Shukasari

GURU-SEVA IS NOT EASY by Srila Gour Govinda Mahäräja (as told in Oriya, translated by Bhakta Pradosh) Once there was a guru living in an ashram on the bank of the Gangä with a few brahmacari, celibate students, disciples. He was engaging them in varieties of devotional service, like cooking, serving prasädam, gardening, cleaning pots, taking care of the cows, etc. One disciple, named Govardhan, whose nickname was Govara, had a daily service to go to the river with a big water pot and collect Ganga water for the ashram. He did the service very sincerely for the pleasure of his guru. But after some time, he thought, “Why is it that although I have been doing this service for so long I am not feeling any happiness? Maybe I should leave this ashram, go to the city, get married, and enjoy the rest of my life.” From his childhood he had lived in the ashram and performed sevä, service. He had no idea of anything else, no experience of any big cities—he didn’t even know where they were. Day by...

While in Bombay, a doctor who is a disciple of Srila Gurudeva came to ask him some questions about Vilapa Kusumanjali by Srila Raghunath dasa Goswami. No sooner had he mentioned the name of this book, Srila Gurudeva asked him: "Have you read Upadesamrta ?" "Yes," the doctor replied. "No," Srila Gurudeva answered. "You have not read it." "Yes, I have," insisted the doctor. "I purchased your edition and read it." "Then tell me what is the first sloka , verse?" Srila Gurudeva asked. "Well," said the doctor. "I have read the book, but I can't remember the verse." "You say, you have read it, " Srila Gurudeva replied. But what is the use if you cannot remember the verses? How many rounds do you chant?" "I chant a minimum of 16 rounds," the doctor answered. "If you want krsna-prema , then you must chant not less than one lakh (100,000) of harinama , holy names...

A very long time ago, His Holiness BP Hrishikesh Maharaja told me about his conversation he had with his Guru Maharaja Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja about politicians. (Srila BP Puri Maharaja): When you see a politician, you run. (His Holiness BP Hrishkesh Maharaja): Can't I even help them. Perhaps to chant or something? (Srila BP Puri Maharaja): No. You just RUN!! * Food for thought* Politicians have twisted tongues. One moment they say one thing and the very next second they change their statement. It is our best interest to simply run away. They are only out there for their own selfish interest. So beware!!!!