I just learned of the passing of my dear Godbrother Madhu-dvisa Prabhu, one of the greatest Hari-nama sankirtana leaders in the history of ISKCON.

When I joined ISKCON in Berkeley, in September 1969, Madhu-dvisa Prabhu was president of ISKCON San Francisco, on the other side of the Bay Bridge. I first met him in the fall of 1969. The following is a true account of that meeting.

One evening, the Berkeley devotees were on the third floor of our center, chanting in the temple room. Suddenly the house began to shake as if there was an earthquake. Our president asked me to go downstairs and see what was happening. I found the cause: Madhu-dvisa Prabhu and the all-brahmacari San Francisco temple had come to visit us and they were doing kirtana downstairs. Among these devotees was the famous Jayananda. The kirtana, led by Madhu-dvisa, was literally shaking a three-story house.

Madhu-dvisa had crossed the bridge to invite us to organize with the San Francisco temple the first great Gaura Purnima festival in ISKCON, to be held in Berkeley near the university. The festival took place and received much praise from city leaders and Prabhupada.

Madhu-dvisa created a unique sankirtana party in San Francisco. In those days, the devotees would chant all day on the streets of major cities. Madhu-dvisa would personally lead the Hari-nama sankitana, singing and playing the drum, for at least 10 hours daily. And he would always use the exact same drumbeat, as taught by Prabhupada. To me, a young brahmacari, Madhu-dvisa was a great general- a fearless, powerful leader, who was steady as a rock, inspiring great achievements in those around him. In my mind, I clearly see him on the streets of San Francisco, tough and blissful, leading his famous sankirtana party.

After I left Berkeley, Prabhupada called Madhu-dvisa Prabhu to join him in India, and there Prabhupada crowned him as the “Emperor of Sankirtana.” Later he became GBC of Australia, which at the time was not a very productive Yatra. Madhu-dvisa turned that country into a world leader in sankirtana, book distribution, and devotee-making. Prabhupada himself often visited Australia and was always received with amazing enthusiasm and festivity, all under the charismastic leadership of Madhu-dvisa Prabhu.

During my first several years in ISKCON, Madhu-dvisa Prabhu was certainly one of the most inspiring figures in my life, so much so that he will always remain in my heart as an emblem of powerful Krishna consciousness.

No one can doubt his glorious destination at the feet of Prabhupada, to whom he devoted his heart and soul.

His servant,
Hridayananda das Goswami
August 6, 2014

Early this afternoon, Krishna took my mother from this world. I am eternally grateful to both my parents for their extraordinary love and help throughout my life. A child that receives much love grows into an adult that has love to give others.

The diligent loving care of my parents prepared me emotionally and morally for the spiritual life that began when Srila Prabhupada enlightened me with eternal knowledge. Through the generosity of my parents, I have also been able to financially assist many sincere souls and spiritual projects.

My mother personally met Prabhupada and he was very kind to her. Prabhupada’s purity and kindness deeply impressed her.

As many of you know, from March 2012 – March 2013, I lived in Santa Monica, where my mother was staying. Every day, walking through a park that Prabhupada called “the most beautiful place in Los Angeles,” I went to see her. During this time, Lord Krishna often gave me a clear spiritual vision of my mother’s spiritual nature and the wonderful rewards that Krishna was reserving for her. She is now free to enjoy those glorious rewards.

Lord Krishna creates the world in such a way that we naturally become detached from it and turn our attention to Him. Prabhupada tirelessly taught us that everything in this world is temporary, and that our real happiness, our real love, is found on the spiritual plane where all souls are eternal.

I am grateful to the many devotees who knew my mother and who have expressed their appreciation for her. In Bhagavad-gita 9.17, Lord Krishna states that “I am the father and mother of this universe.” Thus, it is Krishna who inspires a mother and father to love their child. Indeed, in human life the experience of parental love is an infant’s first experience of God.

With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
July 2, 2014

Dear Devotees,

For me, these are happy times in Krishna consciousness. I have sent three complete books to our publishing team, and I am now focusing on my presentation of the basic Mahabharata story.

I spend hours reading the original text in Sanskrit and Lord Krishna is blessing me with many fascinating insights. As I read the text, the separation of time and space collapses, and by the mercy of my eternal spiritual master Prabhupada, I feel that I am hearing directly from the great sages. Their voices are modern, immediate, profoundly wise, and enlightening.

Of course, we all can have this experience by reading Srila Prabhupada’s books. The Mahabharata story is so large and deep that it fully absorbs my consciousness. This is a very sublime service- trying to show modern people how Krishna came to this world, and what He did here with His great devotees.

Another news item: this weekend many devotees will attend a Vaishnava retreat near Boone, North Carolina, less than two hours from my residence. Fortunately, several senior Vaishnavas will be visiting me on their way to the program: Jayadvaita Swami will stay with me for two days. Radhanatha Swami and Sacinandana Swami will also visit, along with Brahmatirtha Prabhu and others.

Lord Krishna has placed me in a beautiful location, and He is filling my heart with spiritual happiness and enthusiasm to describe His divine activities.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, I will be recording a CD of Krishna West-style kirtana, along with several talented, professional musicians, including my disciple, Jaya Sita DD. Various Gurukulis will also sing in our chorus.

I hope that you are all happy in your Krishna consciousness and inspired in your service.

With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
May 21, 2014

Over the past three months, H.D. Goswami has spoken at various ISKCON temples, universities, community centers, and home programs throughout the U.S. The following is an updated log of his travels, including videos, online lectures, and personal letters.

Read more…

On March 12, 2014, H.D. Goswami began a three-week lecture tour across the U.S.
The following is a log of his travels, including  personal letters.

Read more…

Dear Devotees,

Jaya Srila Prabhupada.

I am sorry that we have to be involved in controversies. However, we are acting in Krishna’s service and, hopefully, with a pure spirit of helping to improve our ISKCON.

Prabhupada used to quote an English saying: “England, with all thy faults, I love thee.” Prabhupada said we should feel this way about ISKCON.

In my own life, Krishna is blessing me with great happiness and enthusiasm. All of us should constantly beg Krishna to engage us as pure instruments of His pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada. We are very limited, but Krishna is unlimited, and He can give us unlimited power to serve Prabhupada’s mission.

The world needs a second Hare Krishna Explosion. And like the first Hare Krishna Explosion, this one probably must start in the West, due to its continuing influence. With Krishna’s blessings, on Wednesday morning, March 12th, I will leave California and begin a three-week drive to North Carolina, stopping along the way to do programs.

No pleasure in this world compares to the joy and satisfaction of giving oneself to the Sankirtana movement of Gaura-Nitai. Let us all work together as their happy instruments as they transform the world before our eyes.

With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
March 10, 2014

Dear Devotees,

Jaya Srila Prabhupada.

Last night I received a letter and phone call from my Godbrother Anuttama Prabhu, who acted on behalf of the GBC. He informed me that based on GBC concerns about Krishna West, the GBC decided that I should not go to Europe at this time.

Anuttama Prabhu invited me to speak with him so that I could clarify the facts about Krishna West. Here are some relevant points that I wish to share with you. I state them as simple facts.

1. I knew that the GBC would discuss Krishna West in Mayapura and therefore I repeatedly urged several GBC members to give me the chance to personally reply to their concerns, through any media, before they made a decision.

2. The GBC did not do so. They asked me not to travel to Europe and other places, “until we can come to an agreement regarding these problems and misunderstandings.” They decided this without allowing me to reply to their concerns. They believe this is proper procedure, perhaps due to their limited time in Mayapura. Since the GBC is very busy in Mayapura, they might have asked one or two trusted leaders to speak with me and present their concerns before their discussion on Krishna West.

3. Anuttama Prabhu, Ravindra Svaraupa Prabhu, and I will hopefully meet within a month to discuss relevant concerns. They will then report their views to the GBC body, who will reconsider the matter. I am hopeful that with proper information, we can come to a fair agreement.

4. I am very grateful to the North American GBC for giving us the opportunity to work cooperatively to expand our Western mission. I am hopeful that the North American GBC approach will prove to be wise and beneficial for ISKCON.

5. If you believe that ISKCON’s leaders should have discussed their concerns with me before taking an action that affects the lives of hundreds of devotees, then as a member of ISKCON and according to Prabhupada’s standards, you may express your views to your local GBC representative or to the ISKCON Ombudsmen, Braja Bihari Prabhu at ISKCON Resolve. If you choose to do so, please follow Vaishnava etiquette and express your views respectfully.

I sincerely regret that I must cancel for now my trip to Europe and Israel based on what I believe to be misunderstandings that might have been easily cleared up by communicating with me as I repeatedly requested before a decision was reached, not after.

In any case, I am more and more enthusiastic to serve Prabhupada and his mission. I place all my faith in the perfect judgement of Lord Krishna who will reveal to all of us over time what is best for His movement. I will be happy to hear from you.

With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
March 4, 2014

Question: In Brazil, we are currently witnessing widespread protests against government corruption, with millions of Brazilians taking to the streets. As Vaishnavas, should we support the protests or keep away?

HDG:
I have been following reports of the Brazil protests. Clearly many people are frustrated by endemic political corruption and lack of progress in education, economy, etc. Even the Brazilian president, Dilma Rousseff admitted that people have legitimate grievances.

Devotees certainly support good, honest government. That is dharma. At the same time, history shows clearly that political action alone is not enough to create a just society. There must also be Krishna consciousness. Otherwise, today’s revolutionaries become tomorrow’s new corrupt government. In many countries, devotees chant and distribute prasadam and books at protest rallies. Often people who are committed to change will listen to good ideas about the kind of change we need. We must convince people that change should be holistic and must include the recognition that a society based on narcissism and consumerism, rather than spiritual values, will always produce corrupt leaders.

As they say in Brazil, “Every society has the government it deserves.”