Living in Mayapur, What a gift! - Cleanse your heart Part 1

Living in Mayapur, what a gift! 

Cleanse your heart – Part 1

In previous posts I showed how fortunate it is to be here because of the places you can visit, because of the dham basis, because of the spiritual atmosphere that is ready to ornate every activities one performs. Now let me tell you about other opportunities for growth.

At the end of December, H.G. Mahatma prabhu was visiting Mayapur. He joined Iskcon in 1969 and has served as temple president, book distributor, sankirtana leader, college preacher, membership director, and VIHE teacher and co-director. He is well known in Iskcon for his recorded music and his seminars.

He is the founder of Touchstone Training, a company that teaches the practices of devotional service through interactive seminars and worships. He is also a facilitator in Bhagavat Life, producers of live and online workshops and japa retreats. Although he currently lives in Alachua with his wife Jahnava and daughter Brajasundari, we are hoping they will move to Mayapur by the fall. He can be reached via his website, www.mahatmadas.com

Mahatma prabhu was meeting up with a group of pilgrims from UK. As part of their pilgrimage package over the Christmas holiday they were to spend time on 3 mini seminars with him:

1. Japa

2. Fault finding and failures

3. Forgiveness.

JAPA

It was the residents’ good fortune that the seminars were opened to them although scheduled primarily for the UK pilgrims. Two afternoons is not a lot to discuss the importance and glories of the holy names but it is a start.

“When you chant…. chant.”

That was the opening statement. We went on to discuss the importance of attention while chanting and also how prayer need not be overlooked. Krishna and His holy names are present before us. While one should not see the Lord as a merchant, “I will chant 16 rounds and you give me…..” It is proper to ask for 2 things: “How can I serve You?”, “How can I love You?”. In the course of wanting to serve Krishna we may need to get rid of pride, attachment etc, we will need to trust and surrender.  Krishna may at His will bless us with strength to overcome our anarthas or help us achieve humility, trust, surrender...

We created an image to help us understand how to chant. What does belong in our heart at that time and what doesn’t.

 

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur says in Harinam Cintamani that it is not possible for one to control the mind. However if a sincere devotee asks Krishna for His help, Krishna Himself will step in and help.

In conclusion, Mahatma quoted H.H. Sacidananda swami is saying that chanting is more than a process, chanting is relationship, Krishna is there, and we are there, two means relationship. We should chant as though we are knocking at the door of an estranged beloved wanting to start our relationship again.

There is much more I could share about this seminar but will stop here suggesting that if you ever get the opportunity to attend a japa seminar, it might change your life. You may learn how to invite Krishna to join you in your japa, a time spent together.

The alternative is to stay with your mind and let Krishna stay far away, which one do you choose?

More next time, as I slowly and happily take one step at a time towards Radha and Krishna's Love.

your servant of the servants