23/OCT/2019 - Sri Mayapur Dhama, India

(23/OCT/2019 - Sri Mayapur Dhama) Today it marks 11th year. Yes, in 2008 Oct 23rd @ ISKCON Juhu Guru Maharaja had a stroke and came back to life and last 11 years preaching vigorously, non-stop... And went through many ICUs, hospitals, surgeries, etc. Unforgettable day in all our lives.

Even though Guru Maharaja is in Mayapur, still I am not able to spend time in his personal services as like before. I got engaged in Archives, publications, and many other responsibilities, I had taken. Only during Guru Maharaja's evening class, I am able to be with him.

Today evening it was drizzling. And the climate was cool throughout the day. I reached Lotus building at 7:10pm. Guru Maharaja was talking his dinner. And Subhanga Govinda Prabhu was feeding. Guru Maharaja didn't eat as he take his normal quota. He stopped eating; and was waiting for some veggies to complete his dinner. He was not feeling to eat, and was looking tired. As Guru Maharaja was waiting, Subhanga Govinda Prabhu asked me to read or talk with Guru Maharaja. But, actually, I came to ask Guru Maharaja, whether we should cancel the class as it is raining, or we have to set it up on the eastern side. But, when Subhanga Prabhu gave me a chance. I remembered tomorrow is Ekadasi day, so I asked Guru Maharaja, "Guru Maharaja tomorrow is Rama Ekadasi, have anyone read out the Mahatmya for you?" Guru Maharaja replied, "No! But, I would like to hear now!"

Then I started to read. Guru Maharaja enjoyed each and every line. When, Mucukunda King ordered all the citizens including Elephants, Horses, and animals to fast during Ekadasi... Guru Maharaja started to roar in joy. It was a wonderful experience always to be with Guru Maharaja.

Guru Maharaja said, "Today it was half day meeting (MEB) and evening I met with my purvasrama sister Mary. 

Then, as per Guru Maharaja's order we started to setup the class here in the Guru Maharaja's living room. Meanwhile Guru Maharaja said, "I will take a short nap." And he rested on his bed watching Mayapur.TV. And there was one boy performing Harinama Bhajan, and Guru Maharaja liked his singing and asked about him. And Tarun Gaura Pr said, "He is serving as a Kirtania in day kirtan department, he is very nice singer." Then Guru Maharaja saw a group of boys dancing in a same pattern, left, right and rolling... So Guru Maharaja asked, "Why they dance like this?" Then, Tarun Gaura Pr said, "They are NDP boys, New Bhakta Program!" And Guru Maharaja was imitating them and dancing like them. And when Vrajesvara Gaura Pr entered the room. Guru Maharaja showed him this is our NDP boys and their dance.

Meanwhile we made the setup, and Guru Maharaja got ready for the class. And we opened the curtain, and devotees were sitting outside. Somewhere getting wet in rain. But, still it was very nice class, Guru Maharaja explained about Rama Ekadasi and then Caitanya Book part. It is really very intense subject and Guru Maharaja is practically in ecstasy reading every verse in Caitanya Book.

After the class, night shift devotees came to take over the seva. Then I also took leave from Guru Maharaja and left. 

Some 2 hours of association. Hopefully, in future I may get more time to be with Guru Maharaja. (Personal Diary - Syama Rasika Dasa)

13-15/JUN/2019 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(13-15/JUN/2019 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) Today is Nirjala Ekadasi, but I didn't follow nirjala, had some fruits in Tiruchirapalli Airport and boarded on Malinto Airlines to Kuala Lumpur to join with Guru Maharaja. My flight scheduled at 10:35am. And Guru Maharaja arrived to Chennai last night from Hyderabad and his flight scheduled to leave at 11:45am.

I landed in Kuala Lumpur and completed my immigration formalities and was waiting for Guru Maharaja. And I saw that Malaysian Airlines landed at 6:20pm and I saw the luggage belt no and went and started collecting Guru Maharaja's luggage's and waiting for him. Then, Guru Maharaja came with Maha Varaha Prabhu and Deva Gauranga Prabhu. Guru Maharaja saw me, I said, "Hare Krishna Guru Maharaja!" Guru Maharaja said, "Sir, I know a person like you, who is in India. His name is Syama Rasika." I was in my Pant and Shirt, then Guru Maharaja touched my shirt and said, "Nice shirt, nice color!"

We were waiting for Radharaman Sevak Pr and Acarya Ratna Pr come, already many devotees were waiting for Guru Maharaja outside the airport. Joshna Mataji who helped us inside the Airport was showing to Guru Maharaja on WhatsApp call, the devotees are waiting outside, Guru Maharaja was seeing one by one, and blessing them and started to talk with them.

Later, Radharaman Sevak Pr came out of immigration, but for some reason Acarya Ratna Prabhu got stuck. Then. Maha Varaha Pr asked us to take Guru Maharaja and go ahead, and he stayed back and took the help of Joshna Mataji to get Acarya Ratna Pr from immigration office.

We came out, and just by seeing Guru Maharaja - the devotees faces were filled with so much of Happiness, and Guru Maharaja has a special connection with Malaysia devotees. Marici Prabhu was there and he was introducing a new devotee, who was aspiring from Guru Maharaja. Paripurna mataji was there, and many other.

Then, Guru Maharaja got into the car, and still he was blessing them... The joy of going to Malaysia and seeing the devotees made Guru Maharaja in great ecstasy. In Airport Guru Maharaja saw an advertisement, V15 mobiles, and Guru Maharaja asked about the specifications, details, etc. And, Syama Madhusudan Pr was doing emails in between, whenever Guru Maharaja gets time.

Then Guru Maharaja reached Mahesa Advaita Pr's house. This Villa dedicated for Guru Maharaja by him. He made a special indoor lift for Guru Maharaja, swimming pool, etc. Devotees headed by Santirupa Mataji welcomed Guru Maharaja by a transitional style by taking Arati. Guru Maharaja entered and took darsana of Lord Jagannatha Baladeva and Subhadra and Gaura Nitai and offered Them ghee lamp Arati.

Then, suddenly the lift was not working... Even though they checked just before Guru Maharaja arrived from airport. Meanwhile, those who were there got a chance to talk with Guru Maharaja. 

Guru Maharaja asked about preaching and Gita saram program. And how they do that? Is any devotee is here from that program? Like that Guru Maharaja was interacting with them for five mins. Meanwhile they fixed the lift and Guru Maharaja went to his room to take rest. He honored his prasadam while coming from Airport. Like this, the day ended very fast.

The next day, everyone was tired. I saw Guru Maharaja in the afternoon, when he saw me, he started to narrate about Srila Prabhupada's Bengali lecture that hr heard today. Guru Maharaja was in deep ecstasy, his eyes were red. Tears were ready flow. He said, "Srila Prabhupada asking, there are so many dharmas in the world, but all are cheating... Hindu goal, Christian goal, Muslim goal, but what is the real goal? Hindu person worship Kali and sell Goat meat, and Muslim person sell goat meat... Both are selling meat, Hindu or Muslim. Pocca Badmash!" So Guru Maharaja was very happy and was telling how Srila Prabhupada was very bold and straight forward, he speaks, "Pocca Badmash!" Foolish Rascals... Srila Prabhupada said, "Bhaktivinoda Thakura who found Lord Caitanya's birthplace, he is a grihastha..." 

During evening hours Guru Maharaja came down to use the swimming pool to do hia exercises. That time, Simhesvara Pr and few other senior devotees were there. And Sri Dhamesvari Mataji and family from Singapore were also there to take Guru Maharaja darsan. And Guru Maharaja repeated the same to Maha Varaha Pr - what he heard today from Srila Prabhupada's lecture. And, Maha Varaha Pr later said to everyone.

And, Sri Dhamesvari Mataji try to introduce her to Guru Maharaja, "I am your disciple..." Guru Maharaja in little bit high tone said, "I know you!" She said, "I am Dhamesvari..." Before she say that Guru Maharaja said, "Sri Dhamesvari!" Guru Maharaja corrected her. She was over whelmed. Then her husband Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaja's disciple, recently got initiated. Guru Maharaja asked his name. He said, "Sanjayananda Krishna Dasa!" Guru Maharaja said, "Sanjaya was a great devotee of Krishna, because of him we are reading Bhagavad-gita now. He retold what he heard and saw in the Battle field of Kuruksetra. Guru Maharaja blessed their family and went to swimming pool to do his exercises. Then, Guru Maharaja took his dinner and attended his meeting Simhesvara Pr and other seniors. 

Later, I went to assist Goloka Pr to give rest to Guru Maharaja at night. As I am working now on Caitanya Book, I said to Guru Maharaja about how Jagannatha Misra was telling to Lord Nimai, if you listen to me, I will give you Bananas. It was narrated by Guru Maharaja in 2014. So, I shared with Guru Maharaja, and he was in great ecstasy said, " the Lord like to be Subordinate to His own devotees to relish great pleasure!" Before going to bed Guru Maharaja was talking a Bengali devotee who came to assist in Night Shift, where is he from? Which part of Bangladesh, what is he studying in Malaysia etc. He said, "I am doing my CA!" Guru Maharaja said, "In India even if you lose on paper in CA, you are lost. But in Malaysia, if you lose in one paper, only that paper you can write!" Then that devotees said, "Yes!" Guru Maharaja asked him, "After your studies where do you want to go?" He said, "Canada!" Guru Maharaja said, "I am from the land of Canada!" And then, Guru Maharaja took some milk and sweets, then Guru Maharaja gave one sweet to me and one to Goloka Pr. Then Guru Maharaja said to Goloka Pr, "Give one cookies to Syama Rasika! I got this from Hyderabad." Then I said, "Guru Maharaja, I will give you rest and then I will eat." Guru Maharaja said, "You eat then I will rest." Then Goloka Pr gave cookies to me and other two devotees (Bengali devotee and Patita Pavana Caitanya Pr) we all ate crispy cookies. Then Guru Maharaja said, "Okay! Let me take rest." His activities are beyond our thoughts and very difficult to express in words. It so really fortunate to receive such a loving father. Before going to bed, Guru Maharaja said, "Ask Maha Varaha to give the Atlanta Recipes to devotees for Panihati preparation."

15th morning Guru Maharaja started his morning TOVPE meeting. Then, he met Adi Purusa Pr and his wife from Adelaide. Then, took his lunch and rested, then Guru Maharaja started to temple in the evening for Panihati festival. It is actually colorful festival. Normally, it was celebrated normally like some 10 kinds of cida-dahi offered and a simple festival.

Just because of Guru Maharaja's presence, this festival became a grand festivity. So many.devotees and they made pots with nice paintings, and offerings, etc. In Malaysia history this is the first time they are celebrating Panihati in a grand manner that too along with Guru Maharaja. They made a nice stage - especially for Guru Maharaja. Devotee kids offered lamps and flowers to Guru Maharaja, umbrellas accompanied, just like a king, Guru Maharaja enter the temple with purna kumbha and sannyasa sukta. And offered Arati Lord Jagannatha Baladeva and Subhadra and Lord Gaura Nitai.

Then entered the main arena and devotees did an Arati welcome. Disciples performed Guru-puja, and Guru Maharaja accepted mercifully. Guru Maharaja started his class on Panihati pastime. It was 40mins of nectar. Then Guru Maharaja took his dinner, then met with Senai (South Malaysia) devotees, and then accepted aspiring and shelter disciples. And Guru Maharaja went and saw each and every pot that devotees made. There were total 18 pots. 18 departments made these panihati preparation, so everyone showed it and Guru Maharaja blessed them. Devotees were jubilant and laughing and every one is haooy with smiling face, and Guru Maharaja just flooded everyone with great joy of this danda-mahotsava.

Guru Maharaja left the temple and reach home little late, and he was too tired so went to bed at 11:45pm. The days goes like minutes in the association of Guru Maharaja. There are lot of details, but I couldn't write, as I am also tired and sleepy. There are lot more that many other servants can share, who get lot of association with Guru Maharaja. I am just recording here some few hours of my presence with Guru Maharaja for my memories. (Personal Diary - Syama Rasika Dasa)

20/APR/2019 - Kolkata to Juhu Mumbai

(18/APR/2019 - Kolkata to Juhu Mumbai) Today morning we 10 servants left from our hotel with Guru Maharaja to Airport. Four servants left early, and we six servants including a Doctor started our journey with Guru Maharaja. In this trip, Madhava Kanta Prabhu will lead us as a chief secretary of Guru Maharaja - as Maha Varaha Prabhu left to Malaysia.

Since our flight is at 9:25am. We got delayed, so it was a rush. One of the servant was driving Guru Maharaja's Crista Car; since he is first time driving this car, which has auto gear system. So, for few mins, he didn't know, how to start the vehicle, as it has automated system. Finally, after few mins we found how to start. Then we reached airport around 8:30am. Madhava Kanta Pr went ahead and did the luggage check in.

We enter with Guru Maharaja to the airport. Damodardesh devotees were there to catch their flight; and Srivallabha Prabhu was there, and they met Guru Maharaja and informed him that today Friday, they are going to celebrate grand vyasa-puja festival in Damodardesh with more than 500 devotees. Guru Maharaja blessed them all. And we entered security check in. Somehow, these securities didn't allow Guru Maharaja with hia wheelchair. They wanted to check the wheel chair, etc... So, we made Guru Maharaja to sit on a normal chair and they checked the wheel chair, and then a security came and checked Guru Maharaja, and Guru Maharaja was laughing... I said, "This security very fortunate - he for an opportunity to touch you Guru Maharaja, for sure his life will get a change." Then we boarded on our flight. It was very easy, and we made Guru Maharaja sit in business class, and 10am flight took off. Madhava Kanta Prabhu was with Guru Maharaja in Business class, and we were all in economic class.

40mins before landing, Guru Maharaja wanted to use rest room. So, Deva Gauranga Prabhu, Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu, Madhava Kanta Prabhu took Guru Maharaja. But the toilet in the aircraft is too small even for a normal man. Then, I too joined in assisting Guru Maharaja. But, after four steps, Guru Maharaja's legs started to collapse, he was not able to stand, even though we three devotees trying - but he was helpless. And, somehow, we made him sit - but the side handle bars hit on his right hand got a skin peel, and it started to bleed. We all got so panic. Guru Maharaja's kurta got blood stains - somehow, we managed to take him back, but we couldn't move him. Guru Maharaja started to say, "I am not feeling my legs!" Then we started to move him manually lifting him, and made him sit on Air Hosters seat, and made him relax and again we tried to move him to hia seat. But we failed. Then, Dr. Acaryaratna came and did first aid, all our dhoti, kurta for blood strain. What to say? Guru Maharaja was seeing us struggling he was helpless. Then, in one go, we did a move and Guru Maharaja got back to his seat. This journey none of us will forget. It was almost the landing time. We made it.

When we got down from the Aircraft, we said, "Sorry to the Air Hosters - as they got so panic. Thinking what is going on here? Everywhere blood stain, and passengers were standing up from their seats and trying see. What's going on with Swamiji?

Dr. Acaryaratna Prabhu went ahead and took all our luggage. Guru Maharaja was saying - if anyone asks about this blood stain just say, " For Rama-Navami we did a wrestling! " Guru Maharaja actually made us laugh and broke that pain, and anxiety. Then he took us to Haldiram shop, and got buttermilk for everyone. Whenever we get this kind of compassion, we can't express that feeling by words.

Somehow, we came out of this airport and boarded into the car and left to Juhu, temple. There was devotees waiting for Guru Maharaja for long time. Then. Guru Maharaja got welcomed with different signs.

Guru Maharaja took is lunch, and had his afternoon rest. After rest, Guru Maharaja said, will join in today's IIAC meeting. Soon after the meeting out over, it was 7:4pm.... Then Guru Maharaja rushed to temple for Darsan. But, there were many devotees. And Lokannatha Swami Maharaja singing Kirtana. Somehow, Pundarika Pr made an arrangemwnt, so the pujaris waited for Guru Maharaja.

The temple was packed as Lokannatha Swami Maharaja was performing Kirtana. Guru Maharaja went and showed Arati to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari, Sri Sri Sita Rama Laksmana Hanuman, Sri Sri Prahlad Narasimha Deva and then came in front of Srila Prabhupada and showed Arati, then Guru Maharaja turned and started doing Arati for Lokannatha Swami Maharaja. Seeing that Maharaja started to do Arati mentally with empty hand started to Arati for Guru Maharaja. That was very wonderful moment to witness, all the devotees in temple were jubilant in happiness seeing both exalted Vaisnavas and their interaction.

Then Lokannatha Swami Maharaja spoke on the microphone, "His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja has come from Mayapur to Juhu! By seeing him, I remember..." Saying this Maharaja started singing, "Kaha Gauranga, Laha Gauranga..." It was vibrating.... Then he showed in action seeing Guru Maharaja, "je jan gauranga bhaje, sei amara prana re!!!" Guru Maharaja left from there. Now, they are all ripened fruit of Srila Prabhupada, they are very sweet in their every action.

Then Guru Maharaja back to his room, and he called me and said, "I will give question and answer session after my dinner." There were many devotees waiting outside for Guru Maharaja's Darsan. So, I asked Guru Maharaja, "Shall I check for place where you can give class, and the waiting devotees can also take part." Guru Maharaja said, "Yes! I will be happy!" So Pundarikaksha Govinda Prabhu immediately gave us the Gauranga Hall.

As Prasadam was getting delayed, Guru Maharaja called Dr. Mamatamayi Mataji to check his skin peel off on his forehead. Then, after seeing, Mataji suggested that, we can to for a Liquid Nitrogen therapy. It will be minus 98°, and we have to spray on top of this part, and all the cells will die. Then new cells will form. Many discussions happened on this.

Then, Vaikunthapati Prabhu and his wife came to offer some fruits to Guru Maharaja. And Guru Maharaja asked her, "How are you my spiritual daughter?" Then she started to cry hearing those words. Guru Maharaja said, "My son comes and meets me often, why see you not coming to see me?" So, these simple words melted her itseems. They just left in two mins.

So in this way, Guru Maharaja was bestowing his mercy to all the devotees and disciples. Then he came out there Sri Rasika Raja Prabhu, Indradyumna Swami Majaraja's disciple. He is going to get married to Sulaksana Gopi Mataji - so he came to offer his wedding card. Then, Guru Maharaja saw it, and said, "We may come to Bangalore!!!" And blessed him.

Finally reached Gauranga Hall for class at 10pm. Guru Maharaja gave a wonderful class on followed by a question and answer session. Then, at last finally reached his room. But, not for rest, to meet more devotees. Who else can be meriful. There are lot to write, but I am not getting time to write this diary. (Personal Diary - Syama Rasika Dasa)

19/APR/2019 - Sri Mayapur to Kolkata

(19/APR/2019 - Sri Mayapur to Kolkata) After long gap I am travelling with Guru Maharaja today. After I came from Chennai in February I got busy with Victory Flag Publications work, Archives for Vyasa-puja. And there were lot mental tensions during Vyasa-puja, so I was totally tired. Since, Maha Varaha Prabhu going to Malaysia for five days, he asked me to go with Guru Maharaja to Juhu, Mumbai for a week. I think, it is Lord's arrangement, and by His mercy I got this chance to be with Guru Maharaja.

Last year also I got a chance to visit Mumbai with Guru Maharaja for 40th Anniversary Celebration of ISKCON Juhu temple. Guru Maharaja will be attending IB meetings.

Guru Maharaja started his journey from Mayapur at 1pm. Devotees were running behind the Caravan, and crying, singing Namaste Narasimhaya Prayers, Guru Maharaja was reciprocating with them through his glass window... 

First we went to see the new Land of JPS Seva trust, which is located in Tarangpur. Guru Maharaja inquired about its area, etc. Then we started to move towards Kolkata. On the way Guru Maharaja was paying his obeisances to Yogapitha, Srivasa Angan, Caitanya Matha, like this he was in deep meditation. Then he started to sing, "Gaurāngam adi purusam tamaham bhajami" "Gaurangam adi purusam tamaham bhajami!" Louder and louder.

Guru Maharaja started to have his lunch at 2:10pm. Before eating he chanted Maha Prasade Govinde prayer fully and prayed to Krishna and thanked Him for Prasadam. I felt so bad, because I am not doing it anytime, whenever I get Prasadam in my plate, I just start within a second. Guru Maharaja teaches us in every step.

By the time he ended his lunch, the caravan was stopped by a Kirtan and, devotees surrounded the Caravan. Yes! We reached Habibpur. Guru Maharaja, started to bless them extending his hand... But he couldn't touch the glasses - there was few inches gap, devotees were going mad in ecstasy seeing Guru Maharaja soon after his Vyasa-puja. Then I gave Guru Maharaja Jagannatha stick to bless the devotees, still Guru Maharaja not able to touch their head. Then Guru Maharaja said, you bless them with this stick, and he was touching me, and I was touching devotees heads. Here all the servants got their lunch Prasadam packets.

Then, Guru Maharaja said, I will take cucumber at 5pm. And he said, after Chakdaha there will be Bado Jaguli there - we can get Cumcumber. And we stopped in Chakdaha pertrol pump and all the divers and afternoon shift devotees took their prasadam. But, I didn't chant Maha Prasade Govinde prayers now also. When we got back after Prasadam - Guru Maharaja asked me, what was the Prasadam they gave in Habibpur for you all? I said, the list. He wanted to make sure that, everyone took enough Prasadam. And, for also he waited for almost 30mins for everyone to complete their Prasadam and get ready to go.

Then we started our journey, we just about enter Kalyani by-pass. Guru Maharaja said, stop... Stop... This is Bado Jaguli, get Cumcumber, Lemon and Saga-alu. Then we got down and went over to the vegetable market as per Guru Maharaja. And, Dharesh Prabhu purchased it. Then I started cutting and Akarshaka Prabhu was feeding Guru Maharaja. Guru Maharaja liked the Cucumber. After this, he started to check correspondence.

Finally we reached Swisshôtel at 7pm. Guru Maharaja went to the room, and was looking going around the room, checking the bed, etc. Then he was watching News about today's Election poll in India. Then he took his dinner and at 9:45pm Maha Varaha Prabhu and Gokula Damodara Prabhu took leave from Guru Maharaja to catch their midnight flight to Kuala-lumpur. And then Guru Maharaja went to bed at 10:30pm. He was extremely tired - immediately slept. Tomorrow morning we have to leave to Mumbai. Good Night! The day ended here. (Personal Diary - Syama Rasika Dasa)