Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

January 26, 2004

The only positive thing I can think of doing is that there be a letter

campaign to Bhakti Svarupa Damaodara about including cow protection in the

list and that we nominate someone. But then I read Hare Krsna dasi's letter

and I am wondering perhaps we do not want cow protection to be on the list?

Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

> [Original Message]

> <Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com>

> ISCOWP (Balabhadra Dasa & Chaya Dasi - USA) <ISCOWP (AT) pamho (DOT) net>; Cow

(Protection and related issues) <Cow (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> 1/25/2004 5:50:03 PM

> Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

>

> This is very sad that there is no mention of cow protection or

agriculture.

>

> It is hard to believe -- and not.

>

> This has to be corrected. Doesn't the ministry for cow protection have

any

> authority, or have they created this position simply to pacify us -- lull

us

> into complacency?

>

> -Gopal (unable sleep at night)

>

> previous message:

>

----------

--

> -

> This should give a practical example of how unimportant the leaders feel

> cow protection and agriculture/farming is.

>

> Also Bhubanesvara (of which he is GBC) sold all their non productive cows

> last year to the local villagers whowere inimical to the devotees. We

> wrote to Bhakti Svarupa Damodara about it and asked if we could meet with

> him about it while he was in the USA. We got a brief reply (no response to

> meeting to discuss) and that he would get back to us. It is now about 8, 9

> months later and no word.

>

> Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

>

> > [Original Message]

> > Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

> <Bhaktisvarupa.Damodara.Swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> > Free Forum (Announcements) <Free.Forum (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> > 1/25/2004 9:10:04 AM

> > Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

> >

> > Dear Maharajas, Prabhus and Matajis,

> >

> > Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

> >

> > Global Excellence Award is meant to recognize the sincere souls who are

> > sincerely serving to advance the mission of Srila Prabhupada around the

> > world and encourage and support them in their valuable service. We would

> > like to invite nominations for the Global Excellence Award - 2004 for

the

> > following categories of services (but not limited to)

> >

> > 1. Book Distribution

> > 2. Child Protection Services

> > 3. Congregational Preaching

> > 4. Back to Godhead Magazine Services

> > 5. Overall ISKCON's Interest/ Overall Preaching

> > 6. Outstanding Pujari Seva

> > 7. ISKCON Festivals

> > 8. Difficult Territory Preaching

> > 9. Prasadam Distribution and Vegetarianism Promotion

> > 10. Media Preaching

> > 11. Literary Contributions

> > 12. Padyatra Preaching

> > 13. Devotees' Health Related Services

> > 14. Opening New Vedic Temple

> > 15. Bhaktivedanta Archives

> > 16. Setting Ideal Ashrama Example

> > 17. Prasadam Cooking

> > 18. Caring for Devotees

> > 19. ISKCON Life member interaction

> > 20. ISKCON Youth Forum Services

> > 21. Promoting Education in ISKCON

> >

> > Please include description of the devotee in about 200 words describing

> > his/her outstanding service in the category he/her is recommended for.

> Since

> > there are some categories which did not receive any nominations, Last

date

> > for receiving the nominations for all categories is extended to February

> 3,

> > 2004. Award winners will be announced soon after that. Award ceremony

will

> > be held during the upcoming Mayapur Festival. Please forward it to the

> > temple authorities and devotees near you. It is recommeded that the

> > nomination is recommended by an ISKCON authoruty. In case the

authorities

> > can not be reached, we also accept nominations from individuals. Any

> > suggestions are most welcome. following is a list of nominations

received

> so

> > far, for your information. If possible kindly make arrangement to

display

> in

> > notice board which is accessible to the devotees.

> >

> > Looking forward to receive a good response.

> >

> > Your servant,

> >

> > Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

> > On behalf of Global Excellent Award Subcommittee

January 26, 2004

Actually there is no mention of varnasrama development or could cow

protection and varnasrama be one category?

Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

> [Original Message]

> Noma Petroff <npetroff (AT) bowdoin (DOT) edu>

> Cc: Cow (Protection and related issues) <Cow (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> 1/25/2004 5:50:03 PM

> Re: FW: Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

>

> Alright, alright. I admit I was wrong. I said that cow protection is a

> low priority with the GBC, but now we see that it's not even on their

> list. It's not a priority at all.

>

> But then again, what does priority mean? I see that "Child Protection"

> is listed as number 2 priority -- however, Mayapur, the flag ship

> community of ISKCON, currently has a known child abuser (they themselves

> declared him a child abuser) running one of their gurukulas. So I guess

> that to be a high ranking priority doesn't mean much after all.

>

> So, actually, I guess we can cheer up -- we're not missing much by not

> being included on a list like this ;-)

>

> ys

> hkdd

>

> ISCOWP (Balabhadra Dasa & Chaya Dasi - USA) wrote:

>

> >This should give a practical example of how unimportant the leaders feel

> >cow protection and agriculture/farming is.

> >

> >Also Bhubanesvara (of which he is GBC) sold all their non productive

cows

> >last year to the local villagers whowere inimical to the devotees. We

> >wrote to Bhakti Svarupa Damodara about it and asked if we could meet with

> >him about it while he was in the USA. We got a brief reply (no response

to

> >meeting to discuss) and that he would get back to us. It is now about 8,

9

> >months later and no word.

> >

> >Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

> >

> >>[Original Message]

> >>Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

> >>

> ><Bhaktisvarupa.Damodara.Swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> >

> >>Free Forum (Announcements) <Free.Forum (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> >>1/25/2004 9:10:04 AM

> >>Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

> >>

> >>Dear Maharajas, Prabhus and Matajis,

> >>

> >>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

> >>

> >>Global Excellence Award is meant to recognize the sincere souls who are

> >>sincerely serving to advance the mission of Srila Prabhupada around the

> >>world and encourage and support them in their valuable service. We would

> >>like to invite nominations for the Global Excellence Award - 2004 for

the

> >>following categories of services (but not limited to)

> >>

> >>1. Book Distribution

> >>2. Child Protection Services

> >>3. Congregational Preaching

> >>4. Back to Godhead Magazine Services

> >>5. Overall ISKCON's Interest/ Overall Preaching

> >>6. Outstanding Pujari Seva

> >>7. ISKCON Festivals

> >>8. Difficult Territory Preaching

> >>9. Prasadam Distribution and Vegetarianism Promotion

> >>10. Media Preaching

> >>11. Literary Contributions

> >>12. Padyatra Preaching

> >>13. Devotees' Health Related Services

> >>14. Opening New Vedic Temple

> >>15. Bhaktivedanta Archives

> >>16. Setting Ideal Ashrama Example

> >>17. Prasadam Cooking

> >>18. Caring for Devotees

> >>19. ISKCON Life member interaction

> >>20. ISKCON Youth Forum Services

> >>21. Promoting Education in ISKCON

> >>

> >>Please include description of the devotee in about 200 words describing

> >>his/her outstanding service in the category he/her is recommended for.

> >>

> >Since

> >

> >>there are some categories which did not receive any nominations, Last

date

> >>for receiving the nominations for all categories is extended to February

> >>

> >3,

> >

> >>2004. Award winners will be announced soon after that. Award ceremony

will

> >>be held during the upcoming Mayapur Festival. Please forward it to the

> >>temple authorities and devotees near you. It is recommeded that the

> >>nomination is recommended by an ISKCON authoruty. In case the

authorities

> >>can not be reached, we also accept nominations from individuals. Any

> >>suggestions are most welcome. following is a list of nominations

received

> >>

> >so

> >

> >>far, for your information. If possible kindly make arrangement to

display

> >>

> >in

> >

> >>notice board which is accessible to the devotees.

> >>

> >>Looking forward to receive a good response.

> >>

> >>Your servant,

> >>

> >>Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

> >>On behalf of Global Excellent Award Subcommittee

> >>-------

> >>ISKCON

> >>Global Excellency Awards - 2004

> >>

> >>Nominations Received so far:

> >>

> >>1. Book Distribution

> >>

> >>Acala das GKG - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow - R)

> >>Krsna-Balarama das - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow

-

> >>

> >R)

> >

> >>Ambarisha das GKG - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow -

> >>

> >R)

> >

> >>Revati dd RSP - - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow -

R)

> >>

> >>2. Child Protection Services

> >>

> >>3. Congregational Preaching

> >>

> >> Kaunteya Prabhu - Nominated by Brajahari Prabhu

> >>

> >>Visnu-tattva das PVS (Barnaul) - - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami

> >>(GBC) (Moscow - R)

> >>

> >>Vivasvan das PVS - - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC)

(Moscow -

> >>R)

> >>

> >>Siksastakam, Urals region

> >>

> >>4. Back to Godhead Magazine Services

> >>

> >>5. Overall ISKCON's Interest/ Overall Preaching

> >>

> >>Jai Nitai Prabhu - Nominated by Akrura Prabhu/Sivarama Swami

> >>

> >>Temple President in Moscow, Shyama das RNS - for his dedication in the

> >>

> >most

> >

> >>difficult sutiations. - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC)

(Moscow

> >>

> >-

> >

> >>R)

> >>

> >>6. Outstanding Pujari Seva

> >>

> >>Visnurata das NRS for his steady and dedicated service as the head

pujari

> >>

> >in

> >

> >>Moscow temple.- - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow - R)

> >>

> >>7. ISKCON Festivals

> >>Shuddha das GKG as the main organizer fo the biggest ISKCON festival in

> >>Divnomorsk, Russia - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow

-

> >>

> >R)

> >

> >>8. Difficult Territory Preaching

> >>

> >>9. Prasadam Distribution and Vegetarianism Promotion

> >>

> >>Peter Burwash - Nominated by Brajahari Prabhu

> >>

> >>Parasurama Prabhu (SDG) - Nomnated by Sivarama Swami / Mahadyuti das,

> >>Praghosa das, Titiksu das, Hari das, Gaurangasundara das, Nitai Caran

das,

> >>Ananta-vijaya das

> >>

> >>10. Media Preaching

> >>

> >>11. Literary Contributions

> >>Madhavananda Das - Nominated by Samba das, ISKCON New Vrajamandala,

> >>

> >Central

> >

> >>Spain

> >>

> >>12. Padyatra Preaching

> >>

> >>13. Devotees' Health Related Services

> >>Sangita Mataji, Burwash - Nominated by Brajahari Prabhu

> >>

> >>14. Opening New Vedic Temple

> >>15. Bhaktivedanta Archives

> >>16. Setting Ideal Ashrama Example

> >>

> >>17. Prasadam Cooking

> >>Apurva Prabhu - Nominated by Brajahari Prabhu

> >>

> >>18. Caring for Devotees

> >>19. ISKCON Life member interaction

> >>20. ISKCON Youth Forum Services

> >>

> >>21. Promoting Education in ISKCON

> >>

> >>Janmastami Prabhu - Nominated by Brajahari Prabhu

> >>

> >>Nityananda-caran das RSP, for organizing and conducting Bhakti-sastri

> >>courses for many years. - Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC)

> >>

> >(Moscow

> >

> >>- R)

> >>

> >>Vatsala das RNS - for conducting the BS courses, preaching to the

> >>

> >devotees.

> >

> >>- Nominated by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (GBC) (Moscow - R)

> >>

> >

> >-----------------------

> >To from this mailing list, send an email to:

> >Cow-Owner (AT) pamho (DOT) net

> >

>

January 26, 2004

I don't know Mother Chaya. Perhaps one of us will get a firm pat on the back

and three "Hari Bol's!". Or a crisp paper certificate and some fleeting

recognition in the assembly at Mayapur - then business as usual of course.

-Gopal

--------------------

In a message dated 1/26/2004 9:58:02 AM Central Standard Time,

iscowp (AT) earthlink (DOT) net writes:

The only positive thing I can think of doing is that there be a letter

campaign to Bhakti Svarupa Damaodara about including cow protection in the

list and that we nominate someone. But then I read Hare Krsna dasi's letter

and I am wondering perhaps we do not want cow protection to be on the list?

January 26, 2004

If you don't mind -- I believe that Nirguna and I both want to post

their letter on Chakra. Then in a follow-up post, we will call

attention to the fact that one of the two pillars of spiritual progress

(as Prabhupada calls them in Canto 1) is missing -- namely cow protection.

Does this sound good for a beginning?

Publicity seems to be our only weapon.

ys

hkdd

ISCOWP (Balabhadra Dasa & Chaya Dasi - USA) wrote:

>The only positive thing I can think of doing is that there be a letter

>campaign to Bhakti Svarupa Damaodara about including cow protection in the

>list and that we nominate someone. But then I read Hare Krsna dasi's letter

>and I am wondering perhaps we do not want cow protection to be on the list?

>

>Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

>

>>[Original Message]

>><Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com>

>>ISCOWP (Balabhadra Dasa & Chaya Dasi - USA) <ISCOWP (AT) pamho (DOT) net>; Cow

>>

>(Protection and related issues) <Cow (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

>

>>1/25/2004 5:50:03 PM

>>Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

>>

>>This is very sad that there is no mention of cow protection or

>>

>agriculture.

>

>>It is hard to believe -- and not.

>>

>>This has to be corrected. Doesn't the ministry for cow protection have

>>

>any

>

>>authority, or have they created this position simply to pacify us -- lull

>>

>us

>

>>into complacency?

>>

>>-Gopal (unable sleep at night)

>>

>>previous message:

>>

>----------

>--

>

>>-

>>This should give a practical example of how unimportant the leaders feel

>>cow protection and agriculture/farming is.

>>

>>Also Bhubanesvara (of which he is GBC) sold all their non productive cows

>>last year to the local villagers whowere inimical to the devotees. We

>>wrote to Bhakti Svarupa Damodara about it and asked if we could meet with

>>him about it while he was in the USA. We got a brief reply (no response to

>>meeting to discuss) and that he would get back to us. It is now about 8, 9

>>months later and no word.

>>

>>Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

>>

>>>[Original Message]

>>>Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

>>>

>><Bhaktisvarupa.Damodara.Swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

>>

>>>Free Forum (Announcements) <Free.Forum (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

>>>1/25/2004 9:10:04 AM

>>>Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

>>>

>>>Dear Maharajas, Prabhus and Matajis,

>>>

>>>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

>>>

>>>Global Excellence Award is meant to recognize the sincere souls who are

>>>sincerely serving to advance the mission of Srila Prabhupada around the

>>>world and encourage and support them in their valuable service. We would

>>>like to invite nominations for the Global Excellence Award - 2004 for

>>>

>the

>

>>>following categories of services (but not limited to)

>>>

>>>1. Book Distribution

>>>2. Child Protection Services

>>>3. Congregational Preaching

>>>4. Back to Godhead Magazine Services

>>>5. Overall ISKCON's Interest/ Overall Preaching

>>>6. Outstanding Pujari Seva

>>>7. ISKCON Festivals

>>>8. Difficult Territory Preaching

>>>9. Prasadam Distribution and Vegetarianism Promotion

>>>10. Media Preaching

>>>11. Literary Contributions

>>>12. Padyatra Preaching

>>>13. Devotees' Health Related Services

>>>14. Opening New Vedic Temple

>>>15. Bhaktivedanta Archives

>>>16. Setting Ideal Ashrama Example

>>>17. Prasadam Cooking

>>>18. Caring for Devotees

>>>19. ISKCON Life member interaction

>>>20. ISKCON Youth Forum Services

>>>21. Promoting Education in ISKCON

>>>

>>>Please include description of the devotee in about 200 words describing

>>>his/her outstanding service in the category he/her is recommended for.

>>>

>>Since

>>

>>>there are some categories which did not receive any nominations, Last

>>>

>date

>

>>>for receiving the nominations for all categories is extended to February

>>>

>>3,

>>

>>>2004. Award winners will be announced soon after that. Award ceremony

>>>

>will

>

>>>be held during the upcoming Mayapur Festival. Please forward it to the

>>>temple authorities and devotees near you. It is recommeded that the

>>>nomination is recommended by an ISKCON authoruty. In case the

>>>

>authorities

>

>>>can not be reached, we also accept nominations from individuals. Any

>>>suggestions are most welcome. following is a list of nominations

>>>

>received

>

>>so

>>

>>>far, for your information. If possible kindly make arrangement to

>>>

>display

>

>>in

>>

>>>notice board which is accessible to the devotees.

>>>

>>>Looking forward to receive a good response.

>>>

>>>Your servant,

>>>

>>>Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

>>>On behalf of Global Excellent Award Subcommittee

>>>

>

>-----------------------

>To from this mailing list, send an email to:

>Cow-Owner (AT) pamho (DOT) net

>

January 26, 2004

Excellent idea. Go ahead. There will more people to benefit by reading it.

Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

> [Original Message]

> Noma Petroff <npetroff (AT) bowdoin (DOT) edu>

> Cc: Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com <Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com>; Cow (Protection and related

issues) <Cow (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> 1/26/2004 3:00:02 PM

> Re: Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

>

> If you don't mind -- I believe that Nirguna and I both want to post

> their letter on Chakra. Then in a follow-up post, we will call

> attention to the fact that one of the two pillars of spiritual progress

> (as Prabhupada calls them in Canto 1) is missing -- namely cow protection.

>

> Does this sound good for a beginning?

>

> Publicity seems to be our only weapon.

>

> ys

> hkdd

>

> ISCOWP (Balabhadra Dasa & Chaya Dasi - USA) wrote:

>

> >The only positive thing I can think of doing is that there be a letter

> >campaign to Bhakti Svarupa Damaodara about including cow protection in

the

> >list and that we nominate someone. But then I read Hare Krsna dasi's

letter

> >and I am wondering perhaps we do not want cow protection to be on the

list?

> >

> >Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

> >

> >>[Original Message]

> >><Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com>

> >>ISCOWP (Balabhadra Dasa & Chaya Dasi - USA) <ISCOWP (AT) pamho (DOT) net>; Cow

> >>

> >(Protection and related issues) <Cow (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> >

> >>1/25/2004 5:50:03 PM

> >>Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

> >>

> >>This is very sad that there is no mention of cow protection or

> >>

> >agriculture.

> >

> >>It is hard to believe -- and not.

> >>

> >>This has to be corrected. Doesn't the ministry for cow protection have

> >>

> >any

> >

> >>authority, or have they created this position simply to pacify us --

lull

> >>

> >us

> >

> >>into complacency?

> >>

> >>-Gopal (unable sleep at night)

> >>

> >>previous message:

> >>

>

>---------

-

> >--

> >

> >>-

> >>This should give a practical example of how unimportant the leaders feel

> >>cow protection and agriculture/farming is.

> >>

> >>Also Bhubanesvara (of which he is GBC) sold all their non productive

cows

> >>last year to the local villagers whowere inimical to the devotees. We

> >>wrote to Bhakti Svarupa Damodara about it and asked if we could meet

with

> >>him about it while he was in the USA. We got a brief reply (no response

to

> >>meeting to discuss) and that he would get back to us. It is now about

8, 9

> >>months later and no word.

> >>

> >>Visit us at: www.iscowp.org

> >>

> >>>[Original Message]

> >>>Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

> >>>

> >><Bhaktisvarupa.Damodara.Swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> >>

> >>>Free Forum (Announcements) <Free.Forum (AT) pamho (DOT) net>

> >>>1/25/2004 9:10:04 AM

> >>>Last Call - Global Excellence Award 2004 nominations

> >>>

> >>>Dear Maharajas, Prabhus and Matajis,

> >>>

> >>>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

> >>>

> >>>Global Excellence Award is meant to recognize the sincere souls who are

> >>>sincerely serving to advance the mission of Srila Prabhupada around the

> >>>world and encourage and support them in their valuable service. We

would

> >>>like to invite nominations for the Global Excellence Award - 2004 for

> >>>

> >the

> >

> >>>following categories of services (but not limited to)

> >>>

> >>>1. Book Distribution

> >>>2. Child Protection Services

> >>>3. Congregational Preaching

> >>>4. Back to Godhead Magazine Services

> >>>5. Overall ISKCON's Interest/ Overall Preaching

> >>>6. Outstanding Pujari Seva

> >>>7. ISKCON Festivals

> >>>8. Difficult Territory Preaching

> >>>9. Prasadam Distribution and Vegetarianism Promotion

> >>>10. Media Preaching

> >>>11. Literary Contributions

> >>>12. Padyatra Preaching

> >>>13. Devotees' Health Related Services

> >>>14. Opening New Vedic Temple

> >>>15. Bhaktivedanta Archives

> >>>16. Setting Ideal Ashrama Example

> >>>17. Prasadam Cooking

> >>>18. Caring for Devotees

> >>>19. ISKCON Life member interaction

> >>>20. ISKCON Youth Forum Services

> >>>21. Promoting Education in ISKCON

> >>>

> >>>Please include description of the devotee in about 200 words describing

> >>>his/her outstanding service in the category he/her is recommended for.

> >>>

> >>Since

> >>

> >>>there are some categories which did not receive any nominations, Last

> >>>

> >date

> >

> >>>for receiving the nominations for all categories is extended to

February

> >>>

> >>3,

> >>

> >>>2004. Award winners will be announced soon after that. Award ceremony

> >>>

> >will

> >

> >>>be held during the upcoming Mayapur Festival. Please forward it to the

> >>>temple authorities and devotees near you. It is recommeded that the

> >>>nomination is recommended by an ISKCON authoruty. In case the

> >>>

> >authorities

> >

> >>>can not be reached, we also accept nominations from individuals. Any

> >>>suggestions are most welcome. following is a list of nominations

> >>>

> >received

> >

> >>so

> >>

> >>>far, for your information. If possible kindly make arrangement to

> >>>

> >display

> >

> >>in

> >>

> >>>notice board which is accessible to the devotees.

> >>>

> >>>Looking forward to receive a good response.

> >>>

> >>>Your servant,

> >>>

> >>>Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

> >>>On behalf of Global Excellent Award Subcommittee

> >>>

> >

> >-----------------------

> >To from this mailing list, send an email to:

> >Cow-Owner (AT) pamho (DOT) net

> >

>

January 26, 2004

In a message dated 1/26/04 1:00:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

npetroff (AT) bowdoin (DOT) edu writes:

> Publicity seems to be our only weapon.

>

definitely - eka

January 26, 2004

Ekabuddh (AT) aol (DOT) com wrote:

> In a message dated 1/26/04 1:00:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> npetroff (AT) bowdoin (DOT) edu writes:

>

>> Publicity seems to be our only weapon.

>>

>

> definitely - eka

I'll see if I can get Chakra to hurry up and post this. Obviously,

everyone is invited to comment on the crucial role of cow protection in

spiritual advancement. If you need inspiration, there are hundreds of

Prabhupada quotes on the subject.

ys

hkdd

January 27, 2004

I certainly meant no offense by my statement below and was actually,

sincerely, pointing out that mother Hare Krishna devi's idea of using media

attention was better than getting frustrated and yelling at people. Also, I

would

like to point out that my response was not originally posted in this

conference; I sent it to Hare Krishna devi and Chaya devi and it was only

posted on the

forum when it was replied to with the conference address.

As far as "they" (if the reference was in fact to my comment), it would be

the GBC/ISKCON management in general. Please understand that this has nothing

at

all to do with any one individual's spiritual position or sincerity in the

endeavor for self-realization or the promotion of Lord Caitanya's preaching

movement.

Pointing out that a managerial/inspirational void exists in relation to Cow

Protection or that the general comity has lost focus of this particular aspect

of the mission (at least in the West where it is most needed) is not, I feel,

blasphemy. There is no malicious intent on my part to soil anyone and it is

not something that I would refrain from speaking in any individual's presence

or

in a public lecture/class/etc. My fault is that I used sarcasm to express

this idea (sarcasm being humor in the mode of ignorance -- a nasty western

condition of mine; something, unfortunately, I am very expert at).

Pointing out to the people who make the decisions and have the ability to

inject inspiration into the masses, that Cow Protection and agriculture have

been

neglected by ISKCON management in the movement and in North America in

particular is not aparada. And my point in the below statement was honestly to

point

out that walking into a room and yelling at people (or just being angry and

negative in general) in an attempt to remind them that this matter is very

important (esp. in the West*) is not a good solution, but on the other hand,

using

media to encourage them, remind them, and get the devotees in general more

aware of the matter IS a good solution.

*I think that the preaching and cow protection in India, in most cases, very

great and the level and quality and quantity is world-class, however, it is

also easier there due to the piety of the general population and their

familiarity with the basic culture related to Vaisnavism as we know it; it is

easier to

produce positive results there. But, we must take note that Srila Prabhupada

wanted very much that this movement spread and flourish everywhere, especially

the West or the Americas (Pascatya desa tarine). ISKCON and Cow Protection

can flourish in India and the West will look and say, "yes, it is a Hindu

movement." The mission has, in fact, been neglected in America because it is

hard

to produce crowds of people cheering, worshiping, or giving big donations. It

is hard but not impossible -- you simply have to put in lots of effort (years

of it perhaps) to get the glory; it is not instant as it is in India.

But we need the examples in the West and for this we need GBC/Guru

endorsement, inspiration and backing, in this field (as well as other). Srila

Prabhupada

wanted that Cow protection, as well as the rest of Varnashrama be implemented

in the West where it is most needed. However, there has been very little

progress, encouragement, or personal commitment in this field since the 80's by

anyone higher than the head cow-herd.

On the other hand, I have seen personally how bus loads of people go out to

the American countryside to see the Amish (decendants of European Anabaptists)

work their horses -- but they have no preaching philosophy or motivation to

let people come and see; they simply live their life and paople throng. THEY

are

the emblem of simplicity and a simple "pure" life in America.

ISKCON could be that (and Srila Prabhupada wants it) -- the emblem of a

simple life in love of God - in harmony with nature (devas), the land, animals,

and

people.

Instead, in America today, if people even know what a Hare Krishna is, they

generally think of a man in a pink bed sheet dancing in the street with bells,

or handing out books/flowers/insence at an airport (trust me, as I maintain a

shaved head and shika at a secular job, I get this all the time). This is

good, of course (better than nothing) but Srila Prabhupada certainly wanted

more

than that. And to accomplish more means personal commitment from the top down.

I would like to point out that, for better or worse, most people I have met

have no idea what a Hare Krishna is anymore; so the stereotype is fading.

The immediate point is that it is not aparada to speak up on behalf of the

mission. Still, I will be ever careful and maintain respect in my honesty. I do

speak from experience, however, that if you yell in a meeting you will get

kicked out; even if you're correct in the words, the method of execution (among

Vaisnavas) is incorrect.

I sincerely hope I haven't offend anyone.

Your Servant,

Gopal dasa

--------------------------

In a message dated 1/26/2004 5:41:17 PM Central Standard Time,

Hrimati.ACBSP (AT) pamho (DOT) net writes:

who are THEY you are talking about here?

____________________________

Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com wrote:

I second the motion - this is a very intellegent response and would have the

greatest impact (short of barging into a gbc meeting and yelling at the whole

lot, but that would just get you kicked out and labeld a radical for the next

10,000 years).

Go ahead - maybe I'll pretend I haven't read it and write a response myself.

Sound excellent. The more the better.

your servant,

Hare Krsna dasi

-Gopal

January 27, 2004

Hrimati (dd) ACBSP (Mayapur - IN) wrote:

>pointing fingers is never a proper way.

>I know Maharaj, he is a very nice devotee.

>If you just ask him nicely to ad the category, name the nominee and explain

>with 200 words about the activities that person has done, than we are in.

>They asked very humbly of more categories, incase they have missed some.

>Child protection is there because there are so many devotees who have have

>worked towards the goal of protecting children. I do not think that the

>person you are talking about in your comment, will be one of their nominees

>anyway.

>Y.s.

>Hrimati dasi

>

There are many nice devotees. But no matter how nice they are, once

they have taken up the position of brahmanas and leaders, then they

should act with intellegence.

Srila Prabhupada stressed many times the importance of cow protection as

a component of spiritual advancement -- and that spiritual advancement

is not possible without cow protection.

The GBC in general is ignoring this central instruction of Srila

Prabhupada's. Hence, they are covered by ignorance.

I think this needs to be highlighted in a dramatic way.

If this person were just an average devotee, such ignorance would be

excusable. However, this person has taken a position of leadership, and

as such he should be emphasizing Srila Prabhupada's core values --

including cow protection.

Without emphasizing what Srila Prabhupada actually taught, the tendency

is to lapse into various Hindu practices. This was not Srila

Prabhupada's plan.

your servant,

Hare Krsna dasi

>

January 27, 2004

In a message dated 1/26/04 11:10:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com writes:

> The immediate point is that it is not aparada to speak up on behalf of the

> mission.

however, if you yell in a meeting you will get > kicked out; even if you're

> correct in the words, the method of execution (among Vaisnavas) is incorrect.

I believe the expression is "catch more bees with honey".

>From my perspective what is sorely lacking in Iskcon as a religious

institution is a general respect for and validation of others thoughts and

feelings.

Our 'leaders' are presently in the process of learning how to "act" concerned.

This is a start.

Perhaps any articles/ suggestions coming from genuine respect of "their"

concerns, strengths, weaknesses could lead the way for reciprocation. I'm told

I

have to learn patience.....the word weaknesses seems like it should be in bold

letters.....but someone has to take a first step. It is NEVER right to Not

speak up for what is proper. The test is to find the way to speak so it can be

heard by the other party. obeisances ekaBuddhi

January 27, 2004

In a message dated 1/26/04 6:40:51 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Hrimati.ACBSP (AT) pamho (DOT) net writes:

> I vote for cow protection to be on it.

> So many devotees are coming here

I predict it will be like Woodstock, more than expected will come. Is

someone able to write an excellent proposal, perhaps with suggestions of how

cowherds can be easily supported in the future. Such as those things recently

discussed on this conference. obeisance eka

January 27, 2004

Ekabuddh (AT) aol (DOT) com wrote:

>I predict it will be like Woodstock, more than expected will come. Is

>someone able to write an excellent proposal, perhaps with suggestions of how

>cowherds can be easily supported in the future.

>

Hmm... The problem is that there is a sentiment for cows, but very

little for Krsna's cowherds. People don't really see the connection

between protecting cows and supporting cowherds.

I'm sorry to say that I don't think there is any way that "cowherds can

be easily supported in the future."

That word "easily" is the chief stumbling block. Cow protection is a

sacrifice. It's usually not too easy -- unless you already have lots of

land or lot of money.

ys

hkdd

>Such as those things recently

>discussed on this conference. obeisance eka

>

>-----------------------

>To from this mailing list, send an email to:

>Cow-Owner (AT) pamho (DOT) net

>

January 28, 2004

Don't get me started on ISKCON becoming a hindu movement. I have this great

class by HH Tamal Krishna Maharaja (one of his last). It was in Houston (or

maybe Dallas) and he was coming down hard on his Indian disciples there. He

stated that, they have misunderstood. That, of all the different groups in that

city, Indians were a minority, however it was the primary preaching focus group

for that temple; Indians in America preaching to other Indians only. He

compared it to running a gas station (or maybe laundromat) for Indians only -

it is

not practical business marketing for a movement meant to save the world - It is

meant for everyone without discrimination.

This class he gave was very inspiring, to hear it coming from a leader. There

is also the example of HH Radhanatha Maharaja in Chowpati. There are no Hindu

'doners' at that temple -- he has made them all first class devotees. That

is the only 'indian majority' temple were I felt accepted and at home -- I did

not feel like an 'American' there.

Srila Prahbupada was very upset when one person stated that He had made

Americans into Hindus...oops - again, dont get me started. This is a different

problem, but at the same time, it is related to the lack or preaching and

practical, hands-on cow protection in N. America (and appearently the East as

well).

What I really meant to emphasize was that the preaching is very good in India

so more leaders are doing it there (I do not know first hand about the

practical hands-on (devotee hands) cow protection there, only that they get

more

donations). I have heard some of the darker things with regard to selling the

bulls and cows. This is absolutely sinful - no way around it. If they have to

close a temple, then if you must, sell the cows or transport to another temple

or

Goshalla - that is one thing, But to sell bulls/cows without being able to

garantee their life-long safety, while at the same time enjoying milk is sinful

- it is sense gratification at the cost of your Mother and Father's life. It

is the same as buying from a market - only cheaper.

I better stop here, (working on chanelling this energy for the good of the

movement).

ys Gopal dasa

---

In a message dated 1/27/2004 10:10:32 AM Central Standard Time,

npetroff (AT) bowdoin (DOT) edu writes:

Dasgopal (AT) aol (DOT) com wrote:

> *I think that the preaching and cow protection in India, in most cases,

very

>great and the level and quality and quantity is world-class, however, it is

>also easier there due to the piety of the general population and their

>familiarity with the basic culture related to Vaisnavism as we know it; it is

>easier to

>produce positive results there.

>

I am afraid that you are being mislead by sentiment when you call

ISKCON's cow protection programs in India first class.

It's hard for me to think that ISKCON's cow protection preaching in

India is first class. No doubt there are many devotees working hard at

the cowherd level. But support and encouragement from ISKCON's

leadership is *precisely* what is missing.

The fact that we had to struggle for years, simply to get some Indian

temples to send us a simple list of names and ages of all their cows --

when it was already required by ISKCON law -- shows me that ISKCON's cow

protection program in India was far from first class.

Another example where we have opted for the Hindu route rather than

Prabhupada's route is the fact that at most of ISKCON's Indian farms,

cow protection consists mostly of the sentimental idea of a cow existing

and possible giving milk.

But Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of ox power: "If you do

not work the ox, one day you will cut his throat." (ISKCON Farm Newsletter)

Prabhupada: If our men are not trained to plow the earth, then what is

the point of having all this land [in Mayapur]?

Tamal Krsna: They are not being trained, Srila Prabhupada. [March 1974

varnasrama walks -- my paraphrasal]

Because of a rising Hindu perspective in ISKCON India, to actually be

out working the oxen in the fields is considered the contemptible work

of a low-class sudra. But according to Srila Prabhupada's statements,

all forms of devotional service are equally pleasing to Krsna -- to be a

vaisya working with oxen is just as good as to be a sannyasi preaching

to a congregation. But that perspective is not emphasized by the Indian

GBC. Rather, if oxen are used, too often it is hired Muslims, who are

looked upon with a certain degree of contempt, and are not considered an

intimate component of Krsna's community. Are there any devotees other

than Hrimati working the oxen at Mayapur?

Please do not understand me. Hinduism, vegetarianism, pacificism --

these can all be practices in the mode of goodness. As such, they have

great potential as a platform for launching people to the platform of

Krsna consciousness. But by themselves they all lack important elements

which Srila Prabhupada taught us. As such, if we revert more and more to

emphasizing their values, then we will find that we have gradually

strayed from Srila Prabhupada's revolutionary and inclusive vision for

spreading Krsna consciousness.

And, when it is the leaders of the movement who are straying, then it

should be honestly pointed out.

>But, we must take note that Srila Prabhupada

>wanted very much that this movement spread and flourish everywhere,

especially

>the West or the Americas (Pascatya desa tarine). ISKCON and Cow Protection

>can flourish in India and the West will look and say, "yes, it is a Hindu

>movement."

>

Of course, the great irony is that Srila Prabhupada many times went out

of his way to point out that this is *not* a Hindu movement:

**********************

Prabhupada: (chuckles) And that mataji, she has taken land. I dont like

that idea. Some Hindus are supporting.

I dont want a Hindu temple. Our constitution is different. We want

everyone.

Krsna consciousness is for everyone. It is not a Hindu propaganda.

People may not misunderstand.

And actually, till now in our society there is not a single other Hindu

than me. (laughter) Is that not?

New Vrindaban, June 9, 1969

*****************************

How much we have already forgotten -- due to the ignorance of our leaders.

ys

hkdd

January 28, 2004

> Fear of Vaisnava aparada becomes one of the big reasons that parts of

> ISKCON have become like the mafia.

>

> Fear of Vaisnava aparada is why we have a known child abuser heading one

> of the Mayapura gurukulas.

Are you speaking of Bhakti Vidya Purna Maharaja?

If so as far as I know he was never guilty of abusing any child. From what I

heard, it was because some of the boys were abusing each other while he was

the director of the gurukula that he was therefore held responsible.

Also it was recently clarified by Sri Prahlad who actualy runs the school,

as to what the Maharajas position is.

I am forwarding some letters.

Your servant

Samba das

January 29, 2004

A principal ingredient in any advertising campaign is - Likeability.

If cowherds present themselves as doing something "better", "above" everyone

else, this can alienate. I have personally sensed this attitude on occasion.

I have not however sensed any tinge of this elitism in Gopal. I would humbly

request him to consider how people could be approached to appreciate

"cowherds" as integral elements in cow protection. obeisances eka

January 29, 2004

In a message dated 1/29/2004 7:05:16 AM Central Standard Time, Ekabuddh

writes:

A principal ingredient in any advertising campaign is - Likeability.

If cowherds present themselves as doing something "better", "above" everyone

else, this can alienate. I have personally sensed this attitude on occasion.

I have not however sensed any tinge of this elitism in Gopal. I would humbly

request him to consider how people could be approached to appreciate

"cowherds" as integral elements in cow protection. obeisances eka

-------

Perhaps you don't sense elitism in me, but its in there -- it is a very

bitter experience to feel that you are the only one (or one's) doing the right

thing. This mentality has no place in Srila Prabhupada's or Krishna's movement.

I have thought that "only I am taking care of the cows" or "only I care about

the cows." I am not sure how or why I could ever think this, but I have -- I

know it to be the greatest form of Maya, a direct manifestation of Kali Yuga

within the heart; again, it is a burning bitter feeling. Others may seem to

contribute to this feeling in our heart, but we are the owners, protectors, and

maintainers of that weed; we are responsible for letting Guru and/or Krishna

sever it -- they will not be able to do it unless we are willing let them.

This is something that every human being should work diligently to weed out.

It only serves to destroy the interpersonal relationships and cooperative

spirit of one who lets it grow freely.

I have also seen it in others, (besides myself). However, from first hand

knowledge I know that it comes from pride and turns people away faster then any

other thing. The only company that will tolerate you are others of similar

bitter mentality. It is also impossible to hide; it slips out in speach and

actions. It is the antithesis of humility. It ultimately leads to aparadha

(then

Krishna will send you far away from devotees - like to Iowa).

A cowherd is naturally humble (from what I've seen in others) -- it comes

from satya guna. If satya guna is not becoming prominent in the life of the

cowherd (despite the nature of the struggle in today's movement and world) then

something is a little wrong and we simply need to assess our personal

motivations

for performing cow protection or our biases for those we perceive as an

impediment to our service (we should know that it is Krishna who is presenting

the

so called obstacles for our purification).

We should not go into this service thinking to become a martyr. Of course we

may be willing to be a martyr, but our goal is to be successful and

cooperative and to have everyone's assistance. If things go right and the

project

flourishes, one who seeks to be a martyr we will need to find another battle to

fight and will possibly turn it against the project or others who are involved

and out of envy destroy anything that been created. It goes without saying that

we will also destroy any potential for a functional relationship with others

who would like be involved.

The elitist mentality is one of the hidden reasons for individual "burn out."

Again, it is not the service (the service is nectar), more often it is the

"conflict." The conflict is amplified to the point of intolerability if such a

mentality is present even a little. Again, I am speaking only from my own

experience and perhaps generalizing for those who I have seen angary, burned

out,

and blasphemous (the burning comes from within and is the bitterest poison I

have ever known).

As far as a general plan to improve the liability of cowherds and those

involved in cow protection and vedic/sattvik agriculture -- the only thing is

to

become the type of person that Srila Prabhupada expected us to become -- honest

and sincere in all of our dealings, happy (positive), humble, satisfied and

cooperative. This is the big trick for every conditioned soul. It is

completely

an individual endeavor and must be self-monitored on a moment to moment

basis. One can make propaganda and advertising, but is someone is bitter or

proud

or angry, no amount of publicity will be able to hide it. It is part of a

larger spiritual self improvement picture.

What helps me guide myself through pride, elitism and other negative feelings

is to know that it is OK to be fiery for the cause (and we often must), but

we have to remember that it is Krishna who is presenting the challenge for our

own benefit to drive us further toward Him than we may wish to go on our own.

We should never burn bridges -- we must always seek the cooperation and unity

above all else in this mission (that was Srila Prabhupada's dedsire more than

temples, books or cow protection -- happy, spiritually healthy jivas going

home. That is the purpose of temples, books and varnashrama).

Again, this mindfulness is applicable in all spheres of life, not just cow

protection. It is an individual thing. Self improvement is the best preaching.

In the end, people will remember the interpersonal experience, the personality

and personal energy more than they remember the service rendered or the

result of that service. We simply have to be ladies and gentlemen to all whom

we

contact and go about our service in that mood.

I always try to keep in mind who I am deep inside or how I felt inside before

meeting the devotees, and compare that to how I feel now and who I appear to

be on the outside due to the influence and grace of Srila Prabhupada, the

Vaisnavas and the Lord. The one greatest service we can do in this movement (I

feel) is to become a better person/devotee. That doesn't mean stronger visible

sadhana or any external thing -- it means, when we are alone and praying to

the

Lord by ourself - are we becoming a better tool for Krishna's use? We can

gage this by our effect on the Vaisnavas around us (this is why Srila

Prabhupada

stressed the importance of remaining within the assembly of devotees). If we

are mindful of this (as cowherds and as a movement) we will never need

publicity -- people will see it in our face and hear it in our talk and only

the

envious will not take notice.

-Gopal dasa (babbling again)

January 30, 2004

Pretty powerful preaching, Gopal Prabhu. You can come to Dallas any time

and share this view of K.C. philosophy with those of us who are city-bound.

Seems to me you have gone beyond any particular service and focused in on

personal relationships. Much appreciated.

Gopal das writes:

Perhaps you don't sense elitism in me, but its in there -- it is a very

bitter experience to feel that you are the only one (or one's) doing the

right

thing. This mentality has no place in Srila Prabhupada's or Krishna's

movement.

I have thought that "only I am taking care of the cows" or "only I care

about

the cows." I am not sure how or why I could ever think this, but I have -- I

know it to be the greatest form of Maya, a direct manifestation of Kali Yuga

within the heart; again, it is a burning bitter feeling. Others may seem to

contribute to this feeling in our heart, but we are the owners, protectors,

and

maintainers of that weed; we are responsible for letting Guru and/or Krishna

sever it -- they will not be able to do it unless we are willing let them.

This is something that every human being should work diligently to weed out.

It only serves to destroy the interpersonal relationships and cooperative

spirit of one who lets it grow freely.

I have also seen it in others, (besides myself). However, from first hand

knowledge I know that it comes from pride and turns people away faster then

any

other thing. The only company that will tolerate you are others of similar

bitter mentality. It is also impossible to hide; it slips out in speach and

actions. It is the antithesis of humility. It ultimately leads to aparadha

(then

Krishna will send you far away from devotees - like to Iowa).

A cowherd is naturally humble (from what I've seen in others) -- it comes

from satya guna. If satya guna is not becoming prominent in the life of the

cowherd (despite the nature of the struggle in today's movement and world)

then

something is a little wrong and we simply need to assess our personal

motivations

for performing cow protection or our biases for those we perceive as an

impediment to our service (we should know that it is Krishna who is

presenting

the

so called obstacles for our purification).

We should not go into this service thinking to become a martyr. Of course

we

may be willing to be a martyr, but our goal is to be successful and

cooperative and to have everyone's assistance. If things go right and the

project

flourishes, one who seeks to be a martyr we will need to find another battle

to

fight and will possibly turn it against the project or others who are

involved

and out of envy destroy anything that been created. It goes without saying

that

we will also destroy any potential for a functional relationship with others

who would like be involved.

The elitist mentality is one of the hidden reasons for individual "burn

out."

Again, it is not the service (the service is nectar), more often it is the

"conflict." The conflict is amplified to the point of intolerability if such

a

mentality is present even a little. Again, I am speaking only from my own

experience and perhaps generalizing for those who I have seen angary, burned

out,

and blasphemous (the burning comes from within and is the bitterest poison I

have ever known).

As far as a general plan to improve the liability of cowherds and those

involved in cow protection and vedic/sattvik agriculture -- the only thing

is

to

become the type of person that Srila Prabhupada expected us to become --

honest

and sincere in all of our dealings, happy (positive), humble, satisfied and

cooperative. This is the big trick for every conditioned soul. It is

completely

an individual endeavor and must be self-monitored on a moment to moment

basis. One can make propaganda and advertising, but is someone is bitter or

proud

or angry, no amount of publicity will be able to hide it. It is part of a

larger spiritual self improvement picture.

What helps me guide myself through pride, elitism and other negative

feelings

is to know that it is OK to be fiery for the cause (and we often must), but

we have to remember that it is Krishna who is presenting the challenge for

our

own benefit to drive us further toward Him than we may wish to go on our

own.

We should never burn bridges -- we must always seek the cooperation and

unity

above all else in this mission (that was Srila Prabhupada's dedsire more

than

temples, books or cow protection -- happy, spiritually healthy jivas going

home. That is the purpose of temples, books and varnashrama).

Again, this mindfulness is applicable in all spheres of life, not just cow

protection. It is an individual thing. Self improvement is the best

preaching.

In the end, people will remember the interpersonal experience, the

personality

and personal energy more than they remember the service rendered or the

result of that service. We simply have to be ladies and gentlemen to all

whom

we

contact and go about our service in that mood.

I always try to keep in mind who I am deep inside or how I felt inside

before

meeting the devotees, and compare that to how I feel now and who I appear to

be on the outside due to the influence and grace of Srila Prabhupada, the

Vaisnavas and the Lord. The one greatest service we can do in this movement

(I

feel) is to become a better person/devotee. That doesn't mean stronger

visible

sadhana or any external thing -- it means, when we are alone and praying to

the

Lord by ourself - are we becoming a better tool for Krishna's use? We can

gage this by our effect on the Vaisnavas around us (this is why Srila

Prabhupada

stressed the importance of remaining within the assembly of devotees). If we

are mindful of this (as cowherds and as a movement) we will never need

publicity -- people will see it in our face and hear it in our talk and only

the

envious will not take notice.

-Gopal dasa (babbling again)

January 30, 2004

Dear Gopal Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. _/\o_

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

this is not babbling.

This is very well spoken.

Srila Prabhupada ones said:

Devotee means he is able to tolerate all kinds of discomfort and whims of

the material nature, and because he is so much absorbed in serving Krishna,

he takes no time to become angry or take offense with others or find out

some fault, no. Devotee means very liberal and kind to everyone, always

gentleman under all kinds of conditions of life.

****

It is very nice to learn that both you and Satsvarupa have highly praised

Tamala Krishna. Similarly, Tamala Krishna has also highly praised you and

Satsvarupa. This attitude should be maintained amongst your Godbrothers.

That will elevate us more and more to the top of devotional service. This

is called Vaikuntha attitude. In the Vaikuntha factually there is no fault

in anyone, but there is another type of competition. The competition is

that one devotee thinks of other devotees how nicely they are serving the

Lord. In the material world the attitude is that everyone likes to think

that I am doing better than others. This is material conception. In the

Spiritual Sky it is just the opposite: Everyone thinks that my contemporary

devotees are doing better than me. We are trained to address Godbrothers as

Prabhu, which means Master. This means we shall try to find out always the

serving side of our Godbrothers. Sometimes there are misgivings, but that

we should try to overlook.

*****

Dhåtaräñöra had suffered the effects of his own misdeeds by the will of the

Lord, but Mahäräja Yudhiñöhira was thinking only of his own unavoidable

misdeeds. That is the nature of a good man and devotee of the Lord. A

devotee never finds fault with others, but tries to find his own and thus

rectify them as far as possible.

^^^^^

Akrodha means to check anger. Even if there is provocation one should be

tolerant, for once one becomes angry his whole body becomes polluted. Anger

is a product of the mode of passion and lust, so one who is

transcendentally situated should check himself from anger. Apaiçunam means

that one should not find fault with others or correct them unnecessarily.

Of course to call a thief a thief is not faultfinding, but to call an

honest person a thief is very much offensive for one who is making

advancement in spiritual life. Hré means that one should be very modest and

must not perform some act which is abominable. Acäpalam, determination,

means that one should not be agitated or frustrated in some attempt. There

may be failure in some attempt, but one should not be sorry for that; he

should make progress with patience and determination.

******

My Dear Atreya Rsi,

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your very nice letter of

January 10, 1972, and I am very much pleased by the sentiments expressed

therein. It is not so much that because there may be some faults in our

godbrothers and godsisters, or because there may be some mismanagement or

lack of cooperation, that this is due to being impersonalists, no. It is

the nature of the living condition to always have some fault. Even in the

Spiritual World there is some fault and envy—sometimes the Gopis will

quarrel over Krishna's favor, and once Krishna was so much attracted to

Radharani that by mistake he tried to milk the bull instead of the cow, and

sometimes when the Gopis used to put on their dress and make-up for seeing

Krishna, they would be too much hasty and smear kumkum and mascara in the

wrong places and their ornaments and dresses would appear as if small

children had been trying to dress themselves and they were not very expert,

like that. There are so many examples. But it is not the same as material

fault or material envy, it is transcendental because it is all based on

Krishna. Sometimes when one Gopi would serve Krishna very nicely, the

others would say, Oh, she has done so nicely, now let me do better for

pleasing Krishna. That is envy, but it is transcendental, without malice.

So we shall not expect that anywhere there is any Utopia. Rather, that is

impersonalism. People should not expect that even in the Krishna

Consciousness Society there will be Utopia. Because devotees are persons,

therefore there will always be some lacking—but the difference is that

their lacking, because they have given up everything to serve

Krishna—money, jobs, reputation, wealth, big educations, everything—their

lackings have become transcendental because, despite everything they may

do, their topmost intention is to serve Krishna. "One who is engaged in

devotional service, despite the most abominable action, is to be considered

saintly because he is rightly situated.'' The devotees of Krishna are the

most exalted persons on this planet, better than kings, all of them, so we

should always remember that and, like the bumblebee, always look for the

nectar or the best qualities of a person. Not like the utopians, who are

like the flies who always go to the open sores or find the faults in a

person, and because they cannot find any utopia, or because they cannot

find anyone without faults, they want to become void, merge, nothing—they

think that is utopia, to become void of personality. So if there is

sometimes slight disagreements between devotees, it is not due to

impersonalism, but it is because they are persons, and such disagreements

should not be taken very seriously. The devotee is always pessimistic about

the material world, but he is very optimistic about the spiritual life; so

in this way, you should consider that anyone engaged in Krishna's service

is always the best person.

I am very pleased that you are assisting your godbrothers so nicely. Yes,

this is our real position, to be servants of the servants of the servants.

And by your quiet and humble attitude, you shall set the example of

Vaisnava so that all may learn from you, and very soon their puffed-up

attitude will disappear and they will come to you and seek your advice in

matters.......

******

....

Fighting amongst ourselves is not at all good, but if our preaching work

is neglected, or if we fall down in following the regulative principles

such as rising before four, chanting 16 rounds, like that, if these things

are not strictly observed then maya will enter and spoil everything. So my

best advice to you is to strictly observe these things yourself and be the

example so that all others may follow. We should not criticize each other,

as Vaisnavas, because there is fault in everyone and we may be ourselves

subject to criticism. Best thing is to be above suspicion ourselves, then

if we see discrepancies and make suggestion the others will automatically

respect and take action to rectify the matters. That is cooperation. And we

must exist on such cooperation, otherwise the whole thing is doomed if we

simply go on fighting over some small thing. So try to organize things and

preach together in this spirit, and that will please me very, very much.

******Hoping this will meet you in the very best of health by the grace of

Krishna.

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur said:

This wicked mind, which is never to be trusted, should be broom-sticked

every morning with such warning as, "Be not anxious to find fault with

others, or to proclaim thyself as a true, sincere, bonafide bhakta, which

certainly thou art not." In this connection, the advice of a Vaiñëava

Mahajana is this:

karmi-jnani micha-bhakta, na habe tate anurakta,

suddha-bhajanete kara mana

vraja-janera yei mata, tanhe habe anugata,

ei se param tattva dhana

Be not attached to karmis, jnanis and bhaktas false.

But pure, unalloyed bhajan you should always endorse.

Follow principles, which Vraja folk adopt,

These being valued truths to be kept aloft.

The mind is always working erroneously in looking upon this thing or that,

either as good or bad. The Charitamrita sings:

dvaite bhadrabhadra jnana-saba mano-dharma

ei bhala ei manda-ei saba bhrama

People are usually too much busy with mental speculations. They should

relieve themselves of this and try to find out the real good of their own

selves or souls. There is an adage to the effect that para-carccakera gati

nahi kona kale, "a man who is habituated to criticise others' conduct will

never prosper." Let others do whatever they like, I have no concern with

them. I should rather find fault with my own damned mind, and think like

the Vaiñëava Mahajana who sings:

amara jivan, sada pape rata, nahi punyera lesa,

para-sukhe duhkhi, sada mithya-bhasi,

para-duhkha sukha-kara

Ever engaged in vicious activity,

And without the slightest trace of virtue in me,

A liar as I am, always sorry at others' pleasures

And merry at others' sorrows, troubles and cares.

We should always remember this song and engage our mind ceaselessly in

Hari-bhajan. We should not run about attacking others with dissuading

policy; such conduct behooves only deceitful persons and not preachers.

****

Hoping this will meet you in the very best of health by the grace of

Krishna.

Your humble servant,

Hrimati dasi

Please visit our Vaishnava family-friendly Website at:

http://www.gopalsofttoys.com

February 1, 2004

Since I don't always read all of the long ones, this was at the end of a long

one, very worthy of meditating on.....

but remembering that it is not an offense to call a theif a theif, just be

sure we are not mistaken....in a message dated 1/30/04 8:20:27 AM Eastern

Standard Time, Hrimati.ACBSP (AT) pamho (DOT) net writes:

> Vaiñëava Mahajana who sings:

> amara jivan, sada pape rata, nahi punyera lesa,

> para-sukhe duhkhi, sada mithya-bhasi,

> para-duhkha sukha-kara

> Ever engaged in vicious activity,

> And without the slightest trace of virtue in me,

> A liar as I am, always sorry at others' pleasures

> And merry at others' sorrows, troubles and cares.

> We should always remember this song and engage our mind ceaselessly in

> Hari-bhajan. We should not run about attacking others with dissuading

> policy; such conduct behooves only deceitful persons and not preachers

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