26-02-09
Dear devotees.
Dandavat pranams.
I would like to update you about the main activities of HH Jayapataka swami
on the 26th of February 2009.
HH JPS gave Bhagavatam lecture for the Russian devotees in the morning.
After breakfast He went to participate in the disappearance day celebration
of HH Tamal Krsna Goswami at the newly built community hall.( former cyber
mansion building or varnashram bldg). Their Holinesses Umapati Swami,
Radhanath Swami, Vedavyasapriya Swami, Prahladananda Swami, Kavicandra
Swami, Candramauli Swami and many others were present at this important
event dedicated to one of the most dedicated and sincere disciples of Srila
Prabhupada. At noon all they went to the Samadhi of HH TKG to offer their
respects. Devotees were all invited to honor prasad at Srila Prabhupada´s
pushpa Samadhi.
HH Sivaram swami came today to farewell gm.
Later our Gurumaharaja came to his room to find the spiritual names for the
new initiations. Today 28 devotees took 1st initiation, 7 took second
initiation and 1 took sannyas order. He is Vasudeva Das a disciple of HH
Bhakti Tirtha swami’s his name was Vasudeva das and HH JPS gave him the name
of Bhakti Vasudeva Swami Maharaja. He is the second sannyas disciple of our
Gurumaharaja who are disciples of Bhakti Tirtha swami. HH JPS gave sannyas
order few years back on behalf of HH Bhakti Tirtha swami to Bhakti Dhira
Damodar Swami. But this time as HH BTS has left the planet, it was the
personal initiative of Vasudeva das prabhu to take sannyas order from our
beloved GM after the approval of the GBC sannyas committee. The new sannyas
is a very educated devotee, as per His Guru´s instruction he has to finish
his PHD soon that will help him in his preaching, as his guru wanted him to
be amongst scholars and pundits, preaching in the best way and presenting
the Krsna consciousness in the highest level possible to convince academics
and scholars of the greatness of our philosophy.
HH Bhakti Vasudeva Swami has a master degree in philosophy and education
with measure in critical and creative thinking and caring community of
enquiry. In an African institute affiliated to Montclair State University in
New Jersey – USA.
He is presenting his credentials to do his PHD in Argosy University in USA.
He has 40 publications in academic journals. His Gurudeva asked him to do
the PHD due to his intense achievements in preaching to professors and
scholars. He has been active in India as he has been invited to the most
important congresses on consciousness and spiritualism and other related to
his studies.
I interviewed the new sannyasis devotee about the reasons why he decided to
take sannyas from HH JOS and his reply was.¨ for two reasons: 1st was due to
the genuine love and affection that HH JPS has or HH BTS. The 2nd reason
was, because HH BTS requested our Gurumaharaja to take care of his disciples
in West Africa.
During his lecture during initiation GM mentioned that he had a dream of
having visited West Africa as he supposed to have gone there in case his
health collapse wouldn’t have happened. He has a ticket already as he
mentioned.
After the initiations ceremony, Guru Maharaja again came out to his room
without resting after lunch to deliver a speech and give the awards to the
best student in Deity Worship courses of the Mayapur Academy organized by
Narashimha Kavaca Prabhu, Their Graces Jananivas and Pankajanghri prabhus
were present. This occasion was great as HH JPS mentioned, I feel honored
to be amongst the best pujaris in the world, he was referring to Jananivas
and Pankajanghri prabhus, the very famous and respected twin brothers who
are the head pujaris of our Mayapur temple since the beginning. Please see
attached pictures.
GM spoke how important to be a pujari and that Srila Prabhupada personally
used to teach the devotees to become pujaris.
After this activity GM went late to take rest and therefore there was no
Caitanya Lila class this time, so at almost 8 pm HH JPS went to the main
stage program to participate in the event of the Congregational Preaching
award ceremony and give the awards to the most successful devotees in this
area. Gurumaharaja is the minister of teh congregational preaching in
ISKCON.
This time the temple winner was Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, the award was
received by HG Padmanetra Prabhu. Amongst the 3 best was also Mathuradesh
Yatra and the award was received by HG Vijaya Venugopal prabhu.
(The full report on this event will be submitted soon)
In the program a part from Gurumaharaja, there were Their Holinesses, Gopal
Krsna Maharaja, Candramali Maharaja, Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Praghosa
prabhu. There were also a Power point presentation with the names and
pictures of all the winners. There were also many drama presentations during
this program.
After his participation and speech GM left to his room to take dinner and
rest.
For more information please visit, www.jpsoffice.com and www.mayapur.com
Ys
Tustimohan Krsna das