Sri Kripaluji Maharaj's Visit Abroad - Travel details

Sri Kripaluji Maharaj ji's Trip Abroad


Namaste all.

I am very happy to announce the coming international visit of four countries by Jagadguru Sri Kripaluji Maharaj in April and May 2005.

He will be in England from April 5th to 12th and 12th to 19th at Port of Spain, Trinidad.
From 19th April to May 20th he will be in Barsana Dham at Austin, Texas, USA and California for the next following week. He will be visiting Toronto, Canada from May 28th to June 9th.

Please contact their mission and the centers in these counties given at their web site for more information.

http://jkp.org/intl_programs/index.html

http://jkp.org
http://barsanadham.org

Hope many seekers of Truth and Gaudiya devotees will take advantage of this tour of Sri Kripaluji Maharaj first time abroad.

Jaya Sri Radhey!

Dr. Jaya
USA

Namaste all.

As Sri Kripaluji Maharaj will be arriving today in USA and staying at
Sri Raaseshvari Radharani Temple in Barsana dham, Austin, Texas,
his loving devotees offer thieir humble prayers on this blessed occasion.


[attachmentid=1483]



SwAgatam krishnA sharanAgatam krishnA
MadurA puri sadanA mrudu vadanA madhusUdanA iha

Meaning:

Welcome to you O! Krishna, Welcome home;
O, the Dweller of the city of Mathura;
the tender-faced; and
the destroyer of the demon Madhu!
We have also come to You, O eternal shelter!

BhOgatApta sulabha supushpa gandha kalabhA
KastUri tilaka mahipA mama kAnta nanda gOpa kanda

Meaning:

O Distributor of pleasures (Bhogada),
easily obtainable to (Aptas) those who are near and dear,
Who is adorned with flowers and fragrant sandal paste
and the kasturi musk mark on the forehead,
the king Who is my own Beloved, the off-spring of
the cowherd chief Nandagopa

SwAgatam krishnA sharanAgatam krishnA
MadurA puri sadanA mrudu vadanA madhusUdanA iha

Welcome to you O! Krishna, Welcome home;
You, the Dweller of the city of Mathura;
the tender-faced; the Destroyer of the demon Madhu !
We have also come to You, O eternal shelter!

MushtikAshUra chAnUra malla
Malla vishArada kuvalayA pEda
Mardana kAlinga nartana gOkula
Rakshana sakala surakshana dEva
Sishta jana pAla sankalpa kalpa
Kalpa sata kOdi asama parAbhava
DhIra munijana vihara madana sukumAra
Daitya samhAra dEva
Madhura madhura rati sAhasa sAhasa
Vraja yuvatI jana mAnasa pUjita

SwAgatam krishnA sharanAgatam krishnA
MadurA puri sadanA mrudu vadanA madhusUdanA iha

Welcome to you O! Krishna, Welcome home;
You, the Dweller of the city of Mathura;
the tender-faced; the Destroyer of the demon Madhu !
We have also come to You, O eternal shelter!

Meaning:

One who crushed the best of wrestlers, Mushtika
and Chaanoora, as well as the elephant Kuvalayapeeda;
One who danced on the kaliya;
the protector of Gokula; the lord
who is endowed with all auspicious qualities;
who has taken the vow of protecting the surrendered;
who is the wish-yielding tree (kalpa);

who is unparalleled in hundreds of kalpas (ages);
who is bold in defeating others;
who sports in (the mind) the sages;
who is as beautiful as Cupid (the God of Love);
who has destroyed the demons; who is sweet;
who is fond of adventurous love;
who is worshipped in the hearts of the cowherdesses


SwAgatam krishnA sharanAgatam krishnA
MadurA puri sadanA mrudu vadanA madhusUdanA iha

Welcome to you O! Krishna, Welcome home;
You, the Dweller of the city of Mathura;
the tender-faced; the Destroyer of the demon Madhu !
We have also come to You, O eternal shelter!

- song completed with classical Karnatic musical notes
and steps for traditional dance

SA dha pA ga rI pa ga ri sa dha sa ri

Tatthi takajanutAm titthaka janautAm taka janutam

Takatimukuku tana kida taka dhIm

Takatimukuku tana kida taka dhIm

Takatimukuku tana kida taka dhIm


Translation given by Dr.C.S.Radhakrishnan
(Modified by me)
source: http://www.bhajanasampradaya.com/DetailsOf...ana.asp?san=400

Jaya Sri Radhey!

It is really nice to hear this news. I used to listen Maharaj jis lecture in TV when I was in india.

I have a question to you anuraag ji. Do you know which paramapara Sri Kripaluji Maharaj Ji belongs. Is it within traditional Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya? who is his gurudeva?

Thanking you
Paranam
Yours
Dasanudas

I am glad you've enjoyed his delightful and enlightening lectures on 'Aastha' and ''Sanskar' television. You must have also heard the introduction given about Sri Maharaj ji before each and every lecture.
Please follow that information. I have nothing more to add. If you are close to any of his Ashrams or preaching centers in India or abroad you can gather from the devotees of Sri Maharaj ji.

Pranams

Jaya Sri Radhey!

Dasanudas, To answer the question on behalf of Anuraag who loves secrecy over this , in short, no, he isn't a Gaudiya Vaishnava. As far as I know, he doesn't belong to any particular parampara either, but has rather been nominated as the jagad-guru on an equal level with Ramanuja, Madhva and others. You can read about it here.

Sorry Madhava, , my experience and realization do not concur with your statement.

It is bit strange! From his approach and his teachings from Six Goswami's granthas it seems he is a Gaudiya Vaishnava. Also it seems he is follower of mahaprabhu in his conclusions of sidhdhantas. And they do celebrate Mahaprabhu Jayanti i.e Gaura Purnima.

Accha? You people are always so secretive over this, you never come out with clear statements. Does Sri Kripaluji consider himself to be a follower of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

Anyhow, I believe he isn't a dikshita Gaudiya Vaishnava in any case. Or am I wrong on this, as well?

Please read more at this link.

http://www.gaudiyadiscussions.com/index.ph...findpost&p=4616

Thakura Bhaktivinoda in Krsna Samhita 8.22 (verse and purport):

sampradAya-virodho 'yam dAvAnalo vicintyate

The eleventh obstacle for the Vaisnavas is sectarianism,
which takes the shape of the forest fire.
Due to sectarianism a person cannot accept
anyone outside of his own group as a Vaisnava,
and as a result he faces many obstacles in finding
a guru and associating with sincere devotees.

Therefore extinguishing the forest fire is most important by giving up this mentality.

Radhe Radhe!

For one to ask if Sri Kripaluji Maharaja considers himself to be a follower of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu or to say that one doesn't believe that Maharaja is a dikshita Gaudiya Vaishnava is not a matter of sectarianism. All is not one just because the names of Sri Gauranga, Sri Radhika and Sri Krsna's are evoked. I can go to a local Yoga studio and hear the chanting of Hare Krsna but that doesn't mean to realize the differences between what is given at the local yoga studio and Gaudiya Vaisnavism is to be seen as a representation of what Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is saying in the quote you supplied. Do the followers of Srila Kripaluji Maharaja make such distinctions between his teachings and that of what one receives at the local yoga studio? From ISKCON? I would venture to guess that they do. To show such distinctions is natural.

The question initially put forth was very simple: Is Maharaja a Gaudiya Vaisnava in the traditional sense (i.e. received diksa in a Guadiya Vaisnava parampara) and does he consider himself a follower of Sri Gauranga? Nothing more.

In reading the information you have supplied along with other sites linked to Maharaja it seems rather clear that he isn't a dikshita Gaudiya Vaishnava nor does he claim to be. So to point out such a distinction isn’t sectarianism but common sense.

I didn't read where Madhava passed judgment on Maharaja or his followers rather he simply stated what seems to be obvious. Of course one does differentiate a Gaudiya Vaisnava from “others” especially when encountering their teachings which in some respects parallel one another. To not follow or hear from one because of such distinctions are indeed a judgment on some level but at the same time those distinctions need to be made.

Radhe Radhe!

Rasaraja dasa

I also went through the website of Kripaluji Maharaja with much interest. I agree that he seems not to be a dikshita Gaudiya Vaisnava. In fact he himself does not seem to have any diksha/parampara in the traditional sense. However I think one has to accept him as a Quasi-Gaudiya Vaisnava at least, due to the fact that he states that he follows the conclusions of Jiva Goswamis Sat Sandarbhas, preaches the worship of Radha-Krsna and Caitanya (or at least mentions Caitanya if not directly advocating his worship), and emphsizes the chanting of the holy names of Radha-Krsna as one's main sadhana.

One should remember that there are plenty of instances of Sadhus in India who have popularized the teachings of the main sampradayas and yet have little or no direct traditional link to them. Ramanand is an example, his so called connection with Ramanuja being the latters initiating him in a dream hundreds of years after his death. Or the Swami Narayana Sampradaya who accept Sri Bhasya in name but in fact have a philosophy which is very different from Sri Vaisnavism. There are plenty of historical examples of people who stepped outside of the "traditional" ways and yet who became identified with the mainstream due to their great success in preaching.

All in all I was impressed by his presentation and it seemed to me to be a nice generic type of Gaudiya Raganuga Vaisnavism which he is preaching. Raganuga for the masses. I am not suggesting that this is for everyone. But I cannot help noticing that he seems to have gotten the Indian community in the west as well as westeners interested in raganuga bhakti and he was and is apparently very successful in his preaching in India also.

ISDL = ISKCON #2 ?

Interesting vision Keshava. I second you here with a dialog between the Lord and His devotees.


Caitanya Caritamrta, (extrated from Sri Bhakta-Tattva-Vijnana, page 43)

Very good observation! Isn't that also the mission of Gauranga Mahaprabhu?
Empowered preaching and wholehearted participation in his mission makes one certainly a true Gaudiya vaishnava! (if not a traditional one)

prema-rasa niryAsa korite asvAdana |
rAga-marga bhakti loke korite pracarana ||
rasika-zekhara kRSNa parama-karuna (kRpAlu) |
ei dui hetu hoite icchara udgama || CC 1.4.15-16 ||

I have received this announcement from another devotee in USA.

Jaya Sri Radhey!

So many things happening in the mainland and I’m here, about more then 2000 miles away from it. Even Ammaji will be around. So close, but so far; too bad!

Amma

Ammachi's pose and bliss reminds me also of this picture of Kripaluji Maharaj!

Namaste. I received this message from another devotee of Sri Kripaluji Maharaj.

Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj Canada Visit Details


Radhey Radhey Devotees,

Kindly note the latest information about Shri Maharaj ji's visit
to Canada. In case of any change, the most current information will be
sent to you. You can also make inquiries with Savita ji at (416) 214-
0386 or by email at Sadhana_mandir@... .

We would like to invite all of you to see and experience the grace of
Shri Maharaj ji in the last leg of His World tour. Everyone who gets
this message is requested to forward it to others who have not been
covered in the email list.

People who will stay here should follow the instructions below.
People with special needs must inform Ricky or Ashwini ASAP. During
your visit, if you have any problems, you can contact anybody from
Toronto and ask for help. In case of emergency, please contact
Banchary Didi, Kailash Jagota, Ricky or Ashwini. For any medical
help, please contact Dr. Ajay Jagota.

We look forward to see you in Toronto. Please help us in all ways you
can to make Shri Maharaj ji's visit a grand success.

Sadhana Mandir

Dates

June 7, 2005 to June 16, 2005

Maharaj ji's Abode of Grace:

June 7, 2005 - June 9, 2005

Dr. Ajay Jagota

12 Wetherfield Place

Toronto ON M3B 2E1

(416) 391-1748


June 10, 2005 - June 16, 2005

Ravinder Kumar

27 Bellvue Avenue

Toronto ON M5T 2N5

(416) 593-4306

Toronto Contacts:

Banchary Didi ji (416) 615-1516
BRAJBANCHARY@...

Kailash Jagota (647) 287-3977
kpjagota@...

Ricky Kumar (416) 292-3422
worldview1@...

Ashwini Mahajan (416) 918-9063
amahajan@...

Savita Sawhney (416) 214-0386
savitatoronto@...

Accommodation:

All devotees who wish to stay in Toronto during Maharaj ji's
visit to
Canada are welcome to send the following information to
Sadhana_mandir@... or call Banchary Didi ji by June 1, 2005 and
we will make arrangements for your stay.

q Dates of stay

q Number of people including

o number of ladies

o number of men

o number of children

Transportation

From Airport to Ravinder Kumar's place

q Taxis are available on airport exit at all terminals.

q A Downtown shuttle is available for Airport to York Hotel

From Airport to Ajay Jagota's place

q Taxis are available on airport exit at all terminals.

q GO (Government of Ontario) Buses are available from airport
to Yorkdale Mall in midtown Toronto. From Yorkdale Mall, you can take
a taxi to Ajay Jagota's place. Yorkdale Mall to Ajay
Jagota's place
is only 8 km.

(Note: GO Bus service is very minimal on weekends.)

Events and Schedule

June 7 Diwali (Prabhu Aawat Ree!)

The day when Prabhu arrives is when we celebrate Diwali. A grand
reception to our Guru Dev and His family, lighting and fireworks will
mark the day.

June 8 Guru Divas (Guru Day)

Devotees will honor Shri Maharaj Ji in the morning and will chant the
gratitude to the SadGuru.

June 9 Nauka Vihar Divas (Boating Day)

Shri Maharaj Ji goes on a boating trip in the Lake of Ontario.

June 10 Priya Priyatam Divas (Lovers Day)

This special day will be celebrated in Montreal. The devotees chant
the glory of Radha and Krishna, also known as Yugal Sarkar.

June 11 Ritu-Keli Divas (Summer Day)

Shri Maharaj Ji goes out on a trip to Niagara Falls with the devotees.

June 12 Sadhak Divas (Sadhak Divas)

Devotees chant the glory of Shri Maharaj Ji. Special Charan Pujan and
cultural events will be conducted in the evening.

June 13 Janmashtami (Krishna's Birthday)

Shri Maharaj Ji celebrates the birthday of Shri Krishna.

June 14 Yatra Divas (Travelling Day)

Shri Maharaj Ji visits homes in Windsor and Sarnia and travels back
to Toronto.

June 15 Vishram Divas (Rest Day)

Shri Maharaj Ji rests at the residence of Shashi, Sharda and Meera
for the whole day.

June 16 Vichhoh Divas (Farewell Ahh!)

Devotees sing farewell to Shri Maharaj Ji and His family.

*************

Jaya Sri Radhey!

Namaste. I like to share two more pictures of Sri Kripaluji Maharaj taken on his tour abroad.



http://hindudevotion.com/gurume.JPG

courtesy of Dr. Latchman Sharma at:
http://hindudevotion.com/

Namaste.
As Jagadguru Sri Kripaluji Maharaj's impending departure date for returning to India after successfully completing his glorious tour abroad, is quickly approaching, I post here the photo message for his surrendered souls to alleviate their unspoken pain of separation.

June 16 Vichhoh Divas (Farewell Ahh!)

Devotees sing farewell to Shri Maharaj Ji and His family.

Here is a farewell plate made by one of his loving devotees:

From Montreal With Love ....

Date: Sun Jun 12, 2005 12:15 pm

"Tum Barasana Jao Mein Aaa Raha Hun" were the words spoken 4 years
ago.

True to HIS WORDS He came. Was I there ? is a question I have to
keep on asking for the rest of my life. He Spoke. They were not words
but swords to cut asunder ignorance. Question is then where is
Barsana?

It must be in our Hearts. So I go back there. Will He be there ? Let
me find out and I will let you all know as soon as i find out.

Radhe Radhe Shyam Milade
Luto Re Anand Luto

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/divinelove2/message/7665

* * * * *

Date: Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:03 am

Yes He Steals and that is His Grace Dr. Jaya. Thank you for
remembering me and I could get a glimpse of Sri Kripaluji Maharaj as
he causelessly showered HIS GRACE upon Montreal which felt like
Barsana Dham to me. Yes I only met HIM from far and did not muster up
the courage to speak with HIM like I had in 2001. Even so it was so
beautiful that I have to thank you. I had never heard HIM speak and
now I understand why HE IS JAGADGURU. WAKE UP ALL because the Leela
that GaurahHari is still performing is glimpsed by a fortunate few.

Please bless me all of you that I can see.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Divine_Lovers/message/1134

Because of the Grace of Radha Krishn, Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu descended over 500 years ago. While bliss was distributed at that time and some people/devotees could get close to Mahaprabhuji, there still were some “limitations” to those that could get close to Mahaprabhuji. Additionally, after his ascension there were those individuals who finally realized that they did not take “advantage” of the descension and were very sorry for not believing. Some of those same souls are present today. It was at that time that Shree Radha Rani decided that she would again descend to grace the souls even more.

Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is only the 5th original Jagadguru in the last 5000 years. That title was bestowed upon him in the late 1950’s when he was just in his mid-30’s after astounding hundreds of scriptural scholars with his complete knowledge of all the scriptures, complete mastery of Sanskrit language, etc. He has been able to reconcile all the main philosophies of archaryas that came before.

Shree Maharajji has now over the last 50 plus years been tirelessly giving his presence everyday, all day, to all the devotees that desire to have his darshan. Very few limitations. The Grace being distributed on the Earth planet is unprecedented. Until recently, devotees had to travel to India. Shree Maharajji is now the first ever Jagadguru to visit the Western hemisphere with his recent visit to the US and Canada (Europe). For the sake of the Westerners, he was even gracious enough to allow his foremost disciple Shree Swamiji to establish one of the 5 main Ashrams of JKP in the Western World--Barsana Dham in Austin, Texas. Once again, when that time comes, when he will no longer be “physically” present, how many of those souls will once again have regrets that will shake the very depths of their hearts for not taking advantage of this rare and gracious opportunity? No one knows what tomorrow brings, hopefully, maybe …just maybe, we will all be blessed at least one more time and Shree Maharajji will again be able to come to Barsana Dham next year? Individuals should think about planning to come if it happens.

There is an incredible amount of literature (philosophy, devotional chantings, pads) that Shree Maharajji and through his Grace, Shree Swamiji has distributed. A lot still written in Hindi, but slowly being translated. A few of Shree Maharajji’s speeches on tapes have just been recently been translated. I would offer the following suggestion (especially for the Westerner, which I am), at least go to the bookstore on-line
http://shop.jkp.org/
and I would suggest at a minimum purchase the English versions of these books:
Prem Ras Siddhant
The Divine Vision of Radha Krishn
The Science of Devotion, Divine Love and Grace
The Shikchashtak

Regardless of your beliefs at this time about Shree Maharajj, these will inspire and provide an incredible amount of information for ANY devotee of Radha Krishn.

Jai Shree Radhey!

I have always been curious over why Nimbarka, Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva are listed as the four jagadgurus, Kripaluji being the fifth, whilst excluding Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from the list. Would you offer an explanation for that?

It is also said on his website, that "He did not write his separate philosophy. He accepts the Shat Sandarbh of Jeev Goswami." Why, then, is Sri Jiva also not included in the list of jagadgurus?

I know I am not qualified to answer this question, maybe someone else here is more knowledgeable about the technicality of this?

I will offer the following which will be a “stab” at this, but unfortunatley it will not answer the question…
Shree Maharaji was named “supreme” Jagadguru in the 1950’s by what I understand is or at that time was the “body” of scholars of the Bhartiya scriptures—Kashi Vidvat Parishad. I am not sure how the “previous” 4 Jagadgurus were “named” or came to be known as such (Shankaracharya, Nimbarkacharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya). Maybe if there was no such “body”, they came to be accepted as such by a majority of scholars/devotees in India and they established an “original” view or teachings of the scriptures? I don’t think Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji “formally” established a “view” by writing a book or bhashya---He accepted previous scriptures--proclaimed the Bhagwatam as the explanation of Brahm Sutra. So maybe that is why there is no such Jagadguru title?

Again, I know I am not qualified to answer this…maybe someone else is?

I will say this, I believe people can challenge, question, everything “to death”. I myself find myself guilty of this and I don’t think anything is inherently wrong in questioning, challenging things. However, in the end because of our mayic situation there will always be a need for “faith”. Does it really matter about titles? I think what matters is what the teachings/advice of a Spritual Master do for each of us inside? For me so far, the teachings of Shree Maharajji ring truer in my heart than anything else I have EVER encountered so far. (Not that I don't have my spiritual ups and downs) Also, when I first saw him on video, because I am such a Westerner I had trouble “relating”…However when I was in his presence there is something that is incredible! Sweetness and yet such a natural undeniable authoritative presence. It goes straight to your heart. I only wish I knew Hindi! Also, I have witnessed “neutral” and “doubting” individuals (many who spoke Hindi) be completely blown away by Shree Maharajji. At this time, all I can say for myself is that there is “jewel” present with us on this Earth planet and I think years from now, even hundreds of years from now, it will truly be realized what is occurring now.

I also believe that Radha Krishn (and Shree Maharajji) is so incredibly gracious that if it is due to our past sanskars and mayic condition that we have trouble accepting people or situations they are forgiving. I think to “start” all we have to do is be open enough to listen, have faith that is only 51% (i.e. just slightly more than faith in the World) and Radha Krishn will do the rest!

Shree Radhey!

For reference, the questions I am asking are prompted by what I'm reading on this page.


Do you have any further information on the Kashi Vidvat Parishad? The few references Google turns up, aside notes in Kripalu Maharaja's biographies, deal with some controversies concerning lineages of Shankara's followers, glossing Kashi Vidvat Parishad as one among the assemblies of monks and sadhus in Kashi that are involved in appointing leaders to monasteries and so forth.



There certainly was no contemporary body of scholars to appoint them as such. I believe they have all been nominated as jagadgurus by their followers, along with a good many other jagadgurus - all proclaimed by their respective followers.

I note in the text cited in the story the words, jagad-gurUttama-padaiH, how he was placed in the position of the highest among the jagadgurus. While I appreciate this as the subjective praise offered by his followers and sympathizers, I have to wonder whether it is in good taste to proclaim it in public.

This actually brings me to the next question:


If I am not reading this entirely wrong, what you are saying - paraphrasing the biography at the JKP website - is that the bhAva (or bhao, as it reads) of Kripaluji Maharaj is equal to that exhibited by Sri Chaitanya. Is that correct?



Isn't this exactly what is said of Kripaluji Maharaj on the website? "He did not write his separate philosophy. He accepts the Shat Sandarbh of Jeev Goswami and says that the Bhagwatam is the complete and final scriptural authority."

The text goes on to explain, "But the most important thing which he did was the reconciliation of the differences that appear in the philosophies of other Jagadgurus and the Darshan Shastras and established the true theme of the scriptures. Thus, he removed all the philosophical controversies that prevailed for hundreds of years and for this reason the learned pandits of Kashi also called him nikhila-darzana-samanvayAcArya, which means the supreme acharya of this age who has reconciled the philosophies of all the Darshan Shastras."

Do you know whether this unique reconciliation of the teachings of the four earlier jagadgurus is available somewhere in print or online? Apparently that was among the important criteria for conferring the title.


I agree on your notes on faith and so forth. We have to realize, however, that faith is a subjective realm, and when we are engaged in cross-tradition discourses, it is fruitful to establish common rules and aim to a degree of objectivity in the dialogues.

No, I don't perhaps there are others who may?



As far as I know this is factual as far as the "titles" that the scholars at that time bestowed upon him. I believe it must be stated that these "titles" are what these scholars bestowed upon him. To my knowledge Shree Maharajji did not use them at first and they confirmed them? It is my belief that all Shree Maharajji is concerned about is the welfare of us bound souls.



Not exactly my quote, but I think you are saying that is what is on the site?
To my knowledge that is correct. He enters such bhava states. I believe he was in such "states" almost continuously when he was a teenager and younger. But such states are subsided so he can "interact" with the public. One sometimes can see such "states" if you attend his satsang. One of the books on the site previously mentioned (which I chose not to mention) is a small book about his teachings and mission. I believe that addresses some of this. But the books with a LOT of philosophical information are the others mentioned.



I would refer you to the English books that I had recommended in my first post especially:
The Divine Vision of Radha Krishn
The Science of Devotion, Divine Love and Grace.

I think it is discussed there in general, and/ormaybe there is more there than a simple "new" devotee would understand?

I would also suggest that should you or others ever get a chance, maybe such should be discussed with one of the Sanyasis (sp?) Preachers as I know I am not qualified. Again, I think the books are a good starting point, if one chooses to read them. Then, I would make it a point to try to travel to India to have Shree Maharajji's satsang or hopefully if he should come back to the US (or Europe) attempt to have such there.

I believe if one is open-minded and open-hearted then indeed the truth of this descension will be understood and if not very completely then it will gradually grow over time. It has in my case

Once upon a time there was a poor man in the city of Varanasi. He was
very pious and used to pray God daily. He used to ask every holy
man he met why God is not taking pity on him and helping him .

One day a holy man took pity on him and prayed to God to make the poor man
rich. God being ever merciful appeared to the holy man and told him
that even if God wanted to help the poor man it was of no use as the
poor man's ego was coming in the way. But the holy man insisted that
God should give a chance to the poor man.

Atlast God relented and told the holy man "Well you see for yourself,
I will give him a chance".

Accordingly, God made a bundle of very costly gems and put it in the
path of the poor man while he was coming to pray.

On that day the poor man thought, "Well for the last forty years I am
walking the same path so let me see if I can walk with my eyes
closed".

So the poor man started walking with his eyes closed. He hit the
bundle of gems which the God had kept in his way with his legs but
took it to be some stones and did not open his eyes and see. So he
kept walking. A trader was coming at the back he saw the bundle and
took it.

The poor man remained poor as before.

I do not doubt that these are the actual praises mentioned back then. What I do wonder is first of all whether they are meant to be taken that literally and broadcast as a part of the curriculum vitae, and second of all if that is indeed the case, whether the said assembly was in a position to decide that Kripalu Maharaj was the greatest jagadguru of all time to begin with.



There is bhAva and there is bhAva. Even the website credits Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as an avatar of Sri Radha. Hence, the depth of his bhAva was unfathomable. Is Kripaluji, then, also regarded as an avatar of Radha, if he can experience the same bhAva-stages as Sri Chaitanya?



I went over his catalogue of books. Unfortunately I don't read Hindi, so I am limited to the English selection. I am not interested in philosophical information per se, I would be interested in the reconciliation of these different philosophies in particular. The two books you mention, do they address this issue specifically?



The response I have rather consistently seen in case of "controversial" questions from Maharaja's advocates such as Anuraag has been along the lines of "the poor man's ego was coming in the way", as we just saw here. I get the impression that such questions are not welcome, and that people prefer to brush them aside with promises of intense personal experiences of Maharaj's charisma, and also to insinuate the questioner's insincerity and unfortunate situation in asking the said questions to begin with.

QUOTE

I will say this, I believe people can challenge, question, everything “to death”. I myself find myself guilty of this and I don’t think anything is inherently wrong in questioning, challenging things. However, in the end because of our mayic situation there will always be a need for “faith”. Does it really matter about titles? I think what matters is what the teachings/advice of a Spritual Master do for each of us inside? For me so far, the teachings of Shree Maharajji ring truer in my heart than anything else I have EVER encountered so far. (Not that I don't have my spiritual ups and downs) Also, when I first saw him on video, because I am such a Westerner I had trouble “relating”…However when I was in his presence there is something that is incredible! Sweetness and yet such a natural undeniable authoritative presence. It goes straight to your heart. I only wish I knew Hindi! Also, I have witnessed “neutral” and “doubting” individuals (many who spoke Hindi) be completely blown away by Shree Maharajji. At this time, all I can say for myself is that there is “jewel” present with us on this Earth planet and I think years from now, even hundreds of years from now, it will truly be realized what is occurring now.

anAdiH sAdir vA paTur atimRdur vA pratipada-
pramIlat-kAruNyaH praguNa-karuNA-hIna iti vA |
mahA-vaikuNThezAdhika iha naro vA vraja-pater
ayaM sUnur goSThe pratijani mamAstAM prabhu-varaH ||

I don’t care if Krishna is beginningless
or was born at some time,
whether he is brilliant (Jagadguru uttama) or
a fool (mayavadi kapaTa sanyasi).
whether he is compassionate at every moment or
whether he is totally devoid of any quality of mercy.
I don’t even care whether he greater than Narayana,
the Lord of Vaikuntha, or
whether he is just an ordinary human being.

I only pray that this Son of the cowherd king
be my chosen Lord here in this land of Vraja,
birth after birth.

All I can speak for is myself....with the Grace of Radha Krishn and my admittedly imperfect faith, I believe this to be true.

I like to include my PM reply given to the recent inquiry of Sri nitaidas (Neal Delmonico) about Kripaluji Maharaj:

I finally borrowed the small "Teachings and His Mission" book. I thought I would offer this one final comment at least from me for this thread here in this topic forum. Maybe for those who do not believe as "literal" as I do (mentioned earlier), I thought this passage was a really good summary that I hope at least shows some relevance to this discusson, this discussion group and people that find their way here (But, me being new...maybe I am wrong?):



Note: The Radha Govind Geet mentioned above is, I believe in 2 volumes and has over 11,000 couplets. Unfortunately this one hasn't been yet translated to English. But as mentioned previously (in thread), there is a wealth of information already translated.

So, I guess there will be those that will debate that maybe this did not need to be "re-established", etc. But for me, my own personal experience, these are the teachings that I found or should I say they found me through Shree Maharajji's Grace, that were simple enough that it has brought me an "ignorant" "Christian" "Westerner" to Radha Krishn. That is a miracle in itself!

Jai Shree Radhey!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearc...967382351&itm=3

kiM vA nas taiH suzAstraiH kim atha tad-uditair vartmabhiH sad-gRhItair
yatrAsti prema-mUrter nahi mahima-sudhä nApi bhAvas tadIyaH |
kiM vA vaikuNTha-lakSmyApy ahaha paramayA yatra me nAsti rädhä
kintv AzApy astu vRndävana-bhuvi madhurA koTi-janmAntare ||

What do we care for all these holy scriptures,
or the wise illuminating paths described in them
and followed by so many evolved pious souls!
What do we need them for if there are no sweet amorous
sentiments for the Lord nor the nectar of Sri Radha's glories!
I don't even care for the opulence of Vaikuntha
if there is no Radhika, the Personification of Divine Love,
but I will remain here in the blessed land of Vrindavana
for million of births, enlivened by the sweet hope of
attaining Her passionate Divine Love.

-------------

I have come across the good news that Sri Kripaluji Maharaj's trip abroad
has been extended and he is currently staying in Trinidad.
The fortunate devotees of Trinidad must have been
double blessed by His Divine Grace!

na dIkSAsyAH zikSA zravaNa paThane vA gurumukhAt |
tathApIyaM rAdhA trijagad abalA vismaya bhuvAm ||
kalAmbodheH zaurer api parama santoSaNa kRtAM |
kalAnAm AcArya vraja mRgadRzAm apy ajani sA ||

Though Sri Radhika never took formal initiation,
nor did She receive training through reading or
by verbal devotional instructions for practice,
still She gives the highest bliss to Krishna,
the blissful Ocean of all Divine arts.
This slender Girl Who astonishes the ladies
of the three worlds, is even the Preceptress of
amorous arts to the doe-eyed maidens of Vraja.


All Jagadgurus have descended on the earth fulfilling Lord's mission for the particular period of time, to establish various Siddhanta and guide the sincere seekers on the respective paths.

Gauranga Mahaprabhu's mission was different than being a Jagadguru, though He had visited Varanasi to have a dailogue with Advaitins and Brahma-vaadis, thereby illuminating on the essence of all Scriptures. He neither wrote books nor confronted His contemporaries in debates to earn the title of Jagadguru.

If one reads the excerpts from the life history of Adi Jagadguru Shankara, one will have an idea how Jagadguru honor had been bestowed upon him and continued since then.



This conclusion, rather concoction is wrong. It is of no concern to the Vedic authorities in Varanasi, India, even if the westerners and non-Hindus accept or deny the ancient Vedic authority established in the holy city of Varanasi for centuries.

Being well aware of this sacred importance, Sri Caitanya Himself had paid His visits to the glorious Varanasi to be recognized by all, especially the Pundits, acaryas of other well known Sampradayas and Vedic authorities of India during His descension.

If this ancient procedure established in Varanasi isn't sufficiently understood, let the unconvinced seekers also raise questions concerning the esteemed 'titles' of all other Jagadgurus, including Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbarka and investigate about whether their titles of honor were genuine at all or just given by their enthusiastic, faithful followers.
Without fully convincing details, their worldwide acceptance as Jagadgurus could also be denied.

Unlike the other Jagadgurus, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's
Divine mission was clearly stated as:

prema-rasa niryAsa korite asvAdana |
rAga-marga bhakti loke korite pracarana ||
rasika-zekhara kRSNa parama-karuna (kRpAlu) |
ei dui hetu hoite icchara udgama || CC 1.4.15-16 ||

Those who are familiar with the life histories Sri Roopa and Jiva know their respective missions, as ordered by Mahaprabhu Himself.
When Roopa and Sanatana had abstained themselves from participating in a debate against the scholor of Vedic philosophy at Vraja, Jiva tried to upheld the honor of his superiors. But still his participation was disapproved by Roopa and Jiva got his chastisement.

So the goswamis of Vraja never aspired to be Jagadgurus nor they were ordained to play such roles in the history.

Namaste all.
I recall the wise instructions of Jagadguru Sri Kripaluji Maharaj to his devotees in this regard.

When we go to any public mall or market we come across various shops. The stores are selling shoes, food delicacies, clothing apparel, musical and electronic gadgets, home furnishings, books, diamond jewelery and so on.

Whoever in need of a particular item peacefully shops at the respective shop but never pays unnecessary visit to other stores nor wastes his or her precious time. The customer does not pick a quarrel with the rest of the shop-keepers who are in the business of selling things other than what is interesting to this consumer.

If the customer condemns or abuses other merchants in the market we understand it to be improper behavior.

Similarly various kinds of philosophies and sadhanas exist for the sake of different seekers according to their spiritual evolution.

The devotee interested in enjoying sweet delicacy of 'Rasa gullah' will not pay a visit to a shoe-store and find fault with the manager there saying,
" When I am having an intense desire to taste the nectar of Rasagullah,
what is the point of keeping a store selling shoes here to me?"

This is simply ridiculous. These other shops do exist to serve other needs and interests of many customers. They are there with a purpose to serve a variety of tastes. But to different classes of customers in need altogether.

So a sincere seeker who has been well informed and attracted to selfless Divine Love, pure Bhakti Yoga and who has developed intense greed to obtain the Vraja Madhurya Rasa and Krishna Prema in this life itself, should approach the Rasik Saint with faith and surrender.

There is no need to waste our precious human life in arguements and the limited valuable time in other trivial pursuits.

ACBVSP