This morning Srila Gurudeva gave initiations in a very special ceremony. The remaining three uninitiated Chinese devotees here all decided to take connection of Srila Gurudeva and Krishna consciousness. By the loving association of the devotees here and classes and encouragement from Sripad Goswami Maharaj and Sripad Srutasrava Prabhu, they all decided to take this opportunity for connection with Srila Gurudeva. First of all Yadu Krishna's daughter took initiation. He is in Russia at present but will return after a few days to Thailand. Afterwards, first was Ona who became Anindita devi dasi. Then Victoria became Balanuja devi dasi. While they were being initiated the final Chinese newcomer became inspired through this divine tranmission and also requested connection. Srila Gurudeva happily gave her connection and the name Indrani devi dasi.
Afterwards, Sripad Goswami Maharaj gave a beautiful class answering further questions and giving inspiration for the new initiates to continue their spiritual journey happily. Yudhamanyu Prabhu was particularly overwhelmed and pleased with this result having taken so much time and care to bring these Chinese newcomers to see Srila Gurudeva. Now there is just one day remaining before Srila Gurudeva leaves Thailand to continue his world tour.

With the all-auspicious blessings of Srila Gurudeva, Paramananda Prabhu arranged for Public Sankirttan for the devotees this morning in one of the large parks here in central Bangkok. Twelve devotees including the five Chinese visitors came together to sing the Lord's names at Lumpini Park and inaugurate what we hope to be many more sankirttan endeavours in this new preaching ground. Tarit Krishna Prabhu from Australia who joined the tour here in Thailand led some sweet kirttan as we sat near the entrance and everyone arrived. After that Divya Shakti dd led a procession chant, through the grounds, around the lakes and over the little bridges and walkways of the beautifully manicured gardens. Look out for the pics on the Math website! It was remarkable to be in sankirttan with the Chinese, who were very happy to participate in this totally new activity. Afterwards we visited Chatuchak Market where Paramananda Prabhu and Krishna Priya dd have a shopfront before returning to the temple mid-afternoon. We hope to be able to go again tomorrow morning.

This afternoon Srila Gurudeva spent 3-4 hours with the devotees giving his merciful affectionate glance. He went outside for his first scooter ride mid-afternoon, seeing many of the people in the area and riding past each of the houses where the devotees are staying, near to our centre. He stopped several times to see the neighborhood dogs and to listen to the different bird calls. There was also a tree just like a banyan with aerial roots extending from all of its branches. After perhaps an hour of fresh air, he returned to the ashram, and group photos were taken out the front. Once inside he sat in his darshan room and spoke at length about how sweet Thailand is. He glorified the Thai people and also made some comments about China and our preaching there. He sees a very bright future for Thailand, China and also Japan where our Thailand leader Paramananda Prabhu has a place which he has already offered to Srila Gurudeva. Gurudeva expressed his enthusiasm to return again soon to Thailand and about the possibility of visiting Japan and expanding the preaching in these two new areas. Perhaps there are only a few members at this stage but with humility and appropriate presentation it will certainly grow. He also mentioned that in China the government recently granted large amounts of land for religious purpose. This is quite a big change from the past and in future more developments like this may happen.

Srila Gurudeva has safely arrived at our Thailand centre to begin the first leg of his 24th World Tour. He was fine for the travel, just a little tired. He sat briefly with the devotees and was again overjoyed to see the visiting Chinese devotees brought by Yudhamanyu Prabhu. After some cold water he was up again to climb the stairs and settle in to his quarters here. It is late afternoon and the evening preparations are now in full swing, with arrangements for accomodation and prasadam.

Once again our beloved Gurudeva, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj is preparing to leave India and travel to the western world to uplift the devotees and sincere seekers. This time he will grace Thailand, Malaysia and Mauritius with his presence. The main reason for this tour is to install the deities in our Mauritius centre, with the other two countries stopovers along the way. Yesterday Gurudeva was well and spoke in darshan before all the devotees, inspired with the prospect of his next trip overseas.
Here in Thailand Paramananda Prabhu and Krishna Priya dd are making all the preparations for Gurudeva's arrival. There is also a large team of able servitors here including Srutasrava Prabhu, Vrinda dd and others. Yudhamanyu Prabhu has again come from China accompanied by 5 chinese devotees seeking nourishment and devotional association. Madhumita dd and Radhika dd are here on their way back to the USA and are very happy to have the chance to catch up with the Chinese devotees again after their stay there over the Vyasa Puja festival.
Gurudeva is only planning to be out of India for a short time and plans to be back in Nabadwip well in time for the upcoming Gaura Purnima celebrations which are set to be the largest ever. Last year was the biggest Gaura Purnima so far with 260 western devotees visiting from all parts of the world. This year will almost certainly be larger with groups planned from Russia and Venezuela among other places.
Thailand is a very warm change from the winter of Bengal where it has been particularly cold over the last 6 weeks since the end of the last tour. Today the Air conditioners were cleaned and checked and all other important services discussed. This afternoon looks to be a decoration focus in time for the arrival of the main tour party.