TravellearnGrow

21/06/2024

Essay on the nature of spiritual communication, referring to the conversation between Vidura & Dhṛtarāṣṭra. According to the Bhakti-Vaibhava curriculum we will discuss two principles from the episodes of Vidura, with the Pāṇḍavas and Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

Śrīla Prabhupada writes in the purport (ŚB 1.13.13):

“For a compassionate soul like Vidura, especially in his dealings with the beloved Pāṇḍavas, it was almost impossible to disclose an unpalatable piece of news like the annihilation of the Yadu dynasty. Therefore he purposely refrained from it.”

This incident shows that the truth should always be presented compassionately according to time, place and person. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in Bhagavad-Gītā (10.4-5):

“The truth (satyam) should be spoken in a straightforward way, so that others will understand actually what the facts are. If a man is a thief and if people are warned that he is a thief, that is truth. Although sometimes the truth is unpalatable, one should not refrain from speaking it. Truthfulness demands that the facts be presented as they are for the benefit of others. That is the definition of truth.”

For the benefit of the assembled devotees Vidura spared the news, simply to maintain peace of mind. One might argue that the benefit would have been there when the full news were propagated, but according to time, place & circumstance that may not apply.

“One should not speak in such a way as to agitate the minds of others[...]One should at once quote from scriptural authority to back up what he is saying. At the same time, such talk should be very pleasurable to the ear.” (BG. 17.15 pp)

Vidura was compassionate with the Pāṇḍavas and thus hid the truth in favour for keeping peace. News are not backed up by śastra, and maybe unpleasant to hear.

Even though Śrīla Prabhupāda states that a brahmana must disclose the plain truth, Vidura kept quiet. In a lecture 1974 in Geneva he explains the incident further:

“He did not describe because he did not like also to see that Pāṇḍavas would be sorry. He went back to his home after so many years, and they were receiving them, and at that time Vidura did not like to see them aggrieved on account of this incidence.”

One can conclude that it was a matter of etiquette according to time, place & circumstance, and that Vidura knew how to withdraw his speech, as a perfect renunciant.

Principally, one must learn to judge according to time, place and person what kind of words to use. One must definitely know when to be silent. This is the art of compassionately speaking the truth, which is exemplified by Vidura.

On the other hand, he also knew how to perfectly use words as a cutting tool, to detach Dhṛtarāṣṭra from the state affair, kingdom and family. In the following incident (SB 1.13.18-23) Vidura preaches to his brother, also compassionately, in order to free him for the latter stages of life.

Dhṛtarāṣṭra is herein addressed as a kṛpaṇa, a miserly person. Vidura openly feels sorry for him. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in the purport ŚB 1.13.25:

“The kṛpaṇa, having a wrong estimation of his material body, wants to enjoy sense gratification with his utmost strength, and even in old age he wants to become a young man by medical treatment or otherwise. Dhṛtarāṣṭra is addressed herein as a kṛpaṇa because without any estimation of his material body he wants to live at any cost. Vidura is trying to open his eyes to see that he cannot live more than his term and that he must prepare for death.”

Inevitable death is close to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Vidura compassionately speaks to him, to enlighten him about the reality of this temporary endeavour. He puts the facts straight and doesn't disclose anything from him. His words are like thunder and lightning, illuminating the mind of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

Thus, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is convinced by the words of Vidura and he withdraws his bodily attachment towards the kingdom and family to find shelter in the Himalayas for the last stage of life.

One may conclude that effective communication is based on compassion and a right choice of words according to time, place and person.

Principally, one can draw from this that words are very powerful. They may detach a king from his kingdom. On the other hand, silence can also speak truth, that is to say, that sometimes one might choose to renounce speech in order to give the truth.

The essence is that all words come from the Lord and should be used to glorify and please the Lord and His devotees.

18/06/2024

List two principles from the passing away of Bhīsmadeva relevant to:
a) Yourself. Identify an area for self-improvement and show how you would apply
these principles to better your life. Be specific and practical.
b) Society at large. Show how the principles you select are relevant to the modern world, as well as how they could be practically applied according to “time,
candidate, and country.”

Addressing the Bhakti-Vaibhava curriculum, I elaborate on two principles of Bhīṣmadeva, as given in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, first Canto, chapter nine.

Principle #1

There must be a God conscious community, wherein one finds shelter at the Lotusfeet of Kṛṣṇa.

Bhīṣmadeva said: Oh, what terrible sufferings and what terrible injustices you good souls suffer for being the sons of religion personified. You did not deserve to remain alive under those tribulations, yet you were protected by the brāhmaṇas, God and religion. (ŚB 1.9.12)

There are so many problems in life. Bhīsma faced death whereas Yudhisthira faced ruling a kingdom, both found shelter with Kṛṣṇa. Generally, we all have to make this decisions to lead a God conscious life. For example, whenever one has to make a decision, one must consult the three primary resources of Kṛṣṇa consciousness; Sadhu, Guru, Shastra.

Let's say, there is a personal case of decay, disease or suffering, what is to do in such a case is stated in the passing away of Bhīsmadeva.

Affirming, I have to find shelter in a Kṛṣṇa conscious community in order to transcend the limitations of body and mind, and be fully protected.

By finding shelter at the Lotusfeet of the Lord and His representatives, I can immediately be assured that there is no fear.

By the protection of God and Vaisnavas this life turns into the spiritual world. This may safe me in times of difficulties. The community of devotees is very uplifting and beautiful.

Given that society always needs a leader, the society needs a God conscious leader like Mahārāja Yudhisṭhira, who has found shelter with Kṛṣṇa & can facilitate a God conscious society that is free of fear and illusion.

O best among the descendants of Bharata [Yudhiṣṭhira], I maintain, therefore, that all this is within the plan of the Lord. Accepting the inconceivable plan of the Lord, you must follow it. You are now the appointed administrative head, and, my lord, you should now take care of those subjects who are now rendered helpless. (ŚB 1.9.18)

By following the plan of the Lord the state society can benefit on all levels. The common rule applies: By spiritual success comes material success. Whatever acts a great man performs, all the world persues.

All people in the state can be free of fear by knowing there's a divine plan by the Supreme Person executed by the supreme ruler, a raja-rsi, a servant of Kṛṣṇa.

Principle #2

Practically, this can be proven in the second principle:

One should be prepared spiritually for inevitable death through Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Death is the greatest fear, and everyone tries to overcome it in one way or the other. I had a few near-death experiences which showed me the nature of inevitable time. The next moment could be the last. Thank God, we have exemples like that of Bhīsmadeva, who was a naishtika-brahmachari, fully aware and prepared for death.

I am very much motivated by this example to better my life and have strict brahmacharya, as well as the pure desire to serve the Lord until my very last breath. This is my personal intention, to have full faith in this process and to always remember Kṛṣṇa, to never forget Him.

By pure meditation, looking at Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, he at once was freed from all material inauspiciousness and was relieved of all bodily pains caused by the arrow wounds. Thus all the external activities of his senses at once stopped, and he prayed transcendentally to the controller of all living beings while quitting his material body. (ŚB 1.9.31)

For the society at large this individual practice of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness can be nicely applied. Everyone can practice this system of vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti, and the results are very clearly delineated as with medicine or science. The problem of birth, disease, old age and death can only be solved by this transcendental science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and it gives hope.

I have seen it practically when my father was very sick, the daily chanting and Prasadam worked wonders. He came back from the dead and enjoys a few more years to live.

With our spiritual master it was clear that he had to leave his body soon due to fourth stage of Cancer, but he was very well prepared. He was surrounded by devotees with the Holy Name, in the Holy Dhāma in front of the Deity. There was no doubt that he attained spiritual perfection.

Is society ready for it? Every branch of science looks to solve the above mentioned problems of birth, disease, old age and death, but only the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness can conquer death, as we have seen in Bhīsmadevas example.

This example must be given to the broad mass of people to diminish their suffering and eleviate them from death. In a modern society, the intelligent class of people have to adopt this technique of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness to spread it via all mediums, like schools, universities and through the culture to reach all people.

With the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam we have the perfect recipe to perfect life, now we just have to implement it in the modern scenario. For example, could every hospice implement a spiritual consultation session, where Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is read with an advanced devotee. Temples should open more facilities for people to sit and read. We need room for discussion about the spirit soul, so that all classes of men can dive deep into the scriptures.
This Sravana-Kirtana is the only way to transcend death and bring about a revolution in the impious hearts of misdirected civilisation.

YsD

05/06/2024

June 5

ŚB 1.6.26

नामान्यनन्तस्य हतत्रप: पठन्
गुह्यानि भद्राणि कृतानि च स्मरन् ।
गां पर्यटंस्तुष्टमना गतस्पृह:
कालं प्रतीक्षन् विमदो विमत्सर: ॥ २६ ॥
nāmāny anantasya hata-trapaḥ paṭhan
guhyāni bhadrāṇi kṛtāni ca smaran
gāṁ paryaṭaṁs tuṣṭa-manā gata-spṛhaḥ
kālaṁ pratīkṣan vimado vimatsaraḥ

Synonyms

nāmāni — the holy name, fame, etc.; anantasya — of the unlimited; hata-trapaḥ — being freed from all formalities of the material world; paṭhan — by recitation, repeated reading, etc.; guhyāni — mysterious; bhadrāṇi — all-benedictory; kṛtāni — activities; ca — and; smaran — constantly remembering; gām — on the earth; paryaṭan — traveling all through; tuṣṭa-manāḥ — fully satisfied; gata-spṛhaḥ — completely freed from all material desires; kālam — time; pratīkṣan — awaiting; vimadaḥ — without being proud; vimatsaraḥ — without being envious.

Translation

Thus I began chanting the holy name and fame of the Lord by repeated recitation, ignoring all the formalities of the material world. Such chanting and remembering of the transcendental pastimes of the Lord are benedictory. So doing, I traveled all over the earth, fully satisfied, humble and unenvious.

Purport

The life of a sincere devotee of the Lord is thus explained in a nutshell by Nārada Muni by his personal example. Such a devotee, after his initiation by the Lord or His bona fide representative, takes very seriously chanting of the glories of the Lord and traveling all over the world so that others may also hear the glories of the Lord. Such devotees have no desire for material gain. They are conducted by one single desire: to go back to Godhead. This awaits them in due course on quitting the material body. Because they have the highest aim of life, going back to Godhead, they are never envious of anyone, nor are they proud of being eligible to go back to Godhead. Their only business is to chant and remember the holy name, fame and pastimes of the Lord and, according to personal capacity, to distribute the message for others’ welfare without motive of material gain.

Personal Notes:

It is the essence of all devotional service to chant the glories of Kṛṣṇa, thus remembering and never forgetting Him. Śrīla Prabhupāda was always following in the footsteps of Nārada Muni, wherever he went, spreading the Holy Name of Kṛṣṇa was his only business, and so was the business of Kadamba Kanana Swami. Following in their footsteps means simply serving their Lotusfeet, remaining free of attachment and pride. With a single aim, to go back to Godhead, we chant Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare.

In the meantime, one can study this great conversation of Vyāsa and Nārada Muni to remember the glories of the Lord's devotees.

By rendering service one is certain to attain love for Vāsudeva (God) as mentioned in the second Chapter of the first Canto, verse 16;

“O twice-born sages, by serving those devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service, one gains affinity for hearing the messages of Vāsudeva.”

Srīla Prabhupāda further states in a lecture on Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, first Canto, tenth Chapter,vl verse 5:

So if you want to enter into the spiritual kingdom, as Lord Jesus Christ also said, "The kingdom of God is for the meek and the..."

By submissively serving the devotees, inquiring and hearing in a meek and mild attitude one is sure to receive their mercy. This mercy can come in manyfold ways.

One might be empowered to distribute the holy name like Nārada Muni traveling all over the world, or one might be gifted by writing and translating like Śrīla Prabhupāda.

One surely can be greatly inspired by the example of Nārada Muni and it is well worth studying this conversation.

This was written during Bhakti-Vaibhava at Simhachalam Dhāma.

Jaya Śrī Guru and Gauranga,
Jaya Prahlāda-Narasimha

06/04/2024

Eternal Home (Sanatana Dhama)

Mother India (or Bharata Bhumi) has always been a place of learning and study. Further, wisdom comes alive not through speculation, but service.
I learned something wonderful here, that is devotional service to Kṛṣṇa.

Through the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and the guru-parampara I came to Mother India in 2019 with only a vague idea of the Vedas which describe the Absolute Truth.

Soon, I would join two brahmacharis to Vrindavana and experience devotional service first hand. These two brahmacharis are very sincere and dedicated, whereas I was the complete opposite.

I had to learn the very basics of cleanliness, etiquette, and speech. Solely, the mantra meditation got me enthused day-by-day and I would find shelter in the Kirtan, which washed my ignorance away.

Kirtan connected me to my initiating spiritual master, His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, who invited us 2022 to come again to the Holy Dhama. Here, I lost a little shyness and considered fully embracing this mood of devotion, however, I saw responsibility growing sharing this treasure of wisdom that is found in the dust of the Dhama.

It is difficult to explain, but maybe an anecdote helps to understand how nurturing the Dhama is. When I, like many western devotees, looked for the Wifi infront of Govinda's, a saffron-clad, Hindi-speaking devotee with broom in hand asked me to do “little service”.

I heard that even a little service in the Dhama is very relishable, but cleaning Prabhupada's quarters I felt unworthy and insignificant.

Like the dust we collected, a feeling of humility overpowered me and I stuffed all the leftover flower petals into my mouth. Whatever came over me, is that bhakti?

It resonates with a Bhajan written and sung by Narottama Das Thakur:

“I am the servant of that person who is a servant of these six Gosvamis. The dust of their lotus feet is my five kinds of foodstuffs.”

(Hari haraye namah)

Hungry for more mercy, I embraced the somewhat special feelings of Vraja, including loneliness and separation. When our beloved Gurudeva left this world to Goloka, I was already on my way traveling and preaching.

It was the desire of our acharyas, not to be idle, but to share this nice gift of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This eternal responsibility, called Sanatana Dharma is explained by Srila Prabhupada in the introduction of the Bhagavad-Gita which became my life and soul.

“In reference to the concept of sanātana-dharma, we must try to understand the concept of religion from the Sanskrit root meaning of the word. Dharma refers to that which is constantly existing with a particular object. We conclude that there is heat and light along with the fire; without heat and light, there is no meaning to the word fire. Similarly, we must discover the essential part of the living being, that part which is his constant companion. That constant companion is his eternal quality, and that eternal quality is his eternal religion.”

This eternal religion, the timeless wisdom of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is alive here in the sanatana Dhama, and the more I desired to live this truth, the more arrangements were made.

This time around, I was able to stay for a longer period on a stretch to deeply study the devotional arts and also the devotees in the Holy Dhama of Vraja and Navadvip.

For good half a year we absorbed the nectar of Mayapur Chandra, everyday coming before Radha Madhava and Panca Tattva, for our courses, we would even clean Their Lordships altar and watch the dressing going on.

It was intimate and beautiful, something to definitely remember. I wrote this book “Arcana - a taste of Deity Worship” about my experience in Mayapur. Further, we graduated successfully and started the Gaura Purnima festival season.

Therein, the Navadvip Mandala Parikrama was my personal highlight in Bharat Bhumi. Coming again is for certain. Taking the dust of these Holy Places on my head I went back to Vraja to contemplate the Mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu which is the heart and soul of Srila Prabhupada and our Gurudeva.

Now, I found shelter again with His Holiness Janananda Maharaja and assembled devotees traveling to France, Belgium and Germany for further distribution of this matchless gift.

Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

19/02/2024

New Books in English are available for free @

Satyam Param dhimahi

07/02/2024

Liebe, Leben, Gottes Segen - Oktober 2023 Tagebuch: Vṛndāvana & Māyāpur

In diesem Tagebuch erzählt der Autor seine Reise von den Heiligen Städten Vṛndāvana, dem Spielort Kṛṣṇas, nach Māyāpur, dem Geburtsort Śrī Caitanya Mahaprabhus.

Es ist Indien. Der Zug ist spät dran. Es waren gut 1400 von West nach Ost. Der Alltag ist kunterbunt, die Geschmäcker exotisch und das Gefühl warmherzig, wie eben das Wetter. Indien ist meine zweite Heimat, hier studiere ich das zeitlose Wissen von Yoga, und ja, die Zeit steht wirklich still. Obwohl die materielle Welt im Äußeren modern scheint, tickt in der Heiligen Stadt eine andere Zeit; Ewigkeit.

In mir kommt Ruhe auf. Es ist eine lange Reise gewesen und ich bin froh auf dem Weg nach Māyāpur zu sein. Hier werde ich studieren und als vedischer Priester ausgebildet. Neben mir sitzt Viṣṇu Das aus Äthiopien. Er kommt nach Māyāpur, um die Grabstätte seines spirituellen Meisters zu besuchen. Die Rikscha rattert durch die Nacht und in der Heimat vom Goldenen Avatar weht eine besondere Brise, Jasmin erblüht.

Śrī Caitanya war kein Heiliger. Er ist Gott, die Höchste Persönlichkeit und Absolute Wahrheit.

Kostenloses E-Buch: https://books.apple.com/us/book/liebe-leben-gottes-segen/id6477292685?ls=1

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04/02/2024

Liebe, Leben, Gottes Segen

Tagebuch: Oktober 2023 Vṛndāvana - Māyāpur

In diesem Tagebuch erzählt der Autor seine Reise von den Heiligen Städten Vṛndāvana, dem Spielort Kṛṣṇas, nach Māyāpur, dem Geburtsort Śrī Caitanya Mahaprabhus.

Es ist Indien. Der Zug ist spät dran. Es waren gut 1400 von West nach Ost. Der Alltag ist kunterbunt, die Geschmäcker exotisch und das Gefühl warmherzig, wie eben das Wetter. Indien ist meine zweite Heimat, hier studiere ich das zeitlose Wissen von Yoga, und ja, die Zeit steht wirklich still. Obwohl die materielle Welt im Äußeren modern scheint, tickt in der Heiligen Stadt eine andere Zeit; Ewigkeit.

In mir kommt Ruhe auf. Es ist eine lange Reise gewesen und ich bin froh auf dem Weg nach Māyāpur zu sein. Hier werde ich studieren und als vedischer Priester ausgebildet. Neben mir sitzt Viṣṇu Das aus Äthiopien. Er kommt nach Māyāpur, um die Grabstätte seines spirituellen Meisters zu besuchen. Die Rikscha rattert durch die Nacht und in der Heimat vom Goldenen Avatar weht eine besondere Brise, Jasmin erblüht.

Śrī Caitanya war kein Heiliger. Er ist Gott, die Höchste Persönlichkeit und Absolute Wahrheit.

Kostenloses e-Buch: https://books.apple.com/us/book/liebe-leben-gottes-segen/id6477292685?ls=1

22/01/2024

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Grundlagen des Bhakti-Yoga inklusive Mantra Meditation.

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22/01/2024

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17/12/2023

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12/12/2023

New book available in German, based on Śrīla Prabhupāda‚s teachings. English translation coming soon, happy reading.

‎Health, Mind & Body · 2023

05/12/2023

Minimalism

According to the process of rejecting everything unfavourable for Kṛṣṇa and accepting everything favourable in the service for Him, I wrote a book about minimalism.

It was something that naturally came to me, and that I always liked: traveling & living simple.
When I came to Śrīla Prabhupādas movement in 2016 I had a guitar and a few clothes on my body. After the first days in the temple in San Diego, the guitar was stolen and my clothes swapped for Vaisnava attire.

Even though, the guitar was gone, I received something greater: the Bhagavad-Guitar (as it is). Sitting in the temple room and hearing the ancient Sanskrit, I was interested. Going on Harinam Sankirtan with devotees like Vraja Mohan Prabhu, I was happier than ever.

When a resident brahmacari told me that he lives with 30$ a month, I felt quite comforted, to be poor and detached. That didn’t change much until today.

Living in Radhadesh as a student and servant, I started writing books, as a creative outlet and business opportunity, but further I wanted to transmit this inner transformation, especially the one in consciousness.

After sometime, I got good at convincing people to buy my books filled with Prabhupādas words and quotes from Bhagavad-Gita. Sometimes, I would write a script for someone and tell them: “Here, this Bhagavad-Gita is the source of my inspiration - you must have it.” It worked out nicely.

At some point a Buddhist got really excited about my writings, based on Śrīla Prabhupādas teaching, but unfortunately his book business failed and I decided to publish the work anyhow. It was last year, in December 2022 in Radhakund where I sat down and compiled over 12 books for publishing. One of them was Minimalism, which was translated into English from German (please mind).

The book is basically taking you on a journey with little as it gets. As a proof, I traveled with 10 things (a small bag consisting of smartphone, passport and beads) around 8 countries in 10 days. From Germany, to Denmark, to Sweden (stopover at the beautiful farm Almsvik Gård), Finland (for the annual Helsinki Ratha Yatra), to Estland, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, back to Germany for the Berlin Ratha Yatra.

Through the experience, I felt enthused to share the simple techniques of how to travel light, simply by sharing Kṛṣṇa‘s message.

This book is available for free in German & English in the apple book store & Amazon, as well as a hardcopy in many bookstores:

‎Health & Well-Being · 2023

01/11/2023

Bücher bei Weltbild: Jetzt Pada Sevanam von Jan Wolter versandkostenfrei online kaufen & per Rechnung bezahlen bei Weltbild, Ihrem Bücher-Spezialisten!

01/11/2023

Für diese Exkursion ist es wichtig zu verstehen, wo ich herkomme und wem ich diene. Natürlich ist die 'Reise, Lerne, Wachse'-Buchserie über die letzte Dekade gut gewachsen, und dieser Teil bildet die 18. Sequenz. So fordere ich Sie auf, wieder einmal auf eine Reise zu kommen und die ...

12/10/2023

Since 2013 I have been documenting travels to over 50 countries. Here in these books, you find all the inspiration and guidance for a safe journey home.

31/05/2023

A pilgrimage through India, Malaysia & Australia. Following the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada.