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Tattva-viveka

Gour-Vijay Mandir

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 25, 2008 4:07 am

I am sure that all of you who came to the opening of Gaura Nitai's new Home are as overwhelmed and speechless as I am. This week's festivities certainly ushered the new age for our group. Perhaps I should have waited for a few more days before I post something about the Festival, but due to already great sense of separation I wanted to share some thoughts with all of you. By thinking sbout it and all of you I can just for a short time be transported there and enjoy those moments again. Most of my experience is still unprocessed, some of it is private and hard to share. I hope you will indulge me and forgive some incoherence that will follow. Hopefully, those who will want to post after me will be more coherent about their experience of the festival. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures yet but my mind is dominated by countless images that bring me to the edge of joyful tears.

First, I offer my most humble dandavats to the lotus feet of our beloved Guru Maharaja who is our pillar of faith and the fortune of my life. By his grace I was able to serve their Lordships presiding over the glorious Gaur-Vijay Mandir and have incredible fortune to bask in Their Divine presence even though I am not worthy of contemplating Their beautiful faces. I am prostrate at Their Lotus feet. I offer my obeisances to Audarya's residents who works so tirelessly to manifest Guru Maharaja's heart and who are my inspiration. I hope to enjoy their company and benevolence forever.

This weekend surpassed my happiness during our sojourn in Vrindvan. I certainly have never been happier and wish I could somehow save this feeling for a rainy day. I have been thinking about the process of building this temple and remembered long talks about it, planing, architectural drawings, long discussions about funds, materials, but most of all I remember Guru Maharaja's beaming eyes when he would tell us his vision of the Temple and try to inspire us. All of that came to fruition and a thought, a desire, a meditation was finally manifested in this magnificent labor of love. Occasionally I would look around me incredulous that we are actually in the Temple. Guru Maharaja in his Vyasa-asana what a glorious and so long awaited sight. I had to remind myself that it is here, Their Lordships installed in Their new home, the walls are real, ALL OF IT IS REAL! It was hard to take all of it in during such a short visit. Often I felt transported into a different time and place (no I did not become psychotic) felt surrounded by Gandharvas and Devas. I knew who everyone was but I was sure that they were someone else. For the benefit of those who were not there let me mention that we had many guests: the 64 Bhagavatas, Sri Laksmi-Narayan, and who knows what other being who came to Glorify the Lord. The Earthlings appeared from all corners of the World. Occasional bewildered Hippies also made appearance to remind us, I guess of, "the flower power" (as if we could ever forget). Speaking of flower power, the altar and the Temple were decorated by THOUSANDS of fragrant carnations and hundreds of gardenias and tuberoses. Elegant vases sported tropical plants of great beauty.

Most importantly it was so great to see all of the God-brothers and God-sisters and share in the feeling of love for Guru Maharaja. I just think we are such a FIERCE group! There is nothing as good and powerful as devotee association. I felt so fortunate to know all of you and felt at home in your kindness. Thank you for your loving company. I did not participate directly in the kirtans but Agnidev Prabhu transmitted the transcendental vibrations from his pure heart. These vibrations made Their Lordships beam with incredible luster. To witness it was beyond compare. Yes, the pushpanjali were falling from the heavens!

It was so nice to see the people who came to Audarya for the first time and observe their bewilderment. I hope to see all of you very soon.

Finally, this would not be complete without mentioning the super-extra-magnificently-excellent prasadam that was lovingly prepared by Vrindaranya and other residents. WOW!

I do not know what else I can say. When I think that Guru Maharaja's heart's desire is finally manifested I am moved to tears. I feel like worshiping every wooden plank, beam, and nail. How can we ever express gratitude to the devotees who build the Temple? I pray to remain forever in the service of Guru Maharaja and all of you in Sri Caitanya sanga.

Your humble servant,

Vamsidhari dasa

Abhay Krsna Dasa - March 25, 2008 12:10 pm

Vamsi Thanks for the beautiful discription. I wish I could have been there. Sounds like a once in lifetime experiance.

Sridama Dasa - March 25, 2008 6:14 pm

I am utterly heartbroken that I wasn't able to attend. Thank you, Vamsi, for the report. I can't wait to read and hear more about the weekend. I'm sure all the talks were recorded; is there any chance for a dvd of the event?

Mathura-natha Das - March 25, 2008 6:30 pm

SOMEBODY PLEASE THROW IN SOME PICTURES AND VIDEOS TOO BEFORE I...I...WELL...*SMACKS HIS HEAD ON THE KEYBOARD*

Bhrigu - March 25, 2008 7:25 pm

I am back in Finland since last night, but I am still in Audarya in my heart. It was such a wonderfully busy and Krishna-conscious festival! I am wiped out with jetlag and after a busy day, but want to mention some highlights:

* Guru Maharaja! Just seeing him and hearing his voice was such a balm to the heart.

* Gaura-vijaya mandir. Cittahari and the others have done a great job, down to the smallest details.

* The air and nature of Audarya. So pure and pristine!

* Getting to do two fire sacrifices and constructing a vastu-purusha-mandala.

* Seeing the ecstacy of the devotees in Agnideva's kirtanas

* Gaurangi-priya's dancing. So beautiful and captivating, especially the second and third dances.

* Waking up in the morning with an extra blanket and realising that Mayapurchandra had covered me with it so that I wouldn't be cold. Thank you, brother!

* Witnessing the manifold talents of Shyamasundara

* The company of all my wonderful godsisters and -brothers! It was a treat meeting all of you.

* Doing arati of Guru Maharaja. A rare opportunity!

Babhru Das - March 25, 2008 9:48 pm

I told Gaurangi just after her dance, and I'll say it publicly: She made me cry, and she saw the evidence herself. I couldn't stop the tears. And I know I wasn't alone (you know who you are, Shyamu!).

More later, but Bhrigu's post reminded me.

Syamasundara - March 25, 2008 11:42 pm

Just got home. It was wonderful to read all these posts already.

....

All right, here I am on the train from Audarya-lila's house to San Diego. I don't know if others have already posted their reports about the festival, but here goes mine.

From the Gospel according to Syamu;

DAY 0

Day 0 is actually a 5-month period. I had made a couple of bowls and such for the Audaryavasis just for practice, but the one I had made for GM was still cooling in the kiln when I went to Audarya for Govardhana Puja, so when I came back and saw I had a few months before Gaura Purnima, I decided to make more gifts for as many of my godsiblings as I could, to present them with on the Vyasa Puja, as they are extensions of my gurudeva. Last Wednesday the last of the pots, but the most important ones, as they were the altar vases, were supposed to be already cooled in the afternoon, but my teacher didn't come to open the kiln until 5 and my train to Ventura was at 4, so I had to get a greyhound bus at 9:45. Luckily a friend of mine volunteered to drive me to the pottery studio and greyhound station. Once there, though, they told us the bus had arrived already full, the next one would have gotten me to Audarya-lila's at 7, while he was ready to leave at 6, and, by the way, good luck carrying ceramics in the luggage trunk.

So I go back home, stuff the boxes really well outside and inside, look for all kinds of train, bus, plane options, and I start praying. That's the cool thing about day 0. I was already preparing to go to Audarya in a service mood and do everything I'd be told, but while praying I realized that in the back of my mind I was envisioning myself all being cool, with my gifts, taking part in the 24h kirtan, but now Mahaprabhu was making me realize that nothing is granted. I was begging him: "Please let me arrive at your lotus feet, I am willing to endure twice as much trouble", and I sure did, I went through the worst 12 hours of my life (almost) between missed trains, buses, taxis, trying to sleep in cold stations, and all this while dragging 60lb of pottery, and eventually I met with Audarya-lila; but my point is that vandana is perfect in itself. It may seem that we are praying for something, but the moment we show a prayerful attitude, we are already properly situated. Prayer is like chyropractice for the soul.

DAY 1

Day one was the Vyasa-puja day, or was it? It took me weeks to figure out when to fast, etc. It turned out that the day we were celebrating the VP was astrologically Mahaprabhu's appearance, so we fasted until moonrise. All in all, I don't think GM's day was given the due importance this year, but such was his desire, and we tried to follow it and try to tweak it as much as possible, like with a Guru Puja squeezed into the schedule later on.

After Mangala arati, GM gave a talk from Caitanya Bhagavata about Gauranga's meeting with his guru, Isvara Puri, and appropriately so, seen the climate of mixed celebration of Guru and Gauranga. I decided not to tell much about the classes, as they are recorded, and because they deserve a separate thread each. However, this was not recorded, so I'll just say some of the salient points that stuck with me, such as Isvara Puri being the only one by whom Mahaprabhu chose to be defeated.

After japa, the deities had some breakfast, and Bhrgupada went ahead with the yajna for the inauguration of the temple according to Vastu, but in Gopala Bhatta Gosvami's gaudiya vision. He first established the Vastu Purusha in the corner of the temple, and invited all kinds of mahabhagavatas, and then we had the actual fire yajña on the deck. At 4, we were ready to move the deities down to their new home on a palanquin. I had to run to Vrndaranya's cabin to get the cadars for the deities, as it wasn't exactly a hot day, and let me tell you, that trail is so impervious that it sure increases the piety of those who tread it up and down. That's probably why Vrndaranya has changed so much lately.

So, I am sure that pictures are going to be posted soon, of how the deities came down while the way was being purified by Sridama's hooves, milk, and a shower of petals. And kirtan, of course. Then we had a talk, arati and an ekadasi feast.

Day 1 wasn't too happy for me on one level; I kept feeling like I wasn't prepared or purified enough, and I didn't have the right consciousness for the event. I really wanted to rent a car and come 2 days earlier, but it wasn't possible. When I am out of the ashram, I am always yearning to go back, I dream of the devotees and GM 2 or 3 times a week, my private kirtanas are so sweet, but then I come here, and my heart goes bone dry; I get some sort of Absolute Reality check, and realize that all the light I was seeing was just a candle I was holding in the dark, and now that I am in full sunshine, that candle is insignificant.

Consciousness must be cultivated over time.

I forgot to say that after the talk we gave our gifts to GM. Madan Gopala and Atmananda made a calendar for the whole congregation, that should be available for printing from TV. Ratna gave him a sweater that was just like the one GM already has and he liked so much, but it's now full of holes. K&K gave him a copy of the DVD "Charlie in the chocolate factory" in reference to an episode that occurred in CR. Audarya-lila gave him a shaving kit, and GM took advantage of that to say that practical gifts, such as soap and such, are very intelligent ones, because he is sure to use them and every time he will remember the disciple who made the gift. I can't remember any other gifts, sorry. Maybe a check, and something else.

DAY 2

GOT URINE? GOT DIRT? You won't see these slogans on a billboard any time soon, but they sure were our slogans during these days of yajñas and abhisekhas.

Day two was Jagannathotsava, but we celebrated it as GP. My consciousness was a little better, thanks to the purification in day 1. GM wasn't there for mangala arati, and later we realized he had a flu. By the way, he had shifted the beginning of the 24h kirtana, so instead of starting at midnight between Friday and Saturday, it would go from 4pm on Fri, to 4 on Sat. My shift remained at 2:30am. I wasn't expecting to be absolutely alone, so I started to sing, but I was so groggy I ended up chanting a loud japa close to the altar window. Better like this, no distractions.

Day 2 is the day in which we had the most devotees. I got to meet Karnamrta, Gaurangipriya's parents, Atmananda, Viveka, Babhru, K&K, Tadiya, Rasikananda, and Grant, who is now officially one of my well-wished, with Rohini-nandana, Nitai- and Gaurasundara, and Gurunistha.

Guru Maharaja came to give a talk at around 10. Agni chanted the song about the guru-parampara that he didn't get a chance to sing the day before. I never really fancied that song, too long and a touch boring. However this time, we were singing along, but when we got to Madhavendra Puri, the rhythm changed, and coincidentally, and a little because of that, so did our mood. Now all of a sudden we knew all the personalities we were singing about, and it really touched home. It was like leafing through the family album of our dearest family members, that we are so proud of.

Isvara purike dhanya karilena sri caitanya

jagad-guru gaura mahaprabhu!

Everybody's voice was very emotional: some people would chant those names louder, my voice was broken when I saw the emotions of the Vaisnavas, and I was all hot on the face, like I was blushing, with hairs standing all over my head. And the song kept going, and our consciousness was higher and higher. The solidity of the temple building and the trees all around us started to trickle down and wash off.

Before the official talk, GM read four of the VP offerings he had received the day before, that stuck out to him for their message, or that summed up the mood of other offerings. He had printed out Maharha's, Grant's, Nitaisundara's, and Vrndaranya's. He also took advantage of the situation to make known that Vrndaranya was now taking over the mission, as it was time for him and devotees of his generation to go within.

At the end of the talk he also gave hari-nama to Viveka, who is now Gaura Vijaya das (Hari bol! ) and diksa mantra to Nitaisundara and Tadiya, who is now living at Audarya. So, three miracles in one day; we don't make ourselves lack anything ( ).

The sound system was operative, to my great fortune, as I couldn't stay awake during class, having got up at 2, so I could go outside of the kitchen and listen to the talk while pacing. At the time of the name giving, though, I went to the temple room and was pleased to see that all the cooking had stopped, and everybody was also coming behind me to assist to the miracle.

Everybody is so special here; nobody goes through the motions, which should be the norm, but alas, considering the gaudiya society at large, it's not. All the devotees of our guru-varga are so considerate, they are very informal in their dealings between men and women, or junior and senior devotees, but never inappropriate, they spontaneously know how to behave, partly because most of us come from Iskcon, and GM doesn't have to hammer us with basics and externals, but also because the mission is small, and GM chooses his disciples with care, and they are all like little mirrors reflecting his heart and qualities. Everyone is so expert. Daksa (expert) is one of the Vaisnava qualities.

After the class we had the official yajña for the 3 initiates.

Then Kamalaksa took a group picture of all of us, which I can't wait to see (again). He said he is also posting all the CR pictures, it's just that he wanted to make an album and show it to GM before.

Oh! And the deities had a new outfit, and, as GM anticipated on Govardhana Puja, a new style. Vrndaranya said they shifted from the outfits with embroidered animals, to simpler cloth and less necklaces. This outfit in particular had been made by her out of a fancy sari, that had been dyed from white to red, through orange, with batik dots (wax resistance) making motifs. I was elated to hear that, as that's the style I had decided to adopt for my Radha-Vrndavanacandra, now that I am ready to make experiments with natural dyeing and silver clay.

The standard is going to go way up now that the temple is in place. We should have our worship book soon. Another novelty is that the big Giriraja and the K&B silas are not going to be on the new altar, at least for now, as GM doesn't want it too cluttered. I wasn't too happy to have K&B fall into oblivion, but at the same time, two altars are better than one, and if people really want to have darsana with the silas, they can go there. That's what Narasimha maharaja has in southern India. Many shrines throughout the property.

Thanks to everybody's donations, the deities, GM and even the cows on the altar, had tuberose and gardenia garlands all the time, so that dream of mine came true. Another one was to have the sankha blown and the bell rung during gaura arati, when it goes: sankha baje, ghantha baje, madhur madhur madhur baje (a conch is being blown, a bell is being rung, and it sounds so sweet). Well, it was GM's desire, but I've also always wanted to see it happen. After the photo we had a little snack, and shortly after, another talk, this time more focused on Mahaprabhu, but at that time I really couldn't stay awake, so I went to the back again, and I got involved in the preparations for the abhisekha. Meanwhile more devotees kept coming. From the temple room I saw GNu running towards the bathroom, and I realized how it seemed that the Audaryavasis seemed to have forgotten how to walk, especially under Vrndaranya's management; but, as GM mentioned in one of the talks, these are the rhythms of mañjari-bhava: take it or leave it.

The abhisekha was really sweet. We couldn't find the big tub, so we had to bathe first Mahaprabhu, then Nitai: twice the sweetness, and everybody got to bathe them. Nothing beats the darsan of our Lords wearing nothing but a thread and a gamcha, especially if they are covered in honey. I am not sure what happened while the deities were being redressed, I was ripping the gamcha cloth to distribute as prasada. Oh! Before the abhisekha, Gaurangi did a Bharata-natyam representation, that I almost missed entirely while waiting for the cows to urinate. The last dance was describing the text of the song Parama Karuna, and it brought a tear to my eyes.

Anyway, the grand conclusion was the sundara-arati. The cooking was over, the prasada seva was organized, and everyone joined the kirtan. Seeing everybody dropping everything to come to the arati of Brahma to Gauracandra made me "open the dances". I usually wait for GM or other more advanced Vaisnavas to be inspired to make everyone dance, as I don't want to attract attention, but this happens so rarely... I don't know, sometimes dancing is both the cause and the effect of inspiration. The result was that all the devotees, who were probably waiting for a cue, started to dance back and forth, and Gaura Nitai also seemed to swing with us, closer and farther.

One of the best moments for me was to see a blissful smile on Bhrigu's and Madan's faces right after the kirtan, because that reflected my mood (and face expression I guess). We are a very tight and synchronized group.

Serving prasada has never been my favorite seva, but for the last couple of times, I caught myself doing it. I don't come all the way here to get served. During prasada the two Gopalas (Syama and Madana) exhorted us to join them in thanking all the Audarya-vasis for their great work, and specially Vrndaranya, and everybody made a tumultuous noise and repeated Vrnda, Vrnda, Vrnda, Vrnda!

Nirmatsara (bereft of envy) is another Vaisnava quality.

DAYS 3 and 4

Days 3 and 4 weren't as fun at all, as the Vaisnavas started to leave one after the other. The only, though meager, consolation was that this year I could see the same shocked, lifeless eyes and pain in everyone's face, every time someone would leave, so I didn't feel alone. Also, as the night before all the devotees showered me with their affection and encouragement about my efforts with pottery, I could sing my heart out during the kirtan, maybe for the first time feeling the support of everybody, instead of the anxiety that I might annoy someone with my singing and dancing. Plus, now Vrndaranya is taking part to all the kirtans, and the specialty of it helped to enthuse me.

On Sunday afternoon GM was out on his porch and he gave us an informal talk about CR, he showed us a hilarious map of the place that Krsangi had made, and after Gaura arati we had a slide show of Vrndaranya's pictures of CR.

I think we should repeat this every year, regardless of the inauguration. Gaura Purnima is the festival of the gaudiyas, and the money can be saved over one year. Who knows when I'll see Rohini-nandana or Bhrigu again.

Caitanya-daya Dd - March 26, 2008 3:55 am

argh ... i am very sorry i missed the occasion (blame my stupid self and lack of ability to schedule trips well). I just talked to audarya-lila this afternoon on the phone and it sounds like i missed the event of the year. :-(

I am waiting in anticipation for the photos/videos, etc :-)

Syamasundara - March 26, 2008 5:16 am

Of the year???

How many times do you inaugurate something?

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 26, 2008 5:17 am

I was toooverwhelmed to be thinking of photoes. Hopefully sometime next year at this time Kamalaksa will post some of his most precious masterpieces. our other hope is Nanda Tanuj[insky] who also took lots of them.

My old hands are shaky and I am too unstable to hold such a sensitive instrument but nevertheless, here are a few just so that Mathuranath does not hurt anyone

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 26, 2008 5:24 am

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 26, 2008 5:32 am

Bijaya Kumara Das - March 26, 2008 2:01 pm

I told Gaurangi just after her dance, and I'll say it publicly: She made me cry, and she saw the evidence herself. I couldn't stop the tears. And I know I wasn't alone (you know who you are, Shyamu!).

 

More later, but Bhrigu's post reminded me.

here are some pictures for you all to delight in

Syamasundara - March 26, 2008 2:08 pm

Aniyor aniyor!

Have you seen the deities with those pashmina cadars? Have you noticed how much more beautiful they look off the altar and among us? Those eyes?

Syamasundara - March 26, 2008 2:13 pm

Hopefully sometime next year at this time Kamalaksa will post some of his most precious masterpieces. our other hope is Nanda Tanuj[insky] who also took lots of them.

And don't forget Mayapur's videos everyone!

Too bad the Gaura arati tide dance wasn't filmed, but on the other hand it's good that everyone was one-minded.

Bijaya Kumara Das - March 26, 2008 2:47 pm

Dearest Guru Maharaja and Prabhus:

I offer you all my humble obesciense.

Thank you all for the wonderful association.

Vrndavani is okay from her fall. She only lost a baby tooth because the new tooth is coming so we thank you all for your prayers.

Here are some pictures.bajana begins fridaygarland makersGurudeva reading the moveGuru parampara moving to new quartersinstructions for the moveGurudeva preparesbajana awaits with anticipationThe grand processionGurudeva leadiing us to the doorGurudeva offers GuraNiti to their new homeGurudeva begins offering

Syamasundara - March 26, 2008 3:35 pm

Two more things I noticed and forgot to mention are GM chanting japa during the fire yajña, which reminded me of this verse:

maharṣīṇāḿ bhṛgur ahaḿ

girām asmy ekam akṣaram

yajñānāḿ japa-yajño 'smi

sthāvarāṇāḿ himālayaḥ

TRANSLATION

Of the great sages I am Bhṛgu; of vibrations I am the transcendental oḿ. Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa], and of immovable things I am the Himālayas.

and also that when we welcomed GM for the Vyasa-puja talk, unlike the other years, when he would be all stern and meditating on his own gurudeva, he raised his arms and acknowledged the affection of all of us, we were like one big body and the love kept going back and forth like waves. Also, during the guru-puja, people would shower him with petals, and while they were paying obeisances, he would take the petals from his lotus feet and throw them on their heads. The next day, Nitaisundara also got his upavita (sacred thread) straight from GM's left foot, under which it had taken shelter.

Kamalaksa Das - March 27, 2008 2:57 pm

During the festivities many devotees made fun of my inability to quickly post pictures on this forum. In my defence: you have to understand that I am a very slow person.

Combine this with the fact that I am an incurable perfectionist. In practical terms this means that I could work on a picture for hours, then decide it is not worthy of public display. After which I make a vow of never shooting another picture.

Only to return to the aforementioned picture few weeks later, and start the process all over. And I won't even go into how many things depress me when I try to print pictures. The variables just keep multiplying, like what kind of paper would best suit this given assignment.

So in case you thought I was slow, you should in reality be surprised that any of my pictures has ever made it as far as being posted on a closed forum such as this.

Another point is that I see little value in posting tons of useless pictures I have taken without any discrimination. Out of the ca 1000 pictures I shot, I suspect some 30 might be worth sharing. To mine those from the vault of 1000 is a task that also takes some effort. And for one reason or another I still have to work, which cuts many active hours from my day.

*

On the plus side, Gurunistha commented that I had really progressed as a photographer. Hearing this I naturaly felt a little happy, as I constantly seek outside reaffirmation that I might do something correctly. (It's a Finnish thing - we very often (read: always) think we are lesser than everyone else, and that all we do is sub-par.)

But what goes up must come down.

When I enthusiastically told Krishangi about the compliment I received from Gurunistha she quickly brought me down to earth with her analysis of the situation.

"His opinion was probably based on the fact that you recently have shot more pictures with Guru Maharaja in them" my ever supporting wife concluded. And continued her impersonation of Gurunistha "...this picture of your brother getting stuck in the ditch with his old LandRover is now so good, but look at this! It's Guru Maharaja walking towards the temple! How great is that not?"

So there you have it. The explanations why you are not seeing more pictures from me on Tattva viveka. But worry not, I will start working on the one picture mentioned at the begining of this post soon. Who knows, within a month or so we might actually see it in this very thread!

*

In the mean time I will actually give you one picture as an appetizer. Enjoy, as they say in the States!

*

A disclaimer

Those who know me better, will know that I share an unfortunate disadvantage with the princess of Sweden. Both of us suffer, to some degree, from face blindness. An especially awkward when one, as the two of us, are constantly coming in touch with lots of people. So if I don't recognize you, please do not take it personally - the fault is all mine.

This is combined with the fact that I have the hardest time remembering names.

I can confess that I have had students whose names I have not been able to learn in three years. (If you want to be remembered, try being extra nice or extra mean to me. If I'm given a choice, I prefer nice.)

I do not do these things out of spite or on purpose, it is just a disadvantage I have.

Now that these things are cleared out ot the way, I present you with a group picture taken on Gaura Purnima. With it I have made an outline drawing of the persons present, doing my best to identify tem.

Many are still blanks, and this is your opportunity to help out. Please post all names combined with numbers, and I will edit them into my post.

Once again, thanks to everyone who participated. And Audarya-lila, I am sorry if I scared you by displaying the commander side in me. A rare occurance I assure you, mostly reserved for my students.

*

1. Guru Maharaja Swami B.V. Tripurari

2.

3.

4. Krsna Rati

5. Tadiya

6. Gandharvika

7. Venu Gopal

8.

9.

10.

11. Nitai Sundara

12. Vrindaranya

13. Madan Gopal

14. Gaurangi

15.

16. Bhrigupada

17. Shyamasundara

18. Rasikananda

19. Vraja-lila

20.

21. Bijay Kumara

22. Vrndavani

23. Mayapurchandra

24. Braja Sundari

25.

26. Taruna Krsna

27. Karnamrita

28. Dhiralalita

29. Gaura Sundara

30. Agnideva

31. Atmananda

32. Ratna Cintamani

33. Ksirodakasayi-Visnu

34. Rasaraja

35. Babhru

36. Gurunistha

37. Audarya-lila

38.

39. Jason

40. Grant

41. Gaura Krishna

42. Vamsidhari

43. Nandatanuja

44. Gaura Vijay

45. Rohini-nandana

46. Apurva

47.

48.

49. Citta Hari

50. Sumati

51. Guruseva

52.

53. Hari Bhakti

54.

55. Kamalini

56.

57.

58.

59.

60. Gandiva

61. Krishangi

62. Shyama Gopala

63. Daniel

Guru-nistha Das - March 27, 2008 3:53 pm

When I enthusiastically told Krishangi about the compliment I received from Gurunistha she quickly brought me down to earth with her analysis of the situation.

 

"His opinion was probably based on the fact that you recently have shot more pictures with Guru Maharaja in them" my ever supporting wife concluded. And continued her impersonation of Gurunistha "...this picture of your brother getting stuck in the ditch with his old LandRover is now so good, but look at this! It's Guru Maharaja walking towards the temple! How great is that not?"

Bogus! I've seen tons of bad pics taken of Guru Maharaja. Enough of excuses, put the pics up already!

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 27, 2008 4:17 pm

(It's a Finnish thing - we very often (read: always) think we are lesser than everyone else, and that all we do is sub-par.)

 

 

So there you have it. The explanations why you are not seeing more pictures from me on Tattva viveka. But worry not, I will start working on the one picture mentioned at the begining of this post soon. Who knows, within a month or so we might actually see it in this very thread!

:Applause: :Applause: :Applause: :Applause:

So I see that it was worth it being on your case about the pictures! Who says that nagging doesn't work. I have only seen a few of your pictures and there is no doubt that you have a sharp eye.

One thing I want to caution you about the more you think you are lesser then everyone else, even against all the evidence to the contrary, the more it becomes an expression of being better then any one else because in your "lessernessness" you surpass us all. :dance: :Black Eye: :Black Eye: :Black Eye: :Black Eye: :Black Eye:

So, having delivered my insight of the day now i have to run to "cure" some real patients.

Thanks for the picture it looks great!

Syamasundara - March 27, 2008 4:25 pm

Oh no! Why did I make that comment about the shadow in the eyes? I must have delayed everything...

I need to see the devotees taking prasada, and GM receiving gifts, and the deities being bathed, and the cereals in the air while everyone goes SWAHAAAAA!

By the way I didn't appreciate that you are not in the picture. What was wrong with setting a timer and running among us?

Rathi Krishna Dasa - March 27, 2008 4:43 pm

In the mean time I will actually give you one picture as an appetizer. Enjoy, as they say in the States!

Nice! It's like a team picture. Just need someone to hold the ball.

Syamasundara - March 27, 2008 5:21 pm

Well, Taruna Krsna and Rati are holding an apple, and I had a nectarine. How's that?

Mayapurcandra Das - March 27, 2008 5:35 pm

Syamasundara - March 27, 2008 6:27 pm

The first 3 pics must be from Tuesday, or whenever the deities get dressed. So, is no whigs part of the new style?

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 27, 2008 7:08 pm

The first 3 pics must be from Tuesday, or whenever the deities get dressed. So, is no whigs part of the new style?

They are wearing whigs but the hair is pulled back.

Bijaya Kumara Das - March 28, 2008 7:50 pm

here you go shayma Living Bhagavat starts bajana for offering1st offering Shayma2nd offering Gour Vijaya 3rd offering Madana Gopal 4 offering Audarya Lila5th offering Krishangi6th offering Ratna7th offering Bhrigu ?8th Nadvavip and Tilak Ksirodaksayi Gurudeva leads kirtan for unveilingunveiling of their Lordships kijaya

Swami - March 28, 2008 8:21 pm

Number 27 is starting to look like seasoned sadhu!

Babhru Das - March 28, 2008 8:31 pm

I was thinking the same thing! He looks like someone from a picture in a book, or a photo journal of a tour of pilgrimage places. His heart seems the same, too. I was so happy to spend time with him after such a long separation.

Grant Upson - March 28, 2008 9:02 pm

As many of you know, the festival marked my first visit to Audarya from Chicago.

While the beauty of the land and temple were instantly captivating, it was the generosity and gentleness of the devotees that most gripped my heart. From the moment Anna and I arrived, we were besieged (in a wonderful way) by so many smiling faces. I felt entirely unworthy of such a warm reception, but the generosity kept coming. (I guess this is to be expected at a place called “Audarya!” :Nail Biting: )

I soon found myself thinking, “I want to be like them.” More than anything, I hope that this sentiment endures.

Reading Follow the Angels this week, the following passage struck a chord in a way that it would not have just seven days ago:

“The Deity form of the Lord, the vigraha is there, the sastra is there—but in a sense these are superficial. The real substance we find in a Vaisnava, in his heart. Dharmasya tattvam nihitam guhayam. The Krsna conception, Krsna as He is, knowledge and love, we find living in the heart of a Vaisnava who directs all activities towards Him, towards His service.”

To the extent that I was receptive, the devotees and GM gave me a glimpse of this instruction’s profound truth. Krsna is everywhere at Audarya, but he is so overtly present in the heart of the devotees. I had to feel it to believe it, but the feeling was unmistakable.

While I can reflect on many other dimensions of my experience, I wish to express my amazement at the intensity of the Audarya-vasis’ service. Sunday breakfast was the first time I saw any of the monks sitting even remotely still. Vrindaranya in particular appeared like a veritable cyclone of seva. Often times “24-hour service” is spoken of in theoretical terms, but at Audarya that ideal is being actualized.

My main regret is that I came with a “guest mentality,” and sat back while the residents and devotees labored tirelessly (yet seemingly free from fatigue). I hope that next time I arrive with a more appropriate mood. I thank you all again for being so welcoming and generous.

Guru-nistha Das - March 28, 2008 11:31 pm

A week before the festival we still had several things to do on the temple. The walls weren't painted, some of the trim wasn't on, tile grouting and some drawers had to be made and so on. The outfits weren't done yet, the sound system hadn't come, we'd still have to go to San Francisco and get all the bhoga and flowers and we'd have to do a full cleanup for Audarya and the temple.

The last marathon before the opening was in full swing and we were pretty much just working on the temple from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep. It was actually really great. Marathons give you a wonderful chance to get absorbed and be one-minded about your service. In all honesty I was panicking a little because it seemed like there just wasn't enough hours in the days to finish everything on time. Even a day before the festival a lot of the tools were scattered around the temple and Mayapur was working on making drawers for the kitchen.

On Thursday we got everything cleaned up with the help of about 9 devotees who had come in advance and everything came together just in time for the festival.

The Vyasa Puja celebration was really special for me. It was definitely the best Vyasa Puja I've ever been to and Guru Maharaja was saying the same thing after the celebrations. The puspanjali and Guru puja were actually the highlight of the whole festival for me. Seeing Guru Maharaja on the Vyasasana, throwing flowers back at the devotees who came forward to offer petals, it was like meditating on a yoga-pitha. The kirtan around, the devotees, the sweet words of Narottama dasa. Very powerful.

Shyamsundara was saying in his report how he kind of freezes up at first when he comes to Audarya, and I've noticed this in general of the guests. It seems like the first day is a day of readjusting. In general, the festival really took on on the second day, the Gaura Purnima. It was just simply ecstatic (believe me, I don't use that word too often). Everything was working in harmony for the common goal of service, of Hari tosananam. The classes, the cooking, the abhiseka, sacrifices, eating, kirtans, it all merged into this continuous, flowing offering and we were floating with it.

Even the anxiety I felt about arrangements and what not felt great in the end. That's how bhakti takes us beyond the dualities of sense contact. Lokavat tu lila kaivalyam :Nail Biting:

It's surreal that the temple is functioning now. Almost two years ago we started digging the foundations with Citta Hari, the whole thing was just an abstraction in the mind of Guru Mahraja, then the architect, the the workers. I remember spray painting the outlines of the rooms on the ground and taking cushions out to the grass, sitting down, and Guru Mahraja would exclaim, "this is the prasad hall!". After so many thoughts plans and thousands of hours of work it materialized. It manifested through us but we didn't do it.

I can't believe how fast time has gone. I'm trying to think of the project purely from a point of view of service and not attach my own aspirations to it. In fact I freaked out Kamalaksa by saying that if Guru Maharaja asked me to burn the temple tomorrow, I wouldn't hesitate doing it. I keep reminding myself that it's not a material accomplishment but an outcome of a certain attitude towards reality, in honor of reality. But still I have to say, we did pretty damn good!

Syamasundara - March 29, 2008 4:40 pm

While the beauty of the land and temple were instantly captivating, it was the generosity and gentleness of the devotees that most gripped my heart. From the moment Anna and I arrived, we were besieged (in a wonderful way) by so many smiling faces. I felt entirely unworthy of such a warm reception, but the generosity kept coming. (I guess this is to be expected at a place called “Audarya!” :Nail Biting: )

 

I soon found myself thinking, “I want to be like them.” More than anything, I hope that this sentiment endures.

You don't know how refreshing it is to hear these words from the outside (for now). I am always afraid of getting used to the nectar.

We are a wonderful group, and sometimes I want to go to other gatherings just to make sure I am right and not partial and sentimental; at the same time we still do a lot with our intellect. Krsna's room in our hearts still has no window panes, floor and fixtures, maybe GM has a rocking chair in it, but we are still driving instead of being driven. Or at least that's me. However, there's hope that if we remain this cohesive, and as our chanting and seva mature, we might become "driven" like the devotees in the Cc recounts. We might become so tuned in, despite our concerns for family, work, etc, to be able to clean the temple by just saying "Krsna, Krsna!" and understand what we mean.

Mayapur's gesture to Bhrigu struck me a lot. I just read an article yesterday about chivalry, how it's not laying your jacket on a pool for a damsel to walk on, but a code of behavior for noble men, because the stronger, nobler, etc you are, the more you need to protect and serve others, even by just giving example with your courage, justness, generosity; all in all, chivalry was about learning that you are not the only one in the universe, and that you should always reach out to the others and serve them, in accordance to your capacities. Nowadays it's the opposite: the stronger you are, the less you think you have to care about others.

Hehe, so I guess we are the Knights of the Order of Mahaprabhu, and whenever we are in the world, or when people come to places like Audarya, the contrast and the teaching is evident.

Imagine how noble all the devotees in the Cc are, despite the fact that most of them were divine or semidivine in origin.

Syamasundara - March 29, 2008 5:20 pm

Even the anxiety I felt about arrangements and what not felt great in the end. That's how bhakti takes us beyond the dualities of sense contact. Lokavat tu lila kaivalyam :Nail Biting:

You know what, Vaikuntha means free of anxiety, but when I read about anxiety in the above statement, I "felt" guilty, because I "felt" none, so, I guess my ego was still that of a guest. However, the second after, the intellect kicked in, and I remembered dragging 60lb of pottery across 3 counties, running up and down to get cadars for Gaura Nitai right before they left the old temple, waiting and hoping for some cow urine minutes before the abhisekha, perking my ears for GM to say "Hola!" and run to the other phone in the office to translate, but the voice sounded miles away...

Like SP says, "we can be in anxiety for Maya or for Krsna", and they are two very different experiences. In maya, anxiety underlines everything, even pleasure and happiness. In seva even anxiety has its roots in happiness.

The statement about burning down the temple is almost a cliché one, like we've heard many times about selling the marble, etc., but if it's really meant and heartfelt it's really potent. Sometimes I think of the rsis and munis of the past, how they would say and do the craziest things.

Would a guru really order to burn down a temple and waste all that money and energy of Krsna's just to teach one disciple how to be detached from the fruit of his actions and attached to guru seva?

Like SP used to say, "If I managed to bring even one only person back to Godhead, my mission would be accomplished."

So now consider how powerful our GM is, that he doesn't even need to ask Gurunistha to burn down the temple he put his life and soul into (together with others) for him to learn the lesson. This happens when the perfect guru deals with the perfect disciple.

Rathi Krishna Dasa - March 29, 2008 6:00 pm

In fact I freaked out Kamalaksa by saying that if Guru Maharaja asked me to burn the temple tomorrow, I wouldn't hesitate doing it. I keep reminding myself that it's not a material accomplishment but an outcome of a certain attitude towards reality, in honor of reality.

I love this.

Mayapurcandra Das - March 29, 2008 11:50 pm

more pics from festival:

Guru Maharaja during homa

Sri Sri Gaura Nityananda

and from the day before festival...

temple room with tools and dust

cleaning kitchen, pantry and deck

Vamsidhari Dasa - March 30, 2008 2:50 am

wow these photos are a perfect example of immense power of love.......

Syamasundara - March 30, 2008 10:55 am

sri- vigraharadhana-nitya-nana

sringara-tan-mandira-marjanadau

yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato 'pi

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

I am really glad I could see the temple in disarray just the day before.

So, does the new dressing standard include using only one necklace?

Syamasundara - March 30, 2008 8:18 pm

By the way, time to post the sequel to

Madan Gopal Das - March 30, 2008 10:04 pm

That would be really nice - all in good time. That "under construction" video is so wondeful. I have seen it many times and it just really brings out the seva spirit and is very touching. Looking forward to the sequel.

Syamasundara - March 31, 2008 6:08 pm

Speaking of cohesive, I remembered another incident from day 2.

GM was telling a story that's well known and dear to many, of how he was in Mayapur when he saw Srila Bhaktivinoda's prophecy come true through SP. He said that in the future devotees from all over the world will gather in Mayapur and chant (and everybody muttered:) "Jaya Sacinandana! Jaya Sacinandana!"

Agni said that first, as he likes to interject during class, and I followed right along, but it felt like everybody else (who knew the story) was just waiting for a cue. It was as if we were breathing the same breath, right on the same page, and it had never happened before like that.

So yeah, let's keep this thread going until next year. I don't understand what makes this year any different from the past ones, whether the temple was ready or not, but it's barely been a week and I've already had three phone exchanges with godbrothers and sisters, just because we wanted to feel closer.

By the way, any pics/videos of the abhisekha any time soon, please? I saw everything from the back, which was priceless as it was the vantage point of the deities, and there were happy devotees filling the room smiling and singing one-mindedly, but I also would like to see the deities being bathed.

Syama Gopala Dasa - March 31, 2008 7:56 pm

here are some of the photos I took after the festival

Syamasundara - March 31, 2008 8:58 pm

Great, thanks!

I loved the parampara and IMG_0100 with all my buddies. :Talking Ear Off:

Nanda-tanuja Dasa - March 31, 2008 11:26 pm

OK, my turn. I’m not a perfectionist, so here it goes – unphotoshopped, unedited, raw drop of everything I took over the festival, about 190 pictures.

Some are good, some are total failure, but you should decide for yourself. Enjoy!

This is a little sample to whet your appetite:

Whole set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12462081@N06/...57604336281601/

NOTE: When viewing pictures don’t forget to click on “All Sizes” button to select high resolution images (max size is 2000 x 3000 which should be sufficient for printing).

Rathi Krishna Dasa - April 1, 2008 12:14 am

I'm really enjoying everyone's pictures. It's almost like being there. Almost.

Caitanya-daya Dd - April 1, 2008 12:52 am

the photos are amazing. The deities look amazing. Guru Maharaja looks amazing. Everyone looks amazing.

I haven't finished kicking myself, by the way ...

Vamsidhari Dasa - April 1, 2008 4:13 am

ohhhh, Tanujinsky thank you so much for these super excellent photos!

Gour-Vijay Mandir Ki Jaya!!!!!!

Babhru Das - April 1, 2008 4:51 am

Thanks from me, too! Wonderful, wonderful!

Syamasundara - April 1, 2008 7:38 am

OH MY!!! These are the best so far, so crisp, and some are so artistic. I can only imagine what the perfectionist is gonna come up with (not to put any pressure on him...). It was wonderful to see the devotees taking prasada.

I haven't finished kicking myself, by the way ...

Good...

Bhrigu - April 1, 2008 9:19 am

Beautiful pictures, Nandatanuja! Thank you.

Nanda-tanuja Dasa - April 1, 2008 5:15 pm

Everything is happening because of your blessings and support. I would like thank YOU for giving me the opportunity to participate in this lifetime event.

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 12:58 pm

Good news, everyone!

For all of you who have suffered through sleepless nights wondering how my tooth was faring I can announce that I have regained my youthful appearance. Or at least the appearance that I had prior to my face sweelling up to the proportions of me resembling most that of a beat up drunk.

In relation to this I found a pamphlet for young boys and girls, printed in the 30's, explaining the cause of my ailements. It seems that my intake of too much soft food has led me to this sorry fate. According to the text, the teeth, like muscles, need exercise. Which they quite apperently didn't get. Enclosed is a scan from the booklet, lest you be saved from the unpleasant conditions disclosed within.

*

Unfortunately given the detail of my excessive intake of painkillers during much of the festivities, my recollections of events are somewhat hazy. (Of all brahminical qualities available, I have found one that fits me, that of a very low tolerance for pain. Good choice, right? (First I thought I could go with humility or self-surrender, but no, I chose inability to tolearate pain.))

Yet despite the fact that the man behind the camera was not in the shape of his life, the camera itself functioned like the perfect servant, making up for what I was lacking. Namely clear vision and a fundamental understanding of harmonious proportions.

*

What all this means for you is that I am now prepared to start sharing pictures with the members of this board.

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:00 pm

And thank you to all for (hopefully friendly?) jabs about my supposed perfectionist tendencies.

To be serious for a while (Vamsi, are you listening? ) my pedantic leanings are not out of choice, nor are they a call for (udue) attention. To tell you the truth I have never been more than briefly happy with any work I have done. In all things I have had published I often times only see the faults. Take the example of Siksastakam, a work most of you are familiar with, and for which I had the priviledge of designing the layout.

Objectively speaking I am can see it turned out quite nicely, but as an ever present thorn in my side is the fact that on the last line of page 76 the number 7 is not a so called proportional oldstyle numer as it should have been, but instead a lining tabular figure. A mistake I made.

I know Vrindaranya has a very nice quote about this type of mentality written by an author explaining his feelings towards publishing as the final phase of defeat in life. Maybe she would be willing to share it here on Tattva-viveka?

So in all honesty, I am not trying to beg compliments by trying to appear lesser than I am - I am just simply and chronically a very critical person toward myself.

But let us not dwell upon me and my neurosis anymore - here are the pictures. I hope you like them!

(My plan is to post some ten pictures a day in the upcoming days, to give you time to chew on them.)

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:01 pm

The value of a moment’s association with the devotee of the Lord cannot be compared even to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which are for those who are meant for death.

Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.18.13, The sages to Suta Goswami

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:03 pm

I offer my respectful obeisances unto all the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord. They are just like desire trees and oceans of mercy, being full of compassion for the conditioned souls.

Sri Vaisnava Pranam

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:04 pm

Dedication with a spirit of service should be always kept in mind. Sacrifice is necessary. The entire higher plane is that of dedication; not exploitation or renounciation. Exploitation, self-aggrandizement, that is exploitation, pratishta. It must be avoided, because it is dangerous in the plane of dedication. If I have the tendency to exploit, to pose as a big personality, that will be very detrimental. The faithfulness of a servant must always be maintained and protected very scrupulously. None can deceive me; none can check my progress, except myself.

Follow the Angels, Swami B. R. Sridhara

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:05 pm

The essence of all advice is that one should utilize one’s full time — twenty-four hours a day — in nicely chanting and remembering the Lord’s divine name, transcendental form, qualities and eternal pastimes, thereby gradually engaging one’s tongue and mind. In this way one should reside in Vraja and serve Krsna under the guidance of devotees. One should follow in the footsteps of the Lord’s beloved devotees, who are deeply attached to His devotional service.

Nectar of Instruction, verse 8, Rupa Goswami

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:07 pm

When will Lord Nityananda be merciful to me and release me from the illusion of worldlines? Giving me the shade of His lotus feet, when will He allow me to enter the marketplace of the holy name?

Kabe Ha’be Bolo, verse 6, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:11 pm

Godhead alone can guide us in our search, yet he chooses to do so through a particular agent. God is our guru, and yet our guru is not God. Although this may sound contradictory at first, Gaudiya Vedanta makes clear this apparent contradiction, revealing a most charming notion of eternal guidance that can dispel all human apprehension.

Joy of Self, page 11, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:12 pm

The vaisnavas foreheads were decorated with vertical tilaka markings, indicating that their bodies were temples of Sri Hari. On their necks they wore tulasi-malas, and their limbs looked splendid, being stamped with the names of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. Some held hari-nama-malas in their hands, and others loudly performed sankirtana of the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, to the accompaniment of mridanga and karatals; and some danced continuousy as they moved along chanting, sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityananda, sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda.

Jaiva-Dharma, chapter 11, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:14 pm

When will I receive the wealth of Krishna and keep Him in my heart, and get some relief from my miserable life? I will decorate the body of the lord of my life, and seat Him within my heart, where I will behold His moonlike face.

Mathura-virahocita darsana-lalasa, verse 1, Srila Narottam Das Thakur

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:17 pm

One should mentally honor the devotee who chants the holy name of Lord Krsna, one should offer humble obeisances to the devotee who has undergone spiritual initiation and is engaged in worshiping the Deity, and one should associate with and faithfully serve that Pure devotee who is advanced in undeviated devotional service and whose heart is completely devoid of the propensity to criticize others.

Nectar of Instruction, verse 5, Rupa Goswami

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:18 pm

If you want to chant pure krsna-nama then take sadhu-sanga, and at the same time fully relinquish all desires for enjoyment, liberation and mystic perfections.

Remain free from the ten offenses to sri-nama, and from false pride, contempt for others, and so forth. Accept sense-objects only as far as necessary, in a spirit of detachment, and incessantly take krsna-nama.

Accept all that is favorable for krsna-bhakti as your very life, and wholly forsake all that may hinder your practice of krsna-bhakti.

Abandon all endeavors for karma, jnana and yoga, and remain aloof from attachment to external symptoms of renunciation.

At all times have this full faith: ”Krsna will certainly maintain and protect me.” Adopt the qualities of saranagati headed by humility and full surrender of oneself at Krsna’s lotus feet, for practicing these six types of self-surrender destroys the web of maya.

Jaiva-Dharma, page 585, (quoting from Prema-vivarta, chapter 7), Srila Bhaktivinda Thakura

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 1:20 pm

By the way, I still have received no help in identifying the missing names from the group pictures.

Not to be melodramatic, but it starts to feel like I'm the Little Red Hen here. So please chip in, if not for my benefit, then for the future generations who desperately want to identify those glorious souls who had the privilege of attending the opening of Gaura Vijay Mandir!

You seriously can't be telling me that all those as of yet unidentified are complete strangers to each and every one!

Madan Gopal Das - April 8, 2008 2:26 pm

6. Gandharvika

7. Venu Gopal

50. Sumati

51. Guruseva

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 4:21 pm

Thank you, Madan Gopal!

I have added the four names to the list. Still some 20+ slots to fill. Anyone else want to participate?

Syamasundara - April 8, 2008 6:16 pm

4. Krsna Rati

19. Vraja-lila

22.Vrndavani (?)

25. (Taruna's girlfriend)

26. Taruna Krsna

33. Ksirodakasayi-Visnu dasi

38. (her son)

39. Jason

45. Rohini-nandana

Hari Bhakti is 53

60. Gandiva

63. Daniel

Kamalaksa Das - April 8, 2008 6:37 pm

Perfect, only 17 John and Jane Doe's to go! Thank you!

Vamsidhari Dasa - April 9, 2008 2:10 am

Thank you so much for these wonderful photos. They do look as if they are from another world. I especially appreciate the instruction accompanying each image. It is as if you are reminding us that these are not just images, something to save and remember, but when accompanied by philosophy that grounds us they become our life.

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:24 am

The 2nd installment of pictures.

*

Tender at heart, I pray to say in truth

Prabhu ”I want but love for you!”

Serving Gaura-Nityananda,

the feet of Sri Guru

Bhaktivinoda parivava my love,

my life in you

Gaura Mangala Mahima, verse 8, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:26 am

I praise the lotus feet of my spiritual master, who is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, by dressing Them in beautiful clothes and ornaments, cleaning Their temple, and performing other similar kinds of service. He also engages his disciples in such worship.

Sri Sri Gurvastakam, verse 3

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:27 am

The sages said: Respected Suta Goswami, you are completely free from all vice. You are well versed in all the scriptures famous for religious life, and in the Puranas and the histories as well, for you have gone through them under proper guidance and have also explained them.

Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.1.6, Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:28 am

The spiritual master is the ocean of mercy,

the friend of the fallen,

and the life of the devotees.

O master! Be merciful unto me.

Give me the shade of your lotus feet.

May everyone in the three worlds now proclaim your glories.

Sri Guru-vandana, verse 4, Srila Narottam Das Thakur

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:34 am

Lord Krishna alone is the supreme controller, and all others are His servants. They dance as He makes them do so.

Chaitanya-charitamrita, Adi-lila 5.142

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:35 am

Of the Rudras, I am Sankara; of the Yaksas, I am Kuvera. Of the Vasus I am fire (Agni), and of the mountains I am Meru.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 10.23, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:37 am

One whose very sight brings the name of Krisna to your lips should be recognized as the best of all Vaisnavas.

Chaitanya Caritamrita, 2.16.74

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:38 am

It is the duty of a Vaisnava citizen to work under the guidance of a higher Vaisnava. That should be the duty. The guidance must come from such a high level: such aspiration, the highest plane. This is the conception of Vaisnavism proper. If we can understand, then we shall try to be guided under such a high conception. The dictation should come from above, and then we may hope that we will reach that plane one day.

Follow the Angels, Swami B. R. Sridhara

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:40 am

Preaching (sankirtana), and not counting beads (japa), is the real service of Krsna. But because we have taken a vow, and it is ordered by Mahaprabhu and our gurudeva, we must chant the holy name while counting beads: it is our duty. Our Guru Maharaja told us, ”The japa beads must not fast.” So, if we engage ourselves in preaching work, as opposed to sitting and chanting, there should be no doubt that we are really obeying the order of Mahaprabhu. Although he advised us to chant one hundred thousand names, or sixty-four rounds daily, that is a provincial saying. What is really all-important is the spirit of service.

Prabhupada Saraswati Thakura, The life & precepts of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, page 137: Spiritual Revolution by Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev Goswami

Kamalaksa Das - April 9, 2008 6:42 am

After many births, the person possessing self-knowledge surrenders to me upon realizing that Vasudeva is everything. Such a great soul is very rare.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 7.19, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:04 pm

The 3rd installment

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Amid suffering and happiness his mind is neither deluded nor delighted. He who is free from desire and whose passion, fear, and anger have subsided is said to be a sage of a steady mind.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 2.56, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:05 pm

[in Kali-yuga] those of fine theistic intelligence

worship him with conviction along with his associates

through the sacrifice of sankirtana.

With his upraised and ornamented arms as his weapons,

he constantly utters the syllables krs-na.

He is Krsna (black) yet golden in his glory.

Siksastakam, of Sri Caitanya, Swami B. V. Tripurari (quoted from Srimad Bhagavatam)

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:06 pm

Of all yogis, he who abides in me with full faith, worshiping me in devotion, is most intimately united with me, and considered best of all.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 6.47, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:08 pm

O dear friend, in Your company I will experience great joy once again. In the early morning I will wander about the cowherd pastures and fields. Running and frolicking in the many forests of Vraja, I will roll on the ground in spiritual ecstasy. O when will that day be mine?

Prayer to the lotus feet of Krishna, verse 8, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:10 pm

[srila Prabhupada] explained that cooking was a spiritual experience for a Vaisnava, much like meditation – a means of expressing love and devotion to the Supreme Lord, Krishna.

Lord Krishna’s cuisine, The art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking, page xii, Yamuna devi

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:11 pm

The spiritual master is always offering Krishna four kinds of delicious food. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

Sri Sri Gurv-astaka, verse 4

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:12 pm

That which i night for all sentient beings is like day for one whose senses are controlled. That which is the time of awakening for a sentient being is like the night for the introspective sage who sees.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 2.69, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:14 pm

Hands raised, I declare, ”Listen all!

String this stanza on the thread of nama

as a garland round your neck

Follow this sloka on the order of the Lord,

and surely Sri Krsna’s feet will be your reward.”

Siksastakam of Sri Chaitanya, (from CC 1.17.32) page 49, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:15 pm

O brothers! One day at Shantipur, in Sri Adwaitas house Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda were seated for lunch. When Lord Chaitanya tasted the green leafy vegetables, he said, ”O my devotees, this sak is so delicious, Lord Krishna has definately tasted it!”

Prasada-sevaya, part 2 verse 1, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Kamalaksa Das - April 10, 2008 3:17 pm

When the trees also remained silent, the gopis turned to the holy basil, tulasi, for unlike the other trees who lent themselves to many uses, tulasi was exclusively dedicated to the worship of Krsna. Furthermore, unlike other trees tulasi was female, and thus surely she could sympathize more witt a young lady’s love. They addressed her with respect: ”O auspicious one, O tulasi, who holds the feet of Govinda very dear, have you seen he who is infallible walk by, wearing a garland of your flowers, encircled by swarms of fragrance-hunting bees?”

Aestehetic Vedanta, page 89-90, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Rathi Krishna Dasa - April 10, 2008 3:26 pm

Kamalaksa, your photos are great! I almost think with your posted captions should be made into a book to commemorate the temple opening.

Vamsidhari Dasa - April 10, 2008 8:12 pm

Kamalaksa, your photos are great! I almost think with your posted captions should be made into a book to commemorate the temple opening.

THAT IS A MARVELOUS IDEA!!!!

Syamasundara - April 11, 2008 7:02 am

Oh, but I took it for granted all along; after all it's in the same style as the CR album.

At the same time, as much as I appreciate the format and choice of quotations very much, I'd like to also see the bulk of the pictures; basically all of them, even if they don't inspire any quotation. I'd like to see more of the devotees taking prasada, Gaurangi doing the Haladhara position during the description of the dasavatara in parama karuna, GM receiving his gifts, what about the cows? Maybe in private? Send them anonymously, so I won't be able to criticize any imperfection (like I cared).

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:51 am

And now for the 4th installment.

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One who engages in the transcendental service of the Lord in body, mind and word is to be considered liberated in all conditions of material existence.

Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, 1.2.187

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:53 am

Experienced scholars have explained the meaning of diksa, or spiritual initiation, in this way: diksa is the process through which transcendental knowledge is imparted by the preceptor to the disciple. As a result, all the disciple’s previous bad tendencies are crushed. Through diksa, all previous commitments are cleared, and one gets the light of new life in relationship with the transcendental Lord. Diksa, or initiation, is a process by which we are given a noble connection with the absolute center and at the same time, our previous commitments are all finished. It is an inner awakenment of life that brings divine knowledge.

Sri Guru and His Grace, Swami B. V. Sridhara, page 9-10

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:55 am

Fear arises when a living entity misidentifies himself as the material body because of absorbtion in the external, illusory energy of the Lord. When the living entity thus turns away from the Supreme Lord, he also forgets his own constitutional position as a servant of the Lord. This bewildering, fearful condition is effected by the potency of illusion, called maya.

Therefore an intelligent person should engage unflinchingly in the unalloyed devotional service of the Lord, under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master, whom he should accept as his worshipable deity and as his very life and soul.

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.37, Sri Kavi to King Nimi

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:56 am

The holy name, character, pastimes and activities of Krsna are all transcendentally sweet like sugar candy. Although the tongue of one afflicted by the jaundice of avidya [ignorance] cannot taste anything sweet, it is wonderful that simply by carefully chanting these sweet names every day, a natural relish awakens within his tongue, and his disease is gradually destroyed at the root.

Nectar of Instruction, verse 7, Rupa Goswami

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:57 am

Once the Lord desired to go early in the morning with all His cowherd boy friends to the forest, where they were to assemble together and take lunch. As soon as He got up from bed, He blew a buffalo horn and called all His friends together. Keeping the calves before them, they started for the forest. In this way, Lord Krsna assembled thousands of His boy friends. They were each equipped with a stick, flute and horn as well as lunch bag, and each of them was taking care of thousands of calves. All the boys appeared very jolly and happy in that excursion.

Each and every one of them was attentive for his personal calves. The boys were fully decorated with various kinds of golden ornaments and out of sporting propensities they began to pick up flowers, leaves, twigs, peacock feathers and red clay from different places in the forest, and they began to dress themselves in different ways. While passing through the forest, one boy stole another boy’s lunch package and passed it to a third. And when the boy whose lunch package was stolen came to know of it, he tried to take it back. But one threw it to another boy. This sportive playing went on amongst the boys as childhood pastimes.

Krsna book,12th chapter, ”The Killing of the Aghasura Demon.” Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:58 am

The night has come to an end and the sun is rising. Wake up sleeping souls and chant the names of Hari, the bestower of liberation, the killer of the demon Mura, the supreme enjoyer, the all attractive one, and the horse incarnation.

Vibhavari sesa, verse 1, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 9:59 am

The devotees here have undergone considerable sacrifice to manifest the temple from the ground up and they have grown considerably in doing so. Tolerating one another and, I believe, genuinely appreciating one another. All of us here are of course still a work in progress, but given the journey undertaken that will never change. I in particular have learned so much from them, bodhayantah parasparam. Thus I look forward to finishing the temple and the rest of Audarya with all of the obstacles that may come. One thing I have learned: Obstacles offer us an opportunity to grow. It’s unfortunate that we spend a good part of our lives trying to avoid them.

Swami.org, from blog entry Home stretch, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 10:01 am

Mother Yasoda calls out to Krishna: ”O Damodar, it has become very late. Come here right now, sit down in the dining hall, and take your lunch.”

Bhoga-arati, verse 2, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 10:02 am

Acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity should not be given up. Indeed, they should be performed, for sacrifice, charity, and austerity purify even those who are wise.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 18.5, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 11, 2008 10:12 am

In accordance with our conceptual orientation, sambandha, we will act. This action is the means, abhideya, by which we can achieve our goal. All that the Bhagavata deals with in terms of achieving its stated goal, as well as the activity which inhibits us from doing so falls under the category of abhideya.

The goal is love of Krishna, which constitutes the highest joy, and the means is devotion to Krishna.

Joy of Self, page 47, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:18 pm

And now for the 5th installment. About 2/3 done!

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Those who follow the sanatan-dharma are always dedicated to fighting off tyranny, both in the physical world and in the realm of thought. If any person manifests symptoms of a true Vaisnava and promotes the pure values of Vaisnavism, then everyone’s heart will be become happy.

Our Family The Gaudiya Math, page 89, Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:19 pm

O Arjuna, those who claim to be My devotees are actually not My devotees. I consider only those who are servants of My devotees to factually be My devotees.

Adi Purana, quoted in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.2.218

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:20 pm

Of the great sages I am Bhrigu; of utterances the single syllable (om); of sacrifices I am japa; of that which is immovable I am the Himalayas.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 10.25, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:21 pm

They are served a feast of bitter curry and various kinds of spinach, fried delicacies, a salad made of green jute leave, pumpkin, baskets of fruit, thick yogurt, squash cooked in milk, and vegetable preparations made from the flower of a banana tree.

They also serve fried mung dahl patties and urad dahl patties, chapaties, rice with ghee, milksweets, rice flour cakes, thick cooked down milk, cakes floating in milk and sweet rice.

Krishna eats the rice and curried vegetables cooked by Srimati Radharani in great ecstacy and joy.

Bhoga-arati, verses 4, 5, 8, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:23 pm

In raganuga-bhakti the Deity on the altar represents a still picture of the motion picture of Krsna lila. Deity worship is a window to the world of spontaneous love in which one progresses from worshiping to being that worship. As worship turns to bhava, one cultivates that bhava and identifies with it. When this identification is complete, one reaps the fruit of divine reciprocation that corresponds with that bhava: entrance into the lila in a particular mood of love. This what it means to attain Krsna - attaining Krsna prema. Krsna is that face of the Absolute that corresponds with the highest love.

Sanga, volume. IV, No. 31, Rama and Raganuga-bhakti, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:24 pm

[Lord Nityananda calls out:] ”Wake up, sleeping souls! Wake up, sleeping souls, and chant the name of Sri Gauranga. How much longer will you sleep in the lap of the witch called Maya?”

You come into this world in order to worship the Lord, but you have forgotten this and are now lost in the depths of ignorance.

I have descended just to take you [home with Me to My abode]. Other than Me, you have no friend in this world.

I have brought he medicine that will wipe out the disease of illusion. Just take this maha-mantra of the Holy Name - it is yours for the asking.

Jiv jago, verses 1–4, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:25 pm

The brightest jewel,

of sacred love in passion

is never given at any time.

Yet the most merciful

in this age of quarrel

gives it out to all.

May that golden-lion son of Saci

manifest in your heart.

Aesthetic Vedanta (quoted from Vidagdha-madhava 1.2), page xviii, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:28 pm

Spontaneity is the full face of devotion. Thus when we are advised to regulate it, we hesitate. We want to move freely and naturally unconstrained by rules and regulations. We may want to serve God spontaneously without conforming to any religious dogma. But who is God? And what does God want? These are important questions. Knowledge is in order that our ”service” is not dissevice.

Rasa - Love Relationships in Trancendence, page 84, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:31 pm

O Tulasi, beloved of Krsna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

Sri Tulasi-kirtana

Kamalaksa Das - April 12, 2008 5:32 pm

In acts of sacrifice, that by which the offering is made is Braman, as is the offering itself. Sacrifice is offered by one who is himself Brahman into the fire of Brahman. One who is absorbed thus in thoughts of Brahman in relation to sacrificial actions attains Brahman.

Bhagavad Gita - its feeling and philosophy, verse 4.24, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Nanda-tanuja Dasa - April 12, 2008 10:35 pm

Very beautiful photographs, taken with care, love and great taste. Thank you very much for sharing them, sweet memories of this historic event.

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:49 am

The 6th installment.

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Some of the gopis were milking cows when they heard Krsna’s flute, yet they stopped in the midst of milking and ran to Krsna. Others left milk boiling on the stove, while still others left their baked goods in the oven. Some were dressing, others feeding children, others rendering service to their husbands. Still others were bathing taking their meal, or applying cosmetics, but all of them stopped what they were doing and ran to Krsna, even when their clothes and ornaments were in disarray.

Aestethic Vedanta, page 57, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:50 am

I praise the auspicious lotus feet of my spiritual master, whose body is overcome by waves of horripilation, trembling and tears with the ecstasies arising from a mind delighted by chanting, dancing and playing various instruments in Lord Chaitanya’s kirtan.

Sri Sri Gurvastakam, verse 2

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:52 am

Following the regulative principles of maha abhiseka, Maharja Ambarsa performed the bathing ceremony for the Deity of Lord Krsna with all paraphernalia, and then he dressed the Deity with fine clothing, ornaments, fragrant flower garlands and other paraphernalia for worship of the Lord. With attention and devotion, he worshiped Krsna and all the greatly fortunate brahmanas who were free from material desires.

Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.4.31-32, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:55 am

Krishna is known as Govinda, or he who gives pleasure to the cows. When herding them he goes barefoot, for such is the tradition of the cowherders. When he leaves the house, his mother expresses a concern similar to that of the gopis regarding the tender soles of Krsna’s lotus-like feet. At that time, Krsna replies to her thus: ”Mother, you don’t know the forest path! I feel no trouble in tending the cows at all. It is my greatest pleasure. The paths don’t give me any pain, for the Camari deer sweep them with their tails, the trees shower them with honey, and the Nabhi deer scent them with their navel musk! These paths are flawless and as soft as cotton.”

Aeshetic Vedanta, page 122-123, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:56 am

Exclusive Sri Krsna sankirtana triumphs over all!

It cleanses the mirror of the mind,

extinguishes the great forest fire of worldly life,

and spreads the white lotus of good fortune by its moonbeams.

It is the life of the bride named knowledge,

It swells the sea of blessedness,

gives the full taste of deathless nectar at every step

and bathes the self in all respects.

Siksastakam of Sri Caitanya, verse 1, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:58 am

Though He cannot be seen by the eyes, described by words, revealed by the gods, or understood through austerities or rituals, one whose very being has been purified by [scriptural] knowledge can see Him in His entirety by meditation.

Mundaka Upanishad, 3.1.8

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 7:59 am

A man should be judged by his ideal. The greatness of the ideal he is trying to realize is to be marked. The man of the future, the man of tomorrow, should be judged by his ideal. If his ideal is great, he is great, because is he is sincere, tomorrow or very soon he will reach it. So our ideal is the all-important factor. We may not attain our high ideal very easily. It is not inferior merchandise to be disposed of cheaply in the market; it is most valuable. But whatever the cost, no matter.

We should feel within, ”I want no less than that highest thing, that Advaya-jnana, that Autocrat. That Goodness Autocrat, the Supermost Commander of everything. I want him, and nothing less, and I should live and move, and feel in myself that whatever I shall do, at every second, I am meant for that. I am meant for my ideal. I have no time to waste, or to hesitate for anything.”

Inner Fulfillment, page 61-62, Swami B.R. Sridhar

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 8:00 am

Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasada and offering prasada are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.

Nectar of Instruction, verse 4, Rupa Goswami

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 8:01 am

Vrnda devi is a pure devotee of Lord Krsna and is responsible for setting up the wonderful pastimes of Radha and Krsna in Vrndavana. She exists as Tulasi to benefit the fallen conditioned souls by bestowing devotional service to Krsna.

Sri Tulasi Pradaksina Mantra

Kamalaksa Das - April 13, 2008 8:03 am

The splendor of Lord Chaitanya’s face defeats many million moons, and the garland of forest flowers around His neck shines brightly.

Sri Gaura Arati, verse 6, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur

Syamasundara - April 14, 2008 3:20 am

That's my favorite part, when you bathe them with yogurt and they seem to smile with their teeth showing.

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:12 pm

We are approaching the end of my share of pictures. The 7th installment.

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Empiricists, although they seem to recognize the necessity of being taught and trained in the affairs of this world, are unduly skeptical in regard to such training in spiritual matters, where its necessity is very much greater, because we happen to possess absolutely no knowledge of it. In the terra incognita of the spirit, it is indispensable to have a guide, unless we confuse the spiritual with the material and retain our faith in empiric efforts. But as a matter of fact, all predeliction for the limited shuts out the unlimited, not partially but radically, not quantitatively but categorically. Srimad Bhagavatam asks those who really want to serve Krishna to forgo all thoughts of any advantage in the worldly sense, the conscious or unconscious, direct or vicarious pursuit of which is the cause of all impurity and ignorance. This reform of life is the indispensable preliminary condition for obtaining any real knowledge of the Absolute. The nature and imperative necessity of such reform, and also its practicability, are cleary realized by close spiritual association with the good preceptor.

Prabhupada Saraswati Thakura, The life & precepts of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, page 111: The Erotic Principle and Unalloyed Devotion.

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:13 pm

Sva-haa!

Bhrigupada das Adhkari

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:14 pm

Day after day spent in the realm of ritual, corresponding divine service, and nama-kirtana fosters the gradual development of progressively deeper states of internal meditation leading to final beatitude, in which the universality of the Deity is realized and his divine lila awakened within the practitioner’s heart. Thus the passing of days is blurred as time turns eternal.

From www.swami.org, Swami B.V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:15 pm

I am not in Vaikuntha nor in the hearts of the yogis. I remain where My devotees engage in glorifying my activities.

Padma Purana

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:17 pm

Broadminded concepts fit perfectly into the real Vaisnava world view and preaching activities. Narrow-minded persons, trying to cling to birth privileges are simply outdated and would do better researching the glorious generosity of of Vedic sages. By the grace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the real World Vaisnava Family will rise to embrace the world with Unity in Diversity reaching all cultures and peoples.

Our Family the Gaudiya Math, page 87, Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:18 pm

It was Krsnadasa who filled a great waterpot and poured it over the Lord while He was taking His bath. The Lord was greatly satisfied by this.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya 16.52

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:21 pm

The gopis are said to have crossed the Yamuna at this place, to get the benediction of Durvasa Muni, that they would always have the association of Krishna. The gopis cooked a sumptuous feast for Durvasa Muni. He was so pleased that he blessed them all, especially Radharani, that whatever they cooked would be like nectar and that whoever ate their cooking would have a long life, without disease.

from www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Vrindavana/Vrindavan/Vrindavan.htm

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:23 pm

Tulasi is a manifestation of Vrndadevi, the forest gopi. She appears in this form in Vaikuntha and on earth as well. Her appearance in the material world is like that of the Deity, more so Salagrama or Govardhana-sila. Although all of these appear to have material qualities, being subject to transformation, at the same time they have the power to transform our hearts. Just as the Bhagavad-gita appears in matter as a perishable book, yet for one who studies it carefully and embraces its conclusion, the Gita is imperishable. So all of these are examples of that point where time and eternity meet. At this juncture, that which is eternal appears temporal, yet they afford those immersed in the ephemeral a life eternal.

Sanga, volume I, No. 26, Where Time Meets Eternity, Swami B. V. Tripurari

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:31 pm

Someone may object that there is no need of studying scriptures in order to establish the correct spiritual doctrine, that simply engaging in devotional service itself s sufficient to attain perfection. Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami responds to this possible objection by saying that through a correct understanding of doctrine one’s taste for rendering service increases:

”Do not be lazy and avoid discussing thse doctrines, for such discussions strengthen the minds attachment to Sri Krishna. I know Chaitanya’s glories through my study of all these teachings and have become strong and fixed in attachment to Him through the knowledge of His greatness”

Caitanya Caritamrita 1.2.117-118

Art Of Sadhana - a guide to daily devotion, pages 169-170, Swami B.P. Puri Maharaja

Kamalaksa Das - April 14, 2008 7:33 pm

One who engages in the transcendental service of the Lord in body, mind and word is to be considered liberated in all conditions of material existence.

Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, 1.2.187

Abhay Krsna Dasa - April 16, 2008 1:43 am

Kamalaksa Das,

Wow thank you so much for all of these amazing pictures and devotional passages. You really put alot of work into these. Going through these albums of your's has been amazing, and I think that short of being at the festival it dosn't get any better then what you have provided. So thanks for this great service you have done for us all.

Gaurangi-priya Devi - April 29, 2008 1:41 am

I know it's been awhile, and the pros have put up their work, but here are the photos I took of the festivities. It was such a wonderful festival, and really a once in a lifetime festival. It was really special meeting so many devotees who I've just seen photos of, or heard of, and being in the company of so many godbrothers and sisters. To have my faith mirrored back to me in every smiling face I looked at was very special. The Vyasa-puja celebration, singing guru-puja, and having the honor of honoring our Guru with all of you was a huge highlight. And seeing the Deities coming down from their old temple, to the new one, was monumental. No photos do justice to that image in my heart.

link

p.s. In the album there are photos of I think all the cows, so that hopefully we can put names to cow faces. Anybody up for the task of naming them would be appreciated.

Karnamrita Das - May 1, 2008 1:50 am

Jai Shri Guru and Gauranga!!Hi all! I also haven't written anything. I am more inclined since I bought a laptop and where I work in Winston-Salem there is WiFi, so this is a new experience of up and downloading.

I am busy at the store, though I have time to share one funny story of my visit. His Grace Brighupada Prabhu kindly engaged me as an assistant in the two fire yajnas. My first assignment was to get some cow dung and urine. Fortunately he didn't require the cow dung to only be gathered before it fell on the earth (sometimes that is required). However, the cow urine was another story. It is obviously not possible to gather it off the ground. So, first I had to make friends---and very quickly--with the herd. So I put on my best cow happy face and moved slowly, petting who was agreeable. After missing one opportunity, there was nothing for 45 minutes, and I was beginning to worry , as I didn't speak cow language very well to communicate my needs. :Rolling Eyes:

Ah, finally I got the idea to give them some hay, which I did 3 or 4 times---no they don't wait in lines or let the elders go first. Survival of the fittest, or quickest. I just kept hangin' around and waiting, moving with the crowd. And finally after an hour and a half, one of the Mothers, had her back to me, and she just let it go, and I could have gotten a quart if there had been a need. Just a few drops was all I needed. I guess this is a lesson in persistence. Just imagine how much we have to have to attain Prema!!

I suppose the local cowherd men and women could have given be some advise, but I didn't think of it, and boldly ran up to the cow area. It was a bit cold as well, though I did my best not to chant Bhurrrr rounds. It all had a happy ending, and I got to spend some "quality time" with my new cow friends.

Here is the link for the pictures (let me know if you can't access the link). A few are from others that I just left in, and most of them similar to the pics you have already seen. I was thinking that there were so many pictures being taken that I didn't need to take more. Anyway for your inspiration (repetition is a good thing considering the subject matter):

http://flickr.com/photos/gour_vijay_temple...ing_march_2008/

Thanks to everyone for their great posts and pictures. I have mine and a few of yours on my screen saver, so that reminds me of this enlivening spiritual occasion.

My best to you!!

Hare Krishna!

Karnamrita

Syamasundara - May 16, 2008 6:17 am

OK, now Mayapurcandra's video...

Syama Gopala Dasa - May 16, 2008 7:23 am

They are planting, remember.

Syamasundara - April 11, 2009 12:03 pm

OK.... has it been enough time now?

I don't even remember who took the video of that festival. Nandatanuja? Jason? Mayapurcandra?

Pleeeease.