Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 22, No. 23
(Week 23: June 4–June 10, 2026)
New York City and Upstate New York
(Sent from New York City on June 14, 2026)
Where I Went and What I Did
During the twenty-second week of 2026, after dressing my guru’s deities on Thursday I returned to ISKCON New York in Brooklyn where I lived and chanted with their NYC Harinam party for three or four hours each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Saturday night I went to serve my guru’s deities again, and while there I attended six hours of the ISKCON Schenectady sixty-hour kirtan and gave prasadam to my sister. After dressing my guru’s deities on Monday I returned to ISKCON New York in Brooklyn where I lived and chanted with their NYC Harinam party for three or four hours each through Wednesday.
The last day I chanted with Harinama Ruci for the benefit of the New York Knicks fans in Midtown Manhattan, and many people participated with us.
I share quotes from Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and Teachings of Queen Kunti. I share quotes from articles in Back to Godhead by Srila Prabhupada, Visakha Dasi, Karuna Dharini Devi Dasi, Vraja Vihari Prabhu, Gauranga Darsana Prabhu, Dinabandhu Caitanya and Cakrapani Krishna Prabhus. I share notes on classes by Jayadvaita Swami, Pancharatna Prabhu, Bhakti Sarvajna Rama Raya Prabhu, Rama Raya Prabhu and Navina Nirada Prabhu. I share a note on a conversation with Smara Hari Prabhu.
Many thanks to Bharat for his kind donation in Baltimore. Thanks to the NYC devotee who bought me prasadam and also gave me a donation at the Ratha-yatra there. Many thanks to Baladeva Vidyabhusana Prabhu for the use of the car to commute between Hudson train station and Stuyvesant Falls and to go to the Schenectady 60-hour kirtan.
Itinerary
May 4–June 15: NYC Harinam
– June 13: New York Ratha-yatra
June 16–August 13: Paris harinama
– June 18–22: Lyon harinama
– June 28: Paris Ratha-yatra
– July 2–3: Liverpool harinama
– July 4: Liverpool Ratha-yatra
– July 5: Birmingham Ratha-yatra
August 14: Amsterdam harinama
August 15: Amsterdam Ratha-yatra
August 16: Rotterdam harinama
August 20–23: Trutnov (Czech Woodstock)
Chanting Hare Krishna in New York City
Tulsi Prabhu chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan (https://youtube.com/shorts/f8rBVwtqnGU):
Chatamayi Devi Dasi chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan (https://youtu.be/g1pt-A3li70):
Bhagavata Purana Prabhu chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan (https://youtu.be/vot8juz1-_w):
Mayuri Gandharvika chants Hare Krishna at Times Square (https://youtu.be/wJLfUCVJpsU):
Gauramani chants Hare Krishna at Times Square (https://youtube.com/shorts/NRb-jDEcZ78?feature=share):
Rama Raya Prabhu chants Hare Krishna at Times Square (https://youtube.com/shorts/C-z82BncagA?feature=share):
(https://youtu.be/HcnyEUb0ipI):
Tulsi Prabhu chants Hare Krishna in ISKCON NYC Guru Puja Kirtan and devotees dance (https://youtu.be/hGdh_gHgrZQ):
Hadai Prana Prabhu chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan (https://youtube.com/shorts/obHi41VeILw?feature=share):
Bhakti Sarvajña Gauranga Swami chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan, and devotees dance (https://youtube.com/shorts/3klEiHveXh8?feature=share):
Keshava Madhava chants Hare Krishna at ISKCON NYC Jagannatha Snana Yatra (https://youtu.be/gdmi4TsH024):
Damodara Priya Devi Dasi chants Hare Krishna at ISKCON Schenectady 60-Hour Kirtan (https://youtube.com/shorts/I0SHYQ5XPK0?feature=share):
Vicaru Prabhu chants Hare Krishna at ISKCON Schenectady 60-Hour Kirtan (https://youtube.com/shorts/lW9rdwmb_Kk?feature=share):
He continued chanting even faster (https://youtube.com/shorts/vlT0BBTkujA?feature=share):
Then he sang another tune (https://youtube.com/shorts/qZkR_diNDso):
Satyavati Devi Dasi chants Hare Krishna at ISKCON Schenectady 60-Hour Kirtan (https://youtube.com/shorts/_8qiFYSd3Mk):
Rishi chants Hare Krishna at ISKCON Schenectady 60-Hour Kirtan (https://youtube.com/shorts/v1NVvbqedmg):
Mataji from Queens chants Hare Krishna at ISKCON Schenectady 60-Hour Kirtan (https://youtube.com/shorts/llM8kkQBHFQ?feature=share):
Jagannatha chants Hare Krishna, and people play shakers and dance (https://youtube.com/shorts/n2csJsFwJH4?feature=share):
Narayana and Keshava Madhava chant Hare Krishna, and many play shakers and dance (https://youtu.be/bnZQ_sEVQXA):
Keshava Madhava chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan, and many play shakers and dance (https://youtu.be/yksRmKgW2bQ):
Natabara Gauranga Prabhu chants Hare Krishna in Manhattan (https://youtube.com/shorts/TXE7p69NQFA?feature=share):
Ananta Govinda came by in his work clothes that day, and he looked very distinguished. Before he sang, he put on less formal clothes, but I bet it would have been impressive to see him lead kirtan dressed like that.
Harinamananda Prabhu chants Hare Krishna on the D train, and a young woman dances (https://youtube.com/shorts/Mug6IJEvmHI?feature=share):
The young woman who was dancing when we chanted on the subway was happy to accept an invitation to the temple.
Harinamananda Prabhu chants Hare Krishna on 34th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan, and Knicks fans dance (https://youtu.be/ICfwxq1cIWA):
Here I show Harinamananda Prabhu engaging the Knicks fans in chanting the mantra there in Midtown Manhattan (https://youtube.com/shorts/lrKj8_06ZdQ?feature=share):
Insights
Srila Prabhupada:
From Bhagavad-gita 6.34, purport:
“The individual is the passenger in the car of the material body, and intelligence is the driver. Mind is the driving instrument, and the senses are the horses. The self is thus the enjoyer or sufferer in the association of the mind and senses. So it is understood by great thinkers.”
From Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.15.25:
“Persons whose bodily features change in ecstasy and who breathe heavily and perspire due to hearing the glories of the Lord are promoted to the kingdom of God, even though they do not care for meditation and other austerities. The kingdom of God is above the material universes, and it is desired by Brahma and other demigods.”
From Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.25.10, purport:
“One who has no inner knowledge, who does not know that he is actually the spirit soul living within the body, who is simply enamored with the dictation of the senses, is called a materialist.”
From Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 17:
“One who thinks that there is a possibility of arguing about transcendence is called an agnostic, and one who thinks that there is a possibility of criticizing transcendence is called an atheist. Lord Caitanya wanted to accept all kinds of agnostics, atheists, skeptics and unfaithfuls and swallow them in the flood of love of God. Therefore He accepted the renounced order of life to attract all these forces.”
From Teachings of Queen Kunti, Chapter 9:
“One who drinks wine will become intoxicated and may think that he is flying in the sky or that he has gone to heaven. These are effects of intoxication. But an intoxicated person does not know that all these dreams are within the limits of time and will therefore come to an end. Because he is unaware that these dreams will not continue, he is said to be in illusion. Similarly, one is intoxicated by thinking, ‘I am very rich, I am very educated and beautiful, and I have taken birth in an aristocratic family in a great nation.’ That's all right, but how long will these advantages exist? Suppose one is an American and is also rich, beautiful, and advanced in knowledge. One may be proud of all this, but how long will this intoxication exist? As soon as the body is finished, it will all be finished, just like the intoxicated dreams of a person who has been drinking.’”
From “Purified Desire” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“When all our desires are for serving Krishna, that is Krishna consciousness.”
“Yajña means to satisfy the Supreme. That is sacrifice. I sacrifice my own convenience. I take all kinds of trouble for Krishna’s satisfaction. Actually it is not trouble; it is pleasure. Just like the mother. She takes all kinds of trouble for the little child, but she does not think it is trouble. It is pleasure for her. When you do something out of love, that is pleasure. That is not trouble.
“On the transcendental platform of devotional service, anything you do is pleasure. It is not trouble. You are dancing here. Actually, bodily, there is some trouble because you are perspiring, but you are not feeling the trouble; you are feeling pleasure. Otherwise how can you dance? This is the transcendental platform.”
“The demons are bound up by material desires, and for the devotees, apparently there is desire, but there is no bondage as a result. This is the difference. There is no bondage.”
“If you are on the spiritual platform, then all your desires are for loving service to the Lord. That is wanted.”
“In the higher status of life, a devotee does not think of anyone as an enemy. He knows, ‘Nobody can become my enemy unless Krishna desires. So why shall I think of this man as my enemy? Krishna has desired for him to act as my enemy just to correct me, just to make me more advanced in spiritual life. So why shall I take any action against him as an enemy?’”
“This kind of conception, that ‘Nobody is my enemy,’ is on the topmost stage. That is not to be imitated.”
“To purify desire means that you still have hopes – hope against hope – but now your hope is just to improve your position as a devotee.”
From “Srila Prabhupada Speaks Out” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“So if you are actually seeking God and God is available from the Vedic literature, why don’t you accept it? Why you should refuse that knowledge?”
Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
From an article introduction:
“A basic aspect of devotees’ optimism is the conviction that Krishna values whatever little sincere service is offered for His pleasure.”
Jayadvaita Swami:
If the speaker doesn’t show up you can always choose another speaker, but if the audience does not show up you do not have a program.
The top 0.5% rich people in America have 95% of its wealth.
We consulted a mystic, who was well-reputed, about an attempted murder case, and he said the motive behind the act was envy.
Who in this world is as wealthy as Indra, and still he is envious.
If one gets free from this envious mentality, they are worthy or our worship.
A nonenvious person may appreciate another’s success, but they may be competitive, “I have to up my game.”
We get rid of envy by appreciation.
As a devotee you may not feel happy when others envy you, but they are many who do.
If competition pleases Krishna, then we are all for competition.
Comment unvoiced by me:
Blowing out someone else’s candle doesn’t make yours burn brighter.
Pancaratna Prabhu:
Attracting for mystic demonstrations is cheap not deep.
I accept all the Puranic description as real, but I also accept that I am unable to understand them.
In Mombassa across the street from the temple there is a Hare Krishna Community Center where college students can live and be trained in bhakti-yoga.
Comments by me:
Krishna tells Uddhava “I exist within everything, and I am therefore the essence of the atomic constituents of material elements. By attaching his mind to Me in this form, the yogi may achieve the perfection called laghima [the power to make himself lighter than the lightest], by which he realizes the subtle atomic substance of time.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.12.15)
It could be that the earth goddess transforms herself into a cow, not the earth planet is transformed into a cow.
Although the scientists are exceeding proud for the worldview they are promote, the theory of evolution can be described merely as contemporary creation mythology.
You can use psychology to deprecate the evolutionist claiming they use the denial to maintain faith in their theory. In psychology, denial is an unconscious defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept or acknowledge objective reality or painful experiences. It acts as an automatic, protective barrier used by the mind to shield itself from overwhelming emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma.
Smara Hari Prabhu:
From a conversation:
Srila Prabhupada said, “You can make good decisions from experience, and you can get experience by making bad decisions.”
Visakha Dasi:
From “The Science of Positive Thinking” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“Being optimistic is having the confidence that in the end everything will turn out fine because Krishna is in control and He’s fair and merciful. For devotees, optimism is the transcendental faith in Krishna we feel when we’re in apparently unfavorable and taxing circumstances.”
“Although devotees fully accept that constitutionally every living being, including them, is infinitesimal and thus insignificant, their acknowledgment of this ontological truth doesn’t result in a feeling of helplessness; in other words, they don’t think that nothing they do matters and so there’s no point in trying. Rather, with confidence in Krishna’s gratitude for whatever little sincere service they do for His pleasure, devotees persist in their service, become attached to Krishna and His devotees, and shed negativity.”
“Studies that have shown that optimistic people live on average between six and eight years longer than pessimistic people, tend to be more successful professionally, and are less likely to experience depression and other illnesses.”
“Once we note all that we admire about those who annoy us, we’ll find ourselves respecting them more, which in turn will help them become their best selves. And as we unselfishly see the best in others and genuinely appreciate the gifts Krishna has bestowed upon them, we’ll naturally increase our own positive mindset and come ever closer to Krishna.”
Bhakti Sarvajña Gauranga Swami:
Lord Jagannatha is traditionally bathed in 108 water pots from a certain well.
The pastime of Lord Jagannatha falling sick after snana-yatra gives his devotees opportunities to increase their devotional service to Him.
To get to someone’s heart, it is best to go through people who are already in that person’s heart.
We experience the various material miseries. There is no vacations.
People looking for happiness through material enjoyment are like children chasing after bubbles destined to burst.
The mercy of Lord Caitanya is the key to advancing spiritually.
The menial service offered by King Prataparudra to Lord Jagannatha attracted the mercy of the Lord.
Having the prema of Krishna possessed by Radharani, Lord Caitanya saw Lord Jagannatha in His original form as Shyamasundara.
People who are not born Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple at Alalanatha. When some Filipino devotees and I visited the power went off, so the priests could not see clearly who was entering the temple, so we all went in. While we were inside the power came on, and the priest could see we were all there, gazing upon the deity, but it was too late.
Separation is the fertile soil in which love of Krishna grows.
Srila Prabhupada explained since we are factually separated from Krishna in this world it is appropriate to cultivate emotions of separation from Krishna.
If the Lord is sick, we can think of how to serve him that condition.
Who would think there is a form of worship in which God is a patient?
We do not have to ignore the residents of New York celebrating their basketball team making it into the finals. We can add harinama-sankirtana to their celebration.
By prayers to and service to devotees who are more surrendered that we are, we advance to attain their state.
Rather than worry about how people are seeing you, think about how you can contribute to the mission according your nature, and be happy doing that. The best preaching is happy devotees.
Rama Raya Prabhu:
Why do we take so much trouble to put on these festivals? Srila Prabhupada said, “It is the Vaishnava’s compassion.”
Karuna Dharini Devi Dasi:
From “Kicking the Addiction of Bodily Identification” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“Even when we fail miserably to control the rage of sense desire, Govinda will deliver us provided we try our best to know Him. He will help us guide our senses to the true and pure sensual enjoyment that is the natural result of loving Him.”
“As a farmer abandons a nonproductive field, we souls are destined to abandon the field of the body.”
Navina Nirada Prabhu:
As soon as we worry about people serving us, we experience anxiety. If we see the other devotees as Vaishnavas and ourselves as aspiring Vaishnavas, and we serve them we will be peaceful.
The only thing we have is the little free will where to place our attention. Krishna is not going to take that away.
We move because of taste. Increase your taste by good association.
People who have taste, you can encourage to accept vows. Advising vows for people who have not acquired does not work.
From a book distribution seminar:
We spend 80% on ourselves and 20% on outreach.
How hard is it to share something we love? Not hard. If we love Srila Prabhupada’s books, it will not be hard to share them.
People do not want to know the problems. They want to know the solution.
Our capacity for enjoyment is not very great, but our capacity to serve others is unlimited, so if we can get a taste for service to others, we will be very happiness.
People take one look at you and decide whether they want to become like you or not.
Fear is the motivation for people in the mode of ignorance.
Profit is the motivation for people in the mode of passion.
Sense of duty is the motivation for people in the goodness.
Love for Krishna is the motivation for people in pure goodness. We realize that Krishna is wanting the souls to come back for Him.
Srila Prabhupada said “I had to write eighty books to convince you to chant Hare Krishna.”
I feel the safest and the happiest when I am connecting people with Krishna consciousness.
If you just save one person you become a national hero, but how many are you saving on book distribution.
Srila Prabhupada was unconditionally loving and completely detached. People found that greatly attractive.
You have to start with where you are, and then advance by associating with people at a higher level.
Humility, introspection, and shyness are good qualities, but when you perform you have set these aside.
As long as we blame others, we have no opportunity to advance. We have to take responsibility.
There was one devotee who responded to 911 calls. He was asked if he ever saved the life of anyone, and he replied, “I only prolonged their misery.”
With one person I felt that I had said all I could to inspire him to take a book. While he was looking at it, I decided to pray to Krishna. He said, “I feel love coming from your heart. How much is it? I’ll take it.”
There are five keys to book distribution:
1. Good sadhana.
2. Get books.
3. The more show the more you sell.
4. Get organized.
5. Leave a good impression, for yourself too, so you can keep going.
We are not selling a product. We are giving people an opportunity.
When distributing books near the harinama party, ask, “I have you seen this before?” Mostly they haven’t.
When people stand in front of the harinama, do not immediately approach them. Let them appreciate. When they get restless, come up and say something.
Show them pictures in the books. They’ll buy a book just because of the cool pictures.
You need a coach, a mentor, a trainer, a guide, because some things go wrong.
Specific challenges are getting people’s attention and getting them to give money.
Others may use different techniques, but we do not need imitate them. We can learn some elements. Be yourself.
“Yo” works, but how long can you shout “Yo!”
I do not like to spend all my energy just stopping people, so I find a spot where people are already stopped.
Be nice to people, and they will be nice to you.
Start out approaching the people who are already attracted, then after awhile, you can include borderline people, and then even the other’s who appear uninterested.
Can you help? Do you have a dollar for the monks?
We are learning selfless love through cooperation.
To Professor Larson of Slippery Rock College of Butler, PA, Srila Prabhupada said, “For my very special friends, I brought these books all the way from India.” And he took a set.
We cannot sacrifice our integrity or our Krishna consciousness.
If you are self-conscious or insecure, if you have an inflated or a deflated false ego, it will be difficult to distribute books.
In New York you are be as straight as an arrow, and people will like it.
Keep it real, and be considerate.
Some people pay with their sincerity.
The fight is never easy, but when we have taste and blessings, it is possible.
You are try a few things and innovate. We do not change the philosophy, but we can innovate as did Srila Prabhupada, Bhaktisiddhanta Saravati Thakura, and Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
Here you can go all out, they like it here.
You can distribute ten books a day just by going on a walk.
We are all here because some devotee had taste.
Vraja Vihari Prabhu:
From “The Secret of Happiness in Krishna Consciousness” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“The logic is simple: when a powerful person assures you that he or she will take care of everything and that you need not worry, you feel relieved. Similarly, when we offer ourselves to Krishna and remember His promise, He takes charge of our lives, freeing us from worry.”
“For Hare Krishna devotees, relief from suffering comes not from escape, but from offering everything to Krishna. Happiness continually deepens for a sincere bhakti-yoga practitioner living to make Krishna happy. Perfection in life is to love and serve Him under the shelter of His pure devotees. That is the secret of true happiness in Krishna consciousness.”
Gauranga Darsana Prabhu:
From “Three Qualities of Krishna’s Name” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“The beauty of chanting Krishna’s names lies in its freedom from all limitations – of time, place, person, or circumstance”
“Purity refers to external purity of the body and internal purity of the mind. When one bathes and wears fresh clothes, one is said to be physically clean. If one has pure thoughts and emotions, devoid of envy, anger, agitation, pride, grudges, and so on, one is said to be internally clean. But chanting the holy names doesn’t depend on such considerations of purity. It is a simple yet profound practice accessible to anyone, anywhere, and in any state of being.”
“Such is the unparalleled accessibility of chanting Krishna’s names, as revealed in the following verse from the Vaisvanara-samhita.
na desa-kala-niyamo
na saucasauca-nirnayaḥ
param sankirtanad eva
rama rameti mucyate
‘The accessibility of the holy name transcends limitations of desa (place), kala (time), and niyama (rules, regulations, and protocols). Whether one is clean (sauca) or unclean (asauca), the holy name can still be chanted, and thus one can be liberated from bondage.’”
“Does the lack of taste or ecstasy in chanting mean we should stop chanting? Absolutely not. Instead, we must continue chanting, as it is only through consistent and sincere practice that we can overcome offenses and develop attraction and taste for the holy name. If we stop chanting, we lose the only means to remove these barriers and experience the spiritual ecstasy of the holy name.
“namaparadha-yuktanam
namany eva haranty agham
avisranti-prayuktani
tany evartha-karani ca
‘Even for those plagued by offenses against the holy name (namaparadha), only the holy name can destroy all sins. Therefore, one should chant the Lord’s holy name constantly. By this process, all offenses will gradually be eradicated, and one will attain love for Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.’ This verse emphasizes that only by chanting the holy name of the Lord can we destroy namaparadha.”
Dinabandhu Caitanya and Cakrapani Krishna Prabhus:
From “Finding Grace in the Gap” in Back to Godhead, Volume 60, Number 4 (July/August 2026):
“The qualities that truly attract Krishna lie deeper within the heart:• Patience born of humility• Confidence in Krishna’s shelter• Dependence on Krishna’s protection and grace.• Conscious and unconditional alignment with the will of the Lord
It is these qualities which are primary drivers of our spiritual progress.”
“Krishna gives the directions for our journey, and we make the trip, never losing hope along the way.”
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How important is it to share Krishna consciousness with others? It is the order of the most merciful incarnation of the Supreme Lord, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
ataeva ami ajña dilun sabakare
“Therefore I order every man within this universe to accept this Krishna consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Adi 9.36)
Please take advantage of this great opportunity!
