Может быть, может быть / “Maybe, Just Maybe”

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Diary of a Traveling Monk

Volume 15, Chapter 29
February 10, 2025

A year ago, I began experiencing weakness in my legs, accompanied by occasional shooting pain. I felt the condition was worsening, so I underwent an MRI scan during a visit to Skopje, Macedonia. When the results came back, the doctors were visibly concerned.

“You have absolute spinal stenosis in the L4-L5 lumbar region of your spine,” they informed me.

It sounded serious, but I had no idea what it meant. “Could you explain this in simple terms?” I asked.

“In the lower part of your back, your spinal nerves are severely compressed,” they explained. “This condition presents in older patients, and in most cases, it causes severe pain. You seem to be an exception, as your pain is intermittent.”

Surprised, I asked, “What do you recommend I do?”

The doctor replied, “You can try conventional therapies, but your condition is quite advanced, and I don’t see it improving on its own. I strongly recommend surgery as soon as possible. We have several experts who can perform the procedure.”

Uncomfortable with the idea of surgery and the risks involved, I declined and instead consulted a physiotherapist in India. I followed a regimen of exercises for some time, but my efforts brought almost no relief. Desperate for a solution, I spent a month at a well-reputed Ayurvedic clinic in Kerala, but that too failed to improve my condition. Frustrated, I pushed the issue to the back of my mind. Then last month the pain in my lower back and legs became unbearable.

Realizing the urgency of my situation, I travelled to Delhi where I was fortunate to meet one of India’s foremost neurosurgeons. Despite his busy schedule, he arranged to operate on me just a few days later, on January 16.

“We will perform a routine two-hour decompression surgery on your L4-L5 vertebrae. You should be fine,” he assured me.

However, once the neurosurgeon began the procedure, he discovered that my condition was significantly more advanced and complicated than a recent MRI had revealed. The surgery extended to four hours as his team worked meticulously, installing several permanent metal fixtures to support my spine.

I spent five days recovering in the hospital. When discharging me, the doctor advised me to stay in Delhi for a few weeks, just in case I needed follow-up care. My disciples arranged accommodations for me in a nearby hotel with special facilities, where I began the painful post-operative healing process.

Yet, more difficult than the physical pain was the agony of inactivity, especially my inability to travel and preach. I had to cancel my engagements, including a pilgrimage to this year’s six-week Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This was not just any Kumbh Mela, but the grand one that occurs only once every 144 years! From my hotel bed, I watched online as millions of pilgrims bathed at the sacred Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati Rivers. Most of all, I lamented missing the opportunity to meet and network with India’s prominent spiritual leaders, as I had done in 2019 at the last Kumbh Mela.

Another significant event I was missing was the grand opening of ISKCON’s Kharghar temple near Mumbai. This extraordinary temple was years in the making, and I had been invited as a special guest. The occasion also provided a potential opportunity for me to meet India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who was to be the chief guest of honour. On the day of the opening, as I lay in bed recovering, I watched online as the Prime Minister delivered a powerful speech, endorsing both the temple and ISKCON’s service to society.

“I am missing so much!” I murmured to myself.

Two weeks later, in the evening, just as I was about to turn off the lights and settle into bed, my disciple Kartamashi dasa called.

“Srila Gurudeva,” he said, “I just dropped off some fruit for you at the hotel reception when I noticed a large event being set up. The receptionist told me that the daughter of a prominent government minister is hosting a wedding reception here tonight. She even mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might attend! Maybe you should come downstairs and meet some influential people.”

“It’s late, Kartamashi,” I replied. “Besides, I doubt they’d allow me into a private function. And I find it hard to believe that the Prime Minister would attend a wedding reception in downtown Delhi at this hour. Earlier today, I saw photos of him bathing at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. That’s 700 kilometres away!”

“Alright, Gurudeva. I just wanted to let you know. Goodnight.”

But as I settled back into bed, I mulled over what I had said to Kartamashi. “Maybe I should go downstairs,” I thought. “Even if I don’t get into the reception, I might meet someone significant in the lobby.”

Immediately, doubt crept in. “No, it’s a long shot. Besides, I’m tired, and still dealing with pain.”

Then, just as I was about to drift off, a firm conviction arose in my heart. “No. I should do this for Srila Prabhupada. You never know what Krishna has in store.”

Determined, I got up and quickly dressed in a dhoti for the first time since my surgery. I applied tilak, draped a chaddar over my shoulders, and searched my room for a copy of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is to give to a distinguished guest I might encounter. Unable to find one at that moment, I settled for a few fresh copies of my newly released book, Adventures of a Travelling Monk, published by Harper Collins.

At the very least,” I thought, “if someone gets this book, they’ll appreciate how, by Srila Prabhupada’s grace, our movement is spreading worldwide.”

When I reached the lobby, I was surprised to find it completely deserted. I approached the receptionist.

“I heard there’s an important event. Where is everyone?” I asked.

“The police and army have sealed off the hotel for the next three hours. The daughter of a government minister is having her wedding reception here,” she replied. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving in an hour.”

“The Prime Minister is actually coming?” I asked, astonished.

“Yes, that’s why security is so tight. Just look outside.”

Peering through the window, I saw armed police officers stationed everywhere. In the distance, I spotted three military tanks, two buses full of soldiers in black combat gear, and snipers on the rooftops of nearby buildings.

“Well, that settles it,” I thought. “The Prime Minister will be here.”

“Is there any chance I could attend the function?” I asked the receptionist.

“Unlikely,” she said. “Even the hotel staff have been told to keep our distance. The attendees are all government officials, dignitaries, and wealthy VIPs. Everyone is dressed in formal attire.”

“Oh well,” I thought. “At least I tried.”

As I turned to leave, a well-dressed man approached me.

“Are you from ISKCON?” he asked.

“Yes, I am,” I replied. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from New York,” he said. “But I visited your temple in Los Angeles when I was there on business. It’s beautiful.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said.

“Are you attending the reception?” he asked.

“Well, no,” I admitted. “I recently underwent surgery and I’m recovering in this hotel. But when I heard about the event, I thought I’d come down in the hope of meeting someone influential. Ideally, I’d love to meet the Prime Minister and present him with one of my books.”

“Well, if you’re interested,” he said, “you can accompany me. I have an extra invitation. My friend was supposed to join me, but he couldn’t make it. I’m sure the hosts would appreciate your presence. You can bless the couple.”

“Really?” I said, surprised. “Thank you!”

With a playful grin, he added, “Who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky and meet the Prime Minister!”

“Maybe, just maybe,” I replied.

As we stepped out of the hotel’s main entrance, all eyes immediately turned toward us, no doubt because of the contrast between my flowing saffron sannyasa robes and the formal evening attire everyone else was wearing. My companion presented our invitations, and after a strict security check, we were allowed inside.

The reception was grand. People conversed in small groups with drinks in their hands. A live band played soft music on a small stage in one corner. Taking in the elegant atmosphere, my companion pointed to an elevated platform where the newlyweds stood greeting a long line of guests.

“You wait here,” he said. “I’ll go and see if you can meet them and offer your blessings.”

Smiling, I replied, “Alright. We’ve come this far. Let’s see what happens.”

I watched, surprised, as he went straight to the front of the line and spoke with the couple. He gestured for me to come forward.

I walked slowly, not wanting to draw too much attention. As I passed by a long queue of guests holding wrapped gifts, I approached the couple. At first, they seemed slightly startled to see me.

Introducing myself, I said, “I am a sannyasi from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and I wanted to offer my blessings for your marriage.”

To my surprise, the bride turned to her husband and said excitedly, “Isn’t this wonderful? This was exactly what was missing!”

She warmly accepted a copy of my book. “I’m sure my father, a government minister, will enjoy reading this as well!” she said.

“Everything is going so nicely,” I thought, as I rejoined the crowd. “Maybe, just maybe, I’ll actually get to meet the Prime Minister.”

I noticed that people had started gathering along a roped-off pathway leading into the event. “That must be where the Prime Minister will arrive,” I thought. Carefully manoeuvring my way to the front, I found a spot where he would be sure to see me when he entered.

Just then, six of the Prime Minister’s security personnel arrived and stood right in front of me, their backs forming a wall that blocked my view. I looked around for an alternative position, but there was nowhere to move. The guards were scanning the crowd and I noticed a few of them eyeing the book in my hand with suspicion.

One of them pointed at it and asked, “Sir, what is that?”

“It’s a book I’d like to present to the Prime Minister,” I replied politely.

“That’s not allowed,” he said firmly. “Hand it over now.”

I hesitated but knew I had no choice. As I handed it over, I said, “Sir, with all due respect, the Prime Minister is familiar with our movement, and I’m sure he would appreciate reading about how we are sharing India’s spiritual culture around the world.”

Overhearing our exchange, another security officer, apparently of higher rank, said to the first guard, “Check through it and put it through a radiation scan.”

The officer took the book to a secure area inside a nearby tent. Fifteen long and anxious minutes passed. Finally, the officer returned, handing the book to his superior. “Alright, it has passed inspection,” said the senior officer. “If and when the Prime Minister wishes to speak with you, I will return it so you can present it to him. But keep in mind, he has had a long day. He just arrived from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, and he is exhausted. Most likely, he will greet the couple briefly and then leave.”

“Well there’s still a small chance,” I thought. “Maybe, just maybe.”

Suddenly, wailing sirens filled the air, signalling the Prime Minister’s arrival. His security detail turned once again to scan the attendees. I glanced upward and noticed snipers on the rooftops adjusting their positions.

Two minutes later, there was Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrounded by a tight ring of security personnel. Since I am taller than most people in India, I lifted my head slightly and smiled as he passed by. He caught my glance and gave a polite nod before continuing toward the stage.

“It’s alright,” I thought. “He has come to greet the couple. Maybe he will stop and speak to me on his way out.”

He climbed the stairs and acknowledged a few people he knew before turning his attention to the newlyweds. Their conversation lasted no more than a minute. He posed for a photo and started making his way back.

Twenty yards from where I stood, he paused twice to exchange words with two other guests. Then, as he turned around his gaze fell upon me, and, to my astonishment, he walked straight in my direction.

The security officer standing beside me quickly handed back my book and whispered, “You’re in luck.”

As Prime Minister Modi approached, he called warmly, “Hare Krishna!” Within moments, we were standing face to face. He appeared calm and composed despite the long day he had endured.

Realizing I had only a few moments, I spoke with clarity and conviction. “Prime Minister Modi, I had been hoping to meet you this evening. For the past 52 years, I have been traveling and sharing the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita all over the world. I wanted to share this journey with you through my newly published book.”

He accepted the book with both hands and thanked me sincerely.

Seizing the moment, I asked, “Prime Minister, may I take a photo with you?”

He smiled and, with a touch of humor, replied, “Just look around. Everyone is already taking photos!”

We both turned toward the cameras and smiled as flashes went off from all directions. Then he thanked me again and continued on his way.

Once he had left, I turned to the crowd and asked if anyone could share their photos with me.

As things settled down, a gentleman standing behind me stepped forward. “I was watching your interaction with the Prime Minister,” he said. “I was his Personal Security Officer for ten years. I told my friends that if they wanted a clear view of the Prime Minister, they should stand behind you, because he would surely stop to greet a sannyasi. I know his habits better than anyone.”

“Thank you for sharing that,” I replied.

Just then, the Prime Minister’s secretary came running back towards me, slightly out of breath.

“The Prime Minister would like your contact details,” he said. “After reading the book, he will certainly want to write and thank you.”

Reaching into my pocket, I handed him my calling card.

With that, I quietly made my way back to my room and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, as I awoke and reflected on the previous night’s events, I asked myself, “Was that all a dream?”

But as the memories became clearer, I smiled and realised it hadn’t been a dream. A slim chance—”Maybe, just maybe”—became a reality by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

kathancana smrte yasmin

duskaram sukaram bhavet

vismrte viparitam syat

sri-caitanyam namami tam

“Things that are very difficult to do become easy to execute if one somehow or other simply remembers Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. But if one does not remember Him, even easy things become very difficult. To this Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu I offer my respectful obeisances.”

(Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila 14.1)

“Adventures of a Travelling Monk” is available on Amazon worldwide.




1000 коров / 1,000 Cows And Counting

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Кришна как-то сказал Махарадже Нанде: “Мой дорогой отец, ведь мы живем не в городах, не в селеньях и не деревнях. Мы, обитатели лесов, всегда живем в лесах и на холмах”.

Сегодня окунулись в атмосферу священного леса Бихарван, который все еще остается тем же Вриндаваном, каким он был много лет тому назад. Здесь живет около тысячи коров, которые, по словам наших Ачарьев, родственницы коров сурабхи в духовном мире. Вслед за чудным киртаном, исполненным глубокой преданности, последовало невероятно увлекательное занятие. Мы принялись гладить, обнимать и кормить множество великолепных ласковых коров и их телят. Этот день позволил нам чуть-чуть соприкоснуться с тем, что так дорого Господу!

Krishna once said to Nanda Maharaja, “My dear father, our home is not in the cities or towns or villages. Being forest dwellers, we always live in the forest and on the hills.” Today, we experienced the atmosphere of the sacred forest of Biharvan which still retains the ambience of what Vrindavan was like many years ago. It is home to a thousand cows which our acharyas tell us are cousins of the surabhi cows in the spiritual world. A lovely kirtan filled with deep devotion was followed by an incredibly captivating class. We then had the joy of petting, hugging, and feeding many gorgeous and affectionate cows and their calves. It was a day that offered us a glimpse into that which is dear to the Lord!

“…Regarding your request for your deliverance from the clutches of Maya”

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“Regarding your request for your deliverance from the clutches of Maya, please rest assured of being delivered, because we have captured the strong chain of disciplic succession. This chain is coming down from the highest platform, Krishna. Just like a rope comes down the well so that anyone who may catch the rope from any position is sure to be delivered, so our aim should be to not give up the rope. We must capture the rope very tightly. Then our deliverance is assured.

So far as I am concerned, in relationship with my disciples who are so kindly cooperating with me in the matter of my rendering service to my Spiritual Master, for them I am always ready to come back from Goloka Vrindavan if they are not delivered along with me. So don’t be worried about the clutches of Maya. Be fixed up in your determination and go on serving the Supreme Lord, Krishna, with determination as you are already doing.”

[ Srila Prabhupada Letter, November 15, 1969 ]

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Colosseum / в Колизее

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Дорогой Шрила Прабхупада, в этот день Вишварупа Махотсавы в сентябре 1959 года вы приняли уклад жизни санньясы в маленькой комнате Божеств на первом этаже Кешава Матха в Матхуре. Со временем вы покинете Индию в качестве ее главного духовного посланника и наполните мир сознанием Кришны.

Пятнадцать лет спустя, когда я стоял около вас перед римским Колизеем, слава исторического памятника исчезла после ваших слов, которые в целом охарактеризовали этот материальный мир. Вы тогда сказали, сурово глянув на нас:

«Преданные… они не хотят богатств материального мира. Они, что называется, пессимистичны. Они не придают никакого значения богатствам материального мира».

 

В вашем обществе, Шрила Прабхупада, мы все впитали этот дух отречения и научились избирать то, что действительно обладает величием:  это сознание Кришны и все, что к нему относится.

Что до меня, вы превыше всего в моей жизни – в прошлом, настоящем и будущем. В этот благоприятный день я продолжаю служить вашей миссии в этом мире как один из ваших санньяси-представителей. Все хорошо, но я скучаю по вам так, что это трудно выразить словами.

 

 

 

 

Dear Srila Prabhupada, on this day of Visvarupa Mahotsava in September 1959, you accepted the sannyasa order of life in the small deity room on the second floor of the Keshava Math in Mathura. In due course of time, you would leave India as its foremost spiritual ambassador and flood the world with Krsna consciousness.

As I stood before you in front of the famous Colosseum in Rome fifteen years later, the glory of that historic monument faded with your words that summarised the material world altogether. With a stern face you told us that day:

“Devotees, they do not want any opulence of this material world. They are, what is called, pessimistic. They do not give any value to the opulence of this material world.”

In your association, Srila Prabhupada, we have all imbibed that spirit of renunciation and learned to embrace what is truly great: Krsna consciousness and all it encompasses. As for me, you stand as the greatest of all things in my life – past, present and future. On this auspicious day, I continue to serve your mission in this world as one of your sannyasa representatives. All goes well – but I miss you more than words can ever express.

 

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Здоровье

Дорогие ученики, друзья и доброжелатели! На прошлой неделе в Пуне (Индия) мне удалили небольшую опухоль на лице, которая, хотя и опасна сама по себе, оказалась доброкачественной. По совету доктора и в качестве меры предосторожности вчера я приехал в Нью-Дели, и один из ведущих пластических хирургов Индии удалил ряд других подозрительных повреждений в той же области лица. Я ушел с 44 швами! Результаты анализов будут на следующей неделе. Но я уверен, что они также будут благоприятными. Пожалуйста, не беспокойтесь обо мне. Буду держать вас в курсе. А пока уезжаю во Вриндаван на выходные. Шри Радхе!

 

Dear disciples, friends and well-wishers: Last week in Pune, India a doctor removed a small tumor from my face that athough dangerous by nature turned out to be benign. On his advice, and as a precaution, yesterday I came to New Delhi where one of India’s top plastic surgeons removed a number of other suspicious lesions from the same area on my face. I walked away with 44 stitches! The lab results will be back next week. But I’m pretty confident the results will also be benign. Please don’t worry about me. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, I’m off to Vrindavan for the weekend. Sri Radhe!

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Разница в отношении к трудностям Вайшнава и не-Вайшнава / Pertinent Advice

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Совет в тему

Эта короткая статья “Вайшнавера Вьявахара духкха” (“Мирские трудности Вайшнава”) была опубликована в 10-м томе 2-го выпуска “Саджана Тошани” в 1898 году. Здесь Бхактивинода Тхакур объясняет разницу между трудностями, с которыми сталкивается Вайшнав, и трудностями, с которыми сталкивается не-Вайшнав. Ближе к концу статьи он говорит о бубонной чуме, которая разразилась в конце 1897 года и на момент написания статьи все еще представляла серьезную угрозу для Калькутты.

Вот эта статья:

«Все множество людей мира делятся на две группы: Вайшнавы и не-Вайшнавы. Те, кто лишены бхакти, будь то ученый, богач, силач, брахман, царь либо подданный царя, не являются Вайшнавами. Тот же, у кого есть бхакти, неважно, домохозяин он или санньяси, богат или беден, учен или глуп, слаб или силен, – Вайшнав.

Разнообразная физическая и умственная деятельность Вайшнавов, так же как и не-Вайшнавов, путешествующих в физическом теле, может быть сопряжена с трудностями. Трудности, с которыми сталкиваются Вайшнавы (как и трудности тех, кто отправляются на Вайкунтху), не являются реальными, они временны, – и поэтому в конечном счете устраняются. Шри Вриндаван Дас Тхакур написал по этому поводу:

yata dekha vaiṣṇavera vyavahāra-duḥkha

niścaya jāniha sei parānanda-sukha

viṣaya-madāndha saba kichui nā jāne

vidyā-made, dhana-made vaiṣṇava nā cine

“Знайте:  какие бы так называемые мирские страдания ни были видны в Вайшнаве, в действительности он поистине счастлив. Людям, опьяненным гордыней из-за чувственных наслаждений, этого не понять. Они не могут распознать Вайшнава из-за гордыни, порожденной знанием и богатством”.

[“Чайтанья-бхагавата”, Мадхья-кханда, 9.240-241 ]  

Смысл в том, что для не-Вайшнавов эта земная жизнь – все. Боль, которую они испытывают, только усугубляется. Несмотря на все их усилия облегчить страдания, они не устранимы. Их жизнь проходит в муках. С другой стороны, следует понимать, что мирская жизнь возвышенных преданных – это временное путешествие. Потому они совершенно не обращают внимания на временные мирские невзгоды, что находятся под влиянием чистого духовного счастья. Поэтому, о братья, в этом мире собирайте бережно лишь драгоценности хари-бхакти. Да будете вы причислены к Вайшнавам и не считайте себя не-Вайшнавами.

Страх заразиться – это менталитет не-Вайшнава. Послушайте, братья, что эта эпидемия может сделать с вами? Какой реальный вред может причинить она, если положит конец этой бесполезной жизни? Если вы хотите получить какую-то благо, извлеките урок из ситуации: если  эпидемия вас настигла, значит, жизнь окончена. А к чему приведут богатство и счастье? Поэтому, не тратя время впустую, постоянно и искренне, с преданностью повторяйте хари-наму. Тогда и миллиарды эпидемий ничего не смогут с вами поделать».

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Pertinent Advice

This short article, “Vaiṣṇavera Vyavahāra Duḥkha” [ The Worldly Difficulties of a Vaiṣṇava ] was published in the 10th Volume, 2nd Issue of Sajjana Toṣaṇī in 1898. Herein, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the difference between the difficulties encountered by a Vaiṣṇava and those of a non-Vaiṣṇava. Towards the end of the article he speaks about the Bubonic Plague which broke out at the end of 1897 and was still a huge threat in Kolkata at the time of writing.

Here is the article:

There are many human beings in the world and they are divided into two groups, Vaiṣṇavas and non-Vaiṣṇavas. Those who are bereft of bhakti, be they a scholar, a rich man, a strong man, a brāhmaṇa, a king or his subject – they are all non-Vaiṣṇavas. One who has bhakti, whether he is a householder or a sannyāsī, whether he is rich or poor, whether he is a scholar or a fool, whether he is weak or strong, he is a Vaiṣṇava.

The various physical and mental activities of the Vaiṣṇvavas, just like the non-Vaiṣṇavas while journeying in the physical body, can be difficult. All such difficulties encountered by Vaiṣṇavas are not real difficulties, but are temporary, just like the difficulties of those travelling to Vaikuṇṭha – thus those difficulties are eventually severed. In this regard, Śrī Vṛndāvana Dāsa Ṭhākura has written:

yata dekha vaiṣṇavera vyavahāra-duḥkha
niścaya jāniha sei parānanda-sukha
viṣaya-madāndha saba kichui nā jāne
vidyā-made, dhana-made vaiṣṇava nā cine

“Know for certain that whatever so-called worldly distress is seen in a Vaiṣṇava is actually the greatest happiness. People intoxicated with pride due to sense enjoyment know nothing. They cannot recognize a Vaiṣṇava due to pride born of knowledge and wealth.”

[ Caitanya-bhāgavata, Madhya-khāṇḍa 9.240-241 ]

The meaning is that this mortal life of non-Vaiṣṇavas is everything. The pain they suffer is easily exacerbated. Despite their best efforts to alleviate this suffering, their pain cannot be eradicated. In this way, their lives are spent in torment. On the other hand, we should understand that the worldly life of exalted devotees is a temporary journey. Thus, the temporary worldly distress in their lives is spent with complete disregard since they are under the influence of pure spiritual happiness. Therefore, O brothers, in this world, only the gems of hari-bhakti have been collected carefully. Be counted amongst the Vaiṣṇavas and do not consider yourself as a non-Vaiṣṇava.

Fearing this plague is the mentality of a non-Vaiṣṇava. Look brothers! What can this plague do to you? What real harm can the plague do by ending this useless life? If you desire some benefit, learn a lesson from the plague. If you are caught by the plague, then your life is over. Imagine where your wealth and happiness will go! Therefore, without wasting your time uselessly, constantly and sincerely chant hari-nāma with devotion. Then billions of plagues cannot do anything to you.

 

 

 

Сокрушение

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“В детстве я был совсем глупцом: кто в этом возрасте знает, что такое паломничество к святому месту? В юности, в жажде удовольствий, я трепетал пред теми, кто наслаждались как цари. И вот уж тело дряхло, и органы чувств разрушены, а петля их деятельности все остается затянута на шее в виде привязанностей к вещам этого мира. Увы, как же я далеко от Вриндавана!”

[ Шрила Прабодхананда Сарасвати, Вивека-стакам, стих 6 ]

 

 

 

A Lament

“In childhood I was already a fool; after all, at that age who knows what pilgrimage to a holy place is? In my youth, filled with desire for sense gratification, I stood in awe of those enjoying like kings. Now this body is taken over by decrepitude and although my sense organs are destroyed, the noose of their activities remains tight around my neck in the form of affection for the things of this world. Alas, how far I am from Vrindavan!

[ Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati, Viveka-stakam, verse 6 ]

You have got a short duration of life / Жизнь коротка

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“Instead of contemplating what will happen to this world, you have got a short duration of life, say fifty, sixty years. You chant Hare Krsna and go back to home, back to Godhead. Don’t consider what will happen to this world. Nature will take care of it. You don’t puzzle your brain with these thoughts. You utilize whatever time you have got in your possession and go back to home, back to Godhead. You cannot check it. Best thing is that you mold your life and go back to home, back to Godhead. Because people will go on with their rascal civilization, natural consequences will be there. You better take advantage of whatever time you have got and become fully Krsna conscious and go back to home.”

[Srila Prabhupada, Morning Walk, February 21, 1975, Caracas]

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In Memoriam / В память

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Моя дорогая Враджа Валлабхи, пожалуйста, прими мои благословения. Вся слава Шриле Прабхупаде.

Ты покинула этот мир, но я молюсь, чтобы мои слова дошли до тебя посредством трансцендентной реальности, где бы ты сейчас не служила — будь это наш мир или же лотосные стопы Радхи-Шьямасундары в мире духовном. Я убежден в последнем, поскольку  Шрила Рупа Госвами пишет в «Матхура-махатмье», цитируя «Сканда Пурану»:

сарпа даштах пашу хатах
павакамбху винашитах
лабда памртйаво йе ча
матхуре мам лока гаха

 «Те, кого укусила змея, кто убит животным, погиб в огне, воде или иной неестественной смертью во Враджа-мандале, непременно становятся жителями Моей собственной духовной планеты».

[«Сканда Пурана», Маргашиша-махатмья, глава 17, стих 50]

Дорогая моя духовная дочь, несмотря на то, что я твой духовный учитель, вроде бы и знающий шастры, и утвердившийся в преданном служении, ничто не смогло подготовить меня к твоему внезапному, непредвиденному уходу. Это не слабость, скорее это природа любви, любви гуру к своему ученику и ученика — к гуру. В письме от 28 сентября 1966 г. Шрила Прабхупада пишет:

«С первого своего взгляда на меня мой духовный учитель смотрел на меня с такой любовью. Это было на моем самом первом даршане с ним — тогда я научился любить. По своей безграничной милости он привлек такого недостойного человека, как я, к исполнению некоторых своих пожеланий. По своей беспричинной милости он занял меня в проповеди послания Шри Рупы и Шри Рагхунатхи».

Точно так же, Валлабхи, из-за твоей любви ко мне, явленной в непрерывном бескорыстном служении, проявилась и моя благодарность и любовь к тебе, как к моей духовной дочери. Благодаря присущим тебе талантам, очевидным всем и каждому, ты стала инструментом при организации и проведении всех моих основных проповеднических программ на протяжении многих лет: от фестиваля Индии в Польше до «Мирной деревни Кришны» на Вудстоке; начиная с масштабных фестивалей в Гуджарате и Махараштре и заканчивая фестивалями здесь, во Вриндаване на Картику. Сказать по правде, без тебя у меня не было бы такого успеха. Я полностью зависел от твоего служения, твоей помощи в распространении сознании Кришны по миру. Как же мне быть теперь, когда ты ушла?

В этом же настроении Шрила Прабхупада написал одному ученику 22 января 1976:

«Ты не выдержишь без моей милости, а я не выдержу без твоей. Это обоюдно. Это взаимозависимость, основанная на любви – сознании Кришны».

Вне всяких сомнений, я всегда понимал безупречность твоего служения. Какой бы сложной ни была задача, например, организовать киртана-мелу «Священные звуки» в Нью Говардхане, мне было достаточно только сказать: «Валлабхи, пожалуйста, сделай это». Теперь, когда ты ушла, это больше не будет столь же простым – и столь же приятным. Благодаря твоей радостной улыбке, твоему энтузиазму и стремлению угодить другим, служение в твоем обществе было одним удовольствием. Моя дорогая духовная дочь, я не могу должным образом выразить, как сильно я буду скучать по тебе!

В очередной раз мудрость поэта Джорджа Элиота подтверждает истину: «Только в страданиях разлуки мы постигаем глубину любви».

Дорогая Валлабхи, некоторые самые теплые мои воспоминания будут о времени, проведенном здесь, в святой обители Шри Вриндаван-дхамы. Многие годы ты помогала Расике Широмани даси и ее супругу Говинда Чарану дасу устраивать большие Картика-парикрамы. Дело это, мягко говоря, чрезвычайно сложное – но ты всегда находила время сесть, послушать лекцию и насладиться святыми именами в киртане. Как-то вечером на очень уж вдохновенном бхаджане ты сказала подруге: «Мне было бы за счастье оставить тело среди такого великолепного воспевания святых имен».

По сути, ты это и сделала. В роковой день своего ухода ты ехала на ретрит, посвященный святому имени на Говардхане. Преданные, которые были вместе с тобой в рикше, сказали мне, что ты всю дорогу вдохновенно повторяла джапу, и всего через несколько минут после того, как вы проехали священную Радха Кунду, произошла авария. Ты тут же оставила тело. Это был трагический случай – но благодаря ему ты смогла достичь желания своего сердца. Такова всемилостивая природа Шри Вриндавана. Шрила Рупа Госвами пишет в «Уткалика-валлари»:

«О великолепное, благоуханное Древо желаний тамала, цветущее в лесу Вриндавана, увитое лозой Мадхави богини-повелительницы этого леса… О дерево, сень славы которого защищает мир от несметного множества жгучих страданий, – какие же удивительные плоды находят люди у Твоих лотосных стоп..?»

[ Шрила Рупа Госвами, Уткалика-валлари, Лоза надежд, текст 66 ]

Ты родилась в семье преданных, жила в полном сознании Кришны и ушла в святой Шри Вриндавана-дхаме, повторяя святые имена. Позволь мне теперь описать в деталях твое путешествие с этого момента. Несомненно, оно совпадет с описанием Шрилой Рупой Госвами вхождения в вечные пределы Вриндавана в его знаменитой поэме «Уддхава-сандеш». Кришна говорит Уддхаве:

«Брат мой, говорят, дорога к далекому холму Нандишвары красива и легка. Лишь только ступишь в океан блаженства Гокулы, Я стану счастлив. Коль счастлив человек – становятся счастливыми его друзья.

Сначала отправляйся в место, что называется Гокарна; там будет Шива главным на корабле, что вызволяет всех из океана бед. Затем, мудрейший, – туда, где исполняются желанья джив: Ямуна там встречает Сарасвати.

В этом самом месте впервые Я вступил в Матхуру. И волны поцелуев, украдкой брошенных взглядами множества красавиц, мне говорили: «О грациозный друг! Воистину, удача с нами: изысканный флейтист, чья музыка приводит в беспорядок одежды гопи, теперь пересекает путь наших глаз».

С этого места, полного блаженства, держись дороги к Амбикавану – туда, где избавляя Нанду от змея с озера Калии, Я Видъядхаре дал свободу, устроив для пастушек Враджа праздник.

О мудрый, не направи колесницу к холмам по берегам Ямуны, где Кувалайпида без устали бросался на Меня своими бивнями. Святые никогда не следуют путями демонов.

Избегай южного пути. Следуй на север – к царю среди святейших мест, туда, где множество цветов сумана и трели птиц, туда, где милостью Моей Акрура впервые увидал мир пастухов.

Если не хочешь проезжать мимо дверей браминов, вершащих ягьи, которые впали в твою немилость, проигнорировав Меня, всё же взгляни на тех, кто постоянно поет Мне славу – их жен. Не захотя увидеть их, упустишь нечто дорогое.

Затем скорее поезжай в Котику неподалеку от Матхуры, – туда, где все кругом в деревьях в цвете. Я как-то проходил по тем местам: одна пастушка, занимаясь садом, вдруг увидав Меня, смутилась от неприкрытого плеча и чуть заметно улыбнулась».

Дорогая Валлабхи, великолепное описание Шрилы Рупы Госвами путешествия паломника во Вриндаван продолжается в поэме дальше, как и милость Господа к тебе. Пусть Он и дальше направляет тебя на этом пути чистой преданности Его лотосным стопам. И твоя любовь к Вриндавану и Божественной Чете будет расцветать день ото дня. Такие вещи достижимы для тех, кто следует за нашим возлюбленным Шрилой Прабхупадой – он обозначил это одной из моих духовных сестер на заре нашего движения:

«По мере того, как твое преданное служение будет становиться все более зрелым, ты станешь все больше и больше видеть Кришну, и все лучше и лучше будешь понимать, что такое святая земля Вриндавана».

[ письмо Хладини даси, 28 января 1973 ]

Дорогая Валлабхи, однажды я спросил своего духовного брата Тамала Кришну Госвами, какое качество преданного самое важное. Он тут же ответил: «Гуру-ништха, вера в духовного учителя». Ты была воплощением этой веры, и это покоряло в тебе больше всего. Тогда я спросил его: «В чем самая большая проблема у инициирующего гуру?» Он задумался на секунду и мягко ответил: «Иногда приходится принимать учеников, более продвинутых, чем ты сам».

Мне очень повезло, что ты и многие похожие на тебя преданные – мои ученики. Я тебя никогда не забуду. Твои последние слова ко мне в пророческом сообщении, отправленном за несколько минут до того, как ты покинула этот мир, останутся со мной навсегда. Мы обсуждали, как вскоре будем заниматься служением в разных странах. Разве знали мы, что это будут разные миры.

Ты написала:

«Я буду ждать служения вам, Шрила Гурудева».

Валлабхи, пожалуйста, запасись терпением. Я буду Дома уже скоро. И как говорил Шрила Прабхупада: «Однажды у нас будет свой ИСККОН в духовном мире».

Твой вечный доброжелатель,

Индрадьюмна Свами

_______________________

My dear Braja Vallabhi, Please accept my blessings. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Though you have departed this world I pray that through the transcendental medium my words will be communicated to you wherever you are serving—be it in this world, or at the lotus feet of Radha Syamasundara in the spiritual world. I am convinced it is in the latter, for Srila Rupa Goswami writes in his Mathura-mahatmya, quoting Skanda Purana:

sarpa dastah pasu hatah

pavakambu vinasitah

labda pamrtyavo ye ca

mathure mam loka gah

“Those in Vraja-maṇḍala who are bitten by a snake, killed by animals, killed by fire, water or any other unnatural cause certainly become residents of My very own spiritual planet.”

[ Skanda-purnam, Margasisa-mahatmya, chapter 17, verse 50 ]

My dear spiritual daughter, although I am your spiritual master, supposedly learned in sastra and fixed in devotional service, nothing could prepare me for your sudden and unexpected departure. This is not a weakness, rather it is the nature of love; the love of a guru for his disciple, and a disciple for her guru.

In a letter on September 28, 1966, Srila Prabhupada wrote:

“At his first sight of me my spiritual master also saw me with such love. It was in my very first darsan of him that I learned how to love. It is his boundless mercy that he has engaged an unworthy person like me, in fulfilling some of his desires. It is his causeless mercy to engage me in preaching the message of Sri Rupa and Sri Raghunatha.”

In the same way, Vallabhi, it was from your love for me, demonstrated through your continuous selfless service, that my appreciation and love for you as my spiritual daughter, manifested. Because of your inherent talents, recognized by one and all, you were instrumental in the organization and running of all my major preaching programs for many years; from the Festival of India in Poland, to Krishna’s Village of Peace at Woodstock, throughout the grand festivals in Gujarat and Maharashtra and here in Vrindavan during Kartika. I can honestly say I would not have been successful without you. I was fully dependent on your service in helping me preach Krishna consciousness around the world. What will I do now that you are gone?

It was in this mood that Srila Prabhupada wrote to a disciple on January 22, 1976:

“You cannot survive without my mercy and I cannot survive without your mercy. It is reciprocal. This mutual dependence is based on love – Krishna consciousness.”

Indeed, I was always aware of your excellence in service. Whenever a difficult task came up, such as organizing the Sacred Sounds kirtan mela at New Govardhana, it was enough to simply say to you, “Vallabhi, please get it done.” Things won’t be so easy now that you’re gone—and not as relishable, either. It was your joyful smile, your enthusiasm, and your determination to please others that made performing devotional service such a pleasure in your association. My dear spiritual daughter, I cannot properly express how much I will miss you!

Once again, the wisdom of the poet George Eliot rings true: “Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love.”

Dearest Vallabhi, some of my fondest memories will be of our time spent here in this holy abode of Sri Vrindavan dhama. For many years you assisted Rasika Siromani dasi and her husband, Govinda caran dasa, in organizing large Kartika parikramas. It was an overwhelming task to say the least, but nevertheless you always found time to sit and hear the lectures and relish the kirtans of the holy names. Just the other night you said to a friend during a particularly enthusiastic bhajan, “I would be happy to leave my body in the midst of such beautiful singing of the holy names.”

And, in essence, that’s exactly what you did. On that fateful day you departed, you were on your way to the Holy Name retreat at Govardhan Hill. Devotees who were in the vehicle with you told me you were enthusiastically chanting japa all the way when, just minutes away from sacred Radha Kunda, the accident happened. You left your body immediately. Though it was a tragic demise, it enabled you to achieve your heart’s desire. Such is the all-merciful nature of Sri Vrindavan. Srila Rupa Goswami writes in Utkalika-vallari:

“O handsome, fragrant tamala desire tree blooming in the Vrindavan forest and embraced by the madhavi vine of the goddess ruling this forest! O tree, the shade of whose glory protects the world from a host of burning sufferings, what wonderful fruits do the people find at your feet?”

[  Srila Rupa Goswami, Utkalika-vallari, A Vine of Hopes, text 66 ]

You were born into a family of devotees, you lived a fully Krishna conscious life and you departed in the holy dhama of Sri Vrindavan chanting the holy names. Let me now describe in detail your journey from that point on. Most surely it corresponds with Srila Rupa Goswami’s description of entering into the eternal realm of Vrindavan in his famous poem, Uddhava-sandesa. Krishna is speaking to Uddhava:

“Oh my brother, the path you will follow to faraway Nadisvara Hill is said to be beautiful, straight and good. When you fall into the ocean of bliss in Gokula I will become very happy. When a friend becomes happy, good persons think themselves happy too. “

“First you should go to the place named Gokarna, where Lord Siva, who captains the ship that leads people out of the ocean of troubles stays. O wise one, nearby you should go to the place where the Yamuna meets the Sarasvati, a place that fulfills the living entities’ desires.”

“It is this place that I first entered Mathura. There I was kissed by waves of sidelong glances from a host of beautiful women who said, ’O slender friend, we have become most fortunate, for the graceful flutist whose music made the gopis’ garments slip now walks on the pathway of our eyes.’”

“From that place, flooded with bliss, please take the nearby path to Ambikavana, where, rescuing Nanda from a snake in Kaliya lake, and delivering a Vidyadhara, I gave a festival of happiness to the cowherd girls of Vraja.”

“O wise one, don’t take your chariot on the path that goes by the hilly place on the Yamuna’s bank where Kuvavalapida again and again attacked Me with his tusks. Saintly persons never take the paths where the demoniac walk.”

“Avoid the southern path. Go north to the king of holy places, a place beautiful with many blossoming sumanah flowers and graceful birds, the place where, by My mercy, Akrura first saw the world of the gopas.”

“Even if you don’t wish to pass by the doors of the yajnika-brahmanas who because they slighted Me are not dear to you, you should still glance at the brahmanas’ wives, who are always singing my glories. If you do not wish to see them, your eyes will be cheated of something very valuable.”

“Then please quickly go to the place named Kotika, which is near Mathura city, and which is filled with a great circle of blossoming trees. When I walked through that place, a girl picking flowers uncovered part of her shoulder and smiled at Me.”

Dearest Vallabhi, Srila Rupa Goswami’s beautiful description of a pilgrim’s journey into Vrindavan continues in his poem, as will the Lord’s mercy upon you as He guides you further on this path of pure devotion to His lotus feet. As such your love for Vrindavan and the Divine Couple will blossom day by day. Such things are attainable for those who follow our beloved Srila Prabhupada, as he indicated to one of my godsisters early in our movement:

 “As your devotional service becomes mature you shall see Krishna more and more, and more and more you shall realize the qualities of the holy land of Vrindavan.”

[ Letter to Hladini dasi, January 28, 1973 ]

Dear Vallabhi, I once asked my godbrother, Tamal Krishna Goswami, what is the most important characteristic of a disciple. He immediately replied, “Guru-nistha, faith in the spiritual master.” You embodied that faith, and it was your most endearing quality. I then asked him, “What is the greatest challenge in becoming an initiating spiritual master?” He paused for a moment and then replied softly: “Sometimes you are obliged to accept disciples who are more advanced than yourself.”

I am so fortunate to have you, and so many others like you, as my disciples. I will never forget you. Your final words to me, in a prophetic message text ed only minutes before you left this world, will always remain with me. We had been discussing how we’d soon be serving in different countries. Little did we know it would be different worlds.

You wrote:

“I will be waiting to serve you Srila Gurudeva.”

Please be patient Vallabhi. I’ll be Home soon enough. And as Srila Prabhupada said, “One day we’ll have our ISKCON in the spiritual world.”

Your ever well-wisher,

Indradyumna Swami

_______________________

Guidelines for Cow Protection from the Mahabharata / О защите коров в Махабхарате

,

1. Никогда нельзя пинать коров: делающий это будет страдать в аду сотни жизней. Коровы – обитель всего благоприятного и потому достойны поклонения.

2. Они никогда не должны подвергаться резким ударам стрекала или кнута.

3. Нельзя толкаться среди коров.

4. Когда коровы пасутся или лежат, никто не должен их беспокоить.

5. Когда коровы жаждут пить, но им отказывают (препятствуют их доступу к емкости с водой или реке), просто взглянув на такого человека, корова создаст для него большие трудности вместе со всеми его родственниками и друзьями. Кто может быть более свят, чем коровы, если самый их навоз очищает?

6. Тот человек, который, прежде чем поесть, в течение года ежедневно дает пучок травы принадлежащей кому-то корове, это приравнивается к исполнению обета, который дарует исполнение всех желаний. Он приобретает детей, славу, богатство, процветание и все зло около него рассеивается.

7. Корову никогда нельзя отдавать на убой.

8. Быков или волов можно использовать для пахоты, но коров – никогда.

9. Корову не следует отдавать атеисту.

10. Нельзя даже думать поранить корову. К коровам всегда нужно проявлять сострадание.

11. Никогда не следует относиться к коровам небрежно, игнорировать их.

12. Никогда не следует мочиться, испражняться, плевать в коровий навоз.

13. Нельзя никоим образом препятствовать коровам.

14. Не следует относиться пренебрежительно к коровьему навозу. Круговые отметины на нем представляют чакру Господа Вишну.

15. Тот, кто, несмотря на запреты Писаний, продает корову на убой, убивает, ест ее плоть или ради денег заставляет другого убить ее, будет гнить в аду столько лет, сколько волосков на теле убитой коровы.

[ Махабхарата, Анушасана Парва ]

 

 

1. One should never kick cows, for one who does so will have to suffer in hell for a hundred lives. Cows are the abode of all auspiciousness. For this reason, they always deserve worship.

2. Bullocks should never be struck harshly with a goad or whip.

3. One should not proceed through the midst of cows.

4. When cows are grazing or lying down, one should not disturb them in any way.

5. When cows are thirsty and are refused water [ because a person is obstructing their access to a water tank or river ] merely by glancing at such a person a cow will create great difficulties for him along with all his relatives and friends. What creatures can be more sacred than cows, whose very dung is purifying?

6. That man who, before eating himself, gives everyday for a year a handful of grass to a cow belonging to another person, is regarded as undergoing a vow or observance which bestows the fruition of his every wish. Such a person acquires children, fame, wealth and prosperity and dispels all evils.

7. The cow should never be given away for slaughter.

8. A bull or bullock can be used for ploughing, but a cow should never be used to till the soil.

9. A cow should not be given to an atheist.

10. One should not, even in thought, injure a cow. One should always show compassion towards cows.

11. One should never show disregard for cows in any way.

12. One should never cast one’s urine, excreta and other secretions on cow dung.

13. One should never obstruct cows in any way.

14. One should not disrespect cow dung. The circular marks in the cow dung represent Lord Visnu’s chakra.

15. He who, without being checked by the restraints of the scriptures, sells a cow for slaughter, kills a cow, or eats the flesh of a cow, or for the sake of money causes a person to kill cows, rots in hell for as many years as there are hairs on the body of the slain cow.

[ Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva ]

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