Battlefield Bhajans Vol. VII

Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada

Iraq, 18 May - 01 June

Summer Marathon

We are continuing with the summer marathon, I was out distributing books when I was approached and asked why I am out here “preaching”. As we talked, he brought down his guard and asked some very intelligent questions. Such as what is the goal of life? Why if God is everywhere is there horrors in this world, etc. etc. My response seemed to satisfy him and he invited me to possibly be able to set up a small book table in the chow hall. I finalized the date with him and we parted, both feeling very excited about what to come. The day came and I set up my table. To be honest I was nervous. The doubts started popping in my head…. “what will they think?”, “will they be receptive”. As I sat and waited for the time for it to open, I started to meditate on how great and wonderful the mercy of Lord Caitanya is and how Lord Nityananda was even more merciful. Here I am in a chow hall, with people eating meat all around me, instantly I started to remember the lila of Nityananda and Jagai and Madhai, how even when he was hit in the head and blood was drawn, he still wanted to bestow upon them the mercy. As the time went on, more and more people became interested and many took books. One man didn’t even want to talk to me, when I asked him if he needed help, he simply replied, these books speak volumes and gave a small donation and walked away. At the end of my short time there, over twenty six Bhagavad-Gita’s were given out. Another mission complete in the fight against maya.

Danger

Got hit with an IED. I am well and ok, hearing was bad for a few days, but it is now coming back. So dangerous is the material world. The only thing good of it is that experiencing all of these hardships, we can develop a stronger attachment to the Lord and His devotees.

Sadhana

Japa: waking up early and chanting is so sweet. I am finding that after 16 rounds is when I can chant with some feelings… need to take that and apply to all my rounds. Still chanting 64 on Sundays, very demanding… I pray I can keep it going.

Seva

The Lord for some reason likes Iraq. I am seeing how He makes arrangements for everything He needs and desires…. I am happy with my puja, one hour, very simple, but very purifying. I am finding Sila worship such an intimate for of worship.

Reading

Cc Lord Caitanya’s Travels to the Holy Places: Each page is nectar and teaches a lesson with each pastime.

Srila Prabhupada Siksamrta Vol 3: To see how Srila Prabhupada wrote each level on a personal basis and his dealing with each of his disciples as individual is inspiring.

Sankritan

26 BG, 75 POY, 3 TLC WE MEET OUR GOAL!!!!!

80 days to go! Now I have to start making my travel schedule for when I am back.

Please look past my imperfections and material desires and pray that we come out of this more determined in our devotional life.

yours in service of Srila Prabhupada,

Partha-sarathi dasa

ISKCON, Iraq