dasanudas

Jagadananda Prabhu, koti dandavats, Apart from the main thrust of your purpose in pursuing links between these personalities which by all means, is a worthy endeavor. I must say the process is joyfully outweighing the conclusion. (What was the question again?) that is your journey of discovery becomes a delight for all witnessing. You are revealing a deep ocean with infinite currants of variegated sweetness just in contemplation of the name and person Of Srila Prabhodananda Saraswati. Indeed like much of your prospecting for the Golden Truth many other wonderful gems are revealed, and although I can't always agree cent per cent with some of your personal conclusions, I heartily applaud your sincere contribution. I love the way when Absolute Truth is presented how all relative truths are fulfilled in the process, or the old analogy of receiving a million dollars to make our petty dept fade into insignificance. Thank you never quite hits the mark. But as you well know, bhakti is it's own sweet reward. Keep it flowing prabhu. I'd like to see some genuine submissive enquiry into many of these points you are bringing up for the benefit of all. I'm so limited in the realm of time to respond as much as I would like to. But would be happy to see a congenial exchange with those who are fortunate enough to have the time. Affectionately Ys dasanudas

Yes this is one way for them to forget not just their barriers but everything else too. No telling what sort of miracles you would see after all that residue. I'm sure their are many wittnesses of this mystics miracles maybe he could apply for sainthood.

"Blessed be the cheesemakers" I was just wondering if all those martyres that die fighting for their cause all around the world, take their attitude to paradise with them,or if they kind of get a wash down on their journey thru the Brahmajhoti. Oh for a gentle stream and a banyan tree to sing the glories of the vaisnavas with some like souls. Gaura Hari The Nature Of Affection Devotee: We have heard the guru can only be defeated by his son or disciple. Can you explain this? Srila Sridhara Maharaj: One sloka has told It is desirable that one will attain victory at every place, but only defeat from his own son or disciple. That is, the disciple will be of greater merit and prospect because that will enhance his guru’s position. It is also said that a person’s merit of his past lives is judged by what type of son he has got. That will show the merit of his previous birth. So the guru sincerely wills that his disciple may surpass him even in his own service to the Lord. He will expect more from his disciple than himself, that he may have a greater position in the circle of the eternal servitors. Such affection the guru has towards his disciple, he is such a well-wisher of his disciple. Mahaprabhu gave everything that He knew to Rupa Goswsami and when in Puri, He stated, “He is a proper person to propagate devotion, so I have given My everything to him. And I request that you also give whatever you have got to him.” So guru loves his disciple, making himself empty and feels pleasure by giving everything to the disciple. Such is the nature of the affection that a true guru reveals to his real disciple. This is the principle. And how will the disciple respond in turn? He should give more respect to his guru than to Lord Krishna. He is abiding by the order of guru, so radha-dasyam comes from there. He will be servant to his immediate master. He does not know what the absolute purpose of the Lord is, but he will be more faithful to his master, one’s great well-wisher. Whatever he requires him to do, that is his life. What is the symptom of pure devotion? Where the highest authority is submissive to the servant - there is devotion. The highest has been forcibly taken down to serve the devotee, His servant. That is the peculiar power of devotion. The last acquisition of devotion is this, that it can control the Supreme Lord and forcibly take Him to the devotee as a friendly servant. The master submits, surrenders to the servant, a most peculiar thing. That is there, so what more could we expect. The infinite at the disposal of the finite. Can you conceive of this? And it is done very stealthily in various diplomatic ways. So the finite has got its supreme most glorious unthinkable position, and that can be obtained only through love. So how precious is that all-powerful love.To get a drop of that divine love, no sacrifice is sufficient. SSM 'Big head or big heart' that is the question to open the debate!

Excuse my ignorance as my Guru Maharaj cautioned me about prematurely entering certain pastimes, written by the Goswamis, where they reveal a plethora of in depth questions within questions, like a pandoras box of butterflies. The mind upon hearing these deep realizations can expand in so many directions like a tiny spark beamed thru a jewel creating inumerable fractals of ever increasing wonder, curiosity and query, depending on ones perspective and capacity to not only follow intelectually, but to enter this living transcendental intercourse. Obviously we must tread very gingerly when trying to enter the subtlties of such fine theistic thought. It’s like a very delicate path of violets leading into that pristine forest of divinity, and should always be treated accordingly. In saying this I’m not condemning or condoning entrance into these sacred groves in public.SBSST has no doubt spoken in length specifically to clarify our understanding and to couch these glorious conclusions in such a way as to protect and enlighten simultaneously, so by all means if one is qualified to elaborate on the Acharyas most precious insights or just present them for perusal for the benefit of all, then proceed, with caution. As so often times it happens on these forems whereby there are inappropriate challenges and it ultimately derails any progressive train of thought leading to an enlightening and beneficial conclusion for those sincere seekers of truth endeavouring to follow such conversation or imbibe some glint of insight from the thesis. Anyway to cut to a few of my questions if anyone can help. Although I’ve always intuitively felt this and it obviously makes perfect sense if Krsna is the centre of all enjoyment but Where does it state in shastra, “there is no sexual union with the gopis and their husbands?” And if this is so how do the janma lilas of all of Krsnas relations unfold from where to where. Similar to Gauracandras question of ‘where does it end?’ Is where and how do they begin.That is where was Srimate Thakurani before she appeared and grew in Varsana. My mother asked me this the other day when hearing from Jehovas Wittnesses of their conception of heaven, where their families just reunite in the body of their choice similar to that which they knew here on Earth. Of course my mom said if that’s the deal she would’nt want the 82 year old grandmother body she has now, rather she’d like the most beautiful form she could get, we won’t go into their conception of the soul or lack of it. But I find they are getting closer to some fundamental truths, yet still light years away from the Krsna conception. So are the friends lovers and servants spontaneously,and mysticly self manifest thru the divine will of the Lord? And again how do the gopis have children? I accept what is generally unacceptable and very rare in this world, that is immaculate conception, but could well be common place in that transcendental domain of infinite possibilities. Otherwise in another examole I can accomodate the way Sri Sanatan explains in Brht Bhagavatamrtm where Gopa Kumara reunites with Krsna and His cowherd friends coming from Dwaraka like an old friend returning home. This gives rise to another question, does shastra expain transformation from one service propensity to another? Which would nessesitate changing spiritual forms to suit ones service propensities. I have a little sraddha that all is going on by divine arrangement but there are some areas that are a little hazy without access to the higher authorities answers to these queries, thereby I’m asking those who may have come across clues in their researches. At the same time I understand there are those among us who need more rational and tangible proof or evidence of such events if they are to accept these inconceivable conceptions. But this seems like many such queries, out of the question without first hand experience.Faith in our masters experience and divine revelation can no doubt give us some strong conviction, but are they not inviting us to experience divinity also in connection to theire own adoration and sevice to that vision splendid? Gaurachandra Prabhu Dandavats, I don’t know if you’ve ever seen this from Srila Sridhara Maharaj or if you may accept his authority, but it does give some illumination to your question. I hope it may help. Eternal Sunrise The sankirttan movement of Caitanya Mahaprabhu performed here over 500 years ago is still flowing and it may be possible to find somewhere in a corner of the solar system. That eternal sound is still flowing there with His figure and all His paraphernalia, the cause of all causes. This flow of vision that came here 500 years ago is also emanating, moving away. So with adjustment, greater speed, we can follow, we can find that Gaura-Nitya lila. Generally we cannot understand how the lila is nitya. From this standpoint we can see the lila to be eternal. Just as the earth is moving everywhere there is morning. Here the sun is rising, then a mile off perhaps one minute after, the sun is still rising in another place, in this way the sun is always rising. If it were possible to catch a supersonic jet we could live in the constant rising of the sun, transforming our relative concept of the sun and time. So all the morning, noon afternoon and evening, the sun is still rising here or somewhere else, so lila is also like that. It is coming here and passing away. That bhajan lila, finished here but in yet another place is beginning, and was previously extended from another quarter, simultaneously it is never ending in the Absolute sense. So everywhere, somewhere or other, every lila is eternally unfolding. Some are meditating on Krsna being born in Mathura, another devotee is worshipping Krsna with His mates keeping the cows in the jungle while others also have their relationships with Him in so many moods of devotion. If such thinking is possible in the heart of the devotee, it is all Krsna’s potency to reciprocate with all of his devotees eternally. So He is there in every moment at the centre of every atom, ever existent. His lila is of such infinite nature, He can express Himself everywhere in every mood in every possible aspect. It cannot be finalised, it cannot come under limitation. That is the characteristic of the infinite. Not only Krsna lila is nectar, but every part of Krsna lila is nectar. The fundamental conception of the infinite is such, it is not static it is dynamic. It is flowing and time and space cannot limit it. We are under time and space, but time and space all come from Him. He is above time and space and forms everything in this way. So Krsna lila is eternally flowing not only wholesale, but every part of His lila also. That is difficult to understand,. His pastimes are eternal, we may understand it in that way. But every part of lila that is also eternal and co-existing. Janma lila here, another lila there, in this way everywhere at every time, every one can have conception of any part. So we are given to understand the unlimited in our limited position by the grace of those agents of divinity, it is very peculiar. Adhoksaja means transcendental and aprakrta is very similar to the mundane but not mundane. Very similar to the material conception of the world, but still that is eternal. Adhoksaja means a particular type of consciousness which pushes down all the knowledge of our previous experience, quite a new thing, transcendental, it’s super-subjective.

I often wonder how that one fortunate little jiva manages to out swim the billions of others competing for a place in the birth slot of a perfectly deserved family, genetic mother, health, beauty, intelligence, loving disposition etc. It's a pretty amazing arrangement if everything is tailor made to our samskaras.

Dear Aksh It can become very confusing if we go on externals. Hypocracy is endemic in religion, in politics, in business and even in the humble sudra life. Example is everything. Altho it be recommended to do ones duty and not anothers, still we should always aspire to the higher ideal of transcending these temporary designations. We must try to become a real vaisnava and truly not only see but also love all with equal vision unconditionally. I was born in a western body, culture and samskar, in the darkest of ignorance as a melechra and had not the foggiest idea what a Brahmin was. But due to coming into contact with the grace of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami and Srila Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Maharaj I was introduced to a process of purification, namely the chanting of the holy names of God. This when practised with firm determination and faith brings one to Harinam and Gayatri initiation. It is my firm conviction that these two great souls and so many others like them are fully empowered to bestow the highest conception of Brahminical life upon all their disciples, which we have experienced and wittnessed in the wholesale transformation of thousands of these fortunate souls who came to their feet. Even tho on one side of my family i have a concentration of religious propensity priests, nuns etc. On the other side is a steady retrogression into decadence, and I somehow came out a crazy mixture of both in one life.I think I could honestly say I've tasted the extremes from one end of the pendulum, lower than sudra to a life beyond that which is considered brahminical, thankful that I oscilated to the Krsna-conscious side of life due to these all-merciful great masters who have so kindly introduced us to the world of transcendance. If the caste system were to be implemented properly where by the whole body of society were working as a healthy organic whole, each part recognizing the respective roles of the other it may well be a more functional and contented society. But due to so much exploitation mistrust has spread thruout, and as kali yuga advances it doesn't look like changing for the better in the forseeable future. This is why Sri Chaitanya has sung Hare namah hare namah hare namaiva kevalam, when confusion reigns just simply chant the holy Names of Hare. Regarding the position of Indian thought on the world stage this dharsan by Srila B.R.Sridhara Maharaj may be helpful to consider. My personal view is that as a soul born in India you can hold your head high with dignity for the glorious contribution of the Indian Theistic conception and you should truly be proud of it's noble position as we are from our western perspective. Don't underestimate the influence it holds in the world arena. It's just that Truth proper must be distinguished from the jungle of imitation that is being propergated. Disciple: The Christians say the only master is Christ himself. Srila Sridhara Maharaj: The fully-fledged is to be found in the Upanishad. Everything has got its central position, i.e. gold or diamonds, industry or religion, everything may not be found in every place. So in theism, India was selected to give the highest position in the world by God. It is not unreasonable. The university cannot be established in every village, some place must be selected for a particular hospital or educational institution or police station. So in this whole world, some place was selected to give the highest seat of religion and that came to the lap of India. We have to understand, we shouldn’t be envious. So the highest school for theistic education should be located somewhere on this globe, and that place selected was India. The German philosopher Max Mueller saw it like that stating, “In the Upanishad, what is found there can fully feed all religious seekers and still the water from that fountain is springing eternally. The fountain will not dry up.” Some accept the Bible, some accept the Koran, some may accept Bhagavad Gita, but when there is a comparison to be drawn, one must come out of their local bigotry, into the broad light under the sky. They will have to compare and reject and accept, it is everywhere. Every nation boasts, “We are the first class power,” but when there is hate and war and all are on the battlefield, then it is decided who is who. Russia says, “I have got power to control the whole world.” At the beginning of the second great war, the Emperor of Japan said, “We are prepared for one hundred years at war. The Europeans will fight to the finish, and I will be the emperor of the whole world.” But what we may think is one thing and reality another, and history now tells something else. So with an open mind we are to go through and make a comparative study of all teachings. In the course of that we will find that the Indian religious writers in a space and time have covered such a vast span and most ancient it is. In the Bible it is said that the world was created some thousands of years ago, a very naive concept. But Indian theology says that there has been so many dissolutions and evolutions, solar systems dissolved and again they have sprung up. Both geographically and historically, what has been given in the Indian theological books, these other theologies cannot come into comparison. It also struck me, that beyond this body they can also gather knowledge. Such graphic and spacious findings have been delivered and distributed by the propagators of the Aryan scriptures. That always attracted me. That is the most spacious of all the religious conceptions. Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu have come to invite and accept one and all with such a generous and all-accommodating attempt. Still at the same time, through our spiritual intelligence, if we can see and feel how they are offering to take us to the highest stage of life then we shall have to consider Their process, and follow step by step, to reach that supreme destination. So actually there is no lack in the system or He who established it, verily it may have worked well in bygone ages, but the only lack is in those who fail to practise it honorably now, which looking at the disapointment abounding, I would say that's most everyone. But all is not lost, As Krsna states "I carry whatever you lack' and this we will find in chanting His Sweet Names, that more than compensate for any loss we might imagine.

"I dreamed I saw St. Augustine alive as you or me. Tearing thru these quarters in the uttmost misery." B.Dylan I have a very vague idea what he may have felt like at times, it seems the closer one gets to the centre of life-Krsna, while still in this world, even tho it may well be a very enlivening experience simultaneeously the further one will feel away from Krsna. Still a real lover of Krsna is para dukha dukhi feeling no pain for themselves but they may empathize with the suffering predicament of others and thereby become heavy laden, taking on others sinful dilemna even tho they may well be liberated from karmic reaction. This will tend at times to give the feeling of being a fish out of water, 'I don't or can't fit in this world' Hence leading to extreme humility when one has no taste for the party of this world that all are throwing themselves into. Whereas those who want to enjoy Krsnas position feel quite at home in this society, where we see enjoyment devoid of Krsna and his beloved servants is the goal.The more successfull one becomes in these worlds, right up to that of the Devas, can often make for a bonfire of pride, which will be diametrically opposed to the healthy and humble position of a devotee of Krsna. And that enjoying attitude comes in many gross to subtle moods. The problem is the difference between Real love and refined lust is so subtle, that even pursuers of spiritual life can get lost in the perverted reflection. Which, when wittnessed by genuine saints, just adds more to their humility. That is, it pains their heart to see others independance from the lord in their heart. What is night to the spiritualist, is day to the materialist. Of course Krsna has also stated, "One should not lament for the living nor the dead" but the learned and gentle sadhu will always be rejoicing within, while externally they may appear sad. JR bin spending some time out with the kids thanks for the very encouraging Email will get around to replying soon. Have a humble day. Don't think it will sell as a car bumper sticker affectionately Yf dasanudas [This message has been edited by dasanudas (edited 07-05-2001).]

Jaya J.N.Das Prabhu, This rings a bell for me, or strikes a cord at the heart of our lives. To me humility(amanitvam) has-is-always will be the essence of spiritual life. Without it, there is no hope of progress, it opens all doors, dissolves all walls, and makes all real relationships more real. It is synonymous with honor for when we are genuinely feeling lower than the dirt on others feet, we look up to all with respect, this keeps us in harmony with our environment, and there is no loss in this, we don't become less for it we actually start to grow. The paradox is that in the spiritual dimention humility acts like dynamic lifter, it endears us to all, while simultaneously deflating or dissolving our false ego (I am #1) to ashes while the real ego or identity, (I am servant of the servant of God, which also means everything and everyone) will bloom and grow in that most sacred soil. Everyone else is Prabhu but we are the only das, and every other unit in that divine environment is seeing likewise, this is the conception that Srila Sridhara Maharaj gave in seeing 'the land of gurus' where we are to walk on our heads, for even the conscious dust of that world is alive, worshipable and teaches us the art of humble posture, as the water teaches the art of flowing to the lowest level and therefore nourishing and supporting all life, a life of life-giving service to the environment. If we can be a part of this honorable in-carrying currant of dedication rather than the suicidal out-going units of exploitation, then the painful burdon of mal-adjustment will be eased.This is the beautiful life of devotion, that a devotee is attracted to initially, for deep within we want to be a part of that world, giving not taking, the taste of bhakti that many in this material dimention of usery can't understand. I just yesterday went to a Govindas restaurant and saw many fairly fresh devotees so overwhelmingly exited about their daily contribution to their local temple, their guru, to each other,and their Lord,it was definately infectious and i'm sure so many are coming forward thru this practical example.So many businessmen and women were so comfortable there probably feeling some refuge from the ruthless atmosphere they are used to. And it struck me that these young sadhakas were probably oblivious to the world outside, the controversy, the internet, the raging debates. It was very encouraging, inspirational, a real beehive of devotion serving a constant flow of souls coming to taste a little food of life. I've watched this restaurant grow over the years on it's own seva, from strength to strength, to the point of overflowing, and one can truly see here how bhakti begets more bhakti 'the more you give, the more you get.' My dilemna is that I've lost this dynamic spirit, having previously run such a restaurant, I know the feeling of utilizing every precious moment in serving till you drop each night. A well spent 18 hours a day. But these days that spirit is playing very elusive and hard to get, now I'm wondering how it will visit this complacent soul again.

While you're at it let's get to know you also.

Dear Atma Devi, kindly accept my dandavat pranams, Nice happy and auspicious post to read. Refreshing to read your new adjustment and it gives us joy to hear Krsnas' grace bestowed on his devotee after a long spell of austerity and I think it is greatly to your credit to have endured the hardships I have heard you relate. The devotees sufferings in this world always remind me of Gopa Kumara in Brhat Bhagavatamrtam upon returning to the spiritual world and there being reunited with his beloved Lord. At that time Krsna relates He knew all the long-suffering Gopa Kumar(Swarup) had to endure in His Name, and was now overjoyed at their reunion to which they both embraced and fainted together. It's said "the sweetest songs are those that tell of the saddest things." I don't know who said that, but they certainly do stir the ethers, even in the most fortified of hearts. I know one nice story of a lady devotee who also spent most of her time in India living on the smell of a ghee lamp, untill poverty finally forced her to return to Australia to re-evaluate her material predicament for the sake of her children. She desperately tried to adjust to the devotional community but could'nt relate to all the sectarian politics that had divided all her old friends, who were once all united in one sankirtan party. The holy land was so much in her blood and heart that she could no longer live in the mundane atmosphere, so she decided to try to work, so she could some how return to her Heartland. One day Her young Indian child Nila asked his mother what these scratchie tickets were that everyone was always scratching.His mom altho by no means condoning it, bought him his one and only ticket to scratch and there it was a $65,000 motorcar that she immediately sold for 50 grand and flew her family back to the land of her dreams, where with a keen sense of austerity she has been ever since, fullfilling her internal hearts desire. Not that I'm recommending devotees go out and start scratchin, as it does'nt work, I've tried it, only once (that's my confession) This to me is just a little modern day parable of Sudhama Brahmans internal relationship with his Lord who always looks after his dearly beloved devotees in one way and another. On the other hand it is sad to hear your friend who lost that simple thread she had, but again Krsna knows our soul better than we know ourselves and it is a joy to see your appreciation of all He bestowed on you, and your adjustment to the new environment you find he has placed you in for your own present wellfare, what a beautiful friend we have huh! Srila Sridhara Maharaj once told you can allways measure your own spiritual development by how much one feels the pain of others leaving Krsna Consciousness. It will effect an honest devotee as it does the Lord, like a lightening bolt to the heart. If we understand our own fragile and precarious predicament on this path to Sraddha Devi, we should always try to never bruise anothers delicate bhakti lata, but rather help water all who are treading this tender soil of bhakti. So is this the confessional or what, where is that pastor MC, I don't know much about the proceedure, never been to a church. I got some tales that would set the box on fire tho. Is this strictly revealing ones life and heart in confidence. How honest can a vaisnava be. If Truth is the only leg left to stand on in this age of Kali, are we really standing, kneeling or crawling? I'm impressed with the courageous confession of Jagat Prabhu it does take some gumption to purge those skeletons from the dark recessors of our past. Maybe that's why Atma devi is feeling that everfresh brand new day feeling. Okay here I go I have to admit I too on occasion have the odd cuppa tea, English conditioning. Once upon a time i used to practise Teaism which almost grew into a social reform movement in China. Untill I heard Prabhupads comment and I stopped for 25 years, thats how powerful his words were to me. Mind you I only indulge in the decaffinated strain or an occasional chai, i can't let out too much at once or maybe everyone will just scroll past my posts, if they don't already. I think the 'Tea or me' thing might have been taken out of context a little, that is I would say there was a lot more cookin' in the background. I'm waiting to see Maitreyas' and others next admissions before I'm prepared to reveal any hard core stuff. Anyway I like this kind of thread for devotees it is essential to be honest and open in a mood of honor and concern for others and I'm right with JNdas' screening of the real nasty stuff. It has to be, otherwise it will all turn into a massacre that no one can relate to. I hope I have'nt offended anyone unknowingly in our exchanges if so please kindly accept my apologies as I may choose to withdraw somewhat from cyberspace in the future. To all the vaisnavas please accept my prostrated dandavats in the service of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga and our eternal guardians. Gaura hari bol Yf affectionately dasanudas

Personally I think it is a good idea prabhu but I have my doubts whether it will fly. Mainly because I think both camps feel more at home in their own freedom-comfort zones They seem to both regularly feel victorious and vindicated in their conclusions. I think if they come head to head it could get a little nasty, any impartial objective volunteers to referee? I think it will just stalemate like the ole ritvic rag and other distasteful skirmishes, put two raging bulls in the ring and it could end up one messy blood bath, but you never know honor may prevail and a sweeter synthesis develop for the benfit of all. Blessed be the peacemakers.

What our Gaudiya Acharyas have done has been to synthesize all the conclusions of the revealed Truth. To extract the essence which is really quite simple, just surrender to God, Love God and serve God and those connected to Him. It's not complicated. It's been a refining process, from the endless volumes of shastra right down to 8 simple prayers of Siksastakam, that is a joyous process of practical experience, that when followed sincerely gives a more than fullfilling and satisfactorary result. It's not a mental gymnasium. Is it nessacary to take chanting the Holy Names of the Lord back into the broadlands of confusion and argument when these Acharyas have sacrificed their lives to mercifully make this divine gift available to one and all in an approachable form. If we spend so much time discecting and analyzing every single point, turning every detail into a bone of contention, it will steal our time and energy in extending this grace to the environment where it is truly needed.

Isn't it somewhat extraordinary how every culture, race and language can come from every corner of the globe, meet in a temple somewhere in India and all dance to the same song and speak the same common language of joy together. When you look into the eyes of any of the participants you can appreciate they are focussed on the same person all the others are. Who said we don't have anything in common? Jaya sachinandana Gaura Hari

Dandavats, Dear Rakesh, altho I'm not in youthful body,we are all in the same boat that is, birth, disease, old age and death. The main thing is to dive within ourself to truly realize your eternal identity as loving servant of the servant of God. Instead of just theoreticly understanding this we must practicly realize it and live it to the uttmost of our God-given ability. We are not Hindhu, Buddhist, Christian or Moslem we must transcend all bodily ID, in doing so Krsna will undoubtedly give full protection from all confusion, for He does exist, He does love us, and is our very dear friend, more than we could ever measure. His instruction in the Gita is perfect and applies to all souls, regardless of religious persuasion. Just the fact that out of billions of souls in human form on this planet you are are here with some interest in the Theistic conception of Krsna consciosness, no matter whether you have any thing to do with Iskcon, this in itself is a sign of where your life may be heading. As to where it should be heading that's for you to decide with the help of those you can trust. If you have some faith in an eternal life then there is a place where those of similar faith are reciprocating their love with each other and the One that gave us life and love to exchange. We are all part of that organic whole family and it is a hopeful life with much bright prospect for all.If we can find some fellow travelers on the journey with a common destination we may arrive happily in good spirit. Unlike many youth today who feel helpless and hopeless, torn with conflicting fickle beliefs, and disapointing hypocritical rolemodels. One can draw vast inspiration and encouragment from those truly practising KC.If we sincerely want good company the sweet Lord in our heart will arrange it. I can empathise with your anxiety as I have children myself that are faced with this worldly dilemna every day and sometimes their trials and doubts plummet me into a deep well of despair how to console them. R:And does whatever SM stated mean that nothing SHOULD be done for betterment of the current scenario simply because nothing CAN be done. For a human, this is pure pessimism. A trancendentalist may think otherwise. I dont know where I belong or SHOULD belong. Das: SM just like Krsna doesn't advocate inaction. Rather we should wholeheartedly do all we can to engage in positive service to the whole environment, meaning thru service to the centre we can serve all. We can only do the best we can to continue broadcasting what we have in our hand be it faith or friendship, in the face of an overwhelming opposition of gloom. We have to try to make the best of a bad bargain. But ultimately once again like Krsnas advice, don't be attached to the fruits of your actions or the worlds'actions, or it will swallow you. Altho all this insanity may not be the will of divinity, if it comes to pass we must accept the call of providence, like those on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, and know that we have done what we can to avert a ruinous end. But try to always remain like the lotus that grows in the water without touching it. Again that means Yukta Vairagya not withdrawal- but positive action, dovetailing all we do to the will of the Lord. R:You say:If we don't voluntarily come to the point of saranagati then the environment helps us either directly or indirectly. But is that happening? Does not appear that way. More and more of the world is becoming fanatic at a exponential rate. das: In many ways everyones' awareness of the problems we are faced with has heightened multifold. In this sense many millions of souls thru the sheer weight of the dilemna are coming to realize the need for higher solutions, higher harmony to pacify the tentions, to clarify the confusion, to enlighten the ignorance. When we realize that fanaticism of religious and political fervour only exacerbate the problem, we can then come to the door of the gist of the Bagavad Gita. Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja If we realize we are not the controller then some of us move on to surrender that control to the Supreme controller. Unfortunatly some don't evolve to a healthier state and will take up where they left off in a future birth. But Krsna has stated "Out of many thousands who endeavour for perfection, few reach it and of those very few come to know Me in Truth" so we should'nt expect that all will happily march voluntarily into the promised land. R:Tommorow if a religious war begins, Hinduism will lose first. It would be like losing even before fighting. Again, for a human, this is pure weakness. And again, a trancendentalist may think otherwise. And still again, I dont know where I belong or SHOULD belong. das: To start with we should'nt live our life in fear or apprehension of the future, as it will steal from the present, if we can direct our life towards the Lord and helping all his children, then that is the beginning of a real devotional, brahminical life of goodness that with time becomes pure goodness, which can truly help others struggling in the modes of material nature. The more we give our life to the centre, the more the centre-Krsna will reciprocate in kine, giving us all that we need, whether it be peace, purpose, fullfillment, devotion, faith, happiness, friends, well wishers, guardians, wisdom, understanding, harmony or love. It all comes from the reservoir of all good qualities. And He is Personal. R: Since I do not belong to ISCKON, I am not sure if I should give my energy and time to Krsna or one of the other 36Cr-1 gods. Again we don't have to belong to Iskcon to give our life to Krsna. And personally to tell you the truth to start with I never gave my life to the Name Krsna either. Initially when I was following the teachings of Jesus which in essence is to love the Father with all your heart and soul, my curiosity grew as Jesus seemed to be having a personal spiritual relationship with his father in heaven. And he advocated Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened. Ask and it shall be given. So I decided to put his words to the test and ask him directly and relentlessly if I was likewise one of His children to please reveal this Lord and father you personally are praying to, for I will accept nothing short of the Absolute Truth, all relative temporary conceptions of divinity should be eliminated and only the Lord of all Lords remain. At that time, what i consider to be a divine crystal clear revelation of the beautiful form of both Jesus and Krsna together manifest in Their consciousness for me. Of course If you tell a so-called Christian this they will quote their scripture saying no man can see the face of God and live. Which may well be true if you understand SM's Die to Live conception. But my answer to that is that actually no man has begun to live untill he sees the beautiful face of God. And there is not a soul on this planet that will convince me that Krsna is not Swayam Bhagavan. I continue to check and confirm every time the relative truth challenges the Absolute. Never to just blindly accept anything and everything in the Name of The Absolute. I didn't need any scriptual encouragement or confirmation, i knew very little of Krsna's existence prior to this experience. Reality Himself is convincing enough for me. For others it may be different, however He wishes to present Himself to his millions of aspirants. His mercy and mystical splendour is unlimited. An interesting cover note to this little story is that later on in life I returned to the house I grew up in where my mother would nurse me to sleep while i gazed out the window at the vast expanse of stars wondering about God, eternity and the tiny spark that I am within it. I had received a commission to do an air brush graphic for a glossy magazine called 'Simply Living.' that was now the publishers 'Sri media' stationed in my childhood home. Being exited to see that place where i grew up, when I arrived I went to the window where used to sleep, to find a full air brushed curtain of you know who, very beautifully. In India this could be common, but in Australia it was probably the only curtain of Krsna in the country. I hope this does'nt appear to be pretentious as this was a very humbling event in my life. The point of me sharing this is to just try to express how much Krsna loves us and really does'nt want us to forget Him. What it immediately emanated to me seeing him there was that, 'I am with you always, whether you know it or not' from this moment into eternity. Namaste dasanudas Hindhuism just like Buddhism and so many other isms may ultimately be sacrificed for a deeper conception of Theism but still there should always be respectable recognition of those steps to the higher plane of Truth.

Prabhu one can still stand for principle and not become a gay basher. My first introduction to Theosophical life in my teens was thru an older practicing homosexual who so kindly (sarcasm)lured me to his retreat with the bait of some suedo spiritual knowledge. Untill he got me to a point in private where he made his move on me, but fortunately I was strong enough mentally and physically to hold him off. He then tried to convince me that I had latent tendencies towards homosexuality from my past life and that I was'nt fully aware of it at this point in my spiritual development. What he did'nt take into account was that even then Krsna was there in my heart giving me more merciful instuction and intuition than this predators exploitative spiel, saving me from a very embarrassing destiny. I'm by no means on a witch hunt but i will stand and protect possibly weaker willed children from this sort of intrusion. If there were stronger devotees doing this in Iskcon in the earlier days they may not have such a massacre on their plate now, that is a shame and an embarrassment to the the dignity of this noble gift Prabhupad gave us. I have maybe half a dozen experiences with these people in my life and none of them have been positive, that does'nt mean to say I haven't experienced similar with heterosexuals. I just don't see where homosexuality can be used in the service of Krsna, but I'm sure someone could find something. Even while I'm writing this I'm thinking of something I won't mention. I do understand how women tend to feel safe around male homosexuals tho. No one wants to be exploited or be a victim in this world but it seems we all end up being so, in one form or another. In the service of the sincere dasanudas

Dear Dubeyrakesh, There are many Mr das on these forums I take it you are not referring to me, as I have never received Email from you. Plus I am very hesitant to give my address out in public. There are just to many fundamentalists that don't have access to reason these days.

This guy not only has a wasp in his bonnet. He has a whole hive of wasps and they're on the war path. The problem with fanatical campaigns like his and other milder ones is that they use half truths which blow out into full blown blaspheme. These are usually the foundations of religious hate campaigns. They are typical of gathering mud, like wasps instead of extracting the nectar as a true Saragrahi Vaisnava does. One has to fight against all misconception in spiritual life, victory does'nt just drop in our lap. So Arm yourself with the Lords real grace and knowledge, if you wish to be counted amongst those rare surrendered souls who make it to the shelter of Swayam Bhagavans heart. As the contoversy heats up in this world it is obvious that the only shelter from such garbage is a genuine sadhu and the Holy Names of The Lord, for everything else will be riddled with the disease of Kali Yuga. This Martya Loka is fast trakking to pralaya. I remember Srila Sridhara Maharaj stressing, "When the hurricane winds are blowing your tiny shelta away, you must seek out refuge on higher ground," and I would say this is the design of Kali Yuga. If we don't voluntarily come to the point of saranagati then the environment helps us either directly or indirectly. God help us when these guys decide to take up a career in politics. Still SM when asked about the fear of world War 3 developing between India and Pakistan replied quite nonchallantly, "It is just a point on a line" Altho these people represent a serious malady to the environment, to a transcendentalist they only confirm the Absolute Reality. Like all such opposition to Divinity they want your energy and time, but it will serve our eternal welfare far better to give it to the one it belongs- Sri Sri Radha Krsna. In service to the sincere Gaura Hari bol

Dear Kailasa Prabhu, Just a short invitation if you per chance can find Srila Govinda Maharaj and his travelling sankirtan party who should be in Russia at present, there are many wonderful sincere vaisnavas in his company from various countries. I can only hope that you connect with his affectionate sanga. Srila Govinda Maharaj's kirtans are truly out of this world. He grew up in a vaisnava family hearing all the uncountable vaisnava bhajans of Srila Jayadev Goswami, Chandi das, Govinda das, Visvanath Cakravarti Thakur, Srila Narrotama das, Sur das, Tuka Ram, Chandrasekara so many since childhood from his father who was also a professional singer in west Bengal, also he is a 1st class musician to boot. And then when he was in his teens he spent many years living in the company of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad preaching and chanting together every day. He has an endless repertoire of vasnava songs that he chants usually in Navadwip with those who are familiar. But when travelling globally he keeps to a few simple basic chants for the public. Still it is a kirtan not to be missed. I think they will be mostly in Moscow and St.Petersburg. If you can find them. Good luck. Kailasa if you catch this post "What, in your view is happening in Russia regarding Krsna consciousness, how is it being received and how much is it spreading?" I have heard mixed reports from different sources.

As much as i try to keep my nose out of these controversies these things really curdle my milk. Not far from that already Mait. A few years back our infamous B ananda was photographed in the Sydney Gay Mardi Gras parade with a T shirt advertising 'I was once a Guru'. People feel guilty these days to discriminate, as tho one has no compassion. With all the jilting between opposite sexes these days, it is turning more people to homosex relationships. In a recent poll here in Oz 80% thought it was bad to discriminate between sexual preference, opening the way for a lot of mentally mixed up children to get exploited in the future. It's hard enough to even educate ones own children in the face of all the barrage of propaganda they campaign with now, they are seriously dedicated to pushing their cause as much as any religious fundermentalist. I think this is where Srila Prabhupad, altho being against homosexuality, at the same time was so compassionate that he took everyone under his wing, hoping they would change.The dilemna is that the churches fill up with the very problem they are trying to correct, for all the wrong reasons. I'm not exactly sure why, but there is an element of the Gay MardiGras that has embraced Ganesh. And it won't be long before the moral Christian groups will link the images of both movements together. Just a small aside, in Sri Caitanya Saraswat Math if there was even a hint of homosexuality they were gone in a flash. Considering the way they infiltrate into congregations I see that as most reasonable.

Kirtan is a vast and variegated topic Basicly I feel it's in the heart of the sadhaka, but the variations are intrigueing, what is milk to one may well be toxic to another. I remember talking to Madhumangala Prabhu the blind kirtan leader in Sri Caitanya Saraswat Math. Who Achutananda prabhu learned many of the original Iskcon kirtans from. Madhumangal was very familiar with most of the Navadwip sound vibration due to him intensely listening, to compensate for his lack of sight. Much of the time you could hear kirtan parties broadcasting their different moods thru the atmosphere, sometimes for days on end seemingly sweet harinam would rise and fall in waves of jubilation, and then level into soft and gentle musical expertise. Not knowing much about where it was coming from and being charmed by the sweet sound we would often approach Madhumangala to ask what his view was. Most every time we got the same reply "bogus," even tho at times it even sounded far more enlivened and sweeter than our own kirtan. The consideration was from the devotional point of view. Where the mood of separation, union and enjoyment are to be traced. It made me wonder where I'm really coming from. As I tended to like soothing ragas and appreciated the classical musicians of India, even ghazals, and other forms of traditional raag. But the paradox in me is I also love to dance in tumultuous kirtans with 6 mrdangas and 20 karatahls, till we drop, and the drummers hands can't take any more. Where babies and the elderly are drawn into the deafning intensity that breaks thru all those preconceived mental barriers, 'Oh no, not kirtan again'. .where the males are wet with perspiration and the ladies are (udelling?) with joy. It does happen when everyone is connected and having fun, this is what we came to KC for; a happy family, happy to see everyone else happy in the holy Names. It still comes down to 'no hard and fast rules.' I used to chant with someone they called 'the sandman' because he put everyone to sleep. Then we also had a balancing energy in our sanga I called 'panchajanya' because they woke the dead. Anyway one day I took a tape of Siddha Swarup Ananda called Mantra Electric to Madhumangala and asked him to listen to it, in his walkman thinking he may not be able to relate to the symphony of western arranged music with kirtan. When I returned the following day he was still listening attentively, I asked what he thought. And his answer was '1st class' Mixed content but 1st class.And he's a pure traditionalist in the mood of Srila Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Thakur. Still we went to a travelling Iskcon sankirtan program a few weeks back and the kirtan definately was'nt together, but still over 100 new people happily joined in probably not knowing any difference. Yet seemed to be tasting something they probably never encounter anywhere else in life. I kind of lost the point I was meaning to make here, maybe it will show another time. Gaura Hari Gaura Hari.

I kind of like it in some ways the way it is Like temples churches and mosques all around the world it tends to create vibralamba if you are away from the deity, and hence as you say make an effort to see Krsna everywhere . Had Mahaprabhu thought it nessacary He could have changed it for Srila Hari das and Sri Rup and Sanatan instead He came personally to feed Hari das, now that is a place of sweet mercy- Siddha Bhakul and it is guarenteed one could chant a few rounds there without disturbance. Like it has been pointed out how do you pray introspectively in a hustling crowd of thousands of fanatical pilgrims. Just imagine the Hajd in Mecca. No wonder The Lord has a grin from ear to ear. Even tho it's hilarious I was nearly trampled to death at Kumba Mela once and some of those elderly matajis at Banke Biharis in Vrndavan are quite a competing force to be reckoned with for a simple dharsan of the Lord. They'll rip you out of the way when the fervour's rising. What about the wailing wall in Jerusalem. Strange what this religion does to people!! If that's Garuda stamba you referr to prabhu Outsiders have that blessing,but still it's a beggars battlefield.

This was the next best thing to being there Brought back some nice memories, and made my sunday morning. It's relieving just to read facts without someone chalenging every point that is brought up. I could almost smell the chandan and aguru.And those palaquins of scented flowers. A brahman gave my first daughter Lord Balarams sacred thread at the snana festival when they bathed them once. At the time we didn't even realize the potency of that gift. I think it would be interesting to delve into the ban on us outcastes, not that I disagree, it could just clarify the temples position on it, and where it stems from. I know there is a strong movement to let the western vaisnavas in, like some of the south Indian temples. There are a number of tales of westerners sneaking in for dharsan, I have a friend who told me one western lady got in and when they discovered her in there they thru every preparation that was being offered out and recooked the whole meal for apr. 50,000 pilgrims. Serious offence. Then I hear they use some fishermen to cook, as the kitchens for major distribution are so hot that vegetarians blood boils quicker than the fishermen who eat fish. Then also because many of them are not controlled in their senses, lust develops, and this accounts for many of the madmen wandering the streets after they spin out of the kitchens. It's hard for me to conceive the standards they have. I'm elated whenever I make it to the altar with an offering these days. Jagat I was thinking if there is any way to contact the present Gajapati Maharaj, He could truly help your project, I know he is a very pious gentleman and a true vaisnava at that, he has real respect for audarya devotees altho I'm not sure how the recent publicity has been received locally, but he has a remarkable attitude of humility for a king in the lineage of Prataparudra, he's also very well educated. An all round pukkha Vaisnava. He came personally to the opening of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Puri and Srila Govinda Maharaj and he have a very friendly relationship. He has shown a deep appreciation of Srila Sridhara Maharajs' realization and also Srila Swami Maharajs efforts to give Jagganath to the world. I did have his Email and website with a contact for him personally but I can't seem to find it these days. I really feel he would have all the inside information, of course the only consideration is how does one approach a real king? If Jagganath wills, everything is possible. Tell him you're a western street cleaner Jaya Jagganath Balaram and Srimate Subadradevi [This message has been edited by dasanudas (edited 06-23-2001).]

Seriously SICK!!!!!

The kamikazis of Pearl Harbour had nothing on the Kama-Kazis of The Absolute Truth, even tho both are willing to die for their cause, their reward is far from Krsnas' paradise. God bless the honorable soul whose sacrifice is genuine.The Lord is always dancing in the sweet heart of his devotee. Of whom He is well pleased. May sraddha, sadhu and Prema be with you. dasanudas

The kamikazis of Pearl Harbour had nothing on the Kama-Kazis of The Absolute Truth, even tho both are willing to die for their cause, their reward is far from Krsnas' paradise. God bless the honorable soul whose sacrifice is genuine.The Lord is always dancing in the sweet heart of his devotee. Of whom He is well pleased. May sraddha, sadhu and Prema be with you. dasanudas