Giriraj Swami – Giriraj Swami

Vyasa-puja Address, November 13, Dallas

Bhakti Tirtha Swami, Lectures, Tamal Krishna Goswami, Vyasa-puja 1 Response »

Nov 152010

“Love is such a motivating factor. Every devotee wants to find love within Krishna consciousness, but sometimes it may happen that a devotee feels that he or she cannot get that love within the community of devotees and so he or she looks outside — or runs into something outside. But if we can genuinely reciprocate with devotees in a loving way, there will be less chance that they will either consciously and deliberately look for it outside or latch onto something that they happen to run into outside of the association of devotees. . . .

“In conclusion, as Srila Prabhupada wrote to one disciple, ‘Your are dependent on my mercy, and I am dependent on your mercy. It is reciprocal. This mutual dependence is based on love — Krishna consciousness.'” — Giriraj Swami

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Govardhana-puja — 1, November 6, Houston

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Nov 062010

Giriraj Swami and Guru Prasada Swami discussed Govardhana Hill, Govardhana-puja, and Govardhana-lila.

hantayam adrir abala hari-dasa-varyo
yad rama-krsna-carana-sparasa-pramodah
manam tanoti saha-go-ganayos tayor yat
paniya-suyavasa-kandara-kandamulaih

“Of all the devotees, this Govardhana Hill is the best! O my friends, this hill supplies Krishna and Balarama along with Their calves, cows, and cowherd friends with all kinds of necessities — water for drinking, very soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers, and vegetables. In this way the hill offers respect to the Lord. Being touched by the lotus feet of Krishna and Balarama, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant.” (SB 10.21.18)

“When the master sees that the servant is happy, he becomes happy, and when the servant sees that the master is happy –more happy — he becomes happier, and when the master sees the servant has become happier, he becomes happier still. There is an unlimited expansion of transcendental pleasure in the loving reciprocation between the master and the servant. And that is the way with Govardhana Hill. That is why he is the best servant of Lord Hari.” — Giriraj Swami

Concluding Words: Follow the Instructions, Feel the Presence — November 3, Dallas

Bombay, Caitanya-caritamrta, Dallas, Srila Prabhupada Comments Off

Nov 042010

“Yesterday we fasted for Sri Rama-ekadasi, and twenty six-years ago, in Bombay, something very special happened the morning after Sri Rama-ekadasi. Every morning before six I would walk up the stairs to Srila Prabhupada’s quarters to accompany him on his morning walk. But the morning after the Rama-ekadasi in 1974, when I got to the top of the stairs, the door was locked, which was very unusual. It was the only time I ever climbed the stairs when Srila Prabhupada was there and the door was locked. . . .”

Bhaktivedanta Hospice Opening — Day 1, August 26, Vrindavan

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Oct 192010

We begin with introductory addresses by Dr. V. Shanbhag and Dr. A. Sankhe, followed by talks by Sri Nathji dasa, Nirguna dasi, and a Brijbasi gentleman, Sri Mittal; a message from Radhanath Swam; and, finally, talks by Giriraj Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami.

“We talk about remembering Krishna at the time of death, but what does that really mean? Do we just think of Krishna in the clouds? What does it actually mean? Mother Archa Vigraha asked this question to B. B. Govinda Swami, and he explained that ideally you think of Krishna in Vrindavan engaged in pastimes with His associates; you think of His associates with a personal longing to assist them in their service to Krishna. From this instruction, she got the idea of what it really means to think of Krishna, especially at the time of death. And then all the readings, the japa, the kirtana, and the visits to holy places took on even greater significance and meaning for her.” — Giriraj Swami

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Prabhupada Festival, May 30

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Jun 052010

Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami, and Giriraj Swami

At the Prabhupada festival in New Dvaraka, Los Angeles, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, His Holiness Giriraj Swami, and His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami spoke on the theme of “Srila Prabhupada in India.”

“In Mayapur, Srila Prabhupada was staying in a straw hut, which is still there. At that time it had only a dirt floor covered with cow dung. It was very simple, very basic. Toward dusk, I entered. Srila Prabhupada was sitting alone, with no light on. He had tears in his eyes, and his voice was slightly choked. He said. “Krishna is so merciful; He is giving us all facility.” – Giriraj Swami

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