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Sri Sri Gaura —35th Installation Anniversary

1 Sri Sri Gaura Nitai—35th Installation Anniversary His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada Founder- of the International Society for Krsna He Came with the Message of the Absolute World

ISKCON’s Purpose vice and in . Einstein’s or anyone else’s opinion. Kåñëa consciousness is more Because all of us have imper- than another sectarian faith. It is a Çréla Prabhupäda's Books Reveal the fect senses and because we are all technical science of spiritual values Perfect of the prone to make mistakes, our relative that is fully described in the Vedic The Vedas advise that in this opinions about matters beyond our literature of ancient . The aim human form of life we should be in- experience can supply neither valid of the Kåñëa consciousness move- quisitive to know who we are, what nor reliable information. ment is to acquaint all people of the the universe is, what is, and “The Vedas are not compila- world with these universal principles what the relationship is between tions of human knowledge. Vedic of God-realization, which lead to ourselves, the universe, and God. knowledge comes from the spiritual peace, unity, and, above all, spiri- world, from Lord Kåñëa.” tual understanding. Thus our attempt to approach The Vedas recommend that such matters empirically will be in the present age the most effec- fraught with various imperfec- tive means for achieving self- tions and ultimately fail. There- realization is to always hear fore, so-called truths established about, glorify, and remember the exclusively on the basis of mental all-good Supreme Lord, who is speculation cannot help us un- known by many names. One of derstand the Absolute Truth, these names is “Kåñëa,” which which is beyond the reach of the means “He who is all-attractive,” imperfect senses and . another is “Räma,” which means The Vedas explain that if we “He who is the reservoir of all want to know about things be- pleasure,” and “Hare” indicates yond the jurisdiction of our ex- the Lord’s inconceivable energy. perience—beyond the limita- Following the Vedic recom- tions of human perception and mendation, the members of ISK- cognition—the process is to hear CON are always seen chanting from one who knows. The tran- scendental knowledge of the Ve- Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa We should inquire about the das was first uttered by the Supreme Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare solution to the ultimate problems of Lord Himself. Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare. This life, namely birth, death, old age, and The Lord, the supremely pow- sublime chanting puts us directly in disease. Such questions cannot be erful being, cannot fall under the touch with the Supreme Lord asked by the cats and dogs, but they influence of any other force. There- through the sound of His holy names must arise in the heart of a real hu- fore, His knowledge must be perfect. and gradually awakens us to our man being. And anyone who transmits that original relationship with God. If we can accept the impor- knowledge without change gives the ISKCON’s primary mission is tance of this type of inquiry, our same perfect knowledge. We need thus to encourage all members of next consideration will naturally be only accept this proposition theoreti- human society to devote at least a where to find authoritative answers cally to progress in our understand- portion of their time and energies to to such questions. Clearly, if perfect ing of Vedic thought. this process of hearing and chanting knowledge of the self, the universe, The idea is that the perfect about God. In this way they will and God exists at all, that knowledge knowledge of the Vedas has been gradually come to realize that all liv- would have to be of a standard preserved over time by transmission ing beings are spirit souls, eternally higher than just your opinion or my through an unbroken chain of spiri- related to the Supreme Lord in ser- opinion, or for that matter Freud’s or

2 Sri Sri Gaura Nitai—35th Installation Anniversary tual masters. Çréla Prabhupäda repre- contribution to the spiritual, intel- God, and how to develop love for sents one such disciplic chain or suc- lectual, and cultural life of the world. God has nothing to do with sectarian cession. That succession goes back designations like “Christian,” thousands of years to Lord Kåñëa Çréla Prabhupäda's Books Present a “Hindu,” or “Jew.” These are objec- Himself. Thus the knowledge found Universal Science of God-Realization tives no religion in the world could within Çréla Prabhupäda's books is The Vedic teachings presented deny. They are, in other words, the the same as that originally imparted in Çréla Prabhupäda's books can be essence of religion—universal fea- by the Supreme Lord. Çréla summarized under three general tures by which all religions may be Prabhupäda did not manufacture headings, known in as sam- understood. “truths.” He merely delivered the bandha, , and . Preferences regarding God’s timeless teachings of the original means our relationship holy name may differ from one relig- Vedas without addition, deletion, or with God, abhidheya means acting in ion to another, modes of worship change. that relationship, and prayojana may differ, and details of ritual and The writings of Çréla means the ultimate goal or perfec- doctrine may differ as well. But the Prabhupäda are represented mainly tion. These three divisions of under- test is how much the practitioner by three Vedic texts—the Bhagavad- standing represent universal princi- actually develops knowledge of God gétä, Çrémad-Bhägavatam, and ples common to all religious teach- and love for God. Real religion Caitanya-caritämåta. Together these ings of the world. means to learn to love God. And works of literature comprise more The knowledge described in how to love God is the sum and sub- than twenty-five volumes of detailed Çréla Prabhupäda's books enables stance of the teachings found in information constituting the original anyone to advance in his or her un- Çréla Prabhupäda's books. Vedic science of God-realization, or derstanding of God without having (Source: BBT) bhägavata-. Their translation to change current religious, national, into the English language, along with or cultural affiliations. The science elaborate explanations, constitutes of how to understand God, how to Çréla Prabhupäda's most significant understand one’s relationship with

The Seven Highly Effective Purposes of ISKCON

On July 11, 1966, Srila Prabhupada incorporated a called ISKCON, the International So- ciety for Consciousness.

The seven Purposes of ISKCON: 1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world. 2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. 3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna). 4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as re- vealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. 5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the per- sonality of Krishna. 6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life. 7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.

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Srila Prabhupada Pranama

nama oà viñëu-pädäya kåñëa-preñöhäya bhü-tale çrémate bhaktivedänta-svämin iti nämine namas te särasvate deve gaura-väëé-pracäriëe nirviçeña-çünyavädi-päçcätya-deça-täriëe

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda, who is very dear to Lord Kåñëa, having taken shelter at His lotus feet. Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Bhak- tisiddhänta Sarasvaté Gosvämé. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Caitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.”

Message from ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner

We live in an age of great social challenge, a time when moral values decay by the minute and when marked by the dysfunctional family and a soaring dependency on a synthetic life-style of , greed, and . Referred to as -yuga, the age of dis- harmony and quarrel, a victim of our times may wonder if there is some hope for resi- dents of such a world?

Perhaps the most significant event to have occurred in troubled times was the descent of Chaitanya and His spiritual brother Nityananda, two personifications of hope for the age. In the year 1486 at the height of social discord Chaitanya was born. Along with associate, Nityananda, their greatest contribution was the bold introduction of , chanting and in particular the maha mantra “.”

For thirty-five years now the power and presence of these two persons have graced the nation’s capital, Ottawa, with their coming in the form of two exquisite shining known more affectionately as Gaura Nitai. The 212 Somer- set Street address has been home to these deities.

For that length of time people have enjoyed their powerful presence and in that company taken to the ultimate de- contaminant of chanting, indulged in delicious vegan dishes blessed as prasadam by these deities as well as learned the science of Krishna Consciousness.

The loyal keepers of these Gaura Nitai deities have been Shankar , Shanti dasi and their next generation, Kumar dasa and Sri devi dasi and are to be given credit through our ’s mercy His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. A real special thanks for their continued devotional output and to their com- munity members.

A great congratulations on this fine anniversary which defines an amazing achievement of excellent devotional ser- vice standard. May their influence spread like wildfire.

Yours sincerely Bhaktimarga Swami ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner (Canada)

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ISKCON Ottawa 212 Somerset St. East Ottawa, ON, K1N 6V4, Canada International Society for Krishna Consciousness Tel: 613-565-6544 Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Web: www.ottawa.iskcon.ca

Message from ISKCON Ottawa Temple President

His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who on the order of his es- teemed Guru Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Thakura, made that faithful journey to the west in 1965. It is only because of his Divine Grace that we are now so fortunate to have this opportunity to celebrate the 35th installation anniversary of the most merciful Lordships, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai (Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda) in Canada's capital, Ottawa.

Just as his Divine Grace left Sri Vrindavana Dhama and benedicted the entire planet with his merciful travels, on his most sincere request, the Supreme Lord in His various forms became manifest in "every town and village." One such manifestation is that of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai here in Ottawa.

On one of Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental tours, after visiting Caracas, Miami and then arriving in Atlanta, for the first time, he introduced to the devotees the , “Parama Karuna” (complete bhajan and translation is included in this booklet). At that time, in all the three cities there were only deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai installed. He instructed the devotees that they did not need anything else but these two Lords, Nitai and Gauracandra, and simply by being fully ab- sorbed and engaged in Their loving service their lives would become perfect and qualified to go "back home, ."

Following this instruction, we at the Ottawa branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) are fully confident and satisfied that by sincerely applying this instruction, we have everything needed and all facilities to make our lives perfect and become qualified to join his Divine Grace on our journey, "back to home, back to God- head."

By the causeless mercy of Srila Prabhupada and the mercy of his faithful pioneering devotees, the Ottawa community has been blessed with the privilege to serve Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda since 1975. By that same causeless mercy, my wife, Shanti devi dasi and I have been given entrance into Their sanga, where after having received the start of the flow of the from the devotees in Montreal in 1976, we moved to Ottawa in 1977. Along with our two children, Nanda Kumara dasa and Sri Radha devi dasi, we have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be engaged in the loving service of Srila Prabhupada and Their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. We are also fortunate to have the help and guidance of senior devotees and a growing core group of very committed, dedicated and sincere newer/ younger followers.

Although Srila Prabhupada has already given us everything to make our lives perfect and complete, we realize that to attain that perfection it requires practical application. We therefore take this opportunity to beg and pray for the mercy of his Divine Grace and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai so that we can become worthy recipients of this special opportunity, along with all Their existing faithful servants and the many more to come in the future. We pray to commit and dedicate ourselves to Their transcendental service, always being faithfully guided by Srila Prabhupada’s instructions of, “Books are the ba- sis, preaching is the essence, purity is the force and utility is the principle,” with special emphasis on the , Harinama Sankirtan, which these two Lords, Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda, advented to propagate for the benefit of all living entities.

Sincerely, Shankar dasa ISKCON Ottawa Temple President

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

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Çré-Çré-Gaura-Nityänandera Dayä Nityänanda introduced a process Hare Kåñëa mantra chanting. It is so (The Mercy of Gaura and that is simply joyful–which is simply nice that even the most stone- Nityänanda) to and dance. Therefore, Lo- hearted man will be melted. Päñäëa by Locana däsa Öhäkura cana däsa requests everyone: bhaja means "stone." It is so nice that even bhaja bhäi, caitanya-nitäi. "My dear stone will melt. parama karuëa, pahuï dui jana, brother, I request that you just wor- But Locana däsa Öhäkura re- nitäi-gauracandra ship Lord Caitanya and Nityänanda grets that he is entrapped by sense saba avatära—, sära çiromaëi, with firm conviction and faith." gratification. He addresses himself, kevala-änanda-kanda Don't think that this chanting and "My dear mind, you arc entrapped in dancing will not lead to the desired this sense gratification process, and bhaja bhaja bhäi, caitanya-nitäi, goal. It will. It is the assurance of you have no attraction for chanting sudåòha viçväsa kori Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu that one Hare Kåñëa. Since you have no at- viñaya chäòiyä se rase majiyä, will get all perfection by this process. traction for the lotus feet of Lord mukhe bolo hari Therefore one must chant with firm Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda, faith and conviction (viçväsa kori). what can I say? I can simply think of dekha ore bhäi, tri-bhuvane näi, But what is the process? The process my misfortune. Yamaräja, the super- emona dayäla dätä is viñaya chäòiyä, se rase majiyä. If intendent of death, is punishing me paçu-päkhé jhure, päñäëa vidare one wants to be Kåñëa conscious by by not allowing me to be attracted by çuni yära guëa-gäthä this process, one has to give up his Lord Caitanya's movement." engagement in sense gratification. soàsäre majiyä, rohili paòiyä, That is the only restriction. If one se pade nahilo äça gives up sense gratification, it is sure äpana koroma, bhuïjäye çamana, that he will reach the desired goal. kohoye locana-däsa Mukhe bolo hari hari: one simply has to chant Hare Kåñëa, Hari Hari, Purport without any motive of sense gratifi- by His Divine Grace A.C. - cation. Swami Prabhupäda Dekha ore bhäi, tri-bhuvane näi. Locana däsa Öhäkura says, "My dear This is a song by Locana däsa brother, you just try and examine Öhäkura. Pahuì means "Lord," and this. Within the three worlds there is dui jana means "two." Locana däsa no one like Lord Caitanya or Lord Öhäkura declares that the two Lords Nityänanda, because Their merciful Nitäi-Gauracandra–Lord Nitäi and qualities arc so great that They make Lord Caitanya–are very merciful even birds and beasts cry, what to (parama karuëa). Saba avatära– speak of human beings." Actually, sära-çiromaëi. Avatära means when Lord Caitanya passed through "," and saba means "all." the forest known as Jhärikhaëòa, the They are the essence of all incarna- tigers, elephants, snakes, deer, and tions. The specific significance of all other animals joined Him in these is that prosecut- chanting Hare Kåñëa. It is so nice ing Their way of self-realization is that anyone can join. Even the ani- simply joyful (kevala-änanda-kanda), mals can join, what to speak of hu- for They introduced chanting and man beings. Of course, it is not possi- dancing. There are many incarna- ble for ordinary men to induce ani- tions like Lord Räma–and even mals to chant, but if Caitanya Ma- Kåñëa, who taught Bhagavad-gétä, häprabhu could inspire animals to which requires knowledge and un- chant, at least we can encourage hu- derstanding. But Lord Caitanya and man beings to adopt this path of

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GOVINDA’S Sri Krishna Janmastami Hare Krishna Dining Room All You Can Eat Vegetarian/Vegan Buffet September 1, 2010 Fresh, Healthy, Wholesome & Affordable

Join us in celebrating the auspicious occasion of Lord Krishna’s Birthday! Festivities will include , reading of pastimes, abhiseka, kirtan, prasadam, and more!

For more details on temple festivals, visit:

www.ottawa.iskcon.ca Dining: Mon. – Fri. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: Special Festival Starting at 5:00 PM (An evening of chanting, dancing, and feasting!) Prabhupada - Join Us For:

Aarti—Vedic ceremony with chanting; Mantra —The process to free the mind from anxiety, distress, and duality; Philoso- September 2, 2010 phical Discussion on: Bhakti-yoga, , , self- realization, etc.; Sumptuous Vegetarian Dinner Join us in celebrating the glorious appearance anni-

212 Somerset St. East, Ottawa, Tel: 565-6544 versary of His Divine Grace, Srila Prabhupada, (Near Ottawa U. Just East of King Edward) ISKCON’s Founder Acarya

To the Dedicated devotees and Supporters of the ISKCON Ottawa Centre

We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the faith- ful devotees at our Ottawa temple. Many of you have sincerely taken Vaishnava , or are aspiring for initiation. We ex- tend our sincerest gratitude also to the Ottawa community as a whole, the Montreal and Toronto devotees who regularly attend our annual Canada day festival. All of you have greatly supported the activities of the Ottawa centre. You participate so enthusiasti- cally in festivals, book distribution, preaching, maintenance of the buildings, deity worship, prasadam distribution, Harinam sankir- tan and many more valuable service. Again we are eternally grateful for all your support and many thanks to you. We pray that the beautiful form of Lord Gauracandra resides eternally in your hearts. May the glories of Srila Prabhupada be eternally heard and sung.

Shankar dasa; Shanti devi dasi; Nanda Kumara dasa & Sri Radha devi dasi

15 Sri Sri Gaura Nitai—35th Installation Anniversary Hare Krishna Maha Mantra

The transcendental vibration estab- tal ecstasy coming through from the addressing the Lord Himself. Both lished by the chanting of Hare spiritual stratum. And when one is Krsna and Rama mean "the supreme Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, factually on the plane of spiritual pleasure," and Hara is the supreme Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, understanding -- surpassing the pleasure energy of the Lord, changed Rama Rama, Hare Hare is the sub- stages of senses, mind, and intelli- to Hare in the vocative. The su- lime method of reviving our Krsna gence -- one is situated on the tran- preme pleasure energy of the Lord consciousness. As living spiritual scendental plane. This chanting of helps us to reach the Lord. The ma- souls we are all originally Krsna con- Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna terial energy, called , is also one scious entities, but due to our asso- Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare of the multi- energies of the Lord. ciation with matter from time imme- Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare is And we, the living entities, are also morial, our consciousness is now pol- directly enacted from the spiritual the energy -- marginal energy -- of luted by the material atmosphere. platform, and thus this sound vibra- the Lord. The living entities are de- The material atmosphere, in which tion surpasses all lower strata of con- scribed as superior to material en- we are now living, is called maya, or sciousness -- namely sensual, mental, ergy. When the superior energy is in illusion. Maya means "that which is and intellectual. There is no need, contact with the inferior energy, in not." And what is this illusion? The therefore, to understand the lan- incompatible situation arises; but illusion is that we are all trying to be guage of the mantra, nor is there any when the superior marginal energy is lords of material nature, while actu- need for mental speculation or any in contact with the superior energy, ally we are under the grip of her intellectual adjustment for chanting called Hara, the living entity is es- stringent laws. When a servant - this maha-mantra. It springs auto- tablished in his happy, normal con- ficially tries to imitate the all- matically from the spiritual plat- dition. These three words, namely powerful master, this is called illu- form, and as such, anyone can take Hare, Krsna, and Rama, are the sion. In this polluted concept of life, part in the chanting without any transcendental seeds of the maha- we are all trying to exploit the re- previous qualification, and dance in mantra. The chanting is a spiritual sources of material nature, but actu- ecstasy. We have seen this practi- call for the Lord and His internal ally we are becoming more and more cally. Even a child can take part in energy, Hara, to give protection to entangled in her complexities. the chanting, or even a dog can take the conditioned soul. This chanting Therefore, although we are engaged part in it. Of course, for one who is is exactly like the genuine cry of a in a hard struggle to conquer nature, too entangled in material life, it child for its mother. Mother Hara we are ever more dependent on her. takes a little more time to come to helps the devotee achieve the grace This illusory struggle against mat- the standard point but even such a of the supreme father, Hari, or erial nature can be stopped at once materially engrossed man is raised to Krsna, and the Lord reveals Himself by revival of our Krsna conscious- the spiritual platform very quickly. to the devotee who this man- ness. When the mantra is chanted by a tra sincerely. No other means of pure devotee of the Lord in love, it spiritual realization, therefore, is as has the greatest efficacy on the hear- effective in this age as chanting the Krsna consciousness is not an artifi- ers, and as such, this chanting maha-mantra: Hare Krsna, Hare cial imposition on the mind; this should be heard from the lips of a Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ consciousness is the original energy pure devotee of the Lord, so that Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama of the living entity. When we hear immediate effects can be achieved. Rama, Hare Hare. the transcendental vibration, this As far as possible, chanting from the consciousness is revived. And this lips of nondevotees should be process is recommended for this age avoided. touched by the lips of by authorities. By practical experi- a serpent has poisonous effects. The ence also, one can perceive that by word Hara is the form of addressing chanting this maha-mantra, or the the energy of the Lord, and the Great Chanting for Deliverance, words Krsna and Rama are forms of one can at once feel a transcenden-

16 Sri Sri Gaura Nitai—35th Installation Anniversary Lord Caitanya: The Golden Avatära By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, the that He is always followed by many Bhägavatam it is said that this is the golden avatära, appeared in India devotees chanting. Whenever God incarnation of God in this age. And nearly 500 years ago. It is the cus- incarnates He has two missions, as who worships Him? The process is tom in India that when a child is stated in Bhagavad-gétä. There very simple. Just keep a picture of born, an astrologer is called for. Kåñëa says, “Whenever I appear, Lord Caitanya with His associates. When Lord Kåñëa, the Supreme My mission is to deliver the pious Lord Caitanya is in the middle, ac- Personality of Godhead, appeared devotees and to annihilate the de- companied by His principal associ- 5,000 years ago, Gargamuni was mons.” When Kåñëa appeared, He ates—Nityänanda, Advaita, Gadäd- called by His father, and he said, had to kill many demons. If we see a hara and Çréväsa. One simply has to "This child formerly incarnated in picture of Viñëu we will notice that keep this picture. One can keep it five complexions, such as red and He has a conchshell, lotus flower, anywhere. It is not that one has to golden, and now He has appeared in club and disc. These last two items come to us to see this picture. Any- blackish color." Kåñëa’s color is de- are meant for killing demons. one can have this picture in his scribed in the scriptures as blackish, Within this world there are two home, chant this Hare Kåñëa man- just like a cloud. Lord Caitanya is classes of men—the demons and tra, and thus worship Lord understood to be Kåñëa appearing the devotees. The devotees are Caitanya. That is the simple in golden complexion. called ; they are almost method. But who will capture this There are many evidences in like God because they have godly simple method? Those who have Vedic literature that Caitanya qualities. Those who are devotees good brains. Without much bother, Mahäprabhu is an incarnation of are called godly persons, and those if one simply keeps a picture of Çré Kåñëa, and this is confirmed by who are nondevotees, atheists, are Caitanya Mahäprabhu at home and scholars and devotees. In the Çré- called demons. So Kåñëa, or God, chants Hare Kåñëa, then one will mad-Bhägavatam it is confirmed comes with two missions: to give realize God. Anyone can adopt this that the incarnation of Kåñëa or protection to the devotees and to simple method. There is no expen- God in this present age, Kali-yuga, destroy the demons. In this age diture, there is no tax, nor is there will always engage in describing Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s mission is any need to build a very big church Kåñëa. He is Kåñëa, but as a devotee also like that: to deliver the devo- or temple. Anyone, anywhere, can of Kåñëa He describes Himself. And tees and to annihilate the nondevo- sit down on the road or beneath a in this age His bodily complexion tees, the demons. But in this age He tree and chant the Hare Kåñëa will not be blackish. This means has a different weapon. That mantra and worship God. There- that it may be white, it may be red, weapon is not a club or disc or le- fore it is a great opportunity. For or it may be because these thal weapon—His weapon is the example, in business or political life four colors—white, red, yellow and saìkértana movement. He killed the one sometimes finds a great oppor- black—are the colors assumed by demonic mentality of the people by tunity. Those who are intelligent the incarnations for the different introducing thc saìkértana move- politicians take a good opportunity ages. Therefore, since the red, white ment. That is the specific signifi- and make a success of it the first and blackish colors were already cance of Lord Caitanya. In this age time it comes. Similarly, in this age, taken by former incarnations, the people are already killing them- those who have sufficient intelli- remaining color, golden, is assumed selves. They have discovered atomic gence take to this saìkértana move- by Caitanya Mahäprabhu. His com- weapons with which to kill them- ment, and they advance very plexion is not blackish, but He is selves, so there is no need for God quickly. Kåñëa. to kill them. But He appeared to kill Another feature of this avatära their demonic mentality. That is is that He is always accompanied by possible by this Kåñëa consciousness His associates. In the picture of movement. Caitanya Mahäprabhu one will find Therefore, in Çrémad-

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Çré Çikñäñöaka—Eight Verses of Instruction by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu instructed His disciples to write books on the Science of Kåñëa, a task which those who follow Him have continued to carry out down to the present day. The elaborations and expositions on the philosophy taught by Lord Caitanya are in fact most voluminous, exacting and consistent due to the system of disci- plic succession. Although Lord Caitanya was widely renowned as a scholar in His youth, He left only eight verses, called Çikñäñöaka. These eight verses clearly reveal His mission and precepts. These su- premely valuable are translated herein.

1) Glory to the sri-krsna-sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

2) O my Lord, Your holy name alone can render all benediction to living beings, and thus You have hundreds and millions of names, like Krsna and . In these transcendental names You have invested all Your transcen- dental energies. There are not even hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O my Lord, out of kindness You enable us to easily approach You by Your holy names, but I am so unfortunate that I have no attraction for them.

3) One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.

4) O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful women nor do I want any number of followers. I only want Your causeless devotional service, birth after birth.

5) O son of Maharaja Nanda (Krsna), I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lo- tus feet.

6) O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?

7) O Govinda! Feeling Your separations I am considering a moment to be like twelve years or more. Tears are flowing from my eyes like torrents of rain, and I am feeling all vacant in the world in Your absence.

8) I know no one but Krsna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally

If anyone recites or hears these eight verses of instruction by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, his ecstatic love and de- votion for Krsna increase day by day.

18 Sri Sri Gaura Nitai—35th Installation Anniversary

nityanandam aham naumi sarvananda karam-param harinama pradam devam avdhuta shiromanim

“I bow down to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Nityananda , Who awards the highest joy of all, the bestower of the Holy Name and the crest jewel of all paramahamsa mendicants.”

namo maha-vadanyaya krishna-prema-pradaya te krishnaya krishna-chaitanya namne gaura-tvise namah

“O most munificent incarnation! You are Krishna Himself appearing as Sri Krishna . You have assumed the golden colour of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.”

Best wishes from Guruprasada dasa and family

Russell Music Academy Music, band, voice and tap dance lessons available Say Gaura-Nitai and receive a 25% discount! 1097 Concession St., Russell, ON., K4R 1C9 613-496-0115 www.russellmusic. *25% discount applied to the first lesson

A special thanks to the Kumar family Best Wishes. who graciously sponsored the printing of In service of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, this publication The Waclawski Family

19 Sri Sri Gaura Nitai—35th Installation Anniversary

ISKCON Ottawa ~ Sri Gaura Nitai 1975 ISKCON Ottawa ~ Sri Gaura Nitai 1975 — — 2010 2010

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