Initiation

[Guest guest]

Dear Devotees,

 

PAMHO. AGTSP.

 

I have been doing service in deity department for two years at our local temple and following the 4 regulative principles. I have already taken shelter of Guru and was looking forward to get initiated by Him in due course.

 

However last year the temple committee had decided to ban initiation for some 3 years or so, and I’m sure that they’ve contacted the GBC regarding this matter. I suppose that they decided to ban initiation for some years because there were lots of problems at the temple and this was the best solution they found.

 

The Gurus who are coming here are aware of this decision, but what can They do? They should abide by this.

 

As a result, the aspiring disciples feel disillusioned because of such decision, and quite lost … I, myself, feel sad about it, sometimes I must admit I’m hopeless, nevertheless I keep up with the service.

 

So maybe anyone can give their thoughts/encouragements… or advise us how we should be in such situations (our mood…)

 

Haribol

 

[Guest guest]

which temple is this????

 

then i want to comment:

who in the 3 worlds do the temple comittee think they are by "banning" initiation????

 

Its between the spiritual master and the aspiring disciple!

they think they can just go over the heads of the gurus???

 

And then how can they forget this:

 

 

Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado

 

yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto'pi

 

dhyayam stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam

 

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam.

 

By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.

 

and so if it is a case of , as you say:

"because there were lots of problems at the temple and this was the best solution they found"

 

they think they are going to put an end to the problems at their temple HOW????????????????

 

because the devotees being banned from initiation will make progress HOW???

 

this is without doubt the most ubsurd thing I have heard in a long time.

 

 

must be a ritvik temple or something.

im dumbfounded

 

[cherry]

i'm guessing iskcon he he /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Guest guest]

temple in mauritius (phoenix)

[Guest guest]

ISKCON temple in MAURITIUS

[Guest guest]

mauritius temple (ISKCON)

[Guest guest]

IN MAURITIUS

[cherry]

lol

[Guest guest]

 

Its between the spiritual master and the aspiring disciple!

they think they can just go over the heads of the gurus???

 

 

The fact is it is between Supersoul, the spiritual master and aspirant.

 

A bonefide spiritual master accepts a someone as a disciple when that person is brought to them by Supersoul. Spiritual master is the external manifestation of Supersoul and is not acting independently or whimsically.

 

The aspirant may not understand that the meeting is arranged by Krishna but the spiritual master sees this and the student learns of it in due course.

 

Now what need in this arrangement is there for a voting committee or temple board or any other ecclesiastical body to give their yes or no on someone's connecting with the guru?

 

Obviously there is no need at all. All this confusion is brought about by people wanting to play church and other people taking them seriously.

 

Another thing if a "guru" will not accept you because of some temple management issue then such a "guru" is a spineless creature who hasn't the backbone to carry you back to Krishna's feet anyway, so no loss.

[Guest guest]

 

Go here instead.

 

 

Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math International, Long Mountain

[Guest guest]

do u mean i should go to Gaudiya math???

 

it does not look logical to what i said in my mail regarding our situation

[Pankaja_Dasa]

However last year the temple committee had decided to ban initiation for some 3 years or so

--

 

IF it was me [if it was me] I would get initiated secrety not tell anybody about it.! Find the loophole..

[Guest guest]

got a website link for that temple? where is long mountain?

[Guest guest]

I am fully aware of the circumstances that prevailed there in the last few years. I truly sypathise with your situation. Your sincerity will be rewarded.

 

Firstly the recomendation for initiation has to come from your local authorities. They observe your attitude of service for a longer time period , Guru's fly in and fly out.

 

Previously the GBC put a bussinessman in charge of the Temple. Many devotees left to serve abroad and the Krishna Deity there even broke and had to be replaced. The situation was bad. Now the newer authorities are probably tired of sannyasis and Gurus who never intervened in the recent past to stabilise the yatra so they are restructing somethings.

 

Just carry on serving with faith and you will be rewarded. I am appalled by the advice above that recomends you to go become part of another institution. Please be careful about taking advice from just anyone.

h

[Guest guest]

It is not so much a question of taking your body to another location as it is changing your focus from institutional gurus and their ecclesiastical procedures to the Lord in your heart and trusting in Him to lead you to His true servant and your guru.

 

"By the grace of Krishna one gets guru and by the grace of guru one gets Krishna."

 

Please ask yourself if these offical initiations are really the essence that you seek.

[Guest guest]

quote:

========================

I am appalled by the advice above that recomends you to go become part of another institution. Please be careful about taking advice from just anyone.

========================

 

Appalled? What are you appalled about?

 

Are you appalled when you consider the possibility that this devotee might leave "the institution" and then find themself in a place where they get real sadhu sangha?

 

The devotee doesn't seem to be getting real sadhu sangha at ISKOCN. If they had someone who could give them spiritual guidance would they come and ask the questions they have asked here, on this anonymous internet forum?

 

This devotee is seeking to connect with a genuine Guru. It is clear from their message that at ISKCON in Mauritius the leadership is not going to allow newcomers to receive initiation. And not only that, but even if a Guru flies in to Mauritius for a flying visit and some newcomers do get initiation, we expect that the "institutional structure" in Mauritius this "authorized Guru" supports will keep the newcomer subservient to the local temple management.

 

Is this the real Krishna Consciousness Movement? You may think so, but I don't!

 

Krishna doesn't just exist inside ISKCON! It is a fact. If the temple you are attending is ruled by kanistha adhikaris then maybe you should reject their association and seek some higher association.

 

- Muralidhar

 

The Long Mountain temple address is here:

http://www.scsmath.com/centers.html#africa

 

 

Srila Prabhupada wrote:

====================

One should not remain a kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, one who is situated on the lowest platform of devotional service and is interested only in worshiping the Deity in the temple. Such a devotee is described in the Eleventh Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.2.47):

 

arcāyām eva haraye pūjāḿ yaḥ śraddhayehate

na tad-bhakteṣu cānyeṣu sa bhaktaḥ prākṛtaḥ smṛtaḥ

 

"A person who is very faithfully engaged in the worship of the Deity in the temple, but who does not know how to behave toward devotees or people in general is called a prākṛta-bhakta, or kaniṣṭha-adhikāri."

 

One therefore has to raise himself from the position of kaniṣṭha-adhikārī to the platform of madhyama-adhikārī.

 

- Nectar of Instruction verse 5 purport

====================

[Guest guest]

Let him use his minute independence to make his choice. There is also Krsna balaram mandir at the farm in Mauritius that he could go to. It runs under a different managerial structure with lovely Deities too.

 

I think Srila Prabhupada is the greatest Sadhu!!!! If u find sadhu sanga elsewhere, then good for u!!

[Guest guest]

i have been to this Math that you recommend. i was disappointed to see that they have such low spiritual standards...they chant 4 rounds, children get initiatian, no stable programs. Not impressed. Thats why i like ISKCON - inspires me.

[Guest guest]

Yes,

take initiation from someone who you believe in.

 

But just remember Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's words in Caitanya Bhagavata: if you don't chant 64 rounds a day (100,000 names) then He does not accept you as a His devotee. Sri Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur initiated children, and he told his disciples to chant a minimum of four rounds. But then that is not how they do things in ISKCON!

 

Hare Krishna.

[Guest guest]

Shreela Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave Harinama (initiation) to his son Bimala Prasad (Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati) when Bimala Prasad was eight years old.

 

Bimala Prasad was 26 when he took diksa (what is called "gayatri initiation" in ISKCON) from Shreela Gaurakishoradas babaji Mahodaya.

 

He never got given any japa mala beads from Shreela Gaurakishoradas babaji Mahodaya and he didn't have a fire sacrifice at the time of initiation either.

 

Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur initiated many small children, including Sreepad Baman Maharaj, the past Guru of Gaudiya Samiti.

 

[Guest guest]

Personaly i accept Srila Prabhupada as my founder acarya and the standard he set was and is minimum 16 rounds plus the 4 regs . i love to serve and associate with like minded persons and distribute Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's books. Hence i don't associate with the members of the math that is mentioned above although i offer my respects to them.

 

 

[Guest guest]

It seems u accepted a Guru already in Iskcon and are awaiting formal initiation. Depending on your faith in your Guru's instructions you should decide whether you want to follow the advice given below to take shelter another Math. Otherwise it means that you need to develop a stronger relationship with him based on service and enquiry. If your faith in him is weak, maybe the all knowing Lord will make you wait longer, until your faith is stronger. (Srila Prabhupada waited for 11 years before he accepted formal Diksha, yet his service mood to his Guru grew stronger and he continued to serve his mission)

 

Then if you are serious about following the Guru you seem to waiting to accept initiation from accepting Siksha or advice from others should be with his blessings. The siksha received should be in line with the Diksha Guru's teachings. If your Diksha Guru wants you to serve in Iskcon, and you accept him as your Guru, You should be careful about accepting advice from others who may want to share with you from the teachings of other acaryas.

 

Who do you accept as your acarya?

 

 

[Guest guest]

SRI SYAMANANDA PRABHU

Those who know the associates of Sri Gauranga to be eternally liberated souls will attain their place by the side of the son of the king of Vraja.

 

Sri Syamananda Prabhu, Srinivasa Acarya and Sri Narottama dasa Thakura were the internal associates of Sri Gaurasundara. They incarnated in this world in order to spread the teachings of Sri Gaura-Krsna after His departure from it.

 

Sri Syamananda made his appearance at Utkala in the village of Dharenda Bahadurpur. His father's name was Sri Krsna Mandal and his mother's name was Sri Durika. Sri Krsna Mandal, who descended in the line of sad-gopas, (what dat, man?) had many sons and daughters who unfortunately passed away before the birth of this son. For this reason this son was named Dukhiya.

 

Everyone said that this child would be a very high-souled saintly person. "On the full moon day of the month of Caitra he has taken his birth at a very auspicious moment, by the mercy of Lord Jagannatha. It is as though Lord Jagannatha has personally brought him here in order to propagate His teachings, and therefore He is personally maintaining him. He looks just like a new cupid. One's eyes and mind are soothed just to look upon him."

 

As time passed, the purificatory rites, his first taking of grains, tonsure (the hair-cutting ceremony) and the rites for beginning his education were performed, one after the other. The scholars were astounded to see his profound intellect. Within a short period he completed his studies of grammar, poetry and rhetoric. When he heard of the glories of Sri Gaura-Nityananda from the Vaishnavas of his village, a very deep attachment to Their lotus feet developed in him.

 

Sri Krsna Mandal was himself a very advanced devotee. Seeing that his son was always absorbed in thinking of Gaura-Nityananda. He told him that he should be initiated into the divine mantra.

 

The boy replied, "Sri Hrdaya Caitanya is my guru. He is at Ambika Kalna. His guru is Sri Gauri dasa Pandita. The two brothers, Sri Gaura-Nityananda, are eternally present in his house. If you give your permission, I will proceed to there to become his disciple." His father asked, "But Duhkhiya, how will you get there?" "Father, there are many people from here who go there to bath in the Ganges. I will go with them."

 

His father deliberated for a great while on this matter and after going so he finally gave his permission. Thus Duhkhiya set out for Gaudadesa. Gradually he came to Navadwipa, then Santipur and finally Ambika Kalna, where he inquired from the local people where he might find the house of Gauri dasa Pandita. Outside the gate of the mandira, he fell down and offered his dandavats. Sri Hrdaya Caitanya happened to be passing by at this time. Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu looked at him for a few moments and then asked, "Who are you?"

 

Dukhiya replied, "I have come to serve Your lotus feet. My home is at Dharenda Bahadurpur. I was born in the caste of sad-gopas. My father's name is Sri Krsna Mandal. My name is Duhkhiya."

 

Sri Hrdaya Caitanya was very pleased by this sweet speech. He told the boy, "From now your name is Krsna das. Since early this morning I was feeling that someone would come today."

 

Sri Krsna dasa began his service with great devotion, and on an auspicious day his guru initiated him into the divine mantra. Sri Hrdaya Caitanya could see that his new disciple was extremely intelligent and at the same time very devoted, so he ordered him to go to Vrindavana to study the literatures of the under the tutelage of Srila Jiva Gosvami. Sri Krsna das bowed his head in assent, and on an auspicious day he set out for the holy dhama. At the time of his departure, his guru gave him many instructions and conveyed through his disciple his obeisances to the lotus feet of the Gosvamis of Vrindavan.

 

Duhkhi Krsna das first came to Navadwipa. After inquiring from someone as to the whereabouts of Sri Jagannatha Misra Bhavan, he came there and went inside. Seeing Sri Isana Thakura, he fell down and offered his obeisances. Isana Thakura then asked him who he was, and so the boy introduced himself. Isana Thakura blessed him and he remained there that day.

 

The next day he set out for Mathura with a party of pilgrims. Upon coming to Gaya Dham he took of the lotus feet of Sri Visnu there. He remembered Mahaprabhu's lila of accepting initiation from Sri Isvara Puri here and became overwhelmed in ecstatic love. From Gaya he came to Kasi Dham where he met with Tapan Misra, Candrasekhara and the other devotees, and he offered his salutations to their lotus feet. They in turn blessed him.

 

He finally entered Mathura Dhama. After taking bath at Visrama Ghata, he took darsana of Sri Adikesava and rolled on the ground in the dust of the birthplace of Sri Krsna. From here he proceeded towards Vrindavana where, after learning the where abouts of Srila Jiva Gosvami, he offered his obeisances to the lotus feet of that great acarya. After being asked, he introduced himself with full particulars.

 

"Gurudeva has committed me to your charge. His petition to Your Divine Grace is, 'I am entrusting Duhkhi Krsna das to your care. Please fulfill his mind's desire and send him back to me after some time.'"

 

Srila Jiva Gosvami was extremely happy to receive Duhkhi Krsna dasa into his care. Krsna das very carefully began to serve Jiva Gosvami as well as study the literatures of the Gosvamis.

Srinivasa Acarya and Narottama dasa Thakura also came to Sri Jiva at this time to study under him. Thus Krsna das had the opportunity to meet them.

 

Krsna das requested Srila Jiva Gosvami for a special service. Sri Jiva instructed him to sweep the forest grove of Sevakunja everyday. From that day he began to carry out this service with great pleasure. He felt that his life had become successful. As he swept, tears flowed from his eyes. Sometimes he would loudly chant the names of Sri Sri Radha-Govinda and sometimes he would become inert while remembering Their pastimes. Sometimes he would put the broom, which was full of dust, on his head. Even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva pray to receive a little of this dust of Vrindavana on their heads.

 

The Lord of Vrindavana and His consort were very pleased with the service of Krsna das, and desired to grant him Their darshan. One day while Krsna das was cleaning the kunja, his heart filled with love. Just then he happened to notice a very beautiful ankle bracelet lying in the dust. He picked it up, touched it to his head and then bound it in the corner of his upper cloth. "I'll give it to whom ever it belongs to when they come to look for it," he thought.

 

The next morning the were quite shocked when they noticed that Srimati Radharani's left ankle bracelet was missing. Radharani explained, "Last night, when I was dancing in the kunja, it must have fallen off. Please look for it and bring it back to me, who ever finds it."

 

When the gopis came to search for the bracelet, Visakha devi noticed Krsna das sweeping the grove. She asked him, "Have you found an ankle bracelet here?" Duhkhi Krsna dasa was so mesmerized by her sweet words and radiant form, which was like that of a demigoddess descended from heaven, that he simply stared at her dumbfounded. Again she asked him, "Have you found an ankle bracelet here?"

 

Duhkhi Krsna made obeisances and humbly replied, "Yes, I found it. Who are you?"

 

"I am a cowherd girl."

"Where do you stay?"

"In this village."

"Is it your ankle bracelet?"

"No it isn't mine. It belongs to a new bride in our house."

"How did it get here?"

"She came here yesterday to pick flowers and it must have fallen off then."

"All right, then please tell her she can come and collect it from me."

"No, you can just give it to me."

"No, I want to give it to her personally."

 

After a few moments, Visakha devi returned with Srimati Radha Thakurani who stood in the shade at the foot of a large tree. Visakha called out to Krsna dasa, "Bhakta, the person who lost her ankle bracelet has come to receive it."

 

Duhkhi Krsna das completely forgot himself while gazing, even though it was from some distance, at the unparalleled, brilliant splendor of Sri Vrsabhanunandini. In great joy he handed the ankle bracelet to Visakha. At this point, Duhkhi Krsna dasa could sense hat something very profound was about to take place. His eyes filled with tears and he fell down on the ground to offer his obeisances. In great ecstasy he rolled in the dust.

 

Visakha then told him, "O best of the devotees! Our Sakhi wants to give you a benediction to express her gratitude."

 

Duhkhi Krsna dasa saw the holy waters of Radha kunda before him. After offering his obeisances, he immersed himself in her waters. Thus he attained a transcendentally beautiful feminine form. Coming out of the sacred kunda, he stood before Visakha devi and offered prayers. Taking this 'forest sakhi' by the hand, Visakha approached Srimati Radha Thakurani, and the new sakhi fell down at Her lotus feet. Then Srimati Radharani decorated her forehead with tilaka using the ankle bracelet and the kumkum of her lotus feet.

 

"This tilak will remain on your forehead. From today you will be known as Syamananda. Now you can go." After She said this, Srimati Radha Thakurani and Her sakhis were no longer to be seen. Dukhi Krsna dasa's trance broke and he found himself as before, alone and in his male body: yet with the tilaka applied by Srimati Radharani still on his forehead. Being overwhelmed with emotion, he repeated over and over, "What have I seen?"

"What have I seen?", while tears of ecstasy rolled down his cheeks.

 

After reciting prayers hundreds and hundreds of times to Sri Radhika, he finally returned to Srila Jiva Gosvami. Sri Jiva Prabhu was struck with wonder when he saw the brilliant new design of tilaka on his young student's forehead. After offering his prostrated obeisances, Dukhi Krsna dasa, his eyes brimming with tears, recounted at Jiva Goswami's request his experience in Sevakunja. Hearing of his great fortune, Sri Jiva was elated, but cautioned Dukhi, "Don't reveal this blessed event to anyone. From today, just carry on with the name Syamananda."

 

Noticing that Dukhi Krsna dasa's name and style of tilaka had for reasons unknown been changed, the Vaishnavas naturally began to discuss this strange development amongst themselves. The news finally reached Ambika Kalna. When he heard of the seemingly unauthorized behavior of his disciple, Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu was unsettled and angered. He immediately set out for Vrindavana.

 

Arriving there some months later, he let it be known he wished to see the rest while Dukhi Krsna dasa, Syamananda came and offered his prostrated obeisances at his gurudeva's lotus feet. Seeing his disciple's tilaka, Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu was enraged and exclaimed, "Your conduct towards me is completely abominable."

 

He continued to chastise him and eventually even began beating him. The Vaishnavas finally managed to restrain and pacify him by offering various explanations on Syamananda's behalf. Shyamananda simply tolerated it all with an unfaded countenance and continued to serve his gurudeva faithfully.

 

That night, Sri Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu had a dream in which Sri Radha Thakurani appeared in a very severe mood. She rebuked him by saying, "I am the one who, being very satisfied by Dukhi Krsna dasa's service, changed his tilaka and his name. What do you or anyone else have to say about it?" Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu prayed for forgiveness at the lotus feet of Sri Vrajesvari and considered what an offender he had become.

 

The next morning he called for Syamananda. Taking him in his lap, he embraced him again and again in great affection. With his eyes brimming with tears he repeated, "You are so fortunate."

 

Sri Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu remained at Vrajadhama for a while and then, after instructing Syamananda to remain with Sri Jiva Gosvami for some more days, he returned to Gaudadesa.

 

Sri Syamananda, Srinivasa and Sri Narottama began to pass their days in great bliss, studying the literatures of the goswamis and begging a little to eat from door to door. The three of them resolved to continue in this way and thus devote the better part of their time to serving and worshipping Sri Krsna in Vrindavana.

 

The goswamis held a council together and decided that these three should be sent to Gaudadesa to preach the teachings of Mahaprabhu as presented in the gosvami literature. One day Srila Jiva Gosvami called the three of them together and informed them of this decision. Thus the three of them accepted that order on their bowed heads.

 

Thereafter, on an auspicious day Srila Jiva Gosvami sent them on their way with a large, nicely decorated container filled with scriptures. But the books were stolen by the dacoit king, Sir Hambhir, in Bisnupur. There Srinivasa Acarya prabhu remained behind to recover the books while Narottama continued on towards Kheturi and Shyamananda proceeded to Ambika Kalna. Arriving there, Syamananda paid his obeisances to his guru, and Sri Hrday Caitanya Prabhu embraced him and inquired about the well being of the gosvamis of Vrindavana. When he heard that the books of the gosvamis had been stolen in Bishnupur, he was very concerned.

 

Syamananda served the lotus feet of his guru in great happiness and in this way passed his days. At this time most of the devotees of Lord Caitanya in Orissa had all passed away. Thus the preaching of Mahaprabhu's teachings had all but come to a halt. Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu considered this a very serious problem and finally instructed Syamananda Prabhu to go there to carry on the preaching of Mahaprabhu's mission.

 

Syamananda was at first very sad that he would have to be separated again so soon from his spiritual master, but Sri Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu explained clearly that he had other alternative but to accept this order on his head.

 

Syamananda set out for Utkaladesh (Orissa). After entering Orissa he first went to his birth place at Dharenda Bahadurpur. The villagers were overjoyed to see him after so many years. He remained there for some days and preached Krsna consciousness, the result of which was that many people became attracted and took shelter at his lotus feet. From there he came to Dandeshwar, where his father, Sri Krsna Mandal, had previously resided. The people there were similarly delighted to receive him and a festival of Hari katha was held there for a few days. Here also many people were attracted by his spiritual potency and became his disciples. Thus, by the auspicious arrival of Syamananda Prabhu in Utkala the teachings of Mahaprabhu revived.

 

On the banks of the Suvarna Rekha River lived one pious and devoted landholder by the name Sri Acyuta deva. His only son was called Rasik. From his very childhood Rasik was very devoted to Lord Krsna. As he gradually attained the appropriate, age his father engaged some panditas to see to his education. However he didn't have much regard for material knowledge. He had already ascertained that the greatest goal in life is devotion to Lord Hari. Rasik became anxious to take shelter at the lotus feet of a bonafide spiritual master. One day as he was sitting alone, contemplating on this subject, when he heard a divine voice: "Rasik! Don't be in anxiety anymore. Very soon a very great personality of the name Syamananda will arrive here. Just take shelter of his lotus feet."

 

Hearing this, Rasika was encouraged and took to continuously waiting and watching for the arrival of Prabhu Syamananda. After a few days Shyamananda prabhu, accompanied by his disciples, came to the village of Rohini, situated very beautifully on the banks of the Suvarna Rekha River. Rasik's happiness knew no bounds. After offering his prostrated obeisances, he very humbly led Syamananda prabhu into his house and worshipped his lotus feet along with his family members, wife and sons, who all surrendered completely to Shyamananda.

 

On an auspicious day Syamananda prabhu initiated Rasika into the Radha-Krsna mantra and Sri Rasik Deva began a festival of nama­sankirtan in his home. He invited all of his friends as well as the tenants of his estates and everyone was so attracted by the teachings of Sri Gaura Nityananda, as expounded by Syamananda prabhu, that they immediately wanted to take shelter at his lotus feet. Thus many people of Rohini became disciples of Syamananda prabhu.

 

There lived a very well known yogi in Rohini by the name Damodara. One day he came to have darsana of Syamananda prabhu. He became captivated. Even from a distance he saw a brilliant effulgence emanating from his body. Coming closer he offered salutations at the Acarya's lotus feet. Syamananda in turn offered his greetings. With tears in his eyes, Shyamananda requested the yogi, "In your purified state you should always chant the holy names of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. They are extremely merciful, and they will bestow upon you love of Krsna."

 

Hearing these statements of the Acarya, the yogi Damodara's mind became softened in love, and he replied, "I will worship the lotus feet of Gaura Nityananda. Please be merciful to me." And so the Acarya blessed him. Thus the yogi became a great devotee and continuously sang the glories of Gaura-Nityananda with tears in his eyes.

 

Many wealthy gentlemen lives in the village of Balarampur. When they heard of the glories of Syamananda, they became very eager to see him, and a few came to beseech him to visit their town. Syamananda very mercifully accepted their invitation and, with Rasikananda, Damodar and some of his other disciples, he very triumphantly entered Balarampur, where the noble and up right citizens very ecstatically received him by worshipping his lotus feet and making arrangements for his meal. A festival of Hari-katha was held over the next few days during which many people accepted shelter at his lotus feet.

 

From here Sri Syamananda Prabhu went to Sri Nrsimhapur, where many atheists lived. But when Syamananda stayed a few days, these atheists got the chance to hear his necterian talks, which melted their hard hearts in love for Krsna. Thus, in this place also, he gained many disciples.

 

Day by day the glories of Syamananda spread throughout Utkaladesa. From Nrsimhapur he came to Gopiballabhpur. Here again, many well to do people were attracted to his lotus feet and so took shelter there. The people here especially requested him to install the Sri Vigraha of Radha-Krsna. Thus from their contributions, a temple for the deity complete with a hall for sankirtana, a kitchen, quarters for the devotees, a pond (bathing tank) and surrounding gardens were constructed.

 

Thereafter Acarya Sri Syamananda performed the installation of Sri Sri Radha-Govinda and a great festival was held at which it seemed the greater part of the population of Bengal, Orissa was present. Seeing the graceful, sweet loveliness of the transcendental forms of Sri Radha and Govinda, the peoples' hearts were fully satisfied. Syamananda Prabhu entrusted Sri Rasikananda with the worship. After traveling throughout the length and breath of Orissa and preaching the message of Sri Gaura-Nityananda, Syamananda returned to the lotus feet of Sri Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu at Ambika Kalna. After offering his prostrated obeisances at the lotus feet of his guru, Syamananda narrated how the victory banner of Sri Gaura Nitai was now flying throughout Utkaladesa. Sri Hrdaya Caitanya very affectionately embraced him in gratitude.

 

Syamananda was invited to the festival at Kheturi, which he attended with his disciples. Once again he was united with his old friends Srinivasa and Sri Narottama. These three floated in an ocean of happiness as they exchanged affections and embraces. Sri Jahnava Mata, Sri Raghunanandana Thakura, Sri Acyutananda, Sri Vrindavana dasa Thakura, as well as many other stalwart leaders of the preaching mission of Mahaprabhu of this time, were also present. After the conclusion of the celebrations, Syamananda took leave from the Vaishnavas there and set out for Utkaladesa.

 

When he came to Kantaknagar, he again met with Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu, and in Jajigram he saw Sri Raghunandana Thakura once more. He was informed that by this time many of the last remaining personal associates of Mahaprabhu had recently disappeared from this world.

 

Gradually, Syamananda Prabhu entered Utkaladesa. Along the way he stayed at the homes of different devotees and blessed them with his mercy. In this way he again came to Gopiballabhpur. Here he received the news that his guru, Sri Hrdaya Caitanya prabhu, had also departed from this world, he fainted dead away. After recovering his consciousness, he wept for some time, terribly distraught. Sri Hrdaya Caitanya appeared to him in a dream and comforted him.

 

The greatness of Syamananda became known throughout all of Orissa and the worship of Sri Gaura-Nityananda was inaugurated in many, many places. Sri Rasika Murari, Sri Radhananda, Sri Purusottama, Sri Manohara, Cintamani, Balabhadra, Sri Jagadisvara, Sri Uddhava, Akrura Madhurana, Sri Govinda, Sri Jagannatha, Gadadhar, Anandanandana and Sri Radha Mohan were among the intimate and dear disciples of Sri Syamananda prabhu.

 

After conquering in all directions Syamananda returned to Gopi-ballabhpur where he observed a great festival for some days. Then he came to Uddanda Raya Bhui's house, at Nrsimhapur where he held a great festival. On the first day of the dark fortnight in the month of Asar Sri Syamananda Prabhu left this world.

 

Syamananda Prabhu's puspa samadhi and the place where he found Srimati Radharani's ankle bracelet is just across the street from Sri Sri Radha-Syamsundara's temple in Vrndavana. Sri Sri Radha-Syamsundara are his worshippable Deities.

 

[Guest guest]

 

from guru tattwa essays: http://www.geocities.com/mahaksadasa/gt.html

by mahaksadasa 1995

 

INITIAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SPIRIT GUIDE

Sri Gurudeva is the One, who, on the very first contact by the individual sincerely seeking guidance to the Absolute Truth, tells all that needs to be done to attain the highest prefection. For no apparant reason, such a person appears at a time when the Bhakta is at the lowest position, in thew darkest hour, in the midst of calamity. You are hearing from one who has no disciples. I have stories of calamitous failures and stories of success i lay at the feet of those who have cared enough about my welfare that they see fit to give matchless gifts.

 

Sri Nityananda Prabhu's devout ward, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has many disciples, ranging from bonafide spiritual masters in their own right to those who place their "Hare Krsna Experiance" in between the Jefferson Airplane and Disco Mania phases of their lives. The Uttama Adhikari makes no distinction between these disciples, theirfore the relationship is the responsibility of disciple. Srila Prabhupada teaches by His example. He cries wonderful tears as He remembers the disciple's service performed, always thanking them for helping Him please His Guru Maharaja. This personification of Sri Siksastakam establishes guru-tattwa as disciplic in nature.

 

Srila Prabhupada is not alone on a pedestal, He refuses such position, and when He teaches, He never says "I demand, I say, My position is as such." He has never relinquished His qualification as bonafide disciple of His Guru Maharaja, therefore, always cries, "Thank you very much for helping us spread this Krsna Consciousness Movement." The disciple who is helping Guru is guru-tattwa, this is disciplic succession.

 

As disciple and Gurudeva establish relationship, the initial request by the Acarya is serious and never to be given up under any circumstance. When one develops a little sincerity, Gurudeva (the unlimited variety) will be sent to help the person and provide what is necessary to turn the individual from nitya baddha to nitya siddha. The way a touchstone works, the stone has to touch, and the initial instruction takes place. This request is not to help build a house, raise funds for foundation, these later practical instructions are linked to the first instruction, which is to help the Vaisnava Acarya serve His Guru Maharaja and give Krsna Consciousness to the world's needy by first hearing, then chanting and remembering the Names, Form, Pastimes, and Associates of the Supreme Lord. Tell everyone about Krsna up to the level that we have understood, give to others as we have been given.

 

Subsequent instructions by such a lover and servant of the Supreme Lord are always linked in relationship to the initial teachings. When we take it upon ourselves to ask for such further instruction, it is of tantamount importance that we, too, do so in accordance with an understanding and rememberance of the first instructions, otherwise, we risk the danger of not actually having the sincerity needed to make advancement, thus we may risk the very relationship altogether. We may go out and totally absorb ourselves in the management issues or building projects, even the planning and providence of maha-festivals, yet if we are not taking the medicine the capable Physician first prescribed, trouble may be ahead. This is to not justify laziness in regard to Gurudeva's Preaching Mission, which needs practical hard work to fulfill His promise, (in other words, "im remembering the Lord, cannot milk the cows today" does not please Gurudeva, so the Lord we remember thus is an illusion, anyway.) But this is a caution against jumping the gun and making promises that cannot be kept. Gurudeva's promise is His life, and we help Him most to fulfill His promise by honestly complying with His requests, not picking and cvhoosing which instruction suits us best.

 

Gurudeva is found, always, in the ranks of humble disciples, He has no desire to be an ascended master. This idea is from other schools, philosophies that depend on the self to provide pleasure, depend on prestiege to succeed, have no use for the poor and needy, no tolerance for those who are sceptics, and no abilities to provide the nectar for which we are all anxious. The bonafide disciples that are helping Gurudeva spread this movement, attracting candidates for the matchless gifts to be distributed, these are the successors to Srila Prabhupada. To help them to be pleasing to Guru Maharaja is the most pleasing service to the Lord, and such pleasure of Sri Govinda is the sublime life promised. All glories to the Vaisnavas, the seasoning of the world.

 

Srila Prabhupada went through magnificent effort and great service to not only Sri Govinda, but for the entire Vaisnava Community for ages to come by publishing His Masterpiece Literature, find Guru-Tattwa clearly depicted there, see Arjuna fall down in nervous breakdown with no alternative but surrender to the will of the Supreme Lord, and, wow, it is getting clear, here is a nice Vaisnava not only offering me friendship, but giving me matchless gifts of the nectar for which I have always been anxious.

 

To the One who, I know, reads here, I offer heartfelt obiesancies. Your initial instructions are the gifts of life to the dead and dying. These gifts will be forever before me, and, though I admit they are still being opened and not yet fully appreciated, such kindness of a friend of the poor and needy cannot be adequately praised.

 

 

Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna, Krsna, Hare Hare,

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Ys, mahaksadasa

 

[Guest guest]

see:

 

http://www.geocities.com/mahaksadasa/gtva.html