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Archive for B.P. Janardan Maharaj – Page 2
I am very excited to announce that on Monday the 3rd of February in Santa Cruz there will be a special chance to honor Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, the President Sevaite Acharya of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Santa Cruz on his Vyasapuja day. <em><a href=”http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=64ad813536e9e822fd7882aa6&id=5616390440&e=104743fcc5″ target=”_blank”>View invitation…</a></em>
The first chapter begins with fourteen Sanskrit verses giving ontology so that we can understand the pastimes and what is going to be presented in the <span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita</span>. The first six verses describe Mahaprabhu, then the next five describe Nityananda Prabhu. The next two verses describe the truth of Adwaita Prabhu and the following verse describes the Pancha-tattva. <em><a href=”http://sevaashram.com/sermons/adi-lila-ch-1-spiritual-masters/” target=”_blank”>Listen to lecture…</a></em>
<em><strong>Sripad Jai Balai Prabhu’s</strong></em> beautiful offering for Srila Janardan Maharaj on the occasion of his auspicious Vyasapuja. <em>(In both English and Spanish.)</em><em><a href=”http://www.sevaashram.net/3723/honoring-janardan-maharaj/” target=”_blank”> Read article…</a></em>
At last weeks’s Sunday Feast Srila Janardan Maharaj announced the schedule for several festivals coming up in the next ten days. Please take a look at the schedule and plan to come to as many as possible. <em><a href=”http://sevaashram.com/?p=5179″ target=”_blank”>View invitation…</a></em>
November 28, 2012
Sriman Gaurangasundarjiu on the altar in San Jose
On Rasapurnima day in the year 2000, the divine deity form of Sriman Gaurangasundar (Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) who had already been in California many years, and was being worshiped at the Soquel Seva Ashram, was installed in what Srila Govinda Maharaj called “His own home” on St. James St. in San Jose. Srimati Kumkum Didi made all the arrangements for purchasing and remodeling the beautiful Victorian house to fulfill Srila Govinda Maharaj’s desire that there would be a temple in San Jose. These twelve years she has maintained the Ashram and the Lord’s daily worship with the dedicated help of many gentle and honorable Vaishnavas.
Here are some photographs from the lovely evening program held to commemorate and celebrate the fortunate day when Sriman Gaurangasundar arrived at the temple for the first time. That day He arrived on a palenquin in a grand parade from 17th St. with jubilant devotees chanting the Holy Name in sankirtan. Srila Govinda Maharaj personally oversaw every detail of the arrangements for the altar, the offerings, and altogether every aspect of the Lord’s worship.
Related links:
Letter by Kumkum Didi in 2000
This day in 2002
Photo report by Vrindavaneshwari Devi Dasi
Photo report from Srila Gurudev’s word tour in 2005
24 November 2007 
San Jose, USA. Talks by Srila Govinda Maharaj and Sripad Goswami Maharaj during the Anniversary Celebration of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Sundar’s Auspicious arrival at the San Jose Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram.
Video captured and prepared by Vaidehi Devi Dasi:
32+ minutes, 63 MB ‘mov’ video
All glories to His Divine Grace Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj!
All glories to Sri Sri Guru Gaurangasundarjiu!
All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Janardan Maharaj, Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram and Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu (right to left)
Srila Janardan Maharaj just had just returned from Brazil
And Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu just returned from China
They were happy to see one another again
As well as Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu, who just returned from India
Srila Janardan Maharaj shared news of his trip to Brazil and of Srila Trivikram Maharaj
And then news about the devotees in China
Then Janardan Maharaj told the story of Srila Govinda Maharaj's first trips to San Jose
As well as Sri Gaurangasundar's glories and the history of this Ashram in San Jose
Today was the 12th anniversary of Sri Gaurangasundar's installation in this Ashram
Here are Sita, Vidura Krishna Prabhu, Srimati Kumkum Didi, and Vimala Didi
Divyashakti Didi and Swarnangii Didi
Shatrughna Prabhu, who recently travelled with Janardan Maharaj to China, and Vrinda Didi
Braja Mohini Didi making flower garlands
With Laksmipriya Didi
Ramananda Prabhu and Shyama Gopa Prabhu
On the right: Ashok Kumar. On the left: Venkatesh Chembrolu, son of Srila Acarya Maharaj's disciples, Hanuman and Sita. We're always happy when they can come.
Lavanika and Nabh
A happy reunion for all the honorable vaishnavas returning from their travels
Swarnangii Didi and Kumkum Didi, who has made all the arrangements for this temple and Sri Gaurangasundar's service
Jairam Prabhu on the left and Premanidhi Prabhu on the right
Anukrishna Didi fortunately received Srila Janardan Maharaj's prasadam
Jairam Prabhu with Sangita Didi discuss the upcoming Kathak dance concert that they are organizing as a fundraiser for the temple
The girls
Lalita Didi and Shatrugna Prabhu
Shyama Gopa Prabhu with Jananivas
The honorable kitchen crew hard at work
Abha Didi made puff pastries
Nandarani Didi makes wonderful dahl and vegetable dishes
Sridhar Prabhu hard at work washing the Lord's pots
Lilashakti Didi, another of Sri Gaurangasundar's dedicated servitors
The devotees prepare to honor the sumptuous prasadam
Mahaprasadam ki jay!
121109 Madhya 20 Instructions to Sanatan Goswami-Expansions of the Lord.mp3 (45 minutes, 2.59 MB)
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explained to Sanatan Goswami how the living entity is one of Lord Krishna’s energies. After this, the Lord explained the way of devotional service. While discussing the Absolute Truth, the Lord analyzed Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan, as well as the expansions of the Lord called svayam-rupa, tad-ekatma and avesha, which are divided into various branches known as vaibhava and prabhava. Thus the Lord described the many forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He also described the incarnations of God within the material world, incarnations such as the purusha-avatars, manvantara-avatars, guna-avatars and saktyavesa-avatars. The Lord also discussed the divisions of Krishna’s different ages, such as balya and pauganda, and the different pastimes of the different ages. He explained how Krishna attained His permanent form when He reached youth. In this way Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explained and described everything to Sanatan Goswami.
(Summary of Chapter 20 from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami, translation and commentary by Srila Prabhupad)
121103 Kartik month.mp3 (46 minutes, 2.65 MB)
Having recently returned from a trip to China and India, Srila Janardan Maharaj shares his experiences and discusses the super auspicious month of Kartik. This lecture was recorded at the Saturday evening public program at our San Jose Seva Ashram.
During the month of October 2012, Srila Janardan Maharaj travelled to China to visit with Yudhamnayu Prabhu Seva Vikram and the Chinese devotees. Accompanied by Satrughna Prabhu (Shuggie), they went to Chongqing and Shenzhen, where they were warmly greeted by the Chinese devotees. Everyone was extremely happy to have Srila Janardan Maharaj’s association. Here are some pictures from that tour.
Srila Janardan Maharaj Visits Yudhamnyu Prabhu in Chongqing
Srila Janardan Maharaj in Chongqing, China
With Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram, Satrughna Prabhu and the devotees.
Sita Devi (center) translates Srila Janardan Maharaj's talk into Chinese.
Ananda Devi offers arotik to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga
Offering the ghee lamp...
Offering the fan...
Honoring the Vaishnavas...
Back left to right: Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram, Srila Janardan Maharaj, Satrughna Prabhu. Front left to right: Madhumita Devi, Sita Devi, Ananda Devi.
Srila Janardan Maharaj ki jay!
Srila Janardan Maharaj leads the devotees in kirtan.
Everyone is enthusiastically chanting and clapping during the kirtan.
All the guests and the Chongqing devotees.
For Sri Radhasami, the devotees prepared a sumptuous feast and offered everything to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.
And a special "Happy Birthday" cake in honor of Sri Radhastami
Yudhamanyu Prabhu eagerly accepts some cake prasadam from Srila Janardan Maharaj
Srila Janardan Maharaj personally distributes a piece of cake to each guest and devotee
Satrughna Prabhu (second from right) traveled the whole trip with Janardan Maharaj.
Satrughna Prabhu ki jay! Shuggie Prabhu ki jay!
Several sincere souls asked Srila Janardan Maharaj for initiation.
Srila Sridhar Maharaj wrote: "Intitiation into the mantra means to impart real knowledge and devotional sentiment from one to another."
Kishori Devi Dasi ki jay!
Tulasi Devi Dasi ki jay!
Sita Devi & Madhumita Devi receive second initiation from Srila Janardan Maharaj.
Srila Janardan Mahraj ki jay! Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram ki jay!
All the Chongqing devotees ki jay!
Visiting with Dr Su & his wife Mrs Hao in Chengdu…
Dr Su was instrumental in helping Yudhamnyu Prabhu become established in China. Dr Su and his wife Mrs Hao visited our Soquel Seva Ashram in the summer of 2012. They were very happy with their visit and afterwards he commented to Yudhamnyu Prabhu that everyone at the Seva Ashram was smiling from their hearts!
Yudhamanyu Prabhu, Sita Devi & Hasyapriya das took the high speed "bullet train" from Chongqing to Chengdu.
Left to right: Robert, Yudhamanyu Prabhu, Mrs Hao, Dr Su, Hasyapriya das
Left to right: Mrs Hao, Hasyapriya das, Yudhamanyu Prabhu, Dr Su, Carole & her daughter "Little Tiger"
We visited Southwest Jiaotong University, the first school Yudhamanyu Prabhu taught at when he first came to China in 2003
Sudevi Devi Dasi (left) the first initiated disciple of Srila Govinda Maharaj in China.
Robert (left) who along with his wife Carole, helped Yudhamanyu Prabhu when he first arrived in China.
Srila Acharya Maharaj’s Appearance Day
A few days before Srila Janardan Maharaj’s arrival in China, the devotees in Chongqing celebrate Srila Acharya Maharaj’s Appearance Day…
Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharyya Maharaj ki Jay!
The painting by Urmila Devi Dasi of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Girihari is worshiped by the devotees in Chongqing.
Yudhamanyu Prabhu reads from Srila Govinda Maharaj's book to the Chinese devotees and guests.
Sri Mridanga Arrives in Chongqing, China
While he was in India, Srila Janardan Maharaj purchased a mridanga drum for the devotees in Chongqing which he gave to Hasyapriya das to bring there…
Yudhamanyu Prabhu & Madhumita Devi
Rita
Sita Devi
Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram
Srila Janardan Maharaj Visits Jayavati Devi & the other Shenzhen Devotees
After Chongqing, Srila Janardan Maharaj and Shatrugna Prabhu went on to Shenzhen where Jayavati Devi is leading the Chinese devotees at the new center established by Srila Avadut Maharaj & Srila Goswami Maharaj…
Srila Janardan Maharaj & Paramananda Prabhu. Paramananda Prabhu has been traveling and preaching in Thailand, China, Japan and other Asian counties for many years.
Jayavati Devi Dasi is the leader of the Shenzhen center.
Many devotees and guests came to get Srila Janardan Maharaj's association in Shenzhen.
Satrughna Prabhu gives a mridanga lesson to one of the Chinese devotees.
Jayavati Devi smiling and serving prasadam
Nalina Devi Dasi also lives at the center in Shenzhen
Up on the roof for the "Full Moon" festival.
Yudhamnayu Prabhu & Hasyapriya das Visit Shenzhen
A few weeks after Srila Janardan Maharaj’s visit, Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram and Hasyapriya das also visited the devotees in Shenzhen …
Yudhamanyu Prabhu leads a kirtan
Hasyapriya das & Yudhamanyu Prabhu
Hasyapriya das speaking to Indumukhi Devi Dasi and Aravinda Prabhu
Jayavati Devi Dasi
Jayavati Devi, who is a very good preacher, explains our philosophy to the devotees and guests.
Jayavati Devi, Indumukhi Devi and a guest.
Left to right: Yudhamanyu Prabhu, Aravinda Prabhu, Hasyapriya das
Back row left to right: Indumukhi Devi, Nalina Devi and a guest.
120527 Vamanadev Lila Excerpt.mp3(9 minutes, 4.3 MB)
In a Sunday feast class earlier this year Srila Janardan Maharaj recounted the pastimes of Bali Maharaj and Sri Vamanadev to illustrate the meaning of yukta vairagya, proper renunciation as well as sharanagati, surrender. Lord Vamanadev is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who appears to be a brahmin, bramachari dwarf. This is just a nine minute clip from that lecture that pertains to the pastimes of Sri Vamandev.
Last weekend’s public program at Ponderosa Park in Sunnyvale, California was very nice. New guests came as well as many members of our local community. Vidura Krishna Prabhu organized the program for the second year in a row. Jai Ram Prabhu and Abha Devi Dasi also gave assistance as well as other devotees. Thanks to everyone who helped!
Srila Janardan Maharaj and Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu led beautiful kirtan and Srila Janardan Maharaj gave a lecture. The lecture has been posted online as an audio file that you can stream or download at your convenience: listen to lecture
Photos by: Vidura Krishna Prabhu
Srila Janardan Maharaj conversing with guests while honoring prasadam
Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram
Abha Devi Dasi shares information about our community with a guest while her daughter Lavanika organizes the book table
Srila Janardan Maharaj with Jai Ram Prabhu and Vaidehi Devi Dasi. Ramananda Prabhu is in the background
The weekend-long festival last month in Salt Lake City was wonderful. Here are some more pictures. On Friday there was a very nice public program in the park near the temple. Although the park was not so full of people, several guests came and were very much inspired and enlivened to hear from Srila B.P. Janardan Maharaj and Srila B.K. Ashram Maharaj, and to honor prasadam with all the devotees. Saturday morning a large group gathered in the mountains for an invigorating hike. It was a great way to connect with old and new friends alike. Here are some pictures from those two outings. Part 2 of my photo gallery will be posted next weekend.
Photos by Braja Mohini Devi Dasi
Text by Sushila Devi Dasi
Srila Janardan Maharaj chants Hare Krishna as the he walks through the park
Along with Srila Ashram Maharaj and many devotees
Sripad Sudarshan Prabhu leads the way
Srila Janardan Maharaj
Brian, Sushila Devi Dasi, Divya Shakti Devi Dasi, little Sita and Kumaris Syama Mohini and Anuradha in the background
Kumari Nanda Priya and her sister Becca carried festive flags
The group made it's way back to the stage after passing out invitations
The famous kirtaniyas of Salt Lake City wrapped up the kirtan in the covered "pandal" area by the stage
Only to sit down and chant some more
Keshavananda Prabhu, Nitai Prabhu, and Bimal Krishna Prabhu
Sripad Parvat Maharaj, Srila Ashram Maharaj, and Srila Janardan Maharaj sat together on the stage
They led several vaishnava kirtans and then spoke about devotional service to Krishna
The next day a large group went for a hike in the mountains
Sushila Devi Dasi and Divya Shakti Devi Dasi
Jaya Sri Devi Dasi, Laksmipriya Devi Dasi, and Narayani Devi Dasi
That leads into the mountains
But the group turned out to be much more ambitious
Kumaris Anjana, Syama Mohini, Vinodini, and Sripd B.C. Parvat Maharaj
Jambavan Prabhu and Jananivas Prabhu
There were at least thirty people on this hike including many children and babies
Almost everyone walked all the way to a lake at the top of a steep hill
Led by Srila Ashram Maharaj and Srila Janardan Maharaj, who just kept going and going
Along the way we stopped several times
To give everyone a chance to catch up
Srila Janardan Maharaj pushes onward
Syama Sundar Prabhu, Ashram Maharaj, and Kishori Devi Dasi
Srila Janardan Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj
Brian and Ramananda Prabhu
Rai Kishori Devi Dasi exhibiting her great energy and enthusiasm
A look at the beautiful scenery
Kumaris Anuradha, Syama Mohini, Anjana, and Sita
Everyone poses for a group picture
All glories to the all the devotees!
Now everyone enjoys slices of fresh watermelon courtesy of Bimal Krishna Prabhu, Ista Devika Devi Dasi and her mother Linda Rae
Braja Mohini Devi Dasi and her daughter Syama Mohini
Braja Mohini Devi Dasi and Laksmipriya Devi Dasi
Sri Lekha Devi Dasi strolls happily down the path
Ramai Prabhu Archana Niketan tastes the watermelon
What a wonderful outing!
Dear devotees and friends,
I am very happy to announce that Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj will be in Portland, Oregon next weekend. If you are able to, please take advantage of this great opportunity to have his holy association. For more information please contact me.
Affectionately,
Ramachandra Das
120825 Janmastami in Ponderosa Park.mp3 (37 minutes, 16.9 MB)
The following is a transciption of the first few minutes of the talk Srila Janardan Maharaj gave at Ponderosa Park in Sunnyvale, California on August 25th, 2012:
Everything about Krishna is eternal. Before our eyes He appears and disappears, but actually Krishna is existing eternally. For that matter, so are we. The living entity is always existing.
na tv evaham jatu nasam
na twam neme janadhipah
na chaiva na bhavisyamah
sarve vayam atah param
(Srimad Bhagavad-gita: 2.12)
“Never was there a time when you, I or all these kings did not exist. Just as we exist in the present so we have existed in the past and shall continue to exist in the future. ”
We are existing eternally as souls and Krishna is also existing eternally and His pastimes are eternal, but there’s a difference between us as conditioned living entities and the Lord.
nityo nityanam chetanash chetananam
eko bahunam yo vidadhati kaman
(Katha-upanishad: 2.2.13)
Of all the living entities who are nitya there is one who is supreme, nityo nityanam. Chetanash chetananam, and we are conscious but our consciousness is limited. In Bhagavad-gita it is said that we are kshetrajna; we have consciousness of this body. But the Lord is conscious of all living entities. Therefore He says, “I am maintaining all these living entities in this world and everywhere.” The Lord is maintaining everyone.
nityo nityanam chetanash chetananam eko bahunam yo vidadhati kaman
These things can be understood if we come in contact with the devotees.
Normally in this world everyone is making some plan for happiness. They’re trying to get something out of this world but they don’t know what actually is their own real interest. Happiness and unhappiness coming and going; this is normal in this world. One day we’re happy one day we’re not. What is giving them some real happiness, not just something sukha dukha?