Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

Im on the line too expecting for this book, prabhu. Anyone knows more about the contents. ive heard its about the individual x institution dilemma

Everything HG Aindra prabhu wanted to say is in his last Vyasa Puja offering. His books will probably reveal the same.

Read this article:
http://harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/08-10/editorials6390.htm

still waiting for the release of the book.

curious... how do you know "everything" is in the vyasapuja offering, Madhuri?

have you read the book?

Anyone know the meaning of the word Aindra ?

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]still waiting for the release of the book.

curious... how do you know "everything" is in the vyasapuja offering, Madhuri?

have you read the book?[/quote]

I also said his books will probably reveal the same.... Sorry if I miswrote it. I only wrote what I did after reading the many offerings he gave for Srila Prabhupada. It was basically the same message....

What is the story with this link -- veda?

ccd: Thats for radhav - the meaning of the word aindra. I forgot to quote his query, sorry.

voiceofvraja.org

From a senior Prabhupada disciple who has read it:

"One part of it is a humorous critique of ISKCON leaders... written in the style of Kusakratas translation of Probodhananda Swarasvatis Sri Vrindavan Mahimamrita-- What do I care if our so-called sannyasis have their silk kaupins ironed by their volumptous female dicsiples... what do I care if they have prepatory meetings before their prepatory meetings.... and so on."

"There is one part which I think is inappropriate in that it describes in detail his siddha swarupa and the intimate exchanges she has with Krsna..."

"I like Aindra... but there is a part of him that I have to question... it seems to me that he needs to draw attention to himself... and the presence of that need or taste for attention/fame/adoration announces the absence of the higher taste. I like his kirtan though... but I have to say I think his book is questionable."

Could u give us the name of that snior Prabhupada disciple,Deena prabhu?
Thanks.

Can you guys see the http://www.voiceofvraja.org/ ? is it down or up or what?

> Could u give us the name of that snior Prabhupada disciple,Deena prabhu?

Id rather not.

Is coming soon..

Deena,for this so called Prabhupada disciple to say Aindra has no taste for Holy name is really indicative of the guys cluelessness and obvious envy towards Aindra.The guy is probaly upset that Aindra exposed some home truths about hypocracy within the movement. Maybe he is some kinf of yes man or Iskcon apoligist or is he one of our subji sannyasa.
Be careful about posting anonymous script that trys to denigrate Aindra,one of the best and most inspiring examples of sannyasa in our movement.A rare servant of the Holy Name.What kinf of taste does this other guy have in trying to find fault with Aindras bhajan.
Hows ur taste for Nama.
Fools rush in.....

[p]Firstly before we all fall into the trap of criticizing another devotee who has given much on his path and service to the devine absolute and to Srila Prabhupada let us say good things in the memory of Aindra Dasa. Here is a picture of Aindra Dasa before his disappearance that came with this quote: "With extreme anguish we inform the world of the disappearance of His Grace Aindra Prabhu on the night of July 16, 2010 in Vrindavan India. Sri Aindra Prabhu was the leader of the 24 Hour Kirtan in Vrindavan since 1986 which constantly chants the Maha Mantra 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."[/p]

[img]http://www.mantralogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2768321205_e6b7b84d17_b-600x390.jpg[/img]

[p]
I have just read Aindra Dasas main statements on the Sampradaya Sun, and it has to be said that his conclusions are non different to what Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted for all of us, and that is to be in the deepest mood, not in awe and reverance but right in the centre a direct invitation to the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, is that not what Sri Caitanya is offering? Is that not what he was criticized for? Breaking open the doors to the loving realm of godhead and freely distributing them to all and sundry without qualification as we are all so fallen? and yet following in the footsteps of the mahajans and accepting the invitation that Srila Prabhupada has delivered to the world. There is nothing new here it is what Srila Prabhupada concludes in his Chaitanya Charitamrta and Nectar of Devotion and would anyone expect something new?.[/p]

[p]
However there always seems to be someone who is ready to stand in the way of that. The little side issue of reiterating what many Iskcon Sannyasis have become and that is anything but what a real Sannyasi is supposed to be. Yes there always some exceptions but I have more faith in a simple man with no position who is humbly supporting his family and internally is making progress to towards the divine centre where the supreme couples pastimes are ever present. The example of the Iskcon Sannyasi draws a neat but tired example/paradox of how one can easily get distracted, especially in high ranking positions, I believe Aindra was essentially saying it is much better to have a simple humble position. Anyway even if this statement by Aindra offends you its a small transgression in the life of total dedication to Sriman Mahaprabhu so exercise forgivness.[/p]

[p]
The invitations have already been handed out it is only up to us to accept the invitation and walk the talk with simplicity, humility and the greatest respect for all Vaisnavas that have gone before us. Yes in the age of electronic media and the Internet deep intimate discussions will surface, for some this will come as a shock and for others it will be very timely and re-assuring on their path to the divine centre. Some will pass through the doors the trials and tests and enter into the divine godhead while others may falter and some will deny and seek to prevent others entry by declaring it a falsehood.[/p]

[p]Aindra was indeed a humble but great soul, as few get to depart the city of nine gates (the material body) from the holy city of Vrindavan[/p]

[quote]He reasons ill who says that Vaisnavas die,
When thou art living still in sound!
The Vaisnavas die to live, and living try
To spread the holy name around.

-Bhaktivinode Thakur[/quote]

[p]Many thanks to Mishra for high lighting a great soul like H.G. Aindra Das[/p]

> Maybe he is some kinf of yes man or Iskcon apoligist or is he one of our subji sannyasa.

The devotee I referenced is exactly the opposite, has lived a simple life in Vrindavan for the past 30 years and knows (knew) Aindra very well. I know at least two other senior devotees (also not Iskcon apoligists) who have lived in Vrindavan for 20 or so years and also know Aindra very well, and they have a similar opinion as to the relevance of publishing a book about the intimate madhuray lila that your siddha-svarupa engages in.

Its the oldest story in the book, if you are qualified to read the PhD thesis then read it, if you are not then dont. But why should everyone dumb down simply because a few object to the subject or are simply at unease to the contents, when clearly it is the conclusion of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and verified by Srila Prabhupada in the Chaitanya Charitamrita and Nectar of Devotion. Yes Srila Prabhupada was always tough on new comers that wanted to dive in deep before they had even read the Bhagavad Gita and rightly so.

Granted its a contentious issue to publish or not to publish these topics it has been for centuries and will always be, however the truth and the supreme pastimes can never be denigrated by our low thoughts and comments.

hare krsna .

I asked aindra prabhu for the vyasa puja offering, and he gave it to me, so i could study it and then in turn i gave to my god brother as he asked me for it.

"Anyone has a digital copy of Aindra Prabhus book?"
Hare Krishna,
did Aindra indeed was writing something to make a book? Is that is true after all? Ild like to know more also

[p]If found this on the PADA website:[/p]

[quote]
"As far as his book is concerned Aindra Prabhu and I talked at length on what must be done. We planned to launch it from my home with fortnightly readings and bhajans for those who were interested. This we due to the pressure that the Vrndavan GBC and other GBC members put on him to stop the publishing of his book.

As many of his godbrothers knew of Aindra prabhu and my plans to promote, distribute and reprint his books '96 several offers have been made to help in funding the initial book publishing.

Prabhu, I do not fear the GBC on this matter which is made especially so since Aindra prabhu is no longer present and cannot be hurt by anyone, so I will do my very best to make sure that his wishes are done.

I am suggesting that a trust is formed with specifically RadheShyam, myself and several of his close friends to manage his book. I know that this is not specifically the area of responsibility of ISKCON but as I know you were also close to him and that you need to know.

Anyway prabhu, thank you for hearing me and for all the assistance and sensitivity in which you have dealt with the arrangements to do with our friend Aindra Prabhu
Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada, Krsnacandra dasa"[/quote]

Seems there is some controversy over his death as you will read in this link, however it also appears that Krsnacandra will publish Aindra Prabhus book.

[p]
I have no knowledge how accurate or truthful the information in this link is but here it is for anyone to read:[/p]
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/?p=13056

The book is already published. If anyone wants to order one need to send an email to <voiceofvraja@gmail.com>. I think only 2000 copies are printed. There is no digital copy (except for the cover look,,0:-)

[p]Yes thanks ccd, I must endeavor to get a copy of Aindras book, the more I hear and read about Aindra Das the more inspired I become. Here is a really video about Aindra Das.[/p]

Aindra Dasa: "The Heart of Transcendental Book Distribution"
[p]
[youtube]H42bNDcIsTE[/youtube][/p]

[p]One only has to listen to Aindra Das in this video and it seems there was opposition to him publishing his book, yes well somethings just never change, and I am really happy they got it published in the end.[/p]

I would like to thank you all for the tips, comments etc.

I heard Aindra Prabhu'b4s speech a few times now and he uses some key concepts, like PRIORITY, which surely many of us watching the development of ISKCON this past 30 years arrived at the same conclusions sooner or later.

But he articulates it very concisely and powerfully. I am determined to go out every day (as much as possible) on harinam as i am living in a big city for the sake of preaching.

Book distribution in the morning and harinam sankirtan in the afternoon with some prasadam distribution if possible, fighting the maya with front line Krishna conscious activities.

That is what I was doing when I joined as bhakta and that is the real thing as far as I can see.

'a1Thank you Aindra Prabhu!

Ah, somebody with the book could make a digital copy to circulate it as much as possible? I think its too important to limit it to a few hard copies!

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]Ah, somebody with the book could make a digital copy to circulate it as much as possible? I think its too important to limit it to a few hard copies![/quote]

But making digital copies without the permission of the author or rights holder is illegal.

[quote][cite] ccd:[/cite]There is no digital copy (except for the cover look,,0:-)[/quote]

Are there two editions of the book, or how come there are two covers?

Baker, these are optical holograms, or the same picture from two different angles.

Well, I have never before seen a holograph that would give a clear picture at such small difference of angle ...

[quote][cite] Baker:[/cite][quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]Ah, somebody with the book could make a digital copy to circulate it as much as possible? I think its too important to limit it to a few hard copies![/quote]

But making digital copies without the permission of the author or rights holder is illegal.[/quote]

Surely Aindra wouldve liked his book to reach as many people as possible?

[quote][cite] Baker:[/cite][quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]Ah, somebody with the book could make a digital copy to circulate it as much as possible? I think its too important to limit it to a few hard copies![/quote]

But making digital copies without the permission of the author or rights holder is illegal.[/quote]

Related: http://www.pariprashnena.com/discussion/24/is-devotee-related-digital-content-to-be-open-source/

In summary, authors find that the more their digital content is freely spread more profit they make in the hardware copy sales and all the other ways of monetizing. Welcome to XXI century. :)

Yes I agree with mung and mishra, even if I could obtain a digital copy, I would also purchase the book out of respect for Aindra and also because I love sitting under a tree reading a devotional book not having to be plugged into the digital world.

From the video above I see we now have Bhagavad Gita Cards (Move over Tarot cards the devotees are in town! lol)

Bhagavad Gita Wisdom Cards available in the krishna store
http://store.krishna.com/Detail.bok?no=4664

[quote][cite] ccd:[/cite]Baker, these are optical holograms, or the same picture from two different angles.[/quote]

The book in the video linked to above doesnt seem to have a holograph as a cover.

There is no real-life photo of the book in the video. The only way to check is to order the book:-) (Why have I not thought about it). The book is being translated to spanish and russian too. Lets wait.

So you dont have the book, or at least have not seen it personally?
If so, how do you know there is a holograph on the cover?

I had to message the devotee who did it:-)

Caitanya Candrodaya Das 26 September at 19:16
Prabhu, why are the two covers, different (is it front and back?) or is it two editions of the same book or two volumes? Little difficult to understand (but I understand the philosophy behind it.)

Thank you for clarity.

ysccd

Bhagavat Purana Das 26 September at 19:23
It'b4s one (1) book but the cover has (what'b4s it called? holography? Where when you slightly move it, the picture changes)...One is Gaura-lila, and the other is Krishna-lila...there is one famous bbt picture that portrays the same theology. ;D

Allright. I suspected you were trying to trick me again. :-) :-(

Here it is, enjoy!

I wonder who is fit to actually read this book -

"This small volume will be well regarded by purified clear-headed individuals who are thoroughly honest. Narrow-souled superficialists or spiritually maladroit, externally oriented prakrita-bhaktas of meager metaphysical or internal devotional acumen will have to muster the requisite spiritual integrity to deeply enter into the spirit of this dissertation. The subject matter of this book, like the highly elevated topics revealed in the later cantos of Shrimad-Bhagavatam, should not be intruded upon by the ineligible, hypocritical, corrupt, or envious. If the boot in any way fits, promptly close the book."
pg. 7

I guess it demands you to become fit. I kind of fit in all categories listed, so dont know what to do.

i am going to try my luck... if i do not understand a thing, bad news for me :)

I like it so far. (Need to order a book from Vrindavana in hardcopy)..

Who is fit for any of this in the age of Kali, all rotten and bad. A demon and devotee (which accounts for the huge internal struggle we face) born in the same body. But each word read, every one of Krishnas name we speak washes a little more of the dust and filth away.

Thanks for the PDF copy diyourself!

One has to admire a man (Aindra das) willing to put his life on the line and also willing to defy the tyranny of an institution to get his honest heart felt words into the public forum.

Hare Krishna it might be an idea to ask the publishers before sending a pdf version online. I understand the arguments for digital media being openly available etc, however its not right to encourage unauthorised distribution especially in Vaishnava circles. Better to ask and convince the organisers who try hard to publish this, to release digitally else it is akin to stealing. (Maybe this is authorised then please ignore me (-: )

As far as I understand in the past the spiritual culture was for books of knowledge to be obtained with blessings via mode of goodness and the books were worshipped and treated with respect. Unfortunately the fast food information age seems to have reduced that reverence and by looking at books as only digitised contents we desensitise ourselves of the real mood to be a reciepient of real knowledge. A part of Sattva guna means to start each endeavour properly, Im sure each devotee will have there own opinion opologies for any offense.

One devotee who was close to Aindra told me that this pdf distribution is done (or was at least started) by Aindras close followers.

If one reads Aindras book one gets a distinct opinion that Aindra was not into false and prestigious copyrights and claiming ownership of the devine cause, on the contrary his spirit was much inline with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of breaking open the store house and giving the devine message to all and sundry in the hope that one, just one person on this planet may really seriously take to the path and reach the devine center.

Hare Krishna manasi_seva prabhu
What you say may be true - Im suggesting common courtesy of seeking the authors permissions before distributing his book online and in his absence those incharge of that service. Regardless on what we assume his opinions on copyrights etc are. His opinions or his publishers opinons can be clarified by them rather than assumed.

lets talk plainly, "rights" means two things, the right to not have the content changed and the right to distribute it for money. First part it is very clear, the book is unchanged. Second part its likely to be no money or business sought by Aindra or his heirs. Vrindavan, you are confusing book selling with digital broadcast.

vrindavan...am curious. Can you give me an example of "unauthorised distribution especially in Vaishnava circles" apart from some power and money hungry BBT(i) officials?

Hare krishna prabhu

"Second part its likely to be no money or business sought by Aindra or his heirs. "

This may be the case or not, by saying likely means you dont know. My only point is that its courtesy to ask and find out before distributing someone elses works.

An example of unathorised distribution might be someone spending some time making a software program /book for devotees, they plan to sell it for whatever reason - to recoup some costs, raise money for something etc but then someone posts the program/book on a public site before its even publically released as someone thought the owner will recoup more costs if its given out publically or that its spiritual and should benefit everyone else.

Nothing to do with "power and money hungary", more about about showing respect to authors and publishers, wheteher its the small man on the street or a big powerhouse.

its simple, intelligent authors look for other means of monetizing, to adapt to modern technologies at the abast of the public, but again this is not the case, what intrigues me is from where it comes this non sought zeal for others material welfare... really curious.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]its simple, intelligent authors look for other means of monetizing, to adapt to modern technologies at the abast of the public, but again this is not the case,

what intrigues me is from where it comes this non sought zeal for others material welfare... really curious.[/quote]

Its a simple recognition that writing and publishing a book costs money, and that therefore it is only fair to recompensate the author somehow if one has taken their work - modern times or not.[br][br]
And isnt a devotee supposed to be concerned about the welfare of others, both spiritual as well as material?

&quot;mishra:its simple, intelligent authors look for other means of monetizing, to adapt to modern technologies at the abast of the public, but again this is not the case, what intrigues me is from where it comes this non sought zeal for others material welfare... really curious. &quot;

How to monetize is up to the publishers if you think there is a better way for them to make money then run it by them. Its not nice for someone to publish their work online without their permission (if that is the case). Very simple.

non sought zeal is more the monetizing justification used for others to do as they please (think best) without concern for the publishers vision/blessings.

Fact is that nobody can stop free digital distribution of any material and people who mourn about that they accomplish nothing, all the while treating people as potential robbers and losing others valuable time.

On another topic, for some reason only known to you up to now, you fail to understand that this book is not about money/prestige, and keep pounding the inexistent problem of digital distribution of Aindra'b4s book under the guise of etiquette and fairness...

Now, may I suggest you a few more really excruciating problems in vaishnava society for campaigning so that you engage your personal time and genuine concern in? That is, trusting that its not only words what you offer.

"Fact is that nobody can stop free digital distribution of any material and people who mourn about that they accomplish nothing, all the while treating people as potential robbers and losing others valuable time."

Some peoples views may change others are free to disagree its not about making people feel like robbers its my opinion that its coutesy to ask (at least tell) the publishers before posting the work on line.

"On another topic, for some reason only known to you up to now, you fail to understand that this book is not about money/prestige, and keep pounding the inexistent problem of digital distribution of Aindra'b4s book under the guise of etiquette and fairness..."

It may be an inexistent problem to you but I rather hear it from the publishers.

"Now, may I suggest you a few more really excruciating problems in vaishnava society for campaigning so that you engage your personal time and genuine concern in? That is, trusting that its not only words what you offer. "

On a discussion boards I can only offer words and speak up when I disagree with something hoping it may add to something positively, I cant offer corn puffs on a discussion board. Youre welcome to suggest what ever you like.

Thank you for youre valuble time

sorry for my harsh words, but I always wonder why efforts (posts) are put in these kind of topics rather than in really important ones. So many Supermans getting the cat down the tree while a building is getting on fire.

Small sparks start a big fire. The buildings on fire now started with small sparks in peoples conciousness. If we exclude the small things for the big things the small things will again become big.

Prabhupada wanted our co-operation and to behave like perfect gentlemen. Courtesy is a part of ettiquette and co-operation with that we gain blessings. Doing the reverse we obtain the converse. A bramhin/vaishnava is someone who sees the initial causes the bewildered soul is the one who only fire fights with the manifest reaction and neglecting the seed that caused the reaction.

Some of us may only be capable of getting the cat down prabhu (-:

vrindavan: you are a remarkable word twister. And has been 30 years of experience in street sankirtan, so take it as a compliment.

Thanks prabhu Ill try my best to take that positively, and with youre blessings put out the flames on the buildings too (-:

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]
Now, may I suggest you a few more really excruciating problems in vaishnava society for campaigning so that you engage your personal time and genuine concern in? [/quote]

Could you list some of those problems?[br]
I would like to know what you have in mind.[br]
Generally, it seems to me that downloading things without paying for them is enforcing irresponsible, greedy, careless behavior; people get more and more used to take important things for free, and one of the possible side-effects is that they are less likely to donate or to donate less to the temples and centers.

i might in another thread...Baker

Wow! Thank you,
Hare Krishna,
this is great!
----
What is the use of having innumerable hands, each distributing transcendental literatures by the billions and trillions, if as an outcome of it all, not even one soul becomes Your fully self-realized, pure, unalloyed kevala-madhurya-premika devotee?
---
great, this part "to hell" -
http://www.cultofharinam.com/transcript/
is also in the book!
see video -
http://www.cultofharinam.com/cult-of-harinam/

"First make yourself spiritually fit '96 doctor, heal thyself. First chant and dance in ecstasy like a madman, then worry about saving the rest of the world."
but if there is no doctor, even unqualified (it is ok to think of oneself as humble and incapable fallen devotee) -
then people would die...
So even unqualified disciples can share as much they can - unless they do not change anything of message of spiritual master, right?

On reading his book, he does do a lot of slamming of everyone from leaders to grihastas, women everyone (traditionally GV authors ask for forgiveness of their errors, he does to but then an absolute avalanche of criticism then ensues) and a lot of his book is very repetitive however his overall goal seems to be consistent with authentic GV authors. I guess his book is quite unique somewhat like the devotee himself.

A pile of mixed reviews here at : http://harekrishnawomen.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/review-of-aindra-dasas-book-the-heart-of-transcendental-book-distribution/

I have read the book, and I will have to say that this is one book that should be read very very carefully. For one, I dont find that it slams women at all. He does say one word, "ugh" directed at fanatical women libbers ( see the comments by sd at the harekrishnawomen web site referenced above for a discussion of this). Other than this "ugh" Aindra was very careful to say "he or she" when he was refering to an aspiring devotee - i.e., making it very clear that Aindra considered women to be just as qualified as men to make spiritual advancement. I found the careful use of the "he or she" to be a welcome change from the usual male directed instructions.
I also agree with "sd"s comments that Aindra was not criticizing all grihastas. He just certainly didnt like the fact that some householders dont follow the "no sex except for children" regulative principle. But his "criticism" of those that do the "3 out of 4" was just "this is of no earth shaking significance". Read the book carefully, please.
I have been living at an ISKCON temple for the past 25 years. I have seen,and are seeing now, many of the management problems outlined by Aindra. I have out lasted 3 gurus. I have seen the shift away from harinam and kirtans in the temple. I have always seen the call for raganuga bhakti in the writings of the six goswamis, and mentioned by Srila Prabhupada himself.
I can honestly say that this book should be required reading by everyone in ISKCON management, and anyone who is considering accepting the responsibility of being a guru - even aside from the raganuga "controversy" - Aindra addresses some really important questions. We should all be taking a good look at ourselves to see if the current policies really reflect what Srila Prabhupada wants, or have they indeed become skewed towards some personal motivation?
This book did take some guts to write, but after 3 gurus, and a host of disappointments with temple and GBC authorities , I find it to be one of the most inspiring things Ive read in a long time.