Appreciations for Vanipedia
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See also: Appreciations for Srila Prabhupada's books from Scholars and Vanipedia in the Media
Appreciations for Vanipedia from Visitors
Advaita Candra dasa (Torchlight Publishing), Mayapur - This is just a short note to give you my appreciation for the wonderful service you and your staff are doing on Vanipedia. It truly is a work for future generations and preserving Prabhupada in this way makes it so easy to get clarity on any issue or situation that we might find ourselves in. It truly is the Vaishnava equivalent of “What would Jesus do?” Your good work means we always know “What Prabhupada would do.” Thank you, and keep up this wonderful work.
Ajamila dasa (acbsp), Mayapur - Vanipedia's mission is a facility that allows devotees to swim in the ocean of Srila Prabhupada's instructions like swans seeking immortal nectar. Enough said, I'm going back to swim there in that vast ocean. See you there. :-))
Alex, Cleveland - Vanipedia is an interactive database which is directly linked to the divine consciousness of our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. By utilizing Vanipedia, devotees of Srila Prabhupada are capable of developing a most intimate relationship with Sri Guru (Srila Prabhupada). All the knowledge (Veda) and essence (Rta) of Srila Prabhupada is contained in Vanipedia like burning hydrogen in the heart of a star. In effect, Vanipedia is like a transcendental second sun which will burn up the ignorance of the world until it is all vaporized in one final supernova some day. Truly this is the Golden Age of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and as far as devotional life goes, we have lifetimes more of it to experience and look forward to. Look! Lord Caitanya's Moon is Rising! And look! Here Comes Srila Prabhupada's Sun! I say, Vanipedia ki jaya!
Amala-bhakta Swami (acbsp), Los Angeles - I have had occasion to use your Vanipedia service and have found it to be an excellent tool for finding and amassing specific information from Srila Prabhupada's various books. So many sources of information are presented. It's a truly great service. I want to send a donation to Vanipedia.
Balarama-lila dasa, ??? - Thank you very much for the excellent services by Vanipedia. I am personally very grateful. Vanipedia truly is one of the very sublime offerings at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and is an invaluable service to the devotee community and the world at large. Thank you very much for your very benevolent inspiring service.
Badarayana dasa (acbsp), New York - That is a foundational component for a healthy ISKCON for generations to come - Srila Prabhupada's vani - plus his mood, his mission/vision and how he practically implemented these. We must study all these together if we are to be balanced and mature in our understanding and application. I am inspired by what you are doing there @ vanipedia.
Bhima dasa (asbsp) (BBT trustee), India - For all those interested in understanding Srila Prabhupada's books in depth, the Vanipedia is a wonderful resource.
Brahma Muhurta (BBT trustee), Sweden - Superb! Addictive! I prefer the layout and ease of use of Vanisource over any other online reading experience.
Devavrata dasa, Slovenia - I wanted to share with you, that we have recently started watching Srila Prabhupada's lectures from the multi-language subtitle project. About once a week we have in our temple Srila Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagavatam lectures, but last week I suggested something new to our temple president Ananta prabhu. So we connected a laptop to the projector and voila! - nectar started flowing. What was especially nice is that the devotees who don't understand English could finally connect to Srila Prabhupada without someone else "being in the middle" so to speak. About 9 lectures equals one SB class (time-wise). We will continue with this in the future because the devotees responded positively to the first 18 lectures and specially the devotees that don't speak English were very appreciative. Thank you for such a wonderful project.
Gary Stevason - The Vanipedia site is beyond imagination. I just stumbled upon the new Prabhupada Timeline and was in awe of the effort and result of the endeavor. I never really allowed myself to feel the full crush of November 14th because there seemed no end, but I am hoping the timeline will help me eventually embrace that final pastime without returning to that bottomless well of sorrow. We are all so very fortunate indeed. Thank you for your offering to Prabhupada's Vani. But I am sure the effort itself will be your reward, as every day he comes closer and closer to your heart of hearts. Jaya Prabhupada!
Gaura Hari dasa (acbsp), USA - After doing a Google search for 'tatastha' I chanced to find the Vanipedia site. I was so very pleased beyond words, and impressed and joyful and uplifted to see such an amazing meaningful project. I am now old and poor, but I would like to extend all my good wishes for all success with this endeavor and indeed with your relationship with Lord Sri Krishna. Lord Caitanya has created this gigantic mridanga, the internet, to save this sad sad world. Your efforts are completely aligned with His vision and He is undoubtedly very pleased with your service. Me, I am still in awe. Thank you again.
Giriraja Swami (acbsp), USA - I have been immersing myself in Srila Prabhupada's Vani at Vanipedia. You have undertaken a most significant and monumental undertaking, and from what I have seen, you are executing it with great conviction, intelligence, and skill. We are deeply indebted to you. I wanted to congratulate you and express my appreciation and gratitude for the amazing job you have done with Vanisource. It is most comprehensive and detailed and extremely intelligently designed, an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to know Srila Prabhupada and know about him--or, like me, who want to write about him. Thank you very, very much.
Giriraja dasa, India - I have been a regular user of Vanipedia and over time my dependence on Vanipedia to search for topics on which Srila Prabhupada has spoken has increased manyfold. It is a very valuable resource. It was only when I heard the lecture on Srila Prabhupada being our preeminent Siksha Guru that I found that you are behind this wonderful service. I once heard in a lecture that devotees have done more research on a single day of Srila Prabhupada than Christians have done on the whole life of Jesus Christ. Your efforts have fructified it in reality. I regularly share Vanipedia links with devotees and encourage devotees to seach in Vanipedia.
Hari Sauri dasa (acbsp), Mayapur - Vanipedia offers the most comprehensive and versatile access to the most important database of knowledge on the planet. Literally years of dedication, hard work and careful mapping have resulted in a mind-dazzling array of options for entering more and more deeply into the ocean that is Srila Prabhupada's legacy. This is truly a remarkable offering of love to His Divine Grace and his followers - akin to his own singular, super-normal efforts to present the Srimad Bhagavatam - a gargantuan task accomplished with skill and vision for the propagation of Lord Caitanya's yuga-dharma. My heartfelt congratulations and thanks to everyone involved.
Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (GBC), Belgium/Mayapur - Very well done Visnu Murti prabhu, congratulations to you and your team of devotees, who are able to bring Srila Prabhupada to everyone in the world. This is a wonderful achievement and great preaching.
Hridayananda dasa Goswami (acbsp), (GBC), USA - I send my personal thanks to Visnu Murti Prabhu for his outstanding service. Vanipedia, as we see from the many enthusiastic appreciations, is an invaluable resource for so many devotees and friends of Lord Krishna. There is nothing more spiritually powerful than the words of Krishna’s pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada. With best wishes!
Indradyumna Swami (acbsp), Global - I wanted to take a minute in my busy schedule to congratulate you on receiving the award you did the other night in Mayapura for your work with Vanipedia. You certainly deserved it. Vanipedia is a wonderful and enduring offering on your part to our beloved Srila Prabhupada. I often use Vanipedia in my studies and in preparing for my lectures and talks. I am sure that is the same for many others now - and in the future. Along with many others, I very much appreciate all the service you have rendered to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu!
Isvara Dasa (Touchstone Media), Kolkata - The work of Visnumurti Prabhu and his team at Vanipedia is godsent. It offers such wonderful opportunities for the devotees to have the entire gamut of Srila Prabhupada's teachings at the touch of their fingers. This is especially useful for the preachers who need to answer varieties of questions from the inquiring public. Vanipedia has made the cultivation of Srila Prabhupada's teachings in such systematic ways on each subject that a preacher can feel evermore confident to represent his message. Vanipedia is the perfect spiritualisation of modern technology for Krishna's service. We are certainly grateful to the Vanipedia team for this wonderful opportunity of delving deeply into the teachings of our founder-acharya, Srila Prabhupada. And to put some icing on the cake, it is now becoming available in all important languages of the world! Hare Krishna.
Jason Sullivan, UK - Hello Vanipedia, Hare Krishna. What a great website! Neat, tidy and just bursting with information, it is very nicely done. HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is very pleased with you, I am sure!
Jnana Balakriya, UK - Vanipedia has turned into something wonderful. Great for research!
Krishna Kshetra Swami (acbsp), Oxford - UK - The several ways that Vanipedia facilitates research and remembrance of Srila Prabhupada's words and wisdom serve in compelling ways to show us the full possibility and necessity to live by and represent his teachings to our best ability. Vanipedia generates such a high degree of accessibility to Prabhupada's teachings that it is sure that these teachings will increasingly benefit the entire world, as Prabhupada so much intended and as is so much needed.
Krodhesvara dasa (acbsp), Australia - Today I discovered the Vanipedia web site and was greatly encouraged by your teams service. It is certainly valuable work that you are all doing and a great resource and tool for preaching. Thank you to all devotees participating in this wonderful project.
Kunjapriya devi dasi, Croatia - I would like to thank you for the gorgeous Vanipedia Project. Today, I had a nice experience in the library where I am working. I had a request from one library member about spiritual sources and I showed him Vanipedia and several search options. That was a really nice experience. I am inspired to put Vaniquotes on my Facebook profile in order to share with devotees Srila Prabhupada´s inspirational quotes. So, I would like to better learn and connect more deeply with Vanipedia, a great gift and grace of Srila Prabhupada. I would like to do more and perform vaniseva to please Srila Prabhupada. Thank you for your great inspiration.
Langaganesh dasa (acbsp), USA - The “BEST” book distributor cannot possibly personally distribute all the Vani that is being presented in any of the 3 ‘Vani” links: Pedia, Quotes or Source! However the same distributor can distribute these 3 links to multitudes of persons WORLDWIDE in a single day!!! This is intelligent service… Out of those multitudes, MANY will learn “bhakti” principles, buy books online in growing numbers, and apply devotional principles in their own home town or village –in every corner of the globe…
Lono Kalama, Hawaii - Your site is invaluable to researchers such as myself. I was very excited to discover a letter written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta on February 18, 1977 and addressed to Mike Gabbard. Is it possible to locate the letter mentioned in the text (Letter to A.C. Bhaktivedanta from Mike Gabbard dated January 28, 1977)? It would greatly augment my research. Thank you.
Mayapura dasa, London - UK - Over the years I have seen that those who commit to extensively distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books become recipient of his special mercy. Vanipedia is, to me, the manifestation of Srila Prabhuapada’s mercy upon Visnu Murti prabhu. It is the seva that has opened his path to Godhead. My sincere prayer is that he stays cautious and safe on this path and I am grateful for the quarterly opportunities to move a few dust-pixels in support of this project.
Nagapatni devi dasi (acbsp), USA - The most comprehensive, accurate and user friendly way to associate with Srila Prabhupada at this time.
Nrsimhananda dasa (acbsp), ITV, USA - Vanipedia - the prasadam of enlightenment for heart and soul. Spiritual knowledge is holistic and synergistic. Just as the body requires varieties of nutrients in the form of various tasty foodstuffs, so the mind requires variegated nourishment from the words of the pure devotee. As tasting salt and the dahl separately will impart different experiences, so hearing only a part of the teaching cannot compare to a full meal of various instructions. Vanipedia delivers the obvious and subtle flavors of spiritual knowledge as explained by Srila Prabhupada. Thus, the door to a complete understanding is opened wide when referencing all the pearls of wisdom which are placed on the divine plate of explanation, purport, and example. Let's just say that Vanipedia offers a full-course meal of a seemingly endless number of sagacious condiments, savories, subjis, and desserts. The menu keeps offering new insights into the meaning of being a devotee of Krishna. Thank you to all the Vanipedia organizers and contributors.
Paramadvaiti Swami (acbsp) - I want to congratulate you on this Vanipedia virtual temple. It really is the biggest and most beautiful and most substantial of all the temples. Yes, we can make huge pillars and we can make huge palaces but the Temple of Srila Prabhupada`s words and especially these shorts and classes and translations, everything you have built up there is really a life of nectar. I want to, in the name of whoever, to offer my thanks for all this hard work to those who have participated to put it all in. They may all know that they have been part of constructing the most important real Temple to counteract the age of Kali-yuga and somehow or other with the algorithms it looks like you are getting it out there and capturing many people's hearts and commitment. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Visnu Murti and his team are very, very, very lucky to be able to work so closely with Srila Prabhupada and please him immensely. Vanipedia ki jay! My dandavat pranams to all.
Praghosa dasa (GBC chairman, 2015-2016) Ireland - Even though Vanipedia is, as yet, not completed, I still experience it regularly as an amazing resource that lets me feel Srila Prabhupada's presence. The way that Srila Prabhupada's practical instructions are arranged in Vaniquotes helps me to understand what Srila Prabhupada expects of us. I think Vanipedia is a wonderful project and hope that it will be able to complete its vision of building a glorious Vani-temple of Srila Prabhupada's teachings. I would urge anyone who is able to help with this glorious effort to contact the Vanipedia team.
Prahladananda Swami (acbsp), GBC, USA - Srila Prabhupada wanted his followers to know his books just like a lawyer knows the law books. Vanipedia is a world-wide effort in multiple languages to assist Srila Prabhupada's followers in hearing, understanding and assimilating the immense inheritance of spiritual knowledge that our previous acaryas through the mercy of Srila Prabhupada have bestowed upon us. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has advised His followers that they should serve others by explaining to whomever they meet about Lord Krishna. Vanipedia is certainly an extraordinary tool to assist the devotees in fulfilling this most important desire of Lord Caitanya.
Rocana dasa (acbsp), Canada - This inconceivably invaluable service to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is beyond our level of advancement to fully appreciate. But one can be sure that for generations of Vaisnavas to come, this Vanipedia service will be an indispensable asset for their spiritual advancement. The dedication of Visnu Murti das in his day-to-day service on this project is the sign of a true brahmana. He and the Vanipedia team are setting a great example for us all, and we can see that by the results. Vanipedia is ever expanding, improving the facility for devotees to access the vani of our most recent topmost sampradaya Acarya. We should all take a page out of Vanipedia's book, literally, in applying ourselves to whatever service we are inclined to, on behalf of the Vaisnavas and His Divine Grace.
Rupavati devi dasi, Singapore - Vanipedia is an incredible resource for Śrila Prabhupada's vānī. What's great is that one is able to search specific topics according to relevance. This especially helps me when I post on Twitter. When questions, comments & arguments about various situations, are put forth by people, as well as when there's a particular incident that trends, Vanipedia makes is so easy to search for and the present Śrila Prabhupada's, transcendental point-of-view. Very grateful to Visnu Murti prabhu and his team for creating this valuable library that's easy to access.
Sagar Sharma, India - I am a regular user of Vaniquotes and I find the website very useful in understanding the teachings of Srila Prabhupada because of its searching capability across important scriptures and conversations. But at times I missed Vaniquotes, because of my limited connectivity of internet. It would be better if Vaniquotes has offline facility as we have with Wikipedia and similar wiki-sites. I would really appreciable if you can please provide the latest dump of site & tools to access them.
Sesa dasa (acbsp), GBC - Minister of Education, USA - (GBC Chairman 2016 - 2017) We, and future generations, owe Visnu Murti Prabhu, and the team he has organized, our deepest gratitude for unlocking and making accessible the goldmine of Srila Prabhupada's teachings through the Vanipedia project. Srila Prabhupada once said, "that in the future, historians will study this period of world history, how this movement has changed the world." He said in the future they will just note this period, how the world is being changed. And using Vanipedia such future historians will not only be able to get the authentic quote, but the date, place, and persons to whom he spoke when saying this. This is the value of Vanipedia for now and the future.
Shaunaka Rishi dasa, Oxford - UK - Vanipedia is an incredible effort proving what team spirit, and cooperative work can produce. The platform offers great potential for researchers and students of Prabhupada's works, and provides open access to every aspect of his writings and talks. My thanks to Vishnu Murti and his large team of volunteers for their dedication.
Shyamasundar1967 dasa (acbsp), USA - I have turned to Vanipedia many times in my research for preparing my book, CHASING RHINOS WITH THE SWAMI, and will return again and again. Thank you so much for this wonderful service.
Steven Gelberg/ Subhananda dasa (acbsp), USA - First, I want to thank whomever I should thank for the kind acknowledgement at the bottom of the "About" page. I am Steven Gelberg, formerly Subhananda das, who Srila Prabhupada approved to compile the encyclopedia of his teachings all those years ago. I'm glad to see that such work has been carried on to the high point of development evinced in the Vanipedia site.
Suresvara dasa (acbsp), USA - Reading your Brazilian translator's deep appreciation of Srila Prabhupada, I'm struck by the similarity to the experience I'm having reading the books about our late, great Yamuna Devi. In both cases, I'm having a direct experience of Srila Prabhupada through sound. Gauri Gopika's experience is all through vani, and Yamuna's is both vani and vapu, but the experience is the same. For me this is amazing and ultimate testimony of the power of Prabhupada's everlasting vani, as well as how vital the Vanipedia project is to increase Prabhupada's legacy for the millennia to come. Obeisances again and again...
Swarup dasa (acbsp), USA - Visnu Murti, thanks for giving that link. I'm so used to using the Vedabase for my reading and references that I never properly explored Vaniquotes. I remember when they first began putting the website together and were giving samplings of how it would work. I was excited about it but once it was up and running I never really went back but I think now I'll begin using it more and more. Hey -- wherever the nectar is flowing -- that's where to go, right? after... - I spent a few hours today examining and exploring Vaniquotes. So that's your baby. Wow. One helluva job, Prabhu. You win first prize in the "Best Use of the Internet" category.
Tatjana Stankovic, Macedonia - As we know Wikipedia is a very popular Internet encyclopedia and using a similar name and method to present the Treasure and Knowledge that Srila Prabhupada left to us is very intelligent. People are now used to Wikipedia and its way of presenting information, so when you give to a person knowledge with a similar method of presenting, the person accepts it right away or faster than usual. Also presenting Vedic Knowledge given to us by Srila Prabhupada, in so many languages, makes the speed of spreading Krishna Consciousness so fast & effective. And that was what he wanted. Vanipedia is one of the best and smartest projects, I've ever seen on the Internet. Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Jaya Vanipedia!
Urmila devi dasi (acbsp), USA - Vanipedia offers devotees of Krishna, and the world in general, Srila Prabhupada’s teachings all in one place, thematically organized. Srila Prabhupada's teachings are his act of compassion upon his followers and the lost souls of this world. The thematic arrangement helps one to understand the full scope of Prabhupada’s teachings, in context, and so really allows readers and researchers to access his “voice.” I pray that Vanipedia can come to completion soon. If they continue following Prabhupada's formula of cooperating together, I am sure they will.
Vikas Sinha, India - Recently I was on Vanipedia, such a wonderful work by the devotees, I fall at their feet and ask for their blessings.
Visvambar Caitanya dasa, London UK - I think there is no better foundation to build ones life upon other than Srila Prabhupada's teachings. Vanipedia is the foundation of that foundation upon which monumental projects, buildings, societies and the greatest people spring from. We might see the saying change into "Vani is the basis, purity is the force..." all the while not changing its meaning.
Visvambara Krpa dasa, India - Recently, I visited your famous web site vanipedia.org. I am amazed to see such valuable vast systematic information about Srila Prabhupada. This Vanipedia is “Simply Wonderful”. I do not know what it would become like in upcoming 10-12 years. Your spirit of dedication is very inspiring.
Yadubara dasa (acbsp), ISKCON Cinema, USA - Vanipedia is an incredibly valuable resource in understanding and accessing Srila Prabhupada's teachings that will be used more and more widely as time passes. Vishnu Murti prabhu ranks at the top of those devotees who are 100% dedicated to their service and his project shows it.
Yadunandana Swami, Spain - Vanipedia is a magnificent offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and to all his dedicated followers. If there is a way how Srila Prabhupada's followers are going to be united in a common mission, it is going to be through deep understanding and realization of his instructions. Vanipedia provides multiple resources to churn the ocean of nectar emanating from Srila Prabhupada's lotus mouth and manifested in printed form. By conscientiously studying Srila Prabhupada's instructions, both leaders and general members of the Krsna Consciousness movement would receive clarity and inspiration in order to preserve and further expand the Sankirtana movement around the world. My deepest gratitude to Visnu Murti Prabhu and to each and every devotee who is contributing to this wonderful project.
Appreciations for Vanipedia from Volunteers
Here are some testimonials from a few devotees who have helped build Vanipedia.
Anurag - Mayapur, India
My experience with this wonderful project has been ecstatic! I became so attached to Vani-seva that I quit all my other services to serve Vanipedia full-time, that is already two years ago. It is such a joy to help the development of this project. Day by day I feel so connected with Srila Prabhupada and his teachings by working with his books, lectures, audios/videos, letters and more. Its indeed a powerful medium to distribute Srila Prabhupada's vani to the whole world. I'm eternally grateful to HG Visnu murti prabhuji for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this project and for his encouragement. Vanipedia is a blessing to me :) Jaya Srila Prabhupada!
Harshita - Delhi, India
Hare Krsna. All glories to our dearest most merciful Guru Maharaj Srila Prabhupada. There is no way I can truly appreciate Vanipedia. I neither have the realizations nor the ability. All I can say is that being a part of Vanipedia and being given the opportunity to serve Srila Prabhupada so closely and personally is his profound benediction to me. The day I wrote my first e-mail to Shri Visnu Murti Prabhu, I was so nervous anticipating the response I would get, and given my circumstances, it was just a shot in the dark, I had very little hope that I would be able to serve Srila Prbahupada in any way. But, Shri Visnu Murti Prabhu’s reply was completely unexpected. It was a very receptive, enthusiastic, and encouraging reply. I couldn’t believe it. He was more eager to get me involved than myself.
In my few months of service, I have only just begun to see what a benediction Vanipedia is. What it offers is unparalleled. It not only gives direct, personal and unique opportunity to associate with Srila Prabhupada, but also presents his words from different angles. I remember Shri Visnu Murti Prabhu explaining to me that we shine light on Srila Prabhupada’s words. It brings to light each sentence, each phrase, each word of Srila Prabhupada.
Vaniseva has given me faith in the causeless mercy of Srila Prbahupada and Sri Krsna and hope for a truly Krsna Conscious future. It is beyond all so-called humanitarian work. I have no qualification whatsoever to serve Srila Prabhupada but with vaniseva I have hope of getting his mercy and guidance. It is not possible for me, neither I think it will ever be, to express my gratitude to Shri Visnu Murti Prabhu. The best and the only way I can think of, is to serve him as best as possible in building Srila Prabhupada’s Vani-temple. I hope I can get the mercy for that. Jaya!
Sharmistha - Mayapur, India
Nobody likes to be a servant but everybody is serving in the chain of Maya. Being a Vani servant is the best gift a devotee can have and a conditioned soul like me can dream of… Heartful thanks to you (Visnu Murti Prabhuji) for creating the platform of Vaniquotes (compiling the teachings of Srila Prabhupada), for making beautiful Vani-prasadam (words of Srila Prabhupada) available to us and giving us the chance to be a part of it. Jaya Srila Prabhupada… Hare Krsna
Surabhi Kumari - Kuwait
The way I got service with Vanipedia is the surest evidence of Sri Sri Radha Vaninatha’s and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mercy. Earlier in 2012 I was looking for seva and Srimati Radharani heard me! Through Parthasarathy Prabhuji, I got in touch with Visnu Murti Prabhuji and since then Visnu Murti Prabhuji has kindly guided me into the wonderful world of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vani. I’m not pure to understand his Vani but the seva has helped me realize that Śrīla Prabhupāda is still here - with us - through his Vani and that he has mercifully made it so easy for us to associate with him. I’m thankful for the wonderful opportunity to serve. I’m also grateful to be able to learn from and associate with a dynamic and inspiring international Vani team that is striving to familiarize the world with Śrīla Prabhupāda and his mission of spreading Krsna consciousness. Here is a quote from one of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s letters that both metaphorically substantiates and encourages the vision of a moving temple - a Vani temple
“I once had a dream like this; that we would have a moving temple on the water, going from town to town. So you are making that dream come true. Thank you very much. Do it nicely and maybe I will come and join you also.” Letter to Abhirama 1971,
It is said that through giving, we receive - I've still to give to Vaniquotes but through the few attempts I've received much more than I hoped for and deserved - Śrīla Prabhupāda's personal association. He really meant it when he mentioned "I will come and join you also" :-)
Śrīla Prabhupāda ki Jai, Sri Vanipedia ki Jai!
Acyutananda Caitanya dasa - Colombia/ Croatia
My experience serving Śrīla Prabhupāda has always been blessed by great association; I have found in the Vanipedia team wonderful persons who are very intelligent, dedicated, humble and personal. Now my service has become the perfect arrangement, with the mix of great sanga with Śrīla Prabhupāda himself (through his teachings), sanga with his servants, and the fact that in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness you can (and should) be engaged according to your abilities and qualities. My abilities are in computer systems and technology, and Vanipedia offers to Śrīla Prabhupāda the most advanced, influential and interactive medium to propagate his teachings: the internet. I am very happy and honored to have this opportunity to render service and at the same time grow intellectually and spiritually.
Anasuya dasi - Belgium
I have been very fortunate to come upon this ecstatic service of compiling quotes. Due to physical difficulties it has been hard for me to find some service I can perform for Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Vanipedia gives me that opportunity. Not only does Vanipedia make my study of Srila Prabhupada's books more intense and deep, it makes that exact study a service. Thank you, Visnu Murti prabhu, for giving me an opportunity to serve the lotus feet of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha and of Srila Prabhupada. Vanipedia has been the light at the end of the tunnel for me.
Archana devi dasi - Sinpapore
Vanipedia is one of the best and most interesting ways to serve Śrīla Prabhupāda. I found that I can actually feel Śrīla Prabhupāda speaking to me while I am doing this service. This means that this service is making me more and more Prabhupāda conscious.
To compile Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings into Vaniquotes is a great joy. A sense of pride and achievement is easily attained by performing this unique service. 'Joy' because you intensely read up a lot of different quotations from Śrīla Prabhupāda's nectarine books and compile them according to different categories. I feel that Śrīla Prabhupāda will be very pleased with the launching of this project because it provides easy access to His Divine Grace's teachings to countless generations of people at a touch of a finger. All intelligent persons should join in this service and make their lives successful. Thank you once again for engaging me in this service.
Chris Fellingham - UK
When I was first asked to take part in the Vanipedia project, I did not know what to expect. I soon found what a joy it is to be a part of such a monumental project and at the same time immersed in the nectar of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books. This project will truly give Śrīla Prabhupāda to the world, unlike anything that has gone before. It will also, being thematically arranged, serve as the ultimate reference/resource tool for generations of Iskcon devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda ki jaya!
Kanupriya Agarwal - Delhi, India
I came to know about Vanipedia from “Back to Godhead” magazine. As a computer science student I always wanted to serve Krishna through computer and one of the powerful communication tools, Internet. By the mercy of HG Visnu Murti Prabhuji (my tutor) my desired has got fulfilled. Although I had no skills in compiling and editing but Visnu prabhu’s patience and guidance has made me a good compiler. I have got the affection and motivation regularly from my tutor. And I am feeling Prabhupada’s presence as we have to read Prabhupada’s books, lectures, conversations to compile them. Whenever as a beginner I have some problems and questions, my tutor is always available to solve them in spite of his busy schedule. This site is really very innovative and providing sanga, seva and sadhana to devotees. My tutor has asked to me to take care of Vanipedia like mother Yashoda takes care of Lord Krishna. I pray to Prabhupada that I serve this site for whole of my life. Prabhupada ki Jaya !!!
Laksmipriya devi dasi - Slovakia/Radhadesh
I have been serving with BLS for the last 6 years and from the very beginning I have loved every part of it . What can be better than being surrounded by all the wonderful books every day? When I came in, I said: "I want to learn everything about BLS," and over time I did. By now I have mastered quite a few things and am always eager to be fully engaged. The nature of the service with BLS is wavelike, which means that it comes in waves - sometimes I don’t know what to start first and sometimes I am wondering how to be engaged.
Assisting from the sideline, I have seen the conception and birth of Vanipedia, understanding the potential and the greatness of the whole project. In spite of that, I felt hesitant to become engaged in compiling, thinking that its not really for me. After all, I already spend so much time in front of a computer and I am more of a physical person, even though I love reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's books every day.
When the last wave of wondering how to keep myself engaged came, Visnu Murti suggested that he train me in compiling in Vaniquotes, so being unengaged I agreed. After the initial training session I started to explore the whole world of Vanipedia and Vaniquotes in detail. I have become awestruck. Diving deeper and deeper into the different compilations and finding the pearls of exquisite beauty of Śrīla Prabhupāda's usage of language was such a soul refreshing shelter, that I couldn’t hold my happiness for myself. We discussed, and brainstormed on everything we can compile and how we can organize things to develop better the project.
My first steps in making the different compilations on my own felt a little insecure, but with each and every new push of the save button, I became more confident to continue on. I realize how Śrīla Prabhupāda is calling us again and again to assist him in his service and how these compilations are such a treasure for every devotee and for all people.
I am very much gladdened by and grateful to Acyuta, who made the compiling process so easy and automated by creating the compiling form. It is really simple and everyone can learn it, if so desired. Hare Krishna.
Matea Zajec - Croatia
From the first year of living in Radhadesh and studying at the Bhaktivedanta College, I have found a true well-wisher, mentor and a spiritual guide in Visnu Murti Prabhu. I have considered myself to be a small part of the Vanipedia team even before I actually started offering service, because I have tracked the project's creation and advancement through it's senior team members. If one spends time with and takes knowledge and association from the devotees engaged in Vanipedia, and listens to their incredibly enthusiastic testimonies, I think the natural step is to become very amazed and interested in the service as the project is becoming so fruitful and fulfilling to others. In this way I decided to offer some service to the Vanipedia and presented myself for professional training and instruction.
Every day it is as if a whole new world is revealing itself before me. I know the depth of Śrīla Prabhupāda's wisdom and instructions is immeasurable, but I never imagined there would be one place where the whole ocean of knowledge could be accessed. What really amazes me is that each devotee in the Vaniteam naturally experiences a completely individual adventure working on this project. This has definitely been one of the most pragmatic and intriguing experiences I have had in ISKCON, I perceive working on this project to be very helpful for deepening my understanding of Vaishnava philosophy, and I will carry the experience gained working on Vanipedia throughout my life. And thanks to the Internet, Vanipedia will be available for active access and engagement for a very long time.
Radha Madan Gopal Das - Mumbai, India
As sadhana, I think everyone whose conditions are favorable to serve through Vaniseva should do so. Through Vaniseva we get more hands-on with the authority of the scriptures and their practical application. This seva is also very good for preachers because it reflects different moods and intricate issues which Prabhupada resolved from time to time in a very simple way.
As for me, I enjoy doing this seva. In terms of content, I think it will definitely come up in the first page of any web search like Wikipedia does, and it will enlighten users to dive into its deep Vedic knowledge and application.
As sanga, it's a great experience to associate with all the devotees to serve Prabhupada's mission, as it lets us know the true happiness of giving and being generous in a true sense that will help mankind. It is also like associating with Prabhupada.
My only lamentation is that I am not able to spread this to more devotees and not able to contribute more to compiling and editing Vaniquotes.
Rati - 14 years old / Hungary
I joined Vanipedia because I wanted to know what Srila Prabhupada really meant when he was telling us how to love Krsna and all the other things. I think that by serving Vanipedia I finally know my nature better, and now I know which path to follow. I know now what Srila Prabhupada wants from me.
The compiling is really interesting and I think that everyone should at least try it out because I think it will help everyone to get closer to Prabhupada. Thank you Visnu Murti for introducing me to Vanipedia.
Sahadeva dasa - UK/Vrndavana
At the beginning of this year Visnu Murti prabhu introduced me to a wonderful way of glorifying Śrīla Prabhupāda and Krsna lila! This Vanipedia project offers a new way to study and research with a computer and Internet connection. I'm very interested in seeing who's who in Krsna lila and Gaura lila and so started researching the Vedabase for all references Śrīla Prabhupāda makes to different personalities. This seva is an absorbing way of reading i.e. to choose a subject and fully research it over hours and sometimes days and then to present the results of that work on the Web for others to benefit is very satisfying. Vanipedia allows for anyone to contribute on subjects that interest them and as Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote and spoke about so many different things, we now have a place on the Web to collect, preserve and refer to all of his vani nectar.
Serene Ramasamy - Singapore
When reading the letters by Srila Prabhupada to the devotees I came to know the hardship he went through as a single man at the beginning, and I couldn’t stop admiring his courage and determination. We have the chance to learn a lot, not only about the scriptures and the material and spiritual worlds, but also about Prabhupada’s commitments. It is very impressive and inspiring. My only wish now is that, if I’m given the opportunity, I would like to work with Vanipedia until the last day of my life in this world. I’m sure all the Vanisisters and brothers will have the same feeling after reading about Srila Prabhupada.
Visnu Murti dasa - NZ/Radhadesh
My enthusiasm for Vanipedia is truly inspiring me, and my prayers to develop the abilities needed to help the whole project to be realized are more intense and focused than in any other project I have ever been involved with. Serving in Vanipedia means directly serving Prabhupāda's heart, and I have experienced some very special mercy, so I just keep diving into the ocean of Vani with full faith and continual experience that Śrīla Prabhupāda lives in his teachings and that we can all live with him. I am convinced that inside of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings is the key for people to actually become successful in attaining the goal of human life.
Experiences from Translators
Sue, Korean - All glories to Prabhupada gurudeve. I must thank you and everyone at Vanipedia for creating such a transcendental platform on the Net. I hope more and more people will use Vanipedia and receive the mercy and benefits that I am getting. Every lecture, every conversation, every question, every morning walk... had I been personally following Prabhupada in my past life, it could not have been more intimate than what I receive now. I feel like I am taking private tuition directly from Prabhupada as his intimate disciple. Prabhupada always said he would never die... how accurate was gurudeve, now he lives personally in Vanipedia training up a wretch like me... there are no words to how grateful I am to you for this service. Jaya Prabhupada, Jaya Visnu Murti prabhu, Jaya Vanipedia! Hare Krsna!!!!
Ionelia, Italian - Vanipedia offers so many numerous way to be in touch with Praphuphada's teachings and the greatness of all is to see how those teachings are kept unchanged. I am deeply grateful that this exists and it is helping my mind to grab the graveness of his holybooks, and letters. It is a pure blessing extracting the nectar from it, like the Nectar Drops does, and other amazing projects here. It's like hearing every heartbeat of Srila Prabhupada. I love translating Srila Prabhupada's words.
Tero, Finnish - Despite that it is nectarine, I sometimes feel a little sad, when I translate Prabhupada's words, because I get this longing for Prabhupada. Because I could not have met this wonderful person, to offer my obeisances, to witness his actions, when he was on this planet, to sit in the crowd of devotees. When I read about him, I want to be there with the first devotees. Missing Srila Prabhupada's presence, and all these exalted personalities I read of, sometimes makes me a little sad. Or perhaps its actually that I'm not so very Krsna conscious, that I feel that way.
Patrick, German - If you have read the Lilamrita, or any other Prabhupada biography for that matter, you might have been thinking to yourself, "If only I could have been there too." But, as we know, Srila Prabhupada's Vani is non-different from him, so we are still blessed with Srila Praphupada's presence in a profound way. Nonetheless, if reading is still not enough for you, some of the inventions of modern times do come in handy here, by still providing us with the actual spoken words of Srila Prabhupada in sound. Listening to the, indeed quite numerous, audios of Srila Prabhupada is a wonderful way to connect to him and are forever instructive. Not only can we hear him speaking in his own voice, but we can hear him directly address his disciples, laugh, joke, hammer the point, express his humble devotion or simply ridicule the absurdity of material life.
Of course, all these audios are in English and need to be made available in as many languages as possible. Even among mundane topics one can always check if he has understood a text by translating it into another language. The same goes here for the instruction of the pure devotee. Not only does the service of translating entail meditating on Prabhupada's word, but in the process, the translator is also rendering what Srila Prabhupada stressed so many times as the most important service - making his instructions available to others. Therefore the service of translating is simple ecstasy for anyone willing to work with language - with thought and heart - entering into the early pastimes of ISKCON by joining Srila Praphupada's young disciples all over the world, awaiting with anticipation as he delivers his personal instruction in classes, interviews and conversations. We can experience what made our now-seniors ditch everything as they heard Prabhupada's call to run forward to be part of this glorious movement.
Marina, Portuguese (Brazil) - I'm so grateful that because of Srila Prabhupada's and Lord Krishna's mercy I had the chance to get in contact with Visnu Murti prabhu, who is very enthusiastic and supportive in engaging devotees in Vaniseva, and I was able to become a translator in the multi-language family project at Vanipedia. It's very inspiring to participate and see other Vaishnavas worldwide being part of this project, and spread Srila Prabhupada's message in Krishna consciousness. May Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna bless us so that we can keep doing our Vaniseva, and this way please Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna for many years. Jay Srila Prabhupada! Hare Krishna!
Ananda Bhakti Devi Dasi, Spanish - Vaniseva came to my life just at the moment that I asked Krsna for understanding and help. Now there are so many wonderful Vaishnavas who are supporting me by being enthusiastic, sincere, real and helpful. Listening to Srila Prabhupada gives us a real connection to his vani and in this way we are learning to act. All our doubts disappear in his association. I would like to spend all day listening Srila Prabhupada and translating his words so that others can read his message, and feel connected with the seva as well. Thanks to all Vaisnavas involved. I feel blessed and protected in the association of Srila Prabhupada. Jaya Vaniseva, Jaya Srila Prabhupada.
Tunde, Hungarian - It's been like a miracle to be fed with the sagacious words of Srila Prabhupada. The only thing is, one can not get enough from his spiritual nourishment. So let's keep pushing on this project. :-)
Padmavati Visaka Devi Dasi, Spanish - I just want to cooperate in the best way to build Srila Prabhupada's Vani-temple soon, so that his teachings can continue touching hearts and changing lives. I feel honored to be able to put a small brick to build his Vani-temple. This is my offering of love and sincere gratitude to him. Thank you for giving me this privilege.
Vesna, Slovenian - By sorting out this text to write I started to realize, how actually my life is starting to be sorted out. The word "closer" is the best one for describing these feelings. I have started to have inner motivation. So many simple truths are written within Prabhupada's texts. Another good thing is to be able to learn some meanings of Sanskrit words. Hrsikesa is just one of them - Krsna is the master of my senses. I'll keep translating to continue this amazing learning experience. Please join us in service.
Bahulasva Dasa, Swedish - Srila Prabhupada can, from just a small video clip of only 5-6 minutes, convince anybody to take up Krishna consciousness from any kind of angle. He is simply so convincing, not only by words, but by his relaxed way and gestures. He has such a genuine appearance, so trustful. Thank you again and again for giving me his association by this service.
Tatjana, Macedonian - When my best well-wisher Akrura Prabhu encouraged me to translate videos for Vanipedia, I was very very scared how I will answer that puzzle and how I will handle this special spiritual translation. It seemed to be very difficult, But it wasn't. It was real transcendental pleasure with so much joy and now it keeps on going to be even more interesting. When I shared that to my Guru Maharaj, my new translation experience, He was so happy and satisfied. Wow, That is purest Prabhupada's Mercy!
Vanipedia is one of the best and smartest projects, I've ever seen on the Internet. With great leadership from Visnu Murti Prabhu and so many dedicated devotees competing with each other to translate as much as they can. Splendid! Thank you so much for the mercy to translate and do something for Prabhupada's Mission!
Ratnavali Devi Dasi, Portuguese (Brazil) - In the last 7 days I committed myself to translate 8 videos a day to close an important cycle, both for me and for the Vanipedia project. On Sunday (yesterday) I managed to complete this goal. Many other translations will come but this was a very important milestone for me. In these seven days I could advance as never before, in understanding, and in devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna. I attribute this progress to the still living presence of Srila Prabhupada through these recordings. Just as the maha-mantra, while chanted, brings Krishna to our tongues, Prabhupada's chanting nowadays brings the presence of Prabhupada to our reality.
While Prabhupada's books are meant for our intelligence, his sound vibration - the sound of Prabhupada's voice is meant for our hearts. Prabhupada believed that his books were his greatest contribution to the Krishna consciousness movement and the sound of his voice is also such a great mercy. Even if you don't understand English, the words, they will reach your heart, but they will not reach your intelligence. In the spiritual method that Prabhupada has taught us it is important to cultivate both the intelligence and the heart. Thus his books and his spoken words are a perfect combination and translating his words gives people in all languages the impetus to hear!
Vanipedia has brought to people like me, and you, the possibility to listen and understand, as if Prabhupada would still be alive, the possibility to realize how powerful his words are. So far, Vanipedia project has launched 82 languages, a total of 17,224 translations. That's amazing!
Besides that, the Vanipedia project is allowing people who live away from the temple or have family commitments, as myself, to practice bhakti-yoga inside our homes, receiving some many wonderful instructions from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Now, nobody can give excuses that "I don't have time" or that "I live far away from the temple" or that "I don't have enough money to buy the books" Almost everything we need is inside Vanipedia. So, do your duty of vaniseva, chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, and be happy!
Ronald, Dutch - I'm feeling blessed that this mission came to me. At first I was disappointed by my Radhadesh visit in June, I was seeking contact with devotees but they were all so busy... But in the morning lecture by Tattvavit das there came a question from a devotee and the answer was directly applicable to my situation. He even looked me directly into my eyes. And later that morning I met you and your wife, it was a blessed day!
Bhakta Lawesh - Tansen, Nepal Vanipedia team - HG Vishnu Murti Prabhuji has asked me to share some of the things that we are undergoing to do the translation works for Uniting Srila Prabhupada's Multi-lingual family. With translations of five languages undertaken here in Tansen, Nepal we have lots of challenges to turn Tansen into an ecstatic Vanipedia base. We are trying to do the translation work of Maithili, Newari, Magar, Achami and Nepali.
Here in Nepal as a whole, people are not so much educated in computer skills and English language. Although we are based in Tansen, we have devotees performing vaniseva from all over the country. In most places there is no Internet connection, so we have to print the materials to translate here in Tansen, and send it to the next place Butwal from where there is a regular bus to the place where the transcriptions reaches the devotee who will gradually do the translation work and then send it back to us whenever the opportunity comes.
Some devotees come forward expressing desire that they would like to help and then they just disappear and there is no way that we can contact them as many do not use most of the communication facilities that is generally used.
Tansen is a small place and we have a congregation of around 50 devotees which is gradually building up and myself the only brahmacari working actively to serve all these devotees. So there is always some kind of engagements, and programs each day so it is not possible for us to have concentrated attention to the translations. Our challenges while doing the translation work are many, and I feel much pain that I am not able to participate to the degree this project deserves attention.
We have two devotees who are inside Tansen doing the translation work and what they do is translate taking help of those who are better acquainted with the language. They write down on paper the whole thing and when finished, give me the paper, and then I give that to our typist devotee, who is also facing challenges. He has his college and with long hours of study likes to take nice rest also, I just cannot push him to do the work quickly. Whenever he is comfortable and feels like typing will inform me of his availability and then I pass my laptop to him and he gradually does the work of typing the whole thing in Nepali text into MS word. Then making additional corrections I change that into unicode through a website which we found after much endeavor.
Another challenge we face is whenever the weather gets worse, even a light rain, the electricity is gone and with it the internet also, thus leaving us completely stranded with the service of translation. Only after some quality struggles are our services completed.
Still by the merciful blessings of Srila Prabhupada, HH Mahavishnu Maharaja, HG Vishnu Murti Prabhuji and all the Vaishnava devotees we are somehow or other able to participate in this great mission of compassion and all the translations are gradually unfolding. Although Mahavishnu Maharaja once mentioned to me that Tansen, Nepal has become an ecstatic Vanipedia base with 5 languages in hand, to fulfill his words to it's truest sense we will have to be more enthusiastic and determined. We do aspire to do so sincerely as there is no greater joy than to share Srila Prabhupada's words with our fellow countrymen.
I hope that whatever we tried to share herein will enthuse devotees to take this great mission more seriously specially those who have all the facilities in hand to do so. Do not be discouraged if there is some small obstacles, Krsna will surely help you as he is helping us.
Madhaviya Devi Dasi, Portuguese (Brazil) - Something amazing happened yesterday as I was translating 0196. This class contains the essence of what Srila Prabhupada spoke to me in that dream. It happened exactly on the same day that I told you about my dream. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to regain that message and to clarify it more and more inside my heart and mind. Vani Seva Ki Jay!
Prabhupada Vani Devi Dasi, Kannada - Regarding my experience, it is wonderful because translating requires lots of thinking, searching for proper words, making sentences in different ways and seeing which one is more appropriate. As a result I must dive deeply into Śrīla Prabhupāda's words which makes me strikingly understand just how important it is for me to be Krishna conscious in this human life. As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains in one of the introduction to Bhagavad-gītā clips "we have to mold all our activities of life in such a way that we can remember Krishna always," I think through this service, we can mold our life in a way that we always think of what Śrīla Prabhupāda has said, and therefore it is the highest form of devotional service.
Haripriya Dasa, Nepali - I just finished translating my first video. The experience was superb prabhu. I cannot express in words this blissful feeling. I started little late today as I was tired when I got home from work. It took me little longer as I am writing in Nepali after a long time. Honestly speaking, I haven't written anything in Nepali in 7 years after coming to USA. So, I also got opportunity to write in my own language. It helped me to refresh my memory.
Lawesh, Magar - It is our great fortune to be able to participate in this mission of translating Śrīla Prabhupāda words into Magar language for the first time ever in the history of this particular time scale of Kali yuga. I can see how the devotees who are involved in it are becoming spiritually rejuvenated just by their tiny input and contribution. I was longing in my heart to somehow come closer to the teachings of Prabhupāda and with this service I feel the reciprocation of the Lord by allowing us to render some service and entitle us for the Lord's and Prabhupāda's mercy and thus allowing the message of Prabhupāda to penetrate deeper and deeper through ours and others' hearts.
I feel the more we will try to dedicate and give our heart unto this service, we will be able to obtain the cherished goal of really internalizing the Vani of Prabhupāda forever in our hearts. Thus I feel greatly thankful to HH Mahavishnu Swami Maharaja for so kindly engaging us in this service.
Although it seems a simple task, there were many impediments that came our way in the beginning of translating, due to our being totally new, but Visnu Murti Prabhu patiently tolerated, always encouraging us so kindly which is also very touching to the heart and encouraging us to work harder.
To present this translation, it was mainly done by Laxmi mataji ([email protected]), one of our student devotees who translated the whole thing into Magar and the text was typed by Sundar Prabhu our next student devotee who is also staying with me in our student centre here at Tansen. These were the main people who did this work, besides them other devotees from congregation helped us by providing us with house to come together, giving us advice and internet facilities. Overall, the service has given us encouragement and joy to serve even more enthusiastically.
Dauji Krsna Dasa, Croatian - Death is so obvious here in Mayapur. It is good to sometime remember about our body's final destination. Thank you kindly for engaging me in this "happy feeling of being alive service" to HDG Śrīla Prabhupāda. Such a great knowledge we have, now we just have to realize.
Paulius, Lithuanian - I just said to myself that I should just sit and translate daily, no matter how much, maybe just a few words but daily, and now I like this routine. And usually every time when I start to translate I spend more time than I was planning, and I stay inspired by Śrīla Prabhupāda's words.
Amala Prema Devi Dasi, Turkish - Hare Krsna, Today I have completed 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, 1045. - I haven't been a warrior today. But exactly those 5 videos were answers to some debate we had in the morning after our BG study and breakfast at the center. Tomorrow I will get one Krsna friend to hear those five because he needs to hear those as an answer to his own ideas. You cannot believe how interesting all five of them relates to what we had been discussing. Śrīla Prabhupāda is always such an authorized, equipoised and dedicated guide to Krsna and şastra. He speaks the best of words, answers in the best way, the best to debate and the best to serve and give.
Gauri Gopika Devi Dasi, Portuguese (Brazil) - Translating these lectures on the 1966 Introduction to the Bhagavad-gītā has been a very important experience in my spiritual life. This service is so simple and yet so incredible, and even as I write this I am still trying to realize why.
Of course, it is direct association with Śrīla Prabhupāda, which is in itself enough to make it extraordinary. But there's definitely something more to it. The fact that I did it during a period of only 8 days also increases its impact; It's just like a book distribution marathon, or any concentrated effort in devotional service, and yet it has a unique taste to it. The more we translate, the closer we feel to Śrīla Prabhupāda; and the more we feel his guiding hand and hear him, the more he becomes alive through his teachings. Just like through his books and all of his vani. But it is not just him through his Bhagavad-gītā that we are hearing; it is Śrīla Prabhupāda with his heavy accent, his strong and melodious voice - in 1966 - freshly preaching to us the very basics of what would come to be a great spiritual revolution - all of this in such a unique and personal way. There's a very special feeling to it, some special intimacy that we are mercifully given through this service.
It is a very personal service to Śrīla Prabhupāda. With each video, I was living with him and he was talking to me, preaching to me, inviting me to take part in the Krsna consciousness movement and to bring others to it, in such a specially personal way. Maybe because it felt like I was assisting him to write, as if he was letting me take part in the very foundations of ISKCON. He was dictating, and I was simply his hand, writing it in another language, expanding it to another part of this planet so it reaches more and more souls. He wants all of us to assist him in building this society where the whole world can find shelter.
Only now I realize that translating these videos added enormously to a very important foundation in my heart, that of my unique relationship with the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON. Any distance suggested by this title, just like the one we may feel by not having seen him physically, is definitely vanquished by this service. We understand at once the Founder-Acarya and the loving father, the spiritual master that established an institution from where he firmly but very compassionately and, above all, very personally comes to each one of us and begs, "please perfect your life, please read this literature, please chant Hare Krsna and be happy, and please kindly help me spread this message to everyone else." These are the foundations of his society for Krsna consciousness, and now it is up to us to constantly choose to serve its purpose, to serve Śrīla Prabhupāda's desire.
I could never actually realize why those first disciples were so crazy about him, but by the mercy of some devotees, through this service I guess I am getting some feeling of it. We are given a glimpse of Śrīla Prabhupāda's heart as he lets us in to become his writing-hand in all the languages of the world; it also gives us this sense of connection to all the other devotees, and not only those doing this service. It is impossible not to become overwhelmed with gratitude for such a magnanimous, pure-hearted being who truly loves us. We just feel like giving him everything in an attempt to see him smile. And he must be smiling with so much pleasure to see this project growing. Thank you for kindly and mercifully engaging us in this service, all glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda, his devotees and Vanipedia's beautiful effort to subtitle his Introduction to Bhagavad-gītā in 108+ languages.
Alakananda Devi Dasi, Serbian - First video clip, 1057, is ready :o) It is really SUPER easy to do and at the same time very ecstatic.
Timur, Russian - There are situations we would call a magic opportunity. And such situations can be provided not by ordinary people, but those who know magic, the magicians. Often devotional service is also described as an opportunity, because it simply does not belong in this material universe. So one needs somebody to connect you with this energy which is only possible by mercy of guru and the devotees of Lord Krishna. This Vanipedia subtitles translation project was definitely the opportunity for me. From Visnu Murti prabhu I received my first japa-mala 5 years ago. I also received full trust then from Visnu Murti, because the subtitles translating gradually has made my English better. Participating in this project is giving a sense of responsibility and connection, which means two in one: the chance of doing bajana-kriya and yoga. But on top of all this is the confidential associating with the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda. One can easily imagine the good fortune to be his personal translator and companion. This is a chance for very wonderful association with Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings and connection with the devotees wherever you go. Just open the link, contribute and relish, get purified, get better and do more... And stay at the spiritual platform!
I want to thank everyone who takes even on the smallest effort in spreading the teachings of Lord Caitanya and those who provide the magic connection! Vanipedia translating project ki, Jaya! Śrīla Prabhupāda ki, Jaya! Everyone who feels the capacity I kindheartedly invite to join in!
Barbara, Slovenian - I would just like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this service for Śrīla Prabhupāda. Even though I am just a beginner in translating I have noticed that with every video translated my attachment for Śrīla Prabhupāda grows and I really have the feeling like he is talking directly to me :)
Agnieta, Lithuanian - Your words about the Vani temple of sacred words are just astonishing and inspiring :) This is exactly what this project is doing and I feel blessed being a part of it. Thank you again and again for this opportunity - to hear and read Śrīla Prabhupāda's words closer, more deeply.
Yamuna Jivani Devi Dasi, Lithuanian - I have translated 0371, 0372 in Lithuanian. Feeling very happy and inspired, got them just on time, I mean in my life situation. Thank you for this service and for the light of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings :) Sorry for doing so slow , but still continuing and feeling that I am getting much more than I'm giving.
Dauji Krsna Dasa, Croatian - The best direct service of relishing and associating with dearest Śrīla Prabhupāda. Instant deliverance from the clutches of illusion.
Sive, Xhosa and Zulu - Who-ever thought, sitting down and typing just a few subtitles for a few minutes a day would be performing devotional service? Certainly not me. That is, until i got in touch with the Vanipedia warriors! I've done just a few video translations into Xhosa and Zulu, and all I can really think is that with every click of the mouse and tap of the keypad, I'm getting the most intimate association of Śrīla Prabhupāda, as well as doing what he did, what His spiritual master told him to do, what Lord Caitanya wants us all to do, preach the message of Krsna Consciousness to the world! Doesn't matter where we are, how old, or in my case how (un)intelligent, but we can all perform this great service and get some blessings from Śrīla Prabhupāda. Even if he's not right there physically, Prabhupāda is forever alive through his teachings and words. Words that are a one way ticket back home to the spiritual world if we're willing to listen to them. After all, "Vani is more important than Vapuh" right? Śrīla Prabhupāda ki Jaya!
Ananda Prema Devi Dasi, Turkish - Somehow or other we have all fallen into the clutches of our daily routines, chores and own struggles of material existence, and in the same way we have somehow or other come across a Krishna Bhakta, a book from Śrīla Prabhupāda perhaps, or even Śrīla Prabhupāda himself or his vani, one of which is this glorious Vanimedia.
If you have been so fortunate enough as I am to read and hear from Śrīla Prabhupāda and get connected to the Vanimedia, it is one of the best ways to begin your pursuits of human life.
As neophyte devotees, we know how important it is to read Śrīla Prabhupāda's books constantly, but hearing or translating a Vanimedia video is the shortcut to the whole philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. It not only allows you to learn the bhakti teachings and spiritual way of life in the simplest, quickest and most practical way but also awakens the desire to learn more from Śrīla Prabhupāda and read his books on the relevant subject matters. It also keeps you connected to your practice. This is how I have personally got to know Śrīla Prabhupāda, who he is and what his message is.
Nevertheless, Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vanimedia is for everyone regardless of being a bhakti practitioner or not because Śrīla Prabhupāda has got the answers to the questions of every human seeker. Vanimedia clips are short enough to stay enthused to the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, to the point and palatable enough to make you ask for more. During the hustle and bustle of my daily flow, translating for Vanimedia is my shelter to stay connected to my bhakti practice and to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
I feel that my contribution is insignificant and I am not realized in any way to speak and understand such a high philosophy, but Śrīla Prabhupāda makes it possible for me to understand in his unique way of instructing and to repeat his words as I translate because Śrīla Prabhupāda is a realized person. However, I have the experience that when the time is mature, his words that we have been sucking in as Vani translators flow out from us and reach interested spiritual seekers we meet in person or through Vanimedia anytime in this cyber world. I come to not only know the philosophy but realize it in daily life if my Vani service is regular enough.
Kindly hear Prabhupada's vani in just a click to Youtube, FB or your browser and enjoy the whole range of vani offerings from one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders, Śrīla Prabhupāda and meet him in person.
Adre, Lithuania - I have just started my translating service a little bit more than a week ago, but it feels like I've been doing it all the time! I didn't expect this service would bring me so much joy. If possible, I try to do one video a day, and as Visnu Murti told me, ‘a video a day keeps maya away’ :-) This experience is so enriching… I am just on my first steps to bhakti, and all this service helps me a lot to go forward. Everyday listening to Śrīla Prabhupāda's words I feel more and more connected to his teachings, personality, and all the Krsna Consciousness philosophy. I am also a person who needs to analyze and really understand things before I do or believe them – and Śrīla Prabhupāda is answering all the questions and removing the doubts. So through this service I grow and learn many things. Moreover, I realized I started quoting Śrīla Prabhupāda to my friends or family, like “you know, I’m now translating the videos of one of the greatest spiritual teachers of this last century, and about this topic he said that…” This service is simple, but also very responsible. You can do it from whenever you are. I find the mission of “Vanimedia” very beautiful and important, and I’m really proud and happy to be the part of such a great project.
Kaan, Turkish - I really enjoy translating Śrīla Prabhupāda's speeches, it makes me feel like I am relieved from the materialistic world.
Nityangi Devi Dasi, Persian - This is not just an ordinary translating. For me it was the beginning of a very beautiful spiritual journey with the other dear devotees in our group, along the path of Krishna consciousness. During this journey, Śrīla Prabhupāda always shows us how to use our senses in seva, how to care for each other, how to be really a servant... He teaches us, that with enthusiam there is no hardness or exhaustion along this path. Everything is nice and clear, because He is always there to protect us. Anytime something happened to me, or I had a misunderstanding, there was the file to light up the way for me. I realised that; these are not just files, words, texts, videos... All is Śrīla Prabhupāda himself and his shakti.
I will never forget the marathon that we had for the last moments before beginning of 2014, Siddhesvari dasi led us enthusiastically to translate as much as we could, and we grabbed the files from each other... Every moment of that journey was magnificent... Jaya Śrīla Prabhupāda!
Siddhesvari Devi Dasi, Persian - By the mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda, your amazing support and the devotees enthusiasm to please Śrīla Prabhupāda - hereby we happily announce we finished translating the first 640 clips. This seva had a great sub-product for us. Most of the group were not in the same city or even same country but with the grace of this seva we have now got a very inspiring and close virtual sanga now that only started because of Vani seva!
Manohari Devi Dasi, Bulgarian - Of course on the spiritual path everything is so designed, that the topics are always corresponding with the burning thoughts and feelings at the moment. You discuss something with your friend, and here it is, the same topic, in the next translated video, or in the next verse of "Charitamrita". Such "coincidences" are not surprising after certain time, as mataji noted. You don't even mention it. Anyway, it is always pleasing to get this feedback again and again.
Yet the real answer I've found within my heart is, that actually my heart is so dull and stony, that it does not feel any ecstasy to share it. The same is with the chanting. No tears, no divine rapture, nothing. This iron heart is so rusty, that it did not melt, alas... Yet what to do? What to do, but continue doing it over and over, hoping that maybe one day, by the mercy, this desert will turn into garden... Still, I am reminded of a story, that my Gurudev was telling about Śrīla Prabhupāda and which gives me some hope. Once a personal attendant of Śrīla Prabhupāda told him: "Prabhupāda, wherever we go, devotees are so happy to receive you. They are singing and dancing, even fainting with ecstasy, offering prayers and flowers, throwing themselves in your feet, shouting: "Jaya Prabhupāda! Jaya Prabhupāda!" - this is what I see wherever we go together. And poor me, I am not feeling such ecstasy. Am I so hopeless?! It means, I don't love you at all, Prabhupāda..." Śrīla Prabhupāda did not say a word. The day was passing and he still would not gave his answer. The servant became very apprehensive, maybe he had offended him greatly? At the end of the day he was serving him the diner and Prabhupāda was totally silent and very grave. After the diner was finished, the prabhu was siting at the feet of Prabhupada, doing some massage. Then all of a sudden Prabhupāda asked: "Do you like to serve me?" The prabhu answered: "Of course, Prabhupāda! Of course I like to serve you!" "You know," Prabhupāda said, "this is love."
Varaha Dasa, Yoruba - I'm glad am still able to continue with the translations. Service to Śrīla Prabhupāda's vani include preaching, book distribution, printing of books, and the continuation of book, or audio-visual translations. I was connected through book distribution for many years and now my connection is through these video translations. Thank you very much for re-animating my Prabhupāda connection. So many benedictions are coming since I started this service: I have got hectares of land donated, a house property donated with other plots of land, devotees coming from other yatras, Nigeria and South Africa to assist and further inspire us in our projects. By Śrīla Prabhupāda's mercy his service is expanding just as I am making effort to increase the translations. Thanks to Vanimedia.
Mahabhava Svarupa Devi Dasi, Bulgarian - Thank you for sharing your exchange with the Russian mataji. I have had the same realizations. Whatever questions bother me, I have found the perfect answers in the videos I am translating. It seems like I am translating exactly what I should. This is so great and comforting. That's why we get addicted to Śrīla Prabhupāda's words. Jaya Prabhupāda and Jaya Sri Nrisimha Dev!
Sofiya, Russian - Yes, it is a miracle, what is going on through the translations. Every time I start a new video, I get just the answers to the questions and issues that directly or indirectly occupy me right now. I do not even find it amazing any more. I just realize that this is how transcendental communication works.
Tulasi Maharani Devi Dasi, Mongolian - I am really happy that somehow I came in contact with the opportunity to take part in this fantastic project. It's a GREAT chance to obtain the mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda - EVERYDAY through the most suitable and easiest way which we call the “Cyber World” for ourselves and to my native speakers - Mongolians. I really would like express my gratitude from bottom of my heart for your preaching and devotees supporting activities via Vanipedia project. Indeed, it`s the exclusive historical sublime action to please Srila Prabhupada! Uniting the WHOLE WORLD. All Glories to you and all those devotees and those who will be involved in future. Thank you for including and inspiring me (dukha) to keep going. I was hoping to translate videos in Korean and had been started studying this language due to similarity of our mother tongue (as grammatical structure ). But somehow it didn't work out. Anyway pretty sure someone will take this opportunity. Today I made only one video 0173rd on the last day of the year. It was about spreading Bhagavata Dharma as you know. Really, we need to give and preach Glories movement of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Eva nasty eva nasty :).
Zeyneb, Turkish - Translating the videos gives me a feeling of being in touch with the devotees who were actually listening to the speeches so many years ago. Hearing Śrīla Prabhupāda is auspicious and makes me feel good and inspired. While translating, I get a chance to think deeper into what Śrīla Prabhupāda says and this experience is more than just translating, it takes me deeper into devotional service. Thank you all for this chance.
Micha, Arabic - When I translate I feel it is amazing to be hearing Śrīla Prabhupāda's voice. It is as if I am present in his lectures. I feel so blessed to be able to do this seva and to hear his voice and hear how he explains everything in detail. The way that he speaks is very directed to the soul. These videos are amazing and a great seva so again thank you so much. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Sarvabhauma Dasa, Bulgarian - I am really happy that I have the opportunity to share some words of experience and appreciation from my participation in this wonderful project. It has been an honor and delight to come in contact with this service opportunity and become a member of this united team of translators from all over the world with the mission to represent the immortal vani of His Divine Grace to as many languages as possible. I am really excited that my fellow countrymen and women will get in touch with the instructions and voice of Śrīla Prabhupāda which, if taken seriously, can deliver them from all kinds of problems and anxieties in life. The submissive oral reception of the sweet message of Lord Krishna transmitted by His pure devotee is all we need to become happy in this world and be transferred to the spiritual kingdom at the time of death. So I can see how great and important is this opportunity, firstly for myself to purify my own consciousness by the words emanating from the lotus mouth of the spiritual master and then to pass on those same words, as they are, in my native language for those who are eager to hear and understand them.
I would like to thank profusely to the group of devotees at VaniMedia who are putting forward so much effort and bright ideas to create opportunities for us to get involved in service to the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, the greatest spiritual master in all history. It is a pleasure to associate with and assist all the devotees in their glorious service. May the fame of Śrīla Prabhupāda be spread all over the world.
Mahabhava Svarupa Devi Dasi, Bulgarian - I have been praying to Krishna to engage me in some service and make some use of me and by the mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda and his sincere and dedicated devotees I got the opportunity to participate in this wonderful project. Very soon I realized that I have been missing this kind of association with Śrīla Prabhupāda. Listening to his words, simple and yet charged with such deep realizations and knowledge and feeling his warmth, caring, compassion and generosity are truly life -and heart- changing. I thought how lucky I am to be able to perform this inspiring and lovely service. Every time before starting the translation I pray to Krishna and Śrīla Prabhupāda to give me intelligence so I can do my best. It is a huge responsibility to translate the words of a pure devotee and so rewarding at the same time. First I listen to the video, then I translate and in the end I listen to the video again. Just by his intonation Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses and enriches so much the meaning of the words. With just a few sentences he has the power to destroy long-lasting doubts and insecurities. When we engage our mind by listening to his words it surely becomes our best friend. I feel spiritually safe and at home.
Rohit, French - I just finished the December marathon subtitling into French. It was a very ecstatic month despite the fact I couldn't translate as much as I wanted to, but still this will remain as a very beautiful memory and experience. Now I can feel why this month was very special to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Suvilasi Madhavi Devi Dasi, Hindi - I feel very fortunate to be able to hear from Śrīla Prabhupāda on so many topics, or is it just One? :-) I never tire of hearing him. He talks to us through his lectures and like Krishna he too is unlimited - in knowledge, in compassion - in everything. I hope and pray that Krishna willing I can continue to do this minuscule service for dear Śrīla Prabhupāda till he so desires.
Sumangala Laksmi Devi Dasi, Tamil - I started from compiling with Visnu Murti Prabhu’s team, they then taught me to create pages and compile at the same time. As I was involved in this seva I had the opportunity to read the books and lectures given by Śrīla Prabhupāda in different parts of the world. It was very inspiring that I never stopped doing it even for a day. I realized one thing. The specialty of Śrīla Prabhupāda are all the valuable treasures (Books) that he has given us. When distributed it can multiply and multiply into many millions. It is ever lasting, even after us the next generation will benefit. It’s very blissful. When I was given the opportunity to translate I felt like directly associating with Śrīla Prabhupāda. I felt it as a gift. And it is very profound. For someone aspiring to become his servant of servant, there is no greater gift than this.
Prahlada Bhakta Dasa, Akan - Kindly permit to share some thoughts about the multi language project.
I had the fortune of being invited as a translator in July, 2013 when Visnu Murti Prabhu kindly invited me to do a 3 –week vani retreat at Radhadesh. To say the least, this retreat has made a significant impact on my life as an aspiring devotee. Somehow, I had already read (from Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings) some of the texts that I am currently translating. However, I must admit that, the direct translations of the videos have offered me a rare opportunity to reflect rather deeply on what Śrīla Prabhupāda said......or, meant. It is really amazing, how blissful it is to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda via this means (of translating).
I depart for my home country, Ghana with a deep feeling of separation from my new friends…Saha, Rishab, Visnu Murti (and his good wife) and very recently, Linda. My prayer to Śrīla Prabhupāda and to this wonderful team of VANI WARRIORS is that They heal my grieving heart from this feeling of separation by offering me further opportunities to serve them even, in separation. I am extremely fortunate to be able to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda at such a profound level. Many thanks to the vani team for giving me the opportunity to do this seva.
Gunamani Devi Dasi, Danish - First listen, then understand, then explain it to others. This is the essence of this service, which came to this fallen soul, praying for some association. A wonderful opportunity to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda and become enlivened in Krishna consciousness.
Now the people of my country - friends, family, neighbors, colleagues can hear the voice of the pure devotee, the voice which reveals his mood, humor and kindness even when he uses words as "rascal", and they can read the subtitles and become Krishna conscious. Instead of a tombstone, my children and grandchildren, whom I love very much, will be able to hear of Krishna, if they want to remember me, when I am gone.
It is like putting your money in the most safe bank account in the world. Even if the world of electricity and oil collapses as could be expected, there is still no loss or diminution, since the result for this soul is everlasting and on top it is joyfully performed. I pray for the blessings of the Vaisnavas to be able to continue.
Mahalaxmi Devi Dasi, Serbian - I am very grateful for this opportunity to sprinkle my heart with a few drops from the shore-less ocean of refreshing nectar of Śrīla Prabhupāda's words. Translating one video a day enables me not only to do some minute yet very personal service to Śrīla Prabhupāda by making his words available to those uneasy with English; but it has also become something like a daily transcendental surprise - unpacking what is hidden in each drop of mercy. Despite being more and more in awe at Śrīla Prabhupāda's expertise in presenting transcendental discourses with each contact with his words, I must sadly admit that many times due to varied reasons I have failed to hear him everyday.
This service is very simple. And it is very profound. It allows me to spend time with Srila Prabhupada, serving time. For someone aspiring to become his servant, there is no greater gift than this.
Mayapur Dasa, French - Hearing from Śrīla Prabhupāda, I am impressed by his expansive knowledge of the Vedic scriptures and his masterful delivery. I am also moved by his undisputable logic and ability to invoke devotion for Krsna. These cement in my heart the conviction about his position as acharya. I know I am in safe as long as I stay with him. I appreciate my good fortune to have been directed to his teachings and pray to be given this same grace life after life, until such time that I may become eligible for entry in the spiritual world.
Translating Śrīla Prabhupāda allows me to better empathise with the challenge of passing-on descending knowledge. That the human mind cannot conceive of such superior knowledge is evidenced by its constant attempts to correlate this knowledge to the inferior empirical universe and vocabulary, in order to understand it, share it and discuss it . It is this blending with the empirical that inevitably threatens the superior Vedic paradigms with "watering down".
Irina, Russian - I like it. We have to think and then speak, not opposite :) And we have to tell what we've heard to others. Very nice.
Vijaya Baladeva Dasa, Czech - Thank you for giving me this opportunity to use some of my translating skills and at the same time to have direct association with Śrīla Prabhupāda through his teachings. Let's flood the internet with this wisdom, let's try to make Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings well known to everybody.
Parthsarathy Mitra, Bengali - I feel greatly honored to perform this seva for our spiritual master Śrīla Prabhupāda. Apart from the joy of sharing the instructions with all prabhujees and matajees in our own mother tongue, is the opportunity of reading the nectarine words of Srila Prabhupada again and again...
Lalita Gopika Devi Dasi, Latvian - Sharing my experience in translation of Śrīla Prabhupāda's nectarean messages from Vanimedia, this possibility is truly wonderful. From my studies I have understood that translation also is an art- one can use such translation means as domestication, literal translation, addition, deletion, etc. But when we translate such an exalted personality, there must be careful consideration made, how should the target text be adapted and which words should be chosen so that it is harmonically suited to the message Śrīla Prabhupāda is giving in the video. Another important thing is that Śrīla Prabhupāda is speaking in the conversational style, which means not all the aspects can be rendered directly as they are, but should be presented in the style listeners can understand as well as the punctuation marks should be chosen accordingly…undoubtedly changes there have to be made. But the system you all have given is very well thought out.
I like the system that we can see which languages are taken, how far the subtitle making process is done. Another thing is also when we see already added subtitles, sometimes the “whole picture” asks for some more changes in the target language- then you kindly offer to check and, if needed, make the necessary changes. Because from my experience, when we read the translated text over and over again, sometimes we tend not to see some minor slips, as we know the text. Then this “whole picture” helps a lot. Therefore I can say that my experience with this project is truly positive. I just wish you all the strength and enthusiasm to further this beautiful service. Of course a very nice motivation for me is that translation in so many languages can be used by so many... and when i see the clearly formulated target, it is easier to get enthused.
Revati Devi Dasi, German - This service, this translating of Śrīla Prabhupāda's quotes for Vanipedia, is truly direct association with Śrīla Prabhupāda. I started only some days ago, and immediately I found that whatever was in my mind, Śrīla Prabhupāda was giving some answers for my questions - forty years ago! It’s not that I did not read his books, but still, this translating is much more personal.
Like in one of the first translations I did, Śrīla Prabhupāda explained, how just reading is not enough. We have to go very deep, try to really understand. And then – explain it to others! In some way, when we translate, we do exactly like this, we make Śrīla Prabhupāda's words understandable (we explain, without change) in our language. That is perfection, Śrīla Prabhupāda said. So, at least in this point I came to perfection! I feel very much blessed by being allowed to do this service!
So, in order to translate one has to penetrate very deeply into the subject matter, otherwise the result will not be understandable for others. And this absorption is connecting me - to Śrīla Prabhupāda, to Lord Caitanya's mission and to Krsna Himself. And immediately some new ideas are coming – about how to use what I read, what I learn, what I understand on a deeper (or higher) level in preaching.
That's what I like most, when I am translating, this feeling of being connected. Sometimes it’s not easy. The translation must be correct, but on the other hand understandable. And sometimes it is even difficult to understand what Śrīla Prabhupāda wanted to say. But then, when I really don't know at all how to do it – then suddenly, the inspiration is there. Not just which words to use to create the proper text, but also the deeper understanding, what Śrīla Prabhupāda wanted to say. And that's not just on an intellectual level. In these moments I feel the connection is there, I just have to be open to receive help.
For me personally, in my present situation, this is the perfect service, because I can do it, whenever there is some time and since it is quite addictive, it saves me from wasting any time. As soon as I start (“just a little bit today”) I can’t stop anymore. I did some translations before, song texts, small books and even started to translate a bigger one. But it is not the same. Not like service, but rather like just for my own pleasure. Because no one asked me to do it. No one was asking me “how is it going on?” and - last but not least when will I be able to print it?
This is different now, because what ever I translate can be read by others immediately. Furthermore this working in a team is more binding, saves one from becoming idle, gives such a deep satisfaction. I am "worried" only about one point: What will I do with my life, when this translation service will be done? I wonder where this will lead to.
Madana-mohana Mohini Devi Dasi, Polish - Śrīla Prabhupāda is saying in one of his short video clips that this is his practical experience, that while doing his reading and writing work he doesn’t feel fatigued and he takes pleasure in doing that. Well, as a new mother to a wonderful baby girl I can’t relate to it fully, as feelings of fatigue accompany me twenty four hours. Not much time and energy is there to spare for any new projects. But the pleasure in doing this translation seva… works as an addiction. Once I tried I can’t stop. One clip per day. Pleasure is bigger than fatigue. That must be the difference Śrīla Prabhupāda is talking in his lecture between material work and spiritual purpose. I wish all of you to get your spiritual sense, taste, to be part in this great project, to give to people speaking in your native languages these Pearls of Wisdom. Even if you think you have no time for it, I believe you can find it once you give it a try. That is my practical experience.
Mahesh Thali, Marathi - I am a Marathi translator from Mumbai, India. I'm thanking Visnu Murti Prabhu for selecting me to perform the devotional service to our Spiritual Master and Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada. To become a translator, from what I can understood, is one must have read and listened to a maximum of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Lectures, Conversations, Letters and other books. Just reading purports of BG or SB is not sufficient for translation. This is because one has to understand Śrīla Prabhupāda (it's very difficult to understand him and Krsna.) to whatever extent one can. It is like getting in tune to His Divine Grace and trying to understand his message. And by having read alot of his literatures, it is helping me very much in performing this translation service. Without knowing truly His Divine Grace and his message, the translation is very difficult. The automated-translators can not understand the Vedic languages. So I have to translate the whole text myself, and that also without changing the basic essence of Śrīla Prabhupāda's original message. I'm also enjoying Sanskrit(Devanagari) typing, which I never did in my lifetime.
I like the work very much because, I've got an opportunity to listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda again and again and associate all the time with him. During translation I refer to many Marathi literatures, so my reading gets doubled. The more I'm translating, my Vedic Knowledge is getting multiplied. I'm feeling so much energized and happy doing this work. In fact day by day my hunger to listen Śrīla Prabhupāda is increasing and hence the inspiration too. It is a very big project and needs a team work. I'm congratulating everyone from our team to get such good opportunity to perform the seva to Śrīla Prabhupāda ... HariBol.....