna always in the centre. In this world, people have different opinions, so we should not be surprised if devotees have different viewpoints.

There is a beautiful verse in Srimad Bhagavatam 7.13.42  which says,

nāhaṁ ninde na ca staumi
sva-bhāva-viṣamaṁ janam
eteṣāṁ śreya āśāse
utaikātmyaṁ mahātmani

Translation

“Different people are of different mentalities. Therefore it is not my business either to praise them or to blaspheme them. I only desire their welfare, hoping that they will agree to become one with the Supersoul, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.”

But in spite of different opinions, we should come together to serve the Lord. For example, we see monkeys came together to build a bridge for Lord Rama. And by rendering this service they got the mercy of Lord Rama and became glorious.

Even in the spiritual world, there are different opinions.  Lord Krishna has two sets of gopis- one led by Radharani and another by Chandravali. And both the groups have different viewpoints, but their purpose is to always serve Krishna and please Krishna.

3. Do not give up your service in spite of danger, difficulties and criticism

Many times we think that because we are serving Krishna everyone is going to love me, praise me and think good about me. But if we study the life of devotees, we see that great devotees did not have happy-go-lucky life.

Arjuna had to fight most difficult Mahabharat war. Prahlad was continuously tortured by his own father. Maharaj Ambaraish was criticized severely by Durvasa Muni who wanted to punish him. And Gajendra was fighting for survival as he was caught by a crocodile.

In recent times, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was criticized by caste conscious people. When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had gone to Vrindavan with group of devotees, then he found that all the doors of the temples were closed and shops too were shut.

One time during Nabadwip Parikrama, he and his disciples were attacked by caste brahmanas and caste goswamis. They had even tried to bribe a policeman so that they can kill Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. But they never succeeded in their nefarious agendas.

Similarly, Srila Prabhupada suffered two massive heart attacks on Jaladutta, the cargo ship, when we was travelling to west. Once in the west, under the influence of drug, one young man with whom he was sharing flat tried to attack him violently. And Srila Prabhupada had to run for his life.

We have also seen how devotees were tortured in Communist Russia or how devotees are being attacked in Bangladesh.

4. Obstacles on the path of service are friends of a devotee

Obstacles come in our life to test our sincerity towards devotional life. If we respond to these obstacles, then we will make great advancement in our spiritual life. Even in this world, we see that people who do not give up and persevere are considered great.

We hear stories of sports personalities, business magnets, scientists, artists who continued working hard in spite of so many challenging circumstances. And by dint of their hard work they finally reached their goal. In our spiritual life too, we all come across challenges. But if we persist, we will succeed.

And there are so many examples of devotees who never gave up and finally attained Krishna.

Many times great souls, are also put into difficulties to show the world how great they are. And also to teach us an important lesson that “we should never became disheartened during difficult times.” Prahlad Maharaj, Pandavas, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, Srila Prabhupada all went through struggles. 

5. Do not be disappointed when because things are not going your way

We may have our plans, but Krishna has best plan for us and he knows what to give us and what not to give us.  So, we should not be disappointed when things are not going the way we want it to go.

For example, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would send devotees to preach. And when they would return they would feel disappointed. Upon inquiry, they would say to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura that in the program just 2-3 people came to hear lecture.

Hearing this Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would be so happy. He would say, “You are speaking the message of Lord Chaitanya for Krishna’s pleasure and satisfaction. And even if no one comes, do not worry, preach to the four walls of the room.”

6. Always hear and chant the names and glories of Krishna

Whatever may be the situations and circumstances we should not give up chanting the names and glories of Krishna. The nature of this world is that sometimes here we get success, sometimes failure, sometimes disappointment, sometimes joy.

Our spiritual life, especially chanting the names of Krishna, should not get affected by it.

Chanting keeps us connected to Krishna and should be never given up. Chanting purifies our heart from all the impurities and sins and give us love of Krishna. So, we should always try our best to sincerely chant the names of Krishna.

7. How to always chant the holy names

And to chant sincerely, we should have the patience and forbearance of a tree and the humbleness of a piece of straw. This is what Lord Chaitanya asks us to do.

trinad api sunichena
taror api sahishnuna
amanina manadena
kirtaniyah sada harih

“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.”

We should never try to harm anyway.

Just like when one hits a mango tree with a stone then in return the tree gifts the person a mango. Similarly, although someone may try to harm us, but we should never think of harming others but try to do something good for them. And best thing to do is to give them Krishna.

8. Greatest need of society

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakuraa taught us that the greatest need of the world is Krishna Consciousness, and we should try our best to spread this Krishna Consciousness movement.

Srila Prabhupada would say to his disciples that I am not actually doing it but you are doing . He would appeal to the devotees to carry on with the mission of his Guru Maharaj, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Srila Prabhupada dedicated his entire life in carrying out the message of his spiritual master.

The first instruction which Srila Prabhupada got from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya all over the world and this is what Srila Prabhupada did.

We should also try our best as per our capacity to spread this Krishna Conscious movement.  This becomes easy to do when we always keep Krishna in the centre.

It is worth meditating upon these instructions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and applying it in our spiritual life.

Gita Jayanti Yajna organized by Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata Congregation devotees

Gita Jayanti Yajna was organized in Shapoorji (which is near Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata) on 15^th Dec 2024 in which several devotees participated and offered oblations to the sacrificial fire while reciting the Vedic mantras. It was a divine and purifying experience for each one of us.

Although Gita Jayanti was on 13^th Dec, but we decided to have it on weekend, Sunday 15^th Dec, so that many devotees can participate.

Why Sankirtan Yajna was started?

Vedic Yajna requires elaborate preparations, so it is not possible to perform daily or even weekly.  So, on special occasions like Gita Jayanti, Bhadra Purnima and many times on the day of ekadasi, yajna is performed. 

This is the reason that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, started sankirtan yajna for us. Sankirtan Yajna means congregational chanting of the holy names of Krishna i.e the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

And this yajna can be done at any time, at any place because there are no hard and fast rules for chanting the names of Krishna. The only requirement is that one should have a desire to chant the names of Krishna.

Yajna part of Vedic culture

However, whenever possible we should perform fire sacrifice as this is part of our Vedic culture and we should always remain rooted to it. If we begin leading our life as per the guidelines of Vedic scriptures, then we will be able to ward of any miseries from our life. This is the reason Lord gave scriptures to us, so that we can lead a happy life by living as per the wisdom words of Vedic books.

When we decided to have Gita Jayanti Yajna, then many devotees were excited and eager to participate. We planned to have it from 11 am onwards.  We invited HG Abhiram Gopal Prabhu to perform yajna. Prabhuji is expert in this field as he has got training in Mayapur to perform Vedic sacrifices.

Preparation for Gita Jayanti Yajna

First Yajna kund was prepared using sacred items. Yajna kund was filled with sand, then mango woods were placed on it.

Around the yajna kund, 4 kalash was placed, which was wrapped with sacred thread. Kalash was filled with water till the neck and Ganges water was poured into it. Coconut (Daab with sikha) was placed on top of each kalash along with a towel. Around the yajna kund, many varieties of fruits and flowers were placed.

While the yajna kund was being prepared, some devotees were busy preparing bhoga for the Lord in the kitchen.

Meanwhile devotees were arriving to participate in the yajna. At it was Sunday morning, so devotees were little late to arrive. But as soon as the devotees arrived, the program started.

Yajna starts

First there was short kirtan starting with Jay Radha Madhav followed by Hare Krishna Kirtan. 

After the kirtan, devotees chanted one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra together on beads. It was important to prepare the consciousness and invoke the blessings of Krishna before starting the yajna. The purpose of Gita Jayanti yajna was to get the blessings of Lord Krishna and develop a desire to lead our life as per his teachings which he has given in Bhagavad Gita.

Yajna started with auspicious chanting of Vedic mantras. Devotees including children with rapt attention was hearing the sankrit verses and trying their best to follow it.

Sacrificial fire was lit amidst the chanting of the Vedic mantras.  Pure ghee was continuously poured in the yajna kund.

Devotees were asked by Abhiram Gopal Prabhu to offer oblations into the fire. For the yajna some devotees had fasted since morning, this included even children.

Each of the devotee sitting in the yajna was given ingredients to offer in the yajna. Since everyone was not sitting close to fire, so devotees were given two bowls. In one bowl they had the ingredients and an empty bowl in which they were putting the ingredients after saying svaha.  Those who were sitting near the yajna kund directly offered homa to the sacrificial fire.

Reciting Bhagavad Gita Verses

We also recited the selected Bhagavad Gita verses during Yajna and offered oblations.  First, we all recited the first verse of Bhagavad Gita, then selected verses from Chapter 7 to Chapter 12, and then the last verse of Bhagavad Gita. After reciting each verse devotees offered homa to the sacrificial fire.

And during the purna ahuti, all the ingredients were poured into the sacrificial fire.  While performing yajna, one may commit some mistake, so there were mantras (prayascitta homa) to seek forgiveness from the Lord.

At the end of the yajna there was visarjan. In Visarjan, we address the personalities who have been invited for the sacrifice and politely ask them to return to their abodes by requesting them to come back on the next occasion.

Short class, cake cutting & prasadam

After the yajna was completed, we had Hare Krishna kirtan, followed by small talk by HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu on the importance of having and reading Bhagavad Gita. We had also put up a book table where we had kept Bhagavad Gita in English, Hindi and Bengali Language.

On this special day, there was also birthday of little Tungavidya, daughter of HG Madhusudan Prabhu and HG Rukmini Mataji. A special cake was arranged for birthday. Bhoga items along with cake was first offered to the Lord. Then there was cake cutting and kirtan.

It was getting late, and everyone was hungry too. So, we made sure that prasadam is distributed quickly. Devotees had prepared many items, and everyone relished prasadam to their hearts content.

Wonderful experience

It was a wonderful way to celebrate Gita Jayanti. Hope this yajna will inspire each one of us to read Bhagavad Gita daily or at least on a regular basis. And most importantly, we should start applying the teachings of Bhagavad Gita in our life.

We have a desire to celebrate Gita Jayanti yajna next year too. Let us pray to Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, so that we can celebrate it next year too with great enthusiasm.

Gita Jayanti Yajna Sucipatrah

Below are the list of items/ingredients used during the Gita Jayanti Yajna

• Daab with sikha – 5 (green and clean)
• New cloth (Gamchas) – 5
• Cheri kapor – 1
• Cotton small roll (one can get from medical shop)
• Cow ghee: 2.25 lt
• Mango wood: 10 kg(It should be clean and to be made sure that there is no dust or insects)
• Sand: 1 kg
• Camphor: 100 gms
• Kusha: 3 bundle
• Dhan: 500 gms
• Govindabhog rice: 100 gms
• Turmeric powder: 1 small packet.
• Matchbox/ lighter
• Cardamom/clove/cinnamon/nutmeg/javitri. Small quantity
• Supari: 5 pcs
• Haritaki: 5 pcs
• Katali Banana: 4 pcs
• Good quality pure Chandan powder
• Red mauli thread: 1
• Sindur: 1 box
• Yellow Mustard seeds: 10 gm
• Dhoop (without stick)
• Dhuna (powdered): 50 gms
• Mango Leaves: 7 pcs for ghats and few bunches (as many possible) for the decoration around Kunda
• Seasonal Fruits as many possible
• Durva grass little.
• Tulasi little 1 bundle (to be washed and kept in a bowl)
• Yellow /orange marigold garlands for decoration around the Yajna Kunda : as many possible
• Garlands (Rajani Genda for the ghatas): 5
• Bhagavad Gita should be decorated on an aasan with garlands and flowers.
• Lotus: 2
• Loose Rajani flowers
• Loose flowers like rose, chandramallika (Chrysanthemum) etc
• 1 plate nice bhoga – either Puri, halva plate or plate full of sweets, laddus, savouries etc & with glass of water.
• Banana leaves: 6
• Supari plates medium size 2 each.

• For Yajna Participants (Depends on number of Yajmaan)
  • Kush aasan for participantsAachaman patra: 3-4
  • Barley 75 gms and Black til 75gms for each yajman.

74th Vyasa Puja Celebration of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata

On 7^th Dec 2024, devotees at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata celebrated 74^th Vyasa Puja of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj.  Large number of devotees had congregated to celebrate the occasion. A beautiful picture of Maharaj was kept near the altar of Srila Prabhupada. The program began with a video lecture of Maharaj at 8 am after darshan arati and Guru Puja.

After Maharaj’s video class, devotees began giving their offerings.  In their offerings, devotees shared how Maharaj’s teachings and life have helped them to sustain and grow in spiritual life.  Devotees were blessed to have the association of HG Vrindavan Prabhu, a very senior disciple of Maharaj. In his offering, prabhuji spoke wonderful pastimes of Maharaj.  

After the offerings, there was padpraksalan of Maharaj.  The items used for padapraksalan was – madhparkah, milk, curd, ghee, honey, misri (sugarcane) water, rose water, pancapauspa jal, kesar water, chandan paste, flower garlands, new saffron clothes, brahmana thread, dhupa and dipa.

After padapraksalan, bhoga was offered to Maharaj. Devotees since morning were busy preparing varieties of food items for this special occasion. These bhoga were first offered to Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and then to Maharaj. The bhoga also included delicious cake. 

After bhoga offering, there was Pushpanjali which followed by arati of Maharaj. During the arati devtoees sang – sri guru padma..

After arati there was feast prasadam for all at 1:30 pm.

Hearing pastimes of HH Radhananth Swami Maharaj

In the evening, HG Vrindavan Prabhu was scheduled to share the pastimes of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj. The evening program began at 5 pm in which many devotees participated as everyone was eager to hear Maharaj’s pastimes.

Prabhuji shared many pastimes of Maharaj which helped devotees to understand the mood of Maharaj and Maharaj’s extraordinary dedication to serve Srila Prabhupada and spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world as per the desire of Srila Prabhupada. 

Prabhuji spoke and gave examples to explain how Maharaj is so much dedicated in his sadhana. While chanting, he remains completely absorbed and while executing his service he is not disturbed by any bodily discomforts or pains.  These pastimes were inspiring and motivating for all the devotees.

The class went on till 8 pm and after that there was dancing kirtan followed by dinner prasadam.  

It was a wonderful day to celebrate and glorify HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj on his 74th Vyasa Puja.

HG Vrindavan Prabhu again spoke the pastimes of Maharaj at Iskcon Centre in New Alipore, the next day i.e. on 9^th Dec 2024.

Reflecting upon 7 wonderful qualities of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj on his 74th Vyasa Puja

Today we are celebrating 74^th Vyasa Puja of HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj. It is very important and auspicious day for all his disciples, in fact for all the devotees of the world. 

I consider myself very fortunate that Maharaja gave me shelter of his lotus feet and accepted me his disciple in spite of me not been qualified. 

I pray to Maharaj on his Vyas Puja day to give me determination and patience so that I can free myself from all vices like lust, anger and greed which is binding me to this material world.

On this auspicious day of 74^th Vyasa Puja of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, let us reflect upon his 7 wonderful qualities.

1. The humble acharya

Maharaj is one of the senior most disciples of Srila Prabhupada and for more than 50 years have been tirelessly working hard to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world. He has influenced the lives of lakhs of people. Today he has thousands of disciples and there are thousands of others who aspire to become his disciples. Not just that there are many materially well accomplished people who take inspiration and guidance from Maharaj from different parts of the world.

But in spite of all these great achievements and honour, he always remains humble. In fact, if someone who does not know Maharaj sees him, he will feel that he is just any ordinary saffron robe wearing monk.

He never allows devotees surrounding him & chanting his glories, clicking his pictures, throwing flower petals upon him or putting huge garlands upon him. He leads a very simple life and does not want to be treated as a celebrity.

Once when Maharaj was staying at the house of HG Srinathji Prabhu then prabhuji had arranged everything nicely for his comfortable stay. Maharaj was given a nice room, comfortable bed, wollen blanket so that he could take rest properly.

But to his surprise, HG Srinathji Prabhu early in the morning saw that Maharaj is sleeping on the terrace and not in the room. Prabhuji asked Maharaj, “How were you able to sleep on the terrace as there are so many mosquitoes?” Maharaj said, “While staying in the jungles and the Himalayas, he has learnt how to wrap his body nicely so that he is not disturbed by the mosquitoes.”

By this we learn about the importance of being simple in our life. I remember one of the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya with Sanatana Goswami. When Sanatana Goswami was wearing a valuable woollen blanket then it looked as if Lord Chaitanya was not happy. So, Sanatana Goswami decided to give it up. He went to the bank of the Ganges and there he traded his valuable woollen blanket with a torn quilt. And when Lord Chaitanya saw Sanatana Goswami having old torn quit instead of the costly woollen blanket, he was happy.

So, in spite of our accomplishments – spiritual or material – we should always lead a simple life and should not allow ourselves to be glorified by others.  

Yes, we should not imitate Maharaj, but we should at least try to follow his footsteps and guidelines.

2. Hearing from Srila Prabhupada again & again

During this year’s (2024) Kartik Yatra at Mayapur Dham, while giving class and speaking about Jagai and Madhai, Maharaj said that, “Today morning I was hearing Srila Prabhupada’s tape and Prabhupada was describing about Jagai and Madhai.”  And then Maharaj spoke what Srila Prabhupada had said in his lecture.

Maharaj might have spoken about the pastimes of Jagai and Madhai hundreds of times. In fact, I myself have heard it from Maharaj in his many lectures. But still Maharaj was hearing Srila Prabhupada speaking on this important pastime associated with Lord Chaitanya.  Maharaj through his example is teaching us the importance of hearing from Srila Prabhupada regularly. 

These days so many lectures and YouTube videos are available which is good. But what lesson we learn here from Maharaj is that we should make it a habit to regularly hear from Srila Prabhupada.

Now many times when I see any Srila Prabhupada lecture, I think that I have heard it earlier so let me hear something else. But Maharaj has directly heard from Srila Prabhupada, and he might have heard Srila Prabhupada’s tape on Jagai and Madhai so many times but still he is hearing.

In spiritual life, hearing is extremely important and hearing from a pure devotee have great impact in our heart.  Just by attentively hearing from Sukhadev Goswami, Maharaj Parikshit attained perfection. So, if we also try to hear from Srila Prabhupada, a pure devotee, attentively and constantly, we may also one day attain perfection.

3. Leading by Example

Great leaders do not just give sermons but always teaches the masses by his own example. During Kartik Yatra, every morning Maharaj would come to the pandal to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Maharaj would always sit erect, face towards Tulsi Maharani and chant attentively on his beads.

Seeing Maharaj chanting so sincerely and with such absorption motivated us to also chant sincerely. In this age of Kali, chanting the holy names of Krishna is the only was by which we can deliver ourselves.

Maharaj by his personal example is teaching us the importance of chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra in the morning. And chanting should not be done to just finish the rounds but to be absorbed in the holy names of the Lord.

Seeing Maharaj chanting with such absorption in front of Tulsi Maharani made me remember namacharya Haridas Thakura who would sit in front of Tulsi Maharani and would remain absorbed in chanting the names of Krishna.

4. A dear, loving & caring friend of all

I have always seen that during each Kartik Yatra many of Maharaj’s godbrothers and godsisters come. It is only because of Maharaj’s loving nature that all these disciples of Srila Prabhupada who lives in different parts of the world come for Maharaj’s Kartik Yatra to give their association to all of us.

And especially on the day of the disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada, we get to hear so many wonderful pastimes of Srila Prabhupada from the lotus mouth of these disciples of Srila Prabhupada. We were not here when Srila Prabhupada was transforming the whole world. So, our connection with Srila Prabhupada is through his disciples. So, the more we directly hear from them about Srila Prabhupada, the more we come to know about him and more we feel connected to him.

Maharaj would invite HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj to speak every evening and we had great fortune to hear from HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj in Mayapur Dham. And when because of bad health HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj was not able to come then HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj sent a long message for all the devotees who had come for Kartik Yatra. In his message Maharaj was thanking HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja and the devotees for coming to Mayapur. And, he was inspiring all of us to come again to the holy Dham.

We read in Chaitanya Charitamrita that how all the devotees would always come together to glorify the Lord and the devotees. This is what we see during Maharaj’s Kartik Yatra. Maharaj is teaching us about the importance of devotee association especially with our equals.  

Many times, because of our false ego and impure consciousness, we consider equals to be our competitors and so we do not develop loving relationships with them. Maharaj teaches us that we should always be respecting, honouring and glorifying our equals and should always have friendly relationships with them.

5. Always appreciating

Whenever there is an opportunity Maharaj begins to glorify the devotees.

Not just he glorifies great personalities like Vaisnava acharyas, Srila Prabhupada and Srila Prabhupada’s disciples, but he even glorifies his disciples and anyone who renders any service to Krishna. During the last day of Kartik Yatra, Maharaj was glorifying all the devotees who worked hard to make Mayapur Kartik Yatra successful.

Many times, I have seen that when someone renders some service then we think that it was their duty to do so, and there is nothing great about it. Or sometimes, although we appreciate their efforts, but we fail to glorify them in front of others.

But Maharaj makes it a point that everyone is appreciated and should feel that their services are being valued. Although it is not possible for Maharaj to remember name of each devotee who does service, but Maharaj makes it a point that he takes the name of all those devotees whom he knows. Such an appreciation by Maharaj inspires them to serve more and more. For those devotees, including me, who does not do service it gives us motivation to render some serve to Krishna.

And during his class and also during kirtan, he would recollect the services which his godbrothers and godsisters did for Srila Prabhupada.

6. Importance of cultivating devotional qualities

In all his lectures, Maharaj again and again emphasises on the need of cultivating high moral values. One of the oft quoted verses of Maharaj is

trinad api sunicena

taror api sahishnuna

amanina manadena

kirtaniyah sada harihi

“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.”

Maharaj never likes criticising anyone even if the criticism is genuine.

For example, during the Kartik Yatra 2024, the mic system was giving some issues. But I never saw Maharaj singling out those who were managing sound system. Maharaj would have pointed out their mistakes and we would have thought that Maharaj did the right thing. But he did not do it.

In one of the Vyas Puja offerings, HG Radheshyam Prabhu was saying that it is not that Maharaj does not correct devotees but he does it in such a loving way that the devotee who is doing mistakes learn the lesson and does not feel bad. 

But whenever Maharaj gets an opportunity, he begins glorifying any service rendered by devotees. 

In the outside world we just see the opposite. Something bad is exaggerated and something good is minimised. That is why material world is abominable, and material life is so miserable. 

Maharaj by his example is teaching us the consciousness which a devotee should cultivate.  A devotee should always try to see good in others. In one of the class Maharaj was saying that devotees should be like honeybees. Just like honeybees only looks for nectar in a flower and extracts it similarly we should always try to see good in others. 

And we should not be like flies who loves to sit on the wounds of a person causing him pain.  This may appear very easy to do. But it is extremely difficult. In this world most of the conflicts are only because people disrespect others, insults others and always sees bad in others. But as we change our mindset and starts seeing good in others by understanding that we all are parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, Krisna, the conflicts will cease to exist.

Maharaj teaches that a devotee should think about others welfare and try his best to motivate others to serve Krishna.  And along with that devotees should have impeccable character.

7. His words touches the heart

Just like after speaking Bhagavad Gita, Krishna does not force Arjuna to follow him. Similarly, Maharaj never forces devotees to do certain thing but he always inspires them so that his disciples may engage in the service of Krishna.

Although Maharaj is a sannaysi, a guru, a spiritual leader, our spiritual father but his talk is never authoritative. I was not fortunate to have any personal interaction with Maharaj but after Brahmana initiation Maharaj spoke to few of us who had got Brahmana initiation. Maharaj spoke for few minutes and while speaking he said, “Now since you all are Brahmana initiated, so try to do some deity service also.” These words were enough to inspire us to engage in deity service.

Begging for his mercy

On this auspicious day of 74^th Vyasa Puja of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, I beg at his lotus for his mercy so that I can constantly serve Krishna, serve Srila Prabhupada, serve him, serve all the devotees without any ulterior motives. I beg at his lotus feet to purify my heart of all the anarthas especially lust so that I can always be engaging in loving devotional service to Krishna.

Maharaj’s insignificant servant

Purushottam Nitai Das

Mayapur Dham Yatra from Newtown, Kolkata

Congregation devotees from Jalvayu Towers, Omni Tulsi and Shapoorji who are connected to Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata went for two-day Mayapur Dham Yatra (23^rd Nov 2024 – 24^th Nov 2024).

Everyone had a wonderful experience. Yatra started on 23^rd Nov 2024, Saturday, morning. We had booked a bus for the yatra. Bus came at 5 am to Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata. Devotees boarded the bus from different locations like Iskcon Newtown temple, Shapoorji, Omni Tulsi and Jalvayu Towers.

Everyone was excited for the journey.

Fun filled spiritual activities in the bus

After everyone had boarded the bus and settled down, we had Mangal Arati and Narasimha Arati in which everyone enthusiastically participated.  After that devotees were told about the importance of Mayapur dham and the mood one should have during the yatra.

Breakfast

As everyone was up early in the morning, so obviously all were hungry.  So, we decided to have breakfast. The bus stopped at one place, so that devotees can comfortably have breakfast. The menu was sandwich, litti chokha and herbal tea. The interesting part was that sandwich was prepared in the bus only for which we had carried the ingredients.  We had also carried muri from the temple which was mixed with spices to give it jhalmuri flavour.  One packet was given to each devotee.

Dum Charade, Quiz & Chanting

After breakfast, bus again started. It was time for fun filled spiritual activities. First, we had dumb charades. One of the persons were asked to enact an act seeing which others were supposed to guess the character. Children as well as their parents participated. After that there was quiz in which questions were asked from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.

The meaning of Bhagavad Gita verses was given based on which children were asked to recite the verses. And children were able to recite the verses.  And those who gave correct answer either in dumb charades and quiz, were given gifts.

Since we were going to a holy place, so it was very important that the mood was always devotional. And one of the best ways to have that mood is by chanting the names of Krishna. Chanting beads were given to each devotee, children and elders, and everyone chanted the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

We all were so absorbed in different spiritual activities in the bus that time passed swiftly and soon we found that we have entered Mayapur.

Arriving in Mayapur and taking darshan of the Lord

We reached Iskcon Mayapur temple by around 10:30 am. Our stay was at Gita Bhavan. Devotees got the keys, and they checked in to Gita Bhavan. Two families got room in Vamsi Bhavan.

After checking in and freshening up, we all went to take darshan of the Lord in the temple. Many were coming to Mayapur for the first time and they were very eager to visit the temple. We took darshan of Sri Sri Radha Madhav and Asta Sakhis, Lord Narasimhadev, Sri Pancha-Tattva and Srila Prabhupada. Everyone felt spiritually enlivened after taking darshan of the beautiful deities. Some chanted in the temple while others participated in the kirtan which was going on in the temple.

After taking darshan of the Lord, we came back to Gita Bhavan for lunch prasadam.  Hundreds of devotees were taking prasadam there. We too sat with them. All the devotees relished lunch prasadam. For some, especially for children, it was a unique experience to see devotees in large numbers sitting in a prasadam hall and honouring prasadam together. 

Attending Ganga Arati at Srila Prabhupada Ghat

After prasadam we went to our rooms to take rest. It was decided that we all will gather together at 4 pm to go for Ganga Arati. At around 4 pm, devotees assembled and from Gita Bhavan, we went to Srila Prabhupada Ghat by walk. We could have taken toto also, but we preferred to walk so that we can experience Mayapur and see different places in Mayapur while walking. 

At Prabhupada ghat, a beautiful temple has been built on the bank of the Ganges by Iskcon. In the temple, there was the deity of Lord Krishna, Lord Gauranga and Ganga Devi. We took the permission of the temple authorities and did kirtan inside the temple and we all then chanted the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. At 5 pm, arati began in the temple in which everyone participated.

At 5:30 pm there was Maha arati of mother Ganges.  We also had carried diyas with us so that we can offer lamp to Mother Ganges.  We prepared arati plate by putting dozens of diyas on a plate and devotees one by one offered arati to Mother Ganges. It was such a wonderful and unique experience for each one of us.

Attending Gaur Arati in temple and watching movie in 360 degree full dome theatre

From there we came back to temple because everyone was eager to attend Gaur Arati in the temple.  We came by toto, and everyone quickly went inside the temple to participate in the arati. Devotees spent good amount of time inside the temple taking darshan of the Lord and participating in arati.  

Temple hall was completely filled with devotees and there were hundreds of devotees outside the temple hall also. And because of the huge crowd, it was little challenging to be always in the group.  So, after Gaur Arati, it took little time to gather all the devotees so that we could move to next destination.

Our next destination was seeing movie in full dome theatre. As devotees had got up early in the morning and throughout the day, they were busy so they were tired too. But no one wanted to miss the movie. We entered inside the theatre at 7:50 pm and the movie started at 8 pm.

Once inside, I understood why it is called 360 degree full dome theatre because movie was shown on the dome.  It gave the experience of planetarium. The movie explained in detail Mayapur dham and the nine islands of Navadwipa. Although the movie was philosophical but captivating. Video, picture and sound quality was amazing.  

After watching the movie, we rushed to Gita Bhavan for dinner as well were hungry.  Although the day was exhausting but no one was complaining because the experience which we all got throughout the day was pleasing to the heart.  Devotees quickly took dinner and went to their rooms to take rest.

The plan was that next day everyone should try to attend Mangal Arati at 4:30 am in the temple.

Attending Mangala Arati & visiting Goshala

Not all were able to come for Mangal Arati at 4:30 am because everyone was tired and many had small kids also. But few devotees came for Mangal Arati and they felt spiritually enlivened by the experience.  After Mangala arati, we chanted few rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. 

We then visited Goshala which is very famous.  In the Goshala there are hundreds of cows and bulls and all are well taken care. There is proper shelter for them and also good quality of food is given to them. There are dedicated devotees who lovingly take care of the cows.

One important point to be noted is that not all the cows give milk but still they are given love and care and not abandoned. These days we see many people keep cows at their home or in Goshala only till the time they give milk. And once they stop giving milk they are abandoned.

This is why we see many cows loitering in the street. Some die because of some disease, some meet with accident. This is very unfortunate; it should not happen. Scriptures explain that cow is our mother, and she should always be cared and protected.

After visiting Goshala, we returned to our rooms. Devotees who had not taken darshan of the Lord at 4:30 am were eager to visit the temple and participate in darshan arati which starts at 7 am.  After taking darshan devotees had breakfast at Radha Madhav food court adjacent to Gita Bhavan.  Breakfast was pasta.

Visiting ashram of HH Bhakti Raghav Swami Maharaj

Immediately after breakfast, we all proceeded to the ashram of HH Bhakti Raghav Swami Maharaj. As the ashram was little away from the temple, so we went by bus.  In the bus devotees were chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. There was no route for the bus to go inside the ashram, so we got down around 400 metres before the ashram. From there we walked towards to ashram.

It was full of natural beautiful. The ashram was surrounded by beautiful trees, colourful flowers and straw huts. In the centre of the ashram there was a beautiful deity of Radha and Krishna. We all felt that we have travelled back into time and have entered Vedic age when everything was natural and the Lord was always in the centre.

We all first took darshan of the Lord and also took caranamrita. Children were enjoying the ambience especially the garden which was full of blossomed flowers.  After darshan devotees sat under the trees to hear from Maharaj.

HH Bhakti Raghav Swami Maharaj was happy to see the devotees coming from Kolkata to Mayapur.

HH Bhakti Raghav Swami Maharaj speaks

Maharaj started the class by saying, “There are only two types of people in Kolkata. One type of people are those who have visited Mayapur and the second type of people are those who are about to visit Mayapur. Now you all are in the categories of those who have come to Mayapur.”

He further said that it is only because of the mercy of Srila Prabhupada that we all are here. He said about himself that had Srila Prabhupada had not preached all over the world, he would not have been here in Mayapur. Maharaj encouraged the devotees to take to the process of Krishna Consciousness as it provides freedom from all sufferings and opens gateway to eternal bliss. 

Class was interactive. Maharaj was making sure that children actively participate in the class. So, during his discussion, he was asking questions and asking children to respond. And children too were answering the questions.

At the end Maharaj asked children to recite one sloka from Bhagavad Gita which the children did. Two children even asked questions to Maharaj and Maharaj answered them to their satisfaction.  After the class, Maharaj distributed sweets to everyone.  It was a memorable experience for all of us.

While returning from the ashram to board the bus, we did kirtan along the way.

Visiting Yoga Pitha, birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu & Rajapur Jagannath Temple

We all then went to Yoga Pitha, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. We were there by 11 am but at that time darshan was closed because bhoga was being offered to the Lord.

At 11:30 am, darshan opened and arati of the Lord started. It was a great fortune for all of us to participate in the bhog arati of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at his birthplace.

Devotees also took darshan of the neem tree under which Lord Chaitanya had appeared.  The tree is still there. Devotees pay obeisances to the tree and take some dust from the root of the tree and smear it on their forehead, some even eat it considering it to be Mahaprasadam.

At Yoga Pitha, we also took darshan of Lord Narasimhadev who is there with Goddess Lakshmi. There is also the deity of Jagannath Mishra and Saci Devi, father and mother of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.  And there is also the deity of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura, a great vaisnava saint who had rediscovered Mayapur and built such a beautiful temple for the Lord.

From Yoga Pitha, we went to Rajapur Jagannath temple.  There we took darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, Subhadra Devi. There we also took darshan of Lord Gauranga and Simantini Devi who is none other than mother Parvati.

Lunch Prasadam at Gada Bhavan

As it was already 1 pm, so we immediately rushed back to the temple for lunch prasadam. We took lunch at Gada Bhavan. There the queue was very big. It looked as if we will have to stand in queue for a long period of time. But interestingly the queue was never still, it kept on moving.

And after few minutes only we found that we are inside prasadam hall, relishing prasadam at famous Gada Bhavan. The lunch prasadam like the previous day was delicious and satisfying.  

Devotees explore Mayapur in free time

After lunch prasadam, devotees were having their personal time to explore and experience Mayapur. During this period some went and spent time in the temple, some moved around Mayapur exploring different places of interest, but everyone purchased something from Mayapur.  

Returning back from Mayapur Dham to Kolkata

Our plan was that devotees will attend Gaur Arati at 6 pm in the temple and then we will board the bus at 7 pm to return back to Kolkata.  In the evening devotees took darshan of the Lord and then boarded the bus. We started our return journey at around 7:15 pm from Mayapur. As the bus started, we sang Narasimha arati seeking protection and blessings of Lord Narasimhadev.

We had carried dinner prasadam packet with us which we got prepared at Gita Bhavan kitchen. As everyone felt hungry, especially children, so we distributed dinner packets to all. Devotees had dinner – puri sabji and sweet.

Devotees shared their realizations about the Mayapur Yatra

After dinner, devotees shared their realizations, their experience in Mayapur. Everyone had a great time. It was fun filled spiritual journey.  Everyone had a desire to again visit Mayapur dham. Hope by the mercy of Lord Chaitanya we will again be able to visit Mayapur dham soon.

But meanwhile everyone was thinking about next yatra. Let us see where we go next – whether to Vrindavan or to Jagannath Puri, everything depends upon our desire and mercy of the Supreme Lord. After sharing realizations, devotees took rest in the bus.

The weather was pleasant, journey was smooth, and we reached back to Kolkata at around 12 midnight.   

Power of holy name of Krishna

“Holy name of Krishna is extremely powerful and has the power to free us from all the sins and ultimately give us love of Krishna.”  HG Gauranga Prabhu during his address to the devotees of Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata on 27^th September elaborately discussed on this topic – Power of Holy Name.

In his talk he emphasised on the importance of taking shelter of Krishna’s holy name. His lecture was inspiring, motivating and also had few funny anecdotes.

Below is what HG Gauranga Prabhu said during his lecture:

In Bhagavad Gita Krishna says that there are three gateways to hell – lust, anger and greed.

tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ
dvāraṁ nāśanam ātmanaḥ
kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas
tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet

“There are three gates leading to this hell – lust, anger and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.” Bhagavad Gita 16.21

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s gift

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is an embodiment of ananda (bliss) gave us a simple way to get free from these three gateways to hell and i.e. by chanting the names of Lord Krishna.  Lord Chaitanya has golden complexion, and he attracts all the embodied souls. 

When he started sankirtan in Alarnath then Nityananda Prabhu, his eternal associate, predicted that this sankirtan will spread in every towns and villages all over the world. So, 500 years ago Nityananda Prabhu had prophesised that a great personality will appear and distribute the mercy of holy names all over the world.

And we all know that Nityananda Prabhu was predicting the appearance of Srila Prabhupada and also the establishment of Iskcon.

People think bhakti is difficult. They think that for bhakti we have to do lots of tapasya (penance) and will have to leave many things. But Lord Krishna says that bhakti does not mean that we have to leave things but actually it is to add Krishna in our life.

For example, if people think this is my house, this is my property and I am controller of my house, my wife (or my husband), my children then this is wrong understanding. If someone neglects Krishna and thinks about his home, family, property then it becomes a bondage. So, Rupa and Sanatana Goswami prays to Lord Chaitanya that we are getting immersed in sense gratification, please save us.

Adding Krishna in our life

Brahmaji says brajvasis are so fortunate that they are able to reciprocate with Lord Krishna and they consider Krishna as part of their family.

We have satsanga every Sunday, so that you can add Radha and Krishna in your house. And if there is space available then add Gaur Nitai in your house. If still space is there then add Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi in your house. And then if possible, you can add Lord Rama and Mother Sita in your house. And if possible, also add Pancatattva in your house. So, make the Supreme Lord part of your family.

And once we start adding Krishna in our life then automatically other things which is causing us pain will go away automatically. Meaning of Hare Krishna movement is to change lifestyle. As life changes by practicing devotion to Krishna, automatically our life improves. 

But people turn away from Krishna

Once in a train I was chanting in the morning. I was chanting slowly so that my co-passenger who was sleeping is not disturbed. But he was hearing the mahamntra, so he covered himself with blanket. But still he was not able to stop himself getting disturbed. He got up and said, “Let Krishna sleep peacefully in the morning.” In train once I saw an advertisement – Your real friend – gaay

chaap tambako (tobacco). In cigarette pack it is written smoking is injurious to health but still people smoke.

HG Sarbhauma Prabhu says that there are three benefits of smoking cigarette – no thief will enter in the house in the night, dog will not bite you, you will never get old. He explains how this is possible. If you smoke then you will be coughing throughout the night then how the thief will enter your house. Because of coughing you will become weak so you will have to use a stick to walk and if you carry a stick then the dogs won’t bite you. And because you will be diseased you will die young so you will never become old. 

When my father first met HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj then Maharaj asked him what you did? My father said that I was serving in steel plant for 40 years. So, Maharaj said, “Now you start serving Tulsi plant.”

Develop desire to serve Krishna

We cannot serve Krishna with our intelligence. Without the shelter and guidance of great devotees we cannot serve Krishna.

Lord Brahma says to Lord Krishna, “My only desire is that just like brajvasis are always focussed in serving you, so I also want to take birth here in Vrindavan so that I can serve you constantly.”

Meaning of kama is icha (desire). If we have wrong desires and do things for our own selfish motives then we get bound in this world. So, what is the way to change this wrong desire? It is through satsanga.

Patit means, one who knows what to do and what not to do but still he does what he is not supposed to do. Once I was doing kirtan, one person was not clapping his hand although I was asking everyone to clap and chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Later I saw the same person clapping his hand with tobacco in his hand. I asked him, “You were not clapping during kirtan but here you are clapping with tobacco in your hard.” He said do not call it tambako, it is sanjivini buti, the same buti which Hanuman brought. I asked him who told you this.

He said, “My grandfather would read Ramayan and eat tambako and would say that this is sanjivini buti.” We see that how wrong conception people are having in this world, they read scriptures and given their own concocted logic.

Only Bhakti can save us

We see Ajamila had good qualities but seeing a prostitute embracing a man he fell down. He got affected by lusty desire. He tried to control his lusty desire by intelligence but he failed to do so.

He brought that prostitute home, married with her and begot many children but fortunately he named one of his children, Narayan. At the time of death when he saw Yamaduttas, he helplessly called his son’s name which was Narayan and immediately the Visnuduttas came and he was saved from Yamaduttas.  So, Ajamila says to Lord that your name is so glorious that it saved me.

Advertisement of hell

One person died, yamadutas came to take him. But they said that you have two choices – either you can go to heaven or to hell. Since you have done little bit of piety so you can go to heaven for some period. So, tell us where you want to go first – heaven or hell. The person was not aware of hell or heaven. So, he asked them to show both the places. 

So, he was shown heaven. In heaven he saw beautiful gardens, rivers, palaces and people were happy there. Then he was shown hell. In hell he saw dance bars, beer bars, shops selling non vegetarian foods, men and women indulging in immoral activities. 

The person thought it is just like some metropolitan city and this is what I always wanted to do. So, he said, “First I want to go to hell.”  So, he was taken to hell. But as he approached hell, his body was torn apart and he was about to be thrown in a burning oil. Shocked to see all these, he said, “But you showed me something else.”

The Yamaduttas told that was advertisement of hell and the reality is this.  People today are enjoying by indulging in so many sinful activities but they do not know what future awaits them.

What if there is Krishna?

Once one person asked Srila Prabhupada, “What if you come to know at the end your life that there is no Krishna?” Srila Prabhupada said, “Well, we can think that at least we had a good life here. We were always blissful chanting the names of Krishna, dancing in sankirtan, associating with wonderful devotees and enjoying Krishna prasad.”

“But what if you come to know at the end of your life that there is Krishna?” Srila Prabhupada asked. So, Prabhupada would always ask everyone to give up sinful life and chant the names of Krishna.

It is the best time to become devotees as we can get association of so many devotees. By the time Kalki avatar will come, no devotees will be remaining because all the devotees would have gone home Back to Godhead by that time.

When we do sin then we have to atone also. For small sin there is small atonement and for big sin there is big atonement.

Power of holy name

But Hari Naam (holy name of Krishna) is so powerful that it saves us from all the sins – big or small.

Hari Naam is so powerful that although there may be many difficulties in the world but we are able to transcend it. Just like when we fly in an airplane things on the ground looks too tiny, similarly when we raise our consciousness by practicing Krishna Consciousness all the material problems will look insignificant.

Haridas Thakura did not speak about the glories of holy name to the prostitute. But his chanting was so powerful and pure that the prostitute got transformed. And when the prostitute was transformed, he told her to take shelter of Tulsi and chant the names of Krishna.

By taking shelter of the holy name, she became a great devotee endowed with all good qualities. She regularly started serving tulsi, she reduced her eating, she fasted, controlled her senses and chanted attentively. Since she was following the orders of her guru, Haridas Thakura, and practicing bhakti soon love of Krishna manifested in her heart.

She became so pure that many great personalities would come to take her darshan.

When we walk on the road we come across pebbles. Now we have two options – one is to take hammer and crush the pebbles and the other is to wear strong shoes which can protect us from the pebbles. Now how many pebbles can we break? So, the best option is to wear the shoes. Similarly, with how many problems can we fight?

Our mind gets distracted with so many things, there are so many difficulties. So better to take shelter of holy names and protect ourselves from the onslaught of material miseries. Holy name of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna mahamntra is the shield of mind and will protect us against any distractions.

Bind Krishna by chanting his holy name

Even maya devi was not able to disturb Haridas Thakura because he was always absorbed in chanting the names of Krishna. When we chant attentively then we get strength to say no to the mind’s wrong demands.

Instead of desiring to enjoy this world, we should desire Krishna. To change kama (iccha), we have to change our desire. In fact pure devotees are able to even control Krishna. Krishna can be controlled only by love. We see how mother Yashoda was able to bind Krishna. 

We can also bind Krishna by chanting his holy name especially the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Krishna sees our efforts and then he gives mercy, just like he gave mercy to mother Yashoda. In the association of devotees we are able to give up kam vasna and we can chant the names of Krishna.

Lord Krishna is the eternal superstar who never disappoints his fans

Krishna is the only superstar who never disappoints his fans because he is always ready to reciprocate with the feelings of his fans.

In this world, film stars, sports stars, rock stars, politicians, rich and mighty have innumerable fan following. Their fans surround their senses with the images of their beloved stars, decorate their houses with their pictures and keep each and every update of their favourite celebrity.

The unfulfilled desire

They continuously dream to meet their icons at least once in their life. These desperate fans want to touch them, desire to shake hands with them and long to hug them. They even dream to have breakfast/lunch/dinner with them. But sadly, rarely their dreams come true. The reality is that the celebrities rarely care for their fans.

There are many incidents when the fans have been thrashed by the security guards of the stars. Even celebrities sometimes slap their followers. People spend their time, energy and money eulogising their idols; they fiercely defend them when someone speaks some unpalatable words against their favourite luminaries.

But in spite of all their sacrifices, they end up being humiliated and slapped. One of the famous stars who have lakhs of following was seen spitting on his fans when they had assembled in front of his house to just have a glimpse of him.

Krishna always reciprocates with our feelings

Now contrast this with the love which God, Krishna, the creator of this world, bestows upon each living entity.  He descends from his spiritual abode to this material world for you and me. As God, he not just creates and maintains us and this world, but he is always present with us as Paramatma in our heart.  As Paramatma, he constantly reciprocates with our desires. And he eagerly waits when we will have desire to have him. Krishna, never disappoints his devotees.  

When Lord Vishnu ran to save his devotee

Once Lord Vishnu was having his meal and Lakshmi was by his side. Immediately Lord Vishnu got up and started running. Lakshmi was surprised. Then after few minutes Vishnu returned back bit unhappy. Lakshmi asked what had happened. Why did he run frantically and why did he return so soon? Vishnu replied that one person was being attacked by a ferocious tiger and he called my name so I ran to help him. But soon the person forgot me and made his own arrangement.  He does not need me anymore. So, I came back. This is the love of the Lord for his devotees. He is ever ready to be with us when we need him.

Krishna’s love for his devotee, Sudama

When Sudama, an extremely poor brahmana, went to see Krishna then Krishna got up from his gold studded throne and ran to receive him.  Upon seeing Sudama, the lord embraced him. In fact, he was personally fanning Sudama and feeding him delicious food.

Have we seen any example of any famous personality of this world, who is reciprocating with his fan in such an intimate way?

Why not be a fan of Krishna, the eternal superstar?

Stars of this world are mortal beings, they are infinitesimal. Their name and fame stay with them for a limited period of time. But the Supreme Lord is the eternal superstar, and he has tremendous love for us.

Lord Krishna always reciprocates with the feelings of his devotees, he never disappoints them. So why not we become his fan instead of becoming the fans of the lesser mortals who hardly have any respect for our emotions?

In fact, if we take just a single step towards the Supreme Lord then he takes hundreds of steps towards us. He even gives us the knowledge to reach him, “To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Bhagavad Gita 10.10

Why Vedas should be part of curriculum?

Vedas is part of Indian history, so why it should not be part of curriculum in schools & colleges?  This ancient literature informs us how India was rich culturally, spiritually and politically. So, to know India in a better way it is important that Vedas be part of curriculum.

The systematic plan to deny Vedic knowledge

Right to education is a fundamental right and it is the duty of the society and the government to make sure that each and every child is educated without any discrimination.  But what if there is discrimination in what knowledge is imparted to the students.   

What if the ideologically driven educationalists do not allow the students to be exposed to various fields of knowledge but instead force them to study only those subject matters which agree with their way of thinking and believing.

This would be considered a gross misuse of power and position. But this policy of knowledge filtration has been going on for ages in India. The British during their rein had made sure that the Indians remain deprived of their rich knowledge and culture.  

They strategically trained scholars who were although Indians but had disregard for Indian culture, society, customs, traditions and holy books. These scholars were given the responsibility of slowly and steadily making Indians believe that their culture, history and knowledge are inferior to that of the west. The purpose was to make sure that the Indians lose faith in the Vedas.

British policy continued even after India achieved independence.  The scholars who were trained to demean Vedic books continued nurturing other sets of scholars who would not allow the knowledge of these scriptures to be made available to all Indians.

They started concocting and misrepresenting these books and came up with doctrines like

• Vedic literatures are unscientific, and it promotes superstitious beliefs.
• Ramayana and Mahabharata are mythology.
• These books divide society and discriminate against women.
• Knowledge imparted by these books are not relevant anymore.

Vedic literatures are the oldest literature of the world.  And it was not written by some unintelligent, illiterate and primitive nomadic people.

Glories of Vedas

Let us gauge the vastness of Vedic literature:

• The 4 Vedas – Rig-veda, Yajur-veda, Sama-veda, and the Atharva-veda–in total had 21, 109, 1000 and 50 branches respectively consisting of over 100, 000 verses. Many of them got lost and today we find around 20, 023 (or according to some 20, 379) verses in all the 4 Vedas.
• There are 18 Puranas and in total they have 400, 000 verses.
• Mahabharata is the world’s largest epic consisting of 110, 000 couplets.
• Ramayana another great epic contains 24, 000 verses. 

And the list isn’t complete; there are many more literary masterpieces such as Brahmanas, Aranyakas , Upanisads, Upa – Vedas and Vedangas etc.

A person with a tinge of intelligence would accept the fact that such a voluminous work cannot be the handiwork of some nomadic and semi – literate people.

The philosophy espoused by these literatures have the potential to change the way we look towards the world and towards other living beings.

Vedic literatures help people to become a better human being

These holy books talk about isvara (God), jiva (the living beings), prakriti (wolrd), karma (actions) and kala (time).

For example, by studying Bhagavad Gita one becomes a better human being. The Gita teaches us about the importance of cultivation of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquillity; aversion to fault finding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty; steady determination; vigor; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the passion for honor. Bhagavad Gita 16.1-3

The holy book further informs us that all the living entities in this world are part and parcel of God and so we should see them all with equal vision and should not discriminate against any. (Bhagavad Gita 5.18)

Srila Prabhupada’s role in spreading the teachings of Vedas

But sadly, an Indian does not get the opportunity to study these books in schools and colleges and if someone desires to study them then they are derided. So much is the disdain for the Indian traditional culture, language and custom that in India instead of Sanskrit, which is a native Indian language, in the educational institutions German was being taught.

And when the government tried to include Sanskrit in the educational curriculum then there were fierce opposition from the anti-Vedic brigade who masquerade as liberals in India.  Today Sanskrit as a language has survived because of the mercy of foreign universities. Isn’t it surprising as well as shocking?

Indians in general have deep longing to know about their culture, tradition, language and literature.  And so many Indians have continued to learn about their culture and philosophy from their elders or have tried their best to study on their own.

Many religious and cultural organizations such as ISKCON organize classes on Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and other Vedic literatures ensuring that not just Indians but people all over the world know the message of these sacred books.

Iskcon has played an important role in spreading the teachings of Vedic literatures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam not just in India but all over the world.

Today, Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam is widely read all over the world. His books have been translated in all the major languages of India and the world.

Give opportunity to learn Vedas by making it part of curriculum

In spite of strong opposition by left intellectuals spiritual leaders like Srila Prabhupada have been working hard to spread the teachings of wisdom literatures for the benefit of humanity.

The time has come that sane man should started opposing those who oppose Vedic literatures.  The tyranny of ideologically driven left liberal academicians should be stopped. Every Indian should have the right to choose what he/she wants to study.

No one should be deprived of that opportunity.  Educational institution in India should not discriminate against Vedic school of thoughts but should allow the younger brains to get exposed to these vast bodies of knowledge.

Government should add Vedas in school curriculum.

Also Read:

What Vedas say about women? They should be honored.