Writings » from disciples » Vyasa Puja Offerings 2003
Vyasa Puja Offerings 2003
(View Devamrita Swami's 2003 offering to Srila Prabhupada)
Agnidev das and Svaha dasi
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet.
Happy appearance day.
We honor you not only on this auspicious day but every day. We are trying with determination to carry out your instructions to the word. We beg you to bless us with the intelligence to serve you.
Your most humble servants,
Agnidev das & Svaha devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Ameyatma das
Dear Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet on your auspicious appearance day.
In like a needle, out like a plow. You have rescued many souls here in New Zealand and transformed them into first class devotee preachers. Your ability to transform the character of these fortunate ones and to inspire them to dive deep into the nectarean sankirtana ocean gives an indication of your connection with Srila Prabhupada and the Guru parampara.
I also reflect how you were able to give me a taste of that same nectar; How you saw me in a limited arena, pulled me out and allowed me to be part of this wonderful spiritual renaissance. It has been incredible to see so many souls being brought into Prabhupada's family and so many more coming by your love encouragement and inspiration.
I can't comprehend Lord Caitanya's plan, but I am gaining more and more faith that it is a very big one. I want to somehow continue to use this life for His cause. I haven't really sacrificed much so far, and seeing the state of my heart and my desires, I can see that my contribution may continue being small. I am not a big achiever and my ideals are way ahead of my practical application. This reality has been hitting me hard of late. I lament how conditioned I actually am, but at least honesty is gradually coming about which is a step forward.
I am continuing to try and perform some service in the sankirtana mission and am daily praying to Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra to make the appropriate arrangements so that my efforts don't slip. And on this day I am also praying to you, my eternal guide to continue showering your kindness upon me so that I may ply on and be of some use to you.
Your fallen servant,
Ameyatma das
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Antony
Nama om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita Swamini iti namine
Nama om visnu padaya krsna presataya bhu-tale
srimate Bhaktivedanta swamini iti namine
Namste sarasvate deve gaura vani pracarine
nirvisesa sunyavadi pascatya desa tarine
Dear Maharaja,
HAPPY APPEARANCE DAY TO YOU.
We think that we(Sastra-krt and I ) have met your Goodness by the will of providence, just so that we may accept you as captain of the ship for those who desire to cross the difficult ocean of kali ,which deteriorates all the good qualities of a human being.
Guru-mukha -padma -vakya cittete koriya- akya ar na koriho mane asa
I wish to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from your lotus mouth.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktha Antony
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Bhagavat-katha das
nama om visnu - padaya
krsna – presthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita -
swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
nama om visnu - padaya
krsna – presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedantanta-
swamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve
gaura- vani pracarine
nirvisesa – sunyavadi –
pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja.
As I sat down to write this offering , I did not know where to start from. I came to Melbourne two and a half years ago, and I had no intention of surrendering to Srila Prabhupada and his movement the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. I was a fool. As the tradition in India is to go to the temple for the sake of religiosity, I thought I would follow the same principle in Australia too. But this was not my destiny.
Upon coming to the temple on a regular basis , my relationship with all the devotees in the temple started to develop in particular with Muni-cari , Dandakaranya, Kesava and Emmanuel Prabhu who along with my brother and Nitin Prabhu enthused me in my Krsna Consiousness.
I remember the first time when I had your darshan in a house program, You attracted me to Krsna Consiousness just like a bee is attracted to the jar of honey. Ever since it has not been the same.
I feel so insignificant and shameful when I look at myself. And I start thinking what have I done to deserve so much of mercy from you. Upon looking at all my other God brother’s and God Sister’s who have imbibed themselves in your mood of Preaching – Book Distribution and Diety Worship that I am no way close to them.
But you still accepted me as your son and always emphasized to me about the Spiritual Master being the Father and the Veda’s being the Mother. I still remember that afternoon.
When you touched my head and said “ From today, I am your Spiritual and Material father both.” And from that day you have guided me , taken care of me and taught me about Krsna Consiousness just like a father holding the hands of his son and teaching him how to walk.
yasya- prasadad bhagavat-prasado
yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam
vande guroh sri caranaravindam
By mercy of the Spiritual Master one receives the benediction of Krsna. Without the grace of the Spiritual Master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore I should always remember and praise the Spiritual Master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisnaces unto the lotus feet of my Spiritual Master.
Gurudev, Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and making me a part of the eternal family.
Your servant,
Bhagavata-Katha Das
--------------------- ---------------------
Buddhimanta das & Shaktimanta dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Hare Krishna,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
nama om vishnu padaya Krishna prasthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to the lotus feet of Gurur maharaj.
All glories to the Vyasa puja festival of Guru Maharaj.
Gurudev, you are the ocean of mercy and each drop of this ocean is capable to deliver unlimited conditioned souls. Gurudev you have really showered your mercy upon us by accepting us your disciples,although we were never qualified but due to your compassion towards the conditined souls you have joined us with the the transcendental movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.You took us to Srila Prabhupada's big family.On this auspicious day we are not worthy to offer you any thing except this request that Gurudev please keep us under the safe shelter of your lotus feet so we do not
get influenced by the glitters of maya. Please bless us so that we can be used as an insignificant instruments in your preaching programme to expand Srila Prabhupada's movement.
All glories to Gurudev.
Hari bol,
Your servants,
Buddhimanta dasa & Shaktimanta devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Carl
Dear GuruMaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisences.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
mantra guru ara yata siksa guru gana tanhara carana age kariye vandana
"I first offer my repectful obeisances at the lotus feet of my initiating spiritual master and all my instructing spiritual masters." - C. C 1.1,35
I cannot think of any thing to say. This verse is nice and says a lot. Please help me to serve you as a bonafide aspiring disciple.
Respectfully yours,
Bh. Carl
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Carlos
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisance's, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the short time I met you my life has undergone radical changes, so much so I bewilder myself how I can manage to clean up my past conditionings. I am in great debt to your causeless mercy and the guidance you have given me. I will never forget the first time I heard you speak, I was relishing your every word, you completely devastated my impersonal preconceptions of how I perceived the world. Everything had made so much sense, that I knew I could never see myself going back to living such a degraded lifestyle.
Thank you.
Your humble servant,
Carlos
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Bhakta Chris
Dear Maharaja,
P lease accept my humble obeisances.
nama om visnu padaya
krsna presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrta svamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
In this most aspicious Vyasa Puja Day
I would like to offer the best vishes
to the one of the best spiritual soldiers I know
one who is dedicated in the service of Srila Prabhupada I wish You a little nice smile on Lord Krsna`s face
during Your service all the time
I am not a good writer (or speaker)
but let me offer to You these few words
even if there is not a impressive writing
"SWAMI"
Heaven looks
like it`s open
when He steps in front
of the dancing crowd
Heaven seems to be
very near
when He puts
the smile
full of knowledge
among the microphones
In that way people grow up
full of His care
Dear Master Of The Melting Hearts
please give to us
a little drop of Your compassion
and make us able
to take it to the streets
from door to door
than for millions
Heaven will look
like
the future
with
The Young
Smiling Boy
holding flute in the hand
Thank You
for all Your mercy
that I don`t deserve
Hare Krsna
Your humble servant
Bh Chris
--------------------- ---------------------
Dandakaranya das
nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrta Swami iti namine
‘I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devamrta Swami who is very dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at his lotus feet.’
pracare ’purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
‘Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava
dealings, selflessness, and compassion.’
Dearest Gurumaharaja,
All glories unto you on this auspicious appearance day.
In your 1998 Vyasa puja offering to Srila Prabhupada you wrote:
“In any case, whether global war, economic ruin, or natural disaster strikes, you have finally convinced me that a major world-wide catastrophe is already here. Western civilization is a total wreck. Perhaps during its bygone days of Christian influence, elements of crude religiosity sometimes prevailed. But now even the faint whiff of yavana piety has long faded. Both the people do not know what to believe, nor do they care.”
“If the dusk of Western society indeed turns into a disastrous night, you have devotional armies of compassionate Vaisnavas that will spiritually survive - even thrive. The Hare Krsna mantra you brought to the West and the books you insisted be produced and distributed are more than enough to outshine both the so-called good times and bad.”
Gurudeva, as the relentless grip of the darkness of Kali-yuga continues its stranglehold over the unfortunate inhabitants of this planet it becomes increasingly difficult to inject the panacea of Krsna consciousness into the hearts and minds of the less fortunate. Whether it is the homeless 14-year-old girl drug addict or the endless stream of so-called ‘do-it-yourself spiritualists’ I meet on book distribution, no one has any real solutions to their problems except for those found in the transcendental teachings of Srila Prabhupadas books.
As you once said there is no greater tragedy than to think that there is something more important than your own enlightenment. It is painful to see so many people, under the sway of asuric influences, immersed in their materialistic lifestyles, with seemingly no concern for who they are or what the real goal of life is. I sometimes feel helpless to do anything about it. I lack any depth of Vaisnava qualities, my heart is full of envy and my mind and senses are always harassing me to fulfill their lusty desires.
I beg of you to give me your mercy so that within my heart I can cultivate the compassion, enthusiasm and the desire to become a small instrument in the Krsna conscious Cultural Revolution to help re-spiritualize this misdirected civilization. Please help me to help myself Gurudeva. The mercy of your lotus feet is my only hope to develop any transcendental qualities and understand Krsna.
Begging to become a useful, purified servant,
Dandakaranya das
--------------------- ---------------------
Dayavira das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
Five years have past since I first found Srila Prabhupada's SSR while sifting through miscellaneous books abandoned by a previous tenant. The title stimulated my natural appetite for knowledge on what is the goal of life. Having dabbled in different religions and philosophies, at last I had the association of a pure devotee of Krishna presenting the science of God free from personal motivation.
Just chant "Hare Krishna" he kept saying and your life will be perfect.
Prabhupada had touched my heart and by his grace I was now ready to find my living spiritual wellwisher and guide. Finally I got the courage to look up ISKCON in the white pages and hence proceeded in my search, taking shelter of their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari's Sunday Feast programme. Everything seemed very strange and unfamiliar at New Varshana, but Prabhupada was there encouraging me to look past my limited vision. The highlight for me was the Sunday lecture. On this occasion an American Swami gave class about the glories of the Srimad Bhagavatam. He was describing his childhood and how his hobby was to read encyclopedias, he even said he used to read his fathers tax accounting books. Then he started glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam "This is the ripened fruit of all Vedic Knowledge" and everyone should have a full set of this spiritual encyclopedia in his own home.
I was captivated by his illuminating and entertaining presentation. Being so inspired I was ready for action. Right on queue outside of the temple I was approached by Ameyatma Prabhu, "How about a set?" "Yes, yes". Maharaj had worked his magic.
Little did I know that I had just met and carried out the first instruction of my Spiritual Master. Srila Prabhupada didn't let me down, he had shown me to your lotus feet Gurudeva.
By your deep compassion and mercy you have given meaning to my life. I can never repay you for your expert guidance and extreme patience shown to me. You are our Spiritual Father always encouraging us in our devotional growth, lovingly bringing us back on track when we become bewildered.
Always begging for my continued purification so I may become qualified to really help you in your selfless service to Srila Prabhupada,
Your humble servant,
Dayavira dasa
--------------------- ---------------------
Dharmaraj das
Lima Mandir
nama om vishnu padaya Krishna prestaya Bhu-tale
Srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva- daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
I offer my respectful reverences to your lotus feet, which are always occupied in walking towards the peregirnaje places giving mercy. Now I am in Ecuador, on Travelling Sankirtana, and trying to understand the excellence of your appearance today and meditating on your compassion and arduous work for Srila Prabhupada. You, have taught much to Me, but just now what I understand is that you have given the real mercy to me, that is because your position is described this way."Pararthatapi karunyam" I hope by your infinite compassion and mercy I can help in the mission of Srila Prabhupada and in that way please you. My eternal gratitude for accepting me as a disciple.
Praying to obtain your service,
Trying to serve,
Dharmaraj das
--------------------- ---------------------
Dhriti dasi
Dear loving and selfless Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble and loving obeiances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your divine lotus feet.
pracare purva - daksyam ca
bhaktacara - pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
"Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, selflessness, and compassion."
I desire so much to glorify you but, I feel unable to because my words are unable to eloquently describe how wonderful you are. I feel that my lack of poetic ability would underestimate your value to myself and other devotees but, I will try.
When I look back at how much my life has dramatically changed I am completely in wonder and amazement at how by your mercy I have achieved what I have in my Krsna consiousness. I have achieved little things compared to the amazing feats that yourself and Prabhupada have done. Look at how many devotees you have made and how many books you have distributed. I simply cannot compete with that and this is what keeps me humble. You have achieved such great things and yet you give all the praise to Prabhupada. You keep nothing for yourself you just give everything you have to Prabhupada.
I pray also to be like this. You are so confident that Krsna will protect you because you know that what you are doing is right.
I just remembered a quote that Prabhupada said ( I don't remember his exact words but, it was something like:) " Krsna consciousness is the best welfare work".
You are doing the greatest welfare work. I am just so amazed at how you have saved someone so sinful like myself.
Now, I would like to show my thanks and great appreciation by assisting you to spread Lord Caitanya's movement. Make me dance like a white elephant like Prabhupada did when he was present. I desire to be so happily situated like you in Krsna consciousness.
Thank you again for saving such a wretched soul like me and thankyou for tolerating my offensive behaviour.
Your unconditionally loving servant,
Dhrti devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Dina Dayala dasi
nama om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
Kindly enliven my sleeping senses, especially the power of my speech, so that I can properly offer you praise on the auspicious occasion of your vyasa-puja.
As you describe in 'Perfect Escape', the spiritual master is the most incredible of all mystic yogis. By his words he performs miracles. This is the real miracle - that his words slacken the gnarley knot of material attachment in the heart of the conditioned soul. This strangling knot makes one's existence frustating and miserable. Your words, once fired, are like brahmastra weapons, which cause the outer surface of the heart's crust to crack and shift. They enter unknown regions, penetrating to great depths. There is nothing I like more in the world, than to see you do this as you preach. It is more exciting than the most fantastic of firework displays. It is the most enthraling wonderful mysticism.
I wish to also surrender my conditioned self to your brahmastra like words. I wish to serve you. Where I need to change, please open fire and make me as you need a servant to be. I am not much of a feminist anymore. When Krsna says that even women, along with other low born people, can actually attain Him, I actually wonder how. I always overlooked that verse before - thinking 'women are not low born these days - we are powerful!' Yet, in a tizzy, I forget all devotional instructions! You are so very compassionate to help us deal with ourselves. Prahlada Maharaja assures that even conditioned with a
woman's nature, if one has faith in the words of the spiritual master one can understand transcendental knowledge. Your words are my only hope, your compassion is my only opportunity.
On this occasion, I wish to beg an eternal spot at your lotus feet and be engaged in your service. I am praying that I may be able to help you serve Srila Prabhupada's mission through all phases of life, through thick and thin, fixing my mind on your words.
your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi
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Divya Jnana das
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svaminn iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
"Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion."
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja.
It is wonderful that you are traveling all over the world preaching the mission of Lord Chaitanyaand helping all of the conditioned souls come back to Krsna. I wish to express my gratitude to you for performing such a service, accepting such austerities on Srila Prabhupada's behalf.
I remember when I had been coming to the temple for 2 months in Perth. All the devotees started telling me you were coming. Out of curiosity I had to come and listen. The first lecture you gave was great
so I had to hear more. On the second night you gave a class, during the class you singled me out, you said "Why is it that when it comes to material ambitions we can put our heart into it. Someone here has been eating raw food for 6 months (Ekendra had been filling you in on my activities) "Is it you?" Then you pointed me out, I nodded, then you said, "That must take some austerity, why not do something for Krsna, why not put your heart into serving Krsna?"
These simple words entered my heart and I knew I had to surrender. You left on Wednesday, and I moved into the temple on Sunday. I felt that I just had to have Krsna. Thanks to your unique preaching I was inspired to take up Krsna Consciousness. I pray to Krsna that I can have the strengh to keep serving you and Srila Prabhupada and the mission of Lord Chaitanya, and beg for your blessings that I can increase my determination to serve and help others to become Krsna Conscious.
your servant,
Divya Jnana
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Duncan
Dear Maharaj,
All glories to you on your appearance day.
This year you have given me so many opportunities to serve you, of which I am eternally grateful. Now I am blessed with the association of so many of your disciples at Soho St.
While teaching this year I was always inspired and enthusiastic to follow your example to preach where ever possible, but mainly to be an example. Your preaching style is so attractive and I hear people discussing and glorifying your energy,style and love for Srila Prabhupada after your lectures.
Your message of this highest nature is always delivered in a way that one can understand in relation to one's own life, that one can practically achieve the goals presented.You are expert at preaching this message of Lord Caitanya.
I thank you for making Krsna consciousness something I actually want rather than just because I will suffer otherwise. I am beginning to move beyond staying in KC because I no longer want to suffer and into a new stage of realising that it is the best way to live, it has the best offers. I pray that , to quote you " I go the distance".
I have a big year ahead living in Soho St. and I hope I can fulfill your desires and help this fantastic movement.
I feel such happiness when I voice your name!!!
All glories to your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Have a great day.
Your humble servant,
Bhakta Duncan
--------------------- ---------------------
Ekendra das
nama om visnu-padaya krishna presthaya bhu-tale
srimati devamrita-swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
- ----- - -------- - ----- -
naivopayanty apacitim kavayas tavesa
brahmayusapi krtam rddha-mudah smarantah
yo 'ntar bahis tanu-bhrtam asubham vidhunvann
acarya-caittya-vapusa sva-gatim vyanakti
"O my Lord! Transcendental poets and experts in spiritual science could not fully express their indebtedness to You, even if they were endowed with the prolonged lifetime of Brahma, for You appear in two features - externally as the acarya and internally as the Supersoul - to deliver the embodied living being by directing him how to come to You."
- Srimad Bhagavatam 11.29.6
rahuganaitat tapasa na yati
na cejyaya nirvapanad grhad va
na cchandasa naiva jalagni-suryair
vina mahat-pada-rajo-'bhisekam
"My dear King Rahugana, unless one has the opportunity to smear his entire body with the dust of the lotus feet of great devotees, one cannot realize the Absolute Truth. One cannot realize the Absolute Truth simply by observing celibacy, strictly following the rules and regulations of householder life, leaving home as a vanaprastha, accepting sannyasa, or undergoing severe penances in winter by keeping oneself submerged in water or surrounding oneself in summer by fire and the scorching heat of the sun. There are many other processes to understand the Absolute Truth, but the Absolute Truth is only revealed to one who has attained the mercy of a great devotee."
- Srimad Bhagavatam 5.12.12
- ----- - -------- - ----- -
As I examine my heart to find some words with which to glorify you I instead find an overwhelming lack of sincerity. Understanding myself to be bewildered in my opportunity, I feel the need to assess the extraordinay good fortune that has entered my life as a result of having been benedicted with your association.
Before I met you I can honestly say that I had practically no idea what real compassion meant. Never before had I met someone who only wanted good for me. Even my parents, who naturally wanted for me to enjoy a life of prosperous comfort, could not fill the emptiness that I experienced whilst growing up in a soul-killing society. Your loving spiritual protection has filled that void and has allowed me to begin to see the natural purpose of my life.
I know that you desire my topmost welfare and only wish for me to be completely blissful and satisfied in devotional service. Enveloped in ignorance, I struggle with so many desires that impede my progress and rob me of the simply wonderful satisfaction found only in love for Krishna. This is what you want for all of us to experience. I am reminded of a passage from the Old Testament in the Christian theology: "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He leadeth me beside still waters and maketh me to lie down in green pastures."
Once a devotee told me of a morning walk wherin Srila Prabhupada taught his disciples a very simple yet applicable lesson. Walking around a small lake in a public park, Srila Prabhupada's usually super-brilliant insights were accompanied by an aural backdrop of morning birdsong with the peculiar interjection of ducks quacking nearby. At some point in the discussion Srila Prabhupada graced one of the benches near the lakeside and began to toss some prasadam remnants to the ducks. Upon seeing the opportunity to have a nice breakfast, a few of the ducks were very bold and competitive in trying to gobble up what was most likely the igniting spark towards their awakening of remebrance of Krishna. On the other hand, many of the ducks were too timid and untrusting to compete for the mercy and instead pitifully looked on as their duck peers edged closer and closer to the source of their morning benediction. His Divine Grace began to show favour to the eager ducks who were strongly desiring his sanctified remnants while only occasionally throwing some mercy to the fearful ducks loitering in the distance.
A disciple took note of Srila Prabhupada's demeanour and asked:
"Srila Prabhupada, why is it that you are giving so much more mercy to these ducks and only a little to the ducks who are too timid to approach you?"
Srila Prabhupada answered: "Because they are taking."
Guru Maharaja, I pray that I can remember the urgency with which I need to take your mercy. I have so much nonsense in my head and in my heart and I know that it is only by your compassion that I am hanging on to the only good thing that has ever transpired in my life. You have given me so much; yet I am so calloused and worldly that I cannot genuinely appreciate the selflessness that you have exhibited to me over and over again.
Recently Ananda Tirtha Prabhu was helping me to understand the word-for-word meaning of your pranam mantra. When we came to the word 'parartha' we had to look it up on the Vedabase and were pleased to find it in one of the verses from Prahlada Maharaja that you quote so often in class:
prayena deva munayah sva-vimukti-kama
maunam caranti vijane na parartha-nisthah
naitan vihaya krpanan vimumuksa eko
nanyam tvad asya saranam bhramato 'nupasye
"My dear Lord Nrsimhadeva, I see that there are many saintly persons indeed, but they are interested only in their own deliverance. Not caring for the big cities and towns, they go to the Himalayas or the forest to meditate with vows of silence [mauna-vrata]. They are not interested in delivering others. As for me, however, I do not wish to be liberated alone, leaving aside all these poor fools and rascals. I know that without Krsna consciousness, without taking shelter of Your lotus feet, one cannot be happy. Therefore I wish to bring them back to shelter at Your lotus feet."
Para-artha - interested in working for others by giving them the benefit of the Krishna consciousness movement, by enlightening them with Krishna consciousness
If it weren't for your taking this verse very seriously and trying with all of your heart to fulfill its purport I would probably still be living out my years in misery unaware of the purpose of my life. Thank you Guru Maharaja for your selfless service. Thank you for saving me from hell. Thank you for saving me from myself. Please give me your blessings so that I may try harder to follow in your footsteps.
Your eternally endebted servant,
Ekendra das
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Geoff
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-prestaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svamin iti namine
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Srila Guru-deva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am very surprised to find that my little dabble in yoga and meditation contained somewhere some genuine desire to understand who is Krishna. How do I know? Because I have had the great fortune to meet you, a bonafide spiritual master. The Vedic literature says that when the Supersoul sees the genuine desire of a living entity, then he arranges for him to meet a genuine guru. For me, you are that guru. Therefore, because you display all the characteristics of a bonafide spiritual master, I must conclude that you are the direct representative of Krishna, sent by Him to help me re-establish my lost relationship with Him.
"O Lord Damodara, just as the two sons of Kuvera--Manigriva and Nalakuvara--were delivered from the curse of Narada and made into great devotees by You in Your form as a baby tied with rope to a wooden grinding mortar, in the same way, please give to me Your own prema-bhakti. I only long for this and have no desire for any kind of liberation."
Gurudeva, just as the sage Satyavrata prays to Lord Damodara for his mercy, I also pray that you will also give me your mercy, just as you have shown your mercy to Sriman Nalakuvara dasa and Sriman Manigriva dasa. You have convinced me that the only goal worth striving for is developing Krishna-bhakti. But without your mercy I cannot make any progress on this path.
I am a small, insignificant fragment of the Complete Whole, continually subject to the coverings of passion and ignorance. Without your mercy I shall certainly rot in this material existence for many, many millions of births. Alone I cannot free myself from this miserable condition, the only escape is to be let out of this prison by your causeless mercy.
Therefore on your Vyasa-puja day, I am begging that you will please engage me in your service.
Your eternal servant,
Geoff
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Bhakta Glenn
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I would like to thank you for making such inspiring devotees here in Wellington and for making Krsna Consciousness more real for me. I hope that someday I can face up to reality and be your servant.
From Glenn
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Gokula Lila dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I remember my first encounter of your vani.Your association can never be forgotten, it always stuck in my heart.The atmosphere at Gaura Yoga, back then 'The Loft', was extra surcharged and full of excitement. The devotees's spiritual teacher was in town and mercifully Dina-dayala talked me into coming to one of your workshops.
After the workshop,I watched as you calmly strolled through the restaurant speaking with such love and soft heartedness to the guests including myself along the way. I noticed how the devotees were so eager to do things for you, dropping their prior engagements upon you asking them to do something and with such eagerness and youthful energy they would run around for you.
A mood of selfless dedication the devotees had for you and your presence in Gaura Yoga. I 'd never seen or experienced anything like it before and in confusion I asked Khadirvana to explain the situation to me. Sometime later upon moving into the ashram I found out that when Khadiravana had told the devotees what I said they had collectively decided that its because "we love our Guru Maharja so much!"
Guru Maharaja, with my appreciation and love for you which is presently small yet growing day by day(or book by book I sell). I just wanted to reflect upon and express to you on this wonderful day of your appearance how I am so thankful to you and your dependants that I too am now caught up in this surcharged excitement of serving your lotus feet that I had a mere glimpse into that night a couple of years ago at Gaura Yoga.
I can now to some degree understand why the devotees were eagerly racing around for you. Who would not want to drop dumpster diving Kali Yuga nonsense to dedicate their time to such a great master as you?
I feel that just as you expressed in your Vyasa-Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada that his books 'enraptured your heart and mind on your first date' similarly, you have this unique way of enrapturing the heart and mind of the dumpster diving, trance dancing fools like me.
With your ever fresh lectures which you bring down to earth for us to understand with such flair and humor. Your rocking Kirtans of ardent, heartfelt cries for Krsna which has everyone bouncing with joy.
Your hours upon hours of whole heartedly helping to uplift your aspiring disciples to higher levels of devotion - what to speak of your determination and expertise in reaching out to those not practicing Krsna Consciousness and encouraging others to do the same.
You amaze me how you have increasing numbers of dependants needy of your care and big hearted TLC due to tormented minds and broken hearts yet still have time for everyone and you always expanding your ability to care and begging us to bring you more Kali Yuga refugees.Your heart is so BIG and like the sky has no limits.
I love how every instruction you give is already fully mastered by you.You instructed me to put my heart in my service, be jolly and responsible, not lazy and selfish, to have love for Prabhupada's books and not let people suffer.Thus I can now see with my neophyte vision you are teaching us by your proficient example.
Guru Maharaja, my ability to express appreciation and gratefulness to you and your legacy is not in my makeup - this offering is my best.Please accept it.
I am can express one thing which I 'm sure of.
You have completely given your life to save messed up troubled wrecks of Kali Yuga and I happened to be one of the tormented ones that needed lots of your TLC. Just like Srila Prabhupada did, you are showing us with your caring fatherly guidance how to take shelter of his books and begging us again and again to live within them, even after we ignore this simple instruction and care not to dive within these books as you have. Thank you for caring for us so much as to give us so much of your enlivening and saintly vapu and expert vani.
Thank you for all your personal reciprocal blessings.
Desiring somewhere in my turbulent shell shocked heart to one day feel the intense love for you that you have for Prabhupada and wanting so much to drop my pride which is bigger than your heart and shed tears in the dust of your lotus feet. Wanting so much to inundanate myself with your pure words and adhere to you forever serving you through Sankirtana.
Your Servant
Gokula Lila
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Gopal Guru das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet.
My whole life I have been endeavouring for love through friends, family and the opposite sex. All attempts ultimately failed due to the fact that material love is limited and temporary – because the body that we base it on is also limited and temporary. My desire to give love and be loved, not being satisfied, was very quickly satiated by the transcendental association of your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the devotees.
By rendering service to the Supreme, Krishna, all living entities are benefited and thus rendering service to the Supreme, in particularly preaching Krishna consciousness, is the ultimate in welfare work, the ultimate in distribution of love – this you taught us through your classes and your own example.
The love and education given by one's parents lasts as long as one's material body, yet the love of Krishna that you distribute is eternal and limitless and whatever you have given us can never be taken away. Therefore you are our ultimate benefactor.
I beg that I may follow in your footsteps and also distribute Krishna consciousness, love of Krishna, because although my debt to you can never be paid I at least want to share this wonderful gift that you have given me to others. Then hopefully, one day, I will be able to really appreciate and realise the gift that you have bestowed upon me.
You always taught us to take care of ourselves, to love our selves, and then we can learn to love others. You taught us this through the process of simultaneous transformation and distribution. I beg that I can staunchly follow the purificatory process of Krishna consciousness whilst at the same time assist you in your preaching endeavours. It is the family business and as a good son I want to assist you and carry it on, doing my best to please you through my preaching endeavours. This is only possible through your blessings and it has only been possible by your blessings and mercy that I have been given this rare and wonderful opportunity to practice and preach Krishna consciousness in the association of the devotees.
Please bless this worthless soul to use his abilities entirely for the propagation of Krishna consciousness, 24 hours a day. I have no qualification to carry out devotional service and I fully admit that the dormant love of Krishna that lies beneath all my material covering is far from sight. The only strength that I have comes from your own selfless love and devotion and knowing that by pleasing you I am pleasing Krishna.
Please be merciful unto this sorry soul – for as I am lost in this material whirl pool and I rely upon your strong hands to pull me out and lift me to the higher realms of bhakti. I long for the day that I can stand on my own two feet and begin to walk and preach in full confidence and faith with the ultimate goal of life, love of Krishna, near in sight. All this I want to do for your pleasure because it is to you that I owe everything and by pleasing you I can also please Krishna, and bring good fortune to all living entities.
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado
yasyaprasadan na gati kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam
vande guro sri-caranaravindam
“By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.”
Begging to always be in your association through your divine instruction,
Your servant,
Gopala Guru Dasa
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Guruvani dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
namah om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrta Swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Recently I read an e-mail from someone, it said “Devamrta Swami and his disciples make for a dynamic team”. I laughed at the thought. Not of your dynamism, of course, but that we could be associated with it. It reminds me of Lord Rama and his army of monkeys who attacked Lanka.
When Hanuman and his monkey soldiers crossed the ocean to fight Ravana’s raksasas they had no real weapons – because they were just a bunch of monkeys! The raksasas, on the other hand, were excellently equipped with weapons of modern warfare. But determinedly the monkeys fought, grabbing stones and trees and mountain peaks, anything they could find and with any strength they could muster. The odds seemed grossly uneven. How is it possible that such a bunch could defeat the raksasas? It was certainly not due to their own individual strength or dexterity but due to the daiva strength of Lord Rama’s mercy driving them.
We too, setting out on a new mission – your mission, are simply a bunch of monkeys. Individually we have such limited capacity. We have no great weaponry or abilities and are plagued with so many faults. Yet, by Krsna’s transcendental strength coming through you, we can fight with confidence and determination. Your dynamism, your transcendental strength and guidance drives us.
I beg that you may always let this monkey be an instrument in your fight, Guru Maharaja.
Yet, my unbridled monkey-like senses, allured by the mode of passion, lead me swinging here, there and everywhere busily engaged – for Krsna’s service of course! I lament. When will the maturity develop in me that I realise everything is in the hearing and chanting – that relishing Srila Prabhupada’s books and the Holy Name is the perfection of spiritual life?
I can only but cling to your instructions and fight for your mission and hope against hope that one day such direct devotional service will be the first and foremost achievement on my daily to-do list.
Please grant me the strength to get my priorities right, Guru Maharaja.
Begging to remain your monkey soldier,
Your servant
Guru vani
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Hamsa Avatara das
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
namah om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrta Swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances At Your Lotus Feet.
I have no words to properly express how merciful you are. I was in Wellington, New Zealand and was coming to the Loft every evening. After a few weeks, I was thinking of moving into the Ashram with the devotees, but was not sure whether I would be accepted. A devotee then brought up this matter and told me that you had given your permission for me to stay in tha Ashram. You had never even seen me at this point of time, but you were very magnanimous in allowing me to stay in the Ashram with the devotees.
Whenever you came to Los Angeles temple, you always had the time to meet me and enquire how I was doing in spite of your busy schedule. During your visits to Mayapur, you tolerated my shortcomings in serving you properly and always encouraged me by giving me the service of arranging your prasadam and also allowing me to accompany you to the Holy sites in Mayapur.
I got a glimpse of your fame as a glorious preacher when I was in Mumbai. The devotees there glorified your preaching and told me that I was extremely fortunate to be a disciple of such a glorious personality. It is only your merciful nature that has made you to accept me as a disciple in spite of me having no qualifications.
I sincerely hope and pray that one day I will be able to assist you in your glorious service of spreading Krishna Consciousness to the suffering humanity of the world.
Your Insignificant Servant,
Hamsa Avatara Das
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Indranila dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to Your Divine Lotusfeet.
Thank you for helping me understand about Krsna and how to develop pure love for Him.
Thank You for helping me understand the philosophy and how to serve the devotees.
Your have a most perfect character.
Thank You for always having an unconditional dipostion towards me.
Why do You care so much for insignificant me? It must be Your endless compasion.
Your servant,
Indranila devi dasi
Wonderful Gurudeva Ki jaya!
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Jaya Tirtha Caran das
namah om vishnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale /
srimate bhaktivedanta svamin iti namine //
namaste sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracharine /
nirveshesha-shunyavadi paschatya-desha-tarine //
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-shalakaya /
chaksur unmiltam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah //
vancha kalpa tarubhyas cha krpa-sindhubhya eva cha /
patitanam pavanebhyo vaishnavebhyo namo namah //
prachare purva-daksyam cha bhaktachara-pravinata /
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve cha te namah //
The Acharyas' tell us, "The syllables of the word Guru are explained as follows - "GU" signifies darkness, and "RU" signifies one who removes it. Due to his ability to remove the darkness of ignorance, a transcendentalist is addressed as a Guru."
"O Arjuna, this very ancient science of the relationship with the supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend, therefore you can understand the transcendental mystery of this science." (Bhagavad Gita. 4:3.)
sabde brahmani vede veda-tatparyya-jnapake shastrantare cha nisnatam nipunam, anyatha sisyasya samsaya-cchedabhave vaimanasya cha sati kasyacit sraddha-saithilyam api sambhavet. pare brahmani cha nisnatam aparoksanubhava-samartham, anyatha tat-kripa samyak phalavati na syat. para-brahma-nisnatatva-dyotakam aha, - upasam ashrayam krodha-lobhady-avasibhutam
Srila Vishvanath Chakravarty Thakura has explained the characteristics of Guru. Gurudeva should be well-versed in the scriptures such as the Vedas and other allied scriptures. An aspirant disciple cannot progress in his worship of God without taking shelter of a really qualified Guru, who should have the capacity of removing the doubts of disciples by reasoning substantiated with evidence from authentic scriptures. He says that if Gurudeva is incapable of removing the doubts of the disciple, the disciple's belief in Him may slacken. Therefore the second characteristic of Sri Gurudeva is that he should have genuine realization of the Absolute Truth. Only by theoretical knowledge of the scriptures, without having practical realization, a Spiritual Guide cannot give proper advice and direction in accordance to the eligibility of the disciple. By the instruction of a Guru possessing the quality of practical realization, the disciple can have actual spiritual progress. It is to be considered here, a disciple can have the capacity to comprehend scriptural knowledge of Gurudeva by hearing from Him; but how can a disciple understand whether Gurudeva has got realization of Divinity (the Absolute Truth) or not? Supreme Lord is Transcendental Reality, His Absolute Counterpart Gurudeva is also Transcendental. Therefore, a neophyte votary cannot understand Gurudeva's realization of Divinity by his own endeavours and therefore must do so in the association of like minded devotees.
In your preaching you have extended yourself to give good guidance to those souls who are genuine seekers. Your classes are tailored to planet seeds of inquisitiveness in fertile minds who come to hear you speak. Your thought provoking challenges to the established and accepted realm of the mundane shakes the foundations of material worldliness. You expose the futility of "dumpster diving" for pleasure, "wasting time mauling each other's bodies" "intoxicating, killing the body" and similar time wasting episodes to simply fill in time in people's empty lives. You direct how and where to gain a genuine taste, a taste that is worthy of pursuing and putting energy into, a taste of something that is not lost or ready to fade in time....
In this world there's a natural tendency to want to have friends, but alas few know who or what a friend really means. Chanakhya Pandit describes an ordinary friend (mitra) as being like a bucket of poison with milk floating on top. Everything looks very nice, but as soon as there's some friction and the surface friendship is broken by some clash then we see what lay deep below the surface, so this form of selfish, motivated "friendship" is not friendship at all.
The kind of friendship that you offer is something of a different nature, it is with purpose. Your tolerance depicts that your commitment to Prabhupad's mission carries the higher realms of friendship according to shastra. Travelling constantly you make yourself available for seekers to enquire and hear, giving them the opportunity to share your depth of realizations, a real hand up in the world. The Madhyasta friendship (working relationship) keeps the focus on the mission/purpose and understands why or for what we have been brought together by the Lord. In this way those who are sent to you are not neglected, rather you take personal interest in helping them develop naturally and become stable and happy in Krishna consciousness. It's a pleasure to watch.
In Udasina friendship of neutrality those who are stand-offish of their own accord miss out. Udasinam is revealed in your availability to your disciples - the typical udasina scenario being cited by Srila Prabhupad, of us taking one step toward Krishna and His taking a thousand steps toward us. Your passport reveals the purport to this one as do your "frequent flyer points" LOL.
Aspiring to be an ever well wisher to the suffering souls, following in the foot prints of His Divine Grace is apparent. Suhridam sarva bhutanam, Krishna is described as He is the well wisher of all living beings. The proof is there, every year we are seeing spiritually scruffy signet swans following you around, and in a short time thereafter they seem to have all their spiritual feathers, and to your credit are attracting others in the embryonic stage of Krishna consciousness to become swan-like devotees too.
Your taking seriously your responsibilities as Guru extending yourself all over the world, where the need is, reveals the result that the preaching is flourishing in those places. There's no need to answer why, it's as clear as when the Sun is in the sky, no need to ask more.
Some of us know what it is to be available to others all the time, and to always look for how they will benefit Krishna consciously from it. To constantly travel, arrive and address, to give and give, and enthuse again shows the depth of your realization and commitment, artificially it just doesn't go on. In the verse above citing Srila Vishvanath Chakravarty Thakur he says; There are two aspects of Supreme Lord and His Absolute Counterpart Gurudeva - (1) morphological aspect and (2) ontological aspect. Conditioned souls can by their mind, intellect and sense-organs grasp the morphological, i.e. the external aspect of the thing - thing as it appears - and yet not necessarily the thing As It Is. The thing As It Is, in toto, can be realized only by the grace of God given Transcendental Realities, endowed through unconditional complete surrender at the Lord's lotus feet.
We humbly pray that Srila Prabhupad, the previous Acharyas, Mahaprabhu and Sri Krishna and His associates empower you more and more to help more and more devotees as they themselves find the inclination to change from sluggish caterpillars into beautiful butterflies.
Trusting this finds you well in every respect.
I beg to remain, yours in the humble service of the Lord and His devotees.
...and on this your Vyaasa pujan - Shubh dinam astu or Have a Nice Day
Shri KrishnArpanamAstu
ys, JTCd
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Bhakta Jeremy
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisances.
Please accept this simple offering as a sign of how grateful I am for everything you have done for me, and for so many others. I remember the first time I met a Swami, you came in from a walk and we sat down on a couch together. The sunlight shone in from the window and your big smile made my worries disapear. I couldnt express myself at the time, but you just kept smiling and made me feel right at home. I told you I was going to be a Medic in the army, and you inlisted me in Caitanya's one instead. Thank you for your guidance, for giving me so much of your time, and helping me to realise the tremendous value of Prabhupadas books.
All glories to you on this special day.
Your humble servant,
Bakta Jeremy
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Jhulan Yatra das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your service to Srila Prabhupada!
Gurudeva, previously I had not written something to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja. This is quite simply because putting down on paper something to describe your selfless sacrifices for the fallen conditioned souls like myself, is practically impossible.
So I will attempt to follow in the footsteps of the previous Acharya's whose words in glorification of the Spiritual Master are perfect.
By your lotus feet only will I be able to attain pure devotional service. Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day (and every day) I bow down to your lotus feet with great awe and reverence. Only by your grace can I cross over this ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krishna. My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from your lotus mouth. Attachment to your lotus feet is the perfection that will fulfill all my desires. You have opened my darkened eyes (and are still doing so) and you fill me with the desire to take shelter of Srila Prabhupada's books.
From you ecstatic prema emanates. By you all ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic Scriptures sing of your character. You are an ocean of mercy, the friend of everyone, my lord and master.
Please continue to give this wretch the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your fame is spread all over the three worlds.
I take shelter of your lotus feet Gurudeva.
Please accept this most humble offering on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Endeavouring to become a useful servant of your lotus feet,
Jhulan Yatra dasa.
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Bhakta Johnny
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
As I begin to attempt to express the inexpressible feelings of indebtedness to you on this most wondrous day, I can hardly dare to imagine where I would be right now if I had never received your causeless mercy. Where would I be and what would I be doing? Actually I need not play the fool; I know exactly where I would be. Such a picture became a reality to me recently, when like a rich man’s son who runs away to live a life of a pauper, I left the cooling shelter of your lotus feet only to jump again into the fire of material desire. The suffering condition of such a state of being, bereft of devotional service, need not be mentioned here, for if you did not already know of such sufferings then there would be no meaning to the selfless acts of compassion you are showing for all the forgetful souls at the present moment. Like your divine father Srila Prabhupada, you have dedicated your whole life to save all the fallen conditioned souls rotting in this material world. Fulfilling the true meaning of tri-dandi and setting the example for all, you are surely showing your spiritual children just what it means to surrender ones body, mind and words, all for the mission of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna Caitanya.
Like an expert gardener who knows how to cultivate plant life in all different types of environment and seasons, with your expertise you have shown how the dormant Krishna consciousness within all people can be easily reawakened and sprouted even in the seemingly unfertile western cities of this winter-like age. Such an expertise is described is by Srila Prabhupada in his purport to S.B 1.9.9:
“Expert religionists know perfectly well how to adjust religious principles in terms of time and place. All the great acharyas or religious preachers or reformers of the world executed their mission by adjustment of religious principles in terms of time and place. There are different climates and situations in different parts of the world, and if one has to discharge his duties to preach the message of the Lord, he must be expert in adjusting things in terms of the time and place.”
How fortunate I was to come in contact with your ‘Loft’ preaching centre 4 years ago. Before hand I had already been to a temple, but felt so alienated that I never had any inclination to go back or to find out more about Krishna consciousness. After regularly going to the Loft and being so nicely cultivated there, although I was still not ready for full time temple life, I became still more fortunate enough to be provided with a facility, a ‘contemporary vedic ashram’, to practice sadhana bhakti and associate with devotees of the Lord - all this by your divine grace.
So on this auspicious day of your appearance I sincerely hope and pray that I may be able to give up my selfish nature and push aside my irresponsible ways, thus becoming a useful instrument for you to use in fulfilling your Guru Maharaja’s desire.
Begging to wake up everyday feeling the weight of my inexpressible debt to you, and to have your instructions at the forefront of my mind,
Your insignificant servant,
Johnny
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Jugala-Kisora das
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Recently I attended my grandmother’s funereal in Pennsylvania and I got to see a glimpse of the covering potency of maya. My “family” dressed the body up so nicely and then said the usual “Oh, she looks so peaceful” and the like. It reminded me of what Srila Prabhupada said in His Krishna Book “A dead body may be decorated very nicely, but without consciousness such decorations are useless.”
I severely felt out of place in the room of the people I had not seen in 10 years and the only thing I could do was to chant Hare Krishna and finger my beads that I had stashed in the pocket of my pants and politely nod and smile. After it was all said and done they were back to normal life within 36 hours and fighting over who was going to get what and how much of the inheritance.
Gurudeva, I will never be able to glorify you properly so I would just like to thank you for saving me by giving me the process by which I may become free from the bodily concept of life and do not have to suffer the pain of not knowing what is the goal of this life. Hoping not to disappoint you further.
Your aspiring servant,
Jugala Kisora Dasa
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Bhaktin Julia
nama om visnu padaya
krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrta
svamin iti namine
nama om visnu padaya
krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate bhaktivedanta
svamin iti namine
Dearest Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obiesances on this glorious day of your appearance!
All glorioes to the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada!
For lifetimes and lifetimes I have glorified and submissivley served the material energy. Wandering aimlessly through all spheres of life I have engaged in all kinds of abominable activities. Only by your causeless mercy Guru Maharaja do I find myself faced with the supremely golden opportunity of serving in the Sankirtana Yajna with the association of your dedicated disciples.
When will I take advantage of this most precious jewel you have devoted your life to distributing, and serve you whole heartedly without an idle moment?
You are the true object of glorification Gurudeva and my mere attempts to worship your saintly character will always fall short of your worth. You have selflessly taken on an intense schedule of austerity to please your spiritual master and no doubt you are most dear to him. Your dedication has lead to a deep understanding of what Srila Prabhupada really wanted and with your expert preaching you are carrying this mission through with the day by day progression of Kali Yuga. You have mastered the art of personalism which is almost non exsistent in the west and with this most wonderful quality you
are capturing the hearts of many suffering souls.
Your penetrating mood of compassion is like that of the great saint Prahlada Maharaja.
"My concern is only for the fools and rascals who are making elaborate plans for material happiness.........I am simply concerned with love for them."
- Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.43
When I think of Prahlada Maharaja, I see you. Never wasting a moment and always teaching by example, you stress the importance and urgency of being proactive in spreading the glories of Sri Krsna.
My desire is to completely absorb my body, mind and words in the service of your lotus feet. Please teach me to be a selfless servant of my dear, devoted master, and in some way be of some use you.
Your aspring servant,
Julia
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Bhakta Julian
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to His Divine Grace, Srila Prabhupada.
All gratefulness to your compassionate heart.
I'm indeed full of gratitude for the greatest gift you so liberally gave and continue to give. My plans for material happiness were grandly foolish indeed. Initially by way of your compassionate disciple Carana Renu dasi, then by your personal grace, this atheist was kindly snatched up and somehow or other swayed to accept Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Never would I have thought such a thing possible.
It is truly amazing how much you are doing so much for so many lost souls much like me all around the world. You expertly keep all of us afloat in the ocean of Maya. By your genius you are constantly coming up with new, bold and crafty ways of "soul fishing". I often wonder, without your causeless mercy, without Srila Prabhupada's causeless mercy, without Lord Caitanya's causeless mercy, what would have become of us and the world? Most probably - not much.
Please kindly incinerate my false pride with your mercy.
Please kindly direct my blind wanderings with your transcendental vision.
Please kindly continue to tolerate my attempts at serving you, despite all my offenses at your lotus feet.
Your indebted, aspiring servant,
Bhakta Julian
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Bhaktin Juliana
nama om visnu padaya krsna prsthaya bhutal srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
Dear Guru Maharaja,
P lease accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet,all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The first time I met you was in Perth, everyone had told me that a guru was coming, and i didnt know what to expect. I remember entering the Temple and you were standing opposite, far at the other end of the room and had a kind and gentle smile on your face, which touched me and made me feel allright in your presence. Ekendra asked me if i wanted to see you, he said it was like seeing a docter, I said yes.
Now I understand what he ment, you are our doctor, for our soul , bringing us closer to God, to Krsna; your instructions are our medicine.
I always knew that you would make major changes in my life and I was expecting them to be painful and healing at the same time! You gave so much mercy to me since we first met, you give so much care to all of us and sometimes I wonder how is it possible for you to give so much? Through your mercy only have I been able to work on so many things which seemed impossible to work on, but somehow or other you give me strengh and intelligence to at least try to do it. Sometimes I am afraid when I know you will give me some instruction that means to change and actually really look at myself and start to clean. Then I remember one thing Seva Kunja said to me when you gave me an instruction I thought I would not ever be able to follow, but knowing I had to follow in order to progress in Krsna consiousness, she said, "Juliana, if you just do what Guru says you will be fine, always." She said it over and over again, and it was very true, I was fine!
I always remember those words and I pray that I can remember them in the future for whatever instruction you will give me! Sometimes I doubt so much, but never do I want to leave you, please let me always remain under your shelter, please let me always remain your spiritual daughter and servant!
You are so selfless and caring , putting yourself out of your way to help, only by your mercy and intelligence will I hopefully be able to assist you nicely, always. In your presence I always feel appreciated and accepted in a way that I cannot explain. In your association i feel enthusiasm and determination to serve you ,please help me to always maintain that every day in order to serve you nicely ,and to become even more enthusiastic and determened!
Please let me stay in your service and under your shelter always.
Whatever i can do to make you happy, please, i want to try to do that.
Thank you for so much care and mercy, I know that I cannot thank and reciprocate enough. I am feeling humbled trying to write this offering to you, please accept this coming from my heart.
I wish I had more and nicer words of expressing my respect and love for you as my spiritual father.
Thank you Guru Maharaja.
All glories to you!
Your servant and daughter,
Juliana
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Khadiravan dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
1997 I am like a bedraggled dog emerging from the raging ocean of Kali yuga, I am lost and don't know what to do with myself. Since age 14 I have been self destructing on a diet of sinful activity and trying (failing miserably) to exist in a society built on dysfunctional, hollow relatonships. I am hoping to find a spiritual teacher because I need some direction. (All else has failed). By the great mercy of Srila Prabhupada, I receive some of his books and they capture my heart...I have found what I am looking for... I come to "The Loft" in Auckland and feel very welcomed, I am excited and relieved to find this new world.
The devotees are anticipating your auspicious arrival. They tell me to come back the following week to hear you talk. I am curious, and emboldened by the warm voice of Srila Prabhupada in his books. He is welcoming me and everyone to become Krsna conscious. I come to the workshop on Friday nights, "Gita Mysteries". In my cloudy state I sense that you are very pure and are existing somewhere very different from where we all are. You begin the discussions and in your expert style, ask us to share our thoughts and reflections on the points you bring forth. We feel honoured and appreciated as we share our "spiritual insights" with you and watch fascinated as you peel away the muddle of our perceptions and gently expose our ignorance and desperate need for transcendental knowledge. You give me special attention and I am thinking that I am definitely on the right track, and you are helping me. Over the next days that you are there you talk to me more and encourage me to start chanting and reading Bhagavad gita seriously. You are the first person that I feel really cares about me.
As the years pass, I am amazed that you continue to care so much and I see you caring with the same dedication for all your other spiritual children, and then all the new people approaching Krsna consciousness. What have we done to deserve this? It is your causeless mercy upon us. One who is Krsna conscious feels an intimate relation with all living entities, seeing them as Krsna's parts and parcels. Prahlada Maharaja says, "I am simply concerned with love for them"... these fools and rascals who are making elaborate plans to be happy in this material world. We can certainly see this realisation in practise in your compassionate example. Narottama das Thakur says that the Vedic scriptures sing of your character. Of what use are my small words? I can only hope to follow as a small child in my spirtual father's magnanimous footsteps.
Time is taking away my life and only sometimes I am painfully conscious that I have passed my youthful years in the "spaced out duffer" category.
I am longing to become a dedicated servitor for you that you may feel satisfied to offer at Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet. I would consider that to be the only perfection of my life and if I don't achieve that, my life has been wasted. As you would say to me in the beginning,"Don't waste your life, use your brains". I'm beginning to understand a bit more what that means. Please bless me with the intelligence and strength to do what you want me to do.
Your aspiring servant,
Khadiravan devi dasi
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Bhaktin Komal
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I just wanted to say thank you for helping me, you are so causelessly merciful. By your mercy I have been dropped into the ocean of devotional service. I pray that I can follow your instructions sincerely and thus be used as an instrument in your service and the parampara. May your love for Srila Prabhupada and his books be a constant source of inspiration.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Komal
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Krishnagraja das
nama om visnu padayakrishna prestaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
nama om visnu padaya krishna prestaya bhutale
srimate bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine
Dear GuruMaharaja,
On this most auspicious divine occasion of your Vyasapuja, I offer my respectful obeisances unto you.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories unto you.
I am amazed as I contemplate the present situation. Although imperfect, I consider myself to be placed on the path of perfection by your grace. Early days were my studies in the Gurukula. I studied Bhakti Sastri and got honours, learned Krishna Consciousness theoretically and practically to some degree, along with my devotee friends I studied subjects affiliated with Cambridge University, learnt music and yajna here and there. But the question arises whether I got any tangible taste for it? After the Gurukula royal graduation, T.V was my main object and devotion and sleeping through mangala arati was my life’s dream. And this predicament drew me very, very, very fast on the royal road, opposite perfection, which was my unfortunate situation.
At present I am surprised that I have a better life than just sleeping in the morning, so now life is more real than just seeing the square box screen. Rather I developed a bit of positive taste.
How is it possible that my previous dream had been shattered into pieces? As I trace back the first interaction we had in Mayapur, I could see the true meaningful nature of yourself, which I have been looking for long, long years. You have cared for me since then. This is to say you have always encouraged me though I never deserved it for the lack of qualification. You placed me in the prestigious university (ISKCON Chowpatty), when you were not available in India.
I got a bit of taste to continue the practical and theoretical knowledge of devotional service, and all this was possible because of your natural, affectionate mercy in the form of chastisement.
Who else has this wonderful fatherly nature to this rebellious child? Indeed, you have placed me under the trusted care of Aniruddha Prabhu, Acintya Rupa Mataji and under the affectionate care of my God brothers, God sisters and all the wonderful devotees in Melbourne temple. All auspicious atmospheres had been given by you and therefore I am totally indebted to you.
On this special occasion I pray at your lotus feet that I take full advantage, and make the best use of the opportunity I have got. Also please give me the strength that I can try to satisfy you by following your instructions and preaching Krishna consciousness with great care and devotion. If this is all fulfilled, than I consider myself on the path towards the desired perfection, which is to relish serving your instructions and serving all the Vaisnavas for ever.
Lastly please forgive me for any offences I have committed unto you by accident or by purpose.
Your eternally indebted and inexperienced child,
Krishnagraja Das
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Krsnaloka dd
nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Guru Maharaja,
The spiritual master opens our eyes with the torchlight of knowledge. I know that it is only due to your vision that I can see the devastating effects of Kali-yuga.
People are suffering!
They are plagued with so many desires for sense gratification, dreaming that they’re going to find happiness. Clocking up huge debts to become ignorant. They work like beasts of burden with so much pressure to perform. So many hurts from relationships. Afflicted with so many fears and complexities. They are drowning in an ocean of anxiety. They are so lonely.
Such empty lives!
If only they can remember Krsna once again.
But Krsna never forget us. That’s why he sends his representative.
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
pratasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisance’s unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Krsna is the ocean of mercy and the spiritual master is trying to get us to come to that ocean.
I watch in wonderment and deep respect at how selflessly you are showering mercy on the lives of so many people. Time and time again I am amazed. When I think that I have seen the depths of that ocean, it increases more and more. There appears to be no limit to your compassion.
For Krsna’s pleasure you are showing us yourself by practical example how to extract people from maya’s web of illusion and then how to affectionately maintain them, how to get the best out of everyone – this is very powerful!!
On the auspicious day of your appearance I want to express my deep gratitude for the mercy you have given this fallen soul.
I fervently beg and pray that I can follow your instructions.
Your servant,
Krsnaloka devi dasi
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Maha Laksmi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances unto you, who possess all the qualities of expertise in preaching
and Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
At lonely times, and in moments of hopelessness, when it seems as though all is lost, you remain my one guiding light. You are extending the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara to so many, even though we are unqualified to take it.
Like a true father, you carefully and lovingly guide all in your care. You see the potential in everyone,
and there is no-one that you refuse to help. You have so many qualified surrendered souls, capable
of assisting you in your work. Then there is me. Although i cannot fulfill your aspirations of me, I
beg that you will not kick me away.
It is your unbounded depth of transcendental qualities, such as purity, meekness and surrender,
that inspire us to follow you - and we hope against hope that we can somehow purify ourselves, and attain what you have attained - unmotivated and uninterupted love for Krsna and His parts and parcels.
You sometimes say that you do not have anything material to offer us. You do not even have a house
(but you can give us a place in the ashram!). Still you have given us shelter in Prabhupada's ISKCON,
a most generous gift.
I am forever indebted.
Your struggling servant,
Mahalaxmi devi dasi
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Maha Hari das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine feet. All Glories to Srila Prahbupada!
All Glories to you on your divine and transcendental day of Vysa Puja!!!!
On this very auspicious day of your transcendental appearance, we your neophyte spiritual sons are learning how to serve and worship you. This is also the best moment for us to tell you that there are many things that supersede the excellency of your character and form of preaching, your incisive and philosophical approach is what attracted me to you.
Your words do not differ from Srila Prahbupada and everytime I see and listen to you, I feel the presence of Srila Prahbupada and it manifests as your words and instructions. You are very clear and express to everyone what is that you want for their spiritual lives.
I feel ashamed because I am not as surrendered as my spiritual brothers, who assist and serve with love and reverence and above all, follow with obeidance your instructions which are like nectar for the sincere devotees but for me it is quite difficult to follow them satisfactorily due to my fallen condition.
In the next year I want to offer you something real and not just words. I would like very much to satisfy you and serve you effectively.
My ignorance and arrogance impedes me to see that you want to take me out of this world and return me back to Godhead. But I want you to know that I want to learn from you how to consciously follow your instructions and learn how to execute them properly.
I will never stop battling against the ignorance that has me trapped in this world and aspire to continue until my final days battling to expound Krishna Consciousness and I know that my inspiration and fortitude will always be eternal because I'm such a fortunate soul who has the mercy of a good MASTER.....a spritual master AND his name is DEVAMRTA SWAMI MAHARAJA.
We today, and always, will pay reverences in his auspicious and transcendental day of his Vyasa Puja.
Your fallen and aspiring servant,
Maha Hari Das
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Mahavan das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
During this past year, I have been trying to reflect upon two inconceivable subjects: Your extraordinary magnanimity, and my extraordinary debt to you.
My conclusion? To estimate the incalculable with my finite, polluted consciousness, is certainly an impossible task.
To gain your association, the nectar for which I’m always anxious, I have, under the guidance of your servants, attempted to give up my materialistic ways, and adopt the life of a Vaisnava. Yet inside, I am filthy, my mind always planning for material enjoyment. Indeed, I feel I am a pretender, a devotee in appearance only.
Folding my hands and begging for some humility from your sincere servants, I fall down at your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Trying to massage those holy feet by following and repeating your instructions, my attempts are tiny and full of pride. Maybe one day, by your grace, I’ll become humble, and make you a proud father, as your other spiritual children do. I hope one day you’ll praise my sincere efforts.
You have given me invaluable gems in the form of the holy name and Srila Prabhupada's books. You have induced me to drink the nectar of Krsna-katha, and give that nectar to others, but I feel I have nothing to give you in return.
Therefore, I can only beg you for the strength to embrace your instructions. As Lord Caitanya embraced King Prataparudra out of spontaneous love, please help me to embrace your instructions again and again, and make them one with my heart.
“My Lord, the nectar of your words and the descriptions of your activities are the life and soul of those who are always aggrieved in this material world. These narrations are transmitted by exalted personalities, and they eradicate all sinful reactions. Whoever hears these narrations attains all good fortune. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent welfare workers.”
-- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.31.9
How can I repay you; you are the most munificent? I can only try to embrace your instructions again and again. Please be tolerant with my bumbling efforts to please you, and as you have been so tolerant with me, please give me the forbearance to extend myself to others.
I know no material quality or ability can arouse your pleasure, only through bhakti is your mercy invoked. By one drop of such mercy you can make this insignificant jiva’s successful.
You have done so much for me; my debt is indeed incalculable. Praying to become the most obedient servant of your servants, and your instrument in my attempts at the impossible, all glories to you on your holy appearance day.
Your most foolish and fortunate son,
Mahavana Dasa.
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Manigriva das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your divine service.
When I think of you, I think of all the god brothers and god sisters ( whom I know) and how grateful we are, and over-awed we are by your compassion and mercy upon us, the conditioned souls.
Always aspiring, always trying,
your servant always,
Manigriva dasa
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Mantramala dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day, your Vyasa-puja. The more time passes, the less qualified I feel to be your disciple. I realise again and again how little I know about the proper conduct toward the spiritual father. Or, rather, how badly I behave despite the sufficient knowledge I have. I am ashamed how often I don't have proper decorum when dealing with you. I don't miss an opportunity to try to put my ideas in the forefront, to try to prescribe my own medicine and to try to control the situation.
Despite these heinous offenses you are very patient and compassionate toward me. You have not given up on me though all signs show that I just don't get better. Why? Who can understand a pure Vaisnava: you? Who can understand the love and compassion of a pure Vaisnava toward me, an eternally conditioned soul?
The only quality I may have is a kind of raw enthusiasm toward Srila Prabhupada's mission. Nothing deeper. On the basis of this very shallow quality I beg for forgiveness. Please continue your efforts in trying to guide me. By your mercy only, one day I may listen.
Your unqualified servant,
Mantramala
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Bhakta Maria
nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svamin iti namine
Hoy en este dia es miy especial para por que un devoto puro del senor desendio del mundo espiritual para darme su gran misericordia.
Un alma que tiene plena conciencia de Krisna que tan solo quiere que yo entienda que soy el alma mas no el cuerpo, enternderal verdadero ser, mi verdadera posicion como alma espiritual, ya que al tener contacto con el mundo material he olvida me verdadera posicion el deser tan solo sirviente del sirviente del sirviente.
Usted mi querido padre, como yo suelo llamarlo porque eso es usted mi padre por que me esta educando en el camino ya que usted tan solo puede sacarme de esta oscuridad. Sitodas las luces estan apagadas no podrever el camino donde me encuentro sentada.
Mi querido padre tan solo usted puede sacarme de esta de este existencia material en la que yo me encuentro.
De usted tansolo quiero entender la vida espiritual por que un devoto puro como ested puede inpartirme conocimiento tracedental por que de esa manera no ser vitima de ilucion.
Permitame sercirlo.
Su mas humilde sirviente,
Maria del Carmen Baylonn
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Bhakta Marianne
nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krsna.
My Dear Well-wisher Devamrita Swami,
All glories to You and Your unlimited service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead!
I bow before You and try to compose a small Vyasa Puja offering for Your glorification on this most sacred day of Your appearance in this world.
I pray for Your mercy, so that I might become a humble servant in Your hands - helping to build an ISKCON society based on Love and Trust.
The force of Maya is showing me I have no potency to do anything worthwhile myself. I have no alternative than to take shelter at Your Lotus Feet, and that is my good fortune.
Please continue to be so kind to give me the needed inspiration to succeed. I am bursting with gratitude!
Thank You for rescueing me.
I am humbly requesting to keep me forever engaged in Your Divine service.
The preaching is starting to happen.
Let me preach more to show You my sincerity.
Let me try to chant better to show You my sincerity.
Then what will happen will all be in Your hands.
Please keep me steadily focused, despite my many mistakes.
Aspiring to be a speck of dust at Your Lotus Feet.
Your eternally grateful servant,
Marianne
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Bhakta Mark and Bhaktin Bridget
Dear Maharaja,
Please accept our humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the short time since we first met, we have been most fortunate to have had your nectar association. Thank you for your discussions and guidance which has boosted our spiritual lives dramatically. We are forever indebted to you.
Your servants,
Bridget and Matt
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Bhakta Martin
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
As we know, in this degraded age, there is not much warmth to express. Just a society full of clown-faced make believers, ego-sucking energy drainers, marching zombies and a few stunned bystanders – all due to the wrecking ball of Kali.
Thank you for distributing the holy name with so much conviction, intelligence, full of heart and purely soulfully. The chanting of Krshna’s names, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes is so unreal! It cleanses the heart from ignorance, replenishes the dormant hunger for self-realization to bring a completely transendental world to the sincere sufferer. Without this sankirtana movement we can only dream that there’s something more than this illusion. Thank you for sharing a realistic opportunity for cleansing ourselves.
Yours sincerely,
Martin
Hare Krsna
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Bhaktin Michelle
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As a caring father, you were in anxiety over me, while I was reckless to your precious, expert advice. When I nearly gave up in numb hopelessness, your words showed me that you knew exactly the suffering that I was experiencing. You picked me up with knowledge, faith, compassion and determination and you never gave up on me.
I thank you for the effort you have exerted in nurturing my spiritual growth. I consider myself one
of those fortunate souls whom has come into contact with your mercy. Thank you for establishing and
maintaining a strong spiritual core of dedicated devotees by whose association everyone benefits; I am
most grateful. Your selfless and compassionate pursuits to bring people to Krsna Consciousness are a genuine inspiration to me and you have made me feel like maybe one day I can be of some use to Lord Caitanya's mission.
I do not know how to comprehend your divine qualities, nor the expanse of what you do for your children and the world at large, nor do I have any idea how I will be able to follow your example of selfless,
surrendered service to your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, but I pray for the strength to carry out
your instructions and to remain always under the merciful protection of your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Michelle
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Bhakta Milton
Happy Appearance Day!!
Thank you for teaching me and guiding me through Krsna Consciousness, I am eternally grateful. I feel I know you more through your devotees. They are all such wonderful souls.
Have a wonderful day,
Hare Krsna.
Milton
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Bhakta Mikey
Dear Devamrta Swami,
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All of your humble servants are so fortunate to have had your guidance. I see proof of that everyday in the lives of my fellow devotees. Through awakening the love of God within us all you have shown your grace on the most fallen souls.
You seem to know exactly what is in the hearts of all your devotees, and how best to release them of their problems. You know exactly what one needs to hear, and exactly how to put it across. You have the knowledge of how to spread the words of your own spiritual master, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, in this modern world. You have the amazing ability to preach Bhagavatam according to time and place, with an amazing freshness which makes us all recognise that it has eternal relevance in our lives. In the spiritual climate of the modern world, your insight into the best methods for spreading Krsna consciousness is awe-inspiring. For this I am incredibly grateful to have been gifted with your guidance, and I ask nothing more than to be your humble servant, life after life.
In my own life you have given the guidance to see me out of the hellish material world, to become freed from some of the attachments which held me in maya. From the moment I first heard you speak the Glories of Lord Krsna, I knew that my life would be changed forever. Even from the moment of that first discussion of yours which i was fortunate enough to hear, i recieved a higher taste, and from that moment on no material 'enjoyment' appealed to me at all. Through your guidance i began reading Bhagavad-Gita, i began to chant, i began to follow the four regulative principles, and at each step my attraction to Krsna increased, just as you said would happen.
Each step forward in Krsna consciousness creates within me a further desire to hear your words, and to try my hardest to be your humble servant.
On this day, the day of your Vyasa-Puja, i ask only two things: That you engage me fully in your service, and that you continue to bless me with your guidance.
Your humble servant,
Mikey
( at Gaura's Place in Hamilton, New Zealand )
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Muni Cari das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances and all glories to Srila Prabhupada on this day, the celebration of your appearance in this world!
Sometimes I am sure that this was an accident, I mean I cannot perceive how fortunate I am to be your disciple. What did I do to deserve this opportunity? Or maybe I did nothing, but like Lord Caitanya, out of your causeless mercy, you gave me the chance to practice Bhakti yoga. You are a living example of someone who is giving the top most system to the bottom most people. Your caring and compassion leave me speechless (if that is possible).
You have taught me that my wife is actually a beautiful gopi meant for Krsna’s pleasure rather than a carnal object meant for my exploitation. And of course you encourage Sruti-cari so much, somehow or other smoothing over my so called efforts at being a good husband.
Srila Prabhupada said that Guru and Krsna are two tracks on which the spiritual express runs, I am confident that you are bearing the burden of this express and opening for us the path back to Godhead. I pray that you will show me how to give up being a back seat driver and get into the fast lane with the intention of one day assisting you.
Even though I don’t show it, I am so grateful for all you have done, and are doing, for me. Thank you for giving me Brahmana initiation, and thus giving me the opportunity of worshiping Sri-Sri Radha-Balabha. I feel I will never be able to put my feelings into words but I pray that one day I will be able to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada and make you proud of me. Until that day comes, please accept my deepest gratitudes.
My only prayer is that as I go about my daily activates, out of ignorance I may forget you and the mercy you have shown me, my request is that I am begging you not to forget me. And if there is space for this insignificant person at your lotus feet, in amongst the Mahajans that are my God brothers and God sisters, I would like to remain there as your servant.
Begging to remain yours,
Your spiritual son,
Muni-cari Dasa
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Bhakta Neal and Bhaktin Wendy
Dear Devamrta Swami Maharaja,
Please accept our most humble obeinces!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and
All glories to you on your appearance day!
Unfortunately my wife, Wendy, and I do not live in an area that You visit on your travels. We developed our affection for You by listemning to Your wonderful lectures on-line. Your thought provoking and up-beat lectures always bring smiles to our faces and You stoke us into wanting to learn more and more about Lord Krsna. You inspire us to want to learn how we can become devotees ourselves.
Since I was married when I began reading Srila Prabhupada's books, it has always been important to me that I find a diksha Guru that my wife admires as well. Wendy enjoys listening to Your
lectures as much as I do. We both look to you as our spiritual father and trust that you would expertly guide us back home to Godhead.
We hope to relocate to Australia or New Zeland in a few short years and look forward to when we can be in the association of You, Your disciples, and Your well wishers.
We hope you have a wonderful and very festive Vyasa Puja!!
Your aspiring servants,
bhakta Neal and bhaktin Wendy
Portland, Oregon
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Bhakta Osnat
Dear Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All Glories to you at your most auspicious Vyasa-puja day.
Please accept my deep grateful filling for you being the golden thread that connects my soul to the spiritual sky, that I have being searching for all of my life. You gave me sheltered under your lotus feet, with such devotion and so easily.I am a simple soul who craves for gaudiness for so long, and it is my good fortune to find you.
My dear spiritual father,
Please accept my humble and deep grateful felling for your existence for me and for all the other soul. Your vision is so sharp and clear, I am happy to take your wonderful instructions for my life.
I wish you all the blessings on your Vyasa-puja day.
Your Servant,
Osnat
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Bhaktin Petra
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
An offering poem entitled: A Disciple's Dream
Champion of guru’s desire
Can I reach hold of his hand
To touch that rich inheritance
Which he carefully keeps there?
Father who protects me
Through pain and joy
He is always there
a shelter and strength
Leader and preacher
the revolution
To save the world continues
Let’s stay high forever
Benedictor and advisor
Encouraging words
Penetrate my stone heart
I am forever indebted .
Teacher who teaches
Through the heart
By example he reaches out
and asks us to do the same.
Servant of the best servant
Srila Prabhupada
Whose books we gleefully read
And take out each day
My guru who I pray to
let me serve him
Despite my childish naivety
I fall at his divine lotus feet
Aspiring to be always engaged in your service,
Bhaktin Petra
--------------------- ---------------------
Phaniranjana das
Respectfully Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
My brother, Prabhu Phaniranjana and me pray fro blessings for you every day that you give mercy to some new people to meet Lord Krishna. We pray for your spiritual health every day.
Your servants,
Prabhu Phaniranjana and Bhakti Sakti
--------------------- ---------------------
Pranesvari dasi and family
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krsna dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
This gives me a special opportunity to send you greetings on this your Vyasa Puja day and a unique chance to thank you for initiating this unworthy disciple - bestowing on her a name of Krsna's loving servant. It was a transcendental and memorable experience being in Prabhupada's House and to meet so many of your devotees for the very first time! This really was a first because I had not met even one of your initiated disciples before. Krsna certainly made a specially nice arrangement for me in Melbourne.
Now I am endeavouring at every moment to be the loving servant of the servant. Just like Krsna arranged to be in every palace - my wish would be that you could be in every Temple so that we could have your association all the time ...but... Your task is so very special...... Your task is above all others..... Prabhupada surely is empowering you to touch the hearts of all the souls you come to meet all over the world to bring them to Krsna's lotus feet. That is the most important task in all the whole world. For this special transcendental mission I wish you good health and the most kindest loving disciples to look after you wherever you travel in this material world. My husband Michael and daughters Ann-Marie and Louise wish you a special Vyasa Puja day.
Your loving daughter in Krsna Consciousness,
Pranesvari devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Prema-Vardhana das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
Thank you for your compassionate help. Actually I've noticed that it seems one of difficult things for me in Krishna Consciousness is not to maintain my shameful egoistic attachments which are slavery for me. It is really tough sometimes. In this sense I am unfortunate. But still I feel I am fortunate because I'm attached to a devotee, to a mahatma, the one who unflinchingly engages in devotional service and teaches me how to become a sincere devotee of the Lord. And that is you, Guru Maharaja.
I'm also very thankful for your association, for you instructive words, which are although spiritual and scriptural but also down-to-earth, realistic and practical. Because of this it becomes much easier for such struggling souls as me to sense or to feel that the atmosphere of the spiritual world and the service to Krishna are real and accessible, and I feel inspiration to work for that.
Your insignificant servant,
Prema Vardhana das
(Perm, Russia)
--------------------- ---------------------
Prema Sankirtan das
My dear Guru Maharaj,
It is not possible to estimate the qualities of a vaisnava and i am not qualified to even try to do that. But despite of my unability to describe your qualities I just try to fake (try to cry) and cry and i beg for your mercy.
Please bestow this mercy to this great fool.
Your most unworthy and fallen aspiring disciple,
Prema Sankirtan Das
--------------------- ---------------------
Raivata das
Jaya Gurudev!
Please accept my humble dundavats on this auspicious day. Hopefully some day I will be able to do some service.
Your servant, Raivata dasa
--------------------- ---------------------
Rasayatra dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, one takes heart felt shelter in meditating upon and remembering you.There are so many divine qualities which you possess, yet today I will focus on this wonderful mantra which has been composed for your glorification.
pracare purve-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
"Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion."
= Unique skill in preaching =
You have pioneered, inspired and maintained the unique, effective system of 'loft style' preaching. Through such a medium many sincere souls have been caught up in your net, who otherwise would have slipped through, unnoticed to degrade further into the muck of Kali Yuga.
Like an expert talent scout on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya you snatch the struggling souls out of the ocean, bring forth their hidden talent, then engage them in expanding the driftnet, deep into the Kali Yuga Sea. All sorts of species are dragged up, gasping for air, and you teach them to breathe the fresh air of Krsna Consciousness, both personally and through your devoted disciples.
Such preaching skill is unique, because those who others would have long ago given up upon, become your submissive and dedicated servants, proving that dormant Krsna Consciousness is present within everyones heart, no matter how hidden.
= Competence in Vaisnava dealings =
It is explained by Srila Prabhupada that a devotee should serve with great attention, and reverence one senior to oneself. A devotee should make friends with one on the same platform and should bestow mercy upon one more junior.
As we know, there are many, many examples of your mercy being bestowed upon those junior to you.
And those fortunate, get to see how lovingly you interact with your dear God-Brothers, exchanging gifts and kind words.
Once we had the opportunity to witness a unique exchange. You were sitting before His Holiness Tamala Krsna Goswami, on the floor during Srimad Bhagavatam class. Your posture was one of meekness, complete humility and respect before a great Vaishnava. Generally exhibiting great confidence and erudition, we were surprised at your transformation. You were so meek and humble as you sat on the floor before him. We were very touched, and learned a great deal from this glimpse into Vaisnava dealings.
= Selflessness =
Often your body is so weakened through jetlag and delayed aeroplane schedules, that many of your disciples would want you to have sufficient rest and relaxation before pressing on. As you wrote in your most recent edition of "On the way to Krsna" your feet were gliding rather than walking into that packed auditorium in Melbourne 2003.
Travelling through different time zones takes it's toll. One look at your flight plan schedule is already proof enough of your selflessness - yet even beyond that, how you deal with devotees and guests alike amidst such challenging physical conditions is breathtaking.
Put you, Guru Maharaj, before any audience who have any, even slight sincerety to hear about Krsna, or the devotional process, and one will witness an example of true spiritual enthusiasm and taste right before their eyes. Not a trace of physical discomfort is detectable. Just pure Krsna Conscious enthusiasm and realisation. And the words of the previous Acarya's come through you just as they spoke them, unchanged. You continue to give the real example of true, spiritual selflessness, by presenting Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad-Gita - AS IT IS. No compromises.
Thank you so much for this genuine selflessness, in Kali Yuga such a great soul is very, very rare.
= Compassion =
One new years eve you were in Tokoroa, New Zealand. A town infamous for its degraded Kali Yuga habits. You and a small group of devotees went out on a Hari Nama, past the houses where Tokoroa's inhabitants were 'making merry' on their doorsteps. To set the scene: Basically animal flesh was being roasted on BBQ's, while human-like animals danced around, their eyes rolling in intoxicated stupor, their mouths slurring "happy new year" and their lives quite obviously gliding towards hellish regions.
One devotee was quite shocked by the scene, then thought "If I am shocked, what will Devamrita Swami think of all this?" She approached you to ask. With tears in your eyes you turned to her and replied, "How horrible is this waste of human life." The depth, gravity and realisation beneath your answer temporarily awakened her to a clear picture of the perilous situation human society is in.
Yet your compassion isn't a sentimental compassion.Your compassion springs forth from a genuine understanding of the souls implication in the Karmic cycle, and the souls real need to break free from this cycle. Band aid philosophy doesn't play a big part in Srila Prabhupada's line. Through Srila Prabhupada's mercy you have clear cut knowledge of what is needed to disentangle the forgetful souls from the wheel of Samsara, and you give them every opportunity to do so. As well as ongoing encouragement, support and realisation, your compassion equips the suitable candidate with all the necessary tools for advancement beyond the material cosmos.
On this most auspicious day of your divine appearance, I beg to be one of those souls who takes shelter in the sunshine of your instructions, and who aspires to be of some assistance to you in your mission to truly glorify your beloved Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada, the most confidential ambassador of Lord Krsna.
Your most indebted servant,
Rasayatra devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhaktin Sara
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion.
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your lotus feet!
You travel around the world to attract people to Krishna. Although we sometimes don’t want to hear, as we are too busy with our plans and pursuits, you trick us - you find a way to get us hooked and reel us in to the nectar of Krishna-Katha. Srila Prabhupada writes, “If one has to discharge his duties to preach the message of the Lord, he must be expert in adjusting things in terms of the time and the place.“ (S.B. 1.9.9 purport)
You are expert at being aware of today’s society and creating appropriate preaching centers. People want yoga - you give them yoga. Women in Krishna Consciousness want a safe place where they can actively preach, and you give us such opportunities. People like to hear upbeat, funny talks, and feel special - you have a talent for making your Krishna Conscious classes humorous and personal discussions.
Not only are you tolerant and patient with your disciples and aspiring disciples, but you are so very personal. You make each one of us feel well taken care of. You understand the psychology of our minds and our material conditioning, and treat us accordingly. You care for our well-being both spiritually and materially.
To glorify you is very important, but also important is to follow daily your instructions with all our heart and soul and thus have your association and please you. You want us to base our lives around the holy name - hearing it and giving it to others. You want us to cooperate with each other. You want us to study Srila Prabhupada’s books and distribute them with intelligence. You need some of us to become so strict and serious that we can eventually become teachers and continue the disciplic succession.
Please accept whatever small amount of service for you and Srila Prabhupada that I have done in this short time that I have been trying to practice Krishna Consciousness. Please help me to become more connected to my heart instead of my mind, please help me learn to have unflinching faith in your words, and please help me to become more selfless so that my priority in life is giving Krishna to others.
Thank you for caring.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Sara
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhaktin Sarah
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I would like to thank you for always showing me your kind patience. You encourage me to engage my mind, body and soul in real living and I endeavour to apply what I have learned to become steady in Krsna Consciousness.
Happy Appearance Day.
Your humble servant,
Sarah (Manchester)
--------------------- ---------------------
Sandhini Sakti dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obiesances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Thankyou for everything.
You never fail to show me how much you care. not just for me, but for so many, especially those who have taken your direct shelter. I am fortunate to have been able to take your guidance. I pray that I may always have the shelter of your lotus feet, and that I may be blessed with the ability to please you to some degree.
All glories to you on this day!
Please forgive my inability to properly show my appreciation.
Your spiritual daughter,
Sandhini Sakti devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Sastra Krt das
Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Jayati!
Let me take this rare opportunity to offer my humble obeisance's unto the lotus like feet of my beloved Gurumaharaj His Holiness Devamrita Swami, who has forsaken the pleasures of this ordinary world to become an unconditional servant of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Let me take this rare opportunity to offer my humble obeisance's unto the lotus like feet of my beloved Gurumaharaj His Holiness Devamrita Swami, who is one of the crest jewels of Gaudiya Vaisnavas. Srila Prabhupada's teachings are his life and soul. Pure chanting and Srila Prabhupada's book distribution are his only goal.
Let me take this rare opportunity to offer my humble obeisance's unto the lotus like feet of my beloved Gurumaharaj His Holiness Devamrita Swami, who gives nectarean classes which makes the barren hearts of kaliyuga men fertile thus they become suitable to receive the seed of sadhana bhakthi.
Let me take this rare opportunity to offer my humble obeisance's unto the lotus like feet of my beloved Gurumaharaj His Holiness Devamrita Swami, who has all the good qualities of the demigods, but I am so unfortunate that I am not able to describe the entirety of those qualities, just like a small bird cannot span the vast sky.
Oh savior of the fallen, for what you have given me, I could not fully express my indebtedness to you even if I were endowed with the prolonged life time of Brahma. Please consider this humble offering and kindly bless me with pure book distribution on this auspicious day.
Trying to be your unconditional servant,
Sastra Krt dasa
New Dwaraka Dham
LosAngeles
--------------------- ---------------------
Seva Kunja dasi
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
When we first met at the Wellington Temple you asked me 'What would you like to hear about tonight?'. Amidst a room full of strangers I looked around shyly shrugging and answered timidly 'Krsna?'. You laughed aloud and remarked 'I think we can manage that here'. At the end of the class you asked me 'Was everything clear for you? Do you have any questions?' 'No' I answered in a state of awe and reverance. 'You explained everything very well.' You humbly accepted the praise and moved on.
A month later we met again. Although it is true that I was, as you would so kindly put it 'entertaining', your presence killed any enjoying spirit I had immediately. I went straight to bed that night and rose early the next morning cleaning the house from top to bottom for the first time ever anticipating your arrival. Had my so-called friends been there they would have called it 'a miracle' just to see me acting a little human like. Such was your influence.
You kindly engaged in conversation with me over an ecstatic breakfast Chandrshekar Swami had prepared for us in your travelling sankirtan campervan. Museli and sandwiches never tasted so good. 'What did you do to make this museli so nice?' I repeatedly asked as your laughter increased as I persisited. I couldn't understand what the funny part was. It must be the sweetened hot milk I concluded.
'My friend' I said 'He is in the army and he claims that there can't be any peace without war but I argued with him "How can there be peace if there is war?"' I exclaimed matter of factly. 'Well actually he's right.' You replied and you preached to me about the battle of Kurukshetra. I appreciated the fact that you didn't just side with me for the sake of keeping a superficial relationship but you spoke the truth at every step with full confidence and authority.
You came inside my home to see my worshipful deity posted on every wall. 'Who is that?' you asked frowning at the Jim Morrison pictures. 'Mick Jagger?' you mocked. 'And what did he die of?'. Your disapproval ignited a desire to make changes I wouldn't have made for anyone else.
You saw the desiderata on the kitchen wall and showed me point for point the ludicracy of its impersonal import. 'Oh yeah' I agreed again and again having many realizations on the spot.
You asked what I was reading and I showed you some bogus Krsna books I had found at the library. You respectfully commented 'Nice pictures', then arranged for your own personal copy of Prabhupada's Krsna Book to be sent to me.
I remember foolishly glorifying myself before you to which you remained tolerant and silent, cutting my pride ten fold.
I told you I wanted to become more serious and you suggested that I reisign from my job at the local liquor store and take shelter of some devotees in Auckland. 'Just give up my job?' I asked. 'I've only been there for three months.' I replied with hesitance. 'Yes' you answered with all the confidence I needed to make such a drastic change in my life.
Then under your shelter the ladies taking care of me told me that you would warn them 'Don't you burn her out!' In this way you are such a wonderful father.
Just as this world is full of darkness so was my life and then with all your personalism you came as the Sun.
Now I can see but I can't always identify what I am seeing so you mercifully and tolerantly continue to guide me like a loving father.
You gave me a life
So I ought to live it for your pleasure
Please help me to do that
Grateful at your lotus feet
Your servant,
Seva Kunja devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Sri Yasoda dasi
nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrta-svamin iti namine
pracare 'purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namaha
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to you on your Sri Vyasa Puja day.
I humbly bow down at your fearless lotus feet and pray that I may offer my life in your service, and not just say that with some sentimental notion, but to understand what that means and to live my life accordingly, I beg for that vision.
I offer my obeisances thousands and thousands of times at your lotus feet. Dumbfounded by your brilliance I find myself humbled and worthless, a dirty refugee of Kali Yuga begging for your mercy, like a stray, starved, street dog.
You are my only shelter, there is nowhere else for me to go. Please do not kick me away. If you can make me into a devotee of Krsna, then it will be possible for anyone to take up this process of Krsna Consciousness.
In you are manifest all saintly qualities. You set the highest standard for humanity to aspire towards, you are an example to us all.
Thank you for your tireless mercy. Thank you for your compassion. You don't take into consideration good or bad, or that we are more sinful than Jagai and Madhai, lower than worms in stool. You deliver anyone who is so fortunate to have stumbled across your path and are expert in engaging everything in this Sankirtana Yajna.
You make Krsna Consciousness seem so easy.... "Just chant with attention and read Srila Prabhupada's books". You teach by your personal example that it is possible for nothing short of miracles to expand from such a strong transcendental structure. You are building a shelter for everyone. Thank you for passing on this greatest refuge, in the holy name and Srila Prabhupada's causeless mercy.
Your realization and conviction in Krsna Consciousness is so breathtakingly pure and powerful. Just being in your sanctified presence for just one moment annihilates any obstacles in the heart.
Your selfless surrender to Srila Prabhupada is incomparable. Who could not be silenced by awe and reverence at such a sight of dedication, and not desperately yearn for but a drop of such sincere gratitude for our Founder Acarya? Please give me your blessings so that I may overcome my own ego-centric existence and engage whole heartedly with determination in your service. There is nothing I have ever done to deserve your mercy, nor is there anything I will be able to do.
You are complete, Krsna Conscious. A fearless, perfect Vaisnava, the perfection of the human form of life. You are truly empowered by Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krsna to relieve the suffering burden of Kali Yuga.
Words can not describe your glories, please forgive me for making such a pitiful, shameful attempt.
I offer my stone cold heart in your keeping. Please except this unworthy offering, it is all I have to give.
You are my only shelter. Begging for your mercy and forgiveness, I desperately cling to your fearless lotus feet and pray that I may never let go.
Aspiring eternally to be your unconditional servant,
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Sruti Cari dd
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
"Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion."
Dear Guru Maharaja,
I have always liked to observe people, watch them, and try to figure out why they do the things they do. When I meet people at the Loft, round the temple and other places I notice that they are suffering so much – but the thing that really strikes me is that they don’t even realise that they are suffering!
Talking with people at the loft, I see that their lives are so empty and pointless. They are going nowhere, so many people going nowhere! They desperately want to feel loved but they don’t know what real love is, or how to recognise it when they do find it. They think that buying a mobile phone or getting extra TV channels will save them from feeling so lonely.
Western society is turning us all into zombies, mindless robots! People are trapped. Some times I meet someone who can detect that society is a sham, that it is fooling them, but they are so befuddled by it they can not even begin to escape. Too much grossly sinful activity, (illicit sex and intoxication especially) combined with the mind numbing power of television and computer games dull the brains of people so much they can not think or concentrate. It often happens that young people who come to the Loft can’t even hold a simple conversation about ordinary day to day things. How can we expect to explain high philosophy to them?
I know that you have what it takes to rescue them. Your hart is so big; you have so much love and genuine compassion for people. Take myself as an example, I was suffering. I could not see how to proceed in life. I was not keen to participate in a society that was so rotten; but I had no other option. I could not see how to benefit myself. So I sunk inside myself; I hid from it. But you are showing me so much causeless mercy, so much care. You are showing me what I can do to help myself. And the amazing thing is that you do the same for thousands of others all around the world.
I admire how you understand the situation in society, how you care and how you have substantial plans to help us become Krishna Conscious. You call us refugees and you give us shelter. It would be so easy to gloss the problems over, to not care, to turn a blind eye.
I want to share your love with others; I want to help in this great rescue mission. I hate seeing people in such a helpless condition. Krishna Consciousness has so much to offer people. If only they knew what it could do for them. I want to give people the option, a way out of material degradation.
But who am I without your guidance, inspiration and encouragement? Nobody.
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please help me,
To help you,
To help others,
To come closer to Krishna.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari Devi Dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Sudevi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Pleases accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your appearance day.
Thank you for engaging me in devotional service,
thank you for your inspiring classes,
thank you for personally caring for me.
And thank you for being a wonderful example of a dedicated follower of Srila Prabhupada and taking on his mission of giving Krsna consciousness to everyone. I think one of the most amazing things about you is your expertise in preaching, the way you dynamically change your approach with the changing of peoples mind sets. I hope I can do something to please you even though I am full of faults.
From you aspring servant,
Sudevi dasi
--------------------- ---------------------
Sukadev das
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
You are very kind. You are the bestest Maharaj I have ever met. And I hope you have a very good time staying with the devotees in Europe.
From your sincere servant,
Sukadeva das (aged 8 years from Hamilton, NZ. )
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Thevendram
My Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisance at your lotus feet.
All glories to your Divine Master, Srila Prabhupada.
In the company of your disciples, we are observing the most blessed event of Sri Vyasa Puja. As the representative of SrilaVyasadeva, Guru Maharaja, you are the medium via which we are connected to the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. So today on the anniversary of your appearance in this world, provides us the opportunity to glorify a dear devotee of the Supreme Lord Krishna.
By mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the
lotus feet of my spiritual master.
Thank you once again, Guru Maharaja, for being so kind to a fallen soul like me.
Your aspiring servant,
Thevendram Appucutty
--------------------- ---------------------
Bhakta Thinesh
Dearest Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my Humble Obeisances.
All Glories to Krsna, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and All Glories to Devamrita Swami and devotees of Krsna.
First of all Forgive me Swami for my offenses that I make in this letter since I'm not qualified make wishes for a pure devotee due to my impure consiousness, I hope I do not make any offense to anything which is a part of Krsna.
I wish you to have a blissful day with Krsna on this day of your birth. I pray to Krsna by His Supreme Mercy that you will always remember Krsna and be a pure devotee no matter whatever body that you get.
I t hank you greatly for waking me from the sleep of Maya. Although I'm still half a sleep, I believe that I could only cross this material consciousness by Krsna and your Mercy.
Have a Memorable day with Krsna and His Holy Devotees,
Hare Krsna!
Yours ever friendly student,
Thinesh
--------------------- ---------------------
Tri-Yuga das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to this auspicious day of your appearance.
Your presence and shining example of dedication to the service of Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord is indeed a great blessing to all the living entities in this world.
As I observe the changes taking place in my life and consciousness, as the influence of my conditioned existence slowly fades and awareness of my life in pure consciousness gradually waxes into unmistakable reality, I increasingly marvel at the magnitude of that with which I have come into contact.
The pushings and inclinations of one's conditioned nature which, ordinarily, dictate one's actions and thus chain one into continued material existence, when engaged in Krishna Consciousness under the guidance of a genuine Spiritual Master, such as yourself, are at once transcended. Perfect Escape. How is it that foolish and insignificant, I have stumbled across the secret exit from material existence?
While wandering the streets of Wellington, scanning the transient manifestation for substance and reason, I happened upon a phenomenon beyond the cause and effect of material nature: Devotees of Krishna chanting and dancing in ecstatic glorification of the transcendental Supreme Lord.
Now, years later, having honed my lifestyle toward the standard and direction of this great path, I am experiencing a wonderful transformation. It would seem too good to be true. More and more I realize that I am but the recipient of causeless mercy, nothing more.
If not for your activities in this part of the world, I shudder to think of my condition. Your Gaura Yoga centre here has been my shelter and saving grace for over 4 years. Now I hope to reciprocate with the great mercy I have received and be of some assistance to your mission. I pray for the strength, intelligence, and pure desire to follow in your footsteps, overcoming the damnation of a selfish existence, to be of some value as a tool in your belt.
Your glorious activities are worldwide and your children are many, yet you always find time and energy to deal with each of us with personal, loving attention. I think, without exception, all of us feel a deep, heart-melting appreciation when considering your apparently tireless mercy and care upon of us - conditioned souls.
Your own, and your students’ example and guidance is awakening in me a taste for this supreme of welfare activities. I offer all my energies at your service, and attempt to glorify your worldwide lotus footprints and ocean-like compassion.
Your servant,
Tri-Yuga Das
--------------------- ---------------------
Urjjesvari dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Beyond the anguish and corruption of Kali Yuga, there’s someone who sees past all material conditioning and accepts everyone for their spiritual potential.
There’s someone who, like a real father, won’t abandon his children when they have any difficulties.
Irrespective of past, you are relentlessly giving your care and guidance.
How do you give so much, to so many people?
Through your Urban Preaching you are building a bridge, so that even the most degraded can come and get a taste from the ocean of Krishna Consciousness. You are, as Prabhupada once said, putting old wine into new bottles. Thank you.
I have never met anyone like you before. You can be as soft as a rose, or as hard as a thunderbolt! But still, you are the real friend of everyone.
titiksava karunikah
suhrdah sarva-dehinam
ajata-satravah santa
sadhavah sadhu bhusanah
"The symptoms of a sadhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures and all his characteristics are sublime."
I don’t see much. Because of sinful activity, I am blinded by so many things. But it doesn’t take much to recognise your purity and it’s no miracle that you have so many amazing disciples:
yatha vrkasas tatha phalam
"As the tree, so the fruit."
Please teach me how to be like them.
For so long I made a façade of being happy, chewing the chewed.
Hungry after material enjoyment I chased after a mirage and didn’t drink the pure water of Krishna Consciousness until I had feasted on the dry sand.
I found nothing but distress.
There is no refuge in this world!
My only real shelter is you!
Please have mercy on me.
Gurudeva! By a drop of your mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass. Give me strength to bear all trails and troubles, and free me from all desires for personal honour.
O Lord and Master! Invest me with the power to properly honour all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offences cease.
O Lord and Master! When will this devotee be blessed by obtaining your mercy? I am low, fallen, and devoid of all strength and intelligence. Please make me your beloved servant.
When I examine myself I find nothing of value. Your mercy is therefore essential to me. If you are not merciful, I will constantly weep, and I will not maintain my life any longer.
- Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur
Praying for some intelligence to assist you in your mission,
Urjjesvari
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Bhaktin Vanessa
Dearest Devamrita Swami,
On this most auspicous day i would like to take the opportunity to offer my most humble obeisances unto you.
"Did you ever think that you would be a Hare Krishna?" You asked me when we first met, I had to admit that being a Hare Krishna was the last thing I thought I would be...and now I hope that it is !
How little did I know that I had been blindly searching for Krishna in all the wrong places, and in all the wrong people. How fortunate am I that out of your mercy, sincere kindness and care that you have personally guided me with your counsel out of the darkest of dwellings to the path toward the ultimate dwelling, the lotus feet of Krsna. In the short duration of time that I have been fortunate to have your guidance I have come to realise how uncomplicated life can be when I simply follow your instructions, thank you for invoking my desire for self relization.
“Some times when we wake in the morning clouds or fog cover the sun, nevertheless we see a glimmer of sunlight and feel confident the day has begun & the sun is present. Likewise by observing the evidential symptons of the soul we can understand its presence”
- Devamrita Swami, Searching for Vedic India.
I pray to Krishna to allow me to develop the intelligence and strength so that I can become focused and steady in Krishna Consciousness, for it is surely the only path worth walking. Through your guidence I am certain that this is possible.
Forever indebted to you,
Your aspring servant,
Bhaktin Vanessa
Gaura’s Place - Hamilton
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Varsana dasi
My Dearest Maharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
I thank you very very much for trying to help me to chant and be a devotee. You are very, very kind to the conditioned souls like me. I thank you for your kindness to me.
Your servant of your servant's servant,
Varsana dasi (aged 10yrs from Hamilton, NZ)
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Visnu Maya dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet,
All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
I humbly submit this offering to you on the auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja 2003.
Tinier than a blade of grass, I look overhead and witness an elegant bird soaring gracefully. I observe the bird from ground level, but the intricacies of its splendour are far from fathomable.
Like a pathetic worm cannot estimate the capabilities of a great eagle, I too cannot fathom the potency of parampara and its power to have a matchless impression on the world at large.
With an eagle-eye view, you have boldly invoked with immense yearn a change of character –a metamorphosis within the ISKCON revolution.
With spiritually profound eloquence, your encyclopaedic intelligence has influenced lifes journey for countless of generations to come. What my wormish sight sees is but a minute portion of your entire vision. I can only really get this ‘feeling’ that something big is happening.
How is it that you can shower such great care and fatherly love. Word by word, hour after hour, yet the depletion is nil? I pray that my personal evolution will reach a standard worthy of a glimpse into your vision.
As the next recipient of a priceless inheritance, you have personally implanted within me a growing desire to deeply penetrate the most exquisite work of art left as part of Srila Prabhupadas legacy. Never before had I used the word ‘perfection’ for a literary collection. How will I ever be able to appreciate such an invaluable masterpiece as you have?
As a simple child, nothing is more perfect for me than to know that Srila Prabhupadas servant is taking care of me. O dear spiritual father, please forgive me for my offences, I know not what I do. I beg that your training will always remain my cherished prosperity.
Trying to be a selfless servant,
V isnu Maya devi dasi
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Vraja Dham das
A past-time/poem on this most auspicious day of your appearance called :
Spiritual Family
They called me up
and invited me along
to an interesting discussion
at a place called the Loft.
As we arrived-
we were greeted with smiles,
leaving the hustle and bustle
of Aucklands "rat eat rat" race-
to a warm
and calm
and friendly place.
I personally came out of curiousity,
I'm a musician you see,
and musicians are supposed to be
somewhat spiritual.....
from what I have seen on T.V.
But I am about to find out what the word spiritual
actually means....
It's 5:30 p.m.
The discussion is about to begin.
It's a small cozy room
and in couches all sit comfortably.
I enter discreetly....
His bright effulgence catches me
by surprise.......
I realise.... - He is no ordinary entity.
My mind plays the fact down
as my ego tries to remain the master of all that is surveyed. But I can't help but think-such a dazzling effulgence he displays.
"What is the cause? - Is it his diet? Does he take some special
vitamin supplement?"....
...Anyway, I sit down wondering - and the discussion begins.
Just then......
Wonderful aromas waft in from the kitchen... to our delight. All of us think "What's on the menu tonight?" In another room, the dedicated staff are cooking sumptuous prasadam. Tasty....succulent.... vegetarian dishes-
Delicious....auspicious!......and not too expensive!
.... Our senses return to the discussion
in session.....
The discussion turns to me-
"...and what do you do?",you asked.
"I am a musician...and music is what I do!",I proclaimed.-
I sat back, now somewhat content.
Now everyone in the room knows that I am the-
-"Music Incarnation" in descent....
descending to give liberation to all through my music....
composing day and night...Oh!.....How altruistic!
..."oh a musician!", you responded back...
"Yes", I returned,"..you know I have sold many albums"...
(not to mention also my numerous interviews with local
music mags)....
..."Oh! a famous musician!!!" you exclaimed.
My ego lights up!-
Finally my glories are realised, by this obviously enlightened soul - ......it took him long enough though! "Yes ahh..well...you know...errr...with all humility...errr", I pause to think of something," not too egotistical" to bestow....-
Little did I know - in the following few
seconds....
everyone would be feasting......on my "false ego".
Recounting stories of the miserable lives of famous musicians,
......You seperate reality from
illusion.
You explained of the karmic influence my music was making on the innocent
public...
"Did you ever think of the repercussions?",you said....
I cannot object...or reject your arguments-
My false ego begins to lament.
I thought this was suppose to be a "peaceful, spiritual" kind of discussion - ... My false ego now in concussion.
The conclusion, was as follows - as I understood it.... and took it= I am going to hell.... and I am sending all those who listen to my music there as well! A sigh of defeat, my false ego forced to retreat. My ego pinned to the mat, down for the count --....1.....2.....3.....HARI!!!
My heart beat pulses,I feel that everyone can hear it beat-
I have screwed up, that I now see...
Enlighten me please - my heart and mind plead,
for You are the guru,..the pure devotee.
Inside this musician's body
is an unhappy soul.
Trapped in a cycle of misery, lamentation
and anxiety over all.......... and If I am to really admit it- I have no real friends,and know nothing about where to find real happiness.
.....But you seem to know,and what you speak of makes perfect sense.
Your words help me to see, so logically-
that I must try to develop myself spiritually.
Searching for fame, women and wealth, is all temporary...it will not get you
far...
"You have a good brain!", you said, "why not learn-"The Song of God"- that will
make you a true star!
The discussion ends...
I should feel depressed-
my mundane techno music is sending my listeners to hell,...oh well...
......It's funky at least!
But I leave the room feeling light, with a new found higher sense, as well as a healthy appetite.
We enter the dining room.....
Presented for our palates:the prasadam! Oh! the purest pleasure!
As we dine we discuss the discourse
delivered ,
by that "Swami Devamrita".
Thinking back - the entire experience -overall-....the truest treasure.
I feel as though the Gods have sent us their
nectar.
............
....The experience left me changed in many ways-
I look on that event as the beginning of a new day.
In that fateful discussion, and in one foul swoop,
You easily nailed all hopes of my future in material enjoyment. But somehow or other, you made it a pleasant experience!
for that I am truly
indebted.
And now...as unqualified as I may be, never the less-
His Holiness has given me-
Initiation....-but with it the inspiration-
to someday become qualified.
His Holiness moves unmovable structures,and
even whole cities
to uncover fertile new ground, in which to plant his
seeds of faith and sincerity....
.....which grow and flourish
happily.....
in this new generation of Prabhupada's
spiritual family.
All glories to your urban preaching vision.
.
Only by this extension of your mercy would I have been able to contact and enter Prabhupada's books with any depth and understanding. And by the extension of your own helping hand, I have much inspiration ,and your example as my impetus to dive even deeper into the ocean of service to Krishna.
Still trying to conceive all his glories......
His aspiring servant,
Vraja Dhama das
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Vrindaranya dasi
Nama om visnu padaya
Krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamrta swami
Iti namine
Pracare ‘purva daksyam ca
Bhaktacara pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you Guru Maharaja for being such a wonderful Krishna conscious example and inspiration for your Godchildren and the Krishna conscious movement. It is a real blessing and extreme comfort to have the shelter of your lotus feet in a world that is so dark and turbulent.
I would dread to think what life would be like without ever knowing you or the Krishna consciousness movement. It would probably lead to severe consequences, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, frustration and for some even suicide. I appreciate that you sacrifice so much of your time and energy to outreach to so many illusioned souls who are suffering under so many tragic circumstances. Through your example and sincere desires to benefit the world, you encourage us to put aside our selfish interests and benefit the unfortunate people of this age.
Guru Maharaja, you are certainly a magnanimous and special personality, and I feel proud and fortunate to have you in my life. For someone who is so busy traveling and serving, it is admirable to see how much time you share, caring for the spiritual development of your dependents.
Even when you cannot physically be here Guru Maharaja, in my deepest, darkest slumber, or ‘winter hibernation modes’, I still feel uplifted by your mercy. This is usually by a memory of you, a dream that you have appeared in, or through the interactions I have with my dedicated God brothers and God sisters.
Please allow me to always serve you in some way, and to remember that there isn’t anything more important in life than sincerely trying to satisfy the desires of my dear Spiritual Master. I am easily bewildered by material allurements and desires, I pray for the strength and courage to continue steadily in spiritual life to overcome my many weaknesses.
All glories to you again and again.
Your lowly servant,
Vrindaranya devi dasi
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Bhakta William
Dear Srila Devamrita Swami,
Under Your effulgent like a jewel lotus feet, upon this holy day of Your appearance in this world, please accept this offering of gratitude. I am drowning in the material world and You are trying Your hardest to pull me out of the turmoil.
Because of this You are the greatest saviour of this forgotten jiva. I am grateful to You, considering all You have done for my material family and I, not to mention for inviting me into the family of Vaisnavas, who have saved my life more than once.
I'm sorry for letting You down so many times.
I promise one day I'll be a steady devotee, dedicated to helping You help others.
aparadha kainu, kshama, la-inu sharana
krpa kari' mora mathe dharaha carana
"My dear Lord, I have committed offenses. Please excuse me. I seek shelter of You. Please be merciful unto me by placing Your lotus feet on my head".
- Antya-lila, Ch 7, text 130.
Love from Your aspiring disciple,
Eternally Yours,
B hakta William Skelly.
Gauranga!
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Bhakta Yaron and Bhaktin Efrat
Dearest Devamrita Maharaja,
Please accept our humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you at your Vyasa-puja day.
We feel so unqualified to write to you at this special day, with our broken English and our fallen condition – but we feel so thankful to you and wanted to express it at this most auspicious day.
Our hearts are full with gratitude for this rare opportunity that we have got – Krsna’s greatest mercy of meeting you and having your guideness. You took us from a place of floating, lost in an endless search, and with your simple instructions placed us on the one path to the one truth.
We feel that words are too small to describe our deep emotions towards you. You are a torch for us - lightening the way before our first, trembling steps, offering your merciful, soft, knowing hand, letting us feel so safe. We hope to ever deserve this light from your torch, the trust of your hand. We thank you for your endless kindness to us all. Our greatest hope is to be worthy enough, one day, to be accepted by you as your simple, humble servants.
Thanks you so much for offering our simple souls this precious key to real spiritual life, to real happiness.
Your ever aspiring loving servants,
Yaron & Efrat Shagal
