The days in Durban are relaxed and focused on recuperation. When the sun is high, Maharaja sneaks out for a brisk japa walk around the temple moat but otherwise he is mostly indoors, in internal meditation. Emanating from his room is the constant echo of glorification of Krsna – sometimes japa; sometimes bouts of spontaneous, solitary kirtan; other times lectures of Srila Prabhupada or the verse recitation of the Caitanya-caritamrita.
In this time, his meditation on Sri Giriraj is intensified. Seven thirty in the morning is the time for puja. Each day, it is both extensive and deeply devotional. Just the other day, the decor theme was fragrant yellow frangies and white jasmines. Sri Giriraja was flanked by pictures of Lalita and Visakha. Behind each of them was a picture of Kusum Sarovara. Directly behind Sri Giriraja was a picture of the cows of Ramana Reti. In description of his altar, Maharaja said, “The gopis pick flowers at Kusum sarovara and the cows stay at Ramana Reti…” He has also written, “The spiritual world is on our mind…”
The Durban temple is gifted with the association of many wonderful preachers. HH Brhad Bhagavata Swami and HH Mahavishnu Swami both spent time here in the last two weeks. Taking advantage of their association and setting an example, Maharaja peeked out of his room one day to catch Mahavishnu Swami’s Bhagavatam class.
This past Sunday (9 December), Maharaja finally threw off the covers of hibernation for a brief reprieve and ventured out into the Sunday program. The devotees were delighted! Many of them had been eagerly waiting to hear from him and others even had doubts as to if he was actually in town!
Maharaja’s emphasis in his class was on distributing the mercy of Lord Caitanya as a means for our spiritual survival and release from selfishness.
[quote]Just from our own need in spiritual life to rise above the material energy, the only option is to begin to distribute the mercy. Nothing else will work. We can lock ourselves in a cave and chant 64 rounds or double or three times as much (but) unless we get into the mood of distributing the mercy, it will not free us from material desires. That is truly the only means to fully get the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.[/quote]Maharaja launched his own efforts in being part of the book marathon by asking the devotees to take a packet of books and distribute it.
[quote]It is my personal request that you take a packet but it is not for you. That packet, you must distribute it somehow or other. How? Creatively! If you really scared just leave it in the doctor’s room with some magazines or with the maid! I want to ask you to participate, please! I will personally take mental pictures of those who don’t take books and they will get less blessings. Everyone gets (blessings) for sure but they will get less. Those who take the books will get more! The first person gets the most blessings.[/quote]It was HH Indradyumna Swami who bought the first pack and then distributed it for double the price! It was a sweet exchange where he refered to Kadamba Kanana Swami and himself as “two souls in one body”. Indradyumna Swami is in Durban for the launch of the silver jubilee Ratha Yatra festival that will take place in March 2013. The launch of this great event happens on the 12/12/12 and Kadamba Kanana Maharaja will also be present. This weekend the festivities continue with a Ratha Yatra in Phoenix (near Durban) and the mercy keeps flowing…
For your listening and viewing pleasure, please find below audio recordings and photos.
KKS_Jaya Radha Madhava_ Durban_9 December 2012
KKS_Sunday Program_Durban_9 December 2012
If you cannot view the slide-show then click here to visit flickr.