Pure Bhakti-Yoga Society Interview
Sao Paolo, Brazil: January 15, 2010
Yasodanandana dasa, Ananga Mohini dasi and other Vaisnavas with Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja in Brazil
Yasoda-nandana dasa: Gurudeva, in our Bhakti Trust meeting you asked me, “Where is the Society?” We are working on getting the Society functioning, and we want to have an interview with you on the front page of the Society’s website. In that way people will be clear on what the Society is.
(To all devotees) I am asking Srila Gurudeva a few questions, in Brazil, on January 15th, about the International Pure Bhakti-Yoga Society that he has ordered us to create. [In attendance were Sripad Madhava Maharaja, Brajanath dasa, Yasodanandana dasa, Syamarani dasi, Ananga Mohini dasi and Vasanti dasi]
(To Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja) Gurudeva, do you want there to be a society, and if so, why?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: I want everything that is going on now to be continued after me, such as my book distribution and my preaching by the sannyasis and all others. The preaching of our sannyasis is the main factor. They should sit in a meeting and decide who will go where. Otherwise, they will all end up in one place at the same time. Also, my Navadvipa parikrama and Vraja-mandala parikrama should go on as usual. For all these purposes there should be a Society.
Yasodanadana dasa: You asked me to set up the Society. Why the Society, Gurudeva?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: If there is no society, everyone will be separated. They will scatter here and there; there will be no control.
In the meetings, even though we are twelve members, all the sannyasis should attend. They are the main factor, and they should be given respect.
Yasodanandana dasa: What role do you envision the Society having in the mission of Lord Caitanya?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: We are preaching the life and philosophy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu everywhere. We are also publishing so many books.
Yasodanandana dasa: After a lot of feedback response from devotees, and your intervention, the name International Pure Bhakti Yoga Society, to be known as Pure Bhakti Yoga Society for short, was decided upon. Can you please confirm that this is your desire?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: Yes. So like ISKCON, like IPBYS. This should be preached everywhere. All should know that we are the International Pure Bhakti-Yoga Society.
Yasodanandana dasa: You are happy with that name?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: Yes, very happy. I think you are not happy with that name.
Yasodanandana dasa: I am happy, because it is the desire of the majority of devotees and you. I just wanted to confirm with you on video, because different devotees have different ideas. I am happy because you are happy.
How do you wish the devotees to serve the Society?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: As I am doing – preaching everywhere, publishing books, and distributing books. Like Syamarani has devoted her life for me, preaching everywhere, editing my books.
Brajanath dasa: In Miami last year, you had very nice exchanges with Mahabuddhi prabhu and Padmanabha Maharaja. Mahabuddhi prabhu asked you how your mission will go on in the future. You replied that all preachers, especially sannyasis, should be ideal – trnad api sunicena – not having any interest for themselves, and then it will easily continue.
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: Giving each other honor.
Yasodanandana dasa: Thank you, Gurudeva.
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: Thank you. Thanks to Ananga Mohini for giving the inspiration to ask all the questions. If she will be present where the meetings take place, she should also be called to the meeting.
Yasodanandana dasa: Yes, good.
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: Syamarani is a preacher; she must be called too.
Yasodanandana dasa: Good. We need some strong women in the meetings.
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: At least one.
Ananga Mohini dasi: How can ladies participate in the Society for you?
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: They will call you, and you should sit in the meetings. If there is anything relevant to speak, you should speak; just like we call on Syamarani to speak.
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