20250421 Question-and-Answer Session

Question: On Saturday morning we were hearing how the inhabitants of Vaikuṇṭha were unaffected by the breeze carrying the pollen of the mādhavī flowers and other allurements of the Vaikuṇṭha planets, as their only focus was service to Hari. Sometimes we go on walks around the dhāmas, like Māyāpur and Vṛndāvana, and admire the natural flora and fauna. While part of it may be a stimulant for meditating on the Lord and His pastimes, maybe an aspect of simply appreciating the aesthetics of the scenery may manifest in our minds as well. What should be our meditation and attitude in meditating in the dhāma, especially if we are doing parikramā? Should we not focus on these aspects like the breeze and flowers, and think of them as stimuli for smaraṇam?

Jayapatākā Swami: One lady question! So if we focus on the Lord, that is better. And in the spiritual world there is very nice environment, but they are focused on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So, if we can remember Kṛṣṇa, how He was having His pastimes, then it is very good. Like, Lord Caitanya, He was chanting in Māyāpur, Navadvīpa, and that was the thing that devotees were focusing on. But if this nice situation helps you to remember Lord Kṛṣṇa, or Lord Caitanya, then that is nice!

Question: In offering to you in 2020 His Holiness Bhakti Cāru Swami mentioned that he remembers the times when you were fighting for Māyāpur, for funds and resources, money to help develop the projects, many challenging situations. My question is how you stayed in happiness and harmony while being involved in those conflicts? It is stressful. And secondly, how you had respect for the devotees at that conflict time? We need your example!

Jayapatākā Swami: Like Śrīla Prabhupāda had instructed to develop Māyāpur, so I was trying to do that. And I am still trying to do that! But now I need a lot of help!

Thank you for helping me.