Sardinian Retreat July 2010

Dandavat pranamas to all the devotees and friends.

By the causeless mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga we have completed another wonderfully successful retreat.

The retreat this year was on the beautiful island of Sardinia. Mathura Prasada prabhu and his good wife Rukmini didi hosted almost 20 devotees in their large villa beside the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea. In the very relaxed and congenial atmosphere devotees gathered to intensify their bhajan and develop their understanding of the deeper precepts of our philosophy.

The devotees seriously chanted the maha mantra for many hours each day. All regularly attended Mangal Arti and Gaura Arti, as well as the 2 classes a day, which mainly focused on the teachings of Mahaprabhu, as given in His Siksastakam prayers.

Every evening we would gather for long kirtans and group discussions on Krsna’s and Mahaprabhu's pastimes. All the devotees participated in the sharing of these talks. The devotees were so satisfied and happy that we extended the retreat for an extra five days. This was our first twelve day retreat!

More and more I am witnessing the devotees’ satisfaction with the retreat programs. Many comment that their enthusiasm and inspiration to plunge deeper into the waves of spiritual sweetness has “kicked off” again. They leave with determination and focus to continue rising early in the morning and giving prominence more and more to take Harinama as their principle source of joy in life.

Guru and Krsna have arranged these retreats and with each one I am personally astonished to see such positive results. By depending on Their grace alone surely our hearts will be satisfied and our material desires naturally slacken, and our attraction towards Them and Sri Vrndavana will automatically blossom more fully.

This is our goal, to develop our natural attraction for Guru and Radha-Krsna by rendering Them unmotivated and uninterrupted service - anyabhilasita sunyam… then the soul will be fully satisfied …yenatma suprasidati. This is our program.

I humbly offer all my thanks and appreciation to my beloved Gurudeva, Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja, for guiding our efforts towards the shelter of his divine lotus feet. It is he alone who is inspiring the love and affection within the hearts of his devotees towards the divine couple Sri Sri Radha Krsna Yugala Kisora.

Srila Gurudeva ki jaya
Srila Prabhupada ki jaya
Rupanuga guru varga ki jaya.

Vaisnava dasanudas
BV Tridandi Swami

Comment from Tamal Krsna Prabhu
from Sicily.


It seems that real and lasting efficiency and functionality within groups or organizations may not be possible with the idea of an autocratic leader. The concept of the leader is now also seen as something obsolete and outdated even in materialistic holdings.
They look to a future society as a society without leaders, without a head. Especially voluntary companies like ours where there is no monetary compensation. Everyone must become leaders in themselves, we do not need a coordinator, it is unnecessary and even harmful.
Everything will work as a harmonious dance and the exchanges between devotees will be as a melodious song. You will not need to say "Prabhu, you do this”, because Prabhu will come and say instead:" Oh Prabhu, what can I do for you? How can I serve you? "
So the new leader will be "the inspirer", the one who with love and affection inspires others by their example.

It seems a mere utopia, but we have had experience of just this during the "Japa retreat" this year in Sardinia with BV Tridandi Maharaja.
During that week and even in the days following, everything worked most perfectly, with no organization, nothing at all. There wasn't any efficient organization or boring leader issues. No rosters for cooking (only the first day). No rosters for cleaning. No assignments to go shopping. Nothing at all! Total anarchy! However, it triggered an incredible cooperative, helpful, contagious spirit amongst the devotees. Everyone would say: "Today I want cook" “Oh Prabhu please, then let me cook tomorrow?” Just after prasadam a devotee would be cleaning the floor immediately, there was no time to grab this seva, I managed only two times in 12 days, but only because I was early to take the broom in hand, and so on. Even once I saw two devotees, younger men, 17 and 19 years old, wrestling with each other to wash the others plate. This was astonishing and heart warming to see this spontaneous mood of service!!!

Of course, the "leader" was there clearly and that was Maharaja, but he never said once to someone do this or do that, instead he would personally serve prasadam every day and helped in the kitchen washing pots always. He has been an inspiration for everyone, and everyone spontaneously has honored and respected him.

From this we understood that organization is a consequence, one of the byproducts of affection and sympathy.
If this is the effect of anarchy with the total absence of control, then we are all anarchists. We want to travel this path. We are dreamers and we have the dream of that kind of world and especially society of devotees. We believe this is in the wake of the true thoughts and desires of our beloved Gurudeva.

Yours in service to Srila Gurudeva.
Tamal Krsna Dasa Sicily.

Christchurch, New Zealand 2010

Dandavat Pranamas to all devotees.
By the mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, we have just completed our third Japa Retreat here in New Zealand with great success and happiness.
It becomes more apparent, with each successive retreat, that the boundless mercy bestowed within the holy names of the Lord, are certainly filled with endless, liberal compassion and unlimited bliss for those fortunate persons who choose to spend serious time to discover this truth.
Once again, the devotees who attended received this gift from the munificent Sri Gauracandra of stimulating their spiritual enthusiasm and heart-centred focus.
To say the least, the retreat was wonderfully enlivening for all of us, in all ways.
Devotees love to talk so it’s always the greatest challenge to maintain ‘mauna vrata’ outside the temple. This year for the first time, we really made some headway and the silence was in fact, quite golden!
It seemed like our 1860’s Vicarage hermitage is getting used to us, even the ghosts in the little graveyard nearby were enlivened by the kirtans!!
I have to thank all the devotees who attended for all their mercy, especially Harsharani didi who single-handedly arranged everything, bhoga, accommodation, airport pick-ups, accounting - everything that made it happen at all. Thank you many times!! Also her husband Madhu Pandit Prabhu, who held the deity program totally together, as well as leading many kirtans with his sweet harmonium. Thank you so much Madhu Prabhu. And thanks to everyone else who kindly made it all happen.

Hare Krsna
Vaisnava dasanudas
Respectfully
BV Tridandi Swami


From the Dear Devotees

It’s wonderful to have some sanity back in my life again.
Nama Prabhu and good association have nourished my nistha for Srila Gurudeva and helped me appreciate much more fully who is ‘Mahaprabhu’ and His realm of pure devotion.
Hare Krsna
Madhu pandit Dasa (Christchurch)



This was my third retreat – each one brings new gems. Living for a week in an atmosphere conducive for hearing and chanting, was inspiring. It afforded time to reflect on and re-evaluate my life. This was much more than a ‘japa’ retreat for me…
Highly recommended!!
Harsharani Dasi (Christchurch)



My third retreat, again very blissful.
Various gems of spiritual reflection over a weeks time-span have been a rare gift in my otherwise so easily conducted material life.
Thank you
Hare Krsna
Uttama dasa (Christchurch)



Great classes, wonderful devotees, many deep realizations from Harinama.
Thank you.
Saranga Dasa (Christchurch)



There is no doubt that the service to, and association of Vaisnavas, is the most uplifting experience for the conditioned souls. On all accounts the experience of the japa retreat, under the direction of Tridandi Maharaja, gave elevation to all aspects of sadhana bhakti. It is therefore imperative that for the sake of one’s spiritual emancipation, one should yearly, at least, spend time in such activity.
Thank you
Your servant Tamal Krsna dasa (Nelson, South Island)



I feel very grateful to have participated in the japa retreat in New Zealand this year. Amongst so much nectar, I found Maharaja’s teachings about the reasons for Mahaprabhu’s advent especially wonderful. With this foundation I look forward to be able to go deeper into my understanding of who is Mahaprabhu and His mercy upon the conditioned soul.
Thank you.
Anuradha Dasi (Murwillumbah, Australia)



I am particularly grateful to Maharaja for mentoring another japa retreat at ‘Ye Olde Vicarage’ in Governors Bay. This is the second retreat I’ve attended here with Maharaja as I find them so wonderful. Maharaja is an excellent teacher and very supportive and encouraging. I will be back again next year to recharge my batteries and bask in lots of good association.
Hare Krishna
Harikanta Dasa (Dunedin)



Beside the still waters of Governors Bay,
the only ripples are from Sri Hari Nama.
At the japa retreat of Tridandi Swami
I found my heart.
Could this be a new start
that I’d almost given up hoping for?
Here’s to hope.
Thanks Maharaja
Your servant Kunjabihari Dasa (Brisbane, Australia)



Sublime association which inspired real self analysis, transcendental topics and the significance of love via authorized connection.
Thank you
Syamananda Dasa (Nelson, South Island)

First Australian Japa Retreat. Murwillumbah. April 2nd -5th 2010

Dandavat Pranamas to all our respected readers.

By the mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, in Murwillumbah, Australia, we have just completed our first Japa Retreat at the Sri Girraja Gaudiya Matha.

This was a mini retreat, 4 full days in all. It was attended by 12 devotees and extra visitors came for our morning programs. We spent much time studying Srila Bhaktivinodes Thakuras “Bhajana Rahasya”, covering many essential points of philosophy and Krsna’s sweet Vrndavana pastimes.

I am seeing, that after doing these retreats in different places, that the power of concentrated japa, full temple program including bhajans and artis, and providing a space to share our realizations, is so empowering and beneficial for the devotees.

In many cases the devotees attending have never really experienced a regulated temple life before, or haven’t experienced one for many years. The retreats are offering a sample of this. Of course it’s artificial in the sense that normally people have their various means of livelihood to attend to, and for the duration of the retreat all that is put on hold. Nevertheless, by experiencing a taste of the sweetness of this simple temple atmosphere, even for a few days, where our connection to the holy name is emphasized and made prominent. Where respectful dealings are encouraged and minimal useless chatter discouraged, then a powerful sanscara or impression, is formed in the heart. An ideal life to aspire for. A goal to work towards. Surely without a clear impression of what we want to achieve in this brief life and how to effect that goal, then how can we proceed at a respectable, reasonable pace?

I’m convinced, time and again, by the devotees positive comments on the retreats, that creating this space for Sri Nama to flourish, a very powerful, nourishing, and life long impressions come in the heart. This is our goal, to become more attracted to this process of chanting and remembering the Lords Holy Names and pastimes than striving to fulfil our various material desires and ambitions. When we leave this world our practice of this chanting will be sufficient to carry us to a much higher birth and beyond.

The retreat here in the splendid, natural environment beneath Mount Warning, in the ancient volcanic valley around Murwillumbah, on Mathuranath prabhus, Sri Girraja Gaudiya Matha property, has been a total, wonderful success. The devotees who attended were so well looked after by Chandrakala Didi and Jaganatha Suta prabhu, and we lacked for nothing at all. The speciality of living deep within the folds of mother nature, being able to swim daily in the clean river and walk amongst the untouched forest, was indeed a refreshing support for our connection with the Lords Holy names. It was all quite magical.

Thank you all who attended and participated and in particular we thank our kind hosts Mathuranath prabhu and his good wife Chandrakala didi and our kind brother Jaganatha Suta prabhu, for all your rich and generous services to the devotees. It has been deeply appreciated.

With gratitude and hopes for many more retreats here.

BV Tridandi Swami.


Appreciations.
Devotees comments.

I found the Japa Retreat very rewarding. It was wonderful to have unlimited time to chant without responsibilities of everyday life. It definitely took me deeper into the process of bhajan and gave me so much more knowledge and courage to build my devotional practices on. The mood was so nice; loving and supportive- it felt like a lovely dream. It made me realize how deep and wonderful it is to be able to practice japa constantly and be able to go unlimitedly deeper. And I realize fully that this is all by the mercy of Srila Gurudeva.
Thank you Maharaja.
Anuradha Dasi

Very stimulating, uplifting and enlivening.
Highly recommended!!
Hare Krsna
Mathuranatha Dasa

I am very inspired by this japa retreat. I regained my confidence to chant more than I ever thought I would.
Wonderful!
Thank you.
Nirmala Devi Dasi (Brisbane)

Inspiring, challenging, educational, gentle, peaceful and sweet!
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ki Jaya !!
Hari Nama Prabhu Ki Jaya !!
Srila Gurudeva Ki Jaya !!
Sadhu Sanga Ki Jaya !!
Jaganatha Suta dasa

I have felt a deeper feeling and appreciation of Krsna’s love for Radha and Radha’s love for Krsna.
Jaya Sri Nama
Ghadadhara dasa

This retreat is a wonderful way to re-orient oneself with the subtleties and efficacy of the process of chanting Hare Krsna.
It was a potent and immensely rewarding experience. Well run and absorbing.
Tridandi Maharaja’s efforts are very much appreciated and helpful.
Four and a half stars!!
Chaitany Chandra dasa

It opened the portholes of my hardened heart so that I could contact the sweetness of my essence in service to the Lord.
Thanks.
Rsi dasa

Thank you Mahraja for the japa retreat. It has encouraged and strengthened me to go deeply into Sri Hari nama.
Acintya Gaura Dasa (Brisbane)

This japa retreat has been purifying and uplifting.
Thank you so much.
Chandrakala Dasi

I am so very grateful to Sripad Tridandi Maharaja for his japa retreat program.
His classes were full of wonderful realisations and by praying sincerely to Srila Gurudeva and Sri Nama, I began to get a taste for chanting the Lords holy names.
I also felt great friendship and want to thank everyone involved.
Hare Krsna
Subal Sakha dasa

This has been a great opportunity to connect with Sri Harinama, Srila Gurudeva and the teachings of our acaryas.
Thank you many times.
Hare Krsna
Sundhara Gopal Dasa (Brisbane)

Kostroma, Russia. 1st Retreat January 2010

Russia, Kostroma Japa Retreat
January 24th -30th 2010



Dandavats Prabhu’s and friends.
By the causless mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, we have successfully completed another japa retreat program.
This retreat was situated in the far north of snowy, very cold Russia, in Kostroma, 500 Kilometres north of Moscow, beside the frozen Volga river.
By great fortune we had two very large houses next to each other, one for the men and one for the women. Our hosts, Abhirama and Damodara prabhu’s took great care of us and even though we had a total of 20 participants, everyone was very comfortably situated.
Most of the devotees managed to chant their quota of 64 rounds each day, at the same time as sharing the various cooking and cleaning seva’s. Together we carefully studied many basic truths including Guru-tattva, Gaura-tattva, Jiva-tattva, Bhakti-tattva as well as discussing many sweet Vrndavana pastimes. The devotees were fully satisfied.
The power of Gurudevas mercy was apparent to everyone, and with the careful sadhana empowered by Sri Harinama, along with very loving exchanges every evening, devotees became progressively more enthusiastic each day.
Of course, the excellent mahaprasadam, which was lovingly organized and taken care of by Mother Padmavati put a constant smile of well being on everyone’s face.
Personally, I felt this was one of the best retreats we’ve had. I was very impressed by the dedication and gravity of the sincere devotees.
It is always such a pleasure to live with devotees in such a perfect temple atmosphere, where we can follow a very regulated devotional life, observing the main artis together each day, honouring Tulsie devi, mahaprasadam and each other.
Once again, I feel I have made many lasting, warm relationships, and Sri Harinama has become more blissful..
Sri Harinama Ki jaya!!
Srila Gurudeva KI jaya!!
Kostroma yatra Ki Jaya!!
Radhe Radhe
Vaisnava dasanudasa
BV Tridandi Swami.



Comment from BV Sadhu Maharaja.

Sripad BV Tridandi Maharaja has just been conducting the first japa retreat in Russia. It was held in the two side-by-side homes of Abhiram Prabhu and Damodar Prabhu in a forest area near Kostroma, within several hundred yards from the Volga river.
The retreat has be a real success – both regarding the place (which was best ever) and the wonderful service and co-operation mood which has been a solid basis for constant chanting and cultivation of harikatha during the whole six day period.
As a result, practically all of the 17 participants have significantly improved their chanting and have concluded that this retreat had become a new start for their further regular programs – both on the level each individual sadhaka and in terms future projects of the Russian / C.I.S. sanga as a whole.
Aspiring for the service of Sri Guru and Vaisnavas,

Swami BV Sadhu
I spent 6 wonderful days on a japa retreat with Tridandi Maharaja and the Russian devotees. I am very grateful to all of them because it was very wonderful experience for me. Recently I tried to chant more rounds but I was alone at home and it wasn’t so tasteful. Chanting in the company of devotees is really great! I’d like to attend such Holy Name festivals in the future and bring my friends there.
Atmeshvara das (Vinnitsa, Ukraine)
Comments in Russian by BV Sadhu Maharaja and the Russian Devotees.
Только что завершился первый в России джапа-ретрит (программа “Japa Retreat” – “Уединение с джапой”) под руководством Шрипад БВ Триданди Махараджа. Шестидневный фестиваль интенсивной джапа-медитации проходил в находящихся рядом двух домах Абхирама Прабху и Дамодара Прабху в лесистой местности неподалёку от Костромы, в нескольких стах метров от Волги.
Ретрит прошёл действительно успешно – как с точки зрения места (которое, по мнению Махараджа, было лучшим за всё время проведения им подобных программ), так и в отношении настроениия служения и кооперации, составившего прочную основу для постоянного воспевания Святого Имени и культивации харикатхи во время минифестиваля.
В результате практически все 17 участников ретрита значительно улучшили воспевание Святого Имени и пришли к выводу, что эта программа интенсивной джапа-медитации стала для них новым началом – как в индивидуальной пратике, так и в контексте российской / СНГ-санги в целом.
Стремящийся стать слугой Шри Гуру и вайшнавов,

Свами БВ Садху


Дорогие братья и сестры! В конце января 2010 года в молочном крае, городе Костроме впервые состоялось знаменательное событие: На левом берегу матушки Волги прекрасный дворец Абхирама Прабху превратился в Вайкунтху! Как это случилось? Очень просто. Из разных стран, республик и городов встретились почти два десятка учеников Святого духовного учителя Шрилы Б.В. Нараяны Госвами Махараджа, во главе с лучезарными триданди-санньяси Б.В. Триданди Махараджем и Б.В. Садху Махараджем. Это собрание вайшнавов, именуемое «Джапа-ретрит», или «Уединение с Джапой», открыло новые горизонты в повторении и воспевании Святых Имен Господа Кришны. Почти каждый из участников, вдохновленный нектарной хари-катхой, которую изливали санньяси, повторял в день лакх (64 круга) харинамы. И это естественным образом создало атмосферу любви и уважения друг к другу, позволяя в конце дня в тесном кругу открывать сердца и делиться своими откровениями и реализациями, полученными во время повторения харинамы. Каждый чувствовал перемены в своем сознании. Потоки совершенно новых ощущений наполняли нежным ликованием сердца преданных Кришны. Все это время, каждый из присутствовавших ощущал безграничную милость Шрилы Гурудева, царя всех авадхутов – Господа Нитьянанды и Шачинанданы Гаурахари. Такие мероприятия очищают и возвышают сознание искренней души, предавшейся Божественной Чете Шри Шри Радхе Кришне. Я безгранично счастлив, что мне выпала такая редкая удача участвовать в программе «Джапа-ретрит», прекрасным образом подготовленной, продуманной и проводимой особоуважаемым триданди-санньяси Шрилой Б.В. Триданди Махараджем и окунуться в волны совместного воспевания и повторения Святых Имен Шри Кришны. Я приношу свои поклоны и искреннюю благодарность всем организаторам и участникам наипрекраснейшей программы из всех существующих – программы «Уединение с джапой».
Валмики дас (Брянск)
Это не передать словами. Атмосфера, наполненная постоянным воспеванием святого имени, незабываемые рассказы Махараджа о лилах Радхи и Кришны, создающие впечатление, что он участвовал в них, вечернее обсуждение, где преданные открывают тайники своего сердца и конечно сладкие бхаджаны растопили сердце и оставили незабываемое впечатление. Низкие поклоны и благодарность организаторам и участникам ретрита.
Шридам Сакха дас (Костромская обл.)
Джай Шри Шри Гуру и Гауранге!
Джапа-ретрит (уединение с джапой), который прошел в г.Костроме в высшей степени полезный опыт в духовной жизни, особенно для начинающих садхаков. Храмовая атмосфера и дисциплина, как одна из главных составляющих, создает для этого все условия. Дух совместного воспевания, служения и хари-катха в течение 1 недели с одной стороны сближают преданных в одну семью, с другой помогают увидеть всплывающие анартхи. Каждый может дать себе оценку, что трудно сделать в повседневной жизни. Очень важно, что начинающие получают вкус к садхане, а практикующие углубляют. Этот опыт помогает понять, что при более благоприятных условиях, к которым нужно стремиться, можно ежедневно читать 1 лакх святых имен. Это своего рода и репетиция, впечатления на будущее останутся. Уверен, что плоды придут позже, как после посещения святых мест и садху-санги и придет еще более углубленное понимание. Нет изъяна в джапа-ретрите, недостаток в том, что сутки имеют 24 часа. Мне как счастливому участнику джапа-ретрита, не хватало кришна-катхи. Но сутки можно удлинить, только сжав свое время, заняв его кришна-катхой. Впрочем, это мое мнение.
Абхирам дас (Кострома)
Джапа-ретрит – это удивительная и прекрасная возможность погрузиться в сладостную практику Сознания Кришны. Святое имя очень могущественно, сладостно и исполнено милости, а поскольку основой джапа-ретрита является повторение харинама-джапы, слушание и обсуждение хари-катхи и пение бхаджанов, то всё и вся постепенно насыщается этой силой, сладостью и милостью. Шрипад Бхактиведанта Триданди Махарадж очень добр, милостив и квалифицирован вести этот ретрит. Каждый участник, я думаю, не был обделён его любовью и милостью. Здесь была настоящая атмосфера вайшнавизма и духовного мира Вайкунтхи. Участвовать в этом мероприятии – огромная удача! Харе Кришна!
Симха Грива дас (Уфа)
Мощно! Действенно. Эффективно. Участвовать всем!
Абхай-Чаран дас (Москва)
Поездка на джапа-ретрит была для меня полной неожиданностью. В Санкт-Петербурге я разгребал свалившиеся на меня проблемы, и для их решения нужны были здоровый разум и оптимистичный настрой. Шрипад Триданди Махарадж с легкостью убедил меня поехать, и я подумал, что уединение с джапой – это то, что надо. Мои ожидания оправдались. Во-первых, в сочетании с погруженностью в джапу и отсутствием разговоров, хари-катха проникает глубоко в сердце, и начинаешь смотреть на жесткую «реальность» жизни по-философски, не теряя оптимизма. Во-вторых, несколько дней урегулированной жизни условиях ашрама выводят садхану на уровень привычки и с этой привычкой можно уехать домой. Главное ее сохранить. Ну и в-третьих, получив личный опыт повторения одного лакха харинамы, ты уже не будешь думать, что это что-то запредельное, нереальное. Приходит уверенность, что и дома можно повторять 64 круга, выделяя на это выходные или не очень занятые дни.
Амита-Кришна дас (Санкт-Петербург)
Это был первый опыт для меня в таких серьезных мероприятиях. Признаться, я немного волновался перед началом, но реальность оказалась замечательной. Мне не с чем сравнивать, но на мой взгляд всё было замечательно! Хотелось бы, чтобы это стало доброй традицией.
Дамодар дас (Кострома)
Хотя я не участвовала в джапа-ретрите, но всё это мероприятие очень понравилось. Давно я не была так счастлива – общение с преданными это нектар! Появился вкус к повторению намы! Всем огромное спасибо!
Вира д.д. (супруга Дамодара, хозяина второго дома, Кострома)
1. Появилась уверенность в своих силах.
2. Пришло воодушевление.
3. Сознание расширилось вглубь и вширь.
4. Улучшилось и упорядочилось восприятие себя как личности, души и тела.
5. Было реально прочувствовано влияние духовных впечатлений и самскар.
Камала (Самара)
Ретрит – это здорово. Погружение во Вриндаван, в его настроения и лилы. Дает потенцию читать больше харинамы в дальнейшем. Большое спасибо всем организаторам ретрита. Особенно хочу выразить большую признательность Абхираму Прабху и Дамодару Прабху за их гостеприимство и теплый прием. Спасибо Триданди Махараджу за то, что наконец-то в России прошел этот духовный тренинг. Хочется еще и еще погружаться в харинаму. Джай Гурудев.
Яшодхара д.д. (Ярославль)
По милости Гуру и Гауранги в день явления Господа Нитьянанды я выполняла севу – делала гирлянды из лепестков роз. Подбирая композицию из формы и цвета, может получиться красивая гирлянда. Вечером мои братья и сестры делали прекраснейшие сердечные подношения Шри Нитьянанде. И это было подобно красивейшей гирлянде, в которой каждый был «лепестком» со своим запахом и цветом. В нас заложена неповторимая любовь к Кришне, а Шрила Гурудев – это та связующая нить, благодаря которой никому не нужный в материальном мире «лепесток» по Его беспричинной милости вплетается в гирлянду преданности и преподносится Шри Шри Радхе Винод Бихариджи. Если бы лепестки были одного цвета, то гирлянда не смотрелась бы столь сочно и ярко. Так и мы являемся дополнением друг другу в своей уникальности, и поэтому не стоит «переделывать» других преданных под свой «цвет». Кришна хочет ощутить вкус каждого из нас, и Шрила Гурудев делает всё возможное и невозможное, чтобы научить нас любить, а затем предложить лотосным стопам Шримати Радхики нашу преданность. Джая Гурудев!
Наяка д.д. (Ярославль)
Впервые на джапа-ретрите прочитала 64 круга. Понравилось. Планирую практиковать в дальнейшем. Желаю Триданди Махараджу испытать любовь. Харе Кришна!
Индира (Ярославль)
Результативно. Сладостно. Очень понравилось. Атмосфера напомнила дхаму. Сердце раскрывается, становится легче. Приехал «подуставшим», уезжаю наполненный, вдохновленный. Реально перешел на другой уровень духовной практики. И это не влияние момента, а глубокие благоприятные реализации. За 6 дней получил то, к чему стремился более года. Очень эффективная метода. С чувством глубокой признательности приношу миллионы дандават-пранам Бхактиведанте Триданди Махараджу. Большое спасибо за разработку и внедрение в жизнь столь действенной практики.
Асит-Кришна дас (Крым-Москва)
Маленькое семечко – сердце – изъяли из общей среды и поместили в локальное пространство доброй почвы. Поливая и освещая землю, добились прорастания семени. Появились маленькие корешочки и тонкий росток. Аналогии: почва – группа участников джапа-ретрита; полив – воспевание; свет – хари-катха; корни семени – осознание таттвы; росток – раса; семя – сердце.
Падмавати (Брянск)

По милости Гурудева, в заботе о нас, не прекращаются туры старших Вайшнавов, наших Махараджей по Всему миру и России. И теперь не только краткосрочные встречи с ними, но и возможность глубокого погружения была создана на Джапа-ритрите в Костроме. Само время и место были очень удачно выбраны. Два великолепных дома, как в сказке встретили участников ритрита. Кругом заснеженный лес. Ученики Гурудева Абхирам Прабху и Дамодар Прабху очень заботливо ухаживали за приехавшими гостями в своих домах. И потекло время, размеренно, очень спокойно и гармонично. Участники приступили к Воспеванию Святого имени, проходили запланированные программы, совместное воспевание Святых имён. Пространство пропитывалось любовью и благостью. И взаимопонимание, улыбки не сходили с лиц присутствующих там участников. Всё, что требовалось по служению не вызывало никаких трудностей. С готовностью каждый брался за дело. Настроение Вриндавана не покидало, как будто светило солнце, и Гурудев был рядом. Махараджи Триданди и Саду с большим вниманием и любовью к каждому уделяли внимание и готовы были в любую минуту откликнуться на затруднения, возникающие у нас. С каждым днём всё яснее становилось, что нужно и как это делать, чтобы устремления к высшей цели имели хорошие результаты. Дни шли, а то что нам придётся расставаться не вызывало сильного сожаления, так как дома уже становилось понятно как каждый теперь продолжит практиковать. Вернувшись в Москву, на следующий день, та тишина и покой, радость не покидали меня. Я благодарна Гурудеву, Махараджам Триданди и Саду, всем присутствующим там участникам за ту милость и благодать, которая там была, и то, что я смогла увезти с собой. Знания, ответы, особое настроение, опыт такого уважительного отношения друг к другу. Что такое искренне радоваться всем, каждому и любить. Очень хочется, что бы эта возможность возникла как можно у большего числа учеников Гурудева, пройти джапа-ритрит. И я с удовольствием поехала бы ещё на такое погружение. Воспевайте Святые имена бога и будьте счастливы, и это оказалось реально.
Падмавати д.д. (Москва)

First Lithuanian Retreat. Kaunas 2nd- 7th January 2010

Dandavats Prabhus and all friends

By the causless mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, we have just completed another successful Japa retreat, this time in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Amidst heaps of snow and sub zero temperatures, the devotees were packed into quite a small, simple, yet very warm home, on the edge of a dense forest, close by the frozen, majestic Nerris river. Even though it was cold, the devotees could take nice, attractive walks in the natural surroundings, undisturbed.

Our host Ananta Krsna Prabhu, took complete motherly care of us. None of us lacked for anything the entire time. All were blissfully satisfied.

Just as in the previous retreat in Poland, this was a first time here in Lithuania of a japa retreat. The devotee community, which is quite small, were not quite sure what to expect.
We had our regular morning and evening programs which were supported and enhanced by having the most qualified BV Sadhu Maharaja with us as translator and organizer.

As previously, the devotees were very enlivened by chanting throughout the day and realizing more and more, by direct perception, of the power and sweetness of Krishna’s holy names. This, coupled with our study of the bhakti sastras, made the perfect formula for sustained, progressive, spiritual growth.

During this retreat we were not able to have our regular sharing exchange due to the many visitors attending our evening programs, nevertheless devotees were completely satisfied and found time during the day independently, to affectionately bond and communicate with each other.

Next year we will again come together, and now that the devotees realize how satisfying the retreat experience is, we will have a longer and better attended time together.
Thank you all for coming and offering your enthusiastic support.

Hare Krishna
Vaisnava dasanudasa
BV Tridandi Swami

An appreciation of the retreat from our host
Ananta Krsna Dasa from Kaunas, Lithuania.


It was certainly a most deepening and intimate japa-retreat experience for me. All those who participated supported each other so much just by being together and chanting throughout the day. There was an atmosphere of sincerity which gave us the spiritual freedom and focus and to feel free and be truthful with ourselves. Tridandi Maharaja is not just guide; he is a sincere friend, who helped us to stay eye to eye with ourselves. He personally helped me to be just myself, as I am, rather than to try and push something inside me. It gave me a feeling of spiritual freedom. It was a flying feeling of spontaneous attraction to the Lord.
I have never before understood very clearly that my practice of Bhakti yoga is a natural process, it doesn't need any false support, as it seemed previously, ‘it is not an artificial imposition on the soul’. The Lord is happy with us just the way we are. He doesn’t want us to be striving for personal improvement all the time, as I had previously understood. The Lord accepts me as I am and I know He was happy because of our coming together. This feeling of real love is amazing! It is the most valuable jewel of the retreat.
In one Russian song it says “Better than mountains, are mountains where you haven’t yet been”, in other words, new horizons. This retreat was unknown territory for my soul, and the chanting opened up the possibility of entering a little more deeply within myself.
I liked it soooooo much. I want more and more.
Thank you Maharaja.
Jaya Gurudeva
Radhe Radhe.

Polish Japa Retreat December 2009

Japa Retreat Poland

December 24^th-31^st 2009

Dandavat Pranamas

All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.

Over the Christmas break, while many in Europe and America were suffering disruption to travel conditions etc, brought about by the sudden snow storms, the devotees in Poland were happily taking warmth from the precious fires of some exclusive nama bhajan.

We were kindly hosted and adequately taken care by Premdas prabhu in his house in the country, 40 minutes from Warsaw.

All of the devotees were quite new to hearing Srila Narayana Maharaja’s teachings, and their enthusiasm to absorb and understand was truly inspiring.

For the most part we had between 10 and 12 devotees, but others, according to their schedules, dropped in for a day or two.

As usual the power of nama took over and everyone reached newer stages in awareness of Krishna’s beauty and pastimes.

All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who has given us this gift of nama, and all glories to His devotees who come together to honour that gift.

Sankirtan Yajna Ki Jaya

BV Tridandi Swami

Polish devotees appreciate the week

Uczestnictwo w festiwalu prowadzone pod nadzorem B.V. Tridandi Maharadża umożliwiło mi w części zrozumienie zawiłości wiedzy zawartych w pieśniach, wersetach i rozrywkach Radhy i Kriszny. Składam moje pełne wyrazy szacunku i pokłony do Jego Lotosowych Stóp.

Wszelka Chwała Gurudewowi!

Pragnę podziękować Premdasowi za udostępnienie nam domu, w którym spędziłam niezwykłe dni.

Gaura-priya d.d.

Haribol. Japa Retreat jest ciekawym i bardzo przyjemnym przeżyciem.

Czułem się bardzo dobrze mogąc od rana skupić się na intonowaniu Imion Kriszny.

Madhavananda das

Japa Retreat spowodował, że przekonałam się, że jest możliwe intonowanie dużej ilości mantr w ciągu dnia. Bez większego wysiłku. Przy czym nie należy przejmować się materialnymi potrzebami , wydarzeniami itp. Należy zrównoważyć ilość intonowanych mantr i czas poświęcony na służbę oddania oraz minimalizować inne czynności w ciągu dnia.

Zrozumiałam w dużym stopniu jiva-tattva oraz guru-tattva. Jestem bardzo wdzięczna Tridandi Maharadżowi za wszystkie instrukcje i nauki i prowadzenie „Japa Retreatu” oraz Premdasowi Prabhu za zorganizowanie go w Polsce.

Anupama d.d.

Japa Retreat dał mi możliwość docenienia ogromnego współczucia Śrila Gurudewa dla nas i jego niezwykłej łaski w postaci wskazania nam metody docenienia Kryszny i bycie przez Niego zauroczonym poprzez przesiąknięte słodyczą rozrywki Kryszny. Te spotkania uświadomiły mi także jak ważne są właściwe relacje z każdą żywą istotą, gdyż centrum tych relacji jest Kryszna.

Czaru Kryszna das

„Japa Retreat” to jest coś czego każdy powinien doświadczyć! Nie da się w kilku zdaniach opisać nawet drobnej części tych wszystkich korzyści jakie można osiągnąć przez uczestniczenie w tym wspaniałym Festiwalu Świętego Imienia i Kryszna-katha, tak jak i nie da się zrozumieć jego korzyści bez osobistego uczestnictwa. To jest doświadczenie, które każdy szczery wielbiciel powinien przeżyć w tej wspaniałej atmosferze i nastroju, pod opieką B.V. Tridandiego Maharaja!

Premdas

Moje ogólne odczucie z pobytu na Japa Retreat jest bardzo pozytywne. Pragnę serdecznie podziękować B.V. Tridandi Maharadżowi za jego wysiłek i oddanie płynące do nas szerokim strumieniem. Dzięki niemu mogłam zrozumieć trochę niektóre zawiłości wiedzy o Krysznie i zrozumieć, że dużo muszę się jeszcze uczyć i że bardzo tej wiedzy potrzebuję. Pragnę również serdecznie podziękować Premdasowi i jego żonie za udostępnienie nam całego domu. Mieliśmy bardzo dobre warunki. Było ciepło i niezwykle miło.

Gunamala d.d.

To jest niezwykłe doświadczenie. Czuję się przeniesiony w jakąś wyższą rzeczywistość i doświadczam małej, ale jakże potężnej namiastki duchowego szczęścia płynącego z praktyki duchowej bhakti-yogi.

Wspaniałe wykłady i dyskusje filozoficzne, wielogodzinne intonowanie japa i słuchanie słodkiego krsna-katha dało mi w sumie niezwykły efekt rozwiania wątpliwości, pogłębienia swojej wiedzy i bliższego poznania i docenienia Kriszny i Jego czystego reprezentanta - Guru. Czuję, że odniosłem ogromne korzyści za co serdecznie dziękuję Tridandi Maharadżowi i wszystkim uczestnikom.

Indubhuszan das

To jest niesamowite duchowe przeżycie, które każdy powinien doświadczyć we własnym życiu :) Poświęcenie całego tygodnia na tak intensywną medytację i intonowanie daje przedsmak tego o co w tym wszystkim chodzi. Podporządkowanie się guru i Świętemu Imieniu daje niesamowitą moc i mnóstwo doświadczeń. B.V. Tridandi Swami dodatkowo prowadzi niezwykle interesujące wykłady na tematy związane z pozycją jivy (duszy) i to dodatkowo daje moc i inspiracje do duchowej praktyki. Wybieram się też następnym razem :)

Kryszna Kirtan das

Glastonbury England November 2009

Appreciations of the Glastonbuty Japa retreat November 2009








Dandavats to everyone.
By the causeless mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, this most recent retreat in Glastonbury was an astonishing success. Success in the sense, that all the 18 people who took part, very clearly benefited enormously from the powerful influence of the Holy name.
This power was visibly apparent through our evening exchanges with each other. It seemed that each evening the devotees became more inspired and clearer as to their spiritual direction and focus of energy that they wanted to experience. Much clearing, bonding and healing took place and so much happiness and warmth between us all was exchanged.
This year was different in that we had 7 people new to the concepts of mantra meditation and what that meant. I was so inspired to see them all become enthusiastic students of our Vedic teachings empowered by the maha mantra.
In the last days many were able to chant a full 64 rounds, this certainly opened up new boundaries of consciousness and awareness for them in the holy names glories, and really, this is what the retreat is intended for.
I feel the greatest happiness and respect for all the participants, again I feel I have made so many new life long friends.
Thank you, all of you. In particular Radhe and Kesava for their full support and most warm hosting, no one can compare to their generous spirit. I am always indebted to them and forever grateful.
Yours in the service of Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas
BV Tridandi Swami
****

All glories to Srila Gurudeva!
I have been very fortunate to attend four of BV Tridandi Maharaj’s 7 day japa retreats in recent months, and have found the opportunity to deepen my relationship with Nama and associate closely with Tridandi Maharaj and sadhu sangha to be very beneficial and enriching for my spiritual life. Regardless of whether we are steady in sadhana or not, or have experienced periods of intensive sadhana (such as having lived amongst devotees in temple life), the retreat provides a sacred space where participants can drop much deeper into sadhana without distraction and share an intimacy of devotee association.

This is a particularly rare opportunity for grhastas (householders) who most often have many external duties to perform, and can experience some feelings of spiritual isolation in daily life, wishing for more quality association outside of visiting the temple or going to programmes/festivals or on vraja/navadvip parikrama with Srila Gurudeva.

The japa retreat, which is mostly held in silence, provides a simple but effective structure which is both gentle and intense. The day revolves around a spacious programme with mangala arati, Hari katha, kirtan, delicious healthy prasadam, devotee exchange (where participants come together to share their journey in Krsna consciousness and in relationship to the Holy Name) and of course there is enough time to rest, and chant a lot more rounds than we might ordinarily find time to chant. In acknowledgement of the individuals’ different capacity and intention for the retreat, the various aspects of the programme are optional, which allows each participant to engage at the level that they feel happy with and as a result, a very sweet and relaxed mood develops.

After these retreats I have been left with a strong feeling of heart connection and belonging in our Gurudeva’s family, my absorption in Krsna consciousness has deepened, and fulfilling my commitment to chanting my rounds of japa has become quite effortless.

An aspiring servant of the servant of the Lord
Keshava Das Owner and host of Shekin ashram Glastonbury
****

I don’t remember when I was last in such a peaceful atmosphere and I could chant so many rounds of the maha mantra. The mode of goodness here I think has helped me tremendously to do all this, and I feel it pulling me away from the modes of ignorance and passion. The Hari Katha of Tridandi Maharaja gives so much sweetness and inspiration.
Ananda Mohini dd from Norwich.
****

It is difficult to express just how wonderful this japa retreat has been for me. To be so welcomed into the Ashram of Kesava and Radhe and to experience the wisdom and teachings of Bhaktivedanta Tridandi Swami has been truly beautiful. I believe this week has changed my life for the better, and has given me a host of new friends as well. Thanks to all, especially Gurudeva and Krsna.
Cecilia from Chester.
****

My Japa retreat experience has been the most wonderful inspiring week.
It has touched my heart and soul in a way that I know will never leave me.
I am grateful also to have had the opportunity to share this experience with such cool, warm, sincere people.
Thank you.
Katie from Glastonbury.
****

This japa retreat has been of immense value for my emotional, physical and especially spiritual life. It is a real retreat with genuine people searching for harmony in the Absolute Reality. I sincerely recommend this retreat to anyone in any walk of life looking for some kind of inner peace and a searching for the soul.
Balabahadra dasa, Hemel Hampstead, London
****

The retreat helped me to deepen my devotional practice and allowed me to receive from the Divine. The classes brought up the most profound truths for discussion, and so helped to deepen the understanding of higher realities. The retreat was punctuated with experience of light beings and other mystical phenomena.
Freespirit Glastonbury.
****

As a newcomer to this path, I found the retreat to be so informative and inspiring, and the opportunity to practice so much Japa invaluable. I feel so much gratitude for having had such a wonderful opportunity.
Haribol.
Thank you all very,very much.
Helen Shenstone Australia.
****

A week spent living an ashram life gives benefits that cannot be perceived of before hand. Under the guidance of a true scholor on Vedic scripture, Tridandi Swami. With the mercy of Sri Krsna delivers a powerful awakening experience whatever the level of understanding. This week has re-enforced my faith in humanity that we have a divine purpose here on beautiful mother earth. Tridandi Maharaja is a living example of this and hopefully we will see each other often again my friend.
Deepest and dearing love and thanks
Marvyn Glastonbury Haribol!
****

This is my third Japa retreat and this one has been just as good as the first two, which is to say pretty wonderful!
Gaura Chand Dasa London.
****

The most beautiful experience of my life, I have been bitten by that black snake. For one week I was transported to a place of the deepest connection to my soul, Guru and Krsna. I feel totally amazing, nourished spiritually on every level. Maharaja’s classes were like total nectar. I left feeling totally inspired to increase above 16 rounds. My faith in the maha mantra has grown like anything.
Lalit Krsna From Brighton.
****

Japa has naturally awakened in my soul through transcendental sound and knowledge. Intensive chanting has lifted me from material anxieties and helped me to understand my true identity.
It was a beautiful journey to make one small step closer to the Divine.
I would warmly recommend this Japa retreat to everyone who is searching for inner peace, truth and a connection with the supreme.
Anni from Estonia.
****

The japa retreat was wonderful. It’s a reconnection to the real self, through the Maha mantra. Also, to experience the power of the name. It’s a week I will never forget all my life. I’ve got a second life!
Being with wonderful devotees in a peaceful environment is unique and nourishing.
All by the causeless mercy of Sri Guru and Gauranga.
I recommend it to everyone!
Haribol.
Parama Dharma dasa London (France)
****
I am relatively new to the concept of Krsna consciousness, but from my brief experiences previously at Shekinashram, I wanted to know more about it.
The Japa intensive retreat lived up to its name. Foreign concepts and ideas were clearly explained and through the power of Krsna mantra, they started to sink in in a profound way. Repeating the mantra felt like it had a purifying effect. Finding myself worshipping at the feet of the servant of the servant of the servant…to Radhe, feeling nothing but pure love made me realise I’d come to the right place and the right time.
Thanks to you all.
Samantha Marais. Bristol
****