Wednesday 22 April 2020

Message from His Grace Vibhu Caitanya Das

Dear Devotees and Friends,
Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on Sunday 26 April 2020, is considered auspicious for new beginnings—and particularly charity and fasting are recommended. It was on this day that Sudama, a poor brahmana, went to Dwaraka and met His childhood friend, Lord Krishna. Though Sudama never asked the Lord for any help, Lord Krishna blessed him with unlimited prosperity in return for his humble offering of chipped rice. In spite of possessing great riches, Sudama remained devoted to the Lord and never forgot Him till the end of his life. Consequently, he attained the supreme perfection. Thus Akshaya Tritiya is a festival of Lord Sri Krishna’s blessings for prosperity and devotion.
It is also day 27 of the lockdown, and one may ask what new beginning can we initiate while the world is cries–some people struggle with COVID-19 while others battle for survival. The pandemic brings into focus what is true under all circumstances–we are spiritual by nature and the goal of life is to love Krishna. During this time of confinement we can adjust our outlook on life. How can we become more dependent on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna? Srila Prabhupada left the comfort of the holy dham, Sri Vrindavan, to bring the real peace formula to the world. We must remember our true purpose in life and thereby provide a solution for ultimate eternal happiness. Srila Prabhupada explains that by watering the root of the tree the entire tree is nourished, similarly by worshipping the Supreme Lord, the whole world becomes nourished.
The lockdown was reinforced in the hearts of the devotees living at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple that the temple is nothing without its devotees and well-wishers–they are the real life of the temple. Although the temple has strict financial and internal control systems, we are reminded how Srila Prabhupada didn’t waste one cent and in the same mood, we have systematically cut all non-essential expenditure.
I am grateful to each and every devotee and well-wisher who came forward to support the temple during the lockdown. On this auspicious Akshaya Tritiya day, I urge you to please continue to support the temple so that we may nicely maintain the worship of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath on your behalf. Our duty is to worship and serve the Deities and Their devotees, and with your kind contribution we may continue to do so.
You can now donate online here, this allows for credit/cheque card and instant EFT via Payfast, a safe and secure payment portal. Alternatively, you can do a direct EFT to:
ISKCON KZN
Nedbank Chatsworth
1322 059 578
Reference: SEVA FUND (your name)
Or subscribe to Back to Godhead magazine:
Send an email with to Nikunja Viharini or call/WhatsApp 083 726 1750
I thank you once again and pray to get your association soon. In the meantime, please continue to chant Hare Krishna sincerely and please stay safe by adhering to government regulations. Kindly send a WhatsApp message to 062 526 3606 if we can serve you in anyway.
May Sri Sri Radha Radhanath bless you and your family, in the same way They blessed Pandavas – with the akshaya patra (a pot of inexhaustible supply). 
Your servant,
Vibhu Caitanya Das

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