1) One day Lord Gaura suddenly thought in His heart: “For the benefit of the people there, I will go east.”
2) Taking His closest companions with Him, Lord Gaura would travel east. He who is mother Saci’s very life was restless to travel.
3) To His mother Lord Gaura said: “Please don’t worry. I will always be near you.”
4) To Laksmipriya smiling Lord Gaura said: “Serve My mother. Be devoted to her.”
5) Accompanied by His close companions, Lord Gaura began His auspicious journey. With a happy heart He traveled.
6) Brahmanas and saintly persons stayed on the bank of the Padmavati. Effulgent spiritual men an women bathed at the ghatas there.
7) When Lord Visvambhara bathed in the Padmavati, everyone became freed of sins by bathing there.
8) The people who lived in the east Lord Gaura begged to accept the holy name. He gave them the chanting of Lord Krsna’s holy name.
9) He did not consider who was pure or impure, or who had acted well or ill. Everyone He carried to farther bank of the river of birth and death.
10) Lord Gaura built a boat of nama-sankirtana (chanting of the holy names). He personally begged everyone to enter that boat. With that boat He brought them all to the farther bank of the river of birth and death.
11) Anyone who fled from Him, He caught in His arms. Lord Gauranga, who is Lord Krsna Himself, carried those persons to the farther bank of the river of birth and death.
12) Locana dasa says: Lord Gaura is the master of all the worlds. Giving His mercy to the people, He made them all pure at heart.
(2) heno śāk-āswādane, kṛṣṇa-prema aise mane, sei preme koro āswādana jaḍa-buddhi parihari’, prasād bhojana kori’, `hari hari’ bolo sarva jan
TRANSLATION
1) O brothers! One day at Sri Advaita’s house in santipura, the two Lords-Caitanya and Nityananda-were seated for lunch. Lord Caitanya tasted the green leafy vegetable preparation and addressed the assembly of His devotees, “This sak is so delicious! Lord Krsna has definitely tasted it.
2) “At the taste of sak like this, love of Krsna arises in the heart. In such love you should taste these remnants. Giving up all materialistic conceptions and taking the Lord’s prasad, all of you just chant `Hari! Hari!'”
1) O brothers! One day in Jagannatha Puri, at the time of honoring the Lord’s prasad, Mahaprabhu Sri Krsna Caitanya said to all the devotees, “May you become blessed on this day by honoring the khicari of the Lord in a pure state of mind.
2) “Lord Jagannatha has given you varieties of extraordinary and wonderful prasad, such as khicuri and pitha-pana (a type of cake and condensed-milk preparation). Therefore, take all of this prasad until you are filled up to the neck, and with your voices chant `Hari! Hari!’ In such a transcendental atmosphere, ignorance and sin cannot remain.
3) “These prasad food-grains of Lord Jagannatha are worshipable even by Lord Brahma and Lord Siva. Upon the eating of it, love of God arises within the heart. All of you have obtained such a rare treasure. All glories! All glories! All glories to Lord Jagannatha!”
1) When will I be a young gopi-maidservant? When will Sri Rupa-manjari directly order me? When will that auspicious time be?
2) When will Sri Rupa-manjari repeatedly order me about, saying: “O maidservant, come here. Quickly arrange for my fancy garments and ornaments.”
3) By hearing these orders I will become delighted. These orders will completely absorb the attention of my purified mind.
4) When, in Sri Rupa-manjari’s service, will I fill a jeweled tray with various paraphernalia for worship? When, engaged in her service, will I fill a golden goblet with aromatic water?
5) When will I be able to quickly approach the Divine Couple? When will Narottama dasa attain this condition of life?
1) O Vaisnava Goswami, please be merciful to me now. There is no one except you who can purify the fallen souls.
2) Where does anyone find such a merciful personality by whose mere audience all sins go far away?
3) After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power.
4) The holy name delivers one who has committed an offense to Lord Hari. But, if one commits an offense to you, there is no means of deliverance.
5) Your heart is always the resting place of Lord Govinda. Lord Govinda says, “The Vaisnavas are in My heart.”
6) I desire the dust of your holy feet in every birth I may take. Please consider Narottama yours, and be kind upon him.
Official Name: Mathura-virahocita Darasana-lalasa Song 2
Author: Narottama Dasa Thakura
Book Name: Prarthana
Language: Bengali
LYRICS:
(1)
ei bāra pāile dekhā caraṇa dukhāni
hiyāra mājhāre rākhi juḍābo parāṇī
(2)
tāre nā dekhiyā mora mone boro tāp
anale paśibo kimbā jale dibo jhāḿp
(3)
mukhera muchābo ghāma khāoyābo pān guyā
śramete bātās dibo candanādi cūyā
(4)
vṛndāvanera phuler gāńthiyā dibo hār
bināiyā bāndhibo cūḍā kuntalera bhār
(5)
kapāle tilaka dibo candanera cāńd
narottama dāsa kohe pirītera phāńd
TRANSLATION
1) I pray that I may now see the two lotus feet of Lord Krsna. I will place these lotus feet in my heart. I will dedicate my entire life and soul to them.
2) If I am not able to see Lord Krsna’s lotus feet, my heart will burn with suffering. I will end this life by entering a blazing fire, or jumping into the water.
3) When I meet Lord Krsna I will serve Him in various ways. I will wipe the perspiration from His face. I will give Him nice food and drink. I will offer Him betel-nuts. I will fan Him. I will anoint His body with sandalwood paste and other fragrant things.
4) I will string a garland of Vrndavana forest flowers, and then present that garland to Lord Krsna. I will carefully arrange His hair and tie His topknot.
5) I will decorate Lord Krsna with a peacock feather, tilaka markings, and a moon drawn in sandalwood paste. Narottama dasa says: In this way I will gradually attain love for Lord Krsna.
A sacred gathering in a historic devotional community rooted in Vedic tradition
The recent visit of H.G. Brajsundar Das to New Mayapur, France, stands as a meaningful event within the global devotional community. Known as one of the oldest Hare Krishna farm communities in Europe, New Mayapur continues to serve as a living example of dharmic rural life centered on devotion (bhakti), simplicity, and spiritual cultivation. The presence of Brajsundar Das in New Mayapur France further enriched this legacy through scriptural teachings and personal service.
The Sacred History of New Mayapur, France
New Mayapur, established in 1975–1976 in central France (Luçay-le-Mâle), was founded by the followers of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is a historic Hare Krishna community centered in the 1905 Château d’Oublaise. Conceived as a rural, self-sufficient spiritual community, it reflects the Vedic principle of simple living and high thinking.
Key Historical Foundations
Establishment: The property, including the Château d’Oublaise, was acquired in the mid-1970s to facilitate a pastoral life dedicated to devotional service.
Founder’s Vision: Srila Prabhupada personally visited the estate and appreciated its natural suitability for a farming-based spiritual society.
The Château: The main temple functions within the historic château, serving as a focal point for worship and community gatherings.
Deity Installation: In August 1976, Srila Prabhupada installed the deities of Gaura-Nitai, Krishna-Balaram, and Radha-Govinda-Madhava, establishing the center as a place of continuous worship.
Significance: It remains one of the earliest ISKCON communities in Europe and continues as both a spiritual retreat and agricultural center.
Development and Mission
Situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region, approximately three hours from Paris, New Mayapur spans over 200 acres (80+ hectares). The community emphasizes organic farming, cow protection (go-rakṣā), and a lifestyle aligned with nature.
In 2025, the community marked its 50th anniversary, reflecting its enduring relevance. Despite challenges such as structural repairs to the château, the mission remains steady—demonstrating how a life aligned with dharma can sustain both material and spiritual well-being.
Brajsundar Das New Mayapur France: Teachings on Prahlad Maharaj
During his recent visit from April 28 to May 4, H.G. Brajsundar Das delivered a series of nine sessions focusing on the life and teachings of Prahlad Maharaj. These sessions were conducted in the divine presence of HH Janananda Goswami Maharaj.
Prahlad Maharaj, a revered figure in Vedic literature, exemplifies unwavering devotion even in adverse circumstances. His life illustrates the principle that the ātma (soul) remains fixed in divine consciousness regardless of external challenges.
Brajsundar Das carefully presented these teachings with clarity and philosophical depth, making them accessible to both seasoned practitioners and new attendees. The sessions emphasized:
Steadiness in devotion despite material disturbances
The nature of divine protection
The importance of early spiritual cultivation
The supremacy of bhakti over material power
Such discussions reinforce the understanding that true success lies not in external achievement but in alignment with the Supreme will.
A Personal Moment of Service: Visit to Krishna Kirtan Mataji
Another deeply significant aspect of the Brajsundar Das New Mayapur France visit was his opportunity to meet Krishna Kirtan Mataji, a direct disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who is presently in the final stages of her life.
During his visit to the hospital, Brajsundar Das offered personal association and spiritual encouragement. Krishna Kirtan Mataji has spent considerable time in Vrindavan and regularly attended the Bhagavata-katha discourses of Srila Radha Govind Das Goswami Maharaja.
By providence, Brajsundar Das had previously assisted her by translating these sessions, enabling her to deeply absorb the teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. This sacred text, which delineates the science of the soul and the Supreme, held a special place in her heart.
A Gesture of Devotional Connection
In a moment of spiritual intimacy, Brajsundar Das offered Mataji his traveling Śrīmad Bhāgavatam set. She accepted it with deep affection, recalling her revered spiritual master.
This exchange reflects a deeper principle within bhakti tradition—the continuity of spiritual knowledge through service, remembrance, and gratitude. Such moments transcend ordinary interaction and point toward the eternal relationship between the soul and the Divine.
A Call for Prayers and Reflection
At this time, the community humbly requests all well-wishers to offer sincere prayers for Krishna Kirtan Mataji’s peaceful transition. In Vedic understanding, death is not an end but a passage (saṁsāra) determined by one’s consciousness and devotion.
Offering prayers for a departing soul is considered an act of compassion and spiritual responsibility. It aligns with the principle that every living being is part of the Supreme and deserves support in returning to that eternal abode.
Conclusion: Service, Knowledge, and Divine Continuity
The visit of Brajsundar Das New Mayapur France highlights the living tradition of Vedic culture in modern times. Through scriptural teachings, personal service, and community engagement, such events reaffirm the timeless relevance of dharma and bhakti.
New Mayapur continues to stand as a practical model of spiritual living, where philosophy is not merely discussed but practiced daily. The teachings of Prahlad Maharaj, the service to advanced devotees, and the collective spirit of prayer all point toward a higher understanding—that life finds its true purpose in reconnecting with the Supreme.
In this way, even within the flow of time and change, the eternal principles of devotion quietly guide the sincere seeker toward lasting peace and fulfillment.
The St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026 once again demonstrated the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community cooperation. Held on April 25–26 at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park, this annual festival gathered thousands of participants, organizations, and educators to promote sustainable living. Organized by the nonprofit earthday365, the event welcomed over 15,000 attendees, reflecting a strong and growing awareness of environmental stewardship.
Within this setting, ISKCON St. Louis took part as a faith-based partner, offering both practical service and spiritual insight. Their participation showed how ecological responsibility and higher values can work together in a balanced and meaningful way.
St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026 and Community Participation
The St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026 served as a platform for education, cooperation, and action. Environmental organizations, artists, and local institutions collaborated to present solutions for sustainable living.
The festival maintained strict environmental standards. These included:
Use of fully biodegradable and compostable utensils
Enforcement of zero-plastic policies
Waste-sorting compliance
Vendor permits and food safety regulations
Such measures reflect a disciplined approach to environmental care. In Vedic understanding, this aligns with dharma, or responsible action in harmony with nature. Human beings are not owners of the earth but caretakers, entrusted with its proper use.
ISKCON St. Louis: Service Through Govinda’s Food Booth
Prasadam Distribution as Spiritual Hospitality
During the St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026, ISKCON St. Louis actively served the community through its Govinda’s vegetarian food booth. Devotees prepared and distributed thousands of fresh vegetarian meals over the two-day event.
These meals, known as prasadam (sanctified food offered to the Lord), carry both nutritional and spiritual value. Visitors appreciated the quality, taste, and atmosphere of the offerings, with many returning multiple times.
From a Vedic perspective, food is not merely sustenance for the body but also influences consciousness. When prepared and offered with devotion, it becomes a means of purification and upliftment.
Upholding Environmental Standards with Discipline
ISKCON St. Louis followed all sustainability requirements with care and precision. This included:
Using biodegradable serving materials
Maintaining hygiene standards such as gloves and hair nets
Adhering to waste management systems
Their participation demonstrated that spiritual communities can actively support environmental goals without compromise. Organizers recognized ISKCON’s professionalism and cooperation, strengthening mutual trust and opening opportunities for future collaboration.
This disciplined effort reflects the principle of karma-yoga—performing one’s duty with responsibility and dedication, without neglecting higher values.
Outreach and Community Engagement
Sharing Knowledge Alongside Service
Beyond food distribution, ISKCON St. Louis used the St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026 as an opportunity for meaningful outreach. Along with prasadam, visitors received:
Invitations to Sunday Feast programs
Hare Krishna Mahā-mantra cards
Ratha-yātrā 2026 festival flyers
Govinda’s vegetarian outreach materials
Small spiritual books and literature
These efforts introduced many attendees to the teachings and practices of bhakti-yoga in a simple and accessible way.
Building Lasting Relationships
Participation in the festival also helped ISKCON St. Louis:
Increase community awareness
Strengthen relationships with local residents
Collaborate with civic and environmental organizations
Support temple fundraising transparently
Such engagement reflects a broader understanding of service—not limited to one community but extended to all.
Environmental Responsibility and Vedic Insight
The theme of sustainability at the St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026 aligns with Vedic teachings on living in harmony with nature. The concept of īśāvāsyam suggests that everything within the universe is controlled and owned by the Supreme, and therefore should be used responsibly.
When individuals act with awareness of this principle, their actions become balanced and purposeful. Environmental care then becomes not only a social duty but also a spiritual responsibility.
The Transformative Power of Prasadam
For many attendees, experiencing prasadam was more than a culinary encounter. It became a moment of connection—bringing nourishment to both body and mind.
In bhakti tradition, even a simple act like honoring sanctified food can gradually awaken higher understanding. This process is gentle yet profound, requiring no prior qualification.
Such experiences demonstrate how spiritual practices can be integrated into everyday life, even within public events like the St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026.
A Model of Cooperation Between Ecology and Spirituality
The collaboration between ISKCON St. Louis and the Earth Day organizers presents a practical model. It shows that environmental responsibility does not stand apart from spiritual values but can be strengthened by them.
By combining disciplined ecological practices with sincere service, the event created a space where both material and spiritual well-being were addressed.
Conclusion: A Higher Vision of Sustainable Living
The St. Louis Earth Day Celebration 2026 highlighted the importance of collective effort in addressing environmental challenges. At the same time, ISKCON St. Louis demonstrated that sustainability can be enriched through spiritual understanding.
Their participation showed that caring for the environment and caring for the self are not separate goals. When actions are guided by dharma and performed with sincerity, they contribute to both external harmony and internal growth.
In this way, such events quietly remind us that true sustainability begins with conscious living—aligned with both nature and a higher purpose.
