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Srila Acharya Maharaj’s Appearance Day Prasadam Distribution

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Friday, October 16th, 2020 in Events

Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj

pujya-sri-guru-varga-vandita-
mahabhavanvitayah sada
paurvaparya-parampara-prachalita-
prajya-pramurtakrteh
bhakter nirmala-nirjharasya
nibhrtam samraksakam sadaram
vande sri-gurudevam anata-sira
acharya-varyam nijam

I bow my head in eternal obeisance to my Gurudev, the best of acharyas, Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj. He is the ever vigilant, stalwart guardian of the current of pure devotion whose highest form flows from our most worshippable Sri Rupanuga Guru-varga in their exclusive dedication to Mahabhav, Srimati Radharani.

prerakam prachya-paschatya-
sisyanam bhakti-vartmani
bhakti-nirmalam-acharya-svaminam
pranamamy aham

I offer my respectful obeisances to Swami Bhakti Nirmal Acharya, who is energetically inspiring all of Eastern and Western disciples on the path of pure devotion.

Dear devotees and friends,

This Saturday, October 17th, we are celebrating Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj’s divine appearance day! This is a very auspicious and sweet day and even through by the Lord’s divine arrangement we cannot all be together now we want to distribute prasadam on this beautiful day!

Please email vrindaji@yahoo.com if you wish to pick up a plate or four, and drive by our Ashram from 12:30-2 pm for a little piece of a feast in honor of our affectionate Acharya and Guardian. Please forgive any offenses I make in this attempt to serve Srila Acharyadev and all the devotees.

In service,

Vrinda Devi Dasi

Srila Acharya Maharaj’s Website:

Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu’s news from his travels in India

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Sunday, December 11th, 2016 in Nabadwip

All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!

The following is an interview with Hasyapriya Prabhu, who just spent three weeks in India visiting some of our centers there:

Which centers did you visit in India?

By the mercy of Srila Gurudev and the devotees I was able to be in Govardhan for the annual Govardhan puja festival. Uma Devi and the local devotees hosted a very wonderful festival that was attended by many vaishnavas, both from around the world and from India. Then we spend some time in Vrindavan visiting some of the temples there, under the guidance of Sripad Madhusudan Maharaj, Sripad Mangal Maharaj and many other senior devotees of our mission. Next I went to Nabadwip and with Srila Acharya Maharaj’s association, we visited some of the holy places around Nabadwip. At the end of my visit, we spent several days at the Sevak Bhavan in Kolkata, where Srila Acharya Maharaj took some time to rest and take care of his health.

How is Srila Acharya Maharaj’s health?

I am always amazed at how much energy and dedication Srila Acharya Maharaj has! When he is operating on less than 100% good health, still he is functioning many, many times more than I am, even if my health is great! But his health has definitely improved and continues to improve more day by day.

What is the current situation in Nabadwip?

The opposition group leads the kirtans during the arotiks at the samadhis and the nath mandir. They are visible, but not prominent. There are morning and evening programs in the Centenary building daily and when his health and schedule allow, Srila Acharya Maharaj, leads those programs. If a senior devotee is there, then he will give a class to the other western devotees. For me there was no problem moving around the Math premises and paying obeisances to Srila Govinda Maharaj, Srila Srila Maharaj or Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharva Govinda Sundar. Also walking around Sri Govinda Kund was both beautiful and peaceful.

Is it safe for devotees to travel there?

Is it safe anywhere in this material world? I was more concerned with being involved in a traffic accident or just walking across the road while I was in India, than I was concerned for my safety at the Math. I have heard some devotees warn that it is not safe to go to Nabadwip and therefore they recommend not going there. I cannot agree with this position. When Srila Janardan Maharaj recently visited Nabadwip, I asked him if he felt “safe” there. His answer was since when did we concern ourselves with “safety” when it came to executing the order of our Gurudev?

Around the world we hear of many devotees who are arrested, physically threatened and sometimes assaulted, and experience many other difficulties while they are trying to execute their service. Russia, China, Venezuela, to name just a few of those places.

Since the disappearance of Srila Govinda Maharaj, some devotees are thinking “why should I go to India?”

I can only answer this question for myself – why do I go to India? When Srila Govinda Maharaj was physically present, we went to India regularly for his holy association and felt so enlivened to sit in his darshans and hear whatever subject he spoke about. We couldn’t think of anywhere else we wanted to be, except with him.

Sometimes I think that there are many people in opposition to Srila Acharya Maharaj. So I hope that when I go there, I can just be one person in the crowd that is giving him my affectionate support, offering an affectionate smile.

Srila Govinda Maharaj made his desire very clear to us as evidenced by this statement in his last will and testament: “I hereby direct all to assist Sripad Bhakti Nirmal Acharyya Maharaj with love and affection.” This is our chance to follow that order. Whatever we can do to help, in any small way, it is our duty to try and execute the order of Srila Govinda Maharaj.

There are devotees who unlike me, actually do some significant service when they go to the Math in India. There is such a need for assistance there. When Srila Ashram Maharaj visited, they would see him every day in the goshala, cleaning and caring for the cows. Others have a similar mood and Krishna is fulfilling their desire for service.

What are Srila Govinda Maharaj’s instructions for us regarding India?

Srila Govinda Maharaj clearly instructed the Western devotees to not get involved in the politics of the Indian devotees. Everything in India operates in a way that is completely foreign and mostly not understandable by us. So we should stay out of those dealings and not become concerned with gossiping and hearing the latest dirty things that are being said. We should only associate with those devotees who are supporting Srila Acharya Maharaj. Also we should try to be respectful to everyone. What is the harm in offering even the most fallen devotee our respects from a distance?

What is the mood of the devotees who are in the Math now?

The devotees I spoke to expressed their gratitude for the Western devotees who have come there. Even though the local servitors know that the devotees around the world support Srila Acharya Maharaj, still by seeing them come and join in with a humble service mood, they are reminded of this support and affection and it gives them renewed energy.

The local devotees all are stalwart devotees who feel the responsibility to serve all the Vaishnavas who are coming to India for pilgrimage. Their dedication and steadiness is inspiring.

Would you recommend others to visit Nabadwip?

For the senior devotees in our mission, it would be good if they can go to India now to give their association to the younger devotees who may be there. A few kind words of encouragement does not take much effort on our part, but may be very meaningful and enlivening to those devotees who we express that to. Srila Govinda Maharaj gave us so many treasures in his association and teachings. We can pray that Srila Gurudev may allow us to share a little of those treasures with those devotees who have come to Sri Nabadwip Dham.

For the younger devotees in our mission, here is your opportunity to serve when service is most needed.

We can never forget that even though we may only see it through our material eyes, the holy Dham is of the highest spiritual nature. We are the beneficiaries of some special mercy when we visit Sri Nabadwip Dham, or the other holy places, and take the dust of Sri Nabadwip on our heads. This can give us the highest mercy in our spiritual lives.

Why is the situation so disturbing now?

I think this a misconception. Disturbances have always been attacking our mission. Even in the very early days of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, several brahmacharies tried to oust Srila Sridhar Maharaj from his own Math! They tried unsuccessfully and then with some assistance from Sripad Madhav Maharaj, the brahmacharies were paid to leave the Math. Then later the government tried to take the Math. It was a very heavy situation, but finally it was resolved. Srila Govinda Maharaj recalled that many difficulties came to him in his life, but these two incidents were the most difficult.

We also saw that when Srila Sridhar Maharaj appointed Srila Govinda Maharaj as his successor, there were devotees who vehemently rejected Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s desire. They were finally told by Srila Sridhar Maharaj to leave the Math. Now some of those same persons are coming back today to Nabadwip to claim that even Srila Govinda Maharaj was not the authorized successor to Srila Sridhar Maharaj!

I do not wish to minimize the extent of the difficulties that exist today, but we should remember that difficulties have come to each of our illustrious acharyas. They continued their service and demonstrated their faith by never giving up that service that had come to them by the mercy of their Gurudev!

Srila Param Guru Maharaj’s festival in Chongqing

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Friday, November 18th, 2016 in 2016 Photo Gallery

All Glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!

Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari jiu

The altar in Chongqing displays a beautiful painting of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari painted by Urmala Devi many years ago.

We had a most beautiful and auspicious three day celebration in Chongqing, China for Srila Param Guru Maharaj’s, Srila Sridhar Maharaj, Vyasa puja!

What can I say? I was completely melted by the sweetness and the earnestness of our devotees there. Under Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram’s guidance, they have created a space for sincere seekers to come and present their questions, honor prasadam and have good association!

Worshiping Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj on his birthday in Chongqing, China

One time when Srila Gurudev, Srila Govinda Maharaj was arriving in Caracas, Venezuela he was driving through the tunnels that take you from the airport to the city and seeing them he said that Srila Swami Maharaj, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, had blasted a tunnel through the western ego, just like the ones we were driving through, and thus allowing him, Srila Gurudev, and so many devotees to go through them to reach the west. While sitting at our Ashram in Chongqing I couldn’t help but remember these words of Gurudev and think that by Sripad Yudamanyu Prabhu’s service and surrender he had also blasted a tunnel in China and now we were all going there to witness the sweetness of our devotees.

Srila Gurudev was always so happy with our Chinese mission and it is no wonder when we see how are devotees are carrying on working so hard to have a place to give others some shelter.

Local devotees and devotees from around the world came to Chongqing to celebrate the Divine Appearance day of Srila Sridhar Maharaj.

For Vyasa puja day, and with Srila Janardan Maharaj’s guidance, we made aloo dam, a curd subji, sak, mango chutney, dahl, rice, pakoras, fried rice, sweet rice and puris, which were some of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s favorite preparations. Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu spoke of how he had come to the math in the days of Srila Sridhar Maharaj and by Srila Gurudev’s mercy he had gotten some connection. Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu read a beautiful passage from Srila Guru Maharaj’s biography written by Sripad Sagar Maharaj and Srimati Kelikadambanana didi spoke of how our connection comes through the devotees. Afterwards, everybody offered flower petals to Srila Sridhar Maharaj while we sang Sri Guru Charana Padma. It was indeed very sweet!

Throughout our visit many people came to the temple with really sincere questions: How do we practice Krishna Consciousness in our day to day life? What is Bhakti Yoga? What is the best of all yogas? What is the nature of the soul?

It is my good fortune to have some connection with our Chongqing Ashram! All glories to our Chinese Mission and our Chinese devotees!

A note from Srila Janardan Maharaj!

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Monday, October 10th, 2016 in Nabadwip

All Glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Following our series of messages and news on our Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math we have some news from the lotus mouth of Srila Janardan Maharaj before he left our Soquel Ashram to visit the Guadalajara Math in Mexico.

“We are trying to give some encouragement to the devotees. Encouragement in their spiritual life means follow Sri Guru!

Then we understand that Srila Guru Maharaj, Srila Sridhar Maharaj, instructed Srila Gurudev to serve his devotees, his Deities and his Math.

So we are trying to serve Srila Govinda Maharaja’s mission.

And we have to be able to have some chastity to those instructions. Devotees have to show some chastity. The relationship between a devotee and the spiritual master is sometimes compared with that of a wife and a husband.

All we are asking is to go there for some time and show some support and give some help to Srila Acharya Maharaj so we can have some hope that we can weather this difficult situations.

Some difficulties are coming from material nature and this is a good opportunity to learn how to function with this test. We want to remember Srila Gurudev. We want to be able to support the Math but that means the devotees have to be tolerant. They have to be able to go to the math with a serving mood. Following Srila Gurudev’s instruction and being humble, tolerant and giving honor to others. If you can do that this will be very good!”

A short message from Srila Acharya Maharaj

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Wednesday, September 28th, 2016 in Nabadwip

Dear devotees,

I had a little bit of health problems but a couple of days ago I was released from the hospital. My health is OK now by the mercy of our Srila Gurudev, Srila Govinda Maharaj, and all of the devotees. I went to rest to Dum Dum Park for a couple of days and now I am going to Nabadwip.

This is the news! Even though my health was very bad for a while, now it’s OK.

If some devotees will come it will be very good! Everybody can come and join the festival! This is the main thing!

Jaya Srila Gurudev Ki Jay!

Jaya Srila Guru Maharaj Ki Jay!

News from the Dham!

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Sunday, September 25th, 2016 in Nabadwip

All Glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!

Welcome to a new series of messages from our devotees and guardians around the world with news from Sri Nabadwip Dham and more!

Here is a message from Srimati Sudevi didi, who has been serving Srila Achraya Maharaj and has served many places around the world.

Srimati Sudevi didi

Dear Devotees:

What can I say? Beyond all the difficulties we face today and this test of our faith we should remain steady in our spiritual life and in our service. So many people might think we are crazy or wrong but we are trying to serve and fulfill Srila Gurudev’s desire. He asked us to affectionately support Srila Acharya Maharaj.

What we are asking is that devotees around the world come to Nabadwip. Not to quarrel, we don’t need that, but to help with so many services around the Math and to support our Srila Gurudev’s desires.

Devotees like Srimati Sanatani didi, Sripad Yuddamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram, Srila BK Ashram Maharaj and Srila BP Janardan Maharaj, Srimati Madhuchanda didi, etc. travelled to Navadwip and have helped us so much! Their support and their affection inspired us to go on and tolerate everything!

This is what it really means to practice with humility and tolerance and offering honor to others. For me this is a lesson and I will remain here until by Srila Gurudev’s will I might be removed from the Dham and this service.

I am very happy to know that we count on the affection of the devotees and our well wishers. Union is in the heart and from the heart!

Save

Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Friday, May 23rd, 2014 in Friends of the Ashram | Comments (0)

During Gaura Purnima season many pilgrims come from all over the world to our Central Math in Nabadwip to

Srila Gurudev over looking the Nabadwip Math from the roof of his Verandah

participate in the festivals, making it the busiest season of the year. It is always buzzing with so much Joy as everybody prepares to go on parikrama and celebrate the Advent of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu.

Around 2007 by Srila Gurudev’s mercy I was staying in Nabadwip and trying to help accommodate our Western devotees, that is to say helping with their transportation arrangements from Kolkata and their lodging. So it was my misfortune that during that time I forgot to make the arrangements for Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu who was arriving to Kolkata on a late flight from China. The next day before darshan when Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, learned I had forgotten He told me very seriously I could forget the world but never to forget Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu. And as it was his beautiful mood he reminded us of all the service Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu had done. It is no news to anybody how much affection Srila Gurudev had for Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu. But it is always good for us to have some remembrance of the beautiful service activities of the devotees. In another time as Srila Gurudev received the new Sri Bhagavad Gita, he started happily reading some slokas and their translations, and when he read “valiant Yudhamanyu” he smiled and re-read it with much affection.

Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu preaching in China

At present Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu is residing in China, where he was sent to serve by Srila Gurudev, and where he has been for ten years. Many Chinese devotees have come from his service and dedication. I heard Srila Gurudev say once in Venezuela how Srila Swami Maharaj had opened a tunnel in the western world and we have all come through that. I can’t help, even in my infinite ignorance, but feel that just like that all our Chinese godbrothers and sisters have come through Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu’s efforts. And this brought Srila Gurudev much happiness. But we can see that is a day to day labor of love to be there and to try to communicate “heart to heart” as Srila Gurudev would say, since Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu doesn’t really speak Chinese and many of our Chinese sincere seekers don’t speak much English. But still the mission goes on there, and by his tireless, valiant effort many souls have gotten shelter and affection, and others have gotten a connection and a chance to serve in this beautiful endeavor to satisfy our spiritual master.

So we asked Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu to tell us a little bit of his story. And in his humility he was very hesitant to do so. Still he told us a little bit and this we are presenting to you.

“In 1981 I started going over from ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Conciousness, in Mayapur to the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Nabadwip. I used to go there with Srila Goswami Maharaj. And this is how I started to make a connection with Srila Guru Maharaj, Srila Sridhar Maharaj.

At the time I was living in South Africa, so when I went back we started the temple there, a Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math temple. We started distributing Sri Guru and His Grace and other books. And Srila Guru Maharaj was very happy with that! When I went back to India he asked me if it would be alright if he gave me a title and I almost fell backwards! He said he wanted to give me the title “Seva Vikram” which means “one who is strong and courageous in service.” And then he asked me to form a collecting party for the Nabadwip Math, and he used to call that party my personal party.

After Srila Guru Maharaj left this world Srila Govinda Maharaj asked me to come help Srila Janardan Maharaj restart the San Jose temple. This was around 1991.

At the beginning we started on a rental house on 17^th street. But then when Srila Gurudev came on his first trip he asked me to visit him in his room after his afternoon rest “so I can beat you,” he said! When I went up there he asked me to get a permanent place, a place that we could use for the San Jose and Santa Cruz devotees, not to rent but to own! And from that request the Soquel Ashram was manifested. And that was the year of 1993.

Then in the years that followed our Srila Gurudev installed the Deities in our Soquel Seva Ashram and arranged for Sri Mahaprabhu, Gauranga-Sundar, to be sent to the San Jose temple.

And in 2003 he sent me to China. I’ve been in China for the last 10 years coming back and forth. And in his will he asked Srimati Jivana didi and myself to take care of the Ashram in California until the day we die.”

Beach Flats Community Center Christmas Dinner

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Sunday, December 15th, 2013 in Events, Friends of the Ashram | Comments (0)

Srila Gurudev’s Pranam Mantra – Excerpt from Revealed Truth

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Monday, December 9th, 2013 in Guardians, Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

The following is an excerpt from Revealed Truth, the latest book published by Sripad Tyagi Maharaj on Srila Govinda Maharaj’s lectures. <a href=”http://www.sevaashram.net/3833/govinda-maharaj-pranam-mantra/” target=”_blank”>Read article…</a>

My Master’s Voice

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Saturday, December 29th, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

All those who came in contact with Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev Goswami Maharaj, across the world or at home in India, could clearly see his magnanimity, his beauty and his kindness. To try and describe his charm and affection feels like, how Sri Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami said in the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, a dwarf trying to touch the moon. <a href=”www.sevaashram.net/3578/my-masters-voice/” target=”_blank”>Read article…</a>

Mridanga Lessons (Part II)

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 in Introduction to Krishna Consciousness, Videos | Comments (0)

Here is the second part of the Mridanga lessons by Sripad Sadhu Priya Prabhu, for an extended version visit his website lightingbeats.com or click here for the direct link to the lessons…

In our last post we had the practicing video for the first playing mantra;

kaharba
da gi te te na gi de na

kaharba 2
dhi ni ta ki te te de na

Watch the continuation for the first playing mantra, in its laghu or soft form and the second kaharba mantra here…

And here is the video for the kirtan using that beat.

At the end of every kirtan song there is a special beat, called te hai and it involves the practice mantra te re ke te da. Watch video here…

tehai
te re ke te da times 3

Watch the video of the kirtan using these mantras here…

Srila Acharya Maharaj leads kirtan and Sadhu Priya Prabhu and other devotees play the Mridanga!

Mridanga Lessons (Part I)

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Friday, December 14th, 2012 in Introduction to Krishna Consciousness, Videos | Comments (0)

Here is a series of videos on how to play Mrdanga, along with the mantras and practice excercises put together by Sripad Sadhu Priya Prabhu in our Nabadwip Math in India. Sripad Sadhu Priya Prabhu traveled many times around the world with Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, on his tours and he has helped put together our Kirtan Guide and has always been a devoted Mridanga player.

To watch the introduction video click here…

Watch the first practice lesson here…

These are the Practice Mantras that would be used in the first practice lesson video:

1. te re ke ta

2. te re ke te tak

3. te re ke te ke te te re

4. te re ke te da

Watch the first playing mantra lesson here…

Playing Mantras

kaharba
da gi te te na gi de na

kaharba 2
dhi ni ta ki te te de na

tehai
te re ke te da times 3

matan
da gi da da gi ni

Watch the video of the Yashomati Nandana Arotik song here…

Srila Janardan Maharaj Sings Hari Haraye Namah Krishna

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Sunday, December 9th, 2012 in Audio, Introduction to Krishna Consciousness | Comments (0)

Srila Janardan Maharaj sings Nama-Sankirttana at the end of the Sunday Feast. Watch video…

Nama-Sankirttana

by Srila Narottama dasa Thakura
(sung after morning and evening class)

(1)

hari haraye namah krsna yadavaya namah
yadavaya madhavaya kesavaya namah

O Lord Hari , O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances to You, who are known as Yadava, Hari, Madhava, and Kesava.

(2)

gopala govinda ram sri madhusudana
giridhari gopinatha madana-mohana

O Gopala, Govinda, Rama, Sri Madhusudana, Giridhari, Gopinatha, Madana-mohana

(3)

sri-caitanya nityananda sri advaita-candra
gadadhara srivasadi gaura-bhakta-vrinda

All glories to Sri Chaitanya and Nityananda. All glories to Sri Advaita Acharyya and His consort, Sri Sita Thakurani. All glories to Lord Hari, the Spiritual Master, the Vaisnavas, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Srimad Bhagavad-gita.

(4)

jaya rupa sanatana bhatta raghunata
sri-jiva-gopala-bhatta dasa raghunata

All glories to Sri Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami, Raghunata Bhatta Goswami, Sri Jiva Goswami,
Gopala Bhatta Goswami, and Raghunata dasa Goswami.

(5)

ei chay gosanir kori carana vandana
jaha hotte bighna-nas abhista purana

I offer my obeisances to the Six Goswamis. By offering them my obeisances all obstacles to devotion
and destroyed and all spiritual desires are fulfilled.

(6)

ei chay gosanir yanra muni tanra dasa
tan-sabara pada-renu mora panca-grasa

I am a servant of that person who is a servant of these Six Goswamis.
The dust of their holy feet is my five kinds of foodstuffs.

(7)

tandera carana sebi bhakta sane basa
janame janame mora ei abhilasa

This is my desire, that borth after birth i may live with those devotees who serve the lotus feet of these six Goswamis.

(8)

ei chay gosani yabe braje koila basa
jradha-krisna-nitya-lila korila-prakasa

When these six Goswamis lived in Vraja they revealed and explained the eternal Pastimes of Radha and Krishna.

(9)

anande bolo hari bhaja vrindavana
sri-guru-vaisnava-pade majaiya mana

Absorbing your mind in meditation upon the divine feet of the spiritual master and the holy Vaisnavas, chant the names of Lord Hari in ecstasy, and worship the transcendental realm of Vrindavana.

(10)

sri-guru-vaisnava-pada-padme kori asa
(hari) nama-samkirttana kohe narottama dasa

Desiring the lotus feet of Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas, Narottama dasa sings the sankirttana of the Holy Name.

Yashomati Nandana – Morning and Noon Arotik Song

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Sunday, November 25th, 2012 in Audio, Introduction to Krishna Consciousness | Comments (0)

Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, sings Sri Nama Kirttana in 2006 at the Vaishnava Festival in Lahta, Russia. Listen to the song…

Jashomati Nandana.mp3 (5 minutes, 4.9 MB)

This is the song we sing at morning and noon arotiks in the temples at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in India and here at the temples in San Jose and Santa Cruz.

Sri Nama-Kirttana
by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur

( 1 )

yashomati-nandana braja-baro nagara, gokula-ranjana kana
gopi-parana-dhana madana manohara, kaliya-damana-vidhana

Sri Krishna is the beloved son of Yasodamayi, the transcendental lover of the land
of Vraja and the delight of Gokula. One of His nicknames is Kana. He is the life and
soul of the gopis. He is the enchanter of Cupid and the conqueror of the Kaliya serpent.

( 2 )

amala harinam amiya-vilasa
vipina-purandara navina nagara-bora, bamsi-badana suvasa

The Holy Names of Krisha are spotless and full of sweetness and beauty. Krishna
is the king of the forest of Vrindavan. He is the ever-fresh youth, an excellent dresser,
and the best of lovers. He always plays sweet melodies upon His flute.

( 3 )

braja-jana-palana asura-kula-nasana, nanda-godhana rakhoyala
govinda madhava navanita-taskara, sundara nanda-gopala

Krishna is the guardian of all who live in Vrindavan, and the destroyer of demons.
He tends the cows and is known as Govinda, for He delights the cows, the earthly and the spiritual
senses. He is Madhava, the husband of the goddess of fortune. Krishna, the beautiful
cowherd boy of Nanda Maharaj, loves to steal butter.

( 4 )

yamuna-tata-cara gopi-basana-hara, rasa-rasika krpamoya
Sri-radha-vallabha vrindavana-natabara, bhakativinod-asraya

Wandering on the banks of the Yamuna River, Krishna stole the garments of the
gopis while they were bathing. He enjoys the mellows of the rasa dance. He is the
most merciful, beloved lover of Srimati Radharani. He is the great dancer of
Vrindavan, and the supreme shelter of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura.

How to Wear a Sari

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Friday, November 23rd, 2012 in Introduction to Krishna Consciousness | Comments (0)

12 steps on how to wear a sari.

Fossilism vs Subjective Evolution

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Monday, October 1st, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

Fossilism vs Subjective Evolution

Science and Religion -Introduction

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Monday, September 10th, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

Read full article…

The Inauguration Festival of Sri Sri Guru Gaurachandra

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Monday, August 20th, 2012 in Events | Comments (0)

On Sunday August 5^th, Sri Sri Guru Gaurachandra made Their auspicious appearance at our Salt Lake City Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Mission. By His causeless mercy many devotees came from all around to participate in the beautiful festival. A large group of devotees came from the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Soquel and San Jose, and all around the U.S.A, Canada and Mexico.

Srila Janardan Maharaj, Srila Ashram Maharaj and Sripad Parvat Maharaj

By Srila Acharya Maharaj’s arrangement, Srila Janardan Maharaj, Srila Ashram Maharaj and Sripad Parvat Maharaj presided over the installation and participated in many programs. Sripad Ramai Archana Niketan Prabhu was the presiding Pujari. He came for three days to participate in the festival, in one of the few times he has left the Soquel Seva Ashram.

All the devotees at our Salt Lake City Mission went out of their way to make each and every guest welcome. They extended to everybody the opportunity to have some Seva (service) and participate in this wonderful pastime of Sri Gaurachandra. This was such a beautiful quality of this festival. Everybody had some opportunity to participate, and everything went on in such a harmonious way. Indeed it seemed like we were serving at home.

Friday before the Inauguration day there was Harinam Sankirtan and prasadam distribution at a park by the Math. And Saturday all the devotees went on Harinam downtown by the main Mormon temple in the city, only to return to the temple to keep going with the preparations for the next day. In this way many garlands were strung and many preparations were made in the kitchen for Sunday.

Their Lordships’ offering

Then on the Inauguration day, there was a beautiful Kirtan and class. The prasadam offering had so many wonderful dishes including rice, dahl, koftas in tomato sauce, paneer steaks, paneer and cauliflower subji, bitter melon with potato subji, okra, begun bhaja, samosas, iddlis, tamarind chutney, coconut chutney, plum chutney, cilantro chutney, rasagullas, chocolate-mint fudge, saffron-walnut sweet rice, saffron-banana khir, sandesh, coconut cake…and even more! Sripad Ramai Prabhu and Srimati Sri Lekha didi were in charge of the preparations on the Altar, with help from Rai Kishori, Ashapurna and Jaya Shree didis.

When the curtains were drawn and Sri Sri Guru Gaurachandra made His beautiful appearance everybody was ecstatic to participate in the Arotik. It was really an amazing sight to behold!

Sri Sri Guru Gaurachandra

We have heard that Param Guru Maharaj, Srila Sridhar Maharaj, said: “When the Absolute is distributing Himself, He becomes Sri Chaitanyadev. And that Sri Chaitanyadev in the highest stage of His mercy is found here in Koladvipa… Without considering any crime, He absolved whoever He found. He accepted them all. After sannyas, when He returned to Bengal with the intention of going to Vrindavana, He showed His most generous and dignified temperament at that time. He recruited the sinners of the world. Anyone who came to Him received the highest mercy. This is the specialty of this place. By ‘place’ we should not think of a mere geographical location. Of course, it has such a location, but really this is where the Most Generous Absolute gave Himself to the worst sinners. Here, even the most fallen souls receive the grace of the Lord.”

By the mercy of our Guru Varga that same Mahaprabhu from Nabadwip has manifested Himself at our Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Mission. That same merciful spotless moon Gaurachandra appeared in Salt Lake City bringing joy to the hearts of all the devotees there.

ajanu-lambita bhuja, kamala-nayana
yata kichu isvarera sarva sai-lakshana
(Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita: Madhya-lila, 17.108)

“He has arms that extend to His knees, and His eyes are like the petals of a lotus. In His person are all the transcendental symptoms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

And even though we don’t have the eyes to see Him, he can mercifully see us. If we see with the eyes of faith we can understand the auspiciousness of this event. Everything about it overflows with happiness- the devotees were so happy to make all the arrangements for His appearance, so they are all associating and meeting again with some service connections. And some responsible service is created with it.

The beauty of Sri Sri Guru Gaurachandra cannot be properly described, and the same goes for the hospitality and affectionate reception we had from our Salt Lake City family. But we can see clearly and happily how the flag of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math shines resplendently there and all over the world to give shelter to those who need it.

I pray that the readers will forgive any offenses i commit in my attempt to glorify this beautiful festival.

View Photo Gallery Here…

Srimad Rupa-pada-rajah Prarthana Dasakam ~ Aspiring for the Dust of Srimad Rupa Goswami’s Lotus Feet

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Monday, July 30th, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

These 10 verses were written in glorification of Sri Rupa Goswami by His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj and they are published in Sri Sri Prapanna Jivanamritam.

srimac-caitanyapadau cara-kamalayugau netra-bhrngau madhu dyau
gaude tau payayantau vraja-vipina-gatau vyajayuktau samutkau
bhatau sabhratrkasya svajana-gana-pater yasya saubhagya- bhumnah
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(1)

pita-sri-gaura-padambuja-madhu-madironmatta-hrd-bhrnga-rajo
rajyaisvaryam jahau yo jana-nivaha-hitadatta-citto nijagryam
vijnapya svanujena vraja-gamana-ratam canvagat gauracandram
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(2)

vrndaranyat prayage hari-rasa-natanair nama-sankirtanais ca
lebhe yo madhavagre jana-gahana-gatam prema-mattam janams ca
bhavaih svair madayantam hrta-nidhir iva tam krsna-caitanyacandram
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(3)

ekantam labdha-padambuja-nija-hrdaya-prestha-patro mahartir
dainyair-duhkhasru-purnair dasana-dhrta-trnaih pujayamasa gauram
svantah krsnan ca ganga-dinamani-tanaya-sangame sanujo yah
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(4)

svasya prema-svarupam priya-dayita-vilasanurupaika-rupam
dure bhu-lunthitam yam sahaja-sumadhura-sriyutam sanujan ca
drstva devo ‘titurnam stuti-bahu-mukham aslisya gadham raranje
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(5)

kaivalya-prema-bhumav-akhila-rasa-sudha-sindhu-sancara-daksam
jnatvapy evan ca radha-pada-bhajana-sudham lilayapayayad yam
saktim sancarya gauro nija-bhajana-sudha-dana-daksam cakara
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(6)

gauradesac ca vrnda-vipinam iha parikramya nilacalam yo
gatva kavyamrtaih svair vraja-yuva-yugala-kridanarthaih prakamam
ramananda-svarupadibhir api kavibhis tarpayamasa gauram
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(7)

lila-samgopane sri-bhagavata iha vai jangame sthavare ‘pi
sammugdhe sagrajatah prabhu-viraha-hrta-praya-jivendriyanam
yas casid asrayaika-sthalam iva raghu-gopala-jivadi-varge
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(8)

sri-murteh sadhu-vrtteh prakatanam api tal-lupta-tirthadikanam
sri-radha-krsna-padambuja-bhajanamayam raga-margam visuddham
granthair yena pradattam nikhilam iha nijabhista-devepsitan ca
sa sri rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(9)

lila-samgopa-kale nirupadhi-karuna-karina svaminaham
yat padabje ‘rpito yat pada-bhajanamayam gayayitva tu gitam
yogyayogyatva-bhavam mama khalu sakalam dusta-buddher agrhnan
sa sri-rupah kada mam nija-pada-rajasa bhusitam samvidhatte(10)

1. Srila Rupa Goswami is the mine of the most precious treasure, the leader of the associates of Lord Chaitanya (the Divine Succession being known as the Rupanuga Sampradaya, ‘the followers of Sri Rupa’). In the company of his brothers, he was resplendent in (the province of) Gauda, causing the fervent twin bumblebees in the form of the lotus eyes of Sri Chaitanyadev to drink nectar, as the Lord’s lotus feet moved on the pretext of visiting Vrindavan. When will that Srimad Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy feet?

2. At Sri Ramakeli Dhama, the king of bees–the heart of Sri Rupa–became intoxicated drinking the honey-wine of the lotus feet of Sri Gaurachandra, and sacrificed its life (in Hari-kirtana) for the benefit of all the people of the world, summarily abandoning a life of kingly opulence. After informing his elder brother Sri Sanatana, Sri Rupa and his younger brother Sri Vallabha followed the footsteps of Sri Chaitanyadev, whose heart was absorbed in going (from Nilachal) to Sri Vrindavan. When will that Sri Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy lotus feet?

3. Sri Chaitanyadev returned from Vrindavan to Prayaga Dhama and performed Nama-sankirtan, surrounded by crowds of hundreds of thousands. Intoxicated with divine love, dancing, He melted the hearts of hundreds of faithful souls with His astonishing transcendental ecstasies. Sri Rupa, as though regaining his most precious treasure, thus found Sri Chaitanyadev in the direct presence of the Deity Sri Bindu Madhava. When will that Sri Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy lotus feet?

4. At the sacred spot on the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, Sri Rupa achieved intimate union with the lotus feet of the dearmost Lord of his life – the Lord who is Krishna within and Gaura without. In grave humility, with straw in mouth and with tears of sorrow, he along with his younger brother worshiped Sri Gaura-Krishna in intense love. When will that Sri Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy lotus feet?

5. Sri Chaitanyadev saw Sri Rupa and his younger brother rolling on the ground some distance away. Seeing His endeared one, His favorite, His love divine personified in natural beauty and charm, His exclusive alter ego in divine pastimes, the Lord swiftly approached Sri Rupa, profusely singing his glories, and embraced him in ecstasy. When will that Sri Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy lotus feet?

6. Sri Gaurahari knew that (as an eternal associate of the Lord) Sri Rupa was already proficient in wandering throughout the ambrosial ocean of all mellows, in the land of unalloyed love (in Vraja-rasa). Nonetheless, to expand His own pastimes, the Lord enabled him to drink the sweet ecstasy of servitude unto Sri Radha, and empowered him with the skill to distribute the nectar of His personal devotional service. When will that Srimad Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his lotus feet?

7. When on the order of Sri Gauranga, Sri Rupa visited Sri Purusottama Ksetra after completing the circumambulation of Sri Vraja Mandala, He highly gratified Sri Chaitanyadev and the sagacious devotee assembly headed by Sri Svarup Damodar and Sri Ramananda Ray by his ambrosial poetry on the pastimes of the Divine Couple of Vraja. When will that Srimad Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his lotus feet?

8. When the manifest lila of the Supreme Lord Sri Chaitanyadeva was withdrawn, all beings including the immobile entities were mortified, deeply afflicted in sorrow. Sri Rupa and his elder brother were the only shelter for even the intimate devotees of the Lord, headed by Sri Raghunath, Sri Gopal Bhatta, and Sri Jiva, who had almost lost their lives in the Lord’s separation. When will that Srimad Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his lotus feet?

9. By writing many, many books, he gave the world all the most cherished desires of his worshipful Lord Sri Chaitanyadev, principally–revealing the service of the Deity, establishing the pure code of conduct in devotion, revealing the lost holy places, and revealing the path of spontaneous devotion (Raga-marga) in transcendental loving service to Sri Radha-Govinda. When will that Srimad Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy lotus feet?

10. Just prior to the withdrawal of his manifest lila, my causelessly merciful Divine Master, Srila Saraswati Thakur, handed me over to the holy feet of that Divine Personality by having me sing the glorious prayer unto his lotus feet (Sri Rupa-manjari-pada). Despite my lowliness, when will–disregarding all my various qualifications and disqualifications–Srimad Rupa Prabhu grace me with the dust of his holy lotus feet?

The Grand Victory of Love

Posted by Vrinda Devi Dasi on Thursday, July 19th, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

The Grand Victory of Love – krsnas tu bhavan svayam

Srila Sridhar Maharaj writes: Knowledge is above power, and above knowledge is beauty, charm and love. That is the supreme. Srimad-Bhagavatam has declared krsnas tu bhavan svayam: the Krishna conception of Godhead is the most original conception of the Absolute. Read full article…

Devotion is above all. Sharanagati, surrender, is the highest property of everyone. Surrender to Him, and He may graciously make His name known to us, and we will be able to know Him.
Srila Sridhar Maharaj

In the Upanishads, it is said, yam evaisa vrnute tena labhyah: whoever He chooses to make Himself known to, can know Him. Otherwise, no one can know Him against His will. He has reserved all the right of not being exposed to the senses of anyone and everyone. He is so high, He can do that. If He does not wish to make Himself known, no one can known Him. Whenever He wishes to make Himself known to someone, they can know Him. This is His position.

On the order of Gurudev Devarsi Narada, the scripture Srimad Bhagavatam was given by Vedavyasa as the conclusion of his teachings. After giving the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, Bhagavad-Gita, etc., the last gift of Vedavyasa in the world of scriptures was Srimad-Bhagavatam. And the message of the Bhagavatam is that beauty is above all; not knowledge or justice. Mercy is about justice. Affection, love, beauty, charm, harmony; these are above all, and this absolute conception of the ultimate reality is in the Krishna conception.
Lord Krishna and Mother Yasoda

Beauty is above knowledge and power. Knowledge is above power, and above knowledge is beauty, charm and love. That is the supreme. Srimad-Bhagavatam has declared krsnas tu bhavan svayam: the Krishna conception of Godhead is the most original conception of the Absolute. This is the prime declaration of the Bhagavatam: the Lord, as Beauty, is above all. And below Him is awe, reverence, power, etc.

Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanyadev pointed out, “Go to the beautiful, Reality the Beautiful.” This is the highest realization. Don’t waste your energy by engaging yourself in any other pursuits, but go straight to jnana-sunya bhakti (devotion devoid of the covering of knowledge). By the help of sadhu sanga (association of saints), take the name of the Lord and try to march straight onwards to the Krishna conception of Godhead. Krishna consciousness is our highest achievement, and this is given by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srimad Bhagavatam.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu recommended, “Don’t waste your energy for anything else. Utilize your energy for the Krishna conception of Godhead.”
Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanyadev

So we try to make our progress in this line, and at the same time we also ask our friends to try to embrace this life. The fulfillment of life for every particle of existence of this world can be found here.

March towards universal good. Wherever and whoever you are, it does not matter. Take your course towards Krishna consciousness. This is the highest fulfillment of life for everyone. You are only to turn your face towards Him and march. The Sweet Absolute Sri Krishna, will welcome you. This is the campaign of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Vaishnava Seva Society