In Krishna-Balaram Mandir, I met my godbrother Bhima Prabhu, long-time BBT manager in Mumbai. Catching up with him, I explained how recently I had come to decide to accept the sannyasa ashram. As he was nodding and agreeing, “Yes, it is certainly right for you”, a large flower-decoration fell down off the pillar right next to us. We both were struck with the thought, “Confirmed!”
Also at Krishna-Balaram Mandir, I met Mahajvala Prabhu (from Split, Croatia), who remembered that I once gave some advice about chanting japa—to pay attention to one and then another of the syllables of the mantra (e.g. HAre krsna HAre krsna krsna krsna HAre HAre HAre rama HAre rama rama rama HAre HAre; then after some time, e.g. haRE krsna haRE krsna… etc. [not actually emphasizing one syllable over the others, but paying more attention to one and then another – as a sort of game to keep the distracted mind on the mantra]). Then I wanted to go visit Srila Prabhupada’s house, but it was too early in the morning. Mahajvala arranged that we could go in the back way (through the guesthouse sweetshop back door). Eventually we went up to Prabhupada’s room on the roof where he would translate, and the two of us sat and chanted a round of japa in the peacefulness, reflecting on Prabhupada spending early mornings recording his Bhāgavatam translations and purports on reel-to-reel magnetic tapes.
In Prabhupada’s house, and later at the VIHE (where I gave a 3-part seminar, “The World of the Bhagavata and the Bhagavata in the World”), I met Mataji Govinda Devi, from Russia. She still has in storage some cooking pots that I had been using many years before, when I stayed for one month and studied for the Bhakti-Shastri degree. She oversees all the flower-garland making—not just for Krishna Balaram Mandir, but now also for other temples in Vrindavan—with some 70 (!) ladies engaged in this service.
Sanat-Sanatana Prabhu, the KB-Mandir vice-president, took me out to the sort-of-new ISKCON farm, about half way to Radha Kunda. The devotees who bought the land, 2 or 3 years ago, were cheated by the previous owner into believing the land had good water, when actually the water is completely saline – useless for growing anything. But Sanat-Sanatana is clever, and determined to “make the best use of a bad bargain”: He bought a very small piece of land 2km distant from the farm, where the water is very good, had a pump installed with a pipe to bring water to the farm. Of the 40 acres (ca. 1 km from where the new ISKCON gurukula building is coming up) he has had a big wall built around 5 acres and had earth brought in to raise the land elevation within the wall 3 feet [ca 1 meter] so it does not become swamp in the rainy season. Gradually, through careful cultivation, the land is becoming restored and usable. There is a small building on the land, with one or two rooms for guests. The devotees staying there cooked a wonderful lunch, with 5 subjis, rice, dahl, and chapatis. As we drove to see the new gurukula building, on the way was a large herd of camels on the dirt road, tended by 3 earthy-looking herdsmen. I wondered at the huge difference in their way of life from ours. No doubt simple living, but who can fathom what sort of thinking?
The new deity kitchen for Krishna-Balaram Mandir is well under construction, right next to the pujari room. And nearby there is a nice small fenced ornamental garden (maybe 200 sq.m.) being constructed, designed by Radhe Shyam Prabhu (from Slovenia). From my impression and confirmed by devotees I have talked to, Krishna Balaram Mandir is now being very well managed, with a nice, inclusive mood among the devotees. Panca-Gauda Prabhu is the temple president; unfortunately I could not meet him as he is travelling presently.
Mother Padma (from Hong Kong, living in Dallas, disciple of Tamal Krishna Goswami) and our disciple Tirthamayi DD (from Ukraine) are nicely taking care of my needs, especially in the prasadam department—bringing a tiffin every morning and afternoon. A few days ago early morning it was especially cold weather, and Padma commented with a bright smile “This is my favorite time of year here—I like the cold!”
Yesterday Mother Visakha Priya (originally from France) who lives since many years in Vrindavan, visited together with Mother Padma, to bring and show the murti of Haridas Thakura whom our sadly missed Vaidiki DD had been taking care of. Visakha Priya told some details about the time of Vaidiki’s sudden departure here in Vrindavan some years ago, and how she acquired Haridas Th., and mentioned how he has a way of “going where he wants to be”.
Sri Vrindavan Dham ki jay!