please don't follow the Mayapure calendar outside Bengal

October 20, 2006

Dear Maharajas and Prabhu,Matajis and Didis

Please accept my humble obaisences

all glories to Srila Prabhupada

With great concern I have been informed that some temples do not follow the

calculated times of fasting in their time zone and this may well cause many

persons to fast on dasami instead of ekadasi, I have included the quotes from

Hari Bhakti Vilasa , as this is very inauspicious ,some devotees follow the

Mayapure calendar still, but this may be many hours ahead like here in US and

cause one to start fasting on Dasami.Also some temples serve grains on Gaura

purnima and Janmastami ,I hope the GBC will pass rules to change these

practices so

all follow the correct time of fasting and so forth, and not allow grain

prasadam to be served on these days.

your servant

Payonidhi das

EKADASIM UPAVASED DVADASIM ATHAVA PUNAH

VIMISRAM VAPI KURVITA NA DASAMYA YUTAM KVACIT

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/202 from SAURA DHARMOTTARA)

Ekadasi and Dvadasi are both qualified for fasting. Furthermore, one should

fast when Ekadasi is combined with Dvadasi, but one should never fast when

Ekadasi is combined with Dasami.

NA UPOSYA DASAMI-VIDHA SADAIVA EKADASI TITHIH

SAMUPOSYA NARO JAHYAT PUNYAM VARSA SATODBHAVAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/205 from NARADA PURANA)

One should never fast on the days when Ekadasi is overlapped with Dasami. If

one does so, looses whatever merit he had accumulated for one hundred years.

PURVAM TVAYA SABHARYENA DASAMI SESA SAMYUTA

KRTA CA EKADASI RAJAN TASYA IDAM KARANAM MATAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/211 from BRAHMA PURANA Maitreya speaks to Dhrtarastra

in answer to his question as to why all of his 100 sons had been killed)

Oh king, previously, you, along with your wife, had fasted on an Ekadasi

which was overlapped with Dasami day, therefore you are suffering the

separation

of all of your sons.

DASAMY EKADASIM PURVAM SAMUPOSYA JANARDANAH

ABHYARCITAS TVAYA DEVI TASYEDA KARMANAH PHALAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/214 from BRAHMA PURANA Valmiki Muni answered Mother

Sita's questions of why she had been vanquished to the forest by Lord Rama)

Previously you had observed an Ekadasi fast which was overlapped with Dasami

and worshiped Lord Sri Hari. This is the result which you are experiencing

now.

DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTAM YAH KAROTI VIMUDHADHIH

EKADASI PHALAM TASYA NA SYAD DVADASA VARSIKAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/218 from KURMA PURANA, NARADA PURANA AND VISNU

RAHASYA)

Those foolish persons who fast on Ekadasi which is mixed with Dasami, do not

receive any result for performing Ekadasi fast for the past twelve years.

GANGODAKASYA SAMPURNAM YATHA TYAJYAM GHATAM BHAVET

SURAVINDU SAMYUKTAM TAT SARVAM MADYATAM VRJET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/223 from BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA)

Just as a cup of Ganges water which has been mixed with a drop of wine is

fit for giving up, in the same way an Ekadasi which has been minutely mixed

with

Dasami is fit for giving up.

VIDDHAM EKADASIM VIPRAS TYAJANTY ETAM MANISINAH

TASYAM UPOSITO YATI DARIDRYAM DUHKHAM EVA CA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/226 from GARUDA PURANA)

Oh brahmanas, learned souls reject Ekadasis which are mixed with Dasami

because they know that if they fast on this day, they will only get poverty and

misery.

DVAPARANTE TU GANDHARI KURU VANSA VIVARDHINI

KARISYATI CA SENANI MUDHA BHAVAD SIKHI-DHVAJA

TENA PUTRA SATAM TASYA NASAM ISYATY ASAMSAYAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/228 from SKANDA PURANA)

Oh commander and chief of the demigods (Skanda) at the end of Dvapara-yuga,

Gandhari, who will increase the Kuru dynasty by producing one hundred sons,

due to bewilderment and madness will observe Ekadasi which will be mixed with

Dasami. Due to this, her hundred sons will be destroyed. Of this, there is no

doubt.

DASAMY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO'SURAH

DVADASY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO HARIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/230 from SKANDA PURANA)

The demons reside in any Ekadasi which is overlapped with Dasami and whoever

fasts on this day achieves negative results. Lord Hari resides in any Ekadasi

which is overlapped with Dvadasi. If someone observes fasting on this day, he

receives complete results, which is proper.

YE SAMSANTI DINAM VISNOR DASAMI VEDHA DUSITAM

JNEYAS TE PAPA PURUSAH SUKRAMAYA-VIMOHITAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/234 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Uma devi)

Any person who fasts on Ekadasi which is contaminated by Dasami or makes

somebody else fast, has been controlled and bewildered by Sukracarya, the

spiritual master of the demons. This should be understood properly.

EKADASI DASAMI-VIDDHA DHANA SANTANA NASINI

DHVANSINI SARVA PUNYANAM KRSNA BHAKTI PRANASINI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/239 from SKANDA PURANA)

Dvadasi or Ekadasi, if it overlaps Dasami, it ruins offspring of one who

fasts on those days, ruins the merit of all time, takes away the devotional

service to the Lord and gives him a birth among the devils or ghosts.

DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTAM NISIDDHAM VISNUNA PURA

TASMAD BHAGAVATAIR BHUPA SODHAYITVA HARER DINAM

UPOSITAVYAM YATNENA PURVA-SANGATI-VARJITAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/244 from SKANDA PURANA Markandeya Rsi speaks to King

Bhagiratha)

Oh king, previously the Supreme Lord Visnu prohibited one to fast when the

Ekadasi overlapped Dasami. Therefore, the devotees of the Supreme Personality

of Godhead should endeavor to reject the Ekadasi which overlaps Dasami and

observe a pure Ekadasi fast.

KURUTE VAISNAVO BHUTVA SA SALYAIKADASI VRTAM

JNANATO'JNANATO VAPI NA SA VISNU PRIYO BHAVET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/246 from SKANDA PURANA)

Any Vaisnava who knowingly or unknowingly observes Ekadasi overlapped with

Dasami should certainly understand that Lord Sri Visnu will not be happy with

him.

TASMAD EKADASI YUKTA DASAMYA NARASATTAMA

NA KARTAVYA PRAYATNENA NISKALA DVADASI MATA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/248 from SKANDA PURANA)

Therefore, O best among human being, it is not recommended to observe

Ekadasi overlapped with Dasami. Great sages have recommended and stated to you

to

observe only pure Ekadasi fasts.

PUNYAM SUSANCITAM YATI KALPA KOTI SATA ARJITAM

SASALYAM YE PRAKURVANTI MUKTIDAM MAMA VASARAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/253 from DVARAKA MAHATMYA spoken by the Supreme Lord)

Any person who fasts on the liberating day of Mine, but which is mixed with

Dasami, their collective merit for the past 100 cycles (one cycle equals 1000

yugas) is destroyed.

SAVIDDHAM VASARAM YASMAD KRTAM MAMA PITAMAHAIH

PRETATVAM TENA SAMPRAPTAM MAHA DUHKHA PRADAYAKAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/256 from DVARAKA MAHATMYA Sri Candra Sharma prays to

the Supreme Lord)

Oh Supreme Personality of Godhead, my forefathers had observed the day of

Lord Hari fast some time on the Dasami day. This is why they have achieved the

form of ghost which is very miserable condition.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika: "Candra Sharma

brahmana was a devotee of Lord Siva and was against the Supreme Personality of

Godhead, Sri Krsna. Somehow, in a dream, he saw that his forefathers had

achieved

the form of ghosts due to observing fasting on the overlapping day of Ekadasi

and Dasami. Then he was advised by a devotee of the Lord to go to Dvaraka near

the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He worshiped Him and prayed to Him to

please free his forefathers from their devilish condition. The Lord then freed

them because of his prayers."

SUKRENA MOHITA VIPRA DAITYANAM KARANENA TU

PUSTY ARTHAM DASAMI VIDDHAM KURVANTI MAMA VASARAM

VASARAM DASAMI VIDDHAM DAITYANAM PUSTI-VARDHANAM

MADIYAM NASTI SANDEHAH SATYAM SATYAM PITAMAHA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/257,258 from PADMA PURANA the Supreme Lord speaks to

Lord Brahma)

The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, "O Brahma, the brahmana bewildered

by the illusion created by Sukracarya fasts on the Dasami mixed Ekadasi to

enhance the strength of demons. My day (Ekadasi) influenced by Dasami day

increases the strength of demons. I repeatedly and truthfully say this. Of this

there

is no doubt."

YAVAD DASAMYA SAMYUKTAM KARISYANTI DINAM MAMA

TAT PUNYAM DAITYA JATINAM SURAIR DATTAM PITAMAHA

TEHA PUNYENA SAMPUSTO HIRANYAKSAH PITAMAHA

NIRJITYA VASAVAM SANKHYE HRTAM RAJYAM DIVAUKASAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/259,260 from PADMA PURANA conversation between the

Supreme Lord and Lord Brahma)

O Grandfather of the world, as long as somebody fasts on Ekadasi mixed with

Dasami, the demigods extend their merits to the demons. Therefore the demon

Hiranyaksa became strong due to that merit and defeated Indra in the battle and

usurped the kingdom of the demigods.

PURNA VIDDHAM UPASTE KO NANDAM VEDA BALAD API

KO VEDA VACANAT TATA GOSAVE GAM NIHANTI VAI?

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/268 from BHAVISYA PURANA and MARKANDEYA PURANA)

Oh son, after knowing the instruction about fasting on Dasami, who is that

person who would like to fast on the Ekadasi which overlaps Dasami? Who would

be those persons, after hearing Vedic instructions, who would kill cows in the

name of worshiping cows?

SUPUNYA EKADASI SUTA YADI SALYA VIVARJITA

KARTUR NIRAYA PATAYA SASALYA SAMUPOSITA

SALYAM VEDHA ITI PROKTAM PURANARTHA VICAKSANAIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/270 from KURMA PURANA and BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA Srila

Vyasadeva speaks to Suta Gosvami)

Oh Suta Gosvami, if somebody strictly observes a pure Ekadasi which is not

mixed with Dasami, it is all auspicious. If Ekadasi is mixed with Dasami and is

observed, then the observer who is fasting will fall into the hellish

planets. Therefore, the learned people, the knowers of Vedic literatures have

determined this fasting to be improper.

DVAYOR VIVADATOH SRUTVA DVADASIM SAMUPOSAYET

PARANANTU TRAYODASYAM ESA SASTRA VINIRNAYAH

DVADASI DASAMI YUKTA YATA SASTRE PRATISTHITA

NA TAT SASTRAM AHAM MANYE YADI BRAHMA SVAYAM VADET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/277,278 from KURMA PURANA Srila Vyasadeva speaks to

Suta Gosvami)

If there are two people arguing and due to that argument and unsteady

opinions the exact date of Ekadasi cannot be determined, then hearing this, one

should fast on Dvadasi day and break fast on Trayodasi. This is the scriptural

instruction. If any scripture recommends to observe Ekadasi mixed with Dasami,

even if Lord Brahma is the writer of that scripture, I (Vyasadeva) do not

accept

it.

KSAYE VAPY ATHAVA VRDDHAU SAMPRAPTE VA DINATRAYE

UPOSYA DVADASI SUDDHA TRAYO DASYANTU PARANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/286 from NARADA PURANA)

If there is a reduced day in the fortnight or increase of a day, or if there

are three days combined, then one should fast on a pure Dvadasi day and break

the fast on Trayodasi.

URDHVAM HARIDINAM NA SYAT DVADASIM GRAHAYET TATAH

DVADASIM UPAVASO'TRA TRAYO DASYANTU PARANAM

EVAM KURVAN NARO BHAKTYA VISNU SAYUJYAM APNUYAT

ANYATHA KURUTE YASTU SA YATI NARAKAM DHRUVAM

EKADASI RSINAM TU DVADASI CAKRAPANINAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/293-295 from SKANDA PURANA)

If Ekadasi appears to be Dasami, it is not called the day of Lord Hari,

therefore Dvadasi is to be accepted for fasting and one should then break fast

on

Trayodasi. If one follows this process with devotion, then he goes to live in

the Lord's abode after liberation. If one does otherwise, he falls into the

hellish planets because Ekadasi is the day of the sages and purified Ekadasi

with Dvadasi is the day of Lord Hari.

UDAYAT PRAK YADA VIPRA MUHURTA DVAYA SAMYUTA

SAMPURNA EKADASI NAMA TATRAIVA UPASAVED GRHI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/316 from GARUDA PURANA, BHAVISYA PURANA and SIVA

RAHASYA)

Oh brahmana, ninety-six minutes before sunrise, if there is an Ekadasi

available, it is called a complete and pure Ekadasi. On this Ekadasi, even

every

householder should fast.

ATA EVA PARITYAJYA SAMAYE CA ARUNODAYE

DASAMI EKADASI VIDDHA VAISNAVE NA VISESATAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/318 from BHAVISYA PURANA)

Therefore one should give up Ekadasi which is combined with Dasami, even if

it is available before sunrise. Specifically, Vaisnavas should always reject

Ekadasis which overlap Dasamis.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that if Ekadasi is

mixed with the previous day (Dasami), even ninety-six minutes before sunrise,

it

is said to be an unwanted Ekadasi. It does not matter what moment before

sunrise Ekadasi is overlapping Dasami, it should always be given up, especially

by

Vaisnavas. The duty of a Vaisnava is to reject the mixed Ekadasi of the

previous day. Such a statement as this from the Bhavisya Purana is meant

specifically for Vaisnavas. It may be found somewhere else that Saivites and

others can

observe an Ekadasi mixed with the previous day.

ARUNODAYA VELAYAM DASAMI-SAMYUTA YADI

ATRA UPOSYA DVADASI SYAT TRAYODASYANTU PARANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/319, Kanva Rsi speaks)

If before sunrise, Dasami is mixed with Ekadasi, one should fast on Dvadasi

and break fast on Trayodasi.

UDAYAT PRANMUHURTENA VYAPINY EKADASI YADA

SAMYUKTA EKADASI NAMA VARJAYED DHARMA VRDDHAYE

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/322 from GARUDA PURANA)

Even if Ekadasi is available forty-eight minutes before sunrise, still it is

said to be mixed with the previous day. People who are interested to increase

their merits should give up fasting on such Ekadasis.

DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTO YADI SYAD ARUNODAYAH

VAISNAVENA NA KARTAVYAM TAD DINAIKADASI VRTAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/336 from BHAVISYA PURANA)

At the time of sunrise, if Dasami (Ekadasi?) is available, a Vaisnava should

not fast on that Ekadasi.

ARDHA RATRAM ATIKRAMYA DASAMI YADI DRSYATE

TADA HY EKADASIM TYAKTVA DVADASIM SAMUPOSAYET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/354 from KURMA PURANA)

If Dasami day passes over midnight, then one should give up fasting on that

Ekadasi, but fast on Dvadasi day.

SAMPURNA EKADASI YATRA PRABHATE PUNAR EVASA

VAISNAVI CA TRAYODASYAM GHATIKAI KAPI DRSYATE

GRHASTHO'PI PARAM KURYAT PURVA NA UPAVASET TADA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/360 from GARUDA PURANA)

If there is a complete Ekadasi available which begins from dawn and carries

on until the next day which, due to extension, continues until sunrise on the

next day, it is better to perform Ekadasi on the next day, and this is the

duty of both the grhastha and the sannyasi to not follow the previous day

Ekadasi.

DVADASI-MISRITA GRAHYA SARVATRA EKADASI TITHIH

DVADASI CA TRAYODASYAM VIDYATE YADI VANA VA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/362 from PADMA PURANA)

It does not matter if Ekadasi is touching the Trayodasi or not, but Ekadasi

mixed with Dvadasi should be observed among all other fasts.

EKADASI KALAYATRA PARATO DVADASI NA CET

TATRA KRTU SATAM PUNYAM TRAYODASYAMTU PARANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/365 from SKANDA PURANA)

Even if for a moment Ekadasi is available on Dvadasi day and Dvadasi is not

touching the Trayodasi day, one should fast on Dvadasi and break fast on

Trayodasi. This fasting brings the results of performing one hundred

sacrifices.

EKADASI KALA YUKTA UPOSYA DVADASI NARAIH

TRAYODASYANTU YO BHUNKTE TASYA VISNUH PRASIDATI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/371 from BAUDHAYANA SMRTI)

Human beings are desired to observe Dvadasi fasts which is mixed with

Ekadasi and break fast on Trayodasi. If they do so, Lord Sri Visnu becomes

pleased

with them.

EKADASI BHAVET PURNA PARATO DVADASI YADA

TADA HY EKADASIM TYAKTVA DVADASYAM SAMU POSAYET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/372 from SKANDA PURANA)

Although Ekadasi is complete which began from dawn and also Dvadasi is

complete which mixes with Trayodasi even for a few moments, then one should not

fast on Ekadasi, but should fast on Dvadasi day.

EKADASI TU SAMPURNA PARATO DVADASI BHAVET

UPOSYA DVADASI TATRA TITHI VRDDHIH PRASASYATE

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/373 from KALIKA PURANA)

Even if Ekadasi is a complete day and Dvadasi being extended, then one

should fast on Dvadasi. This is called extended fasting.

SAMPURNA EKADASI TYAJYA PARATO DVADASI YADI

UPOSYA DVADASI SUDDHA DVADASYAM EVA PARANAM

NA GARBHE VISATE JANTUR ITY AHA BHAGAVAN HARIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/376 from BHAGAVATADI TANTRA)

The Supreme Personality of Godhead says, "If Dvadasi combines even for a

moment with Trayodasi, one should give up a complete day of Ekadasi fast and

fast

on Dvadasi. If someone does fast like this, he does not need to take another

birth in the material world."

EKADASI DVADASI CA RATRISESE TRAYODASI

TRIBHIR MISRA TITHIH PROKTA SARVA PAPA HARA SMRTA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/378 from KURMA PURANA)

If Ekadasi and Dvadasi fall in one day, and at night Trayodasi is combined,

in other words, there are three days combined in day and night, it is called

Trisprsa. This tithi or day is said to be removing sins.

TRISPRSA EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO HARIH

TAM EVA UPAVASET KAMI AKAMO VISNU TATPARAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/380 from KURMA PURANA)

Where there is Trisprsa Ekadasi, there Lord Hari Himself resides. Both the

devotees who are full of desires and those who are desireless should fast on

this Trisprsa Mahadvadasi.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami has given his Digdarsini commentary saying, "It is

said that when Ekadasi, Dvadasi and the end of the night (Trayodasi) are

combined, one should perform fast with his sons, grandsons and all of his

family

members. This is because whether one is full of desires, desiring wealth, sons

or

many other things or he is a desireless Vaisnava who is interested to please

the Supreme Lord (one who is not desiring liberation, but is interested to

please the Supreme Lord, Visnu, is called a Vaisnava), all of them should

observe

this Trisprsa Ekadasi fast. By doing so, one becomes free from the sin of

killing a brahmana, etc. He becomes free from all kinds of miseries acquired

from

different births and attains the merit of performing sacrifices too. This

fasting is the source of auspiciousness and increases one's merit. Therefore

one

should accept it."

PURA CA EKADASI SVALPA ANTE CAIVA TRAYODASI

SAMPURNA DVADASI MADHYE TRISPRSA SA HARI PRIYA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/387 from DVARAKA MAHATMYA)

If in the beginning there is a tinge of Ekadasi, in the middle there is a

complete Dvadasi day and at last, there is a minute mixture of Trayodasi, that

is called Trisprsa Ekadasi, which is very dear to Lord Hari.

SUDDHAIVA DVADASI RAJAN UPOSYA MOKSA KANKSIBHIH

PARANAS TU TRAYODASYAM PUJAYITVA JANARDANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/407 from VISNU RAHASYA spoken by Srila Vyasadeva)

Oh King, those people who are desirous for liberation from this material

world observe a purified Dvadasi fast and break it in Trayodasi after properly

worshiping Lord Janardana.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives his commentary in his Digdarsini-tika, stating

that attaining liberation means to become free from birth, death, etc. which

is the bondage in the material world. In other words, anyone who liberates

others from the maximum misery is called "liberation", or Lord Sri Visnu. A

real

devotee of the Lord is interested in attaining love of Godhead. That is his

liberation and it is his ultimate desire. It has been accepted here that if the

day of Vaisnava (Dvadasi) is not available, then one can worship Lord Sri

Janardana on Trayodasi and break one's fast. It is specifically recommended

that

even on Trayodasi, after worshiping the Supreme Lord Sri Janardana, one can

break his fast. This is undoubtedly an authorized statement.

ITTHAM SASTRA VICARENA SISTACARA ANUSARATAH

EKADASI VYAVASTHEYAM KRTA VAISNAVA SAMMATA

VIDVANSO'PI ATRA MUDHAH SYUR VINA KRSNA PRASADATAH

ATAH SADASAU NIRDDHARYA PRASTVA BHAGAVATA UTTAMAN

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/410,411 from VISNU RAHASYA)

In this way, after studying the rules in the scriptures and following the

statements of realized souls, Ekadasi, which is pleasing to the Vaisnavas, is

established. Unless one has the direct mercy of the Lord, even if he is very

learned, it is very difficult to determine the correct days for Ekadasi.

Therefore, to perform the Ekadasi fast properly, one should always reach the

topmost

Vaisnava devotee of the Lord and ask for the exact date.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains in his Digdarsini-tika that the ways for the

Vaisnavas and the non-Vaisnavas to determine the exact dates of Ekadasi have

been explained here. One should consider the statements of the scriptures and

also should discuss this with learned personalities as well. One should not

just rely on the scriptures, but it is important to also consult the learned

souls as well. According to Vaisnava, following Vaisnava Ekadasi is important,

not an Ekadasi which has been pierced with the previous day (Dasami). Even on

Ekadasi, if Dvadasi is available, if it is mixed with Dasami, one should

completely give it up. Trisprsa Ekadasi, which is free from Dasami, falling in

Caturmasya during one of the dark fortnights is said to be observable. In

essence, a

Vaisnava should always be consulted so as to know what to do. Due to the

illusory influence of Sukracarya, even the learned scholars, who are expert in

Vedic literature, become bewildered and are unable to determine the exact day

for

fasting on Ekadasi. Therefore, one should be a devotee who is depending on

the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the exact way to

determine the exact Ekadasi fasting day.

DVADASYA NIRNAYE BHUPA MUDHAM ATRA JAGATTRAYAM

ATRA MUDHA MAHIPALA PRAYASO YE NARAH PURA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/412 from VISNU RAHASYA conversation between Markandeya

Rsi and King Indradyumna)

Oh King, the three worlds have been become bewildered on the subject of

establishing the correct day of fasting on Dvadasi. What to speak of the

present

day, even in ancient times great persons were almost bewildered in perfectly

determining the correct days for fasting.

VARAM SVA-MATRA GAMANAM VARAM GOMANSA BHAKSANAM

VARAM HATYA SURAPANAM NA EKADASYANTU BHOJANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/8 from NARADA PURANA)

Worse than enjoying conception with one's own mother, eating beef,

murdering, or drinking liquor is eating on Ekadasi day. Therefore one should

not eat on

the Ekadasi day.

DASAMYAM EKA BHAKTANTU KURVITA NIYATENDRIYAH

ACAMYA DANTA KASTHANTU KHADAYET TADANANTARAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/18 from SMRTI ANTARA)

On Dasami day, a person should eat only once with controlled senses. After

that, he should wash his hands and mouth and brush his teeth properly.

DINARDHA SAMAYE'TITE BHUJYATE NIYAMENA YAT

EKA BHAKTAM ITI PROKTAM KARTAVYAM TAT PRAYATNATAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/21 from BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA)

A person who is regulated will eat only once a day when half of the day has

passed (in the afternoon), and he should eat in a religious mood for

purification.

MATIR NA JAYATE YASYA DVADASYAM JAGARAM PRATI

NA HI TASYA ADHIKARO'STI PUJANE KESAVASYA HI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/86 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Uma)

One who does not remain awake overnight on a Dvadasi fasting day is not

qualified to worship Lord Sri Hari.

HRDAYE VARTATE YASYA SADA YOGESVARO HARIH

MATIR UTPADYATE TASYA DVADASI JAGAROPARI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/87 from SKANDA PURANA Lord Brahma speaks to Narada

Muni)

The Supreme Lord Hari, if He is in anybody's heart, He will surely give him

the intelligence to remain awake overnight on the Dvadasi fast day.

SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM BHAKTYA PATHATE VISNU SANNIDHAU

JAGARE TAT PADAM YATI KULA VRNDA SAMANVITAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/131 from SKANDA PURANA and PRAHLADA SAMHITA

conversation between Lord Brahma and Narada)

If anybody studies Srimad Bhagavatam with full devotion before the Deity of

Lord Sri Hari, he will surely go to the spiritual abode with all of his

ancestors.

DASTA KALI BHUJANGENA SVAPANTI MADHUHA DINE

KURVANTI JAGARAM NAIVA MAYA PASA VIMOHITAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/171 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Parvati)

Any person, who on the day of Lord Hari does not remain awake overnight and

instead sleeps, one should understand that he has been caught with a one

hundred-fold network of illusion and has been bitten by the snake of Kali-yuga.

YAT KINCIT KRIYATE PAPAM KOTI JANMANI MANAVAIH

KRSNASYA JAGARE SARVAM RATRAU DAHATI PARVATI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/182 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Parvati)

Oh Parvati, on the day of Lord Sri Hari, if somebody remains awake, all of

the sins accumulated for the previous millions of births are destroyed at once.

YAH PUNAH SUSTHA CITTO'PI SVA STHANE VASATE'PI SAN

NA HARER JAGARAM KURYAT TENA KARYA NA ME KVACIT

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/190 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Parvati)

Oh Parvati, what more can I say. A healthy person, while living in his own

house still does not remain awake on the day of Lord Hari at night, even though

he is a devotee of the Lord, even I do not have any connection with him.

BRAHMANAH KSATRIYA VAISYAH STRIYAH SUDRAS CA JAGARE

PRAPTAS TE PARAMA STHANAM SRI VISNOR JAGARE KRTE

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/198 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Parvati)

Whether one is a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, woman or sudra, fallen person,

unwanted progeny, demons, evil spirit or devil, any of them who had previously

observed an Ekadasi fast and remained awake overnight for the pleasure of

Lord Hari, attained the spiritual abode of Lord Visnu.

TATRA BRAHMA CA RUDRAS CA SAKRADYA DEVATAGANA

NITYAM EVA SAMAYANTI JAGARE KRSNA VALLABHE

RSAYO NARADADYAS TU VYASADYA MUNAYAS TATHA

AHAS CA TATRA GACCHAMI KRSNA PUJA RATAH SADA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/219,220 from PRAHLADA SAMHITA)

Prahlada says, "Wherever there is a person remaining awake overnight on

Ekadasi, which is very dear to Lord Krsna, all the demigods, including Brahma,

Indra and Siva, are all available there. And where there is such a wake going

on,

all of the great sages, headed by Narada Muni and Vyasadeva, are available

there and I (Prahlada Maharaja) who am always engaged in worshiping Lord Sri

Hari, am also available there."

GANGA SARASVATI REVA YAMUNA VAI SATADRUKA

CANDRABHAGA VITASTA CA NADYAH SARVASTU TATRA VAI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/223 from PRAHLADA SAMHITA)

Prahlada Maharaja says, "There only, the Ganges, Sarasvati, Reva, Yamuna

Satadruka, Candrabhaga, Vitasta and other religious rivers are available there

as

well."

PRATAH SNATVA HARIM PUJYA UPAVASAM SAMARPAYET

PARANANTU TATAH KURYAD VRATA SIDDHAU HARI SMARAN

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/230 from KATYAYANA SAMHITA)

After taking bath early in the morning and worshiping the Supreme

Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Hari, one should offer his fasting to Him and

then to

achieve merit from such fasting, one should remember Lord Sri Hari while

breaking the fast.

NITYA KRTYAM SAMAPYA ATHA SAKTYA VIPRANSCA BHOJAYET

KURVITA DVADASI MADHYE TULASIM PRASYA PARANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/236 from TRAILOKYA MOHANA PANCARATRA)

Thereafter, after performing daily service to the Supreme Lord, according to

one's capacity, one should give eating ingredients to brahmanas in charity

and then take a Tulasi leaf in his mouth and break one's fast.

KRTVA CAIVA UPAVASAMTU YO'SNATI DVADASI DINE

NAIVEDYAM TULASI MISRAM PAPA KOTI VINASANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/237 from SKANDA PURANA)

After fasting properly on Ekadasi, one should eat mahaprasada the next day

(Dvadasi) and at that time millions of his sins are burnt.

MAHA HANIKARI HY ESA DVADASI LANGHIT NRNAM

KAROTI DHARMA HARANAM ASNATEVA SARASVATI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/238 from PADMA PURANA)

As when one goes across the Sarasvati River without taking bath, he looses

his merit, similarly, when one continues fasting on Dvadasi day, he suffers a

great amount of meritorious loss. (One who does not break fast at the proper

time looses a great amount of merit.)

Srila Sanatana Gosvami states that, "'Without taking bath in the Sarasvati'"

(only) means that if you cross to the other side of the Sarasvati to take

bath, all of his religious merits will be stolen from you."

EKADASYAM UPOSYAIVA DVADASYAM PARANAM SMRTAM

TRAYODASYAM NA TAT KURYAD DVADASA DVADASI-KSAYAT

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/241 from KURMA PURANA)

One should fast on the Ekadasi day and break his fast on Dvadasi day. It is

not recommended to break one's fast on Trayodasi day. One who breaks his fast

on Trayodasi day (one who does not break his fast at the proper moment), looses

the merit which had gained by fasting on twelve Dvadasis.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami says in his Digdarsini-tika (commentary) that,

"'Passing over' means, not breaking his fast at the proper time."

DVADASYAH PRATHAMAH PADO HARIVASARA SANJNAKAH

TAM ATIKRAMYA KURVITTA DARANAM VISNU TATPARAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/258 from VISNU DHARMOTTARA)

The first fourth portion of the Dvadasi day is called "the day of Lord

Hari". A person who is a devotee of Lord Visnu should pass over this portion to

break his fast.

DVADASI EKADASI YOGE VIKSATO HARI VA SARAH

EKADASYANTYA PADASCA DVADASYAH PURVA EVA HI

HARIVASARA ITY AHUR BHOJANAM NA SAMACARET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/259)

Because Ekadasi is connected to Dvadasi it is called the day of Lord Hari.

Learned souls say that when the fourth part of the day of Ekadasi is combined

with the first part of the day of Dvadasi, it is named as the day of Lord Hari.

Therefore it is rejected to eat during this period.

YATHA RAJASVALA SANGAM ANYAYAM VARJITAM SADA

TATHA DASAMI SAMYUKTAM MAD DINAM VAISNAVAIR NARAIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/440 from PADMA PURANA the Supreme Lord speaks)

It has always been forbidden to have conception with a lady passing through

menstruation. Similarly, on My own day (Ekadasi) one should never observe fast

when it is mixed with the Dasami day.

JAGARE PADMANA BHASYA PURANAM PATHATE TU YAH

JANMA KOTI SUKRTAM PAPAM DAHATE TULARASI VAT

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/530 from SKANDA PURANA)

While remaining awake for the lotus-naveled Lord Sri Hari, one who studies

Puranas (meritorious histories), then whatever sins one has acquired for

millions of births, burn up just like a piece of cotton quickly burns to ashes

in

the fire.

October 20, 2006

Dear Payonidhi Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances.

All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.

Although i respect your opinion, please do not presume to judge our

practices, and to unnecessarily provoke controversy in a public forum

without first having the common courtesy of engaging in a dialogue with the

parties involved to seek unbiased information.

In any case, this is not a topic that should be discussed in an email

exchange, where opportunities for sober dialogue are extremely limited, and

the urge to form a quick opinion and express an even quicker rejoinder are

the rule, rather than the exception. Still, because you have chosen to open

this untimely discussion, which we have studiously avoided out of respect

for devotees with different views on the subject as well as for pastoral

economy, i will reply briefly.

We are aware of the many divergences in lunar phases as observed

in different geographical locations, and we are also aware of the reasoning

that impelled the ISKCON GBC, together with some branches of the Gaudiya

Matha, to produce multiple local calendars for the observance of Ekadasi and

other dates. We have read the learned studies, and freely accept their

firmly based scientific conclusions regarding the relative accuracy of the

local calendars and the original Gaudiya Panjika (Mayapura Liturgical

Calendar).

In our humble opinion, however, that line of reasoning is both inconclusive

and ultimately irrelevant. Were the Gosvamis guilty of fasting when They

should have feasted, or feasting when They should have fasted, because Their

calculations were probably less accurate than today's computer-generated

outputs?

There is NO exact calculation possible, anywhere in the material world.

Every calculation is just an approximation. Among such inexact calculations,

we choose to accept that approximation received in disciplic succession,

rather than the most current computer-generated astrological data, which

will inevitably be "improved" and "corrected" at some future point in time

--just like toothpaste or shampoo, or so many other consumer products.

It is not ignorance of geography and astronomy, but faithful adherence to

the previous decisions of our Acharyas, that dictates our determination to

observe the Mayapura Calendar. Furthermore, this determination is in strict

agreement with the practice established by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada

for His worldwide movement during His entire manifest pastimes. ISKCON's

GBC, in its RESOLUTION #53 of February 20, 1988, confirmed this practice as

authoritative:

53. That the GBC accepts the Yoga Pitha Gaudiya Panjika calendar as

authoritative for ISKCON on the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. It is also

Srila Prabhupada's instructions that the Panjika be followed in any time

zone of the world according to the same Calendar date as observed in

Mayapur.

Please note that the resolution states categorically that Srila Prabhupada

instructed ISKCON to follow the Panjika "IN ANY TIME ZONE OF THE WORLD

ACCORDING TO THE SAME CALENDAR DATE AS OBSERVED IN MAYAPUR." To our

knowledge, there is no subsequent ruling of the GBC that specifically

prohibits the observance of the Mayapura Calendar.

Although he favors the use of local calendars, Sripada Romapada Swami

Maharaja, North American GBC Executive Committee Chair, is aware and

respectful of our practice, as is the GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee, with

whose members we have held a brief and respectful exchange.

Sripada Jayadvaita Maharaja, in a recent visit to New Gundicha less than

two months ago, stated that, when approached by devotees with the very same

arguments you and others have presented here and elsewhere, Srila Prabhupada

dismissed them as "over-intelligent."

Earth is one planet, and in Kali Yuga its spiritual capital is Sri Mayapura.

Fragmentation of our unity as a Society and a Sampradaya, and an unhealthy

obsession with the minutia of the material world are some of the potential

unwanted results of calculating local dates and times for transcendental

events, which in any case, are commemorated and observed for their

spiritual, and not their material import.

When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada, as a young man, "corrected" the

calculations of the traditional Vaisnavas and presented them to His Father,

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura noted that these new calculations were indeed

more correct. Then He said: "Now, discard them, and use the traditional

Panjika."

In His own time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Himself a brilliant

astrologer, utilized the Mayapura Calendar for His entire movement,

including preaching activities in Burma, Germany, and England. Was He

ignorant of the astronomical facts and misguided in His insistence on the

observance of one calendar? We beg to abstain from such blasphemy.

Are we to suppose that Srila Prabhupada led ISKCON into inauspiciousness,

even sin, by simultaneously observing Ekadasi according to the Mayapura

Calendar in New York and London, Mumbai and Sydney, Moscow and San

Francisco? Are we to imagine that His decision to hold Festivals,

initiations, Deity installations, and Temple openings according to the

Mayapura Calendar were mistakes leading to inauspiciousness? Again, we beg

to abstain from such blasphemy.

We're not astrologers or smarta brahmanas, but aspiring devotees. Here in

New Gundicha, with the kind authorization of our Governing Body

Commissioner, Srila Niranjana Swami Maharaja, we observe the one calendar

that Srila Prabhupada received in disciplic succession and transmitted to

us: the Mayapura Calendar.

We are not proselytizing for others to return to the Mayapura Calendar, but

we humbly request a modicum of respect for this determination, which has

been made after much meditation and prayer, and not out of gross material

ignorance regarding astronomy and geography.

If we each attend to our own devotional service, rather than provoking

unnecessary controversies, then, regardless of the liturgical calendar that

we follow, we will be utilizing our time more fruitfully.

I beg to remain the servant of the servants of the Lord.

Respectfully,

Nimai Nitai dasa

--

New Gundicha Temple Community

ISKCON of New England

72 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02116

Tel. 617.247-8611

Nimai.Nitaidas

October 21, 2006

dear Nimai Nitai Prabhu

Please accept my humble obaisences

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Please don't take everything as a personal attack or. provoking unnecessary

controversies,

I have made my point solidly based on sastra.There is no question of personal

issues.

However just like most temples observe Gaura Purnima fasts, and Janmastami

fasts with ekadasi prasadam, only a few choose to serve grain prasadam, and

Srila Prabhupada has given clear written instructions on serving ekadasi

prasadam, certainly it is a better standard to follow.Thoug in in the beginning

of

ISKCON , this has been the case and perhaps the preachers send by Srila

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada did follow this standard as they had a

preaching

mission that was of an urgent nature, and so was Srila Prabhupadas establishing

ISKCON, however as time has progressed many has seen it wise to follow the

proper vaisnava calendar according to time zones and that makes perfect

sense. What is the date for ekadasi for example is not the same in US as it is

in

Mayapure, yes there is some statement in Haribhakti Vilasa that is may be a

controversy in any age, however there is a clear warning to not fast on

Dasami.Now 99% of ISKCON is following the vaisnava calendar according to time

zone, I

am not aware of any other temple that does not except for Boston, this is a new

practice you have introduced in this temple as I don't ever recall us not

following that standard when I was in Boston from 89-93, either visiting or

being

a resident devotee there.(everything was based on the vaisnava calendar) My

question is why change the standard to a lower standard? However as I presented

in my previous letter I intend to bring this to the international GBC , not

out of any kind of disrespect of you, as I believe you think it is a fully

justified move. But there ought to be one standard in ISKCON law books on this

matter also, just like in the case of not serving grains on Janmastami night.

You wrote:

Although he favors the use of local calendars, Sripada Romapada Swami

Maharaja, North American GBC Executive Committee Chair, is aware and respectful

of

our practice, as is the GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee, with whose members we

have held a brief and respectful exchange.

Sripada Jayadvaita Maharaja, in a recent visit to New Gundicha less than two

months ago, stated that, when approached by devotees with the very same

arguments you and others have presented here and elsewhere, Srila Prabhupada

dismissed them as "over-intelligent."

Well that may be their opinions I certainly do not agree, I have had an

experience in the past when I brought up the point that temples allowed demigod

worship, and Romapada Maharaja supported this and the international GBC did

not,

also according to GBC rules, any ISKCON property can not be rented out to

groups that brake the regulative principles, in NY temple however they rent out

part of the premises for Bingo. That is right under the nose of H.H.Romapada

Maharaja , that has never complaint about this, and it is clearly a violation

of

GBC rules of 1996 .(where is this stated by Srila Prabhupada?)

you wrote:

Earth is one planet, and in Kali Yuga its spiritual capital is Sri Mayapura.

Fragmentation of our unity as a Society and a Sampradaya, and an unhealthy

obsession with the minutia of the material world are some of the potential

unwanted results of calculating local dates and times for transcendental

events,

which in any case, are commemorated and observed for their spiritual, and not

their material import.

This is not based on sastra it has not been mentioned in Hari Bhakti Vilasa ,

I am sorry I don't accept this line of argument, much senior vaisnavas accept

the proper calculation of time and space it is not all one, what would be the

use of astrology if it was not used for calculating time , place.

It seems you are properly insisting on this old standard and not willing to

change it according to what is the practice in ISKCON, I am a bit surprised of

your strong response, but it is perfectly fine, I am presenting it to the

international GBC, and if you are not concerned on fasting on dasami instead of

ekadasi I am sorry. What can I say.

Lets see what the international GBC will rule on this at Gaura Purnima

2007.

Your servant

Payonidhi das

October 21, 2006

In a message dated 10/20/2006 2:31:43 PM Pacific Standard Time,

nimai.nitaidas writes:

Dear Nimai Nitai Prabhu

Please accept my humble obaisences

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

you wrote:

Were the Gosvamis guilty of fasting when They should have feasted, or

feasting when They should have fasted, because Their calculations were probably

less

accurate than today's computer-generated outputs?

that is foolish arguments, the Goswamis are freed from the modes of material

nature and knows when to fast , there is no need of computer, their

calculation was perfect

you wrote:

There is NO exact calculation possible, anywhere in the material world. Every

calculation is just an approximation. Among such inexact calculations, we

choose to accept that approximation received in disciplic succession, rather

than

the most current computer-generated astrological data, which will inevitably

be "improved" and "corrected" at some future point in time --just like

toothpaste or shampoo, or so many other consumer products.

my response

The Navadvipa Pankaji is very detailed to when to observe fast and when to

break them

you wrote:

.. Furthermore, this determination is in strict agreement with the practice

established by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada for His worldwide movement

during His entire manifest pastimes. ISKCON's GBC, in its RESOLUTION #53 of

February 20, 1988, confirmed this practice as authoritative:

53. That the GBC accepts the Yoga Pitha Gaudiya Panjika calendar as

authoritative for ISKCON on the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. It is also

Srila

Prabhupada's instructions that the Panjika be followed in any time zone of the

world according to the same Calendar date as observed in Mayapur.

yes it is understood, I suggest this be changes in favor of a more correct

standard, that will prevent leaders like yourself to force other devotees under

their leadership to fast on dasami

NA UPOSYA DASAMI-VIDHA SADAIVA EKADASI TITHIH

SAMUPOSYA NARO JAHYAT PUNYAM VARSA SATODBHAVAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/205 from NARADA PURANA)

One should never fast on the days when Ekadasi is overlapped with Dasami. If

one does so, looses whatever merit he had accumulated for one hundred years.

DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTAM YAH KAROTI VIMUDHADHIH

EKADASI PHALAM TASYA NA SYAD DVADASA VARSIKAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/218 from KURMA PURANA, NARADA PURANA AND VISNU

RAHASYA)

Those foolish persons who fast on Ekadasi which is mixed with Dasami, do not

receive any result for performing Ekadasi fast for the past twelve years.

DASAMY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO'SURAH

DVADASY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO HARIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/230 from SKANDA PURANA)

The demons reside in any Ekadasi which is overlapped with Dasami and whoever

fasts on this day achieves negative results. Lord Hari resides in any Ekadasi

which is overlapped with Dvadasi. If someone observes fasting on this day, he

receives complete results, which is proper.

YE SAMSANTI DINAM VISNOR DASAMI VEDHA DUSITAM

JNEYAS TE PAPA PURUSAH SUKRAMAYA-VIMOHITAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/234 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Uma devi)

Any person who fasts on Ekadasi which is contaminated by Dasami or makes

somebody else fast, has been controlled and bewildered by Sukracarya, the

spiritual master of the demons. This should be understood properly.

fasting on ekadasi is not like fasting for "christmas" it is not symbolical

fasting the timeperiod, and anyone that agrees with you is obviously missing

the whole point

your servant

Payonidhi das

October 21, 2006

> When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada, as a young man, "corrected" the

> calculations of the traditional Vaisnavas and presented them to His

> Father, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura noted that these new calculations were

> indeed more correct. Then He said: "Now, discard them, and use the

> traditional Panjika."

>

> In His own time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Himself a brilliant

> astrologer, utilized the Mayapura Calendar for His entire movement,

> including preaching activities in Burma, Germany, and England.

Pls give evidence to support these statements.

October 21, 2006

In a message dated 10/21/2006 12:58:36 AM Pacific Standard Time,

Bhakti.Vikasa.Swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net writes:

> When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada, as a young man, "corrected" the

> calculations of the traditional Vaisnavas and presented them to His

> Father, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura noted that these new calculations were

> indeed more correct. Then He said: "Now, discard them, and use the

> traditional Panjika."

>

> In His own time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Himself a brilliant

> astrologer, utilized the Mayapura Calendar for His entire movement,

> including preaching activities in Burma, Germany, and England.

Pls give evidence to support these statements.

he wont be abel to as it is not correct

October 21, 2006

> > When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada, as a young man, "corrected" the

> > calculations of the traditional Vaisnavas and presented them to His

> > Father, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura noted that these new calculations

> > were indeed more correct. Then He said: "Now, discard them, and use the

> > traditional Panjika."

> >

> > In His own time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Himself a brilliant

> > astrologer, utilized the Mayapura Calendar for His entire movement,

> > including preaching activities in Burma, Germany, and England.

>

> Pls give evidence to support these statements.

Some years ago a devotee named Markandeya Rishi Dasa (MRD) researched the

issue of timings for Ekadashi and Vaisnava Festival days for various parts

of the world. His research was extensive and he revealed some indicative

findings.

Srila Prabhupada more or less left it up to us to sort out this detail, and

so MRD went to various leaders of the Gaudiya Math to see what they had

derived from HDG Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Gosvami Maharaja.

There appears to be no direct evidence in Hari Bhakti Vilasa suggesting that

all other parts of the world should be standardized by Mayapur's timings.

But rather the opposite is suggested since a repeated emphasis is given to

the sunrise and tithi timings which varies 'locally' in many parts of the

world.

All the senior Vaisnavas and persons listed below, who are in one way or

another connected to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja,

agreed that Ekadashi and Festival day timings do vary in different parts of

the world according to the local tithi and sunrise timings.

1. Bhagavat Maharaja in Caitanya Math close to the Yoga Pit in Mayapura. He

explained he is following in the footsteps of Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja and

is making their calendar according to the rules given in the Hari Bhakti

Vilasa. For the ending times of tithis etc. he consults the panchanga

produced by P. M. Bagchi and also Gupta Press. Shanti Sen, the secretary of

P. M. Bagchi, the person who edits their panchang confirmed that the

Ekadashi and festival dates are calculated differently according to the

local sunrise and tithis in parts of India and the world.

2. Bhakti Gunakar Maharaja from Gaudiya Matha. He also stated that the

Ekadashi and Festival dates in each country should be calculated according

to the local tithi and surise timings. When asked did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta

Saraswati Maharaja give any implicit instruction that the timings of Mayapur

were to be applied in every other part of India and the world, he replied

that he was not aware of any such instruction or following of that

proceedure.

3. Haridas Shastri in Vrindavana. He also stated that the Ekadashi and

Festival dates in each city and country should be calculated according to

the local tithi and surise timings.

4. Arun Kumara Lahiri son of N. C. Lahiri. He also stated that the Ekadashi

and Festival dates in each city and country should be calculated according

to the local tithi and surise timings.

5. Puri Maharaja at Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Math. 35, Satish Mukherjee Road,

Calcutta. He also stated that the Ekadashi and Festival dates in each city

and country should be calculated according to the local tithi and surise

timings.

6. A. K. Bhatnagar the director of Positional Astronomy Center in Alipur,

Calcutta. He agreed that the Ekadashi and Festival dates in each city and

country should be calculated according to the local tithi and surise

timings.

7. H.H. Narayana Maharaja. He also stated that the Ekadashi and Festival

dates in each city and country should be calculated according to the local

tithi and surise timings.

8. Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja (Disciple of Kesava Maharaja.)

Sri Uddharan Gaudiya Math Chowmatha, Chinsura. He also stated that the

Ekadashi and Festival dates in each country should be calculated according

to the local tithi and surise timings.

9. Gaudiya Math/s in London. The original Gaudiya Math in London, near Brent

Cross, still exists and to this day they observe their Ekadashi and Fesitval

dates according to the local tithi and sunrise timings, carrying on the

tradition as was presumably originally intstituted.

The above evidence based upon the tradition assumably instituted by HDG

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja appears to be quite

credible. Whereas the evidence presented by Nimai Nitai dasa appears to be

comparatively frail.

ys

ad

October 21, 2006

In a message dated 10/21/2006 4:31:33 AM Pacific Standard Time,

Ajamila.ACBSP (AT) pamho (DOT) net writes:

Some years ago a devotee named Markandeya Rishi Dasa (MRD) researched the

issue of timings for Ekadashi and Vaisnava Festival days for various parts

of the world. His research was extensive and he revealed some indicative

findings.

Srila Prabhupada more or less left it up to us to sort out this detail, and

so MRD went to various leaders of the Gaudiya Math to see what they had

derived from HDG Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Gosvami Maharaja.

There appears to be no direct evidence in Hari Bhakti Vilasa suggesting that

all other parts of the world should be standardized by Mayapur's timings.

But rather the opposite is suggested since a repeated emphasis is given to

the sunrise and tithi timings which varies 'locally' in many parts of the

world.

All the senior Vaisnavas and persons listed below, who are in one way or

another connected to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja,

agreed that Ekadashi and Festival day timings do vary in different parts of

the world according to the local tithi and sunrise timings.

1. Bhagavat Maharaja in Caitanya Math close to the Yoga Pit in Mayapura. He

explained he is following in the footsteps of Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja and

is making their calendar according to the rules given in the Hari Bhakti

Vilasa. For the ending times of tithis etc. he consults the panchanga

produced by P. M. Bagchi and also Gupta Press. Shanti Sen, the secretary of

P. M. Bagchi, the person who edits their panchang confirmed that the

Ekadashi and festival dates are calculated differently according to the

local sunrise and tithis in parts of India and the world.

2. Bhakti Gunakar Maharaja from Gaudiya Matha. He also stated that the

Ekadashi and Festival dates in each country should be calculated according

to the local tithi and surise timings. When asked did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta

Saraswati Maharaja give any implicit instruction that the timings of Mayapur

were to be applied in every other part of India and the world, he replied

that he was not aware of any such instruction or following of that

proceedure.

3. Haridas Shastri in Vrindavana. He also stated that the Ekadashi and

Festival dates in each city and country should be calculated according to

the local tithi and surise timings.

4. Arun Kumara Lahiri son of N. C. Lahiri. He also stated that the Ekadashi

and Festival dates in each city and country should be calculated according

to the local tithi and surise timings.

5. Puri Maharaja at Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Math. 35, Satish Mukherjee Road,

Calcutta. He also stated that the Ekadashi and Festival dates in each city

and country should be calculated according to the local tithi and surise

timings.

6. A. K. Bhatnagar the director of Positional Astronomy Center in Alipur,

Calcutta. He agreed that the Ekadashi and Festival dates in each city and

country should be calculated according to the local tithi and surise

timings.

7. H.H. Narayana Maharaja. He also stated that the Ekadashi and Festival

dates in each city and country should be calculated according to the local

tithi and surise timings.

8. Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja (Disciple of Kesava Maharaja.)

Sri Uddharan Gaudiya Math Chowmatha, Chinsura. He also stated that the

Ekadashi and Festival dates in each country should be calculated according

to the local tithi and surise timings.

9. Gaudiya Math/s in London. The original Gaudiya Math in London, near Brent

Cross, still exists and to this day they observe their Ekadashi and Fesitval

dates according to the local tithi and sunrise timings, carrying on the

tradition as was presumably originally intstituted.

The above evidence based upon the tradition assumably instituted by HDG

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja appears to be quite

credible. Whereas the evidence presented by Nimai Nitai dasa appears to be

comparatively frail.

ys

ad

thanks Prabhu you have surely looked into this matter, I have read somewhere

that Jagannatha das babaji asked Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura at a

young age to wite the Navadvipa Pankija

Srimanta · October 21, 2006

In a message dated 10/20/2006 2:31:43 PM Pacific Standard Time,
nimai.nitaidas writes:

Dear Nimai Nitai Prabhu

Please accept my humble obaisences

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

you wrote:

Were the Gosvamis guilty of fasting when They should have feasted, or

feasting when They should have fasted, because Their calculations were probably

less

accurate than today's computer-generated outputs?

that is foolish arguments, the Goswamis are freed from the modes of material

nature and knows when to fast , there is no need of computer, their

calculation was perfect

you wrote:

There is NO exact calculation possible, anywhere in the material world. Every

calculation is just an approximation. Among such inexact calculations, we

choose to accept that approximation received in disciplic succession, rather

than

the most current computer-generated astrological data, which will inevitably

be "improved" and "corrected" at some future point in time --just like

toothpaste or shampoo, or so many other consumer products.

my response

The Navadvipa Pankaji is very detailed to when to observe fast and when to

break them

you wrote:

.. Furthermore, this determination is in strict agreement with the practice

established by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada for His worldwide movement

during His entire manifest pastimes. ISKCON's GBC, in its RESOLUTION #53 of

February 20, 1988, confirmed this practice as authoritative:

53. That the GBC accepts the Yoga Pitha Gaudiya Panjika calendar as

authoritative for ISKCON on the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. It is also

Srila

Prabhupada's instructions that the Panjika be followed in any time zone of the

world according to the same Calendar date as observed in Mayapur.

yes it is understood, I suggest this be changes in favor of a more correct

standard, that will prevent leaders like yourself to force other devotees under

their leadership to fast on dasami

NA UPOSYA DASAMI-VIDHA SADAIVA EKADASI TITHIH

SAMUPOSYA NARO JAHYAT PUNYAM VARSA SATODBHAVAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/205 from NARADA PURANA)

One should never fast on the days when Ekadasi is overlapped with Dasami. If

one does so, looses whatever merit he had accumulated for one hundred years.

DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTAM YAH KAROTI VIMUDHADHIH

EKADASI PHALAM TASYA NA SYAD DVADASA VARSIKAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/218 from KURMA PURANA, NARADA PURANA AND VISNU

RAHASYA)

Those foolish persons who fast on Ekadasi which is mixed with Dasami, do not

receive any result for performing Ekadasi fast for the past twelve years.

DASAMY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO'SURAH

DVADASY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO HARIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/230 from SKANDA PURANA)

The demons reside in any Ekadasi which is overlapped with Dasami and whoever

fasts on this day achieves negative results. Lord Hari resides in any Ekadasi

which is overlapped with Dvadasi. If someone observes fasting on this day, he

receives complete results, which is proper.

YE SAMSANTI DINAM VISNOR DASAMI VEDHA DUSITAM

JNEYAS TE PAPA PURUSAH SUKRAMAYA-VIMOHITAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/234 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva

and Uma devi)

Any person who fasts on Ekadasi which is contaminated by Dasami or makes

somebody else fast, has been controlled and bewildered by Sukracarya, the

spiritual master of the demons. This should be understood properly.

fasting on ekadasi is not like fasting for "christmas" it is not symbolical

fasting the timeperiod, and anyone that agrees with you is obviously missing

the whole point

your servant

Payonidhi das

Since Lord Chaitannya Mohaprbhu choose to take birth in Mayapur, that time is always divine in spiritual world. All the spiritual planets reside in that time. If one chooses to reside in those spiritual planets they have to follow Mayapur time.

October 22, 2006

dear Nimai Nitai Prabhu

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Please accept my humble obaisences

You comment is very rude, it has just been proven to you that by GBC law you

are supposed to follow the vaisnava calendar however you have decided to

simply ignore this GBC resolutions, I will inform H. H Niranjana Swami about

this

deviation, if this does not help the internatioanl GBC body, GBC laws are made

to be followed.

1990-42. That the report of the Calendar Research Committee is accepted in

principle, with thanks. ISKCON temples throughout the world shall follow

the official calendar calculated according to the conclusions of this

report, which are:

a) That the calculations should be made based upon the local time of

sunrise.

b) That a computerized method of calculations is acceptable.

c) That the length of a muhurta shall be calculated as a 15th part of

the daytime and a 15th part of the nighttime.

d) That sunrise shall be defined as the time of calculated visibility

of the upper limb of the sun at the horizon, and the time of sunset as the

time of calculated disappearance of the upper limb of the sun at the

horizon.

e) That the calculations shall be based upon the positions of the

heavenly bodies as determined according to modern scientific astronomical

observations.

---- end of resolution wording

your servant

Payonidhi das

your wrote

Prabhuji,

hare krsna

With all due respect, you seem to have way too much time in your hands. On

the contrary, i am extremely busy here, and cannot continue to engage in these

interminable exchanges.

Kindly find some other focus for your attention.

Respectfully,

Nimai Nitai dasa

October 24, 2006

Dear Maharajas, Prabhus and Matajis,

Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I have just received the following disturbing text regarding a temple in the

USA that wants to deviate from standard ISKCON policy regarding the Vaisnava

calendar and hence setting s precedent that could lead to fragmentation in

ISKCON.

SP wanted ISKCON to increase its standards not lower them.

Prabhupada: They must be all ideal acarya-like. In the beginning we have

done for working. Now we should be very cautious. Anyone who is deviating,

he can be replaced. (GBC Meets with Srila Prabhupada--May 28, 1977,

Vrindavana)

Here Srila Prabhupada refers to the fact that in the beginning he had to do

so many things to start ISKCON but now (1977) the standards have to be

raised. In this instance he is referring explicitly to the GBC but it

applies to the whole society (and its practices) as well because the society

will follow its leaders. According to the author of the text cited below we

should roll back any improvements in ISKCON back to pre-1977 levels but

Srila Prabhupada himself clearly indicates a preference for increased

standards.

My understanding is that SP sanctioned the Mayapura calendar because it

proved too hard for Pradyumna to make individual calendars for the rest of

world. He tried during SPs time, I have seen old copies of the Sankirtana

Newsletters where Pradyumna explained which days to follow ekadasi in

different parts of the world, but when that proved too difficult SP said

just stick to Mayapura calendar. But, now with availability of PCs it is now

possible to do what could not be done prior to 1977.

Of course by the author's "logic" anything that could not be done before

1977 but can be done now should not be done. That is "under-intelligent."

Following the correct ekadasi is indeed important as emphasized by Lord

Caitanya to his mother and as seen by the fact that Ambarisha Maharaja

risked his life to follow it correctly by angering Durvasa Muni.

Following the calendar properly is also an important element of Deity

worship. Should we never improve our efforts in Deity worship especially

when it can be easily done?

The Lord is called Brahma which means ever expanding. Devotional service is

ecstatic not static--it is always increasing with higher and higher levels

and standards. But according to the author we should not aspire to improve

our standards even when it is easy to do so. Now if it were a real

over-endeavor as it was prior to 1977 that would be one thing but now it

easy and the technical difficulties were solved back in 1983-84.

What Boston has done if not corrected by ISKCON authorities may lead to a

fragmentation of ISKCON.

And, also note the comments of the person below and my further comments

after that.

Your humble servant

Shyamasundara Dasa

PS feel free to pass this out if you want to.

www.ShyamasundaraDasa.com

---------- Forwarded Message ----------

Letter PAMHO:12441721 (194 lines)

Internet:

20-Oct-06 23:11 -0400 (17:11 -1000)

Shyamasundara (das) ACBSP (Vedic Astrologer) (USA) [33127]

Reference: Text PAMHO:12441084 by Internet: Nimai Nitai Das

Fwd: please don't follow the Mayapure calendar outside Bengal

---------------------------

Dear Shyam, PAMHO AGTSP

I guess that you saw this. If not please let me know what you think.

Interesting, I was not aware that there were still people out there

with such attitudes. As far as I know a non-Vaisnava astrologer

calculates the Caitanya Math panjika and another one calculates the

panjika for Devananda GM. I mean this devotee seems to think that

there is something innately transcendental about the Caitanya Math's

calculations. I really don't understand his logic in saying that we

should not do material calculations. What other type of calculations

can we make? Again this comes back to the GBC. If they have never

rescinded or superseded the ISKCON law that everyone should follow

the mayapur calendar then they are at fault for this confusion. I

suggest that the GBC (with your urging or Hari Sauri's or whoever's)

please clarify this. It seems crazy that one GBC member allows one

temple to follow a completely different system than everyone else.

(Or are there more of these people following Mayapura calendar?) I

would like to know if they have Mangal Arati also at the same time in

Boston as it is in Mayapur? Mangal Arati is performed calculated

according to the Sunrise in the same way as Ekadasi is, so why not do

that also? You and I and many others all know that in the old days we

used to use the Mayapur Panjika. I have on many occasions gone to the

Yoga Pith, bought it and brought it back to Mayapur for translation

and worldwide distribution. I can remember buying an extra copy for

myself to use for many years. However when Vcal came along I was

definitely much happier. Even if there may be minor errors in any

program or even in the Mayapur panjika's we have got to follow

something. I feel that we should try to follow the most accurate

calculation that we can. To my understanding that at present is Vcal.

ys

> "Nimai Nitai Das" <nimai.nitaidas >

> October 20, 2006 11:31:24 AM HST

> "Narasimha44 (AT) aol (DOT) com" <Narasimha44 (AT) aol (DOT) com>

> Cc: jayapataka.swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net, jayadvaitaswami (AT) aim (DOT) com,

> bhurijana.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net, Bhanu.Swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> devamrita.swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net, bhakti.purusottama.swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> nrs108 , bhakti.charu.swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> dravida (AT) mindspring (DOT) com, bhakti.vikasa.swami (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> ajamila.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net, Bhaktarupa.ACBSP (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> madhavananda.ggs (AT) pamho (DOT) net, India.Open (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> isvara.ggs (AT) pamho (DOT) net, bhima.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> basu.ghosh.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net, Ramabhadra (AT) aol (DOT) com,

> braj.hari.jps (AT) pamho (DOT) net, gregjay (AT) bluebottle (DOT) com,

> hari.sauri.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net, nimai.nitaidas ,

> ramadevi.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net, sixgoswamis (AT) hotmail (DOT) com,

> satsvarupa_dasa_goswami (AT) hotmail (DOT) com, janardana.gkg (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> bhagavatpuranadas , yadu (AT) krishna (DOT) dk,

> lalitanatha (AT) krishna (DOT) dk, Sura.ACBSP (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> panchratna.gkg (AT) pamho (DOT) net, purnacandra.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net,

> cnd108 , sporecki (AT) msn (DOT) com

> Re: please don't follow the Mayapure calendar outside Bengal

> nimai.nitaidas

>

> Dear Payonidhi Prabhu,

>

> Please accept my humble obeisances.

> All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.

>

> Although i respect your opinion, please do not presume to judge our

> practices, and to unnecessarily provoke controversy in a public

> forum without first having the common courtesy of engaging in a

> dialogue with the parties involved to seek unbiased information.

>

> In any case, this is not a topic that should be discussed in an

> email exchange, where opportunities for sober dialogue are

> extremely limited, and the urge to form a quick opinion and express

> an even quicker rejoinder are the rule, rather than the exception.

> Still, because you have chosen to open this untimely discussion,

> which we have studiously avoided out of respect for devotees with

> different views on the subject as well as for pastoral economy, i

> will reply briefly.

>

> We are aware of the many divergences in lunar phases as observed in

> different geographical locations, and we are also aware of the

> reasoning that impelled the ISKCON GBC, together with some branches

> of the Gaudiya Matha, to produce multiple local calendars for the

> observance of Ekadasi and other dates. We have read the learned

> studies, and freely accept their firmly based scientific

> conclusions regarding the relative accuracy of the local calendars

> and the original Gaudiya Panjika (Mayapura Liturgical Calendar).

>

> In our humble opinion, however, that line of reasoning is both

> inconclusive and ultimately irrelevant. Were the Gosvamis guilty of

> fasting when They should have feasted, or feasting when They should

> have fasted, because Their calculations were probably less accurate

> than today's computer-generated outputs?

This is an not correct and based on the supposition that the calendars used

by the Goswamis were inherently flawed because they used calculations not

based on JPL algorithms. The calculation tolerances need not be so

hairsplitting. But one should always use the best methods available; just as

one should always use the best ingredients available for cooking for the

Lord.

Do the devotees in Boston also only offer the Lord a ball of dough thrown in

the fire and without even any salt like the Gosvamis did because the

Goswamis didn't have the means to cook more opulently? Are we now "over

intelligent" because we offer salt and nice bhoga to the Deities unlike the

Six Gosvamis?

The Six Gosvamis did follow the local calendars as calculated in their areas

as would any Brahmana or Vaisnava. The calculations were accurate enough for

calendric purposes. The author uses a false argument that calculations have

to be super accurate like using an accuracy of 1 thousandth of second of arc

or more as in the JPL calculations.

Does the Hari Bhakti Vilasa of Santana Gosvami and Gopala Bhatta Gosvami say

that we should calculate calendars using shoddy methods or not do them

according to the locale? No.

Even if the calendars of their day made mistakes and gave a wrong day here

or there it was the best that was available. The point is to use the best in

the service of the Lord not the worst. That is what I was always taught by

my guru maharaja.

Even with the best calculations devotees sometimes fail to observe a fast or

miss an ekadasi by mistake, in which case there is an appropriate atonement.

Maharaja Jai Singh founder of Jaipura was not a contemporary of the Six

Gosvamis but of Visvanatha Chakravarti and Baladeva Vidyabhusana. He was an

astronomer King. His observatory "Yantar mantar" boasted more accurate

observations and resulting calculations and calendars than those of the

contemporary Europeans. His sundial "Raja yantra" still keeps time accurate

to within 10 seconds. He had observatories in several places in India

including Delhi, Ujjain, Benares and Mathura. That is what the local pandits

used, the most up to date calculations, and that is what the Vaisnavas in

Mathura mandala followed.

One uses the best that one has when it comes to worshipping the Lord. The

Lord says He accepts a leaf a flower or some water if it is offered in

devotion. Hence even a poor man can worship him. But Srila Prabhupada warns

against trying to cheat Krsna. If one has the means to offer something

better then he should.

Today we have the means to offer something better but they do want not want

to do so.

>

> There is NO exact calculation possible, anywhere in the material

> world. Every calculation is just an approximation. Among such

> inexact calculations, we choose to accept that approximation

> received in disciplic succession, rather than the most current

> computer-generated astrological data, which will inevitably be

> "improved" and "corrected" at some future point in time --just like

> toothpaste or shampoo, or so many other consumer products.

So because there is no exact calculation their solution is to choose the

least accurate, not the most accurate. (-:

Because of the nature of the material world the observable planetary

positions gradually gets out of phase with calculations. To bring

calculations back into alignment with observable reality the astronomical

texts prescribe that a "bija samskara" be performed because the calculations

must preserve the phenomena. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta did this to the Surya

Siddhanta which had not had such a samskara performed in almost 1000 years

and hence had become practically useless. Western Astronomers do basically

the same thing about every 25-50 years to adjust the "astronomical

constants" which are inherently non-constant but are brought back into

alignment with observable reality. What to speak of astronomy Lord Krsna has

to do the same thing with transcendental teaching as explained in BG 4th

chapter because the material world is such that as a function of time things

tend toward chaos and must be brought back into order by an intelligent

hand.

The author uses the terms "improved" and "corrected" as an aspersion

alluding to how SP would attack modern science as being speculative and

never arriving to any truth hence tries to create a similar sentiment in the

minds of the reader that SP would also mock and disapprove of such

astronomical adjustments. But we see that jyotish acaryas like Varaha Mihira

and the astronomical texts themselves recommend such procedures. And BSST

himself was noted for bringing the Surya Siddhanta back into alignment with

observable reality. It is the phenomena which is important not the

calculation, so the calculation has to present as accurately as possible the

phenomena and when necessary the calculation adjusted for that purpose.

SP gave different standards at different times according to the capacity of

his followers to follow and implement. One can easily find instructions that

Srila Prabhupada gave at an earlier time which he then countered at a later

time. For example prior to Feb 14, 1977 you will find many times when Srila

Prabhupada would extol VAD but then say it could not be done. And those in

ISKCON who are against VAD will trot out those passages.

But on Feb 14, 1977 SP insisted that VAD had to be established in ISKCON,

his disciples even argued with him using the very same arguments that SP

himself previously used to try to defeat him. But SP was relentless in his

insistence that VAD had to be established. (I want to make it clear that the

discussion between SP and his disciples on that topic was not polemic and

the disciples were not being offensive, bewildered would be a better

description.)

Because his disciples had no way of doing a local calendar Srila Prabhupada

authorized a Mayapura based calendar. But Srila Prabhupada always wanted

increased standards when they could be implemented in a practical and

consistent manner. The higher standard that could not be consistently

applied or practical before can now be done in 5 seconds. Hence the author's

position has no standing.

>

> It is not ignorance of geography and astronomy, but faithful

> adherence to the previous decisions of our Acharyas, that dictates

> our determination to observe the Mayapura Calendar. Furthermore,

> this determination is in strict agreement with the practice

> established by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada for His worldwide

> movement during His entire manifest pastimes. ISKCON's GBC, in its

> RESOLUTION #53 of February 20, 1988, confirmed this practice as

> authoritative:

>

> 53. That the GBC accepts the Yoga Pitha Gaudiya Panjika calendar as

> authoritative for ISKCON on the instructions of Srila Prabhupada.

> It is also Srila Prabhupada's instructions that the Panjika be

> followed in any time zone of the world according to the same

> Calendar date as observed in Mayapur.

>

> Please note that the resolution states categorically that Srila

> Prabhupada instructed ISKCON to follow the Panjika "IN ANY TIME

> ZONE OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO THE SAME CALENDAR DATE AS OBSERVED

> IN MAYAPUR." To our knowledge, there is no subsequent ruling of

> the GBC that specifically prohibits the observance of the Mayapura

> Calendar.

Here is the 1990 GBC resolution on the calendar based on research I

commission Markendeya Rsi Prabhu to do on my behalf:

1990-42. That the report of the Calendar Research Committee is accepted in

principle, with thanks. ISKCON temples throughout the world shall follow

the official calendar calculated according to the conclusions of this

report, which are:

a) That the calculations should be made based upon the local time of

sunrise.

b) That a computerized method of calculations is acceptable.

c) That the length of a muhurta shall be calculated as a 15th part

of

the daytime and a 15th part of the nighttime.

d) That sunrise shall be defined as the time of calculated

visibility

of the upper limb of the sun at the horizon, and the time of sunset

as the time of calculated disappearance of the upper limb of the sun

at the

horizon.

e) That the calculations shall be based upon the positions of the

heavenly bodies as determined according to modern scientific

astronomical

observations.

The resolution states: "ISKCON temples throughout the world shall follow the

official calendar calculated according to the conclusions of this report"

and then goes on to state what those factors are. This constitutes a "yama"-

what must be done. And by implication also includes a "niyama"-what must not

be done. The Niyama is that the calendar followed by ISKCON temples CAN NOT

be done in a different way. This is standard Mimamsa - method of sastric

analysis. The author tries to quibble by stating that the GBC not only has

to state what must be done but must also anticipate every possible wrong

thing that can be done and then specifically say it can't be done. That is

unnecessary. Simple by saying it must be done in a specific way

automatically means it can not be done in another way. Any other

interpretation is mere quibbling and hair splitting.

>

> Although he favors the use of local calendars, Sripada Romapada

> Swami Maharaja, North American GBC Executive Committee Chair, is

> aware and respectful of our practice, as is the GBC Vaisnava

> Calendar Committee, with whose members we have held a brief and

> respectful exchange.

In my opinion the presently constituted Vaisnava Calendar committee headed

by Bhaktarupa Prabhu is NOT competent.

>

> Sripada Jayadvaita Maharaja, in a recent visit to New Gundicha less

> than two months ago, stated that, when approached by devotees with

> the very same arguments you and others have presented here and

> elsewhere, Srila Prabhupada dismissed them as "over-intelligent."

I would like to hear that from him directly not hear say. But even if what

he said is true, it was true before 1977 because then it was an

over-endeavor whereas today it is only 5 seconds work for a PC.

>

> Earth is one planet, and in Kali Yuga its spiritual capital is Sri

> Mayapura. Fragmentation of our unity as a Society and a Sampradaya,

> and an unhealthy obsession with the minutia of the material world

> are some of the potential unwanted results of calculating local

> dates and times for transcendental events, which in any case, are

> commemorated and observed for their spiritual, and not their

> material import.

So very good, in Mayapura they have mangala arotika (a transcendental event)

at 4:30 AM which is 6 PM in Boston the previous day. Is that when the Boston

devotees have Mangala Arotika? They have Sandhya arotika (another

transcendental event) at 6 PM and then all take rest by 9 PM in Mayapura.

For Boston that means that they should be having Sandhya arotika at 7:30 AM

and all retire for rest of day at 10:30 AM and get up for Mangala arotika

which as we already know is 6 PM Boston time. Boston temple should also do

all their rituals and daily life exactly at the same time as in Mayapura

(breakfast at 10:30 PM, etc) and not let unhealthy obsession with minutia of

the material world stop them. After all why should they care if the sky is

dark in Boston it is daylight in Mayapura the spiritual capital.

The rest of ISKCON follows a local calendar; it is Boston temple leaders

only who are causing fragmentation.

>

> When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada, as a young man, "corrected"

> the calculations of the traditional Vaisnavas and presented them to

> His Father, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura noted that these new

> calculations were indeed more correct. Then He said: "Now, discard

> them, and use the traditional Panjika."

Citation and context please.

I asked Bhakti Vikasa Maharaja (who is working on what will probably be the

definitive biography of Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami) about this and

he said something to the effect that it is a misquote of hearsay attributed

to BR Sridhar Svami.

BSST didn't work on the calendar at the behest of Bhaktivinode Thakura but

at the behest of Jagannatha Dasa Babaji who specifically told him to revise

the Vaisnava calendar. So why Bhaktivinode would go against the instructions

of his own guru? The following quote from my original introduction to the

1984 copy of the Vaisnava calendar sheds light on this point:

" Just as Jiva Goswami compiled a Sanskrit grammar using the names of Visnu,

the Gaudiya Acaryas have compiled a Navadvipa Pancanga using the names of

Visnu for the days of the week, the twelve months, the 30 tithis and

nakshtras or constellations, giving proper times for Vaisnava festivals and

appearance and disappearance days of Gaudiya Acaryas. Srila Jagannatha Das

Babaji first compiled the list of lunar tithis for appearance and

disappearance times of the associates of Lord Caitanya and the major

Vaisnava festivals. This was published in a calendar form by Srila

Bhaktivinoda Thakur. When Jagannatha Das Babaji met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta

Sarasvati Thakur, he requested him to make a Vaisnava calendar using

Caitanya years, Visnu months, Visnu tithis, Visnu nakshtras, determined

accurately according to Vaisnava sastra. This Navadvipa Pancanga first

appeared in Srila Bhaktivinoda's Sajjan Tosani, and in 1918 the Pancanga

appeared in book form."

The point being the revision of the calendar was not the independent idea of

BSST but rather of Jagannatha Dasa Babji Maharaja. Hence how BVT could

interfere with it?

>

> In His own time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Himself a

> brilliant astrologer, utilized the Mayapura Calendar for His entire

> movement, including preaching activities in Burma, Germany, and

> England. Was He ignorant of the astronomical facts and misguided in

> His insistence on the observance of one calendar? We beg to abstain

> from such blasphemy.

As pointed out above what was not possible to do easily in the 1920-30s is

now simplicity itself. The author's argument for keeping a lower standard

when a higher standard is easily achieved is not persuasive. Keeping a lower

standard when a higher standard is very simple to implement is blasphemy.

>

> Are we to suppose that Srila Prabhupada led ISKCON into

> inauspiciousness, even sin, by simultaneously observing Ekadasi

> according to the Mayapura Calendar in New York and London, Mumbai

> and Sydney, Moscow and San Francisco? Are we to imagine that His

> decision to hold Festivals, initiations, Deity installations, and

> Temple openings according to the Mayapura Calendar were mistakes

> leading to inauspiciousness? Again, we beg to abstain from such

> blasphemy.

The author has misapprehended the law of karma. One only gets karma when a

choice is involved. If there is no choice there is no karma. If a bank

robber sticks a gun to the head of a bank employee and tells them to give

the money and they comply the bank employee is not charged with a felony as

they had no real choice - it was comply or die.

In the past there was no real choice. It was extremely difficult and

practically impossible to implement local calendars consistently during

Srila Prabhupada's time what to speak of BSST's time. To do so at that time

would have required hand calculations by experts for each and every center.

Such calculations would have taken months to do just for one year for each

and every place. When I first wrote the VCAL program back in 1983-4 I was

able to reduce what previously took almost a year to calculate by hand to

about 3 hours. Now with more powerful computers it takes less than 5

seconds.

Then (pre-1977) there was no real choice hence no karma. Now there is a real

choice and with it comes karma.

>

> We're not astrologers or smarta brahmanas, but aspiring devotees.

Ahh the "S" word, I knew it would appear at some point. The author does not

appear to know what a Smarta brahmana is otherwise he would not use it as he

has. However, he uses it the way most ISKCON devotees use it when they want

to put down anyone who is trying to follow more strictly than they are. It

is their justification for following a lower standard and feeling superior

about it.

As aspiring devotees it is incumbent on us to learn the cultural activities

in Krsna's Vedic civilization and apply it in our daily lives when it is

practical to do so. What was previously not practical has now become simple.

To avoid adopting a higher standard when it is simple to do so is not the

symptom of an aspiring devotee who always wants to give the best to the

Lord.

> Here in New Gundicha, with the kind authorization of our Governing

> Body Commissioner, Srila Niranjana Swami Maharaja, we observe the

> one calendar that Srila Prabhupada received in disciplic succession

> and transmitted to us: the Mayapura Calendar.

>

> We are not proselytizing for others to return to the Mayapura

> Calendar, but we humbly request a modicum of respect for this

> determination, which has been made after much meditation and

> prayer, and not out of gross material ignorance regarding astronomy

> and geography.

I beg to differ on the author's self assessment.

>

> If we each attend to our own devotional service, rather than

> provoking unnecessary controversies, then, regardless of the

> liturgical calendar that we follow, we will be utilizing our time

> more fruitfully.

And previously the author was saying that ISKCON should be unified now they

don't care and want to do their own thing.

>

> I beg to remain the servant of the servants of the Lord.

>

> Respectfully,

> Nimai Nitai dasa

>

> --

> New Gundicha Temple Community

> ISKCON of New England

> 72 Commonwealth Avenue

> Boston, MA 02116

> Tel. 617.247-8611

> Nimai.Nitaidas

(Text PAMHO:12441721) -----

------- End of Forwarded Message ------

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please don't follow the Mayapure calendar outside Bengal

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