India 2025
09 Apr 2025 evening (room) – The Whirlpool of Prema (English translation) | Delhi, India | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
Why Krishna is called Mukunda and Govinda. Krishna as an infant, child and a teenager. The names of Radha and Krishna in Hare Krihsna maha-mantra. The two meanings of the word prema-vivarta. The description of the flow of love. The left-wing mood displayed by Krishna. Ghrita-sneha and madhu-sneha. We must speak of the glories of Radha and Krishna. The glories of Radharani in Venu-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam (prema-paratattva-grantha) and other granthas. Madhurya-bhava expresses feelings in an...
09 Apr 2025 evening (temple) – Raya Ramananda Samvada (Hindi) | Delhi, India | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
Sadhana and sadhya. Varnashrama-dharma: the qualities of brahmana, vaishya, kshatriya and shudra. Whatever we do, we should offer it to God. Mahaprabhu wants to hear from Raya Rayamananda about the genuine nature of the soul. The proper offering to the guru is to listen to him and take what you hear deep into your heart. Bhajana: Hey Krishna, Gopala, Hare, Mukunda. Always stay in Vrindavana with your mind. Srimati Radhika asks Vrindavana to welcome Krishna. Two things are necessary for seva:...
08 Apr 2025 evening – Ekadasi Fasting (Hindi) | Amritsar, India | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
By observing the Ekadasi fast with faith, all sins are destroyed. On the day of Ekadasi, one should not consume any type of grain, such as rice, wheat, beans, chickpeas. Gurudeva explains that we should not accept or offer foods that are not permitted on this day of Ekadasi. Nirjala-ekadasi is the Ekadasi in which no food or liquid is consumed. Ekadasi Upavasi means sitting close to the Lord. Those who cannot follow nirjala-ekadasi can ingest small quantities of fruits and milk. Story of the...
08 Apr 2025 midday – Control of the Senses (Hindi) | Amritsar, India | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
About Raya Ramananda’s kirtana, which instructs on how to obtain divine love. Explanation of how one obtains loving service to Srimati Radharani through bhajana. The significance of controlling the impulse of the tongue. Sloka: vāco vegaṁ manasaḥ krodha-vegaṁ… (Upadesamrta 1). Gurudeva instructs us not to use harsh words with our godbrothers. By respecting and giving love to everyone, we will be pleasing the Guru. A pastime of Srila Rupa Gosvami, who unintentionally offended a devotee...
08 Apr 2025 morning – Chanting of the Holy Names (Hindi) | Amritsar, India | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
Description of the different kunjas of Vrndavana, where Krsna and Srimati Radharani perform beautiful pastimes. Pastime where Krsna answers the questions asked by the Gopis. The importance of the names given to children in a family. We should always chant the Holy Names, no matter if we are happy or sad. Pastime about the birth of Devaki’s eighth son, where Kansa is deceived by the manifestation of Mahamaya. Explanation of the motive of Sivaji, the highest of the Vaisnavas. Pastime where...