This morning I cooked down some pureed persimmon and canned it in my Ball jars.  It felt good to get back to basics, breaking out my water bath canner and assembling the two part lids once I poured the concentrated hot persimmon puree into the jars. I only added a little turbinado, the juice of three limes and some lime zest to the mix.  

Ocotober 24 2008

Now we have another major crisis with HH Jayapataka Swami in hospital in Mumbai with a severe stroke caused by brain aneurysm. His condition is very critical, and the doctors have admitted that there is not much they can do, and the main thing now is our prayers for Maharaja’s well being.

At this moment I can’t describe my feelings. The apprehension of the loss of this very dear friend is not something I want to contemplate right now. And despite his current crisis, as Ravindra Svarupa prabhu just put to me, Maharaja has more prana than anyone he has ever met. He is a fighter and he has tremendous strength of constitution.

We have clearly entered the era where the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples is going to be a regular affair. That’s the material world, always hankering and lamenting. Our consolation is Srila Prabhupada’s statement that we shall have another ISKCON in the spiritual world and that our spiritual relationships are all eternal. 

I was just with Jayapataka Maharaja in Mumbai. We had our MVT meeting in Chowpatty on the 18th. He appeared to be very tired and didn’t look well, but like everyone else, I thought it was simply the symptom of the almost perpetual jeg-lag that Maharaja suffers due to his intense and continuous travels. I thought with a few days in one place he would catch up his rest and be back to his usual energetic self.

It only takes a second and everything changes.

I first saw him in 1975 but I didn’t get to know him until early 1976. Srila Prabhupada had arrived in Mayapur on January 17 and stayed for just over two months. Jayapataka Swami was his stalwart assistant in developing the Mayapur project. I remember one particular incident that nicely summed up their relationship:

[TD 1] January 18, 1976 - Sri Dhama Mayapur 

With the festival only six weeks away, Jayapataka expressed doubts how it [the Long building] could be completed in time. Prabhupada told him if they engage at least one hundred men it could be done. Then Bhavananda Maharaja raised the objection that there was no money. Prabhupada told him that if that was the only problem, he would give him the money. But he said they must start immediately. Jayapataka, however, was still apprehensive. He said there was a shortage of bricks. Nevertheless Prabhupada pushed him to begin construction. He told them that they should do whatever they can, but the work must begin immediately.

Leaving the pukkur we hesitated to go down the steep incline of the embankment. Jayapataka, however, had no problem running down, even in his wooden shoes. Srila Prabhupada laughed. “Victorious flag — Jaya-pataka,” he called out, appreciating his disciple’s dexterity.
 

Since those days Jayapataka Maharaja has been carrying the flag of victory all over the world on behalf of Srila Prabhupada, spreading the glories of Sri Mayapur Dhama far and wide and increasing the family of ISKCON devotees for the pleasure of his spiritual master. Now that seems to be at the end of an era.

We can simply pray that Srila Prabhupada’s victorious flag is not lowered to half mast any time soon.

Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world....simply send me an introduction email and I will be happy to make you a member:

rasa108@gmail.com

ys

Rasa Rasika das

Here's an email we just got from Vaisesika Prabhu all the way from the lotus feet of Giriraj to keep us inspired as we begin another wonderful sankirtan festival.

Dear highly esteemed Team ISV members,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Crying in separation from the Lord and His devotees, the conditioned
souls languishing bewildered and alone in this dark universe have
created an ocean of tears.

For eons they lived without hearing the holy names of Krsna in the
company of pure devotees. Out of disappointment their hearts became as
hard as stone.

But Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda appeared on the horizon of
Gaudadesa like the sun and moon rising simultaneously to melt their
stone-like hearts.

With Their beloved devotees, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai traveled everywhere,
giving everyone They met this simple instruction: Chant Krsna's names!
Become a devotee of Krsna and remember Him always! Krsna is the true
wealth of your life!

Their mission is our mission.

Alas, the unfortunate souls, convinced that their happiness lies in
the desert of the material world, ignore these life-giving
instructions and the refreshing reservoir of Krsna's holy names.

Srimad Bhagavatam says:

tam sukharadhyam rjubhir
ananya-saranair nrbhir
krtajnah ko na seveta
duraradhyam asadhubhih

"What grateful soul is there who would not render his loving service
to such a great master as the Personality of Godhead? The Lord can be
easily pleased by spotless devotees who resort exclusively to Him for
protection, though the unrighteous man finds it difficult to
propitiate Him." (SB 3.19.36)

Duryodhana, even after seeing the universal form of the Lord, still
doubted and belittled the Lord's powers.

But, Sri Saunaka Rsi, knowing the actual power of the Lord who resides
in His Holy Names spoke the following words:

apannah samsrtim ghoram
yan-nama vivaso grnan
tatah sadyo vimucyeta
yad bibheti svayam bhayam

"Living beings who are entangled in the complicated meshes of birth
and death can be freed immediately by even unconsciously chanting the
holy name of Krsna, which is feared by fear personified." (SB 1.1.14)

Even unconsciously! Reluctant or not, those who hear the Lord's sweet
names will awaken.

In Caitanya-caritamrita, we hear the story of how Sivananda Sena
favored a common street dog, who in turn was favored by Lord Caitanya,
who sent the dog back to Godhead.

ara dina keha tara dekha na paila
siddha-deha paya kukkura vaikunthete gela

"The next day, no one saw that dog, for it had obtained its spiritual
body and departed for Vaikuntha, the spiritual kingdom."

Srila Prabhupada states in his purport:

"This is the result of sadhu-sanga—consequent association with Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu and promotion back home, back to Godhead. This
result is possible even for a dog, by the mercy of the Vaisnava.
Therefore, everyone in the human form of life should be induced to
associate with devotees. By rendering a little service, even by eating
prasadam, what to speak of chanting and dancing, everyone can be
promoted to Vaikunthaloka. It is therefore requested that all our
devotees in the ISKCON community become pure Vaisnavas, so that by
their mercy all the people of the world will be transferred to
Vaikunthaloka, even without their knowledge. Everyone should be given
a chance to take prasadam and thus be induced to chant the holy names
Hare Krsna and also dance in ecstasy. By these three processes,
although performed without knowledge or education, even an animal went
back to Godhead." (CC Antya 1.32)

This is all possible because the Lord's holy name is one of His
almighty incarnations.

kali-kale nama-rape krsna-avatara
nama haite haya sarva-jagat-nistara

"In this Age of Kali, the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krsna
maha-mantra, is the incarnation of Lord Krsna. Simply by chanting the
holy name, one associates with the Lord directly. Anyone who does this
is certainly delivered." (CC Adi 17.22)

The Visnu-dharma Purana further illuminates the power of Hari Nama by
recounting an exchange between a raksasa and a brahmana who protected
himself by chanting a mantra invoking the Supreme Personality of Godhead:

"I ran to eat you," said the raksasa, "but somehow or other you
protected yourself with a mantra. O brahmana, by touching this mantra
I have suddenly become pure in heart. What mantra did you chant to
protect yourself? I do not understand it. I do not understand its
power. By touching it I have become free of all material desires."

Our ISV Sankirtana mission of extending mercy to all living beings by
widely spreading the holy names of the Lord is authorized and potent.

Oh devotees, our mission will continue to grow and expand as we serve
together in loving cooperation with the exalted devotees Krsna sends
to ISV for this great undertaking.

And Krsna is ever grateful for the service of His devotees as Lord
Siva points out in Brahma Purana:

drstah pasyed ahar ahah
samsritah pratisamsrayet
arcitas carcayen nityam
sa devo dvija-pungavah

"O best of brahmanans, the Supreme personality of Godhead places His
eyes on one who looks at Him day after day. The Supreme Personality of
Godhead takes shelter of one who takes shelter of Him. The Supreme
Personality of Godhead worships one who always worships Him" (Lord
Siva; Brahma Purana).

The Visnu Dharama Purana further clarifies:

tulasi-dala-matrena
jalasya culukena ca
vikrinte svam atamanam
bhaktibhyo bhakta-vatsalah

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who dearly loves His devotees,
sells Himself to them for the price of a tulasi leaf and a handful of
water."

Not to mention those who actively spread the Lord's holy names, taking
all risks, using the whole of their life energy, scheming at every
step how to increase the Sankirtana movement.

That is real life!

That is the greatest service!

When the rice farmer floods his fields with water, the rice thrives as
the weeds drown. Our mission is like that. As we continually increase
our hearing and chanting together, as we expand our massive
Sankirtana, as we involve every member of our ISV community, the
bhakti creepers of all our members will flourish, and the weeds of
material desire in their hearts will drown. The Lord and our great
acaryas guarantee that whoever participates in such a program will
easily overcome all obstacles and move steadily through the coverings
of the material universe to Goloka Vrndavana. The preachers of the
Sankirtana movement will, by the grace of the Lord, go back home, back
to Godhead.

Now we are coming to the crescendo of a glorious year of performing
the Sankirtana Yajna. Our Team has grown. The devotees have advanced.
Our relationships have become thicker and sweeter.

This weekend's MSF is vital. The momentum we gain here will carry us
into the December Srila Prabhupada marathon.

Now, as our strength gathers we have an opportunity in this final
period of 2008 for a final push; in full concentration, with
single-minded devotion, let us cooperate to advance Lord Caitanya's
mission to yet another level here in the Bay Area.

Let us actualize our dream! Moving one step at a time, remaining fully
unified, working together to use all resources at hand, let us follow
in the footsteps of the Panca Tattva and inundate the Bay Area with
Love of Godhead.

Although I'm sitting at the lotus feet of Sri Giriraja Govardhana, my
mind and heart are with all of you at ISV, who are my life and soul.

Take it easy, but take it!

Go Go Go!

In loving separation,

Your humble servant,

Vaisesika Dasa

Yesterday evening, devotees gathered at ISKCON Toronto, New Remuna Dhama, to have a reflective night of chanting and kirtan as we joined devotees around the world who continue to pray for the health and recovery of HH Jayapataka Swami.

Just now a neuro surgeon doctor by name Mishra had checked Guru Maharaja's body and he has given a positive statement saying Guru Maharaja is slightly improving, he is responding better to some commands. If further haemorrage didn't take place or if there is no infection then there is a hope of him coming into good shape.

read more

Doctors at the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai where HH Jayapataka Maharaj is warded have instructed ISKCON to discourage devotees from visiting Maharaj.They fear that Guru Maharaj’s health condition may worsen due to possible infection from visitors.We request devotees not to come to Mumbai because nobody is allowed to go inside the ICU ward as the Hospital authorities are very strict now. Only way devotees can help is by chanting and praying to Lord Nrsimhadev. Devotees can do Congregational chanting.

read more

In this material world devastating experiences can occur at any second without warning. Therefore we must cultivate resilience, the ability to handle shocking experiences without being overwhelmed. The transcendentalist, the person who is fixed in Krishna consciousness, is fully equipped in this regard. Armed with transcendental knowledge he sees through...

If your most exciting new Krsna conscious idea were a baseball team, what positions need to be filled?

Who can you draft to fill these positions in the next 30 days?

"Involve or engage all of the local people from the very beginning."
- Srila Prabhupada (Letter to Upendra 72-09-13.Upe)

Innovation often requires the support of a committed team who has rallied around a compelling vision.

What is your compelling Krsna conscious vision - and who else cares enough about it to join forces with you?

"If you can establish a strong center in Taiwan … it will be a great idea."
- Srila Prabhupada (Letter to Trivikrama 74-03-29.Tri)

Name your Krsna conscious dream team of collaborators - people actually available to you that you haven't yet approached.

Who will you contact first?

"They seek association of like-minded devotees, and with them they dive into the ocean of the nectar of devotion."
- Srila Prabhupada (Renunciation Through Wisdom)

What cross-functional Krsna conscious team do you need to create in order to move forward with your new idea or project?

By when will you create it?

"He (Krsna) wants variety."
- Srila Prabhupada (Lecture 720405SB.MEL)

Latest Update: Mantras for Maharaja's Protection 12:13 PM (IST)

Hare Krishna, please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am sorry to inform you that ISKCON's Minister for Congregational Development, HH Jayapataka Maharaja, has suffered a stroke in Mumbai, India, and is presently being treated in the ICU of Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. Prayers for his health and speedy recovery would be greatly appreciated. Here are the messages I received:

read more

The need for a rich inner life is one of the essential lessons given us to by our dear acaryas. The Goswamis were so absorbed in their heart-filled meditation upon Radha and Krsna that they often forgot to eat and sleep.

Srila Prabhupada would sacrifice the good night's sleep we take for granted in order to translate Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya-Caritamrta in the early morning hours, deeply absorbed in what he called his "personal ecstasies."

In our own individual lives, and in the whole of our society of devotees, there is an acute need, as HH Sacinandana Swami says, to focus upon our vertical relationship with Krsna, to revive the loving relationship within our heart to the Supreme Person, the very source of the most intimate feelings of pleasure and belonging.

This is not to recommend cheap dramatics, like the sahajiyas, but we need to cultivate the tender, tiny devotional creeper in our heart by constant personal meditation upon Krsna's name, fame, pastimes, and qualities.

Thomas Merton, Trappist monk and one of the most influential Catholic writers of the 20th Century, specialized in the contemplative life of inner meditation upon God.

In an article on his various moods of hermeticism, we can ponder some of his statements on the inner life and how it relates universally to our devotional lives.

"Not all men are called to be hermits, but all men need enough silence and solitude in their lives to enable the deep inner voice of their own true self to be heard at least occasionally. ... For he cannot go on happily for long, unless he is in contact with the springs of spiritual life which are hidden in the depths of this own true soul."

The "springs of spiritual life" are the very source of the strength we need in carrying on Prabhupada's mission.

No matter the quality and quantity of our external duties and services, we must find time to bathe in these streams of nectar. If we don't, we succumb to the waves of material nature in the forms of politics, duplicity, lust, anger, and greed.

You will never find interior solitude unless you make some conscious effort to deliver yourself from the desires and the cares and the attachments of an existence in time and in the world.

This sounds pretty familiar, right? The less we attach to the external factors in our lives, the more time and focus we'll have on our real business, which is to revive our dormant love and affection for Krsna, the very love and affection which is the only way to disentangle ourselves from the false banyan tree of the material world, to return to the real tree of the eternal spiritual world.

Note that the word 'alienation' is used by non-existentialists to support the fictions of collective life. For them the 'alienated' man is the one who is not at peace in the general myth. He is the non-conformist; the oddball who does not agree with everybody else and who disturbs the pleasant sense of collective rightness. For the existentialist, the alienated man is the one who, though 'adjusted' to society, is alienated from himself. The inner life of the mass man, alienated and leveled in the existential sense, is a dull collective routine of popular fantasies maintained in existence by the collective dreams that goes on , without interruption, in the mass media.

In relation to the deep compassionate practice of the spreading of the Holy Name, it is our duty as devotees to alleviate the inner void of the "mass man", by filling it with the real truth, the deep, boundless bliss of Krsna consciousness.

We live in a "fast food" culture, so we can dovetail this propensity by giving as many souls as we can the quickest and easiest way to self-realization: the sacred sound of the Holy Name.

Merton and other examples like Francis of Assisi showed by their living example the proper mix of deep internal prayer and realization with active and bold preaching of God's living word and glory. Of course, there is also our Prabhupada.

The purely hermetic life is not for us as devotees, at least not until we have reached advanced stages of age and advancement. Without our inspired outreach of the Holy Name, we are not pleasing Prabhupada, but without developing our own inner attachment to the Holy Name, we will not have the strength and ability to please Prabhupada by this outreach.

All the deep contemplation we require in our spiritual existence is condensed in the sound of the Holy Name. There's no need to remove ourselves from society. All our heart and souls craves is there if we can just listen deeply to the sound of the Holy Name.

Those who are intelligent and are of purified consciousness are completely satisfied in Krishna consciousness. Freed from all the modes of material nature, they do not act for sense gratification; rather, since they are situated in their own occupational duties, they act as one is expected to act.

Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto 3 Chapter 32 Verse 5

part3

Today Dr Bhave, the Haematologist and Dr.PP Ashok, the Neurologist came to check Guru Maharaja's condition. They say that there is a slight improvement in his bodily movements but still not out of danger. The body condition has not detiorated and that is a good sign.

The devotees are requested to continuosly pray and chant. Do not make phone calls to the Mumbai ISKCON temple or any other devotees. For any information you can visit www.jpsoffice.com website or www.mayapur.com

read more

This evening (23rd) Dr. Anita Goel from Boston, USA had specially visited the Hinduja hospital to see Guru Maharaja’s situation. She then contacted Dr. P. P. Ashok and Madhavananda prabhu and had arranged for a conference call with a Neurologist in America. Their main concern is to increase the bloodlets of Guru Maharaja so that another haemorrage wouldn’t happen. After the conference call they have already gone into action.

read more

Grace
dedicated to Radhanath Swami

swimming
gasping
burning for air

For millions of years
I was swimming
gasping
burning
drowning.
I was desperate
for refuge.

One day
Somehow
by grace
someone saw me.

He reached out
and clasped my hand.
He pulled me to shore.
And when I could breathe
he placed
a seed
in my trembling hand.

Never
ever
let go
of this seed
of devotion,
he told me.
Tend to it
with love.

And to my terrified face
he smiled
and said,
Don’t worry
I’ll help you.

Our journey
home
has now begun.

The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON’s Juhu Beach Temple in Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.

read more

by Jagannatha Das (SDA)

In this home
In these clothes
I am covered over
Changing mind
Change of heart
I am still the same

But when will we see
how we are meant to be?
Lost in outer face
Forgotten blissfull state

Broken home
Broken bones
Strung by reigns of pain
Everminding a
broken heart
Until I heard Your name

And now I can see
how much of this is me
Externals fade
into Your light of day

Its hard to believe this is happening
No need to believe; Its happening
I feel it, I know the feeling

I am not this body
and I'll know it blissfully

read more

Lord Caitanya's indirect reasons for appearing on earth was to detach
people from everything material. Therefore as a child, he trashed many
items, especially in his mother's kitchen. Vrindavana Das Thakura
describes the phenomenon and why it occurs in Caitanya Bhagavat.

"New"-old feature added to this site: "Recent Comments" - see left-sidebar, and enjoy!

I just saw on Campakalata's blog that she recently made guava jam. Yum.  Campakalata is an amazing cook and I am sure her jam is as good as the salt crusted paneer steaks she made for me after I gave birth to my daughter, Madhumati.

These bracelets are extremely versatile, they are my favourite for Jagannatha, Laddu Gopal and Gaura Nitai. These bracelets are so versatile I have made them for all my deities.
First of all, the supplies you require for these bracelets are as follows:

1. Crimp Beads (these are optional, but they help make the bracelets stronger)
2. Pliers
3. Elastic Jewelry Cord
4. Beads of your choice (using different colours and shapes can create different looking styles using this technique)
5. Scissors
   

Step 1: Cut a generous length of the elastic jewelry cord and tie a knot at the end. Next string on the crimp bead followed by the beads.

Step 2: Feed the unknotted end of the jewelry cord back through the crimp bead (in the opposite direction) to complete the bracelet.

Step 3: Use the pliers to 'crush' the crimp bead securing the bracelet. Alternatively, you can eliminate the crimp bead and just knot the cord however due to the stress put on the bracelet when stretched over the deity's hands the crimp beads tend to hold up better over the long run. However, for Jagganatha and Laddu Gopal I find knotting works best as the bracelets can be visible from all sides and they do not need to be stretched as much. Finally, trim off the excess jewelry cord.

I received this very sad news last night after the Damodarastaka prayers. That His Holiness Jayapataka Swami in the hospital as a result of suffering two brain haemorrhages. Last night the devotees at the temple performed kirtan late into the night in prayer for HH Jayapataka Swami. This is a photo of Jayapataka Maharaja offering blessing to my wife. So much he has done in the service of Krishna, opening temples, transforming hearts, and compassionately distributing Krishna in the form of His Holy Name.

So I ask all of you, residents of this world, a world which has been greatly helped by this individual, to now offer your blessings and prayers.
Tonight all across the world devotees will be performing kirtan in prayer for Maharaja. Please we ask that all of you perform kirtan and offer your prayers for this gentle soul.

I remember vividly that when visiting Sridham Mayapur and Navadvipa in 2007 he would very graciously welcome my wife and I. He could be walking with hundreds of devotees and somehow or other if he saw us he would give us a warm welcome and would also welcome my wife in Spanish as well. Srila Prabhupada had stated that Maharaja is an eternal servant of Lord Caitanya so I was amazing to have an associate of the Lord welcoming us in their home, Sridham Mayapur, the eternal abode of Sri Krishna Caitanya.

HH Giriraja Swami spent the coldest night of the season praying in front of HH Tamal Krishna Goswami's Samadhi last night praying for the well being of HH Jayapataka Swami.

The following is the email that I have received this morning.
Hare Krishna
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das

/

Update on the Condition of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami

For more information, and latest updates visit the, Dandavats website

The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON's Juhu Beach Temple in Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.
Aniruddha dasa, GBC Deputy, has sent three reports about Maharaja's condition. We would like to update ISKCON devotees worldwide about Maharaja and beg for your prayers on his behalf. We ask devotees around the world to pray to Lord Krishna and Lord Nrsimhadeva for Jayapataka Swami's protection.
Maharaja was rushed to the hospital this morning in an ambulance after his assistants found him in bed around 3:30 AM unable to move and calling for help in a semi-conscious state. He was taken the Hinduja Hospital, not far from the Juhu ISKCON temple. He was unconscious when he arrived at the hospital. There several tests were conducted and it was concluded that there was no problem with his heart, as first suspected.
Maharaja's blood pressure was dangerously high, but more importantly it was determined that he had suffered two brain haemorrhages (internal bleeding). One was located in the brain stem, a very sensitive area at the base of the brain where surgery is not possible.
Several expert physicians were called in, including devotee doctors from the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. Specialists included neurologists and a neurosurgeon.
Jayapataka Swami is in the intensive care unit. As the hospital will not allow many visitors in the unit, GBC members Sivarama Swami, Bir Krishna Goswami, Bhakti Caru Swami, and Radhanatha Swami who had rushed to the hospital in the morning to be with Jayapataka Swami, returned to the temple around noon. Upon return, Radhanatha Swami immediately updated the GBC about Maharaja's condition.
Radhanatha Swami reported that Jayapataka Swami remains in critical condition. His condition is extremely delicate. One positive report he shared with the GBC, was that, although not apparently conscious, when Jayapataka Swami was asked to squeeze his left hand, he did so.
As surgery is not an option at this time, doctors are monitoring Maharaja's condition very carefully, and administering medication as appropriate.
Jayapataka Swami is one of ISKCON's most senior devotees. He is a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He pioneered preaching in India as well as congregational outreach programs. He has been a faithful and important member of the GBC for decades.
We fervently pray to Lord Krishna for His protection. He has sacrificed his life in service, and we pray the Lord will give him full strength. We also offer our prayers and full support to the disciples of our dear god-brother in this most difficult time.
We request that devotees of ISKCON worldwide offer prayers to their Deities and to Srila Prabhupada that this great leader among us may regain his health and remain with us to serve the ISKCON mission for many more years.
We value, respect and love Jayapataka Maharaja. We admire his deep love for Prabhupada, for the ISKCON society, and for suffering humanity. May Lord Krishna be pleased to allow us all many more years of service to, and association with, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.

Your servants,
The Members of the ISKCON
Governing Body Commission
Ramai Swami, Chairperson
ISKCON Radha Rasabihari Temple
Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India

Thurs. Oct 23, 2008 - Mumbai, India

It is in keeping with the Vaishnava Culture to accept gifts as tokens of love and appreciation even if you are a member of the renounced order who is accustomed to not accumulate “things”. The item which I received from a kind soul, a well-wisher, was a framed picture of the Supreme Monk, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Before my jaunt to the beach I became taken by the artist’s rendering of Chaitanya who is God as a monk. The piece had captured the compassion and soft-heartedness of a great luminary from the time of India’s middle ages. Chanting on beads & meditating on soft-sounding mantras while gazing at such a sublime form I could predict that it is a day’s high point although 2:30 am. In any event it is a great gift. It won’t spoil me.

To join me on the oceanfront were Ashok and Kiran. As everyday the waves of wetness with their light roaring sound vibrations seem to get my full attention. As a Great Lakes kid from North America I used to lie down by the lake’s edge under the sun usually with family, siblings and friends and listen to the transistor radio which would blare out something like “It’s My Party.” In those late teens I would give more attention to the sound of the waves. You couldn’t help it but be attentive. I would wonder what message the waves were delivering. I always considered that they were more than just liquid rhythm rolling.

But now while capturing the image of folding water and the accompanying sound and marrying that vision to the one of Chaitanya in the picture I felt most content to merge the two. Chaitanya in his free spirit of love and wonder allowed himself to be drawn in and carried by the ocean waves. In one instance His water journey pulled him a good forty kilometers from Puri to near a famous sun temple at Konark. Chaitanya was a special mendicant, one who was loved by people and animals. He was all attractive.

It came to our attention that one of our senior monks, Jayapataka Swami, was brought by ambulance to a local hospital today. He is suffering from a serious stroke and is in a coma. Please pray!

my 5yr old has special needs and behaviour problems...he sees a psychiatrist and counselors and is in special ed at school..he takes medication and will probably need more....he is a sweet kid and he tries, but he doesnt understand consequence.
He will run around the temple and will not sit still....ok, let me rephrase that..he CANNOT sit still... I know that he ruins my peaceful meditative mood when I am in the temple, and I cant imagine how he makes those who dont love him feel.
I have taken to using temple time as a threat to him...and I am feeling really bad about it.. I tell him if he doesnt behave, he cant go see Krishna...I have left him home with Dad several times while I bring the twins to Damodara prayers..and I have felt guilty every time..on one hand, who am I to deny him darshana with Krishna? On the other hand who am I to force everyone else to take darshan of Jayadeva? The thing is, we dont know if Jayadeva will ever be able to function in a place where restraint and self control is a must..so am I as his parent supposed to just bring him, and deal with it or leave him at home and deal with it? I refuse to just let him run amok in the temple....
If anyone has feed back on this I would greatly appreciate it

We’re been looking to put up some t-shirts for sale on the GauraVani.com store, but couldn’t find any that were cool enough for our kirtaneers. So we had world-class fashion designer,  Antonio Russo, flown in from Italy to come up with four never-before-seen t-shirt styles!

Naw, just kidding. Gaura and Rasa designed them, but they’re still pretty hot. They are available in different cuts for men and for women, and will be printed on American Apparel shirts. They are available for preorder and should be out for shipping within 1-2 weeks. But, there will only be a limited supply, so get yours quick.

 

Come, on. You know you’d look good in one. Order the now at the Store.

It's that time of month again. Today is Ekadasi, the day we Hare Krishnas fast from grains and beans. Legumes are okay. Anyway, today my kids stay after school to attend drama club. What? You don't think they are talented enough to be budding thespians? Well, truthfully, neither do I. I'm just looking at it from an after school childcare point of view. Snack is not provided, so I needed to hustle up something grain and bean free in my kitchen that my little fusspots will go for to keep them from acting out during acting class.

Usually I toast some lotus puffies in ghee with a little salt for an Ekadasi popcorn replacement treat. But I am all out of lotus puffies and am trying to put off going to the Indian store--for reasons I don't quite understand--for as long as possible. Our yummy Ekadasi cake (made so yummy with Sabjimata Strawberry Conserve) is all gone and there is no fruit in the house, save for a half bushel of unripe persimmons. So I decided to give buckwheat pooris a try.











Well, sometimes all you can do is try. The first one I fried up was rolled too thin and dropped into oil which was not hot enough. It resulted in a very nice faux blue corn tortilla chip and is mistake worth repeating in the future. My other pooris fared better as I waited and waited for the oil to be oh so hot. I rolled them a bit thicker and promised each one as I slid it into the wok not to bother it for a while. Splashing and prodding did not fare these pooris well. They really needed to puff according to their own pace. Some hopeless looking pooris even puffed when turned, which struck me as odd but not unbelievable.

by Vrindavan Lila Dasi

For updates on H.H. Jayapataka Swami's health condition please check on www.dandavats.com
The summery reports from today can be found here:
http://namahatta.org/en/node/8756#

This is a large printable photo of Jayapataka Swami that I took during Radhastami celebration this year in Mayapur, he is throwing flowers from Radha-Madhava's bathing table into the crowd of joyful devotees. Click on photo to see larger:


Maharaja's destiny is totally in Srila Prabhupada's hands now (and as always, ofcause), let's all pray that whatever the outcome of this condition may be Maharaj would not have to suffer much physically.

Hare Krishna!
Gauranga!!!

The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON's Juhu Beach Temple in Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.

read more

This question has probably caused more people to lose their faith than anything else. Why does God sit peacefully in his cloud or wherever, feet up and smoking his pipe, while we suffer all kinds of grim miseries down here on earth? The best answers we can usually manage are: a) He can’t do anything about it, b) He is mean and nasty, or c) He is not there at all.

Obviously these three conclusions mean our faith is gone or as good as gone. So are there any other answers? In my short book “Why Me?”, I explore this question. Mainly based upon the Bhagavad-gita, I try to find an answer that leaves us believing in a good and indeed almighty God (who doesn’t smoke a pipe:). I also look at a number of other traditions and secular philosophies to see what they have to say on the matter.

I hope it stimulates some thought. The link below will take you to the intro and first chapter. The rest is available as a Word document at no cost if you send me an e-mail (kd@krishnadharma.com).

Please click this link:

Why Me

1966 October 23: "Gargamuni & Ranchhordas are given Harinama today. Back to Godhead published again Today."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1967 October 23: "Your child should be named Subhadra, the name that you have already chosen, this is nice. Regarding horoscope, it is a nice idea and if I meet a good astrologer I shall try to get one for your little child."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 October 23: "I promised to Janaki and other girls that this time when I come back I shall first come to San Francisco. So I shall return by Pacific route. Please convey my greetings and good wishes to her."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1970 October 23: "I have safely arrived in Amritsar and we are being very well cared for at the Vedant Niketan. The people and also the Sannyasis here are very much liking our Sankirtana Movement, so things are going on nicely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1970 October 23: "I am so much pleased that you are carrying on the Street Sankirtana Party even though you have sometimes only one companion. This spirit is most satisfactory and this work is proven as the basis of our successful movement."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1972 October 23: "So you should always feel yourself very much blessed by Krishna that you have come to this point after so much long struggling, so if there is from time to time little discomfort, do not pay it any attention."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 October 23: "I have seen everything is deteriorating. There must be regularly classes and reading books, chanting 16 rounds, going for kirtana. This is our programme for enthusiasm, if you do not follow it, what can I do?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 October 23: "Because the people expect something, we must give them place. So always remember that our first business is preaching and distributing literatures, never mind we have to live under a tree."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

I just went online to buy more saffron. In June I purchased a half ounce for around $40. Now the same online shop is selling their Spanish saffron at the sale price of $75 (reduced from $110). Whoa.

After too much web searching I found just one merchant still selling a half ounce of saffron for around $40. A full ounce is $75. Although I don't have too much cash to lay out for saffron, I am going for the full ounce and holding my breath that by the time I work myself through it, the price hasn't tripled.

It is the most expensive spice in the world. But man, is it worth it.

These "double stranded wire bracelets" are my favourite because they are easy to put on my deities and they are quite simple to make.
First of all, the supplies you require for these bracelets are as follows:

1. Beading Wire (make sure the gauge of the wire is not too wide for the aperture in the beads you choose TIP: the bigger the gauge number the thinner the wire)
2. Beads of your choice (using different colours and shapes can create different looking styles using this technique)
3. Toothpick or other round object (for larger deities I recommend a larger object such as the end of a paintbrush)
4. Wire cutters
5. Pliers

Step 1: Using the wire cutters cut a piece of wire approximately 5-6 times longer than the final length of the bracelets. Bend the wire in half and place the toothpick or other round object in the middle (as shown above).

Step 2: Twist the wire together 2-3 times creating a loop and remove the toothpick. This loop will be used to hold the 'tail' of the bracelet so make sure it is big enough to allow you to easily fasten the bracelet on your deities.

Step 3: At this point you should have a loop with two pieces of wire sticking out from it. Begin stringing the beads onto the two pieces of wire ensuring you have the same number of beads on each strand. Experiment with different colours and shapes to create interesting patterns. TIP: if you are using large beads begin and end each strand with 1-2 small seed beads to help the bracelet keep its shape.

Step 4: Use the pliers to hold the two strands of wire together (approximately 1- 2 cm away from the beads), and begin twisting until you have a nicely braided tail. Then use the wire cutters to cut the tail down ensuring you have enough to hook into the loop at the opposite end of the bracelet. I recommend leaving it a bit long until you try the bracelets on your deities you can be sure they fit properly.
The finished product, when dressing all you need to do is feed the tail into the loop and bend it into a hook to keep the bracelet in place.

Stay tuned for DIY Deity Jewelry: Bracelets- Part 2: Beaded Elastic Bracelets

Today is not Ekadasi. I thought it was, but it is not.  I had the Krishna-kathamrta Bindu in my inbox, which helped convince me of this fallacy. I found out this afternoon at my kids' school.  I should have realized when I saw Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara in teal, but no.  Yoga-maya did not allow me to make the connection.  

It was found at two places in his head there was internal bleeding. Bleeding has stoped. The place is delicate and doctors cannot do any operation. They are trying to treat by medicine. Till now Guru Maharaja is in unconscious state. Devotees saw one time HH moving his hands and leg. Now it looks like he is sleeping peace fully . Before he was breathing heavily with lot of sound which has stoped now.

Please pray and do some Sankirtana for recovery of His Holiness's health

Thank you very much.

Continous Chanting in Mayapur:

read more

According to devotees just returned from the hospital Jayapataka Swami's bleeding has stopped and so whilst he is still in a critical condition there has been further improvement.

By the GBC

The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON's Juhu Beach Temple in Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.

As many devotees may already know, HH Jayapataka Swami, one of ISKCON’s most senior devotees, was rushed to the hospital in Mumbai, India yesterday evening (North American time) after falling unconscious during the early morning hours. It has been determined that he had suffered two brain hemorrhages (internal bleeding).

There will be a program this evening at ISKCON Toronto to pray for the health and speedy recovery of HH Jayapataka Swami. The program will begin at 6:30pm and will consist of prayers, kirtan and chanting to Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Cora Gopinatha. Please come to the temple this evening as we join the prayers of devotees and ISKCON Centres from all around the globe.

For updates on Maharaja's latest condition, please visit : www.dandavats.com

Devakinandana Prabhu has just come from the hospital and he reports that Maharaja is showing some signs of improvement. He is now resting. His position is still critical but before taking rest he opened his eyes and moved his arm towards his head. These are positive signs.

Doctors are unable to operate or do more than observe his condition but these movements are encouraging signs of improvement.

Please offer a prayer on Maharaja's  behalf.

What enhancement or simplification to your Krsna conscious idea would please a child?

What would a kid's version of your product or service look like?

"The playful child was an instrument in fulfilling the Lord’s will."
- Srila Prabhupada (SB 1.8.50 Purport)

How can you ensure that the presentation of your Krsna conscious idea to key decision-makers will be clear, compelling, and convincing?

What is the simplest thing you can do to make sure that your presentation has impact?

"Try to present the above mentioned facts before the Patrons in the session meeting, and induce them to cooperate with this movement in the Western world."
- Srila Prabhupada (Letter to Tirtha Maharaja 69-02-07.Tir)

Update on the Condition of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami

The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON's Juhu Beach Temple in Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.

Aniruddha dasa, GBC Deputy, has sent three reports about Maharaja's condition. We would like to update ISKCON devotees worldwide about Maharaja and beg for your prayers on his behalf. We ask devotees around the world to pray to Lord Krishna and Lord Nrsimhadeva for Jayapataka Swami's protection.

Maharaja was rushed to the hospital this morning in an ambulance after his assistants found him in bed around 3:30 AM unable to move and calling for help in a semi-conscious state. He was taken the Hinduja Hospital, not far from the Juhu ISKCON temple. He was unconscious when he arrived at the hospital. There several tests were conducted and it was concluded that there was no problem with his heart, as first suspected.

Maharaja's blood pressure was dangerously high, but more importantly it was determined that he had suffered two brain haemorrhages (internal bleeding). One was located in the brain stem, a very sensitive area at the base of the brain where surgery is not possible.

Several expert physicians were called in, including devotee doctors from the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. Specialists included neurologists and a neurosurgeon.

Jayapataka Swami is in the intensive care unit. As the hospital will not allow many visitors in the unit, GBC members Sivarama Swami, Bir Krishna Goswami, Bhakti Caru Swami, and Radhanatha Swami who had rushed to the hospital in the morning to be with Jayapataka Swami, returned to the temple around noon. Upon return, Radhanatha Swami immediately updated the GBC about Maharaja's condition.

Radhanatha Swami reported that Jayapataka Swami remains in critical condition. His condition is extremely delicate. One positive report he shared with the GBC, was that, although not apparently conscious, when Jayapataka Swami was asked to squeeze his left hand, he did so.

As surgery is not an option at this time, doctors are monitoring Maharaja's condition very carefully, and administering medication as appropriate.

Jayapataka Swami is one of ISKCON's most senior devotees. He is a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He pioneered preaching in India as well as congregational outreach programs. He has been a faithful and important member of the GBC for decades.

We fervently pray to Lord Krishna for His protection. He has sacrificed his life in service, and we pray the Lord will give him full strength. We also offer our prayers and full support to the disciples of our dear god-brother in this most difficult time.

We request that devotees of ISKCON worldwide offer prayers to their Deities and to Srila Prabhupada that this great leader among us may regain his health and remain with us to serve the ISKCON mission for many more years.

We value, respect and love Jayapataka Maharaja. We admire his deep love for Prabhupada, for the ISKCON society, and for suffering humanity. May Lord Krishna be pleased to allow us all many more years of service to, and association with, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.

Your servants,

The Members of the ISKCON
Governing Body Commission
Ramai Swami, Chairperson
ISKCON Radha Rasabihari Temple
Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India
October 23, 2008
4:30 PM

This life is fleeting, uncertain the final hour
Just like the drop of water sitting on the lotus flower

Oh my mind, just worship the lotus feet of the son of Nanda, which make one fearless

- "Bhaja hure mana", Govinda dasa

The Melbourne devotees are gathering at the temple for a kirtana for Jayapataka Swami. It starts at 6.00 pm.

Please come along to offer prayers to Radha-vallabha for the protection of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.