Srila Narayana Maharaja arrived in Taipei, Taiwan on November 20th, for a stopover en-route to Hawaii. He was met at the airport by devotees from Hong Kong and China, along with a delegation of the Chinese Yoga Society based in Taiwan, and Mr. Tuen-Ping Yang who had invited Srila Gurudeva initially. The Chinese Yoga Society has 40,000 members throughout Taiwan, and they lavishly hosted Srila Maharaja and the devotees during his visit.
On the morning of the 21st, Srila Narayana Maharaja met with many of the directors of the Society, who warmly welcomed him to Taiwan, and he answered many questions about bhakti yoga.
Then, on the evening of the 22nd, Srila Narayana Maharaja held a press conference with reporters from The China Times newspaper, from a very popular magazine, and from another well known Taipei newspaper. Through the constant flashing of cameras one reporter asked why was it that even famous persons like the Beatles (referring especially to George Harrison) and others around the world had taken to Bhakti Yoga. Srila Maharaja explained that they had come to understand that without bhakti no one can be happy, even though one is wealthy and famous, and they realized that by chanting the maha-mantra and following bhakti yoga they could find true happiness.
After the press conference, Srila Maharaja headed a program where he spoke before more than 400 members of the Chinese Yoga Society, who happily attended the event in spite of the congested traffic due to heavy rainfall. He told them that hatha-yoga alone would not make them happy. He told them that they should continue their yoga exercises, but include bhakti yoga in their practices. Then they would not only be strong physically, but they would become truly happy. After his inspiring talk, everyone enthusiastically joined him in chanting the maha-mantra.
At the end of the program, Srila Maharaja enjoyed performances of local children who sang and danced for him, and also did a wonderful musical performance on traditional Chinese instruments. One very old folk song, which was sung by everyone and led by a very shy four year old boy, was a song of gratitude for the bright lamp which has led us into the light. It was performed for the pleasure of Srila Maharaja in gratitude for his coming to them and giving them his divine message which would save them from the miseries of material existence and bring joy into their lives. All were very enlivened and accepted copies of Srila Maharaja's books and lectures in Chinese.
Earlier that morning Srila Narayana Maharaja initiated several devotees from mainland China, by telephone, giving them the Maha-mantra. Jai Sri dasi, from mainland China, is Srila Narayana Maharaja's translator.
Before departing for Hawaii on the 23rd, Srila Maharaja accepted the leading yoga instructor and director of the Chinese Yoga Society as his darling daughter and gave her the name Lalita Devi Dasi. She promised she would teach her students the principles of bhakti-yoga, which she would receive from him. Srila Maharaja was most pleased and said she would be a great preacher.
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Report submitted by Pradyuma Misra dasa
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