24-25/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(24-25/DEC/2014) Tonight we three Purandara Krishna prabhu, Rama Caitanya prabhu and myself were in the shift. After Srila Prabhupada katha, Guru Maharaj came to his room, took dinner, chanted Gayathri. Then answered few emails and went to bed at 12:30am. Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu started reading Brihad Bhagavatamrita till 1am. Normally we force Guru Maharaj to go to bed. But, I never told Guru Maharaj anything. We just left him to do whatever he wants. Otherwise, we always say, "Guru Maharaj it is time to bed!" "Oh! It is 11'O clock!!!" "Oh! It is 12'O clock!!!" But, I didn't make any such sound. Because, even after we say all those, he will go to bed, whenever he wants. And if we forcefully put him on bed, he won't sleep. So, we just made him to use all his energy, but maximum till 12am. Then he himself said, "Oh! it is late, other e-mails I will do tomorrow." Finally he himself said, "Let me take rest!" Then he went to bed while listening to Brihad Bhagavatamrita and got into deep sleep. 

In between, he wakes up to change his position. Sometimes, he asks for water, unless we chant Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, he won't take even a sip. So, Rama Caitanya Prabhu chants Hare Krishna Maha-mantra continuously until Guru Maharaj finishes his 50ml of water. And we can realize that he is awake, whenever we hear his clicker sound… Even if he awake for few seconds, his clicker will click, Hare Krishna Maha-mantra chanting. Golokeswara Govinda Prabhu usually does night shifts, whenever Guru Maharaj is in India. For past two years or more he is doing night shifts . 

At 6am Maha Puran prabhu entered the room. Then Rama Caitanya prabhu and Purandara Krishna prabhu went to bed. I have waited until Deva Gauranga prabhu joined the shift. As he is staying in ISKCON Delhi temple, he reaches here at 6:30 or sometimes, 6:45am. So, I was there till 7am. Then I went to bed at 7:30am.

Tomorrow (26th) Guru Maharaj is going to get admitted in the Hospital for his second procedure. In the noon time he went to the temple to take darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Partha-Sarathi, Sri Sri Nitai Gaura, and Sri Sitaram Lakshman Hanuman and got their blessings. Also, he visited Book Distribution stall to bless the devotees and distributed two Bhagavad-Gita there. Then got into the car. His Grace Mohan Rupa prabhu (ISKCON Delhi Temple President) met Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj has explained about his visit to ISKCON Dwaraka, New Delhi on last Sunday. Then Guru Maharaj returned back to home and took his lunch. I missed the chance to go with him this time. But Maha Varaha Prabhu updated me with these points to add in this diary.
 
Today afternoon, Guru Maharaj and we all had a feast, since yesterday was the birthday of Ruci-rangada prabhu and Subhanga Govinda prabhu. Yesterday Guru Maharaj blessed Ruci-rangada prabhu who is in Bangalore now over the phone . And Subhanga Govinda prabhu got the blessings of Guru Maharaj by cutting cake. Guru Maharaj accepted that cake and blessed him. But, somehow we didn't get feast. So, Madhava Kanta prabhu said, "I will cook a feast tomorrow for all." So, till 2 am he was making Pizza dough. Today afternoon, there was a feast with Pizza, Pasta, and of course Rice and Alu-suddha (Potato Smash) and cake. Guru Maharaj has also accepted Italian feast. One devotee sponsored for this feast, as today some other devotee's birthday also falls. So, five devotees' birthday feast together. I woke up by 2pm and took bath and took my lunch (FEAST).
 
In the afternoon shift Janakiram prabhu, Haridas Caitanya prabhu, Yogendra prabhu, Shyama Madhu-sudan prabhu were assisting Guru Maharaj. In the evening Guru Maharaj was doing Physiotherapy with Therapist Abhishek. Meanwhile, I did the setup for Srila Prabhupada Katha. I was running out of questions. So, just made up few questions three days back. So, all those questions were asked one by one. Even though this questions are not up to standard, and was like asking silly questions. But, I saw in different biographies of Srila Prabhupada, they have interviewed Guru Maharaj thoroughly, so it was very difficult to ask something, which was not mentioned before. But all those silly questions changed by the Man of Touch Stone…
 
In the evening there was a family waiting to take Guru Maharaj's darshan from Damodardesh. Rakesh prabhu and his family, they are siksha disciples of Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj met them, and was spending almost 15 minutes with them. Then they said that, "We are going to stay in Vrindavan for 5 days. Tomorrow we are going to Vrindavan and will stay in Govardhan." Guru Maharaj blessed their son and daughter and then started the class. During the class, Guru Maharaj said, "In Yamuna Express highway, today morning there was 71 cars crashed and 5 dead due to the fog." So he asked that family to travel after the fog get cleared. He was very much concern and cared in detail; that is his speciality. Even in this condition, he is just doing it in a very fine way to its maximum limit. After the class, Rakesh prabhu introduced his daughter and said, "She is an athletic. She is going to play in Gujarat representing UAE." And Guru Maharaj blessed and started to discuss about games. Then Guru Maharaj asked, "Does Dubai has Kabadi? I think Iran has Kabadi Game." Then Rakesh Prabhu replied, "But In Damodardesh yatra we play Kabadi in our picnics." Then Guru Maharaj explained about how he used to play 'Gopathi!!!' As in Kabadi, the players just have to say Kabadi! Kabadi! Kabadi! without taking breath. So, when Guru Maharaj got into the game, he thought, how I can chant the name of Krishna, than chanting Kabadi! Kabadi! Kabadi! So, he was trying out different names, likes Krishna etc. But these words were leaving lot of air out. So, Guru Maharaj found similar word which sounds like Kabadi!!! was GOPATHI… So, he started to chant Gopathi! Gopathi! Gopathi!... So, in our Tirupati farm also devotees play Gopathi! And in many places devotees play Gopathi! Like this Guru Maharaj was talking different things.

Then Guru Maharaj came back to his room and wanted to take very light dinner due to the afternoon feast. He just wanted to take some puffed-rice. But, as always, Guru Maharaj's cook, Prasanna Gauranga prabhu, How can he just give puffed-rice; so he made bhel-puri for Guru Maharaj.
 
After dinner, Guru Maharaj started to reply emails. One mathaji wrote a email that she is not feeling enthusiastic in devotional life.  Guru Maharaj replied to her. In that reply, Guru Maharaj narrated the whole pastime of Lord Caitanya's Sacred Thread Ceremony. And at the end he said, "Vrindavan Das Thakura says in Caitanya Bhagavata, whoever hears this pastime, they will get the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga in their heart." Guru Maharaj gave the solution instantly by describing this lila; it is transcendental; his reply is also transcendental. Like this again our night shift started… Rama Caitanya prabhu left to Orissa for a week. So tonight Purandara Krishna Prabhu and myself are in the shift. I thought to write a small diary, but it became lengthy. Jai Srila Gurudev!!! (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

21/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(21/DEC/2014) Today morning after our night shift, myself and Rama Caitanya Prabhu took leave from our night shift. Guru Maharaj woke up at 6:15am. And we went to bed.

In the morning hours Guru Maharaj did Caitanya Book, and completed Visvarupa Sannyasa Pastime today after 4 days. Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu, Deva Gauranga Prabhu and Vrajeswara Gaura Prabhu were helping Guru Maharaj in this.

At 11:30 devotees woke me up and said, Guru Maharaj getting ready to go for Sunday program to Dwaraka, one of the eight ISKCON temples in New Delhi. So, all the servants accompanied Guru Maharaj to temple. And it was more than 30mins drive. And we reached the temple devotees came out and welcomed Guru Maharaj with kirtan. In the temple devotees were gathered and they were waiting for Guru Maharaj to come. Guru Maharaj entered the temple and took darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarakadish. Then Guru Maharaj gave Sunday Love Feast lecture. It was very wonderful lecture. Guru Maharaj spoke on Rama-lila, Krishna-lila and Caitanya Lila. Then after lecture, devotees and people came around Guru Maharaj; and he started to distribute them one flower each and devotees were trying to get flowers from his hand. And Guru Maharaj distributed 320 flowers. And then somehow, Guru Maharaj came out of the temple, but devotees were around him like a honey bees around the bee hive. And then outside the temple, devotees offered laddus to distribute and Guru Maharaj started to distribute and distribute and distribute and Vrajeswara Gaura Pr was counting and the total was 264 laddus distributed. Then we started from there and Guru Maharaj took his lunch in the car, while we come back to our home.

In the evening after afternoon rest Guru Maharaj started to do his physio-therapy exercise. Since, Physiotherapist Abhishek didn’t come today, so whatever exercises that he gave for Guru Maharaj was done with the assistants of Janakiram Prabhu. Then Guru Maharaj met His Holiness Veda Vyasa Priya Maharaj came to see Guru Maharaj in the evening. After their meeting Guru Maharaj requested Maharaj to give a short class, meanwhile, Guru Maharaj will get ready and come to the hall and continue Srila Prabhupada Katha.

Maharaj started his class, and talked about the Ratha-yatra lila and the mood of Lord Caitanya and Lord Jagannath in Ratha-yatra. When Guru Maharaj came, Maharaj took Guru Maharaj's permission to leave. Guru Maharaj asked to give fruits to Maharaj and Subhanga Govinda packed some fruits and gave to Maharaj. And Maharaj left with few devotees to Vrindavan. Then Guru Maharaj continued his class. After the class I asked Guru Maharaj, "Why did you speak on Hanuman Lilas? Is it because today is Hanuman Jayanthi in South India." Guru Maharaj said, "I don't know!" Then I said, "Today in South India they celebrate Hanuman Jayanthi! And in North India next week." We all amazed.

This evening from Krishna Katha desh one devotee family visited Guru Maharaj, Gambira Madhava Prabhu, Padma Sundari Mathaji and their kids. So, her daughter is going to Melbourne for her higher studies, Guru Maharaj blessed her. Then Guru Maharaj was walking from the hall to his room with the support of Maha Varaha Prabhu and Vrajeswara Gaura Prabhu. Maha Varaha Pr later said this, "Guru Maharaj called her and asked, "When are you going to Melbourne?" She said, "By February!" Guru Maharaj asked, "How you are going to stay there in Krishna Consciousness??" She said, "By your mercy Guru Maharaj" And everyone laughed. Siromani Mathaji interrupted and said, "By preaching!" Guru Maharaj said, "Yes!" Then he asked, "How many devotees will you make?" She didn't answer any, Then Guru Maharaj replied with huge sound, loudly, "COUNTLESS" and laughed.

Then Guru Maharaj came back to his room, and Vrajeswara Gaura Prabhu was feeding dinner at 10:30pm. And then Guru Maharaj went to bed 11:30am, midnight, Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu started to read Sri Brihat Bhagavatamrita and hearing it till 12:30am. Then Guru Maharaj went to sleep. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

13/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

 (13/DEC/2014) Today when Jaya Radha Krishna prabhu and Deva Gauranga prabhu were reading Caitanya Bhagavata to Guru Maharaj in the hall, I went and paid my obeisances to Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj asked for the fruits. I took that chance and got the fruits from Prasanna Gauranga prabhu and started to feed Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj was listening to Caitanya Bhagavata. Then Guru Maharaj said, "we will go to the room and do the Caitanya Book work." We continued and it went on and on for two and half hours. 

Today's pastime was about Lord Gauranga's Upanayana. The pastime and Guru Maharaj's translation to the verses were extraordinary; he was in complete bliss; and he didn't want to leave this chapter incomplete; he wanted to complete it by today itself. Successfully he completed the whole chapter.

Then Guru Maharaj took his lunch late and went to bed at 5pm. After his afternoon rest Guru Maharaj woke up, made a phone call to a devotee, blessed them and answered their questions. More than 30 minutes Guru Maharaj spoke to them. They were very blissful. Guru Maharaj instructed them on parenting and how to take care of the child. In that Guru Maharaj said, "It is natural that as a parent you show natural love to your child, but that is all not Krishna Consciousness. You should take care of your child and give all possible means for him to be Krishna Consciousness." Then he also remembered, "When Srila Prabhupada was a child, his father gave him a play-gun. And he asked for another play-gun; his father also gave one more. But it is nothing to do with Krishna Consciousness." But it is parents' duty to give Krishna Consciousness to kids. Like this there were lots of instructions… 

Then I read the book distribution report from East London. Guru Maharaj blessed them with his short reply.
After that Guru Maharaj came to give Srila Prabhupada Katha. There were many devotees from Gurgaon, and one mathaji from London and her family from Delhi. So, the hall was almost filled up. As Maha Varaha prabhu went to South India today, Sironmani Mathaji did the repetition of the class. After the class, Guru Maharaj met different devotees. Few devotees became aspiring disciples. Two couples had their marriage anniversary. Guru Maharaj cut their Anniversary cake and went back to his room.

Jaya Radha Krishna prabhu started reading Brihad Bhagavatamrita; then around 12:30am Rama Caitanya prabhu called Madhava Kanta prabhu and myself to help. We gave some water to Guru Maharaj; Guru Maharaj started to say, "Bhagavad-gita Salute! Bhagavad-gita Salute!!". He is in the mood of Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon… Jai Srila Gurudev!!! (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

12/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(12/DEC/2014) Today morning I got up very late; and immediately took bath and went to take Guru Maharaj Darshan. Guru Maharaj was resting and chanting his Gayathri. Then he came out to do Caitanya Book; sitting on the sunlight. When he came to the hall, he met Bk. Dipak from Nepal, now living in Balaramadesh. Then he met one Brahmacari from Bangladesh.

I got a chance to assist Guru Maharaj today in Caitanya Book. Today's topic was everyone's favorite lila. Parrot pastime; and Guru Maharaj explained it very wonderfully. Even though it was just a translation work. But Guru Maharaj started to chant, "Gaura! Gaura!" "Gaura! Gaura!" Since it is a small lila, Guru Maharaj completed it with in 45mins. But it was very blissful.

Then Guru Maharaj came back to his room and took his lunch. Maha Puran prabhu was feeding Guru Maharaj, and I was reading a mail. Suddenly the door opened and Maha Mantra prabhu entered with 7 people, who are from his village. When they entered, immediately they garlanded Guru Maharaj, some was keeping their head on his Lotus feet; some were throwing flower petals on Guru Maharaj; one person gave sweets in Guru Maharaj's hand; like this with in few mins everything happened. And we were all looking at each other. Actually, we were waiting for His Holiness Bhakti Vrajendra Nandana Swami Maharaj, who is coming from Vrindavan, on his way back to Chennai and then Malaysia. So, Maharaj arrived; and we all went out and received him. Maharaj entered Guru Maharaj room. We all love Maharaj! When he entered immediately he went and try to hug Guru Maharaj, as he was in the wheel chair, he couldn't do. Guru Maharaj had Sri Sri Radha Partha Sarathi Garland; so immediately he garlanded him. And Maharaj got a garland from Sri Sri Radha Shyama Sundara; and he offered that to Guru Maharaj; and offered sweets. Immediately Guru Maharaj asked to open that box and took a pinch of that sweet and honor it. Like this they were exchanging their loving affection. Few disciples of Maharaj accompanied him and they are serving him. So they came to take blessings from Guru Maharaj; Guru Maharaj said, "Just serve Maharaj nicely! That is my blessings! Take care of him nicely." Then Guru Maharaj started to sing, "Jaya Bhakti Vrajendra Nandan Swami Maharaj! Jaya Bhakti Vrajendra Nandan Swami Maharaj!" Maharaj's eyes were filled with tears seeing Guru Maharaj, and they took a photo together. Janakiram Prabhu clicked the pictures. Then Guru Maharaj said, "Maharaj will teach our cooks, how to make idiyappam. No one making it properly." Then Maharaj said, "Yes! No one making it properly, if we make it properly then it should be like a flower. My mother makes it perfect...." One of Maharaj's disciple said to Maharaj, "Guru Maharaj if we delay more you will miss your flight!" Then immediately Guru Maharaj said, "Don't curse your Guru! Don't say you will miss your flight; rather say it, if we start now we can catch the flight. Always tall positively." Then Maharaj left to Airport. We all got his blessings.

After lunch Guru Maharaj dictated the reply to mails and went to bed. And then again after rest Ruci Rangada Pr called me; and said, "We are going to wake up Guru Maharaj, if you want to make any calls then you come." So, I went inside Guru Maharaj room. Ruci Rangada pr and Janakiram pr were doing massage on Guru Maharaj's legs. Nearly for 30mins. Then after that, Guru Maharaj asked to call as per the list. So, I tried to call one leader his mobile was switched off. Then was trying to call, next leader his mobile also busy. Then Guru Maharaj said, "Okay! Call Sankudhari pr now!" I called him. He immediately picked the call. And he was in a farm house in Madurai. When he was speaking, there were lot of peacocks were making sound. Guru Maharaj said, "It is sounding like Vrindavan." He said, "I invited you few years back, but due to your busy schedule you didn't visit here." Guru Maharaj said, "When I recover, I will visit all the places in my zone." Like this Guru Maharaj was talking with him for 30mins. And the talk slowly entered into Management... And it was on right time Guru Maharaj called. Many things were got answered. After ending the call; Guru Maharaj asked me, "What do you thing about this call?" I said, "You are always on time Guru Maharaj! Timely help!" And I am really amazed.

Then Guru Maharaj took shower and then took his dinner. Today they made Uttappam for Dinner (South Indian dish). And they were taking from kitchen to Guru Maharaj room. Seeing that Chotta Madhava was also opened his kitchen set (play set) and started to make Uttappam. And made the
Uttappam mentally and put it in a small plastic plate and went inside Guru Maharaj room and gave it to Guru Maharaj; and Guru Maharaj also took it from his hand and transferred it to his plate and ate it. And said, "Your Uttappam is better than Praasanna Gauranga's Uttappam!" And like this Chotta Madhava gets lot of Mercy from Guru Maharaj... Everyday... How fortunate he is? Just 3 years old. "Vaikuntha Kid." Punya Sloka Krishna Prabhu and his family came to take Guru Maharaj Darshan, and he came to assist Guru Maharaj in feeding dinner.

Then Guru Maharaj came out to give Srila Prabhupada Katha. After Katha Guru Maharaj met devotees and some became aspiring disciples. In that one asked a question to Guru Maharaj, "Why this Hare Krishna Maha Mantra given this much importance?" And Guru Maharaj answered very simply and beautifully. How easy it is... To chant Hare, Krishna, Rama. And how the Upanishads and Puranas are recommending... Etc. Then finally... The person who asked question said, "I will chant 5 rounds daily." From no rounds to 5 rounds. And like this Guru Maharaj was answering to different questions. And then went to his room. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

10/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(10/DEC/2014) Today Morning, when I came from the basement, Acintya Caitanya prabhu said that, "Guru Maharaj made a complaint that no one is helping him to make the phone calls". I replied, "I am always available!  But due to Guru Maharaj's health, we would like him to take rest and do not want to extend his time in all these." Then directly we went to Guru Maharaj's room to discuss about this and solve it. 

As today is Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura's disappearance day, Guru Maharaj was getting ready to go to the temple. We heard that in the temple they announced Guru Maharaj's name in the afternoon speaker list. It was 11am and Madhava Kanta Pr came and said, "In the temple they are going to start the abhishekam; we have to hurry up."  So there was little bit of rush. Abhishekam! Yes! Herein Sri Sri Radha Partha Sarathi temple, like Juhu (Mumbai), they have Srila Prabhupada and Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada's deities; so they do abhishek to him on his appearance and disappearance day. 

We asked Guru Maharaj to wear the winter cloth and said that we can change the cloth there in the temple before doing the abhishek. But Guru Maharaj was very stubborn. He just wanted to wear chaadar as he will be doing the abhishek. It is really amazing to see how he is not compromising anything... It is winter. so what? You are sick. so what? Abhishekam has to be performed like this way. So we have to follow like that way.

Meanwhile, we started the phone call topic. Guru Maharaj said, "Everyday, I want to call devotees" and gave few names to whom HE WANTED TO CALL." And we decided that we will make morning two calls and evening two calls. Then he was so happy and we started for the temple. Guru Maharaj is not an ordinary personality, he can do multi tasking and he is very active. He wants to reach many devotees, give them his blessings and boost them in their Krishna Consciousness from wherever they are lacking.  

As all the servant group went with Guru Maharaj to the temple, Prasanna Gauranga prabhu, Subhanga Govinda prabhu, Radharaman Sevaka prabhu and myself took the auto and went to the temple. Janakiram prabhu took care of the photography. Guru Maharaj did abhishek to Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura. Then after deity the darshan, Guru Maharaj offered his prayers to Srila Prabhupada and gave a short class in the temple hall on Srila Sarasvati Thakura. And in the class Guru Maharaj mentioned, how Thakura established the uniqueness of Vaishnavas and the important of Book Distribution. Soon after the class there was pushp abhishek to Srila Sarasvati Thakura; His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj and Guru Maharaj joined along with all the other devotees and did the puahpanjali and left from the temple.

Guru Maharaj reached home and took his lunch. Janakiram prabhu fed lunch Prasadam to Guru Maharaj. Haridas Caitanya prabhu and Radhapati Gopinath prabhu assisted him. Soon after Prasadam, Guru Maharaj gave one video message to Bangalore devotees as per the request of Varada Krishna prabhu, Adidev prabhu and Harikshetra prabhu on the new launch of 4G Bhakti-Vriksha. By the end of the recording there was a sound from the Masque nearby, "Allah hu Akbar...". Immediately Guru Maharaj recalled, "Srila Prabhupada has said, 'Allah uh Akbar means para-brahman'". Then Guru Maharaj went to bed late for his afternoon rest.

Due to the winter, i am not feeling well. So in precaution, I took some tablet and slept.  When I woke and asked Ruci Rangada prabhu, "what is the time now?" He said, "it is 8:15pm." I  just rushed and took bath and got ready, by the time Radhapati prabhu came and called me and said, "Guru Maharaj is ready. In few minutes, he will be in the hall." When I went to the hall, there were many devotees sitting. I just rushed to make the setup, by the time Guru Maharaj reached the hall. All my feverish feeling, everything disappeared in that tension. Somehow, I made the setup. And Guru Maharaj started singing, seeing me rushing, he sang Pancha-tattva pranam and Hare Krishna Maha Mantra and mercifully gave few minutes more. And by his mercy, on time, the broadcasting started. There was some audio problem, I was trying to correct it. Then I sat down. Now we have to ask questions on Srila Prabhupada pastimes, which will make him remember the pastimes happened during Srila Prabhupada's presence.

 Actually, I was running out of questions. We are waiting for the letters what Guru Maharaj wrote to Prabhupada and the reply from Srila Prabhupada to Guru Maharaj from BHAKTIVEDANTA ARCHIVES, so that we can read out. But they said, it will take one more week to send us. So somehow, all these 35 days we covered most of the pastimes that we know, we heard before, we read in other diaries, we read in lilamrita, and few letters, now with devotees help. We are asking questions here and there, but there are lot to ask. But it should be on Srila Prabhupada's period. Whenever Guru Maharaj look at me for the next question, it is like mind will be puzzled for a minute. I used think, whole day, what to ask. I read some diaries. So, devotees please send questions, which are not discussed in this series; on the lilas between Srila Prabhupada and our beloved Guru Maharaj. 

After that, Guru Maharaj accepted one devotee as an aspiring disciple. Punya Sloka prabhu from Australia with his family took blessings from Guru Maharaj.  Then distribution of sweets. After that Guru Maharaj was discussing with Maha Varaha prabhu for few minutes and went back to his room.
I went to his room after 15 minutes and asked him, "Would you like to do phone calls now Guru Maharaj!" He said, "Yes!" And said, two calls. And we called and Guru Maharaj blessed those disciples. In one call that disciple said, "I was just thinking of you and praying to you. You called me. And Guru Maharaj said, "Actually, I kept you in my list to call after two days. But suddenly I thought, I should call you now itself. So you thought of me, so I called you." After the phone calls Guru Maharaj went to bed and  Jaya Radha Krishna prabhu started reading Brihad Bhagavatamrita to Guru Maharaj. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

08/DEC/2014 - New Delhi (by Maha Varaha Prabhu)

Diary 8/12/14: New Delhi

Today morning Gm woke up quite early and we heard from Golokeswar Prabhu that Gm was coughing frequently the whole night. This happens sometimes. By 6.30am he was already off the bed and chanting his gayatri. Then he did his chanting and exercise for more than an hour followed by breakfast. By 11 am he came out to the small verandah of the house to be in the sunlight. At that moment Jaya Radha Krsna Prabhu, Deva Gauranga Prabhu, Shyama Rasika joined Gm to work on the Caitanya Book Project.

>>Shyama Rasika Das:  It was very blissful pastime that today Guru Maharaj translated. Nimai's scholarly pastimes and His quarrel with other students from different schools. As Guru Maharaj was sitting at the door step in sun light and was translating, I just joined after 10mins. And assisted in repetition...<<

After Gm had his afternoon nap, Varada Krsna Prabhu, Adideva Prabhu and Hari Ksetra Prabhu ( leaders and preacher from Banglore) were discussing about the implementation of new BHakti Vriksha preaching strategy. During the discussion, Varada Prabhu called Vijay Venugopal Prabhu and Prema Padmini Mataji over the phone. They just arrived after their preaching tour in Mathuradesh. They gave a brief preaching report to gm and they highlighted how the recent Damodara month program was a great success. Mathuradesh Yatra managed to engage 20,000 brand new people to participate in the damodara month festival throughout the month and now they are going to gradually connect these new people to local BHakti Vrikshas. Gm also told them to share their new phase of BHAKTI VRIKSHA preaching which Varada Prabhu was briefing gm before that.

'Gm also commented on the recent proposal by leaders of India to declare Bhagavad Gita as the National Holy book of India. Gm said, Gita was spoken in India more than five thousands years ago and it is a treasured heritage book of India, national heritage, so every Indian should read BG and its a book of knowledge and it doesn't matter which faith the reader practices. They may maintain their belief in other faith but there is nothing wrong in knowing the heritage of India. Even if the government doesn't wish to declare it as National Holy Book of India, they could still consider it declaring it as a National Heritage of India.

After having his dinner,  gm started his evening Katha on Srila Prabhupada. While the Katha was going on bhakta Amitaba (Bengali origin) and bhaktin Jia (South Korean) along with their friends walked in. Both Amitava and Jia were just got married in Mayapur and they visited gm in Delhi to seek his blessings. During the questions and answer session, Amitava requested gm if he could give some advice to the newly wedded couple. So following is the excerpt from the advice gm gave them.

" One thing is Srila Prabhupada, although he was grhasta in earlier days, he could not council grhastas. He would say that, "You should speak to the older grhastas." And that was like solving problems, as far as avoiding problems, it's important that the husband and wife treat each other very gently and avoid saying anything, which will damage their relationship. Srila Prabhupada had said that, just like children, they fight one day, next day they are friends.

Yesterday morning I was translating how Lord Caitanya and Jagadananda had a quarrel, they were only 6 or 7 years old. But, Jagadananda, he went to the side of the Ganges and whole day he cried; whole night he cried; he didn’t eat anything, and just before the sunrise Gadadhara and Gaura Hari, They came looking for him. Jagadananda!!! Jagadananda!!! Then They found him by the side of the Ganges, "What are you doing here, so late at night!" And Jagadananda said, "What are You doing here? The roads are very hard, little stones, You may get hurt Your feet." But when he saw they beautiful moon like face of Lord Caitanya and His mild smile, all his anger was gone. And Lord Caitanya said, "Listen, night is over; come to My house and have something to eat." And so he grabbed on Gadadhara's legs and pulled himself up and went back to the house. There he was given some water and he fell asleep for about two to three hours. Then mother Saci and Jagannath Misra came with the plate of hot rice soaked in milk and gave that to him. Then Lord Caitanya said, "I know what you felt like, because I couldn't also eat the whole day while you have gone. When you have gone, I couldn't sleep on My bed; I slept on the ground. Gadadhara came and got Me, and took Me to find you. That is good that now your anger is broken. You see, I love you and you love Me, so we are bound to have disagreement sometime. But after it's over. My love for you and your love for Me has increased." So this is Lord Caitanya when he was 6 or 7 years old. We are all small particles of Krishna. And we are meant to work together. As husband and wife are a team, where two people considered as one. And the wife is the half; and husband is the another half. In sanskrit term for wife is 'Adhangini' or better half. So, it is important that you treat each other nice. If you have some dissatisfaction, keep it practical, "Oh! you are late today!" I had important engagement; my mother-in-law is waiting; we have to meet the minister; whatever it is. Keep it practical don’t say, "Why did I married you?"  Nothing like that which hurts the heart.

And I read how in Brhat Bhagavatamrta, there was a couple, who followed varnashrama-dharma meticulously. So they went to the celestial planets. But then from there they come back to earth, when their good karma merit is finished. But some grihastas, may be they didn’t follow the varnashrama so perfectly, but they were devotees of Lord Krishna. They chanted Krishna's name; they worshiped Krishna together; and they also reached the celestial planet and from there they went back to Godhead. We want our couples to be Krishna Conscious and get back to Godhead. -Maha Varaha Das.

04/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(04/DEC/2014) Around 7:00am, morning shift devotees arrived and we the night shift devotees left from the Hospital. Morning there was a program "17th Hepatitis Day". We heard that at 9:00am Delhi Governor will be coming and start the program. I was not feeling good after the night shift to immediately continue with the program. But, later in the day I thought, I should have stayed for the program. Anyhow, I sent the camera with Madhava Kanta prabhu to take pictures during the program and slept.

At 2:00pm Madhava Kanta prabhu woke me up for the lunch and showed the pictures that was taken during the program. And he explained a bit what had happened there. Golokeshwara Govinda prabhu, Rama Chaitanya prabhu and Myself left from the house at 9:30pm and reached the hospital for the shift at 10:00pm. I didn’t had a plan to go, as I have to finalize the Sri Guru Prasanga Tamil and Bengali. They were ready for print. I was working the whole afternoon. But, later I felt, I should go; should not miss this personal services.

When we reached the hospital and stepped inside Guru Maharaj’s room, it was a big shock… At 10:00pm Guru Maharaj was saying, "I will take rest!!!".  So, the devotees made Guru Maharaj to face appropriate direction to sleep. Then Guru Maharaj said, "First, call nurse Tessie and let her take BP and do other regular procedures. Second, give me hot milk. Third, tape my eyes. Then I will sleep". Everything was like honey to hear. Then we followed the steps. The nurse came, did her duty and left. Then we gave the milk and before the last step, Guru Maharaj asked, "Is there any mails for me? Read one mail. I will answer and sleep". I read out one mail and Guru Maharaj dictated his reply. Then we taped the eyes. And Guru Maharaj…. asked me to read Brhad Bhagavatamrita. I started reading, reading and reading for one hour. It became 11:45pm.  That time Guru Maharaj said, "Okay! I will go to sleep."

Then I came to the other room. Maha Varaha prabhu was ready to go to bed. He narrated the glimpse of today's activities to add in this diary. I have tried to accommodate both Madhava Kanta prabhu and Maha Varaha prabhu's words here.

Today morning as per Dr. Sharin's invitation, Guru Maharaj participated in the program "17th Hepatitis Day". Everyone was wearing a Festival Cap. So, Guru Maharaj has also accepted a cap. Doctor personally gave it to Guru Maharaj and they took a photograph together. Then Doctor has requested Guru Maharaj to judge the posters painted by the students on the "Awareness of Hepatitis".  Since Guru Maharaj has to judge, he asked us to find on internet, how one should judge a poster (painting). And as per the internet points, the painter must have used certain amount of space, certain number of colors and much more. Thus Guru Maharaj acquired all the rules and examined each picture, and gave marks based on the different points that he got from the internet. "Okay! For the color usage 12%, for the words 7%, for the use of space 19%...". Like this, he gave marks to the posters present in the gallery. Acintya Caitanya prabhu and Sironmani Mathaji were assisting Guru Maharaj in that. By the time, the present Governor of New Delhi Mr. Najeeb Jung arrived. He came to cut the ribbon out.  Doctor said, "ISKCON's Swamiji is here!". Immediately the Governor said, "Okay we both will cut the ribbon". Everyone accompanied Guru Maharaj and the Governor;  many press and media were clicking their shots of cutting the ribbon. Then they had a stage program and lighting of the lamps. Guru Maharaj was in the VIP area. Dr. Sharin addressed the crowd, "…we don't want any patient in our hospital, we just want everyone to get the awareness of this disease and be hepatitis free. Also, he thanked the presents of Guru Maharaj and other ISKCON devotees." After that Governor gave a speech and distributed the price to the winner and immediately left. Like this the function got over.

Later, when Guru Maharaj came back to his room, Dr. Sharin visited him and thanked for coming to the program. Doctor said, "You just made the whole place filled with spiritual vibration. Thank you!" And he added, "Day after tomorrow, we will discharge you."  It is a good news that Guru Maharaj will be discharged on Saturday or Sunday.

In the afternoon, one devotee from Bangalore came to see Guru Maharaj and took his darshan. Then Sanjay Prabhu from Singapore came to see Guru Maharaj and took  his blessings. As his wife Sri Dhameshwari Mathaji  is also a Guru Maharaj's disciple, she was connected over the phone and Guru Maharaj blessed her. And she asked two questions and Guru Maharaj answered those. The first question was, "When I chant my Japa, I get lot of thoughts, things to do, services, ideas, what should I do?" Then Guru Maharaj replied, "When I was doing my Japa, I was also getting these thoughts as Srila Prabhupada has given many responsibilities. So, my mind was constantly thinking of those. So, I had one small notebook. And if I get any thought, I just note down and then continue my japa; after completing the japa, I look at the notebook and carry on with the service. Like this I overcome and I won't forget that later, also I was able to concentrate on japa."

The second question was, "I see many of my God-brothers and sisters are doing many seva to Your Divine Grace. Also I want to do, but I feel I am not doing much! How to understand this?" Guru Maharaj replied, "You take care of your husband and family and carry on with whatever service that you are doing nicely. Srimati Radharani, she is the perfectionist in her service as we know. But she always think that how to do more and more service to Krishna, how to please Him more. So you are having such intension to do more and more service is also Krishna Conscious." Like this Guru Maharaj blessed her with his answers to her questions. It may not be 100% accurate, since I didn't hear it personally. I heard from Maha Varaha Prabhu and tried to make out as much as possible. May be Sri Dhameswari Mathaji can read this diary and correct for the future memory.

I am feeling blissful by hearing Guru Maharaj's activities and seeing the pictures, I was able to meditate, be there by the mercy of Vaishnavas. As soon as I got the pictures in my hand, I just uploaded on Facebook. As many of the devotees, disciples were very much anxious about Guru Maharaj's health after this procedure, is he alright? or the secretaries are hiding the actual situation etc. At least by seeing these pictures, they can see that, now our Guru Maharaj is fine and getting better. So, I did the uploading immediately. But we should not give up our prayers, extra rounds, sastra recitations, archanas, etc… We should do more, so that Guru Maharaj will come out of this illness completely. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

03/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(03/DEC/2014) Today around 3am, Guru Maharaj asked for water. And we gave him; Guru Maharaj chanted one time Hare Krishna Maha-mantra before drinking the water and when he was drinking he asked us to chant. Another time, when he wanted to change his sleeping position, he was saying, "Oh Krishna! You are my life and soul!" Like this he was always "Krishna Conscious". Around 5:30am Guru Maharaj got up and said, "I want to sit on the chair, whole day I was on the bed, my back is hurting". So, we made him sit on the black sofa-chair. It is wonderful to see him sitting on the big chair and it is befitting for his majestic personality. 

Then Guru Maharaj asked, "Do the tigers come here?". We said, "No! Guru Maharaj! How it can come, we are in the 4th floor." Guru Maharaj said, "So, this place is bagna-para?". And he started to narrate the whole pastimes about bagna-para. He is always transcendental. Then morning shift devotees came at 6:30am, so we have to leave from Guru Maharaj to home. Again we joined at 10pm.

When I came to the Hospital, Maha Varaha prabhu shared a pastime that happened this morning. He wanted me to add that in this diary. He usually update me and I will include in the diary to keep it for future memories. 

He narrated the following:
"Today morning one mother in wheel chair and her daughter came to take the darshan of Guru Maharaj. They were in search of Guru Maharaj's room in the hospital and the hospital staffs thought they are patients. Anyhow, they came to the door steps of Guru Maharaj and Maha Varaha Prabhu remembered that, "I have seen them somewhere!". And the mother, who was in the wheel chair was chanting in her bead bag and having tilaka on her forehead. Then he remembered that, he had seen them in Middle East. They requested him to allow them to take the darshan of Guru Maharaj. As it is restricted for now, no devotees or visitors are coming to see Guru Maharaj in the hospital. These matajis came without any pre-notice. Anyhow, Maha Varaha prabhu asked them to wait saying, "Once Guru Maharaj is ready, we will call you for darshan." Then after 45 mins they got a call. They came to see Guru Maharaj in his room. 

After their introduction, the daughter asked a question to Guru Maharaj. "My mother got paralyzed two years back and she doesn't have any feeling in her body from waist down. And you have dedicated your life for Lord Krishna. And you were preaching His glories, why you got this suffering?". Then that question made Guru Maharaj grave. The daughter is somewhat devotee, (though she only chants sometimes, but grew in Krishna Conscious environment from childhood, loves Guru Maharaj like anything.) Then Guru Maharaj answered in his deep and grave voice, "I am suffering because of disciple's karma. And your mother is suffering due to your karma." 

Guru Maharaj explained, "When a rsi got a punishment for his act by Yamaraj, he asked Yamaraj, "why are you punishing me?". Yamaraj said, "when you were an infant, that time you were playing with an insect and tried to harm that insect. So, now you are getting punishment for that karma". That rsi could not take this injustice, so he argued back. "When I was an infant, I didn't know, what I was doing.  How you can take that as an intentional act." So, like this he was arguing. Finally the rsi cursed Yamaraj to take birth as a sudra. So, he took birth as Vidura. Like that, "Until the age of five, the mother has to take care of her child from doing any mistakes or karma. If she fail to do, then that karma will be suffered by the mother herself. So, your mother is suffering because of your karma and her old karmas." Guru Maharaj made the point very clear that "Krishna is nothing to do with our karmas".  Again Guru Maharaj explained, how the Lord was so merciful, how He visited King Bahulasva and the poor brahmana Shrutadeva along with rsis in their respected places at the same time. By explaining this pastime, Guru Maharaj started to shed tears, thinking about the mercy of the Lord. And the mother and daughter were also started to cry. Finally, the daughter said, "I chanted one round yesterday for your health". Guru Maharaj said, "Thank you! Why you only chant when I get sick, why don't you chant every day, So that I can be healthy always". And she agreed to chant everyday one round."

When I heard this from Maha Varaha prabhu, I was just thinking about this whole night. As a disciple, what I can do for him? Is there any way I can repay him? But all that he want is that his disciples to be Krishna Conscious. I have to try more and more to chant more rounds, read more Srila Prabhupada Books, and do more service to Krishna and our beloved Guru Maharaj. In this way, at least I can repay him. Or at least, I don’t want to be the cause for his any suffering even unknowingly. As a disciple, I don’t want to do. This is my prayer to the Lord. 

How Guru Maharaj is not able to tolerate her blame on Krishna! Such an dedication, seems like Himalaya in front of me. Even if I get small uncomfortable situation like this Delhi Winter, I am not ready to be Krishna Conscious; always thinking, Oh! water is cold, weather is cold, when will I go back to Coimbatore weather? A Hopeless case… Somehow, only one thing is the hope that is his (Guru Maharaj's) mercy.

In the afternoon, Prasanna Gauranga prabhu and Subhanga Govinda prabhu (Guru Maharaj's cooks) came to take darshan. And I heard that Guru Maharaj took nice and long rest in the afternoon. And Bk. Shyam shared:
Guru Maharaj was asking the nurse Anu about which denomination she is and she said, "Roman Catholic." Guru Maharaj talked about how they believe in father, Son of God and Holy Ghost and Anu was saying yes jesus is son of god. Then Guru Maharaj said, how Jesus was a good son, but we are all bad sons. He told her that, "Our spiritual master said, "Jesus is a son of God, how he is also one of our spiritual masters." Later on Guru Maharaj told Bk. Shyam, how he uses his Christian background to preach to Christians. Then he said, "I didnt love God before - we loved our family etc." "It is very difficult to love God without a devotee Guru." Then Radhapati Gopinath Pr asked, Guru Maharaj to explain the statement from an offering where Guru Maharaj had said that, "One dust from the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada can deliver whole universes." Guru Maharaj briefly explained, "Krishna respects and reveres His devotees' lotus feet more than Himself and Srila Prabhupada was devotee so therefore it is possible." Evening Dr. Sharin came to see Guru Maharaj and invited Guru Maharaj for tomorrow's program "17th Hepatitis Day" here in hospital . Also, Governor of New Delhi will be participating.

When I entered Guru Maharaj's room at night, Guru Maharaj said, he wants to dictate a letter to Ekanath Gaura prabhu. So, I did the recording and sent to him. Then Guru Maharaj took hot milk, fruits and went to bed at 12:15am. Around 2:30am, he called for water. When we made him sit to take water, he didn't take the water. We were requesting him to take it, but Guru Maharaj started, "Oh! the most beautiful Krishna! Oh! the most powerful Krishna! Oh! the most intelligent Krishna! Oh! my Lord! my life and soul!". Then finally chanted Hare Krishna Maha mantra and drank 50ml of water. Even in the middle of sleep, he is completely in the transcendental meditation, samadhi. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

02/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(02/DEC/2014) Today morning at 6am, Dhanya nurse came to check Guru Maharaj's BP. While checking his BP, she chanted Hare Krishna maha-mantra along with Guru Maharaj . Guru Maharaj was talking different topics regarding archives, about my games, etc with me. Then Dhanya Sister said, "Swamiji!  After 6:30am, you should not take any intake, even water." So Guru Maharaj took little water and took some rest. And night shift devotees and myself, we left for the home. Morning shift devotees joined the service. 

I got lot of calls regarding Guru Maharaj's procedure that is going to happen at 1pm. As I didn’t sleep whole night, I went to bed at 7:30am and got at 11am. I was very much in anxiety about Guru Maharaj's procedure. I got ready and chanted. In the hospital, before the procedure they took different tests to Guru Maharaj. Maha Varaha prabhu, Dr. Achyutananda prabhu and Acintya Caitanya prabhu were busy in the hospital. So, we didn’t receive any messages from them. 

Meantime Radha Raman Sevak prabhu said, "We will start reading Bhagavad-gita during the procedure time." So, we all servants sat and started to recite Bhagavad-gita verses. Actually, many were reading individually, but we all sat in one place and read collectively. Afternoon shift devotees got ready to leave to the hospital. Even though my service was given during night, since I was anxious about the procedure wanted to be there in the hospital; and wanted to see Guru Maharaj. So, I joined with afternoon shift devotees and left for the hospital. We went to the 1st floor and waited in the reception. Maha Varaha prabhu, Dr. Achyudananda prabhu, Madhava Kanta prabhu and everyone were sitting there. HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaj was also there.  Maha Varaha Prabhu told us what happened? and shared the good news that the procedure was done successfully. Immediately we shared the news in whatsapp, and facebook. And answered many devotees over the phone. We have waited for an hour to see Guru Maharaj come out. Guru Maharaj said, as soon as he regain his consciousness, the doctor who did the procedure told, "God is with us again! the procedure was done successfully!" Maha Varaha Prabhu shared this with us.

Even though Guru Maharaj was in the bed, when he was coming out, even in that situation, he was just blessing the doctors and nurses… Chanting…  It is just amazing to see him. Always the question arises, "how is it possible for him?". Then I immediately said to myself, "I should not consider my Guru as an ordinary person." 

We came along with Guru Maharaj to his room in the 4th floor. And then Guru Maharaj started to speak with HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaj. Maharaj started to explain his travel to Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. Guru Maharaj got into every place and wanted to hear the updates, etc. And like this Guru Maharaj was talking with HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaj for 45 minutes and more. He was fasting from morning without water, his mouth was dry and was feeling thirsty. But, he was so much enthused to talk about preaching.

Doctor said, "after the procedure, for the next four hours Swamiji should not take any intake". So, Guru Maharaj only can take at 6:30pm. Almost 12 hours he was fasting. So Radhapati Gopinath Prabhu got tender coconut water for Guru Maharaj to break his nirjala fast.  

Then I left to the house and took two hours rest. Again we came back at 9:30pm. Dr. Sharin came in the evening and met with Guru Maharaj. I heard from Maha Varaha prabhu that, in the afternoon, Guru Maharaj called different temples and talked with the presidents and some congregations over the phone. And everyone was very much moved by his call. And in every temple, they were just ending their Gita recitation and they offered it to Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj updated them about his health and they updated Guru Maharaj about their activities for Gita Jayanthi, etc.

And now, the night shift is going on. I was reading 10th chapter of Bhagavad-gita. In the verse 4 and 5, in the purport,  Srila Prabhupada explains about 'Fear'. "…Fear is due to worrying about the future. A person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness has no fear, because by his activities he is sure to go back to the spiritual sky, back home, back to Godhead. Therefore his future is very bright. Others, however, do not know what their future holds; they have no knowledge of what the next life holds. So they are therefore in constant anxiety. If we want to get free from anxiety, then the best course is to understand Kṛṣṇa and be situated always in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. In that way we will be free from all fear….". Not only this quality, I see all the qualities were exactly matching to our beloved Guru Maharaj. Whatever Srila Prabhupada says in his purport, we are watching in front of our eyes. "THE LIVING EXAMPLE" Jai Srila Gurudev!!! (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

01/DEC/2014 - New Delhi

(01/DEC/2014) Today forenoon I got the chance to read out the answers from jpssecrets@gmail.com (Sri Krishna Caitanya Mercy Contest); in that few devotees wrote some of their present activities and different updates. Guru Maharaj heard those and gave small replies to each one of them mercifully. I tried to use my time maximum with Guru Maharaj today by being in morning shift and also in the afternoon shift, even though I was not in any shift. I really wanted to be with Guru Maharaj. I had a chance to be there, so I used it. Guru Maharaj started to discuss many different topics. But, I wanted to discuss some topics, there was no time for that.

Ruci-rangada prabhu showed a video of tiger killing a human in the zoo of Delhi through his iPhone projector. Guru Maharaj saw that video very attentively. Then Guru Maharaj asked Ruci-Rangada prabhu, "Did you ever seen the Tiger that closer?" and started to share his experience of seeing a tiger very closer. Like this there was different discussions on tiger.

Then Radhapati Gopinath prabhu came. Guru Maharaj said, "He is our breaking news man" and  asked him, "What is the breaking news for today?". He said, "Ebola killed 6,000 people in West Africa!" and gave the details. Guru Maharaj asked him, "So, is there any medicine to save people?". He said, "No!". Guru Maharaj closed his eyes and said, "Hare Krishna Maha-mantra is the medicine for this age. We should make them chant; and they will do it." Guru Maharaj was very serious. Then he started his lunch. Today the Guwahati Couple got the chance to serve prasadam to Guru Maharaj. Mathaji served the prasadam from the containers into Guru Maharaj's plate and her husband was catching the bowl to make sure that no grains fall down while Guru Maharaj is taking his lunch. Haridas Caitanya prabhu was feeding Guru Maharaj. I went to chant my rounds. And at 5:10pm, Guru Maharaj got ready to go to the Hospital. We were all packing different things. Guru Maharaj came out and offered prayers to Saligram Silas. And then got into the car and he gave his hand to everyone. Everyone touched him. Then he left to the Hospital. Madhava Kanta prabhu & Radhapati Gopinath prabhu left early to make the setup for Guru Maharaj in the Hospital.

As I was not in the shift, I stayed back. But I got the chance to go to the hospital as they needed some things from home. And also Guru Maharaj's dinner needs to be taken.  I thought, I will use the chance and go to the Hospital. But Golokeswara Govinda prabhu, Rama Caitanya prabhu and Acintya Caitanya prabhu were ready to go. They took it. As the Chief Doctor didn't want to see so many devotees there, we honored him; and it is also for our Guru Maharaj. So I stayed back again in the house. But at 8:30pm, Maha Varaha prabhu called me and asked me to stay in the Hospital overnight, so that he can take some rest; and in the morning hours he can be active working with the doctors, etc. Golokeswara Govinda prabhu and Rama Caitanya prabhu were on night shift. Just I have to answer nurses and if anything needed I have to talk with them and convey what Guru Maharaj was asking to them. 

Madhava Kanta prabhu arranged for the blood donors, as Guru Maharaj asked specifically that, "only devotee's blood I will accept". Even though Guru Maharaj's blood group is commonly available, Madhava Kanta prabhu called devotees to give donation and Radhapati Gopinath prabhu was assisting to collect those and interacting with the Hospital staffs, etc. And finally, I am here in the Hospital; when I open the door, Guru Maharaj called me inside. But Golokeswara Govinda prabhu said, "No!". If I go, then Guru Maharaj may start to speak something and his rest may get more delayed. So I didn’t enter the room. But Guru Maharaj didn't get sleep. Somehow, I was there inside for some assistance. Immediately Guru Maharaj said, "Okay! Lord Caitanya…" Then I got my recorder and recorded the question for Sri Krishna Caitanya Mercy Contest. And then Guru Maharaj said, I want to give one message for Gita Jayanthi. So, I did the recording and posted the Gita Jayathi Message immediately into different whatsapp groups. Later nurses came and said that Guru Maharaj's blood sample got spoiled or the machine is not accepting it. They wanted to take the blood again. So, Guru Maharaj gave again 2ml.  Guru Maharaj said, "Before taking the blood, everyone chant, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare." Then they took the blood. Guru Maharaj said, "Run, go and test it immediately…" And after 1 hour they said, that blood was okay and in another one hour time, we will get the report. And finally, Guru Maharaj slept. I am awake, typing my diaries.  In between Guru Maharaj got up to drink some water. We gave him water, but he didn’t drink it. Rather he said, "Never forget Krishna!". We said, "Please sip in Guru Maharaj!". He said, "Chant!". We chanted "Hare Krishna!". Then he chanted Pancha-tattva Mantra and then Hare Krishna Maha-mantra then took 50ml water and it was 2am. I will be awake till 6am. Once the morning shift devotees reach the Hospital, we will go back. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

30/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(30/NOV/2014)  Today morning I got to know that Guru Maharaj decided to get admitted into ILBS Hospital tomorrow. Guru Maharaj wanted to have the darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Partha Sarati. Guru Maharaj got ready and left to the temple along with his troop. Every time it is very pleasant to go along with Guru Maharaj . Today I got the chance to feed the fruits to Guru Maharaj.

 As today is Sunday, darshan will be open until 2pm. There was no traffic. So, we reached around 1pm to ISKCON Delhi. When Guru Maharaj entered, 'yasomati-nandana' song was just started by one kirtaneer and Raj-Bhoga Aarti was going on. Guru Maharaj first went to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai altar, then Sri Sri Narasimha Dev, Sri Sri Radha-Partha Sarati Lalitha Vishaka, then Sri Sri Sita-Ram-Lakshman Hanuman and then Srila Prabhupada. In this way, Guru Maharaj offered ghee lamps to Their Lordships and offered flowers to Srila Prabhupada. Since it was Sunday, there were lots of public crowd. Just by seeing Guru Maharaj, everyone was just trying to touch his feet. They were just looking at him and some were raising their hands and saying "Hare Krishna!". It is different as always. Then Guru Maharaj took charanamrita. 

Before getting into the car, Guru Maharaj met Phaneswari Lakshmi Mathaji's (San Diego) mother and family members. Then Guru Maharaj took a group photo with us, got into the car and started to bless the devotees and the public. 

Today Guru Maharaj's Delhi disciples are organizing their monthly JSSS Meeting in ISKCON Delhi temple (Auditorium). Radhapati Gopinath prabhu came to invite Guru Maharaj and bless all his disciples, who are all assembled in the auditorium. As Guru Maharaj was already in the car and his health was not good, the request was not accepted. Finally we left from ISKCON Delhi to home. On the way back Guru Maharaj was dictating some letters to Danya Nimai prabhu.

In the JSSS afternoon meeting they scheduled the program with Maha Varaha Prabhu as the main speaker on the topic Guru Maharaj's pastimes and his health. So, I went back with Maha Varaha Prabhu and Madhava Kanta prabhu soon after the lunch. And it was a very wonderful program. Maha Varaha Prabhu spoke for 2 hours about Guru Maharaj with Hindi translation by Radhapati Gopinath prabhu. Devotees were very eager to hear about Guru Maharaj. After that, Maha Varaha prabhu did Guru puja and they distributed Samosa prasadam. We returned back to home at 6pm.

When we reached, physiotherapist came to do some physio-therapy to Guru Maharaj. And after the therapy, Guru Maharaj took his dinner prasadam and came to the hall to give the live class. And Acintya Caitanya prabhu did the repetition of the class. After the class Guru Maharaj, distributed sweets to everyone. Then he was discussing with Maha Varaha prabhu, Acintya Caitanya prabhu and Siromani Mathaji on tomorrow's admission in the hospital and different topics. From Guwahati.  a couple came for Guru Maharaj's darshan. Guru Maharaj spoke with them for some time and went back to his room. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

28/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(28/NOV/2014) Today morning Guru Maharaj was getting ready to go to Hospital. And somehow it got delayed and he left at 10:30pm. I just helped in some packing and loading. Before leaving Guru Maharaj gave Pariksan game to Chotta Madhava. I decided to stay back and complete Sri Guru Prasanga Magazine work; somehow two months' issues were pending in Tamil. So I have to catch up. I have to print two months' Magazine together. Really I have to break my head today.

Jaya Radha Krishna prabhu went to hospital to do the Caitanya Book recording. I got a call from Coimbatore that, the mathaji who is suffering due to cancer got the recommendation from Bhakti Vinoda Swami Maharaj. Guru Maharaj initiated her. Her name is Rukmini Premavati Devi Dasi. It was really unimaginable mercy.

I continued my work till night. Guru Maharaj reached home back at 10pm. Myself and Prasanna prabhu helped Guru Maharaj to get down from the car. Guru Maharaj asked me, "Whole day what you did? You were playing the game, I know..." I said, "No! Guru Maharaj, I was working on the magazine!" But he didn't agree. Then he took his dinner. While dinner I read out SANKIRTAN devotees' message. Guru Maharaj gave a wonderful message to all Mayapur vasis on Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon and went to bed. Then I transcribed the recording and sent that to SANKIRTAN devotees. 

I got a call from Varada Sakhi Mathaji that Her Grace Rukmini Premavati Mathaji left her body. During that time, devotees were chanting, Srila Prabhupada Kirtan was going on and Initiated beads were there in her hand. She opened her eyes and saw Guru Maharaj's pictures for few minutes continuously, closed her eyes and left her body. Her body was decorated with tilaka and holy names. Ganga water was sprinkled over. Everything as per Guru Maharaj's instructions. What a glorious departure. Really blessed by Guru Maharaj. Morning got initiated and night she left her body. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

27/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(27/NOV/2014) Today morning I went up from the basement and servants were taking the breakfast. As I woke up very late, I was the last one to join. I couldn't wake up early in the morning due to my laziness (blaming Delhi climate). Actually feeling difficult to be in this weather.

I finished my breakfast quickly as I heard that Guru Maharaj will come out to the hall and chant his Gayathri. Within few minutes Guru Maharaj came walking with the help of Deva Gauranga and Haridas Caitanya prabhus. He walked 50+ steps, sat on his chair in the sunlight and chanted his Gayathri. I was uploading the audio files into www.jpsarchives.net (soundcloud). After completing the Gayathri, Guru Maharaj did arati to Saligram Silas and went back to his room.

Today is Thursday, so Guru Maharaj was getting ready to go to ISKCON Delhi temple to take the darshan of Sri Sri Radha Partha Sarathi. Guru Maharaj got ready by 12:15pm and we left from our home. Myself and Prassanna Gauranga prabhu got into Sironmani Mathaji's car as most of the servants took this opportunity to visit temple along with Guru Maharaj; so there was no space in Guru Maharaj's car. When Guru Maharaj arrived in the temple, there were not much devotees to welcome Guru Maharaj as it was before.

Only few devotees were chanting Kirtan when we entered the temple. Guru Maharaj took darshan, showed arati to the deities and offered flowers to Srila Prabhupada. Then Guru Maharaj has performed annaprasanna ceremony to one of his disciple Tarun Gopal prabhu's child. One mathaji asked Guru Maharaj to sign two Bhagavad-Gitas.  Guru Maharaj signed. She said to me, "I am going to distribute these books to Maharaj's disciples." She made this trick of getting signature to distribute books.

Then Guru Maharaj took charanamrita and  we left from temple. Why there were very few devotees in the temple? Every devotee is out for Book distribution. Yesterday, when we were coming from Akshar Dham,   we saw in every corner, signals, there were devotees with books.  When we reached home, I saw a couple and their kid. Actually, I saw them when Guru Maharaj was there in the temple also. Anyway, they were talking with Guru Maharaj and they are from Shyamadesh. They are aspiring disciples of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. And they asked a question, "We want to settle down in Vrindavan Dham and serve Vaishnavas. Your suggestion?". Guru Maharaj with few seconds of silence said, "We chant Pancha-tattva Mantra first and then we chant Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. First get the mercy of Pancha-tattva." That was his answer. But it really has very deep meaning. Without the mercy of Lord Caitanya one cannot attain the mercy of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. (During this discussion I was not present - later Madhava Kanta prabhu shared this with me.) 

After that Guru Maharaj took his lunch in the late afternoon and took rest. As he was too tired, slept for a while. So, the class got delayed. I thought today Guru Maharaj will start late at 9pm. At 8pm there was power failure. So we couldn't do anything. We got power back at 9:15pm and Guru Maharaj also got ready and came to the hall. Today Guru Maharaj spoke "how he got Indian Citizenship?".Before Guru Maharaj coming to the class, Radha Bhava Gaura prabhu came to take Guru Maharaj's darshan and was sharing some of his memories. And I did video recording.

After the class, Guru Maharaj distributed Vrindavan milk sweets to the devotees and went back to his room. And after few minutes I got a message from Coimbatore that one Mathaji, who is a devotee, is now suffering due to advanced stage in cancer. So they wanted Guru Maharaj's advice and blessings. I conveyed it immediately to Guru Maharaj. But Guru Maharaj meditated for few minutes and asked few questions. And then he said, "If Bhakti Vinoda Swami (TP) recommend that devotee, I will initiate her. (She had taken shelter few months back).  Then he chanted Pancha Tattva Mantra and Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. I recorded that and sent to them.

At 11:30pm, Guru Maharaj was taking hot milk. So I used that time to take his blessings for my new games 'PARIKSAN'. This game I made for the kids. Guru Maharaj always encouraged me to do more games. When I showed him, he said, "you should make big game". And he asked me to show how to play. So Ruci-rangada prabhu, Golokeshwara Govinda prabhu and myself started to play in-front of him as it is a card game. We were all holding one, one card. And Guru Maharaj said, "Give me one!" and joined us. Like this it was so blissful. And he blessed the game. Whenever I make a new game, first blessings will be from him. He gives comments etc. I am so happy today. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

26/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(26/NOV/2014) Today morning everyone was getting ready to go to Akshar Dham temple along with Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj wanted to see this temple exhibits, how they have done and how it can be used in Mayapur TOVP.  We left around 10:30am from home. Yudhistir Govinda prabhu organized this for Guru Maharaj as per his order.  As Innova car is convenient for Guru Maharaj, Sandeep prabhu came with his car to pickup Guru Maharaj. Along with Guru Maharaj, 21 devotees went to see Akshar Dham. It was one hour drive from our place. When we reached, Guru Maharaj got into golf-car. They took him inside, we all followed him back. They didn't permit us to carry our cameras and mobile phones. So we were not able to take any pictures of Guru Maharaj there. The sannyasi temple president of Akshar Dham came out and garlanded Guru Maharaj and welcomed him. Then they took us on a tour.

First we went to Abhisheka Mandapam, there they asked us to bath the murti of Swami Narayan. We all did along with Guru Maharaj. Then we went into a 55 minutes show of Swami Narayan's Life and Teachings (exhibit and multi-media show). Then we entered into one cinema hall for 30 minutes showing Swami Narayan's life history. Then we went on a boat ride, where they were showing about ancient India and its glories. There they kept a diorama of Puri Jagannath Ratha and Mahaprabhu dancing in front of it. Per boat 15 people can sit. So, myself, Subhanga Govinda prabhu and Ravi Gaura Prabhu went in a different boat, the boat before Guru Maharaj. We were not able to go to the main temple. It has 40 steps to climb up, 40 steps to come down. Total 80 steps. We said, we will lift Guru Maharaj with wheel chair up. But, Guru Maharaj said, "On behalf of me, my disciples can go, take darshan and offer flower." Then Madhava Kanta Prabhu got one flower and Guru Maharaj touched it. Then we left from there. Almost 3 hours we spent there. Most of us got severe headache. I was not able to tolerate it. And somehow after one hour ride, we reached home. Immediately I took the tablet and slept. May be we didn't go out from this home for almost 40 days for these long hours. Even though we go to Hospital and temple weekly once, we all are always inside the rooms and do not spend much time outside the sun. (It is my speculation)

Subhanga Govinda prabhu woke me up and said, "Guru Maharaj is now in the hall, ready for the class." It was 8:30pm. I really got more headache. I don't know, I slept too deep. Immediately I went up there. Guru Maharaj was getting down from his wheel chair. Within 5 minutes I did the audio setup. Guru Maharaj started to sing kirtan for sometime till I connect to internet. By the time he completed his kirtan, we have connected to Mayapur.tv. 

Today's Katha was very wonderful. Then, Guru Maharaj distributed Laddu after the class. Guru Maharaj asked a question in the class as he was not able to remember one devotee's name. He said as a joke, "whoever is answering, 10 Rupees will be the price money". I said,"whoever is giving wrong answer they have to give 10 Rupees to Guru Maharaj."  Radhapati Gopinath prabhu gave wrong answer. So, when Guru Maharaj was distributing laddus, he gave 20 Rupees to Guru Maharaj as a penalty. Guru Maharaj was laughing seeing that 20 Rupees, showed it to Maha Varaha Prabhu and accepted that fine from Radhapathi Gopinath prabhu. Then Guru Maharaj said, "i also have headache." And I was telling to Maha Varaha prabhu, "How Guru Maharaj is taking it and coming to class with the headache." It is really amazing. But, more than headache, with his health condition, he is ready before us to speak Srila Prabhupada Katha... (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

25/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(25/NOV/2014) Around 12:30pm today, Guru Maharaj has called us for the Caitanya Book work. Jaya Radha Krishna, Deva Gauranga prabhus and Myself entered Guru Maharaja's room. We had discussions about the Caitanya Book. Guru Maharaj asked several questions. But we were not able to answer up to his satisfaction. First 30 minutes went like that. Somehow, at the last, we found the answer. Guru Maharaj accepted it and then we started the work. Guru Maharaj did the session for one hour. I was extremely satisfied with today's session. Guru Maharaj was in ecstasy, sometimes shedding tears, thinking a verse. "How the Lord's only business is to enjoy." Then I saw it was 2:30pm. As Ruci-rangada prabhu went to Vrindavan, I was replacing him in the afternoon shift. So, our shift started at 2pm. 

Panchajanya Kesava and Radhapati Gopinath prabhus were ready with Guru Maharaj's lunch. So, we stopped the Caitanya Book work. Guru Maharaj did his Gayathri and started his lunch at 3pm. His Grace Sathya Gopinath Prabhu (Rajahmundry/Guntur Temple President) came to take Guru Maharaj's darshan along with his wife and daughter. When he entered, Guru Maharaj was doing his Gayathri. Soon after completing his Gayathri, Guru Maharaj asked him, "You have met many ministers. So, you say, in minister's table you see lot of files, or in his secretary's table?" He couldn't understand.  He didn't know, whether Guru Maharaj is asking him or some other?  Again Guru Maharaj asked him. Then he answered, "It will be on his secretary's table." Then Guru Maharaj said, "Yes! Same way, Krishna, the Lord doesn't have to do work, only his assistant, his secretaries has to work. He is simply the enjoyer. He enjoy through devotees body, heart." Guru Maharaj started to cry. Then I thought, Guru Maharaj is still meditating on the verse that he came across during the Caitanya Lila book. 

Satya Gopinath prabhu told about his yatra to Vrindavan along with 100+ devotees from Rajamundry. On the way back, he and his family wanted to take Guru Maharaj's darshan. Guru Maharaj said to him, "Call your wife!". Mataji came in and Guru Maharaj said, "You put the prasadam from the boxes to my plate. You are the 'Loader'. When I complete one, then you have to load the next subji." Then to their daughter who is 7 years old (I think her name is "Lakshmi") Guru Maharaj said, "She will be your assistant loader! She will bring chappati from kitchen for me. Then Panchajanya Kesava prabhu is my feeder. And Radhapati Gopinath Prabhu is the catcher." So, in this way, Guru Maharaj was accommodating every single person in "Spiritual Master's service." As this is the only way for the conditioned souls to get closer to Krishna.

Maha Varaha prabhu said, today evening His Holiness Sivarama Swami Maharaj will be coming to see our Guru Maharaj. When he arrived in Delhi, he gave a call. So, we woke up Guru Maharaj from his afternoon nap. And he got ready.  Meanwhile, Maharaj reached our home and was waiting in the hall. Guru Maharaj said, "He will go and meet Maharaj in the hall." We took him there. Maharaj came and hugged Guru Maharaj. Then they started to speak different topics. As His Holiness was taking treatment in Coimbatore, Ayurvedic Hospital (AVP), Guru Maharaj asked about his well being, and how his disciples took care of him. And Maharaj said, "Your disciple Cinmaya Gauranga Das, he took care of me nicely, actually he was my guarding Angel there. Everyday, he arranged flowers for the deities, and bhoga." Guru Maharaj was very happy to hear about his disciples, and he said, "I told him that, he should take care of my God-brothers very nicely, and he did it." His Holiness Sivarama Swami Maharaj went to Mayapur from Coimbatore and from Mayapur he came to see Guru Maharaj in Delhi on his way to Vrindavan for two days and then back to Hungary. He also inquired about Guru Maharaj's health updates. Guru Maharaj asked him about Mayapur. Gradually they both entered into Srila Prabhupada lila, what happened that time, what happened in 1976 in Mayapur, different topics. Guru Maharaj remembered that, "When he got attacked in 1989 in Madrid, Spain, His Holiness Sivarama Swami Maharaj visited him." Maharaj said, "I came with my deities and they blessed you. They are still with me." And he explained about the deities. "They are originally worshiped by Swarup Damodar (Lord's associate) and They are mentioned in one of the book of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and also in 'The Holy Places of Puri'. These deities were there in one math and later I got them from that math. They gave it to me. Since then, I am worshiping them." Guru  Maharaj asked him, "So, What will happen to these deities after your life?". Maharaj said, "I have already made a will. In that I have mentioned that one grihasta couple will take care of Them. They are very good devotees." And then Maharaj showed the pictures of his deities and Sri Sri Radhe-Shyam in Hungary in his mobile phone. Like this, they were discussing and sharing different memories for more than one hour. Then Maharaj left from the home since he was tired travelling from 7am. 

After that Guru Maharaj met Sironmani and Aparna matajis(Manipal) and discussing for few minutes. Then went to his room and took dinner. Then came back for Srila Prabhupada Katha live class. I have just prepared some excerpts from Srila Prabhupada Morning walk. We read out to him. After that, Guru Maharaj looked at me for the next question. But, I was totally blank. I don't know what to do? What to ask? We need to continue the class. And I was silent for a moment. Maha Varaha Prabhu was looking at me. Then suddenly I remembered about Bhajan Kutir Gaura Nitai. So, I asked him about Nitai Pada Kamala Boat. "Uff! Finally! This question will take long time to answer. So that I will get the time to prepare for the next." Guru Maharaj just covered the half of the pastime about Nitai Pada Kamala and said, "Rest for tomorrow."

After the class Guru Maharaj distributed the sweets to the assembled devotees. One devotee from Balarama Desh was also with us tonight. When he asked Guru Maharaj, "When will you come to Balarama desh?" Guru Maharaj said, "If my doctor permits me, I am ready now. From Delhi we can get direct flight to Balaramdesh." Then he asked about the weather of Balaramadesh etc. The devotee was so happy. Then Guru Maharaj went back to his room and took hot milk and went to bed. Guru Maharaj called Jaya Radha Krishna Prabhu to read Brihad Bhagavatamrita at night. And listening to Brihad Bhagavatamrita for one hour, Guru Maharaj went to sleep. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

22/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(22/NOV/2014) Today Guru Maharaj came out to the hall and sat outside in the sunlight to do his Gayathri Japa. From morning we were waiting for the Caitanya Book. After shower, Guru Maharaj called us. Jaya Radha Krishna prabhu, Bk. Shyam and myself started the book. Today also a wonderful day. Guru Maharaj's deep meditation and his summaries for the purports were really amazing. Guru Maharaj gave one hour time. 

Later, regarding the ISKCON Sri Narasimha Giridhari Temple, Guru Maharaj talked with Varada Krishna prabhu over the phone. He was tired, so went to bed and got up at 4pm. 

As Janakiram pr left from Delhi today, new devotees joined the shifts. There were some changes made in the shifts by Maha Varaha prabhu. So I went to help in feeding the lunch. But after few minutes, Guru Maharaj asked me to read one mail on which he wanted me to do research. So I handed over my feeding service to Panjachanya Kesava prabhu and got into the given service.

Soon after Guru Maharaj completed his lunch, Maha Varaha Pr came in and said, "Members from World Hindu Congress have come to meet you." Once Guru Maharaj was a vice-president for World Hindu Congress. They all entered Guru Maharaj's room and everyone was on their knees in front of Guru Maharaj, out of great respect to him. The level of appreciation and love that they had for Guru Maharaj was very high like Himalayas. They are from Bali, Indonesia.

Guru Maharaj spoke about Bali Hinduism and they also responded to it. And they did prayers for Guru Maharaj's  speedy recovery. One among them was Guru Maharaj's disciple. Before meeting Guru Maharaj they met Maha Varaha prabhu.  Prabhu was speaking with them in Malay language. This group was headed by "Ida Pedanda Gede Ketut Sebali Tianyar Arimbawa" - Chairman of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia. He is also an astrologer. He got the time and details of Guru Maharaj's birth and did the calculation and said, "According to Jawa astrological calculation Maharaj is special person and he will live for 108 years."  It is such an wonderful, happy news.

Then they explained how they are going to celebrate three days festival for Gita Jayanthi. They all took Guru Maharaja's blessings again and again. Guru Maharaj blessed them with Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra Devi's stick and also offered each one of them Narasimha dev oil. Then they took a group photo with Guru Maharaj. At last, the leader came near to Guru Maharaj and took Guru Maharaj's hand and holded it tightly and said, "Please bless me! Your blessings are very much needed." And he kept Guru Maharaj's hand on his head and Guru Maharaj blessed him for long time. We recorded audio of this meeting (Subhanga Govinda prabhu helped in recording).

After them, Dr. Ajit an ophthalmologist  came to see Guru Maharaj for check up. After the check up, Guru Maharaj took rest, but it was 6pm. He got up at 7:15pm. I went inside and read out few pastimes of Guru Maharaj and Prabhupada in Calcutta. So he said, "I will speak more on this subject in detail." 

He got ready and came on time for the online Live class. But suddenly we got power cut in our home. So, we were not able to do the online broadcasting. So Guru Maharaj went and did Arati to Saligram. Then he met Kirtida Dulali Mathaji from Malaysia. She got some offering to Guru Maharaj for his diet. Guru Maharaj spoke to her for few minutes. Then he said, "I will chant my Gayathri. If we get the power back, then I will give the class." By the time he finished his Gayathri, the power came. Guru Maharaj started his class. Today we had a very wonderful session. After the class, Guru Maharaj distributed sweets to everyone and went to his room. Then met Mr. Rao during his dinner, went to bed late as usual. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

21/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(21/NOV/2014) Today morning, when I went, Guru Maharaj was getting ready to go to the hospital for his weekly checkup. I helped morning shift devotees little bit and got Guru Maharaj to the hall. 

Guru Maharaj saw Madhava Kanta prabhu and asked him, "How are you?".  The question has lots of deeper meaning in it. While we are all serving Guru Maharaj, Madhava Kanta prabhu is the one takes care of Guru Maharaj's and all the servants' needs. He goes for purchase, organizes devotees for cooking, arranges vehicles, tickets, etc. So, when Guru Maharaj stopped and asked him, "How are you?", naturally it sounds great. Since Guru Maharaj was getting late, couldn't continue the talk. 

Before leaving, Guru Maharaj did prayers to Saligram. Maha Varaha, Madhava Kanta, Deva Gauranga and Ravi Gaura prabhus went with Guru Maharaj. I was not on the shift. Also I had some works to complete. So I didn't go to the hospital.

In the afternoon, with Guru Maharaj's lunch, Ruci-rangada, Panchajanya Kesava, Janakiram prabhus left to the Hospital. Dr. Acyutanandar, Danya Nimai prabhus went in the forenoon. We were waiting for Maha Varaha prabhu's call to go to the hospital for the Caitanya book work. But it didn't happen.

At last I got the message that, Guru Maharaj will be coming at 10pm. So myself and Bk. Shyam were waiting for Guru Maharaj. Finally, Guru Maharaj reached at 10:45pm. We got him from the car. As soon as Guru Maharaj entered the home, he did arati to Saligram and went to his room. He went to bed late at night.

As I was not there in the Hospital, didn't know what happened?. But heard from Radhapati Gopinath prabhu that Dr. Sharin met Guru Maharaj in the evening, Danya Nimai prabhu has read mails to Guru Maharaj and Guru Maharaj was preaching to Nurse Priya. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

20/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(20/NOV/2014) Today morning after Guru Maharaj's breakfast, I got call from Deva Gauranga Prabhu for the Caitanya Book. Guru Maharaj gave us 45 minutes since he was scheduled to go to ISKCON Delhi temple for darshan. Today's session was very wonderful, Guru Maharaj was in complete transcendental ecstasy while we were reading the Caitanya Bhagavata.

Guru Maharaj took some rest, got ready and left from the house to temple at 12:15pm. Most of us, Maha Varaha Prabhu, Madhava Kanta Prabhu, Deva Gauranga Prabhu, Ravi Gaura Prabhu, Maha Purana Prabhu, Dhanya Nimai Prabhu, Janakiram Prabhu and myself went with Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj was welcomed with kirtan. He entered the temple, took darshan and offered the lamp to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Prahlad Narasimha Dev, Sri Sri Radha-Partha-Sarati, Lalitha Vishaka and Sri Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana Hanuman. Took Caranamrita, and took darshan of Srila Prabhupada and offered roses to Srila Prabhupada. One of his disciple from Mumbai, gave him a Lotus (unoffered) to offer to Srila Prabhupada. Guru Maharaj offered it. Then Guru Maharaj was informed that His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj is in Delhi, he will be coming to see him. Guru Maharaj waited for few minutes and Maharaj appeared there. Guru Maharaj immediately hugged him. Maharaj and Guru Maharaj started their conversation, it was really wonderful.

Guru Maharaj: Tomorrow I am going to the Hospital. So, I came to take darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Parthasarati.

Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj: How is your health Maharaj?

Guru Maharaj: Last time when Doctor did tests, they said, "I am recovering very fast." It is all Sri Sri Radha-Parthasarati's mercy. They are really merciful.

Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj: Yes! Maharaj! They are really merciful.

Guru Maharaj: Today I was reading and translating some of the Caitanya Lila, and in that it is explained, How, Cowherd women are attracted to Lord Krishna than their own children. And how the ladies in Navadvipa is attracted to Lord Gauranga than their own children. He is the soul of all the souls. And how Lord Nityananda was the soul of Ekachakra, when He left the village, practically everyone was dying...

I see that Sri Sri Radha-Partha Sarati is the soul of all the other 12 temples in Delhi. Their mercy is expanded there, everywhere.

Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj: Yes! Maharaj! At least in Delhi. Maharaj, Today in Mayapur they started Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon.

Guru Maharaj: Yes! I addressed them over Skype. Also, I addressed them here in ISKCON Delhi, two weeks back.

Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj: I also addressed them, that Mayapur should be the number one.

Guru Maharaj: (Laughing)

Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj: Please bless Delhi devotees that they should distribute more books.

Guru Maharaj: Whoever won that is not our point. We want to distribute more books. We want to reach many souls.

Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj: Yes Maharaj! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

And then, Guru Maharaj blessed (Marathon Blessings) the president and other devotees and left from temple. We reached our home at 2:00pm. Guru Maharaj took his lunch and rested. 

As I was not feeling well, took some tablet and went to bed. When I got up and saw it was 6pm. Immediately I took bath, came up and started the setup for Online class. Janakiram Prabhu was feeding dinner to Guru Maharaj. I went in and informed Guru Maharaj that tomorrow is the Vyasa Puja (according to tithi). Requested him to say few words so that we will send that to Maharaj. 

Guru Maharaj came to the hall at 8:30pm and started Srila Prabhupada Katha. As we were running out of letters and questions, we just made up few questions from Srila Prabhupada pictures. But Guru Maharaj gave wonderful explanation behind each and every picture. I was amazed to hear that, there were two bells in the parikrama path of Srila Prabhupada in 1970s. Now we have only one bell. 

We gave one tablet that Guru Maharaj is supposed to take after dinner. In between class, we gave that medicine and whenever we give medicine, we always show him that medicine and tell the name of the medince. When Guru Maharaj was taking that medicine, he was in the meditation of Srila Prabhupada katha. So, externally, he took the medicine, and water to swallow it. But he didn't swallow the medicine, rather he thought it is a lozenges for the throat. He started to bite it. At the end of his class, his whole mouth, tongue became dark blue color. Everyone started to wonder, what is this? And each one was speculating different things. Then Dr. Rajeev said, "It is that tablet. because of that, it became like that." Then Guru Maharaj said, "I thought it is a lozenges for the throat." and started to laugh. Immediately Guru Maharaj did mouth wash. He distributed sweets to the devotees , had a discussion with Dr. Rajeev and went to his room. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)

19/NOV/2014 - New Delhi

(19/NOV/2014) Today morning, Maha Puran Prabhu woke me up and asked for the lecture(last night) transcript. In that Guru Maharaj had spoken about Srila Prabhupada Marathon. Today devotees are inaugurating Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon in Mayapur. Co-directors of Mayapur and His Grace Jananivas Prabhu are going to address them. Maha Puran prabhu asked a message from Guru Maharaj. But Guru Maharaj said, "Last night, I spoke few words. Now I am tired I can't speak now."  So Prabhu wanted to send the transcript immediately to Mayapur. Finally, we sent it to Mayapur, and they read it out as Guru Maharaj's message.

Usually after breakfast Guru Maharaj gives us the time to do the Caitanya book. So we were waiting. Deva Gauranga Prabhu called me in after the breakfast. I went and made the setup of my laptop on Guru Maharaj’s table. But when we got ready, Guru Maharaj said, “Later.”.

Later many different topics were discussed and Guru Maharaj answered many questions. For those who are sheltered and initiated, Guru Maharaj was saying that, "Having sex only for procreation is the goal." And then someone asked a question, " Some devotees get disturbed to see the people doing sense gratification (kissing etc) in the public. So how they can handle this situation. Is sex is only allowed for procreation?" Guru Maharaj said, "Having sex with his wife is not a problem. Only for Procreation is the goal." Again someone asked, "Is it not sinful?" Guru Maharaj said, "No! It is not sinful. One more question came up, "What will be the reaction?". Guru Maharaj said, "They will become more attached to the body." Then Guru Maharaj continued, "In 1970s, in Mayapur, two farmers were discussing: "I went to Calcutta, it is such a hellish place. I will never go again." Another person asked, "Why? What happened there?" He said, "In public place, a man is keeping his head on a girls lap and speaking with her in park. IN A PUBLIC PLACE."  People are crazy there. Everyone is seeing that. I will never go to Calcutta again in my life." That was the standard in the villages."  

As Guru Maharaj was tired took some rest for couple of hours. Then he got up and took lunch.After that dental doctor Nanda Priya mathaji came and checked Guru Maharaj's dental.

Due to medicines intake, Guru Maharaj was feeling more tired and went to bed again. 

In the evening Guru Maharaj called his God-brother HG Sikhi Mahiti Prabhu (USA) and talked with him over the phone. And then, there was a special Ishtagosti with Sankirtan devotees of Sri Mayapur Dham. They were waiting for Guru Maharaj from 8 pm. Guru Maharaj came 45 minutess late and addressed them for nearly 52 minutes. Guru Maharaj said lots of Sankirtan pastimes. Everyone got fired up.  We thought Guru Maharaj will bless them and then we will continue Srila Prabhupada Katha class. But Guru Maharaj distributed the sweets to everyone assembled and went to his room. (Personal Diary - Shyama Rasika Dasa)