Dham visit

Srila Prabhupada said:

"Coming to pilgrimage means to come where the sadhus are. I am here, so why is everyone going elsewhere?" "You cannot see Vrndavana with visaya, or material spirit. The test is how much you have conquered over eating, sleeping and mating. Don't think you can just come to Vrndavana and become a Goswami!"

Lilamrta V: 193

1. We come to a holy place to become purified, to develop our Krsna consciousness.

2. It is important not only to maintain a submissive, humble attitude with other ISKCON devotees but with all the residents of the Dhama. (We should be especially mindful of this in "mundane" dealings e.g. arranging transport, shopping).

3. To actually be in the Dhama means to be in the association of devotees, to hear from senior Vaisnavas and serve them. We cannot see a holy place with visaya (material spirit). We are reliant on the mercy of the Vaisnavas.

4. We must maintain Srila Prabhupada's good name by being clean in all our dealings. (This includes everything from eating to changing money).

5. We must be aware that Govardhana Hill, Radha and Syama Kunda etc. are supremely transcendental personalities. If we desire to take Their darsana we must do so in proper consciousness.

6. Animals are also residents of the Dhama. We should neither befriend them nor make them our enemies. It is best to maintain a neutral position.

7. It is important to come to the Dhama in a service mood rather than an enjoying mood. Then our visit will be successful.

Handbooks and Reference-Vaisnava Etiquette-Quotes from Srila Prabhupada-Bhakti Charu Swami