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EDITORIAL April 27, 1999 VNN3715 Jayananda Prabhu - The First ISKCON Saint BY GAURIDASA PANDITA DASA EDITORIAL, Apr 27 (VNN) — Tuesday, April 27th is the Disappearance day of Jayananda Prabhu. Srila Prabhupada loved him with all of his heart because of his selfless devotion and great Vaisnava qualities. Jayananda Prabhu is called the first ISKCON saint. I was in Srila Prabhupada's room when he heard that Jayananda Prabhu had left his body. Srila Prabhupada showed his great affection for Jayananda Prabhu and glorified him with tears in his eyes. He prayed to Krsna for him and told us that he went back to Godhead. I think he left the planet just in time to meet Srila Prabhupada in Krsnaloka a short time later. When we hear the stories about Srila Prabhupada and his pure followers like Jayananda Prabhu we become inspired. Whatever a great man or woman does, others follow. I had the good fortune to get Jayananda Prabhu's association in 1974. I had come from Seattle to the San Francisco Rathayatra. I came a week or so before the Rathayatra and I was asked by Jayananda Prabhu if I would help prepare the carts. I was happy to be engaged in that service. He drove us out to the Rath cart site after morning prasadam every day. He would always be singing Hare Krsna or bhajans as he drove. He showed great compassion for all of the devotees and people. He was always bringing nice prasadam and treating everyone, even the garbage man, with great respect. This charmed everyone and made them want to offer some service back. I ended up joining the movement after this Rathayatra even though I had not planned on it. This may have been due to the inspiration I got from the great Jayananda Prabhu. Although I only had a few days association with Jayananda Prabhu it was enough to see that he was very Krsna Conscious. His body mind and words were totally engaged in the service of Sri Sri Guru and Gouranga. Many devotees have memories of Jayananda and I hope they share them in the temples, homes and on the Internet. I joined with the movement with Visnujana Swami and the Radha Damodar Traveling Sankirtan Party, RDTSP. I hope to see an annual festival to honor Visnujana Swami, also. I think his birthday is June 9th and hope the devotees will unite to perform Harinama on or around this day, in his honor. This would please Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya and all who take part. Visnujana Swami chanted 8 or more hours every day for the benefit of the public and devotees. He inspired thousands of people to take to Krsna Consciousness, especially the chanting of the Holy Names. When Srila Prabhupada heard Visnujana chanting in the LA temple room he said, "I'm walking in Vaikuntha. I'm walking in Vaikuntha. I'm walking in Vaikuntha!" His tapes and CDs are still available. Listen to Gopinatha and enjoy spiritual emotion. The humbleness and love for the Lord and the devotees was obvious to all who were fortunate enough to come into contact with Jayananda Prabhu and Visnujana Swami, the first ISKCON saints. - Please - Chant and be Happy! Your servant, Gauridasa Pandita Dasa About the Author | Other Stories by this Author Comment on this Story | Contact VNN regarding this Story
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