|
| So
I saw Jayananda at that moment. He was just ... the look on his face was
so ecstatic, you know it was like his crowning triumph. I couldn't help
just bursting into tears, and I turned around and Srila Prabhupada also
was crying, looking at Jayananda. And he said, “I am so pleased with
him because he is so sincere.” – Adi-keshava Dasa |
|
"Saints
are My heart, and only I am their hearts. They do not know anyone but
Me, and therefore I do not recognize anyone besides them as Mine."
[SB 9.4.68]
|
|
"Lord
Krishna told Arjuna, “Those who are My direct devotees are actually
not My devotees, but those who are the devotees of My servant are
factually My devotees.”
(Adi
Purana)
|
| Even
if he was suffering great pain and discomfort, you wouldn't know it
because of the way he acted and spoke. He could overwhelm you with
Krishna Consciousness, which would divert your attention from even
considering what he was actually experiencing on the physical platform.
- Dasarathasuta |
| When
the devotees made their appeal for a permit she shouted, “Where is
Jayananda, I will only deal with Jayananda for this permit.” The
devotees were surprised that she knew Jayananda by name and explained
that Jayananda had passed away during the past year. The hardened,
course bureaucrat, as tough as they come, you might say without the
least exaggeration, immediately dissolved in tears and had to leave the
room sobbing uncontrollably. When she returned after five or ten minutes
she gave them the permits and related how much she had appreciated
knowing Jayananda. |
| So
Jayananda finally got in Prabhupada's darshan
and he hadn't slept in weeks. He was working tirelessly for weeks,
never taking a nap, never stopping, never thinking of himself. And he
got in the darshan and he just
went like this, and he just passed out. Somebody went to wake him up and
Prabhupada said, "Let Jayananda sleep." |
| |
Updated-
1/8/08 -
New-
Photos from Russia, see below / Jayanada honored in Russian festival
/Jayananda's Mother/
slideshow just now added, scroll down to view / 3
more emails
/ Dancing
like a peacock,
/ Hand-written
letter from Jayananda to Bhakta Jim
/ Jaya Nitai writes about the dust of Jayananda's feet
/More writings on Jayananda, "Cow
dung ambush" and "You have to keep chanting" and others
- Thakur
/ Be sure to check out this great site- Prabhupada letters
/ Jayananda goes back to Godhead
/ Bhakta-tirtha Swami on
Jayananda
/ New Article, Jayananda the Lobbyist for Krsna- mercy
/ Slide show
[2005] in New Vrindavan- slide
show. /
You are invited to join the Jayanandanuga E-group, and enjoy a
group discussion on Jayananda, or you can read the posts whether you join
or not, click on to this website for details - Jayananda_Egroup
/
NEW E-group,
for Senior Devotee Godsisters, click
here for info
Russian
devotees with Jayananda book, more later,
/
Other Articles- Blessed are They,
The Meaning
of Life,
Immutable
Truths of the Universe
/ More insights on Jayananda's astrology
chart / more jokes
/ I've read that
Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda, in some Temples in India, were
leaving the altar at night and they went in orchards to steal fruits and
they were also stealing sandals because while they were on altar
where they had no sandals.
-Jayanandanuga
emails / so many ordinary people were charmed by
Jayananda's big and golden heart, and their lives were
changed. Personal Art Page of drawings and
Gour-Nitai
/ Jayananda always had a project of
some upcoming festival
/ Jayananda initiates the seven
year old boy /
Added online book
Chapter 12
/ A devotee of Krishna does not want any possessions or fame or
followsers, he is satisfied with simple Krishna prasadam and
knowing he is Krishna's
servant, in Chapter
7 / Oceans of
nectar - Srila Prabhupada asks, "where
is Jayananda?" - Jayananda-
"No ... I'm too fallen ... my relationship with my
spiritual master ... is through my service"
/ Tributes to our departed dear
Godsister, Jayaradhe
dasi / hyperlink reveals what Srila Prabhupada said about
the origin of the soul
/ "I
almost had to physically force Jayananda Thakur to see Srila Prabhupada"-
click here.
/ transcendental subject matter does not
get old, go stale, or become diminished
/ Jayananda
Book Online with
hyper-text
/ Srila Prabhupada in San
Francisco at Stowe Lake
and Avalon
Ballroom etc. /
Email excerpts
/ Jayananda's impetus
for devotional
feelings
-
/ Selections-
We
must hear from the mouth of a pure devotee
/ discussion on the title of 'Thakur'
/ Jayananda
soft bound book- email
here for information /
the
glories of Sri Krsna - Bhagavan
Sri Krsna / Glories of
Sri
Giriraj
/
Lord
Nrsimhadeva pic
/
other
books on Jayananda.
For those who are
unfamiliar with this tradition please click on this link- Philosophy
and terms
|
| Jayananda is our first Vaisnava saint from America, and although
he was born in America, he achieved his sainthood status in an eastern tradition, or the ancient religion of
Bhakti.
He practiced a tradition that was relatively unknown to the American
people at that time (1960/70's), still he was loved by so many common people, as these testimonials show. |
The
group photo says it all, how happy devotees were in association, click
on this Jayananda picture below
|
Even
though I was officially in charge of the traveling party, I considered
Jayananda the spiritual leader. The servant is the master. Jayananda
Prabhu called me Maharaja but with so much friendship, and without
formality that he was more endearing, cutting through any pretense to get
to the heart of the matter our mutual goal: devotional service.
Gurudas
|
Email excerpts-
I've read that Lord Caitanya
and Lord Nityananda, in some Temples in India, were leaving the altar at
night and they went in orchards to steal fruits and they were also stealing
sandals because while they were on altar where they had no sandals.-more
While
in India I helped Jayananda Thakur serve prasadam. He loved this activity
and after satisfying all the assembled devotees with prasadam he would serve
the servers. I hung with him until he finally took himself and saw how he had
become completely blissful by serving prasadam. All smiles. [from Misra
Bhagavan]
- more
Whenever Srila Prabhupada requested
Jayananda Thakur to visit him, Jayananda Thakur always said he was too
busy. He always said he did not want to waste Srila Prabhupada's time. I
almost had to physically force Jayananda Thakur to see Srila Prabhupada. by
Raksana dasa more
I now come across your website
and am just amazed how Jayananda's life, pastimes, and dedication and service
to Srila Prabhupada stay ever-fresh and inspiring. I just never tire of
hearing you and other devotees glorify Him. I am starting to see how
transcendental subject matter has that quality. It does not get old, go stale,
become dull, or become diminished in any way. In fact, it seems to increase
over time. yours in service, Bhakta
Neal - more
Thanks for writing such a
sincere and heartfelt book. I
felt Jayananda Prabhu's association ever more strongly by reading your
book. Your servant, Nidra devi dasi
When I left the temple room I
ran into Jayananda & told him what had happened. He confirmed that
this was Krsna answering my prayer so that I would continue my devotional
activities. Told to Krita-karma by Jim Lyles. more
Thank you very very much for
putting up a nectarean site !! It is a pleasure to go through it , I have not
yet left office although its way past closing time! Thanking you, Sagar Iyer
I'll
visit here often. It is rich with information. I'm very new to the Krishna Consciousness movement, but I'm desirous spiritual bliss. Chanting the
maha-mantra is a joyful experience for me.
I experience God/Krishna all around me. I have never felt such peace and serenity in my 38 years during this incarnation.
May Krishna always be with you all, Donald R. Watkins II
...The kids
went wild (we all did) and they huddled close to him as he handed out prasadum.
It was such a moving act! He had given every bit of his physical and mental
strength to so many projects for Srila Prabhupada and even at this finale of a
life of struggle to please his spiritual master he gave and gave and gave. All
Glories to Jayananda! Your servant, Adi Deva das
...your book on the
wonderful exploits , attitude, and loving bhakti of our dearly loved and
departed godbrother Sriman Jayananda Thakur.
It is excellent! It is, as others say, required reading material for present
day vaisnavas and all into the future as well. His life is to be our example
and there is no question about it. Anyone who knew him would confirm he is a
saint who walked amongst us lowly mortals. Srila Prabhupada confirmed it and
what more is there to say after the letter he wrote on behalf of Jayananda
after his passing? This kind of writing is sorely needed at present in the
Hare Krsna movement to inspire us all to get back to the basics, get back to
real bhakti, and get back to focusing on going back home back to Godhead.
Damaghosa dasa
I am well into it now and it is a
wonderful read. Vaisnava philosophy is all-embracing, but it seems that in
this Prabhu we were mercifully given a perfect example of how to conduct
ourselves throughout our everyday lives (in a practical, as well as spiritual
sense), when associating with devotees and non-devotees alike. It
is having a very beneficial and 'cleansing' effect on me I feel. Mother Sheila
...
...sensing Jayananda's real
concern and love for me, I just surrendered on the spot and said OK. I felt so much love for him also. And not more than a few seconds later Jayananda said I could
still have my allowance. There
were no conditions or anything said at all about my "fall into maya.."
He just simply reversed his decision. This may seem insignificant but
it was truly a mystical experience. Chaitanyadeva
das
I've been reading your book and just got to the
part about Jayananda putting of photo of Srila Prabhupada on his bed and
sleeping on the floor, even when his body was wracked with the pain of cancer.
I had never heard that story, and it left me with a feeling I cannot even
describe in English (I'm sure you know what I mean). It just floored me, to
say the least. - Dinadayadri dasi
I especially recommend this book to the younger
devotees, to let them know that all us fifty-somethins are not basket cases
full of false ego. The personalities like Jayananda, those who took Srila
Prabhupada as their life's mission, are inspirational to the nth degree.
The book you sent is a time travel back to sweeter days. -Mahaksa dasa
This is the sweetest message I've gotten yet, from
Jayananda's mother, this is a short excerpt from a greeting card she recently
sent to me- Dear Visoka dasa, I
want to thank you for your lovely tribute to my son. Jayananda. Needless to
say, in spite of the many accolades from so many devotees, tears often blurred
my vision. Again, thank you for the lovely tribute, sincerely Jane Kohr
The book is full of gems from the heart. I was
thinking I would only be interested in the stories, but every single
commentary I have read, whether philosophical, observational, or sentimental, is
fully absorbing, and so nectarean. I feel that the whole book is infused with
the mood of selfless devotion. Jayananda's example still lives and affects
people.
This is self-realization at its warmest,
funniest, and most blissful moments! - Jayaradhe dasi
These are
the timeless moments ... the joyous blessings, these memories and this
sanctuary of time we can go to and forever spend with the innocent saint.
Dhanistha Dasi
The book looks great! much better than imagined. All my friends are stoked.
I just walked around with a couple books held to my heart, everyone was attracted to it like iron filings to a magnet! Dasarathasuta dasa
Your dedication to reminding people of his superlative characteristics will not go unnoticed by Krishna, for He always recognizes those who glorify the devotees.
-Satyaraja Dasa
Thank you for this wonderful website. These stories are very remarkable. Reading of this devotee Jayananda truly helps me to realize what it is a devotee of Krishna and Prabhupada actually aspires for.
ys Bhakta Dan
My only desire is to serve Lord Jagannatha as His pujari, and without the tireless efforts of His Grace in the service of Guru and
Krsna, I would
never have met my Sweet Lord in this life. I owe everything to Jayananda Thakur and hope to follow His example. Raven
|
|
The life of Jayananda is truly a guiding light for our
trouble times of the world. If we examine his life, we shall get guidance
and solace from this dark world. The world around us seems to get
progressively worse as days go on. There is an ominous feeling of
negativity that seems to pervade everything. Depression and hopelessness
hangs like fog all around us.
... By devotees
becoming more aware of our saint Jayananda, and appreciating his life and
qualities, hearing of his success in Krishna consciousness, pleasing Srila
Prabhupada and going back to godhead, we can get hope that we can turn our
negatives into positives.. - Jayananda
talk
|
|
...And
he was always preaching, always preaching, even when he couldn't walk. In
the hospital he'd take me by wheelchair from room to room to room to room
to room
- "This is Mrs. So-and-so, she's got a son," and he'd know
the whole rundown on her entire family. She'd be there and he'd say,
"Well, how far did you get in the book?" And she'd go, "Well, I read
halfway through the magazine, and I got about halfway through the Krishna
Book and I've got a question: who's Balarama?"
Adi-kesava
|
|
I think he was going to his job, walking to his job, he was
walking by the first temple that Prabhupada opened in San Francisco. And
he would look in there but he didn't go in. I think he told me he used to
walk by a couple of times. Then finally he was walking by and he said,
"Hey, what is this?" I think Prabhupada was right there in the
front room and he walked in and started talking to Prabhupada, and
Prabhupada made...he was the first devotee that Prabhupada made on the
West Coast. Then he wanted to give up everything and move in right away,
but Prabhupada said, "No, no, keep your job." He was driving a
taxi, even though he had a degree in engineering from I think it was Ohio
State University. So he continued to do that and gave all the money to
Prabhupada. He was totally selfless, he was totally dedicated to
Prabhupada.
Bhakta Jim
|
| I didn't really want anything to do with Hare
Krishna. But this guy Jayananda, he just attracted me so much I thought,
well, what the heck, I'll try it." So against his usual nature, he went
with Jayananda. And as they were driving back to the temple, Jayananda
Prabhu asked him, "Well, what do you do?" He said, "Well, I do a
little carpentry." He said, "Oh, I can give you some work to do. Now
that you have a place to stay, and room and board, I'll give you some nice
work." "Well, what is that work?" "We are building some carts. You
can help us build some carts."
Mukunda
|
| It was like he came to New York and they said, "No money, no
men, no trucks." The truck they gave us, the gas pedal broke on it.
So Jayananda hooked up...it was one of those trucks where the engine's
right next to you. They took off the cover, they put a block of wood on
the carburetor, you put your heel on the carburetor, and you tied a string
to your toe and the toe was hooked to the gas. You'd work the clutch and
the brake with your left foot, and a big stick was here and you'd be
driving with the toe.
- Murli-Krsna
dasa
|
| This was happening
all the time, every day, so many ordinary people were charmed by
Jayananda's big and golden heart, and their lives were
changed.
If it was not
Ratha-yatra, then it
was the Govardhana Hill festival in San Diego, or the Santa Cruz festival, or the Berkeley festival. Jayananda always had a project of
some upcoming festival and feast.
Jayananda
was there for so many people. Young, old, made no difference. He was
there for the seven-year-old boy that Jivadhara spoke about, how
Jayananda told him of Krishna and they chanted and danced, and then
Jayananda gave initiation to the boy and gave him the name of
Parameshvara. The boy was ecstatic and painted one of Lord Jagannatha's
wheels. From chapter 12
Everyone
was a nectar hound, as far as they could push it. Mostly the senior
devotees could remain in Prabhupada's room for a long time, and a few
other lucky ones. But ... there was a blatant non-presence, someone was
very conspicuous by his absence - Jayananda was not there, hardly at
all. Finally Srila Prabhupada articulated his concern, "Where is
Jayananda?"
From chapter six.
Jayananda's face winced, and he looked down and said with very deep
conviction, "No ... I'm too fallen ... my relationship with my
spiritual master ... is through my service!"
From chapter six.
We were
both aware of the short time we had left with Jayananda. I wrote back
and told Jayananda that he was "going back to
Godhead," and cited
the verse in Srimad Bhagavatam: "ante narayana smrtih.."
[click on "back to Godhead" for what Srila Prabhupada said about
the origin of the soul]
From chapter 5- ....he turned and noticed a picture of Srila
Prabhupada at the head of the bed, propped up by the pillow. Jayananda
then explained how he had never had such a nice bed like this (as a
devotee), and how he thought it was more appropriate that his spiritual
master Srila Prabhupada should enjoy the bed. I tremble as I write this.
Jayananda gave his nice bed to his beloved Gurudeva, in great love and
devotion, and laid his cancer-riddled body on the floor in the small
space in front of the bed. more
From
chapter 4-
Jayananda
serves the Holy Name
the Holy Name was like a huge magnet and I was iron
filings. However important I thought the book was, I had to stop
reading and just go, as I was sucked into the whirlpool of the sound of
the kirtan and was forced to come running downstairs.
Who among us have not experienced the divine presence during a great kirtan?
Think of some really great kirtans and how we all came into
direct contact with the divine internal energy. God's song is the only
song that has been giving divine bliss to millions of people for
thousands of years. No other song can claim this. Not the Beatles or
anyone else, not one of their songs can enthrall the multitudes of
humanity, time after time, for hundreds and thousands of years. Their
song will get hackneyed. Hari-nama, or the chanting of the Holy
Names of God
Srila Prabhupada in San Francisco-
San Francisco is the site of many of the transcendental
pastimes and activities of Srila Prabhupada and Jayananda. There are
holy spots such as Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park, where Srila Prabhupada
took his walk so many mornings. And there is Hippie Hill in the park,
where Srila Prabhupada had those big kirtans with all the
hippies. And there are meadows in the park, where many transcendental
Ratha-yatras took place. There was the Avalon
Ballroom, where Srila
Prabhupada chanted at the Mantra-Rock Dance with the hippies.
hypertext
book online
|
108 reasons to liberate your Laksmi points
for a Jayananda book [humor]-
Suppose you're hopelessly addicted
to the Internet, waking up at all hours just to stare into the screen at
the endless highway of information. Give your bloodshot eyes a break! Let
your Jayananda book read you blissfully to sleep and drift off into
transcendental dreams. more - 108 reasons
|
| To get a CD of Jayananda's Gita Class, contact Datta
dasa at-here
Thanks to Datta for dot com access
|
Your servant, Vishoka Dasa
If there are any questions or
stories of Jayananda that you wish to share, - click
here
|
 My
Wife's Site: SENIOR DEVOTEE GODSISTERS
who joined the Hare Krishna Movement
prior to Nov 77 (including congregational) ... where did you all go? Please come
out of the woodwork & join this e-group. Why? Because it's sane,
helpful, warm & fuzzy :-) so a soft place to fall for those of us who
have been thru a lot, yet hold the belief that Prabhupada's real
teachings hold different / better ways of living. Tired of
no association or something else similar? Put an end to
it! Reach out & we'll reach back. No politics, just
friends & fun. Read our front page & see if we're for you. (We hope you
feel you are!) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SeniorDevoteeGodsisters
|
Click to join Jayanandanugas
|
