Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj gives grace and guidance An email of grace and guidance after Spd. Rsabhdev Prabhu's departure. Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 22:55:16 +0530 To: Kum Kum <devi@scsmath.com>, Sanatani@toshani.com From: SCSMath <govindam@scsmath.com> Subject: -Gurudev's gracious guidance Cc: Srutasrava Prabhu <sruta@toshani.com> Bcc: X-Attachments: All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga My dear Kum Kum D.D. and Sanatani D.D., You heard everything about Sripad Rsabhdev Prabhu's desire already fulfilled by the grace of Sriman Mahaprabhu. We remember to see him and his mood Srila Haridas Thakur's departure which was fulfilled by Sriman Mahaprabhu in Puri Dham. Mahaprabhu said to Srila Haridas Thakur, "What you will ask to Krishna, Krishna will fulfil your desire but we are unfortunate that we will lose your divine association." Actually I was surprised to see in this age also it is possible, where around us the unfaithful wave is always surrounding. Anyhow, we remember it in the line of Sriman Mahaprabhu: krpa kari' krsna more diyachhila sanga, svatantra krsnera ichchha,--kaila sanga-bhanga (Cc Antya 11:94**) By seeing that devotional lake we cannot guess how much it was deep with faith and dedication because his nature was very quiet and covered by tolerance. But his desire and determination were so strong otherwise we cannot conceive it without seeing like this type of special character of devotee. I also know everyone was eager to serve his situation during his last pastimes and wanted to give him as much relief and comfort as possible. Tomorrow here in Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math we will be honouring his disappearance festival with devotees from all over Mayapur, Nabadwip, etc. Especially we invited all the groups of Srila Saraswati Thakur's mission, especially Iskcon devotees are invited. The arrangements will be made here in the following way: In the morning, Sankirttan will start and Mandakini will offer, as is the law of Scripture, on the fourth*** day some ingredients to Brahmin Vaisnavas, especially rice, water and cloth, for his satisfaction. In the Nat-Mandir will start four or five simultaneous readings from the Scriptures with Sankirttan. At least one chapter will be read from at least each of the books: Upanishads, Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Chaitanya-charitamritam -- especially the chapter of Srila Haridas Thakur's nirjan: Antya 11 -- and Srimad Bhagavad-gita. Our group of sannyasis will do some Vaisnava-homa -- it is one kind of offering to Sri Sri Guru-Gauranga-Gandharvva-Govindasundarjiu and Their associates and devotees for the spiritual nourishment of Rsabhdev Prabhu. After that will be some glorification of Sripad Rsabhdev Prabhu by different devotees and friends. Everything will be finished with Samkirttan. At 11.30 a.m. we will offer the different types of opulent bhoga to the Deities and some kind of special bhoga that Rsabhdev Prabhu especially liked to eat, up to ice-cream. I know he liked to eat everything, then there is no end -- it can take the form of annakut mahotsav. After offering to the Deities and finishing Bhoga-arati we will offer the Maha-Prasadam to the assembled devotees. With a serving of each preparation of Maha-Prasadam from the Deities' plate we shall try to satisfy Rsabhdev Prabhu through mantram in a room, and after that, Mandakini can take that Prasadam. Mandakini will make all offerings to Rsabhdev Prabhu. Then later we shall feed the general assembled well-wishers and general people. In remembrance of Rsabhdev Prabhu, in our Soquel Math you also can follow this method for the satisfaction of Their Lordships Sri Sri Guru-Gauranga-Gandharvva Giridhari and other Deities and the devotees there. Also in San Jose Ladies' Ashram I am very happy to hear you spontaneously already made a programme in remembrance of Sripad Rsabhdev Prabhu. Anyhow, we are all in the battlefield here. Happiness and sadness and varieties of situations will come in front of us but we will try to continue our service without hesitation for the satisfaction of our Guru-varga. My dandavat pranam, blessings, love and affection for everyone who is related to our Ashram. Yours affectionately, Swami B.S. Govinda ---------------------------------------------------- ** (quoted sloka translation:) "Being merciful upon Me, Krishna gave Me the association of Haridas Thakur. Being independent in His desires, He has now broken that association." *** The first day being the day of departure (Saturday). Hence the fourth day is Tuesday. Rsabhdev Prabhu - index | Announcement | Gurudev's grace | Festival and appreciation | Festival pictures | Earlier pictures Math Index | What's New? | Book Table | Calendar URL: http://www.scsmath.com/bulletin/memories/rsabhdev/govmj_eml.html June 21, 2000