During April-May 2003, Gurudev had traveled extensively to the European countries, and this tour has been covered in the April-May Newsletter. However, his visit to Slovenia was not included in the April-May Newsletter, due to a contribution not being available at that time. Therefore it is being covered in this newsletter. Here is Adi-Lila mataji’s kind contribution from Slovenia.

Srila Gurudeva’s visit to Slovenia in May 2003 by Adi-lila dd

This is a diary of H.H. Bir Krishna das Goswami Maharaja’s visit to Slovenia. Gurudev last visited us in January this year.

Srila Gurudeva came to Slovenia twice this month-once on the 13th of May for only one day, and then on the 23rd of May when he actually stayed until the 27th.

I thank all the devotees who helped me in the service of Guru Maharaja: the temple president Ananta prabhu, Lalita Govinda prabhu , Bhakta Bojan, Bhakta Miso, Bhaktin Sabina, Nirmala Prema mataji, bhaktin Monica and all others who have in some way participated in the service of Guru Maharaja.

The purpose of this diary is to glorify Guru Maharaja and to make him closer to all the devotees outside of Slovenia.

Tuesday, May 13th, 2003

At the Venezia airport at 4.27 p.m. three devotees waited for Srila Gurudeva: Lalita Govinda Prabhu, Bharata Prabhu and me. I hadn’t seen Guru Maharaja for a year, and I desired very much to be in his association again.

I cannot describe by words the happiness I felt when I saw him coming. We paid our obeisances, and Srila Gurudeva left to change into vaishnava clothes.

When he came back, he asked me how I was and what my plans for the future were. I had only one single thought on my mind: how to serve Guru Maharaja best.

On Guru Maharaja’s desire, we found a perfect resting area for honoring prasadam. Lalita Govinda prabhu had made two huge pizzas for Guru Maharaja; however Guru Maharaja shared the second one with us.

I was eager to have the association of a pure devotee. We talked about the Slovenian yatra and about Pada yatra, which was going to take place for the second time in Slovenia, from July 1-20.

Ten minutes before we arrived at the temple, we called the devotees to start kirtan. Every time Guru Maharaja comes to our New Yoga pitha temple, he first goes to greet the beautiful Deities of Sri Pancatattva and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. After greeting the Deities Guru Maharaja took a quick shower, and later on he came to the temple to greet all the devotees and give a short lecture.

I have never met such a person before, who cares so much for others.

That evening Guru Maharaja spoke a lot about Fiji, which he likes a lot, especially the devotees there and prasadam. He also mentioned that his mission in the West was to establish vaishnava communities.

Wednesday, May 14th, 2003

Guru Maharaja came to the temple room at 4:45 and chanted japa. In our temple Mangala arati starts at 5 am. He sang the Sri Sri Gurvastaka and the prayer to Lord Nrisimhadeva, as he always does.

At 8 am Ananta prabhu, Lalita Govinda prabhu, Bhakta Miso and I drove Srila Gurudeva to the airport at Brnik/Ljubljana. I had prepared prasadam for Guru Maharaja and he took only a banana, an apple,yogurt and some walnuts. With sadness in my heart and tears in my eyes I paid my obeisances as Guru Maharaja left for Belgrade (Serbia).

He had left for 9 long days, and already I was counting the days, hours … when he would come back again.

Friday, May 23rd, 2003

Three devotees waited for Srila Gurudeva’s arrival: Ananta prabhu, Moksa Rupa prabhu and me. On the way to the temple Guru Maharaja was saying how fortunate we were that we had a temple in Slovenia. In Serbia the devotees had to be disguised. Guru Maharaja even had to take off his Tulasi neckbeads and his japa and act as a tourist. All glories to the devotees in Serbia!

That evening Guru Maharaja didn’t give lecture, because of exhaustion.

Saturday, May 24th

Guru Maharaja always teaches by example. He is always present in the temple room before mangal-arati. Today, he wonderfully sang Sri Gurvastaka . At 6 am he went to his room and came back for darshana of Sri Sri Panca tattva and Gaura Nitai. After conduction Gurupuja, Guru Maharaj then gave class in which he spoke on sadhana bhakti.

Bhakta Bojan and I made breakfast for him.

Guru Maharaja had been invited for the Vyasa-puja ceremomy for H.H.Bhakti Vaibhava Swami at 3 pm at Tat Purusha and Padma Sundari prabhu’s house. When he returned, prasadam was ready, but Guru Maharaja wasn’t hungry.

At 5pm we had a seminar on Vaishnava compassion. “Para dukha dukhi” – “The happiness of others is more important than my own happiness and others’ unhappiness is my own unhappiness” is the way a vaishnava feels. However, we have to know what is good for others, otherwise we can cause more harm than good. Without knowledge, compassion becomes ignorance. If we do not feel any compassion for others, we can serve the spiritual master and thereby develop compassion. After the seminar Guru Maharaja took prasadam. Before that he spoke with Abinanda-Nitai and Urukrama Prabhu. Guru Maharaja always gives priority to the devotees.

Sunday feast, May 25th

As usual, Guru Maharaja was in the temple before mangala arati. After mangal-aratri, morning class was from SB 1.11.26 in which he spoke about the appearance of Syama kunda and Radha kunda.

Before breakfast, Bhakta Bojan, Bhaktin Sabina and I had a darshan with Srila Gurudeva finally. Bharat prabhu translated for us during the darshan.

During the Sunday feast Guru Maharaja showed the video projection of the activities of the devotees in Serbia. The devotees there are very enthusiastic. All glories to the devotees in Serbia!

Monday, May 26th

This day, as Guru Maharaja worshiped Srila Prabhupada, I tried to take a photo of the lotus feet of a devotee who is very dear to Lord Krishna, ie, Guru Maharaj.

The last lecture was on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.11 27. Guru Maharaja said that we could be happy only if we make people Krishna conscious. Srila Prabhupad has said that everyone has to preach, at least once a week.The beauty of the material world is relative because if we see Krishna’s beauty, all the beauty of this world becomes insignificant .

At 4 p.m. there was a council meeting, and Guru Maharaja desired prasadam to be served at 5.10 p.m. Nrsimha karuna prabhu helped me to prepare prasadam.

These were the most beautiful days in my life, and as everything that is beautiful passes quickly, similarly these days also passed by very quickly. With tears in my eyes, that couldn’t stop running, I paid obeisances to Guru Maharaja as Lalita Govinda, Romapati Govinda and Maha Gaura prabhus drove Guru Maharaja to Italy at 7 p.m.

I hope that I will see Guru Maharaja soon, for I miss him already.

Here is Rangadevi mataji’s contribution from New Goloka:

Guru Maharaj returned from Slovenia on May 27th and he then spent two weeks in New Goloka before leaving on June 10th for Australia. In these two weeks, Guru Maharaj was quite busy raising funds for an ISKCON project in USA and preparing for his travels during the upcoming months.

June 1st. Morning class was from SB 1.12.3 in which Guru Maharaj cautioned the devotees on who to hear Krishna katha from. Usually after morning class and greeting the Deities, Guru Maharaj sits on his saffron cushion and sings a bhajan for their Lordships, meditating deeply on his beloved Deities. Guru Maharaj has said that wherever he goes, the beautiful forms of Sri-Sri Radha Golokananda are always in his heart.

In the evening, for the Sunday feast program, Guru Maharaj showed some videos of his trip to Serbia, projecting the videos as usual onto the ceiling of the temple dome. The devotees felt that Guru Maharaj’s visit to Serbia had been very exciting, and one of the devotees actually decided to go with Guru Maharaj on his next visit!

June 2nd. Morning class today was from SB 1.12.4. Guru Maharaj told the story of Yuddhisthir Maharaj being tested by Yamaraj disguised as a crane. This story illustrated his point that only one who controls his senses can have the proper intelligence. He also stressed always keeping the goal of Krishna consciousness in one’s mind and doing service and chanting with this purpose.

June 3rd. As it was Tuesday today, Guru Maharaj cooked breakfast for the Deities instead of giving class. Every Tuesday, when Guru Maharaj is at New Goloka, he cooks breakfast for the Deities. He leaves the temple room at 6am and goes down to the Deities kitchen. He makes halava, milk, a toasted cream of wheat cereal and pasta. Jagad-guru prabhu, his kitchen helper, makes a fruit salad and orange juice for the Deities.

Guru Maharaj doesn’t particularly like making pasta in the morning, as he says it is not really a breakfast food. Two years ago, when Dr Liladhar Gupta from Vrindavan, Guru Maharaj’s favorite Ayurvedic physician (and in fact the only one he trusts), visited New Goloka, he corroborated Guru Maharaj’s opinion. From then on, Guru Maharaj stopped cooking the pasta, much to the disappointment of the devotees. Last summer, the devotees requested him to perhaps consider making it again since they were missing this preparation. Being the loving father that he is, Guru Maharaj started cooking the pasta again. He makes it with a thick creamy milk sauce so that it tastes sweet. Actually, everything Guru Maharaj makes tastes sweet like nectar, even the salty preparations!

June 4th. Morning class was a very important one from SB 1.12.6 on naturally becoming renounced by developing a higher taste. Guru Maharaj said that if one is not getting a higher taste they should check if they are chanting properly. Then he gave a whole analysis on what it means to chant properly, saying that all the 10 offenses actually stem from inattention.

June 6th. Yesterday, Guru Maharaj did not give morning class, as it was the day that the New Goloka community listens to a lecture tape of Srila Prabhupad. Today, in the evening, Guru Maharaj went for dinner at Bhakta Hemant Gandhi’s place, who is aspiring for initiation from Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaj.

June 7th. Morning class was on SB 1.12.10. This was a particularly interesting class, as Guru Maharaj gave an elaborate metaphysical explanation of how this material world is like a virtual reality expertly arranged by Krishna.

This evening, there was a Vyasa-puja celebration of His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj at Govinda prabhu and Kalindi mataji’s place.

Before the class, while waiting for Bhakti Caru Maharaj to arrive, Guru Maharaj played Govinda prabhu’s electric guitar and sang some bhajans. All the while Guru Maharaj was playing the electric guitar, he was looking out the window to see that Bhakti Caru Maharaj didn’t come and see him playing the guitar. He was saying, “We better make sure we finish all this before Maharaj comes. It’s too untraditional for him.” Guru Maharaj and Bhakti Caru Maharaj have a very sweet and funny relationship. Guru Maharaj actually also prefers traditional musical instruments to modern ones, as he once said in Fiji.His favorite instrument is the harmonium.

Both Guru Maharaj and Bhakti Caru Maharaj spoke about Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. Bhakti Caru Maharaj listened thoughtfully while Guru Maharaj spoke, then he spoke about some of his pastimes with Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. After the class, everyone watched a video of a lecture given by Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj in Fiji many years ago. This video is quite famous because Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj very systematically and forcefully destroys the faulty arguments of a staunch follower of Sai Baba. The man was so thoroughly defeated by his logic and purity that he agreed in the public assembly to try to follow the principles and practices of Krishna consciousness. After the video there was a delicious feast served by Kalindi mataji. Guru Maharaj and Bhakti Caru Maharaj took prasadam together in a separate room.

June 8th. Morning class today was from SB 1.12.12 in which Guru Maharaj spoke on the positive and negative aspects of astrology.

June 9th. Today was the Appearance day of Gangamata Goswamini as well as the Disappearance day of Baladeva Vidyabhusana, therefore during morning class Guru Maharaj spoke a little on these two great personalities. He also explained the significance of brahmin initiation, as Nandarani Mataji was getting second initiation during morning class today. Guru Maharaj was very happy to award Nandarani mataji second initiation, since mataji is very dedicated to Sri-Sri Radha-Golokananda and visits New Goloka every summer from Finland.

June 10th. Guru Maharaj flew out to Los Angeles in the morning and spent the day with Gopal prabhu, his disciple in Los Angeles before flying out to Australia late at night. Today was Pandava Nirjal ekadasi. Once in reply to a disciple’s query, Guru Maharaj had clarified that there were actually no restrictions to travelling on ekadasi, but that it was generally better to keep the consciousness pure and meditate on Krishna. However, he said it was inauspicious to begin a journey on a Thursday afternoon. He said that one could actually be traveling during the afternoon, but not start the journey in the afternoon.

Here is Krishna Vijay prabhu’s contribution from Australia (a disciple of HH Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj).

12th June, Thursday – 11am Mararaj’s flight arrived from USA via a stop in Nadi (Fiji). Krishna Vijay Das, Govardhan Das and Prabhav Das (one of Prabhupad’s youngest devotee) were eagerly waiting at the airport in Sydney. As usual Maharaj appeared smiling and walked with his typical long and quick strides. Krishna Vijay Das welcomed him with a garland and the devotees all paid obeisances. Maharaj was driven back to Strathfield to Krishna Vijay’s residence.

Krishna Vijay Das and Nav Kishori Devi Dasi volunteered to be Maharaj’s personal servants during this visit.

Nav Kishori Devi Dasi welcomed Maharaj to the home with other devotees. Maharaj had a short session talking to devotees. He was visibly tired, had just spent 20 hours travelling for the east coast of USA to Sydney. He retired to his room for a well-deserved rest. By 4pm other devotees arrived to greet Maharaj. Maharaj’s Sydney yatra itenary had been worked out in detail and the 1st visit was at Nand Maharaj Das’s place for dinner. A short discussion on devotional matters was followed by prasadam. More devotees arrived to meet Maharaj. Anand Moya Das, Agni Deo joined us. Maharaj retired early.

13th June, Friday – Maharaj officially did the 1st mangala arti in the new temple complex just completed at Krishna Vijay’s home. The full temple morning programme was observed from 4.30 pm to 7pm followed by Bhagavatam class and Prasadam. Maharaj got back to his high speed Internet, phone calls and other essential work.

Around 3pm Maharaj accompanied by Krishna Vijay and Prabhav Prabhu went to the Strathfield Park for Maharaj’s walk. Maharaj is very active and walks at a faster pace. After the 1st round of the 2km park the others fell back panting, while Maharaj went on to complete his 4 rounds of power walk.By 5pm Maharaj was ready for the evening programme.

5pm – Short kirtan followed by dinner at Anand Moya’s place. More devotees from the North Sydney Temple were there to meet Maharaj.

7pm The first public programme at the Shree SanatanDharm Prathinidhi Sabha of Sydney ( mostly bhaktas from Fiji now settled in Australia). Maharaj gave a very in-depth lecture of Hanuman and his past times. Bhaktas from Fiji were very impressed. A heavy kirtan led by Prabhav Prabhu followed – there was a lot of dancing by the assembled devotees. There were at least 250 people attending. A sumptuous feast followed, to end the program. Maharaj was driven back to Krishna Vijay’s home.

14th June, Saturday – Preparation for the Mangala Arati began at 3am, followed by the full standard temple program: Magala Arati, Nrshima Prayer, Tulasi Puja (Diety bathing and dressing), Reciting the ten offences, Guru Puja, Siksastaka, followed by Jaya Radha Madhava and full Bhagavatam class, which was attended by lots of devotees and bhaktas, as Saturday is generally not a working day. Prasadam followed this, Maharaj was very merciful by allowing all the congregation to have Prasadam with him.

He answered a lot of questions also. A very busy schedule was planned for Maharaj. He left at about 9:30am with Krishna Vijay Das, Govardhan Das and Ananda Moya to visit devotee’s/bhakta’s homes.

First stop – Bhaktin Jackie’s home – Cronulla, South of Sydney on the seaside. Bhaktin Jackie is a prospective initiate. She had invited a lot of Australian friends and family members to meet Maharaj. A frank, friendly and open discussion took place. Maharaj presented the Krishna conscious philosophy in a very different way to what he normally does with devotees. Maharaj’s adaptability was remarkable. Questions were fielded and answered by Maharaj appropriately. A feast of Western food followed.

Second stop – Visit to Astasakhi’s (TKG disciple) home – Chipping Norton, after one hours drive west of Sydney. Feet bathing ceremony was observed, followed by Prasadam. Questions and answers, Maharaj spoke briefly.

Third stop – Dheera Prabhu’s house – Guildford. Short stay – Prasadam and talk. Dheera was very thankful for Maharaj’s visit.

Fourth stop – getting late – 4pm – quick visit to Nareshwar Prabhu’s place in Merrylands. More Prasadam, kirtan and some discussion. Running short of time, rushed back home for a quick fresh up. No time for walk today.

5pm – dinner at Navin’s residence

7pm – rushed back to Krishna Vijay’s house. This was going to be the biggest private function. Krishna Vijay Prabhu had just finished the construction of a large temple with adjacent bedrooms for Srila Gurudev and another one for his secretary. This was his dedication to Srila Gurudev.

Today was the official opening of the temple. About 90 people attended. Maharaj officially opened the temple complex on behalf of Srila Gurudev. He gave a talk on the Pani-hati festival. Kirtan and a delicious feast followed this.

15th June, Sunday – Mangala Arati, chanting, Bhagavatam class and Prasadam.

Big day ahead – Initiation ceremony at the North Sydney temple. Maharaj interviewed the prospective initiates in the presence of Krishna Vijay and Govardhan while preparations were being done for the yagna.

Intiation ceremony lasted for 2 hours, with a lot of people attending. This was Maharaj’s first initiation ceremony in Australia. There were 3 first initiations, and 1 brahaman initiation.

After a short rest, Maharaj had to give the main Sunday feast lecture at 4:30pm. Today was the Snana Yatra festival, attended by about 500 people. A feast followed this. Maharaj stayed at the temple overnight.

16th June, Monday – Special morning Prasadam was taken from Krishna Vijay’s home to the temple for Maharaj, who did Atmaram Prabhu, the Sydney temple president, join. Another day for visits.

11am – Sachinandan’s home – another TKG disciple. Feet bathing ceremony, kirtan and a short discourse by Maharaj.

12pm – Ganga Mai’s residence – St. Claire – Maharaj was very happy to see a Fiji style home and he was reminiscing about Fiji.

Rushed back to Krishna Vijay’s home and Strathfield park for a quick walk. Govardhan dasa and Prabhav couldn’t keep up with Maharaj.

5pm – Prasadam at Sandipini Muni’s home – Maharaj’s first disciple in Australia. A lot of photos were taken, followed by a feast. Maharaj was very happy to visit his devotee.

7pm – Arvindani Devi Dasi’s home – was getting very late. Maharaj was very tired.

Returned home, nearly 10pm.

17th June, Tuesday – Early morning temple program at Krishna Vijay’s home.

9:30am – after Prasadam Maharaj was ready to go to the airport. Nav Kishori couldn’t hold her tears back. This is the first time Krishna Vijay Das and Nav Kishori Devi Dasi had been personal servants to any Sanyasi and the separation was painful. Maharaj was driven to the airport by Krishna Vijay. Govardhan, Prabhav and Agni Dev. There was a lot of discussion at the airport and the final parting. Maharaj was finally on his way to Fiji and his beloved devotees, who are so fortunate to have his mercy.

Fiji Yatra.

June 17th. This trip of Guru Maharaj to Fiji was very special because he had mercifully agreed to celebrate his 25th Sannyas Anniversary in Fiji. Although the actual Sannyas Anniversary fell on the 24th of June, all the temples of Fiji had their separate celebrations on the days Guru Maharaj was in their area, making the most of the opportunity of being able to celebrate his Sannyas Anniversary in his physical presence.

Apart from this, His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s Vyaspuja also fell on the 18th of June and this too was celebrated grandly by all the temples.

Then apart from all the separate celebrations for the two festive occasions, a grand maha-celebration was held at Gita Kirti and Guru Smarana matajis residence in Sigatoka for Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s Vyaspuja (covered later in the newsletter by Jaya Radhika mataji). Consequently, the whole Fiji yatra was one of celebration.

Guru Maharaj arrived at 6:20 pm at the Nadi airport. All the Lautoka devotees were there to see him. We could see that Guru Maharaj was very happy by the look on his divine face. All the devotees were chanting the Maha Mantra to welcome him. The whole atmosphere was spiritual for due to Guru Maharaj’s association we were chanting Lord Krishna’s Holy Names.

Upon reaching the temple, Guru Maharaj greeted the Deities then reception was held in the gurupuja room. Amsu and Sumukha prabhus had the merciful opportunity to conduct the footbathing ceremony. Gurupuja was then done and Guru Maharaj gave a short talk before honoring prasadam.

June 18th. Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s Vyaspuja was celebrated today. Guru Maharaj was present at Sri sri Krishna Kaliya temple for the occasion. All the devotees observed a half day fast and Guru Maharaj gave a class at midday. Many congregational members as well as the devotees attended the program. A great feast followed class.

June 19th. Guru Maharaj left for Labasa today by a morning flight.

On arrival at the Labasa airport, there was a large crowd of devotees to welcome their beloved spiritual master.

Upon reaching the temple, there was an official welcome with the footbathing ceremony and Gurupuj. Guru Maharaj then spoke. It was quite informal, more like an ishta-gosti with all the devotees. Some of the devotees raised a point that many female devotees come to the temple and start worshipping the Deities then they marry and leave. Guru Maharaj gave his view that it was good that that actually happened. He said it was good for the girls to become properly trained in Deity worship, as it would help them in their grstha life. He said that Krishna becomes pleased with their service and sends them husbands.

Tonight dinner was at Sundari mataji and Acutya prabhu’s residence. They are both very nice disciples of Guru Maharaj. Hamsavatar and Hrishikesh prabhus were there as well.

Guru Maharaj appreciated the taste of the prasadam so much. He said that Labasa always has the best prasadam because it has the special flavour of bhakti in it.

During dinner, Guru Maharaj spoke about Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s mood with Hrishikesh prabhu who had spent some time in India with him. He also spoke about how the Indian culture in Fiji is so superior in terms of proper etiquette and the warm, genuine manner in which people treated each other.

Hamsavatar prabhu’s grandson, little Arjuna was playing outside and suddenly he started reciting prayers to the six goswamis..,”vande rupa sanatan…”Guru Maharaj became very pleased with him and commented that devotee children in Fiji were so well trained right from an early age. He was deeply appreciative of all the Labasa devotees.

It is no secret that Guur Maharaj’s best place in the whole world is Fiji and in Fiji, Labasa is the crest jewel. Guru Maharaj is always saying,” My heart is in Fiji.”

After dinner, there was a big celebration in Labasa town in honor of Guru Maharaj’s Sannyas Anniversary and Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s Vyaspuja. The celebrations had been expertly organized by Rasabihari prabhu and there was a very large crowd present. The Mayor of Labasa had been invited as well.

The Mayor gave a speech saying he was very appreciative of ISKCON as unlike most religious groups ISKCON was very active and he was always seeing devotees in action doing either free food distribution or harinam or chanting on their beads. The Mayor gave the same speech in English and then in Hindi for the benefit of the local people.

Guru Maharaj then gave a short speech after which there was a cake-cutting ceremony. All the devotees insisted that Guru Maharaj and the Mayor exchange cake. Although Guru Maahraj does not usually take cake (he does not take salt, sugar or oil), just to please everyone he took a tiny bite and everyone said “Haribol” in a loud happy manner.

After the cake cutting, there was very enthusiastic kirtan with much dancing. Guru Maharaj was really dancing and he looked very sweet, dancing, running back and forth, in ecstasy of the Holy Name, with his garland on all the time. The Mayor, wearing a festive floral shirt, was dancing enthusiastically as well!

20th June. Mangal-arati was in Nityananda Hall, after which everyone went over to Sri sri Radha Vrindavancandra temple where Guru Maharaj gave morning class.

After morning class, there was breakfast at Vrindavancandra prabhu’s place. All throughout breakfast, Rasabihari prabhu was serving Guru Maharaj as wqell as other devotees present. Guru Maharaj was glorifying Rasabihari prabhu so much. He asked Hamsavatar prabhu how he had managed to train up all of his sons so well.

During the day, somehow, Guru Maharaj made a joke that the devotees could not prepare 108 preparations. The devotees took this joking challenge seriously and out of love for their spiritual Father, they did it! They actually prepared 108 different varieties of prasadam!

Evening program was at Nityananda Hall and again Guru Maharaj’s Sannyas Anniversary was celebrated with yet another cake baked by Sundari mataji. This evening, 9 devotees took initiation. Again, there was a very large crowd present at the temple as Rasabihari prabhu had held a weeks’ program in one of the neighboring villages’ the previous month, so a whole truckload of interested people had come from the village. On his next visit to Labasa, Guru Maharaj is planning to go to this village.

21st June. Mangal –arati was in Nityananda Hall with morning class there as well. It had rained early in the morning and the tiled floor was a bit slippery. Just after morning class as Guru Maharaj was walking to Guru Nivas, he happened to slip and fall, landing on his right side. Thankfully, he was not hurt much.

The hearts of all the devotees just broke. All the devotees got so upset and they very quickly wiped the floor and laid down rugs.

Breakfast was served in Nityananda Hall and just after breakfast Guru Maharaj left for the airport. A large crowd had gathered to see Guru Maharaj off. It was an overwhelmingly sad goodbye and most devotees had tears in their eyes as Guru Maharaj entered the small airplane. The devotees felt that Guru Maharaj’s time in Labasa had been too short, but they were very happy that he was coming in October again.

On the flight from Labasa to Nadi, Guru Maharaj sat right at the back of the plane together with Amsu prabhu who had accompanied Guru Maharaj from Lautoka, due to those being the best seats.

The plane landed at Nadi airport at 10:45 am. It was a bight, sunny day on the western side of the island. Guru Maharaj strode strongly and briskly out of the terminal. All the devotees present bowed down in obeisance.

Guru Maharaj travelled to Sri sri Krishna Kaliya temple with Jivanath prabhu, who had just arrived at Nadi airport from Suva a little before Guru Maharaj’s flight had landed.

Jivanath prabhu is a senior disciple of his Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj and he has a very intense service mood. He had meticulously cleaned his car just incase he was in time to the airport and Guru Maharaj might want to travel with him. Jivanath prabhu does not keep food in the car because he wants it to always smell fresh for Guru Maharaj. He also does not allow anyone to put their feet up on the seat because Guru Maharaj will be sitting there and might want to lie down on the back seat. On all of Guru Maharaj’s visits to Fiji, Jivanath prabhu got many opportunities to render personal service to Guru Maharaj.

Sri sri Krishna Kaliya temple was a hive of activity. Everyone was busy preparing guru Maharaj’s lunch or getting things ready for the upcoming midday program, which was in honor of Guru Maharaj’s Sannyas Anniversary

After greeting the Deities, Guru Maharaj rested for a short while before coming for a late breakfast. His disciples at the temple had very much been looking forward to seeing him again and they served him eagerly the many tasty varieties of prasadam they had prepared. Daruka, one of Guru Maharaj’s favorite vegetables, had also been prepared.

After breakfast, Guru Maharaj retired to his room and spoke with the devotees present there. He had just heard that Govinda Mohini mataji, one of his young disciples was admitted in hospital with appendicitis, and he was extremely concerned. At once, he instructed Amsu prabhu to go to the hospital and find out where and how she was. It was about 12:30pm by now.

Lautoka hospital is just a 5-minute drive from the temple and Amsu prabhu got back to the temple just as Guru Maharaj was striding towards the temple for the program scheduled at 1pm. It was about 12:57 pm by then and even before his disciples were properly dismounted from the vehicle, Guru Maharaj had started asking questions.everyone present could sense his worried urgency.

Guru Maharaj was quickly told that Govinda Mohini was just awaiting her turn to go into Operating Theatre. Without a single moment’s hesitation, he said, “Ok, lets go to see her”, and strode off towards the nearest vehicle. All the devotees stood stunned for a moment before scrambling towards the available vehicles to accompany Guru Maharaj.

On the short way to the hospital, Guru Maharaj was very grave. He said it was all Krishna’s arrangement that he was physically present when something like this happened, i.e., one of his disciples got seriously sick. He said the chances of him being here were about a one in a million as he could be travelling anywhere in the planet then.

As Guru Maharaj got off the vehicle and walked towards the hospital he was speaking that he was actually a ‘Religious Minister” and therefore has free access to all the USA hospitals at any time a patient would want him to come and pray for them.

By Guru Maharaj’s special mercy, everyone got through the Security at the entrance very easily. Guru Maharaj quickly walked up the steps to OT and walked right in to Govinda Mohini’s bed. Someone touched Govinda Mohini lightly and she awoke from her sedation to see her Guru Maharaj standing right next to her. Very quickly she folded her palms and offered her obeisances. Guru Maharaj said, Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Krishna is looking after you directly, that is why I’m here. Ok, Hare Krishna,” and having spent less than 5minutesat the hospital, he was off again to the temple.

At dinner at the temple about 3hours later, Guru Maharaj asked the devotees about Govinda Mohini. He was anxious to know how she was and how the operation had gone so that he could visit her again.

During dinner, many devotees gathered to speak with Guru Maharaj. He spoke mainly on medical matters and spoke very informally telling everyone all about how cows are tortured in India. He said that 90% of the world’s leather comes from India and that there were some states of India in which cow-killing was not prohibited such as Kerala, therefore cows were actually walked all the way to Kerala. When a cow got tired, her tail would be broken so that she kept on walking, then if the cow sat down due to tiredness, chilli powder would be put into her eyes, so that she got up and started walking again. He also spoke on how veal was made-by separating a new-born calf from the mother and rearing it in a closed, dark, confined space, feeding it a lot. The calf would then be killed a few days later and the meat would be very white due to the way the calf was reared.

Straight after dinner, Guru Maharaj went to the hospital to visit Govinda Mohini. It was a sight to see the lautoka hospital foyer packed full with devotees, all there with Guru Maharaj, worried because he was worried.

Having just come out of OT, Govinda Mohini was deeply sedated but rousable. Once again she folded her palms to offer her obeisances to Guru Maharaj, but was unable to say anything before she drifted into unconsciousness again. Guru Maharaj spoke with Govinda Mohini’s mother, who is also a disciple of his, reassuring her that Krishna was directly looking after her daughter. Looking around the hospital room, Guru Maharaj said that it must be made more Krishna conscious and for some Krishna conscious pictures and tapes with a tape recorder to be made available.

It was so special to be able to see how exactly the guru is our best friend, the great extent of responsibility he takes in always keeping the disciples consciousness fixed on Krishna in all circumstances.

We commented that Govinda Mohini was so fortunate to get so much of his mercy and Guru Maharaj said,” Yes, I wish I could have gotten some special mercy like this from Srila Prabhupad as well.”

Guru Maharaj had actually dedicated his Sannyas Anniversary celebration program to Govinda mohini as this was the exact time she was undergoing her surgery. He later told us that there never was any doubt in his mind whether to attend the program or to see her first. We could all feel how genuinely concerned Guru Maharaj was and how much he cared for the physical as well as spiritual well-being of his disciples.

Back at the temple, after speaking with some devotees, Guru Maharaj retired for the night.

22nd June.

As is his habit, Guru Maharaj was in the temple hall before the curtains opened, chanting his rounds in front of the Gaur-Nitai altar. After a sweet mangal-arati, in morning class, Guru Maharaj spoke about how people should be pulled into Krishna Consciousness by attraction and not pushed into it, otherwise they became rebellious. He spoke more on this topic in Suva as well.

Just after morning class, Guru Maharaj left for Sigatoka where a grand celebration was held in Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s Vyaspuja.

Following is Govinda Mohini’s account of her experience:

Tossing in bed with the pain of appendicitis, half asleep with

Sedatives and strong painkillers, I could not understand why Navinesh asked me to answer a call. ” Talk its Guru Maharaj”, was all he said and handed over the phone to me. I was myself surprised that I could say a full sentence, without crying out with pain. That is all I can remember, offering my obeisances and Srila Gurudev telling me ” Don’t worry everything will be all right”. Later devotees told me that I talked to Gurudev for a while, what, only Krishna and Gurudev know.

Devotees kept coming to the hospital and they all told me that Guru

Maharaj will come to visit you after the surgery, which was going to happen anytime. I was so scared not of the surgery but of the spinal anesthesia which I was going to get prior to surgery. My knowledge told me that it was a very painful process. Whenever I gained consciousness, I tried to remember Lord Nrsimha and Srila Gurudeva telling me that ” It’s going to be all right”

It wasn’t very long after I was brought to the Operation Theater, that

Kisori told me my surgery is delayed until an hour. In this waking up

and sleeping cycle of mine I remember being glad that it wasn’t near.

Then suddenly I heard a voice tell me that Guru Maharaj is here. I

thought I was dreaming but no …I opened my eyes and there was Srila Gurudev standing right beside me. I was so happy and overwhelmed in my heart. All I wanted to do was bow down and offer my obeisances but my sick body didn’t allow me.

Other devotees accompanied Gurudev. Although I do not remember (due to my sedation) what Gurudev said I can still remember what my heart felt. I felt so satisfied, all my fears vanquished and I was confident that I shouldn’t be worried about anything. My father, my spiritual master had taken care of it all. Srila Gurudev’s coming and visiting me with the devotees wasn’t anything less than Krishna coming with the demigods. I understand that Guru is the representative of all the demigods but for me Krishna had come in the form of my spiritual master.

I don’t even remember a tinge of pain during my anesthesia. By Srila

Gurudev’s desire my sister Kisori was with me during my surgery. The

last and only thing I remember in the operation Theater was going into deep deep sleep with Kisori’s hand into mine. Thank You Srila Gurudev for the confidence and encouragement. I know it was all so easy just because of Srila Gurudev’s prayers.

I hear from the devotees that Srila Gurudev came to visit be at night

with other devotees. Thanks to Kisori mataji for making all the

arrangements in the hospital and making it possible for me to have my Gurudev’s mercy.

Gurudev had personally made arrangements to make my hospital room

Krishna conscious.After this day, since Srila Gurudev had left Lautoka(where I was admitted), he made sure he called me daily asking me how I was. I could hear the relief in his voice as I told him that I was recovering fast. I called him the day I was discharged from the hospital. He was so happy and said,”So Krishna did listen to my prayers”.Of course he did Srila Gurudev.If it hadn’t been for his prayers, I wouldn’t be well so soon.

From the hospital I had come to Suva where Srila Gurudev was at the

moment, and he came to give me His darshan and purify my home daily until he left for Lautoka once again.

Srila Gurudev was being so merciful to such a fallen soul as I that I

had difficulty digesting the fact that my Gurudev loved me so much . I

could never even dream that I was going to take so much service from my spiritual master.

I was so unfortunate that I did not get any opportunity to serve

Gurudev in this trip, at the same time I find myself to be the most fortunate (although most fallen) to have my spiritual master right beside me when I needed him the most.

I am eternally indebted to my Dear father for all his mercy bestowed

upon this very fallen daughter.

Here is Jaya Radhika mataji’s description of the festivities at Sigatoka, Radha-Damodar Nivas:

Sunday.22nd June 2003.

Today, Sigatoka devotees held a big program for HH Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami’s Vyasa Puja celebrations in which devotees from all around Fiji were going to take part. (As you may have noticed that the actual date was 18th June, tithi was Vakreshvar Pandit Appearance). Thus Maharaj was to travel from Lautoka to Sigatoka (~1.5 hrs drive) and then to Suva (~2 hrs drive form Sigatoka).

After mangal arti program, and visiting Govinda Mohini in hospital, Maharaj headed for the residence of Gita Kirti and Guru Smaran matajis (dear disciples of Tamal Krishna Maharaj), where the Vyasa Puja was being hosted in Sigatoka.

There was a big tin shed with ‘pandal-like canopies’ (brightly red, orange and yellow colored) on one side. The organizers were busy doing the last touch ups. Maharaj liked the house, which was located on a hilltop near the sea. Guru Smaran and Gita Kirti matajis who had just recently purchased the house were happy to hear that Maharaj had similar tastes like their Guru Maharaj. They told Maharaj that Gurudeva had given specifications on buying a house like, having high ceilings and location to be near the sea.

After Maharaj was honored breakfast prasad, he went outside to the pandal for the program to begin. Kirtanas were going on. Soon a decorated car arrived from which stepped out Gurudeva (TKG) in His divine shoes form and the in a big framed photo form. With the ecstatic kirtanas reaching its peak, the touching transcendental scene and atmosphere brought uncontrollable tears to many. Almost all could feel Gurudeva’s physical presence once again as it brought memories of previous Vyasa Puja festivals.

Maharaj accompanied His Godbrother (TKG) on a walk with all the devotees around the house compound since Gurudeva had to see the new house, which his daughters had just bought.

Once back in the pandal, the two brothers sat beside each other near a beautiful altar of Sri Sri Radha Damodar, the presiding deities.

There was a garlanding ceremony by the hosts to welcome Maharaj and all the vaisnavas.

Then started the glorifications by Maharaja, followed by the devotees. (You can obtain the recording of the nectarian offerings from Kisori). Some devotees spoke in Hindi too and Maharaj seemed to understand what was being said. Sometimes Parsuram prabhu translated the offerings to Maharaj. . The speakers and audience swam in the ocean of Gurudeva’s transcendental lilas and realizations about Him by devotees. There was lot of humour in stories like one disciple telling about how his dhoti fell once when he was dancing in front of Gurudeva, and some telling pastimes on how heavy and then loving Gurudeva was. Some glorifications were emotional while some were grave. Many new devotees who hadn’t associated with Gurudeva much even found today’s event very moving.

Next was the ceremony of planting a ‘Tamal’ tree. The two matajis had been given its seeds last year in India and with much devotion were nicely grown in small pots. Now it was time to transplant on the ground and they desired that Maharaj do the planting with His transcendental hands. Thus all the devotees went to the site where the ground was ready. Maharaj was given the plant and he carefully placed it the dug ground and then covered its roots with soil.

To Maharaj’s surprise Gita Kirti and Guru Smaran matajis brought some dried flowers directly from Gurudeva’s samadhi in India and requested Maharaj to also pour them in the roots of the Tamal plant. Maharaj reminded them that then this will become a pushpa samadhi and they said yes, they intended it to be. They were prepared with a sign board stating ” ‘Tamal Tree’ planted in memory of HH Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami 18th June 1946 – 15th March 2002″

Then followed all the devotees in turns to take the opportunity to offer soil to the Tamal plant. Maharaj knowing that his disciple Govinda Mohini was unable to attend and desired to take part, offered soil on her behalf and requested a photo be taken.

Back to the pandal, there was GuruPuja ceremony of Gurudeva. Maharaj offered the arti ceremony while there was sweet kirtan. This was followed by Maharaj and devotees circumambulating Gurudeva and then was the pushpanjali ceremony.

Parsuram prabhu on behalf of the hosts, in his closing speech thanked everyone for coming, especially Maharaj (for due to Him did we all experience Gurudeva’s presence).

A big sumptuous feast followed and sure enough there were lots of samosas, which Gurudeva was very fond of in His early days. The cooks tried their best to have all of Gurudeva’s favorite dishes in His offering.

Maharaj had to leave for Suva now. He was to take prasad in Suva and so the Sigatoka mataji’s packed prasad that they had also prepared for Him. Sadly all the devotees waved goodbye as Maharaj left ‘Radha Damodar Nivas’ (that’s what the two mataji’s have named their house).

Arriving in Suva, at Jaya Ram prabhu’s place (the president), there was lunch also prepared for Him. There weren’t many devotees to receive Him as many were still in Sigatoka. Maharaj was tired too so after prasad He took rest.

23rd June.

As usual, Guru Maharaj spent his days in Suva at Jairam prabhu’s residence. Jairam prabhu has very, very nicely designed his house that it is like a temple with a gorgeous altar overlooking a large area right upon entering the house. Thus it very comfortably accommodates a large number of devotees.

All morning programs were held at Jairam prabhu’s place. The morning programs were very compact and intense with mangal-arati followed by tulsi arati, then japa chanting until 5; 30am, followed by class, then Gurupuj from 6am, followed finally by darshan arati at 7 am. As most of the Suva devotees are working people, this schedule suited everyone very well.

Today, Guru Maharaj had breakfast at Parsuram prabhu’s place and then lunch at Radhapati and Kripamayi mataji’s place.

In the evening program at the temple, Guru Maharaj praised the Labasa devotees saying that them preparing the 108 course dinner for him had actually brought “tears to my eyes” and that everything had been cooked with devotion.

He spoke that all the devotees should develop a culture of loving everyone and be caring towards everyone. He said that one of the reasons he is so attracted to Fiji is because he finds this culture quite predominant here. He said that the anxiety in caring for another vaisnava is actually pleasure and that everyone should be hosts in the temple and treat other devotees like kings. He also said that devotees should actually stand at the door and greet people and that every new person should have an assigned devotee looking after them.

24th June.

Today was the actual day of Guru Maharaj’s Sannyas Anniversary. It was also Srinivas Pandit’s Appearance, so morning class after mangal-arati, was super-sweet and was on Srinivas Pandit’s pastimes.

Breakfast today was at Madhumangal prabhu and Lolakshini mataji’s place. There was dosa and other South Indian dishes for breakfast as well as fruits.

Lolakshini mataji is a very good tailor and she had sewed a new outfit for Guru Maharaj for his Sannyas Anniversary. Guru Maharaj tried the outfit on while still at Madhumangal prabhu’s place. He liked the shirt a lot with the ties on the side. Lolakshini mataji had been a little worried that the colour of the robes was a bit light, but this had been the only shade of the particular material that Guru Maharaj wore that she had been able to get. Guru Maharaj said that the colour was generally alright, but it would be better if it were a bit darker, especially for preaching in Fiji, where people were more struck by a sannyasi wearing a darker colour.

After dinner at Radhapati prabhu’s place, there was class at the temple. The Suva devotees had prepared two cakes, shaped like the numerals 2 and 5 to represent 25 years of sannyas. The temple hall had been decorated with blue and yellow ribbons, Guru Maharaj’s favorite colors, as well as balloons. As part of the festivities, Guru Maharaj cut the cake and gave each fortunate devotee as piece with his own hand.

In the evening class, Guru Maharaj spoke on his decision to become a sannyasi 25 years ago. He said that once Srila Prabhupad disappeared in 1977, he wondered what to do with his life. He knew that he wanted to preach. By receiving confirmation from a slokh in SB Canto 4, which says that, a disciple should be ready to leave the world with the spiritual master unless he can carry out the mission of the spiritual master, his heart’s desire to preach was established, so he took sannyas in 1978 in Lima, Peru.

Guru Maharaj took a vow today to travel to a less number of places because he felt that he was spreading himself too thin and therefore not able to give a lot of time and personal attention to each disciple.