Date: 3 July 2024 

Speaker:  HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu Ji

Topic: The Bhava of taking Holy Name

HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu Ji:

Welcome all the devotees for this Japa Talk. Some days ago, a devotee has sent a post saying ‘we can’t meet Guru Maharaj often is a myth. He daily waits for you in Japa Session.’  We are meeting with Guru Maharaj everyday from past 5 years. Today we are watching Guru Maharaj was asking from the devotes of Suraj, Pakistan and some other places about them individually and He was also awakening those who are sleeping in the japa session. Guru Maharaj gives blessings from the bottom of his heart in this Morning session.

Today we will discuss on the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 8.3.1 along with the pastime of Gajendra Moksha. Srila Prabhupada tells about the process of Taking Mahamantra and Japa in this purport.

SB 8.3.1:

śrī-bādarāyaṇir uvāca
evaṁ vyavasito buddhyā
samādhāya mano hṛdi
jajāpa paramaṁ jāpyaṁ
prāg-janmany anuśikṣitam

Translation:

Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Thereafter, the King of the elephants, Gajendra, fixed his mind in his heart with perfect intelligence and chanted a mantra which he had learned in his previous birth as Indradyumna and which he remembered by the grace of Kṛṣṇa.

In these verses it is assured that even if a person engaged in devotional service falls down, he is not degraded, but is placed in a position in which he will in due course of time remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As explained later, Gajendra was formerly King Indradyumna, and somehow or other in his next life he became King of the elephants. Now Gajendra was in danger, and although he was in a body other than that of a human being, he remembered the stotra he had chanted in his previous life. Yatate ca tato bhūyaḥ saṁsiddhau kuru-nandana. To enable one to achieve perfection, Kṛṣṇa gives one the chance to remember Him again. This is proved here, for although the King of the elephants, Gajendra, was put in danger, this was a chance for him to remember his previous devotional activities so that he could immediately be rescued by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

It is imperative, therefore, that all devotees in Kṛṣṇa consciousness practice chanting some mantra. Certainly, one should chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, which is the mahā-mantra, or great mantra, and also one should practice chanting cintāmaṇi-prakara-sadmasu or the Nṛsiṁha strotra (ito nṛsiṁhaḥ parato nṛsiṁho yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiṁhaḥ). Every devotee should practice in order to chant some mantra perfectly so that even though he may be imperfect in spiritual consciousness in this life, in his next life he will not forget Kṛṣṇa consciousness, even if he becomes an animal. Of course, a devotee should try to perfect his Kṛṣṇa consciousness in this life, for simply by understanding Kṛṣṇa and His instructions, after giving up this body one can return home, back to Godhead. Even if there is some falldown, practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness never goes in vain. For example, Ajāmila, in his boyhood, practiced chanting the name of Nārāyaṇa under the direction of his father, but later, in his youth, he fell down and became a drunkard, woman-hunter, rogue and thief. Nonetheless, because of chanting the name of Nārāyaṇa for the purpose of calling his son, whom he had named Nārāyaṇa, he became advanced, even though he was involved in sinful activities. Therefore, we should not forget the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra under any circumstances. It will help us in the greatest danger, as we find in the life of Gajendra.

Here Srila Prabhupada teaches us to always remember Krishna by giving the example of Gajendra.

Whatever service we are rendering weather it is chanting, following the four regulative principles, the process of servant of servants of servant, deity worship, Reading, residence in Dham, the main purpose of all the services is to always remember Krishna. We should always try to remember Krishna always and not to forget Krishna in any condition. 

CC Madhya 22.113:

smartavyaḥ satataṁ viṣṇur vismartavyo na jātucit

sarve vidhi-niṣedhāḥ syur etayor eva kiṅkarāḥ

Translation:

‘Kṛṣṇa is the origin of Lord Viṣṇu. He should always be remembered and never forgotten at any time. All the rules and prohibitions mentioned in the śāstras should be the servants of these two principles.’

By hearing this statement, some people say it is ok we will take Name of Krishna at the time of death, but why we take His name every time, it is not necessary. But the real thing is we don’t know when death will come and if death will come it is not assured that we will remember the Holy name. So, it is good to take name every time.  It is not necessary that we will die in the old age only. We can die any time. Whenever the counts of the breath will complete, we have to leave this body. 

Guru Maharaj often asks how old are you? The meaning of this is what is your age. Another meaning is how much you are getting older. People come up with the answers that we are 21 years old, we are 16 years old.  It is certain that who have taken birth will die one day. But if we remember Krishna then Krishna will save us even if we will degrade. We can see by the example of Gajendra. Gajendra was given a body of an elephant because of the offence committed by him towards a Vaishnava in his past life. But Krishna gave him the knowledge in his heart, by which he was being able to offer his prayers at the time of difficulty. 

There is a twist in the pastime also. The prayers and offering were done by the Gajendra only and Lord decent for Gajendra. But the crocodile is the one, who delivered first. How is this happened? 

Gajendra has called lord only, but Crocodile has taken the shelter of the feet of a Vaishnava. That’s why Lord delivers him first and Gajendra got the body to become a devotee.

Padma Purāṇa:

ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ
viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param
tasmāt parataraṁ devi
tadīyānāṁ samarcanam

Translation:

This is the instruction of Lord Śiva to Pārvatī. Pārvatī’s question was, “Which ārādhanam is the best?” So he replied, ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param. He said… [break] …but the knowledge is there. They have not lost the knowledge, but we have neglected. If we take advantage of this knowledge, then the whole world will become happy.

It is described in 5th chapter of 7th canto, when Jada Bharat was given the service of lifting the palanquin of King Rahugana. Jada Bharat was jumping all the time. That’s why the king sitting in the palanquin feels very uncomfortable. He scolded Jada Bharat that your body seems so strong. But you have no knowledge how to lift the palanquin. How fool you are! Then Jada Bharat said to King Rahugana that until you drink the washed feet water of a Vaishnava, you can never get the devotion and self-realisation.

ŚB 7.5.32:

naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-’bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat

Translation:

Unless they smear upon their bodies the dust of the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava completely freed from material contamination, persons very much inclined toward materialistic life cannot be attached to the lotus feet of the Lord, who is glorified for His uncommon activities. Only by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious and taking shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord in this way can one be freed from material contamination.  

There are so many examples in the scriptures to come to know that we can do devotion smoothly only by taking shelter of a Vaishnava.  Sometime we say that we are chanting, we are taking the holy name. But no! there are so many pure devotees who are praying for us and by their prayers we are trying to take the pure holy name. 

Some time ago, Guru Maharaj was saying during Govardhan Parikrama that Kali is so bad and stubborn. Now he has entered in all the ashramas. But This Govardhan is preventing Kali to spread. Govardhan is saving our devotion. We are going in Dham and taking the holy name just because of the mercy of Giri Govardhan. Govardhan is standing like a shield in front of kali. Pure devotees of Lord purify the places they visit. By their mercy we can chant the holy name.  

ŚB 1.13.10:

bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās
tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho
tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni
svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā

Translation:

My lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage.

Sometimes we attend the kirtan done by some pure devotee. We realise that the tears flowing from our eyes, that is not the eight satvik disorders, but we can not find out the reason. This is because the holy name coming from the pure devotees, and by hearing that holy name, we realise some reflection of pure holy name. This is not our eligibility of taking pure holy name. But the Pure holy name coming from pure devotees enters in our heart and will do his work. Srila Prabhupada saying that even when we are degraded but we should not leave chanting the holy name. One must attain perfection in any of the mantra weather it is cintāmaṇi-prakara-sadmasu or the Nṛsiṁha strotra (ito nṛsiṁhaḥ parato nṛsiṁho yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiṁhaḥ). 

Bs. 5.29:

cintāmaṇi-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-vṛkṣa-
lakṣāvṛteṣu surabhīr abhipālayantam

lakṣmī-sahasra-śata-sambhrama-sevyamānaṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

Translation:

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yielding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of lakṣmīs or gopīs.

 There is only one this preferred to us to chant.

Kali-santaraṇa Upaniṣad it is stated:

hare kṛṣṇa hare kṛṣṇa

  kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa hare hare

hare rāma hare rāma

  rāma rāma hare hare

iti ṣoḍaśakaṁ nāmnāṁ

  kali-kalmaṣa-nāśanam

nātaḥ parataropāyaḥ

  sarva-vedeṣu dṛśyate

Translation:

“After searching through all the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa.”

There is a very important place called Varadraj, in Kanchipuram in the Sri Cult. He is always ready to give blessings as his name suggests who gives blessings. His devotee Dushtipurn talk with the deities. Once Yamuna Acharya said to him that he should ask Lord that it is stated in Bhagavad Gita that:

BG 8.5:

anta-kāle ca mām eva
smaran muktvā kalevaram
yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ
yāti nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ

Translation:

And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body remembering Me alone at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.

Lord answered: If a devotee failed to chant the name of the lord due to some accident or some disorder, but he has chanted my name throughout his life, then it is my responsibility to take his to my abode. 

Once srila Prabhupada was asked that what is the future of the flowers offered on the feet of Krishna and Spiritual Master?

Prabhupada answered the tree from which these flowers are plucked will surely get the human body in next birth and will do devotion and go back to Godhead. Flowers can also go back to the abode of Krishna, if they are used in the service of Krishna.

15 January, 1977, in Pragaraj, when Narad Muni Sankirtan Party reaches there with the deities of Gaur Nitai, Srila Prabhupada said these oxen are doing the service of Lord, they will surely go back, back to Godhead. Oxen and Flowers can go back to the adobe of Krishna. 

In Chaitanya Charitamrita, Shivanand Sen has a dog. Once he has given the service of advance party in which he has to arrange everything before the samkirtan party reaches there. Everyone was going through boat, The boatman said, ‘Dogs are not allowed in the boat.’ Shivanand sen gets disappoint. Further, in Jagannath Puri, he saw Chaitanya Mahaprabhu himself feeding the dog the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath.  The dog will surely go back to the adobe of Krishna. Because Krishna himself feeding him. Then what could be his destination. 

A pastime can be seen in the forests of Jharkhanda, where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu engages all the animals in the loving service of Lord. The deer and the lion were kissing each other out of love. Both are the enemies. Deer is the food for lion. This is the effect and power of Devotion. 

Srila Prabhupada is telling us the Same thing. Every devotee should practice in order to chant some mantra perfectly so that even though he may be imperfect in spiritual consciousness in this life, in his next life he will not forget Kṛṣṇa consciousness, even if he becomes an animal. Of course, a devotee should try to perfect his Kṛṣṇa consciousness in this life, for simply by understanding Kṛṣṇa and His instructions, after giving up this body one can return home, back to Godhead.

If we have some money in our bank account, we remember in our next birth that in so and so account I have put the amount of 1 or 2 crore, are we be able to take that amount? Security will push us out and can be shoot us if we will not understand. But Krishna is s merciful. He gives us chance to complete our devotion in the next birth from where we had left in the previous birth. 

We can see in the movement of Srila Prabhupada, little kids are doing devotion from the early age, they can lovingly recite Narsimha Aarti and verses, because they have started the devotion from where they have left in the previous life.  

Sometime, we said that this is the new devotee or the younger devotee but I am the senior devotee. This is completely wrong. Devotion has no relation with any ashrama or age. These are all designations of body. These designations are given us in this material world. Brahmachari, Vanaprastha, sanyasi, Grihastha, all these designations are related to the body only. The designation of soul is given by God himself, that’s why it is eternal. 

 If we see devotee by their age or time duration, he entered in devotion, then it leads us to commit the 1st offence towards holy name: to blaspheme the devotees who have dedicated their lives for propagating the holy name of the Lord. By committing the offence, one loose the interest towards holy name. 

Srila Prabhupada gave an example of Ajamila. Ajamila learn the Vaidik knowledge with his father in his younger age. Later, he put in the bad association. But he kept his son’s name as Narayana. At the time of death, Ajamila was calling hios son’s name. But that was not only his son’s name, but the name of the supreme personality of Godhead. This name has so much potential, that the Yamadutas went back from his door to see the Vishnudutas.  

We can see that Ajamila just saw the Postitute with another man just for a moment and his entire life changed. He took the time of 80 years to get back in devotion. What to say of those who watch abominable programmes on tv. So, one must chant thinking that it’s mercy of Krishna and Spiritual master that we are able to do so. We must render our services submissively. That’s why before entering the altar, one must pray: Hey Guru Dev! We are stuck here since time immemorial. We are like a dust particle; you have picked me up and allowed me to perform deity worship. So many prayers are recited.

CC, Madhya Lila, 13.80:
nāhaṁ vipro na ca nara-patir nāpi vaiśyo na śūdro
nāhaṁ varṇī na ca gṛha-patir no vanastho yatir vā
kintu prodyan-nikhila-paramānanda-pūrnāmṛtābdher
gopī-bhartuḥ pada-kamalayor dāsa-dāsānudāsaḥ

Translation:
“ ‘I am not a brāhmaṇa, I am not a kṣatriya, I am not a vaiśya or a śūdra. Nor am I a brahmacārī, a householder, a vānaprastha or a sannyāsī. I identify Myself only as the servant of the servant of the servant of the lotus feet of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the maintainer of the gopīs. He is like an ocean of nectar, and He is the cause of universal transcendental bliss. He is always existing with brilliance.’ ”

We should recite these prayers while entering in the deity room.

sri-guro paramananda premananda phala-prada
vrajananda-pradananda-sevayam ma niyojaya

Translation:

My dear spiritual master, who give the fruit of the highest bliss—the bliss of love of Godhead—please engage me in the blissful service of Sri Krishna, who bestows bliss upon the land of Vraja.

And this bliss of Vraja can be awarded only by the mercy of the spiritual master. Nothing comes free. Krishna also would get His meals after killing a few demons! And we say that we must get full mercy without putting any efforts. So, devotion is devotional service as instructed by Srila Prabhupada. When one performs devotional service under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master. Then it brings real success. Devotion without reverence for the spiritual master brings about lust and thus senior devotees also may fall. Nevertheless, by the mercy of Spiritual Master and Krishna one comes back to devotion.

SB 12.3.52:

kṛte yad dhyāyato viṣṇuṁ
tretāyāṁ yajato makhaiḥ
dvāpare paricaryāyāṁ
kalau tad dhari-kīrtanāt

Translation:
Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Viṣṇu, in Tretā-yuga by performing sacrifices, and in Dvāpara-yuga by serving the Lord’s lotus feet can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.

In Satya Yuga, Dhruva Maharaj meditated on ‘Om Namoh Bhagavate Vasudevaya.’ Also, while doing yajnya, holy names were chanted. In deity worship also one chants basic mantra in Dwapar Yuga. So, in these three yugas holy names were chanted.

CC Madhya 6.242:

harer nāma harer nāma
harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva
nāsty eva gatir anyathā

Translation:
“ ‘In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.’ ”

So, meditation is not the forte of Kali Yuga. Yagya also is not recommended. As there are no pure ingredients available. Elaborate Deity worship is also not possible. So based on 5 limbs of Bhakti:

1. 
   Association of Devotees
   2. Chanting
   3. live in Holy places
   4. Hearing Bhagavatam
   5. Deity worship

Then one can go back home, back to Godhead!  

Hare Krishna!

05 July 2024 

Speaker: HH Radhe Shyamananda Swami Maharaj
Theme: Appearance and Disappearance Day of Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Disappearance of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

Sub-Theme: Disappearance Day of Sri Gadadhara Pandita.

Welcome, dear devotees, to this Japa talk. Today is the appearance and disappearance day of Srila Gadadhara Pandit, the disappearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and the appearance day of Srila Gurudev. This day is glorious. All days are important, but when a great personality takes birth on earth, the spiritual potency of that day increases a thousandfold.

Srila Gadadhar Pandit is the fourth of the Pancha Tattva (Jay Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Gadadhar). He is non-different from Radha Rani, who appears as Gadadhar Pandit in Chaitanya Lila. His parents, Madhava Mishra and Ratnavali, were neighbors of Sachi Mata and Jagannath Mishra. Sachi Devi and Ratnavali would meet each other very frequently. Gadadhar was younger than Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, but they played together and remained close throughout their lives. Gadadhar Pandit disappeared after Chaitanya Mahaprabhu disappeared.

Gadadhar Pandit was very calm by nature and did not like to go to crowded places. As he grew up, his friend Mukunda always accompanied him everywhere.

Once, Pundarik Vidyanidhi arrived in Navadvipa Dham from Saptagram. Mukunda told Gadadhar Pandit to meet this great personality, just like Prabhupada’s friend took him to meet Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur. A true friend is one who makes you visit saints, not one who takes you to pubs and mundane places. Pundarik Vidyanidhi is Vrishbhanu (the father of Radha Rani) in Krishna Lila. He was seated on a throne, dressed opulently, and servants were serving him. Someone would fan him; someone would give him betel leaf to chew. He had long hair and eyes, and the entire room was filled with the scent he had applied to his clothes. Gadadhar Pandit wondered how this seemingly materialistic person could narrate any Katha, and they returned from that place. The next day, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu again asked Gadadhar to meet Pundarik Vidyanidhi, and Mukunda took Gadadhar Pandit to the same place. Mukunda was a very good singer and would sing verses very sweetly. To show the actual form of Pundarik Vidyanidhi, Mukunda sang:

अहो बकी यं स्तनकालकूटं
जिघांसयापाययदप्यसाध्वी ।
लेभे गतिं धात्र्युचितां ततोऽन्यं
कं वा दयालुं शरणं व्रजेम ॥ २३ ॥

aho bakī yaṁ stana-kāla-kūṭaṁ
jighāṁsayāpāyayad apy asādhvī
lebhe gatiṁ dhātry-ucitāṁ tato ’nyaṁ
kaṁ vā dayāluṁ śaraṇaṁ vrajema

Translation:
Alas, how shall I take shelter of one more merciful than He who granted the position of mother to a she-demon [Pūtanā], although she was unfaithful and she prepared deadly poison to be sucked from her breast?
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.2.23)

Pundarik Vidyanidhi started loudly chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and rolled down from his throne. All his opulent clothes were crushed, and he began shouting, “Krishna Krishna Krishna.” Seeing this ecstatic state of Pundarik Vidyanidhi, Srila Gadadhar Pandit felt extreme compassion for him. Gadadhar thought that he had insulted Pundarik Vidyanidhi, so he decided to repent by serving him and making him his guru. He reported the entire incident to Mahaprabhu and expressed his willingness to take diksha from Pundarik Vidyanidhi.

Throughout his life, Gadadhara Pandita served as a close companion and disciple of Pundarika Vidyanidhi, an elevated Vaishnava. Their relationship was that of an ideal spiritual master and disciple, both deeply beloved by Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya.

Before Mahaprabhu went to Jagannath Puri after taking sannyasa, he performed lilas in Navadvipa for 24 years and the remaining 24 years in Jagannath Puri. During the last 24 years, he continuously traveled for 12 years, preached along with his disciples for 6 years, and lived in Krishna’s separation for the remaining 6 years. Gadadhar Pandit also went with Mahaprabhu to Jagannath Puri.

Before going to Gaya, Gadadhar was not happy with Mahaprabhu’s behavior. Mahaprabhu would just discuss grammar, alankar, and Sanskrit. Gadadhar would pray to God to make Mahaprabhu a devotee. But when Mahaprabhu went to Gaya and took diksha from Ishwara Puri, he changed completely. He started feeling separation from Krishna.

When Gadadhar Pandit saw Mahaprabhu roll in ecstasy, he would become very restless. He decided to always stay with Mahaprabhu. Once, he offered pan and betel nuts to Mahaprabhu. Mahaprabhu asked him where Shyam Sunder resides. Gadadhar Pandit replied, “He resides in your heart.” Immediately, Mahaprabhu started tearing His chest with His nails. Sachi Mata, upon seeing this, got terrified. Gadadhar Pandit tackled the situation intelligently and stopped Mahaprabhu from tearing his chest. Thereafter, Sachi Mata instructed Gadadhar Pandit to never leave Mahaprabhu.

While serving Tota Gopinath, Gadadhar Pandit became old. He was instructed to leave his service due to his old age, but he refused to leave this service. For us, if given a choice, we might avoid devotional service. Many devotees, after being initiated, disappear and never serve in the temple. We should at least serve for an hour in a temple. Goddess Lakshmi also is not allowed in Vaikuntha because she did not want to leave her opulence. Serving in the temple is very important.

Gadadhar Pandit, now old, could not reach the top of the Tota Gopinath deity. The deity bent down to be served by Gadadhar Pandit. To this day, the deity is seen bent down. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also entered the Tota Gopinath deity and disappeared. Gadadhar Pandit then started serving Tota Gopinath more intensely. Today is Vaishakha Amavasya, the disappearance of Gadadhar Pandit. Amavasya is a dark, no-moon day, and black reminds Radha Rani of Krishna.

Sub-Theme: Disappearance Day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Today is also the day of the disappearance of Bhaktivinoda Thakur. He is Kamala Manjari in Krishna Lila. Krishna sends His close associates to preach. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur presented the Vedas systematically to the world and discovered lost granthas. He was born on 2nd September, Sunday, Trayodashi, at Birnagar. His father was Ananda Chandra Dutta, and his mother, Jag Mohini Devi, hailed from Kayastha families. His father called many astrologers to check his hand, and they predicted that this child would be very intelligent and unmatched in knowledge. At the age of 2, he wrote a poem that surprised everyone. By the age of 6, he had mastered the Ramayana and Mahabharata. At 9 years old, he mastered astrology. At 10, he would ask questions about God. He was married at 11 years old when his wife was just 5 years old.

His friend Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar wrote a book on God being formless. Bhaktivinoda Thakur went to Calcutta to meet him and questioned why he wrote about God when he didn’t know anything about Him. He argued that Krishna, being all-powerful and the maintainer of the universe, could not be formless.

When his grandfather was about to leave his body, he blessed him to be a great Vaishnava. He wrote many scriptures, such as Jaiva Dharma.

Later, he was appointed as deputy magistrate and the chief of the Jagannath temple. Once, a tantric, an occult practitioner, announced himself as Maha Vishnu and claimed that Jagannath is nothing but a piece of wood. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur arrested him and announced a case against him. He faced many problems; his family fell sick, but Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur did not give up. For 1.5 years, the tantric was imprisoned, and then the doctors shaved off his hair. He lost all his powers and committed suicide.

He also discovered Navadvipa. It was a Tulasi farm owned by a Muslim. He acquired it, and Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj, an old saint, helped him discover the birthplace of Mahaprabhu. He prayed to Jagannath for a son who would be empowered to preach. Once, the Ratha Yatra chariot did not move for 3 days outside the house of Bhaktivinoda Thakur. As soon as his few months old son, Bimala Prasada, was taken by his mother to the deities, a garland fell on his head, and the Ratha moved forward. He was the spiritual master of Srila Prabhupada, who spread Krishna consciousness far and wide.

 

Topic: The Glories of Rathayatra Mahotsava

Date:  09th July 2024

Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

HH Lokanath Swami Guru Maharaj:

Lord’s form is most watchable and touchable thing in this world. 

CC Madhya 13.78

jayati jayati devo devakī-nandano ’sau
jayati jayati kṛṣṇo vṛṣṇi-vaṁśa-pradīpaḥ
jayati jayati megha-śyāmalaḥ komalāṅgo
jayati jayati pṛthvī-bhāra-nāśo mukundaḥ

Translation

 ‘All glories unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is known as the son of Devakī! All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is known as the light of the dynasty of Vṛṣṇi! All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose bodily luster is like that of a new cloud, and whose body is as soft as a lotus flower! All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who appeared on this planet to deliver the world from the burden of demons, and who can offer liberation to everyone!’

Jagannath cuts down the burden of the Earth which increases when papa increases on the Earth. 

Bg. 4.7

yadā yadā hi dharmasya
glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham

Translation

Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion – at that time I descend Myself.

So Jagannath who is Krishna himself, he killed many demons to reduce burden on the mother Earth.So Krishna and Balrama, Krishna Balarama ki Jai. Rathayatra Mahotsav ki Jai! So Rathayatra are lovely pastimes of the Lord. Today they sit on the ratha and  go back to Gundicha temple. In Puri, this Gundicha temple is similar to Vrindavan dham. 

Nilachala Nivasaya

Hareye Paramatmane;

Balabhadra Subhadrabhyam,

Jagannathayate Namah

These prayers which we do and it happens in Puri. He resides in Nilachal and he resides with Baldeva and Subhadra. So we paid obeisances to them with these prayers with our mouths. So Nilachal dham is considered as Dwaraka. So he goes from Dwaraka to Vrindavan. The Vraja vasi bhaktas bring them to Vrindavan. All these pastimes happened in Prakatlila. Krishna said I will just come back soon. He went out of the hands of gopis, Yashoda Maiyya, gopas etc.But they went to Mathura and then after that they went to Dwaraka and stayed there for 60-70 years and didn’t come back. So then Vrindavan vasis, came to Kurushetra and they thought we will bring back Krishna to Vrindavan because it was difficult for them to survive in Vrindavan without Krishna.

CC Antya 20.39

yugāyitaṁ nimeṣeṇa
cakṣuṣā prāvṛṣāyitam
śūnyāyitaṁ jagat sarvaṁ
govinda-viraheṇa me

Translation

‘My Lord Govinda, because of separation from You, I consider even a moment a great millennium. Tears flow from My eyes like torrents of rain, and I see the entire world as void.’

They were very unhappy without Krishna. Krishna was in Dwaraka and when they met him, they thought we will bring them back in the chariot, and they  will remove the horses and they will become themselves become horses and donkeys and bring him back to Vrindavan. They went with this intention but could not bring him back.

Bg. 4.8

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge

Translation

To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.

I have to kill some more demons and said then he said he will return back to Vrindavan. So Vraja Vasis came empty handed and they could not bring him back. They failed at the attempt to bring Krishna back to Vrindavan at that time but due to this Ratha yatra their desire gets fulfilled. So Vraj vasis go to Puri to pull the rath today also. In one rath Jagannath, in another Balram and in another Subhadra sat. So Krishna is also pulled back to Vrindavan dham. 

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to this Rathyatra in the mood of Radharani and with all Vraja vasis he is successful in bringing Krishna to Vrindavan. Balaram and Subhadra also like to stay in Vrindavan. So it is there favourite place and favourite people to live with. He reaches Gundicha Marjan today and he also  shows how to do Gundicha Marjan. Puri dham and Rathayatra glories are the most.In four dhams, Jagannath Puri Dham’s glories are the most. 

“Jei Gaura, Sei Krishna Sei Jagannath” Vasudeva Ghosh says with folded hands, “He who is Gaura is He who is Krishna is He who is Jagannatha.”

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also stayed 18 years there, who is Krishna himself. So Jagannath Swami is Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Jagannath is always there and both stayed together and at the time of rathyatra they used to come together. Jagannath Swami ki Jai! Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ki Jai! So he showed his joy and pleasure by participating in this Rathayatra and this is most pleasing festival for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Rath yatra Utsav happened in Puri and in some cities of Orissa. Prabhupada also organised Rathayatra during his childhood and then when he became Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada then when he established ISKCON, he gave Jagannath  to the whole world. He is not only Purinath or Pandanath, he is Jagannath, the Lord of the universe. When we take the shelter of Jagannath, we are no longer orphans in this world,

Bg. 8.15

mām upetya punar janma
duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam
nāpnuvanti mahātmānaḥ
saṁsiddhiṁ paramāṁ gatāḥ

Translation

After attaining Me, the great souls, who are yogīs in devotion, never return to this temporary world, which is full of miseries, because they have attained the highest perfection.

 This world is orphanage in real sense as our Nath is  not here, we don’t go in his sharan, we don’t consider him as Lord, we don’t sing his names:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Bg. 18.66

sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ

Translation

Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

So those who don’t surrender, they live in this orphanage as orphans but we all have become humans from sometime. We are bowing down to Jagannath. So when we take shelter of Jagannath then we become snath from anath. So, die in this material world and there are so many problems in this material world.

But as soon as we become snath, we do not need to fear. Whatever sins we have done, that will be washed away once we take his shelter otherwise this world is filled with so many sins. We hear and do kirtan so he gives us his shelter. I am with you. So this Rathayatra is happening in Noida today. This material world is Papalya. So as we come towards Jagannath, we come to his darbar, and then we listen about him then he gives us shelter, then he says then he says Oh dear, I am here, do not fear! I am with you.. I am here. I am with you. So ISKCON’s rathyatra is happening in Noida. So from Kannayakumari to Kasmir this Rathyatra is happening. In more than 100 cities, this Rathyatra is happening. In 700 cities and towns, around the world, Jagannath Rathyatra is happening. So is that not good news?  So that is how he is distributing his mercy. Seeing all of you in so much number, I am very happy. We see later but at first Lord sees you all and Jagannath is very  happy to see you all. Do think he knows that you all are here? He brings us, we don’t come ourselves. This is not an accident but an arrangement of Lord. This kripa is done by Jagannath on everyone. Thank you to all of you but  you can say thank you to Jagannath for bringing us in his lotus feet. So please stay in his lotus feet and I invite you for Rathyatra! Come at 4 pm in sector 18, Rath is there, you must become horses there and you have to reach there in the mood of Rathyatra. So you have to come from Dwarka which is Sector-18  to Vrindavan which is in Noida. So you have reached early! But since you are Vraj vasis, it is ok. So let us bring Jagannath back. Lord says there are more demons in my hit list I will say this quickly, goes to Dwaraka but the Vrajvasis heard again that he will come back again. So they didn’t go back to their homes and they stayed at the entrance of Vrindavan and whenever he comes they will be ready to receive him.

He kills Shishipal and Dantvakra who were Jaya and Vijay in Krishna lila. They became Ravan and Kumbhakaran in Ram Lila. They became Hiranyaksha and Hiranykashpu. Shishipal was killed in Hastinapur as you all are aware already. So when Dandtvakra come to know this news, he used to live in Dantiha in Mathura Pradesh. He was killed in Datiha. So when he came to know that Shishupal is no more, he wanted to kill Krishna. Is this possible? Those who think this is possible, they are demons. He was very angry. So in what direction where I have to go. Narada Muni offers to guide him to Krishna. He says that if I bring Krishna here then is that ok? So he says that Dant vakra wants to kill you, so Krishna goes to kill him and he reaches there and he kills Dandtvakra.

There were other demons who were killed after that and he went to Vishram Ghat on the banks of Yamuna to immerse all his weapon. All his mission were achieved in killing all the demons.Dandvakra was the last one. After this Krishna never forgot what he promised that he will return to Vrindavan after killing all the demons. So, when he blew his Panchajanya shankha and the Vraja vasis waited for Krishna for so many years. They understood that this is the Counchshell of Krishna and they first saw the dust, then the chariot and then they saw Krishna. So, they said Aayore! He came back. In Vrindavan there is a place called as Aayore village. So, there was grand welcome of the Lord. So, the same welcome is happening every year in Puri. So Vrajvasis bring Krishna to Vrindavan. So, are you ready? Haribol

Jagannath Puri Dham ki Jai. Jagannath Rathayatra ki Jai. Jagannath Baladev Subhadra Mai ki Jai. ISKCON Noida ki Jai.

11 July 2024

Speaker – HG Istadev Prabhu 

HG Padmamali Prabhu:-

Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj 

Please accept my humble obediences

All glories to Srila Prabhupada 

Dandwat parnam to all the devotees 

Today is a very special and sweet day, you must have seen it in your heart and calendar, the devotees who know and those who don’t know, today is Hera Panchami, it has been about four-five days since the Rath Yatra started, Sri Sri Jagannath, Baldev and Shubhadra come out of the temple of Jagannath temple and have reached Vrindavan from Dwarka, and reached Gundicha temple, today on its occasion a very sweet Leela we will listen, no one else but from our beloved Shriman Istadev Prabhu. Prabhu ji, belongs to the same place Puri where Jagannath is present and in a way He is inseparable from Panda and this story is popular among the devotees there. There is a different joy in listening among the devotees there.

So almost last year also, Shri Istadev Prabhu was present among us to narrate and today also he is present among us, although Prabhuji is very busy in Vrindavan Dham on the occasion of the upcoming Vyas Puja festival of Guru Maharaj Ji. If the people have reached here and have taken time to benefit all of us, then we will not take much time and will request Prabhu to share today’s special Leela or that story of Hera Panchami with everyone.

HG Istadev Prabhu:-

Hare Krishna Prabhu Padmali Prabhu, let my voice be heard. Yes Prabhu. Okay thank you Prabhu, thank you very much that you have given us this opportunity to do some service and I pray from my heart at the feet of Guru Maharaj and beg for blessings and along with me I pray to Guru Maharaj. There is limitless grace on all the devotees. What is the meaning of chanting? Through this medium, Guru Maharaj is purifying the whole world. Guru Maharaj is purifying the whole world. Where are many people chanting with Guru Maharaj in the entire world while listening to Talk also. This is the supreme mercy and grace of Guru Maharaj. Dandwat pranam to Guru Maharaj and Srila Prabhupada.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Leela:-

Shri Jagannath Shami Badi Previous Aadi Venus second Tithi Not from second but from Akshaya Tritiya This one is in Jagannath Puri and not in Jagannath Puri where people are connected to Jagannath or Akshay Tritiya Akshay is where nothing finish. Construction of Lord’s chariot starts from that day, you all know that Akshaya Tritiya Lord, the construction of Jagannath’s chariot starts from that day and that leela starts, then bath takes place on Purnima, God becomes ill again, don’t think this leela is not of today at all. This continues from decade and on the second date Lord Jagannath ji his maternal aunt’s house, his maternal uncle’s house and GundiCha Devi’s house, which is called Sundara Chal, is an integral part of Vrindavan and it has also been described in the scriptures that Vrindavan goes from Dwarka to Vrindavan, just as Guru Maharaj describes it as Radha Rani Dwarka. Dwarkadhish from Kurukshetra does not allow the Lord to go to Dwarka while sitting in the chariot. He says that we will take you to Vrindavan. This is the spirit of Rath Yatra, isn’t this the Leela? Lord goes to Vrindavan with Mahaprabhu and performs the Leela 500 years ago. 

Adhyapati sei Lila gaur

Translation:-

Adhyapati: Refers to the Supreme Lord or the ultimate teacher.

Sei: Means “that” or “the.”

Lila: Signifies divine pastimes or activities.

Gaur: Refers to Lord Gauranga (Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), who is an incarnation of Lord Krishna.

Lord Gauranga (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) engages in divine pastimes similar to those of Lord Narayana when He personally taught His disciples 

Gaur Rai, who was lucky enough to get it? Even today, Mahaprabhu is doing his daily leela in the same spirit and today the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Ji started from Shri Temple in Dwarkapuri and went to Gundi Cha temple in the village. After leaving the city, now in Gundica and  Have gone to Sundara region, the temple is not that big, the job is not that big, the facility is not that big, still because of his mother because you all know it is a very beautiful story, why do Gundica go to temple, there are many reasons for going to Gundica temple, there are many reasons for Rath Yatra, there is one reason. This is what I would like to tell you all that there is a reason. Lord Jagannath said to King Indra, O King, I am very happy in your service, tell me what do you want, what more blessings should i give you.

na dhanam na janam na sundarim

kavitam va jagad-isha kamaye

mama janmani janmanishvare

bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi

 

Translation:-

O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful women, nor do I want any number of followers. I only want your causeless devotional service, birth after birth. [Shikshashtakam 4]

The king himself said to Lord, I am your servant, what do I want? I don’t want anything, neither money nor birth. He said, I don’t want money, I don’t even want people. He didn’t want people. He said, there is no devotee in the world who asks for such a boon. He said,O Lord, make me father of daughter and There will never be no son anywhere in my lineage. God said, Amen. When Gundicha Mata came to know about these things, Gundicha Mata became very sad. You know, mother’s heart, mothers are sitting here. How much a mother’s heart yearns to have a son or a daughter sitting on her lap, a daughter is a matter of later. Every person wants to have a son. What is a woman called a daughter? When Gundicha Mata came to know that her husband had asked for such a boon, then due to being very dear to God, Mata Gundica started a fight with Lord Jagannath. O Lord, why are you, the Lord of the world, making me an orphan? In my family, you said that I will not have children, my lap will not be filled. She became very sad and started quarreling. You can call it the art of love. After agreeing, she started quarreling. She started whining and banging her head. Jagannath ji said, O Mother Gundicha of mine, listen to my words, there is no denial of my words. Then the mother started crying even more and started crying saying that  What will I do, then God said, I will become your son, I will become, he said, look, my mother is Nitya Mata- Yashoda, I cannot make you a mother, but I can do one thing, I can do that, God himself said, I will make you my aunt. I can make you my aunt. You know there is not much difference between mother and aunt. The next step is mother, some mother dies somewhere and leaves some body behind. Who takes care of the children? Aunty mother, aunty say mother and aunty is aunty. They said my mother is Yashoda, I am no longer a mother. If I can, I will accept you as my aunt and your house will not be empty. I will come to your house and I will sit in your lap and I will eat the food prepared by you, the food prepared by your hands, with joy and love. If all of us brothers and sisters come under your house. So, this is the commitment of Lord. So, just because of this commitment Lord had gone to Maasi’s house on the second date of Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadh and on the same day it was decided that the Lord was following the same tradition on the same day in the same year on which he had gone and after that You know, Lord had a bath, Lord were sick, Lord health was not good, now he feel good, sometimes a person falls ill somewhere in a hospital, he does not go anywhere, he does not give it to anyone, he does not get it, then what does he do when he gets healthy, he feels like traveling a bit, talking about the world. Hey brother, it has become a lot of trouble, sitting in one room for so long, isn’t it ? Then God’s mood becomes and he said to his brother, we will go to our aunt’s house. I had given a promise to my mother, let us go to my aunt’s house and give her darshan. We will also fulfill the wish of aunt. So that is why God chose the same day and the Rath Yatra took place, now the time gradually passed while the chariot was happening, now on the day you know, the whole story is in three chariots, it is a very detailed story, it will take hours and hours, I would like to say in short that all the three in three chariots If we go to Govind Maharaj’s thoughts then we will hear his words and say that there is separation from Radha and God.

There is a separation, Radha Krishna, Vidhura, in the separation of Krishna, Mahaprabhu, in the separation of Krishna, there is Mahaprabhu, he is a separation, the other is Jagannath ji, who is in the separation of Radha, in Dwarka, Jagannath ji in the separation of Radha and Krishna in separation. Mahaprabhu, these two have been beautifully described in Chaitanya Caritamrit in Madhya Leela, Krishna Kaviraj has been described, both of them and he goes to sit in the chariot to meet Radha Rani, Balram ji says, O brother, I am the elder of the house. Your words, now Jagannath ji, in the separation of Radha’s queen, they became fainted. He got ready and said to his friends, I will go ahead, sister says no, I will go, elder brother says Subhadra, no one will believe what you say, don’t go ahead, I am going, I am the elder of the house, in my words there is strength, you know, if anything happens, whatever the elders in the house say is accepted, then the elder brother says, I go ahead, that is why the elder brother goes ahead, right? Aage chle baldev…..(Orissa Bhajan) There is such a hymn in Orissa that Jagannath ji is coming with a crowd behind him. And behind them is Subhadra and Balram ji. This kind of night continues and later Balran ji said to Radha rani that your beloved Prannath is coming behind, then Gaur Govind Maharaj narrates the secret of Rath Yatra with such beautiful emotion, it is very good but After that, see today whether Dwitiya, Tritiya Chaturthi, Panchami is Shashthi or not, Shashthi is also not called Hera Panchami, if it is seen from date to date then today is Rishi Tithi but it is called Panchami, there are two reasons for that, there are two reasons that it is the fifth day after Rath Yatra.

mora ei abhilasha, vilasa kunje dio vasa

nayana heribo sada yugala-rupa-rasi

 

Translation:- 

My desire is that you will also give me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrindavana-dhama. Thus within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krishna. [Sri Tulasi Aarti 3] 

As we say, we have been praying since morning.

In Jagannath puri  also this word in Oriya, Heri Mu, Hera Mata gets distracted. Where has my husband gone, where has he gone, thinking like this, the mind becomes very restless and my husband has gone and before that he didn’t tell for how many days, as if you see in the Leela of Vrindavan she says I two. Leaving from Vrindavan during the day, I told that I am coming to Mathura, but for how long? I will come, I am leaving, I am telling you that I am coming to my aunt’s house, so I left, one day has gone, two days have gone, three days have gone, four days have gone, it is the fifth day, now the mind is fickle, mother is fickle, mother is fickle. She is fickle, you know a woman is fickle, she can’t even sleep, she doesn’t have a husband, her husband has gone, she is a single woman, she lives alone in such a big, huge kingdom, when God and Goddess live, her mind is fickle and she is given sorrow. See, you know there are two temples Kamala and Vimala. Kamala means you have Lakshmi ji there Vimala you know Mata Durga.Thats why Bhakti Vinod Thakur’s son’s name was Bhakti Sidhant’s name was Vimal Prasad. Vimala is Vimala Devi, she is the goddess who is eaten as the first offering of Jagannath and hence the world is called Mahaprasad. In Jagannath Puri, Prasad is not called Jagannath Prasad but it is called Jagannath Mahaprasad because Vimla accepts it first and then the whole world is Prasad to her. Whatever it is, Vimla Mata knows the sorrow of one woman and the sorrow of another woman or not and a woman knows her sorrow and tells it to another woman. Soz that’s why God wife Lakshmi tells all the things to Vimla Mata, O my friend, when asked, she says that my Nath has gone, when will he come, where is he, where is he, he did not tell me anything, he did not tell me anything, he became very worried, so you know that today in the evening. What happens to Mata Vimla? Kamala Maa Lakshmi goes to the temple and a pond is formed. After the formation of the pond, she says, don’t worry, these men are not like this, men are a caste, men are sometimes independent, where do they go? They don’t speak or do, they do, they have conversations and in between conversations Mata Durga is Shakti. See how Shakti works, Shakti says, Mother Vimala says I will give you a kind of powder, she says powder, Moha powder says, you can fascinate your husband, you are not able to do it in your control. Where he goes, where he go, he does not say, he says all these things to Mata Vimala said to Lakshmi and gives her a powder from the temple, it is called moha powder, she says, take moha powder and throw it on your husband wherever he is. He will be fascinated and will keep running after you and will never go back. And feeding on the attachment, a bundle is tied in the hand of Lakshmi Mata and she prepares, let’s go now, when we go, she is going to search for you, isn’t it, the palanquin is made with a very beautiful gesture and Servants of Mata Lakshmi are different, there are people who serve Narayana, there are servants of Mata Lakshmi, there are Daitas, there are Brahmins, there are Pandas, they do carry her in their palanquin, they carry her in the palanquin and go go go go slowly slowly after some time they reach Gundicha temple.

They reach there and there the chariot in the chariot is the Taj Rath, see the Taj Rath, it is not a person, it is a man, as Maharaj ji says, it is a river, it is Tulsi, it is not a tree, it is Vrinda Devi, it is Ganga, it is not the lock, the flag. If she is a person then Lakshmi Mata goes and asks about the locked flag chariot. She sees her husband’s chariot, this is the parking lot. Brother’s chariot is also here, sister’s chariot is also here. The chariot is locked and she asks the flag. Hey, where is the locked flag? Where is my Nath, she asks again and again, yes Nandani Ghosh, he asks the chariot, asks the chariot, when she asks, he said I have come sitting in this chariot but I don’t know where I have gone, even then there is pride and you know that when Goddess Lakshmi has gone here, she has gone with a feeling of pride, she has gone with a feeling of pride. She is sitting with the thought that I don’t know that sometimes there is a fight between husband and wife. Actually, this is a leela, it is a discord, a discord between a husband and wife, is it anger or is it a play of respect, so respect makes one angry, there is a difference between respect and anger. What happens when a person is angry, when he punishes him, what fills him with hatred? What happens inside the heart when he is angry? They call it anger but what they say is Pride. Pride means love inside the heart but anger on the outside. This is called Pride. Radha Rani has been called Maanini, similarly Mata Lakshmi also becomes Manini and she comes in a chariot carrying a wooden stick, just like you know what they do sometimes in anger. If you have some problem then what do you do and kick the cart. If there is any object somewhere then you throw it away. There are many types of human activities like crowing and throwing away food plates. So Pandey people is his maid, Pandey means his maid, and he kicks the chariot and hits it, neither does it nor does it, he pushes it, there is a lot of pushing, there is a lot of anger, after doing the anger, there is a lot of reasoning. Inside, Daita Pati Panda is the mother of Panda, after giving birth, they take Mata Lakshmi inside. Some people say that they do not take inside but they take her inside and when Jagannath is taken inside and on seeing Mata, he gets disturbed. How did she come here? How did she come here? They don’t speak, they don’t speak, they don’t speak.

And then in the evening, evening bhog is offered and then When the night offering is made, the mother comes and sits in front and when she sits, she sits with a dry heart, anger, the face turns red, isn’t it anger too, there is love for God, there is anger too. She sits there in this mood and after sitting, Jagannath ji, look at the time of offering food to such a gentle God, no panda will go inside the Jagannath temple, but after seeing the anger of the mother, the panda cannot stop himself, what does the panda do? A rosary is directly sent, it is called Adhar rosary, this Adhar rosary is a very beautiful rosary. It is till the neck, but it is called ‘adhar rosary’, the rosary which is not in the throat, but with both the hands, it touches the mouth, below the mouth, the mouth touches the lower part of the mouth, that rosary is like the Mridang of God. It is thin on the sides and thick in the middle. They take such beautiful garlands and give them to Goddess Lakshmi. Even after giving, she remains sad, sad and angry with her husband and is not satisfied. Then they get happiness in the Anand market. There is also Anand Bazaar where Lakshmi does cooking but here Lakshmi does not cook. Mother Gundicha does the cooking. Here the kitchen belongs to the Gundicha. She does the cooking with the maid there. There is Lakshmi’s kitchen. So here is Guncha’s kitchen. Has he left Lakshmi’s and has come? Now the special is prepared by mother’s own aunt. Kar Pad Peetha is called Pasia Pad Peetha. They set the wood on fire and the ash that remains after setting fire is a little bit of embers. It has a special fire by adding rice, urad dal, coconut etc. inside it. I mean Paus or Pad Peetha, Paus means ash, hence ash is also applied. It is the hand’s ass, it is the pitha pada pitha, right now the on has come, the electric is included in the electric, isn’t this also the pad, you see the cake class, right, what is this, this is the pada pitha, is it a net or not, do we give a net? They give nets in the fire, what did they do earlier? Are there nets in the fire, otherwise God is very dear to her, Pad Peetha Paya Pod Peetha, Lord Jagannath eats all these offerings to Goddess Lakshmi, but she is very sad and does not eat even a little. Today respect is her husband’s offering, so she accepts it, yet she becomes sad and loses her attachment to God. If they don’t let her bring it, if they don’t do it then she becomes more sad, angry and angry, and what does she do, when mother Vimala gives her Moha powder, she throws it in the face of Jagannath when she chooses attachment. And the mother gets very angry and disappointed and goes back to her home. There are no 56 bhogs in the Shree temple. So the mother herself does the cooking, for whom does Mata Lakshmi prepare, for whom Jagannath ji, now Jagannath. Yes, there is Shri Mandarpura but no Shri in the temple, it is vacant. So, that’s why it is our parampara not to worship alone Lakshmi and Alone Narayan is not to be worshiped. See, here both are very important. See, this is a leela of Jagannath ji. If Narayan is taken out then the Shri temple becomes empty. Right and if Shri goes somewhere then Narayan becomes empty. Both of these are required, neither do we have to worship only Lakshmi nor only Narayana, we have to worship Lakshmi-Narayan, Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Jugal, Sarkar’s Jugal Aaradhya, Jugal Aaradhya is very important in our Gaudiya tradition, not just Radha Rani. it’s not just Krishna, not only Lakshmi, not only Jagannath ji, not only Sita, not only Ram but always, that is why it is called Shri Kshetra. Yes, Narayan resides in Lakshmi Kshetra, hence it is also called Shri Kshetra, then Goddess Lakshmi gets sad and goes to the Shri Temple in her palace and Even after that, she remains unhappy there, but after throwing the magic powder that was given to her, Lord Jagannath gets fascinated. This is Tantra Vidya, this Mata Shakti is Kamala Devi Shakti Durga. Her Tantra works and then Jagannath ji said, brother, it’s over now, let’s go again. Then Balaram ji told him after one year we came here in our aunt house and now wait for two-four days but wait, Kaal is here, today is Hera Panchami, so Kaal will rotate the chariot, you will see the chariot has come straight there, facing Gucha temple inside and Will go in two days, after three days there is no doubt about it, today is Shashthi, Saptami Ashtami, Ashtami, Navami, will be taken out, right, on Dashami, Navami will be taken out on Dashami, but the chariot is face toned, King says, let’s go and have no mind. It seems because that love which is full of love fascinates God and fascinates the wife and We will see this looks like a worldly leela, but it is a leela of art, it is a respect of husband and wife, it is a very beautiful leela and then the mother goes back and after two, three or four days, Lord Jagannath returns. Now when we go back, does Goddess Lakshmi get very angry or not, is that anger revenge? She did not allow him to sit on the throne, she did not allow him to talk, she left me only after giving me the garland, she remains angry and believes that she is lewd. She said to God you know, you are  a thug, you did not told when you left and then she locked the door from inside and Then when Lord Jagannath ji returns and this door does not open and does not allow him to come inside, then there are many priests of Jagannath and the priests of Mata Lakshmi inside. There is a lot of logic, she praises her mother, my mother is like this, my Lakshmi is like this, it is like this, everyone sings the praises of Lakshmi and here also the Pandey of Jagannath is like this is their God, you know all the happiness, all the happiness, all the dialogues, don’t we in Vrindavan? Acharya has written Sukh saari dialogues Sukh bole saari bole na this Samadha aap…….He said, what does happiness say, what does everything say, then in this way people also read there, they praise their servant, their God, their servant Lakshmi, their mother and in the end they refuse, they will not stop coming, they will not come. Will not let him go, let him go to his aunt’s house, let him eat at his aunt’s house, let him stay there, he will not come here, although from the heart, that mother wants my husband to return to my house, but there is a respect, she is angry, I don’t want to go, Bharna does like this, isn’t she very beautiful? After talking, one day Jagannath ji had to sleep in the chariot on the way. Even though there is full of jewels Even though the services are full, the mother says that you stay outside, don’t come, then one day Lord Jagannath, Baldev, Subhadra stays outside and when you stay outside, you feel very sad for Lord Jagannath ji, think in front of every house. Imagine ever in your life that you had gone out somewhere and you were ringing the bell in front of the house and your wife was not opening the door. What would happen to you? Just imagine what would happen to you. You would see this in your life. What will happen if your wife is not opening up inside and you are outside? Jagannath is also accepting his mistake that I had said it for a few days but after a day I did not even say it and at the same time it is said that Jadav is Shri Bhandar, but when Jagannath ji goes then the  Thousands of types of naivedya dishes for mother are not seen, it is said that there is kalmi saag, kalmi saag and chopped rice, rice itself is not rice and these three big things, after seeing these three things, they say, after cooking this, this is all you have to eat, keep it and go out. So she becomes even more angry and sad, so whatever it is, stay out for a day. So they want to meet, you know who can stop the love that is inside them, otherwise they cannot stop the love, Mother Lakshmi is sad inside, Lord Jagannath is sad outside, both are sad. And this brother and sister are going to suffer between them, there is no fault of the brother and sister but brother and sister supported them in it, hence they have to suffer this pain, then one next day God says, Okay, you are outside, so today you are God, you adorn everyone beautifully in the jeweled throne. If today you feel beautiful, then you must have heard God there, you know that God has a gold store once in a year, from God’s gold store, God’s gold jewelery, gold mug, everything of gold is completed, gold is given to Shri Anga. It is decorated not one or two but many, it has a base of 100 kilos of gold, it has a huge crown, it has a mouth made of gold and there is a vapor, it has some kind of ornamentation, it has a sound and this is also the reason for the return of Sad Mata. If she does not give, then through this means gold is disguised and after being disguised as gold, it returns to the house with great decoration and Mata Lakshmi welcomes them. So,  This kind of welcome Mahaprabhu himself Chaitanya Mahaprabhu enjoying this leela with a very beautiful feeling Chaitanya has praised him beautifully in his chata Last year I had praised Chaitanya, this time I have proposed such things. It is a very joyful leela. It is the leela of Lord Jagannath. What can we say? Jagannath ji is still in the house. It is said that Jagannath is the one who gets darshan in the ratna throne of Shri Mandir. The fruit that Jagannath gets when he is in the Gundica temple. He sits in his aunt’s house, he is Shyam Sundar, isn’t he? Braj resident or Vrindavan resident Vrindavan Bihari Shri, It is said that when Giridhari resides in his maternal aunt’s house, he gets a thousand times more benefit than visiting the Shree Temple and it is also true that he goes to his maternal aunt’s house liberally. There is no policy or rule, isn’t it? Jagannath ji went there with a generous spirit and a beautiful moodz there is a leela. Of course, I will request my brothers and sisters, If you ever get a chance, you will definitely see the Rath Yatra, but after the Rath Yatra, it will be held for two-four days. What is to be said about Jagannath Rath Yatra. There is Yatra and Yatra is a journey or not? Take a bath yatra or not. Come out to swing in a swing. Come to the swing of Jagannath temple to swing in a swing. Going for a bath is a bath yatra, isn’t it? Dev, Bath, pama, that too is their journey, Rath Yatra, Bahula Yatra, there are many types of journeys like this, Lord Jagannath’s infinite leela, what can I say about the Pandits there, how many big temples should we go to anywhere in the world, big punishment, big Thakur, big temple, big house, big The market is big, everything is big, Thakur is big, the body is big, eyes big. Lord Jagannath has a wonderful leela and Hera Panchami also, I was hearing from a Pandit somewhere that Hera Panchami also has two, it has become Hara Panchami Ra Panchami. It is said that on the same day, Mata Lakshmi holds a meeting with Panch Mahadev. This is because when Lakshmi Narayan was married, the marriage took place in the presence of Jambheshwar Maharaj ji, hence calling Panch Mahadev Mata Har Hai Na Har Panch Har Ko Hardev Panch Hari Har means Shiva calling Panch Mahadev. Discusses that on this date she tells them to see in front of you my father did my marriage with him and Where did my husband go without telling me? You guys are his friends, tell me what should be done and what not, so all these thoughts also happen, so every Panchami is also called Hara Panchami, it is meaningful, it is also true and every Panchami is also This leela is also performed in such a beautiful manner. It is a wonderful kind of leela of Jagannath.

There is great good fortune that Guru Maharaj’s Vyas Puja is also associated with the Jagannath Rath Yatra? You can see, right? In a full festival Rath Yatra takes place and Guru Maharaj appears at such a time.

All this starts from Akshaya Tritiya and Rath Yatra ends on the day of Ekadashi and Guru Maharaj is also born, appears and we all celebrate Vyas Puja of his Guru Maharaj, so this Guru Maharaj was with us till we returned due to Guru Maharaj’s Vyas Puja. What did Sonave say? It is impossible for us to have darshan as Guru Maharaj’s Vyas Puja happens on the same day, so we are fortunate because of Guru Maharaj’s Vyas Puja, Lord Jagannath. This is the moving form of Guru Maharaj Ji, isn’t it the evidence? 

Above, through this medium, we are preparing to celebrate Guru Maharaj’s Vyas Puja. I cannot do it for the first time with great pomp in Vrindavan. Earlier, it must have happened in the past, after a long time, now after 20 years. Devotees who have already made Tatkal tickets are happening in Vrindavan after the end of the day. Come, you can still come by making Tatkal tickets. Guru Maharaj’s Vyas Puja is being organized in Krishna’s Leela Bhoomi in Vrindavan, all of you. Guru brothers and sisters, wherever you are, whatever tickets you have not booked, make up your mind now, today.

Vyas Pooja is also there, Vrindavan Dham Vas, if you want to have darshan of Vrindavan Dham in Vrindavan, then all of you should book Tatkal ticket and come by flight. Those who are not coming, have made up their minds, I pray that you will not get such an opportunity and most of all It is a big thing that 75 is the diamond jubilee year, yes, it will not be made next year, it will not be made even a year earlier, this is the diamond jubilee year of Guru Maharaj, it is the 7th, isn’t it, 25, 50 and 75 have importance, so if you defeat them, then you I will say that it would have been better if we had gone. If we have lost and won, then you all are my brothers. Those of you who are coming are welcome, we are present here at your service and those who are not coming, make Tatkal tickets immediately in two days, you must come, this is my prayer at the feet of all of you. Thank you very much again Guru Maharaj for giving us the opportunity to serve and thank you very much Padmamali Prabhu for giving us the opportunity to serve, thank you very much, I am very proud of you for this Hare Krishna 

Jai Jagannath 

Jai Mata Lakshmi

Jai Hera Panchami Tithi 

Jai Gaur Hari Praman

 

HG Anant Shesha Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Date: 12/07/2024

Place: Vrindavan, Holy Dham

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj Vyaspuja Festival Ki Jai!

As I am aware, there are various senior devotees present on this special occasion. We are gathered in the Holy Dham of Vrindavan to celebrate the 75th Vyaspuja of Gurumaharaj and the Amrut Mohotsava Festival of Devotion. Devotees from all around the world have come together, creating a unique atmosphere. Many disciples of Srila Prabhupada, as well as senior Godbrothers who are disciples of Gurumaharaj, are present.

Today, before Mangal Aarti, I had the opportunity to meet HG Jay Vijay Prabhu and other devotees. During this three-day festival, we will hear from all these senior devotees. Gurumaharaj desired that the glorification of Srila Prabhupada along with His disciples should be done. For this purpose, we have arranged a two-day session over Zoom.

I feel specially blessed to be in the personal association of Gurumaharaj. Reflecting on the 75th year of Gurumaharaj’s appearance, I realize that the past 26-27 years have flown by. I remember about 25 years ago when we celebrated Gurumaharaj’s 50th Vyaspuja in Nagpur. Now, we are celebrating the 75th. Recently, we were blessed to hear from HG Sahasranam Prabhu, who arranged and participated in the first Vyaspuja of Gurumaharaj. It was mesmerizing to hear his account of the celebration in Sri Pandharpur Dham. On the day of the first Vyaspuja, few knew it was happening. HG Bhagwan Prabhuji informed HG Sahasranam Prabhuji about the Vyaspuja Day of Gurumaharaj, and they made immediate arrangements with simplicity and devotion.

HG Sitarani Mataji, HG Sahasranam Prabhuji, and a few other devotees were present, and in their simplicity, Maharaj took his seat. The devotees offered their Vyaspuja offerings, and aarati took place. The feast prasadam of the first Vyaspuja was Zunka Bhakar. Remembering this event through HG Sahasranam Prabhuji’s personal experience was truly mesmerizing. 

In recent days, I was with HG Sanak Sanatan Prabhuji when Gurumaharaj handed me the position of Zonal Supervisor. Maharaj also blessed me and spoke to me about preparing for Sanyas Initiation. After receiving these instructions, I discussed them with HG Sanak Sanatan Prabhuji. He reminded me that Gurumaharaj has served throughout his life, handling various temples, devotees, and management challenges. To perform these services, I need to develop spiritual strength and qualify myself to Gurumaharaj’s level.

Since then, I have observed Gurumaharaj closely. He is a living example of a Mahatma, embodying Krishna consciousness in his actions and words. Whether with devotees or alone, Gurumaharaj is always busy hearing, reading, and chanting. I am intensely observing him, especially as he is a Sanyasi and a leader in ISKCON.

I often wonder how I can meet Gurumaharaj’s expectations. I remember filling out the Sanyas Form, where I listed Gurumaharaj as my mentor. He monitors and teaches me various things, and I learn from his dealings, simplicity, and punctuality. In management meetings, Gurumaharaj reminds us to see the good qualities in others before pointing out faults. His scolding never felt harsh but rather instructive.

I humbly offer my respects to Gurumaharaj. I pray to his lotus feet that, by his blessings, I can meet his expectations, especially in leadership and future endeavors. 

HH Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj Ki Jai!

HG Ishtheva Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Hare Krishna. Dandawat Pranam. HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj ki Jai!

Gurumaharaj, please accept my humble obeisances. We are very excited to be in Vrindavan with You. Only two days are left, and this year is very special as we celebrate Your 75th Vyaspuja. For the past 20 years, we have celebrated Your Vyaspuja in Pandharpur. We struggled a lot to finalize the celebration details, including the location and timing. You were with us in the meetings, and finally, we decided to celebrate this festival at the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani in Vrindavan Dham. You have brought all the devotees to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, and now we are preparing for the celebration in Vrindavan.

On this auspicious occasion of Gurumaharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja, I would like to request all my Godbrothers and Godsisters to celebrate this festival on a grand scale. This is our opportunity.

Sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu,

lokanath lokera jivana  

ha ha prabhu koro doya, deho more pada-chaya,

ebe jasha ghusuk tribhuvana

Translation

Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds. We take shelter of your lotus feet. You are the friend of the most fallen. [Guru Vandana 4]

The Lord resides in everyone’s heart, but it is our Gurumaharaj who makes Him familiar to us. Our Gurudev is the eternal servant of Srila Prabhupada. In Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, the 26 qualities of a Vaishnava are stated, and among them, the most important is Avyartha Kalatvam. Gurumaharaj personifies this quality. 

I remember an incident during a visit to Ichalkaranji. We were traveling from Pune to Ichalkaranji, and Gurumaharaj was sitting in the front. We, three devotees, were sitting behind. During the journey, I observed that sometimes Gurumaharaj would ask for a laptop for reading, and at other times, he would chant. While we behind him were talking or sleeping, Gurumaharaj never slept. He was continuously engaged in some form of service. Recently, in Ujjain, during his massage session, he was listening to a lecture. In Jagannath Puri, I saw that even while exercising, a lecture was playing in the background. This quality of constant engagement in service is something I deeply admire and aspire to develop.

I recall the days in 2006-2007, after the Ratha Yatra in Raichur, when we had to leave for Solapur the next day. Everyone had honored the prasadam sent by HG Jaytirtha Prabhuji and went to sleep on the AC train. When I woke up, I saw Gurumaharaj reading a book. My point is that he is always immersed in service.

During a recent Zoom Japa Session, I recorded a short video in Jagannath Puri. In that japa session, it was clear how intense Gurumaharaj’s prayer was. Srila Prabhupada says, “Chanting should be like a crying baby,” and Gurumaharaj’s japa exemplifies this intensity. It inspires the whole world.

Yesterday, we observed Gurumaharaj’s attention to detail. We had the chance to go on a tour with him, and he kept inspiring us to serve. Some devotees sometimes say, “Gurumaharaj’s suggestions are impossible to implement.” Recently, HG Padmamali Prabhuji mentioned that Gurumaharaj desired to make arrangements so that when devotees arrive in Mathura, they can reach here directly without any difficulty. These are just a few examples of Gurumaharaj’s caring nature for the devotees.

I had a discussion with Gurumaharaj regarding the glorification program for Vyaspuja. His stance was, “Why only my glorification? Keep photos of all my Godbrothers and glorify all of them.” This shows his immense love for his Godbrothers.

Bhagavad-gita 5.29

bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ

sarva-loka-maheśvaram  

suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ

jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati

Translation

A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries. [BG 5.29]

You are engaging fallen souls in service. Recently, I was listening to a lecture by HH Haldhar Swami Maharaj, where he mentioned a verse from *Gurudev! Kripa Bindu Diya*:

sakale sammana korite sakati,

deho’ natha! jathajatha

tabe to’ gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe,

aparadha ha ’be hata

Translation

“O lord and master! Please give me the power to properly honor all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and all my offenses cease.” [Gurudev kripa bindu 2]

Gurumaharaj, my only prayer on your holy appearance day is that you continue to bestow your mercy upon us. Despite my many faults, I aspire to perform bhajan to the standard you expect from us. I pray that my chanting reaches the quality you desire. The topmost service one can offer is service unto the Holy Name. I pray to you on behalf of all my Godbrothers and Godsisters that, despite our laziness and ignorance, we may perform quality service unto the Holy Name.

Thank you, Padmamali Prabhu, for giving me the opportunity to offer my Vyaspuja offering unto Gurumaharaj.

HG Hari Kirtan Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Hare Krishna Gurumaharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet.

Such a glorious day and a glorious moment for all of us to witness this most auspicious day. A few days back, I was contemplating how Srila Prabhupada gave names to his disciples, starting with the syllable of their previous names, like Richard Slavin became Radhanath Swami, John Gordan became Jayapataka Swami, Michael became Mukunda, and Keith became Kirtanananda Swami. However, when it came to naming my spiritual master, his previous name was Raghunath, but Srila Prabhupada named him Lokanath. Maharaj was so happy to receive this name as he sang every day, “Lokanath Lokera Jivan.”

I witnessed this in 1996 when we were celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. This unprecedented event that the whole world witnessed marked an important chapter in ISKCON’s history. Today, what we see in ISKCON is due to the pure devotion and dedicated efforts of the devotees who celebrated 1996. After that year, a revolutionary change occurred in ISKCON. We see hundreds of temples, thousands of Ratha Yatras, millions of followers, and millions of books being distributed. It is a glorious memory that Gurumaharaj was the Centennial Minister of that celebration in 1996. In Vrindavan, during that event, many of Srila Prabhupada’s Godbrothers attended, including HH Puri Swami Maharaj, who was 90 years old at that time. He came to the temple supported by two devotees, and when he started speaking, he glorified Lokanath Swami Maharaj. He said, “Only Lokanath Swami can connect every devotee around the world to celebrate this auspicious event of Bhaktivedanta Swami’s 100th birth anniversary.” I witnessed that day, and those words still resonate in my heart and mind.

We have seen how Maharaj was instrumental in connecting the whole world, reuniting Srila Prabhupada’s family, and establishing memorials for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. Hundreds of Padayatras all over the globe were organized under his leadership. We received news of new Padayatras starting in Czechoslovakia and Argentina. It was such a glorious year, and Gurumaharaj was the key to holding that festival.

Gurumaharaj, you are an embodiment of the shastras because all the scriptures speak univocally about how we, the most fallen souls of Kali Yuga, can trace our path back to Godhead. Your life, teachings, nature, and swabhav (behavior) draw us closer to Krishna. If we sincerely and strictly meditate upon your qualities, follow you, and try to please you, Krishna will be pleased.

Recently, a devotee in Nagpur told me, “HG Padmamali Prabhu is going back home to Godhead in this lifetime.” I was delighted to hear that. He said it is because Padmamali Prabhu serves Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj so closely and that Maharaj is very pleased with him.

As you always say:

Vithu Maza Lekurwala

Vithu maajha lekurawaala

Snge gopaalaancha mela

Gurumaharaj, we are your children, and you will not leave us behind. Recently in Ujjain, you shared your heart. Some incident took place, and we conditioned souls tend to take the easy path by leaving the situation. Something happened that made my mind contemplate such actions, but you mercifully explained that whatever happens to us in ISKCON, our ego will be smashed. Sometimes people will talk ill about us, but we should not allow negative thoughts to become our sankalpa (determination). The mind does two things: sankalpa (positive determination) and vikalpa (negative determination). During good times, our sankalpas are good, and we can continue with our services. However, during unfavorable times, our pratikula bhava (negative mindset) becomes our sankalpa, and we try to run away from our services, neglecting those who are negative towards us. You said to always make our sankalpa favorable to Krishna consciousness, which was such a powerful statement. 

I was contemplating your words, and I realized that your life is a living example of this. Despite rejections and blasphemies, you have always maintained a positive sankalpa, spreading Krishna consciousness and saving fallen souls. You were never affected by negative things that happened in ISKCON, which gave me immense strength.

Gurumaharaj, on this day, I seek your blessings to always hold on to your lotus feet and never allow any negative sankalpa to enter my mind, no matter what happens. Whatever happens to us in ISKCON is for our purification, and by holding on to your lotus feet, we will be able to please you to some degree.

Thank you so much, Padmamali Prabhu, for giving me the opportunity. Let us all celebrate this 75th Vyaspuja with great enthusiasm. 

Hare Krishna.

HG Vraj Bhumi Prabhuji’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Hare Krishna. HH Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj ki Jay. Srila Prabhupada ki Jay.

We are celebrating the 75th Vyaspuja of Gurumaharaj in Sri Vrindavan Dham, and our hearts are filled with happiness. According to my knowledge, this is happening for the first time on such a grand scale. Gurumaharaj always says that “My birth took place in Vrindavan in 1972 when Srila Prabhupada initiated me in Radha Damodar temple, so I consider my place of birth to be Vrindavan.” Now, we are celebrating his 75th Vyaspuja in Vrindavan.

Gurumaharaj is the treasure house of all good qualities, and he is the one who connects us with Krishna. I first met Gurumaharaj in 1996. I still remember that day. It was my first time in Vrindavan on the day of Sharad Purnima, and our HH Radheshyamanda Maharaj introduced me to Gurumaharaj. During my last birthday when I went to meet Gurumaharaj, I said, “I met you when I was 21 years old, 27 years ago.” He replied, “I also met Srila Prabhupada when I was 21 years old.”

When I first met Gurumaharaj, he asked me what I did, to which I replied that I was studying engineering. He said, “There are a lot of engineers; you become a preacher.” At that time, I was a new devotee and did not know the meaning of preaching, nor was I familiar with many English words. That was my first meeting with him.

Gurumaharaj gave me initiation in Vrindavan Dham, and during that time, I was introduced as being from Jhansi. He said I would go and preach in Jhansi. Although I was not ready to go to Jhansi, it was the desire of Gurumaharaj. So, after staying for five years in Vrindavan, I went to Jhansi. I do not have many qualifications, but the mercy of Gurumaharaj has been the only tool that keeps me engaged in Krishna consciousness, even as I grow older.

Gurumaharaj always expects us to become ideal followers of Srila Prabhupada. It is said that we should offer something to Gurumaharaj as an offering during Vyaspuja. Personally, I do not have anything material to offer him, but my desire is to somehow remain engaged in the service of preaching in Jhansi and give some result to please him.

On this auspicious occasion of the 75th Vyaspuja festival, I beg for his mercy so that I can continue to be engaged in his service. 

Hare Krishna. HH Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj ki Jay. Srila Prabhupada ki Jay.

HG Dinanukampa Mataji’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Hare Krishna, Gurudev. Please accept my most humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Dearest Gurudev, I have had the fortune to attend so many Vyaspujas and I have had the opportunity to serve many devotees as well. One thing I would like to express is that Gurudev embodies the principle of selfless service. This year, we will be having Vyaspuja in Vrindavan. Having this Vyaspuja in Vrindavan, when we usually have Vyaspuja every year in Pandharpur, is actually an expression of selfless service. It is service to all of us because we all want to have Vyaspuja in Vrindavan.

I recall way back in 1975 when Srila Gurudev received sannyas from Srila Prabhupada. Gurudev mentioned that he was thinking, “Now that I have received sannyas initiation, maybe I will be traveling here, there, and preaching.” However, Srila Prabhupada said, “No. Study here. You stay here and preach.” Gurudev has imbibed that instruction for 52 years. HG Ishtadev Prabhu mentioned that no matter where Gurudev is—be it on a call, in a flight, or in a train—Gurudev is always studying. Srila Prabhupada said, “No going to Vrindavan and studying. You preach.” So now, Gurudev is preaching but also studying, thereby following Srila Prabhupada’s principles.

Gurudev’s dedication to spiritual study is such a clear example to us of how we should serve—with humility, love, and compassion—always keeping our spiritual master’s instruction at the forefront. That is what our Gurudev has taught us. It is such a momentous occasion to be here amongst you all in the Dham, getting an opportunity to chant in the mornings. I recall in Pandharpur a couple of weeks ago, Gurudev said, “When you chant in the Dham, you are making a local call to Krishna, and we have got to remember that.” We also need to remember that when we chant with Srila Gurudev in the Dham, we are making a local call to Krishna. We should learn how our Gurudev chants the Holy Name of Krishna and imbibe that.

These are daily lessons, knowingly and unknowingly. Whether we want them or not, Gurudev constantly teaches and carries us. I need to say this: I never knew that I could do what I do now. I know that I am purely an embodiment of the mercy that is flowing. One devotee once said to me many years ago, “Hold onto your japa beads because your japa beads, once chanted on by your spiritual master, carry 5000 years of energy that he has transferred into those japa beads.” It is that power and mercy that I believe keep me going.

Gurudev, I am not going to take much time. I just wanted to say that serving with my Godbrothers and Godsisters has been an utmost honor. There are no words that can express my gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve the way I do. Finally, I would like to say that when disciples asked Srila Prabhupada, “How do you pay back?” Prabhupada said, “You do what I did.” I don’t know if I will ever be able to pay off my debt, but surely I will try, Gurudev. 

On behalf of all of us on this auspicious occasion, especially in the Holy Dham, I humbly beg for your mercy and blessings so that we may all reach a position where you do not have to come back for us. I heard yesterday morning in the temple that HH Jayapataka Maharaj asked Srila Prabhupada, “Do you have to come back if we do not make it back to Krishna?” Prabhupada said, “Yes.” So, let us never ever do that to Gurudev. 

Thank you very much.

Hare Krishna.

HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Hare Krishna, Gurudev. Please accept my most humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

A very happy 75th Vyaspuja, Gurudev. This year is very special for me because, by your mercy, I got to serve you and all the devotees on the occasion of the 75th Vyaspuja festival. Just like you celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, we also, throughout the year, received guidance and instructions to serve this festival. Because of this festival, you gave us the opportunity to serve. One of those services was to collect donations (Laxmi) for the Vyaspuja Festival celebration and the new temple construction project at Pandharpur. 

Starting from January 2024, my traveling throughout India and other places began. Seeing grand temples and devotees engaged in the service of Srila Prabhupada was exciting. Because of your mercy, I am part of this organization. From time to time, I felt your presence, especially since it was the first time I was traveling abroad on my own. Before this, I had the fortune to go on three foreign tours with you.

After the opening ceremony of ISKCON Rohini, on the auspicious occasion of the 75th Vyaspuja of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, I was honored to serve him. You said, “Jayapataka Maharaj is happy with your service, so I am also happy with you.” This shows how much you love your Godbrothers and expect the same type of loving exchanges among us. Please give us the strength to fulfill this desire.

After the Vyaspuja function, when I was leaving from Noida and taking permission for the foreign tour, your words “Take care of yourself and be in touch” were heart-touching. I felt your motherly affection and fatherly love. I was in tears, and the feeling of staying with you by canceling all my plans was strong. But then I remembered your words, “Whenever I give you service, I also empower you to complete that service.” With this in mind, I took your leave.

Before sending me on the foreign tour, you sent a mail to all the leaders and senior disciples, saying that you were sending me as a representative of all of us. This made me realize the deep bonding of a spiritual father and son between us. I got to meet many senior Godbrothers and Godsisters on this tour. Even though many disciples could not get physical association with their spiritual master, their dedication and submission were simply wonderful. I was fortunate to engage them in your service.

During my fourth tour to America, I visited Tompkins Square Park and 22nd Avenue—these holy places of Srila Prabhupada. A few days back, when HH Guruprasad Swami Maharaj visited Pandharpur, you took him to have the darshan of Lord Vitthal. Due to the rush, I was hesitant to come along, but you still took me for the darshan of Lord Vitthal. Because of you, I had a one-hour darshan of the Lord along with Sandhya Aarti, and I got the association of Your Holiness, HH Guruprasad Swami Maharaj, and HH Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaj. 

Just like this, whenever I get illusioned by lust or anger in the future, please drag me back to the service of the Lord. This is my humble request. When it is time for me to leave this body, my mind might try to stay in this material world. But you, with your scolding, will surely take me back home, back to Godhead. I am very sure of this.

You have taken up the task of carrying forward the mission of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. I am so grateful that you made me contribute to this mission. I am humbled that you considered me capable of doing service. Thank you so much for giving me services in your zone. I remember you saying, “If there is love, everything becomes easy.” 

I beg you to bless me with the mercy to fulfill all your desires. I pray to Sri Sri Radha Pandharinath to bless you with a very healthy life.

Your servant,  

Krishna Bhakta Das

 

HG Vansidhar Prabhuji’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

Hare Krishna. All Glories to HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj.

This 75th Vyaspuja was initially planned in Pandharpur. However, by the mercy of Gurumaharaj, the venue was changed to Vrindavan. When I first heard this, I was astonished—“How can Vyaspuja be celebrated in Vrindavan?” It soon became clear that it was Maharaj’s desire to celebrate Vyaspuja in Vrindavan, bringing together devotees from the North and the remaining devotees of Maharashtra in Pandharpur. 

For many years, I have been requesting Gurumaharaj to celebrate Vyaspuja in Noida. We have celebrated Vyaspuja many times in Pandharpur, so this time Maharaj decided to celebrate it in Vrindavan. To celebrate Vyaspuja in Vrindavan Dham is indeed a great fortune for us Godbrothers and Godsisters.

A few days ago, when Maharaj was in Noida, he said something very beautiful: “My birth was in Vrindavan; I am also a resident of Vraj.” I was very happy to hear this. I connected with Gurumaharaj during the Centennial celebration. I met Him in the Padayatra House and was so fortunate to witness Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial celebration. 

During that celebration, I was given a seva akin to that of a postman. I was very much overwhelmed to receive that service, which included mailing Srila Prabhupada’s books and various shastras. Just as we know, the Spiritual Master is a representative of the Lord, bestowing the mercy of the Lord upon us, Gurumaharaj has shown special mercy towards me. Although I am not qualified for such mercy, I am always aware of this. I remember this whenever Maharaj entrusts me with service for a big festival.

I have observed that Gurumaharaj is always pleased when He arrives in Noida. Maharaj has a special mercy on Noida. Many centers are flourishing in Noida, such as Jevar, Sector 151, Greater Noida, and more, all due to Maharaj’s mercy. This year, we had a grand celebration of the Jagannath Ratha Yatra. Maharaj even reviewed that this year’s Ratha Yatra celebration was the biggest among all the years.

Maharaj often says, “Noida is my Head Office.” I had the wonderful opportunity to serve Gurumaharaj here. I have witnessed many qualities of Maharaj, one of which is His humility. During the COVID period, Maharaj started the online Vraj Mandal Parikrama. At that time, 200-250 devotees were participating online. I requested Maharaj to address them for 5 to 10 minutes. Maharaj agreed, but instead of 10 minutes, He addressed the devotees for half an hour. 

Maharaj’s simplicity and straightforward nature are qualities I have observed closely. On this occasion, I humbly beg Gurumaharaj to continue granting us the service of hosting the festival of the 75th Vyaspuja celebration for North India devotees.

Hare Krishna. All Glories to HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj.

 

HG Jayatirtha Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival

 

Hare Krishna Gurumaharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances.

It is my great fortune to witness Gurumaharaj’s 50th Sanyas Anniversary two years ago here at Goverdhan and once again today at the 75th Vyaspuja Celebration in Vrindavan, at the Lotus Feet of Srimati Radha Rani. I am especially blessed to be able to offer my humble respects both previously and today before my Godbrothers and Godsisters.

This Vyaspuja is exceptionally significant—not only because it is the 75th Vyaspuja but also because Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu once asked Ramananda Raya, “After leaving all the places, where should one live?” Ramananda Raya responded, “Mahaprabhu, Vrindavan is the place where the Lord resides eternally; He performs His pastimes here.” Gurumaharaj has granted us a special opportunity to reside in Vrindavan, where we can relish Mahabhava, as Srimati Radha Rani is the embodiment of Mahabhava.

Earlier, Gurumaharaj authored a book on the Lord’s Name, Form, and Pastimes. Through this book, He has guided us on how to meditate on the Lord’s Name, Form, and Pastimes, and how to understand the Prema Pastimes of the Lord. When Gurumaharaj narrates these pastimes, it feels as though we are actually present, witnessing the pastimes live as He describes them.

Lord Chaitanya has showered His special mercy upon Gurumaharaj. We know Srila Prabhupada is the Senapati Bhakta of Mahaprabhu, and our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, is the same for Gurumaharaj. Hence, we are fortunate to receive Gurumaharaj as our spiritual master. Gurumaharaj preaches throughout the world through Sankirtana, and His nature is to give us the Love of Godhead. Even during this Vyaspuja, despite traveling day and night like a young boy, Gurumaharaj’s sole desire is to impart the Love of Godhead to us.

I have noticed that whenever Gurumaharaj extends His special mercy, the recipient immediately receives the seed of devotion unto the Lord. I, too, am an unqualified person, but by Gurumaharaj’s mercy, I am engaged in devotional service. Gurumaharaj’s entire being is immersed in the transcendental ecstasy of Srimati Radha Rani, as He continuously speaks about the pastimes of Radha and Krishna.

A few days ago, on 24th September, while Gurumaharaj was chanting the Holy Name of the Lord in the courtyard of the ISKCON temple, He called me and asked, “Do you want to come to Pandharpur?” I replied, “Yes.” Maharaj then said, “You have to come for doing service.” At that moment, Gurumaharaj assigned me the service of the Bhuvaikuntha Project. By the 2nd of the coming month, along with HG Padmamali Prabhu and HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu, we initiated the campaign for the 75th Vyaspuja, which has led to the grand festival we are celebrating today.

I humbly appeal to all devotees who have not yet decided to attend the festival: please book your tickets to Vrindavan and join us in celebrating this auspicious occasion with Gurumaharaj and all the devotees. We do not know if we will be present to celebrate the 100th Vyaspuja, but Gurumaharaj will surely be there.

For Gurumaharaj’s prolonged health, I was honored with the service of collecting Holy water from 75 holy places. Reflecting on the Centennial celebration of Srila Prabhupada, where Maharaj collected Holy water from 1108 places, I felt deeply fortunate to be able to serve in a similar capacity for Gurumaharaj.

During COVID, I conducted Ram Katha for 260 days. Gurumaharaj instructed me to establish Rama Rajya. Despite feeling unqualified, I complied with Gurumaharaj’s instruction and wrote a book on the deep secrets of Ramayana. Previously, I wrote a book on Grihasta Ashram and am currently working on another titled “Complete Knowledge of Bhakti Rasa,” based on the Nectar of Instruction. On the occasion of Gurumaharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja, I humbly seek His blessings so that we may all find joy in chanting the Holy Name of the Lord.

 

15 July 2024

Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Theme: Iskcon is our home 

 

Hare Krsna! 

 

I heartily welcome you all. I am welcoming you individually through my words. You all are mine and I love you all. Srila Prabhupāda used to address his disciples in his letters, “My dear spiritual sons and daughters!” Therefore, you are also my sons and daughters. I am your mother and father both. Hence, loving you all is natural from my side. My birthday party has been organized. Relatives and friends are invited to birthday parties. Of all my loved ones, you are my closest and dearest. How many of you join the zoom japa session? All who raised their hands, we chant together online everyday. Just today, we are chanting on the ground. We have been chanting with each other for the last 5 years. Hence, we are creating a family. One of the objectives of celebrating my 75th birthday or Amrit Mahotsava is that I want you all to love each other also apart from loving me. Then our loving dealings are complete. Family that prays together, stays together. We all are going to pray and stay together for the next 2-3 days. Let’s experience vasudev kutumbakam which means the whole world is one family, vasudha means Earth. Srila Prabhupāda established Iskcon for all of us. We have one world in which one family is living according to vasudev kutumbakam. But some people have divided the one family into many which has been considered as the low thinking. 

Ayam nijah paro veti gananaa laghuchetasam

Udaar charitaanam to vasudhaiwa kutumbakam.

Translation 

Only narrow minded persons have two different outlooks towards common matters relating to themselves and others, whereas for noble and broad minded persons the entire world is like their own  family.  (And their approach towards all matters is uniform, be it their own matter or that of others i.e. they are never partisan.)

Our Krsna conscious society is creating one family by joining us together. Iskcon is our home. Prabhupāda built a house in which the whole world can live. This movement was started by Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahāprabhu who is Radha and Krsna. 

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya, rādhā-kṛṣṇa nahe anya 

 

Translation 

 

“Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.”

 

Mahāprabhu made Srila Prabhupāda as senapati bhakta or the ambassador of the spiritual world whose army is all of us. And Prabhupāda is the commander-in-chief of this sankirtan army. He was a commander that’s why he went to foreign country via jalduta boat. He was also a devaduta who boarded jalduta. On the instruction of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura in Kolkata, Srila Prabhupāda went to foreign country to preach Krsna consciousness. According to the prediction of Caitanya Mahāprabhu, 

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma

sarvatra pracāra hoibe mora nāma

Translation 

“As many towns and villages there are on the surface of the globe,” sarvatra pracāra hoibe mora nāma, Lord Caitanya says, “everywhere people will know My name.” This is the prediction of Lord Caitanya. [CB Antya-khaṇḍa 4.126]

krsna se tomara, krsna dite paro,

tomara sakati ache

ami to’ kańgala, ‘krsna’ ‘krsna’ boli’,

dhai tava pache pache

 

Translation 

Krsna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, “Krsna! Krsna!” (Text 4, Ohe Vaisnava Thakura, Bhaktivinoda Thakura) 

Srila Prabhupāda has given everything to the world by giving Krsna to us. Vaasudevam sarvam iti, means ‘God is all there is.’ 

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna 

Krsna Krsna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama 

Rama Rama Hare Hare

Theme: Bombay is my office 

Bombay was Srila Prabhupāda’s office and we were the staff members in that office. When Prabhupāda used to come to Bombay, we would wait to receive him at the terminal building. He would walk like a king as he went and he conquered the world. 

param vijayate sri-krishna-sankirtanam, all glories to the Sri Krishna Sankirtana. 

brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva

guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja

Translation 

“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. (CC Madhya 19.151) 

I met Srila Prabhupāda by the mercy of Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Then it added value to my life. When the Hare Krsna festival was celebrated in Bombay at Prabhupāda’s time, everyone was new, including me. There were many American and European devotees. This surprised everyone. Prabhupāda would address all the western devotees as “This is a united nation of the spiritual world.” I heard, saw and experienced the kirtana for the first time that day when all the western devotees as a family were doing kirtana in the festival. And then I was convinced by the symptoms of such devotees. Then and there, I also became the property of the Holy Name. Holy Name is Krsna Himself. Ya akarshati sa Krsna, Krsna attracts everyone. Holy Name attracted me. 

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna 

Krsna Krsna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama 

Rama Rama Hare Hare

Holy Name has never left me since then and I too never want to leave the Holy Name. I have always wanted to serve others since childhood but didn’t know how to do it. Prabhupāda told us that the Lord is the root or seed giving father, like a tree has roots. 

(02:55:15) yathamul yesechanena trapyanti skandabhujo pashakha 

The world has been compared with a tree. If we water the roots of the tree, the stems, leaves, fruits, and flowers start growing; similarly the Lord is the root of the world. If we serve the Lord, all the living entities will be automatically served. 

This was the first thing I learned from Prabhupāda. I thought Prabhupāda had told this to me and with this, my spiritual life had begun. I lived in Bombay for four years as a brahmacari which was Prabhupāda’s office. Officer Prabhupāda would frequently visit Bombay. I also wrote one book, “Bombay is my office.” Because Prabhupāda used to say, “Bombay is my office, Mayapur is my place of pilgrimage and Vrindavan is my home.” I mentioned in my book that from 1971-77, Prabhupāda arrived in Bombay more than 80 times. Like a person spends more time in the office. We, as a brahmacari in Bombay temple, were the luckiest as we would get his association because Prabhupāda would come again and again to Bombay and stay there. Sometimes he would stay for a week and sometimes for 100 days. 

sādhu-saṅga’, ‘sādhu-saṅga’ — sarva-śāstre kaya

lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

Translation 

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success. (CC Madhya 22.54) 

Theme: Initiation in Vrindavan 

We reached Vrindāvana in 1972 Kartik month for the first time. Srila Prabhupāda used to stay at Damodar temple as Iskcon had not been established at that time. He would stay at Damodar temple before leaving for abroad before 1965. Then we had darshan of Radha Damodar and went to Prabhupāda’s quarter and sat there. I was astonished seeing Prabhupāda’s simplicity and humility as he was living in that quarter. I remembered six Goswamis living conditions. When we were sitting with Prabhupāda, I thought we would have confidential talks about Radha and Krsna, but he talked about Bombay Hare Krsna land and Radha Rasabihari of Bombay temple. He wanted to hear the reports from us. 

sri-radhika-madhavayor aparamadhurya-

lila guna-rupa-namnam

prati-kshanasvadana-lolupasya

vande guroh sri-charanaravindam

Translation 

The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Sri Sri Radhika and Madhava, and about Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. (Text 5, Sri Guruvashtakam) 

I was sitting in front of Prabhupāda in his quarter and he started sometimes staring at me. Then I thought to myself if I haven’t worn my clothes or buttoned properly or my tilak is not in place. I was confused as to why I was getting Prabhupāda’s attention. Then Prabhupāda said, “Stop it.” As I was shaking my legs violently. It has become my habit. (Text 5, Guruvashtakam) 

Spiritual master instructs us in two ways, vidhi (do this) and nishedh (don’t do it). This covers all his instructions. Hence, Prabhupāda instruction for me started from nishedh as he said, “Stop it.” With this, no intoxication, no meat eating, no gambling and no illicit sex is also a nishedh. For a month, we stayed with Prabhupāda in Vrindavan. Prabhupāda used to stay at Radha Damodar temple and we, his disciples, used to stay at Keshi Ghat in the palace of Bharatpur’s King. Prabhupāda used to dwell in a small place but accommodated us in a palace. On the day of Bahulashtami in Kartik month in Vrindavan  near Rupa Goswami’s samadhi and bhajan kutir in Radha Damodar temple, Prabhupāda chanted on my beads. Then he asked me to move forward and asked four regulative principles from me. I told him and then he gave me my beads and asked me to chant 16 rounds daily. Then he gave me my initiated name, “Lokanath.” He asked me to daily chant (vidhi),

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna 

Krsna Krsna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama 

Rama Rama Hare Hare 

With this, I became Prabhupāda’s property. I also wrote one book named conversation with Srila Prabhupāda. You all can read that. 

All glories to Srila Prabhupāda!

All glories to Vrindāvana Dham!

All glories to Krsna Balaram! 

Nitai Gaura Premanande Hari Hari Bol! 

 

Hare Krishna!

Date: 17 July 2024 

Speaker:  HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Topic: Meditation on Chanting (Vyasa Puja)

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj:

Hare Krishna!

Your meditative chanting will be the best homage on this auspicious day. Do your best chanting of your entire life. 

Vrindavan is my home. This is Prabhupada’s home too. Prabhupada used to say that chanting means talking to the Lord on the telephone. Here in Vrindavan Dham, chanting today on Devshayani Ekadasi is like calling Krishna. 

I was born on Devshayani Ekadasi. Ekadasi is also a festival. When we call Radha Krishna, it becomes a local call. You all can chant by watching Gopal Guru Goswami’s commentary on Hare Krishna Mahamantra. This will help you in your meditation. 

“May my interest in Harinam increase.” This is what we pray to Lord Krishna. Chanting is also a prayer. 

Hare: O Radhe! 

Nij seva yogya maa kuru: Make me worthy of your service. Gopal Guru Goswami tells us that such emotions should arise in us. 

Swa sevam aadesham: Order me to serve you. He gave us the meaning of every word in his commentary. 

Recite your pastimes to me or remind me of your Pastimes. 

Every name is meaningful. Every name is Radha Krishna. Gopal Guru Goswami is revealing the meaning of the names in this commentary. 

Give me a glimpse of those pastimes.

First there will be hearing and then there will be Darshana.  Go on, such thoughts should come to our mind.  This is desirable and expected to raise these kinds of thoughts in your mind. Be absorbed. We should pray that you engage me in your service.  Keep chanting.

21 July 2024

Guru Purnima Japa Talk – Pandharpur

The Spiritual Master – The Greatest Doctor

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja

Jaya Gurudev! Guru is the Lord. Guru and Krsna are non different. All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga! 

oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya

jñānāñjana-śalākayā

cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena

tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ

śrī-caitanya-mano-’bhīṣṭaṁ

sthāpitaṁ yena bhū-tale

svayaṁ rūpaḥ kadā mahyaṁ

dadāti sva-padāntikam 

Translation: 

I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him. When will Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhupāda, who has established within this material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under His lotus feet?(Mangalacharan1)

The spiritual master is a doctor. He operates on our eyes and makes us capable of seeing the Lord.

sri-guru-charana-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma

bando mui savadhana mate

jahara prasade bhai, e bhava toriya jai,

krsna-prapti hoy jaha ha’te

Translation: 

The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna. (Guru Vandana 1)

yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo

yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi

dhyāyan stuvaḿs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaḿ

vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

Translation: 

By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master. (Sri Gurvastakam 8)

The spiritual master does a home delivery of Krsna’s causeless mercy. He is not delivering his mercy, instead he delivers Krsna’s mercy. There are different categories of gurus – Diksha Guru, Vartm-pradarshak Guru. You all are Gurus. Some of you are Vartm-pradarshak gurus, some are siksha gurus and then there is the diksha guru. Another guru is Caitya Guru (Krsna vande jagad gurum). Arjuna was confused and then Krsna narrated Srimad Bhagavad-Gita to him. 

kārpaṇya-doṣhopahata-svabhāvaḥ

pṛichchhāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-chetāḥ

yach-chhreyaḥ syānniśhchitaṁ brūhi tanme

śhiṣhyaste ’haṁ śhādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam 

Translation: 

I am confused about my duty, and am besieged with anxiety and faintheartedness. I am Your disciple, and am surrendered to You. Please instruct me for certain what is best for me.(BG 2.7)

Bhagavad Gita has Krsna’s words. 

gita su-gita kartavya, kim anyaih shastra-vistaraih

ya svayam padmanabhasya, mukha-padmad vinihsrita 

Translation: 

Because Bhagavad-gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad-gita. In the present age, people are so absorbed in mundane activities that it is not possible for them to read all the Vedic literatures. But this is not necessary. This one book, Bhagavad-gita, will suffice, because it is the essence of all Vedic literature and especially because it is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Gita Mahatmya 4)

Krsna appeared in this world and He chose Arjuna to be an instrument to deliver a message to all of us. Krsna wrote a love letter to all of us.

man-manā bhava mad-bhakto

mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru

mām evaiṣyasi satyaṁ te

pratijāne priyo ’si me 

Translation: 

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. (BG. 18.65)

Krsna wants to see all of us with Him in His abode. Thus He has given us the manual and guide on how to reach there. The spiritual master acts like a messenger. Krsna wrote this letter, now it’s the time for its delivery. The spiritual master acts on behalf of Krsna, and he does not change or edit anything.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca

imaṁ vivasvate yogaṁ

proktavān aham avyayam

vivasvān manave prāha

manur ikṣvākave ’bravīt

Translation: 

The Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, said: “I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvān, and Vivasvān instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Ikṣvāku.” (BG. 4.1)

evaṁ paramparā-prāptam

imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ

sa kāleneha mahatā

yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa

Translation: 

This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost. (BG. 4.2)

Sometimes not all the postmen perform their duties properly. They make some changes. As a result the knowledge becomes contaminated. A non Vaisnava cannot act as a spiritual master. Only a Vaisnava, a devotee of Lord Vishnu can become a spiritual master. This world is full of gurus, but Krsna appoints the spiritual masters Himself. We also find some self appointed gurus – today’s Swami, tomorrow’s Narayana.

kṛṣṇa-bhakta — niṣkāma, ataeva ‘śānta’

bhukti-mukti-siddhi-kāmī — sakali ‘aśānta’ 

Translation: 

Because a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa is desire-less, he is peaceful. Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, jñānīs desire liberation, and yogīs desire material opulence; therefore they are all lusty and cannot be peaceful. (CC Madhya 19.149)

If the Guru is a Vaisnava, then he will also make those he comes into contact with a Vaisnava.

yānti deva-vratā devān

pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ

bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā

yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām 

Translation: 

Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me. (BG. 9.25)

There are people who would send you to ghosts and spirits. Then there are bona-fide spiritual masters who give Krsna or Panduranga. 

sampradāya-vihīnā ye mantrās te niṣphalā matāḥ 

Translation: 

If one wants to advance in spiritual power, one must receive his mantras from one of these bona fide sampradāyas; otherwise he will never successfully advance in spiritual life. (Padma Purana)

We cannot give any guarantees. The fruit of all endeavors is to attain Krsna. Attaining Krsna is the only success. Even Krsna accepted the disciplic succession. He accepted initiation and once He accepted the initiation, He said, “My spiritual master blessed Me with initiation. And then he asked Me to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

harer nāma harer nāma

harer nāmaiva kevalam

kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva

nāsty eva gatir anyathā 

Translation: 

In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way. (CC Madhya 6.242)

He found Me to be a great fool. Others will make you realize the truth, once they are carrying your body to the cremation ground. Mandodari told Ravana that because of his lusty desires he became compelled to kidnap Mother Sita and as a result he would now perish and vultures would eat him up.

krtaisa vidhava lanka

vayam ca kula-nandana

dehah krto ‘nnam grdhranam

atma naraka-hetave

Translation: 

O pleasure of the Raksasa dynasty, because of you the state of Lanka and also we ourselves now have no protector. By your deeds you have made your body fit to be eaten by vultures and your soul fit to go to hell. (SB 9.10.28)

Only a person who has accepted an acharya in his life,  gets to know Krsna. 

punarapi jananam punarapi maranam punarapi janani jathare sayanam,

iha samsare bahudusare krpaya’pare pahi murare

Translation: 

Being born again, dying again, and again lying in the mother’s womb; this samsara is extremely difficult to cross over. Save me, O destroyer of Mura, through your infinite compassion. (Bhaja Govindam 21)

Anāvṛttiḥ śabdāt means “liberation by sound”. The words of Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, etc can liberate us.

sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo

mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca

vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo

vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham

Translation: I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedānta, and I am the knower of the Vedas. (BG 15.15)

All these Vedas were awarded to us and they are known as Shabda Brahma. We have 108 Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam. In total there are around 4 lakh verses. All these scriptures make up the Sastras. The origin of all this knowledge are these Sastras given to us by Srila Vyasadev.

ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ

kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam

indrāri-vyākulaṁ lokaṁ

mṛḍayanti yuge yuge

Translation: 

All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the original Personality of Godhead. All of them appear on planets whenever there is a disturbance created by the atheists. The Lord incarnates to protect the theists. (SB 1.3.28)

Krsna is Apaurusheya (not of a man). Similarly all these scriptures are Apaurusheya. The soul has no birth and no death. It is eternal and Krsna is eternal.

na jāyate mriyate vā kadāchin

nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ

ajo nityaḥ śhāśhvato ’yaṁ purāṇo

na hanyate hanyamāne śharīre

Translation: 

The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die; nor having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The soul is without birth, eternal, immortal, and ageless. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed. (BG 2.20)

Knowledge regarding Krsna is eternal. The Bible says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It is a very beautiful statement. It’s similar to the question we generally ask, what came first  – the hen or the egg. Similarly what appeared first, Krsna or the knowledge about Him. The spiritual master delivers such knowledge to us.

 

Hare Krsna.

 

Japa Talk – 22nd July, 2024

Speaker – HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Topic – Guru Poornima

 

To all assembled devotees, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima, I extend my best wishes. From the side of Kṛṣṇa, who is Krishnam Vande Jagat Guru, the original guru; from Brahmaji, the first acharya of our Parampara; and from Srila Vyasadeva, who compiled all the scriptures for our benefit. From the side of the Sad-Goswamis, the acharyas of the Gaudiya Vaishnav Parampara, and from Srila Prabhupada, I extend my heartfelt wishes. May your journey be prosperous—not the journey to your homes in places like Solapur, Nagpur, or Kolhapur, but the journey to Vaikuntha.

 

tarko ’pratiṣṭhaḥ śrutayo vibhinnā

nāsāv ṛṣir yasya mataṁ na bhinnam

dharmasya tattvaṁ nihitaṁ guhāyāṁ

mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ

 

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued, “Dry arguments are inconclusive. A great personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. Simply by studying the Vedas, which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person. Consequently, as the śāstras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahājanas advocate.” [Cc. Madhya 17.186]

The path you are on is the one described by the saying “Mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ”—one must follow the path of the mahājanas. By following the paths laid out by these great souls, we will reach Vaikuntha. This is the ultimate goal of life.

 

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge

 

Translation

To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium. [Bg. 4.8]

There are many things that Kṛṣṇa does, but one key aspect is that He re-establishes the principles of religion and imparts them to us. The first word of the Bhagavad Gita is “Dharma,” and the last word, found in verse 18.78, is “Mama.” Together, they form “Mama Dharma,” meaning “my duty” or “my religion.” Prabhupada used to say that religion is simply the laws of the Lord.

 

ekaṁ śāstraṁ devakī-putra-gītam

eko devo devakī-putra eva

eko mantras tasya nāmāni yāni

karmāpy ekaṁ tasya devasya sevā

 

Translation

There need be only one holy scripture-the divine Gita sung by Lord Shri Kṛṣṇa: only one worshipable Lord-Lord Shri Kṛṣṇa: only one mantra-His holy names: and only one duty-devotional service unto that Supreme Worshipable Lord, Shri Kṛṣṇa.[Gītā-māhātmya 7]

 

Lord has given this in Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, but it is also said that “Ekam shastram Devaki Putram Gitam”. Only one scripture is sufficient and that is Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Lord also gave Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Veda, 18 Puranas, Mahabharat, 108 Upanishad, compilation of this is done by Srila Vyas Deva. Whose Vyas Poornima we are celebrating today, Lord becomes Srila Vyas Deva, shaktavesh avatar, and the Lord, who himself is knowledgeable. Lord means knowledgeable. That is why, Lord created all scriptures, Vyas Dev did compilation of all scriptures and gave us all. To know Kṛṣṇa these scriptures are mandatory. If there was no any scripture, we would not know about Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa cannot be seen by seeing; by hearing we can see him. Hearing is believing is said, but hearing is seeing also. Hear about lord is seeing lord. By studying and hearing scriptures 

 

Apuliya hita jo ase jagata, dhanya matapita tayachiya

Kuli kanyaputra hoti ji saatvik, tayacha harikh wate deva

Geeta Bhagwat kariti shravan, akhand chintan Vithobache

Tuka mahne maj ghado tyachi seva, tari mazya daiva paar naahi

 

Translation

Saint Tukaram is praising pious persons in this abhanga. Parents of a person, who knows what is in his best interest, are really blessed (by having given birth to him)! Even God is overjoyed about those persons in whose clan children of pious thoughts are born. Where there is unceasing reading of Bhagawat Geeta, Bhagwat and contemplation of Lord Vitthal; If people in such place are served by me, then I will consider my fortune as unparalleled. [by Saint Tukaram] 

 

We can see Kṛṣṇa by the eyes of scriptures, Shakstra chakshusa. We need glasses made up of scriptures, then only we can see Kṛṣṇa clearly. It is said Sadhu, Shastra, Acharya but Sadhu, Acharya teaches scriptures only. By the help scriptures Sadhu, Acharya gives us darshan of Lord, Scriptures are also called as Shad-darshan. Darshan of Lord is possible by studying, hearing and chanting of scriptures. These scriptures were given to us when the Lord appeared in the form of Srila Vyas Deva and in the same Parampara we Gaudiya Vaishnav our first Acharya is Bramha.  

 

oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
janmādy asya yato ’nvayād itarataś cārtheṣv abhijñaḥ svarāṭ
tene brahma hṛdā ya ādi-kavaye muhyanti yat sūrayaḥ
tejo-vāri-mṛdāṁ yathā vinimayo yatra tri-sargo ’mṛṣā
dhāmnā svena sadā nirasta-kuhakaṁ satyaṁ paraṁ dhīmahi

 

Translation

O my Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of Vasudeva, O all-pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. I meditate upon Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa because He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance, and destruction of the manifested universes. He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations, and He is independent because there is no other cause beyond Him. It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmājī, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal. I therefore meditate upon Him, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is eternally existent in the transcendental abode, which is forever free from the illusory representations of the material world. I meditate upon Him, for He is the Absolute Truth. [SB 1.1.1]

 

The Lord revealed transcendental knowledge in the heart of Brahma, the adi-kavi, or the original poet. Brahma then imparted this knowledge to Narada Muni, who in turn shared it with Srila Vyasadeva. This lineage continued through Madhavendra Puri and Sri Kṛṣṇa Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, becoming part of that esteemed sampradaya. This lineage includes the Six Goswamis, Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur, Gaur Kishor Das Babaji Maharaj, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. All these revered figures are gurus.

 

Although gurus may appear as different personalities, the Guru is a principle, a divine potency. This potency manifests through various individuals, embodying the essence of the one Guru. The Guru has existed since the beginning of creation. When Brahma was the only person in the universe, Kṛṣṇa made Brahma the guru, imparting knowledge to him. This guru-parampara has continued ever since, with each guru and acharya explaining the scriptures and imparting divine knowledge to us.

 

oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya

jñānāñjana-śalākayā

cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena

tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ

 

Sub-topic – Service to Spiritual master

 

On this day, we offer frequent obeisances at the feet of our Diksha Guru and express our deep gratitude. It is also a day to deepen our surrender and take up more services. Today is also the day of Guru-Puja. While puja may be performed for a few minutes, Guru-Puja extends beyond mere worship; it is not limited to it. We can serve the Guru 24 hours a day by faithfully following His instructions.

 

yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi
dhyāyan stuvaḿs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaḿ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam 

Translation

By the mercy of the spiritual master, one receives the benediction of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master. [8, Sri Guruvastakam]

We should remember our Guru in the morning, noon, and evening, meaning we should continuously follow the instructions of our Spiritual Master. By doing this, we always remain in the association of our Guru. There are two ways to serve the Guru: Vapu-seva and Vani-seva.

Vapu-seva involves serving the physical presence of the Guru, such as cooking for Him, washing His clothes, or driving Him. This type of service is limited by the Guru’s physical presence.

Vani-seva, on the other hand, involves serving through the Guru’s teachings and instructions, which can be done at any time and in any place. This service continues even after the Guru has departed to Kṛṣṇa’s abode.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur instructed Srila Prabhupada, “If you ever get money, print books.” Srila Prabhupada followed this guidance diligently. Although he initially struggled with finances in India, upon traveling abroad, Kṛṣṇa provided him with ample resources. This led to the establishment of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT).

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur also encouraged Srila Prabhupada to preach in English. Following this, Srila Prabhupada translated the scriptures into English and took them to foreign lands. There, he asked his disciples to translate his books into as many languages as possible. The term “Vyas” means “expander,” and Srila Prabhupada embodied this role by expanding the scriptures into English, and from there, into numerous other languages. This is the essence of expansion.

 

Sub-topic – Book distribution

 

chakhu-dan dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei
divya-jnan hride prokashito
prema-bhakti jaha hoite, avidya vinasha jate
vede gay jahara charito

Translation

He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character. [from Guru Vandana]

 

This knowledge is imparted by the Lord through texts such as the Gita, Upanishads, and Bhagavatam. Srila Prabhupada’s International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness (ISKCON) has published and distributed these scriptures in many languages worldwide. Srila Prabhupada once said, “Book printing and book distribution will be the most pleasing activities to me; this is the dearest service.” Through this endeavour, the essence of his mission is fulfilled.

 

oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya

jñānāñjana-śalākayā

cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena

tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ

 

 Srila Prabhupada’s books are opening the eyes of millions, bringing the science of God to people everywhere. Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur instructed Srila Prabhupada, “You are intelligent; go preach the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness in foreign countries. Print books if you ever get the opportunity.” This instruction from his spiritual master was pivotal. Similarly, I have received many instructions from Srila Prabhupada. Some of these are general, such as “Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and be happy,” “Follow the four regulative principles,” and “Chant a minimum of 16 rounds,” which are common guidelines for all devotees. However, at times, the spiritual master bestows special mercy through unique instructions. I was fortunate to receive such an instruction from Srila Prabhupada: “You do Padayatra with a bullock cart and start a sankirtan party.” Srila Prabhupada observed that while Hari-nama sankirtan was thriving in big cities, the majority of India’s population lived in villages. He was concerned about reaching those in remote areas who were in distress. Thus, he devised the Padayatra strategy to fulfill the prophecy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi-grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma

Translation

He wanted that everywhere, in every nook and corner of this world — every city, every town, every village, there should be the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra. [Chaitanya Bagavat]

 

Sub-topic – Preaching

 

In fulfilling the purpose of spreading the holy name, Srila Prabhupada instructed me to preach the holy name using a bullock cart. I am striving to follow this instruction and seek your support. I need your help. I need help, I need help. The Lord desires to reach every living being He longs to connect with each jiva. In the form of His holy names, He is calling out, “Take me, take me” with the chanting of 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna 

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama 

Rama Rama Hare Hare.

 

Kṛṣṇa is eager and enthusiastic, persistently working to re-establish His relationship with every jiva. This connection is achieved through devotional service and the process of chanting. This was the instruction given to me.

Srila Prabhupad observed that Maharashtra, or indeed all of India, is a land rich in the legacy of saints like Tukaram. However, political leaders, actors, and other figures have tarnished this legacy. Prabhupad emphasized awakening Kṛṣṇa consciousness by spreading it to the masses. This was an instruction I received. To effectively preach Maharashtra, I thought it would be impactful to establish strong projects in Pandharpur, as it is a spiritual center attracting people from every village and town in Maharashtra. Thus, we initiated the “Bhuvaikuntha” project, which is now coming to fruition.

In alignment with Prabhupad’s instructions, we began the “Bhuvaikuntha” project, and I seek your support in this endeavor. Are you ready to help? We are all part of the same home; ISKCON is our global home. Prabhupad envisioned ISKCON as a place where the entire world could find refuge. You are all part of this family, and I love you all. As your siksha guru and diksha guru, I see myself as a spiritual father to thousands of children, even though a sannyasi traditionally does not have biological children.

Just as Lord Vitthal considers all his devotees as his children, so does the Guru, who is also a spiritual father. Srila Prabhupad used to address his disciples as “My dear spiritual sons and daughters.” We are one family, and this discussion is a family matter. If Srila Prabhupad wanted this, if Lord Vitthal desires it, and if I wish for it too, then do you also want it? The key is to have a strong will. Intense will.  Where there is will, there is a way. If you have the desire, you will find a way. You will collect the necessary funds with determination. I wish to offer this temple to my spiritual master, just as you should offer it to your spiritual master, and my spiritual master to his spiritual master, and so forth, ultimately offering it to the Lord.

In Aravade, we began our preaching activities. Initially, I used to go there to celebrate the Hare Kṛṣṇa festival. When Srila Prabhupad was present, I sent him a report about the festival, mentioning that one person had taken the resolution to chant 16 rounds daily. Prabhupad responded by instructing me to make that person a representative of ISKCON in the village. When I read this, I understood that Prabhupad intended for an ISKCON temple to be established there. Consequently, I established an ISKCON temple in Aravade. We are also building a temple in Nagpur because it was Prabhupad’s desire. All the services I perform are aligned with Prabhupad’s instructions. For the past 50-55 years, I have been following Prabhupad’s directive to chant 16 rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahamantra.

In Nagpur, around 1971-72, when Prabhupad was with his Western disciples, he used a large map of India and indicated where ISKCON centres should be established. Nagpur, being the geographical centre of India, was one of those key locations. Prabhupad emphasized that ISKCON must be present there.

When I later became the Maharashtra Zonal Secretary, I remembered Prabhupad’s desire for a temple in Nagpur, so we began constructing one there as well. Although I don’t mention it often, Srila Prabhupad used to appreciate my kirtans. Tamal Kṛṣṇa Goswami Maharaj, Srila Prabhupad’s secretary, would often say, “Prabhupad, Lokanath Swami is here. Would you like him to do kirtan?” I always perform kirtan with the thought that it pleases Srila Prabhupad, and this thought continually inspires me.

Srila Prabhupad wrote to me, instructing me to distribute more books, open more temples, and connect many devotees to ISKCON. Today, Veni Madhav Prabhu from Bengaluru recalled a memory with Srila Prabhupad in his room at Hare Kṛṣṇa Land, Juhu. In those days, ISKCON faced significant opposition and was criticized as being associated with the CIA or as a movement for hippies, with some even claiming that ISKCON’s presence was a threat to national security. Despite these challenges and widespread scepticism, I was among the few who joined. Prabhupad told me, “We need more men like you.” We continue to strive to connect more people to the movement, fulfilling Prabhupad’s desire.

When I see you in this number, I remember Prabhupad’s word “more men like you”, those men are you, more men, more men, women also like you. It is needed, since you came, please take resolution that this home, family you will never leave. You will stay connected, and you will expand it. You will do more book distribution, you will do more Hari namm sankirtan, you will do more prasad distribution, you will study Prabhupad books. Prabhupad use to complaints in early days that my disciple’s doesn’t give much time to read my books. Thus, I desire, this complaint should not come from you, you should not only distribute books, distribute books, distribute books but also read my books, read my books, read my books you must do. 

We are also establishing the Rupanuga Vidyapith, as HH Sundar Chaitanya Maharaj explained. The purpose of this institution is to deepen the study of Srila Prabhupad’s books and other scriptures, enhancing your knowledge and fostering greater love for Kṛṣṇa.

premāñjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena
santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti
yaṁ śyāmasundaram acintya-guṇa-svarūpaṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi 

Translation

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is Śyāmasundara, Kṛṣṇa Himself with inconceivable innumerable attributes, whom the pure devotees see in their heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of love.[BS 5.38]

kibā vipra, kibā nyāsī, śūdra kene naya
yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā, sei ‘guru’ haya

Translation

“Whether one is a brāhmaṇa, a sannyāsī or a śūdra — regardless of what he is — he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa.”[Cc. Madhya 8.128]

 

Sub-topic – Instructions for disciple’s

 

A person, regardless of being a śūdra, woman, or mallecha, who understands the science of Kṛṣṇa, can become a Guru. On this Guru Poornima, let this be your resolution or an encouragement to increase your efforts to become spiritual masters. While becoming a Diksha Guru might be for some, every one of you can strive to become a Shiksha Guru and expand these teachings. This can be achieved through distributing Srila Prabhupad’s books and constructing temples.

amara ajnaya guru haya tara ei desha

jare dekho tare kaha krsna upadesa

yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa

āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa

 

Translation

“Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa as they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land.”.”[ CC Madhya 7.128]

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the Lord Himself, instructed Nityananda Prabhu, the adi guru (Balaram), and Haridas Thakur, who is Brahma, to visit every house. Their directive was clear: preach the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to everyone.

 

prabhura ājñāy, bhāi, māgi ei bhikṣā

bolo `kṛṣṇa,’ bhajo kṛṣṇa, koro kṛṣṇa-śikṣā

 

Translation

O people of faith! O people of faith! By the order of Lord Gauranga, O brothers, I beg these three requests of you: Chant “Krsna!”, worship Krsna, and teach others about Krsna.[ Nadiya Godrume Nityananda Mahajana Text 2]

This is the work you all must undertake. When Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu stayed at the house of a Brahmana in Kurma Kshetra, He instructed the Brahmana, “āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa,” meaning, “By My order, become a guru and preach in this country.” Although the Brahmana was a householder and not a sannyasi, Mahaprabhu ordered him to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Similarly, regardless of whether you are a lady, gentleman, brahmachari, grihastha, vanaprastha, or sannyasi, you must continue to preach and expand your efforts. This will not only please Srila Prabhupad but also me. Are you ready? 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

 

Keep performing kirtan, chanting, following the four regulative principles, and studying Srila Prabhupad’s books. I am summarizing this message: always stay connected to ISKCON and engage in practical services to the best of your ability and desire.Thank you! I wish you the best!

28 July 2024

Disappearance day of Srila Lokanath Goswami

Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Jai Jai Sri Chaitanya Jai Nityananda! I welcome you all. Today is the disappearance day of Srila Lokanath Goswami. So we will discuss his pastimes. 

je anilo prema-dhana koruna pracur

heno prabhu kotha gela Lokanath-thakur (Je Anilo 1)

Translation: He who brought the treasure of divine love and who was filled with compassion and mercy—where has such a personality as Lokanath Acarya gone?

We know where he has gone. He has entered the eternal pastimes of the Lord. But we are bereft of his physical association. Lokanath Goswami was an associate of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He was Manjulali Manjari in Krsna lila. And as per the will of Krsna he appeared in this world.

We had visited his Samadhi at Bangladesh. Padmamali Prabhu could arrange the darshans of pastime places related to Srila Lokanath Goswami. His worshipable Deity was Sri Sri Radha Vinod ji. His temple is at Jaipur. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Bangladesh, Lokanath Goswami wanted to come along with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stopped him and instructed him to serve his parents till their end of life. Later on after his parents died, Lokanath Goswami visited Sri Navadip dham. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was 24 years old by then and he wanted to take Sannyas. And this was unbearable to everyone specially Srila Lokanath Goswami.

Thus Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked him to go to Vrindavan. He assured him that I’ll come to Vrindavan. But later on Sachi Mata asked Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to stay at Sri Jagannath Puri and not to go to Vrindavan. Later on when Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to South India, Lokanath Goswami followed but by then Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had left South India for Sri Vrindavan Dham.

Lokanath Goswami ran back towards Sri Vrindavan Dham but by the time he reached Vrindavan, he got the news that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is heading back towards Sri Jagannath Puri Dham and he is at Prayagraj at present. He was about to leave for Prayagraj but then Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructed him to stay at Sri Vrindavan Dham always and to never leave Sri Vrindavan Dham ever.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya,
rādhā-kṛṣṇa nahe anya (Chaitanya Bhagavat)

Translation: Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

Thus Lokanath Goswami could never meet Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in person ever after. He also has a very intense desire to serve the deities of the Lord. To satisfy this desire, Krsna himself appeared and handed over his Deity form to Srila Lokanath Goswami. That form was Sri Sri Radha Vinod ji. Though we hear that there were 6 Goswami’s of Vrindavan.

he radhe vraja-devike ca lalite he nanda-suno kutah
sri-govardhana-kalpa-padapa-tale kalindi-vane kutah
ghoshantav iti sarvato vraja-pure khedair maha-vihvalau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau (Shad Goswami Astakam 8)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who were chanting very loudly everywhere in Vrindavana, shouting, “Queen of Vrindavana, Radharani! O Lalita! O son of Nanda Maharaja! Where are you all now? Are you just on the hill of Govardhana, or are you under the trees on the bank of the Yamuna? Where are you?” These were their moods in executing Krishna consciousness.

krishnotkirtana-gana-nartana-parau premamritambho-nidhi
dhiradhira-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pujitau
sri-caitanya-kripa-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bharavahantarakau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau (Shad Goswami Astaka 1)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who are always engaged in chanting the holy name of Krishna and dancing. They are just like the ocean of love of God, and they are popular both with the gentle and with the ruffians, because they are not envious of anyone. Whatever they do, they are all-pleasing to everyone, and they are fully blessed by Lord Caitanya. Thus they are engaged in missionary activities meant to deliver all the conditioned souls in the material universe.

But in some places we also read that there were 8 Goswami’s in Vrindavan – Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami and the other 4 Goswami’s + Lokanath Goswami + Bhu Garbha Goswami. Just like other Goswami’s of Vrindavan, Lokanath Goswami would also wander around the holy land of Vraja. There is a place named Khadirvan where Lokanath Goswami established his Bhajan kutir.

Other Goswami’s had their temples in Vrindavan which is known as Sapta Devalya. But Lokanath Goswami would worship his Lordships in his heart. He would carry his Lord around his neck.

nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau sad-dharma-samsthapakau
lokanam hita-karinau tri-bhuvane manyau saranyakarau
radha-Krsna-padaravinda-bhajananandena mattalikau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau (Shad Goswami Astaka 2)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who are very expert in scrutinizingly studying all the revealed scriptures with the aim of establishing eternal religious principles for the benefit of all human beings. Thus they are honored all over the three worlds and they are worth taking shelter of because they are absorbed in the mood of the gopis and are engaged in the transcendental loving service of Radha and Krishna.

Once he was chanting the Holyname , he was completely absorbed in this process right from early in the morning till afternoon. By then it was time to offer Raj Bhoga to the Lord. But he had no external consciousness. Radha Vinod was worried, when will he offer Raja Bhoga to me.

Then Krsna himself appeared as Lokanath Goswami and cooked Raja Bhoga. The servant who was assisting Lokanath Goswami came out to take something. Then he saw, Lokanath Goswami was busy chanting and he was completely absorbed in it. And then again he went to the Kitchen. There he saw, Lokanath Goswami was cooking.

Then he could understand that Radha Vinod has himself appeared to cook. Such pastimes would happen with him. But he wouldn’t let them be shared in public.

vairāgya-vidyā-nija-bhakti-yoga-
śikṣārtham ekaḥ puruṣaḥ purāṇaḥ
śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya-śarīra-dhārī
kṛpāmbudhir yas tam ahaṁ prapadye (CC Madhya 6.254)

Translation: Let me take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who has descended in the form of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu to teach us real knowledge, His devotional service and detachment from whatever does not foster Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He has descended because He is an ocean of transcendental mercy. Let me surrender unto His lotus feet.

He wanted to avoid any name, fame or glory. He requested Krsna Das Kaviraj Goswami to not mention his name anywhere in Chaitanya Charitamrita. He would say, I am not worthy.

na dhanam na janam na sundarim
kavitam va jagad-isha kamaye
mama janmani janmanishvare
bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi (Shikshastakam 4)

Translation: O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful women, nor do I want any number of followers. I only want your causeless devotional service, birth after birth.

He had a pledge that he would never accept any disciple. But he had to break his pledge because of Srila Narottam Das Thakura.

śrī-nārada uvāca
brahmacārī gurukule
vasan dānto guror hitam
ācaran dāsavan nīco
gurau sudṛḍha-sauhṛdaḥ (ŚB 7.12.1)

Translation: Nārada Muni said: A student should practice completely controlling his senses. He should be submissive and should have an attitude of firm friendship for the spiritual master. With a great vow, the brahmacārī should live at the gurukula, only for the benefit of the guru.

Even though Narottam Das Thakura was born as a Prince, but he accepted his service attitude. He would clean the place every morning where Srila Lokanath Goswami would go to pass stool. Such humility, forced Srila Lokanath Goswami to break his vow.

sri-guru-charana-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma
bando mui savadhana mate
jahara prasade bhai, e bhava toriya jai,
Krsna-prapti hoy jaha ha’te (Sri Guru Vandana 1)

Translation: The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna.

This Guru Vandana prayers which we sing every morning, were actually composed by Srila Narottam Das Thakura as an offering to Srila Lokanath Goswami Maharaj.

sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu
lokanath lokera jivana
ha ha prabhu koro doya, deho more pada-chaya
ebe jasha ghushuk tribhavana (Sri Guru Vandana 4)

Translation: Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds. We take shelter of your lotus feet. You are the friend of the most fallen.

Instructions of the spiritual master should be the life and soul of a disciple. And there should be no other desires. Once I was leading Kirtan in Srila Prabhupada’s quarters at Sri Vrindavan Dham. And then I asked Srila Prabhupada, Prabhupada is there anything I can do for you to get healed? Srila Prabhupada replied, No just chant Hare Krsna. Lead Kirtan and then he said, ar na koriho mane asha. This comes from here,

guru-mukha-padma-vakya, chittete koriya aikya,
ar na koriho mane asha
sri-guru-charane rati, ei se uttama-gati,
je prasade pure sarva asha (Sri Guru Vandana 2)

Translation: Make the teachings emanating from the lotus mouth of our spiritual master one with your heart, and do not desire anything else.  Attachment to his lotus feet is the best way to make spiritual advancement. His mercy fulfills all desires for spiritual perfection.

Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked Lokanath Goswami to never leave Vrindavan. And Lokanath Goswami Prabhupada instructed Srila Narottam Das Thakura to go back to Bengal and preach Krsna consciousness there. Similar instructions Acharya tree received from Srila Jiva Goswami Prabhupada also. 

Also very similar instructions, I had also received from Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada instructed me to go to Mayapur from Sri Vrindavan Dham through Bullock cart. First he asked us to go to Sri Mayapur Dham. And then once we reached Sri Mayapur Dham then he asked us to go to Sri Jagannath Puri Dham from there.

Once we reached Sri Jagannath Puri Dham and Srila Prabhupada was pleased with our service. Then he said, We could have millions of such carts. Devotees would have Darshans of Sri Sri Radha Vinod at Jaipur. Whenever I visit there I make sure to have their Darshans. Make sure to take their Darshans the next time you visit Jaipur.

barhāpīḍaṁ naṭa-vara-vapuḥ karṇayoḥ karṇikāraṁ
bibhrad vāsaḥ kanaka-kapiśaṁ vaijayantīṁ ca mālām
randhrān veṇor adhara-sudhayāpūrayan gopa-vṛndair
vṛndāraṇyaṁ sva-pada-ramaṇaṁ prāviśad gīta-kīrtiḥ (ŚB 10.21.5)

Translation: Wearing a peacock-feather ornament upon His head, blue karṇikāra flowers on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayantī garland, Lord Kṛṣṇa exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Vṛndāvana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints. He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories.

This is how Srila Sukhdev Goswami has explained the transcendental form of the Lord. Here we can see his Samadhi Temple. You can have his Darshans and pray so that we could also attain Sri Krsna.

chakshu-dan dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei
divya-jnan hride prokashito
prema-bhakti jaha hoite, avidya vinasha jate
vede gay jahara charito (Sri Guru Vandana 3)

Translation: He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.

We should pray that may the Guru Parampara bless us with the transcendental knowledge. Let us pray like this at the Lotus feet of Srila Lokanath Goswami. Let’s try to understand his personality. I really like Lokanath Goswami Prabhupada’s personality.

śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ
kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ
brahma-karma svabhāva-jam (Bg. 18.42)

Translation: Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness – these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work.

As Srila Prabhupada blessed me with his name, Srila Prabhupada made me Lokanath Swami. Though I received his transcendental name but I don’t know when I will develop the qualities like Srila Lokanath Goswami. I am Lokanath for name sake only. But I am trying my best to attain this. 

mach-chittā mad-gata-prāṇā bodhayantaḥ parasparam

kathayantaśh cha māṁ nityaṁ tuṣhyanti cha ramanti cha (BG 10.9)

Translation: With their minds fixed on Me and their lives surrendered to Me, My devotees remain ever content in Me. They derive great satisfaction and bliss in enlightening one another about Me and in conversing about My glories.

I offer such my prayers for success in this attempt, you can also pray on my behalf. There are some additional pictures from Sri Vrindavan Dham – Sri Sri Gokulananda temple. Here we can see Srila Lokanath Goswami and Srila Narottam Das Thakura. Srila Lokanath Goswami is holding Sri Sri Radha Vinod ji in one hand and on the other hand he is holding his chanting beads.

This is how they gave Holyname to this world. When Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Bangladesh, there he had performed kirtan along with Lokanath Goswami. Lokanath Goswami Prabhupada’s father was also a very great devotee. He had studied under the guidance of Srila Advaitacharya at Shantipur.

You can also share these pastimes during the day. You can pass on the mercy of Srila Lokanath Goswami with others. You can search the biography and sketches of Srila Lokanath Goswami and go through that during the day. 

This is the picture of Bhajan kutir at Khadirvan. He received Radha Vinod ji at this place. This is his birthplace at Bangladesh. ISKCON was planning to purchase this land. This discussion was going on when I visited Bangladesh last time. Bangladesh was part of Bengal only, East Bengal. Many associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came from there.

Thank you. Hare Krsna.