The Power of Acceptance: Srila Prabhupada's Message

Love, what does that mean? We have so many conceptions but the truth is that it means acceptance...accepting others for who they are and respecting them. This is the bases of love. It is said that the pure vaishnava devotee of the Lord accepts everyone and sees everyone equally. Srila Prabhupada embodied this concept and taught it through his kind words and actions.

Recently I was reading a transcribed discourse between Srila Prabhupada and Allin Ginsberg in which they are discussing religion. It struck me how Srila Prabhupada stressed again and yet again that we (ISKCON) welcome ALL religions. We have no contradictions and are simply teaching love of God. One God who has many names. He encourages others to follow their individual faiths respectfully and chant the Lord's names. If they have no other name, then he gives them Krishna. What a wonderful gift! Srila Prabhupada taught the wonderful quality of acceptance. How can we, his grandchildren not embody that very concept in ourselves? We have a responsibility to not judge, but see the wonder, faith, and devotion offered by other faiths, while respecting and loving our own traditions of Krishna Consciousness.

I pray we may take this lesson into our hearts.

Here is a link to the recorded discourse: http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/gss/sadhu/religions/ginsberg.htm

Keeping the Inspiration Alive

Typical. The post-kartik blues...

It is my favorite time of the year - I feel closer to Krsna. Naturally, I miss it! Kartik is the best incentive, and knowing its wondrous glories, every devotional effort is easier. It is magical, undeniably. I dread going back the sometimes boring, sometimes rigorous, but always very ordinary daily grind, after an extra-ordinary month.

This year, I wish to make an effort to stay aloof from the gloom. The Lord within whispers, “Do not succumb”.

I am reminded of the annual Festival of Inspiration, which takes place in picturesque New Vrndavan. (It needs no introduction - the title says it all!)

I had been attending this festival every year since 2005 (up until this year). Like everyone else, I thoroughly enjoyed myself amidst ecstatic kirtans, soulful bhajans, seminars by many ISKCON sanyasis and devotees, good Vaisnava association, temple programs, seva, devotee entertainment, and more. This blissful festival lasts for a few days. Afterwards, I head back home, appreciating the welcome break from life’s duties, a little sad that it’s all over. Yet, life goes on. It is relentless. The inspiration may linger for a few days after (maybe even weeks, or months) but soon fades away. The high goals, ideals, and proposed ‘undertakings’ that emerged during the festival linger behind in quaint New Vrndavan.

One year, I was touched by one particular seminar; the last one of the festival. It was entitled, “Taking the Inspiration Home”, by HH Sacinandana Swami and other senior ISKCON sanyasis and devotees. Some complain about losing inspiration as quickly as it was gained. Maharaj told us that we should ‘take home the festival’ and its mood - stay inspired (atleast till the next festival of inspiration)!

I feel the same way about Kartik. It should be more than just one special month in the year that flits by quickly. My fond memories of this Kartik, and others, will stay with me forever. Yes, of course I do miss it, and feel a subtle difference afterwards. I too wish it would last forever; but this year I want to make it last, make the experience worthwhile and complete. I will live up to the magnificent Kartik I had this year, and do justice to its memory by continuing onwards. Good intentions, ideas, and even short experiences are often judged by their outcome. Has this Kartik really made a difference - even a small one? Or is it just another whimsical, ‘fun’, exhilarating blast I had?

Only time will tell.

So with your blessings, dear Vaisnavas, I humbly continue my effort, praying that someday I may truly know the meaning of ‘love of Godhead’.

In this mood, this blog too shall go on. Its posts will be divided into three main categories:
PRE-KARTIK: getting ready;
KARTIK: in action; and
POST-KARTIK: keeping it alive.

Just The Beginning

Nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
shrimate bhaktivedanta-
svamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi-
pashcatya-desha-tarine

Translation

I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.

Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Chaitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.

Jaya shri-krishna-caitanya
prabhu nityananda
shri-advaita gadadhara
shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda

Translation

I offer my obeisances unto the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, along with His associates, Lord Nityananda, Shri Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara, Shrivasa and all the devotees of the Lord.

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

Translation

"Oh Lord Krishna, Oh energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your devotional service."

Dear Vaishnavas,

I begin this post with tears in my eyes as I contemplate with sadness the end of my beloved month of Damodara. For many of you this month's end will mean returning from the Holy Dhams of India to your families around the world, for others like myself it will mean not a change of residence but simply the change in mood as we bid farewell to the beautiful Serene mellows of Kartik and the sweet smell of candles offered in love to the darling of Vraja. No matter where we are in this world we share in this special time and together we will eagerly await the appearance of Sri Damodaras sweet Kartik rasa again next year.

At the beginning of this most wonderful month many of us took upon ourselves to perform Kartik Vratas for the glories of Sri Krishna and to purify ourselves. It has been a wonderful journey which has tested our confidence in ourselves, our dedication to our spiritual advancement, and our love for Lord Krishna. No matter how successful you may be in your own eyes let it be known that your devotion has been a success. We have all learned more about ourselves and through this process we will continue to make advancement on the path of bhakti yoga.

I am so thankful for the people who have chosen to take make this journey with me and to all of you throughout the world who have encouraged me and inspired me to expect better of myself. I am inspired by your selfless devotion and kindness, I would not be the same without you. Thank you.

I began this month with a simple list of Vratas which I thought might teach me a thing or two about pure devotion. I chose to read the teachings of Srila Prabhupada through the Srimad Bhagavatam, the teachings of Srila Sanatana Gosvami through the Brihad Bhagavatamrta in accordance with my spiritual masters wishes, and finally I chose to work on perfecting my japa through rising early and devoting more time to japa meditation. I have done all of these things, although sometimes through great difficulty on my part. I am not perfect in any way but this months successes and yes, the failures as well, have taught me more then I could possibly have ever imagined. I cannot make the claim that I am a changed person, but I have learned the power of allowing change within myself. I am not a pure devotee, but I have learned the value of listening to those who have realized this stage of devotional service to the Lord.

I have learned the priceless value of association with vaishnava devotees of the Lord. This instruction with Srila Prabhupada has kindly given us has such meaning for our devotional progress. I have learned that association does not simple meaning hanging out to overcome the stresses of the day nor does it mean going to the movies to see the latest comedy flick. All those things are fun but pure vaishnava association means being around people who inspire you to look deep into your heart for that small spark of bhakti and fanning it into pure flame which burns brightly for the service of the Lord. I pray I may take this realization deep into my heart.

I have come out of this Kartik with renewed inspiration and sincere desire to fulfill my vows to my spiritual master, Indradyumna Swami. A kind soul, Saci, once told me that japa and vows to one's gurumaharaja should mean more to you then anything else in the world. I am honored to finally begin to take that instruction to heart.

Throughout this year I will continue to work on my devotional service and try to develop even a small taste for this wonderful culture and faith which Srila Prabhupada has gifted us with. I have so much to learn but every moment if used wisely can be a step in the right direction.

I pray for your blessings that I may never loose my desire to know Sri Krishna, to participate in His bhajan, and to glorify Him always with my heart and soul.

Your Servant in Devotion,

Abhaya Devi

Completion

Sri Nrsimhadeva, Sridham Mayapur,
Kartika Purnima November 2nd, 2009

On this holy day of Kartika Purnima, (and Rasa Purnima), I humbly offer all auspicious, positive, helpful fruits of my Kartika vrata and Bhisma Pancaka vrata 2009 to Srila Jayapataka Swami, in hope that he regain full physical good health, well-being, and longevity. Though his recent physical discomforts do not seem to hinder his preaching, and his contagious, vigorous mood, it certainly distresses his disciples and well-wishers. May these bodily afflictions flee.


His Holiness Jayapataka Swami

This Kartik month has been most glorious, personally. The blessings of the Vaisnavas has inspired me more than ever. I've reached newer heights, and extended my boundaries. Though I admit there were some days when I know I did not try my hardest, my personal best, overall this year's Kartik has been better than any other. Without the Vaisnavas, I am nothing.

On the first day of Kartik, the Lord blessed my effort with a wonderful beginning of spiritual experiences. I remember the feeling utterly elated "Why can't everyday be like this?!", I mused. Almost instantly, a "Why not?" appeared in my mind. Let me try my hardest everyday! Let me continue the delectable study of scripture I've come to love so much. Let me continue chanting more, more, MORE! Let my mind always strive to taste that wonderful spiritual nectar. Let me not give in to maya.
This battle shall continue.
It has been most enjoyable!


Sri Panca Tattva, Sridham Mayapur,
Kartika Purnima November 2nd, 2009

Let me never lose sight of the goal: the supreme goal. The japa must improve! After pure japa, all other spiritual desires will be fulfilled, I know. First, steady japa - sixteen rounds a day everyday, next harinam initiation, then gayatri initation. I want to be ready to vow that I will chant everyday for the rest of my life, sixteen rounds, no matter what.
And, initiation is only the beginning! Everyday a disciple relives the vows, and makes progress forward. Everyday the disciple promises to complete a minimum of sixteen rounds for the day.
I want to be ready for that. Soon!

With the blessings of the Vaisnavas, anything is possible!

"In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin."
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.25

"For those who have accepted the boat of the lotus feet of the Lord, who is the shelter of the cosmic manifestation and is famous as Murari, the enemy of the Mura demon, the ocean of the material world is like the water contained in a calf's hoof-print. Their goal is param padam, Vaikuntha, the place where there are no material miseries, not the place where there is danger at every step."
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.58



Thus ends the auspicious and glorious month beloved of Srimati Radharani, Kartikka, in the blessed year two thousand and nine.
OM TAT SAT.