This is from the blog of HG Partha Sarthi Prabhu (www.battlefieldbhajans.com)
Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi:
After much debate, I decided this year to again follow Pandava Nirjal Ekadasi. Nirjal is already difficult and an austerity but to follow in Iraq, is added intensity. I make some goals for this, I wanted to chant 64 rounds, offer 5 verses to my Deities and also increase my reading. But this is all with also pulling 12-14 hours of combat missions. So this was going to be a hard day. So up at 12 am, and chanted, and worshipped my Deities, offered Them some new verses, and then off to work at 7am. While on missions was difficult, driving the wrong way down the Iraqi streets at 60 mph, the IED’s and kicking in the occasional door and lets no forget the heat, which was over 125F in the vehicle. I was wondering if following this so strictly was worth it, but when doubts entered my mind I would take Sri Ugra Narsimha that sits in a pouch on my body armor and feel better about the situation. By his grace we ended missions early on 11 hours out, great more time to chant and read. This morning when I broke fast I was thinking, this Lord of ours is so kind, He sees we are trying, He sees we are making some endeavor and He is pleased and removes all our anxieties.
Sankritan:
BG Hard 20
BG soft 10
TLC 15
ISO 10
POY 65
Total books in Iraq: 1650
Sadhana: up at 1am, before chanting I read from the Cc. Seva to Their Lordships at 3:30 and Mangal Arati at 4:30 am. It is very nice and more and more people are getting interested, and asking questions about the morning program. Every evening I am watching and participating in the LA morning program. It is very nice and takes away the feelings of loneliness. I need to still dive deeper and not just memorize verses but also understand and allow them to sink into my stone heart.
Japa: 25 everyday still, want to increase slowly, but I think I should first chant 25 solid rounds. This is a big goal for me. I want to really change my japa habits, so that I can really taste the Holy Name; 64 on Nirjal Ekadasi.
Reading: The nectar of book distribution, These stories are inspiring to me, they give me so much strength to keep going.
Cc Madhya-Lila Vol 3,Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya Offers Prasadam
Seva: Somehow The Lord is still engaging me in His service. This worship is taking over my life. I find myself sometimes sneaking into my room in the middle of the day to sing a bhajan to Them
We now have 48 days left in Iraq roughly. Still we desire to increase the preaching effort. I beg of everyone to pray for us and shower your blessings upon us. We are in desperate need of them, because well to be honest, we are not capable of doing anything ourselves. Our travel schedule is almost complete for when i return, so if anyone is interested please let me know
