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Sarvabhavana Prabhu’s classes are now Monday and Thursday evenings

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 in Events | Comments (0)

Dear devotees and friends,

If you come to the evening classes at the Soquel Seva Ashram please note that Sarvabhavana Prabhu’s classes will now be Monday (instead of Tuesday) and Thursday nights at 7:30 pm. Sarvabhavana Prabhu reads the books of Srila Govinda Maharaj and Srila Sridhar Maharaj such as Affectionate Guidance, Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion, etc.. Lately he has been reading the most recent book published by Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Sharanagati: Surrender by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur.

Vidura Krishna Prabhu’s class will be held Tuesday nights (not on Mondays). He also reads the books of our acharyas such as Sri Guru and His Grace and Search for Sri Krishna: Reality the Beautiful. Vidura’s classes are especially good for younger members of the community.

Every other night of the week Sripad B.C. Parvat Maharaj reads a chapter of Srimad Bhagavad-gita: the Hidden Treasure of the Sweet Absolute at 8pm. Bhagavad-gita is an essential scripture and it’s very wonderful and nourishing to hear a chapter every day.

Also, the morning classes are amazing. Srila Janardan Maharaj reads through Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita from cover to cover, which takes about three months. He is particularly interested in making sure that listeners catch the sequence of the story and lila. He has been reading Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita for decades and clearly has very great appreciation for the scripture.

If you have questions, please call us: (831) 462-9471. If you don’t have questions because you’ve been involved for many years, please forgive any offenses I may make in trying to present the subject of the classes for new people.

–Sushila devi dasi

Current Class Schedule in Soquel

Mornings at approximately 7:45 every day:
Srila Janardan Maharaj reads Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita

Evenings:
Monday: Sarvabhavana Prabhu 7:30
Tuesday: Vidura Krishna Prabhu 6:30
Wednesday: Sripad Parvat Maharaj 8:00
Thursday: Sarvabhavana Prabhu 7:30
Friday: Sripad Parvat Maharaj 8:00
Saturday: Sripad Parvat Maharaj 8:00
Sunday: Sripad Parvat Maharaj 8:00

Srila B. P. Janardan Maharaj and Sripad B.C. Parvat Maharaj Arrive to Salt Lake City

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Saturday, August 18th, 2012 in Videos | Comments (0)

The following short video (2 minutes) was prepared by the talented devotees in Salt Lake City to commemorate the auspicious arrival of Srila B.P. Janardan Maharaj and Sripad B.C. Parvat Maharaj. Srila B.K. Ashram Maharaj had arrived from Mexico earlier in the week for the grand Inauguration festival of Sri Sri Guru Gaurachandrajiu on August 5th.

The two vaishnava acharyas, Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Ashram Maharaj, joined with the local devotees and many guests from other parts of the United States at the temple (which is located at 745 S 700 E). Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Ashram Maharaj brightened up the city and enlivened the devotees with their radiant devotional energy and good humor. In the video you’ll catch a glance of Janardan Maharaj’s heartwarming smile and hear Ashram Maharaj’s beautiful chanting.

To see more about the festival in Utah look at the events listing on SCSMission.com.

120801 Srila Janardan Maharaj Arrives from RealityTheBeautiful.com on Vimeo.

Krishna Bhakti Will Give Everyone Everything, Including All Happiness

Posted by Srila B. P. Janardan Maharaj on Friday, August 10th, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Morning Class on Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Antya 6: Raghunath Das Goswami

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Thursday, July 26th, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

110626 Antya 6 Mahaprabhu Meets Raghunath Das Goswami.mp3 (43 minutes, 19.9 MB)

Raghunath Das Goswami had been attempting to come to the lotus feet of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for a long time, and finally he left his home and met the Lord. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had gone to Shantipur on His way to Vrindavan, Raghunath Das Goswami had offered to dedicate his life at the Lord’s lotus feet. In the meantime, however, a Muslim official became envious of Hiranya Das, Raghunath Das Goswami’s uncle, and induced some big official court minister to have him arrested. Thus Hiranya Das left his home, but by the intelligence of Raghunath Das the misunderstanding was mitigated. Then Raghunath Das went to Panihati, and following the order of Nityananda Prabhu, he observed a festival (chida-dadhi-mahotsava) by distributing chipped rice mixed with yogurt. The day after the festival, Nityananda Prabhu gave Raghunath Das the blessing that he would very soon attain the shelter of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

(Excerpt from the summary of Chapter 6 from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami, translation and commentary by Srila Prabhupad)

Lecture from the Festival Honoring the Disappearance Day of Srila Sridhar Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Saturday, July 21st, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

120719 pm Srila Sridhar Maharaj Disappearance Day.mp3 (56 minutes, 32.3 MB)

An excerpt from Srila Janardan Maharaj’s lecture:

…Guru Maharaj [Srila Sridhar Maharaj] was doing guard duty early in the morning. He had done his guard duty and then retired but Srila Saraswati Thakur asked that the devotees would get him and bring him. Srila Sridhar Maharaj was called before Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur and asked to sing sri rupa manjari pada.

We heard how Guru Maharaj at first was hesitant because in the words of Srila Govinda Maharaj, “Guru Maharaj, he wasn’t known so much as a singer. He was known more as a dancer.” That was the way that Srila Govinda Maharaj phrased it. So Guru Maharaj began to sing but hesitatingly, and seeing that hesitation Kunja Babu, who was Bhakti Vilas Tirtha Maharaj–at that time Kunja Babu–he saw that hesitation and he asked another exalted vaishnava to sing. But, when he sang Srila Saraswati Thakur stopped him and said “No, I am not just interested in hearing the melody of the song. I want Srila Sridhar Maharaj to sing.” Then Srila Sridhar Maharaj began singing sri rupa manjari pada.

It is described how all those present could see there was occurring what was termed a “power transmission,” a transfer of the responsibility for the Sri Rupanuga Sampradaya from Srila Saraswati Thakur to Srila Guru Maharaj, Srila Sridhar Maharaj. Srila Sridhar Maharaj acknowledged and said, “I considered that I was being posted as a gatekeeper.”

After that time so many of the exalted vaishnavas in the line of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur came to get Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s association at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. A multitude of many exalted vaishanvas. For instance Srila Govinda Maharaj said that Bhakti Sharanga Goswami Maharaj, who was senior to [Srila Sridhar Maharaj], he took sannyas from Srila Sridhar Maharaj and he would come and offer his dandavat pranams to Srila Sridhar Maharaj. Srila Govinda Maharaj jokingly once said to him, “Why are you offering dandavats to Srila Guru Maharaj when you are senior to him?” Bhakti Sharanga Goswami Maharaj said in return, “You do not know what is in the sannyas mantra that he has given. It is the entrance into Radha dasyam. Actually Srila Sharanga Goswami Maharaj, he always looked to Srila Sridhar Maharaj…

Srila Janardan Maharaj’s Morning Talk on the Disappearance Day of Srila Sridhar Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Thursday, July 19th, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

120719 am Srila Sridhar Maharaj Disappearance Day.mp3 (13 minutes, 7.6 MB)

Today is the Divine Disappearance Day of Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. After leading mangal arotik, the morning kirtan, and the daily class on Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Srila Janardan Maharaj spoke briefly to honor the pastimes and qualities of Srila Sridhar Maharaj.

Jivana Didi Honors Srila Janardan Maharaj on his Appearance Day

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, July 17th, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

120127-1-JivanaDidi.mp3 (4 minuntes, 2.1 MB)

This is of course a super auspicious and happy occasion for us, to be able to celebrate the divine appearance of Srila Janardan Maharaj in our otherwise miserable wretched lives. I am sorry that I am so disqualified due to so many insincerities. There is a huge long list of disqualifications and we don’t want to go there. I am not the best person to properly glorify Srila Janardan Maharaj but even a someone like me can always say something about such a glorious personality.

We have had the supreme good fortune of knowing Janardan Maharaj for so many years in ISKCON and even beyond. Not to embarrass Janardan Maharaj, but his depth of humility is so astonishing and so deep and so inspiring. Even when he was in ISKCON he was very well known and he had temples and money and all kinds of devotees at his disposal, but when Srila Prabhupad departed and he heard about Srila Guru Maharaj, he wanted to come to Srila Guru Maharaj. He felt something in his heart so strong for Srila Guru Maharaj and he very easily just left everything behind him to come to Srila Guru Maharaj. I may be telling this story really wrong and Srila Janardan Maharaj has such a great memory; he’s given us so much nectar. Krishna gives him such good memory, so if I am saying it wrong just feel free to correct me and I will just try to go over the high details.

At that time he left everything behind and came to Srila Guru Maharaj and even I believe that one time he told the story that someone asked him, “Wow how can you leave? If you have Srila Prabhupad in your heart, what percentage is Srila Prabhupad and what percentage is Srila Guru Maharaj?” Janardan Maharaj said “Prabhupad is a hundred percent and Srila Guru Maharaj is a hundred percent.” That is always how Janardan Maharaj has been cent percent devoted to the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Mission and Srila Prabhupad, and given us so much inspiration. He said, “When someone is in your heart you really can’t take them out.” So he had a hundred percent for both of them. Thorughout all the years, his stalwart dedication to the mission, his inspiration, always staying so close to the devotees, and always staying so close to his Gurudev, has given us much inspiration.

He has so much affection for Srila Gurudev and Srila Gurduev loved Janardan Maharaj so much. He would always say so many beautiful things about him and just considered him one of his dear-most friends as well as a very qualified person for our mission. We are very fortunate for that. Srila Gurudev would sometimes comment how Janardan Maharaj at one point turned everybody over to Srila Gurudev with no hesitation, with great happiness, and Srila Gurudev was always very astonished at his beautiful humble mood and his genuine affection for him. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Janardan Maharaj, how much love and affection he’s given us, how much guidance he’s given us. He’s stuck through so many things, through thick and thin–never caring that we give him the proper respect or not. So many times we are always joking with him in so many ways, but deep in our hearts we are very grateful for Janardan Maharaj and I know that Yudhamanyu Prabhu would really wish to be here on this day. He could speak so eloquently about Janardan Maharaj. I am not such a good representative for him but on behalf of Yudhamanyu Prabhu I will say Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj ki jaya!

Sunday Feast Lecture–120603 Even Liberated Souls are Attracted to Krishna

Posted by Jatindra Mohan Das on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

120603 Even liberated souls are attracted to Krishna.mp3 (46 minutes, 10.7 MB)

In this wonderful Sunday Feast lecture, Srila Janardan Maharaj tells many stories from the Srimad Bhagavatam to explain the famous atmarama verse. The verse is generally understood to mean that even liberated souls are attracted to Sri Krishna but in Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Lord Chaitanya explains the verse in myriad ways to show that everyone is attracted to Sri Krishna, even bees and birds. Janardan Maharaj tells the stories of Sukadev Goswami, the four Kumaras, Mrigrari the hunter, and a story from his experience with Srila Prabhupad involving a bee. In the last part of this lecture Maharaj compares the Krishna conception of Godhead to other conceptions of God.

Jayanta Krishna and Brajamohini’s Pizza Party Namahatta in San Jose

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Monday, April 23, 2012

In honor of Srila Ashram Maharaj’s visit to California, Jayanta Krishna Prabhu and Brajamohini Didi hosted a namahatta on a warm spring evening. All Brajamohini’s fragrant roses were in full bloom and many children were playing happily with a litter of kittens in the back yard when Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Ashram Maharaj arrived.

This namahatta had a theme; it was a pizza party to inaugurate the authentic brick pizza oven that Madhavananda and Jayanta Krishna Prabhus have constructed in the garden.

Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Ashram Maharaj led a wonderful kirtan including all the songs that are sung every evening in all the temples, and spoke words of encouragement and inspiration. Everyone gathered with them in the front temple room except the cooks (who were preparing a wonderful springtime feast). The lecture from that evening has already been posted (click here). When the program was over everyone enjoyed slice after slice of delicious hot pizza fresh from the oven along with fresh salads and special dishes prepared by the ladies.

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Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj with Ratan Krishna and Jatindra Mohan Prabhus sit for a minute when they first arrive

then go outside to the backyard, where Brajamohini Didi greets them

Sripad Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj talks with Adeshwar Didi and her husband Stefan

along with Kumkum Didi, the manager of the San Jose Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

It is a warm San Jose evening

perfect for catching up with friends outside

Divyashakti Didi just returned from India and Bilwa Mangal Prabhu is happy to come for the first time to this historic house

Vimala Didi is happy as ever and Brajamohini Didi prepares the offering

Jayanta Krishna Prabhu shows Srila Janardan Maharaj his new pizza oven

Varsabhanavi Didi has fun with one of the rabbits

Jayanta Krishna Prabhu's Italian neighbor came for the occasion...

inaugurating the authentic brick pizza oven

Dinartihara Prabhu is the pizza chef tonight

He started making dough and sauce after the morning Chaitanya Charitamrita class in Soquel around 9 am

Shyama Mohini and Bali play on the big fig tree

which has now entertained two generations of devotee children

Kalindi Didi meets with the Italian neighbor in the splendid sunlight as it sets

and with Vimala Didi as well, who is herself Italian

Vimala Didi, Sushila Didi, and Bilwa Mangal Prabhu

Vimala Didi has been serving in San Jose since this 17th Street temple first opened in 1991

Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Ashram Maharaj sit down

in the lovely temple room to lead the sankirtan of Vaishnava songs

and Srila Janardan Maharaj starts telling stories

some of which are characteristically humorous

He describes some of the history of the 17th Street house

Which was the temple for many years and then the women’s ashram

Ashram Maharaj speaks as well

and everyone is happy to hear from him

The devotees sat in the two front room to listen

to the excellent talk

Divyashakti Didi smiles happily with Jatindra Mohan Prabhu in the background

Krishna Madhuri Didi, who also attended the morning Chaitanya Charitamrita class today

Jivan Krishna Prabhu and Varsabhanavi Didi visiting from Virginia to take advantage of Srila Ashram Maharaj's association

(left to right) Lavanika, Jairam Prabhu and Sridhar Prabhu

Damodar Prabhu, Krishna Madhuri, Kalindi, and Laksmipriya Didis prepare a succulent salad

in the sun filled kitchen

Vimala Didi is happy to see Ratan Krishna Prabhu

so they pose together for a photo

Brajamohini Didi, the hostess working hard

along with Jivana Didi and Abha Didi

Abha Didi and Jairam Prabhu's daughter Lavanika sings a song after honoring several pieces of pizza

Srila Ashram Maharaj and Srila Janardan Maharaj are served prasadam in the sitting room

and after the veritable feast devotees gather around them

to hear more stories

Srila Janardan Maharaj also told some of very wonderful stories about Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj

Everyone was eager to hear these stories

which made everyone happy...

finally people gathered again outside

and said their goodbyes

as the warm lovely evening passed into night

Dinartihara made about 30 pizzas tonight

each one a little different from the last

but all very delicious with thin crusts and plenty of sauce and toppings

Devotees kept lining up for more

So that they would get a slice that was still piping hot

Even after the sun had set the night was warm

and the mood was very jolly

Damodar Prabhu prepared the pizza dough

and Narayani put the toppings on

Balls of dough, the cheese, and some pepper slices

Taking a turn in the oven

and finally in their finished state

Shyama Mohini climbed to the top of the fig tree

All glories to Sri Sri Guru Gaurangasundar Mahaprabhu!

All glories to Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj!

All glories to Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj!

All glories to all the San Jose and Soquel devotees!

All glories to Jayanta Krishna Prabhu and Brajamohini Didi’s namahatta!

Gaura Premanande!

Morning Lecture–120423 Ashram Maharaj’s Chaitanya Charitamrita Class

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, April 30th, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

120423 Madhya 17.mp3 (78 minutes, 54.2 MB)

In this recording of the morning class Srila Ashram Maharaj reads from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, elaborates extensively on various points, and answers questions from Dinabandhu Prabhu and Swarnangii Didi about sincerity and artificiality.

This informal discussion in full of beautiful points. The following point about Srimad Bhagavatam is just one of many:

“Every religious mentality, every religious personality, every religious attempt can find full satisfaction in the description of the Lord as a person full of qualities such as compassion, love, beauty, absolute character and so on and so forth… It is not a sectarian thing.”

Brajanath Krishna Prabhu’s Initiation Ceremony

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, April 29th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Friday, April 20, 2012

All glories to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari!
All glories to Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj!
All glories to Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj!
All glories to Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya
Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the auspicious occasion of Srila Ashram Maharaj’s visit to the Seva Ashram, Srila Janardan Maharaj gave Harinam initiation to Bud, now Brajanath Krishna Das. Srila Ashram Maharaj led the morning class on Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, reading about Lord Chaitanya’s travels through the Jarikanda forest. Immediately after class we all sang “Hari haraye nama Krishna” then the initiation ceremony began. Many devotees were at the Ashram that morning and everyone felt it was a very special and beautiful ceremony. For months now Brajanath Krishna Prabhu has been coming to Srila Janardan Maharaj’s morning classes, Sarvabhavana Prabhu’s evening classes and helping Hasyapriya Prabhu with maintaining the Ashram property on weekends. He is a very gentle and kind person and we are very happy to welcome him into our family.

Photos by Krishnapriya Devi and prepared by Jatindra Mohan Prabhu…

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The morning started with a beautiful Chaitanya Charitamrita class led by Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj

The room filled up and everybody was enlivened to hear about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's pastimes in the Jarikanda forest

Sarvabhavana Prabhu and Srila Ashram Maharaj

Sarvabhavana Prabhu puts neckbeads on Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

Srila Janardan Maharaj chants on Sri Japa Mala

and gives some instructions to Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

The exchange was very sweet and affectionate

Brajanath Krishna Prabhu receives his Japa Mala from Srila Janardan Maharaj

Under the affectionate glance of Srila Govinda Maharaj

Ratan Krishna Prabhu leads Brajanath Krishna Prabhu in offering flowers

Srila Janardan Maharaj accepts a basket of fruit, flowers and incense

and warmly embraces Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

(left to right) Srila Ashram Maharaj, Srila Janardan Maharaj, Brajanath Krishna Prabhu, Sripad Parvat Maharaj and Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj ki jay! Brajanath Krishna Prabhu ki jay!

Namahatta Lecture–120423 History of the California Branch of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

120423 Braja’s Namahatta with Ashram Maharaj.mp3 (56 minutes, 38.6 MB)

This lecture was recorded at a namhatta and pizza party for Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Ashram Maharaj. Both of them speak in the audio recording.

Janardan Maharaj talks about how Jayanta Krishna Prabhu and Braja Mohini Didi’s house used to be the 17th St. temple and it is where Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj stayed on his first world tour. Years later, after Kumkum Didi had purchased the Saint James St. temple and the deity, Sriman Gaurangasundar Mahaprabhu had moved there, Srila Govinda Maharaj expressed that he wanted to keep the 17th St. property. Jayanta Krishna Prabhu and Braja Mohini Didi took on the responsibility for purchasing and maintaining the beautiful house.

Srila Janardan Maharaj tells the story of this house, giving honor to many of the ladies who lived here for years, and sharing happy memories. He then explains how the devotees came to purchase the current Seva Ashram property in Santa Cruz in order to fulfill the expressed desire of Srila Govinda Maharaj.

After a history of the California branch of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Janardan Maharaj tells funny stories from his personal relationships with Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj and Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad. The whole room erupts with laughter from hearing the funny stories and later Ashram Maharaj tells more funny stories.

Srila Ashram Maharaj at the Cabrillo College Bhakti Yoga Club

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

April 24, 2012

All glories to Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj!

Srila Ashram Maharaj has filled his days here in Soquel with preaching programs. Tuesday he attened the Cabrillo College Bhakti Yoga Club meeting. The devotees were very inspired by his association and several very fortunate new guests attended the program.

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The club meets 11-1 on Tuesdays in front of the Library

Ashram Maharaj led kirtan and gave a nice talk

Lila Madhuri and Varsa Devi Dasis, Ratan Krishna and Dinabandhu Prabhus, James and some guests attended the program

Srila Ashram Maharaj reported later that "time flew by" and it was a very good program

Sunday Feast Lecture–110508 Causeless And Irresistible

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 in Audio | Comments (0)

110508 Causeless And Irresistible.mp3 (50 minutes, 34.7 MB)

In this Sunday Feast lecture Srila Janardan Maharaj reveals his personal struggle to understand one aspect of Krishna Consciousness. He is very humble and honest in revealing that he never felt like his service could be “unmotivated and uninterrupted” even though he often spoke the following famous verse from Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.6):

sa vai pumsam paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokshaje
ahaituky apratihata
yayatma suprasidati

“The supreme occupation, dharma, for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.”

Srila Sridhar Maharaj solved his dilemma by explaining to him a wonderful new meaning of that verse. His answer is illuminating and deeply satisfying. In summary, he says that divine service itself is “causeless and irresistible”. Causeless in that it is independent and irresistible like a tsunami.

Loving Association With The Vaishnavas

Posted by Srila B. P. Janardan Maharaj on Friday, March 16th, 2012 in Seva Ashram Post | Comments (0)

Excerpt from an informal lecture given by Srila Janardan Maharaj where he speaks about the auspicious influence of the loving association of the great vaishnava acharyas: Srila Swami Prabhupad, Srila Sridhar Maharaj and Srila Govinda Maharaj, on his own life. Read full article

Appearance Day of Srila Janardan Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, February 3rd, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

January 27, 2012

This was the second annual Appearance Day Celebration honoring Srila Janardan Maharaj in Soquel and it was unbelievably sweet. For years Janardan Maharaj has traveled annually to Mexico around the time of his birthday. In Soquel we are always sad that Maharaj leaves and that we cannot join the celebration. Now the problem has been solved; we have started to celebrate his birthday according to the lunar calendar. After all, most vaishnava festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar, including the appearance days of our guru parampara.

Due to his humility Janardan Maharaj only reluctantly agreed to allow this festival but what a wonderful festival it turned out to be! After singing many vaishnava songs all together in the temple room, several devotees were invited to glorify of Srila Janardan Maharaj. If there had not been some concern about finishing the program on time, perhaps many more devotees would have liked to speak. It was an evening program after all, and there was a feast to honor (the menu was selected by Maharaj himself and included his favorite preparations.) We were able to hear from Jivana Devi, Sanatani Devi, Vrinda Devi, Ramachandra Prabhu, Sarvabhavana Prabhu, Sureshwari Devi, Kalindi Devi, and Vimala Devi. Their short speeches were heartfelt and often humorous. The most common themes that arose were humility, humor, friendship and family. Maharaj himself was touched and happy with the devotee’s offerings.

He responded,
…as for hearing everyone I appreciate their kindness and the sweet things they are saying. What can I say? “I just pray I can live up to eveyone’s expectations…The one thing I never wanted to be is a role model of anyone.” I didn’t like being a guru in ISKCON. It is easier to serve someone else than to take responsibility for getting respect from others.

…We have so much we really can’t complain about anything…”We should be ok.”

With that everyone laughed and I believe everyone felt very comfortable and happy. Maharaj was explaining that Srila Govinda Maharaj has given us everything we need and we can have faith that he will continue to take good care of us all. Janardan Maharaj’s mood was that of a gentle and wise father although he expressed himself as a brother. He said he feels like Srila Govinda Maharaj’s disciples are all his brothers and sisters (only some of the children are nieces and nephews.) It was really very clear, even to someone without any spiritual vision such as myself, that Janardan Maharaj is in fact as humble as all the devotees had expressed, and that his whole purpose in life is only to please his spiritual masters.

Jivana related a conversation that Janardan Maharaj had when he left ISKCON (after Srila Prabhupad disappeared from the world) to join Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Someone asked how much of his heart was for Srila Prabhupad and how much for Srila Sridhar Maharaj. He had explained that all three gurus, Srila Prabhupad, Srila Sridhar Maharaj, and Srila Govinda Maharaj occupy a 100% of his heart. “When someone is in your heart you really can’t take them out.” How fortunate are we to have as our friendly guardian this wonderful personality who personally served all three of these great vaishnavas?

I hope you will listen to the recordings from this festival, especially if you feel like part of Janardan Maharaj’s family. Happiness and affection ring out from the expressions of all the devotees and Janardan Maharaj expresses himself very nicely.

Click to listen to lecture: 120127 BPJ Appearance Day.mp3 (52 minutes, 36.2 MB)

Photos were taken by Murali Mohan Prabhu.

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Srila Janardan Maharaj ki jay!

Arotik of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari

The rhythm section: Sarvabhavana Prabhu, Ramai Prabhu archa-niketan, and Janardan Maharaj

All glories to Srimati Tulasi Devi!

"Nitai Gaura Hari Bol Hari Bol Hari Bol Hari Bol"

Our honorable Sarvabhavana Prabhu

Janardan Maharaj takes a seat...

and leads many vaishnava songs

Seated kirtan continues with mridanga playing

and many happy devotees chanting the holy name

Sushila, Laksmipriya, Vimala and Vrinda Devis

Hale, Jayanta Krishna and Ratan Krishna Prabhus

Jayananda Prabhu is always enthusiastic for kirtan...

And so is everyone else

Sanatai Devi happily glorifies Srila Janardan Maharaj...

and tells some funny stories from the twenty years she has known him

Jivana Devi gave a lovely talk reminding everyone that Janardan Maharaj is very humble

Vrinda Devi tells a humorous story about Janardan Maharaj pretending to steal Srila Gurudev's mango...

and is clearly enlivened

What a smile!

Even Janardan Maharaj is happy to remember so many stories

This is an exciting class

Ramachandra Prabhu takes a turn

Sarvabhavana Prabhu as well

Jivana Devi and Ramachandra Prabhu

Some of lovely community

Kalindi was very moved to say some words about Maharaj...

especially about the good influence he has been in her own life

Vimala Devi also spoke about Janardan Maharaj's influence in her life...

and made him laugh

Kumari Shivani practices a dance

Invitation to Appearance of Srila Janardan Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 in Events | Comments (0)

Please join us for worship and glorification of Srila Janardan Maharaj on the auspicious day of his divine advent. We are very fortunate that Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj is the guardian of our Soquel Seva Ashram and that we have his nurturing association. View invitation…

Srila Janardan Maharaj Preaching at Cabrillo College

Posted by Hasyapriya Das on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 in Videos | Comments (0)

What is Bhakti Yoga? What is the highest level of consciousness? Srila Janardan Maharaj explains how bhakti is beyond hankering and lamentation in this short video from the Bhakti Yoga Club at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California in October 2011 at Srila Janardan Maharaj’s “Simple Living and High Thinking” lecture. Watch Video…

Biography of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Posted by Sripad Bhakti Sharan Vaishnav Maharaj on Sunday, January 1st, 2012 in Guardians | Comments (1)

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj
Sevaite-Acharya of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

His Divine Grace Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj first joined the Krishna Consciousness Movement around 1970 in Europe, where he took shelter of the lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad. He remained there actively helping with the preaching activities until Srila Swami Maharaj asked him and many other disciples to go to India to help expand the Mission there. Seeing that this was very important service Srila Janardan Maharaj immediately went there and helped with his full energy.

After serving in India for two years, Srila Swami Maharaj conferred the sannyas ashram on him and thus he began to lead various preaching and collecting programs throughout the length and breadth of India.

After doing all he could in that environment, he was asked by Srila Swami Maharaj to organize the program in Hong Kong, then finding that Srila Janardan Maharaj was fluent in Spanish, he was dispatched to South America where he headed many preaching programs and finally took full charge of the large Mission in Mexico.

After the disappearance of Srila Swami Maharaj in 1977, Srila Janardan Maharaj continued to preach, publish and manage the mission, but in his heart, he felt something lacking. So in 1987, his internal inspiration sent him to the lotus feet of Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, an intimate friend and associate of Srila Swami Maharaj and whom Srila Swami Maharaj had described as “My siksha-guru.” After establishing a deep, heart connection with Srila Sridhar Maharaj, he was given the sannyas title of Sripad Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj. Shortly after this, he purchased the first “owned” Temple of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Mexico and he also began to spend more time preaching and inspiring the devotees in the United States.

It was around this time that due to a financial crisis, the former San Jose Temple was lost. So with great endeavor, and under the instruction and guidance of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, Srila Janardan Maharaj, together with Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram, were able to reestablish the San Jose Temple and a short while later, with the order and backing of Srila Govinda Maharaj, were able to purchase the magnificent Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram, located in the hills of Santa Cruz, California.

During this period, Srila Janardan Maharaj continued to travel and preach on behalf of Srila Govinda Maharaj and his relationship with him developed more and more and became deeper and deeper as the years went by. Srila Janardan Maharaj would visit India regularly and personally collected donations on behalf of the central Math. He would also participate in the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Nabadwip Dham Parikrama in a glorious way bringing so much inspiration to the devotees and much joy to Srila Govinda Maharaj’s heart.

Finally, before leaving this world, Srila Govinda Maharaj declared in his Last Will and Testament “And in America Sripad Janardan Maharaj is a perfect personality. He is a perfect gentlemen. He will be Acharya. He is Acharya already but has given all the respect to me; I am giving in return to him. Sripad Janardan Maharaj will become the Acharya and Sevaite of the Soquel Math.” So, under Srila Govinda Maharaj’s instruction, Srila Janardan Maharaj has continued to care for and serve his divine mission.

View more materials about Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj on the Seva Ashram Post

Namahatta at Sridhar Prabhu’s Home

Posted by Hasyapriya Das on Friday, December 30th, 2011 in 2011 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

In July Sridhar Prabhu and Madhumita Devi invited Srila B.P. Janardan Maharaj, Sripad B.S. Vaishnav Maharaj, and Sripad B.C. Parvat Maharaj to a namahatta at their house in the South Bay. Srila Janardan Maharaj told stories about Srila Gurudev’s world tours and answered questions posed by guests. The prasadam was lovely and everyone was happy.

[Show as slideshow]

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
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