simple thoughts

I know it’s some way off but each year I make the same promise that I will remember to write for my Guru Maharaja HH Devamrita Swami’s Vyasa Puja

And one of two things happen:

1) I forget
2) I’m late

So this year I’m hoping to finally get my humble offering in on time.

The thing is I have so much on my mind as to what to say, or indeed how to say it; but also lack one thing a senior devotee to read through, make comments and suggestions.
I want it, no desire it to be just right.

So here’s were I’m up to:

To My own Sweet Guru Maharaja
Please Accept My Humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabupada

Hare Krishna

As I was reading a letter from Srila Prabhupada dated June 1970 my thoughts turned to you as the words emanated and reminded me so much of your qualities it said simply:

A spiritual master is always liberated. In any condition of His life He should not be is taken as ordinary human being. This position of a Spiritual Master is achieved by three processes: Sadhana siddha-one who is liberated by executing the regulative principle of devotional service; Krpa siddha-one who is liberated by the mercy of Krishna or His devotee; Nitya siddha-one who is never forgetful of Krsna throughout his whole life. These are the three features of the perfection of life.

It is clear for all to see that all these three features are present in you my Guru Maharaja; you exude the perfection of executing the regulative principles whilst encouraging all you meet to undertake and follow this process of devotional life, not only by words but by the example you give for me the perfection in life to follow.

By the mercy of your own Guru Maharaja who’s words you absorbed realizing there importance to the soul and by fully surrendering and taking shelter became the humble servant of the servant again setting the example for each one of us to follow, the need to fully surrender, heart mind and soul.

Who even when ill remembered and read about Krishna, when the service he was given appeared difficult remained transfixed and focused, who at every opportunity chants the holy names, who follows throughout each step of his life even though offered material wealth, family comforts remained focused always on how best to serve his spiritual master; thus showing me the perfection of life.

But who also shows immense kindness, even if at first the words appear harsh or actions that at the time are little appreciated or understood, along with the words of encouragement, the reminder of the importance of constantly being absorbed in chanting and reading, rather than being interested in being praised and looking for elevation amongst men; helping me remain fixed on devotional life when my mind wonders so.

I see the qualities that Srila Prahupada mentions in each breath you take, each word you speak, each action you take and feel humbled that you have taken the time to give me the shelter of your lotus feet; that you by example have given me the guidance and inspiration to follow.

Even though I do not get to see you as often as my heart desires, even though at times you appear to treat me harshly I see that in it your one and only desire is to take me home, to open my mind to it’s true eternal position, to show me more care than any material person can give, to show me how by Krishna’s mercy through the shelter given by you my spiritual master I can find true liberated for my soul.

My only wish, my only desire is this that I can follow your example and as you became the most humble servant of your sweet Guru Maharaja that I one day become the humble servant of you my sweet Guru Maharaja

Your aspiring disciple

bhakta Dave.

it’s still a work in progress but any notes, suggestions or thoughts would be helpful

Continuing looking at the focus of book distribution, I want to talk a bit about organization structure.

Firstly there need’s to a desire to start or expand center’s
Support, qualified individual’s

We notice when we listen to Srila Prahupada that on several occasions when the desire to set up a temple or centre he would ask a senior devotee who has been under his instruction with the simple words go help this person; this has to be firstly our mood if not then our efforts will be of waste.

Now again I am going to approach things as done when I was a regular pioneer within the Jehovah’s Witnesses, not that I am suggesting we adopt this system but to highlight that we need to focus on the end results the making of devotees, not the start which is the book (we cannot deny the power of these books which carry the eternal knowledge of Krishna).

Firstly house to house ministry work organization:

This is usually done in groups of two (preferably two women together), for safety but also for training as a new individual to the preaching work can work along side a senior person to learn. Were this was not possible due to numbers the senior individual there would usually work on there own and was usually a male; only under exceptional circumstances IE no one to work along side would a female work on her own.

When a house bible study is established or taken up, were possible a senior person of the same sex is chosen along with a new individual to learn the skills needed, this would usually already be established on the initial follow up were a person of the same sex would be introduced.

Tuesday House bible study

It will be of a similar format to the bible study groups that meet in individual homes usually on a Tuesday nights, this would however be flexible in order to answer the persons individual questions and concerns. There is no fixed time for this but the aim is to one day invite them to the bible study group to meet more people and see how the discussion can be more widely enhanced; as they are already familiar with the way things are done this transition is easier to do.

Sunday Meeting

This is the next step, again it has a simple format a take on a subject chosen by the society given by one of the Elders, followed by a study which is found within the Watchtower magazine which was a question/answer format. Again this eased the person into becoming a part of the congregation as it followed the pattern of the previous two undertakings, at this point the individual will be encouraged to join us out on the house to house ministry work

Theocratic Ministry school

This is usually covered on a Thursday or Friday night but is made up into two parts; those who are enrolled in the school were given a bible based subject or one of the societies books being studied at the time. We would also have a skill to learn (IE repetition for emphasis) we would be given advice on both if a crucial point was missed or if the skill was needing more work on.
The second part would continue with the theme of instructing how best to present the societies books, start a home bible study and develop relationships with those we meet.

Baptism

The final stage and recognition as a full member of the society, this is a study of one book (name I can’t remember it’s been so long) again simple question and answer to show understanding of biblical truths.

It is of note that the books studied in the house groups, and meeting halls are set by the society so no matter were you travel in the world the same book will be being studied at the same place in the book

When new countries are being evangelized (I use this term loosely) a team is sent out by the watchtower bible and track society to establish a Kingdom Hall, fully supported.

Within ISKCON were the emphasis is less on book scores and more on making a vibrant devotee community we see that simple tactics work well.

Book distribution with an invite to the center, this includes not a personal to general contact for the center itself (it is always best not to give out personal details). If we work in the same location for a while we can start to develop the personal relationships needed to make devotees

The center will have a set regular night was a small program will be incorporated, using our ace in the pack namely Krishna Prasadam along with either a music night with small discussion or Krishna Prasadam with Yoga. Relationships are further established along with trust.

Over time an invite to see our visiting spiritual masters, who will give inspirational talks on bhakti Yoga and devotional life and the need to read and understand Srila Prabhupada’s books, followed by an invite to a nice light discussion of the Gita and Vadic philosophy along with more Krishna Prasadam. Were we also introduce the four regulative principles, slowly as this usually freaks people out especially i’ve noticed the no sex part.

Using the skills the individual has engage then in devotional service, you know I noticed you say you love cooking, I see how nicely you play the guitar, so your good at IT you know it would be nice if you could help us we would be so happy if you could do this. No demand, No we require but that the person feel’s that they are valued, there skills are needed and that they are doing what comes naturally helping a friend.

Work towards initiation, and yes SKT!

We value the individual, that they not only need the book, but that they need to read the book; they need association and lots of lovely prasadam. And most important a nice happy smile face, some one to whom they feel cares for them, listens to them, understands them, who is there friend.

Far better we make devotees and then we can see the true amazing value of the books as over time each person returns home back to God Head

This is a new on-line facility that should be made available to all children, although based in the UK it can be accessed by children outside of the UK.

It is for those children who are experiencing bullying, or are in distress but unable to share there problems or just to scared to talk to an adult for fear of what may happen

It is monitored and also has an on-line councillor service if required.

I feel it is essential as many children now find it easier in the on-line world and you can hyper-link from here

From my own personal experience any way you can find to communicate your feelings as a child is a good thing, so make the children you know aware that it is available

Sarvabhauma Dasa is one of the many characters you find at the Manor, he always says Hi and asks how you are keeping, I didn’t know that he had such a wonderful voice or sung such sweet songs, so for those who love a musical treat here is two links:

Sarvabhauma On The Hare Krishna Bench - 2009

I feel that were he was sat and the words to this song very profound, and makes us think more deeply about our own reasons for going to the temple.

Sarvabauma\'s Prabhupada Song - 2009

I love this song but cannot put into words the feelings that I have when I hear it

I hope you are as moved as I am

The other day I wrote about the need to follow by example.

This is always easier said than done, to turn the magnifying glass on ourselves rather than pointing it to others is never easy. I have also been pondering these words:

The word khala means “jealous.” This material world is a world of jealousy and envy. I am envious of you, and you are envious of me. The Krsna consciousness movement, however, is meant for one who is no longer jealous or envious. By becoming free from jealousy and envy, one becomes a perfect person. Dharmah projjhita-kaitavo ‘tra paramo nirmatsaranam satam (Bhag. 1.1.2). Those who are jealous and envious are within this material world, and those who are not are in the spiritual world. Therefore, we can test ourselves. If we are jealous or envious of our friends or other associates, we are in the material world, and if we are not jealous we are in the spiritual world. There need be no doubt of whether we are spiritually advanced or not. We can test ourselves. Bhaktih paresanubhavo viraktir anyatra ca (Bhag. 11.2.42). When we eat, we can understand for ourselves whether our hunger is satisfied; we don’t have to take a certificate from others. Similarly, we can test for ourselves whether we are in the material world or the spiritual world. If we are jealous or envious, we are in the material world, and if we are not we are in the spiritual world.

TQK 6: The Master of the Senses

I am reminded of the need to test myself, my own motives, my own mood but I also asked myself this question: is fault finding an outward sign of being jealous and envy?

In as much as my mind tells me this should be my position, I should have this notoriety, I should have this big big position, I should be seen in such light, noted written about and listened, me me me.

And thus we find fault, well there not so good, look they do this, you never see them do that; how can I follow there no pure devotee.

I am reminded time of one conversation I had with my Guru Maharaja he pointed out how easy I found fault in others, point the finger so to say, but how I never point the finger back at the fault YOUR SELF! Simple put my Guru Maharaja demonstrated that over time we will simple surround yourself with like minded people; who simple find faults in others; this is fine it will make you feel great, justified in your actions. Meantime the fault grows not in them but you, meantime your spiritual advancement is checked.

My Guru Maharaja simple was pointing out the need to test oneself, to be for real with my own feelings and thoughts, looking at there true motivation; were do they come from; but that we also analyze all aspects of our life how focused is it on Krishna. Is it focused else were? Finding faults with others? The internet or TV? Pursuing material rather than spiritual happiness?

But then putting the magnifying glass over ourselves is hard, do I want to see who I really am, or do I want to see the person I wish to portray to others? Can I actually be for real with myself?

This is the challenge, personal development of the spiritual self, or to find fault with others and use it as an excuse not too?

The other day I was reading an article which was talking about the preaching work done be the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormon’s in relation to devotees book distribution. They noted that from what they could see that both were more successful in making followers, and questioned why this could be?

One is focus, what is the purpose of book distribution?
Is it the book score?
Is it the money raised?

Or is it something more deeper?

I can only talk for the Jehovah’s Witnesses as I used to be a regular pioneer (yes the ones who knock on your door); the focus was not the amount of books distributed, yes big numbers was nice but this was not the focus.

The focus was this, the bible study through the study of the bible they will see the need for God in there lives and too become a follower of Jehovah and his son Jesus.

Each Friday night service was focused on helping us all develop the skills needed and to inspire.

As we went from street to street, house to house we logged and returned not only to those homes that had taken a book, but those who had shown an interest and asked questions. Time would be taken to note facts, name, address, family details, what was talked about any interesting detail; so that on the follow up call we could use these, if a family member or pet was ill we would know to ask how they are. This is a personal touch a personal interest in them, people respond well to this and it demonstrates concern.

The aim is simply that one day they will come to the house group, this is held once a week in a persons home and is a page by page discussion of one of the societies books; it gives the person association of others and helps develop more personal relationships

Eventually they will come to the Kingdom Hall and eventually will enter into the House to House ministry school

Yes this was the simple program in order to make disciples.

Srila Prabhupada wrote this:

When Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami went to Vrndavana, there was not a single temple, but by their preaching they were gradually able to construct various temples. Sanatana Gosvami constructed the Madana-mohana temple, and Rupa Gosvami constructed the Govindaji temple. Similarly, their nephew Jiva Gosvami constructed the Radha-Damodara temple, Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami constructed the Radha-ramana temple, Sri Lokanatha Gosvami constructed the Gokulananda temple, and Syamananda Gosvami constructed the Syamasundara temple. In this way, many temples were gradually constructed. For preaching, construction of temples is also necessary. The Gosvamis not only engaged in writing books but also constructed temples because both are needed for preaching work. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted the cult of His sankirtana movement to spread all over the world. Now that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has taken up this task of preaching the cult of Lord Caitanya, its members should not only construct temples in every town and village of the globe but also distribute the books that have already been written and further increase the number of books. Both distribution of books and construction of temples must continue side by side in parallel lines.

Adi 7.164

We see that the Gosvami’s by there preaching work also gave facility for those who they had convinced to become God Conscious a focal point to share, to praise, to sing and dance, to worship Sri Krishna.

The value of preaching is not only the number of books but that we develop the congregation; that we concentrate our book distribution in areas were we have or are wanting to set up a centre.

That our focus in not the good book score or amount of money we raised, but that of follow up.

I look at the book scores and myself wonder, why if so many books (and by Krishna’s mercy they are higher than that of the Witnesses) how come so few come end up coming to our centers.

It is this as we give a book do we give contact details?
Does it give the times for the outreach classes?

The question is this, does it appear that we are interested in them taking the book, or are we interested in them?

As we go out on book’s are we looking to make devotees?

This should always be our focus, not the high book scores or the money, then our centers will be full.

This is the findings of a joint study by research universities in New Zealand and the United Kingdom

Although the link in looking at how diet influences virus activity is in many ways the initial outcomes strongly points to the fact that a simple vegetarian diet does reduce risk.

You can read it Here

(source BBC News/Health)

yad yad acarati sresthas
tat tad evetaro janah
sa yat pramanam kurute
lokas tad anuvartate

TRANSLATION
Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

Bg 3.21

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about the need for good examples, that we need to develop ourselves in order to show not by words but by example so others can become inspired and follow.

It reminded me of an old friend of mine who is a lay preacher and runs a small but humble church in a run down district in England, on occasions I would go around and help him out, he was a humble individual and lived very simply.

Now he also enjoyed his football this was well known by his congregation and it was always a struggle for him when his team were playing on a day that a church service was due; so great interest was noted when the team reached the finals of a big cup, would he change the service times or cancel them, the speculation in upcoming weeks increased.

But so did the tone of his services he started to talk about how the bible talks about idols, and questioned what are actual idols especially in the context of an idol being not only figures that people claim to be god, but also material, fashion, TV, cars, sport. When we put these things above our time of pray, reading and attendance in church.

The week before the speculation was at fever pitch, there was much speculation they were sure he would not miss the football final, so as they sat waiting he started to explain how we need to lead by example and how he had realized last week one thing; the service he had prepared over the last few week’s were not actually for the congregation, but for him it was as he described a bitter pill. Bitter as you are convinced Yes this is for so and so but god is actually speaking to you, but you are not listening.

Now he came to the conclusion, my false idol is football, I would normally change the service to watch my football team but then what use would it be if I say one thing and do another?

There was a silence, stunned as most followed the same team, what was he about to say!

He started for those who are willing to give up this false idol of football I hope you will join me the same time, same place next week and in order to soften the blow of this bitter pill there will be a meal (I remember he had as usual roped me into cooking duties), still more stunned silence.

The following week we arrived early and sat pondering and wondering who would turn up, half a dozen who support another team may be? The faithful who turn up no matter what? No one? He had however got enough food to feed all in the congregation.

As the start came he was stunned, there was only three people missing, he was moved to tears, and thanked them so the service including the meal continued for over 5hours, with hymns, bible reading, sharing of thoughts and the feast.

He realized that the only way people will follow is if he made the first move and gave the example for others to follow.

The bitter pill.

Srila Prabhupada explains in his purport thus:

People in general always require a leader who can teach the public by practical behavior. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes. Lord Caitanya said that a teacher should behave properly before he begins teaching. One who teaches in that way is called acarya, or the ideal teacher. Therefore, a teacher must follow the principles of sastra (scripture) to teach the common man. The teacher cannot manufacture rules against the principles of revealed scriptures. The revealed scriptures, like Manu-samhita and similar others, are considered the standard books to be followed by human society. Thus the leader’s teaching should be based on the principles of such standard sastras. One who desires to improve himself must follow the standard rules as they are practiced by the great teachers. The Srimad-Bhagavatam also affirms that one should follow in the footsteps of great devotees, and that is the way of progress on the path of spiritual realization. The king or the executive head of a state, the father and the school teacher are all considered to be natural leaders of the innocent people in general. All such natural leaders have a great responsibility to their dependents; therefore they must be conversant with standard books of moral and spiritual codes.

Bg 3.21

It remains easy to find fault in others, to point at weaknesses and faults, the question is like my friend are we willing to point the finger the other way and look deep into ourselves, our motives and lives.

To make the changes needed to make spiritual progress, but more important are our lives an example to others? Can people see that we live a life were Krishna is central? Were we are trying to develop one thing, the qualities of a devotee.

Yes we will never do it perfectly, yes people will still find fault with us; this is normal.

My realization is this what we are truly like on the inside will eventually manifest itself in our actions and deeds, I need to develop the humbleness not to look at others to change but to look more closer to home, namely me, I need to make the changes in my life.

For all those who love RathaYatra and love sitting at home watching videos of the greatest festival ever here it is my humble offering from this years London 2009 festival of chariots.

London 2009 RathaYatra

Hope this gives you a taster and the desire to see more if so heres the next link:

London 2009, Trafalger Square, RathaYatra festival

And my dear friend Jayadeva Das with a remix of the classic “stand by me” the Krishna re-mix:

stand by me (krishna re-mix 2009)

And just a few pictures of the Welsh Valley Crew as we return home:

Hope this meets with approval; I am inspired that my youtube video collection has to date been viewed by 19,768 souls watching devotees and hearing the names of Krishna

The other day I was informed of a special celebration for my Guru Maharaja’s Vyasa Puja, although the mataji arranging it although having both my e-mail and mobile phone number has not even contacted me with the date even though everyone else has been informed.

I am saddened in two ways she is my Guru Maharaja’s most senior disciple in the UK and two I’m forgetful and always late.

My instinct is to hit out, place blame on others especially as I am aware that the centre she attends manager does not have a kind word to say about me, even though I have taken the time to write a personal reference when the temple was being sued; long story.

But then that would be easy, blame others. The question is and should be what am I meant to learn from this?

So I’ve sat down and started to write read for my Guru Maharaja’s Vyasa Puja, by doing so it has reminded myself of his words spoken, they are few but powerful, helping me battle with my mind and remain focused on one thing Krishna.

But also what is more important?
Being popular or trying to follow the words of my Guru Maharaja?
How faithful have I been?

We make a personal commitment, to serve, to follow, to make our life successful; one focused on service, one focused on Krishna.

Without my Guru Maharaja were would I be?
Were would we be?

I’ve saved all my Guru Maharaja’s e-mails and so sat reading them, nector, each one positive and encouraging. I wish I could spend more time in his association, to hear more from him. But I am reminded that the best feeling is those of seperation, we see with each Srila Prabupada disciple who had truelly surrendered that even when there Guru Maharaja left his body they remained focused on his words, mission, instructions.

This is the diffrence, our mentality, not others.
If we are invited or not.
If we are popular or liked or not.

But that we (or more to the point I) understand the full meaning of taking a spiritual master, the importance, the guidence and that we are willing to personally surrended.