Shukasari

Once when Srila Gurudeva was in Kuala Lumpur, and was hosted by a family in a residential area, the neighbours complained that the devotees were making too much noise early in the morning, meaning during mangala arati. This matter was brought up to Srila Gurudeva by some devotees. Below is the excerpt of the conversation: ( Devotee s): Srila Gurudeva, there's been some complain about us making too much noise early in the morning. ( Srila Gurudeva ): O you should all tone down. Do not disturb anyone. ( Devotee ): But I already talked to them and they said it was alright. ( Srila Gurudeva ): No, No. We should still keep it down and not disturb them. Also, a similar incident happened in the Philippines in 1999 when Srila Gurudeva was hosted in a beach resort during Christmas. There was loud blaring of music and much merriment was going on. One of the devotees complained the matter to the resort management. The devotees were also planning to move Srila Gurudeva to another b...

Sometimes devotees tend to forget that people out there who have no inkling about Krsna consciousness, should not be judged or criticised. Each time I talk to a person, devotees will query me whether they are devotees or not. Also, there are those who are bent on saying they cannot get along with non-devotees. They rather not work for them and find all kinds of excuses just to be judgemental about non-devotees. I personally feel such persons are living on a self-denial mode. Krsna is in everyone’s heart. If we know how to conduct ourselves as devotees, then even the non-devotees will know how to reciprocate with us. It is not that now ‘I am initiated, I should only be with devotee group.’ Although, there is no doubt it is for good association, we must not neglect the outside world when we are not ready to do so. Artificial renunciation is definitely not accepted. Why not start making friends with them and slowly bring them to Krsna consciousness. After all we are Krsna’s one big family...

Once I missed Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaja's class. Maharaja queried me why I did not come to which I answered I had to work. In jest, Maharaja told me to give up my work. I simply replied, "Not yet, Maharaja." (It's better to be slow but steady.)

Once a devotee had an interesting darshan with Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja. ( Devotee ): I have given up everything. My job, my house, my family, my wealth. Everyhing! ( Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja ): Yes, that is monkey renunciation. (One who has really given up would not realise they have given up anything. Only a great soul, maha-bhagavata knows our hearts.)

In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, (Kali-yuga), Kali Maharaja has 2 disciples, that is duplicity and hypocrisy. We are quick to point others’ duplicitous and hypocritical character, forgetting our very own. Where there is duplicity and hypocrisy, there's a tendency to commit sin. Just like in Mahabharata, Duhsasana tried to disrobe Draupadi. Duryhodhan always wanted to kill the Pandavas. Krsna-katha is full of teaching for us to imbibe in our daily lifes. When we point a finger at others, 3 other fingers are pointing at us. It is difficult to clean our own backyard first, but by constant chanting and praying, it is possible for us to cross over this insurmountable task. Therefore, we must constantly beg for the mercy of Sri Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas.