Guru Maharaj in Vladimir

Dear Godbrothers and Godsisters,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Jaya Guru Maharaja!

July, 11 we again had a very unique opportunity to associate with Guru Maharaj during the Ratha yatra in Vladimir. I'll report on the most memorable happenings.

When a huge 3 section cake was brought in GM had a nice joke: "This cake is not for you. It's all for me. Now I am going to beat a world record of eating a big cake at one time".

There was a short delay, when the new program on stage hadn't yet started and I suggested GM to go to the temple to take some rest (maybe I did it because I myself was already tired). GM rejected this proposal: "I came here to preach, not to take rest".

Late in the evening there was a darsan till 12 at night. GM gave very simple, definitive answers to our "controversial" questions.

For example, there are devotees in our yatra, that are very much concerned about friendship among the devotees. That is their favorite topic and wherever they go, they are insisting on there vision, that we should have real friends among the devotees otherwise devotional se friends he had among Srila Prabhupada disciples. GM answered: "I have no enemies, I am friendly to everyone".

Then one devotee complained, that others are not cooperating in Deity seva, he is left to do everything himself, though he is a grhastha like everyone else in the community. GM answered: "He is getting more mercy. Others should regret, that they are not so fortunate".

Then GM resolved our conflict over who should visit the Nama-hattas - regular the devotees, or the new recruits. GM said: "Sat-sanga is always beneficial. Regular devotees may be meeting and a new person may come"

As usual devotees asked GM about his preferences in tour devotional activities here, GM answered: "The idea is to have more preaching. Be it public programs or Nama hatta - the key is to bring more people in KC, have mercy for them".

Your servant
Ahbinanda das, vladimir