By Bhakta Hemalann Nambiyar
VOICE BOYS: Malaysian Youth Boys Gathering
with HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja
The arrival of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was intentionally for treatment and recuperation; nonetheless, the very presence of this pure Vaishnava meant more opportunity for association amongst the devotees of Kuala Lumpur, and to a greater extent, Malaysia.
The Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education, Kuala Lumpur (VOICE-KL), Boys Section, had decided, after much inspiration, that a youth gathering should be held with HH, as such opportune moment is hard to come by. It was the Eid holiday’s here in Malaysia, and we choose to hold the gathering on the very last day of Eid, the 22nd of September 2009, in HH recuperation bungalow here in Petaling Jaya, KL.
Last minute invitations were sent out, to all youth boys, to gather in Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur (SJMKL), unfortunately ,we were unable to secure the association of the northern or southern states devotees due to heavy traffic and public transportation unavailability. Nevertheless, some 40 youth gathered at the residence of His Holiness, the venue was purposely chosen such, so that HH would not have to travel to the temple to give us his association. Instead, we would go to him.
Bhajan’s were led continuously by HG Patitapavana Caitanya Prabhu (Sriman Prajindra Sankar), who captivated all with his melodious tunes and mastery of the harmonium. The boys were then shown a short presentation on Discovery Your Self, an amazing thought provoking book, based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita. After the presentation itself, 10 books were sold, and another 20 were ordered by the youth boys. His Holiness then began to take his dinner prasad at about 8pm. We were all requested to sit before his dining table and sing the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra for his pleasure; again we were led into frenzy by Patitapavana Caitanya Prabhu. At about 8.30pm, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, started to give the class entitled “East or West: KC is the Best”. HH spoke on the importance and significance of youth, brahmacarya, and practicing sadhana. Also discussed was the ideology of West compared to the East, and the sad truth of mimicry of Western culture by the East.
The class then ended with interesting questions by the youth boys, such as “Is it wrong to have a girlfriend; is it against the 4 regulative principles?” and “Why is the East following the West and how to protect the Vedic Culture?” Then a multimedia presentation of HH Vyasa Puja Dedication; a project given to SJMKL by the Congregational Development Ministy (CDM) Mayapur was shown to HH. Coincidentally, the creator of the presentation, Sriman Palani Muthu was also present, and HH called him, and personally thanked him. After which, sumptous prasadam was served.
Such a personal, close association with HH was indeed rare, and most of the boys felt thankful that they took their time and effort to make it for the program. The organizing committee also thanks the youth for participating actively and hopes that what we have gained from this gathering has enabled us to succeed further in our Krishna Consciousness. The VOICE Boys team wish to thank all participants, senior members of VOICE who helped with the organization, HG Srivas Caitanya Prabhu, our guiding force and ever well wisher, HG Kanai Thakur Prabhu, of ISKCON Pune, for inspiring us to hold this program. Lastly, we thank HH for giving us his mercy and blessings always.
With the blessing of their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishna, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Laxmi Narasimhadev, and His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Srila Acharyapada, may we advance in our Krishna Consciousness always by the continuous association of Vaishnavas.
Param vijayate Sri Krishna sankirtanam !!!
P/S: Please click on the link below to view the pictures of the event. http://picasaweb.google.com/dr.srivas/MalaysianYouthBoysGathering?feat=directlink
