The day had finally come, the mercy of Lord Gaurachandra and Lord Nityananda had showered on me and I was allowed entrance into the Sri Dham Mayapur. This year my visit to Mayapur Dham was full of realizations so before all of them space out of my tiny head I am just putting everything down on my blog.
So the first day was really exciting to be in Mayapur i had start following the schedule of sleeping at 9:00 pm and getting up at 3:00 am. Staying in my Gauranga Kutir hut. It was quite austere to be there but still spending overnite is not that bad.
In early mornings i could hear different birds specially the coko coko birds singing and occasionally peacocks. So nice experience that birds at 3:00 singing songs probably they all were glorifying Mayapur Dham in their language.
So the first day Mangla Arti was really, like Sri Sri Radha Madhav and All the Gopis giving Their merciful glance i felt like always thanking Their Lordship for allowing me to be in Mayapur. Especially i felt the mercy of Sri Mati Radha Rani ji Who has kindly allowed me to be in Dham. No one can enter into dham without Her mercy and She's so merciful that She allows anyone with a little spark to be in Dham and Serve Krsna.
I know this is going to be pretty long it's already 11:20 pm here and I am 1 hr late but let me write few more words.
I also heard criticism which was not at all good but the same time I heard in Srimad Bhagavatam and experienced devotees had guided me how to avoid it and still relish the dham.
One can be physically present in the dham but still no inside the dham. Because Dham is always covered by material energy of the Lord so either you can be on the layer or inside the layer. Everyone comes to dham with their truck full of desires and different mentality. I was pretty much disappointed with how young boys and girls would associate as if dham is a kind of dating place but anyways... when they unload their trucks they feel purified and in fact that works but some conditioned souls like me gets affected. However the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam when entered my ears I realized that How Krsna is just looking at one good qualities that they have desire and they are chanting the holy names. Even though we got so many material desires still Krsna is giving us an opportunity to be in dham and benefited. Well we need to be intelligent enough how to utilize our important time in dham anyways there are different degree of maturity in KC and it takes time.
I went to Parikrama and also went to Ganges and took bath. Ever since i visited Mayapur for the first time i always had desire to go to Ganges although Ganges was somewhat polluted but i was pretty much inspired to Jump in the waters which has touched the Lotus feet of Krsna. So Haribol !!!!
Well I also had opportunity to be in Mayapur for 2 days after the festival was over. Then Mayapur beauty was really really manifested. Mayapur is always beautiful and Transcendental but still after the program ended. I saw so many cows came to graze in the fields you can even hear the Ganges following simply amazing. So peacful. You don't have to struggle to much with your mind and convincing him to be attentive while chanting. Everything just falls right into it's place. That's is Mayapur.
Well during the stay i had many wonderful talks with different devotee had enough prasadam and full of realizations which would definitely help me to be a better devotee and help others and utilize whatever i have learned during my stay in Mayapur
Showing posts with label Personal Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal Reflections. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Today is 21st Jan
Today is 21st Jan 2009. On same date, two years ago, I was initiated into the Hare Krsna moment. I was accepted by the causeless mercy of my Spiritual Master His Holiness Gopal Krsna Goswami. That day was really fun filled event for me. Along with Hare Krsna friends who were also initaited into the discplic succession ok Gaudiaya Vaishnav sampradaya. I still recall when Rukmini putra prabhu gave all of us white dhoti and a chardar. I was allowed to enter bhramachari ashrama to get dressed up after taking bath. After that we went to the temple hall where fire scarifice was to take place. Me and Prana Krsna prabhu, we both took a place close to the vedi. We had already planned that we will put everything in the middle of the fire scarifice so all the pervious sins would get burn completely.
Then before the fire scarifice started our Gurudev, Srila Gopal Krsna Goswami bhagvad pada came and with his very sweet and heart penetrating voice he sang Jaya Radha Madhava and deliver a lecture on importance of hari nama diksha, and the ten offences.
In the mean time altar opened and we could see our worshippable deities Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Gurudev told us, you all are taking vows in front of all assembled vaishanavs, Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Fire so you remain stick to your vows now don't say that no body has witnessed you. They all know it.
The name giving ceremony started. I was very much excited. I don't remember who was the first devotee to go but i remember prakash prabhu name was called by HG Nanda Maharaj prabhu and Guru Maharaj annouced that his name is Prana Krsna Das, then went our very intelligent prabhu varinder/viren/??? aha i don't remember his name but he was awarded a name HG Vajra Nabh Das. Then my name was announced. I went upto Guru Maharaj, paid my obeisances at the Lotus feet of my Guru Maharaj
Namah om vishnu padaya krsna prestha ya bhut le
Srimate Gopal Krsna Goswami iti namine
Prabhu padayas sahetyma yah prakash viterya ca
krita van sadhu bagvad padaya teh namah
I got up and looked at Gurumaharaj, GuruMaharaj was seeing directly into my eyes and He asked what are the 4 regulative principles, I said, GuruMaharaj it is no meat eating, no gambling, no illict sex, no intoxication. Then GuruMaharaj asked how many rounds to chant on ekadshi, I said 25 rounds. Guru Maharaj asked few more questions.
Then GuruMaharaj handed over to me my beads and said from now onwards your are Nitai Prema Das Bhrmachari. Then there was a tumultous sound of mridangas and kirtals. I was so happy to be addressed as Nitai Prema Das, the servant of Nitayanada Prabhu who is distributing the love of godhead.
Now my bhramchari friends would jokingly say now you have to become Bhramachari because GuruMaharaj said so....I would just smile.
When I came to Krsna Consciousness it was for fun, good times, good vibrations, frustrated from family, friends, it's nice place to spend time where devotees always want to talk to you, listen to you. Now as the time passes by I get realizations that it's not just for good time and good vibrations. It's a commitment of life time. To assist in the mission of Spiritual Master and devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to spread Krsna Consciousness in every town and village and finally go home back home back to godhead.
Then before the fire scarifice started our Gurudev, Srila Gopal Krsna Goswami bhagvad pada came and with his very sweet and heart penetrating voice he sang Jaya Radha Madhava and deliver a lecture on importance of hari nama diksha, and the ten offences.
In the mean time altar opened and we could see our worshippable deities Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Gurudev told us, you all are taking vows in front of all assembled vaishanavs, Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Fire so you remain stick to your vows now don't say that no body has witnessed you. They all know it.
The name giving ceremony started. I was very much excited. I don't remember who was the first devotee to go but i remember prakash prabhu name was called by HG Nanda Maharaj prabhu and Guru Maharaj annouced that his name is Prana Krsna Das, then went our very intelligent prabhu varinder/viren/??? aha i don't remember his name but he was awarded a name HG Vajra Nabh Das. Then my name was announced. I went upto Guru Maharaj, paid my obeisances at the Lotus feet of my Guru Maharaj
Namah om vishnu padaya krsna prestha ya bhut le
Srimate Gopal Krsna Goswami iti namine
Prabhu padayas sahetyma yah prakash viterya ca
krita van sadhu bagvad padaya teh namah
I got up and looked at Gurumaharaj, GuruMaharaj was seeing directly into my eyes and He asked what are the 4 regulative principles, I said, GuruMaharaj it is no meat eating, no gambling, no illict sex, no intoxication. Then GuruMaharaj asked how many rounds to chant on ekadshi, I said 25 rounds. Guru Maharaj asked few more questions.
Then GuruMaharaj handed over to me my beads and said from now onwards your are Nitai Prema Das Bhrmachari. Then there was a tumultous sound of mridangas and kirtals. I was so happy to be addressed as Nitai Prema Das, the servant of Nitayanada Prabhu who is distributing the love of godhead.
Now my bhramchari friends would jokingly say now you have to become Bhramachari because GuruMaharaj said so....I would just smile.
When I came to Krsna Consciousness it was for fun, good times, good vibrations, frustrated from family, friends, it's nice place to spend time where devotees always want to talk to you, listen to you. Now as the time passes by I get realizations that it's not just for good time and good vibrations. It's a commitment of life time. To assist in the mission of Spiritual Master and devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to spread Krsna Consciousness in every town and village and finally go home back home back to godhead.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Life of a Solider
Yesterday was Ratha Yatra and I was given a bag full of books to distribute. While distributing those books, approaching everyone or potential people who could buy a book. However 99% turned out to be not interested at all. They would say Thank you, Ok, even before i pull out a book and try to show them. While holy name was being chanted and sung, devotees dancing in ecstasy, I was still looking out for those who could take Srila Prabhupada books and be saved. I was at the end of the three Ratha's
At the same time, I remember i always wanted to be Air Force Pilot or a Combat Solider. A Solider on a mission doesn't expect things to be very easy. It's a tough place, surrounded with enemy, high risk fatality region. You can't expect a comfort zone in battle field. However a solider must go on fighting without personal consideration. To accomplish the mission for better life of others.
Although I couldn't become a Combat Solider with all my guns and ammo loaded However I have become of Solider of Sri Caitnaya Mahaprabhu sankirtan army. My role is to go out and give out books no matter people treat me with a simile or their thorny thanks and ok just to turn me away. I won't stop. I will continue, Continue till my breath with just one aim to do something for pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Guru. Just like my Guru Maharaj is tirelessly carrying out the orders of Srila Prabhupada so I will also have to carryout and share the load of my SPiritual Master. It's not going to be easy. It's going to be tough keeping my personal respect at side, being coming in the line of fire of critics and misconception. That is high fatality region for spiritual life. I am coming from the Warrior Class of People Sikh. In our Tradition their is Guru "Spiritual Master" Who while protecting Santana Dharma from Mugals, had said. I will make my warrior fight with 125,000 Solider at once then I will call MySelf Guru Gobind Singh. Indeed He was empowered personality by Krsna otherwise it wouldn't have been possible.
So I have to bring out my gut feeling and fight for Krsna's Cause. To reclaim the souls and to assist devotees and preach.
At the same time, I remember i always wanted to be Air Force Pilot or a Combat Solider. A Solider on a mission doesn't expect things to be very easy. It's a tough place, surrounded with enemy, high risk fatality region. You can't expect a comfort zone in battle field. However a solider must go on fighting without personal consideration. To accomplish the mission for better life of others.
Although I couldn't become a Combat Solider with all my guns and ammo loaded However I have become of Solider of Sri Caitnaya Mahaprabhu sankirtan army. My role is to go out and give out books no matter people treat me with a simile or their thorny thanks and ok just to turn me away. I won't stop. I will continue, Continue till my breath with just one aim to do something for pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Guru. Just like my Guru Maharaj is tirelessly carrying out the orders of Srila Prabhupada so I will also have to carryout and share the load of my SPiritual Master. It's not going to be easy. It's going to be tough keeping my personal respect at side, being coming in the line of fire of critics and misconception. That is high fatality region for spiritual life. I am coming from the Warrior Class of People Sikh. In our Tradition their is Guru "Spiritual Master" Who while protecting Santana Dharma from Mugals, had said. I will make my warrior fight with 125,000 Solider at once then I will call MySelf Guru Gobind Singh. Indeed He was empowered personality by Krsna otherwise it wouldn't have been possible.
So I have to bring out my gut feeling and fight for Krsna's Cause. To reclaim the souls and to assist devotees and preach.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Guru Maharaj is coming !!!!
Slept @ 1:00 am
Wokeup @ 7:30 am
wrapped the bedding and aheading toward putting them in the shelf
Sri Rama Krsna told your Guru Maharaj is coming @ 8:00 am Khargar ISKCON
Assessment Starting Intialization Begin
Intelligence: Yes Yes go pure devotee is coming go listen to Him, take his blessings
Mind: We can't make it 30 mins too short. Prior information wasn't give.. so drop
the plan
Heart: No I want to go Guru Maharaj has come. I want to go
Intelligence: Overruling minds command
Intelligence: Instruction to sense make phone call to Radha Bhav prabhu to get a ride to temple.
Sense in Action: Made a phone... Radha Bhav is going with another devotee
Response: Negative... can't get ride
Mind: See you failed.. leave it.
Heart: No I want to go and meet Guru Maharaj
Intelligence: Overrule minds command once again
Intelligence: Attemp Call Suhrida prabhu to get his bike.
Response: Negative, Suhrida prabhu is at Andheri :(
Mind: hehe.... i told u can't do... leave it will meet GuruMaharaj on Ratha Yatra
Heart: No we can do it.
Intelligence: Assessing the situation.. 7:40... 20 mins left. Yet to take bath
Intelligence: First take bath quickly. Wow !!! took bath in 30 mins
Time: 8:10 am.... GuruMaharaj must be in temple now.
Intelligence: call Krsna Swaroop prabhu and take his bike
Response: Negative... he has to leave office early
Mind: :-) I am telling you don't go it will be waste of time. lecture would finish and you can't meet Guru Maharaj.
Intelligence + Heart: Overriding Mind's command
Intelligence: lets take auto rick
No auto rick... ask for lift. Got a lift till CBD Station
Intellience: Buy a train ticket or travel without ticket. If caught... will be in soup
Decision Making: Lets take a risk go without ticket
Reached the platform
Damn: I am on wrong platform: The train to khargar has arrived and would only wait 10sec if miss then it's gone
Can't go the right way as it will take more than 10 seconds.
Intelligence + Courage: Jump the tracks....oooo.... that's nasty...anyways ... tracked crossed
Train has started to move.
Intelligence: Run and Jump on to the train
Got in
Now let me just type
Finally reached the station however the time is 8:30 now. Took auto rick and went to temple. The preaching center is on 4th floor. The lift is not working so i have taken the stairs and went to the 4th floor.
I could hear Srimad Bhagavatam goin on. Entered the room @ 8:44 am
Entered the Room. It's not Guru Maharaj. It's HH Maha Nidhi Swami Maharaj.
Transendental Intelligence: There is nothing to be disappointed at. Association of
Pure devotee even for a moment is purifing.
Wokeup @ 7:30 am
wrapped the bedding and aheading toward putting them in the shelf
Sri Rama Krsna told your Guru Maharaj is coming @ 8:00 am Khargar ISKCON
Assessment Starting Intialization Begin
Intelligence: Yes Yes go pure devotee is coming go listen to Him, take his blessings
Mind: We can't make it 30 mins too short. Prior information wasn't give.. so drop
the plan
Heart: No I want to go Guru Maharaj has come. I want to go
Intelligence: Overruling minds command
Intelligence: Instruction to sense make phone call to Radha Bhav prabhu to get a ride to temple.
Sense in Action: Made a phone... Radha Bhav is going with another devotee
Response: Negative... can't get ride
Mind: See you failed.. leave it.
Heart: No I want to go and meet Guru Maharaj
Intelligence: Overrule minds command once again
Intelligence: Attemp Call Suhrida prabhu to get his bike.
Response: Negative, Suhrida prabhu is at Andheri :(
Mind: hehe.... i told u can't do... leave it will meet GuruMaharaj on Ratha Yatra
Heart: No we can do it.
Intelligence: Assessing the situation.. 7:40... 20 mins left. Yet to take bath
Intelligence: First take bath quickly. Wow !!! took bath in 30 mins
Time: 8:10 am.... GuruMaharaj must be in temple now.
Intelligence: call Krsna Swaroop prabhu and take his bike
Response: Negative... he has to leave office early
Mind: :-) I am telling you don't go it will be waste of time. lecture would finish and you can't meet Guru Maharaj.
Intelligence + Heart: Overriding Mind's command
Intelligence: lets take auto rick
No auto rick... ask for lift. Got a lift till CBD Station
Intellience: Buy a train ticket or travel without ticket. If caught... will be in soup
Decision Making: Lets take a risk go without ticket
Reached the platform
Damn: I am on wrong platform: The train to khargar has arrived and would only wait 10sec if miss then it's gone
Can't go the right way as it will take more than 10 seconds.
Intelligence + Courage: Jump the tracks....oooo.... that's nasty...anyways ... tracked crossed
Train has started to move.
Intelligence: Run and Jump on to the train
Got in
Now let me just type
Finally reached the station however the time is 8:30 now. Took auto rick and went to temple. The preaching center is on 4th floor. The lift is not working so i have taken the stairs and went to the 4th floor.
I could hear Srimad Bhagavatam goin on. Entered the room @ 8:44 am
Entered the Room. It's not Guru Maharaj. It's HH Maha Nidhi Swami Maharaj.
Transendental Intelligence: There is nothing to be disappointed at. Association of
Pure devotee even for a moment is purifing.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year 2009
As per the English Calendar the new year started. With everyone saying the same thing which i had heard the last time. Happy New Year... Happy New Year... may you be prosperous. Seems like these statements are by default used by everyone and they really don't give a second thougt before saying Happy New Year. The word Happy New Year seems to be very paradoxial to me. I see behind and find what actually was new. There was nothing new. All seem to be same old other than pubs and dicso putting some fancy banners and attractive models just to mint money and fool people. People are like same before their consciousness, their way of living, their dealings, their thoughts, nothing has changed. Then how come it's New Year. The only change is the dates have been changed instead of putting 08 it's 09.
The news paper are full of stories about killing, murder, rapes, molestation, drug deals, corruptions, people frustration and agony. These were the news from last year and on next page they are publishing have fun enjoy and celebrate new year. So much of eye wash, so much of cheating. Some body saying Happy New Year appears to me like somebody trying to decorate the dead body giving him nice suit to wear, a decent pair of shoes but really all such things doesn't make any difference. It's not something real. It's all artificial. Artificially everyone is trying to enjoy and they feel they are enjoying. Just like a hog who eats stool and consider himself happy so that is the situation.
For me, it's 1 year that has been deducted from the total time. The time is running out and still i need to go a long way on the path of self realization, self purification, still i haven't been able to develop genuine love and appreciation for the holy name, nor for the instructions of my spiritual master in real. I am not going to be young forever so this the best time to practice Krsna Conciousness and prepare for the challenges. Somehow or other i have to become humble servant of my Spiritual Master and only by His causeless mercy i can develop love for Krsna as my eternal friend. So this year the challenges remain the same.
To Chant Attentively
To Respect All Devotees
To Co operate with each devotee in order to serve the mission of Sri Caitanaya Mahaprabhu keeping personal agenda's side
and To involve myself more deeply into Krsna Consciousness.
Before my time line ends i need to fix in mind and heart in Krsna so at the close of final chapter in my life i can say goodbye by saying Hare Krsna and I have hope by Krsna's Grace that will be possible.
The news paper are full of stories about killing, murder, rapes, molestation, drug deals, corruptions, people frustration and agony. These were the news from last year and on next page they are publishing have fun enjoy and celebrate new year. So much of eye wash, so much of cheating. Some body saying Happy New Year appears to me like somebody trying to decorate the dead body giving him nice suit to wear, a decent pair of shoes but really all such things doesn't make any difference. It's not something real. It's all artificial. Artificially everyone is trying to enjoy and they feel they are enjoying. Just like a hog who eats stool and consider himself happy so that is the situation.
For me, it's 1 year that has been deducted from the total time. The time is running out and still i need to go a long way on the path of self realization, self purification, still i haven't been able to develop genuine love and appreciation for the holy name, nor for the instructions of my spiritual master in real. I am not going to be young forever so this the best time to practice Krsna Conciousness and prepare for the challenges. Somehow or other i have to become humble servant of my Spiritual Master and only by His causeless mercy i can develop love for Krsna as my eternal friend. So this year the challenges remain the same.
To Chant Attentively
To Respect All Devotees
To Co operate with each devotee in order to serve the mission of Sri Caitanaya Mahaprabhu keeping personal agenda's side
and To involve myself more deeply into Krsna Consciousness.
Before my time line ends i need to fix in mind and heart in Krsna so at the close of final chapter in my life i can say goodbye by saying Hare Krsna and I have hope by Krsna's Grace that will be possible.
Monday, December 1, 2008
My First Day @ New Job
Well it was 24 of Nov. My first day at New Job. So I got a new Job with one of the largest player of Europe. This is new profile with more exposure to new technologies and peaceful working ... so far so good... better than previous job. Seems like it has more to offer with options to go abroad. Well sounds like very promising. It has more humane work hours as one of my close friend say
However from Bhagavad Gita as it is. I understand it's nothing but a temporary arrangement to pursue our eternal goal i.e. to go back home back to godhead and serve Krsna eternally. So this job which is apparently material in nature i have to dovetail it into spiritual nature. Doing everything while remembering Krsna.
Now the new facility is an hour away from my home (Nitai Desh). Actually it's real struggle and austere for me to travel in mumbai local everyday. So i have got First Class pass but still things are austere well it's not that bad as it would be travelling in the second class. The last time bombs went off. It was actually first class compartments that were ripped off. So that 1 hr I attentive hearing :). While coming back i listen to Kirtan and sometimes sing at a low pitch. It's so nice to chant the holy name. Srila Rupa Goswami writes in Nectar of Instruction that Krsna's holy name is sweet like candy. So I am waiting for that day when my mouth will be full of sweet holy name.
Just like a kid who has over stuffed his mouth with a lot of sweet candies.
I get sometime to read Srila Prabhupada books to in office too. However things in this relative world are very relative which change without any prior warnings. As Krsna instructs Arjuna not to be affected by heat and cold so it seems to be that i shouldn't be celebrating too much or pomp too much on this. Either the work is good or bad but whatever it may be it binds one to the miseries of the material world.
So best course of action is to remember Krsna, Chant His name, read His glories and stories, Serve His devotees, work for Him and Be Happy.
However from Bhagavad Gita as it is. I understand it's nothing but a temporary arrangement to pursue our eternal goal i.e. to go back home back to godhead and serve Krsna eternally. So this job which is apparently material in nature i have to dovetail it into spiritual nature. Doing everything while remembering Krsna.
Now the new facility is an hour away from my home (Nitai Desh). Actually it's real struggle and austere for me to travel in mumbai local everyday. So i have got First Class pass but still things are austere well it's not that bad as it would be travelling in the second class. The last time bombs went off. It was actually first class compartments that were ripped off. So that 1 hr I attentive hearing :). While coming back i listen to Kirtan and sometimes sing at a low pitch. It's so nice to chant the holy name. Srila Rupa Goswami writes in Nectar of Instruction that Krsna's holy name is sweet like candy. So I am waiting for that day when my mouth will be full of sweet holy name.
Just like a kid who has over stuffed his mouth with a lot of sweet candies.
I get sometime to read Srila Prabhupada books to in office too. However things in this relative world are very relative which change without any prior warnings. As Krsna instructs Arjuna not to be affected by heat and cold so it seems to be that i shouldn't be celebrating too much or pomp too much on this. Either the work is good or bad but whatever it may be it binds one to the miseries of the material world.
So best course of action is to remember Krsna, Chant His name, read His glories and stories, Serve His devotees, work for Him and Be Happy.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Prayer
I offer my respectful obeisance unto my Gurudev, Srila Prabhupada, Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Gaura Nitai and Krsna Balrama who are resviour of causeless mercy unto fallen and unfortunate jiva struggling in the ocean of neiscience birth after birth.
Dear Srila Gurudev, Srila Prabhupad, Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Gaura Nitai, Krsna Balrama
I am going through a bad phase these days. Because I am struggling to keep my mind focused on Your holy names. I am not sad because so many unpleasant thinks happening. I understand that this is because of my karma which are coming to me However You are so kind upon me that You have kindly reduced miseries inflicted upon me to minimal. Dear Radha Madha, Gaura Nitai and Krsna Balrama i am very sad because i am not able to chant and fix my mind upon You. It's said that in happiness jiva forgets You but in distress he remembers you however I am so unfortunate that even though i have been given all possible opportunities i am still not able to fix my mind and heart upon you, then how it will become possible for me to remember Your Lotus feet when i will be about to quit my body.
I have got no hopes and I see no one else could give me protection. I surrender unto you my Lord because you are the only shelter of your aspiring devotees. Although i am not pure devotee i hope that by your causeless mercy my attachment and love for your Lotus feet will increase soon.
Dear Gaura Nita, Radha Madhav and Krsna Balrama i don't expect that my material situation would change. In material world there is nothing good. At every step their is a danger, so there is no point lamenting and trying unnecessarily to change the material way of comfortable living and trying to serve and please wicked people who are not your devotees. What i wish is that, i will be able to remember Your Lotus feet always and make Your, Gurudev and Srila Prabhupada words as my life and soul. I wish i will be able to serve you and your pure devotees without any restrictions and motivation, wherever i be situated.
Please be merciful upon me and make me remind of Your Lotus feet irrespective of my condition.
ayi nanda-tanuja kinkaram
patitam mam visame bhavambudhau
krpaya tava pada-pankaja-
sthita-dhuli-sadrsam vicintaya
O son of Maharaja Nanda (Krsna), I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms of Your lotus feet.
Dear Srila Gurudev, Srila Prabhupad, Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Gaura Nitai, Krsna Balrama
I am going through a bad phase these days. Because I am struggling to keep my mind focused on Your holy names. I am not sad because so many unpleasant thinks happening. I understand that this is because of my karma which are coming to me However You are so kind upon me that You have kindly reduced miseries inflicted upon me to minimal. Dear Radha Madha, Gaura Nitai and Krsna Balrama i am very sad because i am not able to chant and fix my mind upon You. It's said that in happiness jiva forgets You but in distress he remembers you however I am so unfortunate that even though i have been given all possible opportunities i am still not able to fix my mind and heart upon you, then how it will become possible for me to remember Your Lotus feet when i will be about to quit my body.
I have got no hopes and I see no one else could give me protection. I surrender unto you my Lord because you are the only shelter of your aspiring devotees. Although i am not pure devotee i hope that by your causeless mercy my attachment and love for your Lotus feet will increase soon.
Dear Gaura Nita, Radha Madhav and Krsna Balrama i don't expect that my material situation would change. In material world there is nothing good. At every step their is a danger, so there is no point lamenting and trying unnecessarily to change the material way of comfortable living and trying to serve and please wicked people who are not your devotees. What i wish is that, i will be able to remember Your Lotus feet always and make Your, Gurudev and Srila Prabhupada words as my life and soul. I wish i will be able to serve you and your pure devotees without any restrictions and motivation, wherever i be situated.
Please be merciful upon me and make me remind of Your Lotus feet irrespective of my condition.
ayi nanda-tanuja kinkaram
patitam mam visame bhavambudhau
krpaya tava pada-pankaja-
sthita-dhuli-sadrsam vicintaya
O son of Maharaja Nanda (Krsna), I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms of Your lotus feet.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The love for those 3 Rounds
It's the story about my coming into Krsna Consciousness
Sometime ago I was asked by my siksha guru to write about how I came to Krsna Consciousness. I thought it's not that important but after some time I realized that this is actually achievement by grace of devotees, Srila Prabhupada, Gaura Nitai and Krsna I have got an invitation to going home, back home back to godhead. Yes this is real achievement of life to come to Krsna Consciousness and serve under guidance and protection of exalted vaishnavas and finally by the causeless mercy of Guru and Krsna going home back home back to godhead to where we(I) belong.
So it happened like this. It was the early spring of 2002. One of my friends Pran Krsna Prabhu (that time Prakash prabhu) came to me. I knew him for a while we were in same college however we were in different department of studies anyways. He came to me and told me that he has one of his friend, very good, a nice gentlemen and he like me to meet him. Although I wasn't interested at all for the first time because I had aversion towards meeting those people who were not the students of science. Actually I was a foolish person at that time. Even now I am foolish it's just that devotees recognize me that's it. So when I saw him, that gentleman, he was very happy and jubilant seeing me he had a smile on his face and even I had a smile on my face. So he introduced himself and I also introduced myself. Me, that gentlemen and Prakash prabhu we all went to the college ground and sat in sun. Now this gentleman was asking me some questions about science and stuff, well I don't remember anything now. I was only a part of the conversation he was asking about who created the sun and grass. Well with my limited intelligence I gave funny answers and he again had smile on his face and then finally he invited me to Sunday youth program happening at sector 36 B Chandigarh. He told me that there will be very nice program; young boys come to the program. They have dancing and feasting. I said feasting too and I asked do you take some entry fee. He said no, it's free for all young people. I was excited and asked what is in the feast. He said well we have sweets, ice creams juice. I asked do you have burgers, noodles and pasta. He said yes. I was very happy at that time. Finally before we were calling off our small meeting. I noticed something around his neck. Actually I noticed it quite early in my first sight but I wanted to ask that later. So that was neck beads, called kanthi mala, 3 rounds. That was so beautiful that I actually wanted to have that same neck beads 3 rounds around my neck too. You know how it feels you really got something different which others don't have, like to get notice out of the crowd and you really want to get noticed by people. I asked him if I can get one of those he said of course come to our program and you will get. So I though that is something really cool to have. However for next 3-4 weeks that gentleman invited with patience to the program and every time I would have some excuse and I never miss watching that 3 rounds of neck beads which appears to be really very beautiful. I was getting attracted to the beauty of the kanthi mala every time I watch it.
So finally the day came, it was actually Saturday, I decided that I will be going to the program for sure no matter what happens. That gentleman had called me so many times and I respect his invitation and now I must go out of respect and save myself from embarrassment.
Now guess what I was ready to go to program and a news came to me that my uncle had come from Jallandar and he had to go to gurudwara which is one and half hour drive. I said to myself now again I won't be able to go but I was determined to go. Since my uncle is very much respected in our family. So I couldn't say no to him. I asked him that we need to go a little early as I have to reach for a program for sure. I gave my words to that gentleman. So I drove him to the gurudwara at speed of 90 -100 km/hr on my scooter and he was repeatedly saying drive slow but I didn't care. I was much excited to go to program than driving slowly. I was kind of passionate driver. So we cover the journey in less than 45 mins one way and we did all bath, darshan, had some juice over there and straight away landed to the Sector 36 B. I gave my scooter to my uncle and told him take it home I would come at my home don't worry abt that. I reached the lecture hall at 9:50. I still remember HG Nanda Maharaj prabhu was giving class on Time Management. Well I couldn't understand whole lecture but I got some. After the lecture I was looking for that gentleman who had invited me to the program and to my surprise he had shaved his head and wearing a dhoti kurta. Well I asked if everything is alright and he said yes everything is ok. He just a new hair cut. So I asked him, ok from where I can get those neck beads. He told me he will definitely get me those once the program is over and he told there is dancing kirtan and feast after that he will definitely get me that. So I was very happy and smiling. So we had dancing kirtan, and all the time I was laughing seeing funny dance steps and everyone jumping and gyrating around. So finally we had feast. That was also very sumptuous. I still remember on my right HG Rukmini putra prabhu and on left HG Gadadhar prabhu was sitting and both were pouring prasadam in my plate and told me eat as much as you like. I was really happy when all is free and you can eat to your full satisfaction.
Finally the whole program was over and now I was just about to get that beads for which I came to attend the program. Without wasting a minute I asked that gentleman ok now I want those beads so kindly give me those as you told. He and pran krsna prabhu took me to the BBT book stall and we picked up a kanthi mala, particularly the one which could make up 3 rounds. I was so happy that I was laughing while wearing it and that gentleman personally tied it around my neck. I looked myself in the mirror and it appeared very beautiful. So I was about to leave and that gentleman told me. Prabhu, it's actually 20 rupees. It's very nominal. Now guess what. I only had 20 rupees with me which I had asked from my uncle so that I can return to my home by auto or bus. Now returning the kanthi mala was out of question and telling that I don't have money to pay was very embarrassing for me. So I said to myself that I will go by walk so paid him 20 rupees. Now finally I was about to leave and he said one more thing to me. That gentleman told there are 4 regulative principles that one need to follow who wearing kanthi mala. No meat eating, no gambling, no illicit sex and no intoxication, onion, garlic, tea. Well I said but you never told. Now I really didn't want to remove those 3 rounds of beads out of my neck because I really loved them. So I said ok I will follow.
Now I didn't have any money to return home so I started to walk and finally by Krsna's causeless mercy I got a lift up to my home. That was wonderful. A free ride.
When I reached home I declared I have left meat, onion, garlic, tea, no intoxication etc. My mother and sister started to laugh at me and cracking jokes that once you smell the fragrance of meat your mouth would water and you will eat, then I will see about your so called claims. I actually tried to quit meat eating before however that endeavour was futile so my mother and sister was making fun of me. But I was determined that I will not take anything and I will not remove these beautiful 3 rounds of neck beads. For a week my mother couldn't believe that I have left all such things. She once told me that if they had done some magic on me. Yes that was magic of kanthi beads and its transcendental beauty which went deep in my heart that I was able to follow the regulative principles. Of course the mercy of that gentleman, pran krsna prabhu was there too.
So gradually in the care of Caitanaya Prema Prabhu, Mahahari and all other senior vaishanavas I somehow or other remained attached to ISKCON and devotees. It's simply by their causeless mercy that I am still in Krsna Consciousness for which I will be eternally grateful to them.
So I would close here now and did I mention who that gentleman was? He is my Eternal Brother HG Vrajendra Suta Prabhu.
Hare Krsna
Your insignificant servant
Nitai Prema Das
Sometime ago I was asked by my siksha guru to write about how I came to Krsna Consciousness. I thought it's not that important but after some time I realized that this is actually achievement by grace of devotees, Srila Prabhupada, Gaura Nitai and Krsna I have got an invitation to going home, back home back to godhead. Yes this is real achievement of life to come to Krsna Consciousness and serve under guidance and protection of exalted vaishnavas and finally by the causeless mercy of Guru and Krsna going home back home back to godhead to where we(I) belong.
So it happened like this. It was the early spring of 2002. One of my friends Pran Krsna Prabhu (that time Prakash prabhu) came to me. I knew him for a while we were in same college however we were in different department of studies anyways. He came to me and told me that he has one of his friend, very good, a nice gentlemen and he like me to meet him. Although I wasn't interested at all for the first time because I had aversion towards meeting those people who were not the students of science. Actually I was a foolish person at that time. Even now I am foolish it's just that devotees recognize me that's it. So when I saw him, that gentleman, he was very happy and jubilant seeing me he had a smile on his face and even I had a smile on my face. So he introduced himself and I also introduced myself. Me, that gentlemen and Prakash prabhu we all went to the college ground and sat in sun. Now this gentleman was asking me some questions about science and stuff, well I don't remember anything now. I was only a part of the conversation he was asking about who created the sun and grass. Well with my limited intelligence I gave funny answers and he again had smile on his face and then finally he invited me to Sunday youth program happening at sector 36 B Chandigarh. He told me that there will be very nice program; young boys come to the program. They have dancing and feasting. I said feasting too and I asked do you take some entry fee. He said no, it's free for all young people. I was excited and asked what is in the feast. He said well we have sweets, ice creams juice. I asked do you have burgers, noodles and pasta. He said yes. I was very happy at that time. Finally before we were calling off our small meeting. I noticed something around his neck. Actually I noticed it quite early in my first sight but I wanted to ask that later. So that was neck beads, called kanthi mala, 3 rounds. That was so beautiful that I actually wanted to have that same neck beads 3 rounds around my neck too. You know how it feels you really got something different which others don't have, like to get notice out of the crowd and you really want to get noticed by people. I asked him if I can get one of those he said of course come to our program and you will get. So I though that is something really cool to have. However for next 3-4 weeks that gentleman invited with patience to the program and every time I would have some excuse and I never miss watching that 3 rounds of neck beads which appears to be really very beautiful. I was getting attracted to the beauty of the kanthi mala every time I watch it.
So finally the day came, it was actually Saturday, I decided that I will be going to the program for sure no matter what happens. That gentleman had called me so many times and I respect his invitation and now I must go out of respect and save myself from embarrassment.
Now guess what I was ready to go to program and a news came to me that my uncle had come from Jallandar and he had to go to gurudwara which is one and half hour drive. I said to myself now again I won't be able to go but I was determined to go. Since my uncle is very much respected in our family. So I couldn't say no to him. I asked him that we need to go a little early as I have to reach for a program for sure. I gave my words to that gentleman. So I drove him to the gurudwara at speed of 90 -100 km/hr on my scooter and he was repeatedly saying drive slow but I didn't care. I was much excited to go to program than driving slowly. I was kind of passionate driver. So we cover the journey in less than 45 mins one way and we did all bath, darshan, had some juice over there and straight away landed to the Sector 36 B. I gave my scooter to my uncle and told him take it home I would come at my home don't worry abt that. I reached the lecture hall at 9:50. I still remember HG Nanda Maharaj prabhu was giving class on Time Management. Well I couldn't understand whole lecture but I got some. After the lecture I was looking for that gentleman who had invited me to the program and to my surprise he had shaved his head and wearing a dhoti kurta. Well I asked if everything is alright and he said yes everything is ok. He just a new hair cut. So I asked him, ok from where I can get those neck beads. He told me he will definitely get me those once the program is over and he told there is dancing kirtan and feast after that he will definitely get me that. So I was very happy and smiling. So we had dancing kirtan, and all the time I was laughing seeing funny dance steps and everyone jumping and gyrating around. So finally we had feast. That was also very sumptuous. I still remember on my right HG Rukmini putra prabhu and on left HG Gadadhar prabhu was sitting and both were pouring prasadam in my plate and told me eat as much as you like. I was really happy when all is free and you can eat to your full satisfaction.
Finally the whole program was over and now I was just about to get that beads for which I came to attend the program. Without wasting a minute I asked that gentleman ok now I want those beads so kindly give me those as you told. He and pran krsna prabhu took me to the BBT book stall and we picked up a kanthi mala, particularly the one which could make up 3 rounds. I was so happy that I was laughing while wearing it and that gentleman personally tied it around my neck. I looked myself in the mirror and it appeared very beautiful. So I was about to leave and that gentleman told me. Prabhu, it's actually 20 rupees. It's very nominal. Now guess what. I only had 20 rupees with me which I had asked from my uncle so that I can return to my home by auto or bus. Now returning the kanthi mala was out of question and telling that I don't have money to pay was very embarrassing for me. So I said to myself that I will go by walk so paid him 20 rupees. Now finally I was about to leave and he said one more thing to me. That gentleman told there are 4 regulative principles that one need to follow who wearing kanthi mala. No meat eating, no gambling, no illicit sex and no intoxication, onion, garlic, tea. Well I said but you never told. Now I really didn't want to remove those 3 rounds of beads out of my neck because I really loved them. So I said ok I will follow.
Now I didn't have any money to return home so I started to walk and finally by Krsna's causeless mercy I got a lift up to my home. That was wonderful. A free ride.
When I reached home I declared I have left meat, onion, garlic, tea, no intoxication etc. My mother and sister started to laugh at me and cracking jokes that once you smell the fragrance of meat your mouth would water and you will eat, then I will see about your so called claims. I actually tried to quit meat eating before however that endeavour was futile so my mother and sister was making fun of me. But I was determined that I will not take anything and I will not remove these beautiful 3 rounds of neck beads. For a week my mother couldn't believe that I have left all such things. She once told me that if they had done some magic on me. Yes that was magic of kanthi beads and its transcendental beauty which went deep in my heart that I was able to follow the regulative principles. Of course the mercy of that gentleman, pran krsna prabhu was there too.
So gradually in the care of Caitanaya Prema Prabhu, Mahahari and all other senior vaishanavas I somehow or other remained attached to ISKCON and devotees. It's simply by their causeless mercy that I am still in Krsna Consciousness for which I will be eternally grateful to them.
So I would close here now and did I mention who that gentleman was? He is my Eternal Brother HG Vrajendra Suta Prabhu.
Hare Krsna
Your insignificant servant
Nitai Prema Das
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