Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 11

Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, HG Vaisesika Prabhu and Mother Nirakula

Returning with the Holy Name

I received a letter form Mother Mitravida, who is also a soldier in the Army, and she is preparing for a deployment to Afganistan. She joined the Army about a year ago and we had stayed in contact and discussed preaching in the military.

Hare Krsna Prabhu,

please accept my humble obeisnaces all glories to Srila Prabhupada.  I have an
interesting story to share about your service in Iraq.

For the last several days I have been on a detail with many new soldiers I have
not yet met.  over at the defac one young boy needed a ride back to his
company, he was released for the day.  he was suffering terrible from a severe
hangover, angry bitter person with an attitude.  he shammed the entire detail.
anyway, I said okay I would drive him back.

In my car a bhajana cd came on as soon as I started the car, the boy asked me
what this music was he heard it in Iraq.  I explained the Holy Name and the
language is from india.  He was well aware of the origin of this music!  He
responded by telling me the differance between Hindu prayers and Mulsim
prayers.  He learned in Iraq.

When he was in Iraq he told me he heard this music, they have temple worship
programs going on over there.  I asked if he ever attended any of the hindu
services, he said no, he is not very pleased with any God.  (explains his
anger).  but he thought is was cool how the hindu’s sing so many songs.

He left bagdad in january, so whatever 15 months preceeded that time, you may
have been there.  unless other devotees/sampradaya’s are getting together and
having kirtana?  I could only think of you. he rode over to the company enjoying the bhajana’s and hearing the Holy Name.
when i dropped him off, it was MY COMPANY!
He left peaceful and in a much better mood.  Soldiers are returning from combat familiar with the Holy Name!

your servant,
mitravinda dasi

Srila Prabhupada’s Books: The Best Medicine for the Sick Body

This week was bad, for those that don’t know, my health is extremely bad. With the lack of a proper diet, no sleep due to missions, the smell of burning trash everywhere and just being in Iraq in general has cause my body to break down a bit. I was slightly concerned since I have had some symptoms for over seven months. I decided to see the doc, who in turn suggested I be tested for diabetes and kidney problems. So off to go get blood work.  While at the hospital, I checked on my smart boxes and refilled them. And went to the lab to get blood drawn. The doctor saw me and had me take top off so he could draw the blood, while inserting the syringe in to my arm he noticed my books sitting on the chair and started asking many questions. Is this the only body we take? How does one relaize the body is to be used in Gods service and other question. By this time the blood was out into the tube and we were putting a little bandage on it. When I got up to leave, he walked me all the way to the front door of the hospital, the whole time listening attentively as I spoke to him about the Bhagavad-Gita. He said about Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, these teaching seem perfect and have no flaw that I can find. He read the comments on the back of the Bhagavad-Gita and was impressed with what was written.  After a few moments, he took a book out of my arms.  All I could think of as I walked back to the ashram is that Srila Prabhupada’s books are the greatest medicine for todays society.

Sadhana:

Japa:

Chanting 25 still, and starting to keep a japa notebook. I write down how long it takes to chant four rounds and any realizations I am having. The idea is to determine if I am chanting to fast and missing mantras. I read something nice by HG Yajna Purusa Prabhu, about he chants 64 rounds every Monday to deal with his being a temple president. Very nice and inspiring that we can take shelter of the Holy Name. I completed my 64 this weekend and felt good afterwards. Why should we ever want to stop chanting the Lords Name?

Seva:

My Lords are blessing everyone that comes in contact with Them. They are allowing to slowly develop my worship. But I am always feeling that They deserve more, better offering etc. Bhakti is from the heart, doesn’t matter the size of the offering. I read in Hari Sauri Prabhu’s book that in Hyderabad Srila Prabhupada said " Bhagavan does not want your whole estate. Bhagavan says patram puspam…. Little leaf, little water, a little flower, little fruit. Bhagavan wants your bhakti."  He says later that "Bhagavan says asnami bhakty upahrtam… because one is giving out of devotion, love, asnami, ‘I eat’. I need to better develop this attitude of offering everything to Krsna with love, not with grand offerings to satisfy myself, but to satisfy Him.

Reading:

Cc Madhya Lila, The Lord instructs Srila Rupa Gosvami. I am taking my time through this section and taking many notes. I have made it a point to try and slow down and get a better understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s book. Also reading Room Conversations with Srila Prabhupada. This is real nectar and helping me better understand who Srila Prabhupada is and what my relationship is with him.

Sankritana:

Slow week due to health issues

• BG HD: 15
• BG ST: 3
• ISO: 10
• EJOP: 4
• BTG: 2

* We are finding out on 1 July the tentative date of our departure from here. Temp is in the 115-130’s. Please pray that we don’t just repeat like a parrot but we also absorb this message in our own heart. Forgive me for my offenses and this ill attempt of serving all the vaisnava’s.

Yours in service Srila Prabhupada,

Partha-sarathi