Initiations
04/07/10 20:30
This morning Srila Acharyyadeva gave initiations to many sincere seekers and new brahmanas. The main event of the morning was Srila Acharyyadeva giving sannyas initiation to Sripad Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu. He is now Sripad Bhakti Vilas Tapasvi Maharaj. Afterwards, a beautiful photo was taken in front of Srila Acharyyadeva's house with all the sannyasis together with our newest sannyasi. In the afternoon, the devotees went for a walk performing sankirttan as Srila Acharyyadeva visited the nearby homes of some devotees. In the evening, Srila Acharyyadeva gave a powerful talk with many stories and examples of how to practice and live a more enriched devotional life.
Harinam Sankirttan
04/07/10 07:42
After an enlivening morning lecture in the sun on a large deck overlooking the mountains, and a beautiful lunch, were drove in convoy to the town for an afternoon of sankirttan. This time of year is the tourist season in Campos do Jordao and the streets, shops and cafes were packed with people. They were smiling and waving and dancing as we slowly wandered through the streets chanting the holy names. Sripad Janardan Maharaj started out leading an uplifting kirttan as Sripad Ashram Maharaj with his well-known dancesteps had all the devotees and several onlookers swaying backwards and forwards. We then entered the main street and with traffic paused for a while, our party of about 40 devotees were centre stage as young and old looked on. Sripad Ashram Maharaj led the next kirttan which finished in a grand finale at the end of the street. We then returned the way we had come and Partha Sarathi Prabhu led the chanting for the rest of the afternoon as we slowly came back to our cars. We passed many bars and the streets were overflowing with patrons watching the World Cup Football on big screens. It was a very festive atmosphere and our presence enhanced the occasion for everyone. We gave out many flyers inviting people to our International Festival of Yoga which runs this week and Srila Acharyyadeva is the guest of honour of this festival.
Arrival at Krishna Shakti Ashram
03/07/10 14:23
After a drive from the airport including a stop at a hotel for lunch, we arrived to a grand welcome in Campos do Jordao, the town of our ashram. The mayor of the city was awaiting us and a marching band was playing. Srila Acharyyadeva was given the key to the city and the Mayor spoke very beautifully in his honour. Rohini Shakti devi dasi made all the arrangements and everything went wonderfully. We then took the winding country road from the town out to the ashram and the devotees welcomed Srila Maharaj with enthusiastic sankirttan. Maharaj immediately sat before the devotees and delivered a lecture after accepting Guru Arati. Then everyone settled in for the night as the cool winter air descended and the temperature dropped towards zero.
Porto Allegre programs
01/07/10 16:24
After a smooth 6 hour flight we were welcomed in the airport by Sripad Trivikram Maharaj, accompanied by his special guests, Sripad Janardan Maharaj and Sripad Ashram Maharaj. After a few hours wait we took a domestic flight to South Brazil to the city of Porto Allegre. 'Happy Harbour' is a beautiful city and home to a lot of Brazilians with German and Italian backgrounds. They are unashamedly proud of their beauty and class. Partha Sarathi Prabhu and Shivanandini dd, our hosts, arranged a busy 3 days of programs which were very well attended. We went from the arrival in the airport to a local television station where Srila Acharyyadeva gave an interview on a popular variety show watched regularly by 1 million people in that state. The next day Srila Acharyyadeva gave lecture in our ashram and saw the devotees. Sripad Janardan Maharaj spoke and sang a sweet kirttan, supported by Sripad Ashram Maharaj. In the evening Srila Acharyyadeva was the guest of honour in the Legislative Assembly of the State Government who offered him a plaque in honour of his visit. Maharaj delivered a beautiful lecture and chanted Bhajahu re mana explaining the meaning to the 80 or so people present. The Assemby was very happy to hear from Maharaj and their questions reflected their appreciation of His Divine Grace.
The next morning we were on the main street of the city doing nagar sankirttan enthusiastically led by Sripad Ashram Maharaj. All the pedestrians were smiling and many flyers and invitations were given out. Then later in the day a program was arranged in a restaurant, and Srila Maharaj gave an enthusiastic lecture including a clear explanation of the Vaisnava principles before giving initiation there to one sincere seeker.
The next morning we took early morning flight for Sao Paulo to go to the main ashram of Brazil. It was clear from our few days of activities that South Brazil has a huge potential for preaching and Srila Acharyyadeva also expressed his willingness to visit in future.
The next morning we were on the main street of the city doing nagar sankirttan enthusiastically led by Sripad Ashram Maharaj. All the pedestrians were smiling and many flyers and invitations were given out. Then later in the day a program was arranged in a restaurant, and Srila Maharaj gave an enthusiastic lecture including a clear explanation of the Vaisnava principles before giving initiation there to one sincere seeker.
The next morning we took early morning flight for Sao Paulo to go to the main ashram of Brazil. It was clear from our few days of activities that South Brazil has a huge potential for preaching and Srila Acharyyadeva also expressed his willingness to visit in future.
A Grand Farewell
29/06/10 10:08
Last night we bid farewell to Parama Karuna Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra. One devotee asked Maharaj, seeing that you are sad to leave, and we are very sad to see you leave, why don't you stay? Maharaj responded that in future he will stay longer in Caracas to the enthusiastic chorus of "Jaya!" from the devotees. Srila Acharyyadeva sang several songs including Parama Karuna, pahun dui jana, Nitai Gaurachandra and then spoke briefly. He joked with the devotees in order to alleviate some of the sadness of leaving and with a grand sankirttan finale, he swiftly left the temple to take rest.
In the morning devotees gathered in the airport to see off Srila Acharyyadeva. He gave his blessings to all and invited, instructed and asked various devotees to come to India and to increase the devotional activities in their lives.
In the morning devotees gathered in the airport to see off Srila Acharyyadeva. He gave his blessings to all and invited, instructed and asked various devotees to come to India and to increase the devotional activities in their lives.
El Tigre Preaching
28/06/10 21:56
We set out early on Sunday morning for a day full of adventure in true preaching style in the line of Lord Chaitanya. After waiting upon our delayed flight, we were finally climbing high into the clear blue sky in a small domestic craft bound for Barcelona, a town on the coast to the east of Caracas. In less than an hour we landed on the waterside and were met by the enthusiastic devotees. From there we drove inland a couple of hours to a town called El Tigre. Upon arriving Maharaj found himself in the home of a very nice Bengali family from near Kolkata. It was a remarkable arrangement, as Maharaj happily conversed in his native Bengali with the hosts and accepted their traditional cooking with delight. Afterwards Srila Acharyyadeva visited a nearby Vishnu Mandir to give a lecture to over 200 guests. Maharaj was very well received and spoke many clear truths from the scriptures, enlightening the audience. The temple's best feature was an 8 foot high tin roof that effectively cooked everyone under it as it stood in the blazing midday sun. After speaking Maharaj chanted with the accompaniment of the devotees. He then went to the home of the president of the mandir who felt extremely blessed to have Maharaj's association and well-wishes.
Another brief stop at the home of the Bengali family and an invitation for them to come to Nabadwip and everyone jumped into cars to return to the airport for the return flight that evening. On the way torrential tropical rains began, as did the real fun. We took a side trip to stop at one devotee, Ananta Govinda Prabhu's home and as we arrived, the gutters were overflowing with water as the rain came on stronger and stronger.
After sitting for a few minutes it was time to continue to the airport. Wave after wave of showers came over the car as we hastened down the highway, Maharaj broke into chanting and for perhaps half an hour he chanted various songs one after another to himself. About 20km before the airport as time was becoming short to make the check-in, we heard a pop and then tam-tam tam-tam tam-tam, the rear tyre of Maharaj's car had popped as we flew down the highway. We gradually came to a stop at the side of the road and found that the tyre had completely expoded. Being a faithful devotee and always relying on the Lord, our driver had no spare tyre on board. We were in convoy with another car, but that other car had gone ahead just a few minutes before.
Out came the mobile phones as everyone looked at their watches and wondered where they would be sleeping that night.
Immediately some cars stopped to offer assistance and our other car returned some minutes afterwards. We all jumped into this other car to race to the airport to try and make our flight. It was completely unknown if we would make it, and it seemed the best other option would be to return to El Tigre, a two hour drive back through the rain to sleep. Hardly an enticing option.
Upon reaching the airport we leaped out of the cars, Purujit and Aravinda Lochan Prabhus leading the way to the check-in. We found out that we had made it in time with two minutes to spare. I was thinking that we had been graciously blessed with one minute from Sri Nitai and another minute from Sri Gaurachandra. After that the flight was actually delayed and we waited in the lounge for an extra hour before finally taking the flight back to Caracas.
By the time we reached Purujit Prabhu's home, Maharaj was ready for a big feast of rice and his favourite subjis. We were all looking forward to a day of rest before the last program the next evening in the temple.
Another brief stop at the home of the Bengali family and an invitation for them to come to Nabadwip and everyone jumped into cars to return to the airport for the return flight that evening. On the way torrential tropical rains began, as did the real fun. We took a side trip to stop at one devotee, Ananta Govinda Prabhu's home and as we arrived, the gutters were overflowing with water as the rain came on stronger and stronger.
After sitting for a few minutes it was time to continue to the airport. Wave after wave of showers came over the car as we hastened down the highway, Maharaj broke into chanting and for perhaps half an hour he chanted various songs one after another to himself. About 20km before the airport as time was becoming short to make the check-in, we heard a pop and then tam-tam tam-tam tam-tam, the rear tyre of Maharaj's car had popped as we flew down the highway. We gradually came to a stop at the side of the road and found that the tyre had completely expoded. Being a faithful devotee and always relying on the Lord, our driver had no spare tyre on board. We were in convoy with another car, but that other car had gone ahead just a few minutes before.
Out came the mobile phones as everyone looked at their watches and wondered where they would be sleeping that night.
Immediately some cars stopped to offer assistance and our other car returned some minutes afterwards. We all jumped into this other car to race to the airport to try and make our flight. It was completely unknown if we would make it, and it seemed the best other option would be to return to El Tigre, a two hour drive back through the rain to sleep. Hardly an enticing option.
Upon reaching the airport we leaped out of the cars, Purujit and Aravinda Lochan Prabhus leading the way to the check-in. We found out that we had made it in time with two minutes to spare. I was thinking that we had been graciously blessed with one minute from Sri Nitai and another minute from Sri Gaurachandra. After that the flight was actually delayed and we waited in the lounge for an extra hour before finally taking the flight back to Caracas.
By the time we reached Purujit Prabhu's home, Maharaj was ready for a big feast of rice and his favourite subjis. We were all looking forward to a day of rest before the last program the next evening in the temple.
Parama Karuna Festival
28/06/10 07:42
Yesterday evening was the celebration of the 7th anniversary of the installation of the deities here in Caracas Venezuela, Parama Karuna Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra. The Lords dresses were transcendentally beautiful and crystals were hanging from all parts of the altar reflecting rainbows throughout the temple room. The deities were looking very smart and in dancing mood, anticipating the upcoming sankirttan festival. With arms upraised Nitai and Gaura smiled as the devotees in turn raised their arms and danced to the enthusiastic lead of Srila Acharyyadeva. After an extended arati and extended Tulasi parikrama, Srila Acharyyadeva sat in his chair at the end of the temple room to address the assembled devotees. He spoke about many pastimes including Madhavendra Puri's Gopal deity and Gauri das Pandit's Nitai-Gaura deities in Kalna. Then Maharaj answered various questions from the assembled devotees. He accepted prasadam upstairs in the temple which included several remarkable cakes. There was a few minutes 2 last minute initiations before returning to Purujit's home to take rest.
Initiations and Fire Yajna
27/06/10 19:57
Friday morning was set down for initiations of the sincere newcomers. Srila Acharyyadeva went to the temple in the morning in order to perform the initiations before Parama Karuna Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra. About twenty devotees received the Holy Name from Srila Acharyyadeva including very young children as well as very old ones as well. Brahman initiations were also held and Maharaj took his time to fully explain to all the initiates how to chant properly and how to count on the fingers. The fire sacrifice happened the following morning at Purujit Prabhus house and Gauranga brahmacari did a magnificent job chanting all the mantras and ensuring everything went smoothly. Maharaj visited the temple that morning to see the deities on the their divine appearance anniversary morning. He returned as the fire sacrifice concluded to receive the initiates donations and then to take his lunch.
Say something!
25/06/10 10:18
"..... Prabhu, you can say something! .... dd, you can say something!"
A few days into his visit Srila Acharyyadeva expressed his interest to hear some preaching from the local devotees about how they are presenting Krishna consciousness. At random in his morning and evening classes he would select one male devotee and one female devotee to speak for 5 or 10 minutes. Many devotees would run for cover as they felt the dreaded moment approach when Maharaj would finish his talk and ask for their five minutes of fame. One morning he asked me to speak, and having seen this in the villages I had prepared myself. I mentioned a very nice thing I heard about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. When he began his publishing endeavour and he requested the devotees to make a daily Vaisnava newspaper, they asked how it would be possible. He replied by saying that there are so many newspapers every day about the limited world, and that they are going to write about the unlimited world. "There is so much to write about!!"
Actually everyone spoke beautifully and particularly a few devotees showed their skill and ability on the preaching field. Maharaj would often say that the translation for him was not necessary, and that he understands Spanish. After a few days he started to speak a few Spanish words, and each time the devotees laughed, cheered and smiled.
So now I can say that you have all been warned... perhaps Maharaj will ask five minutes from you when he visits you soon.
A few days into his visit Srila Acharyyadeva expressed his interest to hear some preaching from the local devotees about how they are presenting Krishna consciousness. At random in his morning and evening classes he would select one male devotee and one female devotee to speak for 5 or 10 minutes. Many devotees would run for cover as they felt the dreaded moment approach when Maharaj would finish his talk and ask for their five minutes of fame. One morning he asked me to speak, and having seen this in the villages I had prepared myself. I mentioned a very nice thing I heard about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. When he began his publishing endeavour and he requested the devotees to make a daily Vaisnava newspaper, they asked how it would be possible. He replied by saying that there are so many newspapers every day about the limited world, and that they are going to write about the unlimited world. "There is so much to write about!!"
Actually everyone spoke beautifully and particularly a few devotees showed their skill and ability on the preaching field. Maharaj would often say that the translation for him was not necessary, and that he understands Spanish. After a few days he started to speak a few Spanish words, and each time the devotees laughed, cheered and smiled.
So now I can say that you have all been warned... perhaps Maharaj will ask five minutes from you when he visits you soon.
No Retirement
24/06/10 16:16
This morning was a larger darshan as several devotees arrived from other parts of Venezuela and everyone jumped into the available cars to come to Purujit's home for morning darshan. Srila Acharyydeva responded by extending the darshan for over two hours and accepting gifts from many as well as fielding questions from all over the room. At one stage he asked me to speak briefly, and I mentioned the Gita veres including 'rasa varjam raso 'py asya' which mentions that in order to leave our lower habits we need to get a real taste for spiritual life. At the end of my talk I mentioned my eagerness to return to Venezuela in the near future whereupon all of us 20 and 30 something mridanga players would be retired, and the young 7, 8 and 12 year olds would be doing all the kirttans. Srila Maharaj smiled after my talk and simply said, "There's no retirement in Krishna consciousness," confirming my joke. Rather we look forward to "prati-padam" at every step, more service opportunity and the corresponding reward of further engagement.
Weeklong Harinam
22/06/10 08:23
Yesterday began the annual week-long Harinam Sankirttan Festival leading up to the Installation Festival here in Caracas, Venezuela. It is such a nice idea and something that I think would be wonderful to duplicate in other parts of the world. There was mild rain about but nothing serious to stop the chanting party, which wandered through one of the busier malls of Caracas, not far from the temple. With forty devotees and four mridangas, we were a substantial presence and onlookers willingly responded and accepted flyers inviting them to the upcoming anniversary festival.
Ipad lila
21/06/10 14:28
Today Purujit Prabhu's new Ipad became prasadam as Srila Acharyyadeva perused the many features of this new Apple device. Finally he settled in to watching Krishna pastimes on video and laughing as one by one Krishna defeated the demons who came to terrorise the inhabitants of Vrindavan. On my first look at the device it opened up new ideas for preaching and presentations and a whole world of new opportunities to reach out to people with Mahaprabhu's message. Perhaps a window into the future of digital preaching. It does rely heavily upon wireless connections but if you have such arrangement available then many things are achievable and this is only set to increase. The response from the sanga here? They all want one too :)
Festival in Full Swing
19/06/10 22:33
Here in Caracas, the devotees have launched themselves enthusiastically into the 2 week long festival coinciding with the visit of our beloved Acharyyadeva. It has honestly been difficult to keep up with then news as every day morning and evening there are programs, lectures and kirttans. Maharaj expressed his wish that in the morning the devotees would come to Purujit Prabhu's home for darshan and then in evening he would visit the Temple to join in the arati and give a lecture. The devotees happily accepted and Maharaj has hardly missed a beat. This afternoon was the weekly Harinam Sankirttan and Maharaj joined in chanting for the first part before handing on to the newest brahmacari of our mission, Gauranga Prabhu. We went from the city directly to the temple for grand arati and then lecture by Maharaj. Srila Maharaj's health is strong and he never tires to discuss the pastimes, stories and conceptions of our Guru varga and worshippable Lords. Each day the dress of Parama Karuna Nitai Gaurachandra is changed and the devotees have the altar covered in fresh flowers and decorations. It is hard to stand before them and not begin to dance, even if you are just alone in the temple room. Then when the kirttan starts it is a room full of overflowing dancing and chanting. This is another of a long list of miracles manifest from the hand of our beloved Srila Gurudeva, Srila Govinda Maharaj and it is impossible not to feel supreme happiness and fortune to be able to participate in this grand sankirttan place that he inaugurated and established.
First day in Caracas
15/06/10 22:19
After a good overnight flight on a mostly empty plane, Srila Acharyyadeva arrived to enthusiastic kirttan in the airport in Caracas, Venezuela. Our early morning arrival helped for swift passage through the immigration and soon we were immersed in the grand sankirttan with banners flying and conch shells blowing. Most of the devotees had stayed up through the night in preparation for our early morning arrival.
Srila Acharyya Maharaj felt sufficiently rested from his flight to proceed directly to the temple for the morning program. He sang several songs and then lectured to all the devotees with Antarjami Prabhu assisting with translation. After the class, Srila Acharyyadeva proceeded to the residence of Purujit Prabhu to take his breakfast. He received the devotees throughout the morning and rested in the latter part of the day.
In the evening he joined the temple program, leading the arati to Parama Karuna Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra, lecturing, answering the devotees questions and nourishing one and all. The evening was completed with another grand sankirttan.
Srila Acharyya Maharaj felt sufficiently rested from his flight to proceed directly to the temple for the morning program. He sang several songs and then lectured to all the devotees with Antarjami Prabhu assisting with translation. After the class, Srila Acharyyadeva proceeded to the residence of Purujit Prabhu to take his breakfast. He received the devotees throughout the morning and rested in the latter part of the day.
In the evening he joined the temple program, leading the arati to Parama Karuna Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra, lecturing, answering the devotees questions and nourishing one and all. The evening was completed with another grand sankirttan.
Initiations
15/06/10 14:04
On the Monday after the weekends events we spent the whole day in Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home. Srila Acharyya Maharaj's flight to Venezuela was in the night, so all the devotees came to see him throughout the day. He answered questions and nourished the devotees several times throughout the day. He gave initiation to two more sincere seekers in the temple room atop Bhuvana Mohan's home.
In the evening we left for the airport in plenty of time and this gave chance for another darshan for a few hours in the airport itself before the flight.
In the evening we left for the airport in plenty of time and this gave chance for another darshan for a few hours in the airport itself before the flight.
SCSMath Land
14/06/10 13:30
We awoke to another clear cool morning in Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. All the devotees were in great spirits after the wonderful programs the day before and preparations were made for Srila Acharyya Maharaj to go to the new land donated by Vaishnavi devi dasi. This land was named by Srila Govinda Maharaj as Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math and we left mid-morning to go and see it. After about an hour of driving including a long winding climb at the end, we arrived at the land. Perched atop a mountain overlooking the surrounding towns and provinces, the location of the land is perfect for a community of devotees to make small cottages around a temple. The panoramic views stretch over 200 degrees.
Srila Acharyya Maharaj sat in a chair taking in the scenery. The devotees sat in front of him on a rug and he sang several songs and spoke briefly. The mountain overlooks a town called Sorocaba which has been a hive of preaching activities for many years. Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu expressed his excitement to build a 9 dome temple just like the central Math In Nabadwip. Srila Acharyya Maharaj agreed and gave his blessings to the project along with his encouragement to the devotees who have the desire, that they can come and make homes there and serve together.
From the land we travelled to the home of Subhadra Manjari devi dasi. Srila Acharyyadeva stopped there briefly, and took a tour of the land and garden. Then we proceeded to the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Sridhar Govinda Asan, the Ashram of Shyama Gauri devi dasi. Srila Acharyyadeva took his lunch on the veranda of the main house and then took some rest. He then led a wonderful pandal program under the trees on the property. He sang some songs and lectured for almost an hour. Then he gave intiations to a few sincere seekers. While there the prospect to purchase the neighbours property was mentioned to Srila Acharyyadeva and he happily accepted.
We returned to Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home in the evening for prasadam and rest. The devotees were completely enlivened and feeling again a strong living connection in their spiritual lives.
The devotees removing obstacles on the path to our new land.
Gaura Prasad Prabhu who lives nearby offers his obeisances.
Vaisnavi devi dasi who donated the land to Srila Gurudeva.
Rohini Shakti devi dasi talks with Ramananda Prabhu, with the panorama from our land in the background.
The pandal program at the ashram of Shyama Gauri devi dasi.
Srila Acharyya Maharaj sat in a chair taking in the scenery. The devotees sat in front of him on a rug and he sang several songs and spoke briefly. The mountain overlooks a town called Sorocaba which has been a hive of preaching activities for many years. Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu expressed his excitement to build a 9 dome temple just like the central Math In Nabadwip. Srila Acharyya Maharaj agreed and gave his blessings to the project along with his encouragement to the devotees who have the desire, that they can come and make homes there and serve together.
From the land we travelled to the home of Subhadra Manjari devi dasi. Srila Acharyyadeva stopped there briefly, and took a tour of the land and garden. Then we proceeded to the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Sridhar Govinda Asan, the Ashram of Shyama Gauri devi dasi. Srila Acharyyadeva took his lunch on the veranda of the main house and then took some rest. He then led a wonderful pandal program under the trees on the property. He sang some songs and lectured for almost an hour. Then he gave intiations to a few sincere seekers. While there the prospect to purchase the neighbours property was mentioned to Srila Acharyyadeva and he happily accepted.
We returned to Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home in the evening for prasadam and rest. The devotees were completely enlivened and feeling again a strong living connection in their spiritual lives.
The devotees removing obstacles on the path to our new land.
Gaura Prasad Prabhu who lives nearby offers his obeisances.
Vaisnavi devi dasi who donated the land to Srila Gurudeva.
Rohini Shakti devi dasi talks with Ramananda Prabhu, with the panorama from our land in the background.
The pandal program at the ashram of Shyama Gauri devi dasi.
A day of beautiful programs
13/06/10 06:21
After a good rest overnight the first scheduled program in Brazil was in Sao Paulo at Prema, the restaurant of Govinda Mohini devi dasi, the wife of Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu. Srila Acharyyadeva spoke for about an hour and answered various questions. He proceeded to the temple upstairs to lead midday arati to the deity of Sri Giriraj Maharaj there and then a prasadam feast was served to all.
After this Maharaj was taken to the home of Prapanna Krishna Prabhu and Shantamani devi dasi. In the evening Maharaj attended a program arranged by Rohini Shakti devi dasi in a home in Sao Paulo. Srila Acharyyadeva gave a wonderful lecture and enchanted the audience, most of whom were specially invited guests of Rohini Shakti dd. Everyone had a wonderful time and the program went late into the evening. Srila Acharyyadeva took prasadam there and met with many of the guests after the program. He returned to Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home to rest.
After this Maharaj was taken to the home of Prapanna Krishna Prabhu and Shantamani devi dasi. In the evening Maharaj attended a program arranged by Rohini Shakti devi dasi in a home in Sao Paulo. Srila Acharyyadeva gave a wonderful lecture and enchanted the audience, most of whom were specially invited guests of Rohini Shakti dd. Everyone had a wonderful time and the program went late into the evening. Srila Acharyyadeva took prasadam there and met with many of the guests after the program. He returned to Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home to rest.
Sao Paulo
12/06/10 07:39
After a long but smooth flight, Srila Acharyya Maharaj arrived in Sao Paulo, to a warm reception of kirttan and enthusiastic devotees. Sripad Trivikram Maharaj, Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu, Rohini Shakti dd were all present to welcome Maharaj to Brazil on the first leg of his travels. The traffic was over the top with today being the beginning of the World Cup and Brazil a football-mad nation. After an hour's drive through the outskirts of Sao Paolo we came to Bhuvana Mohan Prabhu's home where Mahraj settled in happily for the evening. We have a weekend of programs planned and now it is time for rest.
Dubai Arrival
10/06/10 10:58
After a shorter than expected flight of around 4 hours, we found ourselves atop the stairs of the plane exit, the hot desert-like Dubai midday enveloped us in moments. We quickly descended the staircase to jump on the waiting bus to take us to the arrival terminal. I felt profoundly comfortable upon entering the terminal, I think mainly because all the male airport staff were robed from head to toe in pure white, putting my Calcutta greys/offwhite to shame... and also they marched about in sandals like traffic controllers herding the mostly bewildered westerners through immigration. After stamps and eye scans and a thorough bag check, we boarded the Hotel minibus and in a matter of moments arrived at our courtesy hotel for the evening. It feels great to have a good long break before the long flight that awaits us to Brazil.
First World Tour begins
10/06/10 05:42
It was a smooth and happy start to Srila Acharyya Maharaj's extensive summer touring. After a full plate of rice and some subji along with some last minute instructions to the assembled devotees, Maharaj set out for the airport early in the morning. Traffic was sparse and we were in the airport almost immediately. Sripad Tirtha Maharaj and other devotees came to the airport to see off Srila Maharaj and after a brief time outside, Maharaj called out that it was time to go and we proceeded to the check-in. The plane was only half-full and soon enough we were climbing out of the steamy Calcutta morning up into the clouds. We flew mostly due east to Mumbai before making a turn and heading over the ocean and deep into the Gulf. It was comforting to think that we weren't flying over many of the countries plagued by conflict over the last several years. I noticed also that the plane maintained cruising speed at 40000 feet, much higher than the 30000 that I'm used to seeing. After a bite of lunch we were soon feeling the descent into UAE.
