Question: Guru maharaj you earlier referred to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura preaching in very adverse circumstances, when the British were ruling India. Sometimes as grihastas, we may say these different kinds of opposition in some circumstances, some cultures may accept Krsna consciousness to different extents. How can we learn from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, what were his strategies in dealing with opposition and successfully preach Krsna consciousness?

Jayapataka Swami:  As I said before, in his professional life or service for the government, he was very efficient and responsible. So for that reason the British, they were happy with him. At the same time, to the Bengalis, he preached Krsna consciousness. Like that...

Question: Guru maharaj, you mentioned the Godruma Kalpatavi. We know that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a prolific writer and you have commented on one of his books, and we hope you comment on many more. But regarding the Sri Godruma Kalpatavi, what is the importance and what can we learn from that book? Can you please explain?

Jayapataka Swami: You see, I asked Srila Prabhupada, that whether we should use all the kirtana groups in Bengal, and engage them in devotional service? And he encouraged me and gave me some instructions how to do that. I didn’t know what to call the effort. See the...

Question: Now you mentioned the namahatta, what does namahatta exactly mean? As I understood it is the marketplace of the holy name. Can you please describe further what the namahatta actually is – is it some extraordinary marketing strategy or there is something else to it?

Jayapataka Swami: You see, the chanting of the holy name Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, is mentioned in all the scriptures, as the method in the Kali yuga of performing sacrifice. So namahatta was based on this...

Question:. You mentioned also how Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura reestablished Krsna consciousness in India in the 19th century. And he is known as the precursor of the revival of the sankirtana movement, in this modern age through the namahatta.

Jayapataka Swami: You see, Lord Caitanya’s movement continued to spread for about 200 years. But gradually, apasampradayas started to become prominent. There were 13 apasampradayas during the time of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and basically no gentlemen would like...

Question: You mentioned that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a grihasta, he had many, many children, he had a job, he had many regular responsibilities. How can today’s grihastas, family people, married devotees, learn from his super excellent example? How can we follow these sort of examples?

Jayapataka Swami: There are people who give seminars on time management. They charge lots of money but if you want to be inspired by time management, just see the life of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura! He was very well organized! He had time set aside for his family, to...