Download Damodarastakam
by Murli Krsna Das

I have attached Damodarastakam in pdf format. You must have Acrobatreader to view. If you do not have one then visit www.adobe.com  to obtain it. Please forward it to all your family, brothers, sisters, and friends.

Chakra Web Editors (Managers), 
Please Be Selective
by Muralidhara dasa

Please, Chakra web managers, if you are in service of our beloved Acharya Srila Prabhupada, and we all know that you are, try to protect our only Acharya from any kind of blasphemy. I know that you have some policy against posting of insulting articles to our Acharya Srila Prabhupada but please try to enforce them even more. 

Essence, Detail, and the Science of Faith
by Niscala devi dasi

An Open Letter to 
Umapati Swami 
and Niscala Devi Dasi
by Akhilesvara das

Genders and Races
by Karuna das

Prabhupada's statements were never racist or sexist. They were simply realistic. Prabhupada was never into the "Imagine" dream propagated by those who want to destroy real moral and ethic codes. Certainly all human beings are fully entitled to become Krsna conscious with no impediment by race or gender or any other kind of material consideration. 

Solid Faith in Srila Prabhupada
by Nikhilananda Dasa (in reply to Niscala DD )

It has made me feel very sad that, in recent weeks, the Chakra web site seems to have agreed to serve as a platform for Niscala’s public campaign of trying to find faults in Srila Prabhupada. She presented her doubts in a very insulting manner. She arrogantly criticised Srila Prabhupada for having "antiquated views" etc., just like materialists who twist their beards and regard the teachings of shastra as being made of "antiquated views"

The Misuse of Blind Following
by Maharani devi dasi

In Memory of Tribhuvanath Prabhu
by Nikhilananda Dasa

He reasons ill who think that Vaishnavas die......The memories of Tribhuvanath Prabhu will stay with us, they will purify us and shine in our hearts, for the rest of our lives. I know that Tribhuvanath would not like us to be sad on this occasion of his being reunited with Srila Prabhupada. He was always joyful, humorous, and unconcerned about life or death. Still, I am crying.

Appreciation
by Prananatha das

I have never personally met Umapati Swami, but Maharaja, by reading your articles I feel reassured that there are sincere devotees out there who are carefully reading the books of Srila Prabhupada and putting that knowledge to the best use. 

I have known Indradyumna Swami for many years ... I can say today that he is a person I would trust with my own life. His articles are those of a dedicated, fearless and enlightened traveling preacher, whose only mission is to serve his beloved Guru Maharaja.

From a Concerned Mother
by Maharani devi dasi

After reading your distressing letter to Krsna Avatara prabhu, I feel that the time has come for me to use my loud voice with you, out of love for you and concern for your well-being. I cannot conceive what might have led you to write such a defensive, ill-thought out, and generally insulting letter to a devotee who, although clearly mistreated in this movement, has yet chosen to remain, probably solely out of affection for Krsna and His devotee, Srila Prabhupada, and Their real message.

A comment on 
"Proper Dissent Should Be
Discussed Rationally"
by Isvara dasa

What is unfortunate is that the majority of white bodied devotees in ISKCON have been unable to shed their racial prejudice upon joining ISKCON. Just travel around any temples, you can hardly find any black devotees. Even in Africa with the exception of West Africa, the result is evident. The term that "blacks are less intelligent" only exists in ISKCON. Other religious movements certainly don’t have the same opinion.

Guru Mukha Padma Vakya
Umapati Swami comments on Amara Prabhu

Krsna consciousness, then, is not a religion rooted in some past era. It is a science, and it is rooted in the eternal Vedic culture, the culture in which Lord Krsna lives. We are trying to go to the spiritual world, most likely by way of a lifetime in whatever material universe Lord Krsna is appearing in. If we can’t get that far, at least we can go to the heavenly planets. In all of these places, we will be living in the Vedic culture.

HH Maha Visnu Goswami 
Is Diksa Guru

The GBC body recently passed the following resolution (see below) concerning HH Maha Visnu Goswami. What this means now is that an *exception* has been made in the case of HH Maha Visnu Goswami in regards to the present ISKCON law which states that 'one should not initiate in the presence of their spiritual master'.

He is hereby recognized as an official ISKCON Diksa Guru allowed to accept disciples.

The Sun, the Moon, and Blind Following
Umapati Swami Answers Mother Niscala

Now did I hear someone say "irrelevant"? Srila Prabhupada says, "conducive to the hearers for self-realization in the field of devotional service." Isn’t that what we are after? And how can you accept the description of the Lord’s creating the universe if you do not accept the descriptions of where he puts the planets? Here is where faith and blind following come in.

Tribhuvanatha Prabhu Ki Jaya!
by Bhakta Jurjen (Yadasampati das)

Tribhuvannatha prabhu was, is, and will always be a very special person to me. I was so saddened to hear about his disease and that we would probably have to miss him soon. On the other hand I am confident that the Visnudutas have brought him back to the spiritual world now.

All glories to Tribhuvanatha Prabhu! Hare Krsna.

Responding to Krsna Avatara Prabhu
by Amara dasa

Not surprisingly, I was rather disappointed in the response by Umapati Maharaja. His excessive attempts to rationalize every single statement ever made by Srila Prabhupada, especially on relative and subjective topics, undermine his own arguments. Perhaps some devotees will never understand the dangers and harm that come from bodily discrimination and bigotry, but I feel that the majority of them do. 

Accepting "the Parts You Like"
by Niscala Devidasi

It is strange that you attribute your feeling of closeness to Srila Prabhupada to following his instructions, since you are neglecting all of his instructions to never follow blindly, and are instead insisting on a one-sided view exemplified by the rope and snake example.

The Soul
By Ayu Dwi

Where am I? Here in the foreign land, so far away from the original home. Like a fish out of water, never feel happy but never know why? Floating in this material world, millenniums after millennium forget about going back home. Like a straw floating in the ocean, not knowing where to go, looking everywhere and hoping for the helping hand.

Lift Me Higher
by Ekabuddhi das

The debates about whether or not Srila Prabhupada knew how many windows are in the Empire State building or if a "good" devotee gives in charity to a "non-devotee" are frankly reminiscent of those other religions I left behind in favor of the Maha Mantra because Krishna Conciousness appeared to offer so much more.

Proper Dissent Should Be 
Discussed Rationally
by Krsna Avatara das

Just because Srila Prabhupada was mistaken, that does not affect his standing. If I needed brain surgery, I would not be calling on Srila Prabhupada; I would call on him if I needed clarification on a scriptural injunction. My father was not perfect, but this did not diminish his standing in my eyes. It is OK to make a mistake.

Blacks and Slavery
Umapati Swami Answers Krsna Avatara Prabhu

You have to work to make ISKCON the kind of society you want it to be. But first of all, you have to establish your faith in Srila Prabhupada. And I don’t mean faith in him as a glorified Sunday-school teacher. I mean faith in Srila Prabhupada as the perfect acarya, to whom everyone can surrender in all respects. Without that, nothing will work.

Tribhuvanatha Dasa
by Brishabha Dasa

When I met him for the last time it was at Birmingham University at one of those travelling festivals he organised. He is one of my many shiksa or instructional gurus.

All devotees are the friends of everyone. But some even rarer devotees radiate a aura of love for others that one can instinctively feel inside! Dear Tribhuvanatha was like that, as are also probably hundreds of others in ISKCON, yet still most rare in human society!

Diary of a Traveling Preacher, 
Volume 4, Chapter 2
by Indradyumna Swami

October 9-25, 2001

As she continued staring at the Deity, we quietly paid our obeisances and left the temple. I looked at my arm and my hair was standing up. That little Vrajavasi girl was no ordinary soul. Does it matter that she has never heard of the present woes of the world?

Tracing the Root
by Niscala Devi Dasi

The problem we have is that by our dynamics, as exemplified and enforced by our laws, old devotees are being pushed out the back door even as new ones enter through the front. Denying this reality and concentrating on good news will never help us to learn from the past, which is a vital necessity and a symptom of the mode of goodness.

Implementing a Vedic Society— Part One
By Bhakta Wallace (Vaikuntha)

In the wake of the mindless attacks on the citizens of America on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, I would like to share my thoughts after careful deliberation and thought. Having been associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness for almost 22 years I would like to share my perspective and opinions with not only fellow devotees, but more importantly, the world at large.

Keep the Faith
by Krsna das

It’s very interesting that as devotees and followers of our beloved Jagat-Guru Srila Prabhupada, some people would suggest that he is "incorrect and perfect" at the same time. Someone also suggested that we can know about spiritual matters from him while looking for the answer to "the size of a woman’s brain" from others.

Lion Gurus — The Roar 
of Vedic Authority
By Bhakta Vaikuntha (Wallace)

While most world religions in general have their own books of supposed knowledge and moral codes, be it Western or otherwise, the ancient Vedic texts are not only authorized in that they are passed down through a system known as "parampara" or disciplic succession, but the texts themselves are far-reaching about every aspect of human society and how human beings are to conduct themselves within that society.

The family has even gone as far as to reject and offend my father Srila BV Tripurari Swami, which means I and my brothers and sisters are sometimes not welcome either, even when we take pains not to mention our father at all but simply to participate in the festivities like everyone else. 

I understand that these family issues are real and important, but some things should transcend these surface issues. 

Carrot Sandesh
by Annamaya devi dasi

I just wanted to share with you a recipe I tried at New Goloka, North Carolina. It came out pretty good.
Carrot sandesh (8 pieces)

Bhaktivinoda Thakura on Charity
by Kunti-devi dasi

"Those who think that devotion to God and kindness to the jivas are mutually different from each other, and perform accordingly in their life, such persons will not be able to follow the devotional culture. Their performance is only a semblance of devotion.

Festival in Spanish Fork
by Caru das

Krishna Temple, S. Main St, Spanish Fork, Sat. Nov 10th, 6pm.

The Indian New Year is traditionally heralded with the Festival of Lights (Dipa=lights & Wali=festival; idiomatic version, Deewali). ...Also the date of the festival coincides with the return of the avatar of God, Sri Rama, to His ancestral kingdom after an exile of 14 years and many adventures.

Vaisnava Etiquette
by Vaisnava dasanudas

In following the discussion between His Grace Umapati Swami and Mother Niscala, I have noticed what seems to me to be a very serious breach of Vaisnava etiquette. Umapati Swami is truly one of the most senior devotees in all of ISKCON. 

Prabhupada People
by Ros

In response to Umapati Swami's "Prabhupada men" and "Prabhupada women", I have read that rishis have said that when a religion becomes totally, absolutely fixated upon a personality rather than focused upon the essence of his or her teachings it no longer breathes. It either becomes sterile or dies.
[The information is complete on this page.]

Delhi Ratha Yatra
by Kratu Das
[reprinted from Free Forum]

I have the pleasure to inform you that Delhi Ratha Yatra is scheduled to take place on the 20th November 2001. I hereby extend my invitation to you all to attend the Ratha Yatra with your friends and guests and make it successful.

Tribhuvanatha Prabhu
from Isani dasi

Tribhuvanatha prabhu was always a lively source of inspiration and affection for the devotees here. His devotion to Srila Prabhupada, his dedication to the propagation of the Holy Name, his personal charm and exuberance will be sadly missed, not only to devotees here and indeed worldwide, but to a world bereft of Krsna Consciousness, which he so generously spread without trace of personal consideration.

Did You Say, "Incorrect"?
Umapati Swami Answers 
Madhava Ghosh and the Others

I saw Srila Prabhupada stand up, his face red with anger, and shout with the force of a roaring lion at Kirtanananda for saying that "unto Me" means unto the unborn truth within Krsna. "Why do you want to take it away from Krsna?" Srila Prabhupada shouted. "It’s Krsna! It’s Krsna! It’s no unborn within Krsna! It’s Krsna!"

A Tribhuvanath Anecdote
by Adi Guru das

Tribhuvanath prabhu spends 5 or 6 days with us at a time; then he's back on the road, driving 400-500 miles, visiting temples in Ireland and UK and raising money to keep the Dublin centre open as well as fund the Inis Rath Temple. While he is with us he lifts our reluctant hearts into carefree bliss with every kirtan.

Homage to Tribhuvanath
by Dhruvanath

I will always remember Tribhuvanath for his tireless efforts to spread Krishna consciousness around the world. He was a great motivator and an inspiration to us all. He will be sadly missed.

The most fallen,
Dhruvanath.
[The article is complete on this page.
See inside for  photo.]

The Remedy for Illusion
By Niscala devi dasi

Maharani was right when she wrote that discussing brain size is a waste of time. Planetary distances as well, unless one aspires to be an astronomer. But I don’t consider this discussion with Umapati Swami a waste of time. Far from it, though he will probably remain unconvinced. The reason is that unclear thinking in the realm of surrender to the guru (or any authority) has been at the root of almost every dysfunction that has occurred in ISKCON.

First Hare Krishna School in Africa
By Ila devi dasi

After months of struggle to put up a school building, get adequate funding, get additional members for the teaching staff, the school Lord Krishna's Academy, finally opened on 11 September 2001, with 15 children. Now, four weeks has increased to 63. Many villagers who previously 'feared' the Hare Krishna's, not knowing what their strange religion was all about, can now see that they are "good people" and daily new children appear for enrolment.
[See inside for photos]

Alachua First Annual 
Family and Youth Conference
By Chitralekha dasi

It was a soul-fulfilling experience for many who attended the first annual Family and Youth Conference held in Alachua, Florida, on September 21-23, 2001. Attendees traveled from as far away as New Zealand and Brazil to take part in the conference. 

Is It Possible to Be Incorrect 
and Still Be Perfect?
by Madhava Gosh

In Glorification of His Grace 
Tribhuvannatha Prabhu
by Locanananda dasa

The world is now bereft of one of the great warriors of Lord Caitanya's army, a leader of the world sankirtana party, and a source of inspiration for devotees everywhere. Tribhuvannatha Prabhu's example of devotion to Srila Prabhupada's mission cannot be surpassed. His life is proof of how a devotee can remain fixed in the determination to please his spiritual master with every word and every action. He has shown how one can become Krishna conscious in this lifetime and in the end, return back home, back to Godhead by taking shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord.

His Grace Tribhuvanatha Dasa
by Bhakta dasa

"Still I am getting a lot of realizations and Srila Prabhupada is my ship to cross this miserable ocean. He will protect me always I am sure of that. I leave it all to his mercy. He is no ordinary Spiritual Master and I pray I take the dust of his Feet on my head and follow him wherever he wants me to go!"

A Letter to Tribhuvannatha Prabhu
from Padmapani das

You told me that "Prabhupada said he would never ask anyone to preach in the Muslim countries, but whoever goes there, he'll personally take the dust from his lotus feet." Wow! Whether it was true or not, this sounded good enough for me, so I signed up immediately. You were so convincing, Prabhu, who could resist?

It has been confirmed here in Vrndavana by Dhananjaya Prabhu (ACBSP) that my beloved godbrother Tribhuvanatha dasa (ACBSP) left his body two days ago from complications of stomach cancer in Brazil. If his preaching had an impact in your area you might please hold a remembrance festival in his memory every year on that tithi.

A Tribute to Tribhuvanatha das
by Ananta Sesa Naga das

I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my god brother Tribuvanatha das. I well remember him in the early days of Bury Place and the amount of attention and help he gave to those of us who were interested in KRSNA. I had many family problems at the time yet he was always willing to listen and advise.

No, Prabhupada is not all or nothing. He didn’t teach this way and he didn’t act this way in his loving personality. Unfortunately some of his followers have become this way hoping to prove themselves as "Prabhupada men."

Small intelligence (no matter how many ounces one carries above the neck) and blind following go hand in hand.

Comparative Brain Size or Krsna Consciousness:
Which Gives Liberation?
by Maharani devi dasi

Thank you for your kind response to my letters. I was very moved to read about Srila Prabhupada and his pastimes and your personal experiences with him. It really made my day!

However, I think you may be missing the point I am trying to make. I really want to be very clear: I do not presume to know where Srila Prabhupada's knowledge begins and ends. I don't even claim to know anything about the structure of the solar system, the size of women's brains, or evolutionary theory, etc. It is for this reason that I won't even try to argue for or against these topics. Frankly, I don't think it's that important.

Apology to Ravinder Shira
by Parama Seva dasa

I had just left from the Atlanta temple love-feast where I had become somewhat disturbed by hearing some criticism of Locanananda Prabhu by persons incorrectly labeling him a "ritvik." While visiting a relative's house I read Ravinder Shira's letter and became even more inflamed, so I took the opportunity of using the PC at hand to respond. If my tone seemed abusive even slightly, I apologize.... I just received a letter from Locanananda Prabhu rebuking me for responding as such. 

Announcing Mayapur Trust Website
from David Kingston (aka Divya simha)

This is just a short announcement of the existence of Mayapur Trust's website at
http://www.mayapurtrust.org 

Mayapur Trust was set up with funding from ISKCON's Mayapur Project in 1998, but has been run as an independent charity, relying on grants and individual donations since 1999. ...

Tribhuvanatha Prabhu left his body this morning in Brazil where he had been recieving treatment for advanced stomach cancer. After some improvement from a diagnosis in January this year which claimed he had three months to live Trabhuvanatha Prabhu regressed again to a worsened state recently.

Memorial to Tribuvanatha Prabhu
from Kripamoya dasa

Tribuvanatha was in Brazil with his close friend and associate Giridhari, who had gone there to assist him. Around 2.45 in the early morning, Tribhuvanath had asked Giridhari to bring him some milk to drink....  At 3.00 he closed his eyes and breathed his last. Giridhari says: "He looked very innocent and childlike."

Infallibility Not the Issue
by Niscala devi dasi

I think a more accurate description would be that you are a person who has, quite simply, not grasped guru-tattva. You have instead grasped something quite imaginary. I think, in conclusion you should take up writing fiction, rather than philosophy. You should use your colourful imagery in a positive way.

Reply to Ravinder Shira Prabhu
by Parama Seva dasa

The position you have taken in your accusation of H.G. Locanananda Prabhu is severely lacking in compassion. It is an absolute requisite for a Vaishnava to be compassionate upon all living entities. To turn our heads and think, "They are getting what they deserve!" is not the proper perspective for a devotee of the Lord.

A Wonderful Gift from Sri Krishna
by Ayu Dwi

I would like to share my wonderful experiences to all of you, the devotee of Lord Krishna. It is about a gift from Sri Krishna to me, a precious gift that can sustain me in the turbulent and insane world like today, and it is about my first encounter with Sri Krishna's pure devotee.

Drop the Snake
Umapati Swami Answers Mother Niscala

Now some of the younger devotees may fear that by accepting Srila Prabhupada as a siddha they oblige themselves to accept all of the present ISKCON gurus as siddhas. That is not my stand. Each person has to be judged on his own merits.

Therefore, I am arguing with Mother Niscala about the status of Srila Prabhupada and of no one else.

Apologies and Clarification
by Ken Rowe

When I wrote the bit about the Amish community, I did so partially from empiric observation. Perhaps that is speculative, I don't know. But I was also drawing from a news piece shown on ABC-TV's 20/20 in which it was reported that numbers were dwindling.... According to Amish Heartland that would appear not to be the case.

Diary of a Traveling Preacher, 
Volume IV, Chapter 1
By Indradyumna Swami

I was sitting next to an African woman, who started shaking uncontrollably just before take-off. I called an air hostess, who asked me to leave my seat while she spoke to the woman. When the air hostess left, I came back and asked the lady if everything was all right. She said, "They know why I'm so nervous, but they won't let me tell anyone."

If You Need to Build a House, 
Ask an Architect
by Maharani devi dasi

I still think it is nonsensical to argue about whether Srila Prabhupada knew everything. In fact, I think it is so absurd that for 21 years I have not worried about it. I don't lie awake nights and feel my faith challenged by Srila Prabhupada's statements about certain things he believed that maybe I don't believe. That's why I am still confounded as to why there needs to be a long and, frankly, uncivil discussion on the question.

Becoming Fortunate,
An Open Letter to Mother Maharani
from Umapati Swami

You see, there is a catch to it. There is a trick, and I will gladly tell you what it is. It’s this: You have to accept Srila Prabhupada on Srila Prabhupada’s terms. You have to accept Srila Prabhupada in his entirety. You cannot disassemble Srila Prabhupada and just take the parts you like. It’s all or nothing.

A Welcoming Environment
by Charles Ellis

I have been visiting CHAKRA regularly for the last 6 months and as an "outsider" the level of conflict and arguement and sometimes plain "cattiness," I find discouraging. I realize that folks need to vent problems that they have with organizations and people. I also realize that the movement is going through changes and no human institution will be without its share of troubles.

Donating to 
New York Fire Fighters
by Ravinder Shira

It is the thought that counts. So even if their families get a small donation from Hare Krishna to them it would mean a lot for at least they would acknowledge the Hare Krishna movement and who knows when they next pass the temple they would be inclined to go in and thus learn more about Krishna Consciousness.

Krsna Conscious Message Board
by Sudama das

We have an enlivening Krishna conscious message board set up at www.harekrishnatemple.com . Devotees are welcome to come and discuss Krishna conscious philosophy, current events, ISKCON, or any other spiritual topics. Here's the direct link to the forums:
http://www.harekrishnatemple.com/phpBB 
[The information is complete on this page]

On "Opening Eyes, Or Making Sheep?"
by Nityananda Ram das

I don't know Chota Hari Das, who wrote the commentary "Opening Eyes, Or Making Sheep?" but after reading his commentary we have much to hear from him. His short commentary is one of the most important to ever appear on the Chakra web site.

Reply to Locanananda das 
about Charity Begins at Home
by Ravinder Shira

Please inform Locanananda das that there is a saying that "God helps those that help themselves." Every religion states that one must work to earn an honest living and out of his earnings give a percentage to charity. Whose fault is it if some devotee families are living below the poverty line? Every religion states that you reap what you sow.

Karmic Trust Fund: A Comment on the Comment
by Rahul Siotia

I think that the ISKCON Management should take up some initiatives to look after these devotees who have given up their lives and everything for the service of Krishna. It will provide much needed security to these people. This will help many people in recognizing the fact that ISKCON is caring for its devotees.

The Amish: A Comment on
Kenneth Rowe's Article
by Karuna devi dasi

In In Kenneth Rowe's recent letter to Chakra, he wites, "Besides, I don't see droves of people these days subscribing to Amish philosophy for its spiritual superiority or relevance...."

From the recent issue of Amish Heartland magazine: "Contrary to popular belief, the Amish population is not shrinking, but growing at a steady rate."

Opening Eyes, Or Making Sheep?
by Chota Hari Das

Generally, ISKCON authorities don't like questions and critical thinking, and consider a good disciple to be one who flatters and pays them well. A disciple who analyzes, questions, and so on, is generally criticized as being "over-intelligent." 

Reply to Malati devi dasi and Appeal for Help
by Locanananda dasa

There is a saying that "charity begins at home." Before giving Krishna's money away to those who obviously don't need it and who are not devotees, please consider the many devotee families living below the poverty line who could use a helping hand. 

Following the Spirit: 
A Response to Bhakta Vaikuntha
by Vijay Kumar Madanu

E-Mail Address Correction
from One Devotee

I really appreciate your posting my letter so quickly. Out of my habit of writing Krsna without the i and h, I have given the wrong E-mail address for devotees to reach me. The correct address is:
1devotee@harekrishnatemple.com 
[The information is complete on this page.]

The Muslim-Hindu-
Christian-Jewish Peace Plan
by William Glick (Isa das)

The objection we find from our Muslim brothers today comes from the desire to bring the word back to God and His ways. We find this mood in our Jewish-Christian tradition also. Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." 

Open Letter to Umapati Swami
by Maharani devi dasi

Please Help Us Understand
by Nrsimhananda dasa

ITV was named as a defendent in the Turley case. In light of the dismissal, now we have an opportunity to request your help in trying to understand how we might have aided and abetted any child abuse. We have not been able to get any answers in this regard, and we want to understand why we were included in this case as a defendant.

The News Just Gets Better 
at Hare Krishna World