Summer days - seasons and mellows change

Diary of a spiritual journey 21
August 21st, 2008

Sometimes it is stated that Lord Caitanya’s pastimes are still going on today and that we ourselves are part of these pastimes. Well I certainly felt like that during this (European) summer’s  Ratha Yatras and other festival.  In Berlin Bhakti Marg Swami made his intricate, professional, dancing movements  and  everyone tried to follow him with Sacinandana Swami enthusiastically taking the lead. Parama Gati Maharaja was running form left to right in front of Lord  Jagannatha’s cart with an enormous smile beaming on his face the brahmacari were running after him. Maharaja was everywhere starting up a circle of dancing devotees holding hands, swinging around  arm hooked in arm with Jayapataka Maharaja flying. The kirtana swept everyone up, we forgot ourselves. The onlookers on the sidewalk stared at us. Where in the world is there such a sight? Sacinandana Maharaja swirled and all the dancers jumped higher, the drums increased in crescendo, at one point everyone was as if electrified with the energy of the kirtana. Lord Jagannatha is amazing he eats fifty two times a day, there is no limit to how much service He can bring out of  His devotee! Now the season is changing the summer is coming to an end Janmastami is approaching.  Soon we will go to Vrndavana for Kartika. Then for me the last two months of the year will be more introspective, rising early, chanting the Holy Name in the Holy Dhama, and meditating on the Caitanya Caritamrta.

Today the journey goes on by train, plane, car from Germany to Spain for la Fiesta, the big Janmastami party. Then back to a German island with a few brahmacaris for some days, for peaceful japa, katha and meditation. In September will be again South Africa for a month, I am bound to  go drawn by all the wonderful devotees. Thus I travel from one place to the next, places change, faces change, seasons change and mellows change and along we remain in the transcendental pastimes of Lord Caitanya’s movement which day by day touches more and more people around globe.

Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 20

Ali Asalim Air Base, Kuwait

Edited by Partha-sarathi Dasa

 I am sitting in Kuwait at the moment, having finished fifeteen months in combat, the time I have here is a very slow pace. The operational tempo I am use to is slowing down, making more time in my life for devotional activities. We arrived at 0400 hrs and in processed. Afterwards I wanted to stay awake for the long flight. But there was a problem our plane was broken down in the States.  Oh well, I thought let me go and walk around. As I walked around, I found a nice place to sit in read indoors. It was very quiet which meant I can just sit and read and not be bothered.  As I sat and read I noticed some Japanese soldiers enter and start  looking around. I thought well, let me talk with them, see what they need help with. I asked one and said can I help you find something. He said, yes, I am looking for God in broken english. That statement really blew my mind away, because the jiva is always looking for God in this material world. But by Maya’s potency we forget about the search.  After a minute his friend said, he is looking for the chapel. Well, sit and maybe I can help you, so he sat with all his friends. One said he could translate for me because the other cannot really understand english to well. So I took out of my assault pack some small books on chanting for them. The man asked me what these books were about. I said, well your friend is searching for God, the best way to find God is by calling out His name with all your heart. To never for a minute forget Him and to render all service in your lifetime to His lotus feet. The soldier asked, so what do these books have to do with all it? These books are windows to the spiritual world. They will show you the most sublime prayer for this age, the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha mantra, which will cleanse the heart of all impurities and by chanting the Lord’s name you are receiving direct association with Him.  As he translated to the others, I saw their faces light up. One boy spoke some japanese and the man said, “He wants to know if you can teach us this prayer.” Of course, so we went through word by word until they felt comfortable chanting on their own. Clapping my hands I starting chanting a simple melody, and they were into it.  As we were chanting a japanese man came in and started screaming, from the tone of his voice, I could tell he was in charge and the men quickly got there stuff. The one man who was translating asked me if they could keep these books. Yes please do I replied. He tried to give some money and I refused. I asked him to promise me that when he gets back to Japan, that he will go and visit one of our temples. He agreed and ran out the door with a smile.

Stay away from the Hare Krishna’s

 The day before we left we had a small BBQ of senior leaders in my unit. Kicking and screaming I attended. While there I sat in the corner and stayed to myself. My first sergeant approached me with some others, I quickly realized it was the general. I jumped up and saluted and stood there. My first sergeant introduced me and explained to him what my job is. He was smiling and said some words of encouragement. Then my first sergeant relayed a story to him about how he always tells his kids when they travel to always stay away from the Hare Krishna’s.  He then said funny that now one of my sergeants in his  command is a Hare Krsna. The general seemed surprised, said oh, how do you feel about Hare Krishna’s now. He said, well they are still a little weird, but I feel that they put so much effort into everything they do. The general turned to me and laughed. He started to walk away I asked him to remain for one minute. I quickly ran as fast I could to the smart box located where the lunch was being held and grabbed a Bhagavad-Gita.  When I returned the general wasn’t standing there, but I saw him about to get into a vehicle. I pushed into the front of the crowd and handed him the book, to which he said thanks SGT, I know it will be good reading.

 For fifteen months I have been sharing my story with others. This journal has been a way for me to deal with the harsh realties of my service. This journal has taught me many things, one being the wonderful loving exchanges between devotees, both old and new. By the Lord’s mercy this journal has given me the opportunity to receive the association of many senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada and many other wonderful devotees from all over the world. Below is a letter from Antony Prabhu. In no way did I post it to brag or boast.  But I feel the love that Antony has shown me during my tour here, is a reason why I made it through, why I was given so many opportunities to preach. 

Partha-sarathi prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Brother, I must thank you. In fact, my family thanks you for being such a

true and inspiring devotee. There are not enough words in this language to

properly convey the sum of what is felt and received through your

generosity, kindness, energy and humility.

Last night as I was at my workstation, I managed to get a call off to home.

I was talking with my wife, Shyamala, for several minutes when one of my

Sgts came in carrying a box. Since he saw me on the phone, he didn’t say

anything, he just stood there hovering over my desk holding this box. It

didn’t fully register that the box was for me or he needed a place to put

it. He finally raised his eyebrows as a silent question, “Are you going to

get this?” I told him to set it down and that’s when I saw the label. I told

Shyamala that I just received a package and that I thought it was from you.

As I got close to the box, I caught a faint and distinct scent. “This smells

like a temple”, I said. Carefully I cut the tape and slowly opened the

package. The scent grew stronger and my wife asked me what was in it.

“Looking at the customs form, I think it’s cloth and books.”

I sifted through the balled up *Stars and Stripes *(the universal packing

material) and then I see Krsna’s glowing eyes looking at me. I think I said

“Oh my God!” Slowly I unveiled this treasure chest of books, magazines,

pictures, and scriptures. I was still holding onto the phone. Shyamala

finally told me to tell her what was in it, so I began like I was cataloging

a great find: The Golden Palace, Back To Godhead magazine, Rathayatra DVD,

Oil, Offering plate, Vaisnava Songbook, etc. I took pictures and immediately

emailed them back home.

I could feel the eyes of my Marines behind me as I’m sure they thought the

box was full of hand sanitizer or eye drops that I normally pass out to

them. Instead I put the Bhagavad-Gita on my desk and scanned the contents of

the box further. Shyamala was excited as well. On several occasions we talk

about getting recitations of the scriptures, one to further assist her in

Bhakti-sastri class and for me to able to listen while being far from any

temple. To receive these items really just fueled the fire of our desire to

serve. I look forward to sharing them to the fullest.

The timing of the arrival of the package couldn’t have been better. We again

have gone through a long week of attacks, incidents and accidents. Yesterday

morning, we held a memorial service at the chapel for two Marines that

passed last week. A few days ago, another one was killed and another service

will be held in the coming days. Three of four other attacks recently have

wounded more and of course, the ever present danger-prone man/woman in

uniform continues to rack up broken fingers in vehicle doors or cuts on

wire. And as you well know, the Black Flag Season of August continues to

punish with 115+ days/nights.

I share this not to lament but to rejoice. I rejoice in the fact that

despite all the variables and additives that make life and service

difficult, it only takes one, one person, one act, one gesture, to remind

you of what is really important in this world. I thank you for being that

person. I thank you on behalf of every devotee, every soldier, every woman

and man that was directly or indirectly touched or inspired by your work and

service. You are a great disciple of HH Kadamba Kanana Swami and I thank him

for being merciful and an excellent teacher to you as well.

It appears that it was not in the plan that we should meet in this country,

but this country will never be the same. Here, in Mosul, Fallujah, Baghdad,

there are devotees of Sri Krsna. And even if this message does not get to

the local populace, the vibration of chanting the Holy Name will continue to

seep into the soil and flow down the Euphrates and flow down the Tigris and

as you and Bhakta Andrew point out, back to the Ganges. So wherever you find

yourself, this continent, the next or another, please know that you have a

friend, devotee and a family that is here for you and that is ever thankful

for the fires of Krsna Consciousness you helped start or added good fuel to

so that they would grow stronger and brighter.

Before I concluded my phone call with Shyamala, she asked me to read

Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.80-81. Sudama returns home to find after visiting Krsna

and Rukmini that a wealth unknown to the demigods awaits him. You Partha,

have delivered a spiritual wealth and I pray that Srila Prabhupada continue

to guide us in the proper use of it.

Take care and stay safe Warrior, and we will do the same.

In your service

Hare Krsna

Antony

Sadhana:

Japa: sixteen strong rounds is the goal. We must make the effort no matter the circumstance, the purity of the Holy Name will give us strength in any situation

Seva: Their Lordships have brought me along on such a ride.  When I first started worshipping Sri Salagram Sila, HH Bhaktisiddhanta Swami said to me, be prepared for the ride of your life. And it has been a ride. The Lord has became such an important part of my preaching and Their presence has won over so many hearts.

Reading: Nectar of Instruction: I am trying to absorb myself in this Book. Each page is spiritual food for the soul.

Sankritan: BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!!!

BG: 5

Small  books: 15

We are on our way “home”, but we ask the devotees to pray that we can back this life to our true home, and that Srila Prabhupada blesses our preaching and allows us to assist him in bringing as many souls back to his lotus feet as possible.

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,

Partha-sarathi Dasa

Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama

Rama, Hare Hare

                         Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 7, Text 18
               Udara sarva evaite    jnani tv atmaiva me matam
             asthitahsa hi yuktatma    mam evanuttamam gatim

   All of these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he
   who is situated in knowledge of me I consider to be just like My
   own self.  Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to 
   attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal.

   I read this scripture with the purport for the 2 young Soldiers, while they
listened and stared very attentively.  After explaining the purport, I went
back to the Introduction and explained the 5 ways a person can be a Devotee,
especially focusing on how anyone can be a passive Devotee.  They smiled in
amazement and I believe that they both gained something out of it.  
   Krishna works in incredible ways.  The first 2 services in Sadr City were
completely spontaneous.  Chapter 7, Text 8, was the best possible scripture I
could have opened the BG to.  I didn’t even think about choosing a different
Text to read.
   After my shift, I went to the chow hall and ran into the Chaplain.  I asked
him if I could use the Chapel for an hour a week for BG classes and Krsna
Concious services.  He agreed happily.
   Sadr City is about to be glowing in Krsna consciousness.
   I hope that all is well with you, brother.  Please, please, please keep
Battlefield Bhajan’s up.  I think that it is a good outreach and outlet.  Thank
you for all that you have done in the service of Srila Prabhupada.
                                                                         YS,
Andrew

Hare Krsna Prabhu,

Great story about your last program!  I am looking forward to hearing many more
pastimes when you return. yesterday I took Srimad Bhagavatam to work, I knew it would be a slow day.  Yet
I never got the chance to read it. the same soldier that enjoyed the Bhagavatam last time, the native american female, she loved the story of King Citraketu.  Yesterday she read the story of Gajendra and the crocidile.  She kept my book all day. sitting there in the motor pool I was able to give the book report and tell of the pastimes of Gajendra.The soldiers were so excited that i called BBT and ordered more books, i was
low and need to stock up again.

your servant,
mitravinda dasi

Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 19

Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada

edited by Partha-sarathi Dasa

Srila Rupa Goswami Disappearance Day

Today is Rupa Goswami’s disappearance day. It was also the day of the last program in Iraq. This program was with the Indian bodied contract workers here on the base. While going over material to discuss during the class it made perfect sense to speak about the pastimes of this pure soul, Srila Rupa Goswami. I got to program about one hour early and started setting everything up, we received a small shipment of books at the beginning of the week, so a book table was possible. I set up a small altar for my Lordships to oversee. Prasadam consisted of a fruit salad and juice. As people started walking in, I handed each person a sheet of paper with the bhajans Sri Rupa Manjari Pada printed on it so they could follow along. But to my amazement more people kept coming, and more and more! When the program started the place was packed, there was no sitting room. I made a remark that all of Mosul is in there, and one man said “Prabhu, this is the last program, everyone is here because we don’t know if a devotee will ever be in Mosul again.”   A little nervous I took a seat and explained why this day is so glorious, so auspicious and read the translation to the bhajan. Praying to the lotus feet of Srila Rupa Goswami and armed with kartals I began singing the bhajan.  After the bhajan I discussed and spoke about the life of Rupa Goswami, and how he worked for a muslim magistrate and took initiation from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.  As I surveyed the crowd, I saw that it was not only Indians there but many soldiers, my chaplain was there and my detachment sergeant.  After the class, I lead a arati for Their Lordships pleasure. As the tempo increased the Indians abandoned their reserved nature and started dancing with their arms in the air. I grabbed hold for the chaplain and started to spin him round and round. He had this huge smile on his face. The arati went on for 1 hour and finally when we ended, everyone had a look of bliss of their faces.  As some of the devotees served out prasadam, I sat at the book table and talked one on one with many people. Many took books and many asked questions. One boy, whose name is Visnu made a remark, he said that he should be embarrassed that he grew up knowing about Krsna, knowing about devotional service but ran away thinking he would find happiness in making money. He thanked me for the programs we had during the fifteen months. I told him that it was all Srila Prabhupada’s mercy and I am not doing anything special. I am just assisting a great soul in fulfilling his spiritual masters order. After the program I said my last goodbyes and exchanged emails so I try and encourage them in some way. I decided to walk home in dhoti and kurta, it was nice and I realized how much I missed just being in devotional cloth, when I loud voice broke my train of thought… ” Hey Soldier what the hell are you wearing!!!!” I turn around and the man gets closer and then says oh sorry, your that Hare Krsna we have here aren’t you? Yes, I am, my name is Partha, sorry for being out of uniform, it was late and I just wanted to get back and take rest, it won’t happen again. He asked if he could walk with me and I agreed. While walking he revealed his heart to me, that he is in his forties, his wife left him and he feels he wasted his life. He asked my advice, I explained that everything in the material world is temporary, and that devotional service to God will help us realize true happiness. He was satisfied with the answer and we sat outside my room for 2 hours speaking, by the time he left it was 1 am. I told him I have a gift for him. I went inside and gave him my personal copy of the Bhagavad-Gita and explained that this book has been with me for over ten years and it has been there through the hard times, when I was I was in the hospital, when I was shot, when I lost my first soldier to a firefight.  We were both in tears with this exchange. He was a combat vet, he saw war first hand and he could understand how special this gift was. We both bid our farewells and he promised to once a week email me with realizations from his reading.  I thought while getting ready for rest, what will happen to all these people I have met here? Krsna is to kind to these them. I am leaving, but Krsna is so kind that He has sent these men and women hungry for spiritual life a new group, ones even more fired up, ones even more determined that me, Bhakta Andrew and Bhakta Antony. Am I worried….. not at all.

Combat Japa

Cool story form Andrew, if anyone is interested in sponsoring him please contact me:

Haribol, Prahbu!

 I have been in Taji for a couple days, to go see dental/sham out and relax. Since I have been without Japa beads for nearly a month, I decided to buy 9 packs of Ranger pace counters and 550 cord and make my own. I was walking through the PX, looking at everything, like “No, I don’t need that or that or that or that.”  Then, I saw the pace counters and thought to myself, “Pace counters or Prayer counters?” So I bought 9 packs of Pace counters with 13 in each pack totalling 117 beads, so I had 108 beads for japa, 1 to go on the end and 8 to count rounds!

Krsna makes such perfect arrangements!

Sadhana:

Japa: We are calling out Krsna’s name, seems easy enough right, but honestly to do so with full attention is very difficult. I am working on this. Not with fancy tricks, or head phones or things like this. By fighting the mind and praying to the Lord, ” My Lord please allow me to chant Your Name with full attention.”    Quality, Quality, Quality!! That is the key word!

Reading: Now reading Nectar of Instruction. it has been many years since I read this jewel and I am being reminded each page why this book is so important to our spiritual development.

Sankritan: BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

BG: 3

TLC: 2

ISO: 10

Seva: The Lord is so kind to appear in the material world, so we can serve Him and grow attached to Him. 

Only five days left, so next journal will be from Kuwait en route to the States. Please pray for us that we keep this determination up. Iraq was great for my spiritual life, and I pray the lessons I have learned will carry over to normal life outside the war zone.

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,

Partha-sarathi Dasa

ISKCON Iraq

Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 18

Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada

edited by Partha-sarathi Dasa

I was approached by one officer in my Squadron, she wanted to relay a story about an event that happen to her lately. She told me she was at headquarters and two senior sergeants were standing at the smart box that is set up in the little recreation center, holding two books. She said oh, great those books again. They asked her, ” Ma’am do you know what these books about?” she said ” Yes, I do. They are from Sergeant Sonnenberg.” She went on to tell them how I was always speaking to people about these books and my desire to become a monk. One of the men asked ” Who is this on the cover?” He is Krsna and that is His best friend, she replied. Who is this? Referring to Srila Prabhupada.  That is Srila Prabhupada, he is the founder of the Hare Krsna Movement in the western world. He left India in his old age to bring these sacred teachings to the west, she answered. What is this prayer that is written on the small flyer?  That is the only means of liberation in this age. This prayer is called the Maha Mantra, it will cleanse the mind and heart of all material contaminations. Wow, that is cool, are these books free Ma’am. Well yes and no she answered, you give some small donation if you like.  With that said the men put a donation in the box and walked away trying to chant the Maha Mantra. I was blown away. She told me that she never even read the Bhagavad-Gita, but everyday when passing she would look at the cover and find it very interesting.  I asked her how she knew so much about it. She smile and laughed and said, ” Sergeant that all you ever talk about around here, for so long it got on my nerves.. oh Krsna this, Prabhupada that. But I always wondered how you looked so happy when giving these books away. When explaining what I heard from you about these books to those two sergeants,  could feel the happiness inside of me.  I felt as if I was giving a valuable gift to a friend.” Yes Ma’am that is true, that is because Krsna is our true friend in this material world, everything else is temporary, Iraq, the Army, love. In this material world, this is all just temporary, but devotional service to Krsna, well that is the true nature of the soul and this will bring real happiness to the soul. She signed deep for a second and said ” Guess my friend is calling me back to Him.” She then took a book out of the book rack and went to give a donation. Srila Prabhupada stressed so often while physically present on this planet how powerful his books were. Often he made statements that by simply reading one page in his books will change ones life forever. 

Bhakta Antony

 Last journal, I wrote about Andrew’s realization about the Tigris river and Lord Jagannatha’s mercy flowing down it. Well here is a nice letter from my dear friend Bhakta Antony:

Prabhu,

I do have an important question to ask you. On your dog-tags, what do

you have as your religous information? I know this is personal but I

am seeking some answers.

The reason I’m asking is that I was in the process of updating my

personel information in my record book. With the online system we

utilize, you can scroll down and select your “Religous Preference”. As

I was going down the list, I found everything from Wicca to “Other

Eastern Religions” to Hindu and several variations of Church of

Fundamentalist 1st, 2nd, 3rd Baptist Sanctified Holy Water in the

Hills of Christ, but no ISKCON or Hare Krsna or Krsna Consciousness.

I didn’t want to settle with any term so this inspired me to drill

further and contact the Regimental chaplain to find out if he knew how

to update the system. So anyway, we start talking and he had never

heard about Krsna Consciousness. I told him what my questions and

concerns were and showed him the Bhagavad-Gita and Sri Isopanisad to

drive the point that we are scientist not charlatans.

Anyway he’s going to assist me in finding out how to get official DOD

or USMC recognition so it can be a viable option to list as a

religious choice. Not that we need endorsement but why not be

recognized.

I also meant to tell you that I talked to the Chaplain about

distributing books. Since our regimental chaplain and chapel are

moving, we would have to go through an adjacent unit to have books

placed. I’m making some contact sheets so that if anyone has

questions, they can contact me or check out Krishna.com or something.

If there is enough interest generated, perhaps a study group can be

established to help share this light. Krsna Knows.

The chaplain just left my office. He came by to see for himself what

our personnel system offers for religious choices. He was amazed by

the list of assorted churches, assemblies and conventions that were

offered. They even had “Atheist” and “Unknown” as options. When I saw

that, I said to myself, “There is no way the faithless are recognized

and not Krsna Consciousness.” I contacted our personnel records center

in Kansas City to find out what needs to be done to get it updated.

I’ll let you know what I find out.

Thanks so much for your support. When I left the chaplain earlier, I

was really struck by a wave of emotion. I’m really feeling that this

is what I need to do. I pray that Srila Prabhupada would find favor in

my service. I really do.

 Today I spoke with Antony and his association was inspiring. He is fired up and making headway with his preaching in his part of Iraq. This mercy of Lord Caitanya and the Panca Tattva is overflowing Iraq. Each day more and more souls are coming into contact with Krsna through wonderful souls like Andrew and Antony.  I fall at their feet and am glad that I can assist them in some way. This movement cannot be stopped and souls like these are proof that devotees will find every opportunity to spread the Lords glories!

Sadhana:

Japa: Since I cannot do any running now, I am taking this time to chant better rounds. I still do my “warm up rounds” and I am trying not to get stuck on numbers. After I finish my sixteen, I don’t use counter beads. I started to feel as if I was becoming attached to the number of rounds and not attached to the Holy Name.

Seva: Today to boys showed up and wanted to watch me perform seva while they chanted. These Lords are attracting so many sincere souls

Reading: Cc, The pages of the Lord Caitanya pastimes are manifested in front of us everyday. We just need to open our eyes and see it. The Cc gives so much inspiration to preach and give Krsna to others.

Sankritana: 

BG 6

TLC 2

PJOP 10

ISO 5

Down to ten days now, this time is going by fast, but this is actually life in the material world. It goes by so fast, we think oh tomorrow I will get into religion, or I am young now, I have so much time. But actually this is maya’s trick. Please bless us that we make the most out of everyday, and we use each day as an opportunity to spring board our desire to serve the Lord.

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,

Partha-sarathi Dasa

ISKCON Iraq

Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 17

Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada!

I received an email from HG Ratna Bhusana Prabhu, seems there was another soldier in Iraq reaching out for Krsna. When i opened the mail, and saw the name I realized I knew this guy. Bhakta Andrew is a friend of mine that I met after a tour in Iraq. We met at a skatepark in Germany and became friends. He was already a vegetarian and over time became favorable to KC.  He received a Bhagavad-Gita from me and read it then left to the states for his next assignment. While in Maryland, he arranged some programs and visited the Potomac temple often. He is now in Iraq and serves as a combat medic. He has seen many horrible sites and sees the need to rekindle his spiritual life. So I was very happy to connect with him again.  So as we talked last night he asked if I could arrange devotees to send prasadam and books and japa beads.  We were talking about my preaching and that we had a Ratha Yatra here in Northern Iraq. And it is funny, because the Tigris connects all of Iraq and when I told him it was Lord Jagannatha’s mercy flowing through Iraq, he stated ” I envisioned a river of flowers and big Jaganatha deities riding the river of flowers. It is funny you say that, the tigris runs from mosul to baghdad and then out to the persian gulf.” This is the mercy of Lord Jagannatha. We can see how by His auspicious appearance in Northern Iraq has affected the whole country, the whole country is being overflowed with His mercy. Jaya Jagannatha!!!!!

Sadhana:

Books Books Books!!!

BG: 2

ISO: 3

TLC: 1

EJOP: 10

Reading Cc and Nectar of Instruction: I need to dive deeper into sastra. The Cc is giving me so much inspiration, to read about the perfect example of the Lord and the compassion He had for everyone He met shows me exactly what a devotee should feel, how a devotee should give this mercy out to everyone they met.

Hearing: A lecture of Srila Prabhupada a day keeps Maya away.

Time is almost finished for this tour in Iraq. But I pray the realities of war and the material world will never be forgotten by me. I have tried to put my heart into my service here and to be honest, I will miss the preaching here and the people I have met. But like everything in the material world, this situation is just temporary. I pray to the vaisnava’s that I always be engaged of preaching the Holy Name

Yours in Srila Prabhupada’s service,

Partha-sarathi dasa

ISKCON Iraq

Battlefield Bhajans Vol 16

Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, who by his mercy is allowing me to assist him in some way

Last Mangala Arati 

 The ashram is officaly closed. Because we have to make room for our replacments, I had to move in with another senior leader in my unit. Before I moved I asked my detachment sergeant, if I could have one more day to do a last morning program. I sent out the invitations, and in the morning of the program, I set up a book table and made a small fest. I woke up extra early and woke the Lords, and started chanting my rounds.  When I opened the doors at 4:00 am, almost thirty soldiers were waiting to come in. It was very sweet, in the middle of the morning program, the generator went out, so all the lights went out. I had a few tea lamps and lit about six of them around the ashram. For the next thirty minutes we all concentrated on getting the most out of this important program. Many of the guests were first time visitors and although most will not become devotees, they felt it was important to pay respects to Their Lordships. One boy said, I will never become a devotee of Krishna, but your God, protected us for fifteen months and even those that died, they died focus on God. So for that, I am very grateful to Them.

“In the Varäha Puräëa there is a statement praising the seeing of the Deity of Çré Kåñëa in the temple. A devotee says there, “My dear Vasundharä, any person who goes to Våndävana and sees the Deity of Govindadeva is free from the courthouse of Yamaräja and is allowed to enter into the highest planetary system, in which reside the demigods.” This means that even an ordinary person who goes to Våndävana out of inquisitiveness and by chance sees the temple, especially that of Govindadeva, even if he is not elevated to the spiritual kingdom, is still assured promotion to the higher planetary systems. This means that simply by visiting the Deity of Govinda in Våndävana one becomes highly elevated in pious life.” NOD

jaya jaya jaya deva deva deva

   tribhuvana-maìgala-divya-nämadheya

jaya jaya jaya deva kåñna deva

   çravaëa-mano-nayanämåtävatära

“All glory, glory, glory, Lord, all glory unto Thee,

   Who with Thy Holy Name bless all three worlds and set them free!

All glory, glory, glory unto Thee, O Kåñëadev,

   Whose nectar floods our ears and eyes and hearts in endless waves!”( Kåñëa-karëämåta 108)

A book a day keeps Maya away

 My health is slowly improving, so I decided to go out on books. I went to my usual spots and no one was really out. Probably because the temperature was 120 degrees. So I went to the airport and indoors to the internet cafe. The man that works the desk is a regular at my programs, so he had no objection to my setting up a book table. As we sat and talked about Krsna and the purpose of life; one civilian came up to me and sat down. He was telling me how he bought a book from the devotees in 1973. And how at that time he thought devotees were strange. So he never read the book.  He was asking me how long I have been there in Iraq. I told him fourteen months and ten days. He started laughing, and said ” man, then your responsible for all these books all over the place. I  go to so many bases and everywhere I go in northern Iraq, these books are there.” I laughed and said “well Krsna is making all these arrangements, I am just trying to take advantage of these opportunities that He has created.” He asked me to sum up this philosophy is two sentences Ok, abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear. He got up and left with out saying a word. About three hours later he came back and placed a large donation on the table and picked up five books. I asked what happen, he said ” I left thinking this is all stupid, surrender what is that. This guy is brainwashed. But as the day went on I could not get what you said out of my head. I was sitting in my room and I thought, this doesn’t seem so bad actually, abandon religion, and love God with all your heart. ” So here he was, standing before me and I felt there is no reason to talk anymore. Srila Prabhupada’s books spoke to him, there was nothing more to say. We exchanged emails and off he went and I packed up to go to my room and take rest. I received an email from him yesterday, it just said two words; Thank You!

Sadhana:

Japa: this bout with my health has given me a chance to really focus on my japa. As HH Guru Prasada Swami wrote to me an email “Krsna is looking for quality, as quality means the desire to please Krsna. Quantity indicates a desire to use every moment in Krsna’s service, and quality means that every thought, word and deed should be a special offering to Him.” In my new room, I have a roomate, so when I rise in the morning, I am very quiet and sit down and chant all my rounds, and this is helping me concentrate on hearing the mantra

Seva: The Lord is allowing me to keep up a nice standard, ofcourse I see areas I can improve it and am looking forward to being home, so I can offer fresh flowers and some sweets.  The amazing thing about the Lord is he engages everyone in His service. Here it is common for people to come by with some fruit or some juice.

Reading: Cc: Wow that is all I can say. Lord Caitanya broke open the store house of love of God and Nityananda is distributing it. The Cc is giving so much inspiration. I pray that I will one day taste the nectar contained within the pages.

Sankritan: Books, Books, Books!!!!

BG: 15

Iso: 5

TLC: 1

BTG: 5

NOI:1

NOD: 1

We are now at two weeks left! But still the war on maya goes on. We are constantly fighting with our material desires, and we are asking for the blessings of all the vaisnava’s that my material contaminations be destroyed and I can move forward in my devtional service to the Lord.

Your servant in Srila Prabhupada’s mission,

Partha-sarathi dasa

ISKCON Iraq

Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 15

Dedicated to HDG A.C. Bhativedanta Swami Prabhupada

Transcendental Karaoke 

 Only two and half more weeks left. So missions are slowing down, for me because of my operation I have been on no missions and taking it very easy. My focus has been on hearing and chanting and trying to absorb myself in Srila Prabhupada’s books. My soldiers came and got me because I have been in my room for so long.   So they took me to the local morale and welfare facility, and as we walk in I see its karaoke.  So we watched some guys sing and if was sad to see them pouring their hearts into this mundane songs.  The announcer said ok.. next up SFC Sonnenberg…. I didn’t know what to do. I reached in my bag and asked the man, hey can I use my ipod for my song. I looked in the catalogue and didn’t see any songs I know. Sure thing sarge, hook it up. So I got up on stage and took the microphone, and explained to the crowd what song I was doing. Ladies and gentleman, we are going to sing a song called the Maha Mantra. This song is a sound vibration from the spiritual world and will cleanse the mind and hearts of all the karma and dirt from this birth and past births. Then on cue my favorite tune form my Guru Maharaja played, the whole sound system was loud and the Holy Name was resonating through the air in Mosul, Iraq and when the tempo speed up in the bhajan, I opened my eyes to see some guys joking around and dancing, and when the tempo sent the bhajan into the spiritual world, I looked up and now more people were dancing. While only a handful were singing the Holy Name, everyone in the room was swaying side to side, or dancing wildly or sitting with their eyes closed and deeply meditating on the Holy Name. 

Sadhana:

Japa: slowly increasing my rounds past the minimum required, I was chanting over sixteen for almost this whole tour. But while slowly increasing, I am trying to make each mantra count. Instead of quantity, I am trying to increase the quality. And hopefully in time, I am chant from my heart with wonderful realizations of the Holy Name

Reading: Cc Madhya Lila, So much nectar can be found in the Cc and with each page can give us the inspiration to make something of this life. It is time for us younger devotees to push the preaching of ISKCON, and we can take the Lords example in Cc and aply it and make a huge impact in the world.

Seva: The Lord in his Salagram and Govardhan Form have stolen the hearts of numerous Soldiers in Iraq. One boy came and let em know, he will miss seeing Them everyday. 

Not so much longer left here, and even though my service in Iraq will end, this journal will not.  This battle might be over, but the war against maya is not. Please pray for us, that we can truly understand, apply and give myself to the instructions of my Spiritual Master.

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,

Partha-sarathi dasa

ISKCON Iraq

In the Nectar of Devotion it is said too much austerity makes one hard hearted. That is an important point to keep in mind. But you know how it is, you go to the South Coast and you just do it to yourself- you allow them to do it to you- with enthusiasm, you reciprocate fully with whatever is brought and you just pack it in! After the pizza, comes the wafers with the ice creams and surrounded by fresh cream and lots of syrup on top and you go for the seconds then the third and even a forth one- you woof it down- and the next day …you are in comatose condition- if you are not on a drip! Suddenly, suddenly, unexpectedly such and such fell ill! “Just see fate! Just see the nature of karma! The devotee is on a drip now! It’s amazing! We never thought this could…” anyway, even if it doesn’t get to such extreme on both ends- even if it doesn’t get to four wafers and even if it doesn’t get to the drip the next day, then there is something in-between called totally spaced out. It’s called the zombie stage of chanting japa! It’s like where from the first mantra till the very last, not one, not one has properly registered! But somehow or other as if you’re waning through waves of spaghetti that have been soaked in sugar syrup and very sticky, somehow or other you have to wane through that and chant the holy name, “Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna…(dramatic)” you’ve made it through the sixteenth mark round! “Thank God! Let’s have some breakfast and get rid of the hang over of yesterday!”

So at times there are advantages to go for the simple, steamies with a mild chaunce and a few lettuce leaves, not to have all the cream on top in the dressing- “You want some dressing on your salad?” you throw the dressing immediately- the weight of that bowl increases ten-fold! The amount of calories that have entered…for one leaf of salad it was 20 and with the dressing- 4000calories! In this way, “would you like a little dressing?” No dressing! Just a little oil and lemon juice. That’s all, thank you. At one point one actually realizes one can do more preaching if you just take it simple. And that preaching is of course very valuable because that preaching is the one thing that is described as the life of transcendental knowledge. That is one thing that makes this spiritual life adventurous. When we see the mercy going to others, spiritual life becomes an adventure. If there’s no mercy going out, spiritual life can be a little dry at times. But when we actually see people becoming Krsna conscious, to us suddenly we become so Krsna conscious, we surprise ourselves. We think, “Is that me?” That’s what happens when we give out mercy. So this is the one thing we have to do, the one thing we have to do. And if we go too much for all the authorized sense gratification- you know what I mean, all the stuff that’s not outside the four regs- “Is this in the four regs?” yes it is! “Alright, let’s have it!” “Yes, let’s have it too…”

“And yes some exercise is needed, so sooner or later in this modern society we have to do some exercise- we sit too much. So, some do yoga and others play cricket! I mean what’s wrong with it? I mean, it’s for the cholesterol! So it’s our duty to preserve our health so that we can prolong our service to the Lord! Hare Krsna! ‘Out! Out! Out! (cricket match)’” So these things are all part of spiritual life. It’s a matter of being balanced you see, one has to find balance. All right, that’s very good. When I speak about balance, I present it like three balls that we are juggling around. And these three balls- one is the ball of personal well-being. So personal well-being is if you never have that pizza and you never have the ice cream, then the mind becomes sour- more sour than a lemon! What is more sour than a lemon? “The mind of a devotee who never has pizza!” Well done, good answer! So that must be there- personal well-being. We spoke about the “aerobics” required for the cholesterol! So something must be part of the whole personal well-being. If you’re mentally fried- difficult to apply yourself with love in serving Krsna. “Love Krsna…” it’s difficult. So, okay the first ball- personal well-being. Second ball- good sadana, really being absorbed in it, bhajan, being absorbed in hearing, chanting, remembering Krsna, and nice. And then the third ball- do something for the mission, something, something. So I like to compare it to balls that are being juggled because that means that when you have the balls, sometimes you have one ball in the hand, other times you have another ball in the hand. Sometimes one ball is in the air and then it is in the hand. So sometimes the ball of personal well-being is in the air. It means like, “To hell with all that. Let’s just push beyond the limits because we have the ball of preaching and bhajan in the hand and ecstasy is there and it’s all going on! And personal well-being and mind and body- nah, who cares about that! That ball is in the air!” But then we catch that ball and crash on our bed and realize, “Well maybe, a little bit of personal well being is appropriate at the moment; let’s invest a little bit in this ball…”

So the three balls of preaching, personal well-being and sadana must be given attention- all of them, some attention and all the time. We always have our eyes on them but some might get a little more attention than the other, depending on the situation. This is balance…

(H.H Kadamba Kanana Maharaja, 2 July ‘08, Durban, South Africa)