What Does it Mean to "Shoot for the Rhinoceros"?

On December 22, 1971 in Bombay, India (now Mumbai) Srila Prabhupada wrote the following instruction to his disciple, Balavanta Das: "We should always be enthusiastic to try for shooting the rhinoceros. That way, if we fail, everybody will say, "Never mind, nobody can shoot a rhinoceros anyway.' And if we succeed, then everyone will say, 'Just see, what a wonderful thing they have done.' "

Srila Prabhupada was giving an example. He was not saying literally that we should go hunting for a rhinocerous. He was saying that we should always aim for the highest goal. Even if we don't reach it no one will criticize us for our failure.

On 17 December 1973 in Los Angeles Srila Prabhupada ordered us, "...just become perfect in the understanding of this science and become guru and deliver the whole world." So we all have a big "rhino" to go shooting for.



Sankarshan Das Adhikari.

Let's All Go "Shooting for the Rhino"


Answers According to the Vedic Wisdom

Question: Requirements for Initiation?

Hare Krishna, Srila Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.

Dear Gurudev,

Reading your email today made me afraid that you may leave your body anytime because of your age though physically you don't appear to be this age (75). Maybe it would seem selfish to be asking you this - I would love to be initiated by you since I have been reading and connecting through your daily emails since September, 2008. I just wish even when I will get initiated by you, You will continue to live for a lot more years to come! Gurudev!

You have noticed fewer people are reading your emails, it is because of the technology is becoming obsolete especially to the newer generations. Most of them don't even have an email address or not interested to have one.
I suggest to be additionally more active on the newer platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok... It is sure there the audience wont miss your daily thoughts.

Also a few questions:

1. For how long should I be chanting the 16 rounds and observing the 4 regulative principles?
2. Apart from the Disciple Course, do I need to follow other courses to be eligible for initiation?


Your eternal servant,
Niyant

Answer: 16 Rounds and 4 Rules for One Year

From: Austin, Texas USA

My Dear Niyant,
Please accept my blessings.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

As my time is limited, if you can put my "Thought for Day" in more places, that will be good.

Initiation requires your being recommended by your local ISKCON temple.

ISKCON Law states as follows:
In order to receive first initiation one must have been engaged favorably in devotional service, strictly following the four regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds a day, for at least one year without interruption.

I hope this meets you in the best of health.
Your ever well-wisher,



Sankarshan Das Adhikari

The Most Urgent World Deliverance Mission

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

ISKCON Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ordered his disciples to become gurus and deliver the world. Sankarshan Das Adhikari has taken this order very seriously and is thus accepting disciples all over the world and has dedicated himself fully to the mission of making the entire world Krishna conscious as soon as possible. He requests your help in this most urgent world deliverance mission to save the suffering humanity from gliding down to the animal kingdom in their next births.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari email: sda@backtohome.com


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