ISKCON - The International Society for Consciousness (Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)

2018 Newsletter WORLDWIDE PLEASE POST IN YOUR TEMPLE

Harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha " In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way." Brhan-naradiya Puraṇa[38.126] Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

ataeva saba phala deha’ yāre tāre khāiyā ha-uk loka ajara amare Distribute this Krishna consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits [of love of God] and ultimately become free from old age and death. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (CC, Adi-lila 9-39) Table Of Contents

Editorial 1 by

The Ministry is recruiting 3

Why do I love padayatra? 4 by Gaurangi Dasi

Padayatra Worldwide Ministry and Website 6

Voices of worldwide padayatris 7

Prabhupada on his morning walk 24th Czech padayatra 14 by Nrsimha Caitanya Dasa This newsletter is dedicated to ISKCON Founder-Acarya, Highlights of the 2017 All Padayatra 17 His Divine Grace by Acarya Dasa A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Andhra Pradesh/Telangana padayatra 20 by Visnuswami Dasa “I am glad to learn that in Philadelphia they are increasing sankirtana. It is Bhaktimarga Swami’s walk across the US 21 our life and soul. Sankirtana should be increased as much as possible. Side by The 40 day Pandharpur padayatra 22 side is book selling. Then our mission by Ekeswar Dasa and Sri Krishna Dasa will be successful.’ (Letter to Rupanuga, Sept 4, 1974) Thank you section 23

Editor in Chief Enough salt, a dash of pepper 24 Lokanath Swami by Yasodadulal Dasa Assistant Editor & Production Manager Gaurangi Dasi Padayatra Mauritius 27 Other assistants by Ayodhyanatha Dasa Lila Suka Dasi Prema Dasi England: Pilgrimage for peace 28 Jayabhadra Dasi by Dayal Mora Dasa Lay-out and Design Rasa Bihari Dasa The 16th annual padayatra in Slovenia 29 by A.R. and Gaurangi Dasi Printing Vinayak Print Media, Noida Other done in 2017 31

In memoriam: Krishna Vilasini Dasi, Premarnava Dasa, 35 Niramaya Dasa and Shyamasundara Dasa

Following a Prophecy, the book of Avadhuta Siromani Dasa 41

Front cover photo: Gaurasundara Bombay is My Office: The new book of Lokanath Swami All India Padayatra Maha-mantras, from top to bottom: English, Hindi, Russian, Bengali EDITORIAL by Lokanath Swami

After ISKCON’s 50th anniversary the Padayatra Worldwide Ministry invited all of you to walk your talk and to implement your ideas about your padayatra undertakings. These could have included plans, whether modest or spectacular, around your city or farm, or around your country or continent. To date it gives me great pleasure to announce that from the beginning of 2014 to the end of 2017 a total of more than 70 padayatras were undertaken. This number does not reflect the fact that some padayatras have been taking place every single year over long periods of time, up to 24 years in some cases, and that there are two continual padayatras in India.

Walking in

1 At the beginning of 2018 we are now encouraging you the efficacy of this strategy in making the mercy of the to talk your walk - talk about your future walks, and Golden Avatara available to millions of people in every seriously consider the benefits, both individually and nook and corner of this planet. We also discuss how the collectively, of the Padayatra program. new generation could get involved, and the absolute necessity for some of them to assume leadership roles, 2018 is indeed a very pivotal year for ISKCON, as its and become committed to a vision shared by the present succession plan vision will be seriously discussed at Padayatra Ministry. the ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS) taking place in Mayapur in February. The overarching theme of this This year we saw many splendid walks. Muralimohan international sanga is to “keep the wheels moving” - Prabhu, a congregation member of ISKCON an expression Srila Prabhupada took from the Indian Ahmedabad, each month organised one day padayatras. Railway. The theme of this sanga given by the ILS Every walk attracted more than one hundred devotees. organizers, is very heartening to padayatris. We The devotees successfully spread the holy names of padayatris have modified and expanded this theme to the Lord and distributed many books. These one day “Keep the bullock cart wheels rolling and your feet padayatras served as an inspiration to neighbouring walking”! ISKCON temples in Gujarat. Very recently ISKCON Baroda devotees walked to several villages in and Prabhupada stated, “It’s the business of every around the outskirts of Baroda. ISKCON Vallabh employee, whether a train driver, a fireman or a clerk in Vidyanagar devotees walked to Dakor, the holy city the office, to do their bit so that the wheels never stop. where Dwarkadish Ranchodrai is worshipped. Then If the wheels stop, business stops”. He wanted our Yasodadulal Prabhu came from New ISKCON movement to keep the wheels moving. This Zealand to Mahatma ’s Sabarmati Asharam provides an opportunity for people all over the world in Ahmedabad. He was inspired to walk in Mahatma to receive the mercy of Lord Caitanya. Gopal Bhatta Gandhi’s footsteps to Dandi. In keeping with Gandhi’s Prabhu, the main ILS organizer, has adopted this historical protest against salt taxation, concept as a significant focus for ILS 2018. Speakers Yasodadulal has chosen the theme - “Enough salt… will explore the challenges, and the opportunities for Chant Hare Krishna.” He walked alone, carrying ISKCON as it continues to shift into the hands of the a veena like Narada Muni, constantly chanting next generations. and singing the glories of the Lord. He was warmly received wherever he went, winning the hearts of the In this newsletter, the leaders of the Padayatra Ministry pious Gujaratis. On the way he interacted with them discuss the relevance of the padayatra programs in on a one on one basis as well as addressing gatherings today’s world for all generations. They further discuss in the evenings in his hosts’ homes. His walk caught the attention of the leading newspapers in Gujarat who appreciated and publicized it.

This year also saw ISKCON Tirupati in full preparation for padayatra, procuring the cart, bullocks and getting padayatri power ready. I am hopeful that ISKCON Tirupati will launch their padayatra very soon. I am excited to learn that their plan is to have a permanent padayatra travelling around Tirupati and the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Our All India Padayatra Party has done some amazing book distribution in the state of Kerala during Lokanath Swami with padayatra veteran Akhiladhar Dasa

2 2017. During the first nine months of this year they prophecy of Lord Caitanya in every town and village by distributed 88198 books. In the May World Sankirtana using this approach. Being a powerful visionary, and a Newsletter they were placed second in all the temple pure devotee of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Srila Prabhupada categories with only Mayapur ahead of them. Every was undoubtedly supremely empowered to spread the day they are distributing hundreds of Bhagavad-gitas sankirtana movement all over the world through every and other big books, pleasing Srila Prabhupada with means possible, and Padayatra was clearly one of these. their fabulous book distribution. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my I’m very happy to announce that Avadhuta Siromani’s heartfelt thanks to the very competent team of devotees padayatara book “*Fulfilling a Prophecy*” is now serving the Padayatra Ministry under Gaurangi available. It will take you on the four year journey, Dasi. They have done a sterling task of organising beginning in North Virginia, America, and ending seminars, collating information from padayatras taking near the border of Peru, of a determined couple with place all over the world and continuously updating the nothing else but a moving temple-wagon pulled by website. Due to unforeseen circumstances our team horses, Deities of Nitai Gaurasundar and sometimes a members will be minimizing their involvement and few accompanying devotees. commitments. For this reason and considering the ILS 2018 conference theme, we want to reconstitute a solid It is not surprising that Srila Prabhupada’s last desire team to continue with the padayatra program in the was to go on bullock cart padayatra to Govardhana. future. We are looking for volunteers. Do step forward Padayatra was very close to his heart. He believed,“we and keep in touch with us by contacting Gaurangi can have millions of bullock carts all over the world” Devi Dasi ([email protected]) – thus suggesting how easy it can be to fulfill the

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE GOLDEN AVATARA BY ASSISTING THE PADAYATRA WORLDWIDE MINISTRY

URGENTLY NEEDED: Devotee to upload articles, photos and films to the Padayatra Website and also to edit photos : you’ll need a good internet connection and we’ll train you how to do that service.

Persons with good knowledge of English to compile articles from notes and edit reports and articles (Even if you edit just a few, it will still help us)

Reporters for different padayatras to send regular articles, reports and photos to the Padayatra Ministry. (It can be for a temple, a country, a , or a specific padayatra)

An enthusiastic and efficient padayatra lover to replace (or substantially assist) Gaurangi Dasi, the present Padayatra Worldwide Ministry’s coordinator. Must speak good English.

Please contact: Gaurangi dasi [email protected]

(NB: I will be in Mayapur, India, for the February 2018 ILS, the following Gaura Purnima festival, all the way to the end of March)

3 I’M NOT TOO FOND OF WALKING: WHY DO I LOVE PADAYATRA? by Gaurangi Dasi

2014 ISKCON Leadership Sanga

With the All-India Padayatra team in Mayapur With Bhima during the 1991 England Padayatra Love at first sight speak of all this walking. During my constantly on the move over hills and youth I was asthmatic and hid behind vales in their horse-drawn carts and The first time I saw padayatra and trees during gymnastic classes so caravans. Their way of life evoked in Lokanath Swami was in 1986, when the walking hundreds of kilometers was me a sense of freedom, discovery and padayatra party arrived in Mayapur not what I considered fun. But I always adventure that conjured escape from after their 19 month tour of India liked to travel around, experience the boredom of routine. Attracted as to celebrate the 500th anniversary different situations and meet new I was to having my cosy little corner of Lord Caitanya’s appearance. I people, so the idea of spreading the wherever I would go, just as the remember petting the beautiful oxen, holy names while traveling with gypsies had in their caravans, I was feeling instant attraction and affection a deity cart and a large group of perturbed by their reputation – true or for them, and being very amazed that Vaisnavas of different nations seemed false – of stealing. I was also somewhat devotees had walked hundreds and quite appealing. Besides, theses repulsed by their unsavoury way of even thousands of kilometers around devotees were literally following in the making a living by collecting the skins the sub-continent. To me that fantastic footsteps of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu of rabbits people had discarded after program certainly smelled of maha around the sub-continent. killing and eating the poor animals. austerities: intense heat, constant Their shouts of “Peaux de lapins crowds, lack of privacy, mosquitoes During my childhood in a small French (rabbit’s skins!) could be heard all over and other annoying creatures, what to village I used to marvel at the gypsies the place.

4 Lord Caitanya is coming to to inform devotees through the Writing the history of Padayatra travel on Padayatra America! Padayatra America newsletter, selling Worldwide paraphernalia to raise funds for our In 1988, more than thirty years down programs. I had caught the infectious Five years after leaving India my the road, I was serving in the San Diego virus of the padayatra fever and Guru Maharaja asked me to work on temple in California when I heard could no longer be content based in the revised edition of the padayatra another call, a transcendental one this one location. I needed the change of manual, which included the experience time: “Nitai-Gauranga are coming!” sceneries and activities, the excitement of padayatris over a period of twenty- Yes, yes, Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundara that Padayatra constantly provided – five years in more than 100 countries. were coming to California to travel and best of all, in my role of chauffeur Maharaja was already thinking of with Padayatra America from San I could participate without too much doing a book. Seeing the abundance Francisco to the Mexican border! They walking! It was while the padayatra of extra material and stories at hand – were going to move from town to was passing through Connecticut that we used only the practical aspects of town to drown the American people I was reinitiated by Lokanath Maharaja padayatra for the manual- and that I with the nectar of the holy names. in an idyllic setting by a forest lake was good at compilation and writing, I anticipated the spiritual episodes before Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundara. he asked me if I could do it. This that would soon take place and felt Looks like They had things in mind book would cover the entire history fortunate that I would be a part of for me. of ISKCON Padayatra since the first Gaura Nitai’s twentieth-century lilas. walk from Vrindavana to Mayapur in I was a little disappointed that we Six months on the road with 1976, on which nothing had even been would not have a bullock cart as in Padayatra Europe written so far in any of the Padayatra India Padayatra. Regardless, the Sri Newsletters or on our website. This Caitanya-caritamrta was gonna come In 1991 I left the United States for good first padayatra was missed out, and to life in America thanks to the mercy to join Padayatra Europe, which was Maharaja wanted to see that published. of Srila Prabhupada and his faithful then in England. In Newcastle in a servant, Lokanath Maharaja – and freezing May I took up my position After the recordings of the memories I was not going to miss that golden as driver of my new sankirtana of Maharaja and other devotees opportunity for anything. van, which I used to store Srila were transcribed I embarked on the Prabhupada’s books and drive the compiling, interviewing and writing I met Lokanath Maharaja for the first book distributors to the towns and monumental task. There were so many time during padayatra’s inaugural villages around the padayatra route. thrilling adventures where we could festival in Berkeley in 1989. I was It rained every single day during the see the direct hand of the Lord, that’s the struck by his simplicity and kindness, two months of Padayatra England, a part I loved he best. However, after a as well as his dedication to fulfilling situation which helped me develop few years, I began to feel overwhelmed his spiritual master’s desire. My first a great admiration for the devotees by the immensity of the work at hand service to Padayatra America was to who walked cheerfully in the cold – it felt like climbing Mount Sumeru. make outfits for the deities and keep and the rain, and piled up into a tent In a moment of discouragement I had devotees in the area informed about at night, while I happily retired to the a very vivid dream which rekindled the West Coast walk. San Diego temple tiny but private space of my Renault my enthusiasm for this writing project. president Badrinarayana Prabhu gave van. During the walk through Holland I was standing in a corner of an altar me permission to join padayatra for I took a break from the road to begin in front of the deities of Sri Sri Nitai some time in the sankirtana van I was compiling the first padayatra manual, Gaurasundara, the Padayatra deities, already travelling in. As I was not and then in the autumn continued with just gazing at Them. Then Lokanath inclined to walk too much I found the padayatris on their walk through Maharaja entered the temple room, other services: making maha mantra France, which I rediscovered after an and at that moment They displayed signs, ferrying some devotees around, absence of seventeen years. the most blissful, luminous and loving assisting the advance party, taking smile. They were just so happy to see photos, writing reports, talking to the Being a padayatra lover and a disciple Their servant that They started to people we met, and so on. of the Padayatra Worldwide minister, dance and jump on the altar. I then in 1992 I found myself recruited at the realized how dear Maharaja was to The following year I engaged for Padayatra Worldwide office in New Their Lordships for bringing Them to a while in the same services on Delhi, where I became responsible for the doorstep of thousands of people all Padayatra East Coast, adding some many of the items designed to promote over the world on the Padayatra cart, more: participating in the Prayer padayatra (and soon Prabhupada’s and for propagating the holy names of Vigil in Washington DC in the middle centennial , when Lokanath Maharaja the Lord on a grand scale. Soon after of winter to fight against religious became the minister of that celebration) that dream Gauranga sent me a few discrimination, setting a Padayatra around the world. dedicated and qualified helpers and booth during several East Coast Ratha- eventually the book got edited and

5 finalized. But it was very voluminous! and sharing what I have learned Who will take over the After having a devotee trying to reduce in almost fourty years of service Padayatra Worldwide Ministry it to a more sellable and practical size, in ISKCON through workshops Maharaja recently decided to print it and seminars, including some on and get all of Gauranga’s in three volumes in 2018. padayatra of course. mercy?

Lokanath Swami and I soon Last summer a health alarm made I’m now praying to Nitai Gaurasundar that They send us a small group reaching seventy me realize that I could quit my body any time. The same could happen of capable and enthusiastic young to Lokanath Maharaja, our beloved devotees willing to assume the During the years I was busy working responsibility of the Padayatra for my maintenance Padayatra Padayatra Worldwide minister. Then what would happen of the ministry Ministry. Like , who was still on my mind. One day I recently resigned from his service of realized that there was no more and of Srila Prabhupada’s desire to have millions of sankirtana bullock BBT trustee, I’m also willing to retire Padayatra Worldwide office, no more from my service of coordination. Like coordination of the padayatra activities, carts all over the world? I knew that somehow or other, by the grace of Maharaja, I’m also ready to train, no more solid promotion, besides the assist and give advice to the new team one done by Lokanath Maharaja, no Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, the All-India Padayatra would continue. There members. Long life to the Padayatra fresh news on the Padayatra website Worldwide Ministry! since more than ten years, and that were many good reasons to think the devotee struggling to produce that the annual padayatras that had an annual padayatra newsletter become a tradition in some temples or was a super busy temple president. yatras would keep going, and that new Gauranga Mahaprabhu inspired me walks would be started by adventurous to get in action again. With the help vaisnavas or vaisnavis. But still the of some devotees we updated the need for organization, coordination, website, produced a more substantial promotion and information remains. newsletter, did some promotion I’m realizing that the new generation through booths and seminars during is not ready to drop everything else in the ILS, and built a small dedicated order to fully serve Srila Prabhupada’s team. It’s how I ended up coordinating mission; they are certainly very sincere the Padayatra Worldwide Ministry for but are also -and rightly so- concerned around six years. I loved Padayatra with their career, maintaining their but was hankering to engage in other families and having some retirement services dear to my heart and not die money at the end of their lives. Of frustrated: being more absorbed in the course, taking proper care of one’s holy names, Krishna and Gaura katha, responsibilities does not exclude writing my own books, reaching out to becoming dedicated to an ISKCON people through various presentations project, in order to keep the wheels moving into the distant future. California 1989

PADAYATRA WORLDWIDE MINISTRY

Please send all news, articles, reports, photos, questions and suggestions to the Download the Padayatra Ministry’s coordinator: Padayatra Manual Gaurangi Dasi: [email protected] from the Padayatra Website IMPORTANT NOTICE for inspiration, SEND US GOOD PHOTOS OF HIGH RESOLUTION: USE A GOOD CAMERA, NOT A CELL PHONE instructions, information and if you want your photos to be printed in this newsletter. practical tips

OFFICIAL ISKCON PADAYATRA WEBSITE www.padayatra.com

6 VOICES OF WORLDWIDE PADAYATRIS

The continuation of Sri Sri Parasurama Dasa, a native from Ireland now serving in UK, is the very Nitai Gaurasundara's lilas personification of the padayatra spirit. is there on padayatra Since 1990 he has organised more padayatras than any other ISKCON Parasuram Dasa: devotee: Ireland, England, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Lord Caitanya started the sankitana Portugal, Luxembourg, Andorra, San movement in the house of Srivas Marino, Tunisia, Egypt, Malta, Cyprus, Thakur in Mayapur, but then, Israël, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, several accompanied by the Vaisnavas, He took African nations, and so on. Since 1994 the holy name onto the streets. They he’s been heading a bullock cart padayatra never went back to the spectacular party around Vraja Mandala during the private kirtanas that took place in month of Kartika. Srivas Thakura’s house. The Golden Age is available, as long as we have streets to chant on. The continuation I want to always be engaged of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar's lilas is there on padayatra, where we can in distributing the holy be fortunate enough to be part of it. names Prasadam, books, harinama, deity worship, cow protection, festivals. It’s Ayodhyanath Dasa a real adventure, as Srila Prabhupada Ayodhyanath Dasa: said "an adventure in surrender". My Ayodhyanath Dasa is now 57 years old. only saving grace when it comes time I love padayatra because it's the only Since 1995 he has been organizing and for me to stand in front of Yamaraja is request that has been made by my serving Padayatra Mauritius and he also that I was a padayatri. Guru Maharaja, Lokanath Swami. organised padayatra in the islands of Each time we meet he is always Rodriguez, Madagascar, and La Réunion. inquiring about padayatra, because padayatra is his life and soul. I have a natural inclination towards Padayatra India gave me a padayatra, because it is very dear to new life in ISKCON Srila Prabhupada and it’s linked to the direct instruction of Mahaprabhu to propagate the holy names all over the Svetadvipa Dasa: world. Being part of this mechanism of distributing the holy names, I feel I had read a lot about padayatra in immense pleasure while reaching Mauritius in the mid eighties and out to new people, experiencing and I very strongly desired to join the sharing the joy of releasing the holy party. I also loved to be with Lokanath names. For me there are no other Swami. So, after overcoming lots of sources of satisfaction than this . difficulties, I joined Padayatra India I don't need moksa, liberation. I want in 1989 in Maharashtra when I was to always be engaged in this service of 29 years old. Upon reaching the crew harinama sankirtana, distributing and in the town of Locknadon, north of distributing and again distributing the Nagpur, as I was about to enter the hall holy names to the fallen souls. where the padayatris were staying I was shocked to hear a loud and strong Parasuram on his first padayatra in Ireland voice,“ You buffalo brain, drunken

7 chickpeas in our stomach. After we reached Badrinath Dham, it soon became dark and cold. We waited for prasadam, but the kitchen crew had not arrived yet. Late at night, in a frenzy, we gathered around large woks set on wooden fires, filled with potatoes cooking in water. We picked some out, trying to find soft ones that we could eat, soon to retire from the useless effort, back to our sleeping quarters in anticipation for the next day's darsana of Lord Badri Narayana. Austerities did not hurt. Padayatra taught me the true life of a pilgrim. I learned to keep only a few possessions, to share, and to value what was essential and Svetadvipa (center) with Jaya Vijaya really mattered - to live to see the rascal, get outtttt....!!!”. It was none Padayatra taught me the true Lord and give Him to others. I also other than Jaya Vijaya Prabhuji, our distributed books. On the invitation American padayatra leader, chasing life of a pilgrim of Lokanatha Maharaja, I remained one drunkard away. on Padayatra for two and a half Prasanta Dasi: years, on and off as I got increasingly I loved padayatra because Jaya involved with the publication of the Vijaya made the yatra so loving, I joined Padayatra India on April 28, Padayatra Newsletter. I later on joined so sweet, very well organized, and 1987, in Rishikesh, while the party the Padayatra Ministry office in Delhi much more. Although it was very was about to walk to Badrinatha. in 1990 to assist spread padayatra austere at times and very tough being Everything about the experience was worldwide. around padayatra Jaya Vijaya gave refreshing - the simple life on the us lots of enthusiasm and strength to road and the Himalayan atmosphere. Prasanta Dasi: I walked for around two and never give up. He made our journey Like other padayatris I took turns a half years through North India, Gujarat, very homely and had lots of space in carrying chota Gaura Nitai on Their Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa his heart for all of us like a very caring palanquin. We picked wild mountain and Bengal. This included two Vraja elder brother or like a father. He would flowers on the way for Them, sat Mandala Parikramas, the first Navadvipa take a lot of time to explain to us the around Them and sang as They took Mandala Parikrama and a two month stay history of all the holy places we visited Their breakfast, waiting eagerly for at the 1989 Kumbha Mela. and gave us nectarean narrations of Their remnants. I loved to bathe in the pastimes of the Lord or His great the Ganga and dry my clothes on the devotees that took place there. Without clean white and grayish pebbles on Jaya Vijaya I would never have been her banks, sometimes hiking for half able to go around India two times. an hour or more downhill to reach her waters, and climbing up back to This padayatra program helped me the camp in time for the afternoon to understand Srila Prabhupada's meal. We ate lots of potatoes, rice and ISKCON deeper, and I learned to dhal, often served while sitting on appreciate and love more our society the road itself as there were no other and the wonderful devotees who are flat surfaces anywhere else. When we part of it, especially our sannyasis. I hankered for some sweet, I and an am really indebted to Padayatra India Italian friend would sometimes peep for having given me a new life in into the rare tiny shops in the villages ISKCON. we encountered, but to find only a few grams of raw sugar, which we would Svetadvipa Dasa is a native of Mauritius. buy and relish like mad women. On and off he participated in Padayatra Mauritius and walked 7 years on the All- On the last day's stretch we walked India Padayatra, completing 2 tours of and sometimes climbed from 5.30am India. to 4pm, with only a cup of black Prasanta visiting the 91 France padayatra

8 Padayatra is a real desire I got to render many services Having the saintly association of my fulfilling program to Lokanath Swami and Padayatra America Srivas Dasa: Vrindavana Lila Dasi: Padayatra is indeed a real desire fulfilling program. I love padayatra My first Padayatra was in 1989 in because it is an ecstatic and powerful California on the walk from San preaching program which brings a Francisco to Tijuana at the Mexican lot of people in touch with Krishna border. I was 22 years old at that Vrindavan Lila (right) on the 90 Prayer Vigil consciousness and serves many time. Our full time Padayatra team in Washington D.C. purposes. First it brings devotees consisted of about 20 devotees. We together to associate intimately for had the most beautiful Sri Sri Nitai beloved Guru Maharaja and all the days, resulting in building good Gaurasundara Deities traveling with relationships. As the members chant other padayatris was very spiritually us, and I was blessed to have Them live rewarding. Being on the road with a and dance together, it purifies their in my apartment in Los Angeles for a consciousness and allows them to travelling temple has taught me that few months before They got installed. a temple is actually within our hearts, experience the bliss of the holy names. Our Padayatra America office was While I was on padayatra in Nigeria it where Sri Krishna resides. I felt very right across from my home, so I got fortunate to be able to travel with our offered me the opportunity to meet the opportunity to render different many people, as we travelled from beautiful Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundara. services in the organization of our first Usually They resided in our Padayatra town to town, village to village. The ever padayatra in America. I was in austerity of sleeping in different America bus, which had been nicely charge of the legal aspects of our walk, transformed into a temple room and schools every night and honoring getting permits from the police station simple prasadam was purifying. It They also stayed at different “motel of each town and city we would walk Patel”- motels owned by Patel families brought detachment in my life and the with our padayatris. I also assisted realization that travelling on the road from Gujarat- or whoever hosted with some fund-raising and whatever Them for the night. to distribute the holy names and Srila other services I was given. Prabhupada’s books is a great spiritual activity. I also used to distribute books and My Guru Maharaja Lokanath Swami “simply wonderful” maha-prasadam joined us for our entire walk, making Srivas Dasa, a native from Ghana, is sweets. It was very ecstatic and I had him the leader of our Padayatra so many wonderful experiences. Once the zonal supervisor for West Africa. He America 1989. He blessed me by was part of the 1996 padayatra in West in a very small town, I gave a book giving me the blissful service of to a Spanish speaking man who was Africa which was conducted as part Srila being his secretary during padayatra Prabhupada's centennial program. It wearing a T-shirt with a photo of and some time before while he was our Srila Prabhupada! I asked him if covered 7 countries, from Nigeria to Sierra staying in California. In this way I Leone. he knew who the person on his shirt had much of his saintly association. was and he humbly replied he had no Once while walking together I shared idea - a friend of his had given him with him how when I was a little the shirt. I explained to him who Srila kid in Argentina I had the desire to Prabhupada is, and then he happily join the Catholics during the annual accepted a book and gave a donation. long pilgrimages they did towards Padayatra helped me to regain and a cathedral or a church. They would strengthen my faith in the holy names walk day and night, while singing and Lord Caitanya. It taught me the and playing musical instruments in importance of saintly association, in glorification of Jesus. Guru Maharaja being austere for the Lord and how replied, “Your dreams have come true, wonderful it is to share this knowledge but now you are singing and walking with everyone we meet. to glorify Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Lord Himself and the father of Vrindavana Lila Dasi participated in Jesus.” many padayatras besides the West Coast USA Padayatra in 1989, she also walked In this way and for that reason on the East Coast USA, India, Sweden, Padayatra has touched my heart and Belgium and Luxembourg. Srivas in Ghana fulfilled my long cherished desire.

9 Padayatra is educating not to know if this will happen, but eat the same prasadam, and overall when it will. Everybody is postponing undergo the same kind of austerities devotees how to live with solving the real problems of existence. -heat and cold, honor and rejection, oxen the simple life of true elation and distress, and so on. The To live on padayatra is the best 91 France Padayatra is also a sweet experience of a true ’s life, a life memory for me because my wife in which we depend on Krishna for Ananta Rupini Dasi was still alive then Giri Govardhan Dasa: everything: the weather, the people - she left her body 13 years later , in we meet, the food and the lodging 2004. Her health was then very fragile I like the direct preaching opportunities we’ll have. It makes one’s life free of and because of her asthma, she needed padayatra offers, especially in villages, anxieties and mental problems become to rest often in our camper van. where in general the older folks have less important. While chanting our not been too much influenced by the rounds we have to keep in mind that Our padayatra party had a positive media. Young people who now are less the day will come when everything effect on the population, especially in than thirty years old have not heard will be between Krishna and us at the villages we crossed. People were too much about the devotees. So most the time of death, and if we have not smiling and seemed happy to see us, of these villagers are pretty innocent, prepared ourselves before our mind all the more because not too much they don’t know anything yet about will capsize along with our body. is happening in these rural areas the Hare , so they have a fresh of France. The oxen attracted more view of us and no prejudices towards Giri Govardhana participated in both attention than the deities, as many old us. They appreciate us for who we are, French padayatras: for a while in the farmers fondly remembered the oxen all the more when they see us living North in 1991 and for one month in the they used in the past. We had a few very simply, even austerely, and travelling South in 1992. He also walked one month friendly receptions by mayors and their as pilgrims, far from our castles. About and a half with Padayatra India in Gujarat village councils; they honored us and 30 years ago ISKCON France owned and in the Himalayas Srila Prabhupada and gladly accepted the famous Ermenonville castle near our Bhagavad-gita. I can truly say Paris, which had been the residence of that this 1991 padayatra generated the French writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. most positive newspaper articles we This attracted opposition and even ever had in our country, even though hostility. And the New Mayapur temple some reports were gently humoring in the center of France is also a castle. the padayatris or were rather ignorant In the minds of French people castles of the fact that we were devotees of have been associated with aristocracy, Krishna, and not Buddhists. Walking wealth and comfortable living so our in the name of peace, and chanting humble padayatra caravans pulled by always win hearts! friendly oxen was a happy change for those who had known the Krishnas Nitai Gaurasundara Dasa participated in during their very opulent era. Like the 1991 Padayatra in the North of France. them, I enjoyed padayatra for being the simple and austere life of a sadhu, a devotee of God.

The oxen and the padayatra lifestyle Giri Govardhana (left) on the 91 France are here to educate devotees how padayatra to live without gadgets, with what nature easily offers. I believe that the On padayatra we are all in demons will end up sinking their own the same boat boat (their materialistic civilization) and that oxen and a simple lifestyle will then have their full meaning in Nitai Gaurasundara Dasa: our New Mayapur farm community and in ISKCON in general. When the I like padayatra because it’s very world will be a total mess, devotees simple and lively preaching, and on and people in general will be able to padayatra all padayatris are in the understand that. Until that time we same boat. Gurus, sannyasis, senior have to maintain the place and the devotees, bhaktas and bhaktins, men right spirit because the question is and women all live and travel together, Nitai Gaurasundar with his wife Ananta Rupini Dasi, and Lassigny's mayor

10 Padayatra is a way to please wider perspective on life, especially a perception that life is happening my spiritual master outside closed doors and not inside, even though most people spend their Krishna Baladeva Dasa: lives indoors.

Srila Prabhupada instructed my guru, I remember many sunny days when I Lokanath Maharaja, to travel to all the was at work or at home, and I would towns and villages of Bharat to spread just watch the sunny day outside and the holy names. Then Maharaja gave let it pass by. I now know that if it is the same instruction to his disciples. sunny outside, it means I should go At one of our disciples’ gathering he outside the house and spend time told us, “Organize Padayatra in South there – bicycling, walking, swimming, Africa. Do it to the best of your abilities” talking to people, doing something, So for me Padayatra is a way to please going somewhere. In the past, when my spiritual master. Attaining the most of the world population was lotus feet of the Divine Couple in the Krsna Baladeva Dasa living in villages, and there was no groves of Vraja is simple – one simply electricity and no running water inside the house, even no toilets – life was has to do what pleases the spiritual On padayatra you get out of master, for he is an intimate servant very different. Days were spent doing of Srimati Radharani. They will smile your comfort zone activities like carrying the water from when They see the smile of satisfaction the well, forests and fields were used and approval on his face. And that will Lalitamrita Dasi: as toilets, and as soon as it got dark bring smiles to our own faces also. everybody went to sleep, in order to After all, we are striving to do “para As a young girl I always used to read wake up before sunrise. In general life upakara” - the highest welfare work. comics and stories about cowboys was happening outside of the house, and Indians in the wild west of in nature, gardens, forests, near rivers, India has the mood, facility and America, camping outside under the lakes, seas, tending cows, washing the religious tolerance of a country stars, riding horses or walking all day clothes, picking fruits from the fields where padayatra can flourish, but through the forest, always engaged in or just doing something altogether. In Guru Maharaja also wished to have some adventure. But then I thought, this modern day and age there are not padayatras in South Africa, so a few ”Aah! The world has changed, and many activities like that to be done, of his disciples organized some. I now you cannot just roam around and that is why I appreciate that padayatra savor each and every second I spend sleep outside and just basically live is still one of them. on padayatra with the devotees, outdoors…“ But when I found out reaching out to the innocent public that on padayatra you can do that, and Lalitamrita Dasi is 39, from Croatia, and and spreading the transcendental much more, with a group of people she has been participating in the Slovenian sounds of the holy names. What I who are fun to be with. I knew that I summer Padayatra since 2013. feel at the end is not fatigue, but a would like it even before doing it, and sense of hopelessness that I cannot it so happened that I liked it all the do more –and that weighs me down. way. Nama-hatta, vriksha programs and temples tend to be static, but Padayatra is special because you get out padayatra is ecstatic. It is the only of your comfort zone, you are always outreach preaching medium we with some other people, brushing teeth can capitalize on to spread Krishna together, sleeping together, and eating consciousness widely. Guru Maharaja together. You loose privacy and you never does anything in small or half get companionship, which turns out to dosages. Padayatra is no exception be a good deal. There is a special bond and the Padayatra India book scores that is created with people who live speak for themselves. together like this; even if they don't become close friends there is a sense of Krishna Baladeva Dasa lives in Durban 'we walked together' and this works as and has been helping with the organisation a very powerful team building tool. It of the padayatras in South Africa since a is creating a community. few years. In my life padayatra brought a Lalitamrita Dasi

11 I never found that bliss Waiting all year long for prasadam a lot, even though it was very simple, and as an adolescent I again any place else the time to go on Padayatra had to eat a lot. In the morning we had Orissa with Gaura Govinda what they call in Orissa chuda, rice Bhaktin Nicole: flakes with smashed bananas, some Swami grated coconut, and some yogurt if I like to chant Hare Krishna with other we were lucky, and a few worms, if devotees, and padayatra is the best By Dasi we were even more lucky. For lunch place for that. I also love to talk about we had rice and dalma, rice with a few Krishna consciousness to the people I participated in the Orissa padayatras pieces of vegetables, or rice and dahl. we meet on the way. I had fun running organized by the Bhubanesvar temple We lived on what the villagers gave after the cart whenever I was lagging in 1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996. I was us. In later years we also had capatis behind the party. I remember with then respectively 12, 13, 15 and 16 in the evening. This menu did not great pleasure the times we were all years old. My parents, who lived in seem austere to me as I loved rice and sitting around a camp fire during our Bhubaneswar at the time, let me go dalma. Bhagavatam class and breakfast when under the supervision of senior matajis the weather was getting chilly as we who were looking over me; usually we In fact I loved everything on padayatra. were approaching New Mayapur at were always in a group so there was At night we slept in the classrooms of the end of October. In fact, what I love no problem. The first year I was the small children schools, where all the best about padayatra is that we live only young girl, then in 93 and 94 an tables and benches had been pushed outdoors all the time. I don’t like to Australian family came with their six in one corner. We each had our bucket be stuck between four walls, I prefer children. They followed our padayatra and small lota and we bathed at the to live outside: the mind and body feel with their own bullock cart, so their water pump in the courtyard. There better and disease has less of grasp on small boy could stay on the cart. The were different times for women and me. first two years we walked between for men. In general the weather was After padayatra the bliss was finished 10 and 35 kms each day for one and warm in the day and rather cool at for me and I never found that bliss a half to two months. I walked almost night, we had a sleeping bag and a again any place else. every single kilometer of the entire jacket. One time it rained during three padayatra. days in a row, so we all got soaking Bhaktin Nicole spent 2 months on the wet. During one of these rainy nights 1991 padayatra in France. A happy life with continuous we were sleeping in a school that had chanting, simple prasadam and holes in the roof. friendly receptions I loved this kind of life. I was with people I liked a lot and, as I was the All year long I was waiting for the youngest devotee, everybody was very time to go on padayatra. It was an kind with me. It was adventure to be in adventure and we chanted all day a new place every day, with a different long. I loved kirtanas so I sang in all type of reception. Sometimes we were of them. When we woke up, it was welcomed by the village kirtaniyas, it mangala arati kirtana, then we started was super. Each village has their own to walk after breakfast, around 7 am. type of kirtana and the people did We chanted all morning long and their very best so the padayatra party Nicole (left) on 91 France Padayatra when we arrived in a village around would feel very welcomed. Sometimes noon we had a big kirtana with the when we arrived, they washed our villagers, followed by the preaching feet, dried them, put a garland around program. After prasadam we walked our neck and a sweet in our mouth, and chanted all afternoon, and in the and then serve us a refreshing lemon evening we had the sandhya arati drink. When we crossed villages kirtana before the preaching program. mostly inhabited by muslims we There was very little time without walked fast while chanting very softly sankirtana, and that program fitted me - we were careful because in one of very, very well. At the beginning of the these villages people threw stones at padayatra we were fighting with each us, they thought we were worshiping other to have either karatalas or flags, idols. In these kinds of villages people but at the end we were arguing not to did not say a word to us whereas have them because it got tiring after a when we walked through Vaisnavas Rukmini today while. Besides the chanting I liked the

12 much importance to padayatra and gave us so much energy when we felt discouraged. He did not walk with us because of troubles with his legs but he was very much present. During the day he stayed in a guesthouse, working on his translations of Prabhupada’s books into Oriya and in the evening he gave classes at the evening public program. He used to stay in one guesthouse 3 to 4 day s before moving to the next one on the padayatra route. When we arrived in a district few people attended the first evening, then the crowd got bigger and bigger each time, up to 200 or 300 persons, 1992 Bhubaneswar Padayatra ( Rukmini with the ponytail on the right) which included people of nearby villages. There were always many or Hindu villages women did their had lots of affection because he just more people when Gaura Govinda ululating sounds, people were happy loved to chant. It was amazing how Maharaja gave the lecture. Maharaja to see us and chant with us. One time he managed to sing for hours on end. was a very powerful preacher and he I was lagging behind the party with Not only was he chanting and dancing was attracting lots of people, Gunacuda in a village where almost all the way with great enthusiasm, he everybody, including women, looked was walking ahead of the party, then Since I had been living in Orissa with drunk. It was getting dark, men were turning back, walking with us, then my family since I was 12, I could trying to grab us, and I got really moving ahead again. In this way he speak some Oriya. Every evening scared, but no hurt came to us. The walked about 2 to 3 times the distance Maharaja insisted that I speak to the best times were when we were a small we covered. A lot of times I did not public in Oriya. I was telling them group, it was more like a small family, even eat in the evening because I that material comfort and money there was a lot of solidarity between was so tired , and I could not wait till were not everything in life, or a source us. It became more difficult in later prasadam was served , around 10 pm. of happiness. The proof was that us years when there were many more Usually I fell asleep before that time so Westerners were now adopting their devotees on padayatra; there were I gave this boy my quota of capatis. He own culture and philosophy. Then I some kinds of tension between Indian was happy because he was not on the spoke about the maha-mantra and and Western devotees and the Indian list of those who could have capatis, as made them chant Hare Krishna very brahmacaris were not happy because he was not present the day the list had loud, and then raise their hands. there were more women. been done. Villagers loved to hear me speak Oriya, it made them smile and I think Witnessing the influence of the Sometimes we were so tired we were they were touched also. Sometimes I All-India padayatra of Lokanath just dragging our bare feet - at one point lost my voice because I was literally of the walk we all had a toe exploded shouting in the mike. Even then the Maharaja from having walked so much on the padayatris asked me to go back on the ground (either tar or earth with stones) stage to make people sing. I remember the village of Anandapura without shoes - surprisingly we had where the All-India padayatra had less blisters when we walked barefoot. I know that Padayatra Orissa has walked through with Lokanath It was not mandatory to walk barefoot, changed a lot since 1996. Devotees do Maharaja in 1986. At that time many but I liked it, I was used to it. I would not walk so much, only a few kms. people had become devotees so when never have accepted to wear shoes and They concentrate more on preaching our Orissa Padayatra came through I walked the entire padayatra without programs and sometimes stage up it was like a huge family festival. All them. to 3 theatre plays a day. There are these Vaisnavas invited the padayatris also more westerners from different for prasadam. One of these families countries. From what I heard, it’s still had many boys, most with names of The powerful presence of Gaura wonderful. the sons of Srila : Govinda Maharaja Lalita Prasad, Krishna Prasad and so As a child and a teen ager Rumini Dasi on. They were Vaisnavas before the The years I was on Padayatra Orissa participated in the Orissa padayatras first padayatra came to their village. were special because Gaura Govinda organised by the Bhubanesvar temple in There was one boy towards whom I Maharaja was there. He gave so 1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996.

13 24Th Czech Summer Padayatra: Capturing The Rhinoceros by Nrsimha Caitanya Dasa

Setting up the rhino chase of the devotees were strewn across His eyes were buried under dark the street. My father, Loka Saranga red swellings, but he was conscious. In 1971 Srila Prabhupada wrote in prabhu and Nitai Caran prabhu from We heard that Loka Saranga had to a letter that, “We should always Croatia, were seriously injured and be coma induced, and was hooked be enthusiastic to try for capturing taken to the hospital by helicopter onto several tubes to keep his body the rhinoceros. That way, if we fail, and ambulance. When I arrived at the from collapsing. He suffered serious everyone will say, ‘Never mind, scene of the accident, the rescuers had damage to his lungs. I got a message nobody can catch a rhinoceros anyway,’ already left. A red car with damaged about Nitai Caran whom I learned had and if we succeed, then everyone will front fenders was parked near the only suffered a slight concussion and say, ‘Just see, what a wonderful thing petrol stand and debris of harmonium a few bruises, and was scheduled to they have done!’” chips and fragments from the crash leave the hospital within a few days. were scattered around. The rhinoceros after which the The chase for the rhinoceros Czech Padayatra team was chasing Some of us travelled to Ostrava to visit continues symbolically represented the the injured while another group of distribution of 10,000 books, twice as devotees went to Frydek-Mistek to see Although we were distressed about many as 2017. From the beginning, Nitai Caran. Throughout the journey the accident, and worried about the it was clear to us that this was not to the hospital, we chanted for the seriously injured devotees, I had to going to be an easy target. We faced injured devotees, praying to Krishna take a decision about padayatra. There several challenges that ranged from to protect them. Goura Karuna prabhu, were ten more days ahead of us, and quarrels and fights with the security who was distributing books during we had already distributed about of a shopping center, to the dislodging the harinama, had photographed the seven thousand books. There were of the padayatra cart roof while entire accident scene and uploaded about forty devotees on padayatra travelling. However, we experienced it to Facebook. We were touched by who waited for further instructions. the most critical moment on August 2, the many calls of concern we received I fondly recollected what my father in Frydlantnad, Ostravici. from devotees across the country. That said some time ago: “books must be evening I requested that we keep the distributed, even at the cost of one’s A very serious test in Frydlant evening program slightly shorter than life.” Although I had the urge to give normal. up everything, I knew in my heart that After a short break at noon, a group we had to complete this padayatra of six devotees led by my father Muni At the emergency reception, we were as a sacrifice for Srila Prabhupada Priya prabhu went for a harinama informed that my father had suffered and Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundara. After before lunch. As they walked through a broken forehead, a dented skull, fifteen days, padayatris had already a gas station and stopped at the a swollen brain and a broken rib. distributed more than half of the island to cross the road, a speeding We found him at the neurosurgical desired quota and evidently capturing car approached from the opposite Intensive Care Unit, where he was the rhino was a real possibility. direction and smashed into the lying on a stretcher with a badly harinama party. The broken bodies swollen face and a bandaged head. Since the previous month of April,

14 Muni Priya had been organizing the prayers and blessings of Vaisnavas watching the procession from both route, the accommodations, book from all over the world. I was in sides. This is a demanding service storage and the programs’ venues. daily contact with Bhaktivaibhava because one has to be constantly After a discussion with Pada Pankaja Maharaja, who, apart from the health vigilant and cannot immerse oneself prabhu, I informed the devotees of of the injured devotees, was very in harinama like other devotees. the situation, and asked them if they concerned about the legal aspects of wanted to continue with the padayatra. the accident. Regular reports were sent Finally, I would like to thank the Everyone unanimously agreed that to Kadamba Kanana Maharaja and to devotees for all the prayers, emotional the padayatra should continue! the Minister of Padayatra, Lokanath support and financial assistance given Swami. Janananda Goswami also to families of the injured devotees. In the days that followed, I was expressed great concern for the injured My deepest appreciation goes to amazed and touched by the reactions devotees. those devotees who took part in this of international and local devotees year’s padayatra, especially those to the accident. Generally, they Capturing the rhino who endured many challenges while enquired about the health of the chasing after the rhino! I am truly injured devotees and pledged their Ten days after the Frydlant disaster, honored to have been part of this prayers for their healing. I began the padayatra party arrived in spirited team of devotees. writing messages on Facebook and Sedlnice, the last stop on our route, later sending many emails about their having distributed an outstanding Please join us for the 2018 Czech health status, especially of my dad and total of 10 894 books. This was only Padayatra, as we will celebrate its 25th Loka Saranga. Special prayers were possible through the grace of Srila anniversary ! offered in Mayapur and Vrindavan, Prabhupada, under the protection of and an offering was made on their Sri Nrsimhadeva, and by the mercy NB: The complete article is available behalf at Simhacalam in South India. of the beautiful Deities of Sri Sri on the Padayatra website In Slovenia, devotees increased their Nitai Gaurasundara. The rhinoceros chanting and throughout Bohemia had been pursued and successfully Muni Priya Dasa: On padayatra I’m and Moravia, and other parts of captured! never bored! That’s why I like it. the world, dedicated kirtanas were (54 years old Muni Priya Dasa , is a full organized. On our Czech padayatra, The accident in Frydlant mobilized time padayatri in Czech Republic since devotees continued with book the ardent devotees, and we learned 2005, and Czech Padayatra leader since distribution, evening programs and an important lesson that in this world 2007) harinamas with much enthusiasm. there is danger at every step, even Rajaram prabhu who had retired from during harinama on a sidewalk. padayatra, returned to offer invaluable Devotees across the world petitioned organizing support. the Lord in prayer for the recovery of the injured devotees, Muni Priya and Kamala Manjari, my mother, and I Loka Saranga. Both are recovering well visited my dad and Loka Saranga after surgery. The doctor has estimated daily, while the forty dedicated that Muni Priya who suffered short- devotees continued to offer a full term memory loss will recover fully evening program under the leadership within three years. of Sankirtan prabhu. The program consisted of the regular features Looking ahead and a drama performance, “Liquid Hari Priya Dasi: I get energy from Beauty”by bhaktas Adi Purusa and After the accident we started to think directly preaching to people David Svec. The dances by Sarasvati, more seriously about the local laws When I am on padayatra it seems that the daughter of Loka Saranga, and the and regulations because we could my life really has meaning. There is competition for children organized by easily have been violating a few, like a wonderful synergy given by the Bhaktin Miri were received with much stopping cars and distributing books circumstances because everyone and delight. Kamalapati and Riksaraj from bikes. In the future we will everybody has to pull the same rope prabhus alternated in leading kirtana. definitely pay more attention to traffic together so that padayatra could During the entertainment, the large safety on the road and perhaps the reach its final destination. Everything group of book distributors led by padayatra route will avoid big cities. is conditioned by this successful end Purusottama Ksetra prabhu continued During this padayatra, we neglected and therefore there are very special their quest to capture the rhino. a fundamental safety rule, as there relationships on padayatra. Sometimes was no red banner regulating passing it may be physically difficult for me The devotees powered ahead with cars. Next year we will return to the but the direct preaching is so powerful much determination, inspired by the tested system of two banner-bearers that I can get energy back from the

15 responses that we receive from people. Not only my direct family is there but with all those other devotees we make one big spiritual family. I pray that my body will allow me to continue with padayatra for many more years. (54 years old Hari Priya Dasi is Muni Priya’s wife, and has been full time on the Czech Padayatra since 2005.)

Nrsimha Caitanya on accordeon Adi Purusa leading harinama Loka Saranga Dasa: Padayatra is the Jagan Dasi: Padayatra is the best of everything! driving force of my spiritual life Padayatra is the best, therefore we like Padayatra has always been the driving it so much. Krishna is also the best and force of my spiritual life. Every year I that's why we like Him the most too. can taste nectar for a short time and ( 41 years old Loka Saranga Dasa has been then carry it inside me for so long. It is coming to the Czech Padayatra since the a mercy for which I am grateful; thanks nineties; he does harinama, cooks and acts to this mercy I can fulfill my promise in the plays.) to my spiritual master and at least for Hari Priya garlanding a winner of the danc- a moment be involved in spreading ing and singing competition Krishna consciousness. Nrsimha Caitanya Dasa: It’s ever (25 years old Jagan Mohini Dasi is a fresh, adventurous and spiritually working mother who has been coming to stimulating the Czech Padayatra since 1995. She serves On padayatra I can be fully engaged as the head pujari and brings her very nice in devotional service according to daughter with her every year.) my talents. I like to organize things, shop around, drive a car around, do harinama, clean, set up a stage and Loka Saranga wih his wife Kamala Manjari so on. There are so many services and kids on padayatra, and as a part of the management team, I usually end up Bhakta Adi Purusa: A great doing all of them during the course opportunity for advancement of the walk. Padayatra is ever fresh, Padayatra is giving me the great adventurous and it stimulates me to opportunity to be in the association make more endeavours in Krishna of devotees while engaged in front consciousness. line preaching and thus to make (Nrsimha Caitanaya Dasa is 27 years old, rapid advancement in Krishna son of Muni Priya and Hari Priya. He is a Consciousness. Jagan Mohini (right) and her sister Tulasi full time padayatri since 2005, and Czech (17 year old Adi Purusa was on his first Maharani Padayatra co-leader since 2007.) walk this year. He set up the base, served as commander and actor in the plays.)

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16 A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ALL-INDIA PADAYATRA IN 2017 by Acarya Dasa

This year has been special because we sail from Calcutta. The next day it have been blessed with the association reached Cochin where Prabhupada’s of several sannyasis. Vedavyas Priya volumes of Srimad-bhagavatam had Maharaja joined us for several days, arrived from Bombay. The books were Rupa Ragunath Maharaja travelled loaded onto the ship before leaving for with us for one month and Bhakti America. We all took darsana of the Vinod Maharaja helped us a lot during memorial plaque installed by ISKCON our journey in Kerala. After walking Kerala in memory of Srila Prabhupada. in Karnataka, then in Kerala for five All the padayatris decided that one months we are currently moving day we would board a boat and do through Tamil Nadu in South India. sankirtana there in memory of Srila Prabhupada’s voyage on the Jaladuta. Kerala: a very significant stop While taking a cruise on the very in Cochin waters that Srila Prabhupada sailed on, we all thought of the sacrifices he One of the year’s highlights was made to bring Krishna Consciousness traveling through Cochin, a very to the world. Prabhupada experienced significant city for us, ISKCON many struggles to deliver Krishna devotees. On Friday, August 13th Consciousness to us; if it were not for 1965 the cargo ship Jaladuta on which him we would be suffering here in this material world. Srila Prabhupada was travelling set Udupi Krishna

17 With the chief of the Udupi Pejawar Chanting at the Udupi Religious Convention Rupa Raghunatha Swami in Cochin Prayer instantly answered Madhvacarya all the goods that were on the boat, but he asked only for the Three fantastic days at the Kerala was very good for book big lump of gopichandan and carried Udupi Religious Convention distribution. As we made our it back to the matha. The statues of way through Kozhikode, a lady Lord Krishna and Balaram were inside All padayatris and devotees of approached the padayatra cart crying. the gopichandan and Madhvacarya ISKCON Udupi were invited by the After paying obeisances to Sri Sri installed the beautiful of Lord chief of the matha to attend the Nitai Gaurasundara she stood crying Krishna in Udupi and the deity of Religious Convention ( and looking deeply at the Lord with Balaram at Malpe beach. Sabha) from November 24 to 26. As folded hands. Turning to us she said, we entered the big pandal sitting “Can you please give me a Bhagavad- On November 23rd we reached Udupi, hundreds of thousands of people we gita?” She happily took it and touched which is said to have attained the were welcomed by the coordinators to it to her head. Then she explained, status of Vaikuntha, the kingdom of of the program and called on stage “In a temple of Lord , nearby, God, because the Supreme Personality for kirtana. Everyone joined us in just a few minutes back, I was praying of Godhead came and stayed there chanting the maha-mantra and every intensely: ‘O Lord! I have a strong in response to the desire of His pure day we were called on stage. The desire to read an original Bhagavad- devotee Srila Madhvacarya. As congregational devotees helped us at gita. Please help me.’ I came out of the we reached town we were warmly the book stall we had arranged. During temple, saw your cart and heard the welcomed by Rakta Govinda Prabhu, the next two days we did mangal arati announcements about Bhagavad-gita. president of the ISKCON Udupi, in the pandal. The best part was that Thank you very much, your Lord on and the congregation devotees. They whatever was cooked during the the cart is very merciful!” did all the arrangements for our convention was first offered to our comfortable stay and had planned nice Lordships Nitai Gaurasundara. On the Karnataka: visiting the famous preaching activities for our 3 day visit. last day each one was gifted a bag by the Udupi Krishna temple established We all went to have darsana of Lord organizers of the Dharma Sabha. The Udupi Krishna along with padayatra by Srila Madhvacarya news of Padayatra India attending the Deities. The chief of the Pejawar matha religious convention and of the chief had gotten the news that padayatra of the Krishna matha worshipping After visiting the famous Sri Laxmi was in town, so he welcomed us with Janardan temple in Kapu we walked our Lordships was flashed in all local his group and did a special to Sri newspapers, so that later, wherever we to Kodavoor Grama, a quaint village Sri Nitai Gaurasundara. He is generally 6 kms from Udupi in the state of went for sankirtana nobody stopped very busy but he likes ISKCON a lot and us. Even the policemen helped us in Karnataka. It has a beautiful sandy has lot of respect for our movement. beach known as Malpe Beach. The traffic and while crossing roads. Our 3 history of the Udupi Krishna temple day book score in Udupi was fantastic: is closely associated with this beach. 1651 maha-big books, 30 big books Once there was a huge storm in the and 195 small. It was a wonderful sea near Malpe beach when the great experience! saint Sri Madhvacarya was present at the shore. He saw a ship caught WHY THEY STAY ON THE in the storm and with just the use of ALL-INDIA PADAYATRA his shawl he helped the ship reach the shore safely. This ship was coming Ekeshwar Dasa (38 years old): from Dwaraka and in appreciation Cochin Cruising on the waters sailed by Srila Srila Prabhupada and my Gurudev for his help the sailors offered Srila Prabhupada on his way to America Lokanath Maharaja love padayatra, so

18 I also love padayatra. My 40 days on house of a doctor devotee who treated Srila Prabhupada said that if anybody the Pandharpur Padayatra made me me for 10 days. The padayatris gave concentrates his mind on distributing very serious in my devotional life. The me time to rest, and when I was able to Krishna’s books then he is always daily routine is such that a padayatri walk they happily welcomed me back. thinking about Krishna. This is is totally absorbed in serving the Lord I was overwhelmed by their love and samadhi –and it is something we have and as a result the body also remains affection. come to realize more and more on healthy. I can distribute Prabhupada’s padayatra.The more books distributed books and always get darsana of Bhakta Prajeesh (40 years old, from the more one’s quality of chanting Gaura Nitai Kerala): Before knowing anything increases. Whenever we come in about Krishna consciousness, I wanted contact with people who are interested to travel through the villages in in Krishna we take their telephone different states of India. After reading numbers and preach to them even Srila Prabhupada's transcendental after we have left their village or city. books, I was interested in book These activities help us realize what distribution, but I could not do that living a happy life is like. Padayatra is regularly before joining Padayatra. like ISKCON’s army. When a devotee On padayatra I am so fortunate to be joins padayatra he has no chance of able to distribute books every day and developing an attachment to any place travel through the villages too: both since we are always on the move. my wishes are fulfilled. Anyone who is part of padayatra can achieve the spiritual goal of life. Sri Krishna Dev Dasa (46 years old) : If you complete your before 7’o Ekeswar Dasa When I am on padayatra I feel like I am clock, read Srila Prabhupada’s books in Goloka because I am fully dependent everyday for a minimum of one hour, Matsyavatar Dasa (28 years old, from on the Lord. When the Lord’s chariot hear from Srila Prabhupada and your Satara, Maharashtra): The spiritual stops –we stop. When the Lord rests – Guru, associate with devotees and are happiness I get on padayatra is very we rest. When the Lord stands in the punctual –then automatically Nitai special - I did not get it anywhere else. rain we also stand in the rain. It’s been Gaurasundar gives you mercy. During my one year on padayatra three years since I joined ‘The All India I developed lots of tolerance and Padayatra’. We all have many different Suryavamshi Dasa : On Padayatra I humility and the ability to undergo services on padayatra. When we were get the chance to have darsana of many austerities. Prasadam distribution in Kerala recently I was part of an 8 holy places, to take bath at many holy is done on a large scale so wherever devotee party who distributed many kundas and tirthas. Each padayatri we go people get the mercy of Gaur books. Acarya Dasa, our leader, takes becomes instrumental in distributing Nitai. The oxen of padayatra are very good care of all the padayatris. He the holy name as Mahaprabhu has special because whoever sees them makes sure that we all attend mangal instructed us; He’s expecting this take photos of them. They are very arati everyday and that we are taking from us. Padayatra brings change silent and carry the Lord on their care of our by practicing in everybody’s life who comes in shoulders. Our Gurudev says this is proper hearing and by reading Srila contact with it. We go to schools their last birth and that they will get Prabhupada’s books daily. He is a very and college, where the students and liberated. Once in Kerala I suffered inspiring and motivated leader and he teachers respond very nicely to our from Dengue, and at that time all is a very important part of my life on program. Padayatra also provides me the padayatris took great care of me. the road. an opportunity to meet people across Acharya Prabhu, our padayatra leader, India and to understand the current and Krsnadev Prabhu took me to the situation of our society.

Matsyavatara Dasa Bhakta Prajeesh Krishnadev Dasa Suryavamshi Dasa

19 THE ANDHRA PRADESH/ TELANGANA PADAYATRA CELEBRATED THEIR 5th ANNIVERSARY By Visnuswami Dasa

Narsampeta school for orphans Bhakti Raghava Swami

I was impressed by Prabhupada’s there are no accidents, and we do not instructions about bullock cart need a driving license. I am so happy padayatra. It looked very interesting to be riding a bullock cart and to have and attractive to me, so in December the association of these gentle oxen. 2012, without any previous experience at all, I started a bullock cart padayatra Recently we had the visit of Bhakti in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Since Raghava Maharaja and Anandamaya then a part of that state had become the Prabhu, in charge of the Hyderabad new state of Telangana. I thought that BBT. On December 6th, to celebrate it might go on for a few days or even a the 5th anniversary of our padayatra, month, but by grace of Krishna and the we distributed Bhagavad-gitas to the mercy of the Vaisnavas we managed to youth of the town of Chowtuppal be on the road for 5 years. I don’t know in the Bhonagiri district. 15 Gitas how it happened, I was like a dream. were sponsored by a local devotee of Visnuswami with visitors People are attracted to padayatra. Krishna, so we could give it free to many people. At the moment we are I’m so happy riding a bullock walking in the Hyderabad urban area. cart! In 2017 we covered 180 villages Nowadays motor vehicles are a and towns and walked 1200kms. common thing but traveling with a We distributed 14 sets of Srimad- bullock cart is unique and special. bhagavatam, 2,200 big books, 1,500 While we cross villages everyone medium and 25,000 small. approaches us, people of all ages, men, women and children, the educated and the uneducated. If we travel in a motor vehicle we meet a limited number of people, and it produces so much pollution. But on bullock cart Anandamaya Prabhu

20 RETRACING ISKCON’S BEGINNINGS IN THE UNITEED STATES THROUGH PADAYATRA

WALKING 3550 MILES (5713 KMS) FROM BOSTON TO SAN FRANCISCO

At the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Program with children Colorado

NB: This article was based on Madhava Maharaja then retraced Prabhupada’s Highway 50, which is referred to as Smullen’s article on the ISKCON journey from Boston to Butler, western “The Loneliest Road in America”. His News website and from diary entries of Pennsylvania,where he had spent an route also took him on Lincoln Road, Bhaktimarga Swami. entire month with his sponsors, Gopal the first transcontinental highway in and Sally Agarwal. Maharaja then the United States, built in 1913. On September 20th, 2015, Bhaktimarga continued on to New York City, where Swami undertook an epic padayatra in Srila Prabhupada officially registered Every day, he walked for about 20 miles the United States in honor of his guru ISKCON in 1966. Bhaktimarga Swami (32 kms) through challenging terrain Srila Prabhupada, and to celebrate chanted under the famous “Hare and weather conditions. In June he the 50thanniversary of ISKCON. Krishna tree” in Tompkins Square crossed the Great Basin Desert in Utah Popularly known as “the walking Park, where Prabhupada led some of and Nevada where he endured intense monk”, he has gone on foot across the first public kirtanas in the western heat 1000F (38 0 C) and complete Canada from coast to coast four times, world. isolation. However, in the evenings and has trekked across Ireland, the Fiji he relished the cool air and chanted Islands, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, On November 10th, 2015, our Walking “magic ally”, and without distraction and Israel, to promote a more simple, Monk concluded the first 907 mile under the stars. healthy and spiritual lifestyle. (1460 kms) section of his walk, and on May 11th, 2016, after a winter break, Bhaktimarga Swami experienced The first leg of the padayatra: he resumed his walk from New York increased traffic in Nevada because Boston to Nebraska via New to San Francisco to revisit the historical of the August vacation. This meant places of growth of ISKCON.The first York and Butler more interaction with people who leg of this walk covered around 966 were intrigued by the walking miles (1555 kms) and ended in Seward, monk, dressed in orange robes. They This padayatra was undoubtedly the Nebraska in August 2016. most meaningful to him. It began at would offer food, drinks and money Boston’s Commonwealth Pier where and were awestruck by the idea of in 1965 Srila Prabhupada first reached Walking the second leg interstate walking. Along the way, the the United States on the steamship in 2017: Nebraska to San walking monk chatted with passing Jaladuta from India. Two hundred Francisco, California motorists, gave informal interviews ISKCON devotees from all over the and blessings, and spoke regularly at programs arranged by his assistants. East Coast had joined Bhaktimarga The second leg began in May 2017 Local newspapers and radio stations Swami. The celebrations included and covered approximately 1600 often conducted interviews, fascinated visiting the former YMCA where miles (2575 kms), before ending in at this unique personality passing Prabhupada stayed and worked on his San Francisco on September 15th. On through their area. Srimad-Bhagavatam. this leg Maharaja had to negotiate

21 that the solution to these problems States padayatra after a sensational was ultimately a spiritual one. trek over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. He was joined by senior Bhaktimarga Swami also entreated disciples of Srila Prabhupada,Vaisesika people to go back to the basics – to Das and Nirkula Dasi from nearby San walk more instead of taking the car, Jose, and Canadian helpers, to see the wildlife and touch the earth, Das and Bhakta Marcel for the last four to take time away from our devices, to miles.Together they retraced the path meditate, sing, and pray more and to of the original Jagannatha Festival that talk to our neighbors. took place half a century agoin San Francisco- the first ever Ratha-yatra Completing an epic six month Festival in the western world, carrying walk Lord , Baladeva and Subhadra on the back of a decorated flatbed truck. The United States padayatra took six months to complete. It covered an Bhaktimarga Swami ended this grand incredible distance of 3550 miles(5713 marathon walk in a “peaceful and Walking for America kms) which spanned several states. meditative mood,” on the soft sands of This included a corner of Michigan, He essentially spoke about Srila the Pacific Ocean, amid rolling white moving through Massachusetts, clouds and blue skies. He prayed that Prabhupada’s arrival in the United Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, States 50 years ago, and his continuing Srila Prabhupada would be pleased New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, with this pilgrimage and hoped that mission. His subject matter also Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, included some of the social challenges Krishna had a broad smile at the end California and Hawaii. of this padayatra “of the heart.” that he had observed along his trek: On September 15th,Bhaktimarga loneliness, drug addiction, depression Swami completed this epic United – and how Prabhupada’s view was

THE 40 DAY BULLOCK CART PADAYATRA IN MAHARASHTRA BY ISKCON PANDHARPUR By Ekeswar Dasa and Sri Krishna Dasa

One day in 2017 the temple president carts, tractors and oxen. Lokanath of ISKCON Pandharpur, Prahlad Maharaja was very pleased with our Dasa, suggested that we should decision and gave us his blessings. start a padayatra from the holy city of Pandharpur , the Vrindavana of A memorable stop at Gopalpur Maharashtra. He had traveled with the Hill, considered non-different All India Padayatra for about 10 years, so he shared with us his realizations on from Govardhana Hill the great impact padayatra has on the minds and hearts of people. Besides, Early morning on November 15 th we had all the necessary resources: our enthusiastic team of 20 members Walking assembled at our Sri Sri Radha

22 our rounds, listened to a Srimad- villagers had already gathered for the Bhagavatam class, and then moved program. The matajis in the village to our next scheduled destination. We had prepared a special village menu walked between 15 to 20 kilometers for us consisting of bhaji (vegetable daily. In most villages we organized curry) and rotis of bhakari (millet). cultural programs which included The katha on Maharaja, a dance recitals, dramatic performances Maharashtrian saint and devotee of and sloka recitation. Devotees also Lord Vitthal, had special appeal to this gave lectures on the glories of the audience. Tukaram was a Vaishnava holy names and the Bhagavad-gita who strongly preached the holy names -books being the basis- the importance of the Lord throughout his life. Book distribution ki jaya! of tapasya, and Srila Prabhupada’s Pandharinath temple near the cart ISKCON mission and vision. The On December 14th Lokanath Maharaja carrying Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila cooking team travelled with us and joined us in Madha. We were delighted Prabhupada. We first stopped in the residents from the different villages and very eager to have darsana of our village of Gopalpur where we visited came forward to help. They graciously beloved Gurudev. Maharaja enquired the famous Vishnupada temple. It donated food items like grains and oil about our health and the different is located on Gopalpur Hill, which and assisted us in procuring suitable services that we were performing; is considered non-different to the accommodation. Panduranga Krsna when he joined us for nagar sankirtan, sacred Govardhan Hill in Vrindavana. Dasa rode on his bicycle for the entire the devotees were jubilant. Maharaja Lord Krishna is said to have visited duration of the padayatra and he was was equally blissful walking with Pandharpur along with His cows, thus able to reach the extreme places in the padayatra and we could see how and that pastime is still celebrated the villages that the walkers could not special this padayatra service was to there today. In this temple one can see go to. He also distributed pamphlets his heart. Krishna’s footprints embedded on a and announced the evening program. stone slab along with the hoofprints On December 11th the congregational Our padayatra ended on of His cows. Next we walked to the devotees of Barsi organised a December 24th in Pandharpur. All small village of Eklaspur where we wonderful Gita Jayanti festival with the padayatris thoroughly enjoyed the performed sankirtana; in the evening a dana . The president of nearby combination of culture and adventure we sang the gaura-arati prayers in ISKCONSolapur, Parthasarthi Dasa, on this inspiring padayatra. For these the main square, followed by more also attended the program. devotees padayatra meant taking full kirtana and dancing. The highlight shelter of the Lord. of the evening was the screening of a Remembering the great video of Srila Prabhupada. Balarupa Vaisnava Tukaram Maharaja PADAYATRA PANDHARPUR Rupa Dasa spoke about the glories of IN NUMBERS Prabhupada and the holy names. The When we arrived at a place called evening ended with a distribution of Tekadi, we made several 40 days, 20 devotees, 20 towns, 407 kitchari prasadam to all the villagers. announcements about the evening kilometers, 4,441 maha big books For the next 39 days, we started the sankirtana program. We were and 1,000 Bhagavad-gitas day with mangala-arati, chanted pleasantly surprised to see that all the

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23 ENOUGH SALT- NOW A DASH OF PEPPER WITH KRISHNA’S BHAGAVAD-GITA THE 22 DAY LONE PADAYATRA OF YASODADULAL DASA IN GUJARAT

By Yasodadulal Dasa

Itinerary of Yasodadula l in Gujrat Fun with the lads Introduction: Looks like Yasodadulal Dasa is turning into a second Walking Monk, or rather a “Walking Vaisnava” , since he’s still a grhastha. This Dandi padayatra in India is his second solo walk, the first one being in 2016 in New Zealand. On November 12, 2017, he started his 386 km (=240 miles) padayatra in Gujarat , following in the footsteps of ’s 24 Catching a ride Fantastic Gujarati hospitality day Dandi March.. He was blessed by history is that Gandhi put India on cotton cloth (handwoven cloth these words from his spiritual master, the world stage with his promotion. ‘I made in India). It became known as Lokanath Swami : “May Gauranga be want world sympathy in this battle of the White River as men joined him in with you every step of the way! Go for Right over Might’, he said. In this way ever increasing numbers. Gauranga!” he protested the British imposition of a tax that all Indians would have My intention was to catch the wave Why I chose the route taken by to pay when purchasing salt that of already established interest and Mahatma Gandhi during his was freely available on their own fascination with this piece of history historic 1930 Dandi Salt Walk? shorelines. To capture the limelight and give a message with a Krishna he began a "" that left from Conscious twist. The slogan was: I chose the route taken by Gandhi Sarbarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad because I knew that Indians, especially and walked 400km south down the “Enough Salt! Chant Hare Gujaratis, would have a fascination coast of Gujarat to reach the town of Krishna!” with the same question as you have. Dandi. Once there he bent down and They already have a sentiment for picked up a pinch of salt to break the This is all explained in a flier I designed Gandhiji, as some sort of Mendicant law and defy the British Rule. This act and distributed along the way: with a Message, so my fascination was to demonstrate India's strength in Sense gratification is just like salt. was to capture that affection that conducting a nonviolent stance of non One cannot take too much or too little, they have for him and take it one co-operation. He started with 75 men But one must take some salt in order step further by adding Krishna. The and ended up with 50,000, all wearing To make one’s foodstuffs palatable.

24 This flier includes a quote from Srila Maharaja, have inspired me to Prabhupada wanted us to propagate Prabhupada (SB 3.15.8) explaining undertake many different padayatras, it and export the goods to every how, by the Lord’s arrangement, every mostly in my native New Zealand, but country of the world. Pepper is also living entity gets what they need for also in Fiji. My quest to gain media a sought after spice grown in India their subsistence. attention climaxed in the city of Surat, and sent out from there to all parts where I was able to fascinate the of the world. Pepper has the potency television media enough to give me ten to increase digestion and cure many minutes prime time on Gita Jayanti, diseases of the bellyn so in this light, November 30th 2017. This strong the Bhagavad-gita As It Is can be seen ‘soundbeat’ on the brihad mrdanga as the pepper. (media press) afforded hundreds and thousands of viewers to remember Feeling the presence of Krishna and His famous song. With Krishna all the way such good publicity I was also able to promote a very favorable impression of This enlivening 400km walk took me Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON. In through many villages, towns and big this way some satisfaction came in cities as well as rural areas and forests, adding my little part to the momentum where fewer people lived and worked School program that Srila Prabhupada had began - “an the land. Such an experience reveals ISKCON that would change the world the truths of Srila Prabhupada’s in its darkest hour.” “Enough Salt! Now take purports. Padayatra brings the Bhagavad-gita!” Bhagavad-gita alive. It becomes a way of life.

What could I do to draw public Travelling alone forces one to cultivate attention to with my little insignificant strong faith and trust in Krishna’s padayatra which paralleled Gandhi’s protection. Over the period of one Salt March? At the age of 62 (Gandhi month on the road, not once did I was 61) I began the 22 day journey (the have to ask for food or shelter. I felt same amount of days Gandhi walked) the presence of Krishna all the way, on November 22nd, concluding on the guiding and providing. People would full moon of 4 December. Although I question, “You are alone?” “No,” I began as one man and my influence would say, “Krishna is always with over others was that I would also me.” Somehow, others witnessing my Spreading his message finish alone, still it was important for total dependence on Krishna would me to have a message that would take activate “the Krishna’ existant in my yatra just that one step further Salt is a product that India could everybody’s heart. The wholehearted above the worldly limitations of produce on its own shores. Similarly, generosity of very pious Gujarati nationalism. My idea was to launch Bhagavad-gita is also a home grown people throughout the journey kept it on to the pure transcendental product that civilized humanity me alive and well. Their persistence platform. I began with the simple cannot live without. Salt could only to see any guest as an opportunity to words, “Enough Salt!”, but it soon be ingested in small amounts but serve God was a refreshing reminder became apparent that such a hidden Bhagavad-gita is a product that the of a culture that once pervaded the message was too subtle for the general world cannot get enough of. Srila entire planet. It is my experience that public to pick up on. As the walk every time you “wing it out there” progressed and the ISKCON book taking risk for Krishna’s pleasure, He marathon started coming on, my enjoys in a spontaneous way, and thus mantra changed to “Enough Salt! Now reciprocates in a playful and joyous take Bhagavad -gita!” It fitted well love for His dependent child. It was because Gandhi was a strong advocate a great satisfaction to share spiritual of the Bhagavad-gita. wisdom and inspiration with those persons who had an enthusiastic My walk was covered by one of the interest. world’s leading Gujarati newspapers -Gujarat Samachar. In the article I The language barrier made it explained how the teachings of Srila sometimes materially difficult, but the Prabhupada and the instructions of simple singing of the Hare Krishna my spiritual master, Lokanath Swami Zee TV presenters take Bhagavad-gita

25 to throw a spark into the dry grass endeavor that required introspection to set it ablaze. I enjoy the elements and one comes face to face with one’s of variety and surprise that only own strengths and weaknesses. It is the padayatra experience can turn important to perform some tapasya or on. Sometimes out under the stars on yajna in order to know one’s self and a string chattai (bed) hovering above establish one’s relationship with the cow dung spread floors and eating Supreme. smoked flavoured rotis. At other times, mixing socially amongst the Another personal slant to my Dandi wealthy Patels and vastu mansions yatra was focused on searching out feasting on srikhand, Gujarati style the roots to my wife’s ancestry. Karadi pakoras, khadi and rice, concluded by was the last village en route to the sleeping on palatial beds with en suite sea. This is the famous place where bathrooms. Krishna always seemed Gandhi spent 22 days planning his to play the right card at the right revolution in a grass hut. It is also time, even at times, throwing in the the place where the British arrested Joker. There was always something Gandhi. Coincidentally it is also the humorous or astonishing. place of origin of Ramila’s (my wife) paternal grandfather. He emigrated to Various challenges and tests arose New Zealand when he was 21 years along the way of course. Concerning old in the very early 1900’s. However, my health, there was nothing that when he returned to India at some couldn’t be overcome because of the stage, he could not go back to New protection of Lord Narasimhadeva Zealand. In those years he became a in Sridham Mayapur. Following the freedom fighter in Gandhi’s wake. route, once I got bewildered and lost Arriving in Dandi 400kms later in the same vast estuary mudflats that I felt compelled to conclude my yatra Gandhi himself struggled to cross with a small ceremony. Although the maha-mantra infused a spirit that over in the middle of the night. My rest of the world would know nothing dissolved all differences. Somehow survival instinct and confidence that of my walk or my message, it seemed through God’s grace, we were able to the Supersoul always accompanies fitting to place Srila Prabhupada’s connect and my simple part was just the individual as His best friend special Bhagavad-gita As It Is in the helped me to persist and push on in hands of a small statue of the Mahatma, times when it was almost ridiculous who sits under some beautiful banyan to continue. Often, all of a sudden, trees that commemorates the spot of Providence would change and the his last public gathering in Dandi. At sky would open up to show a new that historic place on that day I felt in way through. Every pilgrimage has my own small way that I had made its tests, but in retrospect those times history and that somehow my humble become the highlights. Treading the efforts to uplift the consciousness of path of no return sometimes demands humanity in this dark age of was surrendering everything. appreciated by the guardian angels of devotion to Sri Hari. The various purposes and benefits of my solitary journey

Such a journey was undertaken as an attempt to share the mercy that one receives in one’s life. The giving of gifts is always satisfying and brings great joy and of course, by giving one receives. This is the lesson from the story of Sudama Vipra, another famous personality who appeared in the same village as Gandhi. The other purpose of such a trek was centered Dandi memorial site where Gandhi picked up around the self. It involved a personal salt and became lawbreaker Closing arati in Dandi

26 PADAYATRA MAURITIUS 2017: A TRILOGY

by Ayodhyanath Dasa

World Holy Name Week team people on the island were thus given the chance to offer lamps, and got the benediction of the Lord. This service has been introduced four years ago and devotees have maintained this tradition every year since.

This padayatra concluded at the village of Quartier Militaire, where the local devotees organized a successful event. Although it rained heavily, about 200 people joined the harinama which was followed by a big feast sponsored by bhakta Yovin and others. People offering a lamp to Damodar

A three-day padayatra in April Chanting and walking during World Holy Name Week In 2017 Panchatattva Dasa and I organized three padayatras in our On September 10th we organized a native Mauritius, a country often Mela at the idyllic Dubreuil referred to as an ancestral melting pot. goshala. It was held with padayatra, The first one started at Cluni Kovil which continued for 2 days between with about 50 devotees joining us the 15th and 17th. This double event for a 3km walk, after which we were left many new devotees very inspired Ayodyanatha leading kirtana welcomed at a new devotee’s home to preach and to assist with goshala for kirtana, pravacan and prasadam. services. A huge crowd had assembled for the harinama. On the second day the two Month of Kartika: more than hour walk ended in Banane, a village surrounded by trees, rich vegetation 4,000 people offered a lamp to and spectacular views. About 200 Lord Damodar people had assembled at the Shivala Hall, where a regular program took The entire month of Kartika saw place, with ekadasi prasadam at the Padayatra Mauritius once again take end. On the third day, for the very first to the streets of several villages. The time, our padayatra party stopped small group of dedicated devotees at the Radhe Gopal Godham Gosala walked daily from 6.30pm – 9.30 pm, at Dubreuil. We were warmly thus giving residents the opportunity received by Vaikuntha Pati Dasa, and to offer lamps to Lord Damodar. The Suryanarayan Dasa who is in charge daily sessions were intense and had the of goshala seva. The idea of stopping devotees rushing around to people’s there was to showcase this recent homes, knocking at doors, requesting initiative and to create awareness them to offer lamps. Other devotees of the cow as a core component of walked and distributed sweets while agriculture, health and environment. chanting. Almost four thousand

27 ENGLAND: BULLOCK CART PILGRIMAGE FOR PEACE FROM CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL TO FOLKESTONE

By Dayal Mora dasa and ISKCON London Communication team

Oxen always win hearts Our ‘Pilgrimage for Peace’ began on July 17th outside the main gate of the Canterbury Cathedral - the mother of all pilgrimage sites in the UK. The padayatris were blessed by the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral for a safe journey, providing an auspicious start to the festival of peace. The opening ceremony was also attended by Cathedral officials, local dignitaries, members of the Canterbury interfaith group, as well as members of our local Hare Krishna community, each representing different facets of Canterbury’s diverse spiritual landscape. The Dean of the Cathedral Kent harinama with Mahavishnu Swami was captivated by our beautiful draft oxen from the Bhaktivedanta Goshala, colorfully dressed with bright faces to have us stay. Even despite some namely, Balaram and Govardhan. That and chanting with great enthusiasm disturbances familiar to the presence evening we were featured on the ITV to the blissful kirtana of Mahavishnu of the Hare Krishnas, she still didn’t Meridian evening news, and after this Swami. Padayatra is a sublime way charge us a penny and was beautifully report we became quite well known in of bringing the devotees together as smiling ear to ear as we departed the the area. a transcendental temple on wheels, next morning. by which we involve onlookers in devotional service. Padayatra very Deeply touching people’s Offering hope and an easily attracts the minds of the people, alternative to hate and violence hearts and anyone who has been on padayatra and experienced this atmosphere will Temple President of the ISKCON A core team of twenty five devotees, know some magical pastimes whereby centre in London, Jai Nitai dasa, shares: from both Soho Street temple and devotees have touched the hearts “The news of the recent atrocities the Manor, were a sight to behold, of people they meet and left a deep happening across the country have impression on them. shaken our world. The Padayatra is a way for us all to come together and John and his wife, owners of the show that we stand united against Hatchets Farm House Campsite, were hate, and offer prayers for those who so enchanted with what we were have lost their lives.”Through the doing that they allowed the whole walk, the devotees reminded people group including two huge oxen to who see them walking that in these stay there free of charge! They also seemingly fearful days of war, suicide contributed hay and vegetables for our bombings, climate change, social animals and some organic products tensions and economic uncertainty, a for us. Jill, owner of Sandwich Leisure simple self-sufficient life in harmony Holiday Park which was our campsite with Mother Nature and God’s will is on Tuesday evening was so happy Doyal Mora leading the party always available as an alternative.

28 The weather was exceedingly pleasing most of the time with glorious sunshine tempered with a cooling sea breeze THE 16TH ANNUAL and a little splash of rain sometimes in the night when we were safely tucked up in our respective tents. We were PADAYATA IN SLOVENIA surprised to hear of weather warnings and localized flooding in nearby areas by A.R. and Gaurangi Dasi because by some divine arrangement we were completely unaffected.

We walked through the beautiful Kentish countryside; curious cows and nimble horses peered at us over their fences and the kirtana was strong as ever! Devotees were so happy and content with the knowledge of just how many living entities were benefiting from hearing these holy names. As we neared the end of the padayatra, devotees mentioned it would be nice to keep going; one devotee even expressed his desire to go for a full year in this style. Everyone was in a blissful mood as we settled down Protected from the rain around Bir Krishna Goswami at our final campsite atop the famed White Cliffs of Dover. Afterwards I A new format with a small cart communication’s person ensuring that made my way to Czech to participate and no animals the different groups of participants in their longstanding and admired remained unified throughout the walk. padayatra to receive inspiration on This year’s padayatra was very special The 16th annual padayatra in Slovenia how to improve the UK contribution because we were joined by two GBC which covered 130 kilometers across in future years. All glories to the members for Slovenia: Prahladananda ten villages was done in a new format. Sankirtana Movement of Sri Caitanya Swami walked with us for twelve In the past devotees used a horse or an Mahaprabhu! days, and Bir Krishna Goswami for ox to pull the large cart carrying the a few. Laxmimoni Dasi gave a few deities of Nitai Gaura Nataraja, but inspirational lectures, the main subject for the last two years they opted for being the glories of Lord Ramachandra a hand-drawn deity cart. The format and His great servant Hanuman, who was also changed given the declining is the emblem of bhakti and loving health of the padayatra leader, Lalita selfless service. Devotees were moved GovindaDasa - he has been the main by her stirring presentation, feeling organizer of this event for fourteen enthused to follow the example of solid years, assisted by Ljubliana’s Hanuman, and they enthusiastically temple president Ananta Das. Using continued their walk to preach the the new format was less complex, but glories of bhakti. the planning and preparation for this event, which started three months in advance, was no less demanding. “Why have you skipped our The padayatris consisted of a motley street? We were waiting for group of participants that included you!” temple devotees, congregational members, visitors, and about twenty At the front of the procession was Lalita youth from different countries. The Govinda on his bright green bicycle, party size varied from fifty to eighty merrily riding back and forth to devotees from different countries occasionally check out if the devotees including, amongst others, USA were following the planned itinerary. (California), England, Serbia and Then came the devotees pulling the Giving an old man a chance Croatia. Ananta Dasa acted as a cart, and behind them the dancing

29 Vaisnavis in their colorful devotional distributes nectar to everyone who body and soul. On one of the very clothes, moved rhythmically as in a is ready to accept it. These are the hot days, Lalita Govinda organised a choreographed musical. The group moments that make you believe that picnic on the bank of that lake and the of ladies was followed by the kirtana this Hare Krishna mantra is not a padayatris enjoyed a refreshing swim leader, surrounded by men or women, material sound, but a transcendental in its clear waters..On the final day we depending on who was leading. At the sound coming from another world. traveled to the town of Port of Roses by back were devotees pulling trolleys Different groups reciprocated with us the Adriatic Sea. This is unarguably carrying the sound system, books, in different ways: children by smiling one of the most attractive places and cookies and water bottles. In general and laughing, dogs by barking and it was no wonder that it was packed the weather was very suitable with the birds by their lyrical chirping. In one with tourists. We were watched by sun shining brightly and occasional morning class he gave Ananta Dasa hundreds of people who were either rain. We could feel and taste the pointed out that jivadaya – mercy to all sitting in their boats, enjoying the sun sweet air emanating from the fragrant living entities – is an essential principle and the sand, or standing on their flowers in the villages through which of bhakti-, and that devotees by surfing boards riding back to the we travelled. nature are extremely compassionate shore. It was the finest and most lively towards other living entities. harinama of the entire padayatra. In order not to miss a single street or a single house, Lalita Govinda No home was left behind, unvisited. suggested that we meander through Devotees feverishly distributed Srila the roads around the villages. On one Prabhupada’s books and pamphlets, occasion, we skipped a street, and a while others gave out vegan cookies man living on that street addressed the to people they encountered. Some devotees from the front of his house, were dancing, others playing different shouting, “Why have you skipped instruments such as mridanga, our street? We were waiting for you, harmonica, drum, accordion, flute and you are not coming!” This gesture and sometimes even an electric guitar. touched us all. In the village of Trzin, There were three cardinal things that one of the most developed and richest everyone did – walking, dancing and towns in Slovenia we could easily see singing each waking day from one Young people enjoying the harinama how the sankirtana was impacting village to another. on the residents. An old lady whose Happy endings home had an enchanting garden, drew Outings to beautiful tourist the curtains aside upon hearing the spots In the evenings when we returned sound of kirtana. She saw us singing to the temple, there was generally a and clapping and immediately she Going on padayatra also means to special treat waiting for us-delicious began to clap her hands with great spend time in touristic places like homemade, multi-flavored ice-cream, pleasure, mesmerized with the singing Lake Bled, an emerald-green, glacial both the regular style as well as the and dancing outside her window. lake in the Julian Alps of the Upper vegan option made by the hands of Generally, people were curious and Carniolan region of northwestern our very own leader. We would like to interested in our padayatra party - they Slovenia. People from all around pay tribute to Lalita Govinda Dasa for were very friendly and open-hearted. Europe come there to enjoy the his enduring padayatra service. It is People opened their windows, smiling beauty of wild nature. For us it was a our prayer that Their Lordships, Nitai and waving from their balconies, and good opportunity to share with these Gaura Nataraja, will bless him with many came out of their houses to meet visitors the spiritual beauty of the holy good health, to plan further walks in the amazing procession. Some began name. People were very intrigued the years to come. clapping and dancing to the beat of and they approached us with various the music. Essentially, everyone was questions to understand Krishna In total we distributed 940 books, 2500 attracted by the sweet music of the consciousness philosophy. It occurred pamphlets and around 9800 coconut kirtana. The padayatris were filled to us that people are indeed in search vegan cookies made by none other with joy and it was evident from of spiritual truths. We were sure that than Lalita Govinda himself. This their effulgent faces that they were our harinamas gave them exposure to padayatra left us feeling enthused transported into another realm. the absolute spiritual reality! to participate yet again in 2018.It is our desire that others will join to We could see how the sound of We also went to Lake Kocevje, experience the bliss and pleasure in kirtana was changing people’s which is described as one of the our endeavor to take the holy names hearts and filling them with nectar. cleanest lakes in Slovenia, and which to every town and village in Slovenia! This sankirtana movement is just offers many options to relax your like a moving honeybee hive that

30 OTHER PADAYATRAS DONE IN 2017

Besides the continuous, annual or long padayatras described in the previous articles, many more walks took place in 2017. Since this newsletter is too small to thoroughly cover all of them, we are only mentioning the main features of each one. You can find the complete articles and all the corresponding photos and videos on the padayatra website (padayatra.com)

A 5194 km Russian style padayatra across Europe

Headed by Narada Dasa, a party Europe Russian style padayatra of 8 to18 devotees of Vaisnavas and Annual Dindi padayatra Vaisnavis from Russia and Eastern Annual 18 day Dindi yatra Europe traveled by car from Kaunas in from Aravade to Pandharpur Lithuania to Odessa in Ukraine with from Pune to Pandharpur (Maharashtra, India) Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. They crossed (Maharashtra, India) many other countries: Poland, Czech This year there were more than 130 Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Every year in the month of July devotees participants along with 10 temple Switzerland, France and Germany. Due of ISKCON Pune organize a Dindi bramacharis. Devotees distributed to the long distances, devotees only padayatra from Dehu (Tukaram’s around 1000 books and conducted walked on harinama in some towns birthplace near Pune) to Pandharpur 2 Kirtan Melas, dramas, evening and villages. During these months on via Pune. While walking with their programs, and organised a beautiful the road they held 4 public festivals, bullock cart along the thousands of festival. Aravade is a 10 home programs, distributed 1000 other pilgrims also chanting names of small village in Maharashtra about 90 prasadam packets and a total of 2500 God, they do harinama and distribute kms from Pandharpur. It is also the books (200 maha big, 200 big,100 hundreds of books and magazines. place where Lokanath Maharaja took medium and 2000 small). birth and was raised among cows and The 25th annual padayatra oxcarts. He established a beautiful The 31st annual Vraja Mandala of ISKCON Bhubaneswar temple com museum, which is very popular in the area. padayatra of Parasurama Dasa (Orissa, India) (Uttar Pradesh, India) This 20 day bullock cart padayatra Lithuania: demonstrating During the month of Kartika organized by ISKCON Bhubaneswar the power of cooperation, Parasurama organizes his annual has been taking place every year in friendship and love oxcart padayatra in Vraja at the same Orissa at the end of Kartika since time as the ISKCON parikrama. As 1992. Many devotees from different usual he distributes large quantities nations participate in this exciting of small books and prasadam bananas preaching adventure, filled with many and shows various films on cow public programs, amazing receptions, protection and other devotional topics. friendly exchanges between devotees, You’re welcome to join this blissful out of this world harinamas, and dynamic small group. substantial prasadam and a minimum of walking.

Lithuania Ratha-yatra Padayatra

31 The 2017 Padayatra/Ratha-yatra distributed 100 big books and 200 Back The last day padayatris arrived at organized by Ananda Gaurangi Dasi To Godhead (BTG) Meethi Leemada, the place where Lord took place on June 13-18. Devotees Dwarkadish had once stayed. It is said were blessed with the presence of five 5 day World Holy Names that He touched the branch of a neem inspiring sannyasis. Madhavananda Padayatra from Vallabh tree and that that branch had become prabhu joined the party for a couple sweet due to the Lord’s touch. There of times and gave an enlightening Vidyanagar to Dakor (Gujarat, the party received the balya bhoga class about Lord Jagannath. Besides India) maha-prasadam of Lord Ranchor Rai, the usual Ratha-yatras in the main whose darsana - and raj bhoga maha cities, this year the devotees took prasadam -they got afterwards in His risks by going to the very small city of temple. Mazeikiai, where local devotees had organize the entire festival. All the The 4 day Pandharpur devotees were shocked to see so many parikrama in the land of Saint people; it seems that the whole city had gathered there for the Ratha-yatra. Tukaram (Maharashtra, India) People also joined the procession by pulling the ropes of the chariot, On February 4th ISKCON Pandharpur dancing on the sidewalks and just organized their fourth parikrama staring from their windows. The other with 250 participants from all over pleasant surprise was to see that the India and abroad from the ages of local devotees had organized tents with Vallab Vidyanagar in Gujarat 14 to 65. One of the highlights was prasadam, henna tattoos, sari photo the participation of Navayogendra shoots, books and yoga stands and a The devotees of the ISKCON Vallabh Maharaja. On February 6th padayatris tent for children. These Vaisnavas thus Vidyanagar temple, headed by celebrated the day Saint Tukaram was demonstrated the power of blessings, Sachinandana Dasa successfully initiated by Lord Caitanya in a dream. of cooperation and of friendship completed their second padayatra in The next day was Jaya Ekadasi, a day and love! They were really united in September. The five-day walk, named particularly revered in Pandharpur. purpose and were so eager to make ‘The World Holy Names Padayatra’, That day ISKCON devotees joined this happen and share this mercy with started from the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari the thousands of dindis (kirtana the people of Mazeikiai. At the end temple in Vallabh Vidyanagar and groups from other Vaisnava groups) of the padayatra Niranjana Swami ended at the Sri Ranchor Rai temple in in chanting and dancing to the sound urged devotees to plan a ratha-yatra Dakor. The party consisted of temple of the holy names. Then they all went in every city in order to bless all those devotees, congregation members and to take darsana of Lord Vitthala in unfortunate conditioned souls who ‘ISKCON Youth Forum’ students. the main temple. Navayogendra don’t know anything about the Lord In the village of Selun Asit Krishna Maharaja was very moved by seeing of the Universe. Maharaja joined the group; in his the black Lord with His hands on His Video link of Padayatra 2017: evening class he encouraged the hips, and he spent some time with the https://www.youtube.com/ padayatris very much, saying that pujaris. atch?v=JHsZujd6E3Q&feature=share padayatra is a very important program for all of humanity. September 12th The 19th annual Dindi yatra Latur (Maharashtra, India) was the realization session during from Solapur to Pandharpur which everyone shared amazing (Maharashtra, India) ISKCON Latur organized their second insights. Two elderly matajis said that padayatra from July 12th to 17th. The previously they could not walk long group of 35 devotees walked the 84 distances but now, due to the mercy kms from Latur to Tuljapur, a town of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, they had been well-known for its ‘Tulja Bhavani’ able to complete the entire padayatara. temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, Another Vaisnavi recounted how she which attracts pilgrims come from distributed Bhagavad-Gitas to three all over India. The main attraction Muslims who promised her that was the bullock cart carrying the they would read it daily. Afterwards, deities of Jagannath, Baladev and feeling separation from the Deities, the Solapur substitute oxcart Subhadra Devi as well as the Gaura devotees all prayed together ‘Dear Sri Nitai deities. All the padayatris were Sri Nitai Gaurasundar, please accept The 3rd week of January devotees of enthused, motivated and blissful after us in Your eternal sankirtana yatra–we ISKCON Solapur, headed by temple this padayatra/Ratha-yatra. They are not interested in doing any other president Parthasarahi Prabhu, yatra if You are not present.’

32 On Nov 11th and 12th ISKCON Baroda devotees walked the 32 kms from the Baroda temple to the small town of Mahuvad where there is a famous temple of Ranchor Rai, crossing 7 villages. In the village of Ranu the sarpanch (mayor) of the village offered arati to the Gaura Nitai deities. After a delicious feast Vamshidhari Prabhu, Baroda’s ISKCON Youth Forum’s director, gave a small speech and a vote of thanks to all the devotees who made this padayatra successful. A total of 60 to 80 devotees were on the road: Solapur Dindi very popular with ladies elderly, young, women and children, performed their 19th padayatra from directly addresses the current world all of them looking very blissful. The Solapur to Maghawari. This year ecological and environmental crisis. It devotees distributed 160 Bhagavad- they did not use the bullock cart as can also be used to deliver the deeper gitas, 200 small books and it was already used for the larger spiritual message that the solution some BTG magazines. Pandharpur parikrama. On the party to all material problems is, in fact, a of more than 100 there were many spiritual answer. Before beginning his A 2 day padayatra to promote more Vaisnavis than Vaisnavas. Since walk he had made good friends with the ‘Bricks of Bhakti’ in many of them are good singers, they Mohit Sharma, the Deloi (mahant) of Raichur (Karnataka, India) led many kirtanas and during the famous Kamakhya Mandir, who the 4 day walk. Travelling through gave his sincere blessings. Along the On March 4th the devotees of through small villages the padayatris route the padayatris were met by a ISKCON Raichur held their first 45 km distributed around 400 books, big and favorable police department, who padayatra from the city of Raichur to small and every day they served a gave us their total support escorting the pilgrimage village of Mantralayam, minimum of 200 plates of prasadam, the extensive party. The Minister of also known as Madhwacarya Mutt. and 500 in big programs. In most Railways of Assam walked with them Temple president, Varada Krishna villages the sarpancha (leader, mayor) for two days. All these dignitaries, as Dasa, organized this 2 day padayatra to came to welcome the party. In one well as the Vice Chancellor of one of the engage the congregation in a spiritual village they met another traveling local universities were duly presented activity that would help propagate Dindi group. By seeing the ISKCON with garlands, Bhagavad-gitas and Krishna consciousness. The party devotees dance and chant with such prasadam. On their arrival at Vashista consisted of 40 padayatris (38 men and enthusiasm the pilgrims and the local Asram on January 1, 2017 Yasodadulal 2 women) and a motor vehicle which people stopped their own bhajans met the head pandit there, who spoke served as a cart to transport Gaura and ecstatically participated in their these meaningful words, “Yes, if we Nitai and the banners. The arrival of harinama. Although the Solapur take good care of the mother Earth, she the Vaisnavas was a new experience devotees were very tired they also will take good care of us.” for the villagers of Gunjahalli who had started jumping and dancing. They never heard kirtana or seen devotees just could not stop! A blissful week-end walk dancing so happily before. After for the devotees of Baroda doing harinama around the village A 2 day pilgrimage in a remote (Gujarat, India) and talking some Krishna katha the mystical oasis (Assam, India) padayatris distributed tamarind rice, sambar and curry sabji prasadam On December 31st 2016 Yasodadulal to 100 villagers. Everyone was very Dasa started a 40 kilometer padayatra receptive to the program and the pilgrimage in Assam , the very villagers thanked the devotees for place chosen by Krishna to acquire visiting their village. In Mantralayam, His 16,000 queens. Accompanied a village visited by thousands of with a group of 150 local devotees pilgrims, they met with Subudhendra Yasodadulal walked from the famous Teertha Swami of the Mantralayam Kamakhya Devalaya to Vashistha Mutt and asked him to bless their ashram. The local people related ‘Bricks of Bhakti’ initiative, an eco- to his attractive but double-edged friendly program for the construction theme, “Save Earth Now”. This slogan Baroda Deities of a new ISKCON temple in Raichur.

33 The program encourages people to kirtana took to the streets of Lotus huge trade fair that was taking place come help make environmentally Park, a residential area located 20 that week-end. The devotees became friendly bricks for building the temple, kilometers south of the city of Durban. the center of attraction for everyone at they even carried a few with them to At the head of the procession was the fair and their prasadam was very show everyone. a beautifully decorated palanquin much appreciated. carried by the devotees. It was One day joy filled padayatra in transformed into an exquisite mobile Annual one day city pilgrimage Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) temple with Srila Prabhupada seated and discovery tour in Detroit on top, and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai in front. (USA) On November 13th the devotees of Weeks prior to the event devotees had ISKCON Ahmedabad set off on a short networked with the local municipality padayatra. More than 85 devotees requesting permission to host this participated in the procession led by event and the officials made two the deities of Sri Sri Nimai Nitai and police vehicles available to escort Srila Prabhupada who were carried the processionk. Many people who on a palanquin. Then came the vibrant were intrigued by the sounds of the sankirtana party with the women karatalas and the melodic kirtana came in colorful attire upfront and the out of their homes to take darsana of men at the back. The highlight of the Their Lordships. On either side of the padayatra was the performance of the main road were teams of devotees special nritya (dance) by the devotees, distributing prasadam sweets and Srila Prabhupada’s books. At the a dance very similar to the form used by Detroit pilgrimage the devotees during the Polish Festival rear end our ‘Food For Life’vehicle headed by . It distributed free hot meals to spectators and householders. The walk ended at On May 6th a party of 20 devotees led was a jubilant scene of dance and by Jambavan Dasa walked through music. People were chanting the holy a devotee’s house with a feast for all the walkers. They distributed more the city of Detroit in a pilgrimage names and dancing with such love meant to increase their dependence for the Lord. At the end a sumptuous than 100 books, and were very thrilled to team up with Food for Life who on the Lord. Concomitant with their feast was served to everyone who desire for internal development, attended the padayatra. Because the distributed about 600 plates of hot prasadam. was also the opportunity to chant book marathon had officially started, in public and reach out to others in devotees also distributed 25 big books order to share with them the beauty and 175 small books during the walk. One day Peace Walk in Togo of Krishna consciousness. Each year (West Africa) many appreciative people thank the Padayatris team up with Food devotees for just walking through for Life in Durban, South their neighborhood. Africa This walk is also an opportunity to learn more about the Motor City while stopping at certain historic locations. This year they visited several interesting places: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, an art deco style church, which in and of itself is quite rare; the expansive and serene Mt. Togo Group photo around Bhakti Carudesna Olivet cemetery; the site of the famous Swami Eastown Theater—once a place of pilgrimage for music fans throughout On December 23rd ISKCON Lomé the country; the historic Indian Village organized its second one day padayatra neighborhood; and the beautiful Belle in Togo under the leadership of Bhakti Isle—the site of Srila Prabhupada’s Carudesna Swami. Around 45 devotees morning walks in the Renaissance Durban, South Africa from different countries of West Africa City. Those who go on the walk gain walked the 27 kms route from Lomé, an invaluable experience that make On September 9th, the first day of the country’s capital, to the town of ‘World Holy Name Week, a group of them able to better connect with those Adetikope, where they chanted and they are trying to help. about 60 devotees including the Lotus sold books at the booth they had at the Park Nama Hatta providing blissful

34 IN MEMORIAM

Krishna Vilasini Dasi’s taste for together in Portland, Oregon, and the holy names and padayatra then moved to San Francisco where we had our first child. Krishna Vilasini takes her all the way to Panama walked during the Ratha-yatra festival in Central America in Golden Gate Park and gave birth to our baby girl at 2:00 am the next By Gaurangi Dasi morning. Srila Prabhupada called it "natural childbirth" and named the Attracted to harinama from the very baby Ratha. beginning Her meeting with Padayatra America I met Krishna Vilasini on the 89 Deities, Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundara, Padayatra America and spent time changed the course of her life with her on the East Coast padayatra while we were both based in the Potomac temple in Washington DC. In the course of working on the Padayatra With her husband Saunaka Dasa in North Story book of Lokanath Maharaja, I Carolina interviewed met her and her husband Saunaka several times to record their it facilitated her service much better heroic adventures, which you’ll be able for her to OK a divorce and allow her to read soon in the upcoming books. to marry Saunaka. There was no ill will Locan Dasa’statements are taken from between us, it was all done to facilitate Facebook pages and other details of her ardent desire to spread the holy her life from an interview of Saunaka name around. And that she did. Many, by one of her godsisters. many souls were touched by Saunaka and Krishna Vilasini and his austere Nitai Gaurasundara Padayatra America Deities Krishna Vilasini’s legal name was band of padayatris. Victoria Anne Heyda. At the end of After Portland the couple moved to From then on, Nitai Gaurasundara the sixties she took Bhagavad-gita Los Angeles (LA) so Locana could do directed her life during the austere and classes from Hamsadutta Dasa at the his business and help the Fate museum blissful years she spent on padayatra University of Berkeley in California. located there. It there, in 1989, that with Saunaka, and They accompanied He was then the president of the Vrindavana Lila Dasi showed her for her till the very end in Vrindavana. Berkeley temple on Durant Street. the first time the of Sri Sri Nitai The biggest losses in her life were the On the 8th of Feb 1969 she joined the Gaurasundara who were then residing departures of Srila Prabhupada in nearby San Francisco temple, where in her apartment until they got installed 1977, of her siksa guru, Srila Narayan she took first initiation from Srila on May 29th for the Padayatra from Maharaja, in 2011 and of her beloved Prabhupada; a year later she received San Francisco to Tijuana. Her whole daughter Rasa Priya Dasi (previously second initiation from him in Los life changed after this encounter. An named Ratha) the following year. Angeles. Italian devotee named Sangita Dasi taught her how to sew for the Deities Locan Dasa: Krishna Vilasini was a very and she made a few outfits for Them. special devotee. She was immediately attracted to harinama and there are Locan Dasa: We were married for 22 photos from that period showing her years. We parted in 1993 when her blissful absorbtion in the holy names. irrepressible desire to go on padayatra She was a sold out enthusiastic bhaktin required that she join the traveling whose only ambition was harinama party as the only woman on the team. and preaching. We got married in the Saunaka Prabhu was the leader and spring of 1970, but her heart was in she was put in a position of working Feasting at a Motel Patel in California (her the chanting and I was the attached with him every day as his secretary and daughter Rasa Priya on the right side of the . In 1971 we started a temple bookkeeper. Under the circumstances photo)

35 Padayatra in North and Central Lokanath Maharaja had wanted a spiritual strength in the association of America: depending on the Lord in traditional bullock cart pulled by the local devotees and fix up the cart the midst of a variety of austerities trained oxen as on Padayatra India. But by adding cabinets. and a maze of dangers the devotees thought this impossible in America. Krishna Vilasini: From the beginning of my stay on padayatra I noticed the many miracles the Lord would arrange just so His program could go on. On the morning of Rama Navami we decided to leave Alachua the next day to resume the walk north of Jacksonville, but we had no laksmi to rent a trailer to transport the oxen, buy petrol for the bus and van, or Prayer vigil in Washington DC Arrival in Miami cover various other necessities to get us back on the road. By the following Krishna Vilasini participated in the Krishna Vilasini: Srila Prabhupada morning somehow, by the grace of the 1989 Camino real padayatra from once said that “impossible” is a word Lord, we had enough to continue. This San Francisco to the Mexican border. found in a fool’s dictionary. And he happened over and over – we’d get That’s where she met Saunaka Dasa was right. While walking in Virginia down to nothing and begin to wonder who was one of the pujaris of Nitai- we met a man who had traveled all what would happen next. We always Gaurasundara. In 1990 the GBC asked over the US with a wagon pulled by went on with our preaching service, Padayatra America to continue the mules. Krishna was giving us a big and then Lord Krishna made some dharma-yuddha (fight for religious hint and some tangible direction: if amazing arrangements and we were freedom) on the East Coast of the US an ordinary man could travel in this able to survive. To live and preach like in preparation for the next step in country with his mule wagon, surely that may sound difficult, but the on the Robin George case: a final appeal Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana padayatra padayatra devotees found it spiritually to the US Supreme Court. Mukunda party could do it with an oxcart. rewarding. It also created a special Goswami, then head of ISKCON We phoned different ISKCON farm potency – in the padayatris’ presence Communications, invited Padayatra communities looking for oxen, but with people would feel an unusual, America manager Badarayaṇi no success. When we had all but given previously inexperienced purity and to join the operations in their up hope, suddenly Kamra Dasi, from dedication. Communications Office established at Alachua, Florida, called our Potomac the Potomac temple in Washington DC. Padayata Office and said she and her After Florida Saunaka and Krishna Krishna Vilasini became the Padayatra husband, Vrajendranandana, had Vilasini, with a few other padayatris, secretary. She also participated in the some brown Swiss oxen and a wagon continued to Mexico, Belize, 24 hour prayer vigil on Pennsylvania that very much wanted to travel with Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Avenue, which runs between the on padayatra. This was amazing. They Costa Rica, and Panama. They did White House and the Capitol and near didn’t even know we were looking for much preaching, made many friends, the Supreme Court, meant to attract oxen. It seemed the Lord really wanted changed of few hearts, and got regular attention of the medias and the public. this to happen. That’s how we got newspaper articles. But the list of It was the month of February– winter Balaram and Nakula. difficulties was a long one: intense – and devotees had only a rug on the heat, mosquitoes, gnats, frequent sidewalk in front of a massive stone After Badarayani’s untimely departure rainstorms, the worse roads in South edifice to sit on. It was very cold (-3° C from this world in December 1990, America (sometimes muddy, slippery, = 26° F), and they had to chant through Saunaka became leader of Padayatra with potholes or steep grades on both rain and snow and winds that blew America. Krishna Vilasini assisted sides), guerrilleros attacking travelers their signs over. him on the road, where she worked in the jungle and robbing them of with the media, and at the Office in all their possessions, remnants of a On June 29, 1990, Padayatra America Washington, DC, where she raised twelve-year civil war in El Salvador began its East Coast walk from Boston funds and produced the “Padayatra and communist Sandinistas were to Miami. Saunaka assisted the leader, America Newsletter.” Her poor still active in Nicaragua, , landmines, Badarayani Dasa. Everything was health prevented her from walking thieves stealing oxen, a 15-m tsunami going well – the preaching was good for more than three months. Finally inundating the coastal town just 15 km and people seemed impressed by the party arrived in Florida on March from their campsite, illness similar to the simplicity and happiness of the 11th 1991, and settled in for several malaria, delays at the borders while devotees’ lives. But from the very weeks at Alachua’s New Raman-reti waiting for entry permits for the oxen, beginning of padayatra in the US community. It was a time to gather and so on. These heroic padayatris

36 some strength. I gave her some green elegant lady with a particular slight herbal tea and some other drink, and smile. They also pointed out that she looked happy. they never heard bad words from her mouth. I for one , will miss her very That morning, a little before 10 : I much. I know she still walks by my left for the Sri Sri Radha Damodar side because we did so much service Mandir, and she was all right. Ten together. She actually appeared to minutes later Narmada Dasi, one of many devotees, asking them to take girls staying at the asrama, called me care of me (her Saunaka). That is no that something had happened. I ran joke. “ home quickly. Krishna Vilasini was Saunaka thought that maybe the Padayatra Costa Rica team still bright and smiling, but I fell into chariot Krishna Vilasini was singing learned to turn negative events into total shock to see that she had left her about could have been the chariot of positive ones by turning more to body. I could not function for three the Sun god, but I’m more inclined Krishna. During their padayatra days. Other girls also noted that to think that it was a transcendental from Boston to Panama via Florida, the glow of her body was still there padayatra chariot. In any case, I’m from June 1990 to January 1993, they after many hours and she still had sure she reached a very glorious covered a distance of 3814 kms (2370 her emblem in the form of ‘her slight destination, protected as she was by Sri miles). smile.’ Others did everything for the Sri Nitai Gaurasundara, her beloved cremation ceremony. Our Brijbasi Deities. "Swing Lo’ Sweet Chariot’: an neighbors helped, they loved her. The amazing departure from Vrindavana burning ghat is located 2 kilometers from our house but the owner of our At some point Krishna Vilasini and rented house declared that she should Saunaka, both disciples of Srila be cremated right by the Yamuna in Prabhupada, accepted Narayan front of our house. He said, "She made Maharaja as they siksa guru. When so much effort to come back and see their 1996 US padayatras were over her Yamuna right here. She practically they went to live in Vrindavan in one cried each day just to come back to her of Maharaja’asrams near the Yamuna. room, her Deities and her Yamuna. They had brought Nitai Gaurasundara We will cremate her right here." Of Steep climb in Costa Rica at Cerro de la with them. course some people opposed this Muerte idea saying that the wind had been Saunaka Dasa: “I could easily write blowing continuously from the North Premarnava Dasa, leader of a book about her. As in any society towards the city of Vrindavan for three when the leader leaves there is much days and that her ashes would fall on Mauritius padayatra for 15 confusion. While residing in Narayana important temples. The fire was very years Maharaja's society we were banned bright and flares went straight up. from entering India for 16 months. Amazingly, at 6 pm, when the fire was By Ayodhyanath Dasa Happily, with much help from some lit up the wind suddently stopped. persons in India we were able to enter Despite those auspicious signs I was Becoming the Padayatra Mauritius again. When we got back in December still very sad and aggrieved to have leader 2016 some devotees were still lost my dear wife. It was March 31st, threatening to kick us out of Vrindavana 2017, the fourth day of what is called forever. Krishna Vilasini was so sad. , the nine days before Lord She told me that she was not going Rama's appearance. The erudite to leave Vraja. The girls of the ashram pandits all agreed that she left at a told me later that they went out with very good time. They also informed her for three days straight. She would me that that day the expansion of sing the well known Negro Spiritual Devi was Kushmanda, who is “Swing Lo’ Sweet Chariot Coming for the effulgence of Surya, the sun god. to carry me home…” and just cry and Putting these elements together, along cry. She was asking Krishna and Srila with her singing about a chariot, I Prabhupada to take her away. At that deducted that a Golden Chariot had time she was a little sick but it was not come to take her away. so bad. She got congestion in her lungs for three days but on the third day she The following days many residents of was breathing normally again and had Vrindavana were talking about that

37 Premarnava Dasa was born on gurubhai (godbrother), he was like a came the bad news: he had lost his 21st December 1959 in Mauritius. He family member: my wife, Sri Manjari purse which contained our passports, joined ISKCON in 1982, got initiated Dasi, my kids Prishnee and Ayodhya visas, tickets and pocket money. I by Lokanath Swami, and in 1990 he Dasi were very much attached to knew it was his habit of losing things. worked with the Padayatra team, him. He used to play and do some We were stuck. What to do? He becoming very instrumental in mimickry with them, entertaining searched for many hours. Considering organizing padayatras and other them, laughing with them and making his childish nature I didn’t know what festivals, a service he would keep them laugh. In any situation he was to do with him; finally I appeased doing for the next 15 years. He also versatile and playful, at times in a him and requested him to have a little cooked and did Deity worship, offering childish mood, but always serious on rest. I told him that in the morning aratis to Sri Sri Radha Golokananda important issues discussed during we would see what could be done. in the Pheonix temple. He was very meetings. Around three in the morning I was still expert at preparing kitchari, which unable to sleep and I prayed Krishna was his seva to the devotees during I’m sad he departed from this world to be merciful because I could find no big festivals. Nobody cooked kitchari but I have been left with very nice solution. I knew he had been searching like he did. We shall certainly miss this memories of him. I would like to here and there, but in vain. tasty kitchari, which reflects his love narrate one incident that happened (prema) for the Lord and His devotees, while we were on a holiday trip to La The next day we went to the police as his name indicates. Premanarva got Réunion Island on January 2000. The station and the Air travel agency: we married in 2005 then 3 years later his main reason of our visit was to see if were informed that the procedures to wife Radha Prema Dasi died of cancer. we could organize some padayatra again apply for our passports, visas there. The day we flew, we heard that and tickets could take one month. My When he acted as the secretary/ a breakdown of the computerized God! I felt so helpless and Premarnava organizer of Padayatra Mauritius, system might happen. We boarded began to cry at the police station. I was Premarnava was always very a small plane with only four persons very upset, so we requested the police enthusiastic. He did his service very aboard, his nephew Srinu, a lady, to announce the loss on the radio and nicely, accepting challenges and him and me. The plane was empty as that a reward would be given to the never feeling hopeless. Despite being people preferred not to fly that day, person bringing our lost tickets and unhealthy - in his last days he was even if the flight was only one and a documents. Feeling totally helpless unable to walk - he was always present half hour long. Premarnava insisted and unmotivated, we returned home in the padayatra meetings, still doing that I made arrangements for him to be to Jacques’ house. We were so upset his service. His departure is a big loss settled in the cockpit next to the pilot, that we didn’t take our meal that for me and I’m missing the soldier which is strictly forbidden for security day. Premarnava was always seeking whom he was. reasons. Seeing him arguing with advice from me, so he asked me me and gesturing like a child the co- what we should do now. He jokingly I have spent most of my life in pilot was influenced and one by one, replied, “Now my mind is stuck. Go to his association and I always get he allowed the four of us to go in the sleep. The Bramha muhurta hours will inspiration from him to focus more cockpit next to the pilot. It was a great reveal something, don’t worry.” We on my padayatra service to my experience for us. woke up early the next morning and Guru Maharaja, Lokanath Swami. took our bath. I told him, “Don’t Premarnava was very direct and Miraculous recovery of lost bother me, chant your japa, pray to humble, never criticizing anyone or documents Krishna, as this is our only hope. Don’t using harsh language. He was admired worry, everything will be ok, just by devotees as well as non- devotees, When we landed at the St Denis airport, concentrate.” For nearly four hours we whomever he was connected to. He we saw emptiness everywhere. We really chanted our rounds in a helpless was always ready to help any person entered a very luxurious bus - almost mood. in need and was thus recognized for empty also- to reach the residence of his generous attitude. I could never a friend names Jacques. Premarnava At nine in the morning we decided find any fault in him. Several times he was behaving like a child, jumping to go and continue our search at the told me that when Srila Prabhupada from one seat to another, admiring bus company which was only a few visited Mauritius in September 1975, the beautiful landscape of the kilometres away. We rushed to the he was a kid playing by the road at Rose island. Jacques had been participating bus stop and tried to stop a few buses, Belle Shivala and he saw Prabhupada in the Mauritius padayatra a few times but they didn’t stop. We kept running passing by in a car. so he requested us to arrange for a after buses, all in vain. At last there padayatra in La Réunion. On the fifth came a bus who picked us outside the Both playful and serious night before going to bed I requested bus stand area. We stepped in the bus, Premarnava to go to the travel agency feeling tired, with a pale face, and still He was not only my friend, and to confirm our return tickets. Here arguing together. The driver noticed

38 us and asked, “Sir, are you looking for in 91on Padayatra Holland, then in Becoming the leader of the 1991 this?” as he handed us the purse which 2014 in Spain, where I interviewed him padayatra in Belgium still had all our money and tickets. about his role in different padayatras, Feeling overwhelmed I embraced the and at the 2015 Ratha-yatra in Noida, In the summer of 1991 Padayatra driver, and Premarnava gave him near Delhi. I also gathered details of Europe crossed the English Channel one hundred euros, which the driver his life from devotees who knew him. and started its walk in Holland. O n adamantly refused to accept. He said July 22 a group of 108 devotees from “No, no Sir, it’s my pleasure. You got From Argentina to Holland, 15 countries assembled in Amsterdam your belongings back and you seem to Radhadesh and finally Spain for a 7 hour harinama parikrama of be pious persons. Hare Krishna people, the sites of Prabhupada’s pastimes. yes?” That was quite an experience, Niramaya was one of them. and we were so elated to see the way Niramaya Dasa: In 1991 I was living Krishna took care of us. in the Amsterdam temple, doing service in the Benelux, and the temple Sudden departure and cremation on authorities asked me to take the bank of the Yamuna initiation from a guru whose qualities I could admire. I had met Lokanath Premarnava Prabhu left us on January Maharaja in Amsterdam and at 13th 2016 at the age of 57 while on Radhadesh and had been impressed pilgrimage in India. He visited During the 1991 Padayatra in Holland by his devotional mood. He also liked Badrinath and Haridwar and several chanting Hare Krishna, an activity I other places. He had gone in the Niramaya Prabhu was born in also enjoyed. So I thought, “The best Himalayas, despite my unwillingness Argentina, South America, in January I can do is to take initiation from for his visit to India in the winter. I 1950. He got his first initiation from Lokanath Swami, since everywhere am into alternative medicine and I Srila Prabhupada in New Mayapur, he goes he’s chanting Hare Krishna.” knew he was not in good health. I had France, in June 1976 and his brahmana After I got second initiation I thought previously warned him not to venture initiation from Lokanath Maharaja the most suitable thing for me to do in cold weather but he insisted and during the 1991 padayatra in Holland. was to join the padayatra, so I asked made this trip. Due to the intense For some time he lived in Amsterdam, Maharaja if he would allow me to cold he got a severe heart congestion Holland, where he married Puspanjali manage padayatra in part of the and left his body in a hospital in Dasi, from whom he got two sons. Benelux. He agreed, and I became the Delhi. His cremation was organized Then he moved back to Spain and in new organizer for Belgium. As I was by devotees from the Noida temple the early eighties he again lived in a grhastha I took my wife and two and the cremation rituals were done Radhadesh, before finally going back kids with me. My wife cooked and my on the bank of the Yamuna River. A to Spain in Malaga, near the local children walked. feast was served on his behalf in the ISKCON temple. He was living close to Vrindavan temple, at the same time the beach and was giving massages to After attending the Ratha-yatra in that a yajna was organized for him in tourists for his livelihood. As a member Antwerp, the padayatris walked to his native Mauritius: during seven of the ISKCON Malaga community he Brussels. During their 2 day stay there days intense kirtanas were done at his was always willing to help, especially Niramaya organized programs with place by the devotees of the Padayatra during and before Janmastami, but the friends of Krishna living around. Mauritius team. I think all this was in the last two years his health got He met a Catholic priest, who let the planned by Krishna for his auspicious worse and he could not do as much devotees stay as his spacious Boy Scout departure. Thinking of Premarnava’s as he used to. One month before his center. It had many rooms equipped character, services and past activities departure he got a stroke from which with showers. Devotees could do their give me great pleasure and inspiration. he did not recover. He got weaker whole sadhana program there, bathe, After he left I took over his service and and weaker and needed constant care do laundry, cook, and hold Srimad- I am now trying to organize a solid as he could not take care of himself Bhagavatam class. From Brussels padayatra team in Mauritius. anymore. The Malaga devotees took the padayatris walked through the him to a hospital and visited him as French-speaking part of Belgium to a Niramaya Dasa, leader often as they could. He left this mortal beautiful place called Sept Fontaines. Of Belgium and Luxembourg world on December 16th 2017 early in Unfortunately, the walk had to stop the morning. Unfortunately at that at that point because the main party padayatras time there was no devotee present had to return to England and another with him, but we are sure the Lord group had to go to Lille to prepare By Gaurangi Dasi remembered all his services and his for the weekend festival during love for His holy names. which Padayatra France would be Note: I met Niramaya Dasa a few times: inaugurated. Since the party was

39 one day and a half behind Niramaya offering a field for camping, water for Dasa Goswami) served Padayatra proposed to Lokanath Maharaja that bathing, vegetables and some words of America for the entire 4 month walk the France party goes to France with appreciation. from San Francisco to Tijuana, the the cart and oxen and that he and Mexican border town south of San four other devotees continue the walk Diego. He rendered a wide variety from Sept Fontaines to Lille so as not of services: making videos, taking to break the mood of the padayatra. photos, driving the padayatra Maharaja agreed to this proposal. van, running errands, picking up padayatris who were lagging behind Niramaya : People appreciated our the party, assisting with cooking, being padayatra very much. Some said, “I the personal servant of Lokanath don’t know what religion you are, Maharaja, and doing whatever else but the fact that you are walking for was needed. He met his future wife, the welfare of the world is something Mani Manjari Dasi, on that padayatra; I really respect.” People gave us she also left her body many years ago. vegetables – mostly potatoes, broccoli, Shyamasundar passed away on May and cabbage, which all grew in the 17th 2016 in his apartment in New area. After we finished our walk to Dwarka (Los Angeles) due to epilepsy. Lille, we came back to Radhadesh.

A couple of years later, in August 1993, a group of devotees from Radhadesh decided to complete the Benelux section of Padayatra Europe by organizing a Niramaya loved kirtana one-week walk through Luxembourg. Niramaya was one of the organizers. They had a horse-drawn cart and a van Shyamasundar Dasa, a pillar of to carry the tents, cooking equipment, the 1989 Padayatra America and devotees’ luggage and to do advance party work. Since there is not By Vrindavana Lila Dasi much going on in Luxembourg, the residents of that country were happy In 1989 Syamasundar Dasa (then to see the colorful walking festival, and known as Shyamananda Dasa before Shyamasundar on the 89 padayatra from San they welcomed the devotees nicely by receiving initiation by Hridayananda Francisco to Tijuana

One more padayatra in and of their upcoming temple in were just amazed to see The gorgeous Maharashtra: Introducing Maniyarkheda. Devotees had brought Deities and so many devotees happily the Gaura Nitai Deities from the Nasik walking and dancing around Them. Gaura Nitai during a BACE (Bhaktivedanta Academy for 14 km padayatra from Culture and Education), a residential ISKCON Jalgaon center to facility for college students and young Maniyarkheda, site of the unmarried professionals. future temple In Maharashtra people hardly know On December 16th a group of 150 about Gaura Nitai so devotees made devotees from Jalgaon, including announcements to explain that They many Vaisnavis, and students from are same as Krishna in the Nasik BACE performed their Vrindavana. Padayatris distributed first padayata under the guidance of about 2000 books (Bhagavad-gitas, Caitanya Jivan Dasa and Paramatma Krishna books, Bhuvaikunthas , a Dasa, president of ISKCON Jalgaon. By book on the holy city of Pandharpur, the Lord's arrangement Ram Govinda and small books). This padayatra Maharaja was doing a preaching tour became the talk of town and the topic in that area at that time, so he guided of many newspapers’ articles. In the organizers. The goal of this walk Maharashtra the bullock cart is always was to make Jalgaon’s public aware honored and respected, what to speak when the Lord is riding on it. People of the ISKCON center in their town Jalgaon Padayatra cart

40 FOLLOWING A PROPHECY: THE BOOK OF AVADHUTA SIROMANI DASA THAT WILL MOVE YOU TO THE CORE

beloved Lords under the most dire and harsh conditions. It is a story of faith, love, and willpower. It will be inspiring to anyone who reads it… Personally I will always be there to encourage him and offer my friendship. He has earned my love, admiration and respect and we can all draw inspiration and Lokanath Swami: The courage from his incredible journey. heroic narration of a 14,000 Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar Dasa: A book km journey across North, full of potent spiritual faith Central and South America Together with his travelling companion, Chandrabhaga Dasi, gems undertaken against all odds Avadhuta had to wade through deep water and knee high snow to move A gripping read chronicling an This book graphically illustrates forward. At every corner, there was external pilgrimage full of adventure how Avadhuta Siromani was able to a challenge to be negotiated, be it and courage, and also an internal successfully negotiate his preaching mountainous terrains, narrow paths, journey filled with uplifting spiritual activities in the remotest town and bridges, or difficulties in locating realizations. When I finished reading village during this epic journey using suitable resting places for the Deities. it I felt inspired to delve deeper in my two horses as the “engines” of the Most of all, on such a journey, one own spiritual journey. This book is padayatra. His astuteness in resolving needs dependence on Krishna which full of potent spiritual faith gems ... I problems and taking on challenges, is unwavering because padayatra cannot recommend it enough. minor and major, during the journey means one is totally vulnerable to bears testimony to Avadhuta prabhu’s the elements – the weather, the traffic resilience to continue undeterred. Chandrabhaga Dasi: A and the constant stream of people pilgrim’s inward journey with differing moods. In this book he describes differing reactions of curious We can never repay the great gift Srila onlookers, many of whom were Prabhupada has given us and we intrigued and others overwhelmed at should always remain indebted to him the sight of the spectacular Deities. and the previous acaryas. In return, he has simply asked us to try to share Ambarisa Dasa: A story of Krishna consciousness with others all faith, love, and willpower around the world, in such a way the acaryas will be pleased. In following This book is about a remarkable the desires of the spiritual master, it spiritual journey, filled with drama, may so happen we will be confronted tears, and inspiration. It is about an with sacrifices, both great and small, in astonishing personality, Avadhuta order to dovetail our lives towards this Siromani, and his tenacious fight for goal. Following A Prophecy showcases survival while trying to serve his a pilgrim’s inward personal journey Padayatra's route

41 Stop at a Louisiana school and the symbiotic inspiration that takes People coming forward to help with place on such an outreach mission. It food, hay, services and prayers reveals the transformation that arises It had become quite normal for people when giving one’s life to this mission, to gather around us when we stopped and demonstrates a universal human at small towns. They would come and need for transcendence throughout ask questions, take pictures of the different cultures and peoples. This Deities and almost everyone would book also gives technical insights to agree we needed prayer to uplift the those who are interested in taking up world. It was touching how nearly such a long animal powered journey. Avadhuta Siromani with Balaji all those who would visit would bring some sort of provision to offer. Practical advice on horses from Unfortunately, we could take only Excerpts from the book an Amish friend used to travel what we absolutely needed and no by horse wagon more for fear that the weight of the Sharing an alternative way of wagon would become too much of life Here is the advice of a Mr.Bukerman, a strain for the horses. Therefore, on a friend from an Amish community some occasions, I had to turn down The idea of proselytism had never where its residents all travel by horse gallons of drinking water, fruits, appealed to me. My intention was wagon, work their land with draft canned vegetables, peanut butter not to have engaging philosophical horses, and do not use electricity: and potatoes, which had become a discussions. I was raised in a strict ‘Crossing America in a draft wagon common offering. Catholic tradition, but grew up requires a lot of determination and a spiritually when I came to the Vaisnava good knowledge of horses. You must Tolerance brings satisfaction tradition. Therefore, I was sure I had keep in mind that in order to have a to the heart the tools needed in order to relate with successful journey you must see your horses as your best friends. Never people from different backgrounds. On the road we could expect visitors The intention was to share an eat before they have taken their meal and remember that they will be the at any time, be it while we were taking alternative way of life, a way of care of the Deities, sleeping, taking engaging our life by following the engine of your journey.’ Over the years I internalized these words and prasadam, bathing or even when we prophecy which said that the Holy were using the toilet outside. It was Name will reach every village and by practicing it I found that these horses were not just pulling a wagon, definitely awkward at times but it town of the world. The essence of the taught me tolerance: it meant opening preaching was going to be simple: but were a vital source of support and inspiration to me to never give up. my space to share with others. Having wherever you go and whoever you such tolerance brings great satisfaction meet, just share about Krishna and the to the heart. Holy Name, and this seed will fructify. Depending on Krishna works!

It was remarkable how, even though we embarked on this journey with only enough supplies and money for a week, we received overwhelming support by people whose lives we had touched. Without this assistance we would never have been able to continue. We were witnessing what faith could do. We could not help but see Krishna’s hand in it all, personally Walking on a 1 mile long bridge in Texas arranging things. Preaching is the essence

42 Escorted by horse riders in a Mexican town Abundant and positive A Christian priest pointing to newspaper articles me as an example of faith News reporters always came wherever One evening, a priest from a Christian we went. We treated all of them with church arrived in his truck full of much dignity, so naturally their articles adolescents. We welcomed them and were also nice. This is an extract from started to speak about our mission. He an article from The South Enterprise then said something very interesting, newspaper (Virginia State, USA): and asked one of the youth present “ On a pilgrimage to someday reach whether he had faith in Jesus. The Curious school kids in El Salvador South America, a young devout couple boy said, ‘Yes”. The priest turned and of the Hare Krishna faith - a religious looked at me saying, “This gentleman Appreciations from a man order from India- recently passed through Southside Virginia on their is an example of faith. We can learn who hosted the padayatris on from him so that we can have some way to Argentina. After checking on faith in Jesus’teachings, and the way his farm to take care of the them regularly during the night and he wanted us to live.” People came to horses’hooves (Mike handed this generous generous donations of horse see us and never left empty handed, letter to them before they left) feed, the police escorted them through for they always left with inspiration in town and down HG46 where they their heart. “Our quiet retreat here in Louis headed for the North Carolina border. County, Virginia, is named Shamba Hare Krishna followers are devout Nothing else to do but tolerate Salama, which in Ki-Swahili means in their service to God and do not “Peaceful farm”. During the past five look to convert those they meet -they the austerities weeks it has been graced with the only wish to spread the word that presence of Padayatra. We have been each person should regularly work at In Southen Virginia temperatures extremely honored and blessed by improving their personal relationship were rising up to 100°F (38°C). The getting to know you and your mission. with God (called Krishna in their mood in the heat became slow, activity You have touched our lives, exhibiting belief system) through their own was limited and the only thing we amazing humility and grace. Our lives religious practices, wherever they may wanted to do was rest. Mosquitoes, have been enriched by this experience, be, in order to enjoy a more fulfilled, ticks, poison ivy, heat; all of them we will always remember you.” spiritual-led life.” were there to help us tolerate. Life on the road is obviously austere, with no A scary night encounter with privacy or comfort. Our horses Balaji the dangerous mareros of El and Kana seemed undisturbed by the every day changes. They remained Salvador sober throughout, always fixed and independent of external circumstances. I lay down on the floor of the wagon at Chandrabhaga was also doing well. about ten-thirty, hoping to get some rest She liked being on the road despite because I had to awake early the next the inclement weather, even though morning for mangal arati. My short poison ivy was really testing her. If slumber was interrupted moments she desired to be there, I thought, then after by fifteen young and dangerous the Lord will give her the strength to looking men. I instantly understood Sharing Krishna consciousness with everyone they were gangsters looking for trouble continue. they met

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Attracting a crowd at Cartago farm and they had stopped just across from picked one of them from the deadly Presenting the mission and our wagon. I could hear them talking fifteen and said to him, “My friend, the Deities to millions of TV among themselves, trying to figure out we are walking on a pilgrimage trying viewers in Costa Rica what to make of this scene. A foreign to glorify God. We walk and pray for man dressed in bed sheets, sleeping the good of everybody and now I am Padayatra’s main focus is to plant on the floor of a horse drawn wagon extremely tired and must go to sleep seeds of Krishna Consciousness in in what looked like the middle of because tomorrow at three-thirty in people’s hearts and the media was a nowhere. One of them, as arrogant the morning, we must wake up to powerful tool to do that…It was my and fear-invoking as young hoodlums continue”. experience that 99% of all the articles can be, swaggered towards the front and television interviews were very of our wagon and looked around He did not appear to understand a impressive and the Deities were daringly. If anyone wanted to pick a word I was saying. It was quickly always beautifully presented. It was fight he made it known they would becoming a dangerous situation. In a privilege to be an instrument in not leave with their lives. These young a confused and threatening tone, those wonderful pastimes of Guru and men were ‘mareros’ a local gang that he asked how we had come here. I Gauranga… was everywhere in this country. They explained the horses pulled the wagon did not operate like the ‘guerillas’ (an and that we left the north three years In San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, illegal armed group), but nevertheless ago. He paused for a few moments the local television did a feature on us, they posed an enormous problem for in an effort to comprehend how this and in the interview they asked things the political stability here. They were foreign man with a strange accent, had describing the program, our mission, delinquents, involved in petty theft, come from the north travelling only by what we wanted to share with the assault and numerous other criminal horse and wagon to speak of God in Costa Rican people, where the Deities activities, and they were dangerous. his land. Finally he said, “What? You came from and other questions. These They are a force to be reckoned with, came here walking with a horse from were basic questions, but it was good being well organized, with a following the USA? “ ‘Yes my friend,” I replied. for people to hear these details for of 10,000 strong all over the region. He understood and once he did, he their purification. When the interview They have their roots in the suburbs started to thank me for coming to his was done I asked them for a copy of of Los Angeles, and gradually became country. He said, “This is Salvador the video once they had done the final an organization and spread operations my blood country and these are my edit for television. I asked them not throughout South Mexico, Guatemala, people. We are very happy you came to remove or cut anything because I El Salvador and Honduras. here. You are welcome. Do not worry. wanted the Deities to be in the shoot. Go to sleep. In my area you will not During any interview I would always There was little I could do should have any problems!” speak close to the Deities so They they choose to harass us, vandalize would be on television also. In Costa what little we had or take our lives. Rica we had been on many different In that moment of utter vulnerability I television shows and it seemed thought, “If the Lord wants to protect everywhere we went everyone was us, nobody could kill us!” So I shook well informed about our mission and myself fully awake, and decided to go vision, and the image from the reports speak to them. But what would I speak was always positive. I was certain the of to these people? I thought. Talk of positive television coverage influenced God? Hmmmmm…? Yes, I had to be a positive response, therefore people straightforward and confident, that were friendly and helpful. was my plan, fearless and equipoised, whatever happens will happen. I Chandrabhaga Dasi

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