My Dear Devotees,

Please accept my blessings. Jaya Srila Prabhupada. Since I last wrote you, I have been traveling slowly, happily and peacefully, in the Rocky Mountains, staying in college towns, and recuperating my strength.

The fact is that over the years I have exhausted my energy and now it is taking some time to rebuild my strength. Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita 6.16-17: “There is no yoga for one who eats too much, or who simply focuses on not eating; nor for one who sleeps too much, or simply stays awake. [Rather], yoga develops and destroys all unhappiness for one who is moderate in eating and recreation, who endeavors moderately in all actions, who is moderate in sleeping and staying awake.”

Of course, in one sense everyone must find their own ‘moderation.’ Since we are all unique, we have different needs, different histories in this and previous lives, and different levels of material and spiritual strength. And yet, ironically, the spiritual inspiration that comes from preaching Krishna consciousness has led many sincere, compassionate devotees to neglect their health in the Lord’s service.

However noble this sacrifice may be, Prabhupada also urged us to take care of our health so that we do not unnecessarily curtail our preaching career. All of this certainly applies to me. As stated by a learned devotee astrologer(!), and as I myself deeply experience, I have entered a new and wonderful phase of my devotional career. In order to embrace the thrilling service opportunities that Prabhupada and Krishna are offering me, I must follow Prabhupada’s instruction and rebuild my strength.

To be honest, it is taking me some time to regain sufficient stamina to execute this sacred service of writing. Naturally, I am eager to absorb myself in this activity, but for at least a little while longer, my service seems to be to rest. Lord Krishna is taking me to some of the most beautiful places on earth, places with majestic snow-capped mountains, clear, flowing rivers, verdant valleys, etc. The result: it is more clear to me than ever that only loving service to Krishna can ultimately satisfy the soul.

Thus Krishna has brought me to beautiful places to recuperate, and at the same time, He increases my knowledge and conviction that service to Him, without material motive, is the only true happiness.

I pray that you are all happy, healthy and progressive in your spiritual lives. Finally, as a little gift, I offer you this video of George Harrison glorifying Krishna.

With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
July 15, 2010