Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka – By Krishna Kripa Das

 
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Krishna-kripa Das, a Krishna monk, documents his travels in Upstate New York and Philadelphia in this journal entry. He shares experiences from his time serving his guru, attending the Ratha-yatra festival, and engaging in harinama (chanting Hare Krishna in public). The entry also includes reflections on Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and insights from other Krishna consciousness leaders, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge and chanting Hare Krishna for happiness and peace.

Table of Contents: Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk: Travel Journal#20.18
Source: Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk: Travel Journal#20.18: Upstate New York and Philadelphia

Author: Krishna-kripa Das

Date: October 05, 2024

I. Where I Went and What I Did

This section provides a brief overview of Krishna-kripa Das’s activities from September 16th to October 5th, 2024. It summarizes his travels between Upstate New York and Philadelphia, including his participation in Ratha-yatra celebrations and his time spent serving his guru.

II. Itinerary

A concise breakdown of Krishna-kripa Das’s schedule, listing locations and primary activities for each date range.

III. A Prabhupada Memory from a Great Soul

This section recounts an anecdote about Srila Prabhupada’s sannyasa initiation as told by B. B. Govinda Swami, highlighting Srila Prabhupada’s emphasis on the importance of chanting Hare Krishna.

IV. Chanting Hare Krishna in Philadelphia

This section details Krishna-kripa Das’s experiences promoting and participating in the Ratha-yatra festival in Philadelphia. It includes descriptions of his interactions with individuals, his service at the temple, and links to videos showcasing the event’s vibrant kirtan chanting.

V. Chanting Hare Krishna in Albany

This section recounts Krishna-kripa Das’s return to his birthplace, Albany, where he engaged in public chanting of Hare Krishna on his birthday. He shares anecdotes about his interactions with people and his experience of sharing Krishna consciousness.

VI. Photos

This section serves as a visual interlude, mentioning photographs that evoke thoughts of Krishna, discovered amongst the author’s mother’s belongings.

VII. Insights

This final section compiles quotes and teachings from various Krishna consciousness figures, offering diverse perspectives on spiritual practice and philosophy.

Srila Prabhupada: This subsection presents a collection of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings on topics such as humility in knowledge, the illusion of material happiness, the importance of self-control, the transformative power of chanting Hare Krishna, and the mission of spreading Krishna consciousness for peace and happiness.
Mahavishnu Swami: This subsection shares two thought-provoking statements by Mahavishnu Swami, questioning the big bang theory and highlighting the lack of spiritual knowledge as the root cause of global conflicts.
Nara Narayana Prabhu: A concise and powerful quote emphasizing the profound impact of helping even a single soul attain Krishna consciousness.
Rajarsi Prabhu of Trinidad: This subsection highlights key points from Rajarsi Prabhu’s teachings on devotional service, the importance of understanding fundamental principles in spiritual life, and Krishna as the source of all creation.
Devaki Devi Dasi: This section shares Devaki Devi Dasi’s observations on the challenges of aging in a materialistic society and the importance of respectful care for the elderly within spiritual communities.
Gaura Vani Prabhu: This concluding section shares Gaura Vani Prabhu’s reflection on the significance of Ratha-yatra as a public expression of love for Krishna and includes a verse from the Bhagavad-gita (15.15) emphasizing Krishna’s presence in the heart and the source of knowledge.

Briefing Doc: “Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk: Travel Journal#20.18: Upstate New York and Philadelphia”
Author: Krishna-kripa Das Date: October 5, 2024 Source: Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 20, No. 18 (September 2024, part two)

Main Themes:

Devotional Service: The journal entry chronicles Krishna-kripa Das’s activities throughout September 2024, all revolving around his dedication to Krishna consciousness. These activities include attending and promoting Ratha-yatra festivals in Philadelphia, chanting Hare Krishna in public (harinama), giving lectures on Bhagavad-gita, and distributing spiritual literature.
Sharing Wisdom: The author emphasizes the importance of spreading the teachings of Krishna consciousness, drawing heavily upon quotes from Srila Prabhupada (founder of the Hare Krishna Movement) and other prominent figures within the movement. The quotes touch upon diverse topics such as finding happiness through spiritual knowledge, the importance of self-control, the power of chanting Hare Krishna, the value of devotional association, and the need to see the divine presence in everyone.
Personal Reflections: Interspersed with accounts of his devotional service are personal anecdotes, reflections on aging and death (prompted by sorting his deceased mother’s belongings), and observations on the world around him. These personal touches provide a glimpse into the lived experience of a dedicated practitioner of Krishna consciousness.
Important Ideas and Facts:

Krishna Consciousness as a Solution: Many quotes from Srila Prabhupada emphasize the potential of Krishna consciousness to solve both individual and societal problems. He advocates for a life lived according to dharma (righteous conduct) and free from the exploitation of others, promoting peace and prosperity through spiritual awareness.
The Power of Chanting: Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is repeatedly highlighted as a potent practice for spiritual cleansing and achieving liberation. The author himself engages in this practice regularly, encouraging others to participate and experience its transformative effects.
The Importance of Association: Both the author and quoted sources stress the significance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals on the spiritual path. Devaki Devi Dasi, for instance, advises openness about one’s devotional identity to foster meaningful connections and receive better care.
Simple Living, High Thinking: Krishna-kripa Das’s own lifestyle exemplifies the principle of simple living dedicated to a higher purpose. He cooks simple meals, travels for his service, and finds joy in sharing his faith with others.
Notable Quotes:

Srila Prabhupada: “Early morning till night, we are always thinking, ‘How people will be happy by Krishna consciousness?’”
Srila Prabhupada: “The Lord’s holy name must be heard, glorified, and remembered everywhere in the world. That will bring about the desired peace and prosperity so eagerly awaited by the people of the world.”
Nara Narayana Prabhu: “[Prabhupada said:] “If we can help one ant become Krishna conscious, then our whole movement is a glorious success.”
Gaura Vani Prabhu: “Many of us have jobs, like dentists, etc., and we may feel shy to let people know of our love for Krishna, but Ratha-yatra day is special. We let the whole city know of our love for Krishna.”
Overall Impression:

This journal entry offers a heartfelt and insightful look into the life and thoughts of a devoted Krishna monk. It serves as a testament to his commitment to spreading the message of Krishna consciousness and highlights the practical application of its teachings in daily life. The numerous quotes incorporated throughout the text provide valuable insights into the philosophy and worldview of the Hare Krishna movement as presented by its founder and prominent figures.

Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk: Travel Journal#20.18: Upstate New York and Philadelphia – Study Guide
Short Answer Questions:

What spiritual practices did Krishna-kripa Das maintain while assisting his sister in Upstate New York?
Describe two instances where Krishna-kripa Das engaged in interfaith dialogue or shared his beliefs with individuals from different backgrounds.
What was significant about Krishna-kripa Das’s harinam experience in Albany?
According to Srila Prabhupada, what is the root cause of fighting and conflict in the world?
Explain the analogy of the oxygen bill used by Rajarsi Prabhu.
What point does Devaki Devi Dasi make about the treatment of the elderly in modern society?
How does Gaura Vani Prabhu describe the special significance of Ratha-yatra day?
Why did the pujaris ask Babaji Maharaja to chant more softly, and how did Srila Prabhupada respond?
What surprised Krishna-kripa Das about his conversation with the black Muslim woman on the bus in Philadelphia?
What convinced Babaji Maharaja that Srila Prabhupada would be successful in his mission?
Answer Key:

While in Upstate New York, Krishna-kripa Das maintained his spiritual practices by watching mangala-arati on YouTube, chanting alone, listening to Zoom readings of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and playing or listening to Hare Krishna kirtans.
Krishna-kripa Das engaged in interfaith dialogue with an interfaith minister at the Albany Friends Meeting and discussed the presence of the soul in all living beings with an African man at a co-op.
The harinam in Albany was significant because it was where Krishna-kripa Das was born, and he celebrated his 65th birthday by chanting Hare Krishna with devotees from ISKCON Schenectady.
According to Srila Prabhupada, the root cause of fighting and conflict in the world is a lack of spiritual knowledge.
Rajarsi Prabhu uses the analogy of the oxygen bill to illustrate that we often take God’s blessings for granted, such as the air we breathe, and we should acknowledge our obligation to Him for these gifts.
Devaki Devi Dasi highlights the sad reality that in modern society, the elderly are often neglected and their wisdom is undervalued. She contrasts this with a more respectful attitude towards elders in the past.
Gaura Vani Prabhu describes Ratha-yatra day as a special occasion where devotees can openly express their love for Krishna and share it with the whole city, even if they are usually shy about doing so in their daily lives.
The pujaris asked Babaji Maharaja to chant more softly because they felt it was disturbing their concentration on the initiation ceremony. However, Srila Prabhupada gestured for Babaji Maharaja to chant louder.
Krishna-kripa Das was surprised by the friendly and receptive attitude of people in Philadelphia towards the Hare Krishna chanting, particularly the black Muslim woman who recognized and acknowledged Hare Krishnas.
Srila Prabhupada’s encouragement to chant louder despite the pujaris’ request convinced Babaji Maharaja that he possessed an unwavering commitment to spreading the holy names and would therefore be successful in his mission.
Essay Questions:

Analyze the role of harinama in Krishna-kripa Das’s travels and interactions. How does it facilitate connections and open doors for spiritual discussion?
Explore the recurring theme of spiritual over material happiness in the quoted statements from Srila Prabhupada. How does he present this concept, and what solutions does he offer?
Compare and contrast the perspectives on modern society and its challenges as presented by Srila Prabhupada, Mahavishnu Swami, and Devaki Devi Dasi.
Discuss the significance of the anecdote about Babaji Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada during the sannyasa initiation. What insights does it offer into Srila Prabhupada’s character and mission?
Reflect on the closing quote from the Bhagavad-gita (15.15) chosen by Krishna-kripa Das. How does it resonate with the themes and experiences shared in this journal entry?
Glossary of Key Terms:

acarya – a spiritual teacher who teaches by example.
abhidheya – the process or method of spiritual practice.
arati – a religious ritual of worship, typically involving a lamp or lamps being offered to a deity.
Bhagavad-gita – a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata.
brahmana – a member of the priestly or intellectual class in Hinduism.
burfi – a dense milk-based Indian sweet.
Caitanya Caritamrta – a biography of the 15th-century Indian mystic Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
daiva-varnasrama – the system of social and spiritual orders described in the Vedas.
harinama – congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.
khichri – a dish made from rice and lentils.
kirtan – a call-and-response chanting or singing, typically devotional in nature.
ksatriya – a member of the warrior, ruler, or administrator class in Hinduism.
mangala-arati – the first worship ceremony of the day in Hinduism, performed at dawn.
maya – the illusory energy of the material world.
prasada – food that has been offered to a deity.
prayojana – the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.
pujari – a priest in Hinduism.
Ratha-yatra – a Hindu festival associated with the deity Jagannath.
sadhaka – a spiritual aspirant or practitioner.
sadhu – a holy person, sage, or ascetic.
sambandha – the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.
sannyasa – the renounced order of life in Hinduism.
sankirtana – congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, particularly that which is publicly performed.
Sri Caitanya-caritamrita – a multi-volume biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Srimad-Bhagavatam – one of Hinduism’s eighteen great Puranas, dedicated to Krishna.
sudra – a member of the worker or laborer class in Hinduism.
tilak – a mark worn on the forehead by Hindus.
Upanishad – a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism.
vaishya – a member of the merchant or agriculturalist class in Hinduism.
varnasrama-dharma – the system of social and spiritual orders described in the Vedas.
Vedanta – one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy.
Vedas – the most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in Vedic Sanskrit.
Vrindavan – a holy city in Uttar Pradesh, India, closely associated with Krishna.