Paris
22 May 2025 evening – The Development of Sadhana and Realization in Bhakti (English) | Paris, France | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
A boat is made of wood suitable for it not to sink, in the same way, the Guru gives everything to the disciple whose heart is clean and tidy. The song Amara Jivana explains that the conditioned soul has no good qualities, but the devotee who recognizes his disqualification is sincere. The heart cannot be cleaned with soap and water; one must chant Harinama: harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam… (CC Madhya-lila 6.242). The duration of life in each of the four yugas is different. The...
22 May 2025 midday – Tattva Important for Spiritual Life (English) | Paris, France | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
It is very important to develop spiritual life. Mahaprabhu told us to serve Guru, Vaisnavas and chant the Holy Names: sadhu-sanga, namasankirtana, bhagavad-sravana (hear from pure devotees), serve Thakuraji and be in Vraja even in thought. Sloka that warns us not to hear Harikatha from non-devotees: avaiṣṇava-mukhodgīrṇaṁ… (Padma Purana mentioned in CC Antya-lila 13.113). Radha-kunda is a place very protected by Yogamaya. The highest places in Vrndavana are called Brhad Vrndavana, and so is...
22 May 2025 morning – Just Being in Krsna Consciousness Is a Great Good Fortune (English) | Paris, France | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
The natural tendency of the jiva is to render devotional service to the Lord and to give up karma, jnana, yoga and tapasya. Verse in which Krsna states that He provides the devotee with everything he needs: ananyāś cintayanto māṁ… (BG 9.22). The nature of the mind is to be always in motion. How to control the mind? Through abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (renunciation). If you want to enjoy family life, do not see Govinda Deva because you will become detached, but your life will be successful...
27 May 2023 evening – Glorification of Srimati Uma Didi (English) – Paris, France | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
When one feels separation (viraha) from the devotees of the Lord, inexplicable feelings arise. The story of Gopa Kumara and his separation from his guru, Jayanta. Srila Bhakti Prajnana Keshava Gosvami Maharaja also felt great separation from his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabuphada, so much so that he could not pronounce his name after his departure. The life story of Srimati Uma Didi and her sadhana and bhajana. Srimati Uma Didi was born into an upper-class Vaishnava family and lived in a...
27 May 2023 afternoon – Worldly Love and Transcendental Love (English) – Paris, France | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
When prema, divine love, manifests itself in the heart of the devotee, he becomes jubilant. Example of Srila Jiva Gosvamipada in Priti-sandarbha: The story of the father who supported his family with little money and a lot of hard work, just for love. Those who feel love are not concerned with their own happiness, only with the happiness of their loved one. Love is sacrifice. If you feel material love for your family, in the same way you can apply your love to Sri Krsna. Love and attachment to...