Mercy of HG Bhurijana prabhu and HH Janananda Maharaj

Hare Krishna,
Dandavat Pranam.
Please accept my humble obeisances.

It is stated that one gets service due to causeless mercy of the devotees. In my case, I think this is so apt, with no qualification and struggling with Maya everyday, for me it was a divine intervention when HH Janananda Maharaj and HG Bhurijana Prabhu and HG Jaggitarini Mataji came to our house and gave their sublime association.

HHJananandaGoswami

HH Janananda Maharaj – I have been serving Maharaj for past few years but he could not come last year and I missed him so much. Finally, he told me he shall come twice – Feb 26th and March 17th-19th and I was over the moon. On Feb 26th, he just had prasadam at our place and then we left for Vrindavan. During the journey, Maharaj read Srimad Bhagwatam on his kindle, did kirtan and discussed about welfare of Gurgaon devotees. When we reached Vrindavan, he did prostrated Dandavats to Dham and the moment he entered Goshala at 9:30pm, he was so happy to see all the cows. He was literally dancing. Then he slowly approached his room, strangely everybody came to know Maharaj has come and suddenly everybody started doing Kirtan and welcomed Maharaj with garlands and flowers strewn his walking path. As Maharaj settled down, he called me and asked, “How do you think it went today”…Like a jabberman, I started thanking him for giving me an opportunity to serve him and giving his association. He just ignored and said with a serious face “what we saw outside was pure love”. They need not have come out of their room at 10pm. But as soon as I walked towards my room, they heard my footsteps and started doing kirtan. Gopis had natural attraction for the Lord. They just knew he is there and they would start dancing. These devotees are pure, their heart is pure. They have real attachment to Krishna. I am not Gopi, just Prabhupad’s menial servant…Prabhupad is Pure and they are all genuinely attached; If they can recognize Prabhupad servant, they have real attachment with Prabhupad too. Then he said, “Shyam Sunder Prabhu, this should be our bhava in Love. Guru just teaches. The devotee heart should just be filled with joy and start serving and dancing when he sees his master or supreme lord. This feeling should be resident naturally, no effort and this comes with developing attachment to Krishna. So you must try doing this…” Its amazing how Maharaj picks pearls from small incidents and bring that into realizations. I drove back home, complete in awe and reverence of Maharaj.
Then Maharaj came on 17th March. It was wonderful. We served Maharaj with all enthusiasm. After Maharaj finished his prasadam, we sat down for Prasadam. Then Maharaj came and started reading Krishna Book loudly. Just for our sake, Maharaj started explaining the meanings to my kids. At times he would ask me to explain kids and then he would further explain it. I felt so guilty. I should have been the one reading for him when he was having Prasadam however I ended up taking service from Maharaj. He is like an epitomy of compassion and mercy. Once we finished prasadam, I begged at his lotus feet and thanked him for mercy. However, he asked me to sit and said, “Krishna asks us to surrender and be attached to him. You should think of Krishna all the time – eating, drinking talking etc. It is very good for kids if you discuss Krishna at lunch/dinner table. That’s your dharma of father as well as way to satisfy your own desire to be attached to Krishna”. This is the way Maharaj taught me how to spend time with kids and I have never seen anyone with so much love and compassion.

Maharaj gave a wonderful lecture on “Prabhupad – our founder acharya” the next day at Dwarka Temple, leaving all devotees spell-bound with his wits. He left for Australia on 19th March however we really miss him – his association and unique way of teaching us. All Glories to HH Janananda Maharaj. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

WP_20150308_18_10_53_Pro

HG Bhurijana Prabhu and HG Jaggitarini Mataji – I had been wanting to serve Prabhuji and Mataji for past 3 yrs however every attempt I made at Vrindavan failed. This time I prayed humbly to Gaur Nitai and wrote them an email (Ajay Pr gave me his email id). In few days, I received his email confirming Mataji shall come on 6th March and he shall come on 9th March. Instead of being happy, I panicked as my kids exams were finishing on 15th March and thought my wife Shilpi may not agree. However, when I requested, she readily agreed and said, “How can kids exams be more important than Mahabhagvat. I will manage kids and prasadam and you serve them. You had been wanting to serve him for so long, we cant let this opportunity slip else you will be disheartened” I was so relieved and a bit surprised at her unusual response. First Mataji arrived on 6th March. After taking rest and doing her morning sadhana (She would listen to Srila Prabhupad lectures everyday…this was wonderful), she was out and went straight to kitchen. She spoke to Shilpi at length as if Mother instructing her daughter. She advised how kids should be exposed to Krishna Consciousness (bring books they can understand, hold class once a week at home that myself or Shilpi should discuss that they can understand. Just instill Krishna is Supreme and our duty is to obey his instructions. He is the father; just like I am your father and you need to listen to me; similarly, Krishna is foremost father as he is the one who has created whole universe. On 8th March evening, she caught me scolding my kids. Mataji called me and said, “scolding helps, but why are you getting angry? You are scolding for their good but if anger starts seeping you; it would hardly help your kids, rather harm you. They will end up only being scared of you, not correcting themselves. And if you teach them Krishna Consciousness they would wonder how can one preach and not follow about controlling the anger.” Then came Golden words: “Give your kids what is best for them; but also at times give them what they want. Let them compare. Don’t worry even if they choose the wrong option. They will come around. Don’t be worried that they didn’t choose the option you think its best for them. Its not about you…You…what YOU think…its about what THEY chose. Make them learn the art of discrimination, make them analytical to think whats good for them…and then pray to Lord. Mothers can only pray for their children well-being; You make all efforts and then pray and leave it to HIM.”

Giving such exhaustive guidance to a person whom she has never met before really speaks highly of her – how merciful and compassionate she is. Then came 9th March. Prabhuji was supposed to come by 12pm. It was 3pm but we kept waiting. Mataji didn’t have anything since morning as she wanted to have with Prabhuji. She was busy arranging everything to ensure Prabhuji feels comfortable and satisfied. She was literally running around to ensure everything is perfect. When my wife looked at her surprisingly, Mataji answered, “Prabhuji in the house is a master, In today’s world, Matajis are trying to become master and prabhujis go round and round. However, vedic system is clear. Matajis should only serve prabhuji to his satisfaction and Prabhujis should serve the lord and give opportunity to matajis to serve him. “
Finally, Prabhuji arrived at 4:30pm. It was like a feast. He got prasadam for everyone and was particularly compassionate towards kids. He then stated he is a teacher so he must ask queries from kids. He did 15mins of interaction with them and my son fell in love with him. After having his prasadam, he then sat down and asked us if there is any query. I started with a statement, “Maharaj, there is a stupid question….” He stopped me there. He said, “If its stupid, why are you asking me ? Do you think I am stupid and answer your stupid queries.” I was taken aback. Seeing my expressions probably, he said, “If I really think it was a stupid question, I would have never asked and made a fool out of myself as nobody likes to make fool of themselves but devotees still do it because its their way of expressing false humility. And in extreme situation if you really and genuinely think it’s a stupid question, pls ask your devotee friends who should be able to answer them. If you think Krishna is supreme and spiritual masters – diksha or shiksha are his representatives, make them feel you respect them. Its not nice etiquette to ask them stupid queries.” I fell to his lotus feet asking for his forgiveness. He lovingly embraced me and said, “I am a teacher, its my duty to tell you whats right and wrong. I may be harsh but its for your good. I am not offended but I was concerned that you may offend someone and carry apradha”. It made me wonder where in this world would one get such compassionate souls who are so realized and think so far. He continued and gave 15mins lecture on importance of Srimad Bhagwatam and why one should read this important scripture. It was an amazing 15minute injection. He then looked around my house and saw photos of Krishna in each room. He asked me, “how many times do you see these photos in your room.” I answered may be once a day but go to altar thrice a day. He then beckoned me to sit,”Shyam Sunder, we keep photos to remind ourselves. Whenever you come to your room, you should always look at them as deities and understand its their room; its their home, not yours. It is to remind us the power and glory of the lord.” What a powerful learning! Next morning, I dropped Maharaj and Mataji to the airport as they were heading to mangalore for ayurvedic treatment. I was filled with heavy heart and immense gratitude. All Glories to HG Jaggitarini Mataji and HG Bhurijana Prabhu.

Without any doubt, I can say with confidence of all the years, this has been the best year of serving such senior bhagvats and getting such amazing realizations, learnings and mercy. I pray to Gaur Nitai that I get such nectar every year….

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to Sri Sri Gauranga!!

Very fallen servant,
Shyam Sunder Krishna Das

 

Realizing happiness in service

 

Hare Krishna,

images

Dandavat Pranams. Pls accept my humble obeisances.

To be honest, I have no qualification and with Giriraj Prabhuji setting such high standards that I almost feel ashamed and shy in penning my realizations…When you have Gold bullion, the value of 500 Rs note is insignificant…however I am still writing per instructions from my dear friend HG Giriraj Prabhu for whom I have very high respect and undoubtedly inexplicable love…

It is all due to causeless mercy of my Guru that he asked me to accompany him as his servant in USA. I reached here on 21st Nov 2014 with him and were staying with a family in New York. First day, I had practically nothing to do other than listening to his Golden words. On 22nd, I started feeling the itch. I had a comfortable sleep, nice prasadam, books to read but there was still an itch.

I went to Guru Maharaj and asked if anything needs to be done. He gave me some of his clothes to be ironed….I was over the moon. Couldn’t help inhaling the smell quickly. It took me an hour and I gave him back. I was rejuvenated. But after few hrs, the itch came back! I knew if I go to him, he would kick me out. So I asked the devotee cooking for him if there is anything I could do to help him. He knew by previous conversation I am ZERO in cooking, so he asked me to just throw the garbage downstairs and clean the bin….again I felt so nice….but in few hrs the itch came back – the itch to SERVE!

I then sat in solitude and started thinking why this itch never came for my parents, brothers, wife and family. I would never want to iron their clothes or throw garbage and more so ever clean it. I am too aristocratic for that. How come for the ones who have reared me, who gave me birth, whom I played with, I have no inclination to do any work leave aside menial ones. Infact my parents have started complaining that they wish if I could serve them similarly, they would also bless me – infact bless me even for trying, leave aside perfecting the service…If my parents would chastise, I would judge whether I really went wrong and answer them accordingly. I would not talk to my elder brother for days if I think he was unfair to me. And here I am – itching to serve, virtually anything and ready to take chastisement and learn from it…I have no problem in owning up that I am a fool and not be judgemental why I was chastised – rather say and feel sorry for troubling my spiritual master. Why so much insensitivity to my parents and other family relationships?

I realized with my parents and others, I had always felt I am the enjoyer. I am used to the fact that my mom and dad would do what makes me happy and once I am satisfied, I would not bother about them till my next desire come..how selfish of me..I would fret when my wife would want me to do A,B and C but it would be delight when she would massage my feet when I am tired…I was trying to be the master all the time and I didn’t want to be their servant as I felt even their love was based on reciprocal basis.

Based on my understanding from Srila Prabhupad books, it then dawned to me why I am enjoying the itch to serve. Our constitutional position is that we are the servant of the lord and we can derive true happiness only by serving HIM and his devotees. In material world we may enjoy being PM or president of the country or organization but it still agitates our mind as the quest for greed, fame etc keeps increasing. But when we do things that is our constitutional position, we are fully satisfied. The fish will eventually be happy in water, if u make fish the queen of the jungle, she may revel for sometime but her natural constitution is to roam around in water. It reminded me of wonderful pastime of King Prataparudra who was trying to get attention of Mahaprabhu. Though he was king, he sweeped the floor with Golden broom before Jagannath Rath Yatra and he felt extreme delight in massaging Lord’s feet. He came to following conclusion: We are kings or sweepers temporarily. Our permanent and exalted position is as humble servants of Krishna. So here I was enjoying the service of pure devotee and no wonder I was asking more. Srila Prabhupad has written this many places, I have heard and read umpteenth number of times but the realization dawned first time that I am servant of the servant of the servant of the Lord’s devotees. This is pure joy…

I was in pure ecstasy and went to Guru Maharaj and shared my realization. He beamed and was happy. He said once we understand this, next stage is we are not body and then complete surrender and then attachment with the Lord…It kind of scared me – should I be calling my wife and parents in few months and say goodbye? what if they say no? Do I really owe my parents anything? Guru Maharaj reading my thoughts, said: as a grahstha we have some responsibilities. Once parent knows what is good for the child, he tries and makes all efforts to give the same to his son and daughter. If you have understood where is the real happiness, then as a son it is your responsibility to make all efforts and getyour parents and family this taste. I protested my mom hasn’t changed in last 18 yrs despite my father’s and brother’s efforts. He responded you didn’t come to Krishna Conscious despite best efforts of your brother. He said it is important that we help others when we realize something so that their spiritual quotient also increases – this is real compassion. Whether they change or not is upto their free will but you have to give your mercy. He then also clarified – Try means really try your best as if you are giving engg exam.

I felt so wonderful with this realization…Guru Maharaj had  guided me long time back that you can learn lofty philosophy, become wonderful preacher but it has no value if our basics, our heart doesn’t change which happens by self realization and then our preaching becomes effective. Be humble, tolerant, compassionate, service is the key, we are not body and surrender are stepping stones. Self realization should lead to implementation..and perfection of the same is sadhana. I understood I need to serve my spiritual master, my devotee friends and all other knownships and acquaintance. I understood I need to serve my parents with similar intensity only the goal changes – “I would want them to become servant of my Lord as well….because more the servants, more happiness we can give to our master. So I will serve them and I will try or even beg they serve Srila Prabhupad messengers diligently which shall delight the Lord and their soul just like the way I felt. While serving, our own pain is not felt – happiness will help them to overcome bodily pain and misconception that they are body.

I don’t know if you all can relate to my realizations – If you cant, then I request just serve senior devotees in your area or your spiritual master exclusively (take few days break and serve HIM and see if you get the taste of service….if you try this few times – 5-6 times after developing relationship with that person, I am confident you will get it.)

I am very fallen and hope by getting your service I can become one of the members of your flock of birds soaring in spiritual realm under guidance of exalted devotees.

 

Thanking you again for giving me the opportunity to serve you

 

Very fallen servant,

Shyam Sunder Krishna Das

The joy of Initiation

Hare Krishna and Dandavat Pranam.

All Glories to Sri Sri Gauranga, Srila Prabhupada and Gurudev.

Please accept my humble obeisances.

It is so wonderful to receive Giriraj Prabhu’s email detailing ecstatic moments spent in Ujjain during Nityanand Tryodashi 2014. I was really touched as Prabhuji was so excited (genuinely) that 3 devotees are getting initiated from Gurgaon. With Prabhuji, I really understood the meaning of true friend…infact there is nothing in this world like devotee friend as they are friend in true sense.

I will now jump to Gurudev’s meeting with 8 of us on 11th Feb at 3pm – a day before initiation. It was so touching. Maharaj first welcomed all of us asking if we are all comfortable. Then he stated very lovingly that we have to take sadhana bhakti even more seriously and if we make any mistakes then he shall chastise us. To be honest even the word chastise felt like love. Since we have all been accustomed to Guru Maharaj’s ever smiling and loving gestures, there was a bit of question in everyone’s eyes. Guru Maharaj then explained: “When I was a young boy (10-12yrs), I had few servants and one of them was head servant (30-35yrs) who was quite strict with me. Even I was scared of him as all servants used to listen to him and he used to bossify over me too. I was scared of him as the head servant was very close to my father and he used share every detail with my father.” Then Guru Maharaj closed his eyes a bit and said: “I am like that servant who may chastise YOU – “the children of Krishna” so that u are in the right path as per instructions of Krishna. You are Krishna’s children and I am his servant. I am just doing my duty of serving Krishna so you have to listen to me.”

My heart melted and then Guru Maharaj went on: “However every evening around 7:30-8pm, the head servant would take me on his shoulder and give me a ride. I was fascinated by the moon and was bewildered that moon is walking with me. My head servant used to say – I and Moon love you a lot….wherever you will go, we will follow u. Just like that servant, I will always love you and I will be always with you as I am just a servant helping you to go back to Prabhupad who will take you to Krishna.”

Listening to this, my eyes swelled with tears. His humility, surrender and love was unparallel…I have never heard such profound statement and realization from such an example. My throat was wet and I paid my humble obeisances. I gathered myself and said: “I am such a fallen soul and you are taking my demonic karma that I am feeling downcast. You are so loving and humble and I am so sorry that I have done such bad karmas. I promise that I will never ever do it again knowingly” and begged for forgiveness. I really wanted to cry as I was filled with gratitude that such an exalted, loving and realized soul has accepted to be my Guru. I can never ever forget this incident in my life and feeling of my surrender knew no bounds.

Then on the next day, the initiation started whereby Guru Maharaj patiently made us understand the importance of Diksha and made us promise of following 4 regulative principles, 16 rounds and avoid 10 offences. Then he was about to say our initiated name. Like a small boy, I waited pressing my ears, waiting anxiously and he said: “Shyam Sunder Krishna Das”…I was thrilled. I had never imagined such a beautiful name…I could relate instantaneously to the deity “Radha Shyam sunder” of Vrindavan ISKCON temple and the main Radha Shyam sunder deity gifted by Radha Rani to Shyamsunder prabhu. Guru Maharaj then explained the meaning: “All beautiful Lord Krishna.” After sometime, I smiled because in my first meeting with Guru Maharaj (3 yrs back), when I had asked him the meaning of Bhakti Charu, he responded: “Charu=Beautiful; Bhakti=devotion, so it means beautiful in devotion.”

sumeet initiation 2

When the ceremony ended, I was in pure ecstasy to get such a merciful Guru. I sat in my room and wanted to chant the rounds on beads touched by Guru Maharaj. I was inquisitive to touch the beads touched by Guru Maharaj. Like a child I could feel his touch in beads. It was so inspirational.

sumeet initiation 11

After one round, my wife: Shilpi asked me how I am feeling? I said: I am feeling – joyful, ecstasy, liberated, humbled, full of gratitude and more importantly determined and resolute to succeed in spiritual life. Many devotees used to discuss before “how important it is to get initiated?” I sincerely request one must get serious in spiritual life and surely get initiated as its the best moment of one’s life…

I want to thank most profusely – HH Janananda Maharaj who taught me how to chant 16 rounds when I was not able to move beyond 10 rounds. He also taught me simplicity and servitude mood.

I also want to thank few devotees who really helped me to reach here – Ajay Prabhu (Burijana Prabhu aspiring disciple) who introduced me to Krishna Consciousness and HG Dayananda Prabhu from Australia, my loving brother – HG Vishnu Yagna Prabhu in Jaipur who introduced me to Guru Maharaj and guided me selflessly; HG Mukund Murari Prabhu who removed lot of cobwebs when my mind was cluttered how to select Guru; HG Achyut Hari Prabhu who helped me to get association in Gurgaon; HG Giriraj Prabhu who is my best friend and true love relationship and my wife Shilpi who is more pure than me and was constant companion in serving all senior Vaishnavas and Sanniyasis.

This was such powerful moment that even writing this I am feeling again very high and rejuvenated….Pls pray for me that I keep serving you all; I imbibe same love that our Guru Maharaj has for everyone, I do not offend anyone and that my attachment to Guru, His Godbrothers, Vaishnavas and eventually Lord keeps increasing..

Guru Dev ki Jai!

Samved Bhakt Vrind ki Jai…

Very fallen and menial servant,

Shyam Sunder Krishna Das