Kaviraja Das, He Loved Srila Prabhupada
by Vaisnavananda das
Posted June 26, 2009
Kaviraj das (right) with Dishan at New Vrndavan
It is with a sad heart that we inform the Vaisnava community of the passing of Kaviraj das prabhu on June 1st, 2009. Kaviraj prabhu is a direct initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada. For those of us who knew him personally, we can proudly state that he loved Srila Prabhupada and exhibited that love openly and fervently. Kavi prabhu (as we all affectionately called him) served Srila Prabhupada in America as well as in India, where he spent a number of years preaching. There he learnt to speak the local languages, Hindi, Bengali, etc., fluently and imbibed the culture of India. He legally changed his name to the initiated name given to him by Srila Prabhupada: Kaviraj Das.
He married a pious Bengali girl, Shanti devi dasi, and raised four Krsna conscious children. Kavi was a truly charismatic individual, and in many ways amongst his friends he was a very humorous and jolly devotee. I remember laughing and joking with him constantly, coming to his home with my family to sing bhajan and enjoy the sumptuous Bengali prasadam prepared by his loyal and loving wife. He was also an avid intellectual and we had many deep philosophical discussions that strengthened our faith in Srila Prabhupada and Krsna consciousness.
Kavi had a strong grasp of business skills as a merchant and was a superlative salesman. He spoke German, fluent Spanish,Bengali, Hindi, and other local Indian languages, and he knew India like the palm of his hand. I often said to him that with his enthusiasm, multilingual ability and knowledge of India, he could start an international import/export enterprise and easily become rich. Kavi had no interest in economic development (artham); for him it was mundane and he preferred to lead a modest life and remain Krsna conscious in order to serve Srila Prabhupada.
In his final days, his daughter, Prapatti dasi conveyed to me that although Kavi had difficulty breathing and it was an obvious painstaking effort for him to chant, you could hear him softly uttering the holy name continuously. At one point, she said that her father loudly exclaimed, "Krsna Please!" Who can say if Kaviraj prabhu was perceiving Krsna in his heart and imploring for His mercy?
Carudesna prabhu, a close and good friend of Kavi read the eighth and ninth chapter of Bhagavad Gita in his last moments and Kaviraj prabhu passed away peacefully surrounded by close friends and family members hearing the loud chanting of the holy name:
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Kaviraj das prabhu was a loving father, grandfather, husband and our friend and dear godbrother, but most importantly a sincere disciple who loved Srila Prabhupada very deeply. He is now closer to Krsna and we will miss him dearly. Kaviraj Das Prabhu ki jai!
Rush to Judgment On David Carradine
by Nrsimhananda das (ITV)
Posted June 7, 2009
Please do not buy into all the media frenzy swirling around the departure of David Carradine. Especially, do not make any assumptions about him, his life, or his destination.
David spent occassional time with me at the Pyramid House. At first, he was reluctant to enter the house. We would meet outside. Gradually, he became comfortable enough to come in and hang out in the presence of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. He would sit and soulfully sing his original compositions on my couch. He expressed his quest for spirituality especially in his songs which are less familiar to the general public. We shared prasadam, philosophy, music, and silence on a number of occasions. I have a profound friendship with one of his family members, so I know the man from those he loves also.
To the generation of American devotees who grew up on a steady diet of the television series, "Kung Fu," I'm sure you have a soft place in your heart for David. His portrayal of a Shaolin master transplanted into the lawless territory of the "Old West" was probably the first "eastern" influence in our lives. Please think kindly of this multi-talented seeker and send him your prayers.
Looking for Vedavyasa
by Isvara das
Posted April 30, 2009
Hare Krishna could any Prabhu send me an email address for Vedavyasa Das a Canadian devotee- from the Quebec area I think? If you have any information, please contact Isvara das at: idl1000@hotmail.com.
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Asto Named as a 2009 TEDGlobal Fellow for Congo Varnasrama Eco-Project
by Hare Krsna dasi
Posted June 20, 2009
Haribol Folks!
Just wanted to share with you that Asto (Alexander Petroff) has been named a 2009 TED Fellow for his Working Villages International project in the Democratic Republic of Congo! He'll be presenting at a conference with the other TED fellows July 21-24 in Oxford, England!
www.ted.com/fellows
Click Here
workingvillages.org/
ys
Hare Krsna dasi
Kaviraja Das Passes Away
by Sikhi Mahiti das
Posted June 3, 2009
Long time ISKCON Atlanta member, Kaviraja das a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, passed away about 2 am Monday morning, June 1st, at his home from cancer. HG Carudesana das acbsp, was by his side along with Kaviraja prabhu's family members chanting the maha mantra as he passed.
Please keep Kaviraja prabhu and his wife Shanti dd, and daughters Saci, Prapti, Rama Tulasi, & Mohini, in your prayers.
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