April 2018 – Indradyumna Swami's Heart – articles describing encounters and experiences with Indradyumna Swami

The Thriving Devotees of Yekaterinburg, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

The Thriving Devotees of Yekaterinburg, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

This past week, in a video describing Indradyumna Swami’s travels to Yekaterinburg, Indradyumna Swami described the city of Yekaterinburg and the mood of the Devotees there.

Indradyumna Swami described that Yekaterinburg, Russia, is a major city in the Urals in the middle of Russia. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the city was named after his wife. Yekaterinburg is sometimes described as the window to Asia, just as St. Petersburg on the western side is the window to Europe. The city is an important economic center, and there are 1.5 million people there.

Indradyumna Swami said that the temple there was started in the early 1990’s. In those days, the devotees had a very large Gurukua with over 300 children in it. There is still a Gurkula there. In the temple community, there are 500 initiated devotees and they have a congregation of over 1,000 members. It’s a small, beautiful temple with Gaura-Nitai Deities. Indradyumna Swami added that they devotees also maintain a farm with 12 cows and two vegetarian restaurants.

Indradyumna Swami ended by saying:

Like many of the places we are visiting on our tour throughout Russia, the community is thriving. Krsna consciousness is very successful in this country and we are very glad to be here, associating with these very enthusiastic, very blissful devotees in Yekaterinburg. Hare Krsna. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

In several Facebook posts, Indradyumna Swami recounts the inspiring nature of his ongoing Russian tour with Badahari das, Caturatma das, and others.

The excerpt above came from a video on Indradyumna Swami’s facebook page. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find a kirtan with Indradyumna Swami and Badhar das in Yekaterinburg.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

The Inspiring Devotees of Barnaul, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

The Inspiring Devotees of Barnaul, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In a video describing Indradyumna Swami’s travels to Novosibirsk and Barnaul, Caturatma das described the enthusiasm of the devotees in Barnaul in Siberia, Russia.

He describes that Barnaul, Siberia is the capital of the Altai mountain region in Siberia. The city itself is over 300 years old, and as you enter the city, one of the oldest cathedrals is perched high on the hill overlooking the city below with a beautiful view of the surrounding plains. In the city is also one of the largest convents to be found in this part of Russia. Situated between two rivers and not far from the mountains, Barnaul became a great port of industry. Most of the culture in the city is connected to the church and the religious institutions found here. However, two of the universities rank among the top hundred in the entire country of Russia. The winters there? They are very cold! Indradyumna Swami, Caturatma das, and Badahari das can be seen all bundled up below:

Caturatma das mentions that there are 200 devotees in the ISKCON center in Barnaul. They are working very diligently. There are 7-8 brahmacaris that live in the center and carry out the daily devotional seva to try to prepare it for being a full residential facility for ISKCON. Daily, he mentioned, the devotees go out on preaching activities. They have a traveling sankirtan party that visits all the villages in the Altai mountain region. They also maintain a thriving local restaurant and teaching out to the interfaith group there through yoga and astrology activities. In this way, they bring a wide variety of people to Krishna Consciousness. Caturatma das mentions that the devotees chant and dance with such fervor, such devotion. He said:

It gives real proof to the fact that Srila Prabhupada built a house that the entire world could live in, even here in Siberia. We feel very honored to be among these devotees and simply hope this is the first of many visits. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

In a facebook post describing the visit to these two cities, Indradyumna Swami wrote:

Memories of the blissful kirtans we had with these Vaisnavas shall remain forever within our hearts.

Last week, Indradyumna Swami said in a video that Srila Prabhupada really set the standard in this regard. Prabhupada visited Moscow in the early 1970’s and that seed has just gone on to grow into a beautiful tree producing so many fruits and flowers of beautiful Devotees.

In several Facebook posts, Indradyumna Swami recounts the sweetness and inpiring nature of his ongoing Russian tour.

The excerpt above came from a video on Indradyumna Swami’s facebook page. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find a lecture Indradyumna Swami delivered in Barnaul. One of the kirtans Indradyumna Swami led in Barnaul is available also.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

The Enthusiastic Devotees of Novosibirsk, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 23, 2018/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Indradyumna Swami

The Enthusiastic Devotees of Novosibirsk, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In a video describing Indradyumna Swami’s travels to Novosibirsk and Barnaul, Badahari das described the enthusiasm of the devotees in Novosibirsk in Siberia, Russia. He mentions that the city was founded by Czar Nicholas in 1893. During the 1940s in reaction to the war, because the city is quite far to the east, 50 major factories were packed up and moved to Novosibirsk and so it became a center for production for the Red Army. Over 140,000 refugees came to the city and now 1.6 million live there. It’s also a center for scientific research.

Badahari das mentions that the devotees came to the city in 1993 and established the first Hare Krsna Center. Now about 300 Devotees live there. They distributed 25,000 devotional books last year and have a very active Food for Life program. Badahari das mentions that the Devotees work so hard under difficult circumstances to spread Krsna Consciousness. Their dedication to Krsna Consciousness inspired His Holiness Indradyumna Swami, Badahari das, and Caturatma das. Badahari das mentioned that these devotees are the pioneers who are pushing Krishna Consciousness in this remote corner of the world in these difficult circumstances. Of the devotees, he said:

They’re very kind and loving. We always are very moved by the receptions that we get here and the appreciation of the devotees. So even though it’s a little difficult traveling in this part of the world, we feel very inspired to see Srila Prabhupada’s going on in such a wonderful way. And to me–Such great souls, such great pure devotees of the Lord. Thank you Srila Prabhupada for this opportunity to serve. Hare Krishna.

In a facebook post describing the visit to these two cities, Indradyumna Swami wrote:

Despite the austerities we underwent traveling in Siberia at the end of winter, we will gladly return!

Indradyumna Swami said in a video last week that Srila Prabhupada really set the standard in this regard. Prabhupada visited Moscow in the early 1970’s and that seed has just gone on to grow into a beautiful tree producing so many fruits and flowers of beautiful Devotees.

In several Facebook posts, Indradyumna Swami recounts the sweetness of his ongoing Russian tour.

The excerpt above came from a video on Indradyumna Swami’s facebook page. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find a lecture Indradyumna Swami delivered in Novosibirsk. One of the kirtans Indradyumna Swami led there is available also on Youtube.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

The Wonderful Devotees of Irkutsk, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 20, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Nectar Drops /by Indradyumna Swami

The Wonderful Devotees of Irkutsk, Russia – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In a video describing his recent travels in Irkutsk, Russia, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami discussed there are about 500,000 people in the city itself, which used to be a major trading post between China and Europe. ISKCON, Indradyumna Swami mentioned, has been present in the city since the early 1990’s. There are presently a little more than 300 active Devotees there and a large congregation as well. The Devotees have constructed a beautiful temple there, and they have a Gurukula and a daycare center for little children.

The Russian government imposed restrictions on what they call “new religious movements” which has made preaching in these areas difficult, Indradyumna Swami admitted. He said that in most of our centers and most temples in cities there is no harinam or book distribution allowed, and foreign missionaries cannot preach or teach the public. They can only inspire the devotees already there at the local centers. So that is a setback, Indradyumna Swami mentioned.

However, some of the temples in some of the cities have good relationships with the government and they are allowed to do a little harinam. One such place is the city of Irkutsk. The Devotees there go on harinam three times a week in the winter and in the summer, every day. Indradyumna Swami said he is very impressed with the Devotees there, and he said:

“When I come to places like this, the remote areas of Russian and Siberia, the devotees are so wonderful I feel like I am coming to get association.”

Indradyumna Swami said that Srila Prabhupada set the standard in this regard. He came in the early 1970’s to Moscow and that seed has grown into a beautiful tree producing so many fruits and flowers of beautiful Devotees. All glories to these Devotees!

In several Facebook posts, Indradyumna Swami recounts the sweetness of his ongoing Russian tour.

Excerpt came from a video of Indradyumna Swami available on his official youtube channel.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

Sweeter than the Sweetest Mango – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 18, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Nectar Drops, Prabhupada vani /by Indradyumna Swami

Sweeter than the Sweetest Mango – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In a video describing his recent travels in Vladivostok, Russia, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami discussed how inspired he was to find the Russian Devotees so enthusiastic. Indeed, they go on harinam 365 days a year! In several Facebook posts, Indradyumna Swami recounts the sweetness of his ongoing Russian tour.

In the lecture, Indradyumna Swami describes the sweetness of preaching in Russia. In the video, he says:

“Prabhupada was speaking with one devotee about his upcoming trip to Moscow, Russia. This was in the early 70’s. And that Devotee was saying, ‘Prabhupada, don’t go to Russia now. It’s snowing in Moscow. You should stay here and rest in Hawaii and enjoy the mangoes.’

Then Prabhupada famously said, ‘Preaching in the snows of Moscow is sweeter than the sweetest mango.’ So that’s why we come here. And this is our pleasure, to continue the mission of our Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada.”

Excerpt came from a video of Indradyumna Swami available on his official youtube channel. Also, check out a recent lecture Indradyumna Swami gave in Vladivostok called “Don’t Jump Ship.”

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

The Glory of the Siberian Devotees – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 16, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Prabhupada vani /by Indradyumna Swami

The Glory of the Siberian Devotees – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In a video describing his recent travels in Siberia, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami spoke about what inspires himself, personally, to keep preaching in remote parts of the world.

Indradyumna Swami said, “I keep a letter that I printed out that Srila Prabhupada wrote to my dear Godbrother Prabhavishnu das in the early 1970’s. At that time, Prabhavishnu was preaching in England and he wrote a letter to Prabhupada in the winter telling Prabhupada the results of the preaching and sharing with him some of the austerities involved at the time and Prabhupada wrote back this wonderful letter, which for me is like a mission statement. And when I come to places like this or other places around the world where it’s a little difficult, I take that letter out sometimes and I read how pleased Srila Prabhupada is when we do these austerities for him. I’d like to read it to you. I have it here it front of me. Prabhupada writes to Prabhavishnu das:

“I can understand that it is not an easy matter to travel extensively over long periods of time without proper food, rest, and sometimes it must be very cold there also, but still, because you are getting so much enjoyment, spiritual enjoyment, from it, it seems like play to you. That is the advanced stage of spiritual life, never attained by even the greatest yogis and so-called jnanis. Let any man see our devotees working so hard for Krishna, and let them say they are not better than any millions of so-called yogis and transcendentalists, that is my challenge. Because you are rightly understanding through your personal realization this philosophy of Krishna consciousness, therefore in such a short time, you have surpassed all the stages of the yoga process to come to the highest point of surrendering to Krishna. That I very much appreciate. Thank you very much for helping me in this way.” (January, 1973).

All glories to the Siberian Devotees! All glories to our beloved Srila Prabhupada!

In the video, Indradyumna Swami describes how the devotees in Siberia go out on harinam three times a week in the Winter and every day in the Summer.

Excerpt came from a video of Indradyumna Swami available on his official youtube channel.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

Freed by Transcendental Sound – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 13, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Nectar Drops /by Indradyumna Swami

Freed by Transcendental Sound – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In a class delivered at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in June of 2017, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami spoke on the power of transcendental sound vibration. His class was inspired by the 22nd verse of the fourth chapter of the Vedanta Sutra, in which it is stated that one is freed (“not fenced in”), by transcendental sound.

In the lecture, Indradyumna Swami goes on to explain that actually, we are liberated from material life when we encounter and absorb transcendental sound: sabda brahma. By contrast, repeated hearing of mundane sounds, which are almost unlimited, condition and bind us to matter, to this material world. In the class, Indradyumna Swami uses the example of starting the day by listening to a melancholy song versus an upbeat positive song or versus listening to a heated political debate. Those different sounds enter our consciousness and change it and affects our day moving forward. So does transcendental sound and discourse.

In his class, Indradyumna Swami quotes from Narottama das Thakur’s bhajan “Hari hari! Bifale” the line “golokera prema-dhana, hari-nāma-saṅkīrtana”. This line, Indradyumna Swami explains, indicates that the sankirtan movement and the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra (the great chant for deliverance) has not come from this material creation.

So chant as often as you can!

Class delivered by Indradyumna Swami at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in June of 2017.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook and his lecture site at Narottam.

The Holy Name of Lord Govinda – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 11, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Prabhupada vani /by Indradyumna Swami

The Holy Name of Lord Govinda – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Two months ago, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami gave a wonderful three-part seminar on the glories of Srila Haridas Thakur while in Sri Mayapur Dhama. In the second part of the lecture, Indradyumna Swami notes that in the Skanda Purana, a Mahatma says:

“I see that Kali Yuga is a like a black poisonous snake with a gaping mouth and fangs, but please don’t be disturbed, dear Devotees, and listen with faith. Once the Holy Name of Lord Govinda is being chanted, it is like igniting a forest fire which will burn to ashes the poisonous snakes within the forest.”

In the lecture, Indradyumna Swami several times has the Devotees chant the Maha Mantra. He additionally quotes Srila Sanatana Goswami who says in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (2.12) that anyone can be elevated to the position of a brāhmaṇa by the process of initiation:

yathā kāñcanatāṁ yāti kāṁsyaṁ rasa-vidhānataḥ / tathā dīkṣā-vidhānena dvijatvaṁ jāyate nṛṇām

“As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so one who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brāhmaṇa.”

Srila Prabhupada also frequently quoted the above verse.

Spoken by Indradyumna Swami in a lecture delivered in Sri Mayapur Dhama on February 5th, 2018.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s trip to Mayapur, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook.

The Nāmācārya – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 11, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Nectar Drops /by Indradyumna Swami

The Nāmācārya – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

A few months back, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami gave a three-part seminar on the glories of Srila Haridas Thakur while in Sri Mayapur Dhama. In the second part of the lecture, Indradyumna Swami comments on chanting the Holy Names. He says that:

“Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakur attests that if upon chanting Hare Krishna tears don’t flow from your eyes, that means you are committing one or more of the ten offenses to the Holy Name.”

Later in the lecture, he says that our chanting of the Maha Mantra can be a map of where we are in spiritual life. He said, “But it’s a long lonely road alone. Many hands make small work, so therefore—congregational chanting of the Holy Name!”

So several times in the lecture, Indradyumna Swami leads the Devotees in chanting the Maha Mantra aloud. The children in attendance are especially enthusiastic about chanting loudly during the lecture series.

Spoken by Indradyumna Swami in a lecture delivered in Sri Mayapur Dhama on February 5th, 2018.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels, please visit Indradyumna Swami’s facebook.

“A weekend of transcendental bliss” – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

April 6, 2018/0 Comments/in Indradyumna Swami Vani, Nectar Drops /by Indradyumna Swami

“A weekend of transcendental bliss” – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Commenting on the 3rd annual kirtan mela in New Govardhan, Australia, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami wrote on his Facebook page:

Sacred sounds are flooding the beautiful foothills in and around the New Govardhan community here in New South Wales, Australia. Devotees have gathered from all over the country for a weekend of transcendental bliss.

In a previous facebook post, before beginning his own preaching travels in the western world, Indradyumna Swami had reflected on Srila Prabhupada, writing:

Srila Prabhupada, your preaching continues to inspire us all many decades down the road!

He then linked to a beautiful video of Srila Prabhupada in Bombay, narrated in part by His Holiness Giriraja Swami.

Excerpted from a Facebook post written by Indradyumna Swami on March 27, 2018.