A report from Mathuranath Das:
Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Jayatah!
sravanadi-suddha-citte karaye udaya…"by hearing the heart is purified and the soul awakens to devotional life…"
On Thursday July 17th, through the combined efforts of the Portland and Eugene devotees, a very sweet ‘Krsna Summer Festival’ was held at the WOW Hall in downtown Eugene, Oregon.
The evening program began with Hari-kirtan expertly led by Hari Ballava Prabhu and an introductory speech, followed by a very sweet talk by our honored Sanyasi guests who nourished everyone with their presence and realizations…satam prasangan mama virya-samvidho, bhavanti hrt karana rasayana katha.
The program was well attended by many local guests who greatly appreciated the holy presence and insightful talks of the visiting Sanyasis. Many of the guests expressed their appreciation and desire to attend future Krsna-conscious events. Everyone enjoyed a very pleasant evening of devotional hearing, chanting and dancing…tad josanad asv apavarga vartmani, sraddha ratir bhaktir anukramisyati.
Nitya Hari Prabhu and Devananda Prabhu, with the help of Sita Devi Dasi, Dharani Darendra Prabhu and Anupama Didi, cooked a fine feast of rice, salad and subji that was augmented by sweets and treats made by the Portland devotees.
All of the Oregon devotees were very grateful to have the holy association of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj and Sripad Parvat Maharaj and are planning future preaching events here in Oregon for introducing the local community to the merciful shelter of Srila Govinda Maharaj and the correct Gaudiya Siddhanta distributed by the tireless efforts of Srila Gurudeva and the members of thr Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Kirtaniyah sada Hari! Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Jayatah!
Mathuranatha Das
A report from Sripad B.C. Parvat Maharaj:
All glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga
The Wednesday, July 16th program was held at the Portland West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Siddhanti Maharaj spoke about the merciful nature of Krishna and Srila Govinda Maharaj. Then all devotees and guests honored prasadam. Very nice program.
The
program at the WOW Hall in downtown Eugene on Thursday was nicely organized by
Maturanath Prabhu and the Eugene devotees. Maturanath Prabhu introduced the
program and spoke for about half an hour about the chanting of the wholly name
and the necessity of a spiritual
master. Then Parvat Maharaj spke for half an hour about the message of the Gita
and the wonderful opportunity given to us all by Srila
Guru Maharaj. Last, but not least, Sripad Bhakti Premik Siddhanti Maharaj spoke
about the devotees in Eugene and about his experiences
in the movement. Siddhanti Maharaj then took questions from the audience.
Throughout the talks a slide show was presented
without commentary on a large screen behind the speakers. Vraja Kishore prabhu
kindly let
us use his LCD projector and screen and Parvat Maharaj presented various slides
of the Missions activities in India and California as
well as Indian paintings showing Sri Radha Krishna, Nitai Gauranga, and Lord
Vishnus pastimes. Then we all honored a sumptuous prasadam.
Afterwards ecstatic kirtan and dancing until flashing lights let us know that
the building staff wanted to go home that evening.
Also helping with the program were Smti
Krsnangini D.D., Maladhari D.D., Phulamala D.D., Jagamohini D.D. and many
others. If
we, out of ignorance, have neglected to mention anyone we beg their forgiveness.
Jayanti Bala D.D. and her husband, Mark, manned the book
table.
Then Siddhanti Maharaj and myself were driven
back to Portland to be ready to fly out early at 6am the next day, back to Santa
Cruz so the
Siddhanti Maharaj could catch his flight in time to join with Gurudeva on the
world tour.
Best wishes,
tridandi bhikshu Bhakti Chandan Parvat
Report from Sripad B.P. Siddhanti Maharaj:
At the Eugene program many people came up afterwards and said they appreciated us coming. One man said he felt the spirit of Srila Prabhupada was waning until he saw us. Many gave flowers and incense and over 20 seekers begged Mathuranath Prabhu, who is in charge of the program there, to take their names and include them in his sanga. I feel it was a very successful program. Hari Ballava deserves special mention for leading such a long and wonderful kirttan. And of course, Mathuranath and his wife, Krsnangini, are good leaders for this community of younger seekers.
Dandavats, Bhakti Premik Siddhanti