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ESSAYS
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Jabs of Maya
Ananta Sakti dasa
England
ISKCON is Srila Prabhupada's body, by ISKCON I mean wherever there are followers of Srila Prabhupada. This ISKCON practically reaches all corners of the earth and like the earth we see some parts experience more trouble than other parts. For example in the Middle East there is always war going on, whereas in Switzerland it is mostly peaceful. Within the perspective of the next 10,000 years ISKCON is still a baby, and to my angle of vision maya, like a doctor, systematically injects our Society different types of deadly viruses. The idea is that the ISKCON baby develops immunity through the natural rectifying potency of Lord Caitanya, his pure representative Srila Prabhupada and subsequently their followers. We see babies and small children get all sorts of upsets and illnesses and on top of that are given small doses of smallpox, dyptheria and polio in order that they develop immunity. In this way at different times Maya injects into ISKCON shots of impersonalism, avatarism, mismanagement, sahajiyaism and the rest. Then repercussions are felt as the wisdom of body recognizes the diseases and deals with them accordingly even though it can seem to take ages from our viewpoint. The wheels of God turn slowly but grind exceedingly fine to which history often bears testimony. I have faith that in this way ISKCON develops a natural defense system which strengthen it for the future. I personally find this analogy encouraging as it tends to reverse the growth of pessimism and skepticism which can arise from witnessing and experiencing so many disease symptoms. Negative attitudes are so undesirable as the inevitably lead to offensiveness, moroseness, inertia and other lower modes.
	Another encouraging analogy is that of mother Ganges who at different times carries in her waters all sorts of mud, foam, sticks and corpses, yet, in spite of this she still maintains her essential purity. She flows on. And as one poet said, "The best is yet to come?" 

Let Us Not Judge Others
B.A. Goswami
I am most grateful to you for Priti-laksanam. It is especially nice to see letters from old friends that I have lost track of. Please always continue this forum for loving exchanges between all those of Srila Prabhupada's family. Srila Prabhupada is the desire tree of Bhaktivedanta. Whatever one desires approaching himÑwhether pure love, great knowledge or wisdomÑthat they will surely receive by the grace of Srimati Radharani and Nityananda Rama! Each soul harvests different fruit from this tree of paradise that is Srila Prabhupada's infinite mercy and love for fallen souls. Let us never impede anyone in their approach to the desire tree of Bhaktivedanta! Rather, let us all work diligently to remove every obstacle on the path of all souls toward seva at the divine feet of Radha-Krsna!
	We must remember that all beings have their unique rasa ,or flavor, of loving relationship with Godhead. Some acaryas inspire a particular type of love in their followers. Others, like our beloved Srila Prabhupada, inspire variegated loving relationships simultaneously. Our sisters and brothers may be very attracted to Vrndavana or Dvaraka Krsna, or to Narahari's awesome protective ferocity! Some devotees are captivated by Nitai-Gauranga's madness in divine loveÑwhile others are simply perplexed by it and prefer to read Bhagavad-Gita.
	We must never presume to judge a devotee's relationship to God and guru as if it were some mundane thing subject to psychological or sociological speculation. RasaÑloving relationships between God and guru and souls are the greatest mysteriesÑthey are the holy of holiest inviolable sanctum wherein Godhead gives free range of expression of infinite creativity in sweetness and every other possible (and compatible) flavor of love. As long as there is no rasa-basa (perversion or bad taste in the character of the relationship) then devotees should leave each other to develop their respective seva (devotional service) in peace. They should even encourage and empower seva! All this hyper-critical spirit of censure and fault-finding has not empowered and enthused devotees in their service, and it has generally sent many sincere souls away from the door step of Srila Prabhupada's world-house.
	Please let us all appreciate every proper mode of goodness service undertaken for the pleasure of God and guru. Please let us all avoid the mad elephant of offense to those who are giving their lives for the salivation of the world and the fulfillment of the mission of the Lord! 

On the Guru
Chitraketu dasa
England
This is a subject I've been wanting to air my views on for a long time. I have isolated certain misleading arguments and I would like to share my insight with devotees in general.
	The first erroneous argument is: "You cannot make any spiritual advancement without first accepting a guru." On the surface of it this argument seems plausible, but we must take into consideration that some people are advancing toward the point where they are actually ready to accept a guru. First of all one must appreciate the importance of accepting a guru; this will come after gaining a clear understanding of who the guru is and what his function is, and next one must make oneself ready so that one will be in a position to obey and keep one's vows to the guru. That requires some spiritual strength. The argument, on the surface, appears to be a condemnation of anyone who hasn't yet accepted a guru, but has anyone considered how much more condemned is a person who accepts a guru superficially and then violates his vows and the privilege of that connection? Accepting a guru is a serious thing, and if one is not yet ready for it, there is no advantage to be gained by precipitating the process. Therefore, don't let anyone use this argument to push you toward initiation when you don't feel ready for it. Point number one.
	Second point is, one is often advised to take initiation from this guru or that guru because "he's Indian" or "he had a lot of association with Prabhupada" or "he lives in the dhama" or "he's particularly learned in the scriptures" or "he's a strict sannyasi." All these things and others may be fine commendation, but are not really reasons why you should make an eternal connection with this person, unless you yourself are inclined to. The qualities of a pure devotee have absolutely nothing to do with external appearances. A pure devotee may be ugly or beautiful, married or renounced, Indian or western, young or old, learned or only modestly conversant with the scriptures Ñthese are not really criteria for deciding who is a genuine guru (i.e., who is fit to initiate). There is a certain exotic aura surrounding an Indian guru who knows Sanskrit etc., but in reality there is no sound reason to believe that such a person is any more fit to initiate than a Westerner who is sincere in the service of his spiritual masterÑdevotional service. In fact, from a practical point of view the westerner might be a better choice for another westerner, because of the lack of cultural differences in outlook.
	Third bogus idea isÑ"He is the only pure devotee on the planet and you won't get a chance like this again." That there should be only one genuine spiritual master as a successor to Srila Prabhupada is patently absurd and against the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who instructed everyone to become a spiritual master and preach. This movement is not being successful if it is not producing pure devotees and the number of pure devotees on the planet should be increasing, not dwindling. The idea of one single successor to Srila Prabhupada leads us into a Gaudiya Math-type situation, which is dangerous and promotes spiritual dictatorship. If our movement accepts such an idea, it will become crippled. So the only solution is "Don't push your guru!"
	Leave others the freedom and the thinking space to make up their minds about who they want to accept as their guru. This is respectful. If you wish to advertise the glories of your spiritual master, do so by becoming a perfect example of his teachings. The spiritual master himself has nothing to gain from increasing the number of his disciples, so there is no need to set up advertising agencies for this one or that one. It benefits neither the disciple nor the master, but is a product of materialistic party thinking.

New York Centennial Group
Dayananda and Nandimukhi Prabhus
Rockville, MD and New York, NY
We'd like to inform you of our progress in organizing New York's Srila Prabhupada Centennial. First our goals. In Alachua for the International Centennial Committee we presented the following as our vision:
1. Create highly visible activities to effect a national change in consciousness toward devotees.
2. Establish a network of contacts for continued cultivation.
3. Extend the Movement through engaging others.
4. Designate 1996 as the kickoff year for increased preaching in the United States.
5. Focus on New York City as the cultural/economic capitol of the United States.
	Our strategy is cultural conquest of New York. However, we consider the internal purpose of our service is to connect with a variety of Prabhupada followers, disciples, and friends. We hope to serve this wonderful community by fostering greater cohesion and communication. Here's a brief report on each event.
	Rock Concert: Consulting with Badarinarayana, Rukmini, Mukunda Maharaja, Laksmi Nrsimha, and Robin Cannon, we've hit upon the idea to have a benefit concert. We see the Paul Simon concert in Central Park as a good model. Although it had an extremely high profile, its operating costs were relatively low. Laksmi suggested making a wish list of performers. At this stage we'd like to shoot high, targeting mega-performers like George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Grateful Dead, etc. Dayananda is going to London to get ideas from Syamasundara and others who originally contacted the Beatles. We shall also contact Ekendra, who works with an environmental group as liaison with rock groups such as the B52s.
	Book Exhibit: We've consulted Sesa, Pradyumna, Ranjit, and others. Putting Prabhupada's books (along with ancient Gita's, Bhagavatams, Goswami works, etc.) on display in a prestigious public library is exciting. Pradyumna has many contacts and has agreed to give us regular consultation on the content and presentation of the exhibit. We're encouraging the Bhaktivedanta Archives to create a display that might tour many libraries across the country. Our friend Narasimha Maharaja (Jagatguru Maharaja) may also be willing to loan historical objects and texts from his collection.
	Academic Conference: We've spoken to Sadaputa, Hridayananda Maharaja, Garuda, Satyaraja, Rasaraja, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja, and Ravindra Svarupa. Rasaraja seems to have the best model for conferences, since he's conduced several including the "Synthesis of Science and Religion" in Bombay, 1986, and is also coordinating the one in Calcutta for 1996. We're now discussing a conference on consciousness, although it's too early to precisely identify the theme and who will be invited. This is particularly exciting to Dayananda, because even in IBM there is cognitive science and consciousness.
	Art Exhibit: We've consulted with Hari Kirtana, Saradiya, Puskar, Tosan Krsna, and others. Hari Kirtana is now investigating a venue for the exhibit. We'd like to consider whether paintings will be sold, and whether we can obtain devotional paintings from prestigious collections like that of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. We're now in the process of putting together a portfolio of art/artists.
	Indian Concert: We are scheduled to meet with Nikil Trivedi. Nikil and his wife know the cultural needs of the Indian community, and they've successfully executed many public festivals. We'd like to help them organize something large and memorable. Recently Indians rented the Javitts Center and reportedly had 50,000 people daily for a Ramayana Katha. We're eager to attract a similar response.
	ISKCON Pilgrimage to N.Y.C: We are beginning to mount a campaign among ISKCON leaders, asking them to encourage devotees worldwide to come to the Ratha-yatra in New York in 1996. Lokanatha Maharaja said, "We want major celebrations in New York, because that is where Prabhupada's other body, ISKCON, took birth." We're also encouraging skilled book distributors to come to New York at that time. We're in regular consultation with Ramabhadra, Locanananda, Brhat Sloka, Romapada Maharaja to anticipate the logistics of prasadam, lodging, and transportation during that period. Ananda Moy, Vidura, Narayana (in Alachua), and others are keen to organize a devotee business expo in conjunction with other exhibits.
	Reunion: Both 1995 and 1996 reunions are important. The London reunion was successful, and reunions in California also establish good feelings among devotees. Prema Bhakti Marga, Locanananda and Dayananda are now discussing and planning these events.
	Advertisement/Public Relations: By consulting with Tosan Krsna, we've become excited about the idea of communicating the history of the Hare Krsna movement in New York City to the public. This will form a central theme for our media communications and be the focus of a photographic exhibit to be displayed in a major public space. Articles on the N.Y. Centennial appear in the current issue of the ISKCON World Review. In Addition, we're arranging to put ads in several Vaisnava publications.
	If you're interested in participating, or would like to know more, contact Dayananda dasa, 5111 Crossfield Ct. #11, Rockville, MD 20852. (301) 770-4010, or call Nandi Mukhi at(718) 784-2459

Achieving Success in the Grhastha Asrama
Hemlata devi dasi
New York, New York
I am a psychotherapist by profession, and I counsel both temple and householder devotees. In my service to the devotees, I find that, essentially, they have the same problems as nondevotees. Their presenting complaints, overall, revolve around control, dependency, identity, self-image, self-esteem, and interpersonal or relationship issues. What makes them different from nondevotees, is their awareness of their spiritual identity, and awareness of their eternal relationship with Lord Krsna. Nonetheless, there are devotees who harbor underlying or unconscious feelings of self-loathing, shame, guilt, worthlessness, etc. . . . Oftentimes, stemming from being victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The tendency toward control, perfectionism, and fear of loss of control are also problematic for many devotees. Issues around authority, lack of self-confidence, being too critical and judgmental of oneself, to the point of being self-punitive or self-destructive, feeling unduly judged and criticized by others, feeling our of touch with one's feelings, feeling incapable of expressing or communicating one's inner feelings or thoughts, and feeling angry, confused, depressed, etc. over old, unresolved problems are just some of the complaints which are presented in the clinical setting.
	As mentioned earlier, although devotees know that they are spirit-souls and are eternal servants of Lord Krsna, even in this regard, there are problems. For example, difficulty in maintaining the 4 regulative principles, difficulty in chanting the prescribed number of rounds, having no taste for chanting at all, resistance toward following the suggestions or orders of siksa or diksa guru, and so on. These, and other difficulties in one's sadhana-bhakti or practice of devotional life, can significantly hinder one's ability to make progress or achieve success as a householder, which brings me to the topic of this paper.
	What I want to address in this paper are some repetitive themes which come up in my sessions with householder devotees. Although the intra-psychic, interpersonal, and spiritual struggles of householders vary from person to person, the underlying themes are, fundamentally, the same. Although the philosophy teaches that one is a servant of Lord Krsna . . .  that, ultimately, one is not the "doer," not the "controller," not the "proprietor," and not the "enjoyer," there is a tendency, because of one's conditioning, to forget or to defy these teachings.
	For example, there have been several instances when new husbands and/or not so newly-married, male devotees have, essentially, said to me, in reference to wanting sex with their marital partner, but not for the purpose of wanting a child: "She is my wife, and a good, Vedic wife should never hesitate or refuse to please her husband." My feedback is as follows: This attitude clearly points out the desire to enjoy that which belongs to Lord Krsna. It also shows how one manipulates the philosophy to satisfy one's own purposes. It goes against the regulative principle. It contaminates the quality of chanting, and, above all, it's just another example of how maya entangles one in her web of illusion . . .  most specifically, the identification with the body.
	It is important to mention here, that in my experience with counseling householders, it is, usually, the husband, not the wife, who expects and/or demands unregulated or active sex life. Not infrequently, I hear myself reminding couples that sex is for procreation, not recreation. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 11 (Part Two), Chapter 18 Text 43, Lord Krsna says: "A householder may approach his wife for sex only at the time prescribed for begetting children. Otherwise, the householder should practice celibacy, austerity, cleanliness of mind and body, satisfaction in his natural position, and friendship toward all living entities. Worship of Me is to be practiced by all human beings, regardless of social or occupational divisions." In the Krsna book, on the "Description of Autumn," Chapter 20, Page 180, it states: "It is therefore recommended that a woman desiring to advance in Krsna consciousness, live peacefully with a husband, and that the couple not separate under any condition. The husband and wife should control sex indulgence and concentrate their minds on Krsna consciousness so their life may be successful. After all, in the material world a man requires a woman, and a woman requires a man. When they are combined, they should live peacefully, in Krsna consciousness and should not be restless like the lightning, flashing from one group of clouds to another."
	It is also important to note that there have been a few times when I've counseled devotees where the husbands have repeatedly battered their wives physically and emotionally. In these instances, in gathering clinical data, it was revealed that one or both of the marital partners had been victims of childhood abuse, and/or had witnessed violence in the home as children or adolescents. Those devotees who had the courage to, stick it out, so to speak, in individual and/or couple's counseling, give themselves an opportunity to begin to come to terms with such feelings as hurt, anger, aggression, helplessness, shame, guilt, depression, etc. It also afforded the husband a chance to honestly address false ego components, such as arrogance, the need to control, to dominate, to treat his wife as personal property, and so on. It also gave the wife a chance to identify and understand her part in the abusive situation, for example, giving her husband double messages, unconsciously repeating the victim role or passive role of her childhood in her interpersonal dealings with her husband, and so on. Even though, as mentioned earlier, in a passage taken from the Krsna book . . .  that a "couple not separate under any condition." When a husband repeatedly beats, rapes, and emotionally abuses his wife, and refuses help for himself, it is in the wife's best interest, if at all possible, to remove herself from the abusive situation, and seek out spiritual and psychological counseling. She should also, however, in keeping with our basic philosophical teachings, maintain celibacy, do penance, maintain cleanliness, be self-satisfied, have friendship with all living beings, and above all, worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead. These duties are for every jiva soul. This is stated in the description of the varnasrama-dharma, Canto 11 (Part Two), Chapter 18, Page 223. Furthermore, the wife, nor the husband, should not consider divorce as an option, because in the eyes of God, the marital union is a spiritual one and an eternal one.
	When problems arise for householder which impede spiritual growth, counseling, in some instances can help, and depending on the nature of the symptoms or complaints, even a 12 Step Program can help. But as long as a grhastha thinks himself or herself to be the "controller," the "doer," the "proprietor," and the "enjoyer," he or she will not be happy or advance nicely or successfully in his or her spiritual life. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 11, (Part Two), Chapter 18, Text 33, it states: "Because we desire to enjoy the material body, the varieties of material experience bring us flickering happiness and inevitable suffering. We foolishly consider ourselves to be controllers and doers, and thus, through false egotism, we are subjected to the volatile feelings of the material body and mind."
	Another recurring theme, which comes up in the counseling sessions, are problems with communication, both on the verbal and non-verbal levels. If you've grown up in a household where verbalizing feelings and/or demonstrating feelings especially affectionate ones, didn't occur or rarely occurred, for whatever reasons, it's almost expected that one will encounter communication problems with one's mate. Householders have expressed such feelings as follows: 
	"My wife tells me that I don't show any empathy toward her. How can I, when most times I don't even know what I feel."
	"Sometimes I just want him to hold me, but I don't know how to ask him. Anyway . . .  he'll just think I'm in maya."
	"I'm supposed to be my wife's protector, but how can I tell her I'm scared too."
	"My wife tells me that I don't show enough kindness toward her. She's right. I don't, because my understanding of the philosophy is that this kind of affection will only make us more attached. What should I do?"
	"I've been taught that my real identity is that I'm pure spirit soul, but I feel like I'm a pure wimp. My wife treats me like an old shoe. She has no respect for me. She makes me angry, but I don't know how to tell her."
	These are just a few illustrations of communication problems that exist within grhastha relationships. So aside from the struggles associated with sadhana, health concerns, economic matters, cultural adjustments (if any), education, etc., there are these relationship dynamics, which also need to be addressed. It's also amazing to learn how many devotees feel that they shouldn't let themselves have feelings or emotional needs, because they are trying to advance spiritually. Somehow they feel that in endeavoring to make spiritual advancement, it makes them exempt from the necessity for fundamental relationship skills. The fact of the matter is that in having the ability to listen, to express certain emotional needs to each other, and to learn how to resolve conflicts through specific methods can, indeed, enhance one's devotional life. Our Movement does see the need, and has been making available, through trained and/or experienced devotees, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. on how to have successful, interpersonal relations with spouses and other members of the family. It is up to grhasthas to take advantage of these learning opportunities.
	As for demonstrating feelings of affection, a subject which stimulates much controversy among devotees, Srila Prabhupada never disapproved of affection between husband and wife, and he never said such affection was maya or illusion. On the contrary, in his personal letters to his disciples, he encouraged it. For example, on October 8, 1967 he wrote to one of his female disciples, Nandarani, the following letter:
	"Regarding your personal question in the matter of relationship with your husband, your relationship with your husband is all right. You must be faithful and devoted to your husband, Dayananda. Vedic system advises women to become very chaste and accept the husband as master. Your husband is especially good, because he is progressing in Krsna consciousness. I am very glad that you, two, are a very good combination, and your devotion for your husband, and your husband's love for you are considered great achievements. I feel very happy when I see my spiritual boys and girls, especially those who have been married by my personal presence, are very happy in their conjugal relationship."
	This was taken from an article by Hrishikesh Dasa, which appeared in Volume 10, April 1994's publication of Priti-laksanam, an internal newsletter for Vaisnava discussions. In Hrishikesh Dasa's article, "Affection Between Husband and Wife." He states that Srila Prabhupada wanted mature, responsible householders to manage his Movement. This is clear by the fact that all the original GBC men were married. He knew that for a husband and wife to live together peacefully, and push on the movement, there would have to be some affection between them. Ideally, as stated in many places, the wife should be faithful to her husband out of duty, even if affection isn't there. But that is neither likely, or expected, in westernized women. Therefore, Srila Prabhupada encouraged the women to be very attached to their husbands. He never preached some artificial renunciation to his young, and usually, passionate disciples." This, in no way, however, negates or minimizes the important fact that in order for couples to have a nice householder situation, they must try to "rigidly follow the Vedic rules and regulations in order to avoid the collapse of one's spiritual determination." This is stated in Canto 11 (Part Two), Chapter 17, Text 37 of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. It is important to note here that Srila Prabhupada sees relationships between devotees, including married devotees, as everlasting, and in several places, he states straightforwardly, that husband and wife go back to Godhead together. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 11 (Part Two), Chapter 17, Text 52, it reads: "A responsible householder should guide his family members and other dependents back home, back to Godhead, for an eternal life of bliss and knowledge. One should not become a false and puffed-up lord for a brief span of time, for then one will remain bound up, along with his family members in the cycle of repeated birth and death."
	Another issue which has frequently come up in counseling couples has to do with one partner's overt or covert envy of the other partner's sincere desire to advance in spiritual life. Statements which illustrate overt envy are as follows:
	"Before you decided you wanted to take initiation, you used to make time for us. Now, all I hear is I've got to do japa, or I have to go hear this one speak, or I have to read now, and so on."
	Another example is: "All I hear you talk about is what Prabhupada says, Prabhupada says this . . . or Prabhupada says that."
	Behaviorally, an example of overt envy would be making negative comments and/or preventing or interfering with a partner's association with devotees who are serious about Krsna consciousness.
	Statements to illustrate covert or secret envy are as follows:
	"She never cooked like this for me" (or) "He never picked out special flowers for me."
	In terms of behavior, an example of covert envy would be keeping a partner waiting, who is anxious to attend a temple program on time. It is important to note that sometimes covert envy is unconscious. But whether the envy if overt or covert, conscious or unconscious, bottom line, it means the same thing. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 11 (Part Two). Chapter 18, Text 20, it states: "One who is envious of the Lord and His devotees becomes attracted to bad association, gradually loses control of the senses and falls down into the network of impious life."
	Srila Prabhupada says: "So long as people will remain in darkness about Krsna consciousness, these things, rubbish things will go on. I'll find out fault in you; you'll find out fault in me. That's all. Because the basic principle of material civilization is envy. I do not like you; you do not like me. That's all. Envy. Everywhere, individually, nationally, socially, family-wise, everyone is envious. That is the material disease."
	This quote comes from (2) letters written by Srila Prabhupada on February 20, 1969 and February 4, 1972 on the subject of being "Non-Envious." It was printed in the November 1992 issue of Daily Devotions and Meditations, compiled and edited by Kelilalita Dasi.
	The question, which devotees raise is how does one overcome this bad quality of enviousness? Srila Prabhupada says that if one wants to be successful at neutralizing the ill effects of envy. "Just chant Hare Krsna. Cleanse your mind. All dirty things will go. Because you neglect to chant regularly, therefore, all dirty things remain. In the transcendental world, a devotee is never envious of another devotee on account of his excellence, but, on the contrary, if a devotee finds some excellence in other devotees, he eulogizes the devotee, admitting his own subordinate position. Although in the spiritual world, there is no such concept of subordination, still devotees on account of being very humble and meek, think that way. In the material world the same thing is expressed in a perverted form. But in the spiritual world, to accept one's inferior position does not mean envious mentality upon the other. Unhappiness experienced by a devotee on account of feeling himself inferior is not unusual, rather such mentality is impetus to further development of devotional service." This quote was also taken from Daily Devotions and Meditations, November 1992. In the Nectar of Devotion, Page 142, it states: "If one can gradually advance his status in devotional service, this is understood to be due to the causeless mercy of Krsna, Himself."
	In closing, I'd like to say that ultimate success in the grhastha asrama depends mainly on heartfelt surrender to Lord Krsna. This is accomplished by dovetailing one's inclination to love someone by serving the lotus feet of a pure devotee. Lord Krsna guides one internally within the heart, and externally through the bona fide spiritual master; Consequently, the most significant characteristic one can have, is Krsna consciousness.
	I'd like to leave all of you with this quotation from theSrimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 11, Chapter 19, Text 2:
	"For learned, self-realized philosophers I am the only object of worship, the desired goal of life, the means for achieving that goal, and the settled conclusion of all knowledge. Indeed, because I am the cause of their happiness and their freedom from unhappiness, such learned souls have no effective purpose or dear object in life except Me."

The Power of the Tongue
Gadi dasa
Alachua, FL
The tongue is the most powerful of the senses. It has two functions, to taste and to speak. In partnership with the mind and intelligence it can be used to impart the greatest gift, or it can be used to impart the greatest pain. Somewhere in between is ordinary existence with a mixture of moderately painful or pleasure full words.
	The impact of insulting, abrasive speech is clearly exposed by the statement of Lord Krishna speaking to Uddhava, (Bhag. 11.22.61) . . .  "There is virtually no saintly person in this world capable of resettling his own mind after it has been disturbed by the insulting words that become lodged within the heart when spoken by uncivilized men."
	It seems that verbal abuse has been with us for a long time.
	Krishna explains that the heart is not nearly so damaged by physical piercing as it is by sharp insults and crude speech which remain lodged within the heart. How long it remains there before surfacing depends upon the level of relationship commitment established prior to the abuse. For instance, if one student is insulting or abusive to another classmate, he or she can simply walk away and avoid further contact. But a child, wife, husband, brother, sister, etc. even religious associates simply cannot do that. Sooner or later the soul will respond, find an escape route, sometimes with disruptive repercussions in our personal and social lives.
	Sound vibration is the most powerful energy. Everything in the universe created originates from sound. The perfection of mind from its conditional bonds and frees the soul to relish his constitutional position of devotion to Krsna.
	Conversely, if the conditioned soul is subjected to mundane intimidation or negative sound vibrations he becomes bound and confined. Sometimes it can even constrict his natural instincts toward work and devotion. That's why not giving the sounds of Krishna to the conditioned souls is the greatest cruelty.
	In our dealings as fellow devotees, we too easily allow our conversations to drift toward the discussions that more than often lead to criticism of other devotees. Sometimes we speak directly toward those we feel need criticism but more often to others about others. These sometimes less than tactful comments eventually find their way back to the target and those words lodge within the heart. The result is a distancing of oneself from on another to protect ones feelings. Therefore the six intimate exchanges of love between one devotee and another becomes a more remote possibility. 
	The conclusion is that we must exchange with each other only the positive, encouraging Krsna conscious realizations, the sounds that endear each of us to each other. The trust thus established can only deepen our attachment and love for each other and Krsna.

An Initiation Story
Ananta Sakti dasa
England
I was definitely a teenage rebel. As they took me away in handcuffs my mother's parting words were, "Don't worry, son, all things must pass." Those few simple words elevated my mind above the impending internment and sustained me through the subsequent months of deprivation. By implication those few words gave me an impression of eternity to take solace in. And so my mother as first guru initiated me into the "sat" feature of spiritÑeternity.
	Sometime after that episode, while searching for "ananda" or bliss at a pop festival an overdose of lysergic acid severed my grip on tangible reality. For the next three months, which seemed like forever, I, a lost soul wandered the realms of purgatory awaiting elusive retribution. Eternity was no friend now for it had entered into this condition. Angst-ridden I prayed desperately to God, but needed a guide. There was Ron Holbeche, the symbolist painter. He was a Christian mystic who painted vibrant canvases that were exhibited in the more progressive churches for the glory of God. He always talked of God and the service of God. I lived with him and his family. I served him, he taught me, he was my guru always saying, "Man was made to serve God." He taught me I had to find my service to God through the son of God. We moved to a forest commune where I chanted the Lord's Prayer constantly week after week. I wasn't praying for daily bread. I needed strength to get from one moment to the next without falling into the gaping abyss that yawned in all directions. I craved a vision of God, a target to focus my mind on. I wanted that.
	One day a visitor came to the door. "Hi, I'm Carol," she said. "I've just come from Canada. Something strange, a crossed telephone line, someone told me to visit you." "Come in," I beckoned. The next day she told me, "Take this, I learnt it from the devotees at a Hare Krsna temple: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare." Closing my eyes and with intense concentration I repeated the mantra over and over and beheld of divine proportion a beautiful Deity of blue sapphire. He illuminated the darkness and appeared fully conscious. I had been initiated into the chanting of the maha-mantra and my heart's desire was fulfilled. By the mercy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu the power of the mantra had leapt into my heart as it had hers. I was hari-nama initiated. But Carol went away, and due to the influence of ignorance and bereft of suitable association I soon forgot the sequence of words in the mantra, even though I tried repeatedly to recall them. 1972, Oxford St., LondonÑI walked straight into a hari-nama party. I would normally avoid them, I mean dancing around with shaved heads and robes in broad daylightÑit was outrageous. Anyway they surrounded me and of the smiling into my soul pressed into my hand a "simply wonderful" milk sweet and said, "Try it." "Wow!" I cried as it exploded in my mouth infusing my nervous system with waves of ecstasy. "What is it?" "Just a milk sweet," he joked knowing my material prospects had just been terminated. For three days I was haunted continuously by the taste and told everybody about it. I was now initiated into another feature of spiritÑananda.
	All I needed now was knowledge of the Absolute to make sat cit ananda complete. Spike and Angie were cured heroin addicts, but more than that they were sweet devotees of Krsna, they had met Srila Prabhupada, had been to Vrndavana, they chanted and offered their food on the altar. I would visit once a week. Angie in particular loved to talk about Krsna. She loaned me Bhagavatam to read and would discuss philosophy and tell of lila hour after hour. Such a warm hearted person and good friend, but in retrospect I can understand she was guru, she gave me knowledge of the Absolute. She persuaded me to visit the Bhaktivedanta Manor and one weekend we went together in a group. Having darsana with the Deity and being with the devotees evoked in me the most ancestral of memories. This was the ultimate deja vu, the original home again experience! I stayed and got reinitiated into the chanting of the holy names.
	Looking back I can understand at that point in time I was more or less initiated into Krsna consciousness; I was inside the door. What now? Go forward and serve. As time went by Jayatirtha dasa was kind enough to preside over a fire sacrifice. He gave me beads and initiated me as Atmarama dasa. I promised to follow the four regs. My karma was burned offÑit was uplifting. He was guru. He later initiated me as twice born with mantras in the ear and a string across the chest. He fell away. I was a pujariÑoffer everything now to Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada, picture on the altar, icon on the horizon, pure, infallible, constant and dependable. Srila Prabhupada always there, who could be more of a guru? Well, Bhagavan dasa came along and tried to be more of a guru. He gave the choice, "Come under my control or die." Well if you can't beat them join them. "Yes Gurudeva. No Gurudeva. Sorry. I mean Srila Gurudeva, O Supreme Personality of Servitor Godhead." He reinitiated me as Ananta Sakti dasa and claimed me as his own, thank you Srila Gurudeva. Another guru comes, another guru falls. Who is there to catch me?
	Jaya Srila Prabhupada, my savior, where would I be without you? Srila Prabhupada in the difficult days that followed many times on the pretext of dream you allowed me into your presence. First I was overcome with awe and reverence but when that barrier dissolved you talked with me in a natural paternal way, person to person. I now know I have an eternal father, incorruptible and loving like no other. Others may come or go, but I know you transcend time and space and will always be there empowering so many initiations to go on. To test me others may cast darts of doubt into my mind regarding my relationship with you, Srila Prabhupada, but as if to dispel all this Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in flowing saffron robes appeared in a dream, approached me as I was kneeling empty handed and forlorn. He placed japa mala into my right hand and said, "That hand is for chanting." Now if someone asks me, "Who were you initiated by, Prabhu?" How am I to answer? I will not be proud, perplexed or shamefaced; I will say, "There have been many initiations and many initiators. Sit closely and listen." There was that time big Bhagavan dasa performed a fire sacrifice and initiated me into the grhastha asrama, etc., etc., etc., And so the story continues for there is no end. Jaya Srila Prabhupada, eternal guru, acarya sun. All glories to your devotees who by example and good instruction are continuously initiating me into deeper levels of Krsna consciousness.

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IN RESPONSE to ARTICLES
in PREVIOUS ISSUES
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"World of Duality"
(Issue #11)
Isvara dasa
Washington, DC
You touched a very good point in your July letter concerning the humility of a devotee and how a devotee expresses his/herself by using religion as an outlet for emotional security.
	Humility is the very characteristic of a devotee of Krsna. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is His Siksastaka said "trnad api sunicena taror api sahisnuna, amanina manadena kirtaniya sada hari." Translation is, "One should be humbler than a blade of grass, be more tolerant than a tree, be ready to offer respects to all living entities, in such a state of mind, one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly." So I strongly agree with you about the humility of a devotee.
	We are in this material world because of perverted desire to lord over material energy. Under illusion we think ourselves to be the master of all we can survey. As a result we are always in a puffed up mentality, always expecting others to tend to our needs, serve us and worship us. And since we don't always get what we wanted in terms of others serving us, we get disappointed and life becomes unbearable.
	A devotee's only desire is to serve Lord Krsna. Knowing fully well the cause of bondage in this material world, the devotee fully realizes his position, the position of other living entities, and ultimately everybody's position in relationship to the Supreme Lord which is that of an eternal servant. "Jivera svarupa haya krsnera nitya dasa." Throughout Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krsna emphasized the eternal position of all living entities and their eternal connection with Him. Forgetting this eternal position, the living entity is encased in the material body struggling in one life forms to another.
	A pure devotee is always humble. His humility may be expressed in numbers of ways. As a soul surrendered to Krsna, he considers everybody as a devotee of Krsna with the exception of himself. He sees everybody serving Krsna except himself. So he offers respect to all living entities. This is actually the genuine feeling of a first class pure devotee of the Lord.
	Sri Narada Muni in the Eleventh Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam elaborated on how a devotee associates. He offers obeisances to those who are spiritually advanced than himself. He is friendly with those who are his equals, and he is compassionate to those who are neophytes. Generally, it is very difficult for an uttama adhikari to preach in that mood. Because in preaching, one has to make distinctions as mentioned above. So first-class devotee always has to come down to second class platform to preach. When preaching vigorously about the absolute truth, such preaching may not always be palatable to the gross materialists and mental speculators. Rather than flatter gross materialists or the mental speculators, the devotee preaches about the absolute truth without any compromise. Sometimes such devotees are seeing as not humble or being arrogant. Mainly because their teachings are revolutionary, it goes deeply into the root cause of our material entanglement.
	Basically, when you are asking about a devotee's humility toward you, you are looking for protection of your conceptions which is quite speculative, far from the absolute truth. You want a devotee's statement to support your beliefs or reasoning. You get offended when such support is not there. So you label the devotees as not being humble.
	Regarding your statement that a devotee who is not humble and sees religion as a tool for self-expression for emotional outlet, is not quite appropriate. It depends on how you define religion. The very nature of a living entity is what we have to take into consideration. Liquidity is the nature of water. Total harmony is there when the balance of an object and it's nature are there. Srimad-Bhagavatam says, "Sa vai pumsam paro dharmo yato bhakti adhoksaje, ahaituki apratihata yayatma suprasidati" Para dharma refers to the real activity of a living entity. That activity is the real nature of the living entity. In the third chapter of Bhagavad-gita mentioned how the living entity can not be inactive even for a moment. There will always be activity for the living entity. Even though the impersonalists will try to stop all activities by going into samadhi, with the final goal of merging into Brahman effulgence. Such samadhi in Brahman existence have been compared to having a dreamless sleep. When you have a dreamless sleep, you still have to wake up and face realities. Similarly, merging into Brahman effulgence is temporary. The essential hankerings of the living entity which are full cognition, perpetual existence and unending bliss are always there. Merging into Brahman will not provide the fulfillment of these hankerings. That is why the impersonalists always come and engage in some philanthropic activities just to get some satisfaction.
	So as described by Sri Suta Gosvami, yato bhakti adhoksaje. The devotional service unto the transcendental Lord. Such devotional service as described must be unmotivated and uninterrupted. There are quit a bit of explanations for the two words "unmotivated and uninterrupted" that the present writing will not permit me.
	The purpose of bhakti is to please Krsna. He is the real atma. Yayatma suprasidati. A devotee does not render service to Krsna to get any satisfaction for himself, but rather for the pleasure and satisfaction of Krsna. A bhakta will only do what Krsna wants. There are different levels of bhaktas as are already mentioned.
	The devotee preaches based on individual realization. The more the devotee's advancement in spiritual life, the more the level of convictions of his preaching. Obviously, if you listen to a neophyte devotee who may not have total conviction about the conception of divinity, but making an attempt to repeat what he has heard from the guru, then such a devotee may appear to you as someone who is simply utilizing what he has known about religion or what he has heard from his guru for his emotional outlet or security as hinted by you.
	Krsna consciousness is a dynamic activities for the jivas. It is totally beyond all speculative efforts. You made your final statement that ultimately, there is no perfect explanation. The whole material world is full of mental speculators. People by their speculative habits think they can solve the problems of material life which is quite superfluous to them. When we ventured into the spiritual subject matter with the same idea of speculative habits with our imperfect senses and the unsteady mind, we will always be baffled in all attempts to acquire perfect spiritual knowledge. Why will we be wasting our time with a teacher who has an imperfect explanations about the problems of life. All such imperfect explanations are full of solutions to create future miseries of life. Ignorance can only produce ignorance.
	After Arjuna weighs all the various pros and cons on why he could not fight the battle of Kuruksetra, considering the aftermath of the big battle, but all along using his mind and senses, he was totally confused and depressed. What did he do? He turned to Krsna and said, "Sisyas te ham sadhi mam tvam prapannam." He said, "My dear Lord Krsna, You are the perfect master, I am so confused about my duties. Please instruct me. I am a soul surrendered unto You. Please accept me as Your disciple." Following this example of Arjuna, we are not listening to and repeating some imperfect philosophy.

Responses to Issue #11
Rasananda dasa
India
	I had not seen Priti-laksanam for over a year until recently when someone sent me a copy of the July 94 issue. I was nice to hear some intelligent, healthy minds speak and to hear about new developments such as the NAWM, although, fewer of the contributors and correspondents seem to be from among the older followers of Srila Prabhupada.
	Caritamrta says that we should not hesitate to discuss Caitanya controversial topics, because by doing so one is purifiedÑiron becomes hard, strong and refined by being worked (repeatedly being heated and hammered). If the fire of discussion is allowed to cool down and even go out, the siddhanta will die and ISKCON will become just another show religion. I've gone through the Priti-laksanam issue maybe 4 or 5 times now (and worked over my reply about the same number of times too.)
	With regard to Bhakta Steve's plea: though I am not a psychiatrist I am a medical graduateÑfrom one of North America's best medical schoolsÑalso doing a special B. Sc. program in physiology, some research in neurophysiology and taking special interest in psychiatry during medical school. In India I have learnedÑand read myselfÑthe opinion of the Ayur Vedic authority Charaka Samhita. Steve's kind of problem is among those the Charaka classifies as of exogenous origin: Mental problems due to the curse of devas, saintly elders, adepts, ascetics and other superior beings in response to neglect or offenses to preceptors, ascetics or other superiors in past life. Modern psychiatry knows nothing of this, only speculating about "hereditory factors," etc. The story of Durvasa's offending Ambarisa Maharaja in Srimad-Bhagavatam, teaches us that the effects of offense to a great devotee can be removed only by the forgiveness of that devotee. Lacking remembrance of the identity of the devotee, prayer and trying to satisfy the Lord and his pure confidential devotee representative is the only way by which one can expect to overcome such effects. (See Bhag. 11.5.41, quoted in Bhagavad-gita 2.38, purport.) I think that if Bhakta Steve continues to distribute Prabhupada's books as his number one mission in life, we can expect to see him rid of his problem possible within quite a short time.
	Regarding Devi Dasi's words on power I think her presentation would have been much better if she had included some observations on the use of power by spiritual persons. An empowered devotee uses the power, which he recognizes as conferred on him by Krsna, to try to guide people back to Him. He may use soft, rational or strong tactics too but unlike the karmi, he is not attached to the result. If his audience responds favorable, he recognizes it as Krsna's having given the intelligence to the person, and he gives credit to him for having had the good sense to be receptive.
	Regarding the essay on paganismÑthat something is "mainstream" does not necessarily indicate that it is legitimate. Religion means to think of God, to obey his laws, to bow down to Him, to become His devotee . . .  A devotee works to spread the tenets of true religion. He has no objection if the form of others' following is different from his . . .  only their following must include all the above: otherwise, it is not true religion, it may be sub-religion to bring less civilized people to the level of true religion, but it is not true religion . . .  I wonder if Teresa has read as many books on Krsna consciousness as she would have us read on neopagan religion. If so she will see that they contain the most comprehensive and exacting philosophy: so how can a devotee be a fanatic? Atheists may make the accusation but a devotee cannot be a fanatic. 
	The mass of people in the world by and large don't know ISKCON or what it stands for. Srila Prabhupada said that the masses can be made to understand by our conducting large public festivals all over the world. Practically this means Ratha-yatra. But how many Ratha-yatras are going on? I have produced a book on Ratha construction but most copies remain unsold. There are temples in India in cities of well over a million population that don't have a Ratha, and don't do Ratha-yatra, what to speak of other parts of the world. I once suggested to a GBC Chairman that the GBC encourage local managers to do Ratha-yatra. His reply was "we can't do that." At best one GBC said that he would take copies of the Ratha book for all the temples in his zoneÑbut he never did it.
	The authority that enables us to discriminate between true eternally religion and a partial, or temporary one is sabdaÑthe Vedic version heard from a person who has realized it. To live in nature is good but to live in a place where the Supreme Personality of Godhead is worshiped is better. Ultimately, people doing their things is not going to help them . . .  They have to come to the point of surrender and do God's thing as promulgated by acarya. Complementing someone may attract them to us . . .  or it may not. Better to attract them with prasadam.
	In relation to "Relationship between the Sexes" by Chitraketu dasa. I have seen one "Kok Sastra"Ñhow to beget good children. If anyone is interested, I can get a photocopy. (It is in Sanskrit without translation though).
	In relation to the extract from Madhurya Kadambini: When excellence of the elements is present in a kirtana, its power to attract the public is greater. Therefore a true devotee of Lord Caitanya will favor such a kirtana though within himself he will feel any kirtana as pleasurable.
	Regarding Visvasvan Prabhu's letter, I agree with all his points.
	I actually received the Priti-laksanam and drafted this response weeks ago but I have been carrying it around all this time before finally getting it typed today for fear of the hand written version invoking your curse. I have entered the computer age but I don't have a computer. Do you happen to know of any old laptop that somebody might donate to a worthy cause or part with for a nominal sum?

Tribhuvanesvari,
My Godsister and Friend
"If the Truth Be Known"
Puranjana dasa
California
I was very moved by the appreciation for mother Tribhuvanesvari dasi, who left our company from the disease of cancer. I went to see her, just two days before her death, and we sang a kirtana to her. It was hard to say if she was able to recognize us (she was under heavy medication). So we sang for two hours, with kartalas and everything, in the hospital. The nurses said they were very glad we were there, she needed her old associate's company. They could tell that we were her real well-wishers, and they encouraged us to be there. So it was very moving, just to see the expressions on the nurse's faces.
	So we finally had to leave and yet I wanted to be sure that she knew I was there, that I was saying good-bye to my old Godsister. How could I be sure she knew who was there? She was not making any visible expression of recognition of the individuals who were present, and we were leaving. Yet, I wanted to say good-bye and make sure she knew. So, I put my hand on her head and said, "Tribhuv, this is your old, old Godbrother, Puranjana dasa." And her face seemed to light up, and she smiled. "Oh, Puranjana, Haribol!" She said, as best she could, although it was barely audible. So, I felt very overwhelmed by emotion, that we had been able to say our last respects to each other.
	Yet it was more painful to remember that, in 1986, Tribhuvanesvari dasi had talked with me confidentially. She was very morose, depressed. Could not shake it. Felt like there was little to carry on for, she was afraid of becoming a mundane person again. Why? Because she was no longer welcomed in Srila Prabhupada's temples. The persons in charge were no longer needing their Godbrothers and sisters. These people were excess baggage, they knew too much. They wanted to only worship Srila Prabhupada, and not them.
	So why is it that a fairly younger aged lady would get cancer and die? A devotee? A vegetarian? This is not normal. And so one of her friends confided to me that "she had lost her will to live." Of course I knew this already from our talk. She was totally despondent. So, we could say, she was killed, if one could be very blunt about it.
	She may be alive today, and dressing the Deity, painting the Deity, singing to the Deity, yes I fully believe that she would be. Her sweet singing would be heard echoing in the halls of the temple. But now there are nothing but echoes. There was two hundred, now there are three. This was too painful to sit back and watch. So she wanted to serve the Deity, and this was checked. We all know so many similar accounts, except that Tribhuvanesvari dasi had a much more intense desire than many of us. We can tolerate the separation from Krsna's service because we are so weak. But Lord Caitanya used to ask, why was He living and not being able to serve Krsna? So Tribhuvanesvari dasi is a saintly lady, and she was stopped from her service, so she could not carry on. This is the actual truth. Someone stopped her service. 
	So please everyone consider these matters very seriously, and let her death not be in vain, but let us all recall how she died and why. Let her not be forgotten as some unsurrendered person who could not cooperate. As some person who was "envious." No. Let us remember her properly, or otherwise we shall not have a human society, with human sentiments. We must honor our dead, or what is the value of our society? So I am glad that you have done that in Priti-laksanam. That was very glorious and sensitive on your part.

"Preaching in America"
Mahakratu dasa
Ireland
I would like to make a few comments on some of the points raised by Mother Teresa of Oregon. I very much appreciated the spirit of the article, as it was quite fiery and very much in the mood a preacher, which must be commended, as Srila Prabhupada very much wanted his disciples (and grand disciples) to develop this missionary spirit to get out and teach the public, especially those persons who are considered the intelligent class of society. Srila Prabhupada desired strongly to create a class of human being that was pure in behavior, and knowledgeable in the sastra, who could explain the deep meanings of the scriptures and also ace in the proper fashion as well, to be a Vaisnava brahmana.
	One thing that I do feel that you have got very wrong, is to attack devotees by using terms like: fanatical bigot, ISKCON has a reputation for dogmatism and bigotry. Yes I know we do sometimes get defensive, or overreact to certain circumstances or some people, but that doesn't make us fanatics or bigots. In this day and age it is hard for people to fully follow the order of their spiritual master, which is what He wanted us to do; Some of Srila Prabhupada's last instructions while He was leaving His body were: "always attend mangala-arati, chant your rounds and remain pure." These instructions are just echoing His entire time with us. Also, "you must divide society up into four varnas and four asramas." In this way He was very clear about what He wanted from us. I take your point about preaching to earth worshipers, but I truly wonder if studying their literature and trying to approach them on their own terms would really have any genuine effect on them.
	Just like when speaking with a Christian (born again etc.) , even you quote the Bible, still they say we are taking it out of context or if we are not giving our selves to Jesus (not Prabhupada), we are going to hell etc. I am sure that many of these people you are referring to are very much stuck in their own opinions and not following any particular authority. Our authority is Srila Prabhupada and his books and the disciple succession we have come into. You can study other peoples philosophies until you go blind, but that won't bring us any closer to Krsna. In the temples we must preach to the new people that are always coming or joining the movement. The temples were established by Srila Prabhupada as spiritual havens for the materially worn out conditioned souls to take refuge in, and learn to develop their dormant love for God, for Krsna consciousness. That is how I learnt about Krsna consciousness initially. During the last twenty years or so I have endeavored to read and understand Srila Prabhupada's books, still they never cease to amaze me at their brilliance and depth of wisdom. Every conceivable argument is explained and defeated by the erudite purports.
	As a young man Srila Prabhupada was a practicing nationalist with Ghandi's movement, when he met first with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. When he put his arguments to Bhaktisiddhanta, immediately they were refuted and the world's lack in Krsna consciousness was extensively pointed out and explained how it should be established. In this way Srila Prabhupada has taught his disciples and is still teaching us and anyone else who is ready to hear submissively. There is a great wealth of knowledge to be found in the study of his books and listening to his classes recorded on tapes, in this way surely our time is much better spent in studying what he is offering the world and teaching others by good example, rather than trying to overly delve into so many different diverse philosophies which are only misleading their follower anyway.
	You may think that this response is typical "fanatical bigotry," or "resisting" your idea, but I would rather term it, sticking to our principles as laid down by our spiritual master in order to further spread this wonderful sankirtana mission further throughout this grossly foolish and materialistic world. It is only possibly to spread this mission by becoming purified and pleasing the Supreme Lord Sri Govindadeva and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. By His mercy alone are we able to speak about topics relating to Krsna. Without the mercy of the pure devotees and the Supreme Person, we are but insignificant mites, unable to perform any spiritual activity or make any advancement whatsoever, sri guru carana padma kevala bhakti sadma bando mui savadhana and yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado/yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi.