Video from Vrindavan at Krishna Balaram Mandir
Haribol, this is the video I promised. It took awhile to upload, but you can most certainly kind of get the sense of what it was like.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Hariali Teej
I am going to start this blog by saying that the reason I have not written in a while is multi-faceted. On one hand, not much blog-worthy has happened, and on the other hand, I just haven’t found time really to get to the internet in more than a week. So that’s that….now to the story. Friday, two days ago was our first real taste of chaos in Vrindavan, and from what I’ve heard, it was only a drop of nectar compared to the other festivals. I started suspecting something was happening Thursday night when I entered Aindra Prabhu’s kirtan, and the temple room was jam packed. The last time the temple room was close to that packed was around Guru-Purnima, but this was just a Thursday. I found out later that night that the next day, Friday, was jhulan and Bunkibihari Mandir. For those of you who don’t know this, Bunkibihari is by far the most popular deity in Vrindavan, so when they have jhulan, especially because there’s only one day of it there, many people will come. The next day, going into mangal aroti, the temple room was all decked out with nice leafy decorations. I also found out later that morning that this same day, the 3rd day of Sravaan, was Hariali Teej, the day in which all the deities in Vrindavan would wear green. All the other temples also celebrate because of jhulan at Bunkibihari (not officially…but personally I think that’s why…..). The deities looked beautiful that morning, because the altars were adorned with many green leaves, and
Chaitanya
Saturday, July 22, 2006
What's up...................
What's up everyone, sorry for not writing in a while, but i don't get to the computer very much. Everything in Vrindavana is fine, the weather has gotten much more pleasant (I heard its really hot there). By the way... the best veggie burgers in the world are now found in Vrindavana, India. Its only a 14 hour flight plus 3 hour drive from new jersey, so look into it.
In other news, Damodar will unfortunately be leaving us, but you will be able to have his company for Janmastami. I believe he leaves August 4th. Well thats all for now. .........................
Chaitanya and Amul
p.s.: we love reading the comments.....keep them coming
In other news, Damodar will unfortunately be leaving us, but you will be able to have his company for Janmastami. I believe he leaves August 4th. Well thats all for now. .........................
Chaitanya and Amul
p.s.: we love reading the comments.....keep them coming
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Amul: VIHE
this was written a few days back, its very nice weather today. I am getting accustomed to life here now. Time went by so fast, its already been 20 days!
Yesterday was Lokanatha Goswami (original one)'s Dissapearance day, so me and Damodar went to visit his Samadhi (Chaitan was religiously in Aindra's kirtan). Also Radha Gokulananda because they were his istadeva deities, it was very well decorated and nice bhajans and a rasa lila drama.
Then we went to Radha Ramana temple and Gopala Bhatta goswami's samadhi. I thought of VBD alot cuz of the whole VB GB connection, VBD if your reading this, Radha Raman looked so beautiful, i wish you were with me when i went! you were in my mind the whole time!
alright prabhus and matajis, enjoy the blog
-amul
********************************************************************************
I've got alot of requests to talk about our VIHE classes, so here it is, a description:
The VIHE building is located near the Goshalla, about 15 minutes walking distance from the Krishna Balaram temple. There are 2 classrooms, which are pretty nice. It gets quite hot sometimes during our late morning classes, but its bearable.
We have about 20 devotees in our class. They come from all over, there are devotees from Germany, Dubai, India, America, to name a few. They are all really nice and its fun to have such a variety of ages and backgrounds. Theres many youths, which makes the classes even more fun, because after class we hang out and joke around, its great!
Our teachers are really cool too. Adi Purusa prabhu (nicknamed "A.P." by me), is this really nice, peaceful bramhachari from Ukraine. He translated Srila Prabhupada's books into his language. Hes really into Tai chi and martial arts, he's super jacked, he gives Nishan a run for his money! He teaches Bhagavad Gita. At first I didnt really like his style of teaching, but now i understand why he does some things and I like it.
Prasanta Mataji is our Sri Isopanisad teacher. Shes from Italy or France, i forget which one. A funny thing about her is that she has an indian accent and a european accent at the same time! She's been in Vrindavan for a really long time, which gives her an indian accent when she speaks english (im sure she can speak hindi), but then she holds her mother language accent. Its really entertaining when her indian accent kicks in full power.
Phew, now that the description is over (sooo not my style, i like writing whatevers in my mind), i'll tell you whatsup around here.
Today we went to the Yamuna. It was a long overdue visit because when you first enter Vrindavan, one of the places your supposed to visit is the Yamuna, for blessings to really enter Vrindavan.
So, we took a boat to the other side and payed our obeisances and got in. We went with 2 classmates of ours, they are really nice. The Yamuna was so receded that the water only went up to our stomachs, no farther. I heard that when HH Indradyumna swami once went to take bath in Yamuna, right after he got in, the first two stones he picked up from the bottom were Shalagram Silas! I tried looking for stones but there was such a strong current that there was nothing on the bottom except mud. What i did find was an awesome piece of clay pot. It was awesome...?.......yea..............ahem. That reminds me of that Simpsons episode when Lisa's classmates are at an excavation site, and Ralph finds a "spear head" which is really his trough blade. HAHAHAHAHA, VBD and Gopal, you guys know what im talking about.
Alright, im sick of writing. I want to know whats going on over there! Current stuff at Towaco, or anything new in the US. A few people are writing to me but i wish more would!
later,
amul
ps. Haribol Mummy! your probably reading this at Krsangi's house, im doing okay, dont worry about me. And i will take a picture of Radha Syamasundar in their Night dress, dont worry.
pss. I forgot to mention i was sick for a day or two, vomiting, indigestion, fever etc. It wasn't that bad, i went to a doctor almost immediately and got some ayurvedic medicine. I am really watching what i eat. I sneak in some soan papri once and a while ;) MMMM…
Yesterday was Lokanatha Goswami (original one)'s Dissapearance day, so me and Damodar went to visit his Samadhi (Chaitan was religiously in Aindra's kirtan). Also Radha Gokulananda because they were his istadeva deities, it was very well decorated and nice bhajans and a rasa lila drama.
Then we went to Radha Ramana temple and Gopala Bhatta goswami's samadhi. I thought of VBD alot cuz of the whole VB GB connection, VBD if your reading this, Radha Raman looked so beautiful, i wish you were with me when i went! you were in my mind the whole time!
alright prabhus and matajis, enjoy the blog
-amul
********************************************************************************
I've got alot of requests to talk about our VIHE classes, so here it is, a description:
The VIHE building is located near the Goshalla, about 15 minutes walking distance from the Krishna Balaram temple. There are 2 classrooms, which are pretty nice. It gets quite hot sometimes during our late morning classes, but its bearable.
We have about 20 devotees in our class. They come from all over, there are devotees from Germany, Dubai, India, America, to name a few. They are all really nice and its fun to have such a variety of ages and backgrounds. Theres many youths, which makes the classes even more fun, because after class we hang out and joke around, its great!
Our teachers are really cool too. Adi Purusa prabhu (nicknamed "A.P." by me), is this really nice, peaceful bramhachari from Ukraine. He translated Srila Prabhupada's books into his language. Hes really into Tai chi and martial arts, he's super jacked, he gives Nishan a run for his money! He teaches Bhagavad Gita. At first I didnt really like his style of teaching, but now i understand why he does some things and I like it.
Prasanta Mataji is our Sri Isopanisad teacher. Shes from Italy or France, i forget which one. A funny thing about her is that she has an indian accent and a european accent at the same time! She's been in Vrindavan for a really long time, which gives her an indian accent when she speaks english (im sure she can speak hindi), but then she holds her mother language accent. Its really entertaining when her indian accent kicks in full power.
Phew, now that the description is over (sooo not my style, i like writing whatevers in my mind), i'll tell you whatsup around here.
Today we went to the Yamuna. It was a long overdue visit because when you first enter Vrindavan, one of the places your supposed to visit is the Yamuna, for blessings to really enter Vrindavan.
So, we took a boat to the other side and payed our obeisances and got in. We went with 2 classmates of ours, they are really nice. The Yamuna was so receded that the water only went up to our stomachs, no farther. I heard that when HH Indradyumna swami once went to take bath in Yamuna, right after he got in, the first two stones he picked up from the bottom were Shalagram Silas! I tried looking for stones but there was such a strong current that there was nothing on the bottom except mud. What i did find was an awesome piece of clay pot. It was awesome...?.......yea..............ahem. That reminds me of that Simpsons episode when Lisa's classmates are at an excavation site, and Ralph finds a "spear head" which is really his trough blade. HAHAHAHAHA, VBD and Gopal, you guys know what im talking about.
Alright, im sick of writing. I want to know whats going on over there! Current stuff at Towaco, or anything new in the US. A few people are writing to me but i wish more would!
later,
amul
ps. Haribol Mummy! your probably reading this at Krsangi's house, im doing okay, dont worry about me. And i will take a picture of Radha Syamasundar in their Night dress, dont worry.
pss. I forgot to mention i was sick for a day or two, vomiting, indigestion, fever etc. It wasn't that bad, i went to a doctor almost immediately and got some ayurvedic medicine. I am really watching what i eat. I sneak in some soan papri once and a while ;) MMMM…
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Akhanda Harinam Sankirtan....(I couldn't think of a title...Amul's Idea)
7/12/06I know this may be a shock to many people (Yes….I know this is a weird way to begin a blog…..), well, I am a big fan of Aindra Prabhu’s kirtans. Well I have been trying to avoid writing a blog purely about Aindra Prabhu’s kirtans for that one reason alone, none of you would take me seriously, but after several events (believe me, they’re worth reading about)…I just could not resist. The first few days we were here Aindra Prabhu’s kirtans were just as I expected, awesome. But for the past week, due to the advent of Guru-Purnima, Krishna Balaram Mandir has very busy for the last week. For those of you who do not know this, Aindra Prabhu starts singing between 6:30 and 6:40, and he goes until two or three minutes after the curtains have opened for Sandhya Aroti (7:05 on the temple room clock here). He usually cranks the kirtan up several times, and as I walked in at 6:43 today (I rush from class, I literally run), what I witnessed was an all out bhangra (I've never seen one before, but from what I've heard...) scene (Yes…you read that correctly B–H–A–N–G–R–A....it really is pretty crazy...). To top this off, the catalyst for this phenomena was what seemed like a 90 year old dude who was dancing like, well raving like…Nimai Patel (sorry Nimai….I don’t know any other dancers). Dancing has been slowly building up over the past few days, but it definitely reached another level today. Even the 24 hour kirtan devotees were laughing, I’m definitely gonna try and videotape it tomorrow. On a side note, the weather here is actually quite pleasant now, it rains for a short period of time, but the temperature stays much…much cooler. Alright…I’m out for now…..
The picture is from the Hathras program (see blog entry: Hathras)
Chaitanya
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Amul: Entry 2
yoo homies, yea yea i know its late, just be happy i got it up, this internet is so slow that i could do parikrama of goverdhan and come back and my yahoo still would have not loaded! HAHA. so this is a few days old, im not feeling homesick anymore. I am making alot of new friends and studying alot (yes gopal i am studying you punk) so thats taking up alot of time, no time to think of ma and pa..lol.
Its been raining the past 2 days and the temp. has gone down considerably, its awesome! there still is the constant smell of sewage everywhere from the overflooding gutters (mutter butter gutter paneer), but that doesnt really bother me. It says that the materialists see Vrindavan as a smelly dirty city with monkeys and hogs, but a devotee sees the real vrindavan as the eternal, spiritual place it actually is. I am trying..brb gotta go throw up..HAHAH J/k
I havent been attacked by monkeys for my glasses (yet) but i do have a funny story to tell, this one morning around 3 am i got up first and damo and chai were still sleeping. I keep my glasses under my bed, please dont ask why. So i ask damodar, "hey dam i dont think i can go to mangals today." right after i said that, i stepped on my glasses, full on! I WAS SOOO PISSED!!!!, i took it as Krishna telling me, "Amul go to mangals you slacker." its true that theres "instant karma" in vrindavan. i bent my glasses back and went to mangals.
We are eating prasadam at the temple, its very nice. We sometimes eat at govindas when we feel like spending money. I am very careful though, not to eat fried foods or fruits that have been out for a long time.
lastly, another funny thing that happened is that when it rained alot, the parking lot behind the temple got flooded, and from our room we have this great view of the parking lot. So the monkeys, they were doing somersaults off the roof and into the water!! it was the funniest thing, def. made my day.
enjoy the post
***********************************************************************************
Amul Sutaria
Entry 2
Feeling really homesick. Nimai Mahajan sent the link to the pics of the Sunday feast cooking, boy was I jealous! It was weird seeing those pictures and not finding myself in them, but at the same time, I felt like I was there while looking at them. I wish I could have been there with all my friends. I stay sane by reminding myself that one day I will be reunited with all of them.
Today was the Bhakti Shastri opening ceremony. There are students from all over. I made friends with this boy from Germany, he told me he spent time at the NYC Bhaktivedanta Ashram and how he loved it. He was naming all the bramhacharis there and I was like “Yea! I know him, I know him, and he’s so cool! Etc.” It was great to hear glorification of devotees that remind me of home.
Speaking of devotees I know, I can’t find any here. During the four years I was gone from Vrindavan, it completely changed. All the devotees I made friends with are scattered across the globe. There is only a handful that I remember and maybe a few that actually remember me. What a great feeling to come back somewhere expecting and hankering to meet old friends, and then finding one, who tells you how all the others left? That was sarcastic by the way.
I have been chanting 16 rounds for the past 2 days now. It really helps in keeping my mind occupied and peaceful. My dear friend and siksa guru, Kalpa Vrksa prabhu, gave me advice through Myspace and e-mail. Meditating on his words also helps me a great deal. [Paraphrased]: “Don’t get caught up in other people’s Maya and immerse yourself in studying the shastra. Wash your eyes and heart daily with Kirtan.” I am so grateful and so indebted to him for taking the time out to instruct me. I encourage all who are reading this to take his association. He’s truly a realized person.
My roommates and I are daily attending Aindra prabhu’s kirtan. They are not of this world. The way he sings, the way he gets others to chant, is so inspiring. The best is seeing the reaction of the Indian visitors who are just dumbfounded that this old white man from the Videsh can sing so well. The rupees that are thrown at his harmonium are proof of this.
Another realization I have been having is that 30 years ago, K.B. temple was mostly foreign devotees. If you watch the video of Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, when the devotees take Srila Prabhupada around Vrindavan, you will see what I mean. And now, the only foreign devotees you will find are the old Prabhupada disciples and a handful of visitors. Then I noticed that not only in Vrindavan, but in America as well, the temples are attended and ran mostly by Indians. Just a thought that came to my mind, I don’t have a specific view on it.
Okay, I’m going to sleep, its getting late, gotta keep the Mangals streak going. If anyone is by chance near my parent’s house in Paramus, please visit them to see how they are doing, I would greatly appreciate it. Radhe Radhe.
Amul
Its been raining the past 2 days and the temp. has gone down considerably, its awesome! there still is the constant smell of sewage everywhere from the overflooding gutters (mutter butter gutter paneer), but that doesnt really bother me. It says that the materialists see Vrindavan as a smelly dirty city with monkeys and hogs, but a devotee sees the real vrindavan as the eternal, spiritual place it actually is. I am trying..brb gotta go throw up..HAHAH J/k
I havent been attacked by monkeys for my glasses (yet) but i do have a funny story to tell, this one morning around 3 am i got up first and damo and chai were still sleeping. I keep my glasses under my bed, please dont ask why. So i ask damodar, "hey dam i dont think i can go to mangals today." right after i said that, i stepped on my glasses, full on! I WAS SOOO PISSED!!!!, i took it as Krishna telling me, "Amul go to mangals you slacker." its true that theres "instant karma" in vrindavan. i bent my glasses back and went to mangals.
We are eating prasadam at the temple, its very nice. We sometimes eat at govindas when we feel like spending money. I am very careful though, not to eat fried foods or fruits that have been out for a long time.
lastly, another funny thing that happened is that when it rained alot, the parking lot behind the temple got flooded, and from our room we have this great view of the parking lot. So the monkeys, they were doing somersaults off the roof and into the water!! it was the funniest thing, def. made my day.
enjoy the post
***********************************************************************************
Amul Sutaria
Entry 2
Feeling really homesick. Nimai Mahajan sent the link to the pics of the Sunday feast cooking, boy was I jealous! It was weird seeing those pictures and not finding myself in them, but at the same time, I felt like I was there while looking at them. I wish I could have been there with all my friends. I stay sane by reminding myself that one day I will be reunited with all of them.
Today was the Bhakti Shastri opening ceremony. There are students from all over. I made friends with this boy from Germany, he told me he spent time at the NYC Bhaktivedanta Ashram and how he loved it. He was naming all the bramhacharis there and I was like “Yea! I know him, I know him, and he’s so cool! Etc.” It was great to hear glorification of devotees that remind me of home.
Speaking of devotees I know, I can’t find any here. During the four years I was gone from Vrindavan, it completely changed. All the devotees I made friends with are scattered across the globe. There is only a handful that I remember and maybe a few that actually remember me. What a great feeling to come back somewhere expecting and hankering to meet old friends, and then finding one, who tells you how all the others left? That was sarcastic by the way.
I have been chanting 16 rounds for the past 2 days now. It really helps in keeping my mind occupied and peaceful. My dear friend and siksa guru, Kalpa Vrksa prabhu, gave me advice through Myspace and e-mail. Meditating on his words also helps me a great deal. [Paraphrased]: “Don’t get caught up in other people’s Maya and immerse yourself in studying the shastra. Wash your eyes and heart daily with Kirtan.” I am so grateful and so indebted to him for taking the time out to instruct me. I encourage all who are reading this to take his association. He’s truly a realized person.
My roommates and I are daily attending Aindra prabhu’s kirtan. They are not of this world. The way he sings, the way he gets others to chant, is so inspiring. The best is seeing the reaction of the Indian visitors who are just dumbfounded that this old white man from the Videsh can sing so well. The rupees that are thrown at his harmonium are proof of this.
Another realization I have been having is that 30 years ago, K.B. temple was mostly foreign devotees. If you watch the video of Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, when the devotees take Srila Prabhupada around Vrindavan, you will see what I mean. And now, the only foreign devotees you will find are the old Prabhupada disciples and a handful of visitors. Then I noticed that not only in Vrindavan, but in America as well, the temples are attended and ran mostly by Indians. Just a thought that came to my mind, I don’t have a specific view on it.
Okay, I’m going to sleep, its getting late, gotta keep the Mangals streak going. If anyone is by chance near my parent’s house in Paramus, please visit them to see how they are doing, I would greatly appreciate it. Radhe Radhe.
Amul
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Amul: 1/2 way post
damnit, i know you guys are waiting for a new post but the computer Chai just uploaded my blog document is being used by someone, and i cant wait cuz its PARSHADUM time....so heres what i call a "half way" post.
i am sooo sorry i dont keep in contact with everyone by email. Its so hard to get on the internet because of our busy schedule:
we wake up for mangals, then japa, then greeting the dieties and gurupuja, then prasadam at 9, then class at 11-1pm, then studying/computer/chilling/wasting time, then class at 4-6, then aindra prabhus kirtan till 7, then more chanting/studying, then sleep time. Where is there a chance for walking to the cybercafe? (note: the chanting/studying time is not always that..;))
I know i know, there is time, but u all have to forgive me. With separation our relationships are growing stronger. I think about every one of you at some moment in the day, whether something sparked a memory or i just remember something funny for no reason. Ask damodar and chai, i start laughing sometimes out of the blue, and no its not cuz i am feeling ecstatic symptoms. LOL. RASIKA FOR LIFE ~!
okay my new post will come tommorow! look for it.
radhe radhe
amulio
ps. gimme a call on this cell fone we have, its free incoming calls, get the number from krsangi or n. mahajan!!!
i am sooo sorry i dont keep in contact with everyone by email. Its so hard to get on the internet because of our busy schedule:
we wake up for mangals, then japa, then greeting the dieties and gurupuja, then prasadam at 9, then class at 11-1pm, then studying/computer/chilling/wasting time, then class at 4-6, then aindra prabhus kirtan till 7, then more chanting/studying, then sleep time. Where is there a chance for walking to the cybercafe? (note: the chanting/studying time is not always that..;))
I know i know, there is time, but u all have to forgive me. With separation our relationships are growing stronger. I think about every one of you at some moment in the day, whether something sparked a memory or i just remember something funny for no reason. Ask damodar and chai, i start laughing sometimes out of the blue, and no its not cuz i am feeling ecstatic symptoms. LOL. RASIKA FOR LIFE ~!
okay my new post will come tommorow! look for it.
radhe radhe
amulio
ps. gimme a call on this cell fone we have, its free incoming calls, get the number from krsangi or n. mahajan!!!
Hathras
7/8/06
Two days ago, Amul and I attended a home program in a town called Hathras. Hathras is approximately 30 kilometers from Vrindavan. In the USA, 30 kilometers by road takes maybe 15 or 20 minutes tops. Here in India it took us about two hours to get there, but I’ve already gone through driving in India (see “Driving in Delhi”) so I’ll just give you the highlights of the drive. The drivers decided to take a “shortcut”. The road for the shortcut is possibly the worst road I have ever seen. Its not that it wasn’t paved, but it was partially paved, so there was a thin strip of road in the middle surrounded by potholes varying in size from approximately 5-15 ft. Anyway, we got there, and it was the opening of the temple. Did I mention that this was a home program with Aindra Prabhu? Yes, we got to go on a home program with Aindra prabhu. We’ve made friends here with the 24 kirtan devotees, they’re all really cool, so they invited us to come on this program. Amul and I got to sit in the back of the Qualis (the standard SUV in India, made by Toyota…yes, I had never heard of it either) that Aindra Prabhu was riding in, sitting right behind him. Aindra Prabhu is one of the coolest devotees I think I have ever met. He is extremely humble, but he is not afraid to speak his mind one bit. On the way to Hathras, the back of our car was continuously making an obnoxious noise, and Aindra Prabhu did the most hilarious impression of it that I have ever seen. We were quietly cracking up for minutes after that.
After arriving in Hathras, we went right up into the temple (the program was actually a new temple opening), and Aindra Prabhu started singing. He sang in total for more than two hours. He sang every one of his signature tunes, including my beloved Vraja Vilas (Vol. 1. , Track 1, approximately 15:30 in, check it out, it’s a sick tune). This was by far the coolest program I have ever been to. I was also amazed to see all the Indians reaction to see this white devotee singing amazingly (as mentioned in Amul’s blog).
Since then, classes have started. They’re okay, but somewhat unbearable due to the extreme heat. Yesterday the electricity stopped working in the VIHE building, so we didn’t even have fans, I can tell you that it very very very very very very very (you got the point) hot. The word around Vrindavan is that rainy season is late this year, but everyone is anxiously awaiting its arrival. Well until next time, I’m out.
Chaitanya
Two days ago, Amul and I attended a home program in a town called Hathras. Hathras is approximately 30 kilometers from Vrindavan. In the USA, 30 kilometers by road takes maybe 15 or 20 minutes tops. Here in India it took us about two hours to get there, but I’ve already gone through driving in India (see “Driving in Delhi”) so I’ll just give you the highlights of the drive. The drivers decided to take a “shortcut”. The road for the shortcut is possibly the worst road I have ever seen. Its not that it wasn’t paved, but it was partially paved, so there was a thin strip of road in the middle surrounded by potholes varying in size from approximately 5-15 ft. Anyway, we got there, and it was the opening of the temple. Did I mention that this was a home program with Aindra Prabhu? Yes, we got to go on a home program with Aindra prabhu. We’ve made friends here with the 24 kirtan devotees, they’re all really cool, so they invited us to come on this program. Amul and I got to sit in the back of the Qualis (the standard SUV in India, made by Toyota…yes, I had never heard of it either) that Aindra Prabhu was riding in, sitting right behind him. Aindra Prabhu is one of the coolest devotees I think I have ever met. He is extremely humble, but he is not afraid to speak his mind one bit. On the way to Hathras, the back of our car was continuously making an obnoxious noise, and Aindra Prabhu did the most hilarious impression of it that I have ever seen. We were quietly cracking up for minutes after that.
After arriving in Hathras, we went right up into the temple (the program was actually a new temple opening), and Aindra Prabhu started singing. He sang in total for more than two hours. He sang every one of his signature tunes, including my beloved Vraja Vilas (Vol. 1. , Track 1, approximately 15:30 in, check it out, it’s a sick tune). This was by far the coolest program I have ever been to. I was also amazed to see all the Indians reaction to see this white devotee singing amazingly (as mentioned in Amul’s blog).
Since then, classes have started. They’re okay, but somewhat unbearable due to the extreme heat. Yesterday the electricity stopped working in the VIHE building, so we didn’t even have fans, I can tell you that it very very very very very very very (you got the point) hot. The word around Vrindavan is that rainy season is late this year, but everyone is anxiously awaiting its arrival. Well until next time, I’m out.
Chaitanya
"Time For Some LSD"
7/4/06
The raj-bhoga cook at Krishna Balaram Mandir is a devotee by the name of Bhubaneshwar Prabhu. Bhubaneshwar Prabhu is a Prabhupada disciple, who for some reason or another (I wouldn’t have taken a liking to us) has taken a liking to us, and we have been to his room several times. He always has given us maha-prashad sweets, and he even made the dried fruit Amul brought into a sweet the very next day. We have also read Krishna book with him in his room, the story of King Shalva attacking Dwarka with his mystical airplane and dropping rocks and boulders on the city (It’s a good story, I would give it a read). Well today, he invited us into his room for lunch. Damodar and I went and picked up the Prasad with him (5 subjis, 2 rice preps.., dal, 3 or 4 sweets, chapattis, raita, pakora, and I think that’s about it, but I’m probably forgetting something) from the room right next to the altar. In Vrindavan, they offer 6 raj bhoga plates, and the Prasad for the three of us, came from one plate. In his room we divided it into three plates, and began to honor the prashad. Every single item was absolutely amazing, and on top of that, we were all stuffed when we finished. After we cleaned up, Bhubaneshwar prabhu told us that it was, “Time for some LSD.” After some confusing stares, he added, “left side down.” What I haven’t mentioned that it was extremely hot. The difference between heat in Vrindavan, and heat in America is staggering. In Vrindavan, when it gets hot, it is hot and humid all the time. Stepping outside is literally like stepping into an oven. And after eating so much, you could say sleep was something we were thinking about. This probably isn’t too significant to you, but to us, it was pretty funny. Classes start tomorrow, so I probably won’t write as much as I have been.
Chaitanya
The raj-bhoga cook at Krishna Balaram Mandir is a devotee by the name of Bhubaneshwar Prabhu. Bhubaneshwar Prabhu is a Prabhupada disciple, who for some reason or another (I wouldn’t have taken a liking to us) has taken a liking to us, and we have been to his room several times. He always has given us maha-prashad sweets, and he even made the dried fruit Amul brought into a sweet the very next day. We have also read Krishna book with him in his room, the story of King Shalva attacking Dwarka with his mystical airplane and dropping rocks and boulders on the city (It’s a good story, I would give it a read). Well today, he invited us into his room for lunch. Damodar and I went and picked up the Prasad with him (5 subjis, 2 rice preps.., dal, 3 or 4 sweets, chapattis, raita, pakora, and I think that’s about it, but I’m probably forgetting something) from the room right next to the altar. In Vrindavan, they offer 6 raj bhoga plates, and the Prasad for the three of us, came from one plate. In his room we divided it into three plates, and began to honor the prashad. Every single item was absolutely amazing, and on top of that, we were all stuffed when we finished. After we cleaned up, Bhubaneshwar prabhu told us that it was, “Time for some LSD.” After some confusing stares, he added, “left side down.” What I haven’t mentioned that it was extremely hot. The difference between heat in Vrindavan, and heat in America is staggering. In Vrindavan, when it gets hot, it is hot and humid all the time. Stepping outside is literally like stepping into an oven. And after eating so much, you could say sleep was something we were thinking about. This probably isn’t too significant to you, but to us, it was pretty funny. Classes start tomorrow, so I probably won’t write as much as I have been.
Chaitanya
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Amul: First Post from Vrindavan
Amul Sutaria
Vrindavan Days 2006
So, here we are, it’s been 3 days in Vraj and I am already missing my family and friends. Classes start tomorrow, so I am hoping that studying will take up a lot of my time. Because the less time to think about home the better.
We have this portable speaker system that Chai brought from home and it connects to our Ipods. The funny thing about that is that it’s not Aindra prabhu we listen to. As some of you may or may not know, a good amount of the NJ boys are completely obsessed with Aindra prabhu’s kirtans. Since Aindra is “right downstairs” as Damodar put it, we don’t listen to his tracks. On the other hand we listen to such tracks as Avatar studios P-sena Kirtans and Ragunandan’s CD. It’s amazing in the US we listen to Vrindavan kirtans and in Vrindavan we listen to US kirtans. A funny realization!
We all are chanting 16 rounds now (I still have a few left for today though). It’s great to be solely focused on sadhana. Hearing and chanting is not only something you do on the side anymore, it’s one of our main services now. I pray that I can keep it up in the USA when I get back.
Although everything with us is fine, a downside of KB temple is that there’s a whole lot of politics between devotees. I heard something like the new management is trying to kick out some bramhacharis or something like that. I don’t like to dabble in politics and such but I almost always get this bad vibe around certain devotees. More recently I have been keeping to myself and devotees I know very well. As my sister said, if you make offenses in the Dham, you’ll be “finished”.
Speaking of my sister, she wrote me a letter to read on the plane to India. I read this letter every day to remind me of why I am here in the Dham and what I should be doing. It definitely keeps me on track. I am thanking Radhe-Shyam everday for giving me a sister who’s definitely a modern day saint. Watch out Mother Urmila!
Radhey asked me to write something funny if anything like that came across. Well, across from the temple they play this Hare Krishna techno pop track that some devotees put out. No more “radhe radhe rato chale ainge bihari”. This new song is by far the most entertaining Hare Krishna techno I have ever heard. It sounds like something out of a disco-tek. It was such a hit amongst my roommates that Chai went and bought the CD. We plan on blasting it in NJ when we get back. Also big ups to all the Krishnautix fans out thurr too…ya’ll know who you are..HAHA.
Alright I gota go, if your thinking of coming to Vrindavan for Kartik (cough VBD cough) pleaasseee come, I need to see a familiar face! RADHE RADHE, im out.
Vrindavan Days 2006
So, here we are, it’s been 3 days in Vraj and I am already missing my family and friends. Classes start tomorrow, so I am hoping that studying will take up a lot of my time. Because the less time to think about home the better.
We have this portable speaker system that Chai brought from home and it connects to our Ipods. The funny thing about that is that it’s not Aindra prabhu we listen to. As some of you may or may not know, a good amount of the NJ boys are completely obsessed with Aindra prabhu’s kirtans. Since Aindra is “right downstairs” as Damodar put it, we don’t listen to his tracks. On the other hand we listen to such tracks as Avatar studios P-sena Kirtans and Ragunandan’s CD. It’s amazing in the US we listen to Vrindavan kirtans and in Vrindavan we listen to US kirtans. A funny realization!
We all are chanting 16 rounds now (I still have a few left for today though). It’s great to be solely focused on sadhana. Hearing and chanting is not only something you do on the side anymore, it’s one of our main services now. I pray that I can keep it up in the USA when I get back.
Although everything with us is fine, a downside of KB temple is that there’s a whole lot of politics between devotees. I heard something like the new management is trying to kick out some bramhacharis or something like that. I don’t like to dabble in politics and such but I almost always get this bad vibe around certain devotees. More recently I have been keeping to myself and devotees I know very well. As my sister said, if you make offenses in the Dham, you’ll be “finished”.
Speaking of my sister, she wrote me a letter to read on the plane to India. I read this letter every day to remind me of why I am here in the Dham and what I should be doing. It definitely keeps me on track. I am thanking Radhe-Shyam everday for giving me a sister who’s definitely a modern day saint. Watch out Mother Urmila!
Radhey asked me to write something funny if anything like that came across. Well, across from the temple they play this Hare Krishna techno pop track that some devotees put out. No more “radhe radhe rato chale ainge bihari”. This new song is by far the most entertaining Hare Krishna techno I have ever heard. It sounds like something out of a disco-tek. It was such a hit amongst my roommates that Chai went and bought the CD. We plan on blasting it in NJ when we get back. Also big ups to all the Krishnautix fans out thurr too…ya’ll know who you are..HAHA.
Alright I gota go, if your thinking of coming to Vrindavan for Kartik (cough VBD cough) pleaasseee come, I need to see a familiar face! RADHE RADHE, im out.
The Real Vrindavan
7/4/06 - happy fourth everyone...the posts as I promised, the older ones are farther down, make sure you blow up your fireworks (nimai....) ...keep in touch by email, its my gmail (same as my optonline, but with @gmai.com at the end instead)
After being sequestered in and around the ISKCON temple complex the first two days, today was the first day that I actually saw Vrindavan, in all of its glory. After doing darshan at mangala aroti, we immediately left to go on Vrindavan parikrama (to beat the heat). I immediately saw the Vrindavan I had heard about from so many people, read in so many places, and have wanted to see for a long time. What strikes you at first is how happy everyone is (there is no “drama for your mama” here). In Vrindavan, nobody says hello, how are you, or any of those useless phrases that we have become accustomed to. In Vrindavan, the phrase, I mean THE phrase is Radhe Radhe. Radhe Radhe can mean hello, watch out, or get out of the way (in the USA we generally use expletives for this). While walking through Vrindavan, besides the sounds of the horns, and Radhe Radhe, you hear bells and bhajans emanating from the many temples along the parikrama route. A prime case for this is the Jagannath temple in Vrindavan. Damodar told me that the deities were from Jagannath Puri, brought there after the deities were changed in Jagannath Puri (the deities are changed there every 12 years). Approaching this temple, from more than 500 feet away, one can hear constant bells ringing, and quite frankly, I thought it was an obnoxious recording. As we entered the Jagannath temple to take darshan, we saw that there was 7-8 people there ringing gongs with all their might on regular intervals…it was quite a sight. That is the real Vrindavan.
Chaitanya
After being sequestered in and around the ISKCON temple complex the first two days, today was the first day that I actually saw Vrindavan, in all of its glory. After doing darshan at mangala aroti, we immediately left to go on Vrindavan parikrama (to beat the heat). I immediately saw the Vrindavan I had heard about from so many people, read in so many places, and have wanted to see for a long time. What strikes you at first is how happy everyone is (there is no “drama for your mama” here). In Vrindavan, nobody says hello, how are you, or any of those useless phrases that we have become accustomed to. In Vrindavan, the phrase, I mean THE phrase is Radhe Radhe. Radhe Radhe can mean hello, watch out, or get out of the way (in the USA we generally use expletives for this). While walking through Vrindavan, besides the sounds of the horns, and Radhe Radhe, you hear bells and bhajans emanating from the many temples along the parikrama route. A prime case for this is the Jagannath temple in Vrindavan. Damodar told me that the deities were from Jagannath Puri, brought there after the deities were changed in Jagannath Puri (the deities are changed there every 12 years). Approaching this temple, from more than 500 feet away, one can hear constant bells ringing, and quite frankly, I thought it was an obnoxious recording. As we entered the Jagannath temple to take darshan, we saw that there was 7-8 people there ringing gongs with all their might on regular intervals…it was quite a sight. That is the real Vrindavan.
Chaitanya
The Market......Vrindavan Style
7/3/06
Can you think of something you most direly need? Dhoti, kurta, sari, bead bag, tv, new dvd player, getting your old dvd player fixed, the list goes on and on and on and on……(you get the point). Well book your plane ticket to India, and car to Vrindavan, because Loi Bazaar is the place to go. I was surprised at what you could find here, in the middle of Vrindavan. On one hand I was looking at bicycle rickshaws, hand pushed carts which fruits were sold on, and then I go into the appliance store, and boom….23 inch flat screen tv’s playing the newest Indian music video or the ongoing cricket match. Vrindavan continues to amaze me, in the way that it is so, “old school”, yet here I am typing on a laptop, and I will be posting this on the blog tomorrow, in the internet café across from the temple. By the way…Aindra Prabhu’s kirtan today was once again unbelievable. Good Night…. 10:25 PM.
Chaitanya
Can you think of something you most direly need? Dhoti, kurta, sari, bead bag, tv, new dvd player, getting your old dvd player fixed, the list goes on and on and on and on……(you get the point). Well book your plane ticket to India, and car to Vrindavan, because Loi Bazaar is the place to go. I was surprised at what you could find here, in the middle of Vrindavan. On one hand I was looking at bicycle rickshaws, hand pushed carts which fruits were sold on, and then I go into the appliance store, and boom….23 inch flat screen tv’s playing the newest Indian music video or the ongoing cricket match. Vrindavan continues to amaze me, in the way that it is so, “old school”, yet here I am typing on a laptop, and I will be posting this on the blog tomorrow, in the internet café across from the temple. By the way…Aindra Prabhu’s kirtan today was once again unbelievable. Good Night…. 10:25 PM.
Chaitanya
Driving in Delhi
7/2/06
After landing in Delhi, we were picked up and driven to the ISKCON temple (Very impressive. For those who have not experienced driving in Delhi, it is best described as absolute chaos with a high degree of organization. As much sense that makes (or doesn’t in this case), it is the best way to describe it. People randomly weave through lanes, cut people off, etc…, but everyone seems to go by the same rules, and well…it somehow works. Finding your way around is another story. Unless you have an extremely good understanding of the roads (our driver didn’t), you must constantly pull over and ask people. Sounds simple at first, but it gets much trickier. Some people give you good directions, while others…well how can I best put it…don’t. Because of this, you must make an immediate decision on whether to listen or not (any hesitation by the direction-giver, and you probably shouldn’t listen…for your own good). Amazingly we eventually arrived at all of our destinations (The key word here is eventually….) We even got pulled over once (I didn’t think it was possible considering the chaos…see earlier) Our driver made an illegal u-turn, I’ll admit I did see the no u-turn sign and we tried to mention it to him but…well…he did it any way. Driving to Vrindavan that night was an adventure as well, this same driver must have taken us in circles before we finally found our way out of Delhi. Did I mention he got a ticket when he was pulled over? (200 Rupees, he tried to bribe the officer, but he wouldn’t go for it. He might have anyway because he disappeared from view and came back.) Well that is just the tip of the iceberg about driving in Delhi, although I’m positive Ernest Hemingway himself could not do it justice.
Chaitanya
After landing in Delhi, we were picked up and driven to the ISKCON temple (Very impressive. For those who have not experienced driving in Delhi, it is best described as absolute chaos with a high degree of organization. As much sense that makes (or doesn’t in this case), it is the best way to describe it. People randomly weave through lanes, cut people off, etc…, but everyone seems to go by the same rules, and well…it somehow works. Finding your way around is another story. Unless you have an extremely good understanding of the roads (our driver didn’t), you must constantly pull over and ask people. Sounds simple at first, but it gets much trickier. Some people give you good directions, while others…well how can I best put it…don’t. Because of this, you must make an immediate decision on whether to listen or not (any hesitation by the direction-giver, and you probably shouldn’t listen…for your own good). Amazingly we eventually arrived at all of our destinations (The key word here is eventually….) We even got pulled over once (I didn’t think it was possible considering the chaos…see earlier) Our driver made an illegal u-turn, I’ll admit I did see the no u-turn sign and we tried to mention it to him but…well…he did it any way. Driving to Vrindavan that night was an adventure as well, this same driver must have taken us in circles before we finally found our way out of Delhi. Did I mention he got a ticket when he was pulled over? (200 Rupees, he tried to bribe the officer, but he wouldn’t go for it. He might have anyway because he disappeared from view and came back.) Well that is just the tip of the iceberg about driving in Delhi, although I’m positive Ernest Hemingway himself could not do it justice.
Chaitanya
Monday, July 03, 2006
A Beginning
Haribol,
I am getting kicked off the computer, but I promise big posts very soon....Haribol
Chaitanya
I am getting kicked off the computer, but I promise big posts very soon....Haribol
Chaitanya
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