Initiation Ceremony

Giriraj Swami: So, someone should put your neck beads. So, we don’t have time to give a talk; we have given over the last period in Vrindavan. So, what are the four principles that you vow to follow?

Devotee: No meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication, no illicit sex.

Giriraj Swami: And what else is included with no meat eating?

Devotee: Meat, fish, and eggs.

Giriraj Swami: Okay. And what is included in no intoxicants?

Devotee: Tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and something else. [laughter]

Giriraj Swami: Okay, all right. And how many rounds do you vow to chant?

Devotee: Sixteen rounds.

Giriraj Swami: Minimum. Okay. And is there anything else you would like to say on this auspicious occasion in this sacred assembly?

Devotee: I would just like to thank you for being what you are, very sound, a disciple of A.C Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada. And I feel myself very fortunate to be getting initiated by you, this is causeless. You were so much instrumental here in Hare Krsna Land. Srila Prabhupada said: “Giriraj is Bombay and Bombay is Giriraj.” Somehow, I was here in Hare Krsna Land, the first temple was Mangalore, but Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari and Srila Prabhupada wanted me to be here and I met you. You have always been really loving. Since the day I saw you, whatever I desired and expected from you, I got it without fail, and most of the times, without asking. So, I have come to understand from the scriptures, whatever it says in the scriptures, it is true. So, once again, I want to thank you very much, and I hope blessings and prayers from the devotees, and the paramparā that I will be able to please with some selfless service.

Giriraj Swami: All right, thank you for saying that. So, if you come closer. So, on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and the guru-paramparā, I am pleased to accept you as an initiated disciple, and henceforth, you will be known as Krishna Chaitanya dasa.

Devotees: Haribol!

Giriraj Swami: Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu ki jaya!