Rama Carana das became the first student at Madhuvana to be blessed with the opportunity to receive Harinama initiation from Swami B. V. Tripurari. Swami engaged with all the participants in an inspired nama-mahima (glorification of the holy name) before giving Rama Carana das his japa mala. He stressed the idea that the name of Krishna is nondifferent from Krishna himself and is thus independent even of diksa, while at the same time explaining that one who chants the name but avoids the guru-parampara commits an offense to the name—disregard for the guru (guru-avajna). The ceremony took place at the lotus feet of Dauji-Gopala, who are now situated in their interim temple.
