May 31 2019, late afternoon. All of a sudden I was in front of the butcher’s. It was a back row of shops on the glorious Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. I am saying glorious because in my humble estimation, there are here very many nice people, who could well become Krishna conscious devotees under proper cultivation. There is here already, in this lovely small town, HG Suvilasa Devi Dasi, an initiated disciple of His Holiness Devamrta Swami, who conducts since several years a steady and successful first and second hand book shop cum cafe. All glories to her divine service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and her Guru Maharaja!

There was only the butcher’s and an empty shop next door.

I thought: “Well today I am not going to offer the butcher a vegan or vegetarien cookbook.” and took the Bhagavad gita As It Is, hard bound copy, from my left carrying hand into my right hand in preparation for the Sankirtan aggression.

In letter 750730Let.Jagaddhatri,Pasupati,Sailogata&PamelainDallas, Srila Prabhupada writes:

“My Dear Daughters:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 29, 1975 and have noted the contents. Regarding the problem of how to be aggressive on Sankirtana and submissive in the temple, my request to you is that you should go on being aggressive on Sankirtana. I myself was aggressive in coming to your country. No one invited me. Even you boys and girls did not invite me. But, I came and I preached aggressively, and therefore you are now my disciples. So now you well know you have to approach the men and women of your country, and it may appear that superficially that you have to disturb them. They are doing their business peacefully, and you come and disturb them, “Please take this Krishna book.”

Of course it is good that you are concerned about being chaste, shy, and submissive amongst your God-brothers. Canakya Pandit said that every man should see all other women as mother, and similarly a woman should see all men as son. So what is your difficulty? If you are completely aggressive on Sankirtana, there should be no material aggressiveness and pride remaining. You have to distinguish between devotees and non-devotees.

Aggression for the cause of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is pure. If you become completely absorbed in such aggression to spread the Sankirtana Movement, there will be no question of wanting to lord it over in the temple. Preaching purifies us of these material tendencies for sense gratification. It is simply a matter of time that you will see this. Do not worry. Krishna will help you.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs”

As paradoxical as it may sound, I often offer a vegan or vegetarian cookbook to the butchers I come across. And even more paradoxical, they often respond positively by accepting to buy such book, if not for themselves, then for a vegan-or-vegetarian-cookbook-needy relative or friend. As I entered the premises, the butcher was in front of the counter (customer side) and I had the chance to engage him immediately. He was young too.

Good day Sir, how are you today?

This is Bhagavad-gita As It Is, a five thousand year old book, spoken by Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and presented by His special envoy, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (New York, 1966) and Founder of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and Back to Godhead magazine as well.

Kurukshetra, in the state of Haryana, is situated about 150 km north of New Dehli, India, on the way to Chandigar, where there is a very wonderful Hare Krishna ISKCON temple, well worth a visit and a nice donation.

Because it was a battlefield, millions of people died in 18 days.

It was a kind of a world war, because all the different kings, along with their armies from different parts of the world had assembled on the battlefield of Kurukshtra and sided with one party or the other. From God’s or Krishna’s perspective, it was an occasion to annihilate completely the multitude of armed forces unnecessarily created by these independent and belligerent minded kings. In those days war was restricted to the ksatriya class or the warrior class. Nowadays, because everyone is sinful and freely transgresses the laws of God, Krishna, everyone suffers heavily in war time.

Today we have a very similar situation around the globe. 195 or so proud countries in the world are profusely diverting states resources into heavy, expensive and deadly armies.

For the purpose of this article, the above is indeed an embellished version of my presentation. The following is verbatim though:

So there was blood, lots of blood, tonnes of blood, rivers of blood!!!

Being a butcher you like blood don’t you???

And Sir please note: it was not animal blood, as in your case.

It was HUMAN BLOOD. Lots of it.

The butcher’s reply was brief and something like:

O, that sounds good to me.

Sold !!!

I’ll have a copy.

How much is it?

And the exchange of money and Bhagavad-gita As It Is, hard bound, took place immediately at full retail price. There was no haggling whatsoever.

One female attendant was gazing at him with a surprised look on her face.

When I left the shop, I was flabbergasted myself at what just happened and what I had just discovered by Sri Krishna’s grace.

Due to their slaughtering a multitude of animals, butcher’s may have a heavy karma, but more often than not, they are enthusiastically engaging in the Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan mission. Some kind of generosity is present in the butchers, which can be engaged in Lord Caitanya’s service. Because this butcher made a conscious decision to acquire Lord Krishna’s and Srila Prabhupada’s words, he was indeed a super special butcher! We even have a God-brother who used to be a butcher in his pre-devotional life. So let us give all butchers Lord Caitanya’s mercy unhesitatingly and let Krishna sort out karma matters. Our business is NOT to judge. We are NOT divinely appointed judges. Our duty and divine mission is to spread Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan mercy with an equal mind. And let Sri Krishna and His appointed representative sort out karma matters.

All glories to Lord Caitanya’s divine Sankirtan mission! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, Lord Caitanya’s representative for the next ten thousand years!

THE MAIN PROBLEM IN ISKCON IS THAT WE ARE DISRESPECTING SRILA PRABHUPADA, ITS FOUNDER-ACARYA ON A VERY LARGE, MASSIVE AND GRAND SCALE. THAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM INDEED.

1. THIS KRISHNA BOOK, FOR EXAMPLE, IS WONDERFULLY DESIGNED IN THAT THE FRONT COVER PAINTING IS JUST WONDERFULLY CRAFTED AND GIVES THE VIEWER AN IDEA OF THE INTIMATE LOVING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RADHA AND KRISHNA. HOWEVER THE BACK SIDE IS VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO SRILA PRABHUPADA IN THAT SRILA PRABHUPADA’S PICTURE IS TINY, WHEN IT SHOULD IN FACT SPREAD ON THE WHOLE BACK COVER, AS WAS THE CASE WITH THE EARLY BIG SIZE HARD BOUND KRISHNA BOOKS. (27 cm X 19 cm). The cows are bigger than Srila Prabhuapada. They may be Krishna’s cows, but Srila Prabhupada is Krishna’s sena-pati-bhakta.

This is the cover of original h/b Krishna Book Vol II. If the Spiritual Master is to be given as much honor as the Supreme Lord, then this the correct presentation!

2)  HERE AT ISKCON BRISBANE, AFTER THE UNRESOLVED DISPUTES OF WHERE THE VYASASANA SHOULD BE SITUATED IN THE TEMPLE ROOM AND WHETHER OR NOT THERE SHOULD BE A FULL SET OF THE GLORIOUS CAITANYA CARITAMRTA IN THE TEMPLE ROOM OR NOT, WE HAVE YET ANOTHER TUSSLE IN PROGRESS IN THAT SRILA PRABUPADA IS OFTEN LEFT IN DARKNESS BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROPER AND INDEPENDENTLY CONTROLLED LIGHTING ON HIM SITTING ON THE VYASASANA. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND RECENTLY I HAVE STEPPED UP A CAMPAIGN  TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE MANAGEMENT IS VERY MUCH CALLOUS TO MY CALLS AND I HAD TO GIVE IT AN ULTIMATUM DEAD LINE.  THE DEAD LINE IS TODAY MAY 25TH 2019 AND IS NOW PASSED. IF ONE RECEIVES GOOD ADVICE AND DOES NOT FOLLOW FOR WHATEVER  REASON, THAT MEANS HE /SHE IS RASCAL, THAT MEANS HE / SHE IS FOOL AND RASCAL NUMBER ONE IN SRILA PRABHUPADA’S BOOKS. That mood of defiance against good advice is Maya. It is not Krishna!

Whoever one may be in the pecking order, one should have the good sense to accept good advice. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the garb of a Sannyasi left for South India, He accepted counsel from Sarva Bhauma Battacarya, the householder. Srila Prabhupada comments as follows:

“The word kariha asirvade means “continue to bestow your blessings upon Me.” Being a sannyasi, Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in the fourth order of life and was thus due all respect and adoration, whereas Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, as a householder, was in the second order. A sannyasi is supposed to offer blessings to a grhastha, yet now, by His practical behavior, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested the blessings of a grhastha. This incident shows the special significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s preaching. He gave equal status to everyone, regardless of material considerations. His movement is thoroughly spiritual. Although apparently a grhastha (householder), Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was unlike the so-called karmis interested in sense gratification. After being initiated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Bhattacarya was perfectly situated in the spiritual order; therefore it was quite possible for him to offer blessings even to a sannyasi. He was always engaged in the service of the Lord, even at home. In our disciplic line we have the example of a perfect householder paramahamsa — Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In his book Saranagati, Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, ye-dina grhe, bhajana dekhi’, grhete goloka bhaya (Saranagati 31.6). Whenever a householder glorifies the Supreme Lord in his home, his activities are immediately transformed into the activities of Goloka Vrndavana, spiritual activities taking place in the Goloka Vrndavana planet of Krsna. Activities exhibited by Krsna Himself at Bhauma Vrndavana, the Vrndavana-dhama existing on this planet, are not different from His activities on the planet Goloka Vrndavana. This is proper realization of Vrndavana anywhere. In our Krsna consciousness movement we inaugurated the New Vrndavana activities, wherein devotees are always engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, and this is not different from Goloka Vrndavana. The conclusion is that one who acts strictly in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is competent to offer blessings to sannyasis, even though he be a grhastha householder. Although he is in an exalted position, a sannyasi still must elevate himself to the transcendental platform by rendering service to the Lord. By His actual behavior, Caitanya Mahaprabhu begged the blessings of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. In this way He set the example of how one should expect blessings from a Vaisnava regardless of his social position. Madhya 7.70

STANZA 7 OF GURV-ASTAKA STATES:

” The Spiritual Master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because the Spiritual Master is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a Spiritual Master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari (Krishna).”

Therefore the lighting on Srila Prabhupada should be the same intensity and duration as the lighting shining on the Deities. To achieve this goal it also has to be independently operated.

One very nice thing about the ISKCON temple in Brisbane is that there is now a very nice parikrama path, perhaps one kilometre long or more. One can circumambulate Their Lordship Sri Gaura Nitai by turning right as one leaves the temple, then turning right again on the round about at 17 Mile Rocks road, then enter Rocks Riverside wonderful green park, through the first path on the right, which follows the bottom of the ridge where the temple is built. After passing under the remnants of the QCL conveyer belt, there is a steep path and stairs right up to the ridge and one joins again the south eastern corner of  the ISKCON land. Some of these steps are chiseled directly into the rocks, just like in India. One can see the marks of the chisel. This reminds one so much of India. If one has extra time one can walk in the park itself, which is also very attractive and full of greeneries, water ways and amusement for the kids and family. Additionally there is also a very large semi circular lawn, slightly inclined towards the river, which will just be perfect venue for holding a huge Krishna Sacred Sound Festival.

3) AND WHO THE HELL FOLLOWS SRILA PRABHUPADA ORDER TO HOLD THE MANGAL ARATIK FUNCTION EVERY DAY , 365 DAYS A YEAR, AT 04.30, WHERE EVER ONE MAY BE???

TO BE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND WELL AWAKE BY 04.00 HOURS IS A FOUNDER-ACARYA’S ORDER AS BASIC AS TO CHANT  16 ROUNDS AND TO FOLLOW THE FOUR REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES. BUT AGAIN WHO THE HELL FOLLOWS ! OF COURSE, SOME DO FOLLOW VERY NICELY. WE THANK THEM VERY MUCH FOR THEIR DISCIPLINE AND ALL GLORIES TO THEM! BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS??? This particular measure is to help us overcome the all ubiquitous presence of the three modes of material nature. In the BGAII 2.45, Sri Krishna tells Arjuna: ” The Vedas mainly deal with the subject of the three modes of material nature. Rise above these modes, O Arjuna. Be transcendental to all of them. Be free from all dualities and from all anxieties for gain and safety, and be established in the self.”

I’d like to add BGAII 18.37: ” That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.”

AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO LIVE IN ISKCON ASHRAMS BUT NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER ATTEND FUNCTIONS IN THE TEMPLE ROOM. WHAT KIND OF BOORISHNESS, LOUTISHNESS AND CHURLISHNESS IS THAT? ISKCON BRISBANE DEFINITELY SUFFERS FROM THAT DISEASE AS WELL. It is also my understanding that Ashram residents MUST attend Mangal Aratik. When I was temple commander in Vrndavan under HG Akshoyananda Prabhu, he asked me to knock at every Ashram door to make sure residents would be ready, standing in front of Deities at 04.30 hours for the opening of the Mangal Aratik curtains.

Some residents really freaked out by this practice. But I was no to blame, as I merely performed my duty, under the order of the temple president of the time, HG Akshoyananda Prabhu, who, at this date, is fortunately still with us, as I found out recently, and hasn’t departed yet, as so many direct diksa disciples of Srila Prabhupada have.

AMONG THE TEN OFFENSES, OFFENSE NUMBER THREE READS:

TO DISOBEY THE ORDER OF THE SPIRITUAL MASTER OR IN OUR CASE THE ORDERS OF THE FOUNDER-ACARYA, HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA.

THAT MEANS ALSO WE DONT REALLY UNDERSTAND WHO SRILA PRABHUPADA IS. WE THINK HE IS AN ORDINARY INDIVIDUAL WITH AN EXAGGERATED SENSE OF HIS OWN PERSONALITY, WITH AN SWOLLEN SENSE OF HIS OWN EGO. BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS MENTALITY. Shastra Srimad Bhagavatam 11.17.27 warns in this context:

The word kariha asirvade means “continue to bestow your blessings upon Me.” Being a sannyasi, Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in the fourth order of life and was thus due all respect and adoration, whereas Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, as a householder, was in the second order. A sannyasi is supposed to offer blessings to a grhastha, yet now, by His practical behavior, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested the blessings of a grhastha. This incident shows the special significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s preaching. He gave equal status to everyone, regardless of material considerations. His movement is thoroughly spiritual. Although apparently a grhastha (householder), Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was unlike the so-called karmis interested in sense gratification. After being initiated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Bhattacarya was perfectly situated in the spiritual order; therefore it was quite possible for him to offer blessings even to a sannyasi. He was always engaged in the service of the Lord, even at home. In our disciplic line we have the example of a perfect householder paramahamsa — Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In his book Saranagati, Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, ye-dina grhe, bhajana dekhi’, grhete goloka bhaya (Saranagati 31.6). Whenever a householder glorifies the Supreme Lord in his home, his activities are immediately transformed into the activities of Goloka Vrndavana, spiritual activities taking place in the Goloka Vrndavana planet of Krsna. Activities exhibited by Krsna Himself at Bhauma Vrndavana, the Vrndavana-dhama existing on this planet, are not different from His activities on the planet Goloka Vrndavana. This is proper realization of Vrndavana anywhere. In our Krsna consciousness movement we inaugurated the New Vrndavana activities, wherein devotees are always engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, and this is not different from Goloka Vrndavana. The conclusion is that one who acts strictly in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is competent to offer blessings to sannyasis, even though he be a grhastha householder. Although he is in an exalted position, a sannyasi still must elevate himself to the transcendental platform by rendering service to the Lord. By His actual behavior, Caitanya Mahaprabhu begged the blessings of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. In this way He set the example of how one should expect blessings from a Vaisnava regardless of his social position.
Madhya 7.70

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 7.70

acaryam mam vijaniyan
navamanyeta karhicit
na martya-buddhyasuyeta
sarva-deva-mayo guruh

WORD FOR WORD TRANSLATION

Word for word translation.acaryam — the spiritual master; mam — Myself; vijaniyat — one should know; na avamanyeta — one should never disrespect; karhicit — at any time; na — never; martya-buddhya — with the idea of his being an ordinary man; asuyeta — one should be envious; sarva-deva — of all demigods; mayah — representative; guruh — the spiritual master.

TRANSLATION

One should know the acarya as Myself and never disrespect him in any way. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for he is the representative of all the demigods.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 11.17.27

And as soon as Srila Prabhupada left the planet the ISKCON standards dropped significantly. The life members ship program, for example, was abandoned more or less. Just another burden Srila Prabhupada forced us to carry, right???

Yesterday 25 May 2019, at the Saturday Feast in Brisbane, one devotee told that his brother in law became a life members in New Dehli, India, about one year ago. Still he hasn’t received his Bhaktivedanta books. What kind of life member management is that???

One can abuse some people for all the time and all people for some time but it is impossible to abuse all people for all the time. Negative reaction will be there.

4) Another thing is that intra ISKCON communications are not up to scratch.

This indicates to me two things:

1. A LACK OF COMPETENCE AND EVEN WORSE
2. A LACK OF HONESTY!!!

As far as honesty is concerned, Srila Prabhupada makes the point that a brahmin is honest to the point of even endangering his own wholesomeness. “And Śrī Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa has given about this ārjava, “simplicity,” he says that a brāhmaṇa even to a enemy will disclose all his secrets. Even to his enemy. Nobody discloses his secrets before an enemy, but a brāhmin, if he, even he finds out a enemy, he will disclose all the secrets. He has no secret. Brāhmin means open-minded, liberal. And the opposite word is kṛpaṇa, miser.” 721107SB.Vrn

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 18.42 says additionally: “Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness—these are the natural qualities by which the braahmanas work.”

There is also a realm where lack of competence and dishonesty overlap.

5) Another intriguing change is as follows:

Since the departure of Srila Prabhupada it appears to me that the focus has changed from the spiritual to the mundane. Even if not spoken in plain language, it is however often implied that an advanced devotee must have the letters BA, MA or PhD after his name, otherwise he/she can absolutely not be advanced, whereas I am deeply satisfied to have the letters ACBSP after mine.

It should be noted that no mundane institution will ever deliver the letters ACBSP. In fact just “ACBSP” on its own  is so ultra precious because it is no longer available at all on the market. You may now ask  me: ” What market are you talking about?”  My reply will be: ” ACBSP   on its own, is not available any longer, on any market at all” “OUAOU”, will you say, “that facts makes it ultra dear, perhaps trillions and trillions of dollars.”   My reply will be: ” Yes, absolutely!” “But that’s highly unfair!” will the rightfully-transcendentally-intelligent-jealous shout out in desperate protest. My reply will be: ” Yes, absolutely!”  And to make it a fair level playing field, my suggestion will be to introduce the new system whereby we designate our relationships with our Divine Grace and Master, Om Visnupada Pramahamsa Astottara-sata Sri Srimad A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with the new system of designation as ACBSPgen1, ACBSPgen2, ACBSPgen3, ACBSPgen4. etc. etc. etc …..That will be the ACBSP dynasty. And that should appease the rightfully-transcendentally-intelligent-jealous. In fact that should appease everyone at all.

Now to get back to our actual subject matter. Yes, it appears to me that the focus has shifted in a spiritually unhealthy way from the spiritual to the mundane. In 750325CC.May, Srila Prabhupada defines advancement as follows: ” So study this Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Now we have got this English edition, very elaborately described, following the footsteps of our Guru Mahārāja, Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda. So there is no such edition of Caitanya-caritāmṛta, very elaborately described.

But it can be understood by the advanced student. It can be… And so… Advanced, you can, anyone, you can become advanced. Advanced means at least one should understand that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If you simply understand these two words, that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then you are advanced.

It is not very difficult. Everything, all Vedic literature, they are meant for understanding Kṛṣṇa. Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyam [Bg. 15.15]. So if you simply understand… What is that understanding? That Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We have written in our Kṛṣṇa book, “Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” If you become convinced, then your study of Vedas—finished.”

So let us rightfully and conservatively adopt Srila Prabhupada’s own definition of advancement. A mundane learned fellow is not barred from advancement in Krishna Consciousness. Mental speculation can however be a hurdle for one’s advancement of Krishna Consciousness. Let me again quote Srila Prabhupada in BGAII 7.3, purport, to that effect:

“There are various grades of men, and out of many thousands, one may be sufficiently interested in transcendental realization to try to know what is the self, what is the body, and what is the Absolute Truth. Generally mankind is simply engaged in the animal propensities, namely eating, sleeping, defending and mating, and hardly anyone is interested in transcendental knowledge. The first six chapters of the Gita are meant for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge, in understanding the self, the Superself and the process of realization by jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga and discrimination of the self from matter. However, Krsna can be known only by persons who are in Krsna consciousness. Other transcendentalists may achieve impersonal Brahman realization, for this is easier than understanding Krsna. Krsna is the Supreme Person, but at the same time He is beyond the knowledge of Brahman and Paramatma. The yogis and jnanis are confused in their attempts to understand Krsna. Although the greatest of the impersonalists, Sripada Sankaracarya, has admitted in his Gita commentary that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his followers do not accept Krsna as such, for it is very difficult to know Krsna, even though one has transcendental realization of impersonal Brahman.
Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes, the primeval Lord Govinda. Isvarah paramah krsnah sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah / anadir adir govindah sarva-karana-karanam. It is very difficult for the nondevotees to know Him. Although nondevotees declare that the path of bhakti, or devotional service, is very easy, they cannot practice it. If the path of bhakti is so easy, as the nondevotee class of men proclaim, then why do they take up the difficult path? Actually the path of bhakti is not easy. The so-called path of bhakti practiced by unauthorized persons without knowledge of bhakti may be easy, but when it is practiced factually according to the rules and regulations, the speculative scholars and philosophers fall away from the path. Srila Rupa Gosvami writes in his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.101):

sruti-smrti-puranadi-
pancaratra-vidhim vina
aikantiki harer bhaktir
utpatayaiva kalpate

“Devotional service of the Lord that ignores the authorized Vedic literatures like the Upanisads, Puranas and Narada Pancaratra is simply an unnecessary disturbance in society.”
It is not possible for the Brahman-realized impersonalist or the Paramatma-realized yogi to understand Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the son of mother Yasoda or the charioteer of Arjuna. Even the great demigods are sometimes confused about Krsna (muhyanti yat surayah). Mam tu veda na kascana: “No one knows Me as I am,” the Lord says. And if one does know Him, then sa mahatma su-durlabhah. “Such a great soul is very rare.” Therefore unless one practices devotional service to the Lord, one cannot know Krsna as He is (tattvatah), even though one is a great scholar or philosopher. Only the pure devotees can know something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities in Krsna — His being the cause of all causes, His omnipotence and opulence, and His wealth, fame, strength, beauty, knowledge and renunciation — because Krsna is benevolently inclined to His devotees. He is the last word in Brahman realization, and the devotees alone can realize Him as He is. Therefore it is said:

atah sri-krsna-namadi
na bhaved grahyam indriyaih
sevonmukhe hi jihvadau
svayam eva sphuraty adah
[Cc. Madhya 17.136]

“No one can understand Krsna as He is by the blunt material senses. But He reveals Himself to the devotees, being pleased with them for their transcendental loving service unto Him.” (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.2.234) [Surrender-Unto-Me] Bg 7.4, purport.

Srila Prabhupada clearly does not mention BA, MA or PhD in this definition of advancement. So there seem be here a major deviation here and a correction of trajectory is required indeed. This happens sometimes with the best of captain / pilots indeed. And in just a few measures, the boast /airplane will be on its right and correct course again.

6) There is also the question of use of capital letters throughout all books in all languages. As you can imagine and considering the number of books and translations, that’s quite extensive.

BBT editors unfailingly quote the following passage to justify their current use of capital letters:

7)

And I find in ISKCON there is no dialogue.

There is only dictatorship of the controlling party (ies)

I don’t think this is what Srila Prabupada had in mind for His ISKCON. Again Srila Prabhupada is betrayed and disobeyed!!!

After all ISKCON is meant to be the house in which the WHOLE WORLD CAN FIND SHELTER.

Therefore there must be dialogue.

Here is a very nice Prabhupada letter passage on this point:

“I have seen the agenda of your president’s meeting. This is nice. One thing should be followed, however, as your countrymen are more or less independent spirited and lovers of democracy. So everything should be done very carefully so that their sentiments may not be hurt. According to Sanskrit moral principles, everything has to be acted, taking consideration of the place, audience and time. As far as possible the centers should act freely, but conjointly. They must look forward to the common development. That should be the principle. You are all intelligent boys, and you should be engaged in Krishna’s service. Then He will give you all intelligence. So in every action we should always pray to Krishna for His help so that we may act it nicely. Lord Krishna advised Arjuna yudhyasva mam anusmara [Bg. 8.7]. That should be our principle. We should use all our intellect as well as possible, and at the same time we should remember Krishna always.” 691013Let.TamalKrishna

For the post of temple president, Srila Prabhupada encouraged elections.

There is no doubt about it and here are 5 relevant passages all from Srila Prabhupada’s letters that election is the way to go for the post of temple president:

“Regarding the election of President, a president can only be changed by vote. If no vote was taken, then the president cannot be changed. Neither Hamsaduta can change the president whimsically or can anybody else change the president. According the “Direction of Management” the GBC cannot change the President but only by vote can it be done.” 74.9.29Let.Mukunda

“Regarding the intended election, I have no preference for anyone. Whomever gets the majority election, he has my vote.” 741016Let.londondevotees

“Regarding Sydney, that the President has left, if one does not follow the regulative principles, then he will leave. That is a fact. Has somebody else been elected?” 750804Let.Madhudvisa

“I congratulate you on your being elected as president of ISKCON San Francisco branch. Your election as president is a recognition by Krishna and therefore I have got full support for you. Mukunda and other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krishna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krishna Consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state. I’ve been very glad that you are appreciating by your self the effects of sincere Krishna Consciousness. I’ve nothing new to instruct you, the same old instruction namely constant chanting and attentively hearing the transcendental vibration Hare Krishna is the only process for self-realization in this age.” 670929Let.Jayananda

 “Jayananda is a very sincere and intelligent boy and I think his decision should be accepted as final in the matter. Not only in this case, but in every other complicated case. The elected authorities in the management of the temple should be the final authority in these matters. Otherwise, the society cannot be managed. Our main principle should be to advance the cause of K.C.”  680111Let.Gargamuni

But from my point of view, it would appear that the temple president of my home temple, ISKCON Brisbane, has self appointed himself and I am indeed happy to see evidence to the contrary. But until then I shall continue with my thesis. Such a foolish and infatuated act is worse that the worse dictatorship in the darkest places of the planet. Now Krishna has given him little reaction for this serious offense by letting him taste cancer.

Final Point.

BOOK DISTRIBUTION.

It is no secret that Srila Prabhupada could never be satisfied with the amount of BBT books distributed by His followers throughout the world. Last calendar year 2018, 9 425 998 pieces of literature were distributed throughout the world. To this date, June 2019, 550 million pieces of literature have been distributed since 1965 and we may be confident that Srila Prabhupada wishes us to double this figure ASAP.  It is a fact that book distribution generates more book distribution, as we can see that people are getting familiar with our BBT literature and are asking for more. Many of the people I meet know Bhagavad-gita As It Is and are asking for more titles, which are abundantly available such as Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta.

In letter dated January 16 1975 to Tripurari Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada issued a general request for everyone to contribute his / her bit to the book distribution effort. No one really is exempted from book distribution duties.

“My general request is that you all distribute as many books as possible and at the same time be very careful in dealings with others so that they may not become irritated with us. Your book sale statistics are astounding. I am so much pleased. Please continue distributing such nice quantities and try to enthuse others more and more. You are sincere, so Krishna will give you all intelligence, strength and everything else you may need to distribute millions and millions of books.” General Book Distribution Request. 750116let.Tripurari

and if we have to make a choice between temple worship and book distribution, the choice is crystal clear from the following passage of Srimad Bhagavatam 7.14.39, purport:

“….chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is more powerful than Deity worship. Sri Caitanya Mahaaprabhu set a practical example in that He did not establish any temples or Deities, but He profusely introduced the sankirtana movement. Therefore Krishna consciousness preachers should give more stress to the sankirtana movement, especially by distributing transcendental literature more and more. This helps the sankirtana movement. Whenever there is a possibility to worship the Deity, we may establish many centers, but generally we should give more stress to the distribution of transcendental literature, for this will be more effective in converting people to Krishna consciousness.” SB 7.14.39, purport.

For those who want more convincing, I have published my Book Distribution Motivational Magazine (BDMM) available here. Please have a look.

Book Distribution Motivational Magazine, (BDMM).

Hare Krishna.

..

CC Adi 1.4 V1

May that Lord who is known as the son of Shriimatii Shaciidevii be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant spiritual knowledge of the mellow taste of His service.

CC Adi 1.4 V2  improved by HG Dravida Prabhu.

May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Shriimatii Shacii-devii be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love.

COMMENTARY.

Chances are the first statement is not even true. Just see CC V1 claims to deal with the Absolute Truth but contains in fact false statements!!! What a paradoxal situation!!! Many incarnations have offered the taste of devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead before the appearance of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Krishna, for example, has done so, when He almost orders us in BGAII 18.66: “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” This defects however are entirely the responsibility of the editors. They do not affect at all our perception and estimation of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a spiritual genius and supremely towering figure in the landscape of service to Sri Krishna, the  Supreme Personality of Godhead.

In practical life we see that police persons, tree cutters, gutter and windows cleaners are all expert in their fields of activity, carry well honed equipment and risk serious injury or even death every day. The onus of perfection on those who claim to be servants of the Supreme Personality is even greater, because the task is much more important and the scope of activity is global. It is above all greater because their leader Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead IS THE GEATEST as He claims in BGAII 15.18, wherein He says: “Because I am transcendental, beyond both the fallible and the infallible, and because I am the greatest, I am celebrated both in the world and in the Vedas as that Supreme Person.”

We must also ensure that our training is always very rigorous according to the instructions of the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON: chanting minimum 16 rounds of Japa mala, following the four regulative principles very strictly and also raising from bed by four AM, at the latest and possibly attending Mangal Aratik at 04.30. This is a MUST for temple residents. Even Sri Krishna Himself set this example, as we learn from Krishna book, chapter 70, Lord Krishna’s Daily Activities; “Although Shriimatii Rukminiidevii, the first queen of Lord Krishna, knew that braahma-muhuurta is the most auspicious time in the entire day, she would feel disgusted at the appearance of braahma-muhuurta because she was not very happy to have Krishna leave her side in bed. Despite Shriimatii Rukminiidevii’s disgust, Lord Krishna would immediately get up from bed exactly on the appearance of braahma-muhuurta. An ideal householder should learn from the behavior of Lord Krishna how to rise early in the morning, however comfortably he may be lying in bed embraced by his wife.” This principle of early rising before 04.00 hours applies to all Ashrams indeed – sanyasi, vanaprastha householder and brahmacari and represents the spearhead for overcoming the influence of three modes of material nature. Because of the lure of sense gratification, it may be more difficult for the householder.

These elements will ensure success as the processus of Krsna consciousness itself is infallible.

All glories to Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead!!!

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced indeed the mellow (to use Srila Prabhupada’s word) of conjugal love. And so did Srila Madhavendra Puri, the param Guru of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, whose appearance day we celebrated just two days ago on Sunday May 19th 2019.

Here is Dravida Prabhu’s reasoning as to cause and effect for the improvement:

“The change in Adi 1.4 is pretty simple. We have Prabhupada’s synonyms at Adi 1.4: samarpayitum — to bestow; unnata — elevated; ujjvala-rasam — the conjugal mellow. In the translation this is rendered as “the most sublime and radiant spiritual knowledge of the mellow taste of His service.” But in Prabhupada’s translation of the same verse at Adi 3.4 this same phrase is rendered “the most elevated mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love.” The same translation appears at Antya 1.132. In consultation with my Sanskrit editor, and with the backing of 2 out of 3 of *Prabhupada’s own translations”, I made the change at Adi 1.4 so it would conform with the others.

Your servant,
Dravida dasa”

Dravida Prabhu (ACBSP) is such an important and essential link in the Sankirtan movement!!!

Without his most precious assistance, we would be tottering half blind (anda) along the path of devotional service, even though we have the most exalted and qualified leader in Srila Prabhupada. As Srila Prabhupada says, material nature and its workings will, over time, corrupt the most perfect creation.

And that’s where Dravida Prabhu (ACBSP) come in.

On so many occasions, he has now saved us from so many false paths and untruths.

All glories to his service!!!

And we thank him very much!!!

These things may seem simple to the expert like himself, totally immersed in the subject matter.

And he can also make them simple for us, by explaining so nicely, as he is doing.

These his explanations will also make things transparent, which is an essential quality in this age of distrust, paranoia and argumentation.

This particular change definitely feels great and welcome. But that is feeling.

“The inner most chambers of your heart” is such a grand expression!!!

Now he supplies reasoning as to cause and effect. That reasoning supersedes feeling as well as establishes the real and -why not- Absolute Truth. Yes there cannot be any reasonable objection to the change. Well done again Dravida Prabhu (ACBSP) and thank you very much!!!

First thing in the morning, on RATHAYATRA day, during Mangal Aratik at 04.30 hours (and before indeed), Their Lordship Sri Sri Gaura Nitai displayed Their transcendental pastimes. They made the middle-row-of-temple-ceiling-lights-across flash constantly by divine intervention. There was no apparent reason for the flashing. They just flashed. Five bright lights flashed all together for quite some time. They had never flashed before in such a fashion. It looked very festival like!!! Thank you to and all glories to Their Lordships Shri Shri GAURA NITAI !!!

Then we went through the morning program and every one was very busy with their services to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It was decided that His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Maharaja, who had just flown into town, would NOT give Srimad Bhagavatam class. Later he confirmed to me that it was the right decision, as this allowed him a small respite from his heavy international schedule.

The second consideration was that attendance to Srimad Bhagavatam class on RATHAYATRA DAY would decrease, as every one was busy with their respective services. I decided to give class anyway and attendance was about ten souls, which is good attendance, as per small temple standards. We should always remember that Srila Prabhupada advised us to never become discouraged and to give class to the bare walls, if we have to. Most importantly all programs as instituted by Srila Prabhupada Himself must go on simultaneously, without any interruption and in proper sequence, including the distribution of caranamrita after Deity greetings. This important function has recently been neglected and almost forgotten by ISKCON devotees in Brisbane. And that is why I mention it. Perhaps it is because they are too much eager to proceed with Guru Puja or worship of the Founder-Acarya of  The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in which case they cannot be blamed. The distribution of the transcendental caranamrita nectar coming from the bathing of Their Lorsdship however, must go on as well and in proper sequence, as instituted by Srila Prabhupada Himself.

In His great wisdom, Srila Prabhupada instituted in ISKCON both pancaratriki viddhi (deity worship), as well as Bhagavat marg or anything to do with the books, shastra and the preaching effort outreach. Both must go on, just as a train needs two parallel rails to move forward. Every single temple program sequence in the ISKCON temples around the world is the same and Srila Prabhupada has instituted it with great thoughtfulness and specific purpose in mind. Our job is therefore super simple. We simply follow. This following definitely includes compulsory, daily attendance to Mangal Aratik for temple residents. We do not add anything. We do not subtract anything. And thus proceed straight on the path of an astounding success to come. Just watch.

Before RATHAYATRA procession, I tried to distribute Srimad Bhagavad-Gita As It Is to passers by and I found that people in their sheer vanity did not show much interest. The night before I had a very interesting experience, which strictly illustrates Srila Prabupada words to the effect that those who do not worship G – O – D, invariably develop a tendency to worship D – O – G and associated entities. There was a small group of people admiring two grey coloured and mid sized dogs on leash. Quite a boring matter really! I approached a lady and a gentleman and offered BGAII. The lady made immediately the following well assured and as if well informed statement: “ I dont believe in a God. There is no God!” Here we have this atheistic credo from the dog worshiping lady. Srila Prabhupada’s observations are always so very accurate! Srila Prabhupada is definitely the most scientific sankhya-yogi. He analysed the material nature with scientific rigor and gave His final verdict in His wonderfull books and classes. BGAII 5.5 “One who knows that the position reached by means of analytical study can also be attained by devotional service, and who therefore sees analytical study and devotional service to be on the same level, sees things as they are.” All glories to Srila Prabhupada, the Guru of the whole world!

Right from the beginning, the kirtan was exuberant. The devotees danced wildly at the rhythm of the mrdanga drums and cartal cymbals. It is a fact that if played well, the sound of the mrdunags is strong, compelling and sweet as confirmed in the Gaura-arati: “Shankha baaje ghantaa baaje baaje karataala madhura mridanga baaje parama rasaala” in English: ”Conchshells, bells, and karataalas resound, and the mridangas play very sweetly. This kiirtana music is supremely sweet and relishable to hear.”

It was as if a tsunami of joy and happiness inundated the mundane-noises-filled Central Business District of Brisbane. The high pitched voice of the lead singer, His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Maharaja could be heard all over. It was well amplified. His piercing voice surely pierced the three layers of the modes of material nature in the hearts of the conditioned souls. It surely also went all the way to Goloka Vrndavan to attract the attention of Srimati Radharani. To attract the attention of Srimatee Radharanai is a sure way to attract the attention of Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And if the Supreme Personality of Godhead smiles upon us, then not only is our life successful but the whole world becomes filled with joy and happiness as well. All glories to Sri Krishna, the protector of the cows and the brahmanas !!!

namo brahmanya-devaaya

go-braahmana-hitaaya ca

jagad-dhitaaya krishnaaya

govindaya namo namah

“My Lord, You are the well-wisher of the cows and the braahmanas, and You are the well-wisher of the entire human society and world.” (Vishnu Puraana 1.19.65) The purport is that special mention is given in that prayer for the protection of the cows and the braahmanas. Braahmanas are the symbol of spiritual education, and cows are the symbol of the most valuable food; these two living creatures, the braahmanas and the cows, must be given all protection—that is real advancement of civilization. In modern human society, spiritual knowledge is neglected, and cow killing is encouraged. It is to be understood, then, that human society is advancing in the wrong direction and is clearing the path to its own condemnation. A civilization which guides the citizens to become animals in their next lives is certainly not a human civilization. The present human civilization is, of course, grossly misled by the modes of passion and ignorance. It is a very dangerous age, and all nations should take care to provide the easiest process, Krishna consciousness, to save humanity from the greatest danger.” BGAII 14.16, purport.

We sung our hearts out:” Jai Jagannath, Jai Jagannath, Jai Baladeva, Jai Subhadra.” or in English “All glories to Lord Jagannatha, all glories to His brother Lord Baladeva, and all glories to Their beautiful sister Subhadra.” We also sang the refrain to the Jagannath Astaka, in the sweet melodies found in the movies “Nimai of Nadia” and “Nilacala Mahaprabhu”: “Jagannaathah Swaamii nayana-patha-gaami nayana patha gaami bhavatu me.” in English  language “May Lord Jagannaath be the object of my vision.” Certainly emotions were felt in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. There was also a group of colourful, choreographed lady dancers in the front of the parade.

The weather was excellent. It was also a time to meet up with old friends of devotional service. Once back at St George’s Square in front of City Hall, immediately several lines formed for the famous and most popular free prasadam feature of Hare Krishna festivals. Prasadam means food that is first offered to the Lord in sacrifice by qualified brahmanas and excludes things such as meat, fish, eggs, onion and garlic, these items belonging to the modes of ignorance or tama guna.  The festival went on for a few more hours of transcendental entertainment.

One eager participant-spectator summed it all up in a few words. He said the HARE KRISHNA MAGIC IS HERE and he showed me in his bag an Indian kurta or shirt that he had just purchased. He was very proud to have the same shirt as the devotees. As Srila Prabhupada writes: “Imitation of a good thing, represents itself a good thing.”

Again for the second or third time members of the mormons church were also present. Hare Krishna and the mormons church seem to have a good relationship. I have heard that in Utah, USA, the mormons church made a financial contribution for the building of the Hare Krishna temple.

This yearly festival was organised by the Brisbane branch of The International Society for Krishna Consciouness founded in 1966 in New York, USA, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, also Founder of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and the Back to Godhead magazine. It was edition number 6. His Grace Sriman Dvijavara Prabhu, disciple of His Holiness Indradyumna Maharaja, deserves special mention for leading a team of dedicated, expert and hard working volunteers to make this festival a resounding success.

Several city dignitaries accepted our invitation and sought the favor of Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe as follows by alphabetical order. We cordially thank them for their esteemed presence!

Mr. Umesh Chandra, CEO Chantex, Australian Citizen of the year 2019; Mrs and Mr Justin & Susan Handley, representing Bahai faith; Senior Sargent David Lucas, Cultural Engagement Unit, Queensland Police; Mr. Bart Mellish, member for Aspley; Dr Ram Mohan, President, Federation of Indian Communities Queensland; Ms. Margaret Naylon Executive Officer with The Council for Ecumenism; Ms. Gail Paratz, Interfaith Chair of Queensland; Mr. Palani O’Thevar, Social Worker, Secretary United Nations Association and finally Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India.

For those who are still in doubt as to the statuses of Srila Prabhupada bona fide and qualified Diksha disciples regarding Guruship, I may post the following letter which for the sincere and intelligent reader presents no alternative as to the conclusion to be reached on this matter: Srila Prabhupada bona fide and qualified disciples are full fledged and bona fide Gurus on their own right or have the option to take the position of full fledged and bona fide Gurus on their own right, remaining always under the knowledge and practice umbrella of our Founder-Acarya.

New Delhi
2 December, 1975
75-12-02

My Dear Tusta Krishna Swami,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 21 November, 1975. Every student is expected to become Acarya. Acarya means one who knows the scriptural injunctions and follows them practically in life, and teaches them to his disciples. I have given you sannyasa with the great hope that in my absence you will preach the cult throughout the world and thus become recognized by Krishna as the most sincere servant of the Lord. So I’m very pleased that you have not deviated from the principles I have taught, and thus with power of attorney go on preaching Krishna consciousness, that will make me very happy as it is confirmed in the Guru vastakam yasya prasadat bhagavata prasadah just by satisfying your Spiritual Master who is accepted as the bona fide representative of the Lord you satisfy Krishna immediately without any doubt.

I am very glad to inform you that Sudama Vipra Maharaja is also now following my principles. So I am very very happy to receive all this news. Thank you very very much.

Keep trained up very rigidly and then you are bona fide Guru, and you can accept disciples on the same principle. But as a matter of etiquette it is the custom that during the lifetime of your Spiritual Master you bring the prospective disciples to him, and in his absence or disappearance you can accept disciples without any limitation. This is the law of disciplic succession. I want to see my disciples become bona fide Spiritual Master and spread Krishna consciousness very widely, that will make me and Krishna very happy.

I hope this letter finds you well,

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/hda

Moreover, in 750325CC.May, Srila Prabhupada gives yet another qualification of the Guru:

“So therefore guru is very important, because he has accepted Kṛṣṇa… Tattva-darśibhiḥ, he has seen the truth. So therefore guru is first offered. This is the test of guru. Guru does not become Kṛṣṇa Himself, but he canvasses door to door to induce that “You become devotee of Kṛṣṇa.” This is sign of guru. Vande gurūn īśa-bhaktān.“

TEXT 34

shoka-moha-bhaya-krodha-
raaga-klaibya-shramaadayah
yan-muulaah syur nrinaam jahyaat
sprihaam praanaarthayor budhah

SYNONYMS
shoka—lamentation; moha—illusion; bhaya—fear; krodha—anger; raaga—attachment; klaibya—poverty; shrama—unnecessary labor; aadayah—and so on; yat-muulaah—the original cause of all these; syuh—become; nrinaam—of human beings; jahyaat—should give up; sprihaam—the desire; praana—for bodily strength or prestige; arthayoh—and accumulating money; budhah—an intelligent person.

TRANSLATION
Those in human society who are intelligent should give up the original cause of lamentation, illusion, fear, anger, attachment, poverty and unnecessary labor. The original cause of all of these is the desire for unnecessary prestige and money.

PURPORT
Here is the difference between Vedic civilization and the modern demoniac civilization. Vedic civilization concerned itself with how to achieve self-realization, and for this purpose one was recommended to have a small income to maintain body and soul together. The society was divided into braahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shuudras, and the members of this society would limit their endeavors to meeting their minimum demands. The braahmanas, in particular, would have no material desires. Because the kshatriyas had to rule the people, it was necessary for them to have money and prestige. But the vaishyas were satisfied with agricultural produce and milk from the cow, and if by chance there were excess, trade was allowed. The shuudras were also happy, for they would get food and shelter from the three higher classes. In the demoniac civilization of the present day, however, there is no question of braahmanas or kshatriyas; there are only so-called workers and a flourishing mercantile class who have no goal in life.
According to Vedic civilization, the ultimate perfection of life is to take sannyaasa, but at the present moment people do not know why sannyaasa is accepted. Because of misunderstanding, they think that one accepts sannyaasa to escape social responsibilities. But one does not accept sannyaasa to escape from responsibility to society. Generally one accepts sannyaasa at the fourth stage of spiritual life. One begins as a brahmacaarii then becomes a grihastha, a vaanaprastha and finally a sannyaasii to take advantage of the duration of one’s life by engaging oneself fully in self-realization. Sannyaasa does not mean begging from door to door to accumulate money for sense gratification. However, because in Kali-yuga people are more or less prone to sense gratification, immature sannyaasa is not recommended. Shriila Ruupa Gosvaamii writes in his Nectar of Instruction:
atyaahaarah prayaasash ca
prajalpo niyamaagrahah
jana-sangash ca laulyam ca
shadbhir bhaktir vinashyati
[Upadeshaamrita 2]
“One’s devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities: (1) eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required; (2) overendeavoring for mundane things that are very difficult to obtain; (3) talking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters; (4) practicing the scriptural rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically; (5) associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in Krishna consciousness; and (6) being greedy for mundane achievements.” A sannyaasii should have an institution meant to preach Krishna consciousness; he need not accumulate money for himself. We recommend that as soon as money accumulates in our Krishna consciousness movement, fifty percent of it should be invested in printing books, and fifty per cent for expenditures, especially in establishing centers all over the world. The managers of the Krishna consciousness movement should be extremely cautious in regard to this point. Otherwise money will be the cause of lamentation, illusion, fear, anger, material attachment, material poverty, and unnecessary hard work. When I was alone in Vrindaavana, I never attempted to construct mathas or temples; rather, I was fully satisfied with the small amount of money I could gather by selling Back to Godhead, and thus I would provide for myself and also print the literature. When I went to foreign countries, I lived according to the same principle, but when Europeans and Americans began to give money profusely, I started temples and Deity worship. The same principle should still be followed. Whatever money is collected should be spent for Krishna, and not a farthing for sense gratification. This is the Bhaagavata principle.
Copyright BBT International.

We have heard from authorities that there is a new Hare Krishna rap mantra in Soweto,  Johannesburg, South Africa. It goes like this:

Ain’t no party like a KRISHNA party, cause a KRISHNA party don’t stop hey!

Ain’t no party like a KRISHNA party, cause a KRISHNA party don’t stop hey!

Ain’t no party like a KRISHNA party, cause a KRISHNA party don’t stop hey!

Ain’t no party like a KRISHNA party, cause a KRISHNA party don’t stop hey!

My own additional refrain.

Yes, I have lost my heart in OUAGADOUGOU to Sri Sri Radha-Ouagadougouisvara hey!

Yes, I have lost my heart in OUAGADOUGOU to Sri Sri Radha-Ouagadougouisvara hey!

Yes, I have lost my heart in OUAGADOUGOU to Sri Sri Radha-Ouagadougouisvara hey!

Of course the absolute antecedent is:

krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna he
krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna he
krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna raksha maam
krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna paahi maam
raama raaghava raama raaghava raama raaghava raksha maam
krishna keshava krishna keshava krishna keshava paahi maam

This song was sung by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. Almost like a mad lion filled with ecstatic love of Godhead and performing Sankirtan, chanting Sri Krishna’s names as above, He, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, disguised as a devotee (bhakta), went on His tour of South India. Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 7. 95-96. This happened in the early sixteenths century, as we find on plate 3 of 18 volumes edition of Sri Caitanya Caritamrata, Madhya Vol 3. The plate reads as follows: “Mahaprabhu visited Mangalgiri in 1512 A.D. Chaitanya- Foot-prints installed by Paramhansa Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami in 1930.”        All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!

Letter dated 31 December 1975 from Mumbai, India

My dear Madhudvisa Maharaja,

Please accept my blessings. Thank you for your nice invitation card. Thousands of Caitanya Mahaprabhu temples may be established all over Australia so that I may receive one invitation card at least every month. Physical health does not allow me to move very much, but my mind is absorbed in thinking of you with blessings of Krishna.

I hope this letter finds you well.

Your ever well-wisher

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami