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Vyasa Puja Offerings 2015
(View Devamrita Swami's 2015 offering to Srila Prabhupada)
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Acyuta bhava devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
What is of value in life? When we examine we see, for an aspiring devotee, there are three things: Krishna, Krishna's service and Krishna's devotees. When I examine my own life, I see that the real value of this life lies in the incredible fortune of being associated with you.
"The value of a moments association with the devotee of the Lord cannot even be compared to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which are for those who are meant for death." (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.13)
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport to this verse about the 'bhagavat-sangi', one who is always in the association with the Lords name, form and qualities. Gurudeva, you are a wonderful example of absorption in devotional service, constantly thinking of how to give Krishna to others, taking care of devotees, and taking such responsibility within Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON, all the while being absorbed in chanting Krishna's Holy Names.
To be near when you chant japa and kirtan are the most precious moments in my life. Your affection for Krishna is so evident, it is a glimpse into the spiritual world. Being in your association gives one hope and confidence in Krishna. Surely, your association is the greatest treasure in my life. As Srila Prabhupada ends his purport, "such association is always desirable; it is worshipable; it is praiseworthy, and one may accept it as the highest goal of life."
Please always allow me the treasure of your association, in this life and eternally.
Your grateful aspiring servant and daughter,
Acyuta bhava devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
What is of value in life? When we examine we see, for an aspiring devotee, there are three things: Krishna, Krishna's service and Krishna's devotees. When I examine my own life, I see that the real value of this life lies in the incredible fortune of being associated with you.
"The value of a moments association with the devotee of the Lord cannot even be compared to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which are for those who are meant for death." (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.13)
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport to this verse about the 'bhagavat-sangi', one who is always in the association with the Lords name, form and qualities. Gurudeva, you are a wonderful example of absorption in devotional service, constantly thinking of how to give Krishna to others, taking care of devotees, and taking such responsibility within Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON, all the while being absorbed in chanting Krishna's Holy Names.
To be near when you chant japa and kirtan are the most precious moments in my life. Your affection for Krishna is so evident, it is a glimpse into the spiritual world. Being in your association gives one hope and confidence in Krishna. Surely, your association is the greatest treasure in my life. As Srila Prabhupada ends his purport, "such association is always desirable; it is worshipable; it is praiseworthy, and one may accept it as the highest goal of life."
Please always allow me the treasure of your association, in this life and eternally.
Your grateful aspiring servant and daughter,
Acyuta bhava devi dasi
Aghāri Kṛṣṇa dāsa
Dear Guru Mahārāja
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
2015 has been an especially festive year for Śrīla Prabhupāda’s ISKCON in that it marked the beginning of the year-long celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of its incorporation, and for the African continent, the 40th Anniversary of His Divine Grace’s 1975 historic tour of Mauritius, South Africa and Kenya.
In the wake of commemorating these anniversaries, the significance of your contribution towards ISKCON achieving its seven purposes in many parts of the world becomes especially apparent by analysing the glory of your unalloyed pure devotional service at the lotus feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
<strong><i>1st purpose:</strong> “To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.”</i>
Your successful outreach progammes in the urban areas of New Zealand and Australia are praised by all honest <i>saṅkīrtana</i> administrators for their efficacy and robustness in allowing all persons to take to the process of hearing and chanting about Lord Kṛṣṇa, in spite of the accelerated degradation of modern times. The spirit of Auckland’s <i>Loft Yoga Lounge</i>, Wellington’s <i>Bhakti Lounge</i> and Melbourne’s <i>Urban Yoga</i>, make it easy for person’s with variegated needs, interests and concerns to practise the techniques of spiritual life. Your bridging program, <i>the contemporary Vedic āśrama</i>, for all levels of neophyte devotees into taking up devotional service as their number one occupation amid a plethora of other obligations, is an ingenious way for systematically convincing all types of prospective candidates to educate themselves and then begin educating others about the art, science and culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Whether the candidate is a rebellious youth from the Indian diaspora spread in many parts of the world, or a twenty something African whose only interest is in career and economic development, in your framework of Kṛṣṇa conscious outreach, all drowning Kali-yuga denizens get reeled into Śrīla Prabhupāda’s cruise liner – ISKCON.
<strong><i>2nd purpose:</strong> “To propagate a consciousness of Kṛṣṇa as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
3rd purpose: To bring the members of the society together with each other and nearer to Kṛṣṇa, the prime Entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Kṛṣṇa).”</i>
Dear Guru Mahārāja, it has come to pass that your peers and other prominent contemporaries in the leadership of ISKCON have recognised you as one the best presenters of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings. Your consummate understanding of the five levels of consciousness, namely, <i>anna-maya, prāṇa-maya, jñāna-maya, vijñāna-maya</i> and your full-blown manifestation of <i>ānanda-maya</i>, make your pedagogy of propagating the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam into the consciousness of persons from many spheres of occupational activity, comprehensively effective. From analyses on the recession of democracy, the contemporary science of happiness, sustainable environmental economics, to presentations on developing greed for Kṛṣṇa and delicate renderings on the intricacies of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa līlā, particularly on Rādhāṣṭamī, prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are a distinguished mahātmā. You have a complete view of the multifarious energies of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and thus are able to bring doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, scientists, students – all members of society together to hear with rapt attention about the treachery of the illusory energy, and the freedom enjoyed under the shelter of the spiritual energy. Your expertise in applied <i>yukta-vairāgya</i>, particularly in dovetailing persons’ variegated capacities for understanding spiritual subject matters, and eventually developing the idea that they are part and parcel of Lord Kṛṣṇa, is remarkable.
<strong><i>4th purpose:</strong> “To teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.”</i>
The glory of <i>The Recharge Festival</i> at New Gupta Vraja in revitalising <i>sādhakas’</i> interest in hearing and chanting about Lord Kṛṣṇa is well-known, even to persons who are yet to attend this festival! Your ability to inspire devotees by using the teachings of Lord Caitanya, particularly using the <i>Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta</i>, to become more attentive and intense in <i>śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ</i>, is not astonishing. By recalling the key part you played in the famous 1975 marathon towards printing seventeen volumes of <i>Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta</i> in two months, your enlivening ability to teach and encourage lively congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Kṛṣṇa, makes perfect sense, even to one who has imperfect senses!
<strong><i>5th purpose:</strong> “To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Kṛṣṇa.”</i>
Ambarīṣa Prabhu and his fundraising team leading the charge for completing the construction of ISKCON’s world headquarters, The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (ToVP) in Mayapur, have noted your sacrifice in directing one of your disciples to donate one million US dollars to the ToVP project, in place of expanding the infrastructure of your already successful Kṛṣṇa conscious outreach complex down-under. This is a testimony to your unflinching commitment to the fifth purpose of ISKCON. Of course, in the establishment of the aforementioned Kṛṣṇa conscious outreach programmes, you have also directly transformed urban dwellings into holy places dedicated to the hearing and chanting about the energies and personality of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore your fulfilment of this fifth purpose is a wholesome paragon for all <i>saṅkīrtana</i> administrators to follow.
<strong><i>6th purpose:</strong> “To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.”</i>
New Gupta Vraja achieves this purpose as well, in addition to the fourth because of its picturesque setting in Otaki which many persons grew to love on the silver screen. Instead of utilising the majesty of this natural setting for encouraging persons to enjoy separately from Lord Kṛṣṇa, your outreach work at New Gupta Vraja in the form of retreats has been for teaching a life of plain living and high thinking, with the culmination of the most natural way of life being to keep Lord Kṛṣṇa in the centre of all of one’s activities. This result has been achieved because you have kept Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission as the centre your own life – your very <i>prāṇa</i>.
<strong><i>7th purpose:</strong> “With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.”</i>
Being an eminent mahātmā for the new millennium and leading representative of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, your publications, among other literatures in pursuance of the Vedic version, are in a superlative category for achieving the first six purposes of ISKCON. In particular, your ontology on consciousness for scientific-minded persons in the form of <i>Searching for Vedic India</i> is emphatically convincing for thoroughly honest persons. Your use of the scientific method of multiple competing hypotheses which in establishing the existence of consciousness as a non-material reality is yet another example of your sterling application of yukta-vairāgya. This method of reasoning is exhaustively used in evolutionary biology, theoretical physics and intelligent design. The obvious exception is that the proponents of these sciences are unable to present the cause of all causes – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Kṛṣṇa – like you can.
However, your ingenuity in presenting airtight and thoroughly convincing arguments for bhakti-yoga as a fundamental science, is not only limited to the scientific community. Your <i>Perfect Escape</i> is perfect for anyone seeking conclusive understanding of the difference between spirit and matter; while <i>Bhakti-bhava: the emotional dynamics of a devotee</i> is an excellent guide for all levels of bhakti-yoga practitioners to optimally interact with practitioners on the same and different levels; thus minimise offenses to the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and fully utilise the opportunity for going back home, back to Godhead at the end of this very lifetime, through the easy method of sādhu-saṅga. Lastly, it is only a matter time that your <i>Enough Magazine</i>, on the cutting edge of Kṛṣṇa conscious presentation, will inspire a mass awakening of the zombies diseased with working, buying, consuming and dying.
Dear Guru Mahārāja, your unique offering of seven-fold <i>bhoga</i> to the sacrificial <i>saṅkīrtana yajña</i> of ISKCON is unfolding Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for a truly Kṛṣṇa conscious earth planet. The kaleidoscope of flames created by the contribution of your words, mind and body into this sacrificial fire is a perfect diffusion of the multi-coloured variety of the art, science and culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The dust at your lotus feet is the pot of gold nuggets at the end of the rainbow.
All this I have described are in the words I have heard you use in your urban preaching seminars and other presentations on <i>Śrīmad Bhāgavatam</i> because I do not have direct experience thereof, except only through hearing. Therefore, on this most blessed event of your Śrī Vyāsa-pūjā, I do not have any unique praises or choice prayers to offer you except to repeat the words emanating from your lotus mouth.
My only wish and prayer is that I may fully utilise this great wealth you have given me by not wasting time and becoming more efficient at the utilisation of the spiritual energy you give me everyday, in playing my part in your mission of fulfilling Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission, fifty years and beyond.
All glories to you on this Śrī Vyāsa-pūjā mahā mahotsava!
Your aspiring servant,
Aghāri Kṛṣṇa dāsa
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
2015 has been an especially festive year for Śrīla Prabhupāda’s ISKCON in that it marked the beginning of the year-long celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of its incorporation, and for the African continent, the 40th Anniversary of His Divine Grace’s 1975 historic tour of Mauritius, South Africa and Kenya.
In the wake of commemorating these anniversaries, the significance of your contribution towards ISKCON achieving its seven purposes in many parts of the world becomes especially apparent by analysing the glory of your unalloyed pure devotional service at the lotus feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
<strong><i>1st purpose:</strong> “To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.”</i>
Your successful outreach progammes in the urban areas of New Zealand and Australia are praised by all honest <i>saṅkīrtana</i> administrators for their efficacy and robustness in allowing all persons to take to the process of hearing and chanting about Lord Kṛṣṇa, in spite of the accelerated degradation of modern times. The spirit of Auckland’s <i>Loft Yoga Lounge</i>, Wellington’s <i>Bhakti Lounge</i> and Melbourne’s <i>Urban Yoga</i>, make it easy for person’s with variegated needs, interests and concerns to practise the techniques of spiritual life. Your bridging program, <i>the contemporary Vedic āśrama</i>, for all levels of neophyte devotees into taking up devotional service as their number one occupation amid a plethora of other obligations, is an ingenious way for systematically convincing all types of prospective candidates to educate themselves and then begin educating others about the art, science and culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Whether the candidate is a rebellious youth from the Indian diaspora spread in many parts of the world, or a twenty something African whose only interest is in career and economic development, in your framework of Kṛṣṇa conscious outreach, all drowning Kali-yuga denizens get reeled into Śrīla Prabhupāda’s cruise liner – ISKCON.
<strong><i>2nd purpose:</strong> “To propagate a consciousness of Kṛṣṇa as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
3rd purpose: To bring the members of the society together with each other and nearer to Kṛṣṇa, the prime Entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Kṛṣṇa).”</i>
Dear Guru Mahārāja, it has come to pass that your peers and other prominent contemporaries in the leadership of ISKCON have recognised you as one the best presenters of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings. Your consummate understanding of the five levels of consciousness, namely, <i>anna-maya, prāṇa-maya, jñāna-maya, vijñāna-maya</i> and your full-blown manifestation of <i>ānanda-maya</i>, make your pedagogy of propagating the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam into the consciousness of persons from many spheres of occupational activity, comprehensively effective. From analyses on the recession of democracy, the contemporary science of happiness, sustainable environmental economics, to presentations on developing greed for Kṛṣṇa and delicate renderings on the intricacies of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa līlā, particularly on Rādhāṣṭamī, prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are a distinguished mahātmā. You have a complete view of the multifarious energies of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and thus are able to bring doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, scientists, students – all members of society together to hear with rapt attention about the treachery of the illusory energy, and the freedom enjoyed under the shelter of the spiritual energy. Your expertise in applied <i>yukta-vairāgya</i>, particularly in dovetailing persons’ variegated capacities for understanding spiritual subject matters, and eventually developing the idea that they are part and parcel of Lord Kṛṣṇa, is remarkable.
<strong><i>4th purpose:</strong> “To teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.”</i>
The glory of <i>The Recharge Festival</i> at New Gupta Vraja in revitalising <i>sādhakas’</i> interest in hearing and chanting about Lord Kṛṣṇa is well-known, even to persons who are yet to attend this festival! Your ability to inspire devotees by using the teachings of Lord Caitanya, particularly using the <i>Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta</i>, to become more attentive and intense in <i>śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ</i>, is not astonishing. By recalling the key part you played in the famous 1975 marathon towards printing seventeen volumes of <i>Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta</i> in two months, your enlivening ability to teach and encourage lively congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Kṛṣṇa, makes perfect sense, even to one who has imperfect senses!
<strong><i>5th purpose:</strong> “To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Kṛṣṇa.”</i>
Ambarīṣa Prabhu and his fundraising team leading the charge for completing the construction of ISKCON’s world headquarters, The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (ToVP) in Mayapur, have noted your sacrifice in directing one of your disciples to donate one million US dollars to the ToVP project, in place of expanding the infrastructure of your already successful Kṛṣṇa conscious outreach complex down-under. This is a testimony to your unflinching commitment to the fifth purpose of ISKCON. Of course, in the establishment of the aforementioned Kṛṣṇa conscious outreach programmes, you have also directly transformed urban dwellings into holy places dedicated to the hearing and chanting about the energies and personality of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore your fulfilment of this fifth purpose is a wholesome paragon for all <i>saṅkīrtana</i> administrators to follow.
<strong><i>6th purpose:</strong> “To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.”</i>
New Gupta Vraja achieves this purpose as well, in addition to the fourth because of its picturesque setting in Otaki which many persons grew to love on the silver screen. Instead of utilising the majesty of this natural setting for encouraging persons to enjoy separately from Lord Kṛṣṇa, your outreach work at New Gupta Vraja in the form of retreats has been for teaching a life of plain living and high thinking, with the culmination of the most natural way of life being to keep Lord Kṛṣṇa in the centre of all of one’s activities. This result has been achieved because you have kept Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission as the centre your own life – your very <i>prāṇa</i>.
<strong><i>7th purpose:</strong> “With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.”</i>
Being an eminent mahātmā for the new millennium and leading representative of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, your publications, among other literatures in pursuance of the Vedic version, are in a superlative category for achieving the first six purposes of ISKCON. In particular, your ontology on consciousness for scientific-minded persons in the form of <i>Searching for Vedic India</i> is emphatically convincing for thoroughly honest persons. Your use of the scientific method of multiple competing hypotheses which in establishing the existence of consciousness as a non-material reality is yet another example of your sterling application of yukta-vairāgya. This method of reasoning is exhaustively used in evolutionary biology, theoretical physics and intelligent design. The obvious exception is that the proponents of these sciences are unable to present the cause of all causes – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Kṛṣṇa – like you can.
However, your ingenuity in presenting airtight and thoroughly convincing arguments for bhakti-yoga as a fundamental science, is not only limited to the scientific community. Your <i>Perfect Escape</i> is perfect for anyone seeking conclusive understanding of the difference between spirit and matter; while <i>Bhakti-bhava: the emotional dynamics of a devotee</i> is an excellent guide for all levels of bhakti-yoga practitioners to optimally interact with practitioners on the same and different levels; thus minimise offenses to the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and fully utilise the opportunity for going back home, back to Godhead at the end of this very lifetime, through the easy method of sādhu-saṅga. Lastly, it is only a matter time that your <i>Enough Magazine</i>, on the cutting edge of Kṛṣṇa conscious presentation, will inspire a mass awakening of the zombies diseased with working, buying, consuming and dying.
Dear Guru Mahārāja, your unique offering of seven-fold <i>bhoga</i> to the sacrificial <i>saṅkīrtana yajña</i> of ISKCON is unfolding Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for a truly Kṛṣṇa conscious earth planet. The kaleidoscope of flames created by the contribution of your words, mind and body into this sacrificial fire is a perfect diffusion of the multi-coloured variety of the art, science and culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The dust at your lotus feet is the pot of gold nuggets at the end of the rainbow.
All this I have described are in the words I have heard you use in your urban preaching seminars and other presentations on <i>Śrīmad Bhāgavatam</i> because I do not have direct experience thereof, except only through hearing. Therefore, on this most blessed event of your Śrī Vyāsa-pūjā, I do not have any unique praises or choice prayers to offer you except to repeat the words emanating from your lotus mouth.
My only wish and prayer is that I may fully utilise this great wealth you have given me by not wasting time and becoming more efficient at the utilisation of the spiritual energy you give me everyday, in playing my part in your mission of fulfilling Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission, fifty years and beyond.
All glories to you on this Śrī Vyāsa-pūjā mahā mahotsava!
Your aspiring servant,
Aghāri Kṛṣṇa dāsa
Akarsini devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Just recently I was reading about Terh-kadamba, a place where Krsna would sometimes sit and play on His transcendental flute. Your god-brother Siva Rama Maharaja was reflecting on his realisations of Sril Rupa Gosvami’s visit to the same place.
“So distressed was the Gosvami at being unable to properly worship his spiritual master that he could no longer write. He simply sat there moistening his manuscripts with tears.” (NVM, Chpt 6).
I can’t understand saturation of transcendental tears of love for you Gurudeva, but I can admit frustration in not knowing how to give you the glorification that you deserve.
Once again the yearly challenge of compiling a Vyasa Puja offering has arrived, beginning with the easy part:
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeicences
All glories to Srila Prabhupada…………..
then for the following hour amid a period of silent panic there is not much activity, except mainly for the taping of my finger on the delete key.
I think the best solution for this mental paralysis is to attempt to speak from the heart:
You appear to possess so many attractive and desirable qualities, an intelligent person would find it difficult to find any fault in you. Your heart is larger then the sun and its rays are like directional sky rockets searching out their fortunate receivers.
We used to celebrate family fireworks in the back garden every year, and my mother used to make sure we got to see the beautiful ones, along side my brothers noisy double happy’s. In particular I remember one called golden rain that showered golden sparks, kind of like a giant blow torch.
When you sing from Srimad Bhagavatam you radiate rays of nectarean Krsna katha so those assembled can drink life and you refresh the mind about the beautiful jewel of devotional service and how it is rarely achieved.
Sharing breakfast with my brother at a child, he would be the first to pounce on the wheat-bix when it was a brand new box, because he knew the glory of its contents. In every new box there was a small collector card. Triumphantly he would wave it in the air to acclaim his new treasure.
By your kind grace you reveal how dry material life is, like wheat-bix without milk, and in conjunction explain the embarrassing victory of worldly gain, which is nothing more then a toy won by a child from a box of cereal.
Broadcasting the realities of material existence you simultaneously increase the desire to understand the mystery of Krsna.,
Still trying to be your servant Akarsini devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Just recently I was reading about Terh-kadamba, a place where Krsna would sometimes sit and play on His transcendental flute. Your god-brother Siva Rama Maharaja was reflecting on his realisations of Sril Rupa Gosvami’s visit to the same place.
“So distressed was the Gosvami at being unable to properly worship his spiritual master that he could no longer write. He simply sat there moistening his manuscripts with tears.” (NVM, Chpt 6).
I can’t understand saturation of transcendental tears of love for you Gurudeva, but I can admit frustration in not knowing how to give you the glorification that you deserve.
Once again the yearly challenge of compiling a Vyasa Puja offering has arrived, beginning with the easy part:
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeicences
All glories to Srila Prabhupada…………..
then for the following hour amid a period of silent panic there is not much activity, except mainly for the taping of my finger on the delete key.
I think the best solution for this mental paralysis is to attempt to speak from the heart:
You appear to possess so many attractive and desirable qualities, an intelligent person would find it difficult to find any fault in you. Your heart is larger then the sun and its rays are like directional sky rockets searching out their fortunate receivers.
We used to celebrate family fireworks in the back garden every year, and my mother used to make sure we got to see the beautiful ones, along side my brothers noisy double happy’s. In particular I remember one called golden rain that showered golden sparks, kind of like a giant blow torch.
When you sing from Srimad Bhagavatam you radiate rays of nectarean Krsna katha so those assembled can drink life and you refresh the mind about the beautiful jewel of devotional service and how it is rarely achieved.
Sharing breakfast with my brother at a child, he would be the first to pounce on the wheat-bix when it was a brand new box, because he knew the glory of its contents. In every new box there was a small collector card. Triumphantly he would wave it in the air to acclaim his new treasure.
By your kind grace you reveal how dry material life is, like wheat-bix without milk, and in conjunction explain the embarrassing victory of worldly gain, which is nothing more then a toy won by a child from a box of cereal.
Broadcasting the realities of material existence you simultaneously increase the desire to understand the mystery of Krsna.,
Still trying to be your servant Akarsini devi dasi
Amani Gaurahari das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
Recently I have been thinking about our first meeting at Bhakti Lounge...
Leading up to our first meeting I remember the devotees were talking about you with much affection and the atmosphere became surcharged with anticipation and excitement prior to your arrival.
So when I was given the incredible opportunity to serve you dinner I was very excited. Although extremely nervous, I could not refuse the offer. Not knowing much about you other than that you travelled frequently, and being a travellermyself, I inquired about the various aspects of your lifestyle, hoping to connect on common grounds. You quickly cut down my misconception, before I had even fully put it together. I was thinking that your 'always-on-the-move' lifestyle, at least on a material platform, was pleasurable. I couldn't understand your motivations for such a selfless sacrificial lifestyle. What kept you going in this way for so many years?
Earlier this year, having the great fortune of assisting you on a North America tour, I had some realisations on this matter. Selflessly going through so many austerities: pushing your body to the limits by frequently changing time zones (and climates); dealing with so many issues associated with disciples, temple presidents and GBC responsibilities; living out of only a few bags; constantly having to work at trying to get some sort of daily regulation whilst being on the move; the list goes on. Undoubtedly you are fully satisfied serving Krishna in this way, but you are certainly not deriving your pleasure from this aspect of your lifestyle, there is no way that it could be from any material combination or permutation. Materially speaking, who would do such a thing? Whats the reward? All this sacrifice for respect from a select few people?
It became apparent to me very quickly where your pleasure comes from. Seeing how much you relish hearing and chanting about Krishna it became clear to me how you can go through so many austerities. When you were sharing Krishna consciousness with potential Bhakti practitioners at various events, I was astonished to see how enlivened you became....surely this was your motivation! Out of sincere compassion for the suffering conditioned living entities in this world you are sacrificing your whole existence atma-nivedanam to give your most beloved, Krishna, to others.
Recently, meeting a young lady who had been to the Loft before, I shared my small realisation of your incredible lifestyle of selfless compassion. She immediately became attracted, her heart melted, and very enthusiastically gave a donation in exchange for a copy of 'Searching for Vedic India'.
Thank you for being a living example of experiencing the higher taste and giving us the opportunity to also taste it.
Your servant
Amani Gaurahari das
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
Recently I have been thinking about our first meeting at Bhakti Lounge...
Leading up to our first meeting I remember the devotees were talking about you with much affection and the atmosphere became surcharged with anticipation and excitement prior to your arrival.
So when I was given the incredible opportunity to serve you dinner I was very excited. Although extremely nervous, I could not refuse the offer. Not knowing much about you other than that you travelled frequently, and being a travellermyself, I inquired about the various aspects of your lifestyle, hoping to connect on common grounds. You quickly cut down my misconception, before I had even fully put it together. I was thinking that your 'always-on-the-move' lifestyle, at least on a material platform, was pleasurable. I couldn't understand your motivations for such a selfless sacrificial lifestyle. What kept you going in this way for so many years?
Earlier this year, having the great fortune of assisting you on a North America tour, I had some realisations on this matter. Selflessly going through so many austerities: pushing your body to the limits by frequently changing time zones (and climates); dealing with so many issues associated with disciples, temple presidents and GBC responsibilities; living out of only a few bags; constantly having to work at trying to get some sort of daily regulation whilst being on the move; the list goes on. Undoubtedly you are fully satisfied serving Krishna in this way, but you are certainly not deriving your pleasure from this aspect of your lifestyle, there is no way that it could be from any material combination or permutation. Materially speaking, who would do such a thing? Whats the reward? All this sacrifice for respect from a select few people?
It became apparent to me very quickly where your pleasure comes from. Seeing how much you relish hearing and chanting about Krishna it became clear to me how you can go through so many austerities. When you were sharing Krishna consciousness with potential Bhakti practitioners at various events, I was astonished to see how enlivened you became....surely this was your motivation! Out of sincere compassion for the suffering conditioned living entities in this world you are sacrificing your whole existence atma-nivedanam to give your most beloved, Krishna, to others.
Recently, meeting a young lady who had been to the Loft before, I shared my small realisation of your incredible lifestyle of selfless compassion. She immediately became attracted, her heart melted, and very enthusiastically gave a donation in exchange for a copy of 'Searching for Vedic India'.
Thank you for being a living example of experiencing the higher taste and giving us the opportunity to also taste it.
Your servant
Amani Gaurahari das
Ananda-candra
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Bal Gopal and I serve Krishna Food at the acclaimed and illustrious University Law school.
Recently they had "Wellness Week" where in order to ‘be well’ they served out free and ample helpings of decaying flesh rolled into something called sausage and fried on a BBQ - to provide a substantial wholesome meal. They also had a circus-style, fast-food van, serving pig fat, milk powder and white sugar whipped together - to form a tasty sweet fun treat called ice-cream. There was an inflatable bouncy castle on offer for those seeking relief from their slavery hours of labour camp study - to bounce up and down for a moment. They even had “Puppy Bunny Playtime” where puppies, bunnies and kittens were brought in from the local pet store, ready for free hugs and cuteness, endorsed as having calming affect - for the franticly passionate and frazzled mind.
Earlier in the year elections were run to become the eminent 2016 Student Association President, the distinguished Vice President, the esteemed Sponsorship Administrator or other numerous look-good-on-my-CV-I'm-the-most-popular-self-motivated-will-work-like-a-slave-for-your-company roles. Students in desperation to get the highest number of votes would hang posters all over the common room walls and toilets, superimposing their face over the top of famous, half-dressed celebrities or by using images of money, alcohol and pubs with witty slogans and crude law jokes like "we'll help you get admitted to the bar". Basically who could be the most funny and "clever" - or degraded in the name and irony of honourable leadership.
Of course we cannot forget to mention the reputable Annual Law School Ball where a glamorous venue is hired and only a limited edition number of tickets go on sale. Four long hours before the tickets went on sale, a massive cue of students lined up all around the perimeter of the building, submissively and eagerly waiting for their chance to to get "a golden ticket". A few months later, stories unfolded from the admirable event where students shared glories of the dance floor which transformed into a skating rink of alcohol, fresh vomit and urine. One student jumped up onto a balcony falling off and breaking his arm.
I cringe to think that these could be our future leaders or considered the prestigious amongst society.
In a purport Srila Prabhupada writes “Citizens under the guidance of a Krsna conscious king will become devotees and then there will be no need to enact new laws every day to reform the way of the life in the state. If the citizens are trained to become devotees, they will automatically become peaceful and honest, and if they are guided by a devoted king advised by devotees, the state will not be in the material world but in the spiritual world.” (SB 9:4:21)
Imagine if these students submissively positioned themselves to hear from such a devotee as you. Imagine if all students, all citizens, all towns and nations whole-heartedly heard from you. Significant and incredible changes would take place!
The twelve hour days that students spend in the libraries would instead be filled with studying Vedic literature. First year Bhagavad Gita, second and third year Srimad Bhagavatam, fourth year Caitanya Caritamrita, elective papers in Nectar of Devotion and Krishna Book.
All magazines, newspaper articles, websites and Tweets would be filled with realisation, uplifting discussions and inspiring reports on how Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement is thriving. No longer would the sale of Cleo, Dolly and women’s magazines exist, brainwashing females into self-prostitution. No longer would sports, car and pornographic magazines, victimise and dull the men.
All musical talents would solely and wholly be used in divine glorification of the Supreme Lord and His devotees. Kirtan and bhajan would be streaming forth from all iphones, car stereo's, radios and cafes. No more suicidal and evil sounds would enter the ears of innocent people.
Supermarkets, bulk food suppliers and farmers would be supplying foodstuffs for the pleasure of the Lord. All cafes, restaurants and snack shops would enliven and purify their guests with sumptuous Krsna Prasadam.
It would be considered a horrific memory that cows, sheep, pigs and other innocent creatures were slaughtered, raped or eaten by people of these worlds.
All bars, nightclubs and liquor shops would no longer host gatherings of sex hungry ghosts and zombies. No more poisoning of the bodies and minds of the nation would take place.
Eloquent devotees of the Lord would become the new celebrities and role models and all would dress, act, speak and praise Krsna following suit.
The working day would start mid-morning after a full dose and cleanse of maha mantra meditation, live music, chanting, dancing, jumping, Srimad Bhagavatam class and nourishing breakfast Prasadam.
Crime would vanish as the hearts of citizens would become softer from the constant chanting of the holy names which would be flooding the streets and the internet.
No-one would need to lock their doors at night. No-one would go hungry. Nations wouldn't inflict violence on each other or their own. No wars, no refugees, no homeless, no riots, no national rugby games, no mundane versions of hate, envy, lust, greed, fear, anger.
Everyone would have purpose, meaning and feelings of identity as a joyful servant of the devotees and Gauranga Mahaprabhu.
Such sights would be incredible to see.
Of course these changes could happen for the world, but what about me, do I ever truly listen and deeply imbibe what you give us? You see the most exceptional potential in everyone.
My plight is that I think I'm this bag of stool and urine and have no inclination to deeply change and receive Your invitation to become a resident of the spiritual world.
Simply by hearing and living according to your direction, wonderful things could happen. “In the Vaikuntha planets the inhabitants fly in their airplanes accompanied by their wives and consorts, and eternally sing of the character and activities of the Lord, which are always devoid of all inauspicious qualities. While singing the glories of the Lord, they deride even the presence of the blossoming madhavi flowers which are fragrant and laden with honey.” (SB 3:15:17)
Please help me hear Your glorious message!
Your servant,
Ananda-candra
Please accept my humble obeisance’s
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Bal Gopal and I serve Krishna Food at the acclaimed and illustrious University Law school.
Recently they had "Wellness Week" where in order to ‘be well’ they served out free and ample helpings of decaying flesh rolled into something called sausage and fried on a BBQ - to provide a substantial wholesome meal. They also had a circus-style, fast-food van, serving pig fat, milk powder and white sugar whipped together - to form a tasty sweet fun treat called ice-cream. There was an inflatable bouncy castle on offer for those seeking relief from their slavery hours of labour camp study - to bounce up and down for a moment. They even had “Puppy Bunny Playtime” where puppies, bunnies and kittens were brought in from the local pet store, ready for free hugs and cuteness, endorsed as having calming affect - for the franticly passionate and frazzled mind.
Earlier in the year elections were run to become the eminent 2016 Student Association President, the distinguished Vice President, the esteemed Sponsorship Administrator or other numerous look-good-on-my-CV-I'm-the-most-popular-self-motivated-will-work-like-a-slave-for-your-company roles. Students in desperation to get the highest number of votes would hang posters all over the common room walls and toilets, superimposing their face over the top of famous, half-dressed celebrities or by using images of money, alcohol and pubs with witty slogans and crude law jokes like "we'll help you get admitted to the bar". Basically who could be the most funny and "clever" - or degraded in the name and irony of honourable leadership.
Of course we cannot forget to mention the reputable Annual Law School Ball where a glamorous venue is hired and only a limited edition number of tickets go on sale. Four long hours before the tickets went on sale, a massive cue of students lined up all around the perimeter of the building, submissively and eagerly waiting for their chance to to get "a golden ticket". A few months later, stories unfolded from the admirable event where students shared glories of the dance floor which transformed into a skating rink of alcohol, fresh vomit and urine. One student jumped up onto a balcony falling off and breaking his arm.
I cringe to think that these could be our future leaders or considered the prestigious amongst society.
In a purport Srila Prabhupada writes “Citizens under the guidance of a Krsna conscious king will become devotees and then there will be no need to enact new laws every day to reform the way of the life in the state. If the citizens are trained to become devotees, they will automatically become peaceful and honest, and if they are guided by a devoted king advised by devotees, the state will not be in the material world but in the spiritual world.” (SB 9:4:21)
Imagine if these students submissively positioned themselves to hear from such a devotee as you. Imagine if all students, all citizens, all towns and nations whole-heartedly heard from you. Significant and incredible changes would take place!
The twelve hour days that students spend in the libraries would instead be filled with studying Vedic literature. First year Bhagavad Gita, second and third year Srimad Bhagavatam, fourth year Caitanya Caritamrita, elective papers in Nectar of Devotion and Krishna Book.
All magazines, newspaper articles, websites and Tweets would be filled with realisation, uplifting discussions and inspiring reports on how Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement is thriving. No longer would the sale of Cleo, Dolly and women’s magazines exist, brainwashing females into self-prostitution. No longer would sports, car and pornographic magazines, victimise and dull the men.
All musical talents would solely and wholly be used in divine glorification of the Supreme Lord and His devotees. Kirtan and bhajan would be streaming forth from all iphones, car stereo's, radios and cafes. No more suicidal and evil sounds would enter the ears of innocent people.
Supermarkets, bulk food suppliers and farmers would be supplying foodstuffs for the pleasure of the Lord. All cafes, restaurants and snack shops would enliven and purify their guests with sumptuous Krsna Prasadam.
It would be considered a horrific memory that cows, sheep, pigs and other innocent creatures were slaughtered, raped or eaten by people of these worlds.
All bars, nightclubs and liquor shops would no longer host gatherings of sex hungry ghosts and zombies. No more poisoning of the bodies and minds of the nation would take place.
Eloquent devotees of the Lord would become the new celebrities and role models and all would dress, act, speak and praise Krsna following suit.
The working day would start mid-morning after a full dose and cleanse of maha mantra meditation, live music, chanting, dancing, jumping, Srimad Bhagavatam class and nourishing breakfast Prasadam.
Crime would vanish as the hearts of citizens would become softer from the constant chanting of the holy names which would be flooding the streets and the internet.
No-one would need to lock their doors at night. No-one would go hungry. Nations wouldn't inflict violence on each other or their own. No wars, no refugees, no homeless, no riots, no national rugby games, no mundane versions of hate, envy, lust, greed, fear, anger.
Everyone would have purpose, meaning and feelings of identity as a joyful servant of the devotees and Gauranga Mahaprabhu.
Such sights would be incredible to see.
Of course these changes could happen for the world, but what about me, do I ever truly listen and deeply imbibe what you give us? You see the most exceptional potential in everyone.
My plight is that I think I'm this bag of stool and urine and have no inclination to deeply change and receive Your invitation to become a resident of the spiritual world.
Simply by hearing and living according to your direction, wonderful things could happen. “In the Vaikuntha planets the inhabitants fly in their airplanes accompanied by their wives and consorts, and eternally sing of the character and activities of the Lord, which are always devoid of all inauspicious qualities. While singing the glories of the Lord, they deride even the presence of the blossoming madhavi flowers which are fragrant and laden with honey.” (SB 3:15:17)
Please help me hear Your glorious message!
Your servant,
Ananda-candra
Ananta Virya Dasa
My Dear Gurudeva
My most humble obesciences.. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, I will keep my offering short and simple.
As in every offering, I once again declare proudly that I saw you as my spiritual master back in July 2011, in our very first one on one meeting at the farm in Victoria, when you gave me a sound advice.
You give so much personal attention to your disciples and I am extremely fortunate to have personal and intimate discussions with you in your vapu form.
I pray that you live a very very long and healthy life,(your fitness inspires me too)
May you live so long not only for my 2nd intiation but also for the initiation of my entire family and also my parents.. We are all your disciples .. and we wish to serve you...
Please pick all of us up from this dangerous cycle of birth and death and please place us at the lotus feet of their lordships
I beg forgiveness for all offenses I have commited, those I am still committing and those that I will commit in the future (although inadvertently).
your ever aspiring servant without qualities
Ananta Virya Dasa
My most humble obesciences.. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, I will keep my offering short and simple.
As in every offering, I once again declare proudly that I saw you as my spiritual master back in July 2011, in our very first one on one meeting at the farm in Victoria, when you gave me a sound advice.
You give so much personal attention to your disciples and I am extremely fortunate to have personal and intimate discussions with you in your vapu form.
I pray that you live a very very long and healthy life,(your fitness inspires me too)
May you live so long not only for my 2nd intiation but also for the initiation of my entire family and also my parents.. We are all your disciples .. and we wish to serve you...
Please pick all of us up from this dangerous cycle of birth and death and please place us at the lotus feet of their lordships
I beg forgiveness for all offenses I have commited, those I am still committing and those that I will commit in the future (although inadvertently).
your ever aspiring servant without qualities
Ananta Virya Dasa
Ananta-naga das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel with you. I was already indebted to you before and now even more. I have now more appreciation for what you are doing on the planet and in New Zealand in particular. You are one of the few people in this world who know the true value of human life and able to change the course of other's lives towards spiritual realisation. The reason you very effective in doing it is your qualities of a sadhu, expertise in personal dealings and spiritual strength.
Wherever you went, I witnessed how dear you are to all the devotees. In Russia, you were welcomed with long applause and every sannyasi and senior devotee present on stage put theis garlands on you. One night at the festival you were leading a kirtan and after some time everyone got very blissful, "infected" by your bhakti. Thousands of devotees were jumping in extasy with their hands always in the air. After that night everyone who I met was glorifying you, saying that kirtan was out of this world. It is because you have such a taste for chanting, that Krishna becomes manifested in your kirtan. Next morning when you came to the pandal, five thousand people started shouting "Sadhu, sadhu". I think you truly deserve this title.
Apart from festivals, you travelled to places where new outreach programmes being developed, spending your valuable time and energy to encourage devotees in this endeavour. I realised that your heart is always with those who are trying to preach. You must be very dear to Krishna because this is what pleases Him the most. You always have time for your disciples and wellwishers in spite of your busy schedule.
I wish I have the intelligence to understand your true glory, but I am unconsciously unqualified in this matter. I feel like a child, who was given a jewel of personal service to guru but I am afraid I didn't understand the true value of it. Therefore, please forgive my offences I may have done while trying to serve you. Thank you for tolerating my pride and incompetence.
Thank you again for showing your mercy by becoming my spiritual master and allowing me to try to serve you personally. Please bless me with optimism so my desire to serve can manifest in some action which is purposeful for the movement and pleasing to you and Lord Caitanya.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel with you. I was already indebted to you before and now even more. I have now more appreciation for what you are doing on the planet and in New Zealand in particular. You are one of the few people in this world who know the true value of human life and able to change the course of other's lives towards spiritual realisation. The reason you very effective in doing it is your qualities of a sadhu, expertise in personal dealings and spiritual strength.
Wherever you went, I witnessed how dear you are to all the devotees. In Russia, you were welcomed with long applause and every sannyasi and senior devotee present on stage put theis garlands on you. One night at the festival you were leading a kirtan and after some time everyone got very blissful, "infected" by your bhakti. Thousands of devotees were jumping in extasy with their hands always in the air. After that night everyone who I met was glorifying you, saying that kirtan was out of this world. It is because you have such a taste for chanting, that Krishna becomes manifested in your kirtan. Next morning when you came to the pandal, five thousand people started shouting "Sadhu, sadhu". I think you truly deserve this title.
Apart from festivals, you travelled to places where new outreach programmes being developed, spending your valuable time and energy to encourage devotees in this endeavour. I realised that your heart is always with those who are trying to preach. You must be very dear to Krishna because this is what pleases Him the most. You always have time for your disciples and wellwishers in spite of your busy schedule.
I wish I have the intelligence to understand your true glory, but I am unconsciously unqualified in this matter. I feel like a child, who was given a jewel of personal service to guru but I am afraid I didn't understand the true value of it. Therefore, please forgive my offences I may have done while trying to serve you. Thank you for tolerating my pride and incompetence.
Thank you again for showing your mercy by becoming my spiritual master and allowing me to try to serve you personally. Please bless me with optimism so my desire to serve can manifest in some action which is purposeful for the movement and pleasing to you and Lord Caitanya.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Ananya & Vraj dham
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
namaste saraswati deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi
pashchatya-desha-tarine
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita
swamin iti namine
Prachare pruva dakshim cha
Bhaktachar Pravin Ta
Prarthapi Karuniyam
Yasye serve che tah nama
Me Ananya & Vraj dham is very happy to wish you a very Krishna conscious birthday. Maharaj, I chant one round every day. I read Krishna book and regularly attend Krishna Fun Class which my parents have started at our home since last few months. We learn one sloka every week, we recite the story from Krishna's pastime and will learn Kirtan and instrument.
Every now and then there are so many questions that comes to my mind which either I ask my father or mother or else I ask these questions to Kanai Thakur Prabhuji.
Vraj is now 3 years and 4 months. He has also learned to sing Narshima Prayer but he fights with me a lot. But I know he always loves me.
Maharaj, I miss you and feel like to meet you sometime soon. Will you be around Pune on the occasion of welcoming the deities the dieties of Shri Shri Jagannath, Baladeva & Subadhra Mai? Please try to come we'll be sending you special invitation.
Your small servants,
Ananya & Vraj dham
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
namaste saraswati deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi
pashchatya-desha-tarine
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita
swamin iti namine
Prachare pruva dakshim cha
Bhaktachar Pravin Ta
Prarthapi Karuniyam
Yasye serve che tah nama
Me Ananya & Vraj dham is very happy to wish you a very Krishna conscious birthday. Maharaj, I chant one round every day. I read Krishna book and regularly attend Krishna Fun Class which my parents have started at our home since last few months. We learn one sloka every week, we recite the story from Krishna's pastime and will learn Kirtan and instrument.
Every now and then there are so many questions that comes to my mind which either I ask my father or mother or else I ask these questions to Kanai Thakur Prabhuji.
Vraj is now 3 years and 4 months. He has also learned to sing Narshima Prayer but he fights with me a lot. But I know he always loves me.
Maharaj, I miss you and feel like to meet you sometime soon. Will you be around Pune on the occasion of welcoming the deities the dieties of Shri Shri Jagannath, Baladeva & Subadhra Mai? Please try to come we'll be sending you special invitation.
Your small servants,
Ananya & Vraj dham
Aravinda Nabha das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
In the purport of BG 4.10, Srila Prabhupada quotes Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu (1.4.15-16)
The slightly unique translation that he gives explains,
"In the beginning one must have a preliminary desire for self-realisation. This will bring one to the stage of trying to associate with persons who are spiritually elevated..."
Its clear to see how you are very mercifully arranging that as many people as possible have an opportunity to develop a desire for self realisation, be it consciously or not.
Your cutting edge presentations of self realisation attract conditioned souls from all over the world. The loft is always a multi cultural atmosphere with such unique characters from youth to old age. The dynamic programs, prasadam and devotees allow all types an opportunity to understand, who am I? Who is Krishna?
Looking at your new flyer,
" THE YOGA OF SPIRITUAL LUST AND GREED"
"BHAKTI IMMERSION THE ULTIMATE ENJOYER"
How can one not be intrigued by such topics?
With great clarity I can remember my very beginning days at the Bhakti lounge, sceptical about everything I observed you very carefully. Even to this day I have a picture stuck in my mind of you, eyes closed and head held high with a mild grin on your face. Although you challenged my mental concoctions and sentiments, I could sense you possessed something much greater than any one else could offer.
You personally influenced me to explore the mystery of Bhakti, an alternative to drowning in anxiety and distress.
How many such stories are there now and in the future to come.
Just as an expert fisherman knows how to bait his line according to the time place and circumstance so also you understand were people are at and caste your line accordingly,
the target audience is being reeled in more and more as you give the dry and stale impression of religion a fresh flavour.
Your extra ordinary ability to make devotees is certainly a topic of glorification, so also is your ability to carefully guide devotees toward the ultimate goal.
BG.12.9
My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of Bhakti yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain me.
First class ashrams, preaching centres, mentor systems, festivals and so many more means of shelter have been provided to guide your disciples under the regulative principles, culminating in purification of desire.
How fortunate am I to be in such a situation?
Far from understanding the depth of what you are providing and offering, I do have one realisation. Your establishing and watering a desire within me to serve Krishna.
Srila Rupa Goswamis desire is so refined he wishes to have many many mouths and thousands of ears by which to hear and chant.
For now please let me simply express my desire for a humble service attitude.
How else will I counterattack my false prestige nicely disguised by low self esteem.
How can one infected with with such pride and false humility actually serve you, dasa-vat, very humbly like a slave.
Thank you Gurudeva for a facility I which so much spiritual growth can take place, if you so desire, kindly help me to utilise such an opportunity.
Aspiring to become a servant at your lotus feet,
Aravinda Nabha das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
In the purport of BG 4.10, Srila Prabhupada quotes Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu (1.4.15-16)
The slightly unique translation that he gives explains,
"In the beginning one must have a preliminary desire for self-realisation. This will bring one to the stage of trying to associate with persons who are spiritually elevated..."
Its clear to see how you are very mercifully arranging that as many people as possible have an opportunity to develop a desire for self realisation, be it consciously or not.
Your cutting edge presentations of self realisation attract conditioned souls from all over the world. The loft is always a multi cultural atmosphere with such unique characters from youth to old age. The dynamic programs, prasadam and devotees allow all types an opportunity to understand, who am I? Who is Krishna?
Looking at your new flyer,
" THE YOGA OF SPIRITUAL LUST AND GREED"
"BHAKTI IMMERSION THE ULTIMATE ENJOYER"
How can one not be intrigued by such topics?
With great clarity I can remember my very beginning days at the Bhakti lounge, sceptical about everything I observed you very carefully. Even to this day I have a picture stuck in my mind of you, eyes closed and head held high with a mild grin on your face. Although you challenged my mental concoctions and sentiments, I could sense you possessed something much greater than any one else could offer.
You personally influenced me to explore the mystery of Bhakti, an alternative to drowning in anxiety and distress.
How many such stories are there now and in the future to come.
Just as an expert fisherman knows how to bait his line according to the time place and circumstance so also you understand were people are at and caste your line accordingly,
the target audience is being reeled in more and more as you give the dry and stale impression of religion a fresh flavour.
Your extra ordinary ability to make devotees is certainly a topic of glorification, so also is your ability to carefully guide devotees toward the ultimate goal.
BG.12.9
My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of Bhakti yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain me.
First class ashrams, preaching centres, mentor systems, festivals and so many more means of shelter have been provided to guide your disciples under the regulative principles, culminating in purification of desire.
How fortunate am I to be in such a situation?
Far from understanding the depth of what you are providing and offering, I do have one realisation. Your establishing and watering a desire within me to serve Krishna.
Srila Rupa Goswamis desire is so refined he wishes to have many many mouths and thousands of ears by which to hear and chant.
For now please let me simply express my desire for a humble service attitude.
How else will I counterattack my false prestige nicely disguised by low self esteem.
How can one infected with with such pride and false humility actually serve you, dasa-vat, very humbly like a slave.
Thank you Gurudeva for a facility I which so much spiritual growth can take place, if you so desire, kindly help me to utilise such an opportunity.
Aspiring to become a servant at your lotus feet,
Aravinda Nabha das
Asrayananda dasa
Vyasa-puja for HH Devamrita Swami October 2015
Dear Guru-maharaja,
Please accept this humble offering on this auspicious occasion.
First of all I would like to thank you for all of your kind attention and care. In spite of the obstacles you face in your ashram; being a Diksa and sisksa guru; preacher; GBC; and writer you are still able to help me and many others to overcome the waves of obstacles in our lives. Our bhakti creepers are fragile and need careful attention. You are always there to help clear the weeds and keep us nourished. I am understanding more now the need to reach out when we are over encumbered. You are always there for us and I am ever grateful.
I realise that I cannot begin to fathom what it would be like to do what you do. I remember in a darshan, I was feeling overwhelmed with obstacles which seemed so intense for me. You empathised so nicely and helped clear my head and move forward. You then gave a glimpse of your workload and it dawned on me that I would simply die if I were in your shoes!! It is actually superhuman
Lord Krsna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that he is the ability in man. He preserves what we have and carries what we lack. When we go deeper into this, essentially, Krsna empowers a jiva to perform extraordinary activities in devotional service. The only criteria is a pure heart. A heart without selfish desires.
You sacrificed your life to serve Srila Prabhupada. In your early adulthood you had walked away from a promising material life and you took up Sankirtan. You risked your life by preaching in the USSR, an operation if caught, could have been worse than we can imagine. You travel the world in intense long distance flights at the great expense of the health of your body. All to give us Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan movement. All these thing are extraordinary and are due a heart full of love.
You are a Karunika Gurudeva. And with your heart you do incredible things.
Thank you,
Your servant
Asrayananda dasa
Dear Guru-maharaja,
Please accept this humble offering on this auspicious occasion.
First of all I would like to thank you for all of your kind attention and care. In spite of the obstacles you face in your ashram; being a Diksa and sisksa guru; preacher; GBC; and writer you are still able to help me and many others to overcome the waves of obstacles in our lives. Our bhakti creepers are fragile and need careful attention. You are always there to help clear the weeds and keep us nourished. I am understanding more now the need to reach out when we are over encumbered. You are always there for us and I am ever grateful.
I realise that I cannot begin to fathom what it would be like to do what you do. I remember in a darshan, I was feeling overwhelmed with obstacles which seemed so intense for me. You empathised so nicely and helped clear my head and move forward. You then gave a glimpse of your workload and it dawned on me that I would simply die if I were in your shoes!! It is actually superhuman
Lord Krsna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that he is the ability in man. He preserves what we have and carries what we lack. When we go deeper into this, essentially, Krsna empowers a jiva to perform extraordinary activities in devotional service. The only criteria is a pure heart. A heart without selfish desires.
You sacrificed your life to serve Srila Prabhupada. In your early adulthood you had walked away from a promising material life and you took up Sankirtan. You risked your life by preaching in the USSR, an operation if caught, could have been worse than we can imagine. You travel the world in intense long distance flights at the great expense of the health of your body. All to give us Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan movement. All these thing are extraordinary and are due a heart full of love.
You are a Karunika Gurudeva. And with your heart you do incredible things.
Thank you,
Your servant
Asrayananda dasa
Bal Gopal das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to You and all of Your amazing ISKCON family, children, students, followers, admirers and well wishers!
In 2001 or 2002 during a grave health breakdown, You offered me a complete and simple, but easily overlooked prayer "My dear Lord Krsna please don't let me fall into Maya". Thankfully I am somehow or other still aspiring to rise to this prayers call, to live above the painful trident of Mayadevi.
Later, during a different wave of good health and prosperous service opportunity, You gave another prayer and direction "Beg Gaura Nitai for an increase in your preaching".
Prior to this, You also gave us ''Dear Gaura Nitai, please let me have a deeper vision of what is really going on in this service''.
In a conversation about Book distribution and its revelation granting powers, You told me that you cannot stand to see that people are suffering so much without Krsna consciousness and that I should "Beg the Panca Tattva, beg Sri Sri Nitai Gaura Candra for the ability to see like this".
In a lecture, You once directed us to come before the Deities and beg them for "The Real Holy Name".
Before Sri Sri Radha Giridhari, You told us once, that if we have devotional service then we have perfection and that we should pray to the Deities ''My dear Lord, by your grace I have achieved perfection - devotional service, please never let me forget this ."
During a darshan, You gave another prayer "My dear Lord, tears are flowing from my eyes but my heart is full of material desires. What kind of devotee am I?".
During a lecture, You urged the audience of devotees to pray to Krsna "My dear Lord, please let me always swim, dive and splash in the nectarean ocean of loving exchanges with your devotees".
In the Caitanya Caritamrta it is stated:
krsna yadi krpa kare kona bhagyavane
guru-antaryami-rupe sikhaya apane
“Krsna is situated in everyone’s heart as the caittya-guru, the spiritual master within. When He is kind to some fortunate conditioned soul, He personally gives him lessons so he can progress in devotional service, instructing the person as the Supersoul within and the spiritual master without.” [CC Madhya 19.151]
You have taught us that when approaching Krsna with prayer, our 'conditioned soul' style and composition is frail, compared with the offerings already heard and accepted by the Lord in Pure devotion made by the Pure uncontaminated souls as Yourself.
Due to having offered, shared and meditated upon these prayers, I must say that they are all saturated with potency and that they have granted me encouraging realization and transformation during my life thus far.
When I think of my useless and weak attempts at shifting the wrongs of the world governed by demoniac sexmonger meateaters, I feel happy that You relieved me at a crucial time in my life. Embarrassingly, I would smash windows, put heavy glue in door locks, deface vehicles and property, spray paint sharply composed graffiti, angrily protesting the dark ways of the bloodthirsty leadership of this world.
As a teenage vegan misfit, I was thinking that this was the way of seeing change.
By Your causeless mercy, Your words full of earth shifting, mass population delivering, entire planet renovating, spiritually saturated and sanctified speeches, pulled me out of this arrogant ignorance and sheer frustration.
You gave me the Maha mantra and its culture of neverending excitement, which saved me from the anguish of a hopeless life, of one disappointment to the next.
Being connected to this Sankirtan sacrifice is the greatest revolution. Your words of direction dissolve and raise the confused, delusional consciousness that is capturing the souls of this planet.
I hope that one day I can reclaim my soul and be done with my current life of mediocrity, stagnation and apathy.
Please help me to remain close to the blazing flames of the Sankirtan sacrifice. By bowing to your greatness and grand plan for the people of this earth and giving them the real Holy Name, my life will become significant.
Aspiring to become,
Your servant,
Bal Gopal das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to You and all of Your amazing ISKCON family, children, students, followers, admirers and well wishers!
In 2001 or 2002 during a grave health breakdown, You offered me a complete and simple, but easily overlooked prayer "My dear Lord Krsna please don't let me fall into Maya". Thankfully I am somehow or other still aspiring to rise to this prayers call, to live above the painful trident of Mayadevi.
Later, during a different wave of good health and prosperous service opportunity, You gave another prayer and direction "Beg Gaura Nitai for an increase in your preaching".
Prior to this, You also gave us ''Dear Gaura Nitai, please let me have a deeper vision of what is really going on in this service''.
In a conversation about Book distribution and its revelation granting powers, You told me that you cannot stand to see that people are suffering so much without Krsna consciousness and that I should "Beg the Panca Tattva, beg Sri Sri Nitai Gaura Candra for the ability to see like this".
In a lecture, You once directed us to come before the Deities and beg them for "The Real Holy Name".
Before Sri Sri Radha Giridhari, You told us once, that if we have devotional service then we have perfection and that we should pray to the Deities ''My dear Lord, by your grace I have achieved perfection - devotional service, please never let me forget this ."
During a darshan, You gave another prayer "My dear Lord, tears are flowing from my eyes but my heart is full of material desires. What kind of devotee am I?".
During a lecture, You urged the audience of devotees to pray to Krsna "My dear Lord, please let me always swim, dive and splash in the nectarean ocean of loving exchanges with your devotees".
In the Caitanya Caritamrta it is stated:
krsna yadi krpa kare kona bhagyavane
guru-antaryami-rupe sikhaya apane
“Krsna is situated in everyone’s heart as the caittya-guru, the spiritual master within. When He is kind to some fortunate conditioned soul, He personally gives him lessons so he can progress in devotional service, instructing the person as the Supersoul within and the spiritual master without.” [CC Madhya 19.151]
You have taught us that when approaching Krsna with prayer, our 'conditioned soul' style and composition is frail, compared with the offerings already heard and accepted by the Lord in Pure devotion made by the Pure uncontaminated souls as Yourself.
Due to having offered, shared and meditated upon these prayers, I must say that they are all saturated with potency and that they have granted me encouraging realization and transformation during my life thus far.
When I think of my useless and weak attempts at shifting the wrongs of the world governed by demoniac sexmonger meateaters, I feel happy that You relieved me at a crucial time in my life. Embarrassingly, I would smash windows, put heavy glue in door locks, deface vehicles and property, spray paint sharply composed graffiti, angrily protesting the dark ways of the bloodthirsty leadership of this world.
As a teenage vegan misfit, I was thinking that this was the way of seeing change.
By Your causeless mercy, Your words full of earth shifting, mass population delivering, entire planet renovating, spiritually saturated and sanctified speeches, pulled me out of this arrogant ignorance and sheer frustration.
You gave me the Maha mantra and its culture of neverending excitement, which saved me from the anguish of a hopeless life, of one disappointment to the next.
Being connected to this Sankirtan sacrifice is the greatest revolution. Your words of direction dissolve and raise the confused, delusional consciousness that is capturing the souls of this planet.
I hope that one day I can reclaim my soul and be done with my current life of mediocrity, stagnation and apathy.
Please help me to remain close to the blazing flames of the Sankirtan sacrifice. By bowing to your greatness and grand plan for the people of this earth and giving them the real Holy Name, my life will become significant.
Aspiring to become,
Your servant,
Bal Gopal das
Baladeva Nitai das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Upon sitting down to write an offering of love and tribute to you Gurudeva, I simply feel disqualification and inability to write anything that can justify how you have changed my life so much in every way.
This year during Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance day, H.H. Vedavyasa Priya Maharaja said that every year a disciple’s offering should be fresh. New realisations should have developed. A greater sense of gratitude and feeling of freshness in bhakti and a greater feeling of indebtedness to the spiritual master should impel a disciple to make a completely fresh offering to the spiritual master. Nothing should remain the same. After all, stagnancy stinks.
H.H. Janananda Goswami Maharaja said in his offering to Srila Prabhupada last year that when a disciple comes to make a Vyasa Puja offering before their spiritual master they should be naked. There should be no pretence, no barrier. The heart should thus be very openly displayed. How difficult this is.
So many lifetimes of impersonalism has rendered me dull and withdrawn. Eating sleeping mating and defending has been my only goal, an emphasis on the defending.
There is a lecture I recently heard of yours called “Let’s be for real”. It is a lecture I had listened to many times whilst living with Mahavan and Kadhiravan in Wellington. Upon listening to it again I remembered how this lecture had given me a lot of solace back then. It was so nice to finally hear it said out loud with such clarity, all the painful experiences that one feels in material life and the pressure that is put on one to make a show of success in material enjoyment.
You gave an analogy of persons holding their cards close to their chest as if in an intense poker game.
This analogy summed up so much to me of what I have experienced in material life. In a poker game the aim is simply to pretend that you have a better hand of cards than everyone else. The goal is more or less to intimidate the other card players into folding their cards on the table. So much of life has just been about that, trying to put up a front of succeeding at material enjoyment.
To let down the poker face at any time and admit failure or inadequacy is something unimaginable. It is something you just cannot do. And so, for so long, I, like so many others, have put on a big false show of success, adequacy and accomplishment. As a result, I have lived a life wrought with anxiety, being completely self-conscious and on guard at every moment.
And so now, the idea of relinquishing this old poker face; finally letting my cards down on the table, seems impossible. To let this guard down means to give up the game, to give up all false pretences, to actually be for real, leaving my heart open and exposed.
In many of your lectures you stress putting the heart into what we do in Krishna Consciousness. You mention that there is a lot of “heart energy” that can be tapped into and that things move quickly when we put our heart into what we are doing.
My fear is that it seems unsafe. I’ve locked my heart away in Fort Knox for so long, saving it for what? I don’t know. But to finally open the vault and put the heart to use seems so exposing, so dangerous. Material life means danger at every step, so naturally people don’t ever leave themselves in a vulnerable situation. And to do that now is something very difficult.
So there is a dilemma, which I guess most people face in the beginning stages of vaidhi sadhana bhakti. That dilemma is that there appears to be two paths in Krishna Consciousness available. One path involves a very smooth ride. Not much heart-felt endeavour is required for this one. And what’s more, it appears to be very safe. The other path is the one you are always advising me to choose. It is the heart-felt path, the one that involves me emotionally investing myself in bhakti. To follow this path means to see the limit of my comfort zone and push through it. It means to abandon the shelter of my false ego and mind, and perhaps even do services that could result in going through some minor or (God forbid) major painful or exposing experiences. It means for me to take a gamble on Krishna as my shelter.
There is no way I would ordinarily ever consider such a proposition. But due to listening to your lectures on a regular basis, I am slowly becoming convinced that the difficult path is not so dark and dangerous after all.
But what is even more convincing, is that I have you as my guide and role model Gurudeva. You have already walked the difficult path. Actually, you ran down it! And by your example I can see that it is actually safe and that there is indeed light, not just at the end of the tunnel, but all the way through it.
You show from your own selfless and bold example that Krishna Consciousness is the only safe and intelligent option. I would be mad to miss such an opportunity. Thank you for inspiring me with such faith and conviction in something so sublime. If it weren’t for you, what would I be investing this heart in? I shudder to think.
We went to a house program recently with H.H. Bir Krishna Goswami Maharaja. He was asked a question regarding chanting attentive Japa. His answer was the same answer more or less that I have heard you also give. He said that if we are chanting japa simply because we have to, then it is not a good reason. We had better find another reason to chant our japa. In other words, japa must be heart felt. There must be a goal that emotionally drives us to chant with attention. So he suggested that we have some kind of meditation of what we actually want to achieve from chanting our japa. Quickly of course he clarified that the goal not be a new car or something like that. He was meaning a spiritual aspiration.
And I realized that actually, thanks to you Gurudeva, I have all the reason in the world to chant more attentively. I want so much to be like you. I want to be like your disciples. I want to live for others and to help others too. Very mercifully of course, you have already given me this opportunity. I have been the one reluctant to fully embrace it.
So my offering to you this year Gurudeva, is that I am going to attempt to go up a gear in my practice of Krishna Consciousness, and in my service to you. First gear has been very nice, no complaints here. But seeing all my God-brothers fly past me in their sports cars I am now finally tempted to try second gear. I will be doing this with guidance of course from my mentor. But basically I would like to at least attempt to offer you something more than what I already have, along with some extra “heart energy”.
Thank you again Gurudeva for everything you have given me.
Your four-and-a-half year old,
Baladeva Nitai das.
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Upon sitting down to write an offering of love and tribute to you Gurudeva, I simply feel disqualification and inability to write anything that can justify how you have changed my life so much in every way.
This year during Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance day, H.H. Vedavyasa Priya Maharaja said that every year a disciple’s offering should be fresh. New realisations should have developed. A greater sense of gratitude and feeling of freshness in bhakti and a greater feeling of indebtedness to the spiritual master should impel a disciple to make a completely fresh offering to the spiritual master. Nothing should remain the same. After all, stagnancy stinks.
H.H. Janananda Goswami Maharaja said in his offering to Srila Prabhupada last year that when a disciple comes to make a Vyasa Puja offering before their spiritual master they should be naked. There should be no pretence, no barrier. The heart should thus be very openly displayed. How difficult this is.
So many lifetimes of impersonalism has rendered me dull and withdrawn. Eating sleeping mating and defending has been my only goal, an emphasis on the defending.
There is a lecture I recently heard of yours called “Let’s be for real”. It is a lecture I had listened to many times whilst living with Mahavan and Kadhiravan in Wellington. Upon listening to it again I remembered how this lecture had given me a lot of solace back then. It was so nice to finally hear it said out loud with such clarity, all the painful experiences that one feels in material life and the pressure that is put on one to make a show of success in material enjoyment.
You gave an analogy of persons holding their cards close to their chest as if in an intense poker game.
This analogy summed up so much to me of what I have experienced in material life. In a poker game the aim is simply to pretend that you have a better hand of cards than everyone else. The goal is more or less to intimidate the other card players into folding their cards on the table. So much of life has just been about that, trying to put up a front of succeeding at material enjoyment.
To let down the poker face at any time and admit failure or inadequacy is something unimaginable. It is something you just cannot do. And so, for so long, I, like so many others, have put on a big false show of success, adequacy and accomplishment. As a result, I have lived a life wrought with anxiety, being completely self-conscious and on guard at every moment.
And so now, the idea of relinquishing this old poker face; finally letting my cards down on the table, seems impossible. To let this guard down means to give up the game, to give up all false pretences, to actually be for real, leaving my heart open and exposed.
In many of your lectures you stress putting the heart into what we do in Krishna Consciousness. You mention that there is a lot of “heart energy” that can be tapped into and that things move quickly when we put our heart into what we are doing.
My fear is that it seems unsafe. I’ve locked my heart away in Fort Knox for so long, saving it for what? I don’t know. But to finally open the vault and put the heart to use seems so exposing, so dangerous. Material life means danger at every step, so naturally people don’t ever leave themselves in a vulnerable situation. And to do that now is something very difficult.
So there is a dilemma, which I guess most people face in the beginning stages of vaidhi sadhana bhakti. That dilemma is that there appears to be two paths in Krishna Consciousness available. One path involves a very smooth ride. Not much heart-felt endeavour is required for this one. And what’s more, it appears to be very safe. The other path is the one you are always advising me to choose. It is the heart-felt path, the one that involves me emotionally investing myself in bhakti. To follow this path means to see the limit of my comfort zone and push through it. It means to abandon the shelter of my false ego and mind, and perhaps even do services that could result in going through some minor or (God forbid) major painful or exposing experiences. It means for me to take a gamble on Krishna as my shelter.
There is no way I would ordinarily ever consider such a proposition. But due to listening to your lectures on a regular basis, I am slowly becoming convinced that the difficult path is not so dark and dangerous after all.
But what is even more convincing, is that I have you as my guide and role model Gurudeva. You have already walked the difficult path. Actually, you ran down it! And by your example I can see that it is actually safe and that there is indeed light, not just at the end of the tunnel, but all the way through it.
You show from your own selfless and bold example that Krishna Consciousness is the only safe and intelligent option. I would be mad to miss such an opportunity. Thank you for inspiring me with such faith and conviction in something so sublime. If it weren’t for you, what would I be investing this heart in? I shudder to think.
We went to a house program recently with H.H. Bir Krishna Goswami Maharaja. He was asked a question regarding chanting attentive Japa. His answer was the same answer more or less that I have heard you also give. He said that if we are chanting japa simply because we have to, then it is not a good reason. We had better find another reason to chant our japa. In other words, japa must be heart felt. There must be a goal that emotionally drives us to chant with attention. So he suggested that we have some kind of meditation of what we actually want to achieve from chanting our japa. Quickly of course he clarified that the goal not be a new car or something like that. He was meaning a spiritual aspiration.
And I realized that actually, thanks to you Gurudeva, I have all the reason in the world to chant more attentively. I want so much to be like you. I want to be like your disciples. I want to live for others and to help others too. Very mercifully of course, you have already given me this opportunity. I have been the one reluctant to fully embrace it.
So my offering to you this year Gurudeva, is that I am going to attempt to go up a gear in my practice of Krishna Consciousness, and in my service to you. First gear has been very nice, no complaints here. But seeing all my God-brothers fly past me in their sports cars I am now finally tempted to try second gear. I will be doing this with guidance of course from my mentor. But basically I would like to at least attempt to offer you something more than what I already have, along with some extra “heart energy”.
Thank you again Gurudeva for everything you have given me.
Your four-and-a-half year old,
Baladeva Nitai das.
Bali Daityaraja das
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I want to take the opportunity to humbly express my gratitude; your enthusiasm in tirelessly giving opportunities for people to come to Krsna consciousness is my inspiration.
My experience in practicing Krsna conciousness is limited thus I have little realisation; never the less, I am attracted to take your shelter. In an initiation lecture you gave at the 2012 'Recharge Festival' you focused on several themes, one of which was the duty a guru. In this lecture you explain how the duty of the guru is to extricate the disciple from the material world, not to suit his personal needs.
You cited a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8 in which Devahuti prays; it is only by the mercy of her spiritual master (Kapila muni) that she may get out of the darkest region of ignorance. You go on to read Prabhupada's purport: "It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance."
Hence it is only by your mercy I can be here. Unfortunately I still feel affected by the modes of ignorance and passion, consequently I cannot fully utilise the opportunity you have kindly given me.
When meditating on your selfless endeavours to teach the science of Bhakti, and the ever-fresh enthusiasm you have towards devotional service; it acts as a source of encouragement to strive deeper into the process of saranagati.
Your sublime character is manifest by your ability to transform the cold, hard, hearts of people engaged in material life; by bringing them to the association of devotees, and invoking a spirit of sacrifice into their hearts - their lives have become sublime.
As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.10.41):
"When one is face to face with the sun, there is no longer darkness for one's eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu, a devotee, who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one will no longer be subject to material bondage."
A sadhu who is a dear devotee of Krishna can bind the Lord in his heart by his love. Your Bhakti prowess has similarly attracted me to your lotus feet because you have given me a gift that I will be eternally indebted for. Now I have a life-time of service to offer in-return for your magnanimity.
Praying to develop the qualities of a worthy disciple,
Your servant,
Bali Daityaraja das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I want to take the opportunity to humbly express my gratitude; your enthusiasm in tirelessly giving opportunities for people to come to Krsna consciousness is my inspiration.
My experience in practicing Krsna conciousness is limited thus I have little realisation; never the less, I am attracted to take your shelter. In an initiation lecture you gave at the 2012 'Recharge Festival' you focused on several themes, one of which was the duty a guru. In this lecture you explain how the duty of the guru is to extricate the disciple from the material world, not to suit his personal needs.
You cited a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8 in which Devahuti prays; it is only by the mercy of her spiritual master (Kapila muni) that she may get out of the darkest region of ignorance. You go on to read Prabhupada's purport: "It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance."
Hence it is only by your mercy I can be here. Unfortunately I still feel affected by the modes of ignorance and passion, consequently I cannot fully utilise the opportunity you have kindly given me.
When meditating on your selfless endeavours to teach the science of Bhakti, and the ever-fresh enthusiasm you have towards devotional service; it acts as a source of encouragement to strive deeper into the process of saranagati.
Your sublime character is manifest by your ability to transform the cold, hard, hearts of people engaged in material life; by bringing them to the association of devotees, and invoking a spirit of sacrifice into their hearts - their lives have become sublime.
As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.10.41):
"When one is face to face with the sun, there is no longer darkness for one's eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu, a devotee, who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one will no longer be subject to material bondage."
A sadhu who is a dear devotee of Krishna can bind the Lord in his heart by his love. Your Bhakti prowess has similarly attracted me to your lotus feet because you have given me a gift that I will be eternally indebted for. Now I have a life-time of service to offer in-return for your magnanimity.
Praying to develop the qualities of a worthy disciple,
Your servant,
Bali Daityaraja das
Bali Daityraja das
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I want to take the opportunity to humbly express my gratitude; your enthusiasm in tirelessly giving opportunities for people to come to Krsna consciousness is my inspiration.
My experience in practicing Krsna conciousness is limited thus I have little realisation; never the less, I am attracted to take your shelter. In an initiation lecture you gave at the 2012 'Recharge Festival' you focused on several themes, one of which was the duty a guru. In this lecture you explain how the duty of the guru is to extricate the disciple from the material world, not to suit his personal needs.
You cited a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8 in which Devahuti prays; it is only by the mercy of her spiritual master (Kapila muni) that she may get out of the darkest region of ignorance. You go on to read Prabhupada's purport: "It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance."
Hence it is only by your mercy I can be here. Unfortunately I still feel affected by the modes of ignorance and passion, consequently I cannot fully utilise the opportunity you have kindly given me.
When meditating on your selfless endeavours to teach the science of Bhakti, and the ever-fresh enthusiasm you have towards devotional service; it acts as a source of encouragement to strive deeper into the process of saranagati.
Your sublime character is manifest by your ability to transform the cold, hard, hearts of people engaged in material life; by bringing them to the association of devotees, and invoking a spirit of sacrifice into their hearts - their lives have become sublime.
As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.10.41):
"When one is face to face with the sun, there is no longer darkness for one's eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu, a devotee, who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one will no longer be subject to material bondage."
A sadhu who is a dear devotee of Krishna can bind the Lord in his heart by his love. Your Bhakti prowess has similarly attracted me to your lotus feet because you have given me a gift that I will be eternally indebted for. Now I have a life-time of service to offer in-return for your magnanimity.
Praying to develop the qualities of a worthy disciple,
Your servant,
Bali Daityaraja das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I want to take the opportunity to humbly express my gratitude; your enthusiasm in tirelessly giving opportunities for people to come to Krsna consciousness is my inspiration.
My experience in practicing Krsna conciousness is limited thus I have little realisation; never the less, I am attracted to take your shelter. In an initiation lecture you gave at the 2012 'Recharge Festival' you focused on several themes, one of which was the duty a guru. In this lecture you explain how the duty of the guru is to extricate the disciple from the material world, not to suit his personal needs.
You cited a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8 in which Devahuti prays; it is only by the mercy of her spiritual master (Kapila muni) that she may get out of the darkest region of ignorance. You go on to read Prabhupada's purport: "It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance."
Hence it is only by your mercy I can be here. Unfortunately I still feel affected by the modes of ignorance and passion, consequently I cannot fully utilise the opportunity you have kindly given me.
When meditating on your selfless endeavours to teach the science of Bhakti, and the ever-fresh enthusiasm you have towards devotional service; it acts as a source of encouragement to strive deeper into the process of saranagati.
Your sublime character is manifest by your ability to transform the cold, hard, hearts of people engaged in material life; by bringing them to the association of devotees, and invoking a spirit of sacrifice into their hearts - their lives have become sublime.
As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.10.41):
"When one is face to face with the sun, there is no longer darkness for one's eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu, a devotee, who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one will no longer be subject to material bondage."
A sadhu who is a dear devotee of Krishna can bind the Lord in his heart by his love. Your Bhakti prowess has similarly attracted me to your lotus feet because you have given me a gift that I will be eternally indebted for. Now I have a life-time of service to offer in-return for your magnanimity.
Praying to develop the qualities of a worthy disciple,
Your servant,
Bali Daityaraja das
Benjamin Tregilgas
Dear Devamrita Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Being somebody who’s coming back to Krsna consciousness after going for a little scenic tour through maya is definitely not as easy as being somebody who just stays in Krsna consciousness. I’ve had an eventful year, tolerating all the volumes of contamination that i unnecessarily decided to pour on my consciousness and re-developing proper culture which by the grace of maya I very quickly, completely and thoroughly forgot. It’s taken a lot of determination to somewhat redevelop character and get rid of the huge clump of false pride which maya mercifully gave me. However, the past is the past but the future is always a blank slate. When a baby is learning to walk it’s not surprising if they sometimes fall over. Fighting maya is no easy thing and it requires determination, if she manages to get you down you simply get back up and keep going. I hope that someday soon I can sincerely pray for Krsna to protect me from illusion and have full faith that the illusory energy is in-fact a cause of only suffering and that loving Krsna is the only way to true happiness. I hope that someday soon i can develop not only faith but the realization and experience that Krsna truly can satisfy my every desire and that all I need to be happy is service to Him.
your aspiring servant,
bhakta ben
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Being somebody who’s coming back to Krsna consciousness after going for a little scenic tour through maya is definitely not as easy as being somebody who just stays in Krsna consciousness. I’ve had an eventful year, tolerating all the volumes of contamination that i unnecessarily decided to pour on my consciousness and re-developing proper culture which by the grace of maya I very quickly, completely and thoroughly forgot. It’s taken a lot of determination to somewhat redevelop character and get rid of the huge clump of false pride which maya mercifully gave me. However, the past is the past but the future is always a blank slate. When a baby is learning to walk it’s not surprising if they sometimes fall over. Fighting maya is no easy thing and it requires determination, if she manages to get you down you simply get back up and keep going. I hope that someday soon I can sincerely pray for Krsna to protect me from illusion and have full faith that the illusory energy is in-fact a cause of only suffering and that loving Krsna is the only way to true happiness. I hope that someday soon i can develop not only faith but the realization and experience that Krsna truly can satisfy my every desire and that all I need to be happy is service to Him.
your aspiring servant,
bhakta ben
Bhakta Alexey
Dear Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you dear Maharaj for giving me shelter, your personal instructions and encouragement. As I am trying to be more Krishna conscious and conscious in general, more I understand importance of spiritual master and guru-disciple relationship. Without this relationship spiritual journey becomes directed by own selfish motives and sincere desire to know Krishna and follow His plan becomes spoiled.
Once you said that you felt as whole world is your family! Your care and compassion for your disciples and all people in general is inspiring to me and I hope by your mercy and instructions I will be able to adopted this mood of being personal (not impersonal) and seeing everything in connection with Krishna.
I am grateful for you for establishing modern and dynamic urban preaching through centres like Bhakti Lounge where young people like my self can be engaged in variety of services according to their natures, and in the same time follow high standards of personal sadhana!
I hope to be able to follow your instructions properly, with proper mood and by doing so please you and Krishna
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Alexey
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you dear Maharaj for giving me shelter, your personal instructions and encouragement. As I am trying to be more Krishna conscious and conscious in general, more I understand importance of spiritual master and guru-disciple relationship. Without this relationship spiritual journey becomes directed by own selfish motives and sincere desire to know Krishna and follow His plan becomes spoiled.
Once you said that you felt as whole world is your family! Your care and compassion for your disciples and all people in general is inspiring to me and I hope by your mercy and instructions I will be able to adopted this mood of being personal (not impersonal) and seeing everything in connection with Krishna.
I am grateful for you for establishing modern and dynamic urban preaching through centres like Bhakti Lounge where young people like my self can be engaged in variety of services according to their natures, and in the same time follow high standards of personal sadhana!
I hope to be able to follow your instructions properly, with proper mood and by doing so please you and Krishna
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Alexey
Bhakta Navneet Maharaj
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Happy Vyasa Puja to you on this most glorious day and occassion. I know little about you Gurudeva but I do know that you are very great in saving all different people from the deep dark trenches of maya. You also gesture to all the fallen conditioned souls "please take this dense, thick, unrecognizable love for Krishna!"
Thank you very much for helping us all.
Your servant,
Navneet.
Gauranga!
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Happy Vyasa Puja to you on this most glorious day and occassion. I know little about you Gurudeva but I do know that you are very great in saving all different people from the deep dark trenches of maya. You also gesture to all the fallen conditioned souls "please take this dense, thick, unrecognizable love for Krishna!"
Thank you very much for helping us all.
Your servant,
Navneet.
Gauranga!
Bhakta Rob Meiklejohn
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to your holiness for giving me all the support in my endeavours to become Krishna Conscious. I am certainly fool number one and it is only through your mercy and Gaura Nitais' mercy that I have any hope of becoming a beggar to serve Krishna's lotus feet. Your patience and tolerance of a fool like me is totally bewildering to me. I am kindly requesting that I become an insignificant servant of your's to help spread love of Godhead.
Your most fallen servant,
Bh Rob
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to your holiness for giving me all the support in my endeavours to become Krishna Conscious. I am certainly fool number one and it is only through your mercy and Gaura Nitais' mercy that I have any hope of becoming a beggar to serve Krishna's lotus feet. Your patience and tolerance of a fool like me is totally bewildering to me. I am kindly requesting that I become an insignificant servant of your's to help spread love of Godhead.
Your most fallen servant,
Bh Rob
Bhakti Sara Dasa
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
When someone goes for a holiday and it is spoiled due to some reason, it is a very frustrating experience. We have come to this material world thinking that we are going to have a great vacation independent of Krsna but we face troubles every now and then. Brahma gives a description of the various problems in this world in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.9.8
kṣut-tṛṭ-tridhātubhir imā muhur ardyamānāḥ
śītoṣṇa-vāta-varaṣair itaretarāc ca
kāmāgninācyuta-ruṣā ca sudurbhareṇa
sampaśyato mana urukrama sīdate me
"O great actor, my Lord, all these poor creatures are constantly perplexed by hunger, thirst, severe cold, secretion and bile, attacked by coughing winter, blasting summer, rains and many other disturbing elements, and overwhelmed by strong sex urges and indefatigable anger. I take pity on them, and I am very much aggrieved for them."
While suffering these miseries everyone consciously or subconsciously puts faith on a person who they thinks will save them. Most of the time they are let down by their so-called saviors. Movies, comics, etc. also reflect this need for a hero or a superhero who will save us. People are moved by stories of magical beings with superhuman powers who can instantly remove danger and make everything right. This also explains our great admiration for policemen, fire fighters and military personnel.
In the early 1970s, Śrīla Prabhupāda, decided to analyze Western philosophy in light of Vedic philosophy. Among many prominent philosophers, Prabhupāda’s disciple discussed about Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher and poet whose work has greatly influenced modern thinkers.
Disciple: "Nietzsche calls the man who possesses spiritual power the Ūbermensch, a word meaning literally “above-man” and often translated as “superman.” The Ūbermensch is totally self-controlled, unafraid of death, simple, aware, and self-reliant. He is so powerful that he can change the lives of others simply on contact."
Śrīla Prabhupāda: “We accept the guru as the genuine superman because he is worshiped like God and can put one in touch with God and His grace. Yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ: By the mercy of the guru one receives the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Ūbermensch is not intent on subjugating others but on subjugating his own passions. Such a superman is beyond good and evil and is not subject to mundane dualities because he acts on behalf of God, he is transcendental.
In Sanskrit the real Ūbermensch or superman is called a svāmī or gosvāmī, who is described by Rūpa Gosvāmī as one who can control his words, mind, anger, tongue, belly, and genitals. These are the six forces that drive men to commit sinful activities. A gosvāmī can control these forces, especially the genitals, belly, and tongue, which are very hard to control.”
Gurudeva, you are truly a superman who is rescuing so many souls. Your instructions are the rope that you throw to save people drowning in the ocean of material existence. But that is only one part of your job. After saving them you drown them again in the ocean of nectar of devotion. This is also a challenging task because Krsna remains inconceivable for a neophyte bhakti practitioner and maya continues to test him.
On this most auspicious day kindly bless me so that I can dive deep in the Nectar of Devotion which has been made easily accessible to all of us by Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Bhakti Sara Dasa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
When someone goes for a holiday and it is spoiled due to some reason, it is a very frustrating experience. We have come to this material world thinking that we are going to have a great vacation independent of Krsna but we face troubles every now and then. Brahma gives a description of the various problems in this world in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.9.8
kṣut-tṛṭ-tridhātubhir imā muhur ardyamānāḥ
śītoṣṇa-vāta-varaṣair itaretarāc ca
kāmāgninācyuta-ruṣā ca sudurbhareṇa
sampaśyato mana urukrama sīdate me
"O great actor, my Lord, all these poor creatures are constantly perplexed by hunger, thirst, severe cold, secretion and bile, attacked by coughing winter, blasting summer, rains and many other disturbing elements, and overwhelmed by strong sex urges and indefatigable anger. I take pity on them, and I am very much aggrieved for them."
While suffering these miseries everyone consciously or subconsciously puts faith on a person who they thinks will save them. Most of the time they are let down by their so-called saviors. Movies, comics, etc. also reflect this need for a hero or a superhero who will save us. People are moved by stories of magical beings with superhuman powers who can instantly remove danger and make everything right. This also explains our great admiration for policemen, fire fighters and military personnel.
In the early 1970s, Śrīla Prabhupāda, decided to analyze Western philosophy in light of Vedic philosophy. Among many prominent philosophers, Prabhupāda’s disciple discussed about Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher and poet whose work has greatly influenced modern thinkers.
Disciple: "Nietzsche calls the man who possesses spiritual power the Ūbermensch, a word meaning literally “above-man” and often translated as “superman.” The Ūbermensch is totally self-controlled, unafraid of death, simple, aware, and self-reliant. He is so powerful that he can change the lives of others simply on contact."
Śrīla Prabhupāda: “We accept the guru as the genuine superman because he is worshiped like God and can put one in touch with God and His grace. Yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ: By the mercy of the guru one receives the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Ūbermensch is not intent on subjugating others but on subjugating his own passions. Such a superman is beyond good and evil and is not subject to mundane dualities because he acts on behalf of God, he is transcendental.
In Sanskrit the real Ūbermensch or superman is called a svāmī or gosvāmī, who is described by Rūpa Gosvāmī as one who can control his words, mind, anger, tongue, belly, and genitals. These are the six forces that drive men to commit sinful activities. A gosvāmī can control these forces, especially the genitals, belly, and tongue, which are very hard to control.”
Gurudeva, you are truly a superman who is rescuing so many souls. Your instructions are the rope that you throw to save people drowning in the ocean of material existence. But that is only one part of your job. After saving them you drown them again in the ocean of nectar of devotion. This is also a challenging task because Krsna remains inconceivable for a neophyte bhakti practitioner and maya continues to test him.
On this most auspicious day kindly bless me so that I can dive deep in the Nectar of Devotion which has been made easily accessible to all of us by Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Bhakti Sara Dasa
Bhakti-lata Devi Dasi
nama om visnu padaya
krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru maharaja,
When Prahlada Maharaja saw the lord face to face, he was offered to ask for any benedictions and at that time he prayed:
"My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him."
It is my great fortune that I got the opportunity in this life to meet you. I had no knowledge of anything beyond materialistic life but you artfully guided me in a way that I could have a chance to live a meaningful life.
I feel very inapt to glorify you as I can't really understand the depth of your Krsna Consiousness but to my level I would like to appreciate your enthusiasm in serving srila prabhupada mission, read, chant, travel, and inspire so many souls to also enthusiastically take up to Krsna Consiousness.
You always encourage us to read Srila prabhupadas books. Sanjaya tells Dhritarastra how he takes pleasure at every moment by remembering the wondrous and holy dialogue between Krsna and Arjuna, being thrilled at every moment.
Thinking of how much you relish reading, I open Prabhupada's books. By hearing your classes and seeing how you scrutinizingly read the purports, i also hear your love for Prabhupada.
When I hear your classes, I see how you embrace being challenged and how you take up the service of challenging our misconceptions all for the sake of helping us to become more Krsna conscious.
"One can execute the process of bhakti-yoga successfully with full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance, and determination, by following the prescribed duties in the association of devotees and by engaging completely in activities of goodness." (Upadeśāmṛta 3)
By seeing you, hearing from you and how you serve, I see theses wonderful qualities which are the keys to executing bhakti yoga successfully. While travelling with you I have seen how you always ponder on how to serve guru and Krsna in the best way, yourself taking guidance and gathering all information in order to take the best decision that you can possibly take. All this shows your full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance and determination in doing whatever it takes to take your service forward.
In the 11th canto, Prabhupada states that one who desires actual spiritual perfection must be enlivened to always chant and hear the glories of the Lord. Such devotional enthusiasm is motivated by love of Godhead and is devoid of any selfish expectation. (sb 11.6.12).
Thank you for showing by example how to attain the greatest goal of becoming Krsna conscious and what we can aspire for as we mature in our devotional life.
trying to learn to be your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru maharaja,
When Prahlada Maharaja saw the lord face to face, he was offered to ask for any benedictions and at that time he prayed:
"My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him."
It is my great fortune that I got the opportunity in this life to meet you. I had no knowledge of anything beyond materialistic life but you artfully guided me in a way that I could have a chance to live a meaningful life.
I feel very inapt to glorify you as I can't really understand the depth of your Krsna Consiousness but to my level I would like to appreciate your enthusiasm in serving srila prabhupada mission, read, chant, travel, and inspire so many souls to also enthusiastically take up to Krsna Consiousness.
You always encourage us to read Srila prabhupadas books. Sanjaya tells Dhritarastra how he takes pleasure at every moment by remembering the wondrous and holy dialogue between Krsna and Arjuna, being thrilled at every moment.
Thinking of how much you relish reading, I open Prabhupada's books. By hearing your classes and seeing how you scrutinizingly read the purports, i also hear your love for Prabhupada.
When I hear your classes, I see how you embrace being challenged and how you take up the service of challenging our misconceptions all for the sake of helping us to become more Krsna conscious.
"One can execute the process of bhakti-yoga successfully with full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance, and determination, by following the prescribed duties in the association of devotees and by engaging completely in activities of goodness." (Upadeśāmṛta 3)
By seeing you, hearing from you and how you serve, I see theses wonderful qualities which are the keys to executing bhakti yoga successfully. While travelling with you I have seen how you always ponder on how to serve guru and Krsna in the best way, yourself taking guidance and gathering all information in order to take the best decision that you can possibly take. All this shows your full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance and determination in doing whatever it takes to take your service forward.
In the 11th canto, Prabhupada states that one who desires actual spiritual perfection must be enlivened to always chant and hear the glories of the Lord. Such devotional enthusiasm is motivated by love of Godhead and is devoid of any selfish expectation. (sb 11.6.12).
Thank you for showing by example how to attain the greatest goal of becoming Krsna conscious and what we can aspire for as we mature in our devotional life.
trying to learn to be your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Bhaktin Andrea
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my very humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prahupada! And all glories to your holiness on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Words can not adequately express the gratitude I feel for your association, and the mercy you have bestowed on me.
I first experienced your presence at the In-Spirit festival in Toronto earlier this year. And from the moment I heard you speak, I was mesmerized, and felt that I was starving to hear more and more. I was in awe of the way in which your words cut to the very core of all my deepest anxieties and wonderings! I thought, “Finally! Someone is speaking about something real!” In this way, you rescued me from a life of never-ending materialistic endeavors and unsuccessful relationships that were slowly but surely driving me down into a dark well of despair. For this, I am eternally grateful.
I feel forever thankful that you have accepted me under your care as one of your aspiring disciples. Every time you are in town, simply your presence bestows a tangible sense of peacefulness and bliss to every devotee that is in your presence.
Because of the devotion with which I have observed senior devotees serving you, and the loving reciprocation you show them, I have begun to learn what real love is.
Because of your awe-inspiring presence, and the emptiness I felt when you left, I have begun to understand the power of your mercy.
Because of the compassion that you express for all living entities, and the way you tirelessly travel around the world spreading the message about the Absolute Truth, I have begun the understand what real compassion and care is.
Because of your incredible in-tuneness with me each and every time I see you, your empathy, your incredible ability to be present with me and see to the very core of my heart without my even being able to articulate fully, I have begun to learn what personalism is.
Because of your ecstatic kirtans, and your jolly and free laughter, I have begun to understand what real happiness is!
And because of our relationship, I have begun to get a taste for who Krsna is.
I fervently pray that I will be able to serve you and please you with my endeavors in Krsna Consciousness. I hold your instructions to me as most dear, and I pray to always be able to follow them and improve myself by your mercy.
Your eagerly aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Andrea
Please accept my very humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prahupada! And all glories to your holiness on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Words can not adequately express the gratitude I feel for your association, and the mercy you have bestowed on me.
I first experienced your presence at the In-Spirit festival in Toronto earlier this year. And from the moment I heard you speak, I was mesmerized, and felt that I was starving to hear more and more. I was in awe of the way in which your words cut to the very core of all my deepest anxieties and wonderings! I thought, “Finally! Someone is speaking about something real!” In this way, you rescued me from a life of never-ending materialistic endeavors and unsuccessful relationships that were slowly but surely driving me down into a dark well of despair. For this, I am eternally grateful.
I feel forever thankful that you have accepted me under your care as one of your aspiring disciples. Every time you are in town, simply your presence bestows a tangible sense of peacefulness and bliss to every devotee that is in your presence.
Because of the devotion with which I have observed senior devotees serving you, and the loving reciprocation you show them, I have begun to learn what real love is.
Because of your awe-inspiring presence, and the emptiness I felt when you left, I have begun to understand the power of your mercy.
Because of the compassion that you express for all living entities, and the way you tirelessly travel around the world spreading the message about the Absolute Truth, I have begun the understand what real compassion and care is.
Because of your incredible in-tuneness with me each and every time I see you, your empathy, your incredible ability to be present with me and see to the very core of my heart without my even being able to articulate fully, I have begun to learn what personalism is.
Because of your ecstatic kirtans, and your jolly and free laughter, I have begun to understand what real happiness is!
And because of our relationship, I have begun to get a taste for who Krsna is.
I fervently pray that I will be able to serve you and please you with my endeavors in Krsna Consciousness. I hold your instructions to me as most dear, and I pray to always be able to follow them and improve myself by your mercy.
Your eagerly aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Andrea
Bhaktin Marie
Dear Devamrita Swami --
Please accept my most humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and
All glories to you on this special, very auspicious day!
Thank you for being such an inspiring Spiritual Master and guiding me on this journey
I hope that some day you'll accept me at your lotus feet and help me to become a pure devotee of Krishna
I look forward to seeing you soon
Happy Vyasa-Puja!
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Marie
Please accept my most humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and
All glories to you on this special, very auspicious day!
Thank you for being such an inspiring Spiritual Master and guiding me on this journey
I hope that some day you'll accept me at your lotus feet and help me to become a pure devotee of Krishna
I look forward to seeing you soon
Happy Vyasa-Puja!
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Marie
Bhava Sandhi dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
I was recently listening to a lecture where you said Back home back to Godhead is where service to Krishna is. Thank you for always arranging inspiring service, if not directing personally, then by creating your centers from which service opportunity flows and by teaching from the very beginning of the taste of devotional service. Seeing how enamored conditioned souls are by the so-called attractive and dynamic material energy, you forcefully push, more attractive, more dynamic Krishna! As you say there is no resting in the material ocean, your either swept away by Krishna, or swept away by maya. So you give the most mind blowing classes, the wildest kirtans, you shower the most personal care, direct the most mouthwatering prasad, and award the most absorbing service to push forward Lord Caitanyas sankirtan mission and keep us safe in its shelter. As Srila Prabhupada says in his introduction to Songs of the Vaisnava Acyaras, We should always remember the danger of mayas influence and endeavor to save ourselves from her great power. We must therefore always merge in the transcendental mellow of kirtan-rasa, for kirtan-rasa is the safest situation within this material world.
I am ashamed of the condition you found me in and I owe you everything in my life. Your showed patience, encouragement and faith in me. Although of course you could see my actual situation, you saw beyond that to who you saw I had the potential to be, and you treated me like that, expecting me to rise. I am ever indebted and grateful to you for saving me from the depths of Kali Yuga and I pray to be of some use to you, and to joyfully take all the things you offer and to become the person you see I can be.
On the auspicious day of your appearance I wish to offer you a small nectar story. I had just finished helping with the raja bhoga offering for Sri Sri Radha Giridhari and I had an hour before collecting Lalita from school, I was just checking in the boot of my car what bhoga I had for cooking at the university program the next day, when a car pulled up. The driver wound down the window and a young man named Filo asked where the visitors center was as he wanted some information. Knowing that there was nobody in the temple I asked him what him what kind of information he was looking for. He replied he was looking for knowledge about God, and he wanted the highest knowledge. Explaining the temple was closed after lunch but I had some spare time if he wanted to talk, I pulled out a Bhagavad Gita from my book box and we talked for a while. He bought a Bhagavad Gita, Your ever well wisher and Higher taste. We kept in contact via text, he was very inspired by Bhagavad Gita and the story of Srla Prabhupadas life and wanted to meet up and learn japa. We met up one last time and he explained The Gita had answered so many questions for him, it did not contradict the religion he was brought up with, but took it so much deeper than he could have imagined, he felt like he was starting a new life. He now wanted to become vegetarian, chant japa and he felt like he and his girlfriend were moving apart, she thought he was taking it all too seriously. He asked me to explain different lifestyles in Krishna Consciousness and if you had to give up your job and family and things, the conversation drifted over to about monks so I thought it could be a good opportunity to pass his cultivation over and offered to put him in contact with the men, he said he would be very keen to meet a real monk as they study so much they must have even more knowledge!
Please bless this young man that he continues to take shelter of more attractive, more dynamic Krishna!
Your ever indebted servant, Bhava Sandhi dd
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
I was recently listening to a lecture where you said Back home back to Godhead is where service to Krishna is. Thank you for always arranging inspiring service, if not directing personally, then by creating your centers from which service opportunity flows and by teaching from the very beginning of the taste of devotional service. Seeing how enamored conditioned souls are by the so-called attractive and dynamic material energy, you forcefully push, more attractive, more dynamic Krishna! As you say there is no resting in the material ocean, your either swept away by Krishna, or swept away by maya. So you give the most mind blowing classes, the wildest kirtans, you shower the most personal care, direct the most mouthwatering prasad, and award the most absorbing service to push forward Lord Caitanyas sankirtan mission and keep us safe in its shelter. As Srila Prabhupada says in his introduction to Songs of the Vaisnava Acyaras, We should always remember the danger of mayas influence and endeavor to save ourselves from her great power. We must therefore always merge in the transcendental mellow of kirtan-rasa, for kirtan-rasa is the safest situation within this material world.
I am ashamed of the condition you found me in and I owe you everything in my life. Your showed patience, encouragement and faith in me. Although of course you could see my actual situation, you saw beyond that to who you saw I had the potential to be, and you treated me like that, expecting me to rise. I am ever indebted and grateful to you for saving me from the depths of Kali Yuga and I pray to be of some use to you, and to joyfully take all the things you offer and to become the person you see I can be.
On the auspicious day of your appearance I wish to offer you a small nectar story. I had just finished helping with the raja bhoga offering for Sri Sri Radha Giridhari and I had an hour before collecting Lalita from school, I was just checking in the boot of my car what bhoga I had for cooking at the university program the next day, when a car pulled up. The driver wound down the window and a young man named Filo asked where the visitors center was as he wanted some information. Knowing that there was nobody in the temple I asked him what him what kind of information he was looking for. He replied he was looking for knowledge about God, and he wanted the highest knowledge. Explaining the temple was closed after lunch but I had some spare time if he wanted to talk, I pulled out a Bhagavad Gita from my book box and we talked for a while. He bought a Bhagavad Gita, Your ever well wisher and Higher taste. We kept in contact via text, he was very inspired by Bhagavad Gita and the story of Srla Prabhupadas life and wanted to meet up and learn japa. We met up one last time and he explained The Gita had answered so many questions for him, it did not contradict the religion he was brought up with, but took it so much deeper than he could have imagined, he felt like he was starting a new life. He now wanted to become vegetarian, chant japa and he felt like he and his girlfriend were moving apart, she thought he was taking it all too seriously. He asked me to explain different lifestyles in Krishna Consciousness and if you had to give up your job and family and things, the conversation drifted over to about monks so I thought it could be a good opportunity to pass his cultivation over and offered to put him in contact with the men, he said he would be very keen to meet a real monk as they study so much they must have even more knowledge!
Please bless this young man that he continues to take shelter of more attractive, more dynamic Krishna!
Your ever indebted servant, Bhava Sandhi dd
Bhojana-lila devi dasi
Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva.
Please, accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Shrila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day!
I remember the very first time I approached you with question how can I understand that some particular maharaja is my guru?
And you gave such a simple and clear answer: "Find a guru who inspires you most - that one is your guru!"
Gurudeva, the more I know you, the more inspiration I get. Inspiration for chanting, serving, endevouring in daily spiritual practice and for continuing this practice enthusiastically despite of circumstances and difficulties.
I'm amazed how much you could give me on such short private darshan time at Bhakti Sangama festival this year. And not just me but everyone you see, everyone you talk to.
Gurudeva, you are loving father for everyone and this father love is a great moving force on the way of bhakti.
I'm so grateful to become your servant and praying to always be.
Hare Krishna,
Your servant,
Bhojana-lila devi dasi
Please, accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Shrila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day!
I remember the very first time I approached you with question how can I understand that some particular maharaja is my guru?
And you gave such a simple and clear answer: "Find a guru who inspires you most - that one is your guru!"
Gurudeva, the more I know you, the more inspiration I get. Inspiration for chanting, serving, endevouring in daily spiritual practice and for continuing this practice enthusiastically despite of circumstances and difficulties.
I'm amazed how much you could give me on such short private darshan time at Bhakti Sangama festival this year. And not just me but everyone you see, everyone you talk to.
Gurudeva, you are loving father for everyone and this father love is a great moving force on the way of bhakti.
I'm so grateful to become your servant and praying to always be.
Hare Krishna,
Your servant,
Bhojana-lila devi dasi
Bhuribhoja Das
Nama om Visnu paydaya
Krishna presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamirta
Svamin iti Namne
Pracare purva daksyam ca
Bhakta Carla pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
I offer my Respectful Obeisances to Srimate Devamirta Swami who is very dear to lord Krishna on this earth, having taken shelter at his lotus feet. Obeisances unto you who have all the Qualities of unique skill in preaching , Competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Guudeva,
As a Yale university student were searching for Knowledge and pleasure, But would only be left with no sufficient understanding of the deep desire to find out the real concerns of the world and its progress would fail to provide the solutions to the problems of the world. After reading several hours a day on Srila prabhupadas Books it became convincing, But thinking what are the Hare Krishna people doing that will make effective change in the world? Then it was to make use of bhaktis utilities and convince everyone to receive this transcendental knowledge and experience real pleasure. From here developing a natural taste for hearing and chanting were manifesting.
This is the greatest gift why ?because you say it defeats our tiny attempts and I have personal experience pleasure and knowledge when done for ones own benefit leads to frustration it's like trying to hold on to a dogs tail in a vast ocean we think that the dog can carry us across but it just foolish. by the transcendental boat of the spiritual master one can cross the ocean of nesciance and by the favorable winds the Vedas we can make it.
Your life is dedicated to always thinking how can I give Krishna consciousness to others , this is lord caitanyas desire and you are fulfilling it the essence of real life real wealth real love which makes you even more Glorious. Thank you for your guidance your efforts for urban preaching and selflessness to srila Prabhupada.
Your disciple and son
Bhuribhoja
Krishna presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamirta
Svamin iti Namne
Pracare purva daksyam ca
Bhakta Carla pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
I offer my Respectful Obeisances to Srimate Devamirta Swami who is very dear to lord Krishna on this earth, having taken shelter at his lotus feet. Obeisances unto you who have all the Qualities of unique skill in preaching , Competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Guudeva,
As a Yale university student were searching for Knowledge and pleasure, But would only be left with no sufficient understanding of the deep desire to find out the real concerns of the world and its progress would fail to provide the solutions to the problems of the world. After reading several hours a day on Srila prabhupadas Books it became convincing, But thinking what are the Hare Krishna people doing that will make effective change in the world? Then it was to make use of bhaktis utilities and convince everyone to receive this transcendental knowledge and experience real pleasure. From here developing a natural taste for hearing and chanting were manifesting.
This is the greatest gift why ?because you say it defeats our tiny attempts and I have personal experience pleasure and knowledge when done for ones own benefit leads to frustration it's like trying to hold on to a dogs tail in a vast ocean we think that the dog can carry us across but it just foolish. by the transcendental boat of the spiritual master one can cross the ocean of nesciance and by the favorable winds the Vedas we can make it.
Your life is dedicated to always thinking how can I give Krishna consciousness to others , this is lord caitanyas desire and you are fulfilling it the essence of real life real wealth real love which makes you even more Glorious. Thank you for your guidance your efforts for urban preaching and selflessness to srila Prabhupada.
Your disciple and son
Bhuribhoja
Bimala Prasad Dasa and Family
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I have observed over the years that as time passes and devotees age and are hindered with greater material burdens, their fervour and zealousness in the practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness seems to decrease. However, Maharaja, you seem to be one of the few who oppose this trend. Even though you are advanced in your years, your dynamism and enthusiasm remain constant and ever fresh. Your lively, ecstatic kirtans and ability to deliver strong, apt seminars are ample proof of this dedication and determination in fulfilling the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. We consider ourselves most fortunate to experience and partake in your conviction and resolute faith in bhakti.
Furthermore, in December last year, through your blessings and those of the devotees, we were able to visit Sri Vrindavana dhama, as inexperienced and naïve as we are in the face of the eternal residences of the personality of Godhead. Though initially we had no plan or knowledge of how to take darshana of Vrindavana, by your mercy we were able to meet Asitaradhya Prabhu, who was also residing in Vrindavana at that time, and thereby successfully honour the holy site and visit all the important landmarks, as well as unexpectedly visit Jaipur and Karauli. We are therefore forever indebted to you for your unending shower of mercy and blessings.
The duty of the spiritual master is to guide the disciple along the path of bhakti – we are simply like hard stone blocks, while you are the expert sculptor, with each strike cutting through the mire of maya in which we are encased. Such is your adroitness that each and every action you perform is an instruction with a deep essence, an instruction that has key applications in your disciples’ lives. I have had much experience of this facet of your exemplary personality, especially when I have been blessed to engage in serving you prasadam. A main example is in regards to the stringent discipline and conduct which you follow while honouring prasadam. This has taught me that in order to properly taste Kṛṣṇa prasadam, one’s concentration must be fixed and unmoving. In this way, by virtue of your actions and mercy alone, you are directing us as a shepherd tends to his flock, taking us closer to Kṛṣṇa.
My family is always praying to Kṛṣṇa to give you a long life so you can continue on with your journey and rescue as many entrapped living entities as possible, just like us.
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, we beg for your mercy, as it is only through your blessings that we can advance in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Your insignificant servants,
Bimala Prasad Dasa, Lalitha Prasad Devi Dasi
Bhakta Charan and Kṛṣṇa Priya
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I have observed over the years that as time passes and devotees age and are hindered with greater material burdens, their fervour and zealousness in the practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness seems to decrease. However, Maharaja, you seem to be one of the few who oppose this trend. Even though you are advanced in your years, your dynamism and enthusiasm remain constant and ever fresh. Your lively, ecstatic kirtans and ability to deliver strong, apt seminars are ample proof of this dedication and determination in fulfilling the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. We consider ourselves most fortunate to experience and partake in your conviction and resolute faith in bhakti.
Furthermore, in December last year, through your blessings and those of the devotees, we were able to visit Sri Vrindavana dhama, as inexperienced and naïve as we are in the face of the eternal residences of the personality of Godhead. Though initially we had no plan or knowledge of how to take darshana of Vrindavana, by your mercy we were able to meet Asitaradhya Prabhu, who was also residing in Vrindavana at that time, and thereby successfully honour the holy site and visit all the important landmarks, as well as unexpectedly visit Jaipur and Karauli. We are therefore forever indebted to you for your unending shower of mercy and blessings.
The duty of the spiritual master is to guide the disciple along the path of bhakti – we are simply like hard stone blocks, while you are the expert sculptor, with each strike cutting through the mire of maya in which we are encased. Such is your adroitness that each and every action you perform is an instruction with a deep essence, an instruction that has key applications in your disciples’ lives. I have had much experience of this facet of your exemplary personality, especially when I have been blessed to engage in serving you prasadam. A main example is in regards to the stringent discipline and conduct which you follow while honouring prasadam. This has taught me that in order to properly taste Kṛṣṇa prasadam, one’s concentration must be fixed and unmoving. In this way, by virtue of your actions and mercy alone, you are directing us as a shepherd tends to his flock, taking us closer to Kṛṣṇa.
My family is always praying to Kṛṣṇa to give you a long life so you can continue on with your journey and rescue as many entrapped living entities as possible, just like us.
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, we beg for your mercy, as it is only through your blessings that we can advance in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Your insignificant servants,
Bimala Prasad Dasa, Lalitha Prasad Devi Dasi
Bhakta Charan and Kṛṣṇa Priya
Biswajit Mahapatra
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance, I have been thinking about how out of your supreme compassion, you make special efforts to reach out to the less accessible fruits of the tree (westerners).
In the western world practically everyone is engrossed in the 4 vices of meat eating, gambling, illicit sex and intoxication. What is the future that awaits an average person in Kali Yuga? Fifth canto of Bhagavatam gives a graphic outlook of their looming future in the hellish planets. Cooked in boiling, hot oil for those who cook & eat animals. Beaten with whips and forced to embrace a red-hot iron form of the opposite sex, for those who engage in illicit sex.
But although they’ll suffer terribly in hell after this life maybe they’re enjoying at the present moment. Srila Prabhupada uncovers the falsity of material pleasure with an amazing analogy of the camel in 2nd Canto. “The camel is a kind of animal that takes pleasure in eating thorns…The thorns the camel eats cut the tongue of the camel, and so blood begins to flow within the camel's mouth. The thorns, mixed with fresh blood, create a taste for the foolish camel, and so he enjoys the thorn-eating business with false pleasure. Similarly, the great business magnates, industrialists who work very hard to earn money by different ways and questionable means, eat the thorny results of their actions mixed with their own blood.” SB 2.3.19 (Purport).
Guru Maharaj, by your travelling and preaching all around the world you are saving so many fallen souls with no hope & shelter, from not only a present life full of suffering, but also from thousands of years of terrible suffering in the hellish planets.
The medicine is Krsna Consiousness. But nearly everyone, just like kids are stubborn and averse to taking the medicine. It then falls upon the mother to think of a way to get the medicine somehow or other into her kid’s mouth. Out your supreme compassion, you are able to deliver the message of Krsna Consciousness so expertly according to your audience. Your Loft centres and Contemporary Vedic Ashrams are bringing so many people to Krsna Consciousness and I feel greatly inspired to see the results of your powerful outreach.
You are glorified amongst your god brothers for your most expert and igneous ways for outreach. After an amazing class on the Mystery of the Bhagavad Gita in ISKCON Silicon Valley this year, His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu glorified you with the following words: "When I was recently at the temple presidents and GBC meetings in Dallas, I was with Kalakantha Prabhu. Who had just been to visit Maharaj, in New Zealand. And although Kalakantha prabhu is one of the most accomplished preachers in America, he goes all the way to New Zealand to learn from Maharaj. And when I asked him where he had been he said, "I went to see the master" ”.
The Gopis are glorified as the topmost devotees in the scriptures. But the same Gopis in the Gopi geet sing, bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūridā janāḥ (SB10.31.09), that those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent of all. When King Prataparutra was massaging Lord Caitanya’s feet and singing the Gopi geet, when he reached this verse, Lord Caitanya in ecstasy, suddenly embraced King Prataparutra and started crying out ‘bhūridā’ ‘bhūridā’, ‘You are the most munificent! You are the most munifent!’ Similarly on this day let us glorify you with the words ‘bhūridā’ ‘bhūridā’ For you are the most munificent, being selflessly engaged in missionary activities to spread Krsna consciousness all around the world.
Guru Maharaj, I’m very much inspired by your powerful example of selfless outreach, and I would also like to play a small part in assisting you. During your last visit to Sydney in May, you explained how would like to see a “Wisdom culture” in Sydney, and asked all of us to study the sastras deeply and become “sastra men”. I will try and follow this instruction sincerely, and I thank you for always taking the time to encourage & bless us with your words, during your visits to Sydney.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Biswajit
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance, I have been thinking about how out of your supreme compassion, you make special efforts to reach out to the less accessible fruits of the tree (westerners).
In the western world practically everyone is engrossed in the 4 vices of meat eating, gambling, illicit sex and intoxication. What is the future that awaits an average person in Kali Yuga? Fifth canto of Bhagavatam gives a graphic outlook of their looming future in the hellish planets. Cooked in boiling, hot oil for those who cook & eat animals. Beaten with whips and forced to embrace a red-hot iron form of the opposite sex, for those who engage in illicit sex.
But although they’ll suffer terribly in hell after this life maybe they’re enjoying at the present moment. Srila Prabhupada uncovers the falsity of material pleasure with an amazing analogy of the camel in 2nd Canto. “The camel is a kind of animal that takes pleasure in eating thorns…The thorns the camel eats cut the tongue of the camel, and so blood begins to flow within the camel's mouth. The thorns, mixed with fresh blood, create a taste for the foolish camel, and so he enjoys the thorn-eating business with false pleasure. Similarly, the great business magnates, industrialists who work very hard to earn money by different ways and questionable means, eat the thorny results of their actions mixed with their own blood.” SB 2.3.19 (Purport).
Guru Maharaj, by your travelling and preaching all around the world you are saving so many fallen souls with no hope & shelter, from not only a present life full of suffering, but also from thousands of years of terrible suffering in the hellish planets.
The medicine is Krsna Consiousness. But nearly everyone, just like kids are stubborn and averse to taking the medicine. It then falls upon the mother to think of a way to get the medicine somehow or other into her kid’s mouth. Out your supreme compassion, you are able to deliver the message of Krsna Consciousness so expertly according to your audience. Your Loft centres and Contemporary Vedic Ashrams are bringing so many people to Krsna Consciousness and I feel greatly inspired to see the results of your powerful outreach.
You are glorified amongst your god brothers for your most expert and igneous ways for outreach. After an amazing class on the Mystery of the Bhagavad Gita in ISKCON Silicon Valley this year, His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu glorified you with the following words: "When I was recently at the temple presidents and GBC meetings in Dallas, I was with Kalakantha Prabhu. Who had just been to visit Maharaj, in New Zealand. And although Kalakantha prabhu is one of the most accomplished preachers in America, he goes all the way to New Zealand to learn from Maharaj. And when I asked him where he had been he said, "I went to see the master" ”.
The Gopis are glorified as the topmost devotees in the scriptures. But the same Gopis in the Gopi geet sing, bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūridā janāḥ (SB10.31.09), that those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent of all. When King Prataparutra was massaging Lord Caitanya’s feet and singing the Gopi geet, when he reached this verse, Lord Caitanya in ecstasy, suddenly embraced King Prataparutra and started crying out ‘bhūridā’ ‘bhūridā’, ‘You are the most munificent! You are the most munifent!’ Similarly on this day let us glorify you with the words ‘bhūridā’ ‘bhūridā’ For you are the most munificent, being selflessly engaged in missionary activities to spread Krsna consciousness all around the world.
Guru Maharaj, I’m very much inspired by your powerful example of selfless outreach, and I would also like to play a small part in assisting you. During your last visit to Sydney in May, you explained how would like to see a “Wisdom culture” in Sydney, and asked all of us to study the sastras deeply and become “sastra men”. I will try and follow this instruction sincerely, and I thank you for always taking the time to encourage & bless us with your words, during your visits to Sydney.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Biswajit
Brahma kund dasa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
Recently i was reading Prabhupada's Lecture transcripts from Bhagavad Gita and he mentioned this verse from Siksastakam
tṛṇād api su-nīcena
taror iva sahiṣṇunā
amāninā māna-dena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
and then Prabhupada said: "To execute this twenty-four-hours' meditation one has to become very humble. Because so many people will criticise. Just like last night our Atreya Rsi was speaking that some of his fellow officer was criticising him. So we have to tolerate. Just like when the elephant passes, many dogs bark. So we do not care for these dogs barking. As elephant, we must go on gravely. You see."
In translation and purport of this verse in CC Adi lila 17.31, Prabhupada writes
TRANSLATION
“One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.”
PURPORT
The grass is specifically mentioned in this verse because everyone tramples upon it yet the grass never protests. This example indicates that a spiritual master or leader should not be proud of his position; being always humbler than an ordinary common man, he should go on preaching the cult of Caitanya Mahāprabhu by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra.
I don't have any qualification but in my offering this year i would like to focus on some of your qualities i have experienced or realised based on this Siksastakam verse. I pray for Lord's mercy to allow me to do so.
One time while travelling with you, we were at the Hungary airport. The devotee who came to pick us up, his english was not so good. He was feeling very bad about it. He was apologising to you that Sorry Maharaja, my english is not good. Feeling a bit proud myself, in my mind i was thinking it is ok, its not a big deal if your english is not good. But you immediately replied back to him, it is better than my Hungarian. The reply immediately put the devotee at ease.
Another time one senior devotee walked upto you and asked if you are Prabhupada's disciple and you replied back, I am trying to become one.
We hear that success in devotional service comes from implicit faith in Guru & Shastra and strictly following the instructions of Guru. It is impossible for me to fathom how much faith you must have in Srila Prabhupada and your intense desire to please him that you risked your life, tolerated all the inconveniences, challenges just to fulfil Prabupada's instruction to distribute his books and spread the message of Bhagavad Gita in communist countries.
You still continue to go through and tolerate personal inconveniences, challenges, criticism to spread Krishna Consciousness. Once while leaving the temple to go for the students retreat, you were enthusiastic like a young devotee and on your way to the car, in great enthusiasm you said, lets go and spread the message of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Next day was a half day fast and we were trying to find out from you, if you would like to eat lunch before the talk as it would be late after the talk, and your reply was, “its not important when i eat, whatever is best for the schedule”. You then had a late lunch.
One time while giving an outreach talk, a young boy asked you, are you getting paid to come and deliver this talk. In your own humble style you tried to tell him that you haven't had a paid job for so many years but he did not get it and he repeated his question, you again answered him but he still did not get it. After one more time of him repeating the question and you answering him, the rest of the audience had to tell him, the answer is no. At the end of the event, when all the guests had left, you had a glass of water and said this is my pay for the day.
In spite of a hectic schedule, you do not compromise on the quality of your sadhana. One time HG Bhakta Prabhu was talking about having a good Sadhana in the Bhagavatam class and he gave your example that during GBC meetings in New Govardhan farm, his room was next to yours and he could hear you chanting intensely and even with a tight schedule you got up early in the morning to chant your rounds and complete chanting before the start of daily activities.
Another time during GBC meetings, you were so eager to hear the Bhagavatam class, every morning you would listen to the class in your flat on the FM radio and if the FM did not work, you were not very happy. If the the FM did not work, instead of waisting any time, you would start reading Srimad Bhagavatam
In a letter to Krishna Devi on 26th January 1968 Prabhupada wrote: “This life of material existence is just like hard wood, and if we can carve Krsna out of it, that is the success of our life.”
Your whole life is an offering to Srila Prabhupada and your success has always depended on following Prabhupada’s instruction and doing your best to please him. We can see you have carved Krsna in your heart and you are always calling out “Krsna Krsna”.
Trying to follow your example and mood.
Your insignificant servant
Brahma Kund Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
Recently i was reading Prabhupada's Lecture transcripts from Bhagavad Gita and he mentioned this verse from Siksastakam
tṛṇād api su-nīcena
taror iva sahiṣṇunā
amāninā māna-dena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
and then Prabhupada said: "To execute this twenty-four-hours' meditation one has to become very humble. Because so many people will criticise. Just like last night our Atreya Rsi was speaking that some of his fellow officer was criticising him. So we have to tolerate. Just like when the elephant passes, many dogs bark. So we do not care for these dogs barking. As elephant, we must go on gravely. You see."
In translation and purport of this verse in CC Adi lila 17.31, Prabhupada writes
TRANSLATION
“One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.”
PURPORT
The grass is specifically mentioned in this verse because everyone tramples upon it yet the grass never protests. This example indicates that a spiritual master or leader should not be proud of his position; being always humbler than an ordinary common man, he should go on preaching the cult of Caitanya Mahāprabhu by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra.
I don't have any qualification but in my offering this year i would like to focus on some of your qualities i have experienced or realised based on this Siksastakam verse. I pray for Lord's mercy to allow me to do so.
One time while travelling with you, we were at the Hungary airport. The devotee who came to pick us up, his english was not so good. He was feeling very bad about it. He was apologising to you that Sorry Maharaja, my english is not good. Feeling a bit proud myself, in my mind i was thinking it is ok, its not a big deal if your english is not good. But you immediately replied back to him, it is better than my Hungarian. The reply immediately put the devotee at ease.
Another time one senior devotee walked upto you and asked if you are Prabhupada's disciple and you replied back, I am trying to become one.
We hear that success in devotional service comes from implicit faith in Guru & Shastra and strictly following the instructions of Guru. It is impossible for me to fathom how much faith you must have in Srila Prabhupada and your intense desire to please him that you risked your life, tolerated all the inconveniences, challenges just to fulfil Prabupada's instruction to distribute his books and spread the message of Bhagavad Gita in communist countries.
You still continue to go through and tolerate personal inconveniences, challenges, criticism to spread Krishna Consciousness. Once while leaving the temple to go for the students retreat, you were enthusiastic like a young devotee and on your way to the car, in great enthusiasm you said, lets go and spread the message of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Next day was a half day fast and we were trying to find out from you, if you would like to eat lunch before the talk as it would be late after the talk, and your reply was, “its not important when i eat, whatever is best for the schedule”. You then had a late lunch.
One time while giving an outreach talk, a young boy asked you, are you getting paid to come and deliver this talk. In your own humble style you tried to tell him that you haven't had a paid job for so many years but he did not get it and he repeated his question, you again answered him but he still did not get it. After one more time of him repeating the question and you answering him, the rest of the audience had to tell him, the answer is no. At the end of the event, when all the guests had left, you had a glass of water and said this is my pay for the day.
In spite of a hectic schedule, you do not compromise on the quality of your sadhana. One time HG Bhakta Prabhu was talking about having a good Sadhana in the Bhagavatam class and he gave your example that during GBC meetings in New Govardhan farm, his room was next to yours and he could hear you chanting intensely and even with a tight schedule you got up early in the morning to chant your rounds and complete chanting before the start of daily activities.
Another time during GBC meetings, you were so eager to hear the Bhagavatam class, every morning you would listen to the class in your flat on the FM radio and if the FM did not work, you were not very happy. If the the FM did not work, instead of waisting any time, you would start reading Srimad Bhagavatam
In a letter to Krishna Devi on 26th January 1968 Prabhupada wrote: “This life of material existence is just like hard wood, and if we can carve Krsna out of it, that is the success of our life.”
Your whole life is an offering to Srila Prabhupada and your success has always depended on following Prabhupada’s instruction and doing your best to please him. We can see you have carved Krsna in your heart and you are always calling out “Krsna Krsna”.
Trying to follow your example and mood.
Your insignificant servant
Brahma Kund Dasa
Buddhimanta Dasa
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabupada.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja 2015
Guru Maharaj, your Vyasa Puja is another way you kindly provide us with opportunity to render some devotional service. This very day always bring excitement about celebration, planning to host the favourite festival of your disciples.
Today when I look back I feel I have wasted so much of time by not listening to you. You always used to instruct me foreseeing my entanglements due to my over confidence on myself, my ability to handle all sort of complications by myself, my attachments to my services. And when I am actually entrapped you mercifully not only correct me but also like a compassionate and dutiful father protect me and ensure I am well situated in my Krishna conscious services. What else can I desire for now?
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.”
Guru Maharaj, you not only have given me a seed for creeper of devotional service, you also taught me how to water this creeper and guard by fencing it. Now I need your special blessings on this auspicious day to develop intelligence to implement your teachings in practice so that I can contribute to assist you in pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s wonderful movement. Guru Maharaj please keep me in your loving service in spite of all my short comings. I will try to come up at your standard of expectations, by your mercy.
Praying at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram for your healthier and happier long life.
Happy Vyasa Puja day Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant,
Buddhimanta Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabupada.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja 2015
Guru Maharaj, your Vyasa Puja is another way you kindly provide us with opportunity to render some devotional service. This very day always bring excitement about celebration, planning to host the favourite festival of your disciples.
Today when I look back I feel I have wasted so much of time by not listening to you. You always used to instruct me foreseeing my entanglements due to my over confidence on myself, my ability to handle all sort of complications by myself, my attachments to my services. And when I am actually entrapped you mercifully not only correct me but also like a compassionate and dutiful father protect me and ensure I am well situated in my Krishna conscious services. What else can I desire for now?
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.”
Guru Maharaj, you not only have given me a seed for creeper of devotional service, you also taught me how to water this creeper and guard by fencing it. Now I need your special blessings on this auspicious day to develop intelligence to implement your teachings in practice so that I can contribute to assist you in pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s wonderful movement. Guru Maharaj please keep me in your loving service in spite of all my short comings. I will try to come up at your standard of expectations, by your mercy.
Praying at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram for your healthier and happier long life.
Happy Vyasa Puja day Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant,
Buddhimanta Dasa
Caitanya Vihara das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you, on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja celebration!
Since recently observing the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s departure for America, I have found myself marvelling at the extraordinary nature of Lord Caitanya’s mercy.
One cannot help but be stunned by the power of Srila Prabhupada’s divine love for his own Guru Maharaja, Lord Caitanya and ultimately Lord Krishna. So pure was this love that it impelled an elderly gentleman to embark on a perilous voyage into the unknown, with practically no support or financial backing.
Srila Prabhupada’s phenomenal success, founding ISKCON in just 12 short years, is inconceivable. On further contemplation, I couldn’t help but compare Srila Prabhupada’s ‘all-out assault’ against maya with the ‘D-Day’ landings of World War Two.
On 6th June, 1944, Allied soldiers landed on Normandy beaches as part of operation ‘Overlord’. Through this endeavour the allies courageously established a foothold in mainland Europe, from which to strike back at the Nazi occupation. A short description of the campaign follows:
‘Allied infantry and armored divisions began landing on the coast of France at 06:30. Weather conditions were awful, with strong winds and rain. The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult and dangerous.
The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day; however, the operation gained a foothold which the Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead.’
(Taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings)
As one of Srila Prabhupada’s major assistants, you have also sacrificed so much to help push on this Krishna Consciousness movement. Literally risking your very life whilst preaching behind the ‘iron curtain’, you fearlessly preached in the most dangerous conditions. Indeed, to further inspire us, you have sometimes shared tales of the heavy resistance maya can offer to test a devotee’s sincerity. Sometimes the mines and obstacles placed before you were even deployed by persons perceived to be allies. For example, you have previously spoken about the heartache experienced when, after painstakingly endeavoring to bring someone to spiritual life, they throw everything back in your face.
Srila Prabhupada revealed that he had to ‘walk through fire’ to establish ISKCON. Following in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada, you also demonstrate how to tolerate all kinds of reversals whilst giving Krishna to others.
Fortunately for us however, the mission of delivering poor fallen souls and expanding the glorious ‘ISKCON Empire’ can expand exponentially. In a Caitanya Caritamrita purport (Adi 7.171) Srila Prabhupada explains:
‘Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted to preach the Sankirtana movement of love of Krishna throughout the entire world, and therefore during His presence He inspired the Sankirtana movement. Specifically, He sent Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami to Vrindavana and Nityananda to Bengal and personally went to South India. In this way He kindly left the task of preaching His cult in the rest of the world to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The members of this Society must always remember that if they stick to the regulative principles and preach sincerely according to the instructions of the acaryas, surely they will have the profound blessings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and their preaching work will be successful everywhere throughout the world.’
Last year, when I had the special opportunity to travel with you, I directly witnessed how you are magnificently fulfilling this prophecy of Srila Prabhupada. Not only in Australasia, but also in Canada, South Africa and now the USA, your focused preaching efforts are yielding amazing results. Unsurprisingly, the loving, world-wide preaching network you have established as part of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON movement is drawing attention from many quarters.
Yet still, by Parampara’s grace, we as grand-disciples of Srila Prabhupada, also have unlimited opportunity to further propagate Krishna Consciousness all over the world.
During the International Leadership Seminar meetings in Mayapur last year, you gave several eye-opening presentations in which you discussed the crisis facing ‘first world’ ISKCON. In these seminars you explained how without the support of the wonderful Indian congregation, so many temples in the Western world would have collapsed, due to inadequate local preaching.
In one sense, ISKCON’s foundation has indeed been laid; we have beautiful temples, Srila Prabhupada’s books and a glorious international network of devotees. Yet as you explained in Mayapur, it is all too easy to become complacent. It is true that a foothold has been established through the blood, sweat and tears of Srila Prabhupada and his expert assistants such as yourself. However, if we are your sincere disciples it is our duty to push on and further expand this Krishna Consciousness movement. Practically, we are still in the pioneering phase, easy and convenient as it may be to sometimes forget this. The war against maya is still far from won.
Although we may never face the same trials and tribulations that you so willingly embraced in serving Srila Prabhupada, we must still sincerely and humbly strive to satisfy guru and Gauranga.
After receiving the merciful, loving glance of his spiritual master and realizing his great fortune, a bona fide disciple should enthusiastically render service to the guru. Amazingly however, it is actually you who continue to serve us and further increase our transcendental debt. Indeed, whatever little service we are able to offer in return is simply a result of your mercy. Specifically, you have expertly developed ‘Loft-style’ preaching, empowering young Westerners to approach Krishna and grow organically in spiritual life. Simultaneously, through establishing these ‘Bhakti forts’ in the hearts of Western cities, you enable us to assist in preaching from the very start of our Krishna Conscious careers.
As such, by engineering these compassionate arrangements, you invite us to swim and splash in the nectarian ocean of devotional service and taste the intoxicating elixir of Lord Caitanya’s mercy.
In the sixth verse of his beautiful ‘Gurv-astaka’ prayers, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains:
‘The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krishna’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrindavana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.’
Thank you so much for giving us this precious opportunity to assist you in your confidential service to Srila Prabhupada and thereby fulfill our human mission.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-puja celebration, I beg for the compassion, intelligence, determination, ability and tolerance to help expand the preaching further, according to your desire and vision.
I can only hope that one day I will become a pure instrument in your glorious service and qualify to assist you in distributing the fruits of love of God everywhere and anywhere.
Your aspiring servant,
Caitanya Vihara das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you, on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja celebration!
Since recently observing the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s departure for America, I have found myself marvelling at the extraordinary nature of Lord Caitanya’s mercy.
One cannot help but be stunned by the power of Srila Prabhupada’s divine love for his own Guru Maharaja, Lord Caitanya and ultimately Lord Krishna. So pure was this love that it impelled an elderly gentleman to embark on a perilous voyage into the unknown, with practically no support or financial backing.
Srila Prabhupada’s phenomenal success, founding ISKCON in just 12 short years, is inconceivable. On further contemplation, I couldn’t help but compare Srila Prabhupada’s ‘all-out assault’ against maya with the ‘D-Day’ landings of World War Two.
On 6th June, 1944, Allied soldiers landed on Normandy beaches as part of operation ‘Overlord’. Through this endeavour the allies courageously established a foothold in mainland Europe, from which to strike back at the Nazi occupation. A short description of the campaign follows:
‘Allied infantry and armored divisions began landing on the coast of France at 06:30. Weather conditions were awful, with strong winds and rain. The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult and dangerous.
The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day; however, the operation gained a foothold which the Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead.’
(Taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings)
As one of Srila Prabhupada’s major assistants, you have also sacrificed so much to help push on this Krishna Consciousness movement. Literally risking your very life whilst preaching behind the ‘iron curtain’, you fearlessly preached in the most dangerous conditions. Indeed, to further inspire us, you have sometimes shared tales of the heavy resistance maya can offer to test a devotee’s sincerity. Sometimes the mines and obstacles placed before you were even deployed by persons perceived to be allies. For example, you have previously spoken about the heartache experienced when, after painstakingly endeavoring to bring someone to spiritual life, they throw everything back in your face.
Srila Prabhupada revealed that he had to ‘walk through fire’ to establish ISKCON. Following in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada, you also demonstrate how to tolerate all kinds of reversals whilst giving Krishna to others.
Fortunately for us however, the mission of delivering poor fallen souls and expanding the glorious ‘ISKCON Empire’ can expand exponentially. In a Caitanya Caritamrita purport (Adi 7.171) Srila Prabhupada explains:
‘Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted to preach the Sankirtana movement of love of Krishna throughout the entire world, and therefore during His presence He inspired the Sankirtana movement. Specifically, He sent Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami to Vrindavana and Nityananda to Bengal and personally went to South India. In this way He kindly left the task of preaching His cult in the rest of the world to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The members of this Society must always remember that if they stick to the regulative principles and preach sincerely according to the instructions of the acaryas, surely they will have the profound blessings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and their preaching work will be successful everywhere throughout the world.’
Last year, when I had the special opportunity to travel with you, I directly witnessed how you are magnificently fulfilling this prophecy of Srila Prabhupada. Not only in Australasia, but also in Canada, South Africa and now the USA, your focused preaching efforts are yielding amazing results. Unsurprisingly, the loving, world-wide preaching network you have established as part of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON movement is drawing attention from many quarters.
Yet still, by Parampara’s grace, we as grand-disciples of Srila Prabhupada, also have unlimited opportunity to further propagate Krishna Consciousness all over the world.
During the International Leadership Seminar meetings in Mayapur last year, you gave several eye-opening presentations in which you discussed the crisis facing ‘first world’ ISKCON. In these seminars you explained how without the support of the wonderful Indian congregation, so many temples in the Western world would have collapsed, due to inadequate local preaching.
In one sense, ISKCON’s foundation has indeed been laid; we have beautiful temples, Srila Prabhupada’s books and a glorious international network of devotees. Yet as you explained in Mayapur, it is all too easy to become complacent. It is true that a foothold has been established through the blood, sweat and tears of Srila Prabhupada and his expert assistants such as yourself. However, if we are your sincere disciples it is our duty to push on and further expand this Krishna Consciousness movement. Practically, we are still in the pioneering phase, easy and convenient as it may be to sometimes forget this. The war against maya is still far from won.
Although we may never face the same trials and tribulations that you so willingly embraced in serving Srila Prabhupada, we must still sincerely and humbly strive to satisfy guru and Gauranga.
After receiving the merciful, loving glance of his spiritual master and realizing his great fortune, a bona fide disciple should enthusiastically render service to the guru. Amazingly however, it is actually you who continue to serve us and further increase our transcendental debt. Indeed, whatever little service we are able to offer in return is simply a result of your mercy. Specifically, you have expertly developed ‘Loft-style’ preaching, empowering young Westerners to approach Krishna and grow organically in spiritual life. Simultaneously, through establishing these ‘Bhakti forts’ in the hearts of Western cities, you enable us to assist in preaching from the very start of our Krishna Conscious careers.
As such, by engineering these compassionate arrangements, you invite us to swim and splash in the nectarian ocean of devotional service and taste the intoxicating elixir of Lord Caitanya’s mercy.
In the sixth verse of his beautiful ‘Gurv-astaka’ prayers, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains:
‘The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krishna’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrindavana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.’
Thank you so much for giving us this precious opportunity to assist you in your confidential service to Srila Prabhupada and thereby fulfill our human mission.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-puja celebration, I beg for the compassion, intelligence, determination, ability and tolerance to help expand the preaching further, according to your desire and vision.
I can only hope that one day I will become a pure instrument in your glorious service and qualify to assist you in distributing the fruits of love of God everywhere and anywhere.
Your aspiring servant,
Caitanya Vihara das
Caitanya-lila dasa
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and your divine self.
You ask us to constantly evaluate ourselves. To look inward at where we are on the bhakti path. You've called it a career - and like any career it's important to know where you started, where you are, and where you're going.
Goals.
It's nice that I can look back over the years and see how you've helped and guided me through so many situations in my life. It's impressive to be reminded that this is what you do for hundreds and thousands of people around the world.
How much love you must have for Krsna in your heart that you work so hard to serve him?
Sometimes you would help me directly, and sometimes you would just be in the background, patiently letting me figure it out. Being a new father I can relate to this, and appreciate it from a fresh perspective.
Looking back at some of the situations I remember feeling helpless to overcome them, but looking back now I can see how you always saw the mountain for the molehill that it was.
You can make a blind man see, and a lame man conquer mountains.
This is your essential quality of compassion - love. You are fearless because you see things in the light of Krsna - as they truly are. You lead by example.
I thank you for all that you've done for me, and hope that I please you by growing up in Krsna consciousness.
Your servant,
Caitanya-lila dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and your divine self.
You ask us to constantly evaluate ourselves. To look inward at where we are on the bhakti path. You've called it a career - and like any career it's important to know where you started, where you are, and where you're going.
Goals.
It's nice that I can look back over the years and see how you've helped and guided me through so many situations in my life. It's impressive to be reminded that this is what you do for hundreds and thousands of people around the world.
How much love you must have for Krsna in your heart that you work so hard to serve him?
Sometimes you would help me directly, and sometimes you would just be in the background, patiently letting me figure it out. Being a new father I can relate to this, and appreciate it from a fresh perspective.
Looking back at some of the situations I remember feeling helpless to overcome them, but looking back now I can see how you always saw the mountain for the molehill that it was.
You can make a blind man see, and a lame man conquer mountains.
This is your essential quality of compassion - love. You are fearless because you see things in the light of Krsna - as they truly are. You lead by example.
I thank you for all that you've done for me, and hope that I please you by growing up in Krsna consciousness.
Your servant,
Caitanya-lila dasa.
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
<BLOCKQUOTE> “…like a doctor who doesn't understand a particular disease, but who still says to his patient, ‘All right, first try this pill, and if that doesn't work, then try this pill.’ The doctor will never admit that he doesn't know the remedy for the disease.”(LCFL, Chapter 12)</BLOCKQUOTE>
It was in the hospital, after having surgery, with various tubes coming out of my body, trying to get into a comfortable position, that I realized, <i>I can never be comfortable in this material world.</i> Laughing and thanking Kṛṣṇa for this tangible illustration, I felt a wave of gratitude to have access to the knowledge to remedy my real disease⎯a material body. Surrounded by doctors, nurses and other patients who were completely at a loss for any glimpse of real knowledge, I saw how fortunate I am to have this rare opportunity to be sprung from this cycle of birth and death.
With this tiny realization and your words echoing in my ear, “Don’t wait ‘til the hour of death, start now!” I’d like to move forward and become as you say a, “serious devotee.” One who turns without hesitation to the Holy Name and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books for solace.
But Māyā, she’s tricky. And I quickly forget my helpless state. Thinking, <i>I can be happy in this material world, it’s not so bad here…</i> As so beautifully illuminated by Mahārāja Satyavrata:
<BLOCKQUOTE>“In hopes of becoming happy in this material world, the foolish conditioned soul performs fruitive activities that result only in suffering. But by rendering service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one becomes free from such false desires for happiness. May my supreme spiritual master cut the knot of false desires from the core of my heart.”(SB 8.24.47)</BLOCKQUOTE>
Gurudeva, your inspiring lectures, rocking kirtans and personal guidance are my source of strength. Without you, I haven’t the slightest hope to awaken my Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. Please help me to use struggles in my life to accelerate in Bhakti. Please help me to see every moment for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure. And most of all, please help me to become attached to chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa.
Your aspiring servant,
Cañcalā-Lakṣmī devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
<BLOCKQUOTE> “…like a doctor who doesn't understand a particular disease, but who still says to his patient, ‘All right, first try this pill, and if that doesn't work, then try this pill.’ The doctor will never admit that he doesn't know the remedy for the disease.”(LCFL, Chapter 12)</BLOCKQUOTE>
It was in the hospital, after having surgery, with various tubes coming out of my body, trying to get into a comfortable position, that I realized, <i>I can never be comfortable in this material world.</i> Laughing and thanking Kṛṣṇa for this tangible illustration, I felt a wave of gratitude to have access to the knowledge to remedy my real disease⎯a material body. Surrounded by doctors, nurses and other patients who were completely at a loss for any glimpse of real knowledge, I saw how fortunate I am to have this rare opportunity to be sprung from this cycle of birth and death.
With this tiny realization and your words echoing in my ear, “Don’t wait ‘til the hour of death, start now!” I’d like to move forward and become as you say a, “serious devotee.” One who turns without hesitation to the Holy Name and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books for solace.
But Māyā, she’s tricky. And I quickly forget my helpless state. Thinking, <i>I can be happy in this material world, it’s not so bad here…</i> As so beautifully illuminated by Mahārāja Satyavrata:
<BLOCKQUOTE>“In hopes of becoming happy in this material world, the foolish conditioned soul performs fruitive activities that result only in suffering. But by rendering service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one becomes free from such false desires for happiness. May my supreme spiritual master cut the knot of false desires from the core of my heart.”(SB 8.24.47)</BLOCKQUOTE>
Gurudeva, your inspiring lectures, rocking kirtans and personal guidance are my source of strength. Without you, I haven’t the slightest hope to awaken my Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. Please help me to use struggles in my life to accelerate in Bhakti. Please help me to see every moment for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure. And most of all, please help me to become attached to chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa.
Your aspiring servant,
Cañcalā-Lakṣmī devi dasi
Candidasa dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for all the Krishna conscious education and training that you have imparted unto me. With my son now being two years old, I am amazed how he seems naturally inclined to Krishna consciousness. He will, for example, demand: kirtan, kirtan, kirtan, when I get home from work. It is quite wonderful to see a child grow up in and benefit from Krishna consciousness. Something that never would have happened without your guidance.
Your servant,
Candidasa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for all the Krishna conscious education and training that you have imparted unto me. With my son now being two years old, I am amazed how he seems naturally inclined to Krishna consciousness. He will, for example, demand: kirtan, kirtan, kirtan, when I get home from work. It is quite wonderful to see a child grow up in and benefit from Krishna consciousness. Something that never would have happened without your guidance.
Your servant,
Candidasa dasa
Caru Candravali Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I often wonder who are you Gurudeva. I wonder if you left Govinda and the cowherd boys behind and out of compassion took birth on Mrityu Loka to help take us back home? Thank you for your precious association.
Gurudeva, you have so much taste for the Holy Name! It is because of your selfless and dedicated service to your spiritual master and to Lord Gauranga and Lord Nityananda, each time you lead the kirtan, the Lords appear and bestow their mercy upon us all, allowing us to chant and dance in Their company. In your presence, the ecstasy and the sweetness of the Holy name become revealed. Thank you for this priceless gift.
When you lead kirtans in Gupta Vraja, every now and then you turn towards Their Lordship Gaura Nitai and gaze at Them for some time. There is so much affection, love and personal feelings in your eyes. Thank you for teaching me to be personal, I still have a long way to go but you are and will always be the greatest inspiration for me in this matter.
In Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila 22.105 it is stated that devotional service begins with hearing the holy name chanted by a pure Vaisnava.
Thank you for giving me shelter and allowing me to taste the bliss of devotional service.
Your forever-indebted servant,
Caru Candravali Devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I often wonder who are you Gurudeva. I wonder if you left Govinda and the cowherd boys behind and out of compassion took birth on Mrityu Loka to help take us back home? Thank you for your precious association.
Gurudeva, you have so much taste for the Holy Name! It is because of your selfless and dedicated service to your spiritual master and to Lord Gauranga and Lord Nityananda, each time you lead the kirtan, the Lords appear and bestow their mercy upon us all, allowing us to chant and dance in Their company. In your presence, the ecstasy and the sweetness of the Holy name become revealed. Thank you for this priceless gift.
When you lead kirtans in Gupta Vraja, every now and then you turn towards Their Lordship Gaura Nitai and gaze at Them for some time. There is so much affection, love and personal feelings in your eyes. Thank you for teaching me to be personal, I still have a long way to go but you are and will always be the greatest inspiration for me in this matter.
In Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila 22.105 it is stated that devotional service begins with hearing the holy name chanted by a pure Vaisnava.
Thank you for giving me shelter and allowing me to taste the bliss of devotional service.
Your forever-indebted servant,
Caru Candravali Devi dasi
Dainyārnava Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to your lotus feet!
On this occasion of your Vyasapuja I wish you many more years of Lord Guaranga’s service. May you keep travelling and serve Lord Krishna.
This year I had one opportunity to see how you deal with volatile situations and your genius at work. I saw two or three of your qualities. I saw how you are able to deal with people in different stages of devotion in a manner which settles both parties. You are very expert when dealing with issues between devotees. When its crunch time, you don’t shy away and moreover you deal in a way that works for everyone and without imposing anything we can’t do.
Maharaj you know how to deal with devotees at different levels. Not only do you come down to suit at what level devotees can understand and grasp, you don’t even slightly show what you think was expected behavior. In kalyug, a spiritual master may relatively not have the same facilities as previous yugas - which may affect their sound decision making. But you Maharaj, are not affected at the least. I don’t know how you are able to tolerate instances of your disciples’ unrequired behavior? What you must have thought and still remain calm in your dealings and still advice in a soft manner?
Maharaj, you think about the best welfare of the devotees.
I thought I had lost you after that incident. But thank God I still have you. After that incident I am closer to you. But I still regret having to make you work for me.
Dear Maharaj, I have never been able to find a fault in you. Please be tolerant of me and keep me at your lotus feet.
Bhakti seems to be insurmountable with uphill battles and mountainous learning every often. Maharaj now I understand why guidance is important because what we think and feel is not always what it actually is in reality.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to your lotus feet!
On this occasion of your Vyasapuja I wish you many more years of Lord Guaranga’s service. May you keep travelling and serve Lord Krishna.
This year I had one opportunity to see how you deal with volatile situations and your genius at work. I saw two or three of your qualities. I saw how you are able to deal with people in different stages of devotion in a manner which settles both parties. You are very expert when dealing with issues between devotees. When its crunch time, you don’t shy away and moreover you deal in a way that works for everyone and without imposing anything we can’t do.
Maharaj you know how to deal with devotees at different levels. Not only do you come down to suit at what level devotees can understand and grasp, you don’t even slightly show what you think was expected behavior. In kalyug, a spiritual master may relatively not have the same facilities as previous yugas - which may affect their sound decision making. But you Maharaj, are not affected at the least. I don’t know how you are able to tolerate instances of your disciples’ unrequired behavior? What you must have thought and still remain calm in your dealings and still advice in a soft manner?
Maharaj, you think about the best welfare of the devotees.
I thought I had lost you after that incident. But thank God I still have you. After that incident I am closer to you. But I still regret having to make you work for me.
Dear Maharaj, I have never been able to find a fault in you. Please be tolerant of me and keep me at your lotus feet.
Bhakti seems to be insurmountable with uphill battles and mountainous learning every often. Maharaj now I understand why guidance is important because what we think and feel is not always what it actually is in reality.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Damodara Krsna dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
I want to thank you for your leadership. Good leadership is a rare opulence in Kali-yuga. We hear how in Kali-yuga, the heads of society are raksasas―man-eating demons and enemies of the demigods―appearing in the guise of monarchs.
Srila Prabhupada writes:
“… At present, this world is being managed by the rakṣasas. The rakṣasas are man-eaters who eat their own sons for the satisfaction of their senses. Now great regimes have been created to smash so many people for the satisfaction of the rakṣasas’ senses, but they do not realize that their senses will never be satisfied in this way. Nonetheless, the rakṣasas are prepared to sacrifice everything to satisfy their whimsical desires….” [<i>Radya-vidya</i>]
Books like Srimad-Bhagavatam and Mahabharata explain how these demons take birth in royal families and implement plans to take over the earth. You refer to this in your book “Searching for Vedic India” as ‘<i>womb warfare</i>’ and cite the example of the ‘Prince of Darkness’, Duryodhana. Similarly, we read about the case of Kamsa in Bhagavatam. Kamsa was formally Kalanemi, a demon engaged in the epic battle against the demigods on the banks of the milk ocean. He was the first to attack Visnu in that colossal struggle, and naturally he was the first to be slain. These facts were revealed to Kamsa by Narada Muni.
It’s bad enough that the administrative class has been infiltrated by demoniac beings, but sadly the Varaha Purana explains that in Kali-yuga demons also take birth in brahmana families:
“… At present, in the age of Kali, it is very difficult to render service to the brahmana-kula, or the brahmana class. The difficulty, according to the Varaha Purana, is that demons, taking advantage of Kali-yuga, have taken birth in brahmana families. Raksasah kalim asritya jayante brahma-yonisu (Varaha Purana)….” [<i>SB 4.21.40 Purport</i>] Thus the intelligentsia posts of human society have been captured by the demons.
The Bhagavatam explains that as the influence of Kali-yuga progresses then these realities will become more and more prominent. By the time Kali-yuga reaches its zenith the true path of the Vedas will have been abandoned, ‘religion’ will be completely atheistic and kings will be crude thieves.
I conclude that to find a qualified leader in Kali-yuga requires the greatest fortune. I know that the essential credential for a leader is the ability to deliver dependents from the ocean of repeated birth and death. But where to find such a leader? And who would look for such a leader?
People don’t know what to look for in a leader. Because the current populace is governed by the modes of passion and ignorance, they naturally elect similarly degraded candidates to leadership posts. Sri Prahlada Maharaja explains this fact:
“Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of enjoying material life, and who have therefore accepted as their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external sense objects, cannot understand that the goal of life is to return home back to Godhead and engage in the service of Lord Visnu….” [<i>SB 7.5.31</i>]
By following such blind leaders, one misses the right path and falls into a ditch. The contents of such a ditch is what makes up modern society. Oh, how I was suffering in this ditch for want of a real leader!
As you have explained before, because today’s ‘leaders’ abuse their power, people are afraid of authority. Nonetheless, despite this unfortunate situation, we still require genuine leadership. Srila Prabhupada explains:
“People in general always require a leader who can teach the public by practical behavior… The king or the executive head of a state, the father and the schoolteacher are all considered to be natural leaders of the innocent people in general….” [<i>BG 3.21 Purport</i>]
It is the way of the universe, Krsna’s desire, and an eternal truth―we need leaders. Leadership is a principle of life.
Lord Rsabhadeva’s standard is that only a Vaisnava can qualify for leadership roles. Krsna, being non-different from Lord Rsabhadeva, desired the Battle of Kuruksetra to establish Vaisnavas, namely the Pandavas, as world leaders. More recently, we see the Brahma-Madhvya-Gaudiya-Vaisnava sampradaya’s field commander, Srila Prabhupada, leading the charge. Within the phalanxes of his army are many ati-rathas and maha-rathas, willing to lay down their lives for his sake. In the midst of this divine military division, you fearlessly spear-head assault after assault, driving deep into maya’s territory.
In this way you teach us that bona fide leadership is essential; it must be established at all costs.
Indeed, you have even revealed your personal war cry whilst fighting behind the ‘iron curtain’:
“I may live or die but Bhagavad-Gita is eternal.”
I remember praying for such saintly leadership. I recall reading the Bible and realizing the need for purification. I prayed:
“Is there anyone in this world like Moses, like Jesus?”
It was a solemn appeal for real leadership. Krsna has answered that prayer by sending you to save me. I earnestly accept this as the truth.
You lead by setting such a fine example Gurudeva. I submit my humble service at your lotus feet as an attempt to express my gratitude for your exceptional guidance over the past eight years.
Thank you very much.
Your servant,
Damodara Krsna das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
I want to thank you for your leadership. Good leadership is a rare opulence in Kali-yuga. We hear how in Kali-yuga, the heads of society are raksasas―man-eating demons and enemies of the demigods―appearing in the guise of monarchs.
Srila Prabhupada writes:
“… At present, this world is being managed by the rakṣasas. The rakṣasas are man-eaters who eat their own sons for the satisfaction of their senses. Now great regimes have been created to smash so many people for the satisfaction of the rakṣasas’ senses, but they do not realize that their senses will never be satisfied in this way. Nonetheless, the rakṣasas are prepared to sacrifice everything to satisfy their whimsical desires….” [<i>Radya-vidya</i>]
Books like Srimad-Bhagavatam and Mahabharata explain how these demons take birth in royal families and implement plans to take over the earth. You refer to this in your book “Searching for Vedic India” as ‘<i>womb warfare</i>’ and cite the example of the ‘Prince of Darkness’, Duryodhana. Similarly, we read about the case of Kamsa in Bhagavatam. Kamsa was formally Kalanemi, a demon engaged in the epic battle against the demigods on the banks of the milk ocean. He was the first to attack Visnu in that colossal struggle, and naturally he was the first to be slain. These facts were revealed to Kamsa by Narada Muni.
It’s bad enough that the administrative class has been infiltrated by demoniac beings, but sadly the Varaha Purana explains that in Kali-yuga demons also take birth in brahmana families:
“… At present, in the age of Kali, it is very difficult to render service to the brahmana-kula, or the brahmana class. The difficulty, according to the Varaha Purana, is that demons, taking advantage of Kali-yuga, have taken birth in brahmana families. Raksasah kalim asritya jayante brahma-yonisu (Varaha Purana)….” [<i>SB 4.21.40 Purport</i>] Thus the intelligentsia posts of human society have been captured by the demons.
The Bhagavatam explains that as the influence of Kali-yuga progresses then these realities will become more and more prominent. By the time Kali-yuga reaches its zenith the true path of the Vedas will have been abandoned, ‘religion’ will be completely atheistic and kings will be crude thieves.
I conclude that to find a qualified leader in Kali-yuga requires the greatest fortune. I know that the essential credential for a leader is the ability to deliver dependents from the ocean of repeated birth and death. But where to find such a leader? And who would look for such a leader?
People don’t know what to look for in a leader. Because the current populace is governed by the modes of passion and ignorance, they naturally elect similarly degraded candidates to leadership posts. Sri Prahlada Maharaja explains this fact:
“Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of enjoying material life, and who have therefore accepted as their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external sense objects, cannot understand that the goal of life is to return home back to Godhead and engage in the service of Lord Visnu….” [<i>SB 7.5.31</i>]
By following such blind leaders, one misses the right path and falls into a ditch. The contents of such a ditch is what makes up modern society. Oh, how I was suffering in this ditch for want of a real leader!
As you have explained before, because today’s ‘leaders’ abuse their power, people are afraid of authority. Nonetheless, despite this unfortunate situation, we still require genuine leadership. Srila Prabhupada explains:
“People in general always require a leader who can teach the public by practical behavior… The king or the executive head of a state, the father and the schoolteacher are all considered to be natural leaders of the innocent people in general….” [<i>BG 3.21 Purport</i>]
It is the way of the universe, Krsna’s desire, and an eternal truth―we need leaders. Leadership is a principle of life.
Lord Rsabhadeva’s standard is that only a Vaisnava can qualify for leadership roles. Krsna, being non-different from Lord Rsabhadeva, desired the Battle of Kuruksetra to establish Vaisnavas, namely the Pandavas, as world leaders. More recently, we see the Brahma-Madhvya-Gaudiya-Vaisnava sampradaya’s field commander, Srila Prabhupada, leading the charge. Within the phalanxes of his army are many ati-rathas and maha-rathas, willing to lay down their lives for his sake. In the midst of this divine military division, you fearlessly spear-head assault after assault, driving deep into maya’s territory.
In this way you teach us that bona fide leadership is essential; it must be established at all costs.
Indeed, you have even revealed your personal war cry whilst fighting behind the ‘iron curtain’:
“I may live or die but Bhagavad-Gita is eternal.”
I remember praying for such saintly leadership. I recall reading the Bible and realizing the need for purification. I prayed:
“Is there anyone in this world like Moses, like Jesus?”
It was a solemn appeal for real leadership. Krsna has answered that prayer by sending you to save me. I earnestly accept this as the truth.
You lead by setting such a fine example Gurudeva. I submit my humble service at your lotus feet as an attempt to express my gratitude for your exceptional guidance over the past eight years.
Thank you very much.
Your servant,
Damodara Krsna das
Dandakaranya das
Nama Om Visnu Padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutala
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my obeisances on the auspicious day of your appearance.
The last few months I have been reading Hari Sauri Prabhu's collection of books, 'A Transcendental Diary.'
Hearing first hand accounts, from Srila Prabhupadas personal servant, about the preaching pastimes of Krishna's intimate 'Senapati' Bhakta is truly inspiring.
So many difficulties and challenges Srila Prabhupada underwent on so many levels to establish his ISKCON movement around the world. What a debt of gratitude is owed to Srila Prabhupada. How can it ever be repaid? It should certainly never be overlooked, minimized or under-appreciated. Srila Prabhupada was and will always be a one of a kind, with no comparison. He is the Jagad Guru.
The only shot I have at showing some sort of sincerity and gratitude is by attempting to render service to his sincere disciples and followers.
You especially have been blessed with the gift of capturing the spirit of Srila Prabhupadas mood of mercy and compassion towards the illusioned, conditioned souls trying to enjoy this world of maya.
What hope does anyone have to escape this horrific nightmare of repeated birth and death unless they get the mercy of a Vaisnava?
That is why you are an exalted Vaisnava because you are giving the conditioned jivas this rare opportunity to use the human form of life to open the doors to real love and happiness, beyond the confines and limitations of time and space. Who else in the realm of mrtyu-loka can do that!
There's so much appreciation and gratitude to be shown for the rare, selfless Vaisnava's like yourself who have dedicated their lives to this mission of Srila Prabhupada.
Thankyou for being a blessing to this world.
Your servant,
Dandakaranya das
Krsna-presthaya Bhutala
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my obeisances on the auspicious day of your appearance.
The last few months I have been reading Hari Sauri Prabhu's collection of books, 'A Transcendental Diary.'
Hearing first hand accounts, from Srila Prabhupadas personal servant, about the preaching pastimes of Krishna's intimate 'Senapati' Bhakta is truly inspiring.
So many difficulties and challenges Srila Prabhupada underwent on so many levels to establish his ISKCON movement around the world. What a debt of gratitude is owed to Srila Prabhupada. How can it ever be repaid? It should certainly never be overlooked, minimized or under-appreciated. Srila Prabhupada was and will always be a one of a kind, with no comparison. He is the Jagad Guru.
The only shot I have at showing some sort of sincerity and gratitude is by attempting to render service to his sincere disciples and followers.
You especially have been blessed with the gift of capturing the spirit of Srila Prabhupadas mood of mercy and compassion towards the illusioned, conditioned souls trying to enjoy this world of maya.
What hope does anyone have to escape this horrific nightmare of repeated birth and death unless they get the mercy of a Vaisnava?
That is why you are an exalted Vaisnava because you are giving the conditioned jivas this rare opportunity to use the human form of life to open the doors to real love and happiness, beyond the confines and limitations of time and space. Who else in the realm of mrtyu-loka can do that!
There's so much appreciation and gratitude to be shown for the rare, selfless Vaisnava's like yourself who have dedicated their lives to this mission of Srila Prabhupada.
Thankyou for being a blessing to this world.
Your servant,
Dandakaranya das
Dasya-prema das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
First, I beg your forgiveness for the discrepancies in my following attempt to glorify you.
As I was recently researching your endless achievements, I was not only enlivened with recomfirmation, but was happy to find a common theme.
Upon hearing the descriptions of your accomplishments, I was overwhelmed with a sense of how much you have undetered and deep dedication to Srila Prabhupada.
Your endeavoring so hard on book distribution because you knew how much it pleased Srila Prabhupada; Your taking part in the Caitanya Caritamrita marathon, where, upon Srila Prabhupada's request, you and other devotees had a 1700% increase in productivity; Your literally risking your life to preach behind the iron curtain; Your working your way up the BBT ranks in order to get physically closer to Srila Prabhupada; And more recently, as you travel and preach, your continued stress on the importance of reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books.
By reflecting on just some of your many glorious activities, I can see the immense power of guru vani.
As Srila Prabhupada states in his purport to Caitanya Caritamrita ch. 7 text 95-96, " We believed in the words of our spiritual master and started in a humble way—in a helpless way—but due to the spiritual force of the order of the supreme authority, this movement has become successful".
In the same way, you have become a living testimony of this same principle; That advancment depends on ones ability to please the spiritual master.
Now, I have been placed in an extremely fortunate position to receive the benedictions coming through the parampara.
You have so mercifully engaged me in a full program of reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books, which, along with other instructions are my means for crossing over this ocean on nescience.
I am so thankful for your encouraging me in my main service as well as allowing me to personally serve you, knowing that my transcendental attachment to you is my only means of success.
You are so glorious. I am a run of the mill Kali- yuga prototype.
I beg that you will continue to give me your shelter.
Your unworthy servant,
Dasya-prema das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
First, I beg your forgiveness for the discrepancies in my following attempt to glorify you.
As I was recently researching your endless achievements, I was not only enlivened with recomfirmation, but was happy to find a common theme.
Upon hearing the descriptions of your accomplishments, I was overwhelmed with a sense of how much you have undetered and deep dedication to Srila Prabhupada.
Your endeavoring so hard on book distribution because you knew how much it pleased Srila Prabhupada; Your taking part in the Caitanya Caritamrita marathon, where, upon Srila Prabhupada's request, you and other devotees had a 1700% increase in productivity; Your literally risking your life to preach behind the iron curtain; Your working your way up the BBT ranks in order to get physically closer to Srila Prabhupada; And more recently, as you travel and preach, your continued stress on the importance of reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books.
By reflecting on just some of your many glorious activities, I can see the immense power of guru vani.
As Srila Prabhupada states in his purport to Caitanya Caritamrita ch. 7 text 95-96, " We believed in the words of our spiritual master and started in a humble way—in a helpless way—but due to the spiritual force of the order of the supreme authority, this movement has become successful".
In the same way, you have become a living testimony of this same principle; That advancment depends on ones ability to please the spiritual master.
Now, I have been placed in an extremely fortunate position to receive the benedictions coming through the parampara.
You have so mercifully engaged me in a full program of reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books, which, along with other instructions are my means for crossing over this ocean on nescience.
I am so thankful for your encouraging me in my main service as well as allowing me to personally serve you, knowing that my transcendental attachment to you is my only means of success.
You are so glorious. I am a run of the mill Kali- yuga prototype.
I beg that you will continue to give me your shelter.
Your unworthy servant,
Dasya-prema das
Dayal Nitai Dasa
Namo om visnu padaya krishna presthya bhutale
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracara purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your divine appearance.
Earlier this year to my great fortune you wrote me an email that said:
‘Steadiness is what you want.’
‘Stick to devotional service no matter what.’ and,
‘Be very stubborn about clinging to Krishna’s lotus feet.’
At first I thought that it was funny you should say this because everything was good and I wasn’t even thinking of going anywhere, but then I thought to myself ‘Gurudeva doesn’t say things unnecessarily,’ and realised that you were preparing me for the future.
When everything seems to be going well it’s sometimes hard to imagine that things can also become difficult, but as Krishna says in BG 2.14:
Matra sparsas tu kaunteya
sitosna sukha duhka dah
Agamapayino ‘nityas
tams titiksasva bharata
“O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”
When you understand this verse then you can understand why the spiritual master who is the representative of Krishna, would give such instructions as you did.
Because sometimes things pop up that seem to threaten your spiritual life and tear it apart, but when I remember your instructions I find the strength to face maya and understand a thing for what it is, or not, and continue on with the spiritual quest.
Yes sometimes it can be a struggle, but I know with someone like you in my corner that something seemingly impossible like becoming steady on the spiritual path, becomes a very real possibility.
Gurudeva, thank you for being so caring to such an insignificant neophyte as myself and taking the time to guide me on this spiritual journey.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayal Nitai Dasa.
HARE KRISHNA!
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracara purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your divine appearance.
Earlier this year to my great fortune you wrote me an email that said:
‘Steadiness is what you want.’
‘Stick to devotional service no matter what.’ and,
‘Be very stubborn about clinging to Krishna’s lotus feet.’
At first I thought that it was funny you should say this because everything was good and I wasn’t even thinking of going anywhere, but then I thought to myself ‘Gurudeva doesn’t say things unnecessarily,’ and realised that you were preparing me for the future.
When everything seems to be going well it’s sometimes hard to imagine that things can also become difficult, but as Krishna says in BG 2.14:
Matra sparsas tu kaunteya
sitosna sukha duhka dah
Agamapayino ‘nityas
tams titiksasva bharata
“O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”
When you understand this verse then you can understand why the spiritual master who is the representative of Krishna, would give such instructions as you did.
Because sometimes things pop up that seem to threaten your spiritual life and tear it apart, but when I remember your instructions I find the strength to face maya and understand a thing for what it is, or not, and continue on with the spiritual quest.
Yes sometimes it can be a struggle, but I know with someone like you in my corner that something seemingly impossible like becoming steady on the spiritual path, becomes a very real possibility.
Gurudeva, thank you for being so caring to such an insignificant neophyte as myself and taking the time to guide me on this spiritual journey.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayal Nitai Dasa.
HARE KRISHNA!
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Al glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Since your visit to Wales I've wondered how I can better appreciate your position as my spiritual master. What is the position of the spiritual master? Srila Prabhupada explains in a Vyasa Puja lecture in Hamburg Sept 5th 1969: "The whole world is in the blaze of material pangs, threefold miseries. And a person who is authorised to deliver people from those material pangs, he is called spiritual master."
Who authorises him to relieve people from material pangs? Evam parampara praptam.. Because he is in the chain of disciplic succession from Krsna. In Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.6 the sages said: "Respected Suta Goswami, you are completely free from all vice. You are well versed in all scriptures famous for religious life, and in the Puranas and the histories as well, for you have gone through them under proper guidance and have also explained them."
Your eloquent and concise presentations of Srila Prabhupada's books simply glorifies them, making them even more relishable.
In the end of the purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.6 this is confirmed:
"Only one who has properly grasped the transcendental knowledge from the right source by submissive hearing can properly explain it."
Being a product of Kali Yuga, it is my great misfortune that I lack the qualification of a genuine disciple. In Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.12 describes a genuine disciple willing to protect himself from this embarrassing Kali Yuga culture: "The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well equipped with knowledge and detachment, realizes that Absolute Truth by rendering devotional service in terms of what he has heard from the Vedanta-sruti."
The end of the purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.12 elaborates on what a sincere disciple is: "A sincere devotee must, therefore, be prepared to hear the Vedic literature like the Upanisads, Vedanta and other literatures left by the previous authorities or Goswamis, for the benefit of his progress. Without hearing and following instructions, the show of devotional service becomes worthless and therefore a sort of disturbance in the path of devotional service."
I will endeavour to make your instructions my life and soul, to organise my life to hear and chant and give this knowledge out to others.
By hearing and chanting I'll position myself so that I can be a via medium for your mercy to touch the blazing fire in the hearts of those who so badly need it.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Al glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Since your visit to Wales I've wondered how I can better appreciate your position as my spiritual master. What is the position of the spiritual master? Srila Prabhupada explains in a Vyasa Puja lecture in Hamburg Sept 5th 1969: "The whole world is in the blaze of material pangs, threefold miseries. And a person who is authorised to deliver people from those material pangs, he is called spiritual master."
Who authorises him to relieve people from material pangs? Evam parampara praptam.. Because he is in the chain of disciplic succession from Krsna. In Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.6 the sages said: "Respected Suta Goswami, you are completely free from all vice. You are well versed in all scriptures famous for religious life, and in the Puranas and the histories as well, for you have gone through them under proper guidance and have also explained them."
Your eloquent and concise presentations of Srila Prabhupada's books simply glorifies them, making them even more relishable.
In the end of the purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.6 this is confirmed:
"Only one who has properly grasped the transcendental knowledge from the right source by submissive hearing can properly explain it."
Being a product of Kali Yuga, it is my great misfortune that I lack the qualification of a genuine disciple. In Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.12 describes a genuine disciple willing to protect himself from this embarrassing Kali Yuga culture: "The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well equipped with knowledge and detachment, realizes that Absolute Truth by rendering devotional service in terms of what he has heard from the Vedanta-sruti."
The end of the purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.12 elaborates on what a sincere disciple is: "A sincere devotee must, therefore, be prepared to hear the Vedic literature like the Upanisads, Vedanta and other literatures left by the previous authorities or Goswamis, for the benefit of his progress. Without hearing and following instructions, the show of devotional service becomes worthless and therefore a sort of disturbance in the path of devotional service."
I will endeavour to make your instructions my life and soul, to organise my life to hear and chant and give this knowledge out to others.
By hearing and chanting I'll position myself so that I can be a via medium for your mercy to touch the blazing fire in the hearts of those who so badly need it.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dayamaya devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on your Appearance day.
Recently , I have been meditating on your mission statement- "We make it easy to come to KC, grow in KC and give KC to others." All these years, I think I have been able to understand only a tiny bit of the first part of this statement – “We make it easy to come to KC” , which for me mainly meant distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books and inviting people for a bhakti experience at the Bhakti Lounge.
Now you are mercifully teaching me the second part of the mission statement “We make it easy to grow in KC”. With the new responsibility of looking after ashram ladies, I am learning to become selfless, patient , tolerant, and hopefully merciful in taking care of these special souls who are under your shelter. You once told me, ‘any of these young devotees could become a pure devotee one day, so I should treat them very nicely’.
By engaging in this service, I am coming to appreciate your senior disciples even more than ever before for their dedication, compassion and commitment to devotee care. Also I get a glimpse of the unlimited sacrifices you have been making all your life to nurture so many of your disciples all over the world. If managing a handful of ladies is so challenging , what would it be like to shoulder the burden of so many lives you are sheltering?
Thankyou for being such an exemplary role model for outreach and devotee care. Thankyou for kindly engaging me in this service for my own purification.
Thankyou for taking my sankirtana efforts to another level, thankyou for raising the bar.
Learning to be one of your disciple,
Dayamaya dd
Dayvira das
Dear Guru maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All gloris to Srila Prabhupada.
This year my family and I were most fortunate to be able to visit Krishna's home town of Vraja. Being my first time in the dhama, I was trying to find my connection with this holy land and it's inhabitants. Three weeks past with much pilgrimage miles being racked up, due to the care and guidance of your dear godbrother Dina Bandhu prabhu and godsister Daivisakti mataji. Lots to digest for a fledgling kiwi and still trying to make my connection. With the end of our stay fast approaching we decided to go to Radha Damodhara temple. Such a spiritually surcharged atmosphere we experienced knowing that this was where Srila Prabhuapada readied himself for his transcendental assault on the Godforsaken west 50 years ago. Yes, I felt I was homing in on the mercy that was carrying me on this pilgrimage, still there was something missing. As we readied to depart, it didn't take long before Krishna revealed the full purport to the answer to my predicament when you entered Radha Damodhara with your faithful servant Khela Tirtha prabhu. I watched you pay your obeisances in front of the deities, thinking yes, this is my connection. After your GBC meetings in Mayapour you slipped under the radar to come to Vraja for one day and by that amazing arrangement you gave us your darsana in such a spiritually potent place.
Only by the mercy of the spiritual master can one experience the dhama.
This was confirmed to me by one sadhu (who you use to play street hockey with in the early years of the movement), he said that it was only by your mercy, that he had been credited for any seva performed in his KC and that all his present service is but a humble offering back in return for all your help. My sentiment exactly.
Please accept my insignificant attempts at devotional service Gurumaharaja and thank you very much for your compassionate glance on all us unfortunate conditioned souls.
Your servant, Dayavira das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All gloris to Srila Prabhupada.
This year my family and I were most fortunate to be able to visit Krishna's home town of Vraja. Being my first time in the dhama, I was trying to find my connection with this holy land and it's inhabitants. Three weeks past with much pilgrimage miles being racked up, due to the care and guidance of your dear godbrother Dina Bandhu prabhu and godsister Daivisakti mataji. Lots to digest for a fledgling kiwi and still trying to make my connection. With the end of our stay fast approaching we decided to go to Radha Damodhara temple. Such a spiritually surcharged atmosphere we experienced knowing that this was where Srila Prabhuapada readied himself for his transcendental assault on the Godforsaken west 50 years ago. Yes, I felt I was homing in on the mercy that was carrying me on this pilgrimage, still there was something missing. As we readied to depart, it didn't take long before Krishna revealed the full purport to the answer to my predicament when you entered Radha Damodhara with your faithful servant Khela Tirtha prabhu. I watched you pay your obeisances in front of the deities, thinking yes, this is my connection. After your GBC meetings in Mayapour you slipped under the radar to come to Vraja for one day and by that amazing arrangement you gave us your darsana in such a spiritually potent place.
Only by the mercy of the spiritual master can one experience the dhama.
This was confirmed to me by one sadhu (who you use to play street hockey with in the early years of the movement), he said that it was only by your mercy, that he had been credited for any seva performed in his KC and that all his present service is but a humble offering back in return for all your help. My sentiment exactly.
Please accept my insignificant attempts at devotional service Gurumaharaja and thank you very much for your compassionate glance on all us unfortunate conditioned souls.
Your servant, Dayavira das
Dennis McHugh (Auckland)
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
Two years ago I was fortunate enough to come in contact with devotees.
From the beginning I was made to feel so welcome by your disciples.
At the same time, I was allowed to progress at my own pace without any pressure.
My second visit to the Loft was to attend one of your talks.
That night you challenged us to consider the difference between humans and animals.
What is the purpose of human life?
I felt I didn't understand, and when I got a chance to speak with you afterwards I inquired further.
You explained that without reading Bhagavad Gita I wouldn't be able to understand the meaning of your answer.
You then encouraged me to 'learn how to work for perfection', but again clarified the need for back round knowledge.
You also asked me to continue attending the loft.
Since then I have had so much opportunity to follow these instructions, by your grace.
I could never have guessed how much benefit I would derive from visiting The Loft, 'the mercy base' you established and nurture in the heart of Auckland.
My material life took a hit after a couple of months of regularly visiting The Loft.
Subsequently, I was invited to stay at the contemporary men's ashrama.
Shortly after moving in I had the great fortune to sample the nectar of the December 'Recharge' festival.
Despite only attending for two days, the overwhelming experience was more than enough to anchor me in Krishna Consciousness and fuel my attraction for Bhakti.
The contemporary asrama provided a dynamic envioronment in which to acclimatize to the Bhakti lifestyle.
Simultaneously, under the expert direction of Bhadra Sena Prabhu, I was able to develop the essential skills rarely taught in Kali yuga.
The inspiring association of the other young devotees more than compensated for the 'loss' of my old 'friends'.
After becoming regulated in devotional life, I am now trialling life in the brahmacari asrama.
Here we are given unlimited scope to directly engage in selfless devotional service, centering our day around hearing and chanting.
From my experience on sankirtan this year, I am seeing more and more how vital The Loft is in giving persons a chance to reconnect with Krishna.
You have provided a modern, freindly interface by which persons can comfortably take part in Bhakti, whether they're fully concious of the benefit or not.
At the very least, they receive association with devotees and Prasadam in a sanctified environment.
Those who are more fortunate get the chance to chant and dance in kirtan, receive sastric knowledge and engage in devotional service.
Thank you so much for making Krishna Conciousness so accessible.
Thank you for all the care and attention you give us, despite your busy schedlule.
Your aspiring servant,
Dennis McHugh
Deval Joshi
Dear Maharaj,
Most prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet,
It is such a great pleasure to be honoured to write something for your auspicious Vyas-puja celebrations.
It is a wonderful system of posting offerings on line from world over.
I only aspire to see you more & get your sangha to hear from you in person all powerful cutting edge philosophy of Krishna consciousness.
With all tremendous efforts & dedication, for the service of Srila Prabhupada, you have been preaching world wide.
This spontaneous love for Guru & Krishna which manifest in your discourses is something which every disciple of yours aspire for, I believe.
I would like to sincerely pray to Lord Krishna to bestow upon you good heath that you go on preaching for many, many years to come.
I shall further pray that may I also develop some fraction of same love which you possess in your heart for every living being to offer pure love of god.
Thank you,
Your aspiring servant,
Deval
Most prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet,
It is such a great pleasure to be honoured to write something for your auspicious Vyas-puja celebrations.
It is a wonderful system of posting offerings on line from world over.
I only aspire to see you more & get your sangha to hear from you in person all powerful cutting edge philosophy of Krishna consciousness.
With all tremendous efforts & dedication, for the service of Srila Prabhupada, you have been preaching world wide.
This spontaneous love for Guru & Krishna which manifest in your discourses is something which every disciple of yours aspire for, I believe.
I would like to sincerely pray to Lord Krishna to bestow upon you good heath that you go on preaching for many, many years to come.
I shall further pray that may I also develop some fraction of same love which you possess in your heart for every living being to offer pure love of god.
Thank you,
Your aspiring servant,
Deval
Dhira Siromani Das
Nama Om Vishnu-padaya
Krishna-Preshthaya Bhu-Tale
Srimate Devamrta Swami iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca
Bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Om ajnana- timirandhasya jnananjan-salakaya
Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Dear Gurudev,
On this most auspicious day of yours, I will like to offer my most respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
It is described that it is the duty of a disciple to glorify his spiritual master on Vyasa puja day, but what qualification do I even have to be your disciple to begin with. With my limited capacity and meagre realisation, I can only feel helpless and lament. Still, for your pleasure and for my own purification, Gurumaharaj, please accept this insignificant attempt of mine at the dust of your lotus feet.
Narottama dasa Thakura says, chadiya vaisnava-seva nistara payeche keba: without serving a pure devotee, one cannot advance in spiritual life." (S.B. 4.22.22). I can see Gurudev I am not making any advancement and this is only because I am unable to serve you. Rather, I am trying hard with the help of my rascal friend, the mind, to please my senses. It is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita how one should be submissive to a spiritual master, inquire from him and render service unto him. I try hard to imbibe that mood within me and fail miserably. Rather, I remember my impudence when I was doing GBC service in Mayapur and the Chairman required me to bring a paper in the room. I was so scared and felt so unqualified to enter the room that I felt my feet were frozen just outside. I prayed hard to be saved from this, only to notice that you came out of the room, to go to the bathroom. Without any shame, I asked you whether you will be able to deliver the paper for me. You were so magnanimous that you did not even chastise me and told me to wait. After a few moments, it then struck me that it is me who is supposed to serve you. I then mustered courage and went inside. On that day, I realised how much you are tolerant to my impudence and never fail to show your affection towards me although I sincerely do not deserve it.
In SB 11.3.21 it has been mentioned about the meaning of guru, Śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam. You epitomises this fully Gurudev as you are always immersed and sees everything in connection with Krsna. Yare dekha tare kaha Krsna upadesa. I still remember how on various occasions you used to instruct even people who showed no real interest, especially in your retreats. At the end of the retreats, we can see how convincingly there is a change in their approach and attitude as you keep on slashing the deep rooted misconceptions and vanish the cloud of illusion that prevails. I am sure Srila Prabhupada must be really satisfied as you are showing your disciples how to honour and serve a spiritual master and his instructions, by walking the talk. You keep on connecting us to Srila Prabhupada all the time. I remember when you met me earlier this year, your first question was are you drowning yourself into Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Connection with Guru is connection with his bhava. I still remember Gurudev during our 33 minute talk which took place when I was walking you to your room from Mayapur temple, how you repeatedly on various occasions told me you wanted me back to Melbourne although you knew I had that desire to go back to Mayapur within a year. As soon as you told me about coming back to Melbourne, I took it as an instruction and did not even think twice. But then I started introspecting into what could be the reason. According to me Mayapur was 1 of the best places I could have been, as I was working on myself a lot. I prayed to Radha Madhava to guide me and try to understand what you may have wanted. After meditating on it, I tried to think about your bhava and finally realised how you like it when newcomers are introduced to Krsna consciousness and how you like sharing the nectar. Working on oneself is important but sharing the jewel is mostly what your mood comprises of. After a few months, by krsna’s mercy, I started getting the opportunity to do house program. It is mentioned Service is a privilege which is extended to a conditioned soul by the mercy of Guru. It was not difficult to see it in connection with what you may have wanted. Please forgive me for any mental speculation. With the help of a few devotees, Gurudev, we have so far done around 30 house programs within 3-4 months and got a few lining up for Kartika month, where we are being invited by ‘new’ people. I also had the opportunity to preach by giving classes which was nowhere as effective as it could have been. But for my own purification and as part of service, I am trying hard to at least say something meaningful. Gurudev with my limited knowledge and intelligence, I do not know whether I can please you but if somehow or other, I can be an instrument at your disposal, I will consider myself very fortunate.
I felt really happy when you grabbed me affectionately before you went into your room in Mayapur to tell me you liked the way I was learning. On this auspicious day of yours Gurudev, I will like to seek blessings from you so I can be a menial servant to you. As I look at my other God brothers and God sisters, I see how far behind I am and there is an uphill task of even doing 1% of what they do to please you. Please maharaj, you have taken so much patience with me and I have forever disappointed you, I will like to apologise to you on this day and thank you for being the most affectionate father who never fails to shower his love.
Thank you so much. Words of appreciation and gratitude fall short.
Aspiring to be at least a servant
Dhira Siromani Das
(Melbourne)
Krishna-Preshthaya Bhu-Tale
Srimate Devamrta Swami iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca
Bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Om ajnana- timirandhasya jnananjan-salakaya
Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Dear Gurudev,
On this most auspicious day of yours, I will like to offer my most respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
It is described that it is the duty of a disciple to glorify his spiritual master on Vyasa puja day, but what qualification do I even have to be your disciple to begin with. With my limited capacity and meagre realisation, I can only feel helpless and lament. Still, for your pleasure and for my own purification, Gurumaharaj, please accept this insignificant attempt of mine at the dust of your lotus feet.
Narottama dasa Thakura says, chadiya vaisnava-seva nistara payeche keba: without serving a pure devotee, one cannot advance in spiritual life." (S.B. 4.22.22). I can see Gurudev I am not making any advancement and this is only because I am unable to serve you. Rather, I am trying hard with the help of my rascal friend, the mind, to please my senses. It is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita how one should be submissive to a spiritual master, inquire from him and render service unto him. I try hard to imbibe that mood within me and fail miserably. Rather, I remember my impudence when I was doing GBC service in Mayapur and the Chairman required me to bring a paper in the room. I was so scared and felt so unqualified to enter the room that I felt my feet were frozen just outside. I prayed hard to be saved from this, only to notice that you came out of the room, to go to the bathroom. Without any shame, I asked you whether you will be able to deliver the paper for me. You were so magnanimous that you did not even chastise me and told me to wait. After a few moments, it then struck me that it is me who is supposed to serve you. I then mustered courage and went inside. On that day, I realised how much you are tolerant to my impudence and never fail to show your affection towards me although I sincerely do not deserve it.
In SB 11.3.21 it has been mentioned about the meaning of guru, Śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam. You epitomises this fully Gurudev as you are always immersed and sees everything in connection with Krsna. Yare dekha tare kaha Krsna upadesa. I still remember how on various occasions you used to instruct even people who showed no real interest, especially in your retreats. At the end of the retreats, we can see how convincingly there is a change in their approach and attitude as you keep on slashing the deep rooted misconceptions and vanish the cloud of illusion that prevails. I am sure Srila Prabhupada must be really satisfied as you are showing your disciples how to honour and serve a spiritual master and his instructions, by walking the talk. You keep on connecting us to Srila Prabhupada all the time. I remember when you met me earlier this year, your first question was are you drowning yourself into Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Connection with Guru is connection with his bhava. I still remember Gurudev during our 33 minute talk which took place when I was walking you to your room from Mayapur temple, how you repeatedly on various occasions told me you wanted me back to Melbourne although you knew I had that desire to go back to Mayapur within a year. As soon as you told me about coming back to Melbourne, I took it as an instruction and did not even think twice. But then I started introspecting into what could be the reason. According to me Mayapur was 1 of the best places I could have been, as I was working on myself a lot. I prayed to Radha Madhava to guide me and try to understand what you may have wanted. After meditating on it, I tried to think about your bhava and finally realised how you like it when newcomers are introduced to Krsna consciousness and how you like sharing the nectar. Working on oneself is important but sharing the jewel is mostly what your mood comprises of. After a few months, by krsna’s mercy, I started getting the opportunity to do house program. It is mentioned Service is a privilege which is extended to a conditioned soul by the mercy of Guru. It was not difficult to see it in connection with what you may have wanted. Please forgive me for any mental speculation. With the help of a few devotees, Gurudev, we have so far done around 30 house programs within 3-4 months and got a few lining up for Kartika month, where we are being invited by ‘new’ people. I also had the opportunity to preach by giving classes which was nowhere as effective as it could have been. But for my own purification and as part of service, I am trying hard to at least say something meaningful. Gurudev with my limited knowledge and intelligence, I do not know whether I can please you but if somehow or other, I can be an instrument at your disposal, I will consider myself very fortunate.
I felt really happy when you grabbed me affectionately before you went into your room in Mayapur to tell me you liked the way I was learning. On this auspicious day of yours Gurudev, I will like to seek blessings from you so I can be a menial servant to you. As I look at my other God brothers and God sisters, I see how far behind I am and there is an uphill task of even doing 1% of what they do to please you. Please maharaj, you have taken so much patience with me and I have forever disappointed you, I will like to apologise to you on this day and thank you for being the most affectionate father who never fails to shower his love.
Thank you so much. Words of appreciation and gratitude fall short.
Aspiring to be at least a servant
Dhira Siromani Das
(Melbourne)
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your most auspicious appearance
Special Focus on Srlia Prabhupada's books study and distribution:
To Study Srila Prabhupada’s books everyday, hear Srimad Bhagavatam class and to have an opportunity to distribute these books is the greatest wealth that you magnanimously bestow on us.
I am very attracted to hearing you speak this knowledge of the pastimes of Lord Krsna and his devotees
The more we hear about Srila Prabhupada’s books, read them, understand them and distribute them, the stronger the realization of their value becomes.
Hearing your talks on Sri CaitanyaCaritamrita and reading it, now I can understand SrilaPrabhupada’s prayer aboard Jaladuta to a minute degree: Friday September 10,1965
“Today the ship is plying very smoothly. I feel today better. But I am feeling separation of Sri Vrndavana and my Lords Sri Govinda, Gopinatha, Radha-Damodara. My only solace is Sri Caitanya- caritamrita, in which I am tasting the nectar of Lord Caitanya’s lila.”
Certainly the pastimes of Lord Caitanya are pleasing to hear for Most
They are especially beneficial for the conditioned souls like myself.
In such circumstances it is not surprising that you have dedicated your life to these books and their distribution
You are still personally distributing Prabhupada's books as seen on ratha yatra in Los Angeles recently. You have been encouraging devotees worldwide in understanding the importance of studying and distributing these books to others.
Hence it is quite natural for all of us to follow your footsteps
Srila Prabupada says in the purport to SB1.5.11
“Due to the polluted atmosphere of this age of Kali systematically there is propaganda by a section of the people to stop glorification of the name and fame of the Supreme Lord. Therefore there is a great need for disseminating the message of Srimad Bhagavatam all over the world.”
It is your great mercy on us that you give us such services that are very dear to Srila Prabhupada.
In 2013 you gave a sankirtan class at the temple in Sydney and advised that someone should take this service to distribute sets of books to the congregation.
Last year once I was listing for you the services that I do at the temple. You asked me if I was still distributing sets of books. I replied saying yes but it happens only sometimes. You encouraged me saying that you “distribute sets-of all Srila Prabhupada books and install them.”
I very happily accepted and said will give my best to do it. At the same time I was thinking it is not easy. Remembering your instruction however, I started making little attempts by approaching some visitors at the temple. There was so much reciprocation just for trying to present the whole sets.
My doubts ,of how to distribute sets,dissipated almost immediately
You always encourage us to think big Guru Maharaj.... Think outside the box..
Last marathon, by yours and Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha 's mercy,I was able to distribute 14 full sets. I was sent so much help.
Even H.H.Bhaktivinod Swami was here and inspired visitors to take the full sets upon our request. Special thanks to Maharaj as a few of the people who refused to take earlier, later agreed to take
When I informed you about this You said how many?40 sets ?as if I was not loud enough. I was thinking I wish it was 40
But I got the message and confirmed "not 40 but 14 Guru Maharaja"
You are always showing us ways to improve the service
I asked you how to increase and you said “tax your brain.”
I have been trying to tax my brain with set distribution and other areas of service also
Whatever little we are doing is by your mercy and inspiration. You are so expert
I feel so grateful to you that you have shown such kindness on me by engaging me in this service of book distribution
Lord Caitanya said Srimad Bhagavatam is the spotless Purana. I am realizing it is a great fortune to share these books with others. It is said in Sri CaitanyaCaritamrita one cannot understand Srimad Bhagavatam without knowing Sri Caitanya Caritamrita.
There is so much more to do,though ,and I beg you for spiritual strength to do all the services very nicely for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha.
Your real glory will be evident from this story:
At a Srimad Bhagavatam installation programme in Westmead, Sydney.
In the PowerPoint presentation, one of the slides was a picture of SrilaSukadeva Gosvami, speaking Srimad Bhagavatam to Pariksit Maharaj on the banks of the Ganges.
While making the presentation I remembered how, at a car park in Manukau Supa Centa, New Zealand as a new bhakta , a few years earlier,I was watching H.G.Khela tirtha Prabhu present the SB 1.1 ,using the same picture ,to a Fijian family .They purchased the book.
This is how it happened:
Some things I remember that he said to them was that Pariksit Maharaj is the grandson of Arjuna , who speaks with Krsna on the chariot in Bhagavad Gita. Sukadeva Gosvami is the son of Srila Vyasadeva. Present In the audience were great sages like Narada Muni and Vyasadev himself Amongst others
After sometime I tried to present the same book with what I learned from Khela tirtha Prabhu.
The person I spoke with also took and I could not forget such an experience. I realized that if I just follow what the senior devotees are doing it will work for me also... and it does.
I ran up to him, thanked him and said "it works."
Never did I imagine that one day I could be doing installation of a full set of Srimad Bhagavatam, and Sri Caitanya Caritamrita. It was beyond my imaginative faculties then. But you, Guru Maharaj, know how to engage every individual soul for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krsna.
As Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami says by mercy of Lord Caitanya even a child can speak about rasa tattva.
It is indeed your causeless mercy coming down from Lord Caitanyathat you are kindly showering on us like a rain cloud.
Just by remembering Lord Caitanya all the difficulties are removed.
kathañcana smṛte yasmin
duṣkaraṁ sukaraṁ bhavet
vismṛte viparītaṁ syāt
śrī-caitanyaṁ namāmi tam
Things that are very difficult to do become easy to execute if one somehow or other simply remembers Lord CaitanyaMahāprabhu. But if one does not remember Him, even easy things become very difficult. To this Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu I offer my respectful obeisances.
Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Ādi-līlā14.1
By your inspiration there has been an increase in set consciousness among the devotee community here. We are distributing between 2-4 sets a month. The number is too small in comparision with the number of congregation devotees,though.
We hope to see an increase,Sri Sri Radha Gopinath willing
Gurudeva, you are distributing this mercy of Lord Caitanya so freely and boldly around the globe.Although we do not have the qualification and devotion to serve you but you are kindly engaging us in this sankirtana of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This is very much in the mood of SrilaPrabhupada and Prahlada Maharaj. May you continue to shower your benedictions on the community of devotees in Sydney.
I beg to always be engaged in such services, especially related to the distribution of Srila Prabhupadas books.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your most auspicious appearance
Special Focus on Srlia Prabhupada's books study and distribution:
To Study Srila Prabhupada’s books everyday, hear Srimad Bhagavatam class and to have an opportunity to distribute these books is the greatest wealth that you magnanimously bestow on us.
I am very attracted to hearing you speak this knowledge of the pastimes of Lord Krsna and his devotees
The more we hear about Srila Prabhupada’s books, read them, understand them and distribute them, the stronger the realization of their value becomes.
Hearing your talks on Sri CaitanyaCaritamrita and reading it, now I can understand SrilaPrabhupada’s prayer aboard Jaladuta to a minute degree: Friday September 10,1965
“Today the ship is plying very smoothly. I feel today better. But I am feeling separation of Sri Vrndavana and my Lords Sri Govinda, Gopinatha, Radha-Damodara. My only solace is Sri Caitanya- caritamrita, in which I am tasting the nectar of Lord Caitanya’s lila.”
Certainly the pastimes of Lord Caitanya are pleasing to hear for Most
They are especially beneficial for the conditioned souls like myself.
In such circumstances it is not surprising that you have dedicated your life to these books and their distribution
You are still personally distributing Prabhupada's books as seen on ratha yatra in Los Angeles recently. You have been encouraging devotees worldwide in understanding the importance of studying and distributing these books to others.
Hence it is quite natural for all of us to follow your footsteps
Srila Prabupada says in the purport to SB1.5.11
“Due to the polluted atmosphere of this age of Kali systematically there is propaganda by a section of the people to stop glorification of the name and fame of the Supreme Lord. Therefore there is a great need for disseminating the message of Srimad Bhagavatam all over the world.”
It is your great mercy on us that you give us such services that are very dear to Srila Prabhupada.
In 2013 you gave a sankirtan class at the temple in Sydney and advised that someone should take this service to distribute sets of books to the congregation.
Last year once I was listing for you the services that I do at the temple. You asked me if I was still distributing sets of books. I replied saying yes but it happens only sometimes. You encouraged me saying that you “distribute sets-of all Srila Prabhupada books and install them.”
I very happily accepted and said will give my best to do it. At the same time I was thinking it is not easy. Remembering your instruction however, I started making little attempts by approaching some visitors at the temple. There was so much reciprocation just for trying to present the whole sets.
My doubts ,of how to distribute sets,dissipated almost immediately
You always encourage us to think big Guru Maharaj.... Think outside the box..
Last marathon, by yours and Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha 's mercy,I was able to distribute 14 full sets. I was sent so much help.
Even H.H.Bhaktivinod Swami was here and inspired visitors to take the full sets upon our request. Special thanks to Maharaj as a few of the people who refused to take earlier, later agreed to take
When I informed you about this You said how many?40 sets ?as if I was not loud enough. I was thinking I wish it was 40
But I got the message and confirmed "not 40 but 14 Guru Maharaja"
You are always showing us ways to improve the service
I asked you how to increase and you said “tax your brain.”
I have been trying to tax my brain with set distribution and other areas of service also
Whatever little we are doing is by your mercy and inspiration. You are so expert
I feel so grateful to you that you have shown such kindness on me by engaging me in this service of book distribution
Lord Caitanya said Srimad Bhagavatam is the spotless Purana. I am realizing it is a great fortune to share these books with others. It is said in Sri CaitanyaCaritamrita one cannot understand Srimad Bhagavatam without knowing Sri Caitanya Caritamrita.
There is so much more to do,though ,and I beg you for spiritual strength to do all the services very nicely for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha.
Your real glory will be evident from this story:
At a Srimad Bhagavatam installation programme in Westmead, Sydney.
In the PowerPoint presentation, one of the slides was a picture of SrilaSukadeva Gosvami, speaking Srimad Bhagavatam to Pariksit Maharaj on the banks of the Ganges.
While making the presentation I remembered how, at a car park in Manukau Supa Centa, New Zealand as a new bhakta , a few years earlier,I was watching H.G.Khela tirtha Prabhu present the SB 1.1 ,using the same picture ,to a Fijian family .They purchased the book.
This is how it happened:
Some things I remember that he said to them was that Pariksit Maharaj is the grandson of Arjuna , who speaks with Krsna on the chariot in Bhagavad Gita. Sukadeva Gosvami is the son of Srila Vyasadeva. Present In the audience were great sages like Narada Muni and Vyasadev himself Amongst others
After sometime I tried to present the same book with what I learned from Khela tirtha Prabhu.
The person I spoke with also took and I could not forget such an experience. I realized that if I just follow what the senior devotees are doing it will work for me also... and it does.
I ran up to him, thanked him and said "it works."
Never did I imagine that one day I could be doing installation of a full set of Srimad Bhagavatam, and Sri Caitanya Caritamrita. It was beyond my imaginative faculties then. But you, Guru Maharaj, know how to engage every individual soul for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krsna.
As Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami says by mercy of Lord Caitanya even a child can speak about rasa tattva.
It is indeed your causeless mercy coming down from Lord Caitanyathat you are kindly showering on us like a rain cloud.
Just by remembering Lord Caitanya all the difficulties are removed.
kathañcana smṛte yasmin
duṣkaraṁ sukaraṁ bhavet
vismṛte viparītaṁ syāt
śrī-caitanyaṁ namāmi tam
Things that are very difficult to do become easy to execute if one somehow or other simply remembers Lord CaitanyaMahāprabhu. But if one does not remember Him, even easy things become very difficult. To this Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu I offer my respectful obeisances.
Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Ādi-līlā14.1
By your inspiration there has been an increase in set consciousness among the devotee community here. We are distributing between 2-4 sets a month. The number is too small in comparision with the number of congregation devotees,though.
We hope to see an increase,Sri Sri Radha Gopinath willing
Gurudeva, you are distributing this mercy of Lord Caitanya so freely and boldly around the globe.Although we do not have the qualification and devotion to serve you but you are kindly engaging us in this sankirtana of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This is very much in the mood of SrilaPrabhupada and Prahlada Maharaj. May you continue to shower your benedictions on the community of devotees in Sydney.
I beg to always be engaged in such services, especially related to the distribution of Srila Prabhupadas books.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Dhirabhakta das
Hare Krishna
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Devamrita Swami Maharaja
As I sit scrambling for thought's and how to share my beep sincere gratitude especially following your recent e-mail to me; looking and searching for words of inspiration I came across this small biography of Srila Prabhupada's time in Sydney
Our position of ineptitude before our Guru was our natural one, and it highlighted his position as the source of all our knowledge. His critical tones were actually waves of love, purifying our consciousness and placing us in a subservient posture to his Lotus Feet. I can remember episodes both of chastisement and of praise, but those of chastisement are more memorable, for my stupidity in front of my Guru Maharaj was thoroughly revealed and I could thus beg forgiveness at his Lotus Feet, understanding my true position as infinitesimal servant.
JPR 11: Prabhupada in Sydney
It reminded me of service, and how you have dedicated and humbly served Srila Prabhupada faithfully and fearless showing compassion and tact; when needed chastisement and when needed encouragement.
And on this your vaysa puja day I'm reminded how indebted each one of us your disciples are and pray that you remain forever our well-wisher, guiding in your own unique special and loving manner
Yours Humbly
Dhirabhakta Das
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Devamrita Swami Maharaja
As I sit scrambling for thought's and how to share my beep sincere gratitude especially following your recent e-mail to me; looking and searching for words of inspiration I came across this small biography of Srila Prabhupada's time in Sydney
Our position of ineptitude before our Guru was our natural one, and it highlighted his position as the source of all our knowledge. His critical tones were actually waves of love, purifying our consciousness and placing us in a subservient posture to his Lotus Feet. I can remember episodes both of chastisement and of praise, but those of chastisement are more memorable, for my stupidity in front of my Guru Maharaj was thoroughly revealed and I could thus beg forgiveness at his Lotus Feet, understanding my true position as infinitesimal servant.
JPR 11: Prabhupada in Sydney
It reminded me of service, and how you have dedicated and humbly served Srila Prabhupada faithfully and fearless showing compassion and tact; when needed chastisement and when needed encouragement.
And on this your vaysa puja day I'm reminded how indebted each one of us your disciples are and pray that you remain forever our well-wisher, guiding in your own unique special and loving manner
Yours Humbly
Dhirabhakta Das
Dhruvananda Das
Dear Gurumaharaja
PAMHO, AGTSP, dandavat pranams.
The universe and life itself is very difficult to understand. Generations of scientists and thinkers die without solving the equation. Each generation adds to the encyclopaedia of speculations, passing on the baton to the next as they themselves meet death, just as the many before them, and loose all the knowledge they had gained in their short life span. For thousands of years this has been going on but still no one can explain what is life in a way that everyone can accept.
We measure the large and we measure the small only to find that they are inconsistent. Particles that make up an atom behave very differently to the particles we call planets. We can calculate how much force is required to defeat gravity and put a satellite into orbit and we can calculate with certainty the position of a planet in the sky at a particular time but we cannot calculate the instantaneous position of an electron circling a nucleus, only we can predict a likely position within it’s cloud of possibility. It is common knowledge that these tiny atomic particles make up the entire observable universe, even they are mentioned in the Vedas but these particles such as electrons, protons and neutrons only make up a tiny portion of the atom, like two marbles on a football field. As of yet we cannot explain what makes up the rest of the space in the atom and therefore we have no idea what makes up most of our material reality. Still we puff our chests out and think we are ok on our own, that we do not need a spiritual science in order to understand our reality.
We make our models and try to predict and the successes are the technologies we see around us but still we can never know in full what is life with our current tools of observation, which are extremely limited. Still, even with this thirst for knowledge that drives those of curious nature, very few dare to search for a supreme being. Modern materialistic science is founded on the notion of falsifiability and testing. Because there is no way to prove with certainty that God does not exist, there are no grounds to form a hypothesis and any tests conducted cannot be classified as valid. Therefore man’s pursuits of knowledge are only wasted on temporary upgrades of countless gadgets we believe are making our lives’ easier and extremely far fetched speculations of the beginning and the ending of life such as a tiny particle with an unknown origin, situated in nothing, expanding into everything for no apparent reason, within which came the accident of life, and which will all eventually die with the heat death of the universe, when all thermodynamic free energy has diminished.
Some believe that consciousness is only electric signals in the brain. Some even go as far as to believing the next step in evolution is to record the data of these signals within the brain of an individual and program them into a robot. I think they are forgetting that the term “robot” literally means, “slave” and the function of a robot is to serve a master. Why is it that we are so comfortable being slaves, slaves to our mind and senses, slaves to the opposite sex, slaves to our many fallible masters yet we will not accept the position of slave to God. Is it that He does actually exist and we are actually very envious or is that we have only become tired of masters whom we cannot see. Personally I cannot answer this question.
With enough information about a person a robot could be mistaken as that person but as we are taught by Srila prabhupada we cannot create a soul and therefore the robot would only be a sophisticated machine behaving like a person and most of us are happy to believe the trick because we want to think we can create life without the need of a God. Just look at how much more appealing humanoid robots are. Even just some simple fake eyes are very affective because even though we pretend to be independent we very much need personal interaction.
Fortunately for us the university is not the only place to find a professor. There are others, masters of the higher realms, positioned by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and other great vaisnavas, in all corners of the globe. These teachers are not shackled by the notion that you cannot find something that cannot be disproven. They invite us into the “bhakti laboratory” to see for our selves. The lab has been set up, the cheat sheet is on the table. All the hard work has already been done. They remind us time and time again that all we have to do is chant the mantra with sincerity and we will experience God.
Still, just like with most phenomena, it takes time for us newbies to understand. We may memorise the formula and repeat it everyday but we cannot explain how it happens or why. Scientist still cannot explain what is the force we call gravity, a most fundamental force that everyone is experiencing all the time and is said to be holding all the planets in there orbits. They can measure and predict but they do not know how or why it exists. In the same way we can chant the mantra for many years and not see ‘The Blue Boy’ in person. Do we therefore give up and use what time is left to obey the senses, living through our avatar in this matrix or do we push on and try to make ‘The Perfect Escape’, try achieve the most rare, most valuable love of God? It is common knowledge that the most rare and valuable things are the hardest to acquire. This point can give us some patience and determination in our endeavours to capture Krishna’s glance.
Who would the student be without his teachers? He could learn a few things in one lifetime but would have no chance in understanding everything let alone the cause of everything. Therefore we are forever indebted to our teachers and we should keep them in the forefront of our conscience at all times. We keep our foreheads in their footprints as they lead us home. This is the bhakti university.
In contrast to the mundane academics who’s goals before their deaths are to add to the encyclopaedias of distraction, our gurus spend their entire lives reminding us of our true nature and inspiring us to turn to the true reality. The ultimate goal of academics is to get their names linked to some discoverys so that students for generations to come will have to repeat their names even though the academics have nothing to do with the cause of the observed phenomena, whereas the ultimate goal of our spiritual masters is to have Krishna’s names vibrated on the tongues off every living entity, not for their own fame but for the benefit of Krishna parts whom are suffering. Their achievements are immeasurable yet they accept no credit. All is offered to the lotus feet of their own masters. This is the bhakti system, to link with the source and understand what is the perfection of our existence.
Gurudeva, although I am not a worthy servant, you are my eternal master. You are my anchor. When I get bewildered by the inundation of mundane so-called “educated” influences I simple listen to any of your lectures and immediately I am lifted to a platform that allows me to understand the apparent contradictions from a spiritual perspective or in some cases allows me to understand that I cannot understand and therefore I should just chant more Hare Krishna like a baby crying for it’s mother and if Krishna pleases He can reveal it to me. I am so grateful that you pay attention to the studies and explanations (that you see as relevant or useful in your preaching) of mundane scholars and present the true spiritual version publicly with conviction.
The truth is that without you I would have no chance. Spiritual reality is apparently so close yet, even though it makes sense to me, I do not have the eyes to see it. When you explain it my faith grows and I continue on the path even though I am blind, in the hope that one day I will see what you see. I can accept that we cannot measure the spiritual energy with our material intelligence. It is a completely different energy. It is the greatest secret. Even though it is the greatest secret, and most of us are extremely unqualified, it is being shared by Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda in their drunken ecstatic love of Krishna but still it is so difficult to understand because we do not let it find a place in our hearts. We are trying to speculate and find our fulfilment with the shadow. We are so naïve that we are slow to let go of the shadow.
On this auspicious day of your appearance we offer you our humble obeisances of gratitude and we beg you to bless our family with spiritual protection, strength and development. Please bless us so that we can someday attain some qualities that you will be proud of. By your mercy our lives can be valuable and we can offer some assistance in the bhakti mission.
You are my eternal professor. I am not getting high distinctions and I may be sometimes asleep in class but I am still here in the back of the lecture theatre capturing something every now and then. Please don’t leave me here sleeping.
Your aspiring servants
Dhruvananda Dasa
Dhanesvari Devi Dasi and
Suryani Dayalu
Madre Sudevi and
Prabhu Markandeya
PAMHO, AGTSP, dandavat pranams.
The universe and life itself is very difficult to understand. Generations of scientists and thinkers die without solving the equation. Each generation adds to the encyclopaedia of speculations, passing on the baton to the next as they themselves meet death, just as the many before them, and loose all the knowledge they had gained in their short life span. For thousands of years this has been going on but still no one can explain what is life in a way that everyone can accept.
We measure the large and we measure the small only to find that they are inconsistent. Particles that make up an atom behave very differently to the particles we call planets. We can calculate how much force is required to defeat gravity and put a satellite into orbit and we can calculate with certainty the position of a planet in the sky at a particular time but we cannot calculate the instantaneous position of an electron circling a nucleus, only we can predict a likely position within it’s cloud of possibility. It is common knowledge that these tiny atomic particles make up the entire observable universe, even they are mentioned in the Vedas but these particles such as electrons, protons and neutrons only make up a tiny portion of the atom, like two marbles on a football field. As of yet we cannot explain what makes up the rest of the space in the atom and therefore we have no idea what makes up most of our material reality. Still we puff our chests out and think we are ok on our own, that we do not need a spiritual science in order to understand our reality.
We make our models and try to predict and the successes are the technologies we see around us but still we can never know in full what is life with our current tools of observation, which are extremely limited. Still, even with this thirst for knowledge that drives those of curious nature, very few dare to search for a supreme being. Modern materialistic science is founded on the notion of falsifiability and testing. Because there is no way to prove with certainty that God does not exist, there are no grounds to form a hypothesis and any tests conducted cannot be classified as valid. Therefore man’s pursuits of knowledge are only wasted on temporary upgrades of countless gadgets we believe are making our lives’ easier and extremely far fetched speculations of the beginning and the ending of life such as a tiny particle with an unknown origin, situated in nothing, expanding into everything for no apparent reason, within which came the accident of life, and which will all eventually die with the heat death of the universe, when all thermodynamic free energy has diminished.
Some believe that consciousness is only electric signals in the brain. Some even go as far as to believing the next step in evolution is to record the data of these signals within the brain of an individual and program them into a robot. I think they are forgetting that the term “robot” literally means, “slave” and the function of a robot is to serve a master. Why is it that we are so comfortable being slaves, slaves to our mind and senses, slaves to the opposite sex, slaves to our many fallible masters yet we will not accept the position of slave to God. Is it that He does actually exist and we are actually very envious or is that we have only become tired of masters whom we cannot see. Personally I cannot answer this question.
With enough information about a person a robot could be mistaken as that person but as we are taught by Srila prabhupada we cannot create a soul and therefore the robot would only be a sophisticated machine behaving like a person and most of us are happy to believe the trick because we want to think we can create life without the need of a God. Just look at how much more appealing humanoid robots are. Even just some simple fake eyes are very affective because even though we pretend to be independent we very much need personal interaction.
Fortunately for us the university is not the only place to find a professor. There are others, masters of the higher realms, positioned by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and other great vaisnavas, in all corners of the globe. These teachers are not shackled by the notion that you cannot find something that cannot be disproven. They invite us into the “bhakti laboratory” to see for our selves. The lab has been set up, the cheat sheet is on the table. All the hard work has already been done. They remind us time and time again that all we have to do is chant the mantra with sincerity and we will experience God.
Still, just like with most phenomena, it takes time for us newbies to understand. We may memorise the formula and repeat it everyday but we cannot explain how it happens or why. Scientist still cannot explain what is the force we call gravity, a most fundamental force that everyone is experiencing all the time and is said to be holding all the planets in there orbits. They can measure and predict but they do not know how or why it exists. In the same way we can chant the mantra for many years and not see ‘The Blue Boy’ in person. Do we therefore give up and use what time is left to obey the senses, living through our avatar in this matrix or do we push on and try to make ‘The Perfect Escape’, try achieve the most rare, most valuable love of God? It is common knowledge that the most rare and valuable things are the hardest to acquire. This point can give us some patience and determination in our endeavours to capture Krishna’s glance.
Who would the student be without his teachers? He could learn a few things in one lifetime but would have no chance in understanding everything let alone the cause of everything. Therefore we are forever indebted to our teachers and we should keep them in the forefront of our conscience at all times. We keep our foreheads in their footprints as they lead us home. This is the bhakti university.
In contrast to the mundane academics who’s goals before their deaths are to add to the encyclopaedias of distraction, our gurus spend their entire lives reminding us of our true nature and inspiring us to turn to the true reality. The ultimate goal of academics is to get their names linked to some discoverys so that students for generations to come will have to repeat their names even though the academics have nothing to do with the cause of the observed phenomena, whereas the ultimate goal of our spiritual masters is to have Krishna’s names vibrated on the tongues off every living entity, not for their own fame but for the benefit of Krishna parts whom are suffering. Their achievements are immeasurable yet they accept no credit. All is offered to the lotus feet of their own masters. This is the bhakti system, to link with the source and understand what is the perfection of our existence.
Gurudeva, although I am not a worthy servant, you are my eternal master. You are my anchor. When I get bewildered by the inundation of mundane so-called “educated” influences I simple listen to any of your lectures and immediately I am lifted to a platform that allows me to understand the apparent contradictions from a spiritual perspective or in some cases allows me to understand that I cannot understand and therefore I should just chant more Hare Krishna like a baby crying for it’s mother and if Krishna pleases He can reveal it to me. I am so grateful that you pay attention to the studies and explanations (that you see as relevant or useful in your preaching) of mundane scholars and present the true spiritual version publicly with conviction.
The truth is that without you I would have no chance. Spiritual reality is apparently so close yet, even though it makes sense to me, I do not have the eyes to see it. When you explain it my faith grows and I continue on the path even though I am blind, in the hope that one day I will see what you see. I can accept that we cannot measure the spiritual energy with our material intelligence. It is a completely different energy. It is the greatest secret. Even though it is the greatest secret, and most of us are extremely unqualified, it is being shared by Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda in their drunken ecstatic love of Krishna but still it is so difficult to understand because we do not let it find a place in our hearts. We are trying to speculate and find our fulfilment with the shadow. We are so naïve that we are slow to let go of the shadow.
On this auspicious day of your appearance we offer you our humble obeisances of gratitude and we beg you to bless our family with spiritual protection, strength and development. Please bless us so that we can someday attain some qualities that you will be proud of. By your mercy our lives can be valuable and we can offer some assistance in the bhakti mission.
You are my eternal professor. I am not getting high distinctions and I may be sometimes asleep in class but I am still here in the back of the lecture theatre capturing something every now and then. Please don’t leave me here sleeping.
Your aspiring servants
Dhruvananda Dasa
Dhanesvari Devi Dasi and
Suryani Dayalu
Madre Sudevi and
Prabhu Markandeya
Dina Dayala Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your vyasapuja puja.
This year, I'd simply like to thank you for all your care throughout the phases of my spiritual life. You are a true spiritual father.
Since I became a parent myself, I meditate on the weight of responsibility you carry as the father of so many dependants. And that's not the only service you do for Srila Prabhupada.
Your schedule is packed up with services but you are always there when I need you. Without fail. And although I'm doing no significant service, you respond to my emails within a couple of days.
Thank you for fishing me out of the ocean of coming and unbecoming and teaching me how to be. You are a firm but gentle father, representing Krishna's compassion and grace. And you give me reassurance that you always will be.
Desiring your service, in one phase and another, lifetime after lifetime,
Your servant
Dina Dayala Devi Dasi.
Divya Jnana dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Another year has swept passed and I find myself once again trying to thank you for all that you have done.
Most people in the world choose a career where they can either climb the corporate ladder, become very powerful or chase money. While certainly you had an education that would facilitate all the material trimmings that might come from a material career, you chose a spiritual career instead and followed Srila Prabhupada. This is the best career to choose. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains that this is saranyam - "That which is worthy of taking shelter of"
As time passes I can see the material world as something like a a fools paradise, where you try to enjoy away from Krsna and the result is never pleasant. Thank you for your constant reminders in your class that we should be developing our spiritual career.
I prey for your blessings that I can remain steady on the path of devotion, to chant my rounds attentively and read Srlia Prabhupada's books.
Your Servant
Divya Jnana dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Another year has swept passed and I find myself once again trying to thank you for all that you have done.
Most people in the world choose a career where they can either climb the corporate ladder, become very powerful or chase money. While certainly you had an education that would facilitate all the material trimmings that might come from a material career, you chose a spiritual career instead and followed Srila Prabhupada. This is the best career to choose. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains that this is saranyam - "That which is worthy of taking shelter of"
As time passes I can see the material world as something like a a fools paradise, where you try to enjoy away from Krsna and the result is never pleasant. Thank you for your constant reminders in your class that we should be developing our spiritual career.
I prey for your blessings that I can remain steady on the path of devotion, to chant my rounds attentively and read Srlia Prabhupada's books.
Your Servant
Divya Jnana dasa
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Dear Srila Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I wish to thank you Gurudev for blessing me with this great treasure of Krsna consciousness. It’s indeed the most precious thing that we can ever receive. In our desire to reciprocate, the only thing that we can do is try to repay you with our tiny little service. Referring to your past conversations devotees quoted you, “by telling me your sankirtan stories you can purchase me.”
From last few months, I have been engaged in Sankirtan outreach. In this Vyasapuja offering of mine, I wish to share some of my Sankirtan stories for your pleasure and for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
Once, while I was distributing cards outside crossways I saw two Asian looking boys coming downstairs, one holding Bhagavad-Gita. I started off a conversation with them and the boy holding Bhagavad-Gita (Raphael) told me that he had already finished half of the book in nearly no time and he has been enjoying the read. We exchanged contacts and I invited him to Mantra Lounge first time for your lecture.
Ever since he attended his program, he very much fell in love with Kirtan, staff and the environment. Week after, he brought his very same friend friend (Ian) that I had met in crossways. Each week after that, he would bring at least 3-4 of his friends and will try to encourage them to participate in kirtan and chant at home. He loved kirtan and everytime when we had kirtans outside the regular programs he would enjoy leading kirtan for hours.
One day out of curiosity I asked Raphael where he got his book from. He said that was from one of his friend. Just then Ian remembered giving Bhagavad-Gita to this common friend of theirs.Ian later confirmed that he got book off me more than a year ago. He was never going to read it. It sat in his cupboard for a year and eventually went to his friend and got passed down to Raphael. He alone introduced Krsna consciousness to so many people. Unfortunately he went to Germany in 2-3 months’ time on the call from his girlfriend. He said he introduced her to chanting too and they both chanted every night. I lost his touch some time later and am not too sure of his whereabouts at the moment but I hope he comes again in touch with devotees and becomes steady in his Krsna consciousness.
Another one:
One day I stopped a person on street and tried to give him Bhagavad-Gita.
He heard what the book was about but couldn’t appreciate the knowledge given in it.
He said, “I am an atheist, I do not believe in all these reincarnation stuff.”
I tried to explain through the picture and other verses the identity of the self with no success.
Finally I asked him, “What do you think is the difference between a living body and a dead body?”
He replied, “I know you are trying to talk about soul.”
I said, “No, you don’t believe in the spirit soul, right? What do you think went missing from a living person?”
He struggled for some time and pointed to Bhagavad-Gita asking “how much does it cost?”
He happily gave a generous donation for a copy of Bhagavad-Gita and left with an open heart and curious mind.
Last story:
One day I was visiting CentreLink for to request my concession card..
For some reason the computer system wouldn’t let me log in. All staff struggled to help me out with the error. It turned out that security of that place was very learned and looked like a person who could help people fix problems with their logins. He came over and tried to help me out too. I typed my password Krishna and he noticed that.
After finishing off with my work at the office, on my way out, he stopped me and showed me his phone where he was trying to work out who Krsna was. He said he had looked into all the major religions of the world and knew them fairly well. However, for some reason he just couldn’t work out who Krishna was. So he started asking me about Krsna and how he can learn about Him. I pulled out a Bhagavad-Gita from my box and gave him one saying it’s my job to help people understand Krsna and told him that “we take donations.” He asked me to look after the security area while he ran to the office to get me some donation that his partner wouldn’t mind him spending.
I thank you very much Gurudev for inspiring me to continue with my tiny sankirtan efforts and humbly pray at your lotus feet that through this Sankirtan outreach I can at least make one person a devotee, myself.
Your insignificant servant,
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I wish to thank you Gurudev for blessing me with this great treasure of Krsna consciousness. It’s indeed the most precious thing that we can ever receive. In our desire to reciprocate, the only thing that we can do is try to repay you with our tiny little service. Referring to your past conversations devotees quoted you, “by telling me your sankirtan stories you can purchase me.”
From last few months, I have been engaged in Sankirtan outreach. In this Vyasapuja offering of mine, I wish to share some of my Sankirtan stories for your pleasure and for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
Once, while I was distributing cards outside crossways I saw two Asian looking boys coming downstairs, one holding Bhagavad-Gita. I started off a conversation with them and the boy holding Bhagavad-Gita (Raphael) told me that he had already finished half of the book in nearly no time and he has been enjoying the read. We exchanged contacts and I invited him to Mantra Lounge first time for your lecture.
Ever since he attended his program, he very much fell in love with Kirtan, staff and the environment. Week after, he brought his very same friend friend (Ian) that I had met in crossways. Each week after that, he would bring at least 3-4 of his friends and will try to encourage them to participate in kirtan and chant at home. He loved kirtan and everytime when we had kirtans outside the regular programs he would enjoy leading kirtan for hours.
One day out of curiosity I asked Raphael where he got his book from. He said that was from one of his friend. Just then Ian remembered giving Bhagavad-Gita to this common friend of theirs.Ian later confirmed that he got book off me more than a year ago. He was never going to read it. It sat in his cupboard for a year and eventually went to his friend and got passed down to Raphael. He alone introduced Krsna consciousness to so many people. Unfortunately he went to Germany in 2-3 months’ time on the call from his girlfriend. He said he introduced her to chanting too and they both chanted every night. I lost his touch some time later and am not too sure of his whereabouts at the moment but I hope he comes again in touch with devotees and becomes steady in his Krsna consciousness.
Another one:
One day I stopped a person on street and tried to give him Bhagavad-Gita.
He heard what the book was about but couldn’t appreciate the knowledge given in it.
He said, “I am an atheist, I do not believe in all these reincarnation stuff.”
I tried to explain through the picture and other verses the identity of the self with no success.
Finally I asked him, “What do you think is the difference between a living body and a dead body?”
He replied, “I know you are trying to talk about soul.”
I said, “No, you don’t believe in the spirit soul, right? What do you think went missing from a living person?”
He struggled for some time and pointed to Bhagavad-Gita asking “how much does it cost?”
He happily gave a generous donation for a copy of Bhagavad-Gita and left with an open heart and curious mind.
Last story:
One day I was visiting CentreLink for to request my concession card..
For some reason the computer system wouldn’t let me log in. All staff struggled to help me out with the error. It turned out that security of that place was very learned and looked like a person who could help people fix problems with their logins. He came over and tried to help me out too. I typed my password Krishna and he noticed that.
After finishing off with my work at the office, on my way out, he stopped me and showed me his phone where he was trying to work out who Krsna was. He said he had looked into all the major religions of the world and knew them fairly well. However, for some reason he just couldn’t work out who Krishna was. So he started asking me about Krsna and how he can learn about Him. I pulled out a Bhagavad-Gita from my box and gave him one saying it’s my job to help people understand Krsna and told him that “we take donations.” He asked me to look after the security area while he ran to the office to get me some donation that his partner wouldn’t mind him spending.
I thank you very much Gurudev for inspiring me to continue with my tiny sankirtan efforts and humbly pray at your lotus feet that through this Sankirtan outreach I can at least make one person a devotee, myself.
Your insignificant servant,
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Ekatma Gaur Das
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Every year on this auspicious day, I get an opportunity to look back at the last year and see if I have made any spiritual advancement, do I have anything to report at your lotus feet, but because of being still ignorant and negligent, I don’t find anything which I can include in my offering to you.
The only thing that I can realise is that I am still trying to remain in Krishna Consciousness only because you have been so kind and tolerant by accepting me as a disciple.
It has been 10 years now that I first saw you and my life changed. In a lecture Srila Prabhupada explains the nature of the debt owed to the spiritual master is always double of what you try to pay and increases every time when one attempts to pay back, if one pays ten dollars, he realises he owes twenty and so on. I realise that I have done little or nothing to repay the debt I owe you and hope that I can pay back something by trying to serve you.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, Gurudev, I beg for your guidance so that I can become your selfless servant.
Gurudev, today I pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Ballabha to grant you a healthy life so that you can keep expanding Srila Prabhupada’s movement by helping many more souls.
Aspiring to be your useful servant.
Ekatma Gaur Das
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Every year on this auspicious day, I get an opportunity to look back at the last year and see if I have made any spiritual advancement, do I have anything to report at your lotus feet, but because of being still ignorant and negligent, I don’t find anything which I can include in my offering to you.
The only thing that I can realise is that I am still trying to remain in Krishna Consciousness only because you have been so kind and tolerant by accepting me as a disciple.
It has been 10 years now that I first saw you and my life changed. In a lecture Srila Prabhupada explains the nature of the debt owed to the spiritual master is always double of what you try to pay and increases every time when one attempts to pay back, if one pays ten dollars, he realises he owes twenty and so on. I realise that I have done little or nothing to repay the debt I owe you and hope that I can pay back something by trying to serve you.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, Gurudev, I beg for your guidance so that I can become your selfless servant.
Gurudev, today I pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Ballabha to grant you a healthy life so that you can keep expanding Srila Prabhupada’s movement by helping many more souls.
Aspiring to be your useful servant.
Ekatma Gaur Das
Emmett Cabasug
Dear Devamrita Swami,
I humbly wish you a joyous appearance day. I want to thank you for all the tireless service you have done. Your dedication has made it possible for even hopeless vagabonds like myself to have a taste of Radharani's mercy. In my search for self-realization I have somehow become so fortunate to cross paths with a pure servant of Krsna offering such an amazing opportunity for service. I am humbled and honored to be part of fulfilling Prabhupada's Gita Nagari dream. Thank you for your kind blessings and association.
Your servant,
Emmett
I humbly wish you a joyous appearance day. I want to thank you for all the tireless service you have done. Your dedication has made it possible for even hopeless vagabonds like myself to have a taste of Radharani's mercy. In my search for self-realization I have somehow become so fortunate to cross paths with a pure servant of Krsna offering such an amazing opportunity for service. I am humbled and honored to be part of fulfilling Prabhupada's Gita Nagari dream. Thank you for your kind blessings and association.
Your servant,
Emmett
Felix Yan
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this auspicious day, I would like to express my gratitude for your wonderful service of spreading Krsna Consciousness in all six continents.
Pracari Purva Daskayamca, you are a living example of expert preaching. You can present the siddhanta of our parampara as it is. At the same time, you know how to elaborate the transcendental topics and plant the bhakti seeds into hearts of people from different backgrounds in a way that they can understand the most.
The Loft program is a successful result of your expert preaching. You make it easy for people from the western culture to come into contact with devotees. After Prabhupa’s departure, the temple formula prevailing in Iskcon has continued to attract Indian immigrants in the west. However, since the hippy era has gone, westerners have found it harder to relate to the same formula that was once attractive for them in the 1970s. Without changing the core of Bhakti, you manage to demonstrate Krsna consciousness in a more western-friendly way in Loft. People from all different cultural backgrounds now gather in Bhakti Lounge is an evidence of your effective preaching approach.
You not only preach expertly in different cultural environments, but also an expert in taking care of different personalities. You can see the potential of a unique personality and direct the spirit soul to grow in Bhakti with his or her potential fully developed. The spiritual variety and vitality can be seen amongst your disciples. Some of them are expert in cooking, some are expert in leading kirtan, some are expert in cultivating, some are expert in performing drama, some are expert in filming, and the list just continues. Different expertise and talents are thus utilised for the mission of sankirtan movement under your expert guidance.
Knowing my stubborn condition of studying further in an academic environment, you encourage me to keep pursuing the path of a PhD study and taking advantage of this study opportunity to cultivate university students. Only by your mercy, can I contribute my tiny ability to pleasing previous acharyas and Gauranga.
I therefore pray that I can truly follow your advice and make further progress in university preaching.
Your Servant,
Felix
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this auspicious day, I would like to express my gratitude for your wonderful service of spreading Krsna Consciousness in all six continents.
Pracari Purva Daskayamca, you are a living example of expert preaching. You can present the siddhanta of our parampara as it is. At the same time, you know how to elaborate the transcendental topics and plant the bhakti seeds into hearts of people from different backgrounds in a way that they can understand the most.
The Loft program is a successful result of your expert preaching. You make it easy for people from the western culture to come into contact with devotees. After Prabhupa’s departure, the temple formula prevailing in Iskcon has continued to attract Indian immigrants in the west. However, since the hippy era has gone, westerners have found it harder to relate to the same formula that was once attractive for them in the 1970s. Without changing the core of Bhakti, you manage to demonstrate Krsna consciousness in a more western-friendly way in Loft. People from all different cultural backgrounds now gather in Bhakti Lounge is an evidence of your effective preaching approach.
You not only preach expertly in different cultural environments, but also an expert in taking care of different personalities. You can see the potential of a unique personality and direct the spirit soul to grow in Bhakti with his or her potential fully developed. The spiritual variety and vitality can be seen amongst your disciples. Some of them are expert in cooking, some are expert in leading kirtan, some are expert in cultivating, some are expert in performing drama, some are expert in filming, and the list just continues. Different expertise and talents are thus utilised for the mission of sankirtan movement under your expert guidance.
Knowing my stubborn condition of studying further in an academic environment, you encourage me to keep pursuing the path of a PhD study and taking advantage of this study opportunity to cultivate university students. Only by your mercy, can I contribute my tiny ability to pleasing previous acharyas and Gauranga.
I therefore pray that I can truly follow your advice and make further progress in university preaching.
Your Servant,
Felix
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
All living entities are suffering in this material world. As Prahlāda Mahārāja states: "Without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they cannot be happy."
Kindly look upon us and by your mercy and compassion, deliver us and grant us shelter at your lotus feet.
Cakhu-dān dilo jei janme janme prabhu sei
Please establish within the core of our hearts, the eternal truth, that we are simply your servants. We have no spiritual qualities other than what you bestow upon us, by your grace.
You are our eternal master, father and lord. How can we serve you?
Please be merciful to us and allow us to serve you.
You have a taste for the holy name.
You are enlivened by preaching.
You love caring for Kṛṣṇa’s devotees.
Why is that?
Because you have served a great soul, Śrīla Prabhupāda, and received his mercy.
Vasudeva-katha-rucih syan mahat-sevaya viprah
Please allow us to serve you and follow in your footsteps.
But, thank you most of all, for allowing me to associate with your disciples. Without their presence, I’d be finished. Dead. Gone. They are saving me every day and allowing me to learn the true mood of a disciple; that serving you is everything, and without that service, I have no worth.
In light of this, I’m upgrading my earlier request. I no longer just want to realize that I am your servant. Please allow me to understand that I am not only your servant, but a servant of your servants.
Upon hearing your offering to Śrīla Prabhupāda , I realize why I am so bereft of any depth of realization. I’m just a baby in bhakti. If only I’d come to your service earlier.
Service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master is the secret to success.
Yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ
Only by the grace of the spiritual master does one receive the benediction of Kṛṣṇa.
However, I can’t change the past, but I can beg you to please allow me to engage in your service. Please allow me to realize that I am nothing but your servant and a servant of your servants.
Your undeserving disciple,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
All living entities are suffering in this material world. As Prahlāda Mahārāja states: "Without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they cannot be happy."
Kindly look upon us and by your mercy and compassion, deliver us and grant us shelter at your lotus feet.
Cakhu-dān dilo jei janme janme prabhu sei
Please establish within the core of our hearts, the eternal truth, that we are simply your servants. We have no spiritual qualities other than what you bestow upon us, by your grace.
You are our eternal master, father and lord. How can we serve you?
Please be merciful to us and allow us to serve you.
You have a taste for the holy name.
You are enlivened by preaching.
You love caring for Kṛṣṇa’s devotees.
Why is that?
Because you have served a great soul, Śrīla Prabhupāda, and received his mercy.
Vasudeva-katha-rucih syan mahat-sevaya viprah
Please allow us to serve you and follow in your footsteps.
But, thank you most of all, for allowing me to associate with your disciples. Without their presence, I’d be finished. Dead. Gone. They are saving me every day and allowing me to learn the true mood of a disciple; that serving you is everything, and without that service, I have no worth.
In light of this, I’m upgrading my earlier request. I no longer just want to realize that I am your servant. Please allow me to understand that I am not only your servant, but a servant of your servants.
Upon hearing your offering to Śrīla Prabhupāda , I realize why I am so bereft of any depth of realization. I’m just a baby in bhakti. If only I’d come to your service earlier.
Service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master is the secret to success.
Yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ
Only by the grace of the spiritual master does one receive the benediction of Kṛṣṇa.
However, I can’t change the past, but I can beg you to please allow me to engage in your service. Please allow me to realize that I am nothing but your servant and a servant of your servants.
Your undeserving disciple,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Gauarv Sharma
nama om vishnu padaya krishna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a happy appearance day
Your renunciation for this mission and perpetual world tours are out of the world activities. I got attracted to you by seeing your faith on Sri Sri Radha Krishna and even on me that I can also do Bhakti. I have had several personal experiences with you which I relish when I think of them. I really like your lectures and feel your physical presence as I hear them. Your in depth knowledge in the subject matter and expert presentation skills are very unique and the source of enthusiasm. This amazes me and I think that, can anyone have so much faith on Sri Sri Radha and Krishna and Srila Prabhupada? Gurudev, on this most auspicious day I seek your personal blessings so that I understand the science of Krishna consciousness one day. I am very much eager to get initiated by you and waiting for your mercy in this regard.
Your servant
Gaurav Sharma
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a happy appearance day
Your renunciation for this mission and perpetual world tours are out of the world activities. I got attracted to you by seeing your faith on Sri Sri Radha Krishna and even on me that I can also do Bhakti. I have had several personal experiences with you which I relish when I think of them. I really like your lectures and feel your physical presence as I hear them. Your in depth knowledge in the subject matter and expert presentation skills are very unique and the source of enthusiasm. This amazes me and I think that, can anyone have so much faith on Sri Sri Radha and Krishna and Srila Prabhupada? Gurudev, on this most auspicious day I seek your personal blessings so that I understand the science of Krishna consciousness one day. I am very much eager to get initiated by you and waiting for your mercy in this regard.
Your servant
Gaurav Sharma
Gaura Kishore dasa
Dear Gurudeva
What beholds us into recklessly thinking that there is any semblance of hope without mercy. Our pride is such that it blinds us into a false dawn of endeavoring to act in such foolish ways in the pursuit of happiness. . It is this same false ego that tricks us into not applying the healing balm of your wisdom to our broken identities, yet year after year you persevere with us despite our constant lack of reciprocation. Yet there you remain as steady as a rock an example of love, mercy, purity and hope watching as a loving father would over his children who are playing in the dirt thinking that this is the ultimate reality.
The difference is in your steadfast adherence to Srila Prabhupada's words and executing his mission as a loving son.
It takes great determination to remain so grounded despite so much adoration and attention yet year upon year you continue to provide your expert insight into the various ways in which the material energy can entrap us whilst carefully guiding us out of the matrix of illusion with your dynamic wisdom. You make the process of bhakti so relishable for those of us being burnt by the material energy in the western world, always willing to give your time to others despite your busy schedule.
Over the years I have had the fortune to see you at work first hand , watching as you read a persons identity without barely knowing or speaking to them, dispensing your prescription in a personalised and palatable way.
Krsna has provided me with the best captain in the form of your guidance and I pray that I can just simply align myself to be steered by your words back to the waters of spiritual reality and in this way please you and Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
What beholds us into recklessly thinking that there is any semblance of hope without mercy. Our pride is such that it blinds us into a false dawn of endeavoring to act in such foolish ways in the pursuit of happiness. . It is this same false ego that tricks us into not applying the healing balm of your wisdom to our broken identities, yet year after year you persevere with us despite our constant lack of reciprocation. Yet there you remain as steady as a rock an example of love, mercy, purity and hope watching as a loving father would over his children who are playing in the dirt thinking that this is the ultimate reality.
The difference is in your steadfast adherence to Srila Prabhupada's words and executing his mission as a loving son.
It takes great determination to remain so grounded despite so much adoration and attention yet year upon year you continue to provide your expert insight into the various ways in which the material energy can entrap us whilst carefully guiding us out of the matrix of illusion with your dynamic wisdom. You make the process of bhakti so relishable for those of us being burnt by the material energy in the western world, always willing to give your time to others despite your busy schedule.
Over the years I have had the fortune to see you at work first hand , watching as you read a persons identity without barely knowing or speaking to them, dispensing your prescription in a personalised and palatable way.
Krsna has provided me with the best captain in the form of your guidance and I pray that I can just simply align myself to be steered by your words back to the waters of spiritual reality and in this way please you and Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
Gaura Nataraj Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the glorious day of your Vyasa Puja I would like to thank you for having accepted me as one of your disciples. I am a fallen soul full of ignorance,but due to having taken shelter at your lotus feet I have begun my spiritual journey back to Krishna. It is only due to your mercy that Srimati Radharani allowed me to visit the holly Dham last year. Gokulesvari and I felt like kids under the shelter and protection of our spiritual master and father. Thank you so much for showing us the spiritual world and for always encouraging us to take an active role in preaching the movement of Lord Chaitanya. Now a year later little Nitai will become 3 months old exactly on the same day of your Vyasa Puja. Thank you for choosing the most beautiful name for our little baby son. From the outside baby Nitai is officially registered under Mexican laws, but from the inside he is an aspiring servant at your lotus feet. Gokulesvari, Nitai and I have been blessed for having taken shelter at your lotus feet. We will do our best to become an exemplary family, and to always have Krishna in the center of our family life. I can´t wait until the day when Nitai gets to accept initiation at your lotus feet just like his mother and father did. Thank you Guru Maharaj for taking us with you back to Krishna.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the glorious day of your Vyasa Puja I would like to thank you for having accepted me as one of your disciples. I am a fallen soul full of ignorance,but due to having taken shelter at your lotus feet I have begun my spiritual journey back to Krishna. It is only due to your mercy that Srimati Radharani allowed me to visit the holly Dham last year. Gokulesvari and I felt like kids under the shelter and protection of our spiritual master and father. Thank you so much for showing us the spiritual world and for always encouraging us to take an active role in preaching the movement of Lord Chaitanya. Now a year later little Nitai will become 3 months old exactly on the same day of your Vyasa Puja. Thank you for choosing the most beautiful name for our little baby son. From the outside baby Nitai is officially registered under Mexican laws, but from the inside he is an aspiring servant at your lotus feet. Gokulesvari, Nitai and I have been blessed for having taken shelter at your lotus feet. We will do our best to become an exemplary family, and to always have Krishna in the center of our family life. I can´t wait until the day when Nitai gets to accept initiation at your lotus feet just like his mother and father did. Thank you Guru Maharaj for taking us with you back to Krishna.
Gaura Prema das, Nitai Prema dd, and Krishna Prema das
Dearest Gurudev,<p>Please accept our humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasa puja.<p>Thank you Gurudev for helping us to understand Krishna through your lectures in spite of the fact that we are so fallen. We have wasted our whole life in sense gratification, and only because of your mercy, we are able to get a small taste of what is the only thing that is beneficial to us.<p><center><i>mukam karoti vachalam<br>pangum langhayate girim<br>yat kripa tam aham vande<br>shri gurum dina taranam</i></center><p>"I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains."<p>Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get your darshan recently in New Jersey, and we hope that we will get many more such opportunities to serve you.<p>We wish you a very happy birthday and may you continue to fulfill Lord Caitanya's sankirtana mission.<p>Your humble servants,<br>Gaura Prema das, Nitai Prema dd, and Krishna Prema das
Gaura-Mantra dasi
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev, my dear Father.
Please accept my humble obeisances in the holy dust of Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Your Divine Grace.
Please accept this humble offering on this most auspicious Day of Your Appearance.
(poem part 4)
Shining brighter than the sun
You train us all for sankirtan.
Making soldiers out of us,
You say it starts with namabhas.
You stress importance of this sacrifice,
Being so patient when we realize
That it's Your will, Your life, Your legacy,
Without competition in supremacy.
Never allow me to forget Your smile
That's brighter than the sun.
Your heart accepting no denial,
Demands I'm in tune with sankirtan.
On all the maps and streets and alleys
You march Your way ahead artilleries.
Your disciples follow You
For that eternal revenue:
Bliss in japa, kirtan, preaching,
Their hearts' open surgery end stitching.
Yad yad acarati sresthas
You're so examplery for us.
Tad tad evetaro janah
Creating demigods from asuras.
Sa yat pramanam kurute
You're saving me each time I fail.
Lokas tad anuvartate
Your to-do list just never ends,
You fly, You preach, You dance,
Of pure service sweetest trance.
Have I ever taken shelter of You?
Now I'm reflecting way past due..
Yatha deve tatha gurau
To You attachment must be strong.
Past bridges burning in the sky,
You taught me really how to fly.
Gave up my family and empty past for You,
Oh my eternal revenue.
Each year You make maya subside
More and more granting me Your guide.
My goal remains to give You pride
Yad karosi yad asnasi
Your servant Gaura-Mantra dasi.
Gaura-arati dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this treasured day of your appearance.
From a young age by some great fortune I had an inkling that material life was not all it’s cracked up to be. I left school a year early at the age of sixteen because I had had enough of being told what to do by people who didn’t know what they were doing. That much was clear to me. There must be something more to life than going to university, getting a job, getting married having children and dying. It had to be out there, and I would find it. But lacking knowledge and the process for experiencing anything higher I was empty at heart and lost, stuck chewing the same old chewed up dry, lifeless, boring existence. For the next three years I feverishly I tried to squeeze some happiness out of my mundane life and proudly I tried to show others how that was done. Sadly that equated to not much more than exploiting and being exploited.
Since I met you over thirteen years ago, I can honestly say I’ve never had even a moment of boredom. I’ve never felt exploited in your service. Nor do I feel empty or lost. As Srila Prabhupada states in the Bhagavad Gita, disturbance in mind is due to want of an ultimate goal in life.
I now have the most sublime goal available in the whole of existence and the simple methodology by which to reach that most precious reality of pure devotional service. By taking the instructions of the bona fide spiritual master as one’s life and soul, as ones sustenance, and guiding principle, life’s ultimate goal can be achieved. Srila Prabhupada said this was the secret of his success and clearly it has been yours also.
Gracefully following in the footsteps of your most glorious master Srila Prabhupada, without hesitation, without interruption, you use all your faculties and resources as he did, thinking and scheming how to cultivate Krishna consciousness within your dependents and how to make the message of Lord Caitanya accessible to the masses.
Lord Caitanya and the Panca Tattva plundered the storehouse of love of Godhead to inundate the entire world. But, “The impersonalists, fruitive workers, false logicians, blasphemers, non devotees and lowest among the student community are very expert in avoiding the Krishna consciousness movement, and therefore the inundation of Krishna consciousness cannot touch them. Seeing that the Mayavadis and others were fleeing, Lord Caitanya thought, “I wanted everyone to be immersed in this inundation of Love of Godhead, but some of them have escaped. Therefore I shall devise a trick to drown them also. Thus the Lord accepted the sannyasa order of life after full consideration.” CC Adi 7.29-33
In the purport to verse 37 and 38 of this chapter Srila Prabhupada describes the characteristics of an ideal teacher or acarya.
“An acarya is an ideal teacher who knows the purport of the revealed scriptures, behaves exactly according to their injunctions and teaches his students to adopt these principles also. As an ideal acarya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu devised ways to capture all kinds of atheists and materialists… An acarya should devise a means by which people may somehow or other come to Krishna consciousness. First they should become Krishna conscious, then all the rules and regulations may later gradually be introduced. In our Krishna consciousness movement we follow this principle of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.”
“It is the concern of the acarya to show mercy to the fallen souls. In this connection (kala, desa, patra) the place, the time and the object should be taken into consideration.”
Srila Prabhupada then gives examples of how he adjusted things so Krishna consciousness could be accepted all over the world, without at all compromising on the minimal requirements for purification or the essence of bhakti. You are so courageously following in Srila Prabhupada’s lotus foot prints Gurudeva, never shying from doing something outside of the box, even controversial, for propelling his mission. Times have changed since the counter culture days when a huge number of people were fed up and disillusioned by the materialistic way of life. Instead, for most, we’re increasingly attached. Recently in a lecture I heard you say that when speaking to Indians the worst thing an outreacher can do is a frontal assault on material success, and with westerners the worst is a frontal assault on material happiness. You’ve expertly surveyed the mindset, sensitivities and soft spots of the world and you continuously do so, uniquely prodding and waking people up to the possibility, and for some fortunate souls the reality of Krishna consciousness, despite stubborn attachment to material happiness and success.
I feel so blessed to have a teacher to follow who is not in the darkest of ignorance like my school teachers, but quite the contrary - a master who without a doubt lives up to Srila Prabhupada’s description of an ideal acarya. Your relevant, hero some, unique style of teaching peels open our eyes to our ridiculous illusions, our self defeating agendas, and really, our total bewilderment. In this way you ingeniously devise tricks to attract those who would not ordinarily be attracted to Krishna. Thank you Gurudeva for sacrificing your entire life to save us who are otherwise drowning in the poison of envy and ignorance.
The next phase of life of which I’m on the doorstep, motherhood, is going to be intensely character building for me. Also I’ve heard that having a child increases the bodily conception of life by 200% and I’m already feeling that fog. Thus I’m SO grateful that you’ve given me a service I can do from home, with as much or little time as I have available. Thus far this project of developing your online presence has been enthralling for me. I’m so enlivened that I get to play a part in helping the world hear from you, the most wonderful teacher and father in existence.
From the day we met you’ve always given me instructions, opportunities and services by which I could fully invest my energies. When veering off track you’ve always been there to either point, nudge or lovingly boot me back on track. You’ve never given up on me. Thank you Gurudeva. I will sincerely endeavour to move through my life, in all of it’s phases, in a way that is pleasing to you, holding tight to my 16 rounds of japa as my main priority. Thank you for training me to see the importance if this.
I’m eternally indebted and pray that I can lifelong reciprocate with you by developing into a mature and worthy disciple that is competent to care for others in the deepest way.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Gaura-arati dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this treasured day of your appearance.
From a young age by some great fortune I had an inkling that material life was not all it’s cracked up to be. I left school a year early at the age of sixteen because I had had enough of being told what to do by people who didn’t know what they were doing. That much was clear to me. There must be something more to life than going to university, getting a job, getting married having children and dying. It had to be out there, and I would find it. But lacking knowledge and the process for experiencing anything higher I was empty at heart and lost, stuck chewing the same old chewed up dry, lifeless, boring existence. For the next three years I feverishly I tried to squeeze some happiness out of my mundane life and proudly I tried to show others how that was done. Sadly that equated to not much more than exploiting and being exploited.
Since I met you over thirteen years ago, I can honestly say I’ve never had even a moment of boredom. I’ve never felt exploited in your service. Nor do I feel empty or lost. As Srila Prabhupada states in the Bhagavad Gita, disturbance in mind is due to want of an ultimate goal in life.
I now have the most sublime goal available in the whole of existence and the simple methodology by which to reach that most precious reality of pure devotional service. By taking the instructions of the bona fide spiritual master as one’s life and soul, as ones sustenance, and guiding principle, life’s ultimate goal can be achieved. Srila Prabhupada said this was the secret of his success and clearly it has been yours also.
Gracefully following in the footsteps of your most glorious master Srila Prabhupada, without hesitation, without interruption, you use all your faculties and resources as he did, thinking and scheming how to cultivate Krishna consciousness within your dependents and how to make the message of Lord Caitanya accessible to the masses.
Lord Caitanya and the Panca Tattva plundered the storehouse of love of Godhead to inundate the entire world. But, “The impersonalists, fruitive workers, false logicians, blasphemers, non devotees and lowest among the student community are very expert in avoiding the Krishna consciousness movement, and therefore the inundation of Krishna consciousness cannot touch them. Seeing that the Mayavadis and others were fleeing, Lord Caitanya thought, “I wanted everyone to be immersed in this inundation of Love of Godhead, but some of them have escaped. Therefore I shall devise a trick to drown them also. Thus the Lord accepted the sannyasa order of life after full consideration.” CC Adi 7.29-33
In the purport to verse 37 and 38 of this chapter Srila Prabhupada describes the characteristics of an ideal teacher or acarya.
“An acarya is an ideal teacher who knows the purport of the revealed scriptures, behaves exactly according to their injunctions and teaches his students to adopt these principles also. As an ideal acarya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu devised ways to capture all kinds of atheists and materialists… An acarya should devise a means by which people may somehow or other come to Krishna consciousness. First they should become Krishna conscious, then all the rules and regulations may later gradually be introduced. In our Krishna consciousness movement we follow this principle of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.”
“It is the concern of the acarya to show mercy to the fallen souls. In this connection (kala, desa, patra) the place, the time and the object should be taken into consideration.”
Srila Prabhupada then gives examples of how he adjusted things so Krishna consciousness could be accepted all over the world, without at all compromising on the minimal requirements for purification or the essence of bhakti. You are so courageously following in Srila Prabhupada’s lotus foot prints Gurudeva, never shying from doing something outside of the box, even controversial, for propelling his mission. Times have changed since the counter culture days when a huge number of people were fed up and disillusioned by the materialistic way of life. Instead, for most, we’re increasingly attached. Recently in a lecture I heard you say that when speaking to Indians the worst thing an outreacher can do is a frontal assault on material success, and with westerners the worst is a frontal assault on material happiness. You’ve expertly surveyed the mindset, sensitivities and soft spots of the world and you continuously do so, uniquely prodding and waking people up to the possibility, and for some fortunate souls the reality of Krishna consciousness, despite stubborn attachment to material happiness and success.
I feel so blessed to have a teacher to follow who is not in the darkest of ignorance like my school teachers, but quite the contrary - a master who without a doubt lives up to Srila Prabhupada’s description of an ideal acarya. Your relevant, hero some, unique style of teaching peels open our eyes to our ridiculous illusions, our self defeating agendas, and really, our total bewilderment. In this way you ingeniously devise tricks to attract those who would not ordinarily be attracted to Krishna. Thank you Gurudeva for sacrificing your entire life to save us who are otherwise drowning in the poison of envy and ignorance.
The next phase of life of which I’m on the doorstep, motherhood, is going to be intensely character building for me. Also I’ve heard that having a child increases the bodily conception of life by 200% and I’m already feeling that fog. Thus I’m SO grateful that you’ve given me a service I can do from home, with as much or little time as I have available. Thus far this project of developing your online presence has been enthralling for me. I’m so enlivened that I get to play a part in helping the world hear from you, the most wonderful teacher and father in existence.
From the day we met you’ve always given me instructions, opportunities and services by which I could fully invest my energies. When veering off track you’ve always been there to either point, nudge or lovingly boot me back on track. You’ve never given up on me. Thank you Gurudeva. I will sincerely endeavour to move through my life, in all of it’s phases, in a way that is pleasing to you, holding tight to my 16 rounds of japa as my main priority. Thank you for training me to see the importance if this.
I’m eternally indebted and pray that I can lifelong reciprocate with you by developing into a mature and worthy disciple that is competent to care for others in the deepest way.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Gaura-arati dasi
Gaura-priya das
Dear Gururdeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I would like to extend my heartful thanks to you for saving me from the clutches of materialistic mentality. I am reflecting today that how troubled I was with materialistic way of life and was looking for an escape. I was like a drowning man in the water and who was gasping for air. I genuinely had prayed to god then for help, I didn’t know then that Krishna was god. Krishna heard my prayers then and he employed you for my protection and here I am today. Thank you.
Dear Gurudeva, I am happy to have come this far, yet I feel have to do my part as a responsible son. I want to serve my father to the best of my abilities and want to actively participate in your mission. I have held myself back for so long thinking that I am not qualified enough to participate in Mahaprabhu’s mission. However I am realizing now that I must offer myself to you anyway as spiritual master is the most expert in engaging the most fallen and useless in devotional service.
I am realizing that I had no qualifications to be able to serve you, yet you gave us the opportunity to serve you in Sri Dham Mayapur. You kindly took me on parikrama and personally showed me so many holy places. I remember how kind you were to me that you allowed me to sit next to you at every holy place and read pastimes to us for our benefit. I learnt how one should respectfully visit a holy place and what etiquettes must be observed. Thank you.
Gurudeva, I beg you to now engage me in devotional service in such a way that at the time of death I wouldn’t think anything other than serving and pleasing Guru and Krishna. On your appearance day I offer myself to you Gurudeva to please use me for your mission of executing your Gurudeva Srila Prabhupada’s desire.
Your servant,
Gaura-priya das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I would like to extend my heartful thanks to you for saving me from the clutches of materialistic mentality. I am reflecting today that how troubled I was with materialistic way of life and was looking for an escape. I was like a drowning man in the water and who was gasping for air. I genuinely had prayed to god then for help, I didn’t know then that Krishna was god. Krishna heard my prayers then and he employed you for my protection and here I am today. Thank you.
Dear Gurudeva, I am happy to have come this far, yet I feel have to do my part as a responsible son. I want to serve my father to the best of my abilities and want to actively participate in your mission. I have held myself back for so long thinking that I am not qualified enough to participate in Mahaprabhu’s mission. However I am realizing now that I must offer myself to you anyway as spiritual master is the most expert in engaging the most fallen and useless in devotional service.
I am realizing that I had no qualifications to be able to serve you, yet you gave us the opportunity to serve you in Sri Dham Mayapur. You kindly took me on parikrama and personally showed me so many holy places. I remember how kind you were to me that you allowed me to sit next to you at every holy place and read pastimes to us for our benefit. I learnt how one should respectfully visit a holy place and what etiquettes must be observed. Thank you.
Gurudeva, I beg you to now engage me in devotional service in such a way that at the time of death I wouldn’t think anything other than serving and pleasing Guru and Krishna. On your appearance day I offer myself to you Gurudeva to please use me for your mission of executing your Gurudeva Srila Prabhupada’s desire.
Your servant,
Gaura-priya das
Gauranga Prema das
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you on this auspicious day.
Every year when writing an offering for your Vyasa Puja so many themes come to mind to express my appreciation for your guidance and support. This year I would like to focus on your book ‘Searching for Vedic India’ which I have been reading with great relish and would like to show my gratitude by glorifying you for this wonderful piece of literature.
I am greatly inspired by how you so expertly present the authority of the Vedas and Vaisnava philosophy in the same academic language as the very people trying to discredit them. Surely this is testimony to your expert preaching; that you are able to reach your target audience utalising their own language and inject Krishna conscious philosophy, making Krishna accessible for anyone that hears from you.
Your research is impeccable. You delve into a wide range of topics, covering alien contact, ancient civilisations, clinical research into consciousness and more. Providing references from leading authorities within research fields, you spotlight the shaky ground of modern speculations about human history, always with the view of bringing the topic back to the authority of the Vedas and the conclusion they present.
You effortlessly break misconceptions regarding the unreasonable, weak speculations on the Vedas by so-called scholars. Certainly you would make the most stubborn of academics question their own conclusions on the Vedas by your addressing the source of those conclusions: racial bias.
What inspires me most is that these attributes are not limited to your writings. As so many of my predecessors have acknowledge, these gifts apply equally to a room full of first time guests, or a temple filled with practicing devotees. So many times in your classes have I had my own conclusions challenged, my misconceptions rectified, my stubbornness shackled. Speaking a language accessible to your audience you revealed your deep study and research into the Vedas. With eloquence you have answered my neophyte questions and helped make the Krishna Conscious philosophy accessible to me.
Maharaj, my appreciation for ‘Searching for Vedic India’ is not isolated to my pleasure in reading how you defiantly challenge the authority of those who consider themselves to be the authority, standing uncompromising before the Goliath of atheistic scientists. My greatest pleasure is in how you expertly address my own doubts, uprooting the weeds of contamination sown by the seed of association with academics who harbour the very speculations you achieve in shattering. I can recognise in myself some conclusions based on the same bogus philosophy you address in your book, and with each falsity you uproot I feel my faith grow stronger.
Maharaj, your guidance is essential for my progress in Krishna Consciousness. I can only apologise for my shortcomings in fulfilling your instructions. I pray that one day I may be able to endeavour in Krishna Consciousness with the same enthusiasm that I see in so many of your disciples. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to nourish my spiritual life so my enthusiasm can grow in this way.
Your servant
Gauranga Prema das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you on this auspicious day.
Every year when writing an offering for your Vyasa Puja so many themes come to mind to express my appreciation for your guidance and support. This year I would like to focus on your book ‘Searching for Vedic India’ which I have been reading with great relish and would like to show my gratitude by glorifying you for this wonderful piece of literature.
I am greatly inspired by how you so expertly present the authority of the Vedas and Vaisnava philosophy in the same academic language as the very people trying to discredit them. Surely this is testimony to your expert preaching; that you are able to reach your target audience utalising their own language and inject Krishna conscious philosophy, making Krishna accessible for anyone that hears from you.
Your research is impeccable. You delve into a wide range of topics, covering alien contact, ancient civilisations, clinical research into consciousness and more. Providing references from leading authorities within research fields, you spotlight the shaky ground of modern speculations about human history, always with the view of bringing the topic back to the authority of the Vedas and the conclusion they present.
You effortlessly break misconceptions regarding the unreasonable, weak speculations on the Vedas by so-called scholars. Certainly you would make the most stubborn of academics question their own conclusions on the Vedas by your addressing the source of those conclusions: racial bias.
What inspires me most is that these attributes are not limited to your writings. As so many of my predecessors have acknowledge, these gifts apply equally to a room full of first time guests, or a temple filled with practicing devotees. So many times in your classes have I had my own conclusions challenged, my misconceptions rectified, my stubbornness shackled. Speaking a language accessible to your audience you revealed your deep study and research into the Vedas. With eloquence you have answered my neophyte questions and helped make the Krishna Conscious philosophy accessible to me.
Maharaj, my appreciation for ‘Searching for Vedic India’ is not isolated to my pleasure in reading how you defiantly challenge the authority of those who consider themselves to be the authority, standing uncompromising before the Goliath of atheistic scientists. My greatest pleasure is in how you expertly address my own doubts, uprooting the weeds of contamination sown by the seed of association with academics who harbour the very speculations you achieve in shattering. I can recognise in myself some conclusions based on the same bogus philosophy you address in your book, and with each falsity you uproot I feel my faith grow stronger.
Maharaj, your guidance is essential for my progress in Krishna Consciousness. I can only apologise for my shortcomings in fulfilling your instructions. I pray that one day I may be able to endeavour in Krishna Consciousness with the same enthusiasm that I see in so many of your disciples. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to nourish my spiritual life so my enthusiasm can grow in this way.
Your servant
Gauranga Prema das
Gaurangachandra das
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Gurudev
Dear Gurudev,
From the little association that we had so far, I personally realized that in material life, it is all about proper consciousness and for that being humble (internally) is the key.
It sounds easy but in reality this state of humbleness can be acheived only with the mercy of spiritual master and Lord Krishna.
I sincerely pray to Krishna that you live a long life and we should always serve you with good consciousness without commiting any mistakes.
Your servants,
Gaurangachandra das, Chandrakala and Swethaa.
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Gurudev
Dear Gurudev,
From the little association that we had so far, I personally realized that in material life, it is all about proper consciousness and for that being humble (internally) is the key.
It sounds easy but in reality this state of humbleness can be acheived only with the mercy of spiritual master and Lord Krishna.
I sincerely pray to Krishna that you live a long life and we should always serve you with good consciousness without commiting any mistakes.
Your servants,
Gaurangachandra das, Chandrakala and Swethaa.
Gokula lila devi dasi
Dear Guru maharaja,
please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most wonderful occasion of your Vyasa puja!
On the weekend we celebrated Srila Prabhupada’s 50th anniversary arrival in America, I was distributing books as devotees from all over the country came from different corners of the city meeting on Queen street in a gigantic explosion of the holy name. I was telling people in exchanges the same line I have used over the years, that this is my teacher and he's a monk from India. However these have been just empty lines without much understanding of my fortune. Tonight I added to my lines that we were celebrating because of our teacher coming to the west, because of him we were able to discover the deeper benefits of yoga and meditation pointing to the ecstatic Harinam party.
At that moment when all the Harinam parties congregated on Queen Street the exchange I was in was rather extraordinary, it was as if the small endeavours in outreach were reciprocated by Prabhupada. Overwhelmed by Prabhupada’s achievements I got a small insight of how because of Srila Prabhupada’s grace I was able to engage the most part of my youth and young adult years in Sankirtan, joyfully passing these ordinarily turmoil years with somewhat stability and sanity. How because of this service of distributing his books I was protected from the unspeakable future had I not connected with his ISKCON.
Although he was just one elderly Indian man how much he achieved in such a short time. It was the first time I showed someone his books with tears streaming down my face in happiness of being part of the house in which Srila Prabhupada built and specifically being part of his preaching mission.
The lady with whom I was in the exchange although couldn’t take a book was quite moved by the experience.
A senior devotee who is not your disciple and I were marvelling over Srila Prabhupada’s mercy that evening. She said to me it’s because of one very sincere follower of Srila Prabhupada that so many devotees are here today taking advantage of that mercy. That sincere follower is you Gurudeva.
Late August in a class in Nodia I was happy to hear as you spoke of Srila Prabhupada’s arriving in America and how seven years after you contacted that mercy. Without you contacting the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and adapting and packaging the mercy to the unique kiwiguna audience where would I be today?
Your exceptional wholeheartedness to assist Srila Prabhupada in continually giving his mercy has struck my hard heart recently as I follow your travels through keeping in touch with my husband.
After your program in Nodia you departed soon after for the airport, you had arrived in Nodia only the day before from New Zealand and were to fly on to the Ukraine festival for another week of continually giving Krishna to others. Continually may not even give justice to the limit of your giving. That night hours after the Nodia program, I had already arrived back in Vrindavan and was taking rest but you were still trying to get to the airport as Dehli’s moonsoon, poor engineering and lack of drainage combined with the glories of traveling embraced you. Causing a domino of a series of inconveniences which would usually throw an ordinary person into a panic and strain and disinterest in traveling again. The thought of you having to undergo such challenges not just in this instance but surely often made me deeply wonder and appreciate your life as a complete offering not only to Srila Prabhupdada, the whole of ISKCON and also the unfortunate who don’t know Krishna.
In a lecture I was listening to recently you summed up your glorious existence
“Just give me a chance to glorify Krishna and serve the devotees.”
This past month I have had a small insight into your life as a ‘traveling Swami’ (which we tell people on the street and at our centres.) and that of absorption in glorifying Krishna and serving His devotees. This ‘traveling swami’ title is a lot more serious than we play it up to be. Only he who has such a depth of compassion, tolerance, Bhakti and eagerness to give Krishna to others can truly live up to this title. In an email five years back you wrote to me that hearing Sankirtan reports relieved you of the “32 years of duress and strain of international traveling”.
It is for us - the followers in ISKCON and potential devotees, you are accepting this duress of traveling all over the globe, in and out of airports, back and fourth, back and fourth, back and fourth, over three decades of austerity!
We don’t only see you once a year Gurudeva but you come to this little island several times a year and plunge into our hearts and lives and again leave to other parts of the globe to do the same there and again on to another place. But you are not out of sight out of mind, still you continue to manage, inspire, instruct and chastise while touring other parts of the world and when again you grace us again with your vapu we barely perceive such inconveniences you may have undergone as your energy is full with enthusiasm. What sincerity and desire inspires you to maintain such a lifestyle, of austerity and inconveniences Why would you go countries where english isn’t the first language and at every interaction the process of communication is slowed down by needing a translator and where you may not have the comforts of needs of your body met as you do in other places?
It’s not only to please your spiritual master but you want others to taste the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. Such is your power that wherever you go your sanga and your expert and caring vani is in high demand.
Your life has been surrendered unto the souls of this planet, you are going all over where there is life, where there is preaching opportunities,If hearing of the preaching efforts can renew your energy from so much traveling then let that be our relationship.
Thank you.
Your grateful servant,
Gokula lila dd
please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most wonderful occasion of your Vyasa puja!
On the weekend we celebrated Srila Prabhupada’s 50th anniversary arrival in America, I was distributing books as devotees from all over the country came from different corners of the city meeting on Queen street in a gigantic explosion of the holy name. I was telling people in exchanges the same line I have used over the years, that this is my teacher and he's a monk from India. However these have been just empty lines without much understanding of my fortune. Tonight I added to my lines that we were celebrating because of our teacher coming to the west, because of him we were able to discover the deeper benefits of yoga and meditation pointing to the ecstatic Harinam party.
At that moment when all the Harinam parties congregated on Queen Street the exchange I was in was rather extraordinary, it was as if the small endeavours in outreach were reciprocated by Prabhupada. Overwhelmed by Prabhupada’s achievements I got a small insight of how because of Srila Prabhupada’s grace I was able to engage the most part of my youth and young adult years in Sankirtan, joyfully passing these ordinarily turmoil years with somewhat stability and sanity. How because of this service of distributing his books I was protected from the unspeakable future had I not connected with his ISKCON.
Although he was just one elderly Indian man how much he achieved in such a short time. It was the first time I showed someone his books with tears streaming down my face in happiness of being part of the house in which Srila Prabhupada built and specifically being part of his preaching mission.
The lady with whom I was in the exchange although couldn’t take a book was quite moved by the experience.
A senior devotee who is not your disciple and I were marvelling over Srila Prabhupada’s mercy that evening. She said to me it’s because of one very sincere follower of Srila Prabhupada that so many devotees are here today taking advantage of that mercy. That sincere follower is you Gurudeva.
Late August in a class in Nodia I was happy to hear as you spoke of Srila Prabhupada’s arriving in America and how seven years after you contacted that mercy. Without you contacting the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and adapting and packaging the mercy to the unique kiwiguna audience where would I be today?
Your exceptional wholeheartedness to assist Srila Prabhupada in continually giving his mercy has struck my hard heart recently as I follow your travels through keeping in touch with my husband.
After your program in Nodia you departed soon after for the airport, you had arrived in Nodia only the day before from New Zealand and were to fly on to the Ukraine festival for another week of continually giving Krishna to others. Continually may not even give justice to the limit of your giving. That night hours after the Nodia program, I had already arrived back in Vrindavan and was taking rest but you were still trying to get to the airport as Dehli’s moonsoon, poor engineering and lack of drainage combined with the glories of traveling embraced you. Causing a domino of a series of inconveniences which would usually throw an ordinary person into a panic and strain and disinterest in traveling again. The thought of you having to undergo such challenges not just in this instance but surely often made me deeply wonder and appreciate your life as a complete offering not only to Srila Prabhupdada, the whole of ISKCON and also the unfortunate who don’t know Krishna.
In a lecture I was listening to recently you summed up your glorious existence
“Just give me a chance to glorify Krishna and serve the devotees.”
This past month I have had a small insight into your life as a ‘traveling Swami’ (which we tell people on the street and at our centres.) and that of absorption in glorifying Krishna and serving His devotees. This ‘traveling swami’ title is a lot more serious than we play it up to be. Only he who has such a depth of compassion, tolerance, Bhakti and eagerness to give Krishna to others can truly live up to this title. In an email five years back you wrote to me that hearing Sankirtan reports relieved you of the “32 years of duress and strain of international traveling”.
It is for us - the followers in ISKCON and potential devotees, you are accepting this duress of traveling all over the globe, in and out of airports, back and fourth, back and fourth, back and fourth, over three decades of austerity!
We don’t only see you once a year Gurudeva but you come to this little island several times a year and plunge into our hearts and lives and again leave to other parts of the globe to do the same there and again on to another place. But you are not out of sight out of mind, still you continue to manage, inspire, instruct and chastise while touring other parts of the world and when again you grace us again with your vapu we barely perceive such inconveniences you may have undergone as your energy is full with enthusiasm. What sincerity and desire inspires you to maintain such a lifestyle, of austerity and inconveniences Why would you go countries where english isn’t the first language and at every interaction the process of communication is slowed down by needing a translator and where you may not have the comforts of needs of your body met as you do in other places?
It’s not only to please your spiritual master but you want others to taste the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. Such is your power that wherever you go your sanga and your expert and caring vani is in high demand.
Your life has been surrendered unto the souls of this planet, you are going all over where there is life, where there is preaching opportunities,If hearing of the preaching efforts can renew your energy from so much traveling then let that be our relationship.
Thank you.
Your grateful servant,
Gokula lila dd
Gokula-ranjana dasa
Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I’ve been hamstrung for almost five years now, with my health having been at an especially low level for the last two-and-a-half of those years. For many months in 2014, I genuinely felt that I would leave my body. Often, Gurudeva, during this suffering, I would recall the presentations you gave years ago on the two specific miseries of material existence; life in the womb and old age. These were quite provocative for a young and largely healthy audience, especially with the visual media you employed in them. I was thinking how consummate it would be if you were to finish the series, and do one on both disease and death, for I can say, with conviction, that a severe state of disease is far worse than I could ever have imagined. Prior to my affliction, nothing I had ever felt came even remotely close to how I now feel almost all of the time. However, what I experienced at my worst, an otherwise healthy person can hardly envisage… the constant heart palpitations and chest pains, the struggle just to stand, the inability to converse or speak, the difficulty to even think straight. Many times I have thought that people need to be warned about what may well be in store for them.
Here’s hoping that, one day, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, I’ll once again have the energy to chant and dance and render some service to Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan Movement.
Your servant,
Gokula-ranjana dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I’ve been hamstrung for almost five years now, with my health having been at an especially low level for the last two-and-a-half of those years. For many months in 2014, I genuinely felt that I would leave my body. Often, Gurudeva, during this suffering, I would recall the presentations you gave years ago on the two specific miseries of material existence; life in the womb and old age. These were quite provocative for a young and largely healthy audience, especially with the visual media you employed in them. I was thinking how consummate it would be if you were to finish the series, and do one on both disease and death, for I can say, with conviction, that a severe state of disease is far worse than I could ever have imagined. Prior to my affliction, nothing I had ever felt came even remotely close to how I now feel almost all of the time. However, what I experienced at my worst, an otherwise healthy person can hardly envisage… the constant heart palpitations and chest pains, the struggle just to stand, the inability to converse or speak, the difficulty to even think straight. Many times I have thought that people need to be warned about what may well be in store for them.
Here’s hoping that, one day, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, I’ll once again have the energy to chant and dance and render some service to Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan Movement.
Your servant,
Gokula-ranjana dasa
Gopa Vrndesa Dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your divine appearance day!
I am very fortunate to pen a few words in your glorification even though I lack sufficient qualification and adequate eloquence. Sri Guru is the direct representative of Sri Krsna, who is empowered to disseminate the essence of all vedic knowledge into darkened hearts of conditioned souls and for this Sri Guru engages his unique artistry to attract many conditioned souls. Your ability to present Krsna consciousness in a profound and penetrating way is very unique and your talks are gripping blend of philosophy, pastimes, examples, and practical insights, plunging both the head and the heart in Krnsa consciousness. You present for the requisite needs of the listeners, not what you know. This statement from Caitanya Caritamrta quite fits for your exposition of bhakti philosophy.
kiṁ kāvyena kaves tasya
kiṁ kāṇḍena dhanuṣ-mataḥ
parasya hṛdaye lagnaṁ
na ghūrṇayati yac chiraḥ
‘What is the use of a bowman’s arrow or a poet’s poetry if they penetrate the heart but do not cause the head to spin?’ Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 1.195
Your life is dedicated for exclusive and one pointed devotional service to please Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krsna and your words and actions embodies the essence of devotional service. An advanced devotee finds the potential even in a non-devotee or a neophyte despite his coverings of negativities. Maharaj Pariskshit is glorified for having given shelter to the personality of Kali since he captured the essential benefit of Kali yuga despite an ocean of sins.
nānudveṣṭi kaliṁ samrāṭ
sāraṅga iva sāra-bhuk
kuśalāny āśu siddhyanti
netarāṇi kṛtāni yat
“Mahārāja Parīkṣit was a realist, like the bees who only accept the essence [of a flower]. He knew perfectly well that in this Age of Kali, auspicious things produce good effects immediately, whereas inauspicious acts must be actually performed [to render effects]. So he was never envious of the personality of Kali.” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.18.7
I am just wonder stuck, how you don’t give up on a devotee like me despite my insincere services attempts and stupid mistakes. I can see the meaning of “sāraṅga iva sāra-bhuk” in you as a great vaisnava who accepts the essential good in all souls, in all circumstances, and you encourage all in serving the mission of Srila Prabhupada year after year. On this auspicious day, I beg for your mercy so that I can take your instructions to my heart and execute them sincerely.
Your Servant,
Gopa-Vrndesa Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your divine appearance day!
I am very fortunate to pen a few words in your glorification even though I lack sufficient qualification and adequate eloquence. Sri Guru is the direct representative of Sri Krsna, who is empowered to disseminate the essence of all vedic knowledge into darkened hearts of conditioned souls and for this Sri Guru engages his unique artistry to attract many conditioned souls. Your ability to present Krsna consciousness in a profound and penetrating way is very unique and your talks are gripping blend of philosophy, pastimes, examples, and practical insights, plunging both the head and the heart in Krnsa consciousness. You present for the requisite needs of the listeners, not what you know. This statement from Caitanya Caritamrta quite fits for your exposition of bhakti philosophy.
kiṁ kāvyena kaves tasya
kiṁ kāṇḍena dhanuṣ-mataḥ
parasya hṛdaye lagnaṁ
na ghūrṇayati yac chiraḥ
‘What is the use of a bowman’s arrow or a poet’s poetry if they penetrate the heart but do not cause the head to spin?’ Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 1.195
Your life is dedicated for exclusive and one pointed devotional service to please Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krsna and your words and actions embodies the essence of devotional service. An advanced devotee finds the potential even in a non-devotee or a neophyte despite his coverings of negativities. Maharaj Pariskshit is glorified for having given shelter to the personality of Kali since he captured the essential benefit of Kali yuga despite an ocean of sins.
nānudveṣṭi kaliṁ samrāṭ
sāraṅga iva sāra-bhuk
kuśalāny āśu siddhyanti
netarāṇi kṛtāni yat
“Mahārāja Parīkṣit was a realist, like the bees who only accept the essence [of a flower]. He knew perfectly well that in this Age of Kali, auspicious things produce good effects immediately, whereas inauspicious acts must be actually performed [to render effects]. So he was never envious of the personality of Kali.” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.18.7
I am just wonder stuck, how you don’t give up on a devotee like me despite my insincere services attempts and stupid mistakes. I can see the meaning of “sāraṅga iva sāra-bhuk” in you as a great vaisnava who accepts the essential good in all souls, in all circumstances, and you encourage all in serving the mission of Srila Prabhupada year after year. On this auspicious day, I beg for your mercy so that I can take your instructions to my heart and execute them sincerely.
Your Servant,
Gopa-Vrndesa Dasa
Gopala Guru dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Also, all glories to you – for it is by your grace that I and so many others have had the opportunity to come into the association of the devotees and Srila Prabhupada’s books, Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON.
I have been reading the Caitanya Caritamrita recently and one thing that stood out to me were some purports in the 12th chapter of the Adii Lila where it discusses the expansions of Sri Advaita Acarya. It mentions that at first all the followers of Advaita Ācārya shared a single opinion. But later they followed two different opinions, as ordained by providence.
Srila Prabhupada then goes on to discuss the demise of the Gaudiya Matha, how it split into several factions, and how the preaching stopped in two of those factions. He then goes on to say that you can judge a thing by its results, and since the preaching of the Gaudiya Matha has stopped in those various factions they were in fact useless, Srila Prabhupada concludes the purport by saying:
“Therefore by the result of their actions one should know that they are asāra, or useless, whereas the success of the ISKCON party, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which strictly
follows guru and Gaurāṅga, is increasing daily all over the world. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura wanted to print as many books as possible and distribute them all over the world. We have tried our best in this connection, and we are getting results beyond our expectations.”
We look at what we have here today, a room with lot of Western bodied devotees – a lot of whom have come to Krishna consciousness through your Loft style outreach programs. What we see here today are results:
- Devotees being made
- Devotees being cared for and guided
- Books being distributed
- Books being read
- Prasadam being distributed
- Prasadam being honoured
- Deities being worshiped
- Direction being given
- Krishna and His devotees being pleased
- Srila Prabhupada being pleased
Although you also have a lot of success with outreach with many other nationalities and cultures I am emphasising the Western outreach because there has been a drought in successful Western outreach programs over the past few decades and you are one of the few pioneers who is
reinvigorating the outreach in this area – and so many of us today are here because of your efforts.
Some of us have even had the great fortune of being personally convinced by you to take up the process of Krishna consciousness. Being personally guided by you, sent off to exciting places to
render service in different capacities – engaging us according to our propensities.
I am so thankful Gurudeva for what you have done for me and others. Not only have I benefited, but so have so many other devotees. You guide and care for so many devotees, not only your disciples
but also disciples of your God-brothers. And for that I have so much wonderful association, association of devotees who are firm and fixed in spreading Krishna consciousness, giving this wonderful gift to others in whatever capacity they have. It is this association that helps me through in thick and thin, that helps me keep Krishna and giving Krishna to others in the centre no matter what the material energy serves on my plate.
These devotees are also useful, being firmly fixed in Srila Prabhupada’s service in Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement. They are useful because of your compassion, guidance and kind loving care.
Please bless me so that I can take your guidance and example closely to my own heart, so that I can assist you and the devotees with giving Krishna consciousness to others – so that I can also be useful.
Your grateful servant,
Gopala Guru dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Also, all glories to you – for it is by your grace that I and so many others have had the opportunity to come into the association of the devotees and Srila Prabhupada’s books, Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON.
I have been reading the Caitanya Caritamrita recently and one thing that stood out to me were some purports in the 12th chapter of the Adii Lila where it discusses the expansions of Sri Advaita Acarya. It mentions that at first all the followers of Advaita Ācārya shared a single opinion. But later they followed two different opinions, as ordained by providence.
Srila Prabhupada then goes on to discuss the demise of the Gaudiya Matha, how it split into several factions, and how the preaching stopped in two of those factions. He then goes on to say that you can judge a thing by its results, and since the preaching of the Gaudiya Matha has stopped in those various factions they were in fact useless, Srila Prabhupada concludes the purport by saying:
“Therefore by the result of their actions one should know that they are asāra, or useless, whereas the success of the ISKCON party, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which strictly
follows guru and Gaurāṅga, is increasing daily all over the world. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura wanted to print as many books as possible and distribute them all over the world. We have tried our best in this connection, and we are getting results beyond our expectations.”
We look at what we have here today, a room with lot of Western bodied devotees – a lot of whom have come to Krishna consciousness through your Loft style outreach programs. What we see here today are results:
- Devotees being made
- Devotees being cared for and guided
- Books being distributed
- Books being read
- Prasadam being distributed
- Prasadam being honoured
- Deities being worshiped
- Direction being given
- Krishna and His devotees being pleased
- Srila Prabhupada being pleased
Although you also have a lot of success with outreach with many other nationalities and cultures I am emphasising the Western outreach because there has been a drought in successful Western outreach programs over the past few decades and you are one of the few pioneers who is
reinvigorating the outreach in this area – and so many of us today are here because of your efforts.
Some of us have even had the great fortune of being personally convinced by you to take up the process of Krishna consciousness. Being personally guided by you, sent off to exciting places to
render service in different capacities – engaging us according to our propensities.
I am so thankful Gurudeva for what you have done for me and others. Not only have I benefited, but so have so many other devotees. You guide and care for so many devotees, not only your disciples
but also disciples of your God-brothers. And for that I have so much wonderful association, association of devotees who are firm and fixed in spreading Krishna consciousness, giving this wonderful gift to others in whatever capacity they have. It is this association that helps me through in thick and thin, that helps me keep Krishna and giving Krishna to others in the centre no matter what the material energy serves on my plate.
These devotees are also useful, being firmly fixed in Srila Prabhupada’s service in Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement. They are useful because of your compassion, guidance and kind loving care.
Please bless me so that I can take your guidance and example closely to my own heart, so that I can assist you and the devotees with giving Krishna consciousness to others – so that I can also be useful.
Your grateful servant,
Gopala Guru dasa
Gopimana Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabupada
All glories to you.
Happy Appearance Day
I want to say so much but I cant put it in words.
When I was young my father was my hero, he was my bright sun, until I met You.
I really appreciate you giving the opportunity to serve at The loft.
The Loft is my Home.
Thank you so much my Spiritual Father.
Your Eternal Servant
Gopimana Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabupada
All glories to you.
Happy Appearance Day
I want to say so much but I cant put it in words.
When I was young my father was my hero, he was my bright sun, until I met You.
I really appreciate you giving the opportunity to serve at The loft.
The Loft is my Home.
Thank you so much my Spiritual Father.
Your Eternal Servant
Gopimana Devi Dasi
Gopipremamrita Devi Dasi
Dearest Spiritual Father,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Once again I take the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for accepting me as your spiritual daughter and to glorify you, though I'm not competent enough to glorify you.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarawasti Maharaj in his article on Guru Tattva says
"My Gurudeva constantly protects me from becoming absorbed in activities separate from the interest of Bhagavan.
If I do not remember my Gurudeva at the beginning of each year, each month, each day, and at every moment,I will surely fall further away from the path of bhakti.
Our spiritual masters are the abodes of love. They appear to us in different forms to bestow their mercy upon us. They are reflected in all objects and in every entity. Indeed, they are the special manifestations of Srila Gurudeva, he who imparts transcendental knowledge.
Gurudeva is that person whose behaviour at every moment instructs us that our entire life is meant for serving Bhagavan"
As a loving spiritual father you have been constantly protecting and guiding me. what ever little service I do is because of the inspiration and strength that you give me.You always mention that "Favorable association means company that stirs your heart with sublime aspirations". Thank you Guru Maharaj for bestowing your wonderful mercy through wonderful devotee association. If not for these devotee associations I wouldn't be doing even the little things that I'm doing today.you have indeed been bestowing your mercy through different forms.Guru Maharaj please bless me to always have the vision to understand your mercy that's reflected in all objects and in very living entity.
When I read your email about your sankirtan scores in Los Angeles Ratha Yatra I was very touched and at the same time was quite ashamed of myself. when I saw the photo of you distributing books at the Ratha Yatra , I understood how focussed you are in spreading the mission of your Guru Maharaj. you have once again showed us that the service of Book Distribution is indeed close to your heart.By your behaviour at every moment you have been instructing your spiritual children that our entire life is to serve the Lord.
In spite of your busy schedule,you always take time to reply to my emails. As a caring father you have been constantly appreciating and encouraging me for every baby step that I take in devotional service.Whenever I stumble and loose hope while trying to take my baby steps,you reassure me and guide me to take the further steps. I'm very thankful to the Lord for making me go through few difficult situation in my life, as this gave me an opportunity to witness your wonderful personal care and establish a stronger relationship with you.you always mention that we should always express gratitude to devotees who even in a small way have helped us to grow spiritually. What can I say to you Guru Maharaj, for all the support, care and guidance that you constantly give me.
On this most auspicious day I Pray to Lord Narashimadev to bestow you with good health for you to continue with your mission to spread the Sankirtan movement. I also beg you to give me the blessings to get deeper into chanting, to only accept thoughts that are favourable for Krsna consiousness and the strength to reject thoughts that are unfavourable. Please bless me that I take up the service of book distribution sincerely to please you and to assist you in spreading the Sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya.
your useless daughter
gopipremamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Once again I take the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for accepting me as your spiritual daughter and to glorify you, though I'm not competent enough to glorify you.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarawasti Maharaj in his article on Guru Tattva says
"My Gurudeva constantly protects me from becoming absorbed in activities separate from the interest of Bhagavan.
If I do not remember my Gurudeva at the beginning of each year, each month, each day, and at every moment,I will surely fall further away from the path of bhakti.
Our spiritual masters are the abodes of love. They appear to us in different forms to bestow their mercy upon us. They are reflected in all objects and in every entity. Indeed, they are the special manifestations of Srila Gurudeva, he who imparts transcendental knowledge.
Gurudeva is that person whose behaviour at every moment instructs us that our entire life is meant for serving Bhagavan"
As a loving spiritual father you have been constantly protecting and guiding me. what ever little service I do is because of the inspiration and strength that you give me.You always mention that "Favorable association means company that stirs your heart with sublime aspirations". Thank you Guru Maharaj for bestowing your wonderful mercy through wonderful devotee association. If not for these devotee associations I wouldn't be doing even the little things that I'm doing today.you have indeed been bestowing your mercy through different forms.Guru Maharaj please bless me to always have the vision to understand your mercy that's reflected in all objects and in very living entity.
When I read your email about your sankirtan scores in Los Angeles Ratha Yatra I was very touched and at the same time was quite ashamed of myself. when I saw the photo of you distributing books at the Ratha Yatra , I understood how focussed you are in spreading the mission of your Guru Maharaj. you have once again showed us that the service of Book Distribution is indeed close to your heart.By your behaviour at every moment you have been instructing your spiritual children that our entire life is to serve the Lord.
In spite of your busy schedule,you always take time to reply to my emails. As a caring father you have been constantly appreciating and encouraging me for every baby step that I take in devotional service.Whenever I stumble and loose hope while trying to take my baby steps,you reassure me and guide me to take the further steps. I'm very thankful to the Lord for making me go through few difficult situation in my life, as this gave me an opportunity to witness your wonderful personal care and establish a stronger relationship with you.you always mention that we should always express gratitude to devotees who even in a small way have helped us to grow spiritually. What can I say to you Guru Maharaj, for all the support, care and guidance that you constantly give me.
On this most auspicious day I Pray to Lord Narashimadev to bestow you with good health for you to continue with your mission to spread the Sankirtan movement. I also beg you to give me the blessings to get deeper into chanting, to only accept thoughts that are favourable for Krsna consiousness and the strength to reject thoughts that are unfavourable. Please bless me that I take up the service of book distribution sincerely to please you and to assist you in spreading the Sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya.
your useless daughter
gopipremamrita devi dasi
Govinda Kund Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
On this day of your divine appearance, please let me offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you.
Your divine appearance day is an opportunity for an unqualified person like me to try and glorify you. Every year when I write the vayasa puja offering, I deeply think what is the best way to glorify your divine qualities but I fail to get the best because I have no knowledge.
As a result of your compassion, tireless and selfless service of spreading Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu's message, we the most fallen souls are able to perform devotional service and learn the science of Krishna Consciousness.
Your determination, sincerity and hard work for the development of Krishna Consciousness movement cannot be expressed in words. Your dedicated services inspire us a lot. We know how much efforts you are putting to fulfill your spiritual master's wishes. I'm blessed by becoming the disciple of such a great guru.
Whatever little I am doing in Krishna conciousness as a servant is because of your causeless mercy. Kindly bless me to do more and more of devotional services. Thank you so much for allowing me to cook for you while you stay in Vrindavan. It is the most blissful time for me, in spite of all my disqualifications you allow me to serve you.
I once again thank you for everything you are doing for people like us so that we can progress in Krishna Consciousness. You are always very patient, kind, tolerant and extending yourself to help others
Our family is blessed to have your guidance in the journey of spiritual life. I am very grateful to you and pray that Krishna always bless you with good health and long life so that we are continuously under your guidance and protection.
Let my appreciation for you grow every day, let me realize your transcendental position and let me become a sincere and serious disciple of yours.
Your servant,
Govinda Kund devi dasi
On this day of your divine appearance, please let me offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you.
Your divine appearance day is an opportunity for an unqualified person like me to try and glorify you. Every year when I write the vayasa puja offering, I deeply think what is the best way to glorify your divine qualities but I fail to get the best because I have no knowledge.
As a result of your compassion, tireless and selfless service of spreading Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu's message, we the most fallen souls are able to perform devotional service and learn the science of Krishna Consciousness.
Your determination, sincerity and hard work for the development of Krishna Consciousness movement cannot be expressed in words. Your dedicated services inspire us a lot. We know how much efforts you are putting to fulfill your spiritual master's wishes. I'm blessed by becoming the disciple of such a great guru.
Whatever little I am doing in Krishna conciousness as a servant is because of your causeless mercy. Kindly bless me to do more and more of devotional services. Thank you so much for allowing me to cook for you while you stay in Vrindavan. It is the most blissful time for me, in spite of all my disqualifications you allow me to serve you.
I once again thank you for everything you are doing for people like us so that we can progress in Krishna Consciousness. You are always very patient, kind, tolerant and extending yourself to help others
Our family is blessed to have your guidance in the journey of spiritual life. I am very grateful to you and pray that Krishna always bless you with good health and long life so that we are continuously under your guidance and protection.
Let my appreciation for you grow every day, let me realize your transcendental position and let me become a sincere and serious disciple of yours.
Your servant,
Govinda Kund devi dasi
Guru vani devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
There are so many facets of your brilliance to glorify. This year I would like to acknowledge your brilliant and sublime management skills.
Recently I came across a book – a business book – that explains that the real success of any organization lies not in its marketing or strategy or financial planning but in it’s Organisational Health. Organisational Health - the ability to clearly define the core values & purpose of a company and over communicate that clarity to all it’s members. The signs of a healthy organization include minimal politics & confusion, high degree of morale and productivity and low turn-over among good employees.
This books message is brilliantly simple & clear. Unless the leadership team is 100% clear about it’s core values and purpose there will always be confusion, tension and struggle.
As I read it my mind marvels at the organisational health of your outreach centres. Did you read this book? No. It was only published in 2012 while the Loft centres have been operating for nearly two decades.
Whether your vision was based on managemental knowledge or divinely inspired, you have applied these management principles par excellence in your outreach centres. You have created healthy organisations – high morale, high productivity, minimal politics, and low turn-over among sincere devotees. And you have never compromised on the core values that Lord Caitanya & Srila Prabhupada emphasized – hearing, chanting & preaching.
“Stick to the fundamentals” you have so often reminded us - simply prioritize your chanting, maximize your hearing, and take any opportunity to give Krishna to others (especially pleasing Srila Prabhupada by distributing his books). Of course many other valuable services will go on, and they may change according to time, place and circumstance but those core values will not.
Being exposed to the wider world of ISKCON I now reflect on my early training with a more conscious respect and veneration. Your preaching centres are proof – to attract people to Krishna (especially the local population) we don’t need opulence, fancy facilities, bigger and better promotions and elaborate programs. The most attractive thing for people in this age of Kali is genuine caring relationships, based around absorbing kirtans, conscientious japa, study of Srila Prabhupada’s books and philosophy classes that are real and relevant to it’s audience.
Generally (well in my case anyway) westerners firstly need to be philosophically challenged. The traditional cultural aspects of Krsna Consciousness are so far from our comfort zone. Then, as a spark of real intelligence awakens, our attraction to Krsna Consciousness grows due to the infectious enthusiasm & warm relationships amongst the devotees - devotees who, consciously or unconsciously, follow the core values of your healthy outreach centres.
Thank you for your brilliant foresight to create such healthy, attractive outreach centres. Without them I would surely still be flailing around in the material energy hopelessly endeavouring for some temporary, unsatisfying goals.
While I know I have a looong way to go in applying the core values in my personal life, still I know the goal of my life and hope by your merciful care I will reach that goal before the light of this life ends.
I really am deeply grateful for your care & guidance through all the stages of my life.
Begging to remain under your shelter,
Your insignificant servant
Guru vani devi dasi
Please accept my prostrated obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
There are so many facets of your brilliance to glorify. This year I would like to acknowledge your brilliant and sublime management skills.
Recently I came across a book – a business book – that explains that the real success of any organization lies not in its marketing or strategy or financial planning but in it’s Organisational Health. Organisational Health - the ability to clearly define the core values & purpose of a company and over communicate that clarity to all it’s members. The signs of a healthy organization include minimal politics & confusion, high degree of morale and productivity and low turn-over among good employees.
This books message is brilliantly simple & clear. Unless the leadership team is 100% clear about it’s core values and purpose there will always be confusion, tension and struggle.
As I read it my mind marvels at the organisational health of your outreach centres. Did you read this book? No. It was only published in 2012 while the Loft centres have been operating for nearly two decades.
Whether your vision was based on managemental knowledge or divinely inspired, you have applied these management principles par excellence in your outreach centres. You have created healthy organisations – high morale, high productivity, minimal politics, and low turn-over among sincere devotees. And you have never compromised on the core values that Lord Caitanya & Srila Prabhupada emphasized – hearing, chanting & preaching.
“Stick to the fundamentals” you have so often reminded us - simply prioritize your chanting, maximize your hearing, and take any opportunity to give Krishna to others (especially pleasing Srila Prabhupada by distributing his books). Of course many other valuable services will go on, and they may change according to time, place and circumstance but those core values will not.
Being exposed to the wider world of ISKCON I now reflect on my early training with a more conscious respect and veneration. Your preaching centres are proof – to attract people to Krishna (especially the local population) we don’t need opulence, fancy facilities, bigger and better promotions and elaborate programs. The most attractive thing for people in this age of Kali is genuine caring relationships, based around absorbing kirtans, conscientious japa, study of Srila Prabhupada’s books and philosophy classes that are real and relevant to it’s audience.
Generally (well in my case anyway) westerners firstly need to be philosophically challenged. The traditional cultural aspects of Krsna Consciousness are so far from our comfort zone. Then, as a spark of real intelligence awakens, our attraction to Krsna Consciousness grows due to the infectious enthusiasm & warm relationships amongst the devotees - devotees who, consciously or unconsciously, follow the core values of your healthy outreach centres.
Thank you for your brilliant foresight to create such healthy, attractive outreach centres. Without them I would surely still be flailing around in the material energy hopelessly endeavouring for some temporary, unsatisfying goals.
While I know I have a looong way to go in applying the core values in my personal life, still I know the goal of my life and hope by your merciful care I will reach that goal before the light of this life ends.
I really am deeply grateful for your care & guidance through all the stages of my life.
Begging to remain under your shelter,
Your insignificant servant
Guru vani devi dasi
Hamsavatar Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances at Your Lotus Feet. All Glories to You.
Transcendental Knowledge is available
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances at Your Lotus Feet. All Glories to You.
Transcendental Knowledge is available
Hamsavatar Dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances at Your Lotus Feet. All Glories to You.
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
(Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.23)
"Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed."
The most secret of all Vedic knowledge is unmotivated and uninterrupted Loving Devotional Service to Lord Krishna. This is exemplified by your dedication to serve your Spiritual Master unconditionally, thereby continuing the glorious work of the Parampara.
We are most fortunate to have such a divine personality amongst us. Your activities and efforts to relieve the sufferings of the living entities in this world by bringing them to the Lotus Feet of your Spiritual Master are glorious.
Such transcendental activities cannot be properly glorified by mere words but by trying to follow in the footsteps of such a self realised soul.
Hope to become worthy of being able to assist you in your glorious activities.
Your Aspiring Servant,
Hamsavatar Dasa
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances at Your Lotus Feet. All Glories to You.
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
(Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.23)
"Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed."
The most secret of all Vedic knowledge is unmotivated and uninterrupted Loving Devotional Service to Lord Krishna. This is exemplified by your dedication to serve your Spiritual Master unconditionally, thereby continuing the glorious work of the Parampara.
We are most fortunate to have such a divine personality amongst us. Your activities and efforts to relieve the sufferings of the living entities in this world by bringing them to the Lotus Feet of your Spiritual Master are glorious.
Such transcendental activities cannot be properly glorified by mere words but by trying to follow in the footsteps of such a self realised soul.
Hope to become worthy of being able to assist you in your glorious activities.
Your Aspiring Servant,
Hamsavatar Dasa
Harinamamrita das
Hare Krsna dear spiritual father,
Please accept my humbles obeisances at Your lotus feet. All glories to You. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special day, I pray to Lord Nrasimhadev to protect your health and give You strength to spread Sankirtana movement saving many more fallen souls like me.
Recently I sent an email update about a devotee and her condition of not following KC and my situation of feeling bad for not performing my service or possible shortcomings in my service. But You immediately replied back saying, "Don't worry and keep caring others and Increase"... My email should be one in hundreds/thousands and yet You replied back the same day and gave me strength. Whenever I give You any updates about preaching or book distribution, You immediately light up and smile to know more. That shows the love You have for Srila Prabhupada and His books.
Please give me more strength and enthusiasm to be engaged in devotional service of preaching. I am not performing Book distribution which will please You more, which I would like to focus and improve.
Thank You once again for picking me up from where I was and accepting me as Your disciple. Honestly I am not at all qualified for what You gave me but I am 100% sure that if it was not Your causeless mercy, I would have had no real value in my life and would have become nothing. Thank You for all Your love and care.
With love and gratitude,
Harinamamrita das
Please accept my humbles obeisances at Your lotus feet. All glories to You. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special day, I pray to Lord Nrasimhadev to protect your health and give You strength to spread Sankirtana movement saving many more fallen souls like me.
Recently I sent an email update about a devotee and her condition of not following KC and my situation of feeling bad for not performing my service or possible shortcomings in my service. But You immediately replied back saying, "Don't worry and keep caring others and Increase"... My email should be one in hundreds/thousands and yet You replied back the same day and gave me strength. Whenever I give You any updates about preaching or book distribution, You immediately light up and smile to know more. That shows the love You have for Srila Prabhupada and His books.
Please give me more strength and enthusiasm to be engaged in devotional service of preaching. I am not performing Book distribution which will please You more, which I would like to focus and improve.
Thank You once again for picking me up from where I was and accepting me as Your disciple. Honestly I am not at all qualified for what You gave me but I am 100% sure that if it was not Your causeless mercy, I would have had no real value in my life and would have become nothing. Thank You for all Your love and care.
With love and gratitude,
Harinamamrita das
Hriman Krsna das
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita-svamin itinamine
I offer my respectful obeisance unto His Holiness Devamrita swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya savre ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurudeva, your auspicious appearance inspires me to reflect on the deep attachment you manifest for Srila Prabhupada. You are the motivating force behind so many people sacrificing their youth for the love of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy: his books, his teachings, his society and his direction.
Srila Prabhupada writes: “Now is the time for us to begin the boiling process. Now you know everything how to be a Vaisnava brahmana, now you must practice these thing or the whole thing will be a show only. Better to develop the small number of devotees we have, make them truly Krishna conscious boys and girls than to go on getting many followers who do not understand and practice the real principles. Better one moon than many stars.” (Letter to Damodara; Honolulu 9 May, 1972)
Decades later some may say we’re still struggling to put the pot on the stove, what to speak of finding milk to condense. Realizing the need, you vigorously educate, train, and care for devotees, in ways that inspirits dedication into their hearts – the milk is beginning to swelter; year after year, decade after decade, you churn and churn bringing forth all kinds of sweet and palatable preparations, for Krishna’s pleasure.
Unfailingly your love for Srila Prabhupada is expressed by tides of selfless feats,
and with respect to his departure, you proceeded through times of uncertainty; despite the provocation, heroically you repeat what guru and Krishna desires.
As a humble start you stress; ‘ashram sanity’ and ‘being for real in bhakti,’ tirelessly pushing the foundational structures for a human civilization to be witnessed: ‘Varnashram’ – Prabhupada’s mandate we all shrink to hear.
upaniya tu yah sisyam veda-madhyapayed dvijah
sankalpam sa-rahasyam ca tam acaryam pracaksate
An acarya is not one who only confers the sacred thread. He trains his disciples in sacrifice and teaches them the confidential meaning of the Vedas. Such a spiritual master is an acarya, according to saintly authorities. (Manu Samhita 2.140)
acinoti yah sastrartham acare sthapayaty api
svayam acarate yasmad acaryas tena kirttitah
An acarya is one who fully understands the conclusions of the revealed scriptures and whose behavior reflects his deep realization. He is a living example for he teaches the meaning of scriptures both word and deed. (Vayu Purana)
Many people speak a change for the betterment of mankind, whilst you do what is best for mankind. Hence you are amongst the self-effulgent moons of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples, an exemplar in fulfilling the hearts of our predecessor acharyas. Srila Prabhupada says, ‘real heroism is displayed by ones actions,’ this is true to your accomplishments, exhibiting an inundation of devotional service; which is nothing short of being extra-ordinary.
Sadhunam sama-cittanam sutaram mat-krtatmanam
darsanan no bhaved bandhah pumso ‘ksnoh savitur yatha
When one is face to face with the Sun, there is no longer darkness for one’s eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sadhu who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, one will no longer be subject to material bondage. (Bhag. 10.10.41)
One of your GBC god-brothers explained; in the early days, devotees had to be very determined to stick-it-out in Krishna consciousness. The determination mustered risking your life for the benefit of others, goes beyond the attempt to tolerate ISKCON’s incipient venture; rather this world is traversed by your instructions – severing mundane attachments to this world.
na hy am-mayani tirthani na deva mrc-chila-mayah
te punaty uru-kalena darsanad eva sadhavah
Water alone does not make a sacred place holy. Nor is it earth or clay that composes the form of the Deity. The waters of the Ganges, visits to holy places, and the worship of the Salagram sila purify one only after a long time, but saints like you purify instantly by their sight. (Bhag. 10.84.11)
Unfit as I am to be a recipient of your merciful glances; you grant me your time, a genuine ashram, personal guidance, and a chance to embrace the purification, more than any parent could offer. Remaining under these glances are my fervent desire; thus on this day, I pray for the strength to continue my service to you and Srila Prabhupada, not simply by words or some external show, more truly by endeavors worthy for your pleasure.
Determined to be your obedient and selfless servant.
Hriman Krishna das
srimate devamrita-svamin itinamine
I offer my respectful obeisance unto His Holiness Devamrita swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya savre ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurudeva, your auspicious appearance inspires me to reflect on the deep attachment you manifest for Srila Prabhupada. You are the motivating force behind so many people sacrificing their youth for the love of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy: his books, his teachings, his society and his direction.
Srila Prabhupada writes: “Now is the time for us to begin the boiling process. Now you know everything how to be a Vaisnava brahmana, now you must practice these thing or the whole thing will be a show only. Better to develop the small number of devotees we have, make them truly Krishna conscious boys and girls than to go on getting many followers who do not understand and practice the real principles. Better one moon than many stars.” (Letter to Damodara; Honolulu 9 May, 1972)
Decades later some may say we’re still struggling to put the pot on the stove, what to speak of finding milk to condense. Realizing the need, you vigorously educate, train, and care for devotees, in ways that inspirits dedication into their hearts – the milk is beginning to swelter; year after year, decade after decade, you churn and churn bringing forth all kinds of sweet and palatable preparations, for Krishna’s pleasure.
Unfailingly your love for Srila Prabhupada is expressed by tides of selfless feats,
and with respect to his departure, you proceeded through times of uncertainty; despite the provocation, heroically you repeat what guru and Krishna desires.
As a humble start you stress; ‘ashram sanity’ and ‘being for real in bhakti,’ tirelessly pushing the foundational structures for a human civilization to be witnessed: ‘Varnashram’ – Prabhupada’s mandate we all shrink to hear.
upaniya tu yah sisyam veda-madhyapayed dvijah
sankalpam sa-rahasyam ca tam acaryam pracaksate
An acarya is not one who only confers the sacred thread. He trains his disciples in sacrifice and teaches them the confidential meaning of the Vedas. Such a spiritual master is an acarya, according to saintly authorities. (Manu Samhita 2.140)
acinoti yah sastrartham acare sthapayaty api
svayam acarate yasmad acaryas tena kirttitah
An acarya is one who fully understands the conclusions of the revealed scriptures and whose behavior reflects his deep realization. He is a living example for he teaches the meaning of scriptures both word and deed. (Vayu Purana)
Many people speak a change for the betterment of mankind, whilst you do what is best for mankind. Hence you are amongst the self-effulgent moons of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples, an exemplar in fulfilling the hearts of our predecessor acharyas. Srila Prabhupada says, ‘real heroism is displayed by ones actions,’ this is true to your accomplishments, exhibiting an inundation of devotional service; which is nothing short of being extra-ordinary.
Sadhunam sama-cittanam sutaram mat-krtatmanam
darsanan no bhaved bandhah pumso ‘ksnoh savitur yatha
When one is face to face with the Sun, there is no longer darkness for one’s eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sadhu who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, one will no longer be subject to material bondage. (Bhag. 10.10.41)
One of your GBC god-brothers explained; in the early days, devotees had to be very determined to stick-it-out in Krishna consciousness. The determination mustered risking your life for the benefit of others, goes beyond the attempt to tolerate ISKCON’s incipient venture; rather this world is traversed by your instructions – severing mundane attachments to this world.
na hy am-mayani tirthani na deva mrc-chila-mayah
te punaty uru-kalena darsanad eva sadhavah
Water alone does not make a sacred place holy. Nor is it earth or clay that composes the form of the Deity. The waters of the Ganges, visits to holy places, and the worship of the Salagram sila purify one only after a long time, but saints like you purify instantly by their sight. (Bhag. 10.84.11)
Unfit as I am to be a recipient of your merciful glances; you grant me your time, a genuine ashram, personal guidance, and a chance to embrace the purification, more than any parent could offer. Remaining under these glances are my fervent desire; thus on this day, I pray for the strength to continue my service to you and Srila Prabhupada, not simply by words or some external show, more truly by endeavors worthy for your pleasure.
Determined to be your obedient and selfless servant.
Hriman Krishna das
Indranath das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
please, accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
By observing condition of modern society, where people becoming increasingly isolated, selfish and impersonal, I think how they possibly become interested in developing direct relationship with Krishna. Seemingly they are getting less and less chance. And you Guru Maharaja is the person who become an expert in giving them this chance. You are true recipient of the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and previous Acharias. You know perfectly well how to deliver this highest gift of Bhakti to hopeless modern men.
Praying for your mercy,
your servant
Indranath das
Brisbane, Australia
please, accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
By observing condition of modern society, where people becoming increasingly isolated, selfish and impersonal, I think how they possibly become interested in developing direct relationship with Krishna. Seemingly they are getting less and less chance. And you Guru Maharaja is the person who become an expert in giving them this chance. You are true recipient of the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and previous Acharias. You know perfectly well how to deliver this highest gift of Bhakti to hopeless modern men.
Praying for your mercy,
your servant
Indranath das
Brisbane, Australia
Indranila devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your Lotus feet.
Thank you for being a continues source of inspiration to all of us aspiring vaisnavas.
I would like you to know that I think that all the services I am able to perform are all inspired by your persona.
Very often I feel very exhausted and I wish I didn't have so much work to do and that I didn't have to take up so much responsibility.
There is a always a struggle in my mind between being comfortable or making an extra effort for Krsna. But there is also a constant reminder pushing me to try harder for Krsna.
That is the memories I have of you.
I chant my rounds because you emphasized it so explicitly to me and others.
I wake up for mangala arati on the weekends even though it's so hard, only because I know how much you stress this.
I am doing the Sunday school just because I see you tirelessly preach day after day, giving all you have just to please Srila Prabhupada.
Your sincerity is my grandest solace to overcome obstacles in my path.
Once again thank you very much for without you I would not have a glimpse of how lost I am.
Praying to be your servant always,
Indranila devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your Lotus feet.
Thank you for being a continues source of inspiration to all of us aspiring vaisnavas.
I would like you to know that I think that all the services I am able to perform are all inspired by your persona.
Very often I feel very exhausted and I wish I didn't have so much work to do and that I didn't have to take up so much responsibility.
There is a always a struggle in my mind between being comfortable or making an extra effort for Krsna. But there is also a constant reminder pushing me to try harder for Krsna.
That is the memories I have of you.
I chant my rounds because you emphasized it so explicitly to me and others.
I wake up for mangala arati on the weekends even though it's so hard, only because I know how much you stress this.
I am doing the Sunday school just because I see you tirelessly preach day after day, giving all you have just to please Srila Prabhupada.
Your sincerity is my grandest solace to overcome obstacles in my path.
Once again thank you very much for without you I would not have a glimpse of how lost I am.
Praying to be your servant always,
Indranila devi dasi
Isvar Candra das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Again this time of the year came – staring at the computer and thinking “What can I say to him?”. I almost feel like Druva Maharaj, who is speechless when first seeing Lord Vishnu. I don’t possess the needed qualities, learning and devotion in order to properly glorify you. Besides that I know that you are very busy, never wasting your time and always engaged in devotional service - so I will be short.
Gurumaharaj you are a general in the sankirtan army of Srila Prabhupada. Properly executing his orders, placing them on your head and in your heart, you have received Srila Prabhupada’s mercy. You have realized that the highest goal of life is to surrender fully to the orders of the bonafide spiritual master.
Enlightening my consciousness with your words and activities I can see more and more that you are like Raghunatha Das Goswami. Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami explains that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu caught Raghunata Goswami with “the ropes of His causeless mercy”. Similarly you are “bound” with the ropes of always desiring to serve Srila Prabhupada. You have forgotten the material needs of the mind and the body, replacing them with the eternal and ever blissful needs of the soul. You are a real vaisnava – always serving your spiritual master and always giving mercy to the needed. You are not a resident of the material world. You and everything connected with you is spiritual.
On this special occasion I beg for forgiveness, enlightening and engaging in your service. Please let me be a soldier under your command.
trying to be your servant and servant of the devotees, isvar candra das
Again this time of the year came – staring at the computer and thinking “What can I say to him?”. I almost feel like Druva Maharaj, who is speechless when first seeing Lord Vishnu. I don’t possess the needed qualities, learning and devotion in order to properly glorify you. Besides that I know that you are very busy, never wasting your time and always engaged in devotional service - so I will be short.
Gurumaharaj you are a general in the sankirtan army of Srila Prabhupada. Properly executing his orders, placing them on your head and in your heart, you have received Srila Prabhupada’s mercy. You have realized that the highest goal of life is to surrender fully to the orders of the bonafide spiritual master.
Enlightening my consciousness with your words and activities I can see more and more that you are like Raghunatha Das Goswami. Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami explains that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu caught Raghunata Goswami with “the ropes of His causeless mercy”. Similarly you are “bound” with the ropes of always desiring to serve Srila Prabhupada. You have forgotten the material needs of the mind and the body, replacing them with the eternal and ever blissful needs of the soul. You are a real vaisnava – always serving your spiritual master and always giving mercy to the needed. You are not a resident of the material world. You and everything connected with you is spiritual.
On this special occasion I beg for forgiveness, enlightening and engaging in your service. Please let me be a soldier under your command.
trying to be your servant and servant of the devotees, isvar candra das
Isvari Kesavi Devi Dasi
Dearest Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhpada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
To be honest I have probably re-written this offering 27 times already.
Undoubtedly this will remain the most challenging task for me. The task of trying to formulate words to honour you. But what I can do is recite the words of Bhaktivinoda Thakura,
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi, tomāra karuṇā-sāra karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā, prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life.”
Gurudev, your mercy is the reason why I’m able to practise Krsna Consciousness.
I remember you said to me in a darshan, “You were never meant to fit in to material life.” What a statement. But actually when I think of where I’d be if I wasn’t under your shelter, I shudder at the thought.
You really saved me Gurudev.
You saved me from the greatest danger of misusing my human form of life and wasting all my energies in a futile attempt to squeeze pleasure out of this world. You then gave me the gift of the Holy name, which I still have yet to open and experience.
Thank you Gurudev for being my true well wisher and for always encouraging me, you know I need it. It amazes me how you are able to see the potential in everyone and look far beyond their current state. This is one of many things I admire about you.
In a more recent darshan I had with you Gurudev you said to me,
“If I’m looking after you, what do you have to be worried about.”
Those words have melted my heart. You are my real father, looking after me so carefully and for this I’m am truly grateful.
Im am praying to one day become a worthy disciple of your lotus feet and render some service that is pleasing to you.
Your servant and daughter,
Isvari Kesavi Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhpada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
To be honest I have probably re-written this offering 27 times already.
Undoubtedly this will remain the most challenging task for me. The task of trying to formulate words to honour you. But what I can do is recite the words of Bhaktivinoda Thakura,
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi, tomāra karuṇā-sāra karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā, prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life.”
Gurudev, your mercy is the reason why I’m able to practise Krsna Consciousness.
I remember you said to me in a darshan, “You were never meant to fit in to material life.” What a statement. But actually when I think of where I’d be if I wasn’t under your shelter, I shudder at the thought.
You really saved me Gurudev.
You saved me from the greatest danger of misusing my human form of life and wasting all my energies in a futile attempt to squeeze pleasure out of this world. You then gave me the gift of the Holy name, which I still have yet to open and experience.
Thank you Gurudev for being my true well wisher and for always encouraging me, you know I need it. It amazes me how you are able to see the potential in everyone and look far beyond their current state. This is one of many things I admire about you.
In a more recent darshan I had with you Gurudev you said to me,
“If I’m looking after you, what do you have to be worried about.”
Those words have melted my heart. You are my real father, looking after me so carefully and for this I’m am truly grateful.
Im am praying to one day become a worthy disciple of your lotus feet and render some service that is pleasing to you.
Your servant and daughter,
Isvari Kesavi Devi Dasi
Itumeleng Mphake
Searching for Gurudeva
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A year ago, on the appearance day of Sri Nityananda I desperately prayed at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nityananda to please reveal who you are to me…I naively wore my heart on my sleeve, hoping that the eternal true love, that I had misplaced somewhere would finally be manifest to me – I knew that it was there – but where! I now longed to meet you because it finally dawned on me that at your lotus feet alone is where my heart will finally find peace.
I prayed again, please Srila Prabhupada – please Lord Nityananda…as I did so a flower fell from Lord Caitainya’s crown…Did Gurudeva finally hear me crying?
I thought my prayers were vain, so I bought a journal for you, wherein I would write to you when I needed you, but when that time came, oh so often it came, I couldn’t write, I could only cry and entangle myself more and more in the grip of Maya devi.
Uncertain whether or not you, Prabhupada or the Lord had heard my prayers, a few months ago I made the difficult choice to leave home in search for my real self. But this real self would have to have a suitable survival armour to fight Maya devi: pride, confidence, assertiveness, bravery, knowledge, purity, beauty, wealth, aloof, detached etc, for when I resurfaced with this armour Maya devi would not be able to break me down any longer…
This personal war with Maya devi did not quite happen, because dearest Gurudeva you intervened – you had indeed heard me crying for you. How do I describe how grateful I am that you allowed me - me (of all people) – to come under your protection here in New Zealand. When I wanted to continue on with my battle plans, you patiently asked me to stay here yet still, little did I know that my search for Guru would end right here at the first leg of my battles. You see I had predetermined war that I was to win, but actually your fatherly compassion sat me down and gradually began, personally and through, your expert disciples taking off my artificial armour.
I wish I could conceive how infinite your love and concern for my spiritual wellbeing is so that I could simply reciprocate with you by becoming attached to your transcendental service, words and guidance as food for my soul.
Dearest Gurudeva please don’t give up on me even though I find it difficult to follow even your simplest instructions - for my desire is to always please you.
Your aspiring servant
Itumeleng (i.e. “Be happy”:))
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A year ago, on the appearance day of Sri Nityananda I desperately prayed at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nityananda to please reveal who you are to me…I naively wore my heart on my sleeve, hoping that the eternal true love, that I had misplaced somewhere would finally be manifest to me – I knew that it was there – but where! I now longed to meet you because it finally dawned on me that at your lotus feet alone is where my heart will finally find peace.
I prayed again, please Srila Prabhupada – please Lord Nityananda…as I did so a flower fell from Lord Caitainya’s crown…Did Gurudeva finally hear me crying?
I thought my prayers were vain, so I bought a journal for you, wherein I would write to you when I needed you, but when that time came, oh so often it came, I couldn’t write, I could only cry and entangle myself more and more in the grip of Maya devi.
Uncertain whether or not you, Prabhupada or the Lord had heard my prayers, a few months ago I made the difficult choice to leave home in search for my real self. But this real self would have to have a suitable survival armour to fight Maya devi: pride, confidence, assertiveness, bravery, knowledge, purity, beauty, wealth, aloof, detached etc, for when I resurfaced with this armour Maya devi would not be able to break me down any longer…
This personal war with Maya devi did not quite happen, because dearest Gurudeva you intervened – you had indeed heard me crying for you. How do I describe how grateful I am that you allowed me - me (of all people) – to come under your protection here in New Zealand. When I wanted to continue on with my battle plans, you patiently asked me to stay here yet still, little did I know that my search for Guru would end right here at the first leg of my battles. You see I had predetermined war that I was to win, but actually your fatherly compassion sat me down and gradually began, personally and through, your expert disciples taking off my artificial armour.
I wish I could conceive how infinite your love and concern for my spiritual wellbeing is so that I could simply reciprocate with you by becoming attached to your transcendental service, words and guidance as food for my soul.
Dearest Gurudeva please don’t give up on me even though I find it difficult to follow even your simplest instructions - for my desire is to always please you.
Your aspiring servant
Itumeleng (i.e. “Be happy”:))
Jai Murari dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On your visit this year to Cardiff, you'd adjusted your schedule to come and enliven the surrendered devotees in Cardiff who are persevering to share the ever fresh bhakti yoga culture. As I'd not been able to attend your visit earlier in the year I was deeply grateful that you'd come again. Your talks as always brought to life the bhakti philosophy, enabling us to relate and apply to our lives.
Its easy to get caught up in the daily grind. You once said, 'Though the ultimate goal may seem impossibly far away, never forget that in these most difficult times for making spiritual or even material advancement, Krishna makes the path back to Him the easiest option'. Remembering this, in the coming year I shall endeavour for quality hearing and chanting.
Your servant,
Jai murari dasi
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On your visit this year to Cardiff, you'd adjusted your schedule to come and enliven the surrendered devotees in Cardiff who are persevering to share the ever fresh bhakti yoga culture. As I'd not been able to attend your visit earlier in the year I was deeply grateful that you'd come again. Your talks as always brought to life the bhakti philosophy, enabling us to relate and apply to our lives.
Its easy to get caught up in the daily grind. You once said, 'Though the ultimate goal may seem impossibly far away, never forget that in these most difficult times for making spiritual or even material advancement, Krishna makes the path back to Him the easiest option'. Remembering this, in the coming year I shall endeavour for quality hearing and chanting.
Your servant,
Jai murari dasi
Jai Saci Nandana das
Nama om visnu-padaya Krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurudeva,
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja I feel a great sense of gratitude towards you for the guidance, support and shelter provided over the years.
At our recent conversation in Mumbai (Chowpatty, June 2015), you were explaining I should not complicate my affairs through the mundane pursuit of material acquisitions and corporate elevation, even though these might not be lofty aspirations.
I agreed there are times, I feel consumed in flames of trying to manage these pursuits given the constant barrage of allurements and so called road to financial security. You were reminding me how a simple life is akin to making rapid spiritual progress and I agreed.
The message was clear and concise; I should not complicate my life and affairs.
Thank you Gurudev, as my intention is to serve you more and more in whatever capacity possible and in the mood of absolute surrender without a tinge of wanting instant glorification.
Lastly I pray for your long life and wellbeing and I hope you can continue guiding this fallen soul knowing out there countless others waiting to get your mercy.
Your servant
Jai Saci Nandana Das
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurudeva,
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja I feel a great sense of gratitude towards you for the guidance, support and shelter provided over the years.
At our recent conversation in Mumbai (Chowpatty, June 2015), you were explaining I should not complicate my affairs through the mundane pursuit of material acquisitions and corporate elevation, even though these might not be lofty aspirations.
I agreed there are times, I feel consumed in flames of trying to manage these pursuits given the constant barrage of allurements and so called road to financial security. You were reminding me how a simple life is akin to making rapid spiritual progress and I agreed.
The message was clear and concise; I should not complicate my life and affairs.
Thank you Gurudev, as my intention is to serve you more and more in whatever capacity possible and in the mood of absolute surrender without a tinge of wanting instant glorification.
Lastly I pray for your long life and wellbeing and I hope you can continue guiding this fallen soul knowing out there countless others waiting to get your mercy.
Your servant
Jai Saci Nandana Das
James & Devamrita Chesterman (Auckland, NZ)
From James
To my beloved spiritual master, HH Devamrita Swami
Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva, I offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
I am very very grateful for what you have done for me & my life. I can clearly recall when we first met in January 2001, & the following 18+ months as I cleaned myself up. I feel that I still have so much to improve, to offer in your service.
It is a remarkable achievement to pull someone up out of such a muck & clean them off, but you very easily inspired me, & have been gracefully patient with me.
I think that the Loft in Auckland is perhaps the best place. It's amazing that, even when you're not physically there, you are vividly there.. by your constant guidance, to keep the bhakti train chugging along smoothly.. with fun & bounce. Thanks so much!
I often pray for you, when I go before Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari - that Krsna will keep you safe & protected.. I know that He is already doing that, as you have dedicated yourself & life to Him, but I still want to make that request
Your aspiring servant, James
-----------------------------------
From Devamrita (aka "Deva")
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. First of all, you are one amazing spiritual master; you have encouraged me to chant my rounds, you tell me to always take shelter of Krsna, & always looking after me dearly. Your mercy is as great as pollen from a nectar flower.
You must have made a lot of spiritual progression to become this advanced. Finally someone has pulled me out from the cobweb of maya & set me free so I can take shelter of Krsna!
And also I like your jokes, there's this one I really like : You were giving class at Nitai-cand's house & someone asked, "Would you like this window open Gurudeva?"
Your reply was, "No thank you.. I stay warm while you devotees freeze!"
I love that joke
Thank you Gurudeva for letting me share this speech with you
Hare Krsna
To my beloved spiritual master, HH Devamrita Swami
Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva, I offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
I am very very grateful for what you have done for me & my life. I can clearly recall when we first met in January 2001, & the following 18+ months as I cleaned myself up. I feel that I still have so much to improve, to offer in your service.
It is a remarkable achievement to pull someone up out of such a muck & clean them off, but you very easily inspired me, & have been gracefully patient with me.
I think that the Loft in Auckland is perhaps the best place. It's amazing that, even when you're not physically there, you are vividly there.. by your constant guidance, to keep the bhakti train chugging along smoothly.. with fun & bounce. Thanks so much!
I often pray for you, when I go before Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari - that Krsna will keep you safe & protected.. I know that He is already doing that, as you have dedicated yourself & life to Him, but I still want to make that request
Your aspiring servant, James
-----------------------------------
From Devamrita (aka "Deva")
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. First of all, you are one amazing spiritual master; you have encouraged me to chant my rounds, you tell me to always take shelter of Krsna, & always looking after me dearly. Your mercy is as great as pollen from a nectar flower.
You must have made a lot of spiritual progression to become this advanced. Finally someone has pulled me out from the cobweb of maya & set me free so I can take shelter of Krsna!
And also I like your jokes, there's this one I really like : You were giving class at Nitai-cand's house & someone asked, "Would you like this window open Gurudeva?"
Your reply was, "No thank you.. I stay warm while you devotees freeze!"
I love that joke
Thank you Gurudeva for letting me share this speech with you
Hare Krsna
Janesvari devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. And all glories to You on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja!!
By the Lord's inconceivable mercy and kindness, He sends a bona fide spiritual master to a disciple who is ready to surrender to the lotus feet of such a qualified guru.
I pray on this day that I may become qualified to serve and surrender to your lotus feet, by following your instructions wholeheartedly and without ulterior motives.
With great care and affection, you expertly guide each and every one of your disciples to make progress in their devotional service.
Pure devotional service to guru, Krsna and the Vaisnavas is the highest goal and the perfection of human life.
Dear Gurudeva, you continue to reach out to the fallen conditioned souls in this age of quarrel and hypocracy.
Without any interest for your personal gain or profit, adoration or distinction, despite the many health challenges,
you go on carrying out the mission of your spiritual master, HDG Srila Prabhupada.
Through his personal example, he has inspired your good self, and so many other great Vaisnavas, to carry out the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Bhaktivinod Thakur prayed : "Oh my Lord, when will the day come, when devotees from all around the world come together in Sridham Mayapur, to chant and dance in unity, calling out : "Jaya Sacinandana!!", Jaya Sacinandana, Gaura Hari!!"
This prophecy has now become a reality, and I feel greatly blessed to be part of this great benediction.
Without your causeless mercy and compassion, I would have still been 'out there', uselessly trying to pursue sense gratification.
'Thank you' Gurudeva, for giving us the greatest gift of life.
And most of all,' Thank you' for helping me to understand and realise the importance of chanting the Holy name of the Lord.
I pray that you will bestow your mercy upon me, so that i can develop a strong attachment and taste for chanting the Lord's Holy name without offenses.
May Krsna bless you with good health, so that you can continue to touch the hearts of many souls, who are searching for the Ultimate Supreme Pleasure.
Please bless me also that I can become qualified to assist you in serving the Divine couple, Sri-Sri Radha & Krsna in Their eternal spiritual abode, Goloka Vrindavana.
Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. And all glories to You on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja!!
By the Lord's inconceivable mercy and kindness, He sends a bona fide spiritual master to a disciple who is ready to surrender to the lotus feet of such a qualified guru.
I pray on this day that I may become qualified to serve and surrender to your lotus feet, by following your instructions wholeheartedly and without ulterior motives.
With great care and affection, you expertly guide each and every one of your disciples to make progress in their devotional service.
Pure devotional service to guru, Krsna and the Vaisnavas is the highest goal and the perfection of human life.
Dear Gurudeva, you continue to reach out to the fallen conditioned souls in this age of quarrel and hypocracy.
Without any interest for your personal gain or profit, adoration or distinction, despite the many health challenges,
you go on carrying out the mission of your spiritual master, HDG Srila Prabhupada.
Through his personal example, he has inspired your good self, and so many other great Vaisnavas, to carry out the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Bhaktivinod Thakur prayed : "Oh my Lord, when will the day come, when devotees from all around the world come together in Sridham Mayapur, to chant and dance in unity, calling out : "Jaya Sacinandana!!", Jaya Sacinandana, Gaura Hari!!"
This prophecy has now become a reality, and I feel greatly blessed to be part of this great benediction.
Without your causeless mercy and compassion, I would have still been 'out there', uselessly trying to pursue sense gratification.
'Thank you' Gurudeva, for giving us the greatest gift of life.
And most of all,' Thank you' for helping me to understand and realise the importance of chanting the Holy name of the Lord.
I pray that you will bestow your mercy upon me, so that i can develop a strong attachment and taste for chanting the Lord's Holy name without offenses.
May Krsna bless you with good health, so that you can continue to touch the hearts of many souls, who are searching for the Ultimate Supreme Pleasure.
Please bless me also that I can become qualified to assist you in serving the Divine couple, Sri-Sri Radha & Krsna in Their eternal spiritual abode, Goloka Vrindavana.
Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi
Jaya Jagannatha das
Nama Om Visnu padaya Krsna presthaya bhu tale Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Prachare purva daksyam ca Bhakta chare pravinatha pararthathape karunyam yasya sarve ca Te namah
All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
Srila Gurudeva is my most dear Guide and Shelter in this world of misery and confusion. Vrajendra Nandana Krsna in his Bhagavad Gita States that he is suhrdam sarva bhutanam. That he is the best and ever well wishing friend of every living entity. Srila Gurudeva you being his very intimate servitor( Kintu prabhor ya priya Eva tasya) and you being one with Krsna as his representative (saksad dharitvena samasta sastrair uktas tatha Bhava yatha eva sadbhih) I have felt this wonderfully amazing quality in you.
Many times I have found myself getting swayed and mislead by Krsna's illusory energy known as maya. Krsna states daivi hyesa guna mayi mama maya duratyaya mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti Te. This divine energy of mine consisting of the three modes of material nature is very difficult to overcome, but to those who surrender unto Me can easily cross beyond it. I have found that when I have taken shelter of you, Krsna's dear representative, in my times of difficulty the same principle applies. When I have confided in you, you have most mercifully given me the perfect advice to relieve me of my bewilderment. And most recently when I most immaturely suggested a proposal that would have greatly impacted my devotional life, you gave me the perfect siksa which I have surrendered to and am now experiencing the blissful fruits of it.
Your mood of para upakara is synonymous with the mood of the Gopis in Vrindavan. As we have learnt from Prabhupada's siksa the Gopis of Vrindavan make arrangements for other gopis to meet with Krsna and thus they experience ten million times the happiness than making them own selves meet with Krsna. This is your mood, you are constantly making endeavours on how to connect all the jiva's into the pure unalloyed devotional service of Radha and Krsna. You are a revolutionary in your field on connecting the current contempory western society to Krsna consciousness. And we can see from around the globe your impact on the western preaching, even I have heard that many senior leaders in ISKCON look to you for guidance and inspiration on the western preaching front. If one observes particularly your para upakara efforts in the land of New Zealand, one cannot help but become seriously inspired by seeing how nicely so many young people are taking up the path of pure Bhakti with all sincerity and also enthusiastically disseminating Pure Bhakti via mass book distribution, Prasad distribution, Harinam sankirtan and through the wonderful urban preaching centre's. You are most dear to Radha and Krsna for all this.
If one desires to become dear to Krsna then one must get the mercy of his dear Devotee. We learn from Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura yasya prasadad Bhagavat prasado yasya prasadan na gatih kuto pih. If one wants to get the mercy of Krsna one must get the mercy of Sri Gurudeva, without Gurudeva's mercy one cannot even hope to make advancement on the path of pure devotion. Therefore I am begging for your mercy on your most auspicious Vyasa puja day. Please accept this fallen soul and bless me with Prema Bhakti.
Your insignificant servant Jaya Jagannatha das
Prachare purva daksyam ca Bhakta chare pravinatha pararthathape karunyam yasya sarve ca Te namah
All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
Srila Gurudeva is my most dear Guide and Shelter in this world of misery and confusion. Vrajendra Nandana Krsna in his Bhagavad Gita States that he is suhrdam sarva bhutanam. That he is the best and ever well wishing friend of every living entity. Srila Gurudeva you being his very intimate servitor( Kintu prabhor ya priya Eva tasya) and you being one with Krsna as his representative (saksad dharitvena samasta sastrair uktas tatha Bhava yatha eva sadbhih) I have felt this wonderfully amazing quality in you.
Many times I have found myself getting swayed and mislead by Krsna's illusory energy known as maya. Krsna states daivi hyesa guna mayi mama maya duratyaya mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti Te. This divine energy of mine consisting of the three modes of material nature is very difficult to overcome, but to those who surrender unto Me can easily cross beyond it. I have found that when I have taken shelter of you, Krsna's dear representative, in my times of difficulty the same principle applies. When I have confided in you, you have most mercifully given me the perfect advice to relieve me of my bewilderment. And most recently when I most immaturely suggested a proposal that would have greatly impacted my devotional life, you gave me the perfect siksa which I have surrendered to and am now experiencing the blissful fruits of it.
Your mood of para upakara is synonymous with the mood of the Gopis in Vrindavan. As we have learnt from Prabhupada's siksa the Gopis of Vrindavan make arrangements for other gopis to meet with Krsna and thus they experience ten million times the happiness than making them own selves meet with Krsna. This is your mood, you are constantly making endeavours on how to connect all the jiva's into the pure unalloyed devotional service of Radha and Krsna. You are a revolutionary in your field on connecting the current contempory western society to Krsna consciousness. And we can see from around the globe your impact on the western preaching, even I have heard that many senior leaders in ISKCON look to you for guidance and inspiration on the western preaching front. If one observes particularly your para upakara efforts in the land of New Zealand, one cannot help but become seriously inspired by seeing how nicely so many young people are taking up the path of pure Bhakti with all sincerity and also enthusiastically disseminating Pure Bhakti via mass book distribution, Prasad distribution, Harinam sankirtan and through the wonderful urban preaching centre's. You are most dear to Radha and Krsna for all this.
If one desires to become dear to Krsna then one must get the mercy of his dear Devotee. We learn from Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura yasya prasadad Bhagavat prasado yasya prasadan na gatih kuto pih. If one wants to get the mercy of Krsna one must get the mercy of Sri Gurudeva, without Gurudeva's mercy one cannot even hope to make advancement on the path of pure devotion. Therefore I am begging for your mercy on your most auspicious Vyasa puja day. Please accept this fallen soul and bless me with Prema Bhakti.
Your insignificant servant Jaya Jagannatha das
Jayadeva Kavi das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In New Zealand we’re addicted to so many bad habits and blind in knowledge of the purpose of life. But somehow your outreach efforts are encouraging deranged persons like myself to practice bhakti.
I want to show appreciation for how you are always dynamic in your preaching, always finding new ways to attract people to Krishna consciousness. Just like Srila Prabhupada said, “management means to create a demand for Krishna consciousness where there isn’t any.” This is what you are expert in: attracting people to Krishna in so many diverse ways.
I recently attended a national convention for entrepreneurs. The atmosphere was surcharged with passion, material aspirations, optimism. Everyone was ‘fired up’ about mundane business and success. It’s sad to see such a misapplication of intelligence. If these people were practitioners of bhakti they could really do some great outreach work.
Despite it all I did take some good pointers away with me. I learnt this new word: ‘iteration.’ Apparently a common quality of those who are successful in business is that they’re known for their ability to constantly iterate. That is, they initiate a project or a marketing campaign for instance, see how well it goes, identity problems or weak points, make a solution, and then relaunch the campaign or project. It’s basically repeating a process over and over again, fine-tuning each time in order to get the best result possible.
Gurudeva, you are the master of transcendental iteration. I see this especially with The Loft and Bhakti Lounge centres. They’re never stagnant; always vibrant, fresh, keeping up with the beat. New talk topics, workshops, adjusted openning hours. You are always ready to try new things. You’re not attached to the status quo. Your motto is “whatever works.” You’re Krishna’s spiritual businessman.
Some time ago in Radhadesa, Belgium, you gave a series of lectures on urban outreach. In one recording you mentioned a key business principle: “you always have to understand who you’re in business for, who are your customers.” And you shared your simple technique for finding this. You stated, “I always ask questions.” You talk to the people. This shows that you are doing your market research. Understanding your customers’ desires and needs, and then creating a bhakti package that they’ll want to invest in. In this way we see The Loft paradigm is becoming a successful means of bringing the contemporary people to Krishna.
Thank you for your guidance over the years, and for never giving up on me. I beg to remain always connected to the service of helping bring others to Krishna.
Your servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In New Zealand we’re addicted to so many bad habits and blind in knowledge of the purpose of life. But somehow your outreach efforts are encouraging deranged persons like myself to practice bhakti.
I want to show appreciation for how you are always dynamic in your preaching, always finding new ways to attract people to Krishna consciousness. Just like Srila Prabhupada said, “management means to create a demand for Krishna consciousness where there isn’t any.” This is what you are expert in: attracting people to Krishna in so many diverse ways.
I recently attended a national convention for entrepreneurs. The atmosphere was surcharged with passion, material aspirations, optimism. Everyone was ‘fired up’ about mundane business and success. It’s sad to see such a misapplication of intelligence. If these people were practitioners of bhakti they could really do some great outreach work.
Despite it all I did take some good pointers away with me. I learnt this new word: ‘iteration.’ Apparently a common quality of those who are successful in business is that they’re known for their ability to constantly iterate. That is, they initiate a project or a marketing campaign for instance, see how well it goes, identity problems or weak points, make a solution, and then relaunch the campaign or project. It’s basically repeating a process over and over again, fine-tuning each time in order to get the best result possible.
Gurudeva, you are the master of transcendental iteration. I see this especially with The Loft and Bhakti Lounge centres. They’re never stagnant; always vibrant, fresh, keeping up with the beat. New talk topics, workshops, adjusted openning hours. You are always ready to try new things. You’re not attached to the status quo. Your motto is “whatever works.” You’re Krishna’s spiritual businessman.
Some time ago in Radhadesa, Belgium, you gave a series of lectures on urban outreach. In one recording you mentioned a key business principle: “you always have to understand who you’re in business for, who are your customers.” And you shared your simple technique for finding this. You stated, “I always ask questions.” You talk to the people. This shows that you are doing your market research. Understanding your customers’ desires and needs, and then creating a bhakti package that they’ll want to invest in. In this way we see The Loft paradigm is becoming a successful means of bringing the contemporary people to Krishna.
Thank you for your guidance over the years, and for never giving up on me. I beg to remain always connected to the service of helping bring others to Krishna.
Your servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Jīva Doya dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day!
There is a particular verse from the Bhagavad-gītā, which, whenever I hear it, always reminds me of my relationship with you:
gām āviśya ca bhūtāni
dhārayāmy aham ojasā
puṣṇāmi cauṣadhīḥ sarvāḥ
somo bhūtvā rasātmakaḥ
Kṛṣṇa says: I enter into each planet, and by My energy they stay in orbit. I become the moon and thereby supply the juice of life to all vegetables. (BG15.13)
The dictionary offers the following definition for the word ‘vegetable’:
“A person who is incapable of normal mental or physical activity, especially through brain damage.”
In this context, I have definitely proven myself to be a “vegetable”. From the spiritual point of view “normal mental or physical activity” means activity 100% directed toward Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure. Unfortunately for me, I have been brain-damaged by the material energy. Consequently, for many lifetimes I have been drifting deeper and deeper into a comatose state, blindly groping for the illusion of happiness separate from Kṛṣṇa.
Wonderfully, however, in this dark night of material existence, the gloomy cloud of misfortune has been swept aside by the gust of Kṛṣṇa’s mercy. Now this vegetable-like living entity is able to bask in the nourishing moon-like radiance of your holy presence, receiving from you the nectarean juice of spiritual life.
In the previously quoted verse, Lord Kṛṣṇa says that He “becomes the moon.” Similarly, it is stated in śāstra that the Lord appears as the spiritual master to dissipate the misfortune of the fallen conditioned souls and bring them back to His lotus feet. Uddhava prays in the Eleventh Canto:
naivopayanty apacitiṁ kavayas taveśa
brahmāyuṣāpi kṛtam ṛddha-mudaḥ smarantaḥ
yo 'ntar bahis tanu-bhṛtām aśubhaṁ vidhunvann
ācārya-caittya-vapuṣā sva-gatiṁ 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 Brahmā, for You appear in two features—externally as the ācārya and internally as the Supersoul—to deliver the embodied living being by directing him how to come to You.”
I am grateful to be among those souls fortunate enough to receive such sound vibrations from your lotus mouth, directing us back to the spiritual world. However, as I meditate specifically on the mercy you have shown to me in the past year, the fact that I have had several opportunities to engage in your personal service strikes me as more profound than anything else. Such precious moments of physical association with the spiritual master are certainly very valuable, especially for a neophyte like me.
Often during these times, when I was in close physical proximity to your divine lotus feet, I would find myself bewildered in trying to understand the extent of your mercy. I especially remember driving you to various places here in Auckland, at which time I would ponder at how wonderful it was that a pure mahā-bhāgavata devotee, with all the power of God behind him, was sitting right next to the basest type of humanoid, and engaging him in transcendental service. And I would, of course, fail to make logical sense of it all.
I can’t imagine that the presiding deity of the moon would be very inspired to come down and hang out with a stalk of broccoli. Yet I have repeatedly found myself in an even more mismatched situation. You, a paramahaṁsa of amazingly lofty devotional caliber, have chosen to give the rare gift of your association to me, a pathetic creature of the lowest sort.
How can I claim to understand such wonderful activities? Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself states in the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta:
yāṅra citte kṛṣṇa-premā karaye udaya
tāṅra vākya, kriyā, mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya
“Even the most learned man cannot understand the words, activities and symptoms of a person situated in love of Godhead.” (CC.Adi.23.39)
Yet I keep finding myself trying to wrap my head around the wonderful nature of your limitless compassion and mercy.
Thankfully, Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī encourages this:
śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya-dayā karaha vicāra
vicāra karite citte pābe camatkāra
“If you are indeed interested in logic and argument, kindly apply it to the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. If you do so, you will find it to be strikingly wonderful.” (CC.Adi.8.15)
If Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s mercy is to be found as strikingly wonderful, then what to speak of such a pure, unalloyed devotee of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as your good self.
As intensified embodiments of the Lord’s mercy, devotees like you nourish even the most dried-up vegetable-jīvas, showering upon them the succulent juice of spiritual life.
It would be a great privilege for me if, by your mercy, I could be elevated to the position of a vegetable in the spiritual world. I may then have the glorious opportunity of being prepared by a pure-hearted devotee like you, into a tasty vegetable dish for the pleasure of Śrī Vṛndāvana-candra.
But I guess I shouldn’t jump like a monkey toward such lofty aspirations. Instead, I pray that I may continue to be nourished by your cooling moon-like association. I pray that you continue to use your spiritually sharp instructions to cut the rotten pieces out of my heart, which is now hard like a beetroot. Please continue to cook me in the fire devotional service so that one day I may be tender enough for you to offer for the pleasure of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Your servant,
Jīva Doya dāsa
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day!
There is a particular verse from the Bhagavad-gītā, which, whenever I hear it, always reminds me of my relationship with you:
gām āviśya ca bhūtāni
dhārayāmy aham ojasā
puṣṇāmi cauṣadhīḥ sarvāḥ
somo bhūtvā rasātmakaḥ
Kṛṣṇa says: I enter into each planet, and by My energy they stay in orbit. I become the moon and thereby supply the juice of life to all vegetables. (BG15.13)
The dictionary offers the following definition for the word ‘vegetable’:
“A person who is incapable of normal mental or physical activity, especially through brain damage.”
In this context, I have definitely proven myself to be a “vegetable”. From the spiritual point of view “normal mental or physical activity” means activity 100% directed toward Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure. Unfortunately for me, I have been brain-damaged by the material energy. Consequently, for many lifetimes I have been drifting deeper and deeper into a comatose state, blindly groping for the illusion of happiness separate from Kṛṣṇa.
Wonderfully, however, in this dark night of material existence, the gloomy cloud of misfortune has been swept aside by the gust of Kṛṣṇa’s mercy. Now this vegetable-like living entity is able to bask in the nourishing moon-like radiance of your holy presence, receiving from you the nectarean juice of spiritual life.
In the previously quoted verse, Lord Kṛṣṇa says that He “becomes the moon.” Similarly, it is stated in śāstra that the Lord appears as the spiritual master to dissipate the misfortune of the fallen conditioned souls and bring them back to His lotus feet. Uddhava prays in the Eleventh Canto:
naivopayanty apacitiṁ kavayas taveśa
brahmāyuṣāpi kṛtam ṛddha-mudaḥ smarantaḥ
yo 'ntar bahis tanu-bhṛtām aśubhaṁ vidhunvann
ācārya-caittya-vapuṣā sva-gatiṁ 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 Brahmā, for You appear in two features—externally as the ācārya and internally as the Supersoul—to deliver the embodied living being by directing him how to come to You.”
I am grateful to be among those souls fortunate enough to receive such sound vibrations from your lotus mouth, directing us back to the spiritual world. However, as I meditate specifically on the mercy you have shown to me in the past year, the fact that I have had several opportunities to engage in your personal service strikes me as more profound than anything else. Such precious moments of physical association with the spiritual master are certainly very valuable, especially for a neophyte like me.
Often during these times, when I was in close physical proximity to your divine lotus feet, I would find myself bewildered in trying to understand the extent of your mercy. I especially remember driving you to various places here in Auckland, at which time I would ponder at how wonderful it was that a pure mahā-bhāgavata devotee, with all the power of God behind him, was sitting right next to the basest type of humanoid, and engaging him in transcendental service. And I would, of course, fail to make logical sense of it all.
I can’t imagine that the presiding deity of the moon would be very inspired to come down and hang out with a stalk of broccoli. Yet I have repeatedly found myself in an even more mismatched situation. You, a paramahaṁsa of amazingly lofty devotional caliber, have chosen to give the rare gift of your association to me, a pathetic creature of the lowest sort.
How can I claim to understand such wonderful activities? Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself states in the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta:
yāṅra citte kṛṣṇa-premā karaye udaya
tāṅra vākya, kriyā, mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya
“Even the most learned man cannot understand the words, activities and symptoms of a person situated in love of Godhead.” (CC.Adi.23.39)
Yet I keep finding myself trying to wrap my head around the wonderful nature of your limitless compassion and mercy.
Thankfully, Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī encourages this:
śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya-dayā karaha vicāra
vicāra karite citte pābe camatkāra
“If you are indeed interested in logic and argument, kindly apply it to the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. If you do so, you will find it to be strikingly wonderful.” (CC.Adi.8.15)
If Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s mercy is to be found as strikingly wonderful, then what to speak of such a pure, unalloyed devotee of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as your good self.
As intensified embodiments of the Lord’s mercy, devotees like you nourish even the most dried-up vegetable-jīvas, showering upon them the succulent juice of spiritual life.
It would be a great privilege for me if, by your mercy, I could be elevated to the position of a vegetable in the spiritual world. I may then have the glorious opportunity of being prepared by a pure-hearted devotee like you, into a tasty vegetable dish for the pleasure of Śrī Vṛndāvana-candra.
But I guess I shouldn’t jump like a monkey toward such lofty aspirations. Instead, I pray that I may continue to be nourished by your cooling moon-like association. I pray that you continue to use your spiritually sharp instructions to cut the rotten pieces out of my heart, which is now hard like a beetroot. Please continue to cook me in the fire devotional service so that one day I may be tender enough for you to offer for the pleasure of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Your servant,
Jīva Doya dāsa
Jiva-maya Devi Dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your tireless efforts to spread his divine mercy.
Each time I see you you raise the bar and surpass all my expectations. Some would think of this as a novice ABC sloka, but when I read this verse I connected it with how I feel when I'm in your association: BG 5.17 "The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste]."
My mind is begging you to treat me as this body and mind, and to show me love and compassion on this level, but you refuse to settle for a lower form of love, just as you describe to new guests that you refused to settle for the lower pleasures of Manhattan city life! You really must see the spirit soul inside each being. I can only aspire to serve you and for that high standard to trickle down through the cracks of the boulders my ego holds up against the waterfalls of mercy you offer.
In that vein (and quoting my favourite sankirtan verse!) I want to take this opportunity on your auspicious vyasa puja to commit to going out on the street more, as you encouraged. As you said, I am never happier than when reaching out. I wish my happiness wasn't my main priority and that your happiness could reign supreme in my desire. I can't do much but I pray you accept what I can do and I pray for at least the ability to bring more bright souls to your feet the next time you grace Cardiff-dhama.
Praying for your health and pleasure, all glories to you and thank you eternally.
Your spiritual daughter, aspiring to grow up and start giving back, Jiva-maya Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your tireless efforts to spread his divine mercy.
Each time I see you you raise the bar and surpass all my expectations. Some would think of this as a novice ABC sloka, but when I read this verse I connected it with how I feel when I'm in your association: BG 5.17 "The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste]."
My mind is begging you to treat me as this body and mind, and to show me love and compassion on this level, but you refuse to settle for a lower form of love, just as you describe to new guests that you refused to settle for the lower pleasures of Manhattan city life! You really must see the spirit soul inside each being. I can only aspire to serve you and for that high standard to trickle down through the cracks of the boulders my ego holds up against the waterfalls of mercy you offer.
In that vein (and quoting my favourite sankirtan verse!) I want to take this opportunity on your auspicious vyasa puja to commit to going out on the street more, as you encouraged. As you said, I am never happier than when reaching out. I wish my happiness wasn't my main priority and that your happiness could reign supreme in my desire. I can't do much but I pray you accept what I can do and I pray for at least the ability to bring more bright souls to your feet the next time you grace Cardiff-dhama.
Praying for your health and pleasure, all glories to you and thank you eternally.
Your spiritual daughter, aspiring to grow up and start giving back, Jiva-maya Devi Dasi
Julio Vargas
Dear, Devamrita Swami
Kindly accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Although my feeble self, cannot comprehend this glorious day of your Vyasa-Puja, I want to thank you with all that I can offer for allowing me to take shelter. As my devotional life, is just beginning I hope that one day I can properly perform Sadhana, firmly situated in your Divine instructions.
On this glorious day I am eternally indebted to you, for it has been by Your Grace that I have been given the opportunity to perform Devotional Service in this lifetime. I hope that I can one day fulfill my promise, and somehow or other serve in Lord Chaitanya’s mission as a humble menial servant.
Dear Gurudev, please allow me to serve your disciples, for at the moment it is the only way that I can properly serve You. It is beyond my capacity to understand this Auspicious day, but all that I know is that I am eternally indebted to my Spiritual Master.
Begging to be a humble servant,
Julio Vargas
Kindly accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Although my feeble self, cannot comprehend this glorious day of your Vyasa-Puja, I want to thank you with all that I can offer for allowing me to take shelter. As my devotional life, is just beginning I hope that one day I can properly perform Sadhana, firmly situated in your Divine instructions.
On this glorious day I am eternally indebted to you, for it has been by Your Grace that I have been given the opportunity to perform Devotional Service in this lifetime. I hope that I can one day fulfill my promise, and somehow or other serve in Lord Chaitanya’s mission as a humble menial servant.
Dear Gurudev, please allow me to serve your disciples, for at the moment it is the only way that I can properly serve You. It is beyond my capacity to understand this Auspicious day, but all that I know is that I am eternally indebted to my Spiritual Master.
Begging to be a humble servant,
Julio Vargas
Kalyani Radha devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this holy day of your appearance.
“To whom much is given, much is expected” -King James Bible. You are so mercifully handing the diamonds of devotional service but as I child I do not fully realise the wealth I have in my possession. So over time I have allowed it to become grubby, and dusty with neglect. Material desires and misconceptions are my coating but you are the merciful rain cloud that washes away the grime. Your instructions are like the rudder to my boat, without them I will never reach the destination but wallow in the ocean of material miseries birth after birth.
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
"I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him".
Thank you Gurudeva without your guidance I would still be wandering through the streets of material life, searching for fulfillment but finding only dead ends.
I can never repay all that you have given. I am mortgaged to the hilt, constantly in over draft and in ever increasing debt as you give more than I can ever repay. I am in the red and sinking. How can I repay this unrepayable debt?
I hope to shrug off my covering of selfishness and pride and become useful to you in some way.
Thank you for your patience, you have waited while I wasted time. Squandering the opportunities right sitting in front of me. I am getting older, nearly another decade through this life. I pray that I can learn to ask for and receive the guidance I need, take full advantage of my fortunate situation, and to use everything in Krsna's service (as you have many times asked me to do!)
Trying to be your servant,
Kalyani Radha
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this holy day of your appearance.
“To whom much is given, much is expected” -King James Bible. You are so mercifully handing the diamonds of devotional service but as I child I do not fully realise the wealth I have in my possession. So over time I have allowed it to become grubby, and dusty with neglect. Material desires and misconceptions are my coating but you are the merciful rain cloud that washes away the grime. Your instructions are like the rudder to my boat, without them I will never reach the destination but wallow in the ocean of material miseries birth after birth.
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
"I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him".
Thank you Gurudeva without your guidance I would still be wandering through the streets of material life, searching for fulfillment but finding only dead ends.
I can never repay all that you have given. I am mortgaged to the hilt, constantly in over draft and in ever increasing debt as you give more than I can ever repay. I am in the red and sinking. How can I repay this unrepayable debt?
I hope to shrug off my covering of selfishness and pride and become useful to you in some way.
Thank you for your patience, you have waited while I wasted time. Squandering the opportunities right sitting in front of me. I am getting older, nearly another decade through this life. I pray that I can learn to ask for and receive the guidance I need, take full advantage of my fortunate situation, and to use everything in Krsna's service (as you have many times asked me to do!)
Trying to be your servant,
Kalyani Radha
Kamsari Sena Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you!
Krsna Himself clearly indicates that for the devotee dedicated to spreading His glories "Pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear."
You are certainly most dear to Krsna and Srila Prabhupada. Seeking the dust of Srila Prabhupada’s feet you maintained your preaching activities outside of the iron curtain but also took the responsibility to plant the seed of bhakti under the iron curtain. This is your glory and that is why you’re dear to Krsna. While consistently endeavouring to expand the ISKCON movement you always encourage us to also do so.
Learn to love to read the books and learn to love to distribute them.
What are these books? Every chapter, page, word is simply glorification of the Absolute Truth Lord Sri Krsna. Srila Prabhupada was always very particular that his books be published and distributed. Even if he reads one word, Prabhupada says, will be of great benefit for any person who comes in contact with his books. They will get a chance to revive their dormant love of Godhead.
What's more is that you are also engaging me in spreading such glories too! I still pinch myself how is it that someone like me is able to do so? I am sense gratifier in the garb of a devotee.
The answer is as Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings:
"If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. "
When will I give up sense gratification and become invigorated with the mentality of devotional service? How else can I hope to ever please you what to speak of relishing the mellows of devotional service to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu? It's all possible by your mercy.
By your mercy I am able to do things which are otherwise impossible to be performed. That is why I can teach others about the science of Krsna consciousness. That is why I am able to remain in Krsna consciousness. That is why I have the association of devotees. Most importantly that is why I have the topmost treasure - service to Krsna. By inspiring me to spread Krsna’s glories you have given me an opportunity to experience a tangible relationship with Krsna and not some mundane religious sentimental experience.
Now I have been given that precious treasure let me take this auspicious celebration of your appearance as an opportunity to re-dedicate my life to helping you in giving Krsna consciousness to others. Whether it may be giving a book or helping someone turn the pages of the books - may always remember that in this way, I am assisting you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Please give me the shelter of your lotus feet. That is the only way I can continue to be engaged in devotional service that is unmotivated, uninterrupted and is aimed at only pleasing Krsna. That is the perfection that fulfils all desires.
endeavouring to always remain your faithful insignificant servant,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you!
Krsna Himself clearly indicates that for the devotee dedicated to spreading His glories "Pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear."
You are certainly most dear to Krsna and Srila Prabhupada. Seeking the dust of Srila Prabhupada’s feet you maintained your preaching activities outside of the iron curtain but also took the responsibility to plant the seed of bhakti under the iron curtain. This is your glory and that is why you’re dear to Krsna. While consistently endeavouring to expand the ISKCON movement you always encourage us to also do so.
Learn to love to read the books and learn to love to distribute them.
What are these books? Every chapter, page, word is simply glorification of the Absolute Truth Lord Sri Krsna. Srila Prabhupada was always very particular that his books be published and distributed. Even if he reads one word, Prabhupada says, will be of great benefit for any person who comes in contact with his books. They will get a chance to revive their dormant love of Godhead.
What's more is that you are also engaging me in spreading such glories too! I still pinch myself how is it that someone like me is able to do so? I am sense gratifier in the garb of a devotee.
The answer is as Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings:
"If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. "
When will I give up sense gratification and become invigorated with the mentality of devotional service? How else can I hope to ever please you what to speak of relishing the mellows of devotional service to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu? It's all possible by your mercy.
By your mercy I am able to do things which are otherwise impossible to be performed. That is why I can teach others about the science of Krsna consciousness. That is why I am able to remain in Krsna consciousness. That is why I have the association of devotees. Most importantly that is why I have the topmost treasure - service to Krsna. By inspiring me to spread Krsna’s glories you have given me an opportunity to experience a tangible relationship with Krsna and not some mundane religious sentimental experience.
Now I have been given that precious treasure let me take this auspicious celebration of your appearance as an opportunity to re-dedicate my life to helping you in giving Krsna consciousness to others. Whether it may be giving a book or helping someone turn the pages of the books - may always remember that in this way, I am assisting you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Please give me the shelter of your lotus feet. That is the only way I can continue to be engaged in devotional service that is unmotivated, uninterrupted and is aimed at only pleasing Krsna. That is the perfection that fulfils all desires.
endeavouring to always remain your faithful insignificant servant,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Kardami Kapila das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
From day to day I'm realizing your glorious position. It's unbelieveble how powerfull is the illusory energy of Krishna. It can easily make everything to look ordinary. And then we start to see real things unreal and unreal things real. It is so powerfull and permanently testing us for our sincerity and right motive in everything that we do and think. It is so powerfull that it can make the spiritual master to look ordinary person. But through the mercy of the pure devotee like you and your representatives and all Vaisnavas, the thick curtain of illusory starts to lift up and we can see the light of Krishna from the other side. Only through this unconditional mercy one can understand the real position of Krishna, of his spiritual master and himself.
In my case this is the reason to see how I owe everything to your mercy. Following the whole process under your guidance appeared to be mighty weapon. I remember how my godbrother Pandava Bandava Prabhu told me once ‘’always keep dharma in your heart and dharma will always protect you’’. So now I see how it really protects me in this not really pleasant atmosphere.
Guru Maharaj, you really poses all the qualities of spiritual master described in Shastra. One can start to realize your transcendental nature even when just hearing your voice. You poses so big love and unconditional mercy from Krishna and despite of all the difficulties of the material world, you never stop to pour them out on us.
Samsara davanala lidha loka tranaja karunja ghanaganatvam praptasja kaljana
gunarnavasja vande guroh sri charanaravindam.
So I dare to say that you are real representative of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Please, dear Father, be merciful to me and lead me to the right way back home, back to Krishna.
Please, forgive the ignorance and the offenses which I make under or not under my will.
Only you know how to pick out these souls who have appeared in the trap of Maya.
I am permanently floating in the ocean of illusion and because of your mercy I start to realize that. With every next day your words and instructions start to be more understandable and I realize that this is the biggest treasure in life. Let me adapt to the vibration which is going out from your lotus mouth. Let me become one with your instructions and clean up the throne of my heart and put you on it. I want one day to serve you with my whole heart, body and speech. This is the only way for one to save himself and awake his sleeping love to Krishna. I strongly hope one day to qualify myself to be able to meet the high requirements of you and your representatives. I also hope one day to make you feel proud of me, as I feel proud that I am your disciple, even insignificant.
Let your words break out all the covers of the material world and catch all the living entities with the love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna Bhagavan.
Your disciple, Kardami Kapila das
From day to day I'm realizing your glorious position. It's unbelieveble how powerfull is the illusory energy of Krishna. It can easily make everything to look ordinary. And then we start to see real things unreal and unreal things real. It is so powerfull and permanently testing us for our sincerity and right motive in everything that we do and think. It is so powerfull that it can make the spiritual master to look ordinary person. But through the mercy of the pure devotee like you and your representatives and all Vaisnavas, the thick curtain of illusory starts to lift up and we can see the light of Krishna from the other side. Only through this unconditional mercy one can understand the real position of Krishna, of his spiritual master and himself.
In my case this is the reason to see how I owe everything to your mercy. Following the whole process under your guidance appeared to be mighty weapon. I remember how my godbrother Pandava Bandava Prabhu told me once ‘’always keep dharma in your heart and dharma will always protect you’’. So now I see how it really protects me in this not really pleasant atmosphere.
Guru Maharaj, you really poses all the qualities of spiritual master described in Shastra. One can start to realize your transcendental nature even when just hearing your voice. You poses so big love and unconditional mercy from Krishna and despite of all the difficulties of the material world, you never stop to pour them out on us.
Samsara davanala lidha loka tranaja karunja ghanaganatvam praptasja kaljana
gunarnavasja vande guroh sri charanaravindam.
So I dare to say that you are real representative of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Please, dear Father, be merciful to me and lead me to the right way back home, back to Krishna.
Please, forgive the ignorance and the offenses which I make under or not under my will.
Only you know how to pick out these souls who have appeared in the trap of Maya.
I am permanently floating in the ocean of illusion and because of your mercy I start to realize that. With every next day your words and instructions start to be more understandable and I realize that this is the biggest treasure in life. Let me adapt to the vibration which is going out from your lotus mouth. Let me become one with your instructions and clean up the throne of my heart and put you on it. I want one day to serve you with my whole heart, body and speech. This is the only way for one to save himself and awake his sleeping love to Krishna. I strongly hope one day to qualify myself to be able to meet the high requirements of you and your representatives. I also hope one day to make you feel proud of me, as I feel proud that I am your disciple, even insignificant.
Let your words break out all the covers of the material world and catch all the living entities with the love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna Bhagavan.
Your disciple, Kardami Kapila das
Karuna Gaura dasa
Dear Devamṛta Mahārāja
Please accept my prostrate obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!!
My appreciation this year on your most auspicious Vyāsa-pūjā is the eloquence in your speech, and not only that but also your realizations. Dear Guru Mahārāja you are a true master when it comes to speaking Hari-kathā and singing Hari-kīrtana!
I was attracted to you when I first heard (in 2012) your Happiness Seminar based on The Teachings of Prahlāda Mahārāja, and since then my relish for your style of speaking about Bhakti Philosophy and Kṛṣṇa keeps increasing exponentially. Your versatile ability to handle any audience and give them just what they need to hear is incredibly amazing to witness. Anyone from all different walks of life can be attracted to Kṛṣṇa when they hear you speak. Indeed it is by your special mercy that I can carry on hearing everyday about Kṛṣṇa and His devotees at work; whilst commuting; whilst cooking; whilst cleaning; etc. My daily Kṛṣṇa consciousness depends on your lectures Guru Mahārāja.
You know everything Guru Mahārāja, because you have mastered what you preach; therefore I am confident in saying you are one of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s qualified ācāryas.
My only wish is that I can always keep hearing you speak (and roar in kīrtana), even when my reactions for my sins and offences catch up with me I can still have the ability to hear you. Therefore on this day I pray that you please bless me that I can serve your instructions and follow them, I beg for your mercy to be humble and always remember your instructions and never forget them – <i>for that is what will make you pleased with me</i>.
Your most fallen son,
Karuṇa Gaura dāsa.
Please accept my prostrate obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!!
My appreciation this year on your most auspicious Vyāsa-pūjā is the eloquence in your speech, and not only that but also your realizations. Dear Guru Mahārāja you are a true master when it comes to speaking Hari-kathā and singing Hari-kīrtana!
I was attracted to you when I first heard (in 2012) your Happiness Seminar based on The Teachings of Prahlāda Mahārāja, and since then my relish for your style of speaking about Bhakti Philosophy and Kṛṣṇa keeps increasing exponentially. Your versatile ability to handle any audience and give them just what they need to hear is incredibly amazing to witness. Anyone from all different walks of life can be attracted to Kṛṣṇa when they hear you speak. Indeed it is by your special mercy that I can carry on hearing everyday about Kṛṣṇa and His devotees at work; whilst commuting; whilst cooking; whilst cleaning; etc. My daily Kṛṣṇa consciousness depends on your lectures Guru Mahārāja.
You know everything Guru Mahārāja, because you have mastered what you preach; therefore I am confident in saying you are one of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s qualified ācāryas.
My only wish is that I can always keep hearing you speak (and roar in kīrtana), even when my reactions for my sins and offences catch up with me I can still have the ability to hear you. Therefore on this day I pray that you please bless me that I can serve your instructions and follow them, I beg for your mercy to be humble and always remember your instructions and never forget them – <i>for that is what will make you pleased with me</i>.
Your most fallen son,
Karuṇa Gaura dāsa.
Karuna-purna Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your dedicated service unto him!
Everything you do brings to life the dormant desire in the living entities to rekindle their lost relationship with the Supreme Personality of love, Sri Krishna.
Your whole life is 100% dedicated to serving your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, and his mission. As I got to observe your schedule, during your visit to Melbourne in January this year, I was again amazed how your energy and enthusiasm seems limitless. Every single moment of your time is used in Krishna’s service, as your days are packed with sadhana, devotee care, outreach programs, classes and strategic planning for Krishna.
Your dedication and determination knows no boundaries. Nothing is ever too difficult for you when the result is desirable for Krishna’s service. No obstacle is too big. And your faith in Srila Prabhupada and Krishna is never to be shaken.
Indeed just a word, a glance, a smile or the sight of you stirs our hearts, and reminds us of our serious mission in life. You give us strength, hope and faith that overcoming the obstacles on the path of bhakti can be easily done, as long as we just follow your loving instructions.
Your entire life is a living praise of the Supreme Lord and a glowing example of what selfless service with sacrifice means. Last year some devotees in Melbourne performed a drama about your life, which was very sweet and inspirational. But it left us hungry for more... I know we are not meant to ask anything from our spiritual master, but today I would like to propose a plea that I have been desiring for a long time. I take strength from the following verse that my plea is bona fide:
“Śrī Vyāsadeva said: What did you [Nārada] do after the departure of the great sages who had instructed you in scientific transcendental knowledge before the beginning of your present birth?
PURPORT
Vyāsadeva himself was the disciple of Nāradajī, and therefore it was natural to be anxious to hear what Nārada did after initiation from the spiritual masters. He wanted to follow in Nārada’s footsteps in order to attain to the same perfect stage of life. This desire to inquire from the spiritual master is an essential factor to the progressive path. This process is technically known as sad-dharma-pṛcchā.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.6.4)
So my plea today, Gurudeva, is that if you like, at some point would you kindly write about the history of your experiences and endeavors in Krishna’s service. I am certain that this would be a great source of inspiration for all the devotees, as it would put our tiny problems in perspective with you literally risking your life to spread Krishna Consciousness.
My prayer is that I may be able to give up whatever is holding me back, and follow in your footsteps in order to be of some use in your service. I owe my whole life to you...
Your Servant, Karuna-purna dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your dedicated service unto him!
Everything you do brings to life the dormant desire in the living entities to rekindle their lost relationship with the Supreme Personality of love, Sri Krishna.
Your whole life is 100% dedicated to serving your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, and his mission. As I got to observe your schedule, during your visit to Melbourne in January this year, I was again amazed how your energy and enthusiasm seems limitless. Every single moment of your time is used in Krishna’s service, as your days are packed with sadhana, devotee care, outreach programs, classes and strategic planning for Krishna.
Your dedication and determination knows no boundaries. Nothing is ever too difficult for you when the result is desirable for Krishna’s service. No obstacle is too big. And your faith in Srila Prabhupada and Krishna is never to be shaken.
Indeed just a word, a glance, a smile or the sight of you stirs our hearts, and reminds us of our serious mission in life. You give us strength, hope and faith that overcoming the obstacles on the path of bhakti can be easily done, as long as we just follow your loving instructions.
Your entire life is a living praise of the Supreme Lord and a glowing example of what selfless service with sacrifice means. Last year some devotees in Melbourne performed a drama about your life, which was very sweet and inspirational. But it left us hungry for more... I know we are not meant to ask anything from our spiritual master, but today I would like to propose a plea that I have been desiring for a long time. I take strength from the following verse that my plea is bona fide:
“Śrī Vyāsadeva said: What did you [Nārada] do after the departure of the great sages who had instructed you in scientific transcendental knowledge before the beginning of your present birth?
PURPORT
Vyāsadeva himself was the disciple of Nāradajī, and therefore it was natural to be anxious to hear what Nārada did after initiation from the spiritual masters. He wanted to follow in Nārada’s footsteps in order to attain to the same perfect stage of life. This desire to inquire from the spiritual master is an essential factor to the progressive path. This process is technically known as sad-dharma-pṛcchā.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.6.4)
So my plea today, Gurudeva, is that if you like, at some point would you kindly write about the history of your experiences and endeavors in Krishna’s service. I am certain that this would be a great source of inspiration for all the devotees, as it would put our tiny problems in perspective with you literally risking your life to spread Krishna Consciousness.
My prayer is that I may be able to give up whatever is holding me back, and follow in your footsteps in order to be of some use in your service. I owe my whole life to you...
Your Servant, Karuna-purna dasi
Kasi Priya das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
And all glories to you, a dedicated servant of Srila Prabhupada and my dear spiritual master.
I remember back as a child, I would respectfully see adults as very knowledgeable and wise the older they were. Naively thinking they knew about life, thinking they figured it out. I was looking forward to know what they know and to live my life with the confidence of knowing how to achieve lives ultimate goal. Unfortunately once I grew up I realised that they do not know themselves, they do not know about live and its purpose and they are afraid, afraid of death. On birthdays of my many aunties and uncles all those old and lifeless bodies with their pale faces would simply talk about their and others sicknesses. They looked half dead, barely alive and while having coffee and cake they were waiting for cruel death to come and take them away, they were trying to escape, hope against hope.
Yesterday my wife and I had the opportunity to cater for a found raising event for the school she is working at. The school is run by the school of philosophy, some mayavada philosophers. The setting was their retreat centre, an old, posh mansion with huge grounds in Auckland. The program was jazz and wine, canapés and dinner and an auctions of art work to raise founds. The participants teachers who are members of the school of philosophy and parents of children of that school who are very well to do materially. The longer the evening went, the more the intoxication increased the more their pseudo sophisticated front disappeared, silly laughing and giggling increased and the ugliness of the character and mind of some surfaced. For prasadam my wife and I retreated away from the intoxicated crowd to their sanskrit study room. They have huge sanskrit dictionaries there and heaps of books. There I was thinking that all those members of the school of philosophy who may study some sanskrit, who study also 'Bhagavad Gita as it is not' and other scriptures and texts, who do some meditation and who philosophise their entire lives have nothing better to do than having wine and jazz and wasting their lives exactly like my aunties and uncles in lifeless bodies simply waiting for inevitable death.
And I was thinking, that could have been me. Despite reading books of philosophy, history and religion, despite the disappointment of material life there is nothing I could have done about it if you would not have picked me up from this ocean of misery and given me shelter. There is no moment you are wasting in trying to fulfil Srila Prabhupda's and Krishna's desire. Everything you do is 100% for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. Nothing you do is for your own sense gratification. You are constantly travelling, constantly making yourself available for the conditioned souls on this planet and if you could you would travel to other planets as well. Compassionately you are reaching your hand out to all the drowning conditioned souls and try to bring them back to take shelter at Krishna's lotus feet. I have witnessed myself how you tirelessly meet and speak to people at the Loft expertly trying to encourage them in Krishna consciousness even though your body is tired and jet lacked from all the travelling. And I have also heard from devotees who have spent some time travelling with you how you are simply keeping up your high pace where ever you go. You are always concerned about others and try to rescue them from a useless life. What motivates you I don't know, I can only speculate. Maybe it is your love and indebtedness for Srila Prabhupada? Your love for Krishna? Your taste for chanting Krishna's holy name? You unlimited compassion for all the unfortunate living entities? Or maybe it is your spiritual greed that one ticket back to Godhead wasn't enough? Maybe even two tickets weren't enough and you are still wanting more? Whatever your deepest motivations are, I can simply try to thank you, I can simply try to serve you.
Thank you, Gurudeva! You are the adult my childlike heart needs to look up to! You actually know the art of living perfectly, you know lives ultimate goal! And you know perfectly how to share this knowledge with others and expertly guide them and strengthen them in their devotional life. You expertly give life to lifeless bodies who are wasting their human form of life without a clue of lives ultimate goal.
Where would I be without your mercy? I don't want to know... There are unlimited examples all around us in this age of Kali and because you opened my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge I am beginning to see too. One of my dear God brothers, one of your disciples recently reminded me in a bhagavatam class that Krishna's mercy is unlimited and readily available for everyone. Only we need to be proper recipients of that mercy and then we are able to get it. So I pray for all the lost souls who are wasting their lives, all the dry philosophers, all the pseudo sophisticated posh people, all the drunkards, all the misguided students, all the blind career people - everyone - to become proper recipients for Krishna's mercy so they may be able to stop their nonsensical, useless, timewasting activities and make their lives perfect. And I also beg you that I may become a better recipient of your unlimited mercy so that I may remain forever
Your aspiring Servant
Kasi Priya das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
And all glories to you, a dedicated servant of Srila Prabhupada and my dear spiritual master.
I remember back as a child, I would respectfully see adults as very knowledgeable and wise the older they were. Naively thinking they knew about life, thinking they figured it out. I was looking forward to know what they know and to live my life with the confidence of knowing how to achieve lives ultimate goal. Unfortunately once I grew up I realised that they do not know themselves, they do not know about live and its purpose and they are afraid, afraid of death. On birthdays of my many aunties and uncles all those old and lifeless bodies with their pale faces would simply talk about their and others sicknesses. They looked half dead, barely alive and while having coffee and cake they were waiting for cruel death to come and take them away, they were trying to escape, hope against hope.
Yesterday my wife and I had the opportunity to cater for a found raising event for the school she is working at. The school is run by the school of philosophy, some mayavada philosophers. The setting was their retreat centre, an old, posh mansion with huge grounds in Auckland. The program was jazz and wine, canapés and dinner and an auctions of art work to raise founds. The participants teachers who are members of the school of philosophy and parents of children of that school who are very well to do materially. The longer the evening went, the more the intoxication increased the more their pseudo sophisticated front disappeared, silly laughing and giggling increased and the ugliness of the character and mind of some surfaced. For prasadam my wife and I retreated away from the intoxicated crowd to their sanskrit study room. They have huge sanskrit dictionaries there and heaps of books. There I was thinking that all those members of the school of philosophy who may study some sanskrit, who study also 'Bhagavad Gita as it is not' and other scriptures and texts, who do some meditation and who philosophise their entire lives have nothing better to do than having wine and jazz and wasting their lives exactly like my aunties and uncles in lifeless bodies simply waiting for inevitable death.
And I was thinking, that could have been me. Despite reading books of philosophy, history and religion, despite the disappointment of material life there is nothing I could have done about it if you would not have picked me up from this ocean of misery and given me shelter. There is no moment you are wasting in trying to fulfil Srila Prabhupda's and Krishna's desire. Everything you do is 100% for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. Nothing you do is for your own sense gratification. You are constantly travelling, constantly making yourself available for the conditioned souls on this planet and if you could you would travel to other planets as well. Compassionately you are reaching your hand out to all the drowning conditioned souls and try to bring them back to take shelter at Krishna's lotus feet. I have witnessed myself how you tirelessly meet and speak to people at the Loft expertly trying to encourage them in Krishna consciousness even though your body is tired and jet lacked from all the travelling. And I have also heard from devotees who have spent some time travelling with you how you are simply keeping up your high pace where ever you go. You are always concerned about others and try to rescue them from a useless life. What motivates you I don't know, I can only speculate. Maybe it is your love and indebtedness for Srila Prabhupada? Your love for Krishna? Your taste for chanting Krishna's holy name? You unlimited compassion for all the unfortunate living entities? Or maybe it is your spiritual greed that one ticket back to Godhead wasn't enough? Maybe even two tickets weren't enough and you are still wanting more? Whatever your deepest motivations are, I can simply try to thank you, I can simply try to serve you.
Thank you, Gurudeva! You are the adult my childlike heart needs to look up to! You actually know the art of living perfectly, you know lives ultimate goal! And you know perfectly how to share this knowledge with others and expertly guide them and strengthen them in their devotional life. You expertly give life to lifeless bodies who are wasting their human form of life without a clue of lives ultimate goal.
Where would I be without your mercy? I don't want to know... There are unlimited examples all around us in this age of Kali and because you opened my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge I am beginning to see too. One of my dear God brothers, one of your disciples recently reminded me in a bhagavatam class that Krishna's mercy is unlimited and readily available for everyone. Only we need to be proper recipients of that mercy and then we are able to get it. So I pray for all the lost souls who are wasting their lives, all the dry philosophers, all the pseudo sophisticated posh people, all the drunkards, all the misguided students, all the blind career people - everyone - to become proper recipients for Krishna's mercy so they may be able to stop their nonsensical, useless, timewasting activities and make their lives perfect. And I also beg you that I may become a better recipient of your unlimited mercy so that I may remain forever
Your aspiring Servant
Kasi Priya das
Kasturika Devi dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my Humble Obeisances...
All Glories to Srila PRABHUPADA....
All Glories to YOU....
Each year all disciples awaits for appearance day of their spiritual master, where one gets an opportunity to glorify in spite of our disqualification. This day helps us to connect to you more deeply in our prayers, by mediating on your glories and relishing your valuable association.
In Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi Lila 7.31-32, it is described how Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanting to inundate the whole world with love of godhead, seeing that no one to escape devises a trick for the mayavadi philosophers. In purport Srila PRABHUPADA explains how an acharya who comes for the service of the Lord cannot be expected to conform to a stereotype,for he must find he ways and means by which KC may be spread. YOU expertly prove the words of Srila PRABHUPADA in your outreach activities.
Irrespective of different up bringing,you uphold us from further victimisation of maya,cutting our false illusory boundaries and expertly penetrating into our hearts.
There many such examples, one of those : A Happy visitor' s true story:
how a visitor coming from Canada, walks into Melbourne temple and was waiting in reception, exclaims in a very casual way he visits hare Krsna temple once in a while. But upon hearing your name, I could see a sudden change in him, he asked is it Devamrita Swami, author of Searching for Vedic India. He stood up and his face is brightly lightened up, started glorifying the book, he never read Bhagavad Gita, yet he more convinced with searching for Vedic India. He confidently told Devamrita Swami is a true Indian.... You and me are not Indians.
He told me how this book laid an strong impression, on him and asked me to read the book immediately, and with an exchange he took Bhakti bhava book and left excited. Although this person never met you nor attended any of your talks, but developed a strong faith in you and your presentation of KC.
Other incident where an urban yoga frequent visitor, is constantly busy and finding no time for the Saturday talks, takes time off in peak periods of her office deadlines to attend talk when she comes to know when Devamrita Swami is in town.
When I visited Hyderabad ISKCON, few local devotees asked about my spiritual master, when I said your name, everyone reacted in same way " oh Woh Devamrita Swami" we heard so much about his outreach preaching and he is very glorious.
No one really needed to give an Introduction to You, as your glories all spreading....many many unsung glories are still unknown to us....what sacrifices you made for His Divine Grace Srila PRABHUPADA over years is a true example for your selfless love.
Please kindly forgive me for my constant shortcomings.
Please help me to fix in your service eternally, and please hold on me and never give upon me....what else is a shelter without you....I pray sincerely that my relation with you deepens.
Sincere prayers to the lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri PRABHUPADA and Parampara for your strong health.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Kasturika Devi Dasi
Please accept my Humble Obeisances...
All Glories to Srila PRABHUPADA....
All Glories to YOU....
Each year all disciples awaits for appearance day of their spiritual master, where one gets an opportunity to glorify in spite of our disqualification. This day helps us to connect to you more deeply in our prayers, by mediating on your glories and relishing your valuable association.
In Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi Lila 7.31-32, it is described how Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanting to inundate the whole world with love of godhead, seeing that no one to escape devises a trick for the mayavadi philosophers. In purport Srila PRABHUPADA explains how an acharya who comes for the service of the Lord cannot be expected to conform to a stereotype,for he must find he ways and means by which KC may be spread. YOU expertly prove the words of Srila PRABHUPADA in your outreach activities.
Irrespective of different up bringing,you uphold us from further victimisation of maya,cutting our false illusory boundaries and expertly penetrating into our hearts.
There many such examples, one of those : A Happy visitor' s true story:
how a visitor coming from Canada, walks into Melbourne temple and was waiting in reception, exclaims in a very casual way he visits hare Krsna temple once in a while. But upon hearing your name, I could see a sudden change in him, he asked is it Devamrita Swami, author of Searching for Vedic India. He stood up and his face is brightly lightened up, started glorifying the book, he never read Bhagavad Gita, yet he more convinced with searching for Vedic India. He confidently told Devamrita Swami is a true Indian.... You and me are not Indians.
He told me how this book laid an strong impression, on him and asked me to read the book immediately, and with an exchange he took Bhakti bhava book and left excited. Although this person never met you nor attended any of your talks, but developed a strong faith in you and your presentation of KC.
Other incident where an urban yoga frequent visitor, is constantly busy and finding no time for the Saturday talks, takes time off in peak periods of her office deadlines to attend talk when she comes to know when Devamrita Swami is in town.
When I visited Hyderabad ISKCON, few local devotees asked about my spiritual master, when I said your name, everyone reacted in same way " oh Woh Devamrita Swami" we heard so much about his outreach preaching and he is very glorious.
No one really needed to give an Introduction to You, as your glories all spreading....many many unsung glories are still unknown to us....what sacrifices you made for His Divine Grace Srila PRABHUPADA over years is a true example for your selfless love.
Please kindly forgive me for my constant shortcomings.
Please help me to fix in your service eternally, and please hold on me and never give upon me....what else is a shelter without you....I pray sincerely that my relation with you deepens.
Sincere prayers to the lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri PRABHUPADA and Parampara for your strong health.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Kasturika Devi Dasi
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
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
"Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava etiquette, selflessness, and compassion."
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja.
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka-
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatwam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam
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 obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Ghanaghanatvam means dense cloud in the sky. This prayer emphasizes how material existence is just like a blazing forest fire. Now, to extinguish such a fire, there is no use of sending a fire brigade. The fire brigade cannot approach the forest fire. One has to depend completely on the mercy of nature. That means one has to completely depend on the cloud in the sky. Otherwise, there is no question of putting out that blazing fire. Similarly, the blazing heat of material existence can not be extinguished by any man-made method. One has to completely depend upon the mercy of Guru and Gauranga.
When I remember my suffering and the agony of feeling in the dark about my purpose in life, I had this realization that I must wait for help from above. Faith, in those dark moments meant, knowing that God would send a teacher to guide me out of ignorance. Knowing that Sri Krsna sanctions, and is the cause of everything, I can see now that just how demigods like Indra send forth rain by His will; so too by His will, you also appear. Within the sky of my limited perception and somehow by Sri Krsna's grace, as soon as I met you Gurudeva- I could sense all auspiciousness raining upon my life.
Now that sky of perception is becoming more clear and bright as I bask in the sunshine of your magnanimous personality, and the unlimited gratitude I feel is creating an interesting dynamic with all the other limitations in my conscious awareness. And what I am sensing more than anything is that by awakening these feelings of affection and love for you, that not only can you pour showers of mercy upon me, but like the sun, you are evaporating disqualifications and lifting me into the sky.
Your servant and my dear mentor Mangala-Arti Devi Dasi, once told me that before starting the Bhakti Lounge project in Toronto, that she was very attached to making flower garlands in the temple. When she is on Sankirtan she said that she thinks of every individual as a flower that she can offer back to Sri Krsna. Knowing more about her devotional thoughts, and having received my first book from her on Bloor Street in 2010, then being nourished and cared for all these years, I can see that she is lifting me up in your service, hoping that I may be a fit offering unto your lotus feet.
In this way I am your servant's servant, and if she would like me to be a flower at your feet, then I am a most grateful flower at your feet.
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam
Your humble servant, praying for rain and sunshine,
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
srimati devamrita-swamin 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 etiquette, selflessness, and compassion."
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja.
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka-
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatwam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam
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 obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Ghanaghanatvam means dense cloud in the sky. This prayer emphasizes how material existence is just like a blazing forest fire. Now, to extinguish such a fire, there is no use of sending a fire brigade. The fire brigade cannot approach the forest fire. One has to depend completely on the mercy of nature. That means one has to completely depend on the cloud in the sky. Otherwise, there is no question of putting out that blazing fire. Similarly, the blazing heat of material existence can not be extinguished by any man-made method. One has to completely depend upon the mercy of Guru and Gauranga.
When I remember my suffering and the agony of feeling in the dark about my purpose in life, I had this realization that I must wait for help from above. Faith, in those dark moments meant, knowing that God would send a teacher to guide me out of ignorance. Knowing that Sri Krsna sanctions, and is the cause of everything, I can see now that just how demigods like Indra send forth rain by His will; so too by His will, you also appear. Within the sky of my limited perception and somehow by Sri Krsna's grace, as soon as I met you Gurudeva- I could sense all auspiciousness raining upon my life.
Now that sky of perception is becoming more clear and bright as I bask in the sunshine of your magnanimous personality, and the unlimited gratitude I feel is creating an interesting dynamic with all the other limitations in my conscious awareness. And what I am sensing more than anything is that by awakening these feelings of affection and love for you, that not only can you pour showers of mercy upon me, but like the sun, you are evaporating disqualifications and lifting me into the sky.
Your servant and my dear mentor Mangala-Arti Devi Dasi, once told me that before starting the Bhakti Lounge project in Toronto, that she was very attached to making flower garlands in the temple. When she is on Sankirtan she said that she thinks of every individual as a flower that she can offer back to Sri Krsna. Knowing more about her devotional thoughts, and having received my first book from her on Bloor Street in 2010, then being nourished and cared for all these years, I can see that she is lifting me up in your service, hoping that I may be a fit offering unto your lotus feet.
In this way I am your servant's servant, and if she would like me to be a flower at your feet, then I am a most grateful flower at your feet.
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam
Your humble servant, praying for rain and sunshine,
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
Kavi Karnapura das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Your words 'keep yourself small and ready for service' mean more to me now than ever. It seems everyday there is less stuff in my life. All the hopes I had in the way of writing and movie making seem to have faded and the possesions from my suit-case seemed to have merged into the brahmachari ashram. Less stuff, but more meaning. I don't really have anywhere to go, nowhere to hide. The devotees here, in Cardiff, see through all my pretentions, but tolerate, which is one of the things I stilll have. I hope I can be straightened out here, and maybe with your help, be shown where my hopes should lie.
Your servant
Kavi Karnapura das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Your words 'keep yourself small and ready for service' mean more to me now than ever. It seems everyday there is less stuff in my life. All the hopes I had in the way of writing and movie making seem to have faded and the possesions from my suit-case seemed to have merged into the brahmachari ashram. Less stuff, but more meaning. I don't really have anywhere to go, nowhere to hide. The devotees here, in Cardiff, see through all my pretentions, but tolerate, which is one of the things I stilll have. I hope I can be straightened out here, and maybe with your help, be shown where my hopes should lie.
Your servant
Kavi Karnapura das
Kesi-mardana das
Dearest Gurudeva,
My spiritual father, mentor, guide and utmost well-wisher - I humbly offer my fully prostrated obeisances to the dust of your lotus feet again and again.
First Gurudeva, I need to beg with my whole life force for your forgiveness. Due to my contaminated consciousness, every day I am committing innumerable offenses whether knowingly or unknowingly, purposely or against my own volition. Although Krishna’s devotees are the most compassionate souls, due to my hardened heart and constant meditation on “I” and “mine”, I offend such kind personalities, who are truly the only trees which can fulfill all desires. I beg for your shelter and forgiveness Gurudeva, and I beg also that the words below will display what small fragment of genuine feeling I have and will not be clouded by my own nescience.
A year since my first attempt at offering you my words of appreciation and glorification, on this most holy day of your appearance, I am continually growing in awe and reverence at how munificent your Holiness is to all the conditioned souls of this most degraded age. You truly are the manifestation of Krishna’s mercy, constantly endeavoring to bring all of us lost souls back Home, taking on any austerity and inconvenience without hesitation just for His pleasure. Gurudeva, you are an ocean of saintly qualities and one who teaches by example what true love actually means.
Previous to my introduction to Krishna consciousness, I often thought proudly about myself as an embodiment of “compassion”, and a “loving” person but now I am realizing more and more that I was and still am the lowest kind of fool. Being causelessly blessed by your association physically, through hearing your lectures, and by the instructions and behaviors exhibited by my dear senior godbrothers and godsisters, who are but your endeared loving servants, I am beginning to get a glimpse of what true love really means and how far from that ultimate goal I really am.
Recently in a lecture you mentioned that the current material condition is likened to that of a person who has been ill for so long, they’ve forgotten what it is like to be healthy. Gurudeva, for so long, what must be uncountable lifetimes, I have cultivated and held dear to my heart my own selfish, sensual, base desires. Still now these contaminations make my heart hard as cement and as dry as the desert rocks around me, and my mountainous false pride is built on this. I truly don’t know what it is like to be healthy again Gurudeva, I have lost any fragment of love that may have existed in me. Yet for all of my hopelessness, you are the one beacon of light in my life. You are the real embodiment of love and compassion Gurudeva and your shelter for this fallen soul is the only hope that I have left.
Through your words, actions, guidance, and service to Srila Prabhupada, you show me that it is possible to become healthy again, to really love again. This is my desire Gurudeva, that somehow even though the layers of my inner filth seem endless, I will be able to develop a spark of love for you. Rather than loving my own mind and senses, and the senses of those in a bodily connection with me, I want to purely love you Gurudeva, as you love Srila Prabhupada. Not the type of love based on my externally-focused conceptions, but real love founded in humble servitude and devotion. I am beginning to recognize now that this love is what I was constantly searching for Gurudeva, in so many different temporary places.
Even if I develop this desire, I am not capable of doing anything on my own. I am thoroughly weak and void of any intelligence. Therefore I beg at your lotus feet Gurudeva, please give me a drop of mercy and allow me to become close to you. Please help me to give up the myriad of material desires that have become so deeply rooted in my heart and allow me to only desire more service that will be pleasing for you. I no longer want to be overwhelmed with aspirations and desires for my own fulfillment. If my whole life’s endeavor can culminate in just one smiling glance from you, I will be complete.
Though I may write some words and claim to express gratitude, it is really you Gurudeva, who is showing even my insignificant self what real compassion means. By your causeless, inconceivable mercy this wretch, a sewer rat from the bowels of Maya’s filthiest place, is being flooded with limitless opportunities for a life in Krishna consciousness.
Though I am completely lost in the sense of knowing my duty in life, I beg you for guidance and the intelligence to fully take up every opportunity present before me in Krishna’s service - with urgency and dedication. Whether I am engaged in university preaching, contributing to our essential oil business, distributing books, cooking, or any activity I just beg you Gurudeva that I can keep your pleasure and your mission as the goal of any and all of my endeavors. By symptoms it is evident that you are truly empowered by Krishna to make even the impossible happen, and I beg that you can please empower my insignificant self to perform whichever services I am blessed with to my highest and best capacity, for your pleasure.
“The conditioned soul subjected to the threefold material miseries is ceaselessly kicked by māyā, and this is his disease. If by chance he meets a saintly person who works on Kṛṣṇa’s behalf to deliver conditioned souls, and if he agrees to abide by his order, he can gradually approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.(from purport to Madhya-lila 22.14-15)”
Therefore Gurudeva, I beg for the intelligence and humility so that I can be deserving of your specific instructions for my life, and that you will allow me to become your menial servant and I can make every order you give me the mission of my life. I am sick of being kicked by maya. I am tired of seeking my own fulfillment. Please show me how my tiny existence can be of some use in your plans to please Srila Prabhupada and spread Krishna’s glories.
Seeking shelter in the shade of your lotus feet,
Your eternally aspiring servant,
Kesi-mardana das
My spiritual father, mentor, guide and utmost well-wisher - I humbly offer my fully prostrated obeisances to the dust of your lotus feet again and again.
First Gurudeva, I need to beg with my whole life force for your forgiveness. Due to my contaminated consciousness, every day I am committing innumerable offenses whether knowingly or unknowingly, purposely or against my own volition. Although Krishna’s devotees are the most compassionate souls, due to my hardened heart and constant meditation on “I” and “mine”, I offend such kind personalities, who are truly the only trees which can fulfill all desires. I beg for your shelter and forgiveness Gurudeva, and I beg also that the words below will display what small fragment of genuine feeling I have and will not be clouded by my own nescience.
A year since my first attempt at offering you my words of appreciation and glorification, on this most holy day of your appearance, I am continually growing in awe and reverence at how munificent your Holiness is to all the conditioned souls of this most degraded age. You truly are the manifestation of Krishna’s mercy, constantly endeavoring to bring all of us lost souls back Home, taking on any austerity and inconvenience without hesitation just for His pleasure. Gurudeva, you are an ocean of saintly qualities and one who teaches by example what true love actually means.
Previous to my introduction to Krishna consciousness, I often thought proudly about myself as an embodiment of “compassion”, and a “loving” person but now I am realizing more and more that I was and still am the lowest kind of fool. Being causelessly blessed by your association physically, through hearing your lectures, and by the instructions and behaviors exhibited by my dear senior godbrothers and godsisters, who are but your endeared loving servants, I am beginning to get a glimpse of what true love really means and how far from that ultimate goal I really am.
Recently in a lecture you mentioned that the current material condition is likened to that of a person who has been ill for so long, they’ve forgotten what it is like to be healthy. Gurudeva, for so long, what must be uncountable lifetimes, I have cultivated and held dear to my heart my own selfish, sensual, base desires. Still now these contaminations make my heart hard as cement and as dry as the desert rocks around me, and my mountainous false pride is built on this. I truly don’t know what it is like to be healthy again Gurudeva, I have lost any fragment of love that may have existed in me. Yet for all of my hopelessness, you are the one beacon of light in my life. You are the real embodiment of love and compassion Gurudeva and your shelter for this fallen soul is the only hope that I have left.
Through your words, actions, guidance, and service to Srila Prabhupada, you show me that it is possible to become healthy again, to really love again. This is my desire Gurudeva, that somehow even though the layers of my inner filth seem endless, I will be able to develop a spark of love for you. Rather than loving my own mind and senses, and the senses of those in a bodily connection with me, I want to purely love you Gurudeva, as you love Srila Prabhupada. Not the type of love based on my externally-focused conceptions, but real love founded in humble servitude and devotion. I am beginning to recognize now that this love is what I was constantly searching for Gurudeva, in so many different temporary places.
Even if I develop this desire, I am not capable of doing anything on my own. I am thoroughly weak and void of any intelligence. Therefore I beg at your lotus feet Gurudeva, please give me a drop of mercy and allow me to become close to you. Please help me to give up the myriad of material desires that have become so deeply rooted in my heart and allow me to only desire more service that will be pleasing for you. I no longer want to be overwhelmed with aspirations and desires for my own fulfillment. If my whole life’s endeavor can culminate in just one smiling glance from you, I will be complete.
Though I may write some words and claim to express gratitude, it is really you Gurudeva, who is showing even my insignificant self what real compassion means. By your causeless, inconceivable mercy this wretch, a sewer rat from the bowels of Maya’s filthiest place, is being flooded with limitless opportunities for a life in Krishna consciousness.
Though I am completely lost in the sense of knowing my duty in life, I beg you for guidance and the intelligence to fully take up every opportunity present before me in Krishna’s service - with urgency and dedication. Whether I am engaged in university preaching, contributing to our essential oil business, distributing books, cooking, or any activity I just beg you Gurudeva that I can keep your pleasure and your mission as the goal of any and all of my endeavors. By symptoms it is evident that you are truly empowered by Krishna to make even the impossible happen, and I beg that you can please empower my insignificant self to perform whichever services I am blessed with to my highest and best capacity, for your pleasure.
“The conditioned soul subjected to the threefold material miseries is ceaselessly kicked by māyā, and this is his disease. If by chance he meets a saintly person who works on Kṛṣṇa’s behalf to deliver conditioned souls, and if he agrees to abide by his order, he can gradually approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.(from purport to Madhya-lila 22.14-15)”
Therefore Gurudeva, I beg for the intelligence and humility so that I can be deserving of your specific instructions for my life, and that you will allow me to become your menial servant and I can make every order you give me the mission of my life. I am sick of being kicked by maya. I am tired of seeking my own fulfillment. Please show me how my tiny existence can be of some use in your plans to please Srila Prabhupada and spread Krishna’s glories.
Seeking shelter in the shade of your lotus feet,
Your eternally aspiring servant,
Kesi-mardana das
Khadiravan devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this holy day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On reflecting back since I came in contact with devotees I think how inconceivably fortunate I am to have been guided by you through this life. What an opportunity I have; what opportunity there is, in your instructions, that I have been so blind to and still am - the diamond in the hands of a baby as you often describe. I don’t realise the value. By focusing on, trying to fulfill the instructions of the Spiritual Master, we attain perfection; returning to our constitutional position as eternal loving servant of Krishna. How simple and sublime.
Oh to focus with sheer accuracy on your instructions, your desires, leaving all else aside! Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur's commentary to Bhagavad Gita 2.41 inspired Srila Prabhupada to take up his spiritual master’s orders to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world as his life and soul:
"In bhakti-yoga, one's intelligence becomes single pointed, or fixed in determination. One thinks, "The instructions of my spiritual master to worship the Personality of Godhead by chanting, remembering, serving His feet and so on are my only sadhana, my only sadhya, my only livelihood. I am incapable of giving up these instructions either in the stage of practice or in the stage of perfection. They alone are my object of desire and my only responsibility. Besides them I can desire no other responsibility, not even in my dreams. It is all the same to me whether I feel happy or unhappy, or whether my material existence is eradicated or not.”
Srila Prabhupada’s books have so many wonderful instructions about taking the spiritual master’s instructions seriously; here is a meditation on some of those life giving directions:
"The order of the spiritual master is the active principle in spiritual life. Anyone who disobeys the order of the spiritual master immediately becomes useless."
Caitanya Caritamrita Adi lila 12.9
"In executing penance, one must be determined to return home, back to Godhead, and must decide to undergo all types of tribulations for that end. Even for material prosperity and name and fame one has to undergo severe types of penances, otherwise no one can become an important figure in this material world. Why, then, should there not be severe types of penances for the perfection of devotional service? An easygoing life and attainment of perfection in transcendental realization cannot go together. The Lord is more clever than any living entity; therefore He wants to see how painstaking the devotee is in devotional service. The order is received from the Lord, either directly or through the bona fide spiritual master, and to execute that order, however painstaking, is the severe type of penance. One who follows the principle rigidly is sure to achieve success in attaining the Lord’s mercy." Srimad Bhagavatam 2.9.24
“In any case, the order of the father or the order of the spiritual master must be carried out without hesitation, with an immediate yes. There should be no argument. That is real service to the father and to the spiritual master. Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has stated that the order of the spiritual master is the life and soul of the disciples. As a man cannot separate his life from his body, a disciple cannot separate the order of the spiritual master from his life. If a disciple follows the instruction of the spiritual master in that way, he is sure to become perfect. This is confirmed in the Upaniṣads: the import of Vedic instruction is revealed automatically only to one who has implicit faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead and in his spiritual master.”
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.24.13
How to do always what is most pleasing, what you want me to do? To shake of, shed, those subtle sneaky hard-to-pin down layers, overcoatings, blinding me - “I think this is most important, or this is what I want to do, this is what works for me, this is what gets me going”. Yes, certainly way better than nothing and nothing to be sniffed at if that is where we are - but how to go deeper? Time is running out - if I’ve realised anything in my life so far it is that youth is leaving and that means make the most of right now and onwards, because time is pushing us full tilt towards the end of this body, this opportunity to achieve perfection, to make full use of this rare human form. Youth is so bewildering - you have lots of energy and verve, but are so consumed by your own desires. Then the desires start to mellow out, but you have less energy and are getting older! “the great rip off by material nature” - robbed blind of reality, of what I should have been striving for.
“This is the secret of success. After being initiated and receiving the orders of the spiritual master, the disciple should unhesitatingly think about the instructions or orders of the spiritual master and should not allow himself to be disturbed by anything else. This is also the verdict of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, who, while explaining a verse of Bhagavad-gītā (vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana, BG 2.41), points out that the order of the spiritual master is the life substance of the disciple. The disciple should not consider whether he is going back home, back to Godhead; his first business should be to execute the order of his spiritual master. Thus a disciple should always meditate on the order of the spiritual master, and that is perfectional meditation. Not only should he meditate upon that order, but he should find out the means by which he can perfectly worship and execute it.” Srimad Bhagavatam 4.24.15
There is unlimited depth in your instructions, a lifetime of effort and energy they can consume. We can take them as far as we choose. Srila Prabhupada said that following the instructions of his spiritual master was the secret of his success. They took him all around the world setting up this global spiritual network, consuming his energy twenty-four hours a day. You do the same in turn to serve his mission - travelling, teaching, organising, nourishing, chanting and inspiring relentlessly, decade after decade.
In a family, the parents only know what they are giving in terms of effort, selflessness and care, the children don’t realise, at least until they get much older and have experiences of looking after others and being responsible themselves. Like that you are giving me so much and I don’t realise it. Please allow me to realise it, so that the truest, fullest, gratitude awakens in my heart and propels me forward in your service. Thank you and I hope I can always try to repay this ever increasing debt to you.
Thank you for all your guidance and instructions, which are the greatest care.
Thank you for your example of perfect discipleship - you have taken your spiritual master’s instructions as your life and soul, as your life substance, with all seriousness. It is mesmerising to observe and meditate on for inspiration.
I beg for your mercy that I can follow in your footsteps and be a good disciple, taking your instructions as my life and soul.
your aspiring servant,
Khadiravan devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances on this holy day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On reflecting back since I came in contact with devotees I think how inconceivably fortunate I am to have been guided by you through this life. What an opportunity I have; what opportunity there is, in your instructions, that I have been so blind to and still am - the diamond in the hands of a baby as you often describe. I don’t realise the value. By focusing on, trying to fulfill the instructions of the Spiritual Master, we attain perfection; returning to our constitutional position as eternal loving servant of Krishna. How simple and sublime.
Oh to focus with sheer accuracy on your instructions, your desires, leaving all else aside! Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur's commentary to Bhagavad Gita 2.41 inspired Srila Prabhupada to take up his spiritual master’s orders to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world as his life and soul:
"In bhakti-yoga, one's intelligence becomes single pointed, or fixed in determination. One thinks, "The instructions of my spiritual master to worship the Personality of Godhead by chanting, remembering, serving His feet and so on are my only sadhana, my only sadhya, my only livelihood. I am incapable of giving up these instructions either in the stage of practice or in the stage of perfection. They alone are my object of desire and my only responsibility. Besides them I can desire no other responsibility, not even in my dreams. It is all the same to me whether I feel happy or unhappy, or whether my material existence is eradicated or not.”
Srila Prabhupada’s books have so many wonderful instructions about taking the spiritual master’s instructions seriously; here is a meditation on some of those life giving directions:
"The order of the spiritual master is the active principle in spiritual life. Anyone who disobeys the order of the spiritual master immediately becomes useless."
Caitanya Caritamrita Adi lila 12.9
"In executing penance, one must be determined to return home, back to Godhead, and must decide to undergo all types of tribulations for that end. Even for material prosperity and name and fame one has to undergo severe types of penances, otherwise no one can become an important figure in this material world. Why, then, should there not be severe types of penances for the perfection of devotional service? An easygoing life and attainment of perfection in transcendental realization cannot go together. The Lord is more clever than any living entity; therefore He wants to see how painstaking the devotee is in devotional service. The order is received from the Lord, either directly or through the bona fide spiritual master, and to execute that order, however painstaking, is the severe type of penance. One who follows the principle rigidly is sure to achieve success in attaining the Lord’s mercy." Srimad Bhagavatam 2.9.24
“In any case, the order of the father or the order of the spiritual master must be carried out without hesitation, with an immediate yes. There should be no argument. That is real service to the father and to the spiritual master. Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has stated that the order of the spiritual master is the life and soul of the disciples. As a man cannot separate his life from his body, a disciple cannot separate the order of the spiritual master from his life. If a disciple follows the instruction of the spiritual master in that way, he is sure to become perfect. This is confirmed in the Upaniṣads: the import of Vedic instruction is revealed automatically only to one who has implicit faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead and in his spiritual master.”
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.24.13
How to do always what is most pleasing, what you want me to do? To shake of, shed, those subtle sneaky hard-to-pin down layers, overcoatings, blinding me - “I think this is most important, or this is what I want to do, this is what works for me, this is what gets me going”. Yes, certainly way better than nothing and nothing to be sniffed at if that is where we are - but how to go deeper? Time is running out - if I’ve realised anything in my life so far it is that youth is leaving and that means make the most of right now and onwards, because time is pushing us full tilt towards the end of this body, this opportunity to achieve perfection, to make full use of this rare human form. Youth is so bewildering - you have lots of energy and verve, but are so consumed by your own desires. Then the desires start to mellow out, but you have less energy and are getting older! “the great rip off by material nature” - robbed blind of reality, of what I should have been striving for.
“This is the secret of success. After being initiated and receiving the orders of the spiritual master, the disciple should unhesitatingly think about the instructions or orders of the spiritual master and should not allow himself to be disturbed by anything else. This is also the verdict of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, who, while explaining a verse of Bhagavad-gītā (vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana, BG 2.41), points out that the order of the spiritual master is the life substance of the disciple. The disciple should not consider whether he is going back home, back to Godhead; his first business should be to execute the order of his spiritual master. Thus a disciple should always meditate on the order of the spiritual master, and that is perfectional meditation. Not only should he meditate upon that order, but he should find out the means by which he can perfectly worship and execute it.” Srimad Bhagavatam 4.24.15
There is unlimited depth in your instructions, a lifetime of effort and energy they can consume. We can take them as far as we choose. Srila Prabhupada said that following the instructions of his spiritual master was the secret of his success. They took him all around the world setting up this global spiritual network, consuming his energy twenty-four hours a day. You do the same in turn to serve his mission - travelling, teaching, organising, nourishing, chanting and inspiring relentlessly, decade after decade.
In a family, the parents only know what they are giving in terms of effort, selflessness and care, the children don’t realise, at least until they get much older and have experiences of looking after others and being responsible themselves. Like that you are giving me so much and I don’t realise it. Please allow me to realise it, so that the truest, fullest, gratitude awakens in my heart and propels me forward in your service. Thank you and I hope I can always try to repay this ever increasing debt to you.
Thank you for all your guidance and instructions, which are the greatest care.
Thank you for your example of perfect discipleship - you have taken your spiritual master’s instructions as your life and soul, as your life substance, with all seriousness. It is mesmerising to observe and meditate on for inspiration.
I beg for your mercy that I can follow in your footsteps and be a good disciple, taking your instructions as my life and soul.
your aspiring servant,
Khadiravan devi dasi
Khela Tirtha dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
In Kali yuga the intensity of the inherant faults ,humans'sinful response,and the consequences of such sinful activity are increasing minute by minute
Governments are taxing the citizens more and more
Natural cataclysms rip apart various geographical locations above and below the earths surface.
Envy and hatred of fellow man and species becoming more spiteful,vicious and destructive
War and death inevitable on a very graphic,documented widespread scale
Manmade Toxicity and contamination riddling all the natural elements around us and within us
Exploitation of man, animal and earth,the way of subhumans, has found its normalcy in modern society,it's ethos and pathos.
Modern technology,mostly gleaned from inter- planetary visitations,helping modern man to speed up the destruction process
Relationship breakdowns,divorce,nuclear family units,media intervention and negative influence
Srimad Bhagavatam's predictions for Kali Yuga are coming to fruition in the worlds darkest hour
Lord Caitanya's predictions are coming to fuition also....A Golden age naturally giving light in such darkness
A battle of the waves ensues
Kali yugas wave of downward spiraling,hell bending,mass destruction and misdirection of humanity at large
And Lord Caitanya's waves of all blissful,ecstatic,purifying sankirtan glorifying love of God
As Lord Caitanya thunders in your being,Guru Maharaja,you are rallying your troops by Srila Prabhupadas order ,who are being used as "Lord Caitanya's cannon fodder" to counter kali's wave with the continuous waves of The Holy Name ,prasadam and glorification of Krsna
Your expertise in maintaining morale,enthusiasm,healthy soldiers as devotees,facilities and continuous wave after wave of bombs in the form of Srila Prabhupada's books is a global inspiration for your Godfamily and devotees in general
Even though we,your disciples,are dispensable cannon fodder for your fight against Kali's waves,you are simultaneously threading us on a garland to present to Srila Prabhupada
as a victorious momento of your dedicated loyalty to fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's desires and instructions
Millions of obeisances,salutations and thankyous to you Gurudev doesn't repay the debt
I offer them all sincerely to you on this day ,and every day,but still that isn't enough
Even this measly,dispensable,pathetic life in this body isn't enough to repay the debt to you Gurudev
But if it is ,in some small way ,useful to you Gurudev,please take it and do as you like
Aspiring to be used as fodder as a servant of your servants servant
Khela tirtha dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
In Kali yuga the intensity of the inherant faults ,humans'sinful response,and the consequences of such sinful activity are increasing minute by minute
Governments are taxing the citizens more and more
Natural cataclysms rip apart various geographical locations above and below the earths surface.
Envy and hatred of fellow man and species becoming more spiteful,vicious and destructive
War and death inevitable on a very graphic,documented widespread scale
Manmade Toxicity and contamination riddling all the natural elements around us and within us
Exploitation of man, animal and earth,the way of subhumans, has found its normalcy in modern society,it's ethos and pathos.
Modern technology,mostly gleaned from inter- planetary visitations,helping modern man to speed up the destruction process
Relationship breakdowns,divorce,nuclear family units,media intervention and negative influence
Srimad Bhagavatam's predictions for Kali Yuga are coming to fruition in the worlds darkest hour
Lord Caitanya's predictions are coming to fuition also....A Golden age naturally giving light in such darkness
A battle of the waves ensues
Kali yugas wave of downward spiraling,hell bending,mass destruction and misdirection of humanity at large
And Lord Caitanya's waves of all blissful,ecstatic,purifying sankirtan glorifying love of God
As Lord Caitanya thunders in your being,Guru Maharaja,you are rallying your troops by Srila Prabhupadas order ,who are being used as "Lord Caitanya's cannon fodder" to counter kali's wave with the continuous waves of The Holy Name ,prasadam and glorification of Krsna
Your expertise in maintaining morale,enthusiasm,healthy soldiers as devotees,facilities and continuous wave after wave of bombs in the form of Srila Prabhupada's books is a global inspiration for your Godfamily and devotees in general
Even though we,your disciples,are dispensable cannon fodder for your fight against Kali's waves,you are simultaneously threading us on a garland to present to Srila Prabhupada
as a victorious momento of your dedicated loyalty to fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's desires and instructions
Millions of obeisances,salutations and thankyous to you Gurudev doesn't repay the debt
I offer them all sincerely to you on this day ,and every day,but still that isn't enough
Even this measly,dispensable,pathetic life in this body isn't enough to repay the debt to you Gurudev
But if it is ,in some small way ,useful to you Gurudev,please take it and do as you like
Aspiring to be used as fodder as a servant of your servants servant
Khela tirtha dasa
Kirtiman Krsna Das
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudev
I offer my most humble obeisances to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja.
In SB 9.18.43, Pūru expresses gratitude to his father, King Yayāti as follows:
<i>ko nu loke manuṣyendra
pitur ātma-kṛtaḥ pumān
pratikartuṁ kṣamo yasya
prasādād vindate param
“Oh Your Majesty, who in this world can repay his debt to his father? By the mercy of one’s father, one gets the human form of life, which can enable one to become an associate of the Supreme Lord.”</i>
In this glorious age of Kali exemplified by hypocrisy, many of us are born in human forms, but then practically have no other claims to being human. The nature of activities that we are involved in would make the chance of another human birth quite a distant dream of hundreds of lifetimes or more. Yet, purely due to your causeless mercy I’ve been fortunate to be a part of Srila Prabhupada’s family. By the mercy of my spiritual father I have enrolled to be a part of Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtan army. My biological parents provided me with everything they thought was best for me, but then if it wasn’t for the spiritual father, I’d just have continued to wash my life down the drain as a proud Kaliyuga citizen, with no understanding of life’s real purpose. So borrowing the lines from Pūru, how can I ever repay my debt to my spiritual father who had taught me to make my human form worth its purpose? By all means, I cannot; but does it mean I accept defeat and go to sleep? Pūru provides some insight in the next verse:
<i>“A son who acts by anticipating what his father wants him to do is first class, one who acts upon receiving his father’s order is second class, and one who executes his father’s order irreverently is third class. But a son who refuses his father’s order is like his father’s stool.” (SB 9.18.44)</i>
So I thought to myself - what do you think? Where do you fit in? Perhaps lesser said the better, cos it wouldn’t make a great story. I can remember the various occasions were I’ve had opportunities to serve you, and the several gaffes and blunders I’ve committed. Whilst I’m in no ways proud of my mistakes, you’ve always tolerated me graciously, even in situations when I’ve acted contrary to your suggestions, just like a parent deals with their child’s tantrums. Yet, despite my shortcomings, your care and concern has always been there, always asking for my whereabouts and activities whenever you see me. But as you’ve mentioned in various lectures - ‘a crisis is a terrible opportunity to waste’, and thus recognizing the crisis of not having the right service attitude, I pray that I can act with the right kind of intelligence to render service to you at least on the second class level as per Pūru’s classification.
During one of the lectures at the recharge festival in NZ at the start of this year, you had mentioned about the pastime of Drhruva Maharaj who started the process of Bhakti with personal desires but after having been blessed with the darshan of the Lord, his only desire was to have the constant association of devotees. Gurudev, you have the same desire for always being amongst devotees and as your pranama mantra says, you are an expert in devotee dealings. I realize my greatest fortune has been the wonderful association of devotees, though I’ve failed to acknowledge it at many times. On this auspicious day, I sincerely pray to you that I be blessed with this association eternally and nurture them with utmost reverence.
Your aspiring servant,
KirtimanKrsna Dasa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudev
I offer my most humble obeisances to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja.
In SB 9.18.43, Pūru expresses gratitude to his father, King Yayāti as follows:
<i>ko nu loke manuṣyendra
pitur ātma-kṛtaḥ pumān
pratikartuṁ kṣamo yasya
prasādād vindate param
“Oh Your Majesty, who in this world can repay his debt to his father? By the mercy of one’s father, one gets the human form of life, which can enable one to become an associate of the Supreme Lord.”</i>
In this glorious age of Kali exemplified by hypocrisy, many of us are born in human forms, but then practically have no other claims to being human. The nature of activities that we are involved in would make the chance of another human birth quite a distant dream of hundreds of lifetimes or more. Yet, purely due to your causeless mercy I’ve been fortunate to be a part of Srila Prabhupada’s family. By the mercy of my spiritual father I have enrolled to be a part of Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtan army. My biological parents provided me with everything they thought was best for me, but then if it wasn’t for the spiritual father, I’d just have continued to wash my life down the drain as a proud Kaliyuga citizen, with no understanding of life’s real purpose. So borrowing the lines from Pūru, how can I ever repay my debt to my spiritual father who had taught me to make my human form worth its purpose? By all means, I cannot; but does it mean I accept defeat and go to sleep? Pūru provides some insight in the next verse:
<i>“A son who acts by anticipating what his father wants him to do is first class, one who acts upon receiving his father’s order is second class, and one who executes his father’s order irreverently is third class. But a son who refuses his father’s order is like his father’s stool.” (SB 9.18.44)</i>
So I thought to myself - what do you think? Where do you fit in? Perhaps lesser said the better, cos it wouldn’t make a great story. I can remember the various occasions were I’ve had opportunities to serve you, and the several gaffes and blunders I’ve committed. Whilst I’m in no ways proud of my mistakes, you’ve always tolerated me graciously, even in situations when I’ve acted contrary to your suggestions, just like a parent deals with their child’s tantrums. Yet, despite my shortcomings, your care and concern has always been there, always asking for my whereabouts and activities whenever you see me. But as you’ve mentioned in various lectures - ‘a crisis is a terrible opportunity to waste’, and thus recognizing the crisis of not having the right service attitude, I pray that I can act with the right kind of intelligence to render service to you at least on the second class level as per Pūru’s classification.
During one of the lectures at the recharge festival in NZ at the start of this year, you had mentioned about the pastime of Drhruva Maharaj who started the process of Bhakti with personal desires but after having been blessed with the darshan of the Lord, his only desire was to have the constant association of devotees. Gurudev, you have the same desire for always being amongst devotees and as your pranama mantra says, you are an expert in devotee dealings. I realize my greatest fortune has been the wonderful association of devotees, though I’ve failed to acknowledge it at many times. On this auspicious day, I sincerely pray to you that I be blessed with this association eternally and nurture them with utmost reverence.
Your aspiring servant,
KirtimanKrsna Dasa
Krishna Kumara dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Hare Krishna.
The term “mercy of the spiritual master” is so prominent in Krishna Consciousness. It is spoken of as the active ingredient in one’s devotional life. By this mercy, one’s austerities are transformed into devotional realizations.
From my perspective, your mercy upon me is most prominently manifested in you taking so much of your time and mental energy to help me develop properly in Krishna Consciousness. You feel anxiety about my safety, and always make arrangements for me to be under loving, capable guidance.
Until the age of 20, I had accepted gross and subtle sense gratification, as well as material humanitarian work, to be the goals of human life. I aspired to merge into the impersonal Brahman, and I always entertained myself with an unlimited variety and quantity of speculation – splicing, mixing, churning, processing, refining – like a mad scientist in the laboratory of the Mind.
Gurudev, when I consider your kindness upon me, a verse by Srila Raghunath dasa Goswami always comes to mind:
nama srestham manum api saci putram atra svarupam
rupam tasyagrajam uru purim mathurim gostavatim
radha kundam giri varam aho radhika madhavasam
prapto yasya prathita krpaya sri gurum tam nato 'smi
"He has given me the highest conception of the holy name of Krsna. He has given me the service of that great savior, the son of Mother Saci, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is like a golden mountain standing to show the direction of Krishna-lila. He has brought me to the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu's most favorite, Svarupa Damodara, who is the representation of Lalita devi, the most favorite friend of Radhika. He has brought me in connection with Sri Rupa, who was ordered to distribute the highest kinds of devotional love, rasa. He has given me the association of Srila Sanatana Goswami, who adjusts our position in relation to raganuga-bhakti. He explains the path of vaidhi-bhakti, and gives us sambandha-jnana: the knowledge of what is what, a proper acquaintance with the environment. He has given me Mathura Mandala, where Radha and Govinda have their pastimes. He has given me Vrndavana, where the cows and the milkmen have their village constructed. I am becoming acquainted with their association, their nature, and their feelings of love for Krsna. He has given me Radha-kunda, the favorite place of Radha and Govinda for their pastimes, and this great Govardhana. And lastly he has given me the hope that one day I can get the service of Sri Sri Radhika and Madhava. I have been given all these assurances by my gurudeva, so I bow my head with all my respects to his lotus feet."
All of the above devotional assets and relationships that I have been given are being developed by your guidance. You instruct me how to appreciate and become attached to the Holy Names, how to engage in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya, and how to approach developing my eternal relationship with the residents of the spiritual world.
Out of sadness and concern for the souls trapped in material existence, great souls like you work day and night to help guide such lost children back to their eternal Father. All I can say is that I am so appreciative of the fact that you work so hard to help my fallen brothers and sisters go to back Home. Thank you so much Gurudev.
I hope to always remain
Your eternal servant.
Krishna Kumara dasa
Gita Nagari Dham, 2015
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Hare Krishna.
The term “mercy of the spiritual master” is so prominent in Krishna Consciousness. It is spoken of as the active ingredient in one’s devotional life. By this mercy, one’s austerities are transformed into devotional realizations.
From my perspective, your mercy upon me is most prominently manifested in you taking so much of your time and mental energy to help me develop properly in Krishna Consciousness. You feel anxiety about my safety, and always make arrangements for me to be under loving, capable guidance.
Until the age of 20, I had accepted gross and subtle sense gratification, as well as material humanitarian work, to be the goals of human life. I aspired to merge into the impersonal Brahman, and I always entertained myself with an unlimited variety and quantity of speculation – splicing, mixing, churning, processing, refining – like a mad scientist in the laboratory of the Mind.
Gurudev, when I consider your kindness upon me, a verse by Srila Raghunath dasa Goswami always comes to mind:
nama srestham manum api saci putram atra svarupam
rupam tasyagrajam uru purim mathurim gostavatim
radha kundam giri varam aho radhika madhavasam
prapto yasya prathita krpaya sri gurum tam nato 'smi
"He has given me the highest conception of the holy name of Krsna. He has given me the service of that great savior, the son of Mother Saci, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is like a golden mountain standing to show the direction of Krishna-lila. He has brought me to the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu's most favorite, Svarupa Damodara, who is the representation of Lalita devi, the most favorite friend of Radhika. He has brought me in connection with Sri Rupa, who was ordered to distribute the highest kinds of devotional love, rasa. He has given me the association of Srila Sanatana Goswami, who adjusts our position in relation to raganuga-bhakti. He explains the path of vaidhi-bhakti, and gives us sambandha-jnana: the knowledge of what is what, a proper acquaintance with the environment. He has given me Mathura Mandala, where Radha and Govinda have their pastimes. He has given me Vrndavana, where the cows and the milkmen have their village constructed. I am becoming acquainted with their association, their nature, and their feelings of love for Krsna. He has given me Radha-kunda, the favorite place of Radha and Govinda for their pastimes, and this great Govardhana. And lastly he has given me the hope that one day I can get the service of Sri Sri Radhika and Madhava. I have been given all these assurances by my gurudeva, so I bow my head with all my respects to his lotus feet."
All of the above devotional assets and relationships that I have been given are being developed by your guidance. You instruct me how to appreciate and become attached to the Holy Names, how to engage in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya, and how to approach developing my eternal relationship with the residents of the spiritual world.
Out of sadness and concern for the souls trapped in material existence, great souls like you work day and night to help guide such lost children back to their eternal Father. All I can say is that I am so appreciative of the fact that you work so hard to help my fallen brothers and sisters go to back Home. Thank you so much Gurudev.
I hope to always remain
Your eternal servant.
Krishna Kumara dasa
Gita Nagari Dham, 2015
Krishna-mayi dd
My Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories unto you, my spiritual master and my spiritual father!
How beautiful is this auspicious day of your divine appearance! This is a day when Mother Earth bows down blessed by the footprints of your lotus feet! This is a day when the stars illuminate the path you walk on to deliver the conditioned souls from the material bondage! This is a day your disciples are filled with joy as they can glorify you without any limits!
Oh my dearest spiritual master, please be kind upon this insignificant soul today, and give me the ability to honor and praise you in an appropriate manner. Always centered on myself, constantly looking for material sense gratification, how will I ever be able to fully appreciate your glories without your blessings? My eyes and heart are covered by thick layer of material contaminations, only you can empower me to see just a glimpse of your glories. Oh messenger from the spiritual world please be kind upon me!
It seems that you walk and travel just like an ordinary man but every step you take impacts lives of countless living entities, every word you utter transforms someone’s heart, every glance you bestow spreads mercy of the Lord!
As I reflect on your divine qualities, my thoughts take me back when I was first blessed by your association in St. Louis, Missouri. Oh, how eager and excited I was to meet you, this mysterious personality whom my husband, Surapala Prabhu, would constantly talk about with so much love, affection, and deep gratitude.
When the long awaited moment has finally arrived and you have appeared in the simple surroundings of St.Louis temple, your quality of compassion has taken over the entire place. What I mean is that basically you gave yourself completely to us; nothing else really mattered to you, only how you could provide us with whatever we needed to nourish our Bhakti creeper. You allowed us to spend hours in your private room and to constantly drink the nectar of your association. Only years later you have revealed to us that coming to St. Louis was quite austere for you. Cold, winter weather, poor facilities in the temple…yet you would come…for our sake, the least deserving, insignificant souls.
It humbles me greatly just thinking of so many circumstances in which you have accepted various discomforts just to visit me and my husband wherever we were, and to offer us the spiritual support and guidance we needed. Your heart is filled with love of Krishna, yet you find a place in your lotus heart for each and every one of us. You make us feel so dear to you, so important, so special although we are just struggling living entities, trying to break out of material bondage.
My heart is overwhelmed when I think that you have placed your lotus feet in the city of Las Vegas which ground is soaked with all kinds of sinful activities. Even the ordinary people could not understand why YOU would want to go to Vegas! I remember you mentioned that the customer service at the airport would glance over your saffron robes and would say with a great astonishment: “You go where? To Las Vegas?”
That is right! Why would a personality of such a pure, noble character ever wanted to come to Vegas, the capitol of Maya? Of all the places in the world, why there?
We have spent the last 15 years in Las Vegas, and many devotees would tell us that they would never go to Vegas, even if they would get paid. They understood the degrading nature of this place where sinful actions are promoted day and night.
But for you, it didn’t really matter. It could be hell or heaven. You went. You came many times because you appreciated, you cared, and you loved a few insignificant souls trying to serve you.
In the Vedic scriptures it is stated that Vaisnava’s heart is full of compassion, and you have also mentioned in many of your lectures that unless one develops this quality of compassion one cannot preach effectively the message of Lord Caitanya. However I have to admit that until I met you I did not really know what this quality truly meant.
During all the years I have been aspiring to serve you, I realized that you are ready to go any distance, accept any discomfort, perform any sacrifice, even at the risk of your own life in order to give others Krishna, in whatever form they would need it at the moment. It not only refers to the lost, conditioned souls, but also to your disciples. Your compassion has no limit and no boundaries, from risking your life by preaching behind the Iron Curtain back in 80s to traveling the world in the present time and creating exclusive ways of awakening the sleeping conditioned souls.
My dearest spiritual master, this compassion has captured my heart filling it with a gratitude and obligation, deeply impacting my life and soul.
My dearest Gurudeva, I beg at your lotus feet, please allow even a small drop of this compassion to develop in my stone-like heart, so that I can be helpful in Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana movement and thus please your loving heart.
My only desire and hope is to somehow or other one day be useful in your divine service.
Bowing down at your lotus feet, always awaiting your mercy,
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories unto you, my spiritual master and my spiritual father!
How beautiful is this auspicious day of your divine appearance! This is a day when Mother Earth bows down blessed by the footprints of your lotus feet! This is a day when the stars illuminate the path you walk on to deliver the conditioned souls from the material bondage! This is a day your disciples are filled with joy as they can glorify you without any limits!
Oh my dearest spiritual master, please be kind upon this insignificant soul today, and give me the ability to honor and praise you in an appropriate manner. Always centered on myself, constantly looking for material sense gratification, how will I ever be able to fully appreciate your glories without your blessings? My eyes and heart are covered by thick layer of material contaminations, only you can empower me to see just a glimpse of your glories. Oh messenger from the spiritual world please be kind upon me!
It seems that you walk and travel just like an ordinary man but every step you take impacts lives of countless living entities, every word you utter transforms someone’s heart, every glance you bestow spreads mercy of the Lord!
As I reflect on your divine qualities, my thoughts take me back when I was first blessed by your association in St. Louis, Missouri. Oh, how eager and excited I was to meet you, this mysterious personality whom my husband, Surapala Prabhu, would constantly talk about with so much love, affection, and deep gratitude.
When the long awaited moment has finally arrived and you have appeared in the simple surroundings of St.Louis temple, your quality of compassion has taken over the entire place. What I mean is that basically you gave yourself completely to us; nothing else really mattered to you, only how you could provide us with whatever we needed to nourish our Bhakti creeper. You allowed us to spend hours in your private room and to constantly drink the nectar of your association. Only years later you have revealed to us that coming to St. Louis was quite austere for you. Cold, winter weather, poor facilities in the temple…yet you would come…for our sake, the least deserving, insignificant souls.
It humbles me greatly just thinking of so many circumstances in which you have accepted various discomforts just to visit me and my husband wherever we were, and to offer us the spiritual support and guidance we needed. Your heart is filled with love of Krishna, yet you find a place in your lotus heart for each and every one of us. You make us feel so dear to you, so important, so special although we are just struggling living entities, trying to break out of material bondage.
My heart is overwhelmed when I think that you have placed your lotus feet in the city of Las Vegas which ground is soaked with all kinds of sinful activities. Even the ordinary people could not understand why YOU would want to go to Vegas! I remember you mentioned that the customer service at the airport would glance over your saffron robes and would say with a great astonishment: “You go where? To Las Vegas?”
That is right! Why would a personality of such a pure, noble character ever wanted to come to Vegas, the capitol of Maya? Of all the places in the world, why there?
We have spent the last 15 years in Las Vegas, and many devotees would tell us that they would never go to Vegas, even if they would get paid. They understood the degrading nature of this place where sinful actions are promoted day and night.
But for you, it didn’t really matter. It could be hell or heaven. You went. You came many times because you appreciated, you cared, and you loved a few insignificant souls trying to serve you.
In the Vedic scriptures it is stated that Vaisnava’s heart is full of compassion, and you have also mentioned in many of your lectures that unless one develops this quality of compassion one cannot preach effectively the message of Lord Caitanya. However I have to admit that until I met you I did not really know what this quality truly meant.
During all the years I have been aspiring to serve you, I realized that you are ready to go any distance, accept any discomfort, perform any sacrifice, even at the risk of your own life in order to give others Krishna, in whatever form they would need it at the moment. It not only refers to the lost, conditioned souls, but also to your disciples. Your compassion has no limit and no boundaries, from risking your life by preaching behind the Iron Curtain back in 80s to traveling the world in the present time and creating exclusive ways of awakening the sleeping conditioned souls.
My dearest spiritual master, this compassion has captured my heart filling it with a gratitude and obligation, deeply impacting my life and soul.
My dearest Gurudeva, I beg at your lotus feet, please allow even a small drop of this compassion to develop in my stone-like heart, so that I can be helpful in Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana movement and thus please your loving heart.
My only desire and hope is to somehow or other one day be useful in your divine service.
Bowing down at your lotus feet, always awaiting your mercy,
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Krishna-rupa devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisances.
I’m very grateful for your presence in my life.
I feel protection from you and a strong desire to help me to grow spiritually and to mature and, of course, you wish me only good.
I live by your lectures! I can listen to them and cry, hear and cry, because they enter the depths of heart. This is very strong spiritual feeling that I never experience before. Thank you for that!
In your last seminar about Lord Caitanya you told He gave us the wealth of Holy Name. We all have mercy of Lord Caitanya – we are endlessly rich!
This is real nectar! I never thought like this before. I’m rich! Thank you for that!
I want to keep it and carry it throughout life.
You tell us how the Lord takes care of us, gives His mercy, which manifests not in the form of money or a good house but in the form of opportunity to chant and dance! And I’ve realized that I have complete mercy of the Lord! Thank you for that!
Please Guru Maharaja, teach me to chant the Holy Name with the same taste as you have! Let it become my only desire!
Hare Krishna!
Your servant, Krishna-rupa devi dasi
Krsna Prasada das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As the weeks roll by faster than ever, I can see this life disappearing before my very eyes. As I am now 35 years in this body, this short life is approximately half expired according to the average life expectancy of a male.
As I reflect on the past 13 years or so since I began to break free from Kali Yuga's delights, I have hardly scratched the surface. It feels just like the earth is crumbling beneath my feet as I run to reach stable ground. Devotional service is that stable ground and you are the top most example of how to firmly fix your feet on that solid ground.
You are beckoning to all of us to unlock our dormant potential within. Thank you so much for selflessly, patiently and personally drawing out the best in us, you are an emblem of compassion. Thank you for your classes and discussions, they are always so relevant and cutting edge, its exactly what we need to hear, when we need it. Thank you for your constant austerities in traveling the globe. Thank you for your tolerance, perseverance and all the time you have sacrificed, just to help this one spirit soul try to get it together, what to speak of so many others.
Its time I actually begin my Bhakti career, stop cooking with smoke and crank up the fire. Gurudeva, please allow me use the abilities Krsna has given me to serve you 100%, not 30, 40 or even 80%, the full 100%. If I don't do it in this life, then how many more will it take? The road would keep crumbling beneath my feet.
I recently read where Srila Prabhupada explained "that even if we are not expert in Love of Krsna, if we work under an expert we are also acting as experts". There is no doubt, you are an expert in Love of Krsna. Please allow me to become an expert servant and learn to anticipate what the master wants even before he asks for it.
Aspiring to one day serve you properly.
Krsna Prasada das.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As the weeks roll by faster than ever, I can see this life disappearing before my very eyes. As I am now 35 years in this body, this short life is approximately half expired according to the average life expectancy of a male.
As I reflect on the past 13 years or so since I began to break free from Kali Yuga's delights, I have hardly scratched the surface. It feels just like the earth is crumbling beneath my feet as I run to reach stable ground. Devotional service is that stable ground and you are the top most example of how to firmly fix your feet on that solid ground.
You are beckoning to all of us to unlock our dormant potential within. Thank you so much for selflessly, patiently and personally drawing out the best in us, you are an emblem of compassion. Thank you for your classes and discussions, they are always so relevant and cutting edge, its exactly what we need to hear, when we need it. Thank you for your constant austerities in traveling the globe. Thank you for your tolerance, perseverance and all the time you have sacrificed, just to help this one spirit soul try to get it together, what to speak of so many others.
Its time I actually begin my Bhakti career, stop cooking with smoke and crank up the fire. Gurudeva, please allow me use the abilities Krsna has given me to serve you 100%, not 30, 40 or even 80%, the full 100%. If I don't do it in this life, then how many more will it take? The road would keep crumbling beneath my feet.
I recently read where Srila Prabhupada explained "that even if we are not expert in Love of Krsna, if we work under an expert we are also acting as experts". There is no doubt, you are an expert in Love of Krsna. Please allow me to become an expert servant and learn to anticipate what the master wants even before he asks for it.
Aspiring to one day serve you properly.
Krsna Prasada das.
Krsna katha Dasa
Namo om visnu padaya krsna padaya bhutale
srimate devamrta swami iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisences at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
In Bhagavat Gita 7.3 Krsna instructs Arjuna as follows
manusyanam sahasresu
kascid yatati siddhaye
yatatam api siddhanam
kascin mam vetti tattvatah
Prabhupada comments in the purport - "It is very difficult for the nondevotees to know Him. Although nondevotees declare that the path of bhakti or devotional service is very easy, they cannot practice it. If the path of bhakti is so easy, as the nondevotee class of men proclaim,
then why do they take up the difficult path? Actually the path of bhakti is not easy. The so-called path of bhakti practiced by unauthorized persons without knowledge of bhakti may be easy, but when it is practiced factually according to the rules and regulations,
the speculative scholars and philosophers fall away from the path."
"Even the great demigods are sometimes confused about Krsna: "muhyanti yat suraya?," "ma? tu veda na kascana." "No one knows Me as I am," the Lord says.
And if one does know Him, then "sa mahatma sudurlabha?." "Such a great soul is very rare." Therefore unless one practices devotional service to the Lord,
he cannot know Krsna as He is (tattvata?), even though one is a great scholar or philosopher only the pure devotees can know something of krsna."
This year we are celebrating 50 years of ISKCON, we all have read and heard the sacrifice/determination and pure devotional service of Prabhupada for getting this movement off the ground, however my personal inspiration is to see and experience sacrifice/determination and pure devotional service of his disciples, especially being your disciple I have been able to observe and follow you in the last 11 years.You are “sa mahatma sudurlabha” serving Prabhupada dedicatedly for over 4 decades.
The most fortunate soul in this world & beyond is that person who is the servant of the servant of krsna.For me to knowing Krsna is many lifetimes away, however
my sincire desire & efforts in this lifetime is to try and understand your desires and how I can serve you! I am trying and struggling in my service and my prayer is
that you bless me that I can somehow or other continue serving you till the very end of this life and be a useful instrument in your hands.
Your Servant
krsna katha Dasa
srimate devamrta swami iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisences at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
In Bhagavat Gita 7.3 Krsna instructs Arjuna as follows
manusyanam sahasresu
kascid yatati siddhaye
yatatam api siddhanam
kascin mam vetti tattvatah
Prabhupada comments in the purport - "It is very difficult for the nondevotees to know Him. Although nondevotees declare that the path of bhakti or devotional service is very easy, they cannot practice it. If the path of bhakti is so easy, as the nondevotee class of men proclaim,
then why do they take up the difficult path? Actually the path of bhakti is not easy. The so-called path of bhakti practiced by unauthorized persons without knowledge of bhakti may be easy, but when it is practiced factually according to the rules and regulations,
the speculative scholars and philosophers fall away from the path."
"Even the great demigods are sometimes confused about Krsna: "muhyanti yat suraya?," "ma? tu veda na kascana." "No one knows Me as I am," the Lord says.
And if one does know Him, then "sa mahatma sudurlabha?." "Such a great soul is very rare." Therefore unless one practices devotional service to the Lord,
he cannot know Krsna as He is (tattvata?), even though one is a great scholar or philosopher only the pure devotees can know something of krsna."
This year we are celebrating 50 years of ISKCON, we all have read and heard the sacrifice/determination and pure devotional service of Prabhupada for getting this movement off the ground, however my personal inspiration is to see and experience sacrifice/determination and pure devotional service of his disciples, especially being your disciple I have been able to observe and follow you in the last 11 years.You are “sa mahatma sudurlabha” serving Prabhupada dedicatedly for over 4 decades.
The most fortunate soul in this world & beyond is that person who is the servant of the servant of krsna.For me to knowing Krsna is many lifetimes away, however
my sincire desire & efforts in this lifetime is to try and understand your desires and how I can serve you! I am trying and struggling in my service and my prayer is
that you bless me that I can somehow or other continue serving you till the very end of this life and be a useful instrument in your hands.
Your Servant
krsna katha Dasa
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
namo om visnu padaya
krsna prestaya bhutale
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It is the great kindness of Sri Sri Radha-Vallabha that they have led us to take shelter at your lotus feet.
We pray to them for your long life and good health on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa puja so that you can continue to rescue fallen souls like us.
When we feel lost and confused, we always meditate on your teachings and it immediately uplifts our mind.
It is amazing how when we’ve got doubts about something, it somehow gets addressed in your next lecture we hear. It almost feels like you just heard us and clearing our worries.
Sometimes we get so much caught up in the material aspect of life that we forget to concentrate of the spiritual aspect of it.
Fortunately your books, lectures and kirtans are a constant reminder to keep us connected to the super soul.
You’ve changed the lives of so many people in so many ways including ours.
Thank you for dedicating your life towards the well being of other human beings.
Thank you for your austerity and unlimited care for all living entities.
Thank you for being a perfect role model.
Thank you for everything you have so kindly done in the service of Srila Prabhupada.
Please allow us to always be engaged at your lotus feet, and always be in the association of those who serve you.
Your insignificant servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
krsna prestaya bhutale
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It is the great kindness of Sri Sri Radha-Vallabha that they have led us to take shelter at your lotus feet.
We pray to them for your long life and good health on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa puja so that you can continue to rescue fallen souls like us.
When we feel lost and confused, we always meditate on your teachings and it immediately uplifts our mind.
It is amazing how when we’ve got doubts about something, it somehow gets addressed in your next lecture we hear. It almost feels like you just heard us and clearing our worries.
Sometimes we get so much caught up in the material aspect of life that we forget to concentrate of the spiritual aspect of it.
Fortunately your books, lectures and kirtans are a constant reminder to keep us connected to the super soul.
You’ve changed the lives of so many people in so many ways including ours.
Thank you for dedicating your life towards the well being of other human beings.
Thank you for your austerity and unlimited care for all living entities.
Thank you for being a perfect role model.
Thank you for everything you have so kindly done in the service of Srila Prabhupada.
Please allow us to always be engaged at your lotus feet, and always be in the association of those who serve you.
Your insignificant servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
Krsnananda dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
As we go through life we encounter difficulties. Spiritual blockages. Impediments. We wish to consult a specialist, a doctor, who can give us an answer, an antidote.
Finding myself once again in the consultation waiting room, awaiting diagnosis to recent problems, stresses, strains. I ponder over the instructions I received from you in my very early days of Bhakti:
“I am hoping you will invest your intelligence fully in the mission of Lord Caitanya.
This world is corrupt through and through; only a complete programme of overhaul can make a difference. Please help.”
From the beginning you gave me prescriptions with which I could call on daily:
“Make the daily attentive chanting of Hare Krishna and attachment for Prabhupada's books your topmost priority.
Let all your other activities expand from your daily chanting.
Use your intelligence and developing purity to bring others to Krishna consciousness.
Always desire to serve Krishna in the association of enlivening devotees.”
Years later, I look back and think wow, I was so sincere in my early years! Oh how to regain that sincerity?
You demonstrate the pinnacle of sincerity with your transcendental words:
“My life is not mine, but it's for the service of Srila Prabhupada and the parampara.
So if you want to assist me in my efforts to please him, then I thank you very much.”
With this calling echoing in my mind I have something wonderful to aspire to in life.
But with material desires tainting and fading my productivity in Bhakti, I’ve been too timid to accomplish anything great.
Sensing this you have tried to help me by giving me little stepping stone prescriptions:
“Please try to help with the newer men. Try to come out of your shell more, as I know you have much to offer.”
And most recently you’ve said:
“Don’t put your heart into climbing the ladder in the working world. Put your heart into providing for others. Married life is complex. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take things - carefully - one step at a time. And take care of Gaura-arati” you instructed, “she is very dear to me”.
Back to the present, my name is called. Walking towards the heart operating theatre, the renowned “darshan” experience awaits.
My misfortune is that I don’t fully comprehend the disease I am suffering from. Mentally I am filling out my own prescription. My false ego insists: I have all the answers! The real fever that rages is false pride and false prestige.
Paying full dandavats, the conversation then proceeds something like this:
Gurudeva: So you have made peace with the house?
Krsnananda: Getting there Gurudeva, nearly on top of the rat problem.
Gurudeva: Ok. About your email...i didn’t quite understand...
Krsnananda: Well i have this big idea [explains elaborately “Grand Plan A”]
Gurudeva: [look of confusion]
Krsnananda: [elaborates further on the need for Grand Plan A by pointing out problem X and problem Y]
Gurudeva: [shakes head] Krishna consciousness is not an excuse to be airy fairy.
Krsnananda: [Tries to better explain Grand Plan A]
Gurudeva: [again shakes head] Here we go loop de loop.
Krsnananda: Hmmm?
Gurudeva: [emphatically] what is happening at ground zero. This is all skywriting. You need to ground yourself.
Krsnananda: Right!
Gurudeva: Rather than all these abstract ideas.
Krsnananda: [lost in thought]
Gurudeva: Varnashrama Dharma is not going to magically fall down from the sky to help you pay your mortgage.
Krsnananda: [smiles]
Gurudeva: You need to get out of dreamland
[Interrupted by knock at the door by a devotee passing on a message]
Gurudeva: [Turning towards the devotee] See. This devotee is prepared to do the hard yards. He sets a good example.
Krsnananda: Jaya.
Gurudeva: You need to man-up.
Krsnananda: [Using excuses 1, 2 and 3 explains how the issues are unique and complex]
Gurudeva: Is your situation so complicated and unique that it requires an incarnation to figure it all out?
Krsnananda: [laughter]
Gurudeva: There is no material sugar-coated pill or magic wand.
Krsnananda: [gives examples of global problems and then connects these problems with the challenges of household life]
Gurudeva: You don’t have time to try and figure the world out. This is household life. You have to be practical, grounded.
Krsnananda: I tend to rely on my intellect to solve problems.
Gurudeve: There is no “intellectual solution”. Chant Hare Krishna through thick and thin.
Krsnananda: Ah ha
Gurudeva: I think you want a rose garden to bask in—easy and sugary—and when you don’t get that you more or less throw a tantrum, intellectually and otherwise. Remember, this is the material world.
Krsnananda: Yes I can see now how my upbringing has moulded certain tendencies in my conditioning...
Gurudeva: Indeed. You want a rose garden...with mum in charge.
Krsnananda: [stunned look, like a possum caught in headlights]
Gurudeva: [patiently waits]
Krsnanada: [mumbles] well my mum thinks I’m cool.
Gurudeva: [confused look] You are a bit naive and spoiled by mum. Be glad you have a determined Bhakti wife and push onward.
Krsnananda: ok [then asks what about “Grand Plan B”]
Gurudeva: [pained expression] You’re hugging clouds again. Why don’t you go up to a mountain top and when the clouds come past try to reach out and hug them. You should try it.
Krsnanada: [expression showing that penny has finally dropped]
Gurudeva: So you need to ground yourself and you do this by regularly hearing and chanting Bhagavad Gita.
Krsnananda: cool
Gurudeva: So next time you are feeling high and mighty and soaring through the sky...what do you need to do?
Krsnananda: Chant Hare Krsna through thick and thin, chant a chapter of Bhagavad-gita regularly. Become more grounded.
Gurudeva: Very good. Hopefully this will stick. Always remember if you want to stay Krsna conscious throughout life you have to be determined to transcend. Hare Krsna.
After paying my obeisances and leaving the room, I cling onto these sound vibrations like they are very rare diamonds. Laced with wit and wisdom, the words cracked through the thick false ego. Imbued with the full mercy of the parampara, the diagnosis gives me the opportunity of progression and steadiness in Bhakti.
I realize more now that when I try to strictly and determinedly follow your instructions Gurudeva things fall into place a lot more. If I neglect, everything gets very wobbly.
And this is very dangerous in the householder ashram where so much depends on stability.
Gurudeva, time and time again you have helped me out through difficult times. And in my diseased condition, I have often been a rebellious and ungrateful patient. Please forgive my many offenses.
This year has seen some solid purification - upheavals even, going on internally. I am starting to better understand the trends, the tricks, the deep rootedness of my anarthas. Especially the attempt to intellectually decipher what is going on; what is going wrong and how things should be. As you rightly point out - “there is no intellectual solution”. Solutions only exist on the transcendental platform. I’ve been so distracted and enamoured with my own (superfluous) intellectual gymnastics, it’s really held me back in a big way.
I am trying hard to work on myself. More than ever before, I am realizing the importance of following your instructions thoroughly.
Currently I am restructuring things. Repositioning myself to take your instructions more wholeheartedly. Please bless me that I might succeed.
Thank you for continuing to issue me the best prescriptions that will enable me to reach the goal that my heart has always longed for whether I have realised it or not:
Love of God. Krsna consciousness.
Your insignificant and eternally indebted servant
Krsnananda dasa
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
As we go through life we encounter difficulties. Spiritual blockages. Impediments. We wish to consult a specialist, a doctor, who can give us an answer, an antidote.
Finding myself once again in the consultation waiting room, awaiting diagnosis to recent problems, stresses, strains. I ponder over the instructions I received from you in my very early days of Bhakti:
“I am hoping you will invest your intelligence fully in the mission of Lord Caitanya.
This world is corrupt through and through; only a complete programme of overhaul can make a difference. Please help.”
From the beginning you gave me prescriptions with which I could call on daily:
“Make the daily attentive chanting of Hare Krishna and attachment for Prabhupada's books your topmost priority.
Let all your other activities expand from your daily chanting.
Use your intelligence and developing purity to bring others to Krishna consciousness.
Always desire to serve Krishna in the association of enlivening devotees.”
Years later, I look back and think wow, I was so sincere in my early years! Oh how to regain that sincerity?
You demonstrate the pinnacle of sincerity with your transcendental words:
“My life is not mine, but it's for the service of Srila Prabhupada and the parampara.
So if you want to assist me in my efforts to please him, then I thank you very much.”
With this calling echoing in my mind I have something wonderful to aspire to in life.
But with material desires tainting and fading my productivity in Bhakti, I’ve been too timid to accomplish anything great.
Sensing this you have tried to help me by giving me little stepping stone prescriptions:
“Please try to help with the newer men. Try to come out of your shell more, as I know you have much to offer.”
And most recently you’ve said:
“Don’t put your heart into climbing the ladder in the working world. Put your heart into providing for others. Married life is complex. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take things - carefully - one step at a time. And take care of Gaura-arati” you instructed, “she is very dear to me”.
Back to the present, my name is called. Walking towards the heart operating theatre, the renowned “darshan” experience awaits.
My misfortune is that I don’t fully comprehend the disease I am suffering from. Mentally I am filling out my own prescription. My false ego insists: I have all the answers! The real fever that rages is false pride and false prestige.
Paying full dandavats, the conversation then proceeds something like this:
Gurudeva: So you have made peace with the house?
Krsnananda: Getting there Gurudeva, nearly on top of the rat problem.
Gurudeva: Ok. About your email...i didn’t quite understand...
Krsnananda: Well i have this big idea [explains elaborately “Grand Plan A”]
Gurudeva: [look of confusion]
Krsnananda: [elaborates further on the need for Grand Plan A by pointing out problem X and problem Y]
Gurudeva: [shakes head] Krishna consciousness is not an excuse to be airy fairy.
Krsnananda: [Tries to better explain Grand Plan A]
Gurudeva: [again shakes head] Here we go loop de loop.
Krsnananda: Hmmm?
Gurudeva: [emphatically] what is happening at ground zero. This is all skywriting. You need to ground yourself.
Krsnananda: Right!
Gurudeva: Rather than all these abstract ideas.
Krsnananda: [lost in thought]
Gurudeva: Varnashrama Dharma is not going to magically fall down from the sky to help you pay your mortgage.
Krsnananda: [smiles]
Gurudeva: You need to get out of dreamland
[Interrupted by knock at the door by a devotee passing on a message]
Gurudeva: [Turning towards the devotee] See. This devotee is prepared to do the hard yards. He sets a good example.
Krsnananda: Jaya.
Gurudeva: You need to man-up.
Krsnananda: [Using excuses 1, 2 and 3 explains how the issues are unique and complex]
Gurudeva: Is your situation so complicated and unique that it requires an incarnation to figure it all out?
Krsnananda: [laughter]
Gurudeva: There is no material sugar-coated pill or magic wand.
Krsnananda: [gives examples of global problems and then connects these problems with the challenges of household life]
Gurudeva: You don’t have time to try and figure the world out. This is household life. You have to be practical, grounded.
Krsnananda: I tend to rely on my intellect to solve problems.
Gurudeve: There is no “intellectual solution”. Chant Hare Krishna through thick and thin.
Krsnananda: Ah ha
Gurudeva: I think you want a rose garden to bask in—easy and sugary—and when you don’t get that you more or less throw a tantrum, intellectually and otherwise. Remember, this is the material world.
Krsnananda: Yes I can see now how my upbringing has moulded certain tendencies in my conditioning...
Gurudeva: Indeed. You want a rose garden...with mum in charge.
Krsnananda: [stunned look, like a possum caught in headlights]
Gurudeva: [patiently waits]
Krsnanada: [mumbles] well my mum thinks I’m cool.
Gurudeva: [confused look] You are a bit naive and spoiled by mum. Be glad you have a determined Bhakti wife and push onward.
Krsnananda: ok [then asks what about “Grand Plan B”]
Gurudeva: [pained expression] You’re hugging clouds again. Why don’t you go up to a mountain top and when the clouds come past try to reach out and hug them. You should try it.
Krsnanada: [expression showing that penny has finally dropped]
Gurudeva: So you need to ground yourself and you do this by regularly hearing and chanting Bhagavad Gita.
Krsnananda: cool
Gurudeva: So next time you are feeling high and mighty and soaring through the sky...what do you need to do?
Krsnananda: Chant Hare Krsna through thick and thin, chant a chapter of Bhagavad-gita regularly. Become more grounded.
Gurudeva: Very good. Hopefully this will stick. Always remember if you want to stay Krsna conscious throughout life you have to be determined to transcend. Hare Krsna.
After paying my obeisances and leaving the room, I cling onto these sound vibrations like they are very rare diamonds. Laced with wit and wisdom, the words cracked through the thick false ego. Imbued with the full mercy of the parampara, the diagnosis gives me the opportunity of progression and steadiness in Bhakti.
I realize more now that when I try to strictly and determinedly follow your instructions Gurudeva things fall into place a lot more. If I neglect, everything gets very wobbly.
And this is very dangerous in the householder ashram where so much depends on stability.
Gurudeva, time and time again you have helped me out through difficult times. And in my diseased condition, I have often been a rebellious and ungrateful patient. Please forgive my many offenses.
This year has seen some solid purification - upheavals even, going on internally. I am starting to better understand the trends, the tricks, the deep rootedness of my anarthas. Especially the attempt to intellectually decipher what is going on; what is going wrong and how things should be. As you rightly point out - “there is no intellectual solution”. Solutions only exist on the transcendental platform. I’ve been so distracted and enamoured with my own (superfluous) intellectual gymnastics, it’s really held me back in a big way.
I am trying hard to work on myself. More than ever before, I am realizing the importance of following your instructions thoroughly.
Currently I am restructuring things. Repositioning myself to take your instructions more wholeheartedly. Please bless me that I might succeed.
Thank you for continuing to issue me the best prescriptions that will enable me to reach the goal that my heart has always longed for whether I have realised it or not:
Love of God. Krsna consciousness.
Your insignificant and eternally indebted servant
Krsnananda dasa
Kula Paavana Das
Namo Om Vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva- daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca tenamah
Dearest Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your auspicious appearance.
Every time I hear your lectures I feel like a record of instructions.
after sometime I felt this is very heavy and then too much to learn, again it felt like it is not me who can follow and live on it. But out of all there is one instruction I felt which I should imbibe in myself. "Encourage" this I heard it when I attended the 2012 Festival of Recharge in New Zealand .
At first I didn't know what this word can do, but as you instructed in the lecture I felt I should try to tell at least to myself. Yet I don't know whether I said this to myself or not, but I have been trying to encourage anyone whom I come across doing a little service or gives an opinion. After sometime I could see what effect this could make in one's life.
Truly you are amazing. Every time I come to take your darshan, I open a bag of problems, (which I feel they are) but you always listen patiently and encourage me to continue my devotional service and keep serving devotees and now I can see and realise what this word "Encourage" can do, when others share their experience.
On this auspicious day, I deeply thank you for your kind words upon me.
Your Servant,
Kula Paavana Das
Kurmadeva Das
naivopayanty apacitiṁ kavayas taveśa
brahmāyuṣāpi kṛtam ṛddha-mudaḥ smarantaḥ
yo ’ntar bahis tanu-bhṛtām aśubhaṁ vidhunvann
ācārya-caittya-vapuṣā sva-gatiṁ vyanakti
My dear Guru Maharaja, what auspicios day this day of Your vyasa-puja, a moment to remind you and highlight your qualities, certainly we are very fortunate to have you in our lives, people like us who have a heart of stone are not able to understand your greatness and personality, you are very merciful to me and I do not possess good quality and devoid of all intelligence, these facts demonstrate your tolerance and love. how lucky we are to offer some kind of service to their lotus feet, it's amazing that you have the ability, energy, your commitment, intelligence you show all your projects, but above all the great love you give, each one of your disciples, we all have a unique relationship with you and particles, and is very interesting as you respond to each of us, your care for us as a father, I really feel that you're my real father life after life, I hope to improve, to help you and someday you can forgive my sins, I hope you are well and that you continue lighting with your presence this world.
Your eternal servant, Kurmadeva Das
brahmāyuṣāpi kṛtam ṛddha-mudaḥ smarantaḥ
yo ’ntar bahis tanu-bhṛtām aśubhaṁ vidhunvann
ācārya-caittya-vapuṣā sva-gatiṁ vyanakti
My dear Guru Maharaja, what auspicios day this day of Your vyasa-puja, a moment to remind you and highlight your qualities, certainly we are very fortunate to have you in our lives, people like us who have a heart of stone are not able to understand your greatness and personality, you are very merciful to me and I do not possess good quality and devoid of all intelligence, these facts demonstrate your tolerance and love. how lucky we are to offer some kind of service to their lotus feet, it's amazing that you have the ability, energy, your commitment, intelligence you show all your projects, but above all the great love you give, each one of your disciples, we all have a unique relationship with you and particles, and is very interesting as you respond to each of us, your care for us as a father, I really feel that you're my real father life after life, I hope to improve, to help you and someday you can forgive my sins, I hope you are well and that you continue lighting with your presence this world.
Your eternal servant, Kurmadeva Das
Kusuma Sarovara dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obbeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I realised you are the only reason why I am where I am right now and why I am doing what I'm doing.
When it gets really tough like it is right now, I'm just keeping on by reminding myself that I have to be here and do what I'm told because that pleases you.
Thank you for being that solid rock for me. You are really and truly the only jewel I have.
The real association of a guru we have through following his instructions.
And I definitely feel and see that now. More than ever before you are present in my life.
You are the reason why I made all the changes in my life and why I live in the way that I would probably never choose for myself.
You told me once to start investing in my higher self but I haven't yet understood who that is. But with your mercy it is slowly being revealed to me.
Even though I don't really feel like I swim good in these waters, just to have your instructions as my mountain peak and your support, I think I can learn how to swim...and actually make it across this ocean of material suffering.
Gurudeva, thank you for being the most important person in my life, and for delivering the message of Krishna in such a way that my mind and heart are captivated.
I am looking forward of spending another year in trying my best to satisfy you and your visions. I will continue trying to repay my debt to you that can never be repaid.
Hare Krishna,
Your eternal servant Kusuma Sarovara dd
Please accept my humble obbeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I realised you are the only reason why I am where I am right now and why I am doing what I'm doing.
When it gets really tough like it is right now, I'm just keeping on by reminding myself that I have to be here and do what I'm told because that pleases you.
Thank you for being that solid rock for me. You are really and truly the only jewel I have.
The real association of a guru we have through following his instructions.
And I definitely feel and see that now. More than ever before you are present in my life.
You are the reason why I made all the changes in my life and why I live in the way that I would probably never choose for myself.
You told me once to start investing in my higher self but I haven't yet understood who that is. But with your mercy it is slowly being revealed to me.
Even though I don't really feel like I swim good in these waters, just to have your instructions as my mountain peak and your support, I think I can learn how to swim...and actually make it across this ocean of material suffering.
Gurudeva, thank you for being the most important person in my life, and for delivering the message of Krishna in such a way that my mind and heart are captivated.
I am looking forward of spending another year in trying my best to satisfy you and your visions. I will continue trying to repay my debt to you that can never be repaid.
Hare Krishna,
Your eternal servant Kusuma Sarovara dd
Laksmidhari
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
It was about this time five years ago that I came into contact with the devotees, owing to your disciple Dhruvananda who I met when he was on sankirtan at a train station in Sydney. I had just read the Ramayan and had heard of Bhagavad-gita from some impersonal yoga practitioners whom I met in Bali and spent some time with in Cape Town. When I saw Bhagavad-gita in Dhruva’s hands I stopped dead in my tracks. He was actually speaking to someone else and I interjected (as I do), proclaiming “Oh my gosh, it’s the Bhagavad-gita. I’ve heard so much about this book.” I didn’t have any cash on me to take the book so after a short discussion with Dhruva about the nonsense philosophy I had been hearing from my recent travels, I proceeded to rush off back to work. This time Dhruva solicited my attention, stopping me from dashing off so as to tell me about Govindas. I wasn’t attracted to the idea of “chanting”, but recall sensing his kindness. He was appealing to me that I should really come to one of the meditations and even pressed me to write ‘Govindas’ in a note in my phone so I wouldn’t forget.
It was probably close to a year later, when I had become desperately bewildered and unreservedly frustrated with my material life, that I recalled having met that effulgent young man. I had long given up on the silent meditation I had practiced abroad and had immersed myself recklessly in the nightclub scene. My best friend at the time mentioned to me that she had watched a film at this boutique cinema called Govindas and the name struck a chord! Somehow or other I was determined to find my old mobile phone to retrieve the note I had made that day at the train station. I googled ‘Govindas’ and soon after went with a friend to a Yoga Nidra evening hosted by Pratapana.
How merciful the devotees are bringing me to the shelter of your lotus feet. I recall the first time we spoke. It was in the Govindas Lotus Room, after a class you gave about Prahlada Maharaja, where Hiranyikasipu asks his son about the most valuable lesson he’s learnt at school and Prahlada responds by explaining the difference between matter and spirit and emphasises the importance of devotional activity. I was enchanted by this pastime and was eager to speak to the first swami I had ever heard from. When Pratapana introduced us, you very warmly said hello and Sveta Ganga (Sheridan at the time) and I looked up at you, replied with a smiley “Hello” and then sat in complete silence, with nothing intelligent to say to such an exalted personality.
Gurudeva, I still feel like that when I sit in front of you now, silly and unqualified to call myself your spiritual daughter. And yet you are always so kind to me and have never made me feel like I don’t meet or that I fall short of your expectations of me. In fact you have been such a pillar of strength and inspiration for Vamsidhari and me to persevere with our spiritual lives, struggle as we may. You always give us your time and encourage us to support one another through difficult times and to be responsible grhasthas. Thank you for the invaluable guidance and instruction you have given to us.
I don’t have anything very grand to offer you, but I offer you my whole-hearted appreciation for rescuing me from a life of utter distress and pointless pursuit and I continue to strive to make my life one that is dedicated to you in Krishna’s service. My husband and I really do endeavour to please and serve you and the devotees.
Your daughter,
Laksmidhari
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
It was about this time five years ago that I came into contact with the devotees, owing to your disciple Dhruvananda who I met when he was on sankirtan at a train station in Sydney. I had just read the Ramayan and had heard of Bhagavad-gita from some impersonal yoga practitioners whom I met in Bali and spent some time with in Cape Town. When I saw Bhagavad-gita in Dhruva’s hands I stopped dead in my tracks. He was actually speaking to someone else and I interjected (as I do), proclaiming “Oh my gosh, it’s the Bhagavad-gita. I’ve heard so much about this book.” I didn’t have any cash on me to take the book so after a short discussion with Dhruva about the nonsense philosophy I had been hearing from my recent travels, I proceeded to rush off back to work. This time Dhruva solicited my attention, stopping me from dashing off so as to tell me about Govindas. I wasn’t attracted to the idea of “chanting”, but recall sensing his kindness. He was appealing to me that I should really come to one of the meditations and even pressed me to write ‘Govindas’ in a note in my phone so I wouldn’t forget.
It was probably close to a year later, when I had become desperately bewildered and unreservedly frustrated with my material life, that I recalled having met that effulgent young man. I had long given up on the silent meditation I had practiced abroad and had immersed myself recklessly in the nightclub scene. My best friend at the time mentioned to me that she had watched a film at this boutique cinema called Govindas and the name struck a chord! Somehow or other I was determined to find my old mobile phone to retrieve the note I had made that day at the train station. I googled ‘Govindas’ and soon after went with a friend to a Yoga Nidra evening hosted by Pratapana.
How merciful the devotees are bringing me to the shelter of your lotus feet. I recall the first time we spoke. It was in the Govindas Lotus Room, after a class you gave about Prahlada Maharaja, where Hiranyikasipu asks his son about the most valuable lesson he’s learnt at school and Prahlada responds by explaining the difference between matter and spirit and emphasises the importance of devotional activity. I was enchanted by this pastime and was eager to speak to the first swami I had ever heard from. When Pratapana introduced us, you very warmly said hello and Sveta Ganga (Sheridan at the time) and I looked up at you, replied with a smiley “Hello” and then sat in complete silence, with nothing intelligent to say to such an exalted personality.
Gurudeva, I still feel like that when I sit in front of you now, silly and unqualified to call myself your spiritual daughter. And yet you are always so kind to me and have never made me feel like I don’t meet or that I fall short of your expectations of me. In fact you have been such a pillar of strength and inspiration for Vamsidhari and me to persevere with our spiritual lives, struggle as we may. You always give us your time and encourage us to support one another through difficult times and to be responsible grhasthas. Thank you for the invaluable guidance and instruction you have given to us.
I don’t have anything very grand to offer you, but I offer you my whole-hearted appreciation for rescuing me from a life of utter distress and pointless pursuit and I continue to strive to make my life one that is dedicated to you in Krishna’s service. My husband and I really do endeavour to please and serve you and the devotees.
Your daughter,
Laksmidhari
Lavangi dasi, Mikhail, Amala (Severodvinsk)
Dear Gurudev!
Let me on this happy Day of your Vyasa-puja to respectfully bow down to your lotus feet.
Thank you for constantly inspiring us by your example to dedicate our life to the following the instructions of the spiritual master. Thank you for the family of disciples, thank you for warm-heartedness towards me and my family.
Respectfully,
your servants,
Lavangi, Michael, Amala (Severodvinsk)
Let me on this happy Day of your Vyasa-puja to respectfully bow down to your lotus feet.
Thank you for constantly inspiring us by your example to dedicate our life to the following the instructions of the spiritual master. Thank you for the family of disciples, thank you for warm-heartedness towards me and my family.
Respectfully,
your servants,
Lavangi, Michael, Amala (Severodvinsk)
Lavanya-keli Dasi
To my dearest father,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Not surprisingly, my offering is in the form of a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3BTPeCLKdw
Your servant,
Lavanya-keli Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Not surprisingly, my offering is in the form of a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3BTPeCLKdw
Your servant,
Lavanya-keli Dasi
Lila Katha
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-shalakaya
chakshur unmilitam yena
tasmai shri-gurave namaha
Guru Maharaja thankyou for your wonderful classes, I love listening to you talk.
Thankyou for asking me to cook for you, I am very happy to do some service for you.
Thankyou for looking after my family so nicely, you are very kind.
Please bless me to increase my service and sadhana.
Your servant Lila Katha devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-shalakaya
chakshur unmilitam yena
tasmai shri-gurave namaha
Guru Maharaja thankyou for your wonderful classes, I love listening to you talk.
Thankyou for asking me to cook for you, I am very happy to do some service for you.
Thankyou for looking after my family so nicely, you are very kind.
Please bless me to increase my service and sadhana.
Your servant Lila Katha devi dasi
Lila-madhurya dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet.
Countless number of souls, dressed in material body, are wandering over universes in vain endeavors to find happiness and love.
Cheated by illusory energy of Lord Krishna they hope mundane fame, beauty, power, etc will make them happy and they consider sex is love.
And even sometimes doubts rise in the core of a heart nevertheless most of them under social pressure would pretend they are happy. But alone by themselves such persons suffer because of spiritual poverty, aimless life and loneliness.
One of them, whose existence was hopeless and full of pain, was my tiny self.
I remember how I asked my mother about what happiness is, what love is, but these questions could be answered only by a person who is real lover and who is genuinely happy.
Only by Your unlimited mercy, I get a hope that one day when I am purified from envy I could become Your servant and by that I will find supreme and complete happiness and will be qualified to participate in true loving exchanges.
evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe
kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt
kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ
so ’haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām
"My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?"
At lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu I beg He make me qualified to serve to Your lotus feet, to lotus feet of genuine lover.
Your aspiring servant Lila-madhurya dasi
Please accept my obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet.
Countless number of souls, dressed in material body, are wandering over universes in vain endeavors to find happiness and love.
Cheated by illusory energy of Lord Krishna they hope mundane fame, beauty, power, etc will make them happy and they consider sex is love.
And even sometimes doubts rise in the core of a heart nevertheless most of them under social pressure would pretend they are happy. But alone by themselves such persons suffer because of spiritual poverty, aimless life and loneliness.
One of them, whose existence was hopeless and full of pain, was my tiny self.
I remember how I asked my mother about what happiness is, what love is, but these questions could be answered only by a person who is real lover and who is genuinely happy.
Only by Your unlimited mercy, I get a hope that one day when I am purified from envy I could become Your servant and by that I will find supreme and complete happiness and will be qualified to participate in true loving exchanges.
evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe
kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt
kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ
so ’haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām
"My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?"
At lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu I beg He make me qualified to serve to Your lotus feet, to lotus feet of genuine lover.
Your aspiring servant Lila-madhurya dasi
Madhava Seva and Tulasi Seva
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you Divine Services.
We are eternally thankful for your mercy shown in accepting us in your Divine service. Although we are least qualified and the lowest of beings, you have been so kind in giving us a chance to go back to Godhead – the highest goal of life. Without the blessings of a bona fide spiritual master, it is impossible for a conditioned soul to make its way back to Godhead. Therefore, we are eternally indebted to your mercy.
However, it is still possible for a disciple not to achieve spiritual goal (pariyojana) if he does not fully surrender to the directions of the Guru. Despite getting the best mentoring and guidance, if we do not seriously take to the process and end up in a miserable state, than the fault is entirely ours. Therefore, we pray that we may always remain fixed in your service and overcome all obstacles in order to remain on this wonderful path of Krishna Consciousness. This path is absolutely perfect and indeed the only way to survive in this Kaliyuga age.
Thank you once again, Maharaj, for your wonderful instructions, association, kirtan, guidance and leadership.
Hare Krishna,
Your Servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you Divine Services.
We are eternally thankful for your mercy shown in accepting us in your Divine service. Although we are least qualified and the lowest of beings, you have been so kind in giving us a chance to go back to Godhead – the highest goal of life. Without the blessings of a bona fide spiritual master, it is impossible for a conditioned soul to make its way back to Godhead. Therefore, we are eternally indebted to your mercy.
However, it is still possible for a disciple not to achieve spiritual goal (pariyojana) if he does not fully surrender to the directions of the Guru. Despite getting the best mentoring and guidance, if we do not seriously take to the process and end up in a miserable state, than the fault is entirely ours. Therefore, we pray that we may always remain fixed in your service and overcome all obstacles in order to remain on this wonderful path of Krishna Consciousness. This path is absolutely perfect and indeed the only way to survive in this Kaliyuga age.
Thank you once again, Maharaj, for your wonderful instructions, association, kirtan, guidance and leadership.
Hare Krishna,
Your Servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni.
Madhu-Sneha Devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories and all glories to you on this special day of your appearance.
tad viddhi pranipātena, paripraśneva sevayā
upadeksyanti te jñānam, jñāninas tattva-darśinah
Try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge into you because they have seen the truth.
(Bg:4.34)
How fortunate are we that have found so much love and care from a father such as you. A father who has allowed me to share openly what I have been hiding deep down in my heart openly.
You granted me the space to try and serve you like a menial servant.
Ever since I have come to know you Maharaja all I have seen and learnt from you, is a deep care and love that you have shown towards me. I could feel the care from you when I was struggling during my university days, I felt the care and love when I was terribly sick and in hospital.Days when the coldness from the night would embrace me with sadness and loneliness I felt your care millions and millions of miles away.
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service,Help me to have my mind fixed on the lotus feet of the lord.
Thank you for being so patient with me, thanks for the care you have showered upon this fallen soul and for the attention you have shown unto me.
Thank you for tolerating me so much and also taking care of me. Please bless me to always remain close to your lotus feet
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter
Madhu-Sneha Devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories and all glories to you on this special day of your appearance.
tad viddhi pranipātena, paripraśneva sevayā
upadeksyanti te jñānam, jñāninas tattva-darśinah
Try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge into you because they have seen the truth.
(Bg:4.34)
How fortunate are we that have found so much love and care from a father such as you. A father who has allowed me to share openly what I have been hiding deep down in my heart openly.
You granted me the space to try and serve you like a menial servant.
Ever since I have come to know you Maharaja all I have seen and learnt from you, is a deep care and love that you have shown towards me. I could feel the care from you when I was struggling during my university days, I felt the care and love when I was terribly sick and in hospital.Days when the coldness from the night would embrace me with sadness and loneliness I felt your care millions and millions of miles away.
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service,Help me to have my mind fixed on the lotus feet of the lord.
Thank you for being so patient with me, thanks for the care you have showered upon this fallen soul and for the attention you have shown unto me.
Thank you for tolerating me so much and also taking care of me. Please bless me to always remain close to your lotus feet
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter
Madhu-Sneha Devi dasi
Madhupuri dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for always and consistently being encouraging and available for me.
It gives me confidence to live this life, knowing I have a solid spiritual connection and foundation, both of which you have provided for me from the beginning.
Thank you.
Your servant,
Madhupuri dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for always and consistently being encouraging and available for me.
It gives me confidence to live this life, knowing I have a solid spiritual connection and foundation, both of which you have provided for me from the beginning.
Thank you.
Your servant,
Madhupuri dd
Madhurānanda das
Dear Srila Gurudev,
Om ajnana timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
chaksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale srimate Devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your Lotus Feet.
In such a short time, my life has been transformed. I have heard raising a child is hard work but I never realised how difficult it can be. Also, I was not prepared for how blissful the experience can be as well. There certainly is never a dull moment! One minute, a beautiful baby charming everyone with a few simple gestures and the next, a mess making machine bent on eating everything in sight, food or otherwise.
I wonder if this what you see in your spiritual children. I am surely a disobedient child, not willing to follow the instructions of a kind and helpful father. Sometimes, falling flat on my face, calling out for you while the next, denying any connection to you while I run into the cold embrace of Maya.
You are a most merciful master who takes on the lowest of us like a merciful teacher agrees to work with those who do not wish to learn. You tolerate our misgivings and offences with a merciful smile and a positive attitude. We cannot understand the burden you must accept by accepting us as disciples.
During a post you wrote on 01/09/13 entitles Proud of a Personal Debt, you mercifully explained the mood that a disciple receives the debt of the Spiritual Master:
“Owing to all this superlative bhakti, this heritage of pure love of Krishna, my lowly self can chant the mahamantra today. With all the gravity and gratitude my lowly self can command, I wholeheartedly accept the burden of divine debt for which there will never be relief.”
How can we fathom a debt that can never be paid? How can we muster up the gravity and gratitude to receive such a debt? Only by you kind instructions and example can this be explained
I pray that I can be more than just a liability to you. If I can in anyway be of use to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, let the world see that this tiny spec of a devotee is simply an aspiring servant of Devamrita Swami. Let any good qualities I have be a reflection of your mercy and may all my bad qualities be blamed on my conditioning alone. It is not the fault of the teacher if the student wishes not to learn.
Dearest Gurudev, please bless me that I may take up the responsibility of this debt to you with the same love and enthusiasm that you have shown. Let me spend lifetime after lifetime trying to repay the unpayable debt of your love and protection. In this way, I pray you will be pleased with me.
Your servants
Madhurānanda das
Om ajnana timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
chaksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale srimate Devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your Lotus Feet.
In such a short time, my life has been transformed. I have heard raising a child is hard work but I never realised how difficult it can be. Also, I was not prepared for how blissful the experience can be as well. There certainly is never a dull moment! One minute, a beautiful baby charming everyone with a few simple gestures and the next, a mess making machine bent on eating everything in sight, food or otherwise.
I wonder if this what you see in your spiritual children. I am surely a disobedient child, not willing to follow the instructions of a kind and helpful father. Sometimes, falling flat on my face, calling out for you while the next, denying any connection to you while I run into the cold embrace of Maya.
You are a most merciful master who takes on the lowest of us like a merciful teacher agrees to work with those who do not wish to learn. You tolerate our misgivings and offences with a merciful smile and a positive attitude. We cannot understand the burden you must accept by accepting us as disciples.
During a post you wrote on 01/09/13 entitles Proud of a Personal Debt, you mercifully explained the mood that a disciple receives the debt of the Spiritual Master:
“Owing to all this superlative bhakti, this heritage of pure love of Krishna, my lowly self can chant the mahamantra today. With all the gravity and gratitude my lowly self can command, I wholeheartedly accept the burden of divine debt for which there will never be relief.”
How can we fathom a debt that can never be paid? How can we muster up the gravity and gratitude to receive such a debt? Only by you kind instructions and example can this be explained
I pray that I can be more than just a liability to you. If I can in anyway be of use to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, let the world see that this tiny spec of a devotee is simply an aspiring servant of Devamrita Swami. Let any good qualities I have be a reflection of your mercy and may all my bad qualities be blamed on my conditioning alone. It is not the fault of the teacher if the student wishes not to learn.
Dearest Gurudev, please bless me that I may take up the responsibility of this debt to you with the same love and enthusiasm that you have shown. Let me spend lifetime after lifetime trying to repay the unpayable debt of your love and protection. In this way, I pray you will be pleased with me.
Your servants
Madhurānanda das
Madhurya Sakti
Hare Krsna Maharaja,
I was reading your Vyasa Puja offerings and felt a strong desire to send you well wishes.
Reading of my god sisters, many of which are mothers now, or expectant mothers, Specifically Dina Dayala, Gaura Arti, Sukunti Radha, Vishnu Maya, Sevamrita, Sri Yasoda, Shyam Gauri, I want to express to you my love for them, deepest gratitude for their service and attest as a witness for the strength of their uninterrupted devotional service to you and through you, Prabhupada… onward to Krishna.
I miss their association and value my time with these beautiful women in New Zealand very dearly. Please care for them and Father them eternally. They care for you deeply and have rest their deepest hopes in your ongoing love.
I miss you as well. I miss the simplicity of devotee life.
I am fine out here, still thinking of Krishna, listening to the odd lecture by Radhanatha Swami, and staying focused on establishing a career in Osteopathy manual therapy (now writing a thesis).
Thank you, Maharaja, congratulations on your heart felt journey, of which your disciples are a loving testament, and on your Vyasa Puja,
I hope to see you one day soon,
With love,
Madhurya-Sakti
I was reading your Vyasa Puja offerings and felt a strong desire to send you well wishes.
Reading of my god sisters, many of which are mothers now, or expectant mothers, Specifically Dina Dayala, Gaura Arti, Sukunti Radha, Vishnu Maya, Sevamrita, Sri Yasoda, Shyam Gauri, I want to express to you my love for them, deepest gratitude for their service and attest as a witness for the strength of their uninterrupted devotional service to you and through you, Prabhupada… onward to Krishna.
I miss their association and value my time with these beautiful women in New Zealand very dearly. Please care for them and Father them eternally. They care for you deeply and have rest their deepest hopes in your ongoing love.
I miss you as well. I miss the simplicity of devotee life.
I am fine out here, still thinking of Krishna, listening to the odd lecture by Radhanatha Swami, and staying focused on establishing a career in Osteopathy manual therapy (now writing a thesis).
Thank you, Maharaja, congratulations on your heart felt journey, of which your disciples are a loving testament, and on your Vyasa Puja,
I hope to see you one day soon,
With love,
Madhurya-Sakti
Madhurya-sindhu dd
Nama om visnupadaya Krishna pretaya bhutale srimate Devamrita swami iti namine.
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. On this special day I pray for your good health and many more years of devoted service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual soul to come into my life to provide me the spiritual support. I feel so fortunate and happy we had the wonderful opportunity to visit with you at Gita Nagari, this summer. The time at Gita Nagari is the most exciting time of our lives, since we received your association every day of our stay there.
Through your lectures, writings, and kirtans, I feel you are always with me, inspiring, guiding and keeping me engaged in devotional service.
Your instructions are your actual mercy. I have no place more secure than your lotus feet. I pray that I have the fortune to eternally remain there by following your instructions.
Thank you Gurudev for your love, kindness, and mercy.
In the constant chaos of this world, whenever my mind thinks of you, it immediately becomes full of joy even in the midst of stress, frustration and disappointment.
You are one of the rarest and purest souls who has surrendered to service of Guru and Krishna. It is the purity of your service that makes you so attractive and radiant.
You are full of love for Krishna. You are my greatest inspiration.
I beg for your forgiveness for any offences I have committed during this offering.
Sincerely,
Your humble servant and disciple,
Madhurya-sindhu devi dasi
(Dallas, Texas 10/15/15)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. On this special day I pray for your good health and many more years of devoted service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual soul to come into my life to provide me the spiritual support. I feel so fortunate and happy we had the wonderful opportunity to visit with you at Gita Nagari, this summer. The time at Gita Nagari is the most exciting time of our lives, since we received your association every day of our stay there.
Through your lectures, writings, and kirtans, I feel you are always with me, inspiring, guiding and keeping me engaged in devotional service.
Your instructions are your actual mercy. I have no place more secure than your lotus feet. I pray that I have the fortune to eternally remain there by following your instructions.
Thank you Gurudev for your love, kindness, and mercy.
In the constant chaos of this world, whenever my mind thinks of you, it immediately becomes full of joy even in the midst of stress, frustration and disappointment.
You are one of the rarest and purest souls who has surrendered to service of Guru and Krishna. It is the purity of your service that makes you so attractive and radiant.
You are full of love for Krishna. You are my greatest inspiration.
I beg for your forgiveness for any offences I have committed during this offering.
Sincerely,
Your humble servant and disciple,
Madhurya-sindhu devi dasi
(Dallas, Texas 10/15/15)
Madhuryadham Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj
namaste saraswati deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi
pashchatya-desha-tarine
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita
swamin iti namine
Prachare pruva dakshim cha
Bhaktachar Pravin Ta
Prarthapi Karuniyam
Yasye serve che tah nama
On this Special occasion I Pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha for your good health and long life. First of all please forgive me for all the sin which I do knowingly or unknowingly. Guru Maharaj in scripture I always read about the mercy of Guru Maharaj but never understand it. My Prabhu always use to tell me about the mercy of you.
śrī-guru-caraṇa-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma,
bando mui sāvadhāna mate
jāhāra prasāde bhāi, e bhava toriyā jāi,
kṛṣṇa-prāpti hoy jāhā ha’te
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna.
But realization does not come so easily. Last few years was testing time for us even during that time as well I was able to chant my rounds it was only possible by your mercy but never realized before.
I am such a fallen soul never do my round properly still Sri Sri Jagannath ji, Baldev ji and Subradra mai is coming to our house because of your mercy. Even I started stitching their dresses which I never did before this is because of you only it give me so much peace and pleasure which I can’t describe in words. We started program at our house because of your mercy. I have no qualification to do all these seva just got it because of your mercy.
In Melbourne I never realized it as I used to think that this is my claim. Please forgive me for all this. Even I used to think that as we are not able to meet you so I will not get any blessing from you and even worst then that you forget us but I was so wrong now I feel you are always there with us all these are possible because of you only, there are some wave of mercy is coming from you from long distance to us that I can feel now.
Please forgive me for all this sin which I did. Please bless my family so that we can progress in our spiritual life. Thank you Maharaj for allowing us to serve Sri Sri Jagannath ji, Baldevji and Subdra mai at our house. Please bless us so that I can serve them nicely. We miss you a lot.
Guru Maharaj ki Jai.
All Glories to Guru and Gauranga.
Yours useless Servant
Madhurya Dham Devi Dasi
namaste saraswati deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi
pashchatya-desha-tarine
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita
swamin iti namine
Prachare pruva dakshim cha
Bhaktachar Pravin Ta
Prarthapi Karuniyam
Yasye serve che tah nama
On this Special occasion I Pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha for your good health and long life. First of all please forgive me for all the sin which I do knowingly or unknowingly. Guru Maharaj in scripture I always read about the mercy of Guru Maharaj but never understand it. My Prabhu always use to tell me about the mercy of you.
śrī-guru-caraṇa-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma,
bando mui sāvadhāna mate
jāhāra prasāde bhāi, e bhava toriyā jāi,
kṛṣṇa-prāpti hoy jāhā ha’te
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna.
But realization does not come so easily. Last few years was testing time for us even during that time as well I was able to chant my rounds it was only possible by your mercy but never realized before.
I am such a fallen soul never do my round properly still Sri Sri Jagannath ji, Baldev ji and Subradra mai is coming to our house because of your mercy. Even I started stitching their dresses which I never did before this is because of you only it give me so much peace and pleasure which I can’t describe in words. We started program at our house because of your mercy. I have no qualification to do all these seva just got it because of your mercy.
In Melbourne I never realized it as I used to think that this is my claim. Please forgive me for all this. Even I used to think that as we are not able to meet you so I will not get any blessing from you and even worst then that you forget us but I was so wrong now I feel you are always there with us all these are possible because of you only, there are some wave of mercy is coming from you from long distance to us that I can feel now.
Please forgive me for all this sin which I did. Please bless my family so that we can progress in our spiritual life. Thank you Maharaj for allowing us to serve Sri Sri Jagannath ji, Baldevji and Subdra mai at our house. Please bless us so that I can serve them nicely. We miss you a lot.
Guru Maharaj ki Jai.
All Glories to Guru and Gauranga.
Yours useless Servant
Madhurya Dham Devi Dasi
Madhuryamrita Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!
All glories unto you on this most auspicious occasion of your appearance!!!
“Although Dhruva Mahārāja was a small boy, he wanted to offer prayers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead in suitable language. But because he was inexperienced, he could not adjust himself immediately. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, being situated in everyone's heart, could understand Dhruva Mahārāja's awkward position. Out of His causeless mercy He touched His conchshell to the forehead of Dhruva Mahārāja, who stood before Him with folded hands.”(Srimad Bhagavatam 4.9.4)
Although I feel like an inexperienced child myself, I pray to Lord Krishna for His blessings so I can properly glorify such an exalted devotee as yourself.
In 1935, Srila Prabhupada wrote a beautiful poem as his offering to his spiritual master and pleased him greatly by understanding his mood and mission:
“Absolute is sentient Thou hast proved.
Impersonal calamity Thou hast moved.”
And later, when Srila Prabhupada was asked by his disciples if they could write his biography, he replied in a way that revealed part of his mood and mission:
"If you write my life story, you should say that what I did was like transplanting a tulasi plant."
Satsvarupa Dasa Gosvami writes:
“In other words, Prabhupada did not ignore the cultural differences between India and America. Rather, he preserved the Vedic plant and fed it according to the conditions of the Western soil and environment. Always his concern was to preserve the plant. Therefore he was willing to adjust his preaching to suit the Western mentality, yet without altering the purity and authenticity of Krsna's message.” (Srila Prabhupada's Memories, Volume-30 Number-03)
Gurudeva, you have perfectly understood your spiritual master’s internal mood and are transplanting the tulasi plant wherever you go! I am simply amazed at how expert you are in presenting the highest most sacred spiritual practice during such difficult times when, as Srila Prabhupada states in the purport of the famous verse describing Kali Yuga residents (SB 1.1.10) “due to a bad system of education, men have no desire for self-realization”. And especially since nowadays organized religion is “out” and individualism and atheism is “in”. I am so grateful to you for having created the Loft-style preaching. It is so important to have a place where we can invite people to engage in devotional service and learn about Krishna in a non culturally-threatening atmosphere.
This year has been such an exciting adventure. So many people have been taking up Krishna Consciousness, it’s very enlivening. We just finished an epic Free Spirit Festival at the Loft, the two people sitting in my table were inspired to take Srila Prabhupada’s books home with them and so many guests stayed for the last kirtan, dancing ecstatically and chanting Hare Krishna from the top of their lungs!! Seva and Rasadi Vilasa suggested we go on a spontaneous harinam on Queen St and so there we were, around ten practicing devotees and ten guests, performing the Yuga Dharma, bringing the holy name to the big crowds attending the Diwali Festival. So much enthusiasm!!! And we all owe this precious opportunity of connecting with Krishna’s holy name to you. Thank you so much.
You are the perfect example of sacrifice, dedicating your whole life to helping others. It’s not a mechanical or impersonal thing, it requires giving one’s very heart, caring for others’ spiritual well being. In Srila Prabhupada’s words:
"We are spending gallons and gallons of our blood," he said, "just to make one devotee."
Which is exactly what Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja used to say:
"To wake up one sleeping soul, to make one conditioned soul aware of his real identity, one should be willing to give gallons of blood."
In one of our meetings last year you told me I should really ask myself what my heart’s desire was. I thought for a moment and answered back:
“To connect people with Krishna” and you replied:
“That requires sacrifice.”
I am willing to wholeheartedly take on that sacrifice Gurudeva, please bless me so I can always be engaged in the fire of devotional service. Please bless me so I can be a better instrument in inspiring others to lovingly serve Krishna.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to engage in full time devotional service at the Loft and Ladies Ashram this year. I appreciate it so much.
And finally, I wanted to share with you a dream I had a few months ago. You were giving darshans to several guests and disciples and then you commented to a group of us that by helping others grow in Krishna consciousness, you were internally experiencing spiritual happiness and coming closer and closer to Krishna.
Thank you for inspiring me to sacrifice for Krishna.
Your eternal servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!
All glories unto you on this most auspicious occasion of your appearance!!!
“Although Dhruva Mahārāja was a small boy, he wanted to offer prayers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead in suitable language. But because he was inexperienced, he could not adjust himself immediately. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, being situated in everyone's heart, could understand Dhruva Mahārāja's awkward position. Out of His causeless mercy He touched His conchshell to the forehead of Dhruva Mahārāja, who stood before Him with folded hands.”(Srimad Bhagavatam 4.9.4)
Although I feel like an inexperienced child myself, I pray to Lord Krishna for His blessings so I can properly glorify such an exalted devotee as yourself.
In 1935, Srila Prabhupada wrote a beautiful poem as his offering to his spiritual master and pleased him greatly by understanding his mood and mission:
“Absolute is sentient Thou hast proved.
Impersonal calamity Thou hast moved.”
And later, when Srila Prabhupada was asked by his disciples if they could write his biography, he replied in a way that revealed part of his mood and mission:
"If you write my life story, you should say that what I did was like transplanting a tulasi plant."
Satsvarupa Dasa Gosvami writes:
“In other words, Prabhupada did not ignore the cultural differences between India and America. Rather, he preserved the Vedic plant and fed it according to the conditions of the Western soil and environment. Always his concern was to preserve the plant. Therefore he was willing to adjust his preaching to suit the Western mentality, yet without altering the purity and authenticity of Krsna's message.” (Srila Prabhupada's Memories, Volume-30 Number-03)
Gurudeva, you have perfectly understood your spiritual master’s internal mood and are transplanting the tulasi plant wherever you go! I am simply amazed at how expert you are in presenting the highest most sacred spiritual practice during such difficult times when, as Srila Prabhupada states in the purport of the famous verse describing Kali Yuga residents (SB 1.1.10) “due to a bad system of education, men have no desire for self-realization”. And especially since nowadays organized religion is “out” and individualism and atheism is “in”. I am so grateful to you for having created the Loft-style preaching. It is so important to have a place where we can invite people to engage in devotional service and learn about Krishna in a non culturally-threatening atmosphere.
This year has been such an exciting adventure. So many people have been taking up Krishna Consciousness, it’s very enlivening. We just finished an epic Free Spirit Festival at the Loft, the two people sitting in my table were inspired to take Srila Prabhupada’s books home with them and so many guests stayed for the last kirtan, dancing ecstatically and chanting Hare Krishna from the top of their lungs!! Seva and Rasadi Vilasa suggested we go on a spontaneous harinam on Queen St and so there we were, around ten practicing devotees and ten guests, performing the Yuga Dharma, bringing the holy name to the big crowds attending the Diwali Festival. So much enthusiasm!!! And we all owe this precious opportunity of connecting with Krishna’s holy name to you. Thank you so much.
You are the perfect example of sacrifice, dedicating your whole life to helping others. It’s not a mechanical or impersonal thing, it requires giving one’s very heart, caring for others’ spiritual well being. In Srila Prabhupada’s words:
"We are spending gallons and gallons of our blood," he said, "just to make one devotee."
Which is exactly what Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja used to say:
"To wake up one sleeping soul, to make one conditioned soul aware of his real identity, one should be willing to give gallons of blood."
In one of our meetings last year you told me I should really ask myself what my heart’s desire was. I thought for a moment and answered back:
“To connect people with Krishna” and you replied:
“That requires sacrifice.”
I am willing to wholeheartedly take on that sacrifice Gurudeva, please bless me so I can always be engaged in the fire of devotional service. Please bless me so I can be a better instrument in inspiring others to lovingly serve Krishna.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to engage in full time devotional service at the Loft and Ladies Ashram this year. I appreciate it so much.
And finally, I wanted to share with you a dream I had a few months ago. You were giving darshans to several guests and disciples and then you commented to a group of us that by helping others grow in Krishna consciousness, you were internally experiencing spiritual happiness and coming closer and closer to Krishna.
Thank you for inspiring me to sacrifice for Krishna.
Your eternal servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Madhuya Sakti
Hare Krsna Maharaja,
I was reading your Vyasa Puja offerings and felt a strong desire to send you well wishes.
Reading of my god sisters, many of which are mothers now, or expectant mothers Specifically Dina Dayala, Gaura Arti, Sukunti Radha, Vishnu Maya, Sevamrita, Sri Yasoda, and Shyam Gauri. I want to express to you my love for them, deepest gratitude for their service and attest as a witness for the strength of their uninterrupted devotional service to you and through you, Prahbupada… onward to Krishna.
I miss their association and value my time with these beautiful women in New Zealand very dearly. Please care for them and Father them eternally. They care for you deeply and have rest their deepest hopes in your ongoing love.
I miss you as well. I miss the simplicity of devotee life.
I am fine out here, still thinking of Krishna, listening to the odd lecture by Radhanatha Swami, and staying focused on establishing a career in Osteopathy manual therapy (now writing a thesis).
Thank you, Maharaja, congratulations on your heart felt journey, of which your disciples are a loving testament, and on your Vyasa Puja,
I hope to see you one day soon,
With love,
Madhuya-Sakti
I was reading your Vyasa Puja offerings and felt a strong desire to send you well wishes.
Reading of my god sisters, many of which are mothers now, or expectant mothers Specifically Dina Dayala, Gaura Arti, Sukunti Radha, Vishnu Maya, Sevamrita, Sri Yasoda, and Shyam Gauri. I want to express to you my love for them, deepest gratitude for their service and attest as a witness for the strength of their uninterrupted devotional service to you and through you, Prahbupada… onward to Krishna.
I miss their association and value my time with these beautiful women in New Zealand very dearly. Please care for them and Father them eternally. They care for you deeply and have rest their deepest hopes in your ongoing love.
I miss you as well. I miss the simplicity of devotee life.
I am fine out here, still thinking of Krishna, listening to the odd lecture by Radhanatha Swami, and staying focused on establishing a career in Osteopathy manual therapy (now writing a thesis).
Thank you, Maharaja, congratulations on your heart felt journey, of which your disciples are a loving testament, and on your Vyasa Puja,
I hope to see you one day soon,
With love,
Madhuya-Sakti
Maha Matsya Das
Dear Guru Maharaja
please accept my humble obeisances.
On this important for all disciples Day please allow me to share what had manifested in my heart. Srila Prabhupada often told, ‘Like a father like son!’ In your classes I heard the appeal to dedicate our life to an important service – Sincere and Attentive chanting of Holy Names of God! And finally I’ve decided to surrender to the process of chanting of Holy Names! I sincerely hope that by your causeless mercy this desire approved by God will become a wonderful career for the rest of my life.
Your foolish servant,
Maha Matsya das
please accept my humble obeisances.
On this important for all disciples Day please allow me to share what had manifested in my heart. Srila Prabhupada often told, ‘Like a father like son!’ In your classes I heard the appeal to dedicate our life to an important service – Sincere and Attentive chanting of Holy Names of God! And finally I’ve decided to surrender to the process of chanting of Holy Names! I sincerely hope that by your causeless mercy this desire approved by God will become a wonderful career for the rest of my life.
Your foolish servant,
Maha Matsya das
Mahavan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It was Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura who said, “He who has spiritual life can reach out with Krishna consciousness." And practical experience reveals that the reverse is also true; by trying to reach out with Krishna consciousness, one gains spiritual life.
Given the extent and effectiveness of your outreach, it is clear to any informed non-envious person that your spiritual life is truly successful, and by extending to me so many opportunities to assist you, you are practically reviving my spiritual life. For all your patience and compassion I want to express the deepest gratitude, because by it I realise that I can never again pretend to be content with a life of selfishness.
Sastra (SB. 1.2.6) states that our hearts can only be fully satisfied by pure love, and the greatest love one can show is to help another soul revive their forgotten relationship with Krishna. Because your life is full to the brim with this endeavour, you are indeed the greatest lover, fearlessly soldiering on through Kali’s kingdom in spite of so much resistance, always satisfied in your confidential service to the Lord of love.
Yearning to increase the deluge of prema initiated by the Panca-Tattva’s ecstatic dancing and chanting, determined to bless both the reached and unreached, you encourage us “If you simply say to someone ‘surrender to Krishna’ you are never wrong - you are giving the medicine that can solve all problems, and they are foolish if they refuse it.” You then increase the mercy even further by blessing us with a career of real caring, adding “But a real devotee is always thinking how to become a more expert Doctor, in order to give the medicine more effectively."
My deepest desire is to also be a true lover, and by humbly following in your footsteps I am sure that one day, by the power of your mercy, against all odds, I will.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Mahavan das
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It was Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura who said, “He who has spiritual life can reach out with Krishna consciousness." And practical experience reveals that the reverse is also true; by trying to reach out with Krishna consciousness, one gains spiritual life.
Given the extent and effectiveness of your outreach, it is clear to any informed non-envious person that your spiritual life is truly successful, and by extending to me so many opportunities to assist you, you are practically reviving my spiritual life. For all your patience and compassion I want to express the deepest gratitude, because by it I realise that I can never again pretend to be content with a life of selfishness.
Sastra (SB. 1.2.6) states that our hearts can only be fully satisfied by pure love, and the greatest love one can show is to help another soul revive their forgotten relationship with Krishna. Because your life is full to the brim with this endeavour, you are indeed the greatest lover, fearlessly soldiering on through Kali’s kingdom in spite of so much resistance, always satisfied in your confidential service to the Lord of love.
Yearning to increase the deluge of prema initiated by the Panca-Tattva’s ecstatic dancing and chanting, determined to bless both the reached and unreached, you encourage us “If you simply say to someone ‘surrender to Krishna’ you are never wrong - you are giving the medicine that can solve all problems, and they are foolish if they refuse it.” You then increase the mercy even further by blessing us with a career of real caring, adding “But a real devotee is always thinking how to become a more expert Doctor, in order to give the medicine more effectively."
My deepest desire is to also be a true lover, and by humbly following in your footsteps I am sure that one day, by the power of your mercy, against all odds, I will.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Mahavan das
Manada devi dasi
My dear spiritual father,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Upon the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the West, we meditate on the devotional wealth that he brought us, we marvel at the amazing international society he established in such a short time, and we wonder where to for the future.
We can understand from his phenomenal achievements that Srila Prabhupada was very broad-minded, and this was one reason for his success. He used the resources he had at the time and place (a "terrible place" he called it upon arriving in America), and he adapted to suit the mood of the people he wanted to attract, but he didn’t compromise anything.
This broadmindedness is one of your key inspirational qualities Gurudeva, and with it you capture our hearts and minds. As you assist your spiritual master so dedicatedly you also imbibe this same attitude. Your urban outreach approach not only enables devotees to use their talents and skills in devotional service but trains us how to think in a progressive way—how to be creative, how to think outside the square, how to be dynamic and bold. In this way, Krishna consciousness is never stale. It is lively and fun, and we develop a higher taste for it. In whatever service we do, we think, how can I improve myself so that I can be more qualified to perform this service and help others?
Having come to Krishna consciousness mainly through the Loft-style outreach programmes, I haven’t really known anything else. I feel fortunate and grateful to be part of a world that is constructed by you to inherently support growth and change, a world that constantly evaluates our approach to bringing others to Krishna consciousness and looks to what will really draw others in this modern society we live in. This can be particularly challenging in Australia and New Zealand, where people are generally wary of religion and don’t want to hear about God, about Krishna.
With a broad-minded approach our future is bright. This is a result of your compassion Gurudeva, which extends to all the fallen souls. Many of us have come to you battered wrecks, a result of Kali-yuga’s onslaught. But you see each person as someone who can add value, and for anyone who wants to take your special guidance, he or she can develop true self-worth, gradually understanding themselves as servants of the Lord.
Thank you for giving me such true self-worth as I attempt to serve you according to your instructions. Thank you for always engaging me in service, showing your immense care through my life’s turmoils, showing me that I’m part of a community of devotees who care about each other and about me. It took me a while to actually begin to trust devotees – to realize that unlike in material relationships, devotees are truly loving and caring.
On this auspicious day I pray for your blessings to be able to improve my sadhana so that I may perform quality service and I pray for your continued patience as you tolerate my inadequacies and help me navigate through any obstacles.
Your ever-grateful servant and spiritual daughter,
Manada devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Upon the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the West, we meditate on the devotional wealth that he brought us, we marvel at the amazing international society he established in such a short time, and we wonder where to for the future.
We can understand from his phenomenal achievements that Srila Prabhupada was very broad-minded, and this was one reason for his success. He used the resources he had at the time and place (a "terrible place" he called it upon arriving in America), and he adapted to suit the mood of the people he wanted to attract, but he didn’t compromise anything.
This broadmindedness is one of your key inspirational qualities Gurudeva, and with it you capture our hearts and minds. As you assist your spiritual master so dedicatedly you also imbibe this same attitude. Your urban outreach approach not only enables devotees to use their talents and skills in devotional service but trains us how to think in a progressive way—how to be creative, how to think outside the square, how to be dynamic and bold. In this way, Krishna consciousness is never stale. It is lively and fun, and we develop a higher taste for it. In whatever service we do, we think, how can I improve myself so that I can be more qualified to perform this service and help others?
Having come to Krishna consciousness mainly through the Loft-style outreach programmes, I haven’t really known anything else. I feel fortunate and grateful to be part of a world that is constructed by you to inherently support growth and change, a world that constantly evaluates our approach to bringing others to Krishna consciousness and looks to what will really draw others in this modern society we live in. This can be particularly challenging in Australia and New Zealand, where people are generally wary of religion and don’t want to hear about God, about Krishna.
With a broad-minded approach our future is bright. This is a result of your compassion Gurudeva, which extends to all the fallen souls. Many of us have come to you battered wrecks, a result of Kali-yuga’s onslaught. But you see each person as someone who can add value, and for anyone who wants to take your special guidance, he or she can develop true self-worth, gradually understanding themselves as servants of the Lord.
Thank you for giving me such true self-worth as I attempt to serve you according to your instructions. Thank you for always engaging me in service, showing your immense care through my life’s turmoils, showing me that I’m part of a community of devotees who care about each other and about me. It took me a while to actually begin to trust devotees – to realize that unlike in material relationships, devotees are truly loving and caring.
On this auspicious day I pray for your blessings to be able to improve my sadhana so that I may perform quality service and I pray for your continued patience as you tolerate my inadequacies and help me navigate through any obstacles.
Your ever-grateful servant and spiritual daughter,
Manada devi dasi.
Manasa-ranjani devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for recovering my fallen self from the dark depths of Kali yuga.
Thank you for putting purpose back into my life.
Thank you for accepting me as your spiritual daughter.
Thank you for showing me what true happiness really is.
Guru Maharaja, I feel completely unqualified to be glorifying you.
You are the perfect example of a Vaisnava, who pertains to the 26 qualities of a devotee.
All I can do is express my complete gratitude for all that you do, and share my small thoughts with you, through this vyasa puja offering.
You are an ocean of compassion and mercy. I don't know how many times I can thank you for all the kindness you have shown me.
Even with my tiny attempts to serve you, the devotees, Bhakti Lounge and Krsna's guests, I feel myself in constant inadequacy (always better service), and wishing I could sacrifice more, like all the other devotees, but you still encourage me without fail.
I was recently thinking about how dear you must be to Srila Prabhupada. He must be so affectionate towards you, his dear Godson, because of all your sacrifice that you have, and continue to do for him.
It's incredible what lengths you have gone to, to please Srila Prabhupada, through your diverse and dynamic devotional service.
It makes me think about the senior devotees here, in Wellington, and how much they have accomplished by following the instructions of their spiritual master, and how dear they must be to their Guru Maharaja, you.
After how much mercy, kindness, and compassion you have shown me, I feel very indebted to repay you, and I must spend an eternity striving to reciprocate your kindness, serving you by giving Krsna to others.
This is the service that pleases you the most, because it pleases Srila Prabhupada the most too.
Thank you for accepting me, and caring for me.
Thank you for giving me such a wonderful name.
Your indebted servant,
Manasa-ranjani devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for recovering my fallen self from the dark depths of Kali yuga.
Thank you for putting purpose back into my life.
Thank you for accepting me as your spiritual daughter.
Thank you for showing me what true happiness really is.
Guru Maharaja, I feel completely unqualified to be glorifying you.
You are the perfect example of a Vaisnava, who pertains to the 26 qualities of a devotee.
All I can do is express my complete gratitude for all that you do, and share my small thoughts with you, through this vyasa puja offering.
You are an ocean of compassion and mercy. I don't know how many times I can thank you for all the kindness you have shown me.
Even with my tiny attempts to serve you, the devotees, Bhakti Lounge and Krsna's guests, I feel myself in constant inadequacy (always better service), and wishing I could sacrifice more, like all the other devotees, but you still encourage me without fail.
I was recently thinking about how dear you must be to Srila Prabhupada. He must be so affectionate towards you, his dear Godson, because of all your sacrifice that you have, and continue to do for him.
It's incredible what lengths you have gone to, to please Srila Prabhupada, through your diverse and dynamic devotional service.
It makes me think about the senior devotees here, in Wellington, and how much they have accomplished by following the instructions of their spiritual master, and how dear they must be to their Guru Maharaja, you.
After how much mercy, kindness, and compassion you have shown me, I feel very indebted to repay you, and I must spend an eternity striving to reciprocate your kindness, serving you by giving Krsna to others.
This is the service that pleases you the most, because it pleases Srila Prabhupada the most too.
Thank you for accepting me, and caring for me.
Thank you for giving me such a wonderful name.
Your indebted servant,
Manasa-ranjani devi dasi
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Hare Krsna Dear Gurudeva,PAMHO,agtSP & you on your auspicious vyasa puja celebration.
Dear Gurudeva you are the most auspicious person I've ever had the personal association with,Auspiciousness is the appropriate way of describing&appreciating many of your wonderful qualities;which have been so sequential to keeping me on the Bhakti path.
Conducive to success,meeting you for the first time @ the Tory street Loft.Very timely for me as i was lost unhappy & being drag about by Maya like a rag doll.
That first meeting you pierced my psyche by asking was i happy,my reply NO,yours that's GOOD!your instruction is the reason I'm still here.
Giving the formula & showing the future will happen,like a rising bright golden moon... it will happen,& by your diligent sweetness even someone like me can hear understand & put into practice your teachings.
Dear Gurudeva to be under your care I feel very very fortunate,i prostrate myself before your auspicious qualities & you sit next to Srila Prabhupada as another true legend in my life.
I hope this attempt to glorify you finds you well & happy in the Lords service,
your aspiring servant,
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Dear Gurudeva you are the most auspicious person I've ever had the personal association with,Auspiciousness is the appropriate way of describing&appreciating many of your wonderful qualities;which have been so sequential to keeping me on the Bhakti path.
Conducive to success,meeting you for the first time @ the Tory street Loft.Very timely for me as i was lost unhappy & being drag about by Maya like a rag doll.
That first meeting you pierced my psyche by asking was i happy,my reply NO,yours that's GOOD!your instruction is the reason I'm still here.
Giving the formula & showing the future will happen,like a rising bright golden moon... it will happen,& by your diligent sweetness even someone like me can hear understand & put into practice your teachings.
Dear Gurudeva to be under your care I feel very very fortunate,i prostrate myself before your auspicious qualities & you sit next to Srila Prabhupada as another true legend in my life.
I hope this attempt to glorify you finds you well & happy in the Lords service,
your aspiring servant,
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Mangal-arti devi dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to your auspicious appearance day
<i>If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life. (Bhaktivinoda Thakur)</i>
For three years in a row, every time I sit to write the Vyasa puja offering to you, I can only think of these two lines by Bhaktivinod Thakur, <i>“Your mercy is all that I am made of”.</i> It was by your mercy and direct instruction that I started to chant. When I was completely alone, devoid of any sanga, it was only you who reached out to my wretched self and encouraged me to read the Srimad Bhagvatam and Caitanya Caritamrita. It was your mercy that pulled me out of my make belief world of piety and pushed me on the streets with Prabhupada’s books. It was your mercy that literally taught me (handheld me) how to present Krsna conscious philosophy to others. Just to encourage me you even offered to hear what I prepared to speak. It was your mercy that you gently pushed me along into learning to cultivate. I remember your first email asking me to be someone’s friend and help them along. It is you who has always found me Vaishnavs to associate with and taught me how to relate to them. Now by your mercy, I am getting this rare opportunity to live in one of Srila Prabhupada’s temples. I was thinking I had to wait a few lifetimes for this, but under your care all my dreams come true, without my endeavour. Wherever I go, whatever I do, your mercy precedes me. You made me so rich Guru Maharaja and I have nothing to offer you except for my foolish mistakes.
As I look back at the past year, am remembering three things : <i>your instructions and repeated reminders about the urgency of Krsna consciousness, the inconveniences Gurudev has to tolerate due to my endless mistakes and the Krpa gunair, the ropes of causeless mercy you repeatedly pull me out by.</i>
Thank you for taking so much time to gently show me my shortcomings and inspiring me to enthusiastically embrace change. Thank you for showing me how helpless we are in our ability to change, the only option being, to cry out to Lord Caitanya for help. Thank you so much Guru Maharaj for chastising me for my many mistakes in serving you. A few years ago Gurudev had said, <i>“You have to go to a higher level of Krsna’s service, situation demands it. Pray with intensity to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. You should have complete confidence that your Guru Maharaj cares a lot for you.” </i>It is this confidence in your deep care Guru Maharaj, that allows me, and so many others, to take our baby steps in Bhakti. I am very eager to please you Guru Maharaj but my abilities are limited. I humbly pray unto your lotus feet to please give me the ability to one day please you in some small way.
Guru Maharaj has reminded me several times that <i>‘association is had more intensely through vani, take mission of spiritual master deep in the heart’.</i> Srila Prabhupada also explains in verse 3 of the Nectar of Instruction,<i> “Devotional service is not a matter of sentimental speculation of imaginative ecstasy. It’s substance is practical activity”. </i>Dear Guru Maharaj, I humbly pray that you enable me to take your instructions deep within my heart and always be engaged in acting on it.
<i>śrī-guru-caraṇe rati, ei se uttama-gati, je prasāde pūre sarva āśā
Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.</i>
A few years ago Gurudev had said <i>“When will I get the mercy of Lord Nityananda, persistent attempt to get something in your life. This is the program of someone who wants lord Nityananda’s mercy”. </i> A few months ago, Gurudev reminded me <i>“Devotees of Kṛṣṇa must persistently seek the favor and mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to become fit to return home, back to Godhead.” </i>On your auspicious appearance day, I humbly pray to Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda, with whatever sincerity I have, that persistent attempts to seek your mercy and active engagement in service unto your lotus feet be the program of my existence.
your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to your auspicious appearance day
<i>If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life. (Bhaktivinoda Thakur)</i>
For three years in a row, every time I sit to write the Vyasa puja offering to you, I can only think of these two lines by Bhaktivinod Thakur, <i>“Your mercy is all that I am made of”.</i> It was by your mercy and direct instruction that I started to chant. When I was completely alone, devoid of any sanga, it was only you who reached out to my wretched self and encouraged me to read the Srimad Bhagvatam and Caitanya Caritamrita. It was your mercy that pulled me out of my make belief world of piety and pushed me on the streets with Prabhupada’s books. It was your mercy that literally taught me (handheld me) how to present Krsna conscious philosophy to others. Just to encourage me you even offered to hear what I prepared to speak. It was your mercy that you gently pushed me along into learning to cultivate. I remember your first email asking me to be someone’s friend and help them along. It is you who has always found me Vaishnavs to associate with and taught me how to relate to them. Now by your mercy, I am getting this rare opportunity to live in one of Srila Prabhupada’s temples. I was thinking I had to wait a few lifetimes for this, but under your care all my dreams come true, without my endeavour. Wherever I go, whatever I do, your mercy precedes me. You made me so rich Guru Maharaja and I have nothing to offer you except for my foolish mistakes.
As I look back at the past year, am remembering three things : <i>your instructions and repeated reminders about the urgency of Krsna consciousness, the inconveniences Gurudev has to tolerate due to my endless mistakes and the Krpa gunair, the ropes of causeless mercy you repeatedly pull me out by.</i>
Thank you for taking so much time to gently show me my shortcomings and inspiring me to enthusiastically embrace change. Thank you for showing me how helpless we are in our ability to change, the only option being, to cry out to Lord Caitanya for help. Thank you so much Guru Maharaj for chastising me for my many mistakes in serving you. A few years ago Gurudev had said, <i>“You have to go to a higher level of Krsna’s service, situation demands it. Pray with intensity to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. You should have complete confidence that your Guru Maharaj cares a lot for you.” </i>It is this confidence in your deep care Guru Maharaj, that allows me, and so many others, to take our baby steps in Bhakti. I am very eager to please you Guru Maharaj but my abilities are limited. I humbly pray unto your lotus feet to please give me the ability to one day please you in some small way.
Guru Maharaj has reminded me several times that <i>‘association is had more intensely through vani, take mission of spiritual master deep in the heart’.</i> Srila Prabhupada also explains in verse 3 of the Nectar of Instruction,<i> “Devotional service is not a matter of sentimental speculation of imaginative ecstasy. It’s substance is practical activity”. </i>Dear Guru Maharaj, I humbly pray that you enable me to take your instructions deep within my heart and always be engaged in acting on it.
<i>śrī-guru-caraṇe rati, ei se uttama-gati, je prasāde pūre sarva āśā
Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.</i>
A few years ago Gurudev had said <i>“When will I get the mercy of Lord Nityananda, persistent attempt to get something in your life. This is the program of someone who wants lord Nityananda’s mercy”. </i> A few months ago, Gurudev reminded me <i>“Devotees of Kṛṣṇa must persistently seek the favor and mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to become fit to return home, back to Godhead.” </i>On your auspicious appearance day, I humbly pray to Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda, with whatever sincerity I have, that persistent attempts to seek your mercy and active engagement in service unto your lotus feet be the program of my existence.
your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Mani Manjari dd
Dear Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to your beloved Srila Prabhupada.
Surprise!
You hand me a key to Reality!
Joy!
You’ve accepted me to live
now
in Krishna’s world
as your servant.
Joy!
It is Reality
Joy!
I know it now
walking down foreign streets of Chicago
having just spewed deficiencies
all over the apartment floor
you gift me anyways!
You changed my life forever
in an instant you made new
what was stuck and redundant
Your Mercy!
Your Care!
Your Love!
wash over me
and
permeate my old Japa mala
my most prized possession
(Now,
i lock my car)
Each Morning
Gratitude!
these beads
Your surcharged magnanimous gift
Shelter me from illusion
and entice me towards
Joy
Govinda!
Your servant
Manimanjari devi dasi
(How can I ever repay you?!)
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to your beloved Srila Prabhupada.
Surprise!
You hand me a key to Reality!
Joy!
You’ve accepted me to live
now
in Krishna’s world
as your servant.
Joy!
It is Reality
Joy!
I know it now
walking down foreign streets of Chicago
having just spewed deficiencies
all over the apartment floor
you gift me anyways!
You changed my life forever
in an instant you made new
what was stuck and redundant
Your Mercy!
Your Care!
Your Love!
wash over me
and
permeate my old Japa mala
my most prized possession
(Now,
i lock my car)
Each Morning
Gratitude!
these beads
Your surcharged magnanimous gift
Shelter me from illusion
and entice me towards
Joy
Govinda!
Your servant
Manimanjari devi dasi
(How can I ever repay you?!)
Mantriraja dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja
Although I am not qualified I will try by your mercy to say something to glorify you. You are saving so many from the quagmire of material existence. It is simply astonishing with what great vigour you engage in the service of Srila Prabhupada. You work tirelessly to inspire and encourage non-devotees to take up devotional service and neophyte devotees to deepen their practice and faith.
You travel all over the world to preach. Your dedication to and compassion for the fallen, conditioned souls of Kali-yuga pulls the heartstrings even of someone as stonehearted as me. You have recently visited us twice in Wales and whilst delivering pure Krishna-consciousness in such a palatable and accessible format to the people in general, you also met with all of the devotees here. You left everyone so enlivened, so fired up as we say, to make our mark in Cardiff, to drag as many souls as we can back to Godhead with us.
The spiritual master being rightly situated in his determination to render pure devotional service to Krishna is certain of going back home, back to Godhead. Therefore he can work tirelessly to take as many souls as he possibly can back with him. You set such a wonderful example for us to follow, Gurudeva. If I am able one day by your mercy to follow in your footsteps even if only just a tiny little bit, that will be the full perfection of my life.
I thank you for the unrepayable debt which you have passed down to me. I pray that I may always feel enthusiastic to try and repay this debt, by assisting in Srila Prabhupada's movement, fully knowing that it is actually impossible.
Your insignificant servant,
Mantriraja dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja
Although I am not qualified I will try by your mercy to say something to glorify you. You are saving so many from the quagmire of material existence. It is simply astonishing with what great vigour you engage in the service of Srila Prabhupada. You work tirelessly to inspire and encourage non-devotees to take up devotional service and neophyte devotees to deepen their practice and faith.
You travel all over the world to preach. Your dedication to and compassion for the fallen, conditioned souls of Kali-yuga pulls the heartstrings even of someone as stonehearted as me. You have recently visited us twice in Wales and whilst delivering pure Krishna-consciousness in such a palatable and accessible format to the people in general, you also met with all of the devotees here. You left everyone so enlivened, so fired up as we say, to make our mark in Cardiff, to drag as many souls as we can back to Godhead with us.
The spiritual master being rightly situated in his determination to render pure devotional service to Krishna is certain of going back home, back to Godhead. Therefore he can work tirelessly to take as many souls as he possibly can back with him. You set such a wonderful example for us to follow, Gurudeva. If I am able one day by your mercy to follow in your footsteps even if only just a tiny little bit, that will be the full perfection of my life.
I thank you for the unrepayable debt which you have passed down to me. I pray that I may always feel enthusiastic to try and repay this debt, by assisting in Srila Prabhupada's movement, fully knowing that it is actually impossible.
Your insignificant servant,
Mantriraja dasa
Mich White
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Your Holiness, Devamrita Swami.
I have not seen you for many years Maharaja due to the influence of kala -time, but I am still very much grateful to you for letting me stay in your ashram for the time that I did. I am so very thankful for your sublime association and for the blessed association of your disciples also. My heart is full of gratitude for everything that you have given me, the experiences, the transcendental knowledge, the friends, the realizations. I cannot express to you in words how grateful I am because I dont think any words will be sufficient, but all I can do is try.
Recently by the kindness of Krishna I have been able to do some nice service of transcribing your lectures. It is wonderful seva and I really enjoy doing it. Listening to your lectures takes me to another world and I feel like I am back in the spiritual world again by listening to your nectarian lectures. Your preaching style is absolutely lovely and it brings such a calm feeling into my mind and heart and such a smile on my face. I love how you can present Krishna so nicely to persons who have forgotten Krishna, how you present him in such an attractive way so people can relate to him, and feel close to him, no matter what stage they may be at. I also enjoy your joyful personality and how it is reflected in your preaching. I cant help but smile and laugh at your good humour, it's beautiful how you blend it so nicely into your presentations on Krishna Consciousness. After ive been listening to your lectures I feel so revitalized and enlivened, nourished spiritually. I feel like I could listen for hours on end.
I will just finish off now with a quote by Srila Prabhupada on the symptoms of a Vaisnava. The merciful Vaisnava has no personal troubles of his own but is concerned for those who havn't taken shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord, for they are in a hellish state of existence. I offer you this quote because I think it summarises your compassionate Vaisnava nature and who you are as a person.
[A Vaisnava is para-dukha-dukhi in other words, he has no personal troubles, but he is very unhappy to see others in trouble. Prahlada Maharaja said, “My Lord, I have no personal problems, for I have learned how to glorify Your transcendental qualities and thus enter a trance of ecstasy. I do have a problem, however, for I am simply thinking of these rascals and fools who are busy with maya-sukha, temporary happiness, without knowledge of devotional service unto You.” This is the problem faced by a Vaisnava. Because a Vaisnava fully takes shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he personally has no problems, but because he is compassionate toward the fallen, conditioned souls, he is always thinking of plans to save them from their hellish life in this body and the next. SB 6.1.7 ]
Thank you Maharaja for everything and I hope by Krishna's mercy we will be able to meet again one day soon.
Hare Krishna!
Your aspiring servant,
Mich White
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Your Holiness, Devamrita Swami.
I have not seen you for many years Maharaja due to the influence of kala -time, but I am still very much grateful to you for letting me stay in your ashram for the time that I did. I am so very thankful for your sublime association and for the blessed association of your disciples also. My heart is full of gratitude for everything that you have given me, the experiences, the transcendental knowledge, the friends, the realizations. I cannot express to you in words how grateful I am because I dont think any words will be sufficient, but all I can do is try.
Recently by the kindness of Krishna I have been able to do some nice service of transcribing your lectures. It is wonderful seva and I really enjoy doing it. Listening to your lectures takes me to another world and I feel like I am back in the spiritual world again by listening to your nectarian lectures. Your preaching style is absolutely lovely and it brings such a calm feeling into my mind and heart and such a smile on my face. I love how you can present Krishna so nicely to persons who have forgotten Krishna, how you present him in such an attractive way so people can relate to him, and feel close to him, no matter what stage they may be at. I also enjoy your joyful personality and how it is reflected in your preaching. I cant help but smile and laugh at your good humour, it's beautiful how you blend it so nicely into your presentations on Krishna Consciousness. After ive been listening to your lectures I feel so revitalized and enlivened, nourished spiritually. I feel like I could listen for hours on end.
I will just finish off now with a quote by Srila Prabhupada on the symptoms of a Vaisnava. The merciful Vaisnava has no personal troubles of his own but is concerned for those who havn't taken shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord, for they are in a hellish state of existence. I offer you this quote because I think it summarises your compassionate Vaisnava nature and who you are as a person.
[A Vaisnava is para-dukha-dukhi in other words, he has no personal troubles, but he is very unhappy to see others in trouble. Prahlada Maharaja said, “My Lord, I have no personal problems, for I have learned how to glorify Your transcendental qualities and thus enter a trance of ecstasy. I do have a problem, however, for I am simply thinking of these rascals and fools who are busy with maya-sukha, temporary happiness, without knowledge of devotional service unto You.” This is the problem faced by a Vaisnava. Because a Vaisnava fully takes shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he personally has no problems, but because he is compassionate toward the fallen, conditioned souls, he is always thinking of plans to save them from their hellish life in this body and the next. SB 6.1.7 ]
Thank you Maharaja for everything and I hope by Krishna's mercy we will be able to meet again one day soon.
Hare Krishna!
Your aspiring servant,
Mich White
Muchukunda Das
Dear gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
When I look at your picture I see my guru who is staunch and steady in devotional service.
When I look in the mirror I see the polar opposite.
When I follow your advice I know myself as a winner in the game that I'm playing. When I fall short of following your advice I know myself as fallen and I beat myself up for it.
I am starting to really get the impact of not following your advice - chanting in the morning and reading Srila Prabhupadas books. The impact is that I suffer.
I pray to you to for the steadiness required to go back to Krsna and shelter others.
I found that the highest rasa is to help you in your mission to share Krsna consciousness with others.
But I cannot taste this rasa if I am on the mental platform and when my sadhana is lacking in depth how can I be on any other
Platform
You are deeply situated in love for Krsna and experience the sweet flavour of giving Krsna pleasure at every moment.
For this you are worshipped by thousands of devotees all over the world. Thankyou for your patience and mercy toward your most neophyte disciple.
Your aspiring servant,
Muchukunda Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
When I look at your picture I see my guru who is staunch and steady in devotional service.
When I look in the mirror I see the polar opposite.
When I follow your advice I know myself as a winner in the game that I'm playing. When I fall short of following your advice I know myself as fallen and I beat myself up for it.
I am starting to really get the impact of not following your advice - chanting in the morning and reading Srila Prabhupadas books. The impact is that I suffer.
I pray to you to for the steadiness required to go back to Krsna and shelter others.
I found that the highest rasa is to help you in your mission to share Krsna consciousness with others.
But I cannot taste this rasa if I am on the mental platform and when my sadhana is lacking in depth how can I be on any other
Platform
You are deeply situated in love for Krsna and experience the sweet flavour of giving Krsna pleasure at every moment.
For this you are worshipped by thousands of devotees all over the world. Thankyou for your patience and mercy toward your most neophyte disciple.
Your aspiring servant,
Muchukunda Dasa
Mula Karana DD
Namo om visnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale
Srimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve cate namah
My dear dear gurudev,
When I think of you, I see love and krsna!
When I contemplate on your instructions, I think of compassion!
When I attempt to carry out your orders, I feel your mercy!
You have been working so hard and amazingly spreading the orders of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya,
not only in the U.S but all over the world!
Your one-of-a-kind, funny, yet seriously insightful talks at outreach yoga studios and universities reveal your unimaginable wisdom and empathy, which only inspire us more and more!
Your sankirtan effort especially with Bhakti Lounge at New Zealand is so incredibly awesome!
Oh my sweet sweet Lord Krsna,
You are a reminder to us all that we must all try sincerely to spread Krsna consciousness and always talk about Krsna no matter what!
And staying a month in Bhakti Lounge Toronto, Canada has made me realized even more of your gentle kindness and selflessness!
There is just no words or vacabulary for your glories, actually!
Because of you, my eyes see with so much more clarity of the intense suffering in this crazy and impossible material world!
Because of you, gurudev, we must continue Lord Caitanya's mission and instructions!
Because of you, gurudev, we want to do more and more and more and more....and more!
Because of you, gurudev, we must not settle for any less!
And because of you, gurudev, we must do more than our very best to talk , sing, and scream about Krsna to everyone around the globe!
Krsna says in BG 3.21,
Yad yad acarati sresthas
Tat tad evetaro janah
Sa yat pramanam kurute
Lokas tad anuvartate
"Whatever action a a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues."
Yes, you are indeed the great man!
We, the common men will follow you, and the whole world will pursue!!!
Prabhupada says preaching Krsna consciousness is the best welfare work, and you are really doing it and living it!
How intelligent and kind you are!
You have set such a great example for humanity for sankirtan not just locally but all over the world!
What would we do without you?
How could we live without you?
You are absolutely the direct representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna!
“Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah”
Because of your great mercy, we are getting the mercy of Krsna!
Because of you, gurudev, we have a rare chance of going back to the spiritual world, and meeting Krsna!
~~ ALL BECAUSE OF YOU, GURUDEV!~~
How merciful are you doing what you do!
What have we done to deserve You and Your mercy?
Thank you so much for all the opportunities you so kindly give us of your divine personal association!
I remember on the last nite of July retreat at Gita Nagari, I asked you of your previous sankirtan work at the communist countries, as usual, your eyes seemed closed, and you did not say much!
Yet you said so much! Oh my God!
Being able to associate with you fasinate and intrigue us each and every time!
Gurudev, thank you so much for caring!
Gurudev, thank you so much for giving!
Gurudev, thank you so much for loving us, all the living entities!
Because of you, gurudev, we are learning how to be the servant and the servant and the servant of krsna!
Because of you, gurudev, we are a bit closer to understanding the Absolute Truth!
And because of you, gurudev, we are finally on our way back home!
All glories to you, gurudev!
All glories to you, gurudev!
All glories to you, gurudev!
Sincerely,
Mula Karana
Your extremely & absolutely grateful servant
Srimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve cate namah
My dear dear gurudev,
When I think of you, I see love and krsna!
When I contemplate on your instructions, I think of compassion!
When I attempt to carry out your orders, I feel your mercy!
You have been working so hard and amazingly spreading the orders of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya,
not only in the U.S but all over the world!
Your one-of-a-kind, funny, yet seriously insightful talks at outreach yoga studios and universities reveal your unimaginable wisdom and empathy, which only inspire us more and more!
Your sankirtan effort especially with Bhakti Lounge at New Zealand is so incredibly awesome!
Oh my sweet sweet Lord Krsna,
You are a reminder to us all that we must all try sincerely to spread Krsna consciousness and always talk about Krsna no matter what!
And staying a month in Bhakti Lounge Toronto, Canada has made me realized even more of your gentle kindness and selflessness!
There is just no words or vacabulary for your glories, actually!
Because of you, my eyes see with so much more clarity of the intense suffering in this crazy and impossible material world!
Because of you, gurudev, we must continue Lord Caitanya's mission and instructions!
Because of you, gurudev, we want to do more and more and more and more....and more!
Because of you, gurudev, we must not settle for any less!
And because of you, gurudev, we must do more than our very best to talk , sing, and scream about Krsna to everyone around the globe!
Krsna says in BG 3.21,
Yad yad acarati sresthas
Tat tad evetaro janah
Sa yat pramanam kurute
Lokas tad anuvartate
"Whatever action a a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues."
Yes, you are indeed the great man!
We, the common men will follow you, and the whole world will pursue!!!
Prabhupada says preaching Krsna consciousness is the best welfare work, and you are really doing it and living it!
How intelligent and kind you are!
You have set such a great example for humanity for sankirtan not just locally but all over the world!
What would we do without you?
How could we live without you?
You are absolutely the direct representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna!
“Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah”
Because of your great mercy, we are getting the mercy of Krsna!
Because of you, gurudev, we have a rare chance of going back to the spiritual world, and meeting Krsna!
~~ ALL BECAUSE OF YOU, GURUDEV!~~
How merciful are you doing what you do!
What have we done to deserve You and Your mercy?
Thank you so much for all the opportunities you so kindly give us of your divine personal association!
I remember on the last nite of July retreat at Gita Nagari, I asked you of your previous sankirtan work at the communist countries, as usual, your eyes seemed closed, and you did not say much!
Yet you said so much! Oh my God!
Being able to associate with you fasinate and intrigue us each and every time!
Gurudev, thank you so much for caring!
Gurudev, thank you so much for giving!
Gurudev, thank you so much for loving us, all the living entities!
Because of you, gurudev, we are learning how to be the servant and the servant and the servant of krsna!
Because of you, gurudev, we are a bit closer to understanding the Absolute Truth!
And because of you, gurudev, we are finally on our way back home!
All glories to you, gurudev!
All glories to you, gurudev!
All glories to you, gurudev!
Sincerely,
Mula Karana
Your extremely & absolutely grateful servant
Muni Cari
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
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this your vyasa puja celebration!
In preparing to humbly write something to glorify my wonderful spiritual father, I cast my mind back over the years I have known you. I started my Krsna Consciousness in 1996 and was ever fortunate to meet you, my spiritual master, in 1997. So that makes 18 Vyasa puja celebrations now. Wow, and it only seems like yesterday in one sense.
I remember when we were living in Palmerston North, back in the late 1990’s. Someone told us it was your Vyasa puja and on top of that you were going to come and stay with us the day before that auspicious day. So fortunate for my wife and I to have our spiritual master stay with us at any time, what to speak of for your Vyasa puja. Only problem was, we had no idea what a Vyasa puja was or how to celebrate it. So after some frantic calls to the most senior devotee we knew (Krsna loka mataji) we understood the Vyasa puja meant your birthday. So that was easy, we made you a big cake and practiced singing Happy Birthday to Devamrita Swami several times.
Of course you made it very easy for us to serve you and gave us that most precious gift of your personal association.
Then two years later you sent us to Melbourne, Australia, to take up devotional service to the divine Lords Sri Sri Radha Valaba. Under the admiral guidance or Aniruddha prabhu and Acintya Rupa mataji. And 2001 Vyasa puja came. We were more experienced now, so we gathered all your aspiring disciples together (because at that time you had not started formal initiation yet). We cooked a big feast of things we thought you liked and offered it to you, had kirtana and then honoured the prasada. That was all the disciples together, all 5 of us. We squashed into one of Srila Prabhupada’s rooms at the Melbourne temple because we could not publicly celebrate as we were only aspiring to you and not officially you disciples.
And now today… Your family of dependants seems enormous. Hundreds and hundreds of devotees around the world, you are their life and soul, you are our life and soul. We are eager to hear your enchanting talks about Krsna and Krsna conscious activities. To somehow or other have our heats changed by those very words.
Dear Guru Maharaja, once again I wish to apologise for my atrocious, offensive, demoniac behaviour and consciousness. I beg that you can forgive me somehow and one day come and stay at my house again. Giving me that sort after mercy of your association. And we can make you another birthday cake, but this time we will chant Hare Krsna rather than Happy Birthday.
Thank you Guru Maharaja
Begging to one day become sincere,
Your insignificant disciple and spiritual son,
Muni-cari DASA.
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this your vyasa puja celebration!
In preparing to humbly write something to glorify my wonderful spiritual father, I cast my mind back over the years I have known you. I started my Krsna Consciousness in 1996 and was ever fortunate to meet you, my spiritual master, in 1997. So that makes 18 Vyasa puja celebrations now. Wow, and it only seems like yesterday in one sense.
I remember when we were living in Palmerston North, back in the late 1990’s. Someone told us it was your Vyasa puja and on top of that you were going to come and stay with us the day before that auspicious day. So fortunate for my wife and I to have our spiritual master stay with us at any time, what to speak of for your Vyasa puja. Only problem was, we had no idea what a Vyasa puja was or how to celebrate it. So after some frantic calls to the most senior devotee we knew (Krsna loka mataji) we understood the Vyasa puja meant your birthday. So that was easy, we made you a big cake and practiced singing Happy Birthday to Devamrita Swami several times.
Of course you made it very easy for us to serve you and gave us that most precious gift of your personal association.
Then two years later you sent us to Melbourne, Australia, to take up devotional service to the divine Lords Sri Sri Radha Valaba. Under the admiral guidance or Aniruddha prabhu and Acintya Rupa mataji. And 2001 Vyasa puja came. We were more experienced now, so we gathered all your aspiring disciples together (because at that time you had not started formal initiation yet). We cooked a big feast of things we thought you liked and offered it to you, had kirtana and then honoured the prasada. That was all the disciples together, all 5 of us. We squashed into one of Srila Prabhupada’s rooms at the Melbourne temple because we could not publicly celebrate as we were only aspiring to you and not officially you disciples.
And now today… Your family of dependants seems enormous. Hundreds and hundreds of devotees around the world, you are their life and soul, you are our life and soul. We are eager to hear your enchanting talks about Krsna and Krsna conscious activities. To somehow or other have our heats changed by those very words.
Dear Guru Maharaja, once again I wish to apologise for my atrocious, offensive, demoniac behaviour and consciousness. I beg that you can forgive me somehow and one day come and stay at my house again. Giving me that sort after mercy of your association. And we can make you another birthday cake, but this time we will chant Hare Krsna rather than Happy Birthday.
Thank you Guru Maharaja
Begging to one day become sincere,
Your insignificant disciple and spiritual son,
Muni-cari DASA.
Munjaranya dd
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you dearest Gurudeva on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, I was watching ‘Following Srila Prabhupada’ last night, and Tamal Krishna Maharaja was recounting Prabhupada’s exchange with an elderly European lady. The lady asked Prabhupada “It’s very nice what you are preaching, but what are you doing for the suffering of the world?” Prabhupada exploded “What do you know about mercy? What do you understand about compassion? It is simply sentiment..”
Prabhupada’s reply to this lady perfectly captures my position in attempting to glorify you. Guru Maharaja, what do I know about mercy and compassion? It’s just sentiment. If I even had some idea of how merciful you are, then I would be grateful and sincere in attempting to serve you.
Gurudeva, I started reading the Prabhupada Lilamrta for the first time a month ago. As I read, I am amazed at how Prabhupada’s life was but a constant meditation on the order and desire of his spiritual master to spread Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy around the world. Prabhupada was not thinking of earning money for himself, he was not taking any time for sense gratification. He was constantly working either to earn money for printing, or he was writing. In spite of little association, his disputing Godbrothers, and his apparent failures in business, he was not once set back in his faith, meditation, desire and determination to serve his spiritual master.
While reading about Srila Prabhupada, I have been reflecting on your life Guru Maharaja, and I am realizing more and more how much it mirrors Srila Prabhupada’s life. Since you moved into the temple, your entire life has been an effort to please your Guru Maharaja by preaching. Just like Prabhupada. You started distributing books, and even though, your efforts were not apparently successful in the beginning, you stuck to it with unfailing determination. Just because this was Srila Prabhupada’s desire. As you say “you hated it, but you were determined to love this service.” You kept at it, until literally your body would not support you anymore. Just like Prabhupada’s service in Jhansi, where he had to leave because of the landlord. Apparently, his work in Jhansi seemed like a failure, but Krishna had other plans. Just like in your life too. You moved to editing Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Prabhupada’s commitment to his spiritual master did not waiver in spite of the disputes that arose after Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s disappearance. Guru Maharaja, your life exemplifies the same. In spite of all the complications that arose in ISKCON after Prabhupada’s disappearance, you went on preaching, undeterred. In fact, you even risked your life to preach in the communist countries!
Prabhupada in addition to preaching to new people, was constantly inspiring devotees to preach, to sacrifice to spread Krishna consciousness. In every darshan, that I have had with you Gurudeva (right from the very first one) you have been inspiring me, pushing me to go on sankirtana. I had the good fortune Guru Maharaja to listen to your sankirtan lectures and meetings in New Zealand in the early days. You were egging the devotees to do more. I was listening to this particular sankirtan meeting, while I was walking out the door to go on Sankirtan. I clearly remember you saying “Just because I ran naked when I was small, doesn’t mean I will do that for the rest of my life”. You were saying this to encourage the devotees to try and distribute 2+ books to one person. On hearing this, I turned back in, and repacked my book box, almost doubling the books in there. When I came back home, the box was empty. I couldn't believe it. Ever since then, I hold 4-5 books in my hand on sankirtana, instead of just one.
Through your life Gurudeva, you exemplify what it means to be a bonafide representative, what it means to be a member of the disciplic succession. Thank you Guru Maharaja, for showing us what it means to be a Vaisnava; a bonafide servant of the parampara.
Hopefully, some day by your mercy, I will be able to glimpse the real meaning of mercy and compassion. By your mercy only Guru Maharaj, can I have the hope of appreciating the gift of the Guru parampara. By your mercy only Guru Maharaj, can I make some endeavour to keep my selfish desires aside and share this gift of the mercy of Guru parampara with others. Please help me Gurudeva, because only your mercy can protect me from the allurement of the innumerable material desires that pollute my heart and safely navigate me to devotional service.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for your exemplary love, care and guidance.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Munjaranya devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you dearest Gurudeva on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, I was watching ‘Following Srila Prabhupada’ last night, and Tamal Krishna Maharaja was recounting Prabhupada’s exchange with an elderly European lady. The lady asked Prabhupada “It’s very nice what you are preaching, but what are you doing for the suffering of the world?” Prabhupada exploded “What do you know about mercy? What do you understand about compassion? It is simply sentiment..”
Prabhupada’s reply to this lady perfectly captures my position in attempting to glorify you. Guru Maharaja, what do I know about mercy and compassion? It’s just sentiment. If I even had some idea of how merciful you are, then I would be grateful and sincere in attempting to serve you.
Gurudeva, I started reading the Prabhupada Lilamrta for the first time a month ago. As I read, I am amazed at how Prabhupada’s life was but a constant meditation on the order and desire of his spiritual master to spread Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy around the world. Prabhupada was not thinking of earning money for himself, he was not taking any time for sense gratification. He was constantly working either to earn money for printing, or he was writing. In spite of little association, his disputing Godbrothers, and his apparent failures in business, he was not once set back in his faith, meditation, desire and determination to serve his spiritual master.
While reading about Srila Prabhupada, I have been reflecting on your life Guru Maharaja, and I am realizing more and more how much it mirrors Srila Prabhupada’s life. Since you moved into the temple, your entire life has been an effort to please your Guru Maharaja by preaching. Just like Prabhupada. You started distributing books, and even though, your efforts were not apparently successful in the beginning, you stuck to it with unfailing determination. Just because this was Srila Prabhupada’s desire. As you say “you hated it, but you were determined to love this service.” You kept at it, until literally your body would not support you anymore. Just like Prabhupada’s service in Jhansi, where he had to leave because of the landlord. Apparently, his work in Jhansi seemed like a failure, but Krishna had other plans. Just like in your life too. You moved to editing Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Prabhupada’s commitment to his spiritual master did not waiver in spite of the disputes that arose after Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s disappearance. Guru Maharaja, your life exemplifies the same. In spite of all the complications that arose in ISKCON after Prabhupada’s disappearance, you went on preaching, undeterred. In fact, you even risked your life to preach in the communist countries!
Prabhupada in addition to preaching to new people, was constantly inspiring devotees to preach, to sacrifice to spread Krishna consciousness. In every darshan, that I have had with you Gurudeva (right from the very first one) you have been inspiring me, pushing me to go on sankirtana. I had the good fortune Guru Maharaja to listen to your sankirtan lectures and meetings in New Zealand in the early days. You were egging the devotees to do more. I was listening to this particular sankirtan meeting, while I was walking out the door to go on Sankirtan. I clearly remember you saying “Just because I ran naked when I was small, doesn’t mean I will do that for the rest of my life”. You were saying this to encourage the devotees to try and distribute 2+ books to one person. On hearing this, I turned back in, and repacked my book box, almost doubling the books in there. When I came back home, the box was empty. I couldn't believe it. Ever since then, I hold 4-5 books in my hand on sankirtana, instead of just one.
Through your life Gurudeva, you exemplify what it means to be a bonafide representative, what it means to be a member of the disciplic succession. Thank you Guru Maharaja, for showing us what it means to be a Vaisnava; a bonafide servant of the parampara.
Hopefully, some day by your mercy, I will be able to glimpse the real meaning of mercy and compassion. By your mercy only Guru Maharaj, can I have the hope of appreciating the gift of the Guru parampara. By your mercy only Guru Maharaj, can I make some endeavour to keep my selfish desires aside and share this gift of the mercy of Guru parampara with others. Please help me Gurudeva, because only your mercy can protect me from the allurement of the innumerable material desires that pollute my heart and safely navigate me to devotional service.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for your exemplary love, care and guidance.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Munjaranya devi dasi.
Nama-cintamani Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances at the dust of your divine lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I feel great emotion and happiness to participate in your Vyasa-puja with my spiritual brothers and sisters. Thank you for this opportunity. I know that I am here because of your endless mercy.
Thank you for your compassion, tolerance and patience during all these years. Please forgive my offenses.
I wish sincerely to follow your instructions.
At your feet,
Nama-cintamnani Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances at the dust of your divine lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I feel great emotion and happiness to participate in your Vyasa-puja with my spiritual brothers and sisters. Thank you for this opportunity. I know that I am here because of your endless mercy.
Thank you for your compassion, tolerance and patience during all these years. Please forgive my offenses.
I wish sincerely to follow your instructions.
At your feet,
Nama-cintamnani Devi Dasi
Nanda Mandir Dasa
Dear Srila Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As Srila Narottama Das Thakura sings chāḍiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā, nistāra pāyeche kebā, ‘one cannot be liberated from material contamination without sincerely serving a devotee of Krsna’. Today you have given us another opportunity to serve you by offering some words of glorification.
I recall in one of your bhagavatam classes in Melbourne, you said ‘just as an expert businessman can make money regardless of the state of the economy, similarly a devotee finds opportunities to preach regardless of the circumstances.’ You are the embodiment of such a devotee, regardless of the social, political, personal circumstances you have in the past & to date very effectively spread Krsna Consciousness by coming up with creative, cutting edge & innovative. Some of your preaching strategies are now seen as the way to get the job done in the iskcon world.
Because you are so passionate & care about Krsna & spreading Krsna Consciousness, you are able to enthuse & inspire so many others in following your footsteps. I witnessed the same dedication, enthusiasm, outreach spirit, deep appreciation, care, co-operative spirit & loyalty to Srila Prabhupada in my god brothers & sisters during my visit to one of the end of year festivals in new Zealand.
You are like a great chess master. In chess, each piece has a unique role, unique abilities, and unique limitations. Like great chess masters, you recognize what’s unique about each devotee. You know their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes & use these insights to draw the very best from each individual.
You know me much better than I know myself. I pray to remain an insignificant & humble pawn to be utilized by you.
Your useless servant
Nanda Mandir Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As Srila Narottama Das Thakura sings chāḍiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā, nistāra pāyeche kebā, ‘one cannot be liberated from material contamination without sincerely serving a devotee of Krsna’. Today you have given us another opportunity to serve you by offering some words of glorification.
I recall in one of your bhagavatam classes in Melbourne, you said ‘just as an expert businessman can make money regardless of the state of the economy, similarly a devotee finds opportunities to preach regardless of the circumstances.’ You are the embodiment of such a devotee, regardless of the social, political, personal circumstances you have in the past & to date very effectively spread Krsna Consciousness by coming up with creative, cutting edge & innovative. Some of your preaching strategies are now seen as the way to get the job done in the iskcon world.
Because you are so passionate & care about Krsna & spreading Krsna Consciousness, you are able to enthuse & inspire so many others in following your footsteps. I witnessed the same dedication, enthusiasm, outreach spirit, deep appreciation, care, co-operative spirit & loyalty to Srila Prabhupada in my god brothers & sisters during my visit to one of the end of year festivals in new Zealand.
You are like a great chess master. In chess, each piece has a unique role, unique abilities, and unique limitations. Like great chess masters, you recognize what’s unique about each devotee. You know their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes & use these insights to draw the very best from each individual.
You know me much better than I know myself. I pray to remain an insignificant & humble pawn to be utilized by you.
Your useless servant
Nanda Mandir Dasa
Nandisvara das
My dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisance's at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhpada
and all glories to you on this most auspicious occasion
Lately I was thinking about following your instruction's and how resistant I am to just surrender, listen and act, it would be so simple. You say "Hearing and chanting will do it" when I asked how to overcome some unpleasant characteristic I'm noticing in myself.
I laugh to myself remembering the words of Srila Prabhupada paraphrased by you."The only reason I am coming up with all these different things for you guy's to do is because you don't want to sit down and chant Hare Krishna". You then go on to explain that everything is contained in the MahaMantra, but that Prabhupada could see that his western disciples were attached to achieving and seeing results. So Prabhupada engaged that propensity in Lord Caitanya's mission and by doing so purified them so they could chant with more purity. Then you add but it's not that when your chanting improves that you stop doing practical things your service becomes an expansion of your chanting.
So reflecting upon how you have gently coached me along and given me the practical service I gratefully do. I feel peaceful and safe knowing that I too have been so fortunately engaged in Prabhupada's preaching(be it as insignificant as it is) and that if I continue to apply myself I too could one day chant with purity.
Something else I would like you to know is one of my favourite meditations. Its how you have applied the Bhakti Process so seriously and taken so many risks for Prabhupada's preaching. From freezing cold winters on the streets of New York wearing plastic shoes, to the CC editing Marathon, to risking your life preaching in communist Russia, then traveling extensively all over the globe carrying with you the most sublime treasure of all treasures. I cannot fully comprehend the sacrifice you have made but one thing I can try to appreciate is that all this has made you a perfect Post peon now we your disciples can give everything we have to you knowing full well you are never going to exploit us and all we give is used for Krsna's pleasure.
I hope and pray that I can become a better instrument for you to use.
"This sort of serious interest in the welfare of the public makes one a bona fide acarya. An acarya does not exploit his followers. Since the acarya is a confidential servitor of the lord, his heart is always full of compassion for humanity in its suffering. He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change peoples activities, making them favourable for the attainment of devotion. That is the qualification of an acarya."
Statement from Srila Prabhupada's Caitanya-caritamrta in a purport Adi lila(3,98)
Your eternally indebted servant,
Nandisvara das
Please accept my humble obeisance's at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhpada
and all glories to you on this most auspicious occasion
Lately I was thinking about following your instruction's and how resistant I am to just surrender, listen and act, it would be so simple. You say "Hearing and chanting will do it" when I asked how to overcome some unpleasant characteristic I'm noticing in myself.
I laugh to myself remembering the words of Srila Prabhupada paraphrased by you."The only reason I am coming up with all these different things for you guy's to do is because you don't want to sit down and chant Hare Krishna". You then go on to explain that everything is contained in the MahaMantra, but that Prabhupada could see that his western disciples were attached to achieving and seeing results. So Prabhupada engaged that propensity in Lord Caitanya's mission and by doing so purified them so they could chant with more purity. Then you add but it's not that when your chanting improves that you stop doing practical things your service becomes an expansion of your chanting.
So reflecting upon how you have gently coached me along and given me the practical service I gratefully do. I feel peaceful and safe knowing that I too have been so fortunately engaged in Prabhupada's preaching(be it as insignificant as it is) and that if I continue to apply myself I too could one day chant with purity.
Something else I would like you to know is one of my favourite meditations. Its how you have applied the Bhakti Process so seriously and taken so many risks for Prabhupada's preaching. From freezing cold winters on the streets of New York wearing plastic shoes, to the CC editing Marathon, to risking your life preaching in communist Russia, then traveling extensively all over the globe carrying with you the most sublime treasure of all treasures. I cannot fully comprehend the sacrifice you have made but one thing I can try to appreciate is that all this has made you a perfect Post peon now we your disciples can give everything we have to you knowing full well you are never going to exploit us and all we give is used for Krsna's pleasure.
I hope and pray that I can become a better instrument for you to use.
"This sort of serious interest in the welfare of the public makes one a bona fide acarya. An acarya does not exploit his followers. Since the acarya is a confidential servitor of the lord, his heart is always full of compassion for humanity in its suffering. He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change peoples activities, making them favourable for the attainment of devotion. That is the qualification of an acarya."
Statement from Srila Prabhupada's Caitanya-caritamrta in a purport Adi lila(3,98)
Your eternally indebted servant,
Nandisvara das
Narottam Vilas das and Rati Vilas dd
Dear Guru Maharaj, please accept our most humble obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet!
Please accept our gratitude for spiritual shelter given to us, for Your love and patience.
Your mercifulness and generosity had captured our hearts. By giving us spiritual initiation and Holy Name of God, You have opened to us a doorway to spiritual perfection and gave us hope to obtain most precious – love of God.
Certainly, we are not the best of Your disciples, nevertheless we are trying to always remember Your instructions and implement them in our lives. These instructions are our guidelines on this uneasy journey back home back to Godhead. We wish You strong health and long life. Let the flow of Your spiritual energy never vanish and continue to flood all around with love of God.
We understand, that we never be able to repay to You this dept. Therefore we would try to take good care of young devotees, to transmit to them Your mercy.
Your lowest servants,
Narottam Vilas das and Rati Vilas devi dasi
Please accept our gratitude for spiritual shelter given to us, for Your love and patience.
Your mercifulness and generosity had captured our hearts. By giving us spiritual initiation and Holy Name of God, You have opened to us a doorway to spiritual perfection and gave us hope to obtain most precious – love of God.
Certainly, we are not the best of Your disciples, nevertheless we are trying to always remember Your instructions and implement them in our lives. These instructions are our guidelines on this uneasy journey back home back to Godhead. We wish You strong health and long life. Let the flow of Your spiritual energy never vanish and continue to flood all around with love of God.
We understand, that we never be able to repay to You this dept. Therefore we would try to take good care of young devotees, to transmit to them Your mercy.
Your lowest servants,
Narottam Vilas das and Rati Vilas devi dasi
Navadvipa vasi das
Nama Om Vishnu padaya
Kṛṣṇa-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa-puja day.
Four years ago I took a darshan of you presenting my many material problems and you had mercifully heard them with a smile, after presenting my problems I had begged for your blessings to get out of them, than gurudeva you said" I bless you that whatever your material condition may be you shall continue your devotional life".
Initially I could not fully understand the boon you had given to me but as the years pass by I could realise how merciful it was.
Thank you.
your servants
Navadivipa vasi & family
Kṛṣṇa-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa-puja day.
Four years ago I took a darshan of you presenting my many material problems and you had mercifully heard them with a smile, after presenting my problems I had begged for your blessings to get out of them, than gurudeva you said" I bless you that whatever your material condition may be you shall continue your devotional life".
Initially I could not fully understand the boon you had given to me but as the years pass by I could realise how merciful it was.
Thank you.
your servants
Navadivipa vasi & family
Navarasa Dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obesiances unto your lotus feet,
“ Namo Om Visnu Padaya Krishna presthaya bhu tale;
Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine,
Pracare Purva Dakshimca Pravinatha Prartatpi Karunyam
Yasya Sarve Ca Te Namah”
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudev,
Gurudev,
Wish you a happy and blissful Vyasa Puja today. I sincerely pray at the Lotus feet of Shree Shri Radha Vallabha to continue to bless, love and protect you forever.
Dear Guru Maharaj, you carry the mission of Srila Prabhupada around the world and every place wherever you go, you spread love for Krishna. By your example, you are teaching all of us to be focused in Krsna consciousness and how to execute our daily lives in an expert way.
You are as kind as an ocean of mercy; in giving your association to everyone ; in guiding us to Krishna’s spiritual path. I, in my limited capacity, pray to Krishna , that He gives you all the strength and a very good health to spread His message all over the universe and deliver the poor souls, like me.
Whenever in difficult times, I continue to meditate your kind words that you said , “ Krishna will never fail you, hold on to Krishna’s holy name strongly”.
Dear Gurudev, your glories are unlimited. Let my appreciation for you grow every day. Let me realise your transcendental position.
And let me become a sincere and serious disciple of yours.
Your servant,
Navarasa dasi
Please accept my humble obesiances unto your lotus feet,
“ Namo Om Visnu Padaya Krishna presthaya bhu tale;
Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine,
Pracare Purva Dakshimca Pravinatha Prartatpi Karunyam
Yasya Sarve Ca Te Namah”
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudev,
Gurudev,
Wish you a happy and blissful Vyasa Puja today. I sincerely pray at the Lotus feet of Shree Shri Radha Vallabha to continue to bless, love and protect you forever.
Dear Guru Maharaj, you carry the mission of Srila Prabhupada around the world and every place wherever you go, you spread love for Krishna. By your example, you are teaching all of us to be focused in Krsna consciousness and how to execute our daily lives in an expert way.
You are as kind as an ocean of mercy; in giving your association to everyone ; in guiding us to Krishna’s spiritual path. I, in my limited capacity, pray to Krishna , that He gives you all the strength and a very good health to spread His message all over the universe and deliver the poor souls, like me.
Whenever in difficult times, I continue to meditate your kind words that you said , “ Krishna will never fail you, hold on to Krishna’s holy name strongly”.
Dear Gurudev, your glories are unlimited. Let my appreciation for you grow every day. Let me realise your transcendental position.
And let me become a sincere and serious disciple of yours.
Your servant,
Navarasa dasi
Nisha Abrol
Dear Srila Guradeva,
Please kindly accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Dear Guru Maharaj,
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I wish you a very happy Krishna Conscious birthday! I thank Sri Sri Radha Vallabha for blessing me having you as my spiritual master.
You have always been very merciful, humble and tolerant towards me even though I was always coming to you with silly problems. Like an ideal father, you are always guiding and instructing me with your tremendous love that how things have to be done and how I can perfect my life; but as a child I can never give you as much as you are giving. But I promise you that I will always carefully listen to your instructions and try to follow them so that I can also help you to serve Srila Prabupada's mission.
Dear Gurudev, let me never leave your lotus feet as you are my only shelter and refuge. Let me realize your transcendental position and also let me become a sincere and serious disciple of yours.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Nisha Abrol
Please kindly accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Dear Guru Maharaj,
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I wish you a very happy Krishna Conscious birthday! I thank Sri Sri Radha Vallabha for blessing me having you as my spiritual master.
You have always been very merciful, humble and tolerant towards me even though I was always coming to you with silly problems. Like an ideal father, you are always guiding and instructing me with your tremendous love that how things have to be done and how I can perfect my life; but as a child I can never give you as much as you are giving. But I promise you that I will always carefully listen to your instructions and try to follow them so that I can also help you to serve Srila Prabupada's mission.
Dear Gurudev, let me never leave your lotus feet as you are my only shelter and refuge. Let me realize your transcendental position and also let me become a sincere and serious disciple of yours.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Nisha Abrol
Nitya-priya devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, on this auspicious day of your appearance.
It has not been until recently that I have started to gain a glimmer of insight into what you mean when you say you are raising “spiritual children”. Now that I have just one child I am starting to understand the blood, sweat and tears it takes and she is just 6 months old! I am also learning that it involves a lot of patience, tolerance and commitment. I know that as your spiritual child you have always had a lot of patience, care, kind words and fatherly advice for me.
I am also remembering how you have repeatedly told me that I need to learn to walk before I can run. Now that I am understanding all the steps involved in learning to walk, I can understand what an arduous process this has been for you. Before one can even think about walking one needs to learn to hold their head up, develop stomach and back muscles so one can sit up and learn to crawl. Only after all of this has been mastered the strength necessary to stand develops. Then one needs to learn the coordination necessary to move each foot one step at a time. I am so very thankful that you are there to catch me as I repeatedly fall on my wobbly little spiritual legs.
You have spiritual children all over the world and your ability to personally care for us all never ceases to amaze me. You always seem to have the capacity to guide us on our way spiritually and often materially too. How does one develop the capacity to be so personal and loving to people that lack the intelligence and appreciation necessary to reciprocate with the amazing mercy that they are being so generously and freely given? I can’t begin to understand the depth of your compassion and guidance. I can only promise that one day when I am ready to walk and then work towards running that it will be a spiritual marathon to honour you and reciprocate with all that you have given to me.
Thank you Gurudeva for your magnanimous and generous heart.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Nitya-priya devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, on this auspicious day of your appearance.
It has not been until recently that I have started to gain a glimmer of insight into what you mean when you say you are raising “spiritual children”. Now that I have just one child I am starting to understand the blood, sweat and tears it takes and she is just 6 months old! I am also learning that it involves a lot of patience, tolerance and commitment. I know that as your spiritual child you have always had a lot of patience, care, kind words and fatherly advice for me.
I am also remembering how you have repeatedly told me that I need to learn to walk before I can run. Now that I am understanding all the steps involved in learning to walk, I can understand what an arduous process this has been for you. Before one can even think about walking one needs to learn to hold their head up, develop stomach and back muscles so one can sit up and learn to crawl. Only after all of this has been mastered the strength necessary to stand develops. Then one needs to learn the coordination necessary to move each foot one step at a time. I am so very thankful that you are there to catch me as I repeatedly fall on my wobbly little spiritual legs.
You have spiritual children all over the world and your ability to personally care for us all never ceases to amaze me. You always seem to have the capacity to guide us on our way spiritually and often materially too. How does one develop the capacity to be so personal and loving to people that lack the intelligence and appreciation necessary to reciprocate with the amazing mercy that they are being so generously and freely given? I can’t begin to understand the depth of your compassion and guidance. I can only promise that one day when I am ready to walk and then work towards running that it will be a spiritual marathon to honour you and reciprocate with all that you have given to me.
Thank you Gurudeva for your magnanimous and generous heart.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Nitya-priya devi dasi
Pandava bandhava das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisancess at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance I would like to thank you from my heart for all sacrifices you are making in order to reach out and help us, the fallen conditioned souls.
By your transcendental presence in our lives we are slowly beginning to realize that the spiritual world is real and that this material world is nothing but a temporary illusory manifestation. As neophytes we have a strong attachment to material sense enjoyment which is often the only reality for us. Thus we take the descriptions in the scriptures as something nice, even attractive, but not truly real. What is actually real for us is the material world and our futile attempts to enjoy independently from Krsna. Although we believe in Krsna this is not enough to change our lives. We are in a state of existence described in Srimad Bhagavatam 11.13.30:
According to My instructions, one should fix the mind on Me alone. If, however, one continues to see many different values and goals in life rather than seeing everything within Me, then although apparently awake, one is actually dreaming due to incomplete knowledge, just as one may dream that one has wakened from a dream.
We are not truly awakened spiritual personalities because, as neophytes, we still see plenty of things without connection to Krsna. Just as the thief does not want to see the owner of the house, we don’t really want to see the supreme owner of everything because that would mean that our enjoying business will end. In this sense we do not really want to go back home back to Godhead, neither we truly believe that the spiritual world is a real thing.
But you are our evidence that there is a spiritual alternative, a realm where we can be real persons having real relationships with the Lord and his devotees. For you Gurudeva, Krsna’s pastimes are the only reality; you are a resident of Krsna book and Caitanya Caritamrita. And therefore when you narrate Mahaprabhu’s pastimes even a hardcore materialist like me is moved and transformed into a devotee. By listening to your words I can experience the spiritual world, although only a drop of it, because my contaminated heart does not allow me to taste more.
You have genuine compassion for us, and you try to help us in any way possible. You do this by awakening our spiritual taste with your instructions but also with your warmth, affection, advices, and when necessary by your strong words which cut through our illusion.
I am forever grateful to Krsna for sending you in my life. To have the chance to associate with a bona fide Spiritual Master is a very rare opportunity. As it is stated in sastra:
brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan jiva guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija
“According to their karma, all living
entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna. By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.” (CC Madhya 19.151)
janame janame sabe pita mata paya krsna guru nahi mile baja hari ei
In the transmigration of the soul through different bodies, everyone, in every form of life—be it human, animal, tree or demigod—gets a father and mother. This is not very difficult. The difficulty is to obtain a bona fide spiritual master and Krsna. Therefore the duty of a human being is to capture the opportunity to come in touch with Krsna's representative, the bona fide spiritual master. Under the guidance of the spiritual master, the spiritual father, one can return home, back to Godhead. (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.16.6)
sri-guro paramananda premananda phala-prada
vrajananda pradananda sevaya ma niyojaya
“My dear spiritual master, who give the fruit of the highest bliss — the bliss of love of Godhead — please engage me in the blissful service of Sri Krsna, who bestows bliss upon the land of Vraja.”
Your servant
Pandava bandhava dasa
Please accept my humble obeisancess at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance I would like to thank you from my heart for all sacrifices you are making in order to reach out and help us, the fallen conditioned souls.
By your transcendental presence in our lives we are slowly beginning to realize that the spiritual world is real and that this material world is nothing but a temporary illusory manifestation. As neophytes we have a strong attachment to material sense enjoyment which is often the only reality for us. Thus we take the descriptions in the scriptures as something nice, even attractive, but not truly real. What is actually real for us is the material world and our futile attempts to enjoy independently from Krsna. Although we believe in Krsna this is not enough to change our lives. We are in a state of existence described in Srimad Bhagavatam 11.13.30:
According to My instructions, one should fix the mind on Me alone. If, however, one continues to see many different values and goals in life rather than seeing everything within Me, then although apparently awake, one is actually dreaming due to incomplete knowledge, just as one may dream that one has wakened from a dream.
We are not truly awakened spiritual personalities because, as neophytes, we still see plenty of things without connection to Krsna. Just as the thief does not want to see the owner of the house, we don’t really want to see the supreme owner of everything because that would mean that our enjoying business will end. In this sense we do not really want to go back home back to Godhead, neither we truly believe that the spiritual world is a real thing.
But you are our evidence that there is a spiritual alternative, a realm where we can be real persons having real relationships with the Lord and his devotees. For you Gurudeva, Krsna’s pastimes are the only reality; you are a resident of Krsna book and Caitanya Caritamrita. And therefore when you narrate Mahaprabhu’s pastimes even a hardcore materialist like me is moved and transformed into a devotee. By listening to your words I can experience the spiritual world, although only a drop of it, because my contaminated heart does not allow me to taste more.
You have genuine compassion for us, and you try to help us in any way possible. You do this by awakening our spiritual taste with your instructions but also with your warmth, affection, advices, and when necessary by your strong words which cut through our illusion.
I am forever grateful to Krsna for sending you in my life. To have the chance to associate with a bona fide Spiritual Master is a very rare opportunity. As it is stated in sastra:
brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan jiva guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija
“According to their karma, all living
entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna. By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.” (CC Madhya 19.151)
janame janame sabe pita mata paya krsna guru nahi mile baja hari ei
In the transmigration of the soul through different bodies, everyone, in every form of life—be it human, animal, tree or demigod—gets a father and mother. This is not very difficult. The difficulty is to obtain a bona fide spiritual master and Krsna. Therefore the duty of a human being is to capture the opportunity to come in touch with Krsna's representative, the bona fide spiritual master. Under the guidance of the spiritual master, the spiritual father, one can return home, back to Godhead. (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.16.6)
sri-guro paramananda premananda phala-prada
vrajananda pradananda sevaya ma niyojaya
“My dear spiritual master, who give the fruit of the highest bliss — the bliss of love of Godhead — please engage me in the blissful service of Sri Krsna, who bestows bliss upon the land of Vraja.”
Your servant
Pandava bandhava dasa
Paya
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja
Another year has passed by like a flowing river since we have celebrated your last Vyasapuja.
In that year you underwent so many exhausting journeys around earth for the sake of bringing humanity from darkness to light.
You did plenty of preaching, lecturing and discussing on various spiritual subject matters.You met with people of different religions,positions and world views.You fought with many challenging, ignorant individuals.You calmed down many depressive minds.You prayed for people's elevation from material disease. You cared for people's true self and patiently hoped for at least someone's understanding of spiritual values.You performed innumerable amounts of sacrifices for the benefit of human society.You acted like a transcendental physician injecting people with spiritual insights.And every day you continued without interruption in performance of this most glorified and beneficial loving devotional service- sankirtana movement - that our dear Lord Caitanya mahaprabhu so urgently wants all of us to do.
In that same year, every day, I would struggle with my envious, incorrigible,self -willed ego molded into this horrible form after many millions and millions of stale, ignorant, materialistic life times spend in this cosmic egg.Lusty desires came to tempt me innumerable times,trying to give me that false, illusory shiver on my senses so that I could feel like a real enjoyer and a doer of my existence. But that enjoying fever would always in a blink of an eye turn into a miserable experience.
I would spend so much energy contemplating and complaining about this irrevocable fact that there will never be an ideal situation if I identify with my material coverings
But when you come here to Melbourne to visit us and give us the opportunity to hear from you the nectarian transcendental topics of Krishna Katha narrating during your Srimad Bhagavatam classes my mind starts to open up towards higher thoughts and I begin to relish the transcendental impart taking place in my heart. Then I forget about all those flickering happiness-es and distresses and again I feel strength and inspiration in my Krishna Consciousness. In Srimad Bhagavatam 6.7.14 it is described that Spiritual Master is acting as the captain of the human body boat that has fallen into the ocean of nescience. Each time when I have your darshan I feel that exact same support as you gently redirect my nescience boat towards the right destiny.
I want to thank you again and again for being my spiritual father and guide, who helps pull me out of this filthy,muddy conditioning based on false ego caused by my own desires.
There is no end to your kindness.
Your aspiring servant.
Bhaktin Paya
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja
Another year has passed by like a flowing river since we have celebrated your last Vyasapuja.
In that year you underwent so many exhausting journeys around earth for the sake of bringing humanity from darkness to light.
You did plenty of preaching, lecturing and discussing on various spiritual subject matters.You met with people of different religions,positions and world views.You fought with many challenging, ignorant individuals.You calmed down many depressive minds.You prayed for people's elevation from material disease. You cared for people's true self and patiently hoped for at least someone's understanding of spiritual values.You performed innumerable amounts of sacrifices for the benefit of human society.You acted like a transcendental physician injecting people with spiritual insights.And every day you continued without interruption in performance of this most glorified and beneficial loving devotional service- sankirtana movement - that our dear Lord Caitanya mahaprabhu so urgently wants all of us to do.
In that same year, every day, I would struggle with my envious, incorrigible,self -willed ego molded into this horrible form after many millions and millions of stale, ignorant, materialistic life times spend in this cosmic egg.Lusty desires came to tempt me innumerable times,trying to give me that false, illusory shiver on my senses so that I could feel like a real enjoyer and a doer of my existence. But that enjoying fever would always in a blink of an eye turn into a miserable experience.
I would spend so much energy contemplating and complaining about this irrevocable fact that there will never be an ideal situation if I identify with my material coverings
But when you come here to Melbourne to visit us and give us the opportunity to hear from you the nectarian transcendental topics of Krishna Katha narrating during your Srimad Bhagavatam classes my mind starts to open up towards higher thoughts and I begin to relish the transcendental impart taking place in my heart. Then I forget about all those flickering happiness-es and distresses and again I feel strength and inspiration in my Krishna Consciousness. In Srimad Bhagavatam 6.7.14 it is described that Spiritual Master is acting as the captain of the human body boat that has fallen into the ocean of nescience. Each time when I have your darshan I feel that exact same support as you gently redirect my nescience boat towards the right destiny.
I want to thank you again and again for being my spiritual father and guide, who helps pull me out of this filthy,muddy conditioning based on false ego caused by my own desires.
There is no end to your kindness.
Your aspiring servant.
Bhaktin Paya
Prabhuram Subramanian
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to srila prabhupada,
All glories to you
Gurudeva,
On this very auspicious occasion of your appearance day I would like to sincerely express my eternal indebtedness for opening my eyes with respect to krishna consciousness and opening the doors to a blissful life. I cannot forget the day in 2003 when you were giving a class at melbourne university and my subsequent attendance of your retreat in new nandagram in july 2005 which paved the way for my entry into bhakti. I pray to krishna for your better health in order for you to reclaim more souls from illusion. Please forgive me for any offence committed at your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to srila prabhupada,
All glories to you
Gurudeva,
On this very auspicious occasion of your appearance day I would like to sincerely express my eternal indebtedness for opening my eyes with respect to krishna consciousness and opening the doors to a blissful life. I cannot forget the day in 2003 when you were giving a class at melbourne university and my subsequent attendance of your retreat in new nandagram in july 2005 which paved the way for my entry into bhakti. I pray to krishna for your better health in order for you to reclaim more souls from illusion. Please forgive me for any offence committed at your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Pranav Mittal
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupad
jiv jago, jiv jago, gauracanda bole
Kota nidra jao maya-pisacira kole
Lord Gauranga is calling, "Wake up, sleeping souls! Wake up, sleeping souls! You have slept so long on the lap of the witch Maya!
Happy Birthday!
I am praying to Krishna that you live a healthy life.
I help my mother in her book distribution service. People that stop to listen to her, I give them flyer of Mantra Lounge. My mother tells me that I always hand out the flyer at the right time!
I am good at art and cooking. I attend art and cooking classes run by devotees so I can one day use my ability in Krishna's service.
On your every Vyasapuja day I remember that one Vyasapuja when you were personally present in Melbourne. The drama on your life really inspired me, especially the part when the lady police in-charge could not even see you although you were right in front of her. What a miracle!
Please have mercy upon me and my family so we can please you with our service.
Your servant
Bhakta Pranav Mittal
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupad
jiv jago, jiv jago, gauracanda bole
Kota nidra jao maya-pisacira kole
Lord Gauranga is calling, "Wake up, sleeping souls! Wake up, sleeping souls! You have slept so long on the lap of the witch Maya!
Happy Birthday!
I am praying to Krishna that you live a healthy life.
I help my mother in her book distribution service. People that stop to listen to her, I give them flyer of Mantra Lounge. My mother tells me that I always hand out the flyer at the right time!
I am good at art and cooking. I attend art and cooking classes run by devotees so I can one day use my ability in Krishna's service.
On your every Vyasapuja day I remember that one Vyasapuja when you were personally present in Melbourne. The drama on your life really inspired me, especially the part when the lady police in-charge could not even see you although you were right in front of her. What a miracle!
Please have mercy upon me and my family so we can please you with our service.
Your servant
Bhakta Pranav Mittal
Prema-lahari devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you for giving me the greatest shelter of accepting me as one of your disciples. Thank you for my beautiful new name, Prema-lahari devi dasi, (short la, short ha, long riii). I’m sure everyone feels the same way about their own names but I think the one you have given me is the best! Thank you!
How has this amazing fortune come to me?
I have no answer to this question except that as we often hear, Krsna’s devotees are more merciful than Krsna himself. As a pure devotee of Sri Krsna you have extended your shelter to me although I don’t deserve it. I was caught in my own self centred thoughts right up till the morning of the yajna thinking, “It’s not me that Gurudeva wants to initiate, he must have got mixed up and thought I was the other Emma, there must be a mistake.” When I finally mentioned this doubt to someone she told me that actually none of us were meant to be initiated, we are all mistake cases, mercy cases, that is the causeless mercy of the guru. Thank you Gurudeva for your very compassionate mistake.
Thank you for any remote enthusiasm I have for devotional service. I am slowly realising that what minimal capability and enthusiasm I have to serve Krsna (which I grudgingly admit is still very much minimal and I pray to you that I can somehow improve) is actually not due to my natural devotional tendencies as my false ego would like to think, but it’s actually coming from you. It’s your causeless mercy that you share your own immense reservoirs of bhakti, your pure Krishna consciousness.
Gurudeva I am an impersonalist through and through which is evident from my lack of communication with you and my cold indifference to the wonderful Vaisnavas who I live with. Despite this you have given me Krsna’s service. I am so fortunate that you have poured your mercy like a heavy raincloud, by showing me the path to the fast track out of material existence, devotional service to Krsna. But I am so unfortunate that I do not have any appreciation the value of what you have given and are constantly giving. I am the child to whom you have given a diamond, and you are the most loving of all fathers who is teaching me it’s value.
Thank you for taking the time to pacify my parents. Being an excited maybe fanatical new bhaktin I foolishly stopped giving them much time or attention, they were of course hurt and bewildered but I barely noticed due to my lack of sensitivity and love (Gurudeva I pray to learn to love as you do!).
Being loving parents of course they were concerned that I was leaving my degree for some “new craze”. So they were quite worried but whenever they tried to mention it to me I just got annoyed and didn’t really know what to say, parents can be very reasonable when it comes to logical reasons for material progress, but of course I did’t want to waste time on finishing a nearly finished degree. But then you agreed to meet them and they came to the loft and by your absolutely mystical potencies they are completely pacified! You are so expert at dealing with all different types of people perfectly, you know exactly how to act in the most beneficial way in every situation.
It is very clear that you have, “that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and ought not to be done.” –BG 18.30
After meeting you they now know here’s someone who genuinely cares for our daughter and will look after her. If only they know that it’s not just their one little daughter that you are taking care of but a whole community, a whole network of disciples you have given shelter to all over the world. Better still the calibre of the care you are giving. In our last darshan you said, “it’s very rare and nice to see some parents these days who care for their children”, and then you said “But I think I care for you more.” It took a while for this simple statement to sink in, in fact it still hasn’t fully sunk in.
Gurudeva why and how do you care so much?
You are the only person who can make these simple, profound statements because you are full of unconditional love for all living entities. You are fully invested in the mission of Lord Caitanya, returning Krsna’s very lost parts and parcels from the quagmire of material enjoyment and mental speculation to the path back home. Because you yourself love Krsna you are capable of giving the highest care to everyone.
I find myself completely inadequate to glorify you. I long for the day when I can do something of use for you, you are my guide, my spiritual guide and teacher and father.
Thank you for looking after me, both materially and spiritually. You have provided the Nandini ashram, the perfect training ground for young ladies. I am so grateful to have the blessing of living there. Thank you Gurudeva.
Hoping to one day taste the nectar of serving you with my whole mind and heart.
Your little aspiring servant,
Prema-lahari devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you for giving me the greatest shelter of accepting me as one of your disciples. Thank you for my beautiful new name, Prema-lahari devi dasi, (short la, short ha, long riii). I’m sure everyone feels the same way about their own names but I think the one you have given me is the best! Thank you!
How has this amazing fortune come to me?
I have no answer to this question except that as we often hear, Krsna’s devotees are more merciful than Krsna himself. As a pure devotee of Sri Krsna you have extended your shelter to me although I don’t deserve it. I was caught in my own self centred thoughts right up till the morning of the yajna thinking, “It’s not me that Gurudeva wants to initiate, he must have got mixed up and thought I was the other Emma, there must be a mistake.” When I finally mentioned this doubt to someone she told me that actually none of us were meant to be initiated, we are all mistake cases, mercy cases, that is the causeless mercy of the guru. Thank you Gurudeva for your very compassionate mistake.
Thank you for any remote enthusiasm I have for devotional service. I am slowly realising that what minimal capability and enthusiasm I have to serve Krsna (which I grudgingly admit is still very much minimal and I pray to you that I can somehow improve) is actually not due to my natural devotional tendencies as my false ego would like to think, but it’s actually coming from you. It’s your causeless mercy that you share your own immense reservoirs of bhakti, your pure Krishna consciousness.
Gurudeva I am an impersonalist through and through which is evident from my lack of communication with you and my cold indifference to the wonderful Vaisnavas who I live with. Despite this you have given me Krsna’s service. I am so fortunate that you have poured your mercy like a heavy raincloud, by showing me the path to the fast track out of material existence, devotional service to Krsna. But I am so unfortunate that I do not have any appreciation the value of what you have given and are constantly giving. I am the child to whom you have given a diamond, and you are the most loving of all fathers who is teaching me it’s value.
Thank you for taking the time to pacify my parents. Being an excited maybe fanatical new bhaktin I foolishly stopped giving them much time or attention, they were of course hurt and bewildered but I barely noticed due to my lack of sensitivity and love (Gurudeva I pray to learn to love as you do!).
Being loving parents of course they were concerned that I was leaving my degree for some “new craze”. So they were quite worried but whenever they tried to mention it to me I just got annoyed and didn’t really know what to say, parents can be very reasonable when it comes to logical reasons for material progress, but of course I did’t want to waste time on finishing a nearly finished degree. But then you agreed to meet them and they came to the loft and by your absolutely mystical potencies they are completely pacified! You are so expert at dealing with all different types of people perfectly, you know exactly how to act in the most beneficial way in every situation.
It is very clear that you have, “that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and ought not to be done.” –BG 18.30
After meeting you they now know here’s someone who genuinely cares for our daughter and will look after her. If only they know that it’s not just their one little daughter that you are taking care of but a whole community, a whole network of disciples you have given shelter to all over the world. Better still the calibre of the care you are giving. In our last darshan you said, “it’s very rare and nice to see some parents these days who care for their children”, and then you said “But I think I care for you more.” It took a while for this simple statement to sink in, in fact it still hasn’t fully sunk in.
Gurudeva why and how do you care so much?
You are the only person who can make these simple, profound statements because you are full of unconditional love for all living entities. You are fully invested in the mission of Lord Caitanya, returning Krsna’s very lost parts and parcels from the quagmire of material enjoyment and mental speculation to the path back home. Because you yourself love Krsna you are capable of giving the highest care to everyone.
I find myself completely inadequate to glorify you. I long for the day when I can do something of use for you, you are my guide, my spiritual guide and teacher and father.
Thank you for looking after me, both materially and spiritually. You have provided the Nandini ashram, the perfect training ground for young ladies. I am so grateful to have the blessing of living there. Thank you Gurudeva.
Hoping to one day taste the nectar of serving you with my whole mind and heart.
Your little aspiring servant,
Prema-lahari devi dasi
Prema-lata Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
A very happy appearance day to you. I wish that you have many more such happy days in service of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna.
All Glories to you!
I lack words to express my gratitude this year,
My life took such sharp turns,
I almost drowned in my own tears,
Someone that cared was all I needed,
Blessings came in such disguises,
Distraught I was at the sight of them!
I now understand what mercy is,
In times when I was most ungrateful,
In times when I just wanted to run away,
In times when what I said came out all wrong!
You taught me to be strong.
It was not about what anyone thought,
All a part of the battle I had fought,
I had to go on.
Far across distant lands, I still hear your voice
It speaks to me and it guides me,
Like nothing has ever before,
You are always there even in my dreams.
In this world full of dangers,
I feel so safe,
In your world of mercy, surrender and sincerity,
Hidden in each new day is a new adventure!
I hope this is suffice,
To say that I adore you,
No matter what life throws at me,
I know I can score,
Your instructions are my core.
Thank you for accepting me,
In your service I will forever be.
Your spiritual daughter and aspiring servant,
Prema-Lata Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
A very happy appearance day to you. I wish that you have many more such happy days in service of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna.
All Glories to you!
I lack words to express my gratitude this year,
My life took such sharp turns,
I almost drowned in my own tears,
Someone that cared was all I needed,
Blessings came in such disguises,
Distraught I was at the sight of them!
I now understand what mercy is,
In times when I was most ungrateful,
In times when I just wanted to run away,
In times when what I said came out all wrong!
You taught me to be strong.
It was not about what anyone thought,
All a part of the battle I had fought,
I had to go on.
Far across distant lands, I still hear your voice
It speaks to me and it guides me,
Like nothing has ever before,
You are always there even in my dreams.
In this world full of dangers,
I feel so safe,
In your world of mercy, surrender and sincerity,
Hidden in each new day is a new adventure!
I hope this is suffice,
To say that I adore you,
No matter what life throws at me,
I know I can score,
Your instructions are my core.
Thank you for accepting me,
In your service I will forever be.
Your spiritual daughter and aspiring servant,
Prema-Lata Devi Dasi
Premdham das
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisnaces.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita
swamin iti namine
Prachare pruva dakshim cha
Bhaktachar Pravin Ta
Prarthapi Karuniyam
Yasye serve che tah nama
You're my true eternal master. You're all loving and all forgiving to me. You continued to shower your love on this barren heart without getting a slit recriprocation from me.
It's all because of your causeless mercy on this useless soul that in spite of all the challenges of material world I could chant the holy name of Krishna and get the association of devotees. With Krishna mercy, now I'm slowly getting the rare apprecation that you're my eternal saviour and it's only because of you, I got the wonderful opportunity to enquire the real purpose of human form of life. What a wonderful gift have I got from you. Thank you very much maharaj for your kindness.
Last few years were very challenging but some how or other we survived the onslaugth of the maya's attack that too becaue of your protection. We lost the wonderful assocation of your vapu and use all your instrucitons to live our life with utmost care in the Krishna conscious way.
On this auspicous day, dear guru maharaj I pray for your good health. We know you take so much pain of travelling odd hours travelling dangerous places and fearlessly spreading the message of Krishna. You're a true role model of us.
Please continue to shower your mercy on us to become a small instrument of Prabhupada's love and spread the pure message of love of God. It's only because of your mercy only that one day I may be able understand the pain and trouble you have undergone to cultivate the valuable jewel to enquire about Krishna in this life.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Premdham das
Priyanka Mittal
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
I am praying that you always remain in good health and continue serving Srila Prabhupad.
“By the mercy of spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of 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.” (verse 8, Sri Sri Gurv-astaka by Srila Visvanath Cakravarti Thakura)
You once instructed me, giving example of Draupadi’s surrender to Krishna on being disrobed by mighty Dusshasan, that I should recognize my state of helplessness and call out to Krishna, beg Him to help me advance in my spiritual life. I wondered at that point how to call out to Krishna. As time is passing me by, by your mercy, I can now somewhat realize how helpless I am against my own mind and senses. The material energy, as the scriptures tell us, is insurmountable and just like the crocodile in the story of Gajendra, never lets us go free. This should be an impetus to call out to Krishna and yet I struggle to do so.
You once mentioned in a lecture that somehow or the other we have to get association of the devotees. You pointed out that if Banasur can benefit then certainly we can also benefit from the constant favorable association of devotees. Gurudev, please give me intelligence to fully appreciate and utilize all the facilities Krishna provides me to serve His devotees so that finally one day I can follow your instruction and call out to Krishna.
Your servant
Priyanka Mittal
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
I am praying that you always remain in good health and continue serving Srila Prabhupad.
“By the mercy of spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of 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.” (verse 8, Sri Sri Gurv-astaka by Srila Visvanath Cakravarti Thakura)
You once instructed me, giving example of Draupadi’s surrender to Krishna on being disrobed by mighty Dusshasan, that I should recognize my state of helplessness and call out to Krishna, beg Him to help me advance in my spiritual life. I wondered at that point how to call out to Krishna. As time is passing me by, by your mercy, I can now somewhat realize how helpless I am against my own mind and senses. The material energy, as the scriptures tell us, is insurmountable and just like the crocodile in the story of Gajendra, never lets us go free. This should be an impetus to call out to Krishna and yet I struggle to do so.
You once mentioned in a lecture that somehow or the other we have to get association of the devotees. You pointed out that if Banasur can benefit then certainly we can also benefit from the constant favorable association of devotees. Gurudev, please give me intelligence to fully appreciate and utilize all the facilities Krishna provides me to serve His devotees so that finally one day I can follow your instruction and call out to Krishna.
Your servant
Priyanka Mittal
Puveena
Happy birthday Gurudev. We are so blessed to have have you as our spiritual master.
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
This wonderful occasion always leads me to deeply reflect especially on two predominant thoughts. Appreciation and gratitude. Thank you Gurudeva for everything that you do. You have invested so much into all of us and how can we ever repay you?
You teach us by your example, by your words and your actions. Through lectures, books your enlivening kirtans and the care you show everyone. You never cease to amaze me how you deal with everyone so lovingly in the way that will be best for their continuation and progression in Bhakti Yoga. Everyday you help devotees and newcomers around the world to unmask the danger of material existence and to untangle their rascal minds from the specific problems that put road blocks in their way. You offer sound advice and words of wisdom with encouragement to guide them on their journey to Krsna.
In the Nectar of Devotion it is stated that a fortunate person comes in contact with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna. One who is serious about spiritual life is given by Krsna the intelligence to come in contact with a bona fide spiritual master, then by the grace of the spiritual master one advances in Krsna Consciousness.
We are incredibly fortunate to have your love and guidance. Indeed it is amazing how Guru and Krsna work together for the upliftment of us, the wayward souls!
In regards to pursuing the real aim and purpose of life most people have no idea. Work, buy, consume and die is the road most travelled by the masses and the one I frequented. I had dreams or rather hallucinations of how my life was meant to be and practicing Bhakti certainly was never part of the plan. Then one day I met you, who forever changed the course and direction of my life. How fortunate I am to have you as my guiding light.
Recently I’ve been reading the Third canto again and it struck me how often it mentions the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple. One point that really penetrated my heart was from a purport where Srila Prabhupada wrote “To honor the spiritual master means to carry out his instructions word for word”.
Like a caterpillar that needs to transform into a butterfly in order to soar in the sky. We too need to let go of our material conceptions of ourselves, our false ego and tune in to Krsna’s plan. You are the one that shows us the way and how to do that. In your own words you once told me “it’s about pleasing Krsna’s senses and what is the most pleasing to him”.
So in the spirit of your wise words I pray, please give me the strength, courage and determination to never lose sight of your instructions. To actively participate in carrying out these instructions with every fiber of my being, body, mind and soul to do what’s most pleasing for Krsna.
Your eternally indebted servant and daughter,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
This wonderful occasion always leads me to deeply reflect especially on two predominant thoughts. Appreciation and gratitude. Thank you Gurudeva for everything that you do. You have invested so much into all of us and how can we ever repay you?
You teach us by your example, by your words and your actions. Through lectures, books your enlivening kirtans and the care you show everyone. You never cease to amaze me how you deal with everyone so lovingly in the way that will be best for their continuation and progression in Bhakti Yoga. Everyday you help devotees and newcomers around the world to unmask the danger of material existence and to untangle their rascal minds from the specific problems that put road blocks in their way. You offer sound advice and words of wisdom with encouragement to guide them on their journey to Krsna.
In the Nectar of Devotion it is stated that a fortunate person comes in contact with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna. One who is serious about spiritual life is given by Krsna the intelligence to come in contact with a bona fide spiritual master, then by the grace of the spiritual master one advances in Krsna Consciousness.
We are incredibly fortunate to have your love and guidance. Indeed it is amazing how Guru and Krsna work together for the upliftment of us, the wayward souls!
In regards to pursuing the real aim and purpose of life most people have no idea. Work, buy, consume and die is the road most travelled by the masses and the one I frequented. I had dreams or rather hallucinations of how my life was meant to be and practicing Bhakti certainly was never part of the plan. Then one day I met you, who forever changed the course and direction of my life. How fortunate I am to have you as my guiding light.
Recently I’ve been reading the Third canto again and it struck me how often it mentions the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple. One point that really penetrated my heart was from a purport where Srila Prabhupada wrote “To honor the spiritual master means to carry out his instructions word for word”.
Like a caterpillar that needs to transform into a butterfly in order to soar in the sky. We too need to let go of our material conceptions of ourselves, our false ego and tune in to Krsna’s plan. You are the one that shows us the way and how to do that. In your own words you once told me “it’s about pleasing Krsna’s senses and what is the most pleasing to him”.
So in the spirit of your wise words I pray, please give me the strength, courage and determination to never lose sight of your instructions. To actively participate in carrying out these instructions with every fiber of my being, body, mind and soul to do what’s most pleasing for Krsna.
Your eternally indebted servant and daughter,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Radha-mohan Das
Dearest Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, whose instructions are your life and soul!
All glories to you on your most auspicious Vyasa-puja!
Gurumaharaj, your 2015 Vyasa-puja offering to Srila Prabhupada reminded me of the greatest fortune I have received by your mercy – the divine shelter and eternal connection to the most wonderful spiritual family of our beloved Founder-Acarya. You explained how the bhakti yoga practitioners in the ISKCON family will have an opportunity to save themselves from the materialistic lamentations a typical non-practitioner may face at the time of leaving his/her body. Instead, you clarified, a devotee can feel purely spiritual regrets as he/she exits this world – something I aspire to achieve in this lifetime.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, I fall at your lotus feet a million times to express my gratitude to you for saving my soul, and giving a purpose to my life. My prayer is that I may never become complacent with the most beautiful gifts of Krishna Consciousness bestowed upon me in this life, that I may always remain associated with the Sankirtan movement of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in some insignificant manner and His devotees.
I would like to end this offering with these words of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur:
“jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi, tomāra karuṇā-sāra.
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. ”
Your eternally-indebted servant,
Radha-mohan das
Toronto, Canada
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, whose instructions are your life and soul!
All glories to you on your most auspicious Vyasa-puja!
Gurumaharaj, your 2015 Vyasa-puja offering to Srila Prabhupada reminded me of the greatest fortune I have received by your mercy – the divine shelter and eternal connection to the most wonderful spiritual family of our beloved Founder-Acarya. You explained how the bhakti yoga practitioners in the ISKCON family will have an opportunity to save themselves from the materialistic lamentations a typical non-practitioner may face at the time of leaving his/her body. Instead, you clarified, a devotee can feel purely spiritual regrets as he/she exits this world – something I aspire to achieve in this lifetime.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, I fall at your lotus feet a million times to express my gratitude to you for saving my soul, and giving a purpose to my life. My prayer is that I may never become complacent with the most beautiful gifts of Krishna Consciousness bestowed upon me in this life, that I may always remain associated with the Sankirtan movement of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in some insignificant manner and His devotees.
I would like to end this offering with these words of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur:
“jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi, tomāra karuṇā-sāra.
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. ”
Your eternally-indebted servant,
Radha-mohan das
Toronto, Canada
Radhika Prasad Das
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupad and all glories to you on this very special day of your appearance!
Few years past and I reflect on my first meeting with you. I had begged you to show mercy and save me from this miserable impersonalistic life, as my inability to accept the personal form of Krishna had completely turned my heart into a stone and my intelligence was showing very grim signs of a human being. This was due to my strong impersonal sampradaya I was brought up in. Practically left in the middle of a desert with no help for years my mind and intelligence were parched.
Then you gently asked me, “haven't you yet read all these books by Srila Prabhupad, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya charitamrta !” and before I uttered a word (you knew the answer), with a tone of rumbling thunder you said " this is my order to you, I want you to finish reading all the books by Srila Prabhupad" - I had never seen or imagined anybody would show so much love to a stranger that had just walked into your room and did not even have a proper speech, what to speak of bhakti etiquette and comprehension of authority of shastras.
Then along with your instructions came this "apāāra" mercy and this enthusiasm in me, which had been so far completely devoured by a black mean serpent of self-indulgence and lust, had reawakened. Now after following your advice, I can see a hope, a hope of associating with devotees who are all like spiritual gold mines.
bhidyate hridaya-granthih-
chhidyante sarva-samshayah
I have absolutely no doubt that you are that rain cloud that can quench the thirst of many more who are in the middle of that same desert. Now just a sight of your vision, a glimpse of your mercy is what keeps us going. Please bless me that I remain at the sweet shelter of your lotus feet, and provide me more opportunities to serve you.
On this day of your glorious appearance day I pray that Lord Narsimhadev bless to clear any obstacles in your tireless travel across the globe I pray to Nityananda to give me more strength and wisdom to undertake your further instructions.
How can I thank you for changing my life, which I had almost lost.
Hare Krishna
Aspiring to be your eternal servant
Radhika Prasad Das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupad and all glories to you on this very special day of your appearance!
Few years past and I reflect on my first meeting with you. I had begged you to show mercy and save me from this miserable impersonalistic life, as my inability to accept the personal form of Krishna had completely turned my heart into a stone and my intelligence was showing very grim signs of a human being. This was due to my strong impersonal sampradaya I was brought up in. Practically left in the middle of a desert with no help for years my mind and intelligence were parched.
Then you gently asked me, “haven't you yet read all these books by Srila Prabhupad, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya charitamrta !” and before I uttered a word (you knew the answer), with a tone of rumbling thunder you said " this is my order to you, I want you to finish reading all the books by Srila Prabhupad" - I had never seen or imagined anybody would show so much love to a stranger that had just walked into your room and did not even have a proper speech, what to speak of bhakti etiquette and comprehension of authority of shastras.
Then along with your instructions came this "apāāra" mercy and this enthusiasm in me, which had been so far completely devoured by a black mean serpent of self-indulgence and lust, had reawakened. Now after following your advice, I can see a hope, a hope of associating with devotees who are all like spiritual gold mines.
bhidyate hridaya-granthih-
chhidyante sarva-samshayah
I have absolutely no doubt that you are that rain cloud that can quench the thirst of many more who are in the middle of that same desert. Now just a sight of your vision, a glimpse of your mercy is what keeps us going. Please bless me that I remain at the sweet shelter of your lotus feet, and provide me more opportunities to serve you.
On this day of your glorious appearance day I pray that Lord Narsimhadev bless to clear any obstacles in your tireless travel across the globe I pray to Nityananda to give me more strength and wisdom to undertake your further instructions.
How can I thank you for changing my life, which I had almost lost.
Hare Krishna
Aspiring to be your eternal servant
Radhika Prasad Das
Radhikesa dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
Thank you for being,
Such an awesome spiritual master,
For your compassion, your wisdom,
Your heart and your laughter.
I love the way you sweetly speak,
Delivering the Lord and His pastimes,
As though your with Him; yes you must be,
Lifetime after lifetime.
You get involved and profoundly change,
The lives of ignorant, wondering souls lost,
Reaching out to give protection,
No matter how inconvenient, no matter the cost.
With your transcendental trickery,
You quickly learnt about photography,
Inquiring, “Tell me about those shutter speeds,
And I’ll teach you how to chant on beads.”
But who can really understand,
The way that great Vaishnavas scheme?
Trained to kill our fickle dreams,
Re-connecting us to ‘Krishna’s team’.
Now I stop to ask myself,
How do I keep the strength you gave to me?
Your instructions, a lifeline, holding on tight,
What will in time my future be?
So I pray to leave before you do,
I’ll set things up, the way your used to,
I am, dear master, with zeal most fervent,
Your much indebted, humble servant,
Radhikesa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
Thank you for being,
Such an awesome spiritual master,
For your compassion, your wisdom,
Your heart and your laughter.
I love the way you sweetly speak,
Delivering the Lord and His pastimes,
As though your with Him; yes you must be,
Lifetime after lifetime.
You get involved and profoundly change,
The lives of ignorant, wondering souls lost,
Reaching out to give protection,
No matter how inconvenient, no matter the cost.
With your transcendental trickery,
You quickly learnt about photography,
Inquiring, “Tell me about those shutter speeds,
And I’ll teach you how to chant on beads.”
But who can really understand,
The way that great Vaishnavas scheme?
Trained to kill our fickle dreams,
Re-connecting us to ‘Krishna’s team’.
Now I stop to ask myself,
How do I keep the strength you gave to me?
Your instructions, a lifeline, holding on tight,
What will in time my future be?
So I pray to leave before you do,
I’ll set things up, the way your used to,
I am, dear master, with zeal most fervent,
Your much indebted, humble servant,
Radhikesa dasa
Ramadas das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisance’s
Please allow me to offer some experiences I have of you and some feelings I have.
You empowered Speech. The most important quality of any man. You only speak of Krsna and matters relating to him. Each class on Krsna is like a revolution. Each Krsna matter you discuss is the cleverest answer or perspective. So many topics you can speak on conclusively and in an entertaining way. And u can convey the same messages to different people adjusting it to them. In India at IIT you apologized for ruffling their feathers, saying you were going to Australia next and were already switching gears. You can also captivate the dull headed with you discussions on Krsna. When typing your lectures it really hit me that your talks are divine. It was like when the state princes felt the Pandavas supernatural power.
“They felt the supernatural power of the Pändavas, and thus without grudge all of them submitted and paid tributes to the Emperor.
It seems some unknown architect of language has build a wonderful stream of excellent words that constantly flow from you mouth, vibrating either, Krsna, Krsna or matters dealing with Krsna.( Constantly in the sense that you also give Bhagavatam class in your sleep )
So I felt this quote is relevant
"The lord situated in the heart of all living entities, directs their senses. But He directs in terms of the surrender of the living entity, and in the case of a pure devotee he directly controls the senses… And thus his particular name Hrsikesa."
And As you said “the real understanding of Vedic literature, the real study is made by pleasing the spiritual master."
Quote from Krsna book.. “May the understanding of the Vedas which you have learned from me always continue to remain within your memory, so that at every moment you can remember the teachings of the Vedas and quote their instructions without difficulty. Thus you will never be disappointed in this life or the next.'“
By your empowered speech on Krsna or matters relating to him you have influenced so many people to do so many things for Krsna.
And this empowerment is in all your activities…I have seen you act as a councillor, therapist, friend, father, teacher, etc. You always expand the out reach fronts, ie your endeavour to expand the experience of strong camaraderie that comes from distributing SP books by including everyone, even those who usually wouldn’t go on books.
You’ve created a real b ashram, creating training for ladies and men new to kc.
Introducing the mentor system for extra devotee care. Giving support to those who do take on responsibility as mentors managers leaders…u don’t leave them hanging. You help personally or by setting up systems like the mentors meeting among themselves, managers, meeting among themselves to support one another and improve in their service.
You Inspire devotees to protect cows
You are Taking on constant austerities
Constant air travel. Different climates. Different cooks. Different beds
No house, Answer 50 or so emails a day, many emotionally charged
You also help provide authorised BBT standard books by the previous Acaryas
Oversee countries as GBC
Write books.
Deal with all types of problems devotees have.
Lead ecstatic kirtan, give amazing class. Always improving the cooking, Making sure marriages last. Trying to strengthen the men.
Relish Devotee sanga. Relish Prasad
Relish kirtan. Relish Srimad Bhagavatam class.
Relish the Holy Dhama.
Relish chanting
And relish others getting KC.
That’s just what I experience in New Zealand and when I have travelled with you. I don’t know much about your other ecstatic adventures all over the world.
You create a future for the devotees. U are training individual leaders etc and creating systems so that the outreach and devotee care can go on in the future. Making sure the next generation is prepared to carry the responsibility you and your Godbrothers are now carrying.
And so devotees can go the distance you have the contemporary Vedic ashrams. You mentioned last year that 80 90 % of us wouldn’t be here without them .
Srila Prabhupada explains in Bhagavad Gita that even Acarya families which used to foster transcendentalists generation after generation have deteriorated due to lack of training.
It is amazing how you can tolerate all the hard ship involved in your outreach, caring for devotees , the deep thinking that goes into management .. the travelling, the change in heat and cold climates, the thousands of personal interactions, charged with persons joy, sorrow, despair, emergency , confusion, complexity, the volume’s of unnecessary lamentation, misplaced efforts , misplaced energies , rejection, retaliation, anger, or some times 5 or six of these all mixed into one ball . All the while playing for 20 or so rebounds I imagine.
How do you remain so undisturbed having to deal with everyone’s perplexity Srila Prabhupada writes everyone is perplexed. In every step there is perplexity, and he explains that people fall into perplexities with no personal endeavour.
Perplexity is compared to a fire. You are like the fireman and we are all coming to you. Most of us are on fire, some are setting ourselves on fire, and others who are following you instructions are putting their fires out. Some are helping you put others out, and some are so stupid they are singing come on baby light my fire.
Prior to all this you preached in the most hellish conditions. Where to be caught trying to spread Krsna consciousness meant imprisonment or possible loss of life. How does one stick at that for years on end.
But you are the happiest, sober, grave, enthusiastic and most sound and grounded person. I would like to offer this nice part form Krsna books to tidy up all my scraps of experience.
Small lamps may be agitated by a small breeze, but the greatest lamp or the greatest illuminating source, the sun, is never moved, even by the greatest hurricane.
It is concluded ones greatness has to estimate by ones ability to tolerate provoking situation.
Aspiring to become your servant
Ramadas das
Please accept my humble obeisance’s
Please allow me to offer some experiences I have of you and some feelings I have.
You empowered Speech. The most important quality of any man. You only speak of Krsna and matters relating to him. Each class on Krsna is like a revolution. Each Krsna matter you discuss is the cleverest answer or perspective. So many topics you can speak on conclusively and in an entertaining way. And u can convey the same messages to different people adjusting it to them. In India at IIT you apologized for ruffling their feathers, saying you were going to Australia next and were already switching gears. You can also captivate the dull headed with you discussions on Krsna. When typing your lectures it really hit me that your talks are divine. It was like when the state princes felt the Pandavas supernatural power.
“They felt the supernatural power of the Pändavas, and thus without grudge all of them submitted and paid tributes to the Emperor.
It seems some unknown architect of language has build a wonderful stream of excellent words that constantly flow from you mouth, vibrating either, Krsna, Krsna or matters dealing with Krsna.( Constantly in the sense that you also give Bhagavatam class in your sleep )
So I felt this quote is relevant
"The lord situated in the heart of all living entities, directs their senses. But He directs in terms of the surrender of the living entity, and in the case of a pure devotee he directly controls the senses… And thus his particular name Hrsikesa."
And As you said “the real understanding of Vedic literature, the real study is made by pleasing the spiritual master."
Quote from Krsna book.. “May the understanding of the Vedas which you have learned from me always continue to remain within your memory, so that at every moment you can remember the teachings of the Vedas and quote their instructions without difficulty. Thus you will never be disappointed in this life or the next.'“
By your empowered speech on Krsna or matters relating to him you have influenced so many people to do so many things for Krsna.
And this empowerment is in all your activities…I have seen you act as a councillor, therapist, friend, father, teacher, etc. You always expand the out reach fronts, ie your endeavour to expand the experience of strong camaraderie that comes from distributing SP books by including everyone, even those who usually wouldn’t go on books.
You’ve created a real b ashram, creating training for ladies and men new to kc.
Introducing the mentor system for extra devotee care. Giving support to those who do take on responsibility as mentors managers leaders…u don’t leave them hanging. You help personally or by setting up systems like the mentors meeting among themselves, managers, meeting among themselves to support one another and improve in their service.
You Inspire devotees to protect cows
You are Taking on constant austerities
Constant air travel. Different climates. Different cooks. Different beds
No house, Answer 50 or so emails a day, many emotionally charged
You also help provide authorised BBT standard books by the previous Acaryas
Oversee countries as GBC
Write books.
Deal with all types of problems devotees have.
Lead ecstatic kirtan, give amazing class. Always improving the cooking, Making sure marriages last. Trying to strengthen the men.
Relish Devotee sanga. Relish Prasad
Relish kirtan. Relish Srimad Bhagavatam class.
Relish the Holy Dhama.
Relish chanting
And relish others getting KC.
That’s just what I experience in New Zealand and when I have travelled with you. I don’t know much about your other ecstatic adventures all over the world.
You create a future for the devotees. U are training individual leaders etc and creating systems so that the outreach and devotee care can go on in the future. Making sure the next generation is prepared to carry the responsibility you and your Godbrothers are now carrying.
And so devotees can go the distance you have the contemporary Vedic ashrams. You mentioned last year that 80 90 % of us wouldn’t be here without them .
Srila Prabhupada explains in Bhagavad Gita that even Acarya families which used to foster transcendentalists generation after generation have deteriorated due to lack of training.
It is amazing how you can tolerate all the hard ship involved in your outreach, caring for devotees , the deep thinking that goes into management .. the travelling, the change in heat and cold climates, the thousands of personal interactions, charged with persons joy, sorrow, despair, emergency , confusion, complexity, the volume’s of unnecessary lamentation, misplaced efforts , misplaced energies , rejection, retaliation, anger, or some times 5 or six of these all mixed into one ball . All the while playing for 20 or so rebounds I imagine.
How do you remain so undisturbed having to deal with everyone’s perplexity Srila Prabhupada writes everyone is perplexed. In every step there is perplexity, and he explains that people fall into perplexities with no personal endeavour.
Perplexity is compared to a fire. You are like the fireman and we are all coming to you. Most of us are on fire, some are setting ourselves on fire, and others who are following you instructions are putting their fires out. Some are helping you put others out, and some are so stupid they are singing come on baby light my fire.
Prior to all this you preached in the most hellish conditions. Where to be caught trying to spread Krsna consciousness meant imprisonment or possible loss of life. How does one stick at that for years on end.
But you are the happiest, sober, grave, enthusiastic and most sound and grounded person. I would like to offer this nice part form Krsna books to tidy up all my scraps of experience.
Small lamps may be agitated by a small breeze, but the greatest lamp or the greatest illuminating source, the sun, is never moved, even by the greatest hurricane.
It is concluded ones greatness has to estimate by ones ability to tolerate provoking situation.
Aspiring to become your servant
Ramadas das
Ranga-Nayaki dd
Hare Krishna, dear Guru Maharaj.
Accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I'm very thankfull for You, for this opportunity to be a part of this mission of Srila Prabhupada. For You inspiring to follow this way. You learn how to use everything in the service of Krishna. How to live, how to love, how to use emotions, how to cooperate, how to learn and how to use this knowledge in our life. Thank You very mush for giving strenght to follow instructions. Thank You for taking me to Srila Prabhupada. Thank You for such great devotees and for my tutor.
Your eternal servant, Ranga-nayaki dd (Saint-Petersburg, Russia)
Accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I'm very thankfull for You, for this opportunity to be a part of this mission of Srila Prabhupada. For You inspiring to follow this way. You learn how to use everything in the service of Krishna. How to live, how to love, how to use emotions, how to cooperate, how to learn and how to use this knowledge in our life. Thank You very mush for giving strenght to follow instructions. Thank You for taking me to Srila Prabhupada. Thank You for such great devotees and for my tutor.
Your eternal servant, Ranga-nayaki dd (Saint-Petersburg, Russia)
Rasadi Vilasa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva!
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I’m writing to you the day before your birthday, with typical Rasadi Vilasa organisation. However I have been thinking about what to write, that can justify my appreciation of your service for a good month now. I often sound a little dramatic, long winded and a little convoluted, as a self confessed ego junkie, attempting to sound wise in the company of the wise, so I will try and keep this simple and honest for a change.
Earlier this year, at the initiation, as I was sitting at your feet, repeating Rasadi-Vilasa Rasadi-Vilasa Rasadi-Vilasa over and over in my mind, attempting to remember it, my bad knee throbbing from sitting still, preventing me from concentrating on the gravity of what was happening, I managed to catch and remember something, which now immediately comes to mind when I think about my spiritual master.
You said “Even though he is bowing down before me, paying obeisances, and he thinks he is my servant. I am his servant”.
It’s an interesting relationship, that between Guru and disciple. The guru gives the instruction, and the disciple follows (well… idealistically), the Guru sits on a vyasasana or chair while his disciples sit at his feet, praise his qualities and and serve him, the Guru directs his disciples to serve his mission selflessly and limit their sense gratification to a highly regulated minimum, and the disciple obeys.
To most non devotees, saying that you are in fact, the servant of the disciple, would seem like an odd statement to make, as on a basic material level the disciple is obviously the more accomplished servant. But really, everything that we try to do for you is just to help ourselves, and even just the service we attempt to offer you, is far more of an austerity for you than it is for us. We have a great time, transcendentally enjoying preparing a celebration for you, serving your mission in our various ways, basking in your association and honouring you, pleasing Krishna, which pleases us. All the while, you have to sit back and try and siphon all this praise and service on to others, never taking the credit yourself, keeping your ego and senses under control and being a strong, staunch, lone figure, who bears the heavy burden of knowing that you have tremendous influence over your disciples lives, and have taken on the responsibility to take them back to god head, as best as you are able. This is service.
And this is not to mention all the service you actually do, rather than have to accept, being duty bound. You take the effort to remember details of all your disciples and forge a personal relationship, even though there are hundreds of us. You have taken so much time to welcome my wife and I into your spiritual family, get to know us and personally cultivate us, and we really feel like family now. Travelling constantly, replying to emails and phone calls every day, patiently solving our minor woes, always thinking a step ahead of maya, to advance the mission that Lord Caitanya has left to us.
I listened to a series of lectures recently, by Ravindra Svarup prabhu, regarding the rather wild history of ISKCON before it stabilised in the recent decades. By the sound of it, practically every single devotee made some pretty interesting decisions, led others down a wrong path, or followed someone who was going down a wrong path, because no one had any idea what they were doing and there was a serious lack of senior devotees. It just made me realise how lucky we are to come to Krishna at this time and under your guidance, and how hard those of you who now lead must have struggled to get our movement to what it is now and after so many catastrophes and fall downs and breakages of trust. All glories to yourself and those others who's faith and compassion carried them through, to give us a chance now.
We are told that the spiritual master should never be thought of as a normal man, and in my case, he certainly is not a normal man. But I guess, like all of us, you once were a normal man. The difference is that you made the decision (or more likely a series of decisions) to be a man no longer, and offer yourself completely to serve humanity and save us from ourselves.
In the end, the only way I can possibly thank you for everything in any real way is to try and do the same. But it’s just so damn hard. Thanks for everything.
Your ever aspiring servant,
Rasadi-Vilasa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I’m writing to you the day before your birthday, with typical Rasadi Vilasa organisation. However I have been thinking about what to write, that can justify my appreciation of your service for a good month now. I often sound a little dramatic, long winded and a little convoluted, as a self confessed ego junkie, attempting to sound wise in the company of the wise, so I will try and keep this simple and honest for a change.
Earlier this year, at the initiation, as I was sitting at your feet, repeating Rasadi-Vilasa Rasadi-Vilasa Rasadi-Vilasa over and over in my mind, attempting to remember it, my bad knee throbbing from sitting still, preventing me from concentrating on the gravity of what was happening, I managed to catch and remember something, which now immediately comes to mind when I think about my spiritual master.
You said “Even though he is bowing down before me, paying obeisances, and he thinks he is my servant. I am his servant”.
It’s an interesting relationship, that between Guru and disciple. The guru gives the instruction, and the disciple follows (well… idealistically), the Guru sits on a vyasasana or chair while his disciples sit at his feet, praise his qualities and and serve him, the Guru directs his disciples to serve his mission selflessly and limit their sense gratification to a highly regulated minimum, and the disciple obeys.
To most non devotees, saying that you are in fact, the servant of the disciple, would seem like an odd statement to make, as on a basic material level the disciple is obviously the more accomplished servant. But really, everything that we try to do for you is just to help ourselves, and even just the service we attempt to offer you, is far more of an austerity for you than it is for us. We have a great time, transcendentally enjoying preparing a celebration for you, serving your mission in our various ways, basking in your association and honouring you, pleasing Krishna, which pleases us. All the while, you have to sit back and try and siphon all this praise and service on to others, never taking the credit yourself, keeping your ego and senses under control and being a strong, staunch, lone figure, who bears the heavy burden of knowing that you have tremendous influence over your disciples lives, and have taken on the responsibility to take them back to god head, as best as you are able. This is service.
And this is not to mention all the service you actually do, rather than have to accept, being duty bound. You take the effort to remember details of all your disciples and forge a personal relationship, even though there are hundreds of us. You have taken so much time to welcome my wife and I into your spiritual family, get to know us and personally cultivate us, and we really feel like family now. Travelling constantly, replying to emails and phone calls every day, patiently solving our minor woes, always thinking a step ahead of maya, to advance the mission that Lord Caitanya has left to us.
I listened to a series of lectures recently, by Ravindra Svarup prabhu, regarding the rather wild history of ISKCON before it stabilised in the recent decades. By the sound of it, practically every single devotee made some pretty interesting decisions, led others down a wrong path, or followed someone who was going down a wrong path, because no one had any idea what they were doing and there was a serious lack of senior devotees. It just made me realise how lucky we are to come to Krishna at this time and under your guidance, and how hard those of you who now lead must have struggled to get our movement to what it is now and after so many catastrophes and fall downs and breakages of trust. All glories to yourself and those others who's faith and compassion carried them through, to give us a chance now.
We are told that the spiritual master should never be thought of as a normal man, and in my case, he certainly is not a normal man. But I guess, like all of us, you once were a normal man. The difference is that you made the decision (or more likely a series of decisions) to be a man no longer, and offer yourself completely to serve humanity and save us from ourselves.
In the end, the only way I can possibly thank you for everything in any real way is to try and do the same. But it’s just so damn hard. Thanks for everything.
Your ever aspiring servant,
Rasadi-Vilasa
Rish
Dear Gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Appearance.
I would like to take this opportunity to try and offer a little gratitude,
I am very grateful that you have given me shelter of this storm of kali yuga, I am very indebted to you for making outreach centres for westerners like bhakti lounge, Thank you for the opportunity to try and do some devotional service, Thank you for the contemporary mens ashram to get some learning how to do devotional service.
Your efforts teachings all over the world are glorious enabling real education accessible to those that wouldn’t otherwise come in contact with real knowledge.
Every time you come and speak something I always feel really inspired in devotional service. I remember last time when you spoke that as part of this Hare Krishna movement we are challenging the entire crux of western civilization, so please by your mercy I can learn what it means to be human and who is Krishna.
Your aspiring servant,
rish.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Appearance.
I would like to take this opportunity to try and offer a little gratitude,
I am very grateful that you have given me shelter of this storm of kali yuga, I am very indebted to you for making outreach centres for westerners like bhakti lounge, Thank you for the opportunity to try and do some devotional service, Thank you for the contemporary mens ashram to get some learning how to do devotional service.
Your efforts teachings all over the world are glorious enabling real education accessible to those that wouldn’t otherwise come in contact with real knowledge.
Every time you come and speak something I always feel really inspired in devotional service. I remember last time when you spoke that as part of this Hare Krishna movement we are challenging the entire crux of western civilization, so please by your mercy I can learn what it means to be human and who is Krishna.
Your aspiring servant,
rish.
Rudrarama Pandit das
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca ten amah
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and onto your lotus feet
It has been a decade since I first stepped into Gaurayoga. There have been so many things changed during 10 years, for example, some devotees moved to other cities, some were initiated, some changed ashram, some were married and some even have kids. But ONE thing has never been changed, which is you, Gurudeva. Whenever you come to Wellington you teach us, you help us and you correct us. Even so many new bhakta and bhaktine come and go, you always stick onto this seva. What an extraordinary effort is required! How could I even understand doing this service all over the world which multiplied by big numbers? I would like to show my humble obeisances to what you have given us.
“How much have I progress during a decade and how could I improve?” This is something I humbly would like to submit as this year’s vyasa puja.
As still a beginning practitioner, it is not even easy to measure devotee itself but I referred to Nectar of Instruction Text3 as follows.
“There are six principles favourable to the execution of pure devotional service:
1, being enthusiastic
2, endeavouring with confidence
3, being patient
4, acting according to regulative principles (such as sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam – hearing, chanting and remembering Krishna)
5, abandoning the association of non-devotees
6, following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas.
These six principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.”
So I would like to measure myself against these 6 principles out of 10.
<img src="/assets/epub/RRP-VP-graph.png" width="520px" />
As above analysis shows
Patient - little progress
Endeavouring with confidence - no progress
Acting according to regulative principles – no progress
Abandoning non-devotee association – no progress
Following footsteps – little progress
Unlike other devotees I have made neither very little progression nor no progression in most areas. Although I may not progress any or very minimum last 10 years something I have one area I keep myself as high standard which is “Enthusiasm”. Srila Prabhupada also explains “Enthusiasm” as follows.
“The first principle is one must be very enthusiastic. He must believe that Krishna has said that, na me bhakta praṇasyati, "My devotee will never be vanquished" So "Let me become Krishna’s devotee sincerely. I must become Krishna’s devotee sincerely." This is called enthusiasm. “
-Lecture on BG 2.13-17 –Los Angeles November 29, 1968
Thank you Gurudeva for keeping me enthusiastically engage in Krishna service. Without your guidance and support, I could not imagine if I could do anything enthusiastically nor even stayed in Krishna consciousness.
Now, my focus is how I could improve other areas so I can serve you better in the future.
Set the target? Set up some goals? Learn from the experience?
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport of SB 4.12.37.
“A devotee is equipoised. He sees everyone on the same transcendental platform. A devotee knows that although a conditioned soul has a particular type of body according to his past fruitive activities, factually everyone is part of the Supreme Lord. A devotee sees all living entities with spiritual vision and does not discriminate on the platform of the bodily concept of life. Such qualities develop only in the association of devotees. Without the association of devotees, one cannot advance in Kṛiṣhṇa consciousness. Therefore, we have established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Factually, whoever lives in this society automatically develops Krishna consciousness. Devotees are dear to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is only dear to devotees. On this platform only can one make progress in Krishna consciousness.”
Thank you Gurudeva, you always teach us and show us this principle. You teach Krishna consciousness to those who are interested wherever you go, which I have seen and experienced while I travelled with you.
Thank you again Gurudeva, you always give me the knowledge and encouragement to stay in Krishna consciousness. I have no quality, no ability and no skills to be able to offer you, but I would like to offer you whatever I have. Also I would like to improve them in next coming decade. Then one day I can, at least, support you and your devotees somehow or other.
Your servant of servant
Rudrarama Pandit das
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca ten amah
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and onto your lotus feet
It has been a decade since I first stepped into Gaurayoga. There have been so many things changed during 10 years, for example, some devotees moved to other cities, some were initiated, some changed ashram, some were married and some even have kids. But ONE thing has never been changed, which is you, Gurudeva. Whenever you come to Wellington you teach us, you help us and you correct us. Even so many new bhakta and bhaktine come and go, you always stick onto this seva. What an extraordinary effort is required! How could I even understand doing this service all over the world which multiplied by big numbers? I would like to show my humble obeisances to what you have given us.
“How much have I progress during a decade and how could I improve?” This is something I humbly would like to submit as this year’s vyasa puja.
As still a beginning practitioner, it is not even easy to measure devotee itself but I referred to Nectar of Instruction Text3 as follows.
“There are six principles favourable to the execution of pure devotional service:
1, being enthusiastic
2, endeavouring with confidence
3, being patient
4, acting according to regulative principles (such as sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam – hearing, chanting and remembering Krishna)
5, abandoning the association of non-devotees
6, following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas.
These six principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.”
So I would like to measure myself against these 6 principles out of 10.
<img src="/assets/epub/RRP-VP-graph.png" width="520px" />
As above analysis shows
Patient - little progress
Endeavouring with confidence - no progress
Acting according to regulative principles – no progress
Abandoning non-devotee association – no progress
Following footsteps – little progress
Unlike other devotees I have made neither very little progression nor no progression in most areas. Although I may not progress any or very minimum last 10 years something I have one area I keep myself as high standard which is “Enthusiasm”. Srila Prabhupada also explains “Enthusiasm” as follows.
“The first principle is one must be very enthusiastic. He must believe that Krishna has said that, na me bhakta praṇasyati, "My devotee will never be vanquished" So "Let me become Krishna’s devotee sincerely. I must become Krishna’s devotee sincerely." This is called enthusiasm. “
-Lecture on BG 2.13-17 –Los Angeles November 29, 1968
Thank you Gurudeva for keeping me enthusiastically engage in Krishna service. Without your guidance and support, I could not imagine if I could do anything enthusiastically nor even stayed in Krishna consciousness.
Now, my focus is how I could improve other areas so I can serve you better in the future.
Set the target? Set up some goals? Learn from the experience?
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport of SB 4.12.37.
“A devotee is equipoised. He sees everyone on the same transcendental platform. A devotee knows that although a conditioned soul has a particular type of body according to his past fruitive activities, factually everyone is part of the Supreme Lord. A devotee sees all living entities with spiritual vision and does not discriminate on the platform of the bodily concept of life. Such qualities develop only in the association of devotees. Without the association of devotees, one cannot advance in Kṛiṣhṇa consciousness. Therefore, we have established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Factually, whoever lives in this society automatically develops Krishna consciousness. Devotees are dear to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is only dear to devotees. On this platform only can one make progress in Krishna consciousness.”
Thank you Gurudeva, you always teach us and show us this principle. You teach Krishna consciousness to those who are interested wherever you go, which I have seen and experienced while I travelled with you.
Thank you again Gurudeva, you always give me the knowledge and encouragement to stay in Krishna consciousness. I have no quality, no ability and no skills to be able to offer you, but I would like to offer you whatever I have. Also I would like to improve them in next coming decade. Then one day I can, at least, support you and your devotees somehow or other.
Your servant of servant
Rudrarama Pandit das
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your 65th Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
Nama om visnupadaya Krishna pretaya bhutale srimate Devamrita swami iti namine.
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namaù
First, I want to convey my gratitude to you, for accepting my wife and me, as servants at your lotus feet, and continuing to give us shelter even though you know well my anarthas.
The progress of my spiritual journey which had been minimal for decades, suddenly found new life 5 years ago when I first met you through your book, Searching for Vedic India. To me this is greatest evidence of Krsna’s causeless mercy since I know that I deserve none of your blessings.
Last year you gave us the mercy of your personal association in Denver where you accepted us servants at your lotus feet. We relished the opportunity to serve you. It was such a short time and the days flew by fast, but the mercy and nectar we received was immeasurable. The precious memories linger, giving us joy, as well as hope for the mercy of your personal association.
In the absence of your personal associations, the instructions you gave us have sustained us on our spiritual journey forward. In one of his purports, in the Caitanya-caritamrta, Prabhupada had said “The service of the Spiritual Master is essential. If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, then a devotee should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between the spiritual master's instructions and the spiritual master himself.”
This year we were blessed to have had the opportunity to have your personal association and to serve you, in Gita Nagari. It was our first trip to Gita Nagari – a place that you called “Service Wonderland” because of the multitude of service opportunities available. Gita Nagari was the perfect setting for us to gain deeper realization about the primacy of cow protection in our spiritual practice.
Our experience in Gita Nagari was very personal. When we made plans to come there during the Retreat, you advised us to come on an earlier date. We were perplexed. It was only when we came to Gita Nagari that we understood your reason. We were able to get multiple darshans with you and extensive personal time with you. This is not something we could have gotten if we had come during the retreat. Gurudev, you proved to us that you truly know what is best for us.
I’d like to recount two incidents before I close out my offering.
Gurudev, when you first saw us in Gita Nagari, you not only enquired about our spiritual progress but also about our two daughters’ spiritual state. It was gentle reminder to us that we have the duty as parents to ensure the spiritual progress of our children.
On the day before we left we came to get your personal blessings. We must have come during your scheduled reading time. You invited us in and asked if you could read to us. It was just the two of us – my wife and I – in there with you. You sat us down and read to us from the Caitanya-caritamrta. It was like a Father reading to his two little children. I was so overwhelmed with the love you showed us. I was so overcome with emotion, that as much as I tried, I could barely hear what you were reading. But, it was the best lesson ever.
All glories to you, Gurudev, on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. We pray to Radha Kalachandji for your good health, so that you can continue your tireless worldwide preaching mission, as your loving service to Srila Prabhupada, for many more decades.
As an ignorant neophyte devotee, I may have committed offences in writing this offering. I beg your forgiveness for any offences I may have committed.
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your 65th Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
Nama om visnupadaya Krishna pretaya bhutale srimate Devamrita swami iti namine.
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namaù
First, I want to convey my gratitude to you, for accepting my wife and me, as servants at your lotus feet, and continuing to give us shelter even though you know well my anarthas.
The progress of my spiritual journey which had been minimal for decades, suddenly found new life 5 years ago when I first met you through your book, Searching for Vedic India. To me this is greatest evidence of Krsna’s causeless mercy since I know that I deserve none of your blessings.
Last year you gave us the mercy of your personal association in Denver where you accepted us servants at your lotus feet. We relished the opportunity to serve you. It was such a short time and the days flew by fast, but the mercy and nectar we received was immeasurable. The precious memories linger, giving us joy, as well as hope for the mercy of your personal association.
In the absence of your personal associations, the instructions you gave us have sustained us on our spiritual journey forward. In one of his purports, in the Caitanya-caritamrta, Prabhupada had said “The service of the Spiritual Master is essential. If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, then a devotee should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between the spiritual master's instructions and the spiritual master himself.”
This year we were blessed to have had the opportunity to have your personal association and to serve you, in Gita Nagari. It was our first trip to Gita Nagari – a place that you called “Service Wonderland” because of the multitude of service opportunities available. Gita Nagari was the perfect setting for us to gain deeper realization about the primacy of cow protection in our spiritual practice.
Our experience in Gita Nagari was very personal. When we made plans to come there during the Retreat, you advised us to come on an earlier date. We were perplexed. It was only when we came to Gita Nagari that we understood your reason. We were able to get multiple darshans with you and extensive personal time with you. This is not something we could have gotten if we had come during the retreat. Gurudev, you proved to us that you truly know what is best for us.
I’d like to recount two incidents before I close out my offering.
Gurudev, when you first saw us in Gita Nagari, you not only enquired about our spiritual progress but also about our two daughters’ spiritual state. It was gentle reminder to us that we have the duty as parents to ensure the spiritual progress of our children.
On the day before we left we came to get your personal blessings. We must have come during your scheduled reading time. You invited us in and asked if you could read to us. It was just the two of us – my wife and I – in there with you. You sat us down and read to us from the Caitanya-caritamrta. It was like a Father reading to his two little children. I was so overwhelmed with the love you showed us. I was so overcome with emotion, that as much as I tried, I could barely hear what you were reading. But, it was the best lesson ever.
All glories to you, Gurudev, on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. We pray to Radha Kalachandji for your good health, so that you can continue your tireless worldwide preaching mission, as your loving service to Srila Prabhupada, for many more decades.
As an ignorant neophyte devotee, I may have committed offences in writing this offering. I beg your forgiveness for any offences I may have committed.
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Sachi Dulal das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Again, you were unerringly accurate. In your lectures, you have often remarked, that the formal ceremony of initiation does not necessarily translate into the change of heart that genuine initiation involves. When does genuine initiation occur? It may occur before the initiation ceremony, during the ceremony, after the ceremony or never at all.
Due to events I could have never foreseen, I have been forced to confront the painfully obvious truth: I am yet to undergo a genuine change of heart. I am complacent, lazy, duplicitous and worse still, proud of it.
Abraham Maslow, the late great psychologist would probably label my attitude as one of pathological humility. In his book, The Psychology of Science, he describes excessive humility as a pathology of cognition. Bereft of a genuine connection to reality, he can hardly be blamed for doing so.
But due to your mercy, we can be for real. In the purport to Srimad Bhagavatam (1.17.18) Srila Prabhupada writes thus:
"According to the Padma Purana, our present trouble is due to the fructifying of seedling sins, but even those seedling sins also gradually fade away by execution of pure devotional service. Thus even if the devotees see the mischief-mongers, they do not accuse them for the sufferings inflicted. They take it for granted that the mischief-monger is made to act by some indirect cause, and therefore they tolerate the sufferings, thinking them to be God-given in small doses, for otherwise the sufferings should have been greater."
A real devotee thus sees Krishna’s merciful hand in everything. A materialist sees other causes. When asked by Maharaj Pariksit, however, Dharma the Bull did not identify Krishna or God’s grace as the cause of his suffering. Why not? Srila Prabhupada answers in the purport to the Bhagavatam (1.17.23):
"A question may be raised as to why a devotee should refrain from identifying an actor, although he knows definitely that the Lord is the ultimate doer of everything. Knowing the ultimate doer, one should not pose himself as ignorant of the actual performer. To answer this doubt, the reply is that the Lord is also not directly responsible, for everything is done by His deputed maya-sakti, or material energy. The material energy is always provoking doubts about the supreme authority of the Lord. The personality of religion knew perfectly well that nothing can take place without the sanction of the Supreme Lord, and still he was put into doubts by the deluding energy, and thus he refrained from mentioning the supreme cause. This doubtfulness was due to the contamination of both Kali and the material energy. The whole atmosphere of the age of Kali is magnified by the deluding energy, and the proportion of measurement is inexplicable."
Shall we blame it all on Kali-Yuga then? Before we do so, we should ask: Why does Kali-yuga exist? The answer is etched in my heart: Because I wanted it. I desired to enjoy separate from Krishna. Krishna has simply responded to my desire. I have been placed under the control of Maya. Her laws dictate my enjoyment and suffering. But since her laws are also under Krishna’s ultimate jurisdiction, I suffer or enjoy ultimately due to Krishna’s grace and my desire.
If I can change my desire then, things should look up. Shouldn’t it? That is what you implore us to do.
Those suffering from anxiety and depression are often asked to do a funeral meditation. Meditation on one’s own death is supposed to bring about a genuine desire to change, to live differently, to make the most of what is left of our life. I have been meditating on death since I was a late teenager. Somehow my meditation has yet to penetrate my heart. I can only suppose that my illicit desires to enjoy are too strong. Krishna has not called Maya off my back. He is yet to be pleased by my sincerity.
But of course, the only way to please Krishna is by serving you. Serving you is tantamount to serving your instructions. Again, you have set an exemplary standard of what it means to serve the instructions of the spiritual master. In the purport to the CC Madhya (19.135) Srila Prabhupada writes:
"To be empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one has to qualify himself. This means that one must engage twenty-four hours daily in the loving devotional service of the Lord."
It is obvious that you engage twenty-four hours daily in the loving devotional service of the Lord. And it is equally obvious that you are empowered by Krishna to spread Mahaprabhu’s sublime benediction rays all over the planet. So on this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg for your continued mercy and protection. I beg for devotional service. I beg for purity of heart.
Aspiring to remain the servant of your servants,
Sachi Dulal das.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Again, you were unerringly accurate. In your lectures, you have often remarked, that the formal ceremony of initiation does not necessarily translate into the change of heart that genuine initiation involves. When does genuine initiation occur? It may occur before the initiation ceremony, during the ceremony, after the ceremony or never at all.
Due to events I could have never foreseen, I have been forced to confront the painfully obvious truth: I am yet to undergo a genuine change of heart. I am complacent, lazy, duplicitous and worse still, proud of it.
Abraham Maslow, the late great psychologist would probably label my attitude as one of pathological humility. In his book, The Psychology of Science, he describes excessive humility as a pathology of cognition. Bereft of a genuine connection to reality, he can hardly be blamed for doing so.
But due to your mercy, we can be for real. In the purport to Srimad Bhagavatam (1.17.18) Srila Prabhupada writes thus:
"According to the Padma Purana, our present trouble is due to the fructifying of seedling sins, but even those seedling sins also gradually fade away by execution of pure devotional service. Thus even if the devotees see the mischief-mongers, they do not accuse them for the sufferings inflicted. They take it for granted that the mischief-monger is made to act by some indirect cause, and therefore they tolerate the sufferings, thinking them to be God-given in small doses, for otherwise the sufferings should have been greater."
A real devotee thus sees Krishna’s merciful hand in everything. A materialist sees other causes. When asked by Maharaj Pariksit, however, Dharma the Bull did not identify Krishna or God’s grace as the cause of his suffering. Why not? Srila Prabhupada answers in the purport to the Bhagavatam (1.17.23):
"A question may be raised as to why a devotee should refrain from identifying an actor, although he knows definitely that the Lord is the ultimate doer of everything. Knowing the ultimate doer, one should not pose himself as ignorant of the actual performer. To answer this doubt, the reply is that the Lord is also not directly responsible, for everything is done by His deputed maya-sakti, or material energy. The material energy is always provoking doubts about the supreme authority of the Lord. The personality of religion knew perfectly well that nothing can take place without the sanction of the Supreme Lord, and still he was put into doubts by the deluding energy, and thus he refrained from mentioning the supreme cause. This doubtfulness was due to the contamination of both Kali and the material energy. The whole atmosphere of the age of Kali is magnified by the deluding energy, and the proportion of measurement is inexplicable."
Shall we blame it all on Kali-Yuga then? Before we do so, we should ask: Why does Kali-yuga exist? The answer is etched in my heart: Because I wanted it. I desired to enjoy separate from Krishna. Krishna has simply responded to my desire. I have been placed under the control of Maya. Her laws dictate my enjoyment and suffering. But since her laws are also under Krishna’s ultimate jurisdiction, I suffer or enjoy ultimately due to Krishna’s grace and my desire.
If I can change my desire then, things should look up. Shouldn’t it? That is what you implore us to do.
Those suffering from anxiety and depression are often asked to do a funeral meditation. Meditation on one’s own death is supposed to bring about a genuine desire to change, to live differently, to make the most of what is left of our life. I have been meditating on death since I was a late teenager. Somehow my meditation has yet to penetrate my heart. I can only suppose that my illicit desires to enjoy are too strong. Krishna has not called Maya off my back. He is yet to be pleased by my sincerity.
But of course, the only way to please Krishna is by serving you. Serving you is tantamount to serving your instructions. Again, you have set an exemplary standard of what it means to serve the instructions of the spiritual master. In the purport to the CC Madhya (19.135) Srila Prabhupada writes:
"To be empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one has to qualify himself. This means that one must engage twenty-four hours daily in the loving devotional service of the Lord."
It is obvious that you engage twenty-four hours daily in the loving devotional service of the Lord. And it is equally obvious that you are empowered by Krishna to spread Mahaprabhu’s sublime benediction rays all over the planet. So on this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg for your continued mercy and protection. I beg for devotional service. I beg for purity of heart.
Aspiring to remain the servant of your servants,
Sachi Dulal das.
Sachidevi Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble and heartfelt obeisances on this all-auspicious day of your glorious appearance.
All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
I have been meditating on what to write in this offering to you.
I know it’s said that an offering to one’s spiritual master is meant for his glorification…
In attempting to think about how to glorify you.. I’m not coming up dry, but drowning in the overwhelming amount of glorification and gratitude you are due!
In meditating on what to say… I’ve realized that there is no limit to what you do!
No cap I can put on the glories of your selfless pursuits!
… And thus there’s no way for me to cover everything - or, in fact, much of anything - through the neophyte words I have to offer to you.
Still, I must try to attempt the impossible, and harvest some immature - though heartfelt - fruits of gratitude.
I recall my first acquaintance with you.
InSpirit was approaching, and I remember anticipating my InSpirit services before your arrival.
I thought, “How fortunate am I? I get to serve Maharaja?”
I was shocked, nervous, and excitedly shaken with this newfound intensity of wanting to serve so desperately!
I was practically jumping off the walls, trying to finish reading the Bhagavad-gita before your arrival and arranging to have all the equipment I needed to assist you with your university presentations.
Finally, the day came when I was going to meet you.
Kathamrta, Sankirtana-yoga, Anne-Lise, and I were all eagerly lined up at Mangal-arti's doorway to greet you in Toronto.
I was so very nervous and excited there, I felt like I couldn’t breathe!
And that only worsened when I heard you coming down the hall,
“Hare Krsna... Hare Krsna…”
July 18th of 2014, 4 months later, I formally revealed to you my desire to take shelter of your lotus feet.
However, my heart has been in awe of your expert, compassionate, caring, inspiring self even before the day I laid ears on you.
It is stated in the 3rd canto that our ears are our eyes in this material world.
Lord Brahma says “O my Lord, Your devotees can see You through the ears by the process of bona fide hearing, and thus their hearts become cleansed, and You take Your seat there. You are so merciful to Your devotees that You manifest Yourself in the particular eternal form of transcendence in which they always think of You.”
You, Gurudeva, have perfected the art of living,
Which I’ve heard to be surrender,
And thus the natural affection for hearing and chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord and His servants has invaded your core.
And you do not hesitate to infect the whole world with this transcendental bug of love of Godhead!
Spreading it far and wide,
Relishing it more and more…
There’s not a soul in the universe from which you want to hide this supreme secret.
There’s not a single person that you don’t want to make transcendentally lovesick!
Brahmaji tells that Krsna’s devotees can see Him through the process of bona fide hearing...
And in saying that I realize that
I’m completely blind,
And thoroughly bewildered
Without the sound vibrations that you let flow so easily…
So ceaselessly..
I’m hopeless without the aural reception,
The transcendental transmission
Of your inconceivably pure bhakti!
In Bhagavad-gita Krsna uses the term "mayayapahrtah-jnana”.
So many fall under this category, having had their knowledge stolen by illusion.
The widespread ignorance that pervades these parts has left the world in such deep delusion,
Such strong confusion!
But with the weapon of pure spiritual knowledge,
Jñanasinatmanah,
You are destroying the falsity present in the hearts of all those who have the grand privilege to hear you speak,
And in turn become connected to this process of bona fide hearing!
You facilitate Krsna consciousness so freely,
So effortlessly!
The result of such hearing and chanting is this desire to serve so desperately.
So indeed,
You speak of the Beloved and everyone falls
In the love of God you carry with your every step.
Every word you utter is soaked in and seasoned with the purest spice and substance of life that is krsna-bhakti…
And the lovefeast carries on with every sound wave you let us taste of this unending ocean of nectar.
Of course, I cannot conceive of the love you are pouring into everything you touch.
Indeed, I am a victim of this theft by the illusory potency.
I am blind to the Lord that you see and the love of Him that you feel.
But I can say one thing
That I know with full certainty.
It’s that if I, with full faith, and overflowing surrender, just walk the footprints you have so graciously revealed to me,
And that you continue to walk and unveil on the daily…
If I can make some attempt to fulfill the perfection that is service to you,
Develop even a drop of the expertise that you bear in everything that you do,
I can make some sort of progress on this path back to Godhead.
If I just hold tight to your words, instructions, and care,
I know you will carry me,
As you already do so mercifully.
With affection, awe, and deep gratitude,
Happy Appearance Day, Gurudeva.
I am eternally indebted to you.
Thank you for accepting me as your eternal spiritual daughter.
- Your aspiring, insignificant, humble servant, and loving daughter,
Sachidevi Devi Dasi
Please accept my most humble and heartfelt obeisances on this all-auspicious day of your glorious appearance.
All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
I have been meditating on what to write in this offering to you.
I know it’s said that an offering to one’s spiritual master is meant for his glorification…
In attempting to think about how to glorify you.. I’m not coming up dry, but drowning in the overwhelming amount of glorification and gratitude you are due!
In meditating on what to say… I’ve realized that there is no limit to what you do!
No cap I can put on the glories of your selfless pursuits!
… And thus there’s no way for me to cover everything - or, in fact, much of anything - through the neophyte words I have to offer to you.
Still, I must try to attempt the impossible, and harvest some immature - though heartfelt - fruits of gratitude.
I recall my first acquaintance with you.
InSpirit was approaching, and I remember anticipating my InSpirit services before your arrival.
I thought, “How fortunate am I? I get to serve Maharaja?”
I was shocked, nervous, and excitedly shaken with this newfound intensity of wanting to serve so desperately!
I was practically jumping off the walls, trying to finish reading the Bhagavad-gita before your arrival and arranging to have all the equipment I needed to assist you with your university presentations.
Finally, the day came when I was going to meet you.
Kathamrta, Sankirtana-yoga, Anne-Lise, and I were all eagerly lined up at Mangal-arti's doorway to greet you in Toronto.
I was so very nervous and excited there, I felt like I couldn’t breathe!
And that only worsened when I heard you coming down the hall,
“Hare Krsna... Hare Krsna…”
July 18th of 2014, 4 months later, I formally revealed to you my desire to take shelter of your lotus feet.
However, my heart has been in awe of your expert, compassionate, caring, inspiring self even before the day I laid ears on you.
It is stated in the 3rd canto that our ears are our eyes in this material world.
Lord Brahma says “O my Lord, Your devotees can see You through the ears by the process of bona fide hearing, and thus their hearts become cleansed, and You take Your seat there. You are so merciful to Your devotees that You manifest Yourself in the particular eternal form of transcendence in which they always think of You.”
You, Gurudeva, have perfected the art of living,
Which I’ve heard to be surrender,
And thus the natural affection for hearing and chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord and His servants has invaded your core.
And you do not hesitate to infect the whole world with this transcendental bug of love of Godhead!
Spreading it far and wide,
Relishing it more and more…
There’s not a soul in the universe from which you want to hide this supreme secret.
There’s not a single person that you don’t want to make transcendentally lovesick!
Brahmaji tells that Krsna’s devotees can see Him through the process of bona fide hearing...
And in saying that I realize that
I’m completely blind,
And thoroughly bewildered
Without the sound vibrations that you let flow so easily…
So ceaselessly..
I’m hopeless without the aural reception,
The transcendental transmission
Of your inconceivably pure bhakti!
In Bhagavad-gita Krsna uses the term "mayayapahrtah-jnana”.
So many fall under this category, having had their knowledge stolen by illusion.
The widespread ignorance that pervades these parts has left the world in such deep delusion,
Such strong confusion!
But with the weapon of pure spiritual knowledge,
Jñanasinatmanah,
You are destroying the falsity present in the hearts of all those who have the grand privilege to hear you speak,
And in turn become connected to this process of bona fide hearing!
You facilitate Krsna consciousness so freely,
So effortlessly!
The result of such hearing and chanting is this desire to serve so desperately.
So indeed,
You speak of the Beloved and everyone falls
In the love of God you carry with your every step.
Every word you utter is soaked in and seasoned with the purest spice and substance of life that is krsna-bhakti…
And the lovefeast carries on with every sound wave you let us taste of this unending ocean of nectar.
Of course, I cannot conceive of the love you are pouring into everything you touch.
Indeed, I am a victim of this theft by the illusory potency.
I am blind to the Lord that you see and the love of Him that you feel.
But I can say one thing
That I know with full certainty.
It’s that if I, with full faith, and overflowing surrender, just walk the footprints you have so graciously revealed to me,
And that you continue to walk and unveil on the daily…
If I can make some attempt to fulfill the perfection that is service to you,
Develop even a drop of the expertise that you bear in everything that you do,
I can make some sort of progress on this path back to Godhead.
If I just hold tight to your words, instructions, and care,
I know you will carry me,
As you already do so mercifully.
With affection, awe, and deep gratitude,
Happy Appearance Day, Gurudeva.
I am eternally indebted to you.
Thank you for accepting me as your eternal spiritual daughter.
- Your aspiring, insignificant, humble servant, and loving daughter,
Sachidevi Devi Dasi
Sadhu-marga das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Srimad-Bhagavatam is the king of all literature. There is only one objective in life, Krishna-prema. All what is needed to achieve the desired goal, to serve Sri Krishna with pure love can be received from Srimad-Bhagavatam. Srimad-Bhagavatam will awaken the conditioned souls from the deep sleep of sense gratification and liberation, purify their heart, make them fixed on the path of bhakti and make them cry, pray and beg for bhakti to Bhagavan.
One very wonderful and most necessary teaching is to properly understand the position of vaisnavas, to properly honor them and to understand how much affection Krishna has for His devotees. This teaching is found in Srimad-Bhagavatam canto 10, chapter 86.
Once it so happened that while Sri Krishna was staying in His splendid palace in Dwaraka, He felt need to reciprocate with loving service of His two very wonderful devotees down in Mithila.
He took with Him many great sages and advanced devotees and with excitement they hit the road together. On the way they benefited all the eager people who came to worship or just to see them and Sri Krishna delivered them just by His most merciful and potent glance. By their incredible good fortune they could see Sri Krishna's face, the most beautiful thing that exists, His generous smile and His lotus-like eyes, passing trough their village as the party slowed down a bit while going trough the crowds.
Soon their party reached the city of Videha where those two famous devotees had their residence. Srutadeva was a first class brahmana. He would perfectly fulfill his religious duties. His constant decoration was detachment from sense gratification, knowledge, austerity, simplicity and freedom of lust and anger. He had deep taste for devotional service and despite of happiness or unhappiness he kept himself always engaged in hearing, chanting, speaking, meditating and worshiping the Lord.
Bahulasva was a great king born in a very respectful family. Despite of his big position, riches, bodily beauty and family linage he was free from pride and proprietorship. He kept himself as a servant of brahmanas and used his courage, determination, position, power and wealth to protect the citizens and facilitate for them a situation for performing their dharma and worship of the Lord.
As soon as Lord Acyuta and the sages arrived, those two wonderful devotees and all the city people ran to receive them. They carried gifts in their hands with affection and they very respectfully saluted the Lord Uttamasloka and the sages. Srutadeva and Bahulasva fell at the Lord's lotus feet feeling great happiness, gratitude, humility and awe. Both of them simultaneously stepped forward and expressed their desire to render personal service for the comfort of the Lord and His companions. Wanting them to become more attached to Him, Krishna accepted the invitations.
The Great king Bahulasva greeted Sri Purusottama and His associates in his palace with full devotion following the tradition and scriptural injunctions. He would carefully make sure that his guests will be fully satisfied and served them with great humility.
Srutadeva had much more simple means than the king, but because of his detachment, knowledge and loyalty to his brahminical duties, he was not disturbed, rather he welcomed Lord Acyuta very enthusiastically and in his heart he was feeling intense joy. After all, the Lord he had constantly meditated on had now appeared before him. The proof of his bhakti being genuine is that he felt that he did not deserve the Lord's association and attention and he was thinking himself to be just ordinary materialistic householder. He addressed Sri Govinda with wonderful words of praise. This wisdom he had learned from holy books that he had carefully studied and because he had actually followed instruction of the sastra in his life in all practical situations he had so many realizations.
The lotus-eyed Lord, Sri Govinda, was listening with great joy and He accepted Srutadeva's careful and pure service. Still Krishna wanted to remove one obstacle in his devotees heart, so that he could advance more and become qualified to enter the spiritual world. Wanting to make sure that he properly understands the position of a vaisnava Sri Krishna with affection spoke as follows:
"The Supreme Lord said: My dear brāhmaṇa, you should know that these great sages have come here just to bless you. They travel throughout the worlds with Me, purifying them with the dust of their feet.
One can gradually become purified by seeing, touching and worshiping temple deities, places of pilgrimage and holy rivers. But one can attain the same result immediately simply by receiving the glance of exalted sages.
By his very birth, a brāhmaṇa is the best of all living beings in this world, and he becomes even more exalted when he is endowed with austerity, learning and self-satisfaction, what to speak of devotion to Me.
Even My own four-armed form is no dearer to Me than a brāhmaṇa. Within himself a learned brāhmaṇa comprises all the Vedas, just as within Myself I comprise all the demigods.
Ignorant of this truth, foolish people neglect and enviously offend a learned brāhmaṇa, who, being nondifferent from Me, is their spiritual master and very self. They consider worshipable only such obvious manifestations of divinity as My Deity form.
Because he has realized Me, a brāhmaṇa is firmly fixed in the knowledge that everything moving and nonmoving in the universe, and also the primary elements of its creation, are all manifest forms expanded from Me.
Therefore you should worship these brāhmaṇa sages, O brāhmaṇa, with the same faith you have in Me. If you do so, you will worship Me directly, which you cannot do otherwise, even with offerings of vast riches."
Krishna is to be know trough the Vedas and the Vedas must be heard from a pure brahmana, a bona fide guru.
Gurudev, like these great sages who were traveling with the Krishna, you are certainly also so much dear to Krishna. Because you renounced all the pleasures of material world and you dedicated your life to Krishna's service, to speak the message of Krishna and on His behalf bring conditioned souls in contact with His spiritual energy. This is the work of great selfless sages who have special position in Krishna's heart.
Gurudev, you are a truly wonderful sannyasi, a first class renounciate, a liberated soul. You were born in a good religious family and you had good assets to be successful in the material world. With good education, sharp intelligence, good sense of humor, sensitivity and attractive bodily features there would have not been problems for you to enjoy in this mortal world.
Still you rejected everything like that, not because of hatred or frustration, but because of desire to serve your Guru Maharaj Srila Prabhupada and previous Acharyas. What an amazing determination you have shown to the world! Year after year working hard to serve your guru, going deeper into your chanting of Hare Krsna maha-mantra, giving yourself more and more to help the conditioned souls who are aimlessly wandering in illusion.
Its so amazing and inspiring for me to see, how wonderfully you display in every action the detachment from the material world and deep attachment to service to guru and Gauranga. I am constantly wondering where souls like you get the strong power to ignore their desires and just fully jump to the ocean of 24/7 service of Mahaprabhu's preaching mission.
I have not done anything to serve you really, nor I have done any attempt to please you in any way and therefore I have no right to ask you any benedictions.
I know how the system works. Still, being impudent and desperate and its your Vyasa-puja day and
I hope to get some special mercy from you, I beg one boon from you.
Please gurudev, instead of identifying with this gross and subtle body, let me identify myself as servant of the servants of Sri Krishna.
Please gurudev, whatever I may have in my possession, let me realize that it actually belongs to Krishna and it is meant to use in His service.
Please give me intelligence to use it according to what will be pleasing to Him.
Gurudev, whatever situation in life I may be, please let me have opportunity to appreciate, serve and associate with devotees and hear Krishna-katha from them.
Your servant,
Sadhu-marga das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Srimad-Bhagavatam is the king of all literature. There is only one objective in life, Krishna-prema. All what is needed to achieve the desired goal, to serve Sri Krishna with pure love can be received from Srimad-Bhagavatam. Srimad-Bhagavatam will awaken the conditioned souls from the deep sleep of sense gratification and liberation, purify their heart, make them fixed on the path of bhakti and make them cry, pray and beg for bhakti to Bhagavan.
One very wonderful and most necessary teaching is to properly understand the position of vaisnavas, to properly honor them and to understand how much affection Krishna has for His devotees. This teaching is found in Srimad-Bhagavatam canto 10, chapter 86.
Once it so happened that while Sri Krishna was staying in His splendid palace in Dwaraka, He felt need to reciprocate with loving service of His two very wonderful devotees down in Mithila.
He took with Him many great sages and advanced devotees and with excitement they hit the road together. On the way they benefited all the eager people who came to worship or just to see them and Sri Krishna delivered them just by His most merciful and potent glance. By their incredible good fortune they could see Sri Krishna's face, the most beautiful thing that exists, His generous smile and His lotus-like eyes, passing trough their village as the party slowed down a bit while going trough the crowds.
Soon their party reached the city of Videha where those two famous devotees had their residence. Srutadeva was a first class brahmana. He would perfectly fulfill his religious duties. His constant decoration was detachment from sense gratification, knowledge, austerity, simplicity and freedom of lust and anger. He had deep taste for devotional service and despite of happiness or unhappiness he kept himself always engaged in hearing, chanting, speaking, meditating and worshiping the Lord.
Bahulasva was a great king born in a very respectful family. Despite of his big position, riches, bodily beauty and family linage he was free from pride and proprietorship. He kept himself as a servant of brahmanas and used his courage, determination, position, power and wealth to protect the citizens and facilitate for them a situation for performing their dharma and worship of the Lord.
As soon as Lord Acyuta and the sages arrived, those two wonderful devotees and all the city people ran to receive them. They carried gifts in their hands with affection and they very respectfully saluted the Lord Uttamasloka and the sages. Srutadeva and Bahulasva fell at the Lord's lotus feet feeling great happiness, gratitude, humility and awe. Both of them simultaneously stepped forward and expressed their desire to render personal service for the comfort of the Lord and His companions. Wanting them to become more attached to Him, Krishna accepted the invitations.
The Great king Bahulasva greeted Sri Purusottama and His associates in his palace with full devotion following the tradition and scriptural injunctions. He would carefully make sure that his guests will be fully satisfied and served them with great humility.
Srutadeva had much more simple means than the king, but because of his detachment, knowledge and loyalty to his brahminical duties, he was not disturbed, rather he welcomed Lord Acyuta very enthusiastically and in his heart he was feeling intense joy. After all, the Lord he had constantly meditated on had now appeared before him. The proof of his bhakti being genuine is that he felt that he did not deserve the Lord's association and attention and he was thinking himself to be just ordinary materialistic householder. He addressed Sri Govinda with wonderful words of praise. This wisdom he had learned from holy books that he had carefully studied and because he had actually followed instruction of the sastra in his life in all practical situations he had so many realizations.
The lotus-eyed Lord, Sri Govinda, was listening with great joy and He accepted Srutadeva's careful and pure service. Still Krishna wanted to remove one obstacle in his devotees heart, so that he could advance more and become qualified to enter the spiritual world. Wanting to make sure that he properly understands the position of a vaisnava Sri Krishna with affection spoke as follows:
"The Supreme Lord said: My dear brāhmaṇa, you should know that these great sages have come here just to bless you. They travel throughout the worlds with Me, purifying them with the dust of their feet.
One can gradually become purified by seeing, touching and worshiping temple deities, places of pilgrimage and holy rivers. But one can attain the same result immediately simply by receiving the glance of exalted sages.
By his very birth, a brāhmaṇa is the best of all living beings in this world, and he becomes even more exalted when he is endowed with austerity, learning and self-satisfaction, what to speak of devotion to Me.
Even My own four-armed form is no dearer to Me than a brāhmaṇa. Within himself a learned brāhmaṇa comprises all the Vedas, just as within Myself I comprise all the demigods.
Ignorant of this truth, foolish people neglect and enviously offend a learned brāhmaṇa, who, being nondifferent from Me, is their spiritual master and very self. They consider worshipable only such obvious manifestations of divinity as My Deity form.
Because he has realized Me, a brāhmaṇa is firmly fixed in the knowledge that everything moving and nonmoving in the universe, and also the primary elements of its creation, are all manifest forms expanded from Me.
Therefore you should worship these brāhmaṇa sages, O brāhmaṇa, with the same faith you have in Me. If you do so, you will worship Me directly, which you cannot do otherwise, even with offerings of vast riches."
Krishna is to be know trough the Vedas and the Vedas must be heard from a pure brahmana, a bona fide guru.
Gurudev, like these great sages who were traveling with the Krishna, you are certainly also so much dear to Krishna. Because you renounced all the pleasures of material world and you dedicated your life to Krishna's service, to speak the message of Krishna and on His behalf bring conditioned souls in contact with His spiritual energy. This is the work of great selfless sages who have special position in Krishna's heart.
Gurudev, you are a truly wonderful sannyasi, a first class renounciate, a liberated soul. You were born in a good religious family and you had good assets to be successful in the material world. With good education, sharp intelligence, good sense of humor, sensitivity and attractive bodily features there would have not been problems for you to enjoy in this mortal world.
Still you rejected everything like that, not because of hatred or frustration, but because of desire to serve your Guru Maharaj Srila Prabhupada and previous Acharyas. What an amazing determination you have shown to the world! Year after year working hard to serve your guru, going deeper into your chanting of Hare Krsna maha-mantra, giving yourself more and more to help the conditioned souls who are aimlessly wandering in illusion.
Its so amazing and inspiring for me to see, how wonderfully you display in every action the detachment from the material world and deep attachment to service to guru and Gauranga. I am constantly wondering where souls like you get the strong power to ignore their desires and just fully jump to the ocean of 24/7 service of Mahaprabhu's preaching mission.
I have not done anything to serve you really, nor I have done any attempt to please you in any way and therefore I have no right to ask you any benedictions.
I know how the system works. Still, being impudent and desperate and its your Vyasa-puja day and
I hope to get some special mercy from you, I beg one boon from you.
Please gurudev, instead of identifying with this gross and subtle body, let me identify myself as servant of the servants of Sri Krishna.
Please gurudev, whatever I may have in my possession, let me realize that it actually belongs to Krishna and it is meant to use in His service.
Please give me intelligence to use it according to what will be pleasing to Him.
Gurudev, whatever situation in life I may be, please let me have opportunity to appreciate, serve and associate with devotees and hear Krishna-katha from them.
Your servant,
Sadhu-marga das
Sammohini devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja
Another year has gone by and it has presented an opportunity to meditate about you and my own life.
Personally I think your Vyasa puja is a way when I can get more conviction about how reality is and enthusiasm about the life style we are having for spiritual growth.
Your Vyasapuja is a lot about you, about the role of Srila Prabhupada as a Guru and at the same time I feel is about us too, because there is a commitment from us to serve you and to serve Krishna.
Year after year I try to improve by seeing you as an example, as a leader in ISKCON and as a father.
Not even for a moment I doubt you really care for us. In certain circumstances, I have needed direct guidance from you on different aspects of my life and some really complicated. You have come forward and provided the right answers to solve these complications and problems.
Thank you for your time and care and for always show us with enthusiasm how to perform devotional service
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Another year has gone by and it has presented an opportunity to meditate about you and my own life.
Personally I think your Vyasa puja is a way when I can get more conviction about how reality is and enthusiasm about the life style we are having for spiritual growth.
Your Vyasapuja is a lot about you, about the role of Srila Prabhupada as a Guru and at the same time I feel is about us too, because there is a commitment from us to serve you and to serve Krishna.
Year after year I try to improve by seeing you as an example, as a leader in ISKCON and as a father.
Not even for a moment I doubt you really care for us. In certain circumstances, I have needed direct guidance from you on different aspects of my life and some really complicated. You have come forward and provided the right answers to solve these complications and problems.
Thank you for your time and care and for always show us with enthusiasm how to perform devotional service
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Sandrananda devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Looking back over the years I see how you are always full of excitement in Krishna consciousness and have strong desire to open new centres for preaching Krishna consciousness to the general public.
We were in London at the Manor when you gave me a week or so to decide where I wanted to serve. Either in America LA shop or in Soho street distributing books. Being very bad at decision making I left it up to you and you said “well, if you think you can survive in Soho then that would be the best.” Then moments after that darshan I was sat on the stairs by your room thinking over what we had discussed and lapping in the recent nectar from your association, when to my surprise you called my name and beckoned me back. You had just got off the phone to someone I think another maharaja and announced that some of my old friends from Wellington that I had met on my trip to New Zealand would be moving to Manchester to set up a preaching centre in the next couple of months and that you wanted me to join them there when they arrived. This was like having the top of a champagne bottle exploding inside me. All my emotions were bubbling and my mind was reeling with anticipation of having been selected by you for a special service alongside your dear disciples.
Certainly it proved to be an eventful year in our memory. Book distribution in a fresh city was fun and meeting many people and collecting contact lists begun. We were all hoping that permission would come for us to open a centre there. New preaching programs at the old temple began with Guruvani or Dina Dayala giving talks, Hamsi singing, Bhavasandhi cooking and at that time Vraja nari came to join in the fun from Germany. These were some of the best memories that I have from serving you.
Unfortunately this experience in serving you and Prabhupadas preaching movement in Manchester was ransaccelled when Bhavasandhi and I appeared infront of Crown Court Magistrates convicted of a crime. We had been using pedaller licences to distribute books which allowed one to sell goods as long as one was moving along all of the time. Due to months of training in Soho I found this rule easy to ignore and one day my fault became a huge negligence. We were stopped on numerous occasions by the council, who eventually decided to get rid of us for selling goods through prosecution. We got a lawyer and declared ourselves guilty for the charges they were giving us. When the Court Magistrate came to give his judgment on our case he chastised the council officials asking if they hadn’t anything better to do with their time then bring in these two young ladies who he said were “the most innocent looking people he’d ever had in his courtroom!” We were let off the fine and charges were dissolved. However as a consideration to the council the magistrate added that we would have to go somewhere else to sell our books. This was very tragic news for us since we felt that we had really messed up although you never chastised us and instead saw it as Krishna’s arrangement. I am grateful to you for this. We were headed back on an airplane very soon after that to start a centre here in Auckland, which is now called The Loft. I witnessed how you, a pure devotee, is detached when serving Krishna despite the difficulties that are placed in the way of his service.
Starting new centers is certainly your strength Gurudeva and requires a real enthusiasm for preaching and taking the help from people who are willing to assist you despite the setbacks and faults I for one have, you have successfully opened The loft model in Wellington, Auckland and Melbourne, and I believe you have others around the world although I unfortunately am not aware of these.
Thank you for giving us the chance to serve you and to witness the divine qualities you have. Please look over our mistakes and continue to inspire us on our life’s mission to assist you in your preaching. This is my life and soul.
Your servant and daughter,
Sandrananda devi dasi
Looking back over the years I see how you are always full of excitement in Krishna consciousness and have strong desire to open new centres for preaching Krishna consciousness to the general public.
We were in London at the Manor when you gave me a week or so to decide where I wanted to serve. Either in America LA shop or in Soho street distributing books. Being very bad at decision making I left it up to you and you said “well, if you think you can survive in Soho then that would be the best.” Then moments after that darshan I was sat on the stairs by your room thinking over what we had discussed and lapping in the recent nectar from your association, when to my surprise you called my name and beckoned me back. You had just got off the phone to someone I think another maharaja and announced that some of my old friends from Wellington that I had met on my trip to New Zealand would be moving to Manchester to set up a preaching centre in the next couple of months and that you wanted me to join them there when they arrived. This was like having the top of a champagne bottle exploding inside me. All my emotions were bubbling and my mind was reeling with anticipation of having been selected by you for a special service alongside your dear disciples.
Certainly it proved to be an eventful year in our memory. Book distribution in a fresh city was fun and meeting many people and collecting contact lists begun. We were all hoping that permission would come for us to open a centre there. New preaching programs at the old temple began with Guruvani or Dina Dayala giving talks, Hamsi singing, Bhavasandhi cooking and at that time Vraja nari came to join in the fun from Germany. These were some of the best memories that I have from serving you.
Unfortunately this experience in serving you and Prabhupadas preaching movement in Manchester was ransaccelled when Bhavasandhi and I appeared infront of Crown Court Magistrates convicted of a crime. We had been using pedaller licences to distribute books which allowed one to sell goods as long as one was moving along all of the time. Due to months of training in Soho I found this rule easy to ignore and one day my fault became a huge negligence. We were stopped on numerous occasions by the council, who eventually decided to get rid of us for selling goods through prosecution. We got a lawyer and declared ourselves guilty for the charges they were giving us. When the Court Magistrate came to give his judgment on our case he chastised the council officials asking if they hadn’t anything better to do with their time then bring in these two young ladies who he said were “the most innocent looking people he’d ever had in his courtroom!” We were let off the fine and charges were dissolved. However as a consideration to the council the magistrate added that we would have to go somewhere else to sell our books. This was very tragic news for us since we felt that we had really messed up although you never chastised us and instead saw it as Krishna’s arrangement. I am grateful to you for this. We were headed back on an airplane very soon after that to start a centre here in Auckland, which is now called The Loft. I witnessed how you, a pure devotee, is detached when serving Krishna despite the difficulties that are placed in the way of his service.
Starting new centers is certainly your strength Gurudeva and requires a real enthusiasm for preaching and taking the help from people who are willing to assist you despite the setbacks and faults I for one have, you have successfully opened The loft model in Wellington, Auckland and Melbourne, and I believe you have others around the world although I unfortunately am not aware of these.
Thank you for giving us the chance to serve you and to witness the divine qualities you have. Please look over our mistakes and continue to inspire us on our life’s mission to assist you in your preaching. This is my life and soul.
Your servant and daughter,
Sandrananda devi dasi
Satya Sara Devi Dasi
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Respected Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day.
Guru Maharaj I am here because you led me here and allowed this fallen soul to take shelter of your lotus feet. I express my gratitude for extending your rope of mercy on my family. Kindly bless me with the ability to hear and follow your instructions. Please help me to make the best use of the rope of mercy you have thrown for me.
It is amazing and still unbelievable how much you have done for me and for so many others. You have so kindly with all expertise, care and attention arranged our lives so that we may all fall in the range of your mercy. We can see how much you love us and can imagine how big is the ocean of your love for Krsna.
You are an expert educationalist and you guide everyone to come closer to Krsna and closer to your instructions. Your unique skill in preaching has transformed the lives of many around the globe. Your influence can be experienced through simple association with your dedicated assistants who possess strong determination, tolerance and patience. You have made your disciples active, dedicated, strong and progressing devotees. With all grace, compassion and expertise of a spiritual father you provide the perfect prescription how to lead life in this material world and face maya.
During your recent visit to Vrindavan you asked me about my daughter and grandsons. Thank you for being so personal. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.
I have received obvious signs of old age. Please let me use the remaining short period to offer you quality services. Guru Maharaj let me always stay under the protection of your lotus feet, in association with your beloved disciples.
Your humble servant,
Satya Sara Devi Dasi
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Respected Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day.
Guru Maharaj I am here because you led me here and allowed this fallen soul to take shelter of your lotus feet. I express my gratitude for extending your rope of mercy on my family. Kindly bless me with the ability to hear and follow your instructions. Please help me to make the best use of the rope of mercy you have thrown for me.
It is amazing and still unbelievable how much you have done for me and for so many others. You have so kindly with all expertise, care and attention arranged our lives so that we may all fall in the range of your mercy. We can see how much you love us and can imagine how big is the ocean of your love for Krsna.
You are an expert educationalist and you guide everyone to come closer to Krsna and closer to your instructions. Your unique skill in preaching has transformed the lives of many around the globe. Your influence can be experienced through simple association with your dedicated assistants who possess strong determination, tolerance and patience. You have made your disciples active, dedicated, strong and progressing devotees. With all grace, compassion and expertise of a spiritual father you provide the perfect prescription how to lead life in this material world and face maya.
During your recent visit to Vrindavan you asked me about my daughter and grandsons. Thank you for being so personal. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.
I have received obvious signs of old age. Please let me use the remaining short period to offer you quality services. Guru Maharaj let me always stay under the protection of your lotus feet, in association with your beloved disciples.
Your humble servant,
Satya Sara Devi Dasi
Saurav Mittal
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
“My dear Lord Krishna, You are so kind upon this useless soul, but I do not know why You have brought me here. Now You can do whatever You like with me.”
(Krishna Consciousness in America, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad")
Happy Birthday Gurudev!
Thank you for engaging me so nicely in Krishna’s service. I give out flyers of Crossways (Melbourne) outside the restaurant whenever I get a chance. It is a lot of fun and I am quite enthusiastic about this service. People often stop and take the card from me and say ‘Thank you’ with a smile.
I also help my mother in her book distribution service. Recently she was talking to a young man who refused to take Bhagvad Gita because his mother believed in Buddha. Krishna inspired me to take Bhagvad Gita out of my mother’s hand and then I opened the page which had the picture of Krishna and His incarnations. I pointed out that page to my mother who then looking surprised at my presence of mind explained to the young man, showing him that picture, how Buddha is an incarnation of Krishna. Later she told me that if I had not opened that page she would have never thought of showing that picture in Bhagvad Gita to the young man.
Please continue to shower your mercy upon me and my family so we can serve you nicely and make you and Krishna happy.
Your servant
Bhakta Saurav Mittal.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
“My dear Lord Krishna, You are so kind upon this useless soul, but I do not know why You have brought me here. Now You can do whatever You like with me.”
(Krishna Consciousness in America, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad")
Happy Birthday Gurudev!
Thank you for engaging me so nicely in Krishna’s service. I give out flyers of Crossways (Melbourne) outside the restaurant whenever I get a chance. It is a lot of fun and I am quite enthusiastic about this service. People often stop and take the card from me and say ‘Thank you’ with a smile.
I also help my mother in her book distribution service. Recently she was talking to a young man who refused to take Bhagvad Gita because his mother believed in Buddha. Krishna inspired me to take Bhagvad Gita out of my mother’s hand and then I opened the page which had the picture of Krishna and His incarnations. I pointed out that page to my mother who then looking surprised at my presence of mind explained to the young man, showing him that picture, how Buddha is an incarnation of Krishna. Later she told me that if I had not opened that page she would have never thought of showing that picture in Bhagvad Gita to the young man.
Please continue to shower your mercy upon me and my family so we can serve you nicely and make you and Krishna happy.
Your servant
Bhakta Saurav Mittal.
Sayak Basu
Namo Om vishnu padaya Krishna prethya bhutale Srimate Devamrita Swami iti na mine..Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Please accept my humble obeisance unto your lotus feet. Gurudev I have no qualification to speak about you but I will try to say few words for my purification on the auspicious occasion of your Vyas puja. I have no understanding of vedic knowledge nor I have a any tinge of bhakti in my heart for The Supreme Personality of Godhead but whatever I have continued in the path of devotional services is because of your mercy. Your any instruction coming out from your lotus mouth has always inspired me a lot.I never meet you till 2014 but when I first heard you I knew that to whom I want to surrender. Devotional service is a depended process and we depend on the mercy of vaishnav acharyas and guru and I feel without your mercy I cannot move a tiny step in bhakti.
I am an insignificant person to talk about your oceanic qualities.I was fortunate enough to get your darshan in 2014 Guar Purnima and that time when you looked at me I felt you pierced my heart and saw all my anarthas inside. Whenever I felt extremely down in my devotional service my only place is to take shelter of your instructions coming out from your lotus mouth. Your every words and instructions are so clear and at the same time you as a loving father takes care of everyone sensitively. I remember how you asked everything about me and how easily you won my heart. I was little scared to meet you but you make me feel so comfortable in a loving way.
My only desire is to remain an insignificant servant at your lotus feet and to serve you all my life. I humbly seek your blessings as without your mercy I cannot move a tiny inch in path of devotion.
Your aspiring insignificant servant from Kolkata ( India)
Sayak Basu
I am an insignificant person to talk about your oceanic qualities.I was fortunate enough to get your darshan in 2014 Guar Purnima and that time when you looked at me I felt you pierced my heart and saw all my anarthas inside. Whenever I felt extremely down in my devotional service my only place is to take shelter of your instructions coming out from your lotus mouth. Your every words and instructions are so clear and at the same time you as a loving father takes care of everyone sensitively. I remember how you asked everything about me and how easily you won my heart. I was little scared to meet you but you make me feel so comfortable in a loving way.
My only desire is to remain an insignificant servant at your lotus feet and to serve you all my life. I humbly seek your blessings as without your mercy I cannot move a tiny inch in path of devotion.
Your aspiring insignificant servant from Kolkata ( India)
Sayak Basu
Seva-Vilasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Happy birthday Gurudeva! Even though devotees don’t really use that term I still think you should have a happy birthday in the service of Krishna. Maybe I should just thank you. Thank you for initiating me this year. That I can take shelter of you means so much. I know that I can rely on you and trust you. That you have a strong faith in the Holy name and that you go the full way. I know that with you I can make it because you are so inspiring. I can change and become a better person. I can become more careful about others. Be more considerate, more patient, more tolerant. More compassionate. Cultivate these qualities that you have but that I have lost somewhere in the middle of this ocean of miseries. Simple things can be so hard. Chanting 16 words with sincerity and full concentration seems so easy but we get so hang up! Thank you for your association while chanting. This was very inspiring. I will never forget how you relish the Holy name. To take care of the devotees seems granted but once again, so many times I forget that they are the most important thing! They connect me to Krishna! I have so so so so much to work on still. I am so fortunate to have met you and be part of this community and family. Thank you for inspiring me. Your lectures, your classes, your smile make me feel better and closer to home. Then I want to give more and put on more efforts to pay back the debt that I have. Thank you for the class you gave last December on cow protection. That was amazing. Thank you for your association. I know not so many devotees can see their spiritual master as often as we do and most probably we take it for granted. Thank you for giving all your time in the service of Krishna. Waw, you do that so selflessly. We spend a very inspiring time celebrating Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America 50th anniversary but actually a lot of it apply to you too. Just be constantly engaged in the service of others like you do. No second thought about how you feel or what you want. Because what you want is what Krishna wants! So amazing to attain that stage where you get that higher taste. I really hope I can get tat higher taste one day even though it sounds selfish. Thank you for giving so much time for us. Thank you for your jokes. You always make me laugh. Thank you for your time, your advices, your questions, your care, your patience, your enthusiasm, your respect, your tolerance, your attention, your humility, your selflessness, your love and your strength. Your ever aspiring servant, Seva-Vilasa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Happy birthday Gurudeva! Even though devotees don’t really use that term I still think you should have a happy birthday in the service of Krishna. Maybe I should just thank you. Thank you for initiating me this year. That I can take shelter of you means so much. I know that I can rely on you and trust you. That you have a strong faith in the Holy name and that you go the full way. I know that with you I can make it because you are so inspiring. I can change and become a better person. I can become more careful about others. Be more considerate, more patient, more tolerant. More compassionate. Cultivate these qualities that you have but that I have lost somewhere in the middle of this ocean of miseries. Simple things can be so hard. Chanting 16 words with sincerity and full concentration seems so easy but we get so hang up! Thank you for your association while chanting. This was very inspiring. I will never forget how you relish the Holy name. To take care of the devotees seems granted but once again, so many times I forget that they are the most important thing! They connect me to Krishna! I have so so so so much to work on still. I am so fortunate to have met you and be part of this community and family. Thank you for inspiring me. Your lectures, your classes, your smile make me feel better and closer to home. Then I want to give more and put on more efforts to pay back the debt that I have. Thank you for the class you gave last December on cow protection. That was amazing. Thank you for your association. I know not so many devotees can see their spiritual master as often as we do and most probably we take it for granted. Thank you for giving all your time in the service of Krishna. Waw, you do that so selflessly. We spend a very inspiring time celebrating Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America 50th anniversary but actually a lot of it apply to you too. Just be constantly engaged in the service of others like you do. No second thought about how you feel or what you want. Because what you want is what Krishna wants! So amazing to attain that stage where you get that higher taste. I really hope I can get tat higher taste one day even though it sounds selfish. Thank you for giving so much time for us. Thank you for your jokes. You always make me laugh. Thank you for your time, your advices, your questions, your care, your patience, your enthusiasm, your respect, your tolerance, your attention, your humility, your selflessness, your love and your strength. Your ever aspiring servant, Seva-Vilasa
Sevaka Vatsala das
nama oṁ viṣṇu pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣthāya bhūtale
śrīmate devāmṛta swāmīn iti nāmine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Śrīmate Devāmṛta Swāmī who is very dear to Lord Kṛṣṇa on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
pracāre pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
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 in the compassionate dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you every day, but especially today, a day when we can all meditate on what great fortune this world has been blessed with to receive such a powerful preacher of Lord Caitanya’s cult such as yourself.
Recently I read the “Śrīla Prabhupāda: The Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON” GBC foundational document by your literary genius Godbrother –Ravīndra Svarūpa Dāsa .
In many of his glorifications of Srila Prabhupada, I was reminded of you, your character and empowerment, drawing me to see how by your devotion and dedication to our Founder Acarya, you are sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ, adorned with sublime characteristics, just like Srila Prabhupada.
Following are some points from the “Founder-Ācārya” document that resonated with me most, acting allusively to yourself.
Text with commentary - page 74 “Founder-Ācārya”
“By cherishing the order of his spiritual master as his greatest treasure and by serving that order without reservation, Śrīla Prabhupāda had been enabled—though alone and unaided— to pick up the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement exactly where Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura had left it off, and then to propel it onward with the same resolute drive that had animated his own spiritual master.
Thus Śrīla Prabhupāda had seen for himself—had proven in action—the potency of discipleship, of servitorship. Owing to servitorship alone, it seemed that the single divine energy—gaura- śakti—had seamlessly continued to act, without interruption, merely transferring itself from one willing instrument to the next.
Now Prabhupāda’s challenge was to instill the same art of spiritual servitorship within his own disciples. If successful, they in turn will pass it on, as the living cultural legacy of ISKCON. If his followers can receive and be worthy of his legacy, developing it and improving it just as he had done, keeping cooperative servitorship at the core of all action—then his work as Founder- Ācārya will find its fulfilment.”
In mine and many others eyes Gurudeva, you have mastered the art of spiritual servitorship, being cent percent sold out to Srila Prabhupada and expertly passing on this message of Godhead with mind blowing dexterity, delivering it so perfectly according to the audience.
Furthermore, Ravīndra Svarūpa prabhu says in “Founder-Ācārya”:
“It is a natural characteristic of spiritual psychology, observable in great devotees and saints, that the experience of empowerment is inevitably accompanied by the experience of extreme humility, and the more empowerment bears fruit, the further humility increases. This compact blend of great accomplishment and great humility is beyond the scope of experience of ordinary materialistic persons. They cannot begin to imagine it.”
Veritably, it's inconceivable to me how you are leading the charge behind so much outreach here in New Zealand (which as you explained in your Vyasa Puja celebration last year is only a smidgen of what's going in light of your other services around the world), yet remain completely soled out to Srila Prabhupada, passing on all credit and fruits of tireless labour to His Divine Grace.
This “compact blend of great accomplishment and great humility” might explain your welcoming bodily lustre; I've always wondered how you have this soft reddish hue to your body, a lot like Bhakti Tirtha Swami I think.
Your dedication and devotion to Srila Prabhupada inspires me so much Gurudeva. You are, in my stubby little eyes, a true legend and I pray to you for mercy and forgiveness for all my shortcomings.
Thank you again and again for bringing me into this massive family and giving me facilities and opportunity to clean and grow.
Really excited to have your darshan at this years Vyasa Puja in Auckland.
Praying to become a real disciple of yours.
Sevaka Vatsala das
śrīmate devāmṛta swāmīn iti nāmine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Śrīmate Devāmṛta Swāmī who is very dear to Lord Kṛṣṇa on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
pracāre pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
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 in the compassionate dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you every day, but especially today, a day when we can all meditate on what great fortune this world has been blessed with to receive such a powerful preacher of Lord Caitanya’s cult such as yourself.
Recently I read the “Śrīla Prabhupāda: The Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON” GBC foundational document by your literary genius Godbrother –Ravīndra Svarūpa Dāsa .
In many of his glorifications of Srila Prabhupada, I was reminded of you, your character and empowerment, drawing me to see how by your devotion and dedication to our Founder Acarya, you are sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ, adorned with sublime characteristics, just like Srila Prabhupada.
Following are some points from the “Founder-Ācārya” document that resonated with me most, acting allusively to yourself.
Text with commentary - page 74 “Founder-Ācārya”
“By cherishing the order of his spiritual master as his greatest treasure and by serving that order without reservation, Śrīla Prabhupāda had been enabled—though alone and unaided— to pick up the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement exactly where Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura had left it off, and then to propel it onward with the same resolute drive that had animated his own spiritual master.
Thus Śrīla Prabhupāda had seen for himself—had proven in action—the potency of discipleship, of servitorship. Owing to servitorship alone, it seemed that the single divine energy—gaura- śakti—had seamlessly continued to act, without interruption, merely transferring itself from one willing instrument to the next.
Now Prabhupāda’s challenge was to instill the same art of spiritual servitorship within his own disciples. If successful, they in turn will pass it on, as the living cultural legacy of ISKCON. If his followers can receive and be worthy of his legacy, developing it and improving it just as he had done, keeping cooperative servitorship at the core of all action—then his work as Founder- Ācārya will find its fulfilment.”
In mine and many others eyes Gurudeva, you have mastered the art of spiritual servitorship, being cent percent sold out to Srila Prabhupada and expertly passing on this message of Godhead with mind blowing dexterity, delivering it so perfectly according to the audience.
Furthermore, Ravīndra Svarūpa prabhu says in “Founder-Ācārya”:
“It is a natural characteristic of spiritual psychology, observable in great devotees and saints, that the experience of empowerment is inevitably accompanied by the experience of extreme humility, and the more empowerment bears fruit, the further humility increases. This compact blend of great accomplishment and great humility is beyond the scope of experience of ordinary materialistic persons. They cannot begin to imagine it.”
Veritably, it's inconceivable to me how you are leading the charge behind so much outreach here in New Zealand (which as you explained in your Vyasa Puja celebration last year is only a smidgen of what's going in light of your other services around the world), yet remain completely soled out to Srila Prabhupada, passing on all credit and fruits of tireless labour to His Divine Grace.
This “compact blend of great accomplishment and great humility” might explain your welcoming bodily lustre; I've always wondered how you have this soft reddish hue to your body, a lot like Bhakti Tirtha Swami I think.
Your dedication and devotion to Srila Prabhupada inspires me so much Gurudeva. You are, in my stubby little eyes, a true legend and I pray to you for mercy and forgiveness for all my shortcomings.
Thank you again and again for bringing me into this massive family and giving me facilities and opportunity to clean and grow.
Really excited to have your darshan at this years Vyasa Puja in Auckland.
Praying to become a real disciple of yours.
Sevaka Vatsala das
Shannon Cooper S.S.d.
All Glories to His Holiness Maharaja Devamrita Swami
Hare Krishna Gurudeva... I offer prostrated obeisance at Your lotus feet in a humble attempt to express my gratitude, for being a shining example too others and leading them along the Bhakti Marga...'The Path of Devotion'.
I am pleased to serve You, Maharaja, and find myself constantly in awe and struck with wonder how You have entrusted such an auspicious undertaking unto Us, and how this has 'mysteriously' fallen upon myself.
I find much pleasure in this undertaking, and I try to fully engage my being in the service of the devotees.
Though sometimes I feel I am becoming overwhelmed, either physically or mentally, I am always finding Krishna only pushing me to the limit of my exertion... and never over. It is quite an experience to have a feeling of flustered bewilderment in one moment, only to have it totally taken care of in the next.
I have much service and sometimes it feels the time I have gets spread a little thin. But again, amazingly, it seems the perfect amount of time spent on each aspect of service !
These are situations and circumstances that are too uncanny and happen all too frequently to be dismissed as random or chance occurances.
When Krishna plays a game, He really knows how to make the jaw drop and the eyes pop... blows me away everytime !
Krishna knows how to apply the perfect amount of pressure to 'juice' out the perfect amount of sincerity, Krishna provides a most nectarian, tailor-made rasa !
... "You're sooo much fun Krishna"...
... "I Love You !!!"
And as I walk the 'Path of Devotion', that You have so kindly shown Us Gurudeva, I must always remember that I was like a peice of paper, screwed up into a tight ball. And it was the Devotees who straightened me out again.
This I attribute to the gift of mercy and commitment You have shown... and for that I am eternally grateful.
The Divine gift that I have recieved from You, was 'The most significant thing anyone has ever given me'. The gift of Bhakti is sooo great...
... and even then I can't percieve how great this gift actually is !!
It's power has resonated within my heart, releasing waves that have swept over those who surround me. Loved ones are automatically being cleansed by the practise and presence of Bhakti !
It is Beautiful... and it is Spectacular... and it is a Light that has brightened up the darkest corners of my existense !!
The Devotees serving before You, Gurudeva, are beacons of inspiration and creativity, tolerance and mercy, purity and piety, regulation and austerity.
These Saintly people that You have empowered, Oh Saintly Master, have the Divine qualities of Angels and are lighthouses, towers of strength, that guide and give hope to those who wayfare across this cold ocean of nescience and misery.
"All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, Our Senopatih Bhakta, who has rallied a troop of Angels that are the embodiment of Peace, Happiness and Love ! Rallied Us to sing, dance, and emanate the light and warmth that is Krishna, as We march out across the cold and dark ignorance that is the material Universe."
I continually ask the questions...
... "How was it that I was so fortunate ?"...
... "How is it that such a darkened and clouded
Soul has been refined to shine ?"
Like a gem pulled from a coal seam, 'You' Guru Maharaja Devamrita Swami, have been instrumental in my uncovering a diamond, and it is the illustrious servants at Your Divine Lotus Feet that are helping me polish that 'big' diamond... For that, I am eternally grateful and super massively indebted !
So Now...
... I hanker to shine up every facet of that diamond and become an Angel of Light.
... I hanker to be fixed in service at the Lotus Feet of Sri Guru.
... I hanker to run into the warm and loving embrace of Sri Krishna and stare into His Eyes of Eternity !!
Thank You Guru Maharaja Devamrita Swami,
All Glories Unto You...
... Sukha Sindhu das :-)
Hare Krishna Gurudeva... I offer prostrated obeisance at Your lotus feet in a humble attempt to express my gratitude, for being a shining example too others and leading them along the Bhakti Marga...'The Path of Devotion'.
I am pleased to serve You, Maharaja, and find myself constantly in awe and struck with wonder how You have entrusted such an auspicious undertaking unto Us, and how this has 'mysteriously' fallen upon myself.
I find much pleasure in this undertaking, and I try to fully engage my being in the service of the devotees.
Though sometimes I feel I am becoming overwhelmed, either physically or mentally, I am always finding Krishna only pushing me to the limit of my exertion... and never over. It is quite an experience to have a feeling of flustered bewilderment in one moment, only to have it totally taken care of in the next.
I have much service and sometimes it feels the time I have gets spread a little thin. But again, amazingly, it seems the perfect amount of time spent on each aspect of service !
These are situations and circumstances that are too uncanny and happen all too frequently to be dismissed as random or chance occurances.
When Krishna plays a game, He really knows how to make the jaw drop and the eyes pop... blows me away everytime !
Krishna knows how to apply the perfect amount of pressure to 'juice' out the perfect amount of sincerity, Krishna provides a most nectarian, tailor-made rasa !
... "You're sooo much fun Krishna"...
... "I Love You !!!"
And as I walk the 'Path of Devotion', that You have so kindly shown Us Gurudeva, I must always remember that I was like a peice of paper, screwed up into a tight ball. And it was the Devotees who straightened me out again.
This I attribute to the gift of mercy and commitment You have shown... and for that I am eternally grateful.
The Divine gift that I have recieved from You, was 'The most significant thing anyone has ever given me'. The gift of Bhakti is sooo great...
... and even then I can't percieve how great this gift actually is !!
It's power has resonated within my heart, releasing waves that have swept over those who surround me. Loved ones are automatically being cleansed by the practise and presence of Bhakti !
It is Beautiful... and it is Spectacular... and it is a Light that has brightened up the darkest corners of my existense !!
The Devotees serving before You, Gurudeva, are beacons of inspiration and creativity, tolerance and mercy, purity and piety, regulation and austerity.
These Saintly people that You have empowered, Oh Saintly Master, have the Divine qualities of Angels and are lighthouses, towers of strength, that guide and give hope to those who wayfare across this cold ocean of nescience and misery.
"All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, Our Senopatih Bhakta, who has rallied a troop of Angels that are the embodiment of Peace, Happiness and Love ! Rallied Us to sing, dance, and emanate the light and warmth that is Krishna, as We march out across the cold and dark ignorance that is the material Universe."
I continually ask the questions...
... "How was it that I was so fortunate ?"...
... "How is it that such a darkened and clouded
Soul has been refined to shine ?"
Like a gem pulled from a coal seam, 'You' Guru Maharaja Devamrita Swami, have been instrumental in my uncovering a diamond, and it is the illustrious servants at Your Divine Lotus Feet that are helping me polish that 'big' diamond... For that, I am eternally grateful and super massively indebted !
So Now...
... I hanker to shine up every facet of that diamond and become an Angel of Light.
... I hanker to be fixed in service at the Lotus Feet of Sri Guru.
... I hanker to run into the warm and loving embrace of Sri Krishna and stare into His Eyes of Eternity !!
Thank You Guru Maharaja Devamrita Swami,
All Glories Unto You...
... Sukha Sindhu das :-)
Shastra Krit Das
Dear Most Gurudeva, i feel so fortunate to be allowed to say few words in glorifying you, Krishna's pure devotee.
Few days ago i was offering arati to my silas & praying to krishna to give me some inspiration to write an offering. My phone was next to me ,a text flashed when i looked and it was a old photo of you. i felt so happy & i felt as if it was a sign from Krishna. After arati i opened the phone eagerly and there was text from this couple i have been cultivating few years now.
The text read " My brother i wanted to share with you this beautiful photo of our Gurumaharaj. Yes i did call him Gurumaharaj, i feel strongly he is My Guru. He is so amazing, i always listen to his classes, he is so personal with our family. Please help me formally connect with him ". The message was from the wife.
I felt so happy to receive this text. I was asking my self why am i feeling so happy, as if some body gave me 10 million dollars ? This happened couple more times earlier this year when two other beautiful, young, educated practitioners of bhakti approached me wanting me to be your disciples. I realized that you are a bonafide spiritual master and bringing a soul or souls to you means ending their cycle of miserable existence with in this material creation, which is very pleasing to krishna.
You always taught us that we should reach out and help others. You always said selfish life is a miserable life. All over the world your disciples are famous for outreach work. Anytime i meet your God brothers or senior devotees from around the world, they always ask me who is your Spiritual master ? I proudly tell them His Holiness Devamrita swami and their immediate response is " oh no wonder you are a book distributor"
What you have given us & how you have drilled into us your disciples the importance of sharing Krishna Bhakti is priceless. Due to an ungrateful heart & being in maya I'm not able to appreciate fully your precious gifts Gurudeva. i don't want to be great , you are so great i only want to humbly assist you in you assisting the Guru Parampara.
Highlight of this years Los Angeles Ratha Yatra was to witness you distributing books and i was able to distribute right next to you for the first time !
Months in advance you spoke to LA temple president about wanting to come and distribute books during this years Ratha Yatra. Sure enough you came even with so many difficulties such as flights getting cancelled etc.. Your eagerness to distribute books was so contagious.
The festival organizers tried to book you for the question and answer booth at the ratha yatra site. You humbly tried to explain to them that you mainly came for the festival to distribute Srila Prabhupads books.
And the organizer's response was " oh even Vaisesika prabhu agreed to be at the question and answer booth for an hour"
Even though you were so hungry to distribute books, when they quoted Vaisesika prabhu immediately you submitted and said "OK ALRIGHT i will do it, but only for an hour right ? " I got to see your mood of cooperation and respect for your God brothers and willingness to sacrifice.
I have distributed books with pretty much most of the maharati's in Iskcon, but witnessing you distribute books was something else. Your laser focus, compassion, humor , purity , generosity just to name a few. I will never be able to understand the depth of your krishna consciousness and your compassion for these lost souls.You were so joyful and it was amazing to see how you exactly knew what to say to each one of them!
There were these two girls very favorable and they bought books and you were so merciful to them. As they were leaving they said so nice to meet you, you replied "nice to meet you too and whispered to us now please put on some clothes :)"
I witnessed in amazement old people, young people, middle aged, devotees, atheists so many different kinds of people buy books from you.
I saw how this one guy came with an attitude, he was challenging and not at all interested but just talking to you for few mins he gave $40 donation and walked away with a whole bunch of books.
I thought to myself "magic happens in the presence of a pure devotee". I remember i when i was first coming along the devotees would ask me to chant on beads and i would refuse to chant on beads, telling them" i don't need beads I'm always chanting in my mind".
When they introduced me to you for the first time, you immediately asked me if I'm chanting on beads? I gave the usual response and you asked me "oh do you realize that you have been contaminated therefore you are not able to chant on beads just like everyone else?"
It worked like reverse psychology for me , i left the room thinking " I'm not contaminated i can chant on beads just like these other boys and girls" so i asked for beads to chant on and immidielty the devotees became so happy and one of them said " just see few mins with a pure devotee you are asking for beads to chant on :)
During Ratha Yatra distribution you would correct me even if was in attentive just for few moments . You did not want a condition soul to miss this rarest opportunity of receiving bhakti seed due to my in attention.
In the middle of distributing books if some devotee came to chat with you, you would say firmly " Im working now, I'm sorry i cant talk "
Vijay Prabhu came and took me away for few mins in the middle of distribution and when i came back you were disturbed and asked me "where did you go ? so many people came and left unattended "
I replied "oh sorry Gurudeva Vijay took me to introduce me to someone who was interested in getting a Srimad Bhagavatam set " then you became pleased and said " then its alright "
You were so eager to distribute and i kept filling the table up with more and more Prabhupad books it was hard to keep up with you, but when it came to selling your own book, Searching for vedic india you were humble about it.
Thank you Gurudeva for your glorious example. It was such an amazing experience to witness you distributing books and to be next you. It naturally came out in my offering while i was contemplating what to say.
Thank you for giving my mother an opportunity to do a little cooking seva for you during this GBC meetings in Wada farm, and be there in your physical presence during your vyasa puja celebration.
All glories, All glories to you Srila Gurudeva.
Shastra Krit Das
New Dwaraka Dham
Oct- 18-2015
Few days ago i was offering arati to my silas & praying to krishna to give me some inspiration to write an offering. My phone was next to me ,a text flashed when i looked and it was a old photo of you. i felt so happy & i felt as if it was a sign from Krishna. After arati i opened the phone eagerly and there was text from this couple i have been cultivating few years now.
The text read " My brother i wanted to share with you this beautiful photo of our Gurumaharaj. Yes i did call him Gurumaharaj, i feel strongly he is My Guru. He is so amazing, i always listen to his classes, he is so personal with our family. Please help me formally connect with him ". The message was from the wife.
I felt so happy to receive this text. I was asking my self why am i feeling so happy, as if some body gave me 10 million dollars ? This happened couple more times earlier this year when two other beautiful, young, educated practitioners of bhakti approached me wanting me to be your disciples. I realized that you are a bonafide spiritual master and bringing a soul or souls to you means ending their cycle of miserable existence with in this material creation, which is very pleasing to krishna.
You always taught us that we should reach out and help others. You always said selfish life is a miserable life. All over the world your disciples are famous for outreach work. Anytime i meet your God brothers or senior devotees from around the world, they always ask me who is your Spiritual master ? I proudly tell them His Holiness Devamrita swami and their immediate response is " oh no wonder you are a book distributor"
What you have given us & how you have drilled into us your disciples the importance of sharing Krishna Bhakti is priceless. Due to an ungrateful heart & being in maya I'm not able to appreciate fully your precious gifts Gurudeva. i don't want to be great , you are so great i only want to humbly assist you in you assisting the Guru Parampara.
Highlight of this years Los Angeles Ratha Yatra was to witness you distributing books and i was able to distribute right next to you for the first time !
Months in advance you spoke to LA temple president about wanting to come and distribute books during this years Ratha Yatra. Sure enough you came even with so many difficulties such as flights getting cancelled etc.. Your eagerness to distribute books was so contagious.
The festival organizers tried to book you for the question and answer booth at the ratha yatra site. You humbly tried to explain to them that you mainly came for the festival to distribute Srila Prabhupads books.
And the organizer's response was " oh even Vaisesika prabhu agreed to be at the question and answer booth for an hour"
Even though you were so hungry to distribute books, when they quoted Vaisesika prabhu immediately you submitted and said "OK ALRIGHT i will do it, but only for an hour right ? " I got to see your mood of cooperation and respect for your God brothers and willingness to sacrifice.
I have distributed books with pretty much most of the maharati's in Iskcon, but witnessing you distribute books was something else. Your laser focus, compassion, humor , purity , generosity just to name a few. I will never be able to understand the depth of your krishna consciousness and your compassion for these lost souls.You were so joyful and it was amazing to see how you exactly knew what to say to each one of them!
There were these two girls very favorable and they bought books and you were so merciful to them. As they were leaving they said so nice to meet you, you replied "nice to meet you too and whispered to us now please put on some clothes :)"
I witnessed in amazement old people, young people, middle aged, devotees, atheists so many different kinds of people buy books from you.
I saw how this one guy came with an attitude, he was challenging and not at all interested but just talking to you for few mins he gave $40 donation and walked away with a whole bunch of books.
I thought to myself "magic happens in the presence of a pure devotee". I remember i when i was first coming along the devotees would ask me to chant on beads and i would refuse to chant on beads, telling them" i don't need beads I'm always chanting in my mind".
When they introduced me to you for the first time, you immediately asked me if I'm chanting on beads? I gave the usual response and you asked me "oh do you realize that you have been contaminated therefore you are not able to chant on beads just like everyone else?"
It worked like reverse psychology for me , i left the room thinking " I'm not contaminated i can chant on beads just like these other boys and girls" so i asked for beads to chant on and immidielty the devotees became so happy and one of them said " just see few mins with a pure devotee you are asking for beads to chant on :)
During Ratha Yatra distribution you would correct me even if was in attentive just for few moments . You did not want a condition soul to miss this rarest opportunity of receiving bhakti seed due to my in attention.
In the middle of distributing books if some devotee came to chat with you, you would say firmly " Im working now, I'm sorry i cant talk "
Vijay Prabhu came and took me away for few mins in the middle of distribution and when i came back you were disturbed and asked me "where did you go ? so many people came and left unattended "
I replied "oh sorry Gurudeva Vijay took me to introduce me to someone who was interested in getting a Srimad Bhagavatam set " then you became pleased and said " then its alright "
You were so eager to distribute and i kept filling the table up with more and more Prabhupad books it was hard to keep up with you, but when it came to selling your own book, Searching for vedic india you were humble about it.
Thank you Gurudeva for your glorious example. It was such an amazing experience to witness you distributing books and to be next you. It naturally came out in my offering while i was contemplating what to say.
Thank you for giving my mother an opportunity to do a little cooking seva for you during this GBC meetings in Wada farm, and be there in your physical presence during your vyasa puja celebration.
All glories, All glories to you Srila Gurudeva.
Shastra Krit Das
New Dwaraka Dham
Oct- 18-2015
Sitapati das, Param Satya dd, and Prahlad
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept our humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet
It is very rare to encounter in this world someone who is both an uncompromising stand and dancing in the conversation of Life.
It is very rare to find someone who is both fully human and fully transcendental; simultaneously a traveller through time, and standing in timeless reality.
Such a person derives their being from beyond this world; rather than from the interaction of the senses and the mind with the objects of the senses.
That transcendental being makes available the unique opportunity of Human Being: a transformative encounter with Nothing; an experience devoid of material designation.
And the paradox of it, the thing that makes it impossible to grasp with logic, is that Life does not end there - rather, that is where it begins.
Song, dance, conversation, and Love.
I am clear that you are such a person.
I acknowledge your stand in this world for timeless transcendent Being, and for what standing there makes available for people.
I acknowledge you for the expertise which which you draw from the timeless teaching of the Veda and make that understandable and relevant to the daily experience of people today.
I acknowledge you for consistently and intentionally creating and sharing from beyond the material world, and empowering others to experience this and share it with others.
brahmeti paramatmeti bhagavan iti shabdyate
Krishnas tu bhagavam svayam.
Nitai Gaura Bhakta Vrinda!
On behalf of Param Satya, Prahlad, and myself:
Your humble servant,
Sitapati das
Please accept our humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet
It is very rare to encounter in this world someone who is both an uncompromising stand and dancing in the conversation of Life.
It is very rare to find someone who is both fully human and fully transcendental; simultaneously a traveller through time, and standing in timeless reality.
Such a person derives their being from beyond this world; rather than from the interaction of the senses and the mind with the objects of the senses.
That transcendental being makes available the unique opportunity of Human Being: a transformative encounter with Nothing; an experience devoid of material designation.
And the paradox of it, the thing that makes it impossible to grasp with logic, is that Life does not end there - rather, that is where it begins.
Song, dance, conversation, and Love.
I am clear that you are such a person.
I acknowledge your stand in this world for timeless transcendent Being, and for what standing there makes available for people.
I acknowledge you for the expertise which which you draw from the timeless teaching of the Veda and make that understandable and relevant to the daily experience of people today.
I acknowledge you for consistently and intentionally creating and sharing from beyond the material world, and empowering others to experience this and share it with others.
brahmeti paramatmeti bhagavan iti shabdyate
Krishnas tu bhagavam svayam.
Nitai Gaura Bhakta Vrinda!
On behalf of Param Satya, Prahlad, and myself:
Your humble servant,
Sitapati das
Sri Goloka Das
Namo Om Visnu Padaya Krsna Presthaya Bhutale Srimati Devamrta Swamin iti namine
Prachare purvam dakshyam ca, bhaktachara pravinata, parathapi karunyam yasya sarve ce te nama.
My Dear Spiritual Father,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your divine appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your Divine Grace!
I am unlimitedly unqualified and a novice in glorifying your Divine Grace, even in writing a homage to you, I have no choice but to depend on your mercy to give this ability to glorify your Divine Grace properly:
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
"I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains."
The Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.21 confirms that any person who seriously desires REAL happiness must take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master:
tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta
jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam
śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ
brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam
The verse goes on to say that Such great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations, should be understood to be bona fide spiritual masters.
This verse has conclusively defined your Divine Grace as a bona fide representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krsna. I remember on many occasions you experienced so much inconveniences and yet you tirelessly move forward to spread the sankirtana movement.
There was one such occasion when you were in a very small room and there was hardly any room to move and I was concerned as I never seen you so uncomfortable and you looked at me and saw the worry in my eyes and you just brushed it aside and said that in Harinama Sankirtana all inconveniences should be tolerated. When you said that, I melted, you already do so much for Srila Prabhupada, flying here and there to spread Krsna consciousness, changing your flights to make sure you take care of your disciples. You have taken so many risks in the past and you continue to do so today. I pray that I can take inspiration from this and follow your example in my comparatively meager service.
I wanted to attempt a poem for the pleasure of your Divine Grace.
Devotional service is attained,
through your Divine Grace,
My life line sustained,
Your instructions to embrace.
My dearmost Spiritual Father,
Unlimited is your mercy,
Putting my life together,
Though unlimitedly unworthy.
Purifying my consciousness
Your words, straight to the heart,
Empowered with providence,
My ignorance taken apart.
Attaining your divine lotus feet
Is the perfection of my being,
Your words one with my heartbeat,
My soul you are freeing.
Transcendental knowledge you spread,
Unlimited souls you save,
Sweat, blood and tears shed,
Road back to Godhead you pave.
Giving your whole life to Srila Prabhupada,
What a glorious spiritual son,
Putting yourself into the yajna
Of Mahaprabhu's Harinama Sankirtan
As the days go by, both Radha Mohini and my love and admiration increases for you. You have brought so much stability into my life and I love the way you explain real bhakti, no pretending, no facades, just the real deal. It is amazing to see such a genuine and authentic example before my eyes. I really thought the scriptures were talking about the bygone ages of saints and highly elevated beings, when Lord Krsna sent you in my life, I was fortunate enough to see a character exactly like what the Vedas explain.
Thank you for being in our life Gurudeva. All glories to you and your divine appearance.
Your servant,
Sri Goloka das
Prachare purvam dakshyam ca, bhaktachara pravinata, parathapi karunyam yasya sarve ce te nama.
My Dear Spiritual Father,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your divine appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your Divine Grace!
I am unlimitedly unqualified and a novice in glorifying your Divine Grace, even in writing a homage to you, I have no choice but to depend on your mercy to give this ability to glorify your Divine Grace properly:
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
"I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains."
The Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.21 confirms that any person who seriously desires REAL happiness must take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master:
tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta
jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam
śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ
brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam
The verse goes on to say that Such great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations, should be understood to be bona fide spiritual masters.
This verse has conclusively defined your Divine Grace as a bona fide representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krsna. I remember on many occasions you experienced so much inconveniences and yet you tirelessly move forward to spread the sankirtana movement.
There was one such occasion when you were in a very small room and there was hardly any room to move and I was concerned as I never seen you so uncomfortable and you looked at me and saw the worry in my eyes and you just brushed it aside and said that in Harinama Sankirtana all inconveniences should be tolerated. When you said that, I melted, you already do so much for Srila Prabhupada, flying here and there to spread Krsna consciousness, changing your flights to make sure you take care of your disciples. You have taken so many risks in the past and you continue to do so today. I pray that I can take inspiration from this and follow your example in my comparatively meager service.
I wanted to attempt a poem for the pleasure of your Divine Grace.
Devotional service is attained,
through your Divine Grace,
My life line sustained,
Your instructions to embrace.
My dearmost Spiritual Father,
Unlimited is your mercy,
Putting my life together,
Though unlimitedly unworthy.
Purifying my consciousness
Your words, straight to the heart,
Empowered with providence,
My ignorance taken apart.
Attaining your divine lotus feet
Is the perfection of my being,
Your words one with my heartbeat,
My soul you are freeing.
Transcendental knowledge you spread,
Unlimited souls you save,
Sweat, blood and tears shed,
Road back to Godhead you pave.
Giving your whole life to Srila Prabhupada,
What a glorious spiritual son,
Putting yourself into the yajna
Of Mahaprabhu's Harinama Sankirtan
As the days go by, both Radha Mohini and my love and admiration increases for you. You have brought so much stability into my life and I love the way you explain real bhakti, no pretending, no facades, just the real deal. It is amazing to see such a genuine and authentic example before my eyes. I really thought the scriptures were talking about the bygone ages of saints and highly elevated beings, when Lord Krsna sent you in my life, I was fortunate enough to see a character exactly like what the Vedas explain.
Thank you for being in our life Gurudeva. All glories to you and your divine appearance.
Your servant,
Sri Goloka das
Sri Jiva Charan dasa
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita-svamin itinamine
I offer my respectful obeisance unto His Holiness Devamrita swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya savre ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurudeva,
You clutch the torch of the lord’s mercy, thus you illuminate thousands of lives around the world; inspiring them to give up their false ego and selflessly serve Krishna. You have embraced the mood of unalloyed devotional service to Srila Prabhupada; hence realizing the transcendental mysteries of the Lord.
“The Lord's mercy descends to a devotee like Brahmā and, through Brahmā, to Nārada, from Nārada to Vyāsa, from Vyāsadeva to Śukadeva and so on in the bona fide chain of disciplic succession. We cannot discover the mysteries of the Lord by our mundane endeavors; they are only revealed, by His grace, to the proper devotees. These mysteries are gradually disclosed to the various grades of devotees in proportion to the gradual development of their service attitude.” (CC Adi 1.52, purport)
You are the embodiment of devotional service and the top-most servant, the Supreme Personality of servitor Godhead. You are a manifestation of Lord Nityananda; a manifestation of the His compassion for his beloved servants, who are temporarily blinded by the darkness of ignorance.
“Only out of His immense compassion does the Personality of Godhead reveal Himself as the spiritual master. Therefore in the dealings of an ācārya there are no activities but those of transcendental loving service to the Lord. He is the Supreme Personality of Servitor Godhead. It is worthwhile to take shelter of such a steady devotee, who is called āśraya-vigraha, or the manifestation or form of the Lord of whom one must take shelter”.... “The bona fide spiritual master always engages in unalloyed devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By this test he is known to be a direct manifestation of the Lord and a genuine representative of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu. Such a spiritual master is known as ācāryadeva” (CC. Adi 1.46 purport)
Your glorious mission is to help the Lord in his pastimes; thus teaching us by your example, how to imbibe the attitude of pure devotional service to appease the Lord – fulfilling his desires.
“Lord Nityānanda, who is Balarāma Himself, the first direct manifestation or expansion of Kṛṣṇa, is the original spiritual master. He helps Lord Kṛṣṇa in His pastimes, and He is a servant of the Lord. Every living entity is eternally a servant of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya; therefore the spiritual master cannot be other than a servant of Lord Caitanya. The spiritual master's eternal occupation is to expand the service of the Lord by training disciples in a service attitude.” (CC Adi 1.44 purport)
Lord Krishna descended as Gaurasundara for two reasons:
1) The External: to deliver the fallen conditioned souls from the darkness of ignorance.
anarpita-carīṁ cirāt karuṇayāvatīrṇaḥ kalau
samarpayitum unnatojjvala-rasāṁ sva-bhakti-śriyam
hariḥ puraṭa-sundara-dyuti-kadamba-sandīpitaḥ
sadā hṛdaya-kandare sphuratu vaḥ śacī-nandanaḥ
“May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Śrīmatī Śacī-devī be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love.” (CC Adi 1.4)
2) The Internal: to relish the sweetness of pure devotion to his own self as experienced by the topmost devotee in all existence.
śrī-rādhāyāḥ praṇaya-mahimā kīdṛśo vānayaivā-
svādyo yenādbhuta-madhurimā kīdṛśo vā madīyaḥ
saukhyaṁ cāsyā mad-anubhavataḥ kīdṛśaṁ veti lobhāt
tad-bhāvāḍhyaḥ samajani śacī-garbha-sindhau harīnduḥ
“Desiring to understand the glory of Rādhārāṇī's love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness She feels when She realizes the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord Hari, richly endowed with Her emotions, appeared from the womb of Śrīmatī Śacī-devī, as the moon appeared from the ocean.” (CC Adi 1.6)
To assist Lord Gauranga in his lila of delivering his beloved parts and parcels; you brilliantly exhibit how to deeply dive into the ocean of preaching.
Under your guidance we are becoming more and more purified within the depths of this Sankirtana ocean. One day we will emerge from that ocean to behold our true-selves in the transcendental land of Vrindavana; tangibly experiencing the exquisite beauty of Sri Sri Radha Krishna, the crest jewel Lord Chaitanya came to give.
Thus you are giving us the opportunity to enter into understanding the Lords inner most desires, by practically engaging us in fulfilling His Sankirtan mission.
My master, my father, I feel so grateful to you for showing me the art of proper servitude and submission; thank you for giving me the opportunity to perfect my life, as Srila Prabhuapda elaborate in his purport:
“His existence can be realized by one who has the single qualification of submissiveness and who thereby becomes a surrendered soul. The development of submissiveness is the cause of proportionate spiritual realization, by which one can ultimately meet the Supreme Lord in person, as a man meets another man face to face. Because of one’s development of transcendental attachment for the Supreme Lord, a surrendered soul feels the presence of his beloved everywhere, and all his senses are engaged in the loving service of the Lord. His eyes are engaged in seeing the beautiful couple Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, sitting on a decorated throne beneath a desire tree in the transcendental land of Vṛndāvana. His nose is engaged in smelling the spiritual aroma of the lotus feet of the Lord. Similarly, his ears are engaged in hearing messages from Vaikuṇṭha, and his hands embrace the lotus feet of the Lord and His associates. Thus the Lord is manifested to a pure devotee from within and without. This is one of the mysteries of the devotional relationship in which a devotee and the Lord are bound by a tie of spontaneous love. To achieve this love should be the goal of life for every living being.” (CC Adi 1.55)
Begging to forever serve your servants, who are so dear to your heart,
Sri Jiva Charan dasa
srimate devamrita-svamin itinamine
I offer my respectful obeisance unto His Holiness Devamrita swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya savre ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurudeva,
You clutch the torch of the lord’s mercy, thus you illuminate thousands of lives around the world; inspiring them to give up their false ego and selflessly serve Krishna. You have embraced the mood of unalloyed devotional service to Srila Prabhupada; hence realizing the transcendental mysteries of the Lord.
“The Lord's mercy descends to a devotee like Brahmā and, through Brahmā, to Nārada, from Nārada to Vyāsa, from Vyāsadeva to Śukadeva and so on in the bona fide chain of disciplic succession. We cannot discover the mysteries of the Lord by our mundane endeavors; they are only revealed, by His grace, to the proper devotees. These mysteries are gradually disclosed to the various grades of devotees in proportion to the gradual development of their service attitude.” (CC Adi 1.52, purport)
You are the embodiment of devotional service and the top-most servant, the Supreme Personality of servitor Godhead. You are a manifestation of Lord Nityananda; a manifestation of the His compassion for his beloved servants, who are temporarily blinded by the darkness of ignorance.
“Only out of His immense compassion does the Personality of Godhead reveal Himself as the spiritual master. Therefore in the dealings of an ācārya there are no activities but those of transcendental loving service to the Lord. He is the Supreme Personality of Servitor Godhead. It is worthwhile to take shelter of such a steady devotee, who is called āśraya-vigraha, or the manifestation or form of the Lord of whom one must take shelter”.... “The bona fide spiritual master always engages in unalloyed devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By this test he is known to be a direct manifestation of the Lord and a genuine representative of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu. Such a spiritual master is known as ācāryadeva” (CC. Adi 1.46 purport)
Your glorious mission is to help the Lord in his pastimes; thus teaching us by your example, how to imbibe the attitude of pure devotional service to appease the Lord – fulfilling his desires.
“Lord Nityānanda, who is Balarāma Himself, the first direct manifestation or expansion of Kṛṣṇa, is the original spiritual master. He helps Lord Kṛṣṇa in His pastimes, and He is a servant of the Lord. Every living entity is eternally a servant of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya; therefore the spiritual master cannot be other than a servant of Lord Caitanya. The spiritual master's eternal occupation is to expand the service of the Lord by training disciples in a service attitude.” (CC Adi 1.44 purport)
Lord Krishna descended as Gaurasundara for two reasons:
1) The External: to deliver the fallen conditioned souls from the darkness of ignorance.
anarpita-carīṁ cirāt karuṇayāvatīrṇaḥ kalau
samarpayitum unnatojjvala-rasāṁ sva-bhakti-śriyam
hariḥ puraṭa-sundara-dyuti-kadamba-sandīpitaḥ
sadā hṛdaya-kandare sphuratu vaḥ śacī-nandanaḥ
“May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Śrīmatī Śacī-devī be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love.” (CC Adi 1.4)
2) The Internal: to relish the sweetness of pure devotion to his own self as experienced by the topmost devotee in all existence.
śrī-rādhāyāḥ praṇaya-mahimā kīdṛśo vānayaivā-
svādyo yenādbhuta-madhurimā kīdṛśo vā madīyaḥ
saukhyaṁ cāsyā mad-anubhavataḥ kīdṛśaṁ veti lobhāt
tad-bhāvāḍhyaḥ samajani śacī-garbha-sindhau harīnduḥ
“Desiring to understand the glory of Rādhārāṇī's love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness She feels when She realizes the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord Hari, richly endowed with Her emotions, appeared from the womb of Śrīmatī Śacī-devī, as the moon appeared from the ocean.” (CC Adi 1.6)
To assist Lord Gauranga in his lila of delivering his beloved parts and parcels; you brilliantly exhibit how to deeply dive into the ocean of preaching.
Under your guidance we are becoming more and more purified within the depths of this Sankirtana ocean. One day we will emerge from that ocean to behold our true-selves in the transcendental land of Vrindavana; tangibly experiencing the exquisite beauty of Sri Sri Radha Krishna, the crest jewel Lord Chaitanya came to give.
Thus you are giving us the opportunity to enter into understanding the Lords inner most desires, by practically engaging us in fulfilling His Sankirtan mission.
My master, my father, I feel so grateful to you for showing me the art of proper servitude and submission; thank you for giving me the opportunity to perfect my life, as Srila Prabhuapda elaborate in his purport:
“His existence can be realized by one who has the single qualification of submissiveness and who thereby becomes a surrendered soul. The development of submissiveness is the cause of proportionate spiritual realization, by which one can ultimately meet the Supreme Lord in person, as a man meets another man face to face. Because of one’s development of transcendental attachment for the Supreme Lord, a surrendered soul feels the presence of his beloved everywhere, and all his senses are engaged in the loving service of the Lord. His eyes are engaged in seeing the beautiful couple Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, sitting on a decorated throne beneath a desire tree in the transcendental land of Vṛndāvana. His nose is engaged in smelling the spiritual aroma of the lotus feet of the Lord. Similarly, his ears are engaged in hearing messages from Vaikuṇṭha, and his hands embrace the lotus feet of the Lord and His associates. Thus the Lord is manifested to a pure devotee from within and without. This is one of the mysteries of the devotional relationship in which a devotee and the Lord are bound by a tie of spontaneous love. To achieve this love should be the goal of life for every living being.” (CC Adi 1.55)
Begging to forever serve your servants, who are so dear to your heart,
Sri Jiva Charan dasa
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
nama om visnu padaya krsna preshtaya bhutale
srimate devamrta swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration.
Thankyou Guru Maharaja for being my light, my inspiration, guide and strength.
From my trench like existence there is nothing to hide from you, nor would I wish to. You can see straight through me, you know where I have come from, where I am going, and all that holds me back. What humbles me most is that despite all of this you have never left me or let me go.
Thankyou for always understanding and being such a loving, wise and encouraging father and spiritual master. You are always very deeply in my heart and I am so grateful that you are there. Thankyou for your most expert advise and guidance.
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
"I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains."
om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-shalakaya
chakshur unmilitam yena
tasmai shri-gurave namaha
"I offer my repeated obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master, who has opened my darkened eyes, that were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge. I offer my obeisances unto him."
Words cannot express my gratitude to you Guru Maharaja, thankyou for saving me.
Today I reach out and beg for your mercy that I may take what you have given me, push through my conditioning and serve you as an honest disciple, expressing my gratitude through action and commitment to your instructions.
I pray for your good health and that I may be able to go a step deeper in my service to you.
Please cast your merciful glance over Gopikaa, Ramai and my whole family, that we can increase our service to you together.
nama-shreshtham manum api shachi-putram atra svarupam
rupam tasyagrajam uru-purim mathurim goshthavatim
radha-kundam giri-varam aho radhika-madhavasham
prapto yasya prathita-kripaya shri-gurum tam nato 'smi
"I bow down to the beautiful lotus feet of my spiritual master, by whose causeless mercy I have obtained the supreme holy name, the divine mantra, the service of the son of Shachimata..."
Your servant,
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
srimate devamrta swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration.
Thankyou Guru Maharaja for being my light, my inspiration, guide and strength.
From my trench like existence there is nothing to hide from you, nor would I wish to. You can see straight through me, you know where I have come from, where I am going, and all that holds me back. What humbles me most is that despite all of this you have never left me or let me go.
Thankyou for always understanding and being such a loving, wise and encouraging father and spiritual master. You are always very deeply in my heart and I am so grateful that you are there. Thankyou for your most expert advise and guidance.
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
"I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains."
om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-shalakaya
chakshur unmilitam yena
tasmai shri-gurave namaha
"I offer my repeated obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master, who has opened my darkened eyes, that were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge. I offer my obeisances unto him."
Words cannot express my gratitude to you Guru Maharaja, thankyou for saving me.
Today I reach out and beg for your mercy that I may take what you have given me, push through my conditioning and serve you as an honest disciple, expressing my gratitude through action and commitment to your instructions.
I pray for your good health and that I may be able to go a step deeper in my service to you.
Please cast your merciful glance over Gopikaa, Ramai and my whole family, that we can increase our service to you together.
nama-shreshtham manum api shachi-putram atra svarupam
rupam tasyagrajam uru-purim mathurim goshthavatim
radha-kundam giri-varam aho radhika-madhavasham
prapto yasya prathita-kripaya shri-gurum tam nato 'smi
"I bow down to the beautiful lotus feet of my spiritual master, by whose causeless mercy I have obtained the supreme holy name, the divine mantra, the service of the son of Shachimata..."
Your servant,
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
Sriman Nrsimha das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your divine appearance! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Another year passed in Krishna's service - this is truly triumphant! While recently on book distribution I came across a sleek and stylish young man who worked for a top-brand male clothing store. He looked the part as he coolly puffed away on his cigarette during his work break. As I put a Bhagavad-Gita in his hand and showed him the ‘changing bodies’ picture, his face sunk with a horrid expression and tears welled in his eyes. He took the book and revealed his inner lamentation: having ‘aimlessly’ hit his 30s. We are eternally indebted to Srila Prabhupada and great souls such as you, Guru Maharaj, who hold high and spread the light of transcendental wisdom throughout the darkness of Kali Yuga shedding direction to its lost generations. Even more, profoundly, should be our gratitude for allowing us the opportunity to then assist you in the same sacred task. It appears that Lord Caitanya's sankirtan movement is the exclusive prized possession of the devotee because it involves the complete glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Reflecting thus on how you saved me and gave me direction, I felt calm and safe. I got a fragment of a realization that for a devotee, as time passes, it feels ‘good’, ‘natural’ and ‘comforting’ to age in Krishna Consciousness - what a relief!
Thank you for indiscriminately bestowing me with the gift of devotional service. Over the years, one can begin to realize how rare this is - it should be protected at all costs, and that means not messing up with devotees. It is astounding to witness how devotional sensitivity slowly manifests as one tries to do everything necessary to be in the best consciousness to perform service for Krishna. We begin to actively catch our anarthas, suppress them and fight them off with steady, dedicated service for the pleasure of Guru and Gauranga. As Srila Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Devotion, the heart goes from being hard like a thunderbolt, gold or lac to soft like honey, butter and nectar. Sometimes, with all the passion in todays life, we may carelessly drop, misplace, break or loose ‘things’ but because such ‘things’ can be used in Krishna’s service, they take on the same spiritual nature. How sensitive Mother Yasoda must be, for Krishna, the Supreme Absolute Truth, to place Himself as a ‘helpless’ baby in her arms! The initial sensation of “phew! Krishna has protected me” gradually becomes “oh no! I must protect Krishna!”. Guru Maharaj, please give me insight on what it feels like to carry anxiety for Krishna-the transcendental burden of the spiritual master.
On this auspicious 65th Vyasa Puja celebration of yours, I wish to express my gratitude and increasing desire to contemplate on, and serve your instructions. May Lord Nrsimhadeva continue to protect and enhance your eternal service to Srila Prabhupada!
Your insignificant servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your divine appearance! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Another year passed in Krishna's service - this is truly triumphant! While recently on book distribution I came across a sleek and stylish young man who worked for a top-brand male clothing store. He looked the part as he coolly puffed away on his cigarette during his work break. As I put a Bhagavad-Gita in his hand and showed him the ‘changing bodies’ picture, his face sunk with a horrid expression and tears welled in his eyes. He took the book and revealed his inner lamentation: having ‘aimlessly’ hit his 30s. We are eternally indebted to Srila Prabhupada and great souls such as you, Guru Maharaj, who hold high and spread the light of transcendental wisdom throughout the darkness of Kali Yuga shedding direction to its lost generations. Even more, profoundly, should be our gratitude for allowing us the opportunity to then assist you in the same sacred task. It appears that Lord Caitanya's sankirtan movement is the exclusive prized possession of the devotee because it involves the complete glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Reflecting thus on how you saved me and gave me direction, I felt calm and safe. I got a fragment of a realization that for a devotee, as time passes, it feels ‘good’, ‘natural’ and ‘comforting’ to age in Krishna Consciousness - what a relief!
Thank you for indiscriminately bestowing me with the gift of devotional service. Over the years, one can begin to realize how rare this is - it should be protected at all costs, and that means not messing up with devotees. It is astounding to witness how devotional sensitivity slowly manifests as one tries to do everything necessary to be in the best consciousness to perform service for Krishna. We begin to actively catch our anarthas, suppress them and fight them off with steady, dedicated service for the pleasure of Guru and Gauranga. As Srila Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Devotion, the heart goes from being hard like a thunderbolt, gold or lac to soft like honey, butter and nectar. Sometimes, with all the passion in todays life, we may carelessly drop, misplace, break or loose ‘things’ but because such ‘things’ can be used in Krishna’s service, they take on the same spiritual nature. How sensitive Mother Yasoda must be, for Krishna, the Supreme Absolute Truth, to place Himself as a ‘helpless’ baby in her arms! The initial sensation of “phew! Krishna has protected me” gradually becomes “oh no! I must protect Krishna!”. Guru Maharaj, please give me insight on what it feels like to carry anxiety for Krishna-the transcendental burden of the spiritual master.
On this auspicious 65th Vyasa Puja celebration of yours, I wish to express my gratitude and increasing desire to contemplate on, and serve your instructions. May Lord Nrsimhadeva continue to protect and enhance your eternal service to Srila Prabhupada!
Your insignificant servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Sruti-cari dd
Dear Guru Deva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Reading your book ‘Bhakti-Bhava, the emotional dynamics of a devotee’ recently I was again amazed at your skill, not only in presenting the highest truths, but of making them relevant and applicable in our everyday lives.
As I read, I can visualize you sitting with your microphone, on a large stage, in a vast pandal or tent, speaking to an eager audience of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian devotees. Your sentence structures are short and simple for easy translation, but the subject matter ranges over realities from both the material and spiritual realms with such ease I am astonished.
You start by expertly revealing the unnoticed anxiety that lurks at the back of our hearts and taints our efforts at bhakti, ‘is there a future for my heart and its longings in bhakti?’
Then you describe the initial relief we experience when we start our Bhakti practice and how that emotion of relief won’t sustain us for the long haul.
You explode any thoughts that voidism or Impersonalism might provide the same emotional benefits as Bhakti.
You demonstrate how simply ‘believing in Krishna’ is boring! And you explain how devotional service brings us ecstasy.
You point out how even God wants to do devotional service. You disclose the thrill Advaita Acarya experiences in choosing to forgetting his position as God, and identifying himself as the servant of Lord Chaitanya.
That’s just the first chapter!
These are such deep philosophical truths expressed in such a down to earth way they seem to be obvious.
Your skillful way of moving from one topic to another makes it so enlivening to read. Your humor and gentle teasing of the devotees’ keeps me hanging on every word. I imagine your audiences in Russia and the Ukraine were too.
I regret that I have been unable to serve you much in the last few years. The struggle to regain my health has facilitated a much-needed mental re-examination. Many unconscious but deeply rooted ideas have been overhauled. There was so much goop lurking in the bottom of my heart, which needed to be cleaned out. Much of it was pretty thoroughly baked on! It has been a messy job, one that is not yet finished! But you as my loving father have kindly and patient encouraged and inspired me.
I beg you to forgive me for any offences I have made along the way. Despite all my up’s and down’s and lots of misunderstandings I always felt your fatherly love for me. I am very grateful for that.
Recently you encouraged me to learn the skills of writing and editing. I can see many opportunities to use these tools in outreach, and am quite excited about this new direction in my life. I hope to develop these abilities so that I can serve you and again taste the nectar of devotional service.
Following on the footsteps of Advaita Acarya, I joyously call out:
“I am the servant of my spiritual master!
“I am the servant of my spiritual master!
“I am the servant of His servants!”
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Reading your book ‘Bhakti-Bhava, the emotional dynamics of a devotee’ recently I was again amazed at your skill, not only in presenting the highest truths, but of making them relevant and applicable in our everyday lives.
As I read, I can visualize you sitting with your microphone, on a large stage, in a vast pandal or tent, speaking to an eager audience of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian devotees. Your sentence structures are short and simple for easy translation, but the subject matter ranges over realities from both the material and spiritual realms with such ease I am astonished.
You start by expertly revealing the unnoticed anxiety that lurks at the back of our hearts and taints our efforts at bhakti, ‘is there a future for my heart and its longings in bhakti?’
Then you describe the initial relief we experience when we start our Bhakti practice and how that emotion of relief won’t sustain us for the long haul.
You explode any thoughts that voidism or Impersonalism might provide the same emotional benefits as Bhakti.
You demonstrate how simply ‘believing in Krishna’ is boring! And you explain how devotional service brings us ecstasy.
You point out how even God wants to do devotional service. You disclose the thrill Advaita Acarya experiences in choosing to forgetting his position as God, and identifying himself as the servant of Lord Chaitanya.
That’s just the first chapter!
These are such deep philosophical truths expressed in such a down to earth way they seem to be obvious.
Your skillful way of moving from one topic to another makes it so enlivening to read. Your humor and gentle teasing of the devotees’ keeps me hanging on every word. I imagine your audiences in Russia and the Ukraine were too.
I regret that I have been unable to serve you much in the last few years. The struggle to regain my health has facilitated a much-needed mental re-examination. Many unconscious but deeply rooted ideas have been overhauled. There was so much goop lurking in the bottom of my heart, which needed to be cleaned out. Much of it was pretty thoroughly baked on! It has been a messy job, one that is not yet finished! But you as my loving father have kindly and patient encouraged and inspired me.
I beg you to forgive me for any offences I have made along the way. Despite all my up’s and down’s and lots of misunderstandings I always felt your fatherly love for me. I am very grateful for that.
Recently you encouraged me to learn the skills of writing and editing. I can see many opportunities to use these tools in outreach, and am quite excited about this new direction in my life. I hope to develop these abilities so that I can serve you and again taste the nectar of devotional service.
Following on the footsteps of Advaita Acarya, I joyously call out:
“I am the servant of my spiritual master!
“I am the servant of my spiritual master!
“I am the servant of His servants!”
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari dd
Stambha bhava das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Srimad Bhagavatam so eloquently describes the instructions of the Spiritual Master to be favourable winds that push the conditioned soul, situated on the ship of the body, across the ocean of nescience. In this analogy, the Spiritual Master is depicted as the captain of the ship. The expert Spiritual Master knows exactly what Krishna wants at every moment, therefore he instructs his disciple accordingly.
In a lecture from 2003 you explain:
"When you experience that the Guru cares for you more than you care for yourself, that is an unforgettable experience. By following the instructions of the Guru you get to see that Krishna cares about you and everyone else, more than you care for yourself."
In a commentary to B.G. 2.41, Srila Visvanatha Cakravati Thakura wonderfully describes the attitude a disciple must develop to acquire this experience:
"In Bhakti Yoga one's intelligence becomes single pointed or fixed in determination. One thinks "The instructions of my Spiritual Master to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead by chanting, remembering and serving his lotus feet and so on, are my only sadhana, my only Sadhya, my only livelihood. I am incapable of giving up these instructions either in the stage of practice or in the stage of perfection. They alone are my object of desire and my only responsibility. Besides them I can desire no other responsibility, not even in my dreams. It is all the same to me whether I feel happy or unhappy or whether my material existence is eradicated or not."
I have to admit Gurudeva, in the past I have certainly felt hesitant in executing some of your instructions. However, over time, the mystical process of Bhakti Yoga has completely eradicated my mundane misconceptions about what is possible. Indeed, I have certainly witnessed 'the impossible'. By following your instructions we can overcome seemingly insurmountable anarthas and become steady in devotional service. By your grace even devotees with completely different personalities can establish and develop loving relationships. These are just a few of the mystical accomplishments I have witnessed over the years. I have certainly realised that you care for me more than I care for myself.
You have showered so much love, care and guidance on this fallen soul. Please accept the following poem as a humble attempt to express the tremendous gratitude I feel towards you:
The Supersoul in the heart does dwell,
revealing to you my anarthas so well.
Your words empowered, are the key,
to setting me free eternally.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Your no.1 priority, sixteen rounds a day,"
so much joy can be had in this way!
Delivering my mind from constant anxiety,
you saved me from a life of hellish impiety.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Distribute books and develop compassion",
save mankind from the greatest depression.
This selfless service can be so, so sweet;
let me take shelter at Gaura's lotus feet!
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Tell you parents you took hard drugs",
the wrong kind of ecstasy that's fit for dogs.
Sincerely, I regret a youth misspent,
Now is the time to fully repent.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Play Golf with Father once a year"
This ritual indeed, keeps him dear.
His only handicap now is fear;
I’ll never accept that post-match beer!
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"The lust monster lurks deep in the heart;
selfless service, is the spear that tears it apart!"
When will I be rid of this eternal enemy,
and attain bliss, knowledge, tranquility?
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Study the Shastra and become learned,"
for one to know Krishna, you’re very concerned.
From knowledge comes prema, supreme glee!
The goal of life, your instructions guarantee.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Serve all others like they’re holding a danda,"
humble service prevents many a blunder.
In this way, real camaraderie can start;
we’ll feel inspired and happy at heart.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
In times of trouble, the only shelter one should seek,
is menial service at Guru’s lotus feet.
Then real solace finally enters the mind;
Oh, beloved Gurudeva, you are so, so kind!
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
Your servant
Stambha bhava das
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Srimad Bhagavatam so eloquently describes the instructions of the Spiritual Master to be favourable winds that push the conditioned soul, situated on the ship of the body, across the ocean of nescience. In this analogy, the Spiritual Master is depicted as the captain of the ship. The expert Spiritual Master knows exactly what Krishna wants at every moment, therefore he instructs his disciple accordingly.
In a lecture from 2003 you explain:
"When you experience that the Guru cares for you more than you care for yourself, that is an unforgettable experience. By following the instructions of the Guru you get to see that Krishna cares about you and everyone else, more than you care for yourself."
In a commentary to B.G. 2.41, Srila Visvanatha Cakravati Thakura wonderfully describes the attitude a disciple must develop to acquire this experience:
"In Bhakti Yoga one's intelligence becomes single pointed or fixed in determination. One thinks "The instructions of my Spiritual Master to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead by chanting, remembering and serving his lotus feet and so on, are my only sadhana, my only Sadhya, my only livelihood. I am incapable of giving up these instructions either in the stage of practice or in the stage of perfection. They alone are my object of desire and my only responsibility. Besides them I can desire no other responsibility, not even in my dreams. It is all the same to me whether I feel happy or unhappy or whether my material existence is eradicated or not."
I have to admit Gurudeva, in the past I have certainly felt hesitant in executing some of your instructions. However, over time, the mystical process of Bhakti Yoga has completely eradicated my mundane misconceptions about what is possible. Indeed, I have certainly witnessed 'the impossible'. By following your instructions we can overcome seemingly insurmountable anarthas and become steady in devotional service. By your grace even devotees with completely different personalities can establish and develop loving relationships. These are just a few of the mystical accomplishments I have witnessed over the years. I have certainly realised that you care for me more than I care for myself.
You have showered so much love, care and guidance on this fallen soul. Please accept the following poem as a humble attempt to express the tremendous gratitude I feel towards you:
The Supersoul in the heart does dwell,
revealing to you my anarthas so well.
Your words empowered, are the key,
to setting me free eternally.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Your no.1 priority, sixteen rounds a day,"
so much joy can be had in this way!
Delivering my mind from constant anxiety,
you saved me from a life of hellish impiety.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Distribute books and develop compassion",
save mankind from the greatest depression.
This selfless service can be so, so sweet;
let me take shelter at Gaura's lotus feet!
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Tell you parents you took hard drugs",
the wrong kind of ecstasy that's fit for dogs.
Sincerely, I regret a youth misspent,
Now is the time to fully repent.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Play Golf with Father once a year"
This ritual indeed, keeps him dear.
His only handicap now is fear;
I’ll never accept that post-match beer!
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"The lust monster lurks deep in the heart;
selfless service, is the spear that tears it apart!"
When will I be rid of this eternal enemy,
and attain bliss, knowledge, tranquility?
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Study the Shastra and become learned,"
for one to know Krishna, you’re very concerned.
From knowledge comes prema, supreme glee!
The goal of life, your instructions guarantee.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
"Serve all others like they’re holding a danda,"
humble service prevents many a blunder.
In this way, real camaraderie can start;
we’ll feel inspired and happy at heart.
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
In times of trouble, the only shelter one should seek,
is menial service at Guru’s lotus feet.
Then real solace finally enters the mind;
Oh, beloved Gurudeva, you are so, so kind!
Your perfect instructions are my life and soul, your lotus feet my only goal!
Your servant
Stambha bhava das
Subuddhi-Raya Dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The sixth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam describes the awkward position of the conditioned living entity enamored by the illusory energy.
“The foolish embodied living entity, inept at controlling his senses and mind, is forced to act according to the influence of the modes of material nature, against his desires. He is like a silkworm that uses its own saliva to create a cocoon and then becomes trapped in it, with no possibility of getting out. The living entity traps himself in a network of his own fruitive activities and then can find no way to release himself. Thus he is always bewildered, and repeatedly he dies.”
This offering is an attempt to thank you for saving me from the type of existence described above. I know for certain that I was bewildered and was in the process of completing my cocoon made up of fruitive activities, but somehow a few years back I had the fortunate opportunity to meet one of your disciples on the street distributing Prabhupada’s books.
Srila Prabhupada describes in chapter 2 of the sixth canto, our situation before and after meeting devotees of Krishna.
“Those engaged in broadcasting the holy name of Krishna, through the Krishna consciousness movement should always consider what our position was before we came and what it is now. We had fallen into abominable lives as meat-eaters, drunkards and women hunters who performed all kinds of sinful activities, but now we have been given the opportunity to chant the Hare Krishna mantra. Therefore we should always appreciate this opportunity.”
In the next verse Ajamila shows us where our consciousness and determination should be situated.
“I am such a sinful person, but since I have now gotten this opportunity, I must completely control my mind, life, and senses and always engage in devotional service so that I may not fall again into the deep darkness and ignorance of material life.”
Srila Prabhupada elaborates;
“Every one of us should have this determination. We have been elevated to an exalted position by the mercy of Krishna and the spiritual master, and if we remember that this is a great opportunity and pray to Krishna that we will not fall again, our lives will be successful.
I pray to Krishna and I pray to you that I can always remain in the association of devotees, I would like to never again re-enter the abominable materialistic life of darkness and ignorance described by Ajamila.
I can remember how the so-called happiness that lifestyle produced was so insignificant that it was like torture because of how insubstantial the happiness actually was.
Due to your mercy, guidance and support we are able to make our lives successful. Thank you for providing all the inspiration one needs to see how one may be situated solidly in Krishna’s service with a controlled mind and how joyous one becomes when his life is dedicated to Krishna.
It is said that the minds of great souls are always engaged in thoughts of Krishna. With their minds engaged in Krishna, naturally such captivated devotees simply talk of Krishna and spread His glories to as many people in as many places as possible.
This describes you so well but unfortunately this does not reflect my consciousness and actions as much as I would like, but because you have expertly provided this shelter of the brahmacari ashram I feel I have the opportunity to develop my consciousness and actions in this way.
Hearing is the opportunity we have to associate with Krishna, to hear His activities, His names, to hear about His beauty is to evolve ones transcendental nature.
Under your guidance one gets the fortunate opportunity to practice the correct lifestyle to put Krishna in the centre and to always hear and talk about Him.
In the Bhagavad-Gita Krishna advises everybody to always think of Him, render devotional service to Him, worship Him and offer obeisances to Him. As Prabhupada has said, this is the way to become fully Krishna-ized and to go back home to the spiritual world.
Thank you for continuously illuminating the path of freedom for myself and all whom you meet so that we may also evolve our transcendental natures and become happy and make others happy as you yourself are constantly doing by travelling the globe and spreading the glories of Krishna with wonderful expertise.
Although I can not properly express my gratitude for all that you do I would like to thank you again for being a transcendental hero and pulling me out of the dangerous ocean of material life and then providing the wisdom, inspiration and correct lifestyle management to keep me from falling back in.
Ys
Subuddhi-Raya Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The sixth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam describes the awkward position of the conditioned living entity enamored by the illusory energy.
“The foolish embodied living entity, inept at controlling his senses and mind, is forced to act according to the influence of the modes of material nature, against his desires. He is like a silkworm that uses its own saliva to create a cocoon and then becomes trapped in it, with no possibility of getting out. The living entity traps himself in a network of his own fruitive activities and then can find no way to release himself. Thus he is always bewildered, and repeatedly he dies.”
This offering is an attempt to thank you for saving me from the type of existence described above. I know for certain that I was bewildered and was in the process of completing my cocoon made up of fruitive activities, but somehow a few years back I had the fortunate opportunity to meet one of your disciples on the street distributing Prabhupada’s books.
Srila Prabhupada describes in chapter 2 of the sixth canto, our situation before and after meeting devotees of Krishna.
“Those engaged in broadcasting the holy name of Krishna, through the Krishna consciousness movement should always consider what our position was before we came and what it is now. We had fallen into abominable lives as meat-eaters, drunkards and women hunters who performed all kinds of sinful activities, but now we have been given the opportunity to chant the Hare Krishna mantra. Therefore we should always appreciate this opportunity.”
In the next verse Ajamila shows us where our consciousness and determination should be situated.
“I am such a sinful person, but since I have now gotten this opportunity, I must completely control my mind, life, and senses and always engage in devotional service so that I may not fall again into the deep darkness and ignorance of material life.”
Srila Prabhupada elaborates;
“Every one of us should have this determination. We have been elevated to an exalted position by the mercy of Krishna and the spiritual master, and if we remember that this is a great opportunity and pray to Krishna that we will not fall again, our lives will be successful.
I pray to Krishna and I pray to you that I can always remain in the association of devotees, I would like to never again re-enter the abominable materialistic life of darkness and ignorance described by Ajamila.
I can remember how the so-called happiness that lifestyle produced was so insignificant that it was like torture because of how insubstantial the happiness actually was.
Due to your mercy, guidance and support we are able to make our lives successful. Thank you for providing all the inspiration one needs to see how one may be situated solidly in Krishna’s service with a controlled mind and how joyous one becomes when his life is dedicated to Krishna.
It is said that the minds of great souls are always engaged in thoughts of Krishna. With their minds engaged in Krishna, naturally such captivated devotees simply talk of Krishna and spread His glories to as many people in as many places as possible.
This describes you so well but unfortunately this does not reflect my consciousness and actions as much as I would like, but because you have expertly provided this shelter of the brahmacari ashram I feel I have the opportunity to develop my consciousness and actions in this way.
Hearing is the opportunity we have to associate with Krishna, to hear His activities, His names, to hear about His beauty is to evolve ones transcendental nature.
Under your guidance one gets the fortunate opportunity to practice the correct lifestyle to put Krishna in the centre and to always hear and talk about Him.
In the Bhagavad-Gita Krishna advises everybody to always think of Him, render devotional service to Him, worship Him and offer obeisances to Him. As Prabhupada has said, this is the way to become fully Krishna-ized and to go back home to the spiritual world.
Thank you for continuously illuminating the path of freedom for myself and all whom you meet so that we may also evolve our transcendental natures and become happy and make others happy as you yourself are constantly doing by travelling the globe and spreading the glories of Krishna with wonderful expertise.
Although I can not properly express my gratitude for all that you do I would like to thank you again for being a transcendental hero and pulling me out of the dangerous ocean of material life and then providing the wisdom, inspiration and correct lifestyle management to keep me from falling back in.
Ys
Subuddhi-Raya Dasa
Suhaila Sizali
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
Gurudeva,
Without your words, love and mercy, I would not have continued this path of bhakti yoga.
The encouragement you have given me provided me with the strength and made me realised how important bhakti yoga is.
As a new devotee, you have thought me how to be humble in order to progress.
Gurudeva,
You have softened our hearts.
How could we ever repay this gift of yours?
Thank you for your love, mercy and affection.
I pray to always be in your service.
From the heart of your aspiring servant.
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
Gurudeva,
Without your words, love and mercy, I would not have continued this path of bhakti yoga.
The encouragement you have given me provided me with the strength and made me realised how important bhakti yoga is.
As a new devotee, you have thought me how to be humble in order to progress.
Gurudeva,
You have softened our hearts.
How could we ever repay this gift of yours?
Thank you for your love, mercy and affection.
I pray to always be in your service.
From the heart of your aspiring servant.
Sukhī Bhakta Dāsa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your appearance day!
In Bhagavad-Gita Krishna tells Arjuna how he may come to understand the science of Krishna Consciousness.
<i>tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ</i>
Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.
Srila Prabhupada continues on in the purport to explain that advancement in spiritual life is undoubtedly difficult, but that with the guidance of a genuine spiritual master a bona fide, submissive disciple can come to understand how to traverse the path. I feel myself most fortunate that Krishna has blessed me with such a merciful and genuine spiritual master in you Gurudeva. As the fog of material conceptions slowly clears away from my heart, I realize more and more how far away from the goal of pure devotional service I am and how lost I am in even understanding what constitutes the path of devotional service, and what to speak of how to get along in it. However, I can always count on your lectures, your kirtans, your instructions, and your personal example to shed light and push me and encourage me further along on the way towards Krishna. It is clear to me that your experience of the truth of Krishna Consciousness is lightyears away from whatever little glimpses I get, and seeing this gives me hope that I may also be so fortunate if I follow your guidance in practicing spiritual life. Although undeserving, I hope that I may continue to be blessed in receiving your mercy and that my desert-like heart may one day realize the nectar of service and submissive inquiry to you and Krishna.
Thank you for reaching out to help me time and time again.
Your servant,
Sukhi Bhakta dasa
In Bhagavad-Gita Krishna tells Arjuna how he may come to understand the science of Krishna Consciousness.
<i>tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ</i>
Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.
Srila Prabhupada continues on in the purport to explain that advancement in spiritual life is undoubtedly difficult, but that with the guidance of a genuine spiritual master a bona fide, submissive disciple can come to understand how to traverse the path. I feel myself most fortunate that Krishna has blessed me with such a merciful and genuine spiritual master in you Gurudeva. As the fog of material conceptions slowly clears away from my heart, I realize more and more how far away from the goal of pure devotional service I am and how lost I am in even understanding what constitutes the path of devotional service, and what to speak of how to get along in it. However, I can always count on your lectures, your kirtans, your instructions, and your personal example to shed light and push me and encourage me further along on the way towards Krishna. It is clear to me that your experience of the truth of Krishna Consciousness is lightyears away from whatever little glimpses I get, and seeing this gives me hope that I may also be so fortunate if I follow your guidance in practicing spiritual life. Although undeserving, I hope that I may continue to be blessed in receiving your mercy and that my desert-like heart may one day realize the nectar of service and submissive inquiry to you and Krishna.
Thank you for reaching out to help me time and time again.
Your servant,
Sukhi Bhakta dasa
Sundarangi Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this glorious occasion of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
What a wonderful opportunity to praise you on this glorious day of your appearance! To glorify you for the pleasure of the devotees and Krsna!
Gurudeva you were so kindly coaching me to cook for you recently. You asked is it possible to use more spices? Then a few days later you said that spicing still needs to increase one notch higher. My ego sometimes mistakenly thinks that I am helping you but actually you have helped me see through that illusion, to see that actually it is only by your care and attention that I get to render any devotional service. Your tireless compassionate self keeps reaching out to me again and again, trying to reawaken me in the culture of selfless loving service for Krsna.
One evening Gurudeva you rang me late in the day and said "You are the only one I can get a hold of around here, last man standing! (laughing)" "Lucky me" I replied. You explained there were several items you needed that evening. Fortunately I had remembered my husbands advice to always leave my phone on when you are here. I felt so grateful to have been able to assist and your good humoured manner really affected me, I felt very enlivened. Thank you for engaging me in your service and teaching by your mild example. Thank you for showing me how to always see the positive and laugh! It was a real release.
Gurudeva we are so fortunate to have some service with the Bhakti Lounge Philadelphia, to try and assist the devotees who are manifesting Lord Caitanyas sankirtan movement. I took note when you said "the art of cultivation is to show people that material happiness is miserable without them becoming offended". I feel encouraged when I remember you saying that Lord Caitanyas sankirtan movement will spread, our choice is whether we chose to be a part of it (and get the credit). This smashes my fears that it is something I can or cannot do that will make the difference. You encourage me to look critically at my desire and try more and more to be a useful instrument.
Thank you for visiting so often this summer and giving me some service. It is so exciting to get some personal service for you, to assist with the outreach here, to meet more of our amazing family in this part of the world, to hear of devotees service, to see devotees move into the temple ashram and take initiation! In Bhagavad Gita Srila Prabhupada tells us the result of Krsna consciousness is to enjoy life with a thrill at every moment (BG 18.76 Purport). Well its certainly like that when you are here Gurudeva.
I'm slowly learning that pleasing you is the real goal of my life. Thank you for your patience.
Taking your advice to "try and do some service that attracts Krsna's attention" I'm desiring to be an unconditional servant,
Sundarangi Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this glorious occasion of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
What a wonderful opportunity to praise you on this glorious day of your appearance! To glorify you for the pleasure of the devotees and Krsna!
Gurudeva you were so kindly coaching me to cook for you recently. You asked is it possible to use more spices? Then a few days later you said that spicing still needs to increase one notch higher. My ego sometimes mistakenly thinks that I am helping you but actually you have helped me see through that illusion, to see that actually it is only by your care and attention that I get to render any devotional service. Your tireless compassionate self keeps reaching out to me again and again, trying to reawaken me in the culture of selfless loving service for Krsna.
One evening Gurudeva you rang me late in the day and said "You are the only one I can get a hold of around here, last man standing! (laughing)" "Lucky me" I replied. You explained there were several items you needed that evening. Fortunately I had remembered my husbands advice to always leave my phone on when you are here. I felt so grateful to have been able to assist and your good humoured manner really affected me, I felt very enlivened. Thank you for engaging me in your service and teaching by your mild example. Thank you for showing me how to always see the positive and laugh! It was a real release.
Gurudeva we are so fortunate to have some service with the Bhakti Lounge Philadelphia, to try and assist the devotees who are manifesting Lord Caitanyas sankirtan movement. I took note when you said "the art of cultivation is to show people that material happiness is miserable without them becoming offended". I feel encouraged when I remember you saying that Lord Caitanyas sankirtan movement will spread, our choice is whether we chose to be a part of it (and get the credit). This smashes my fears that it is something I can or cannot do that will make the difference. You encourage me to look critically at my desire and try more and more to be a useful instrument.
Thank you for visiting so often this summer and giving me some service. It is so exciting to get some personal service for you, to assist with the outreach here, to meet more of our amazing family in this part of the world, to hear of devotees service, to see devotees move into the temple ashram and take initiation! In Bhagavad Gita Srila Prabhupada tells us the result of Krsna consciousness is to enjoy life with a thrill at every moment (BG 18.76 Purport). Well its certainly like that when you are here Gurudeva.
I'm slowly learning that pleasing you is the real goal of my life. Thank you for your patience.
Taking your advice to "try and do some service that attracts Krsna's attention" I'm desiring to be an unconditional servant,
Sundarangi Devi Dasi
Sunirmala Gaur Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj,
Please Accept My Humble Obesiences,
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada,
All Glories to Guru Maharaj,
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way--- which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet . By his grace one can cross the ocean of material sufferings and obtain the mercy of Krishna .
My only wish to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.
He opened my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge . He is my spiritual master --- by him ignorance is destroyed.
Our spiritual master is ocean of mercy , he is friendly and master of his devotees. Respected Guru Maharaj , please be merciful on me . Your servant is praying to become worthy of his master.
I pray to God for a long and healthy life of HH Devamrita Swami Maharaj on this auspicious day and always.
So that we can get his blessings and heart touching lectures .
Your insignificant servant,
Sunirmala Gaur Devi Dasi,
Faridabad .
Please Accept My Humble Obesiences,
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada,
All Glories to Guru Maharaj,
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way--- which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet . By his grace one can cross the ocean of material sufferings and obtain the mercy of Krishna .
My only wish to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.
He opened my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge . He is my spiritual master --- by him ignorance is destroyed.
Our spiritual master is ocean of mercy , he is friendly and master of his devotees. Respected Guru Maharaj , please be merciful on me . Your servant is praying to become worthy of his master.
I pray to God for a long and healthy life of HH Devamrita Swami Maharaj on this auspicious day and always.
So that we can get his blessings and heart touching lectures .
Your insignificant servant,
Sunirmala Gaur Devi Dasi,
Faridabad .
Surapala dasa
Las Vegas, Oct. 18 2015
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my most humble obeisances into the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In this most important and glorious day of the year for your disciples – your divine appearance day, your Vyasa-puja, I am bowing down to the dust of your lotus feet again and again… Since on this very special day you are allowing extra feeling and affection to flow freely from your disciples hearts to your lotus feet and naturally on this day you are also in a special mood of sweet reciprocation, please allow me to beg for privilege of your special mercy to become “your man” and thus remain your menial servant forever. As you are Srila Prabhupada’s perfect man my dream is to become your man, Gurudeva as well.
Also In this very special day please allow me take a moment and beg at your lotus feet for forgiveness for all the nonsense mistakes I have committed due to lack of sufficient purification in my heart. In my humble attempts of developing strong faith in you and loving you with all my heart I am most probably committing, unwillingly and unknowingly, a lot of horrible mistakes and unwanted offenses. Therefore I very humbly apologize for all my stupidity and uncivilized behavior. I am begging you for forgiveness for all mistakes and offenses I have committed knowingly or unknowingly so that I can develop pure spiritual love to you and satisfy you with all my service.
Gurudeva you are the most important person in my life. From you I am learning about pure spirituality and how to achieve perfection in human form by performing selfless devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna. I am learning from you as a perfect example of how a disciple should be dedicated to the mission of his spiritual master and should sacrifice everything to fulfill desires of his guru. In other words I am learning from you everything that is necessary to become successful in human life; how to desire, think, feel, talk, act, behave, etc… EVERYTHING.
Gurudeva, I was born in darkest region of ignorance, where there is no spiritual culture and knowledge whatsoever. However by your inconceivable mercy I am becoming more and more aware what is going on in my life and what is supposed to be. Due to my very low background that simultaneously indicates that I was very horrible sinful rascal in my previous life, now I am receiving suitable reactions of it in the form of lack of spiritual culture and intelligence in my present life. I would love to have sharp spiritual intelligence and behave with high Vaishnava culture and thus significantly contribute to your goals in your mission to satisfy Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet and in this way properly represent your Holiness.
Unfortunately I also don’t have any good qualities, abilities, skills and talents therefore I am relying on you Gurudeva completely. Due to my fallen stage full of conditionings, having no intelligence to understand everything as you want me to understand, nor being able to behave and act properly as you want me to, I am totally useless. However, you being a perfect disciple of your Guru Maharaja, a pure servant of the Lord equipped with pure and sharp spiritual intelligence, you are able to make use of the unusable and thus by your divine mercy even my useless self can be used in Krishna’ service. Thank you Gurudeva for this priceless gift. I am eternally indebted to you. Therefore Gurudeva, please use me as your tool and make me useful in your mission of loving service to your Guru Maharaja and Krishna.
Gurudeva, you being the personification of Lord Krishna’s mercy for me, you are my intelligence that is coming from Paramatma. You are external manifestation of Paramatma. Listening to and following you is as good as listening to and following Lord Krishna Himself directly. Therefore I must learn this highest art of bhakti from you as quickly as possible and earn more of your trust and love and at the same time develop my love to you to the maximum extent.
In other words I want to love you unconditionally. At the present moment however I don’t know what real love means and I am not spiritually mature enough to even talk about such a sublime and intimate subject. Nonetheless by listening to your inspiring lectures and observing your service performance, I understand that what and how you are doing things for Srila Prabhupada is pure unconditional love and I am very inspired to achieve the same to you.
Recently I came across a beautiful analogy by His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja who described the noble character of a person with a highly functioning life:
“If I were to squeeze this orange as hard as I could, what would come out?' I asked him.
He looked at me like I was a little crazy and said, 'Juice, of course.'
'Do you think apple juice could come out of it?'
'No!' he laughed.
'What about grapefruit juice?'
'No!'
'What would come out of it?'
'Orange juice, of course.'
'Why? Why when you squeeze an orange does orange juice come out?'
He may have been getting a little exasperated with me at this point.
'Well, it's an orange and that's what's inside."
I nodded.
'Let's assume that this orange isn't an orange, but it's you. And someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, says something you don't like, offends you. And out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, fear. Why?
The answer, as our young friend has told us, is because that's what's inside.'
It's one of the great lessons of life. What comes out when life squeezes you? When someone hurts or offends you? If anger, pain and fear come out of you, it's because that's what's inside. It doesn't matter who does the squeezing: your mother, your brother, your children, your boss, the government. If someone says something about you that you don't like, what comes out of you is what's inside. And what's inside is up to you, it's your choice.
When someone puts the pressure on you and out of you comes anything other than love, it's because that's what you've allowed to be inside. Once you take away all those negative things you don't want in your life and replace them with love, you'll find yourself living a highly functioning life."
In this description I see you Gurudeva, as such esteemed person who is living a highly functioning life. During your spiritual career for Srila Prabhupada’s satisfaction you went through many life squeezing situations as far I am aware of and I am sure that there were many others that I am not aware of. Still, always and only love is coming out from you. Therefore I strongly believe that in your pure association and by your divine guidance the six filthy qualities of material existence (kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada matsarya, bhaya) will disappear from my heart. Although all these anarthas in kali-yuga are intensifying and expanding disgustingly and polluting my consciousness, thus not allowing me be fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness, by your divine mercy they will disappear from my heart forever. Of this I am sure, and have no doubt about it. Your mercy is very powerful.
By your mercy I understand that the more I expect in my life the more I must improve myself. Since I have the best guru in the world I must improve myself for you, Gurudeva. So, in order to gain your trust please allow and help me to learn from you everything you want me to learn and bless me that I will follow your footsteps exactly as you want me to follow. Please help me to develop desire to master the art of doing things your way and thus satisfying you all the time. I want to love you in a pure way.
As you teach; “in order to love Krishna we need to know Him…” So, in this way I understand that in order to love you I need to know you as well. Thus my desire is to learn from you everything which I need to know about you so I may love you unconditionally.
As you learned about Srila Prabhupada perfectly I also want to learn about you as much as I can. You know perfectly well what Srila Prabhupada desired, what were his goals, how he was planning to accomplish his mission, how he was doing different things, etc. Now you are perfectly engaged in his mission with full understanding what was his desire and how he can feel about what you are doing for him… You are completely and totally Srila Prabhupada’s man. According my understanding, this is perfection of life.
Please therefore allow me to know what your desire is and please help me to accept this as my life and soul. Please help me adjust my life, my time, my energy and means to your needs. Thus my mind can always be completely absorbed in meditation about your mission and I can contemplate what is best for your interest. Please help me fully embrace your mission in my heart and make it my mission of life. Then I can always feel what you want me to feel, act as you want me to act and behave as you want me to behave. I will become sensitive to your likes and dislikes and always make proper choices to act and behave as you wish me to, for your personal satisfaction.
My dream is to satisfy you fully… In my mind I contemplate constantly an offering for you in the form of place that can act as “Preaching Factory”. So far I didn’t see and experience in my life anything better than the “Bhakti Center” in New York (which I saw during our visit this summer). It was very impressive for me how wonderfully everything was organized there. I called it “Preaching Factory” because all facility is organized there in such a way that can attract people from the street, let them experience higher taste and offer them opportunity to get something more in relationship with devotees. Every higher floor is like higher level of progress in intimate connection with devotees. In the process of developing relationships with Krishna’s devotees and gradually by the skillful guidance of devotees, others can develop attraction to bhakti.
I would love to offer to you Gurudeva something similar; the first floor will be meant to attract people from the street. Like for instance some nice “Prasadam Café” with small, relaxing, serene place where people can talk. Somewhere near will be a nice gift shop. All around in nice way there will be advertisement of what is available on the higher floors. On second floor will be; yoga, martial art, seminars, etc. Third floor will be a nice temple room with library and on fourth floor there will be asrams for devotees.
Of course, if there is something better than this I would love to see and experience that in order to create something similar and offer it to you, Gurudeva. Although my consciousness is severely contaminated by dark and dense ignorance, nonetheless by your inconceivable mercy I am able to continue the process of purification and may desire things for you. Because you opened my darkened eyes with the torchlight knowledge this helps me to understand my fallen and completely insignificant position and see myself as completely incompetent and unqualified. However with your mercy everything is possible; lame can cross mountains, blind can see, deaf can hear. So, there is some chance for me as well.
With your mercy Gurudeva, I am sure that I will be able to accomplish something nice for your pleasure that excel even my karma - which is not very good in this lifetime. As few decades ago you mentioned to us: “if we surrender to Lord Krishna we will be able to accomplish things that our body and mind were not created for.” I understand that this is possible only by Guru and Krishna’s mercy combine.
So, although there are many people who have a lot of material assets, they don’t know how to utilize it properly for their eternal benefit, namely for satisfaction of pure devotees and Lord Sri Krishna. However, by your divine and inconceivable mercy miracles can happen. With Lord Krishna’s sanction and your blessings my useless self can become financially capable to create for you such places of spreading Lord Krishna’s glories which can act as “Preaching Factories”. This will include Varnasrama Colleges, Contemporary Vedic Asramas, etc.
So, as long as there is some strength in my body I want to work very hard to be able to earn a lot of money and support your mission as much as it is possible. My dream is to offer every year for your Vyasa-puja one “Preaching Factory” or Varna-asrama Vedic College in one major city in US. If you have nothing against this desire of mine, please bless me with ability to accomplish it for your satisfaction and that you can engage it nicely in Srila Prabhupada’s mission to spread Lord Sri Krishna’s glory as you wish.
As I mentioned to you before that last September during Global Convention of doTERRA Company we took advantage of wonderful opportunity that we had there and deriving inspiration from your lectures and your blessings I distributed hard bounded Bhagavad-gitas to six executives, almost all the owners of this over one billion dollar company. Earlier I distributed Bg to our top upline leaders who are also top sellers in the company and thus they are multimillionaires. From them I learned what they are doing with this huge amount of money they are earning… They are Mormon missionaries and they are buying wonderful buildings and turning them into schools, colleges to “teach English as second language, business economics, etc…” and of course they promote their Mormon culture. They follow a maxim: “education is the most powerful weapon”. Afterwards when we discussed varna-asrama topic you mentioned to me that actually your desire is to establish varna-asrama colleges to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire in this regard. I picked this up into my heart and made this also my desire.
Please Gurudeva bless us to become fully successful in cooperation with them for the benefit of Lord Krishna’s interest and thus financially support your mission of spreading Lord Krishna’s glory and fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s desires. I really want to be able support everything you want me to support and follow your instructions to my highest capacities and thus gain your trust and faith in me. I really want to develop pure love of you and manifest it in the way you are expecting it from me. Although in my case all of these things due to my spiritual immaturity are on the theoretical level, still I am sure that since I brought it to your divine attention - with your blessings it can became the truth.
Begging at your lotus feet for your special mercy, to become your man
your humble, grateful and loving servant,
Surapala dasa
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my most humble obeisances into the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In this most important and glorious day of the year for your disciples – your divine appearance day, your Vyasa-puja, I am bowing down to the dust of your lotus feet again and again… Since on this very special day you are allowing extra feeling and affection to flow freely from your disciples hearts to your lotus feet and naturally on this day you are also in a special mood of sweet reciprocation, please allow me to beg for privilege of your special mercy to become “your man” and thus remain your menial servant forever. As you are Srila Prabhupada’s perfect man my dream is to become your man, Gurudeva as well.
Also In this very special day please allow me take a moment and beg at your lotus feet for forgiveness for all the nonsense mistakes I have committed due to lack of sufficient purification in my heart. In my humble attempts of developing strong faith in you and loving you with all my heart I am most probably committing, unwillingly and unknowingly, a lot of horrible mistakes and unwanted offenses. Therefore I very humbly apologize for all my stupidity and uncivilized behavior. I am begging you for forgiveness for all mistakes and offenses I have committed knowingly or unknowingly so that I can develop pure spiritual love to you and satisfy you with all my service.
Gurudeva you are the most important person in my life. From you I am learning about pure spirituality and how to achieve perfection in human form by performing selfless devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna. I am learning from you as a perfect example of how a disciple should be dedicated to the mission of his spiritual master and should sacrifice everything to fulfill desires of his guru. In other words I am learning from you everything that is necessary to become successful in human life; how to desire, think, feel, talk, act, behave, etc… EVERYTHING.
Gurudeva, I was born in darkest region of ignorance, where there is no spiritual culture and knowledge whatsoever. However by your inconceivable mercy I am becoming more and more aware what is going on in my life and what is supposed to be. Due to my very low background that simultaneously indicates that I was very horrible sinful rascal in my previous life, now I am receiving suitable reactions of it in the form of lack of spiritual culture and intelligence in my present life. I would love to have sharp spiritual intelligence and behave with high Vaishnava culture and thus significantly contribute to your goals in your mission to satisfy Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet and in this way properly represent your Holiness.
Unfortunately I also don’t have any good qualities, abilities, skills and talents therefore I am relying on you Gurudeva completely. Due to my fallen stage full of conditionings, having no intelligence to understand everything as you want me to understand, nor being able to behave and act properly as you want me to, I am totally useless. However, you being a perfect disciple of your Guru Maharaja, a pure servant of the Lord equipped with pure and sharp spiritual intelligence, you are able to make use of the unusable and thus by your divine mercy even my useless self can be used in Krishna’ service. Thank you Gurudeva for this priceless gift. I am eternally indebted to you. Therefore Gurudeva, please use me as your tool and make me useful in your mission of loving service to your Guru Maharaja and Krishna.
Gurudeva, you being the personification of Lord Krishna’s mercy for me, you are my intelligence that is coming from Paramatma. You are external manifestation of Paramatma. Listening to and following you is as good as listening to and following Lord Krishna Himself directly. Therefore I must learn this highest art of bhakti from you as quickly as possible and earn more of your trust and love and at the same time develop my love to you to the maximum extent.
In other words I want to love you unconditionally. At the present moment however I don’t know what real love means and I am not spiritually mature enough to even talk about such a sublime and intimate subject. Nonetheless by listening to your inspiring lectures and observing your service performance, I understand that what and how you are doing things for Srila Prabhupada is pure unconditional love and I am very inspired to achieve the same to you.
Recently I came across a beautiful analogy by His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja who described the noble character of a person with a highly functioning life:
“If I were to squeeze this orange as hard as I could, what would come out?' I asked him.
He looked at me like I was a little crazy and said, 'Juice, of course.'
'Do you think apple juice could come out of it?'
'No!' he laughed.
'What about grapefruit juice?'
'No!'
'What would come out of it?'
'Orange juice, of course.'
'Why? Why when you squeeze an orange does orange juice come out?'
He may have been getting a little exasperated with me at this point.
'Well, it's an orange and that's what's inside."
I nodded.
'Let's assume that this orange isn't an orange, but it's you. And someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, says something you don't like, offends you. And out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, fear. Why?
The answer, as our young friend has told us, is because that's what's inside.'
It's one of the great lessons of life. What comes out when life squeezes you? When someone hurts or offends you? If anger, pain and fear come out of you, it's because that's what's inside. It doesn't matter who does the squeezing: your mother, your brother, your children, your boss, the government. If someone says something about you that you don't like, what comes out of you is what's inside. And what's inside is up to you, it's your choice.
When someone puts the pressure on you and out of you comes anything other than love, it's because that's what you've allowed to be inside. Once you take away all those negative things you don't want in your life and replace them with love, you'll find yourself living a highly functioning life."
In this description I see you Gurudeva, as such esteemed person who is living a highly functioning life. During your spiritual career for Srila Prabhupada’s satisfaction you went through many life squeezing situations as far I am aware of and I am sure that there were many others that I am not aware of. Still, always and only love is coming out from you. Therefore I strongly believe that in your pure association and by your divine guidance the six filthy qualities of material existence (kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada matsarya, bhaya) will disappear from my heart. Although all these anarthas in kali-yuga are intensifying and expanding disgustingly and polluting my consciousness, thus not allowing me be fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness, by your divine mercy they will disappear from my heart forever. Of this I am sure, and have no doubt about it. Your mercy is very powerful.
By your mercy I understand that the more I expect in my life the more I must improve myself. Since I have the best guru in the world I must improve myself for you, Gurudeva. So, in order to gain your trust please allow and help me to learn from you everything you want me to learn and bless me that I will follow your footsteps exactly as you want me to follow. Please help me to develop desire to master the art of doing things your way and thus satisfying you all the time. I want to love you in a pure way.
As you teach; “in order to love Krishna we need to know Him…” So, in this way I understand that in order to love you I need to know you as well. Thus my desire is to learn from you everything which I need to know about you so I may love you unconditionally.
As you learned about Srila Prabhupada perfectly I also want to learn about you as much as I can. You know perfectly well what Srila Prabhupada desired, what were his goals, how he was planning to accomplish his mission, how he was doing different things, etc. Now you are perfectly engaged in his mission with full understanding what was his desire and how he can feel about what you are doing for him… You are completely and totally Srila Prabhupada’s man. According my understanding, this is perfection of life.
Please therefore allow me to know what your desire is and please help me to accept this as my life and soul. Please help me adjust my life, my time, my energy and means to your needs. Thus my mind can always be completely absorbed in meditation about your mission and I can contemplate what is best for your interest. Please help me fully embrace your mission in my heart and make it my mission of life. Then I can always feel what you want me to feel, act as you want me to act and behave as you want me to behave. I will become sensitive to your likes and dislikes and always make proper choices to act and behave as you wish me to, for your personal satisfaction.
My dream is to satisfy you fully… In my mind I contemplate constantly an offering for you in the form of place that can act as “Preaching Factory”. So far I didn’t see and experience in my life anything better than the “Bhakti Center” in New York (which I saw during our visit this summer). It was very impressive for me how wonderfully everything was organized there. I called it “Preaching Factory” because all facility is organized there in such a way that can attract people from the street, let them experience higher taste and offer them opportunity to get something more in relationship with devotees. Every higher floor is like higher level of progress in intimate connection with devotees. In the process of developing relationships with Krishna’s devotees and gradually by the skillful guidance of devotees, others can develop attraction to bhakti.
I would love to offer to you Gurudeva something similar; the first floor will be meant to attract people from the street. Like for instance some nice “Prasadam Café” with small, relaxing, serene place where people can talk. Somewhere near will be a nice gift shop. All around in nice way there will be advertisement of what is available on the higher floors. On second floor will be; yoga, martial art, seminars, etc. Third floor will be a nice temple room with library and on fourth floor there will be asrams for devotees.
Of course, if there is something better than this I would love to see and experience that in order to create something similar and offer it to you, Gurudeva. Although my consciousness is severely contaminated by dark and dense ignorance, nonetheless by your inconceivable mercy I am able to continue the process of purification and may desire things for you. Because you opened my darkened eyes with the torchlight knowledge this helps me to understand my fallen and completely insignificant position and see myself as completely incompetent and unqualified. However with your mercy everything is possible; lame can cross mountains, blind can see, deaf can hear. So, there is some chance for me as well.
With your mercy Gurudeva, I am sure that I will be able to accomplish something nice for your pleasure that excel even my karma - which is not very good in this lifetime. As few decades ago you mentioned to us: “if we surrender to Lord Krishna we will be able to accomplish things that our body and mind were not created for.” I understand that this is possible only by Guru and Krishna’s mercy combine.
So, although there are many people who have a lot of material assets, they don’t know how to utilize it properly for their eternal benefit, namely for satisfaction of pure devotees and Lord Sri Krishna. However, by your divine and inconceivable mercy miracles can happen. With Lord Krishna’s sanction and your blessings my useless self can become financially capable to create for you such places of spreading Lord Krishna’s glories which can act as “Preaching Factories”. This will include Varnasrama Colleges, Contemporary Vedic Asramas, etc.
So, as long as there is some strength in my body I want to work very hard to be able to earn a lot of money and support your mission as much as it is possible. My dream is to offer every year for your Vyasa-puja one “Preaching Factory” or Varna-asrama Vedic College in one major city in US. If you have nothing against this desire of mine, please bless me with ability to accomplish it for your satisfaction and that you can engage it nicely in Srila Prabhupada’s mission to spread Lord Sri Krishna’s glory as you wish.
As I mentioned to you before that last September during Global Convention of doTERRA Company we took advantage of wonderful opportunity that we had there and deriving inspiration from your lectures and your blessings I distributed hard bounded Bhagavad-gitas to six executives, almost all the owners of this over one billion dollar company. Earlier I distributed Bg to our top upline leaders who are also top sellers in the company and thus they are multimillionaires. From them I learned what they are doing with this huge amount of money they are earning… They are Mormon missionaries and they are buying wonderful buildings and turning them into schools, colleges to “teach English as second language, business economics, etc…” and of course they promote their Mormon culture. They follow a maxim: “education is the most powerful weapon”. Afterwards when we discussed varna-asrama topic you mentioned to me that actually your desire is to establish varna-asrama colleges to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire in this regard. I picked this up into my heart and made this also my desire.
Please Gurudeva bless us to become fully successful in cooperation with them for the benefit of Lord Krishna’s interest and thus financially support your mission of spreading Lord Krishna’s glory and fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s desires. I really want to be able support everything you want me to support and follow your instructions to my highest capacities and thus gain your trust and faith in me. I really want to develop pure love of you and manifest it in the way you are expecting it from me. Although in my case all of these things due to my spiritual immaturity are on the theoretical level, still I am sure that since I brought it to your divine attention - with your blessings it can became the truth.
Begging at your lotus feet for your special mercy, to become your man
your humble, grateful and loving servant,
Surapala dasa
Suratanath Das
nama oṁ viṣṇu pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣthāya bhūtale
śrīmate devāmṛta swāmīn iti nāmine
pracāre pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
When will I be able to ceaselessly and gloriously drink the nectarean milk-like topics of Krishna-katha that you deliver to us from the spiritual world, Gurudeva? Unfortunately so far I have only proved to have difficulty even following the simplest of your instructions.
At least I can confidently say that my only difficulties these days lay in dealing with my own anarthas - unwanted dirt in my heart, and the consequential reactions to my own misbehaviour. But really, what is the difficulty? How can I complain about loneliness since I've met Krishna's devotees? How can I complain about hunger since I've received Krishna's prasadam? How could I ever feel lost with the guidance of Srimad Bhagavatam on-hand? Why should I feel abused, and where can fear be present when Krishna and His devotee are smiling upon me?
This boon has fallen upon me due to your determined spreading of Krishna's glories all around the world. Srila Prabhupada explains the determination of great souls: (Bhagavad Gita As It Is 9.14 purport) "In devotional service there are certain activities which are called determined, such as fasting on certain days, like the eleventh day of the moon, Ekadasi, and on the appearance day of the Lord. All these rules and regulations are offered by the great acaryas for those who are actually interested in getting admission into the association of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the transcendental world. The mahatmas, great souls, strictly observe all these rules and regulations, and therefore they are sure to achieve the desired result."
The mahatma spiritual master is naturally inclined to avoid materially entangling activities by constant absorption in hearing and chanting Krsna's glories, and he offers the disciple the chance to formally make the same determined vow to give up material life, and harmonize himself with the activities of the spiritual world. Gurudeva, your determination - drdha-vrata, and your fearlessness - abhaya, in offering this opportunity to many disciples around the world is evidence of your determined harmonization with the instructions of your own spiritual master, His Divine Grace Abhay Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
All obeisances unto you, Gurudeva, for mercifully taking the risk of giving spiritual shelter to such a wretch like me, and for tolerating my atrocious, childish behaviour. I pray to mature and become more steady in Krishna's service under your close guidance.
Your disciple,
Suratanath das
śrīmate devāmṛta swāmīn iti nāmine
pracāre pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
When will I be able to ceaselessly and gloriously drink the nectarean milk-like topics of Krishna-katha that you deliver to us from the spiritual world, Gurudeva? Unfortunately so far I have only proved to have difficulty even following the simplest of your instructions.
At least I can confidently say that my only difficulties these days lay in dealing with my own anarthas - unwanted dirt in my heart, and the consequential reactions to my own misbehaviour. But really, what is the difficulty? How can I complain about loneliness since I've met Krishna's devotees? How can I complain about hunger since I've received Krishna's prasadam? How could I ever feel lost with the guidance of Srimad Bhagavatam on-hand? Why should I feel abused, and where can fear be present when Krishna and His devotee are smiling upon me?
This boon has fallen upon me due to your determined spreading of Krishna's glories all around the world. Srila Prabhupada explains the determination of great souls: (Bhagavad Gita As It Is 9.14 purport) "In devotional service there are certain activities which are called determined, such as fasting on certain days, like the eleventh day of the moon, Ekadasi, and on the appearance day of the Lord. All these rules and regulations are offered by the great acaryas for those who are actually interested in getting admission into the association of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the transcendental world. The mahatmas, great souls, strictly observe all these rules and regulations, and therefore they are sure to achieve the desired result."
The mahatma spiritual master is naturally inclined to avoid materially entangling activities by constant absorption in hearing and chanting Krsna's glories, and he offers the disciple the chance to formally make the same determined vow to give up material life, and harmonize himself with the activities of the spiritual world. Gurudeva, your determination - drdha-vrata, and your fearlessness - abhaya, in offering this opportunity to many disciples around the world is evidence of your determined harmonization with the instructions of your own spiritual master, His Divine Grace Abhay Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
All obeisances unto you, Gurudeva, for mercifully taking the risk of giving spiritual shelter to such a wretch like me, and for tolerating my atrocious, childish behaviour. I pray to mature and become more steady in Krishna's service under your close guidance.
Your disciple,
Suratanath das
Sveta Manjari D D
Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to your lotus feet.
Another year has gone by. A year filled with hope that you would come and grace South Africa.
Wanting to see you is only my mood to satisfy the senses, I do however remind myself that you eloquently provide everything else and more. You have given and continue to give Krishna Consciousness to me and every soul that crosses your path; satisfying every bit of Srila Prabhupada’s request. All glories to you Gurudeva.
You have suitably taken this role as you are a master in the science of Krishna; you are perfect and therefore our bona fide spiritual master.
Chapter 1 verse 44 of the Caitanya Caritamrta: the spiritual master's eternal occupation is to expand the service of the Lord by training disciples in a service attitude. It is been my good fortune that through your simple instruction I was eventually able to increase and maintain some devotional service. Like the expert spiritual master you are, you have engaged this disciple's energy in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
All glories to you Gurudeva.
May I always be reminded that according to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is non-different from Krishna and that Lord Krishna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees. May the understanding that the relationship of a disciple with spiritual master is as good as the relationship with the Supreme Lord, be a frequent reminder of where I am in my Krishna Consciousness.
Gurudeva, please continue to guide my steps on the path of devotional service.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to your lotus feet.
Another year has gone by. A year filled with hope that you would come and grace South Africa.
Wanting to see you is only my mood to satisfy the senses, I do however remind myself that you eloquently provide everything else and more. You have given and continue to give Krishna Consciousness to me and every soul that crosses your path; satisfying every bit of Srila Prabhupada’s request. All glories to you Gurudeva.
You have suitably taken this role as you are a master in the science of Krishna; you are perfect and therefore our bona fide spiritual master.
Chapter 1 verse 44 of the Caitanya Caritamrta: the spiritual master's eternal occupation is to expand the service of the Lord by training disciples in a service attitude. It is been my good fortune that through your simple instruction I was eventually able to increase and maintain some devotional service. Like the expert spiritual master you are, you have engaged this disciple's energy in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
All glories to you Gurudeva.
May I always be reminded that according to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is non-different from Krishna and that Lord Krishna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees. May the understanding that the relationship of a disciple with spiritual master is as good as the relationship with the Supreme Lord, be a frequent reminder of where I am in my Krishna Consciousness.
Gurudeva, please continue to guide my steps on the path of devotional service.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to your lotus feet.
Another year has gone by. A year filled with hope that you would come and grace South Africa.
While satisfying the material senses seems to my focus far too often, I remind myself that you eloquently provide everything else and more. You have given and continue to give Krishna Consciousness to me and every soul that crosses your path; satisfying every bit of Srila Prabhupada’s request. All glories to you Gurudeva.
You have suitably taken this role as you are a master in the science of Krishna; you are perfect and therefore our bona fide spiritual master.
Chapter 1 verse 44 of the Caitanya Caritamrta: the spiritual master's eternal occupation is to expand the service of the Lord by training disciples in a service attitude. It has been my good fortune that through your simple instruction I was eventually able to increase and maintain some devotional service. Like the expert spiritual master you are, you have engaged this disciple's energy in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. All glories to you Gurudeva.
May I always be reminded that according to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is non-different from Krishna and that Lord Krishna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees. May the understanding that the relationship of a disciple with spiritual master is as good as the relationship with the Supreme Lord, be a frequent reminder of where I am in my Krishna Consciousness.
Gurudeva, please continue to guide my steps on the path of devotional service.
Your eternally aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Sveta Manjari Dasi
Svetadvipa das
Dearest Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
So much water flows down a stream and under bridges only to return to the sky and be rained down and start again. This time determined to flow a new path unlike the ruts etched by previously flowing streams. So easily the rain rolls to the deeply entrenched paths set out in front only to find its way to the drain of material existence and ultimately ending in a sewer of wretched circumstance. But the heavy rain of purpose forges a new direction under the guidance of the sturdy lands contours for which support this direction and leads the flow to the ocean of spiritual bliss.
The thundering clouds resolve, again become a Yogi. Yes, again become a Yogi.
Your trying servant
Svetadvipa das
Please accept my humble obeisances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
So much water flows down a stream and under bridges only to return to the sky and be rained down and start again. This time determined to flow a new path unlike the ruts etched by previously flowing streams. So easily the rain rolls to the deeply entrenched paths set out in front only to find its way to the drain of material existence and ultimately ending in a sewer of wretched circumstance. But the heavy rain of purpose forges a new direction under the guidance of the sturdy lands contours for which support this direction and leads the flow to the ocean of spiritual bliss.
The thundering clouds resolve, again become a Yogi. Yes, again become a Yogi.
Your trying servant
Svetadvipa das
Swarupa Sakti devi dasi
To My Spiritual Master
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
There are 10 common types of Vaisnava prayers, one of them being ‘Sri guru-vaisnave-vijnapati-rupa: Supplications made to one’s spiritual master, or to the devotees of the Lord. Please accept my humble offering of words to your lotus feet.
Looking at your face, I see a sadhu.While most people are always thinking of their personal demands, especially at an advanced age,you are simply worried and concerened about the conditioned souls and how to attract them to Krsna . I see your satisfaction when preaching and encouraging others to take to Krsna Consciousness and your dependence on Srila Prabhupada's books. You are fearless and you do not consider failure, knowing that Krsna is the ultimate controller. You work with one pointed determination and you are able to see everyone as an energy of Krsna and try to uncover that spark that is lying under material contamination. By your mercy, so many have become candidates for pure devotional service.
Caitanya Caritamrta teaches us that we accept Guru on the basis of knowledge not caste.In the Caitanya Gita,the example is given of Lord Caitanya arriving in Puri after accepting Sannyasa.He met Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, a renowned spiritual master with thousands of disciples. By Mahaprabhu’s will, Yogamaya covered Sarvabhauma’s intelligence so that he was completely ignorant of Lord Caitanya’s transcendental identity .Out of his mercy, Mahaprabhu met Sarvabhauma with the sole intention of delivering him back to Godhead. At their first meeting, however, Sri Caitanya displayed the humble mood of a conditioned soul approaching an enlightened preceptor. Apart from the lila, Lord Gauranga was showing the perfect mood of surrender. His precious words form the ideal prayers for any disciple to offer to his prospective saviour, Sri Guru.
Lord Caitanya concluded the meeting with the following words:
‘You are fully empowered by Sri Krsna, so you are able to award one devotional service to Krsna.’
‘Therefore, I take shelter of You. Do whatever you consider is beneficial for me.’
‘What rules and regulations should I follow? How should I live? Please instruct me so that I do not fall into the well of material life.
‘Please instruct me without any reservantion.Know for certain that I am a soul surrendered unto you’ (Caitanya Bhagavat, Adhi Kand17:50-55)
I have seen over the years your dedication to Srila Prabhupada and his mission. You have made his mission your mission in life.You are in my eyes, the ideal disciple.With the years gone by,i see the blazing fire of compassion in your heart to preach, your roaring enthusiasm to dance and chant in ecstacy and the taste you have for Krsna's names.
Thank you Gurudeva for your spotless character, your determination, your faith in the parampara and Krsna.Thank you for breathing life back into me and encouraging me to become a devotee of Krsna.Thank you for waking me up.
Always praying at your lotus feet so I may never forget my position as a menial humble servant of the servant of the servant.
Your servant
Swarupa sakti devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
There are 10 common types of Vaisnava prayers, one of them being ‘Sri guru-vaisnave-vijnapati-rupa: Supplications made to one’s spiritual master, or to the devotees of the Lord. Please accept my humble offering of words to your lotus feet.
Looking at your face, I see a sadhu.While most people are always thinking of their personal demands, especially at an advanced age,you are simply worried and concerened about the conditioned souls and how to attract them to Krsna . I see your satisfaction when preaching and encouraging others to take to Krsna Consciousness and your dependence on Srila Prabhupada's books. You are fearless and you do not consider failure, knowing that Krsna is the ultimate controller. You work with one pointed determination and you are able to see everyone as an energy of Krsna and try to uncover that spark that is lying under material contamination. By your mercy, so many have become candidates for pure devotional service.
Caitanya Caritamrta teaches us that we accept Guru on the basis of knowledge not caste.In the Caitanya Gita,the example is given of Lord Caitanya arriving in Puri after accepting Sannyasa.He met Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, a renowned spiritual master with thousands of disciples. By Mahaprabhu’s will, Yogamaya covered Sarvabhauma’s intelligence so that he was completely ignorant of Lord Caitanya’s transcendental identity .Out of his mercy, Mahaprabhu met Sarvabhauma with the sole intention of delivering him back to Godhead. At their first meeting, however, Sri Caitanya displayed the humble mood of a conditioned soul approaching an enlightened preceptor. Apart from the lila, Lord Gauranga was showing the perfect mood of surrender. His precious words form the ideal prayers for any disciple to offer to his prospective saviour, Sri Guru.
Lord Caitanya concluded the meeting with the following words:
‘You are fully empowered by Sri Krsna, so you are able to award one devotional service to Krsna.’
‘Therefore, I take shelter of You. Do whatever you consider is beneficial for me.’
‘What rules and regulations should I follow? How should I live? Please instruct me so that I do not fall into the well of material life.
‘Please instruct me without any reservantion.Know for certain that I am a soul surrendered unto you’ (Caitanya Bhagavat, Adhi Kand17:50-55)
I have seen over the years your dedication to Srila Prabhupada and his mission. You have made his mission your mission in life.You are in my eyes, the ideal disciple.With the years gone by,i see the blazing fire of compassion in your heart to preach, your roaring enthusiasm to dance and chant in ecstacy and the taste you have for Krsna's names.
Thank you Gurudeva for your spotless character, your determination, your faith in the parampara and Krsna.Thank you for breathing life back into me and encouraging me to become a devotee of Krsna.Thank you for waking me up.
Always praying at your lotus feet so I may never forget my position as a menial humble servant of the servant of the servant.
Your servant
Swarupa sakti devi dasi
Swathi Peeta
Namo Om Vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva- daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve cate namah
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
Gurudev I still remember the day when I first met you personally and answered your question " do you know what your husband is doing?" . I feel so funny if i remember that. Now my situation is totally changed which I never expected. This is all because of your love and affection which you showered on me all the time. I am really happy. Thank you so much Gurudev.
Dear Gurudev your are most amazing person I ever met. I don't have any words to glorify you. Your gesture and lecture is very special and it is very attractive. You instructed us to preach and change all our family. Gurudev I am not qualified, but simply by your mercy, I am trying to follow your instruction. Whenever I thought of you, I feel so enthusiastic and energetic as if I got thousand elephants energy.
With your inspiration, this year when I visited Sri Mayapur Navadwip Dham and Jagannath Puri Dham with my In-laws and Grandma. Especially I want my grandma to get the opportunity to see the lord before she leave her body. She felt very happy and now everyday she is listening kirtan.
Gurudev please bless us to get qualified and fulfill your instruction. Without your mercy we cannot do anything.
Finally I beg for your continuous mercy and affection. I will pray Sri Sri Radha Vallabah to shower Their mercy and keep you fit to continue your service year after year in Srila Prabhupad mission.
Your Aspiring Humble servant
Swathi
Syama-gauri dd
Dearest Guru Maharaj
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this day of your vyasa-puja.
The opportunity has come once more for us to express how much we appreciate you, your service, and your presence in our lives. Having offered the rest of your adult life in service to Srila Prabhupada and working daily to assist him, you are a might of inspiration to many who hear from you.
In this state of growth that we bhakti-aspiring souls are in, it is natural that we go through physical, emotional, and spiritual cycles in which our enthusiasm and energy for service wax and wane. Despite the inevitable ups and downs you have always continued to nurture our spiritual lives, bless us with encouragement and guidance on our quest for Krsna bhakti.
We thank you for your intensively hard work, and for serving Srila Prabhupada with long lasting dedication. I cannot help but think how proud he is of his many sons like yourself and his daughters also. You have a way of preserving the bhakti teachings whilst adapting them to suit a variety of audiences.
Thank you for your smart, catchy and magnetising presentations of bhakti yoga. The 'labour of love' you put into your service attracts many into Krsna's direct care. I hope to be somewhere in your devotional plans of making Krsna smile.
your servant
Syama gauri dd
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this day of your vyasa-puja.
The opportunity has come once more for us to express how much we appreciate you, your service, and your presence in our lives. Having offered the rest of your adult life in service to Srila Prabhupada and working daily to assist him, you are a might of inspiration to many who hear from you.
In this state of growth that we bhakti-aspiring souls are in, it is natural that we go through physical, emotional, and spiritual cycles in which our enthusiasm and energy for service wax and wane. Despite the inevitable ups and downs you have always continued to nurture our spiritual lives, bless us with encouragement and guidance on our quest for Krsna bhakti.
We thank you for your intensively hard work, and for serving Srila Prabhupada with long lasting dedication. I cannot help but think how proud he is of his many sons like yourself and his daughters also. You have a way of preserving the bhakti teachings whilst adapting them to suit a variety of audiences.
Thank you for your smart, catchy and magnetising presentations of bhakti yoga. The 'labour of love' you put into your service attracts many into Krsna's direct care. I hope to be somewhere in your devotional plans of making Krsna smile.
your servant
Syama gauri dd
Thakur saranga das and Sukanthi Radha devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet.
Your glories are unlimited.
Today We will attempt to write an expression of your incredible character and skill in the art, science and culture of Bhakti yoga.
As a beginner in bhakti it seems a ridiculous task, however for our own purification, and as an expression of gratitude, We will try our best. This year in the form of a poem. From both of us to our eternal father.
Gurudeva, you are the captain of the boat, sailing the rough Kali yuga seas
With the ocean in violent turmoil, its a mammoth task indeed
Passengers struggle for their lives to varying degrees
Some take the prescribed medicines, while others fail to breathe
You despatch your kind assistants to help all those in need,
in need of constant life support on the raging, stormy seas
Doctor, captain, father, friend your hats change accordingly
to keep us upon the bhakti boat, to not be lost at sea
In Srila Prabhupada's holy footprints, your lotus feet delicately tread
Without your treatment on our hearts, so many of us would be declared dead
Gurudeva our heartfelt gratitude for sailing us so expertly,
through turbulent kali yuga to Krishna's world of knowledge, bliss and eternity.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Thakur saranga das
and Sukanthi Radha devi dasi.
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet.
Your glories are unlimited.
Today We will attempt to write an expression of your incredible character and skill in the art, science and culture of Bhakti yoga.
As a beginner in bhakti it seems a ridiculous task, however for our own purification, and as an expression of gratitude, We will try our best. This year in the form of a poem. From both of us to our eternal father.
Gurudeva, you are the captain of the boat, sailing the rough Kali yuga seas
With the ocean in violent turmoil, its a mammoth task indeed
Passengers struggle for their lives to varying degrees
Some take the prescribed medicines, while others fail to breathe
You despatch your kind assistants to help all those in need,
in need of constant life support on the raging, stormy seas
Doctor, captain, father, friend your hats change accordingly
to keep us upon the bhakti boat, to not be lost at sea
In Srila Prabhupada's holy footprints, your lotus feet delicately tread
Without your treatment on our hearts, so many of us would be declared dead
Gurudeva our heartfelt gratitude for sailing us so expertly,
through turbulent kali yuga to Krishna's world of knowledge, bliss and eternity.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Thakur saranga das
and Sukanthi Radha devi dasi.
Vaishnava Charana Das and Yasomati Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
We are ever indebted to you for giving directions on how to do devotional service.
When ideals, plans and mundane intelligence inevitably fail, your words
still remain.
They bring perspective to what is experienced within and without.
They give hope, that we too can strive for Bhakti.
Thank you for sharing your insight into the Bhagavatam with us, in that way allowing some access to its pages, introducing us to the greatest places and personalities.
It is amazing how you inspire so many diverse people to serve Krishna -
cooperatively.
In your presence we experience moments of kindness and care untainted by matter.
May our attraction to your instructions be stronger than any other, in that way
keep us safe.
Please may we serve you in the association of devotees, with dedication and grateful hearts.
Your unworthy servants,
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Dasi
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
We are ever indebted to you for giving directions on how to do devotional service.
When ideals, plans and mundane intelligence inevitably fail, your words
still remain.
They bring perspective to what is experienced within and without.
They give hope, that we too can strive for Bhakti.
Thank you for sharing your insight into the Bhagavatam with us, in that way allowing some access to its pages, introducing us to the greatest places and personalities.
It is amazing how you inspire so many diverse people to serve Krishna -
cooperatively.
In your presence we experience moments of kindness and care untainted by matter.
May our attraction to your instructions be stronger than any other, in that way
keep us safe.
Please may we serve you in the association of devotees, with dedication and grateful hearts.
Your unworthy servants,
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Dasi
Vamsidhari das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisance’s
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your appearance day.
To glorify someone like you should be a simple task. Well that’s what you’d think, but I’ve found the task quite perplexing and if I’m honest a little frustrating. Ordinary persons glorify those who have achieved great success, those who have conquers life’s challenging peaks, overcome the obstacles the masses struggle to scale. But you are no ordinary conjurer. Your conquests break the limitations of time and space that govern mundane achievements, the expansive mountain ranges of your success stretch the horizon of my vision. Where do I begin to glorify a personality like Devamrita swami?
Today I would like to glorify, magnify and sincerely thank you for the service and success you’ve had in one of many arenas. An arena you’ve frequented with consistent mastery, the deepest care, compassion and authentic love throughout your impressive devotional career. I can personally all the more appreciate your success in this arena by contrasting it with my own struggles and failures there in. Today I wish to glorify you r love, fatherly guidance, care and compassion for women.
Some years ago now I drove you to Govinda Valley from the Sydney International Airport. During that journey you spoke at length with a female disciple who was struggling in her spiritual life. I was honestly very moved by the sincere investment and concern you had for her in her circumstances. After the call you reflected in silence and then after sometime you said to me, “WOMEN are the real victims of Kaliyuga.” That’s certainly not a fashionable statement to make, but you weren’t appealing to any fashionable sentiment. You weren’t posturing some personal OPINION or expression some misogynistic rationalisation.
Besides me sat an enlightened soul who could see with lucid sobriety beyond the smoke screen of the multibillion dollar entertainment illusion of the material energy. Besides me spoke my spiritual master and father, who could see the killing fields of the kali-yuga, could hear the cries of heartache drowned out from most by the loud chorus of consumerist capitalism, and high-octane pharmaceutical cocktails.
Why do you care so much for your spiritual daughters being? Since being married I’ve heard of many many accounts where you’ve personally stepped into the line of fire to encourage a struggling female devotee, personally rolling up your sleeves to couch or outright rescue a spiritual daughter who’ve fallen victim to the Iron Age wolves. But why? Surely your saffron entitlement card absolves you of that kind of stress; surely the renounced order offers you a convenient, even legitimate excuse to unsubscribe from this tragedy, headache and hurt?
Not long after that trip to Govinda Valley I got engaged, later married and am now awaiting the appearance of my own biological daughter in January 2015. While meditating on this promotion of roles and your appearance day I found myself at this mountain peak of compassion you have for the woman of this world. I found myself wondering, what does he see? What does he feel? Why do I not care in the same way he does? There he goes, year after year pulling bodies out the burning house while I go about my business. So I decided to conduct a little study into the conditions of life woman face, what I discovered was tragic and alarming.
As a disclaimer I want to acknowledge that your compassion extends beyond gender, beyond even the bodily concept of life. I’ll leave the male mountain for another time.
Headlines evidence the increasing exploitation of women in third world countries across the globe. 80% of the $31.6 Billion a year human trafficking translates to girls between the age of 12 – 14 being sold into sex slavery (National Human Trafficking Research Centre). So much for progress. The Refugee crisis in the Middle East this year is set to send 2015 statistics to all-time highs as females are in many cases, literally harvested for sale back to the countries from which they’ve fled. (Boko Haram Kidnapping April 2014.) 5000 + woman are murdered each year in third world countries in the name of honour by family members. (World Health Organisation stats)
But I don’t live in the third world, nor do more of the females I know, so what’s to worry right? In the year 2015 we’ve seen the progressive spread of ‘western’ ideologies across the globe. Capitalism and aggressive corporate entities rampage across boundaries shattering fragile ethical and moral restraints to broaden the scope for profit. Following close behind is the lure of the ‘1.93 Trillion entertainment culture’. (Statista online statistics http://www.statista.com/ )
In her recent documentary ‘Hot Girls Wanted’, Rashida Jones explains the influence of postmodern pop culture on women. The commodification of gender/ sex under the pressure of capitalism and subsequent objectification of woman is strategic, brutal, and prolific. Women are the pack mule for the marketing enterprise & are groomed by cutting edge think-tanks to identify their personal wealth, their currency with sex and sex culture.
Entertainment Acharya’s constantly work to push the boundaries of what’s considered socially tolerable. There’s no consideration to implication, there’s microscopic analysis on profitable business impact. Infused with the entertainment empire is the world of porn which in America alone stands as a $97 Billion industry. The Godzilla ‘Adult Entertainment Industry’ has continues with unprecedented. The industry is entrenched in social media that exploits personal insecurities to sell products. Pornography literally translated to Filmed Prostitution ( Porna – Prostitute & Graphia – Documentation) is no girls childhood dream. Genera’s expand as the principle of diminishing return haunts the addicts of cybersex & online pornography. To date these mediums flow seamlessly from one to another, social media, entertainment and pornography collaborate to feed the profit monster.
Teenagers in 2015 are sexualized through categories such as crying, humiliation and rape, genera’s expanding within the parameters of legal adult entertainment. Males are trained to treat woman with anger and violence to imitate what they’ve seen. It’s a reality that makes us feel uncomfortable, perhaps a little embarrassed and uneasy, one we’d rather keep hidden and wish away, but which is factually out of control and significantly destructive.
The pornifcation of the entertainment industry sees girls as young as 8 & 9 idolizing strip culture superstars that embody the pedigree of strip culture, erotica with the status of wealth, fame and power.
Simply put, young women ….women of all ages for that matter, sign the terms and conditions to life in the fast lane. What’s that message?
“Look ladies by sexualising your image to industry standards, you’ll be eligible to grasp the mantel of real success. You’ll be wanted, desired, worshiped, needed and most of all empowered! Liberated from the domestic shackles of the past and launched into the banquet halls previously reserved for the capitalistic male. Now it’s your turn, you can have the money, you can have the power!”
Dating apps like Tinder have rocketed into the relationship space. Practically the responsibility is placed of the female candidate to package themselves, commodification complete you’re ready to be traded across the male consumer market like raw stock. Nice one Humanity.
What’s that doing to woman? It’s transformed them from people to commodities, profit units that can be loaded into systems and exploited. According to Tinder founder and CEO Sean Rad as of February 2014 Tinder is responsible for 750 million swipes and 10 million matches every day. It also boasts that 450 million profiles are rated everyday & membership is growing by 15% each week.
At the very heart of it are women being exploited, seeking love and affection as we all do through a deceptive game engineered to harvest profit, not deliver satisfaction. Scientific studies show that woman using smartphone dating aps experience the same compulsive behavioural symptoms as gambling addicts at a slot machine – “The Jackpot is just around the corner!” Sadly it’s nothing more than a dopamine induced scam.
But what’s the real life impact of this message? What’s the biological, emotional, physiological…what to speak of spiritual cost in this message to women? How many high school girls are shepherded into the dark realities of sexual abuse attempting to realise these fantasies? According to statistics released by a study on New Zealand high schools 1 in 4. How many women do we know who simply cannot realistically meet the expectation mark, make the cut, the grade, and as a result suffer from chronic eating disorders, silent depression, sexual dysfunction, negative self-image, mental health issues…according to New Zealand Health statistics the figures are exponential in growth, and again, that’s great from business in a world that has pharmaceutical cocktails from all your problems. When I process these statistics, hear the stories associated with them, the issue come’s a little closer to home.
So how do you deal with such a crisis, an epidemic like this? Well I feel like I have some idea because I’ve seen you do it personally now for years. Have I mastered this? Not a chance. Do I have even a fraction of your motivation, insight or realization? Afraid not. But just as an apprentice can follow the certified electrician and when he follows perfectly the process he achieves the same result, so in the same way I can see that what you do is to deal with the crisis at its core, at its root, while training up a new generation of electricians, medics, selfless servants of Sri Gaurasundar.
I’ve watched you empower women, enabling them to reclaim their sovereignty, redefine their identity and direction in life. Where there is ambition for growth, creativity, leadership, entrepreneurial diversification you haven’t slammed the lid down or dampened the aspiration, quite contrary you’ve responded by stoking the embers to full flame, cheering on with warm heartfelt encouragement. I must applaud your genius in engaging your female disciples in running entire outreach centres, teaching and training in the corporate yoga community’s, distributing Krsna prasadm to Uni students and Srila Prabhupadas books on mass throughout the world now for decades. These are not the crippled captives of Kaliyuga, these are the empowered daughters of Devamritamaharaja!
You profusely and fearlessly, relentlessly and sometimes ( I refer to your years in the eastern block) illegally distribute the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You know how to deal with this crisis; you carry that message with such care and reverence, conscious never to change the substance, constantly adapting its form and in so doing you turn the tide.
I’ve watched you give love, encouragement, support, empathy, comfort, correction, protection but above all you’ve given your firm faith in the process of chanting the Divine Names of the Hare Krsna Mahamantra – Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. You enrich each disciple’s life with a status and identity beyond gender. The glorious position of being the servant of the servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaparabhu.
And where expertise and assistance is required I’ve seen you support that. The psychological trauma carried from the killing fields, the ocean of repeated birth and death is no small thing and I applaud and thank you for supporting you’re dependents to “Deal with themselves”, inside and out. Why? For the purpose of giving better service which satisfies the self of the self, culminating in its perfection as helping others to be transformed from the wounded to warriors, victims to victories, helping a new generation to conquer their own mountains.
Dear Gurudeva on this auspicious day of your appearance I pray that I will be able to follow the example that you have chalked out for me. That I can be something of the father you are, show something of the love, care and compassion you demonstrate. I commit to endeavouring to follow your guidance to the best of my ability, to be less the exploiter and more the servant of the servant. To slowly and steadily become a rising moon.
Your aspiring servant and grateful son
Vamsidhari das
Please accept my humble obeisance’s
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your appearance day.
To glorify someone like you should be a simple task. Well that’s what you’d think, but I’ve found the task quite perplexing and if I’m honest a little frustrating. Ordinary persons glorify those who have achieved great success, those who have conquers life’s challenging peaks, overcome the obstacles the masses struggle to scale. But you are no ordinary conjurer. Your conquests break the limitations of time and space that govern mundane achievements, the expansive mountain ranges of your success stretch the horizon of my vision. Where do I begin to glorify a personality like Devamrita swami?
Today I would like to glorify, magnify and sincerely thank you for the service and success you’ve had in one of many arenas. An arena you’ve frequented with consistent mastery, the deepest care, compassion and authentic love throughout your impressive devotional career. I can personally all the more appreciate your success in this arena by contrasting it with my own struggles and failures there in. Today I wish to glorify you r love, fatherly guidance, care and compassion for women.
Some years ago now I drove you to Govinda Valley from the Sydney International Airport. During that journey you spoke at length with a female disciple who was struggling in her spiritual life. I was honestly very moved by the sincere investment and concern you had for her in her circumstances. After the call you reflected in silence and then after sometime you said to me, “WOMEN are the real victims of Kaliyuga.” That’s certainly not a fashionable statement to make, but you weren’t appealing to any fashionable sentiment. You weren’t posturing some personal OPINION or expression some misogynistic rationalisation.
Besides me sat an enlightened soul who could see with lucid sobriety beyond the smoke screen of the multibillion dollar entertainment illusion of the material energy. Besides me spoke my spiritual master and father, who could see the killing fields of the kali-yuga, could hear the cries of heartache drowned out from most by the loud chorus of consumerist capitalism, and high-octane pharmaceutical cocktails.
Why do you care so much for your spiritual daughters being? Since being married I’ve heard of many many accounts where you’ve personally stepped into the line of fire to encourage a struggling female devotee, personally rolling up your sleeves to couch or outright rescue a spiritual daughter who’ve fallen victim to the Iron Age wolves. But why? Surely your saffron entitlement card absolves you of that kind of stress; surely the renounced order offers you a convenient, even legitimate excuse to unsubscribe from this tragedy, headache and hurt?
Not long after that trip to Govinda Valley I got engaged, later married and am now awaiting the appearance of my own biological daughter in January 2015. While meditating on this promotion of roles and your appearance day I found myself at this mountain peak of compassion you have for the woman of this world. I found myself wondering, what does he see? What does he feel? Why do I not care in the same way he does? There he goes, year after year pulling bodies out the burning house while I go about my business. So I decided to conduct a little study into the conditions of life woman face, what I discovered was tragic and alarming.
As a disclaimer I want to acknowledge that your compassion extends beyond gender, beyond even the bodily concept of life. I’ll leave the male mountain for another time.
Headlines evidence the increasing exploitation of women in third world countries across the globe. 80% of the $31.6 Billion a year human trafficking translates to girls between the age of 12 – 14 being sold into sex slavery (National Human Trafficking Research Centre). So much for progress. The Refugee crisis in the Middle East this year is set to send 2015 statistics to all-time highs as females are in many cases, literally harvested for sale back to the countries from which they’ve fled. (Boko Haram Kidnapping April 2014.) 5000 + woman are murdered each year in third world countries in the name of honour by family members. (World Health Organisation stats)
But I don’t live in the third world, nor do more of the females I know, so what’s to worry right? In the year 2015 we’ve seen the progressive spread of ‘western’ ideologies across the globe. Capitalism and aggressive corporate entities rampage across boundaries shattering fragile ethical and moral restraints to broaden the scope for profit. Following close behind is the lure of the ‘1.93 Trillion entertainment culture’. (Statista online statistics http://www.statista.com/ )
In her recent documentary ‘Hot Girls Wanted’, Rashida Jones explains the influence of postmodern pop culture on women. The commodification of gender/ sex under the pressure of capitalism and subsequent objectification of woman is strategic, brutal, and prolific. Women are the pack mule for the marketing enterprise & are groomed by cutting edge think-tanks to identify their personal wealth, their currency with sex and sex culture.
Entertainment Acharya’s constantly work to push the boundaries of what’s considered socially tolerable. There’s no consideration to implication, there’s microscopic analysis on profitable business impact. Infused with the entertainment empire is the world of porn which in America alone stands as a $97 Billion industry. The Godzilla ‘Adult Entertainment Industry’ has continues with unprecedented. The industry is entrenched in social media that exploits personal insecurities to sell products. Pornography literally translated to Filmed Prostitution ( Porna – Prostitute & Graphia – Documentation) is no girls childhood dream. Genera’s expand as the principle of diminishing return haunts the addicts of cybersex & online pornography. To date these mediums flow seamlessly from one to another, social media, entertainment and pornography collaborate to feed the profit monster.
Teenagers in 2015 are sexualized through categories such as crying, humiliation and rape, genera’s expanding within the parameters of legal adult entertainment. Males are trained to treat woman with anger and violence to imitate what they’ve seen. It’s a reality that makes us feel uncomfortable, perhaps a little embarrassed and uneasy, one we’d rather keep hidden and wish away, but which is factually out of control and significantly destructive.
The pornifcation of the entertainment industry sees girls as young as 8 & 9 idolizing strip culture superstars that embody the pedigree of strip culture, erotica with the status of wealth, fame and power.
Simply put, young women ….women of all ages for that matter, sign the terms and conditions to life in the fast lane. What’s that message?
“Look ladies by sexualising your image to industry standards, you’ll be eligible to grasp the mantel of real success. You’ll be wanted, desired, worshiped, needed and most of all empowered! Liberated from the domestic shackles of the past and launched into the banquet halls previously reserved for the capitalistic male. Now it’s your turn, you can have the money, you can have the power!”
Dating apps like Tinder have rocketed into the relationship space. Practically the responsibility is placed of the female candidate to package themselves, commodification complete you’re ready to be traded across the male consumer market like raw stock. Nice one Humanity.
What’s that doing to woman? It’s transformed them from people to commodities, profit units that can be loaded into systems and exploited. According to Tinder founder and CEO Sean Rad as of February 2014 Tinder is responsible for 750 million swipes and 10 million matches every day. It also boasts that 450 million profiles are rated everyday & membership is growing by 15% each week.
At the very heart of it are women being exploited, seeking love and affection as we all do through a deceptive game engineered to harvest profit, not deliver satisfaction. Scientific studies show that woman using smartphone dating aps experience the same compulsive behavioural symptoms as gambling addicts at a slot machine – “The Jackpot is just around the corner!” Sadly it’s nothing more than a dopamine induced scam.
But what’s the real life impact of this message? What’s the biological, emotional, physiological…what to speak of spiritual cost in this message to women? How many high school girls are shepherded into the dark realities of sexual abuse attempting to realise these fantasies? According to statistics released by a study on New Zealand high schools 1 in 4. How many women do we know who simply cannot realistically meet the expectation mark, make the cut, the grade, and as a result suffer from chronic eating disorders, silent depression, sexual dysfunction, negative self-image, mental health issues…according to New Zealand Health statistics the figures are exponential in growth, and again, that’s great from business in a world that has pharmaceutical cocktails from all your problems. When I process these statistics, hear the stories associated with them, the issue come’s a little closer to home.
So how do you deal with such a crisis, an epidemic like this? Well I feel like I have some idea because I’ve seen you do it personally now for years. Have I mastered this? Not a chance. Do I have even a fraction of your motivation, insight or realization? Afraid not. But just as an apprentice can follow the certified electrician and when he follows perfectly the process he achieves the same result, so in the same way I can see that what you do is to deal with the crisis at its core, at its root, while training up a new generation of electricians, medics, selfless servants of Sri Gaurasundar.
I’ve watched you empower women, enabling them to reclaim their sovereignty, redefine their identity and direction in life. Where there is ambition for growth, creativity, leadership, entrepreneurial diversification you haven’t slammed the lid down or dampened the aspiration, quite contrary you’ve responded by stoking the embers to full flame, cheering on with warm heartfelt encouragement. I must applaud your genius in engaging your female disciples in running entire outreach centres, teaching and training in the corporate yoga community’s, distributing Krsna prasadm to Uni students and Srila Prabhupadas books on mass throughout the world now for decades. These are not the crippled captives of Kaliyuga, these are the empowered daughters of Devamritamaharaja!
You profusely and fearlessly, relentlessly and sometimes ( I refer to your years in the eastern block) illegally distribute the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You know how to deal with this crisis; you carry that message with such care and reverence, conscious never to change the substance, constantly adapting its form and in so doing you turn the tide.
I’ve watched you give love, encouragement, support, empathy, comfort, correction, protection but above all you’ve given your firm faith in the process of chanting the Divine Names of the Hare Krsna Mahamantra – Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. You enrich each disciple’s life with a status and identity beyond gender. The glorious position of being the servant of the servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaparabhu.
And where expertise and assistance is required I’ve seen you support that. The psychological trauma carried from the killing fields, the ocean of repeated birth and death is no small thing and I applaud and thank you for supporting you’re dependents to “Deal with themselves”, inside and out. Why? For the purpose of giving better service which satisfies the self of the self, culminating in its perfection as helping others to be transformed from the wounded to warriors, victims to victories, helping a new generation to conquer their own mountains.
Dear Gurudeva on this auspicious day of your appearance I pray that I will be able to follow the example that you have chalked out for me. That I can be something of the father you are, show something of the love, care and compassion you demonstrate. I commit to endeavouring to follow your guidance to the best of my ability, to be less the exploiter and more the servant of the servant. To slowly and steadily become a rising moon.
Your aspiring servant and grateful son
Vamsidhari das
Vanamalli Gopal Das
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
I still remember the day I first met you. With my mundane material knowledge and zero spiritual understanding, I perceived you as a swami in saffron robe. In the next meeting, I perceived you as a great orator. And the next, I saw you as someone who can answer tough questions. If it wasn't for the Devotees and Srila Prabhupada’s books, I would have never understood your compassion to every living entities nor I would have understood your pure intension to solve the greatest problem faced by humanity.
When I had my greatest opportunity to personally sever you at New Gupta Vraja, you simply tolerated and corrected my heinous mistakes. I always wondered how it is possible for anyone to tolerate such silly mistakes. Gurudeva, I would like to take this opportunity to thanking you for all the opportunities you are giving me to serve you and the devotees and seek your forgiveness for all my impersonal dealings with you and the devotees.
Your servant,
Vanamali Gopal Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
I still remember the day I first met you. With my mundane material knowledge and zero spiritual understanding, I perceived you as a swami in saffron robe. In the next meeting, I perceived you as a great orator. And the next, I saw you as someone who can answer tough questions. If it wasn't for the Devotees and Srila Prabhupada’s books, I would have never understood your compassion to every living entities nor I would have understood your pure intension to solve the greatest problem faced by humanity.
When I had my greatest opportunity to personally sever you at New Gupta Vraja, you simply tolerated and corrected my heinous mistakes. I always wondered how it is possible for anyone to tolerate such silly mistakes. Gurudeva, I would like to take this opportunity to thanking you for all the opportunities you are giving me to serve you and the devotees and seek your forgiveness for all my impersonal dealings with you and the devotees.
Your servant,
Vanamali Gopal Das
Venu-madhurya das
Dear Srila Gurudeva, please accept my prostrated obeisances at Your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Your great qualities deserve endless glorification, yet today on this auspicious day of Your appearance I meditate on Your sincerity and devotion to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Panca Tattva.
Your sincere desire to help Srila Prabhupada to spread Sri Chaytanya's Mahaprabhu mission and order, You have succeeded conquering Lord's attention. Being so focused and determined in whatever service You have performed whether editing of Srila Prabhupada's books, determined in distributing them, serving by writing books, preaching all over the world enduring travel inconveniences, risking Your health, constantly thinking and analyzing how to make Krsna available to others while Kali's influence is so rapidly progressing, You have become empowered by Srila Prabhupada Himself to lead as GBC, to teach as a genuine spiritual master, to save and transform lost, suffering conditioned souls as a compassionate Vaisnava, and most importantly You have become very dear to the Lord of that there is no doubt, BG 18.69 ...kascin me priya-krittamaha...
I am endlessly grateful You have kindly found me among all these lost souls and gave me shelter together with Llila-madhurya dasi. If not You Gurumaharaj I would not even become a human being what to speak of a chance to become one day a true servant of a servant of a pure devotee of the Lord. I weep and pray to become a little more Krsna Conscious in order to serve Your lotus feet better, to get intelligence to ask the right questions, to utilize the time given by Krsna properly, to become a servant of a servant of the Lord. Please, I beg, continue to watch over this fallen soul that somehow or other was lucky to hear from Your lotus-like mouth about Krsna and devotional service, and who had remembered that true happiness and real relationships are elsewhere, not in this temporary material world. Your words and Your chanting have touched my rough, rusty heart, and something live, pure, but fragile started to awaken there. Please protect me from ignorance and illusion to which I have associated and attached so much, that bewilderment became 'accustomed, normal life'. Allow me to have a slight bit of Your sincerity, serving attitude spirit and greedy desire to be part of Sri Chaytanya's Mahaprabhu company, mission and mercy.
Your unqualified servant,
Venu-madhurya das
All Your great qualities deserve endless glorification, yet today on this auspicious day of Your appearance I meditate on Your sincerity and devotion to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Panca Tattva.
Your sincere desire to help Srila Prabhupada to spread Sri Chaytanya's Mahaprabhu mission and order, You have succeeded conquering Lord's attention. Being so focused and determined in whatever service You have performed whether editing of Srila Prabhupada's books, determined in distributing them, serving by writing books, preaching all over the world enduring travel inconveniences, risking Your health, constantly thinking and analyzing how to make Krsna available to others while Kali's influence is so rapidly progressing, You have become empowered by Srila Prabhupada Himself to lead as GBC, to teach as a genuine spiritual master, to save and transform lost, suffering conditioned souls as a compassionate Vaisnava, and most importantly You have become very dear to the Lord of that there is no doubt, BG 18.69 ...kascin me priya-krittamaha...
I am endlessly grateful You have kindly found me among all these lost souls and gave me shelter together with Llila-madhurya dasi. If not You Gurumaharaj I would not even become a human being what to speak of a chance to become one day a true servant of a servant of a pure devotee of the Lord. I weep and pray to become a little more Krsna Conscious in order to serve Your lotus feet better, to get intelligence to ask the right questions, to utilize the time given by Krsna properly, to become a servant of a servant of the Lord. Please, I beg, continue to watch over this fallen soul that somehow or other was lucky to hear from Your lotus-like mouth about Krsna and devotional service, and who had remembered that true happiness and real relationships are elsewhere, not in this temporary material world. Your words and Your chanting have touched my rough, rusty heart, and something live, pure, but fragile started to awaken there. Please protect me from ignorance and illusion to which I have associated and attached so much, that bewilderment became 'accustomed, normal life'. Allow me to have a slight bit of Your sincerity, serving attitude spirit and greedy desire to be part of Sri Chaytanya's Mahaprabhu company, mission and mercy.
Your unqualified servant,
Venu-madhurya das
Vilasini dd
Please accept my most humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet Gurudeva
I'm very fortunate and grateful to be able to write one more year my offering of love to you Srila Gurudeva. I have to admit I haven't been keeping in touch with you lately but in your last personal darshan just a month ago you were very kind and as a lovely father gave me all the support and love through your beautiful advice and instructions. I can't imagine were I would be now if I wasn't in Krsna Consciousness and as a disciple of yours. One who has a spiritual master like you has everything in life. Thanks for all you do to save our lives, thanks for being so kind to humanity, thanks for your wonderful lectures that are full of knowledge about the scriptures and about what Srila Prabhupada trying to teach us.
Dear Gurudeva my heart is full of gratitude for you and your service, I beg for forgiveness for not having the enough intelligence to please your heart as I suppose. I wish I can give more in this moment to you as I did before. I pray to Sri Radha Krsna to protect you and to keep you in good health so you can keep doing what you like to do the most serve your spiritual master.
Hare Krsna
Your eternal servant and disciple
Vilasini dd
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet Gurudeva
I'm very fortunate and grateful to be able to write one more year my offering of love to you Srila Gurudeva. I have to admit I haven't been keeping in touch with you lately but in your last personal darshan just a month ago you were very kind and as a lovely father gave me all the support and love through your beautiful advice and instructions. I can't imagine were I would be now if I wasn't in Krsna Consciousness and as a disciple of yours. One who has a spiritual master like you has everything in life. Thanks for all you do to save our lives, thanks for being so kind to humanity, thanks for your wonderful lectures that are full of knowledge about the scriptures and about what Srila Prabhupada trying to teach us.
Dear Gurudeva my heart is full of gratitude for you and your service, I beg for forgiveness for not having the enough intelligence to please your heart as I suppose. I wish I can give more in this moment to you as I did before. I pray to Sri Radha Krsna to protect you and to keep you in good health so you can keep doing what you like to do the most serve your spiritual master.
Hare Krsna
Your eternal servant and disciple
Vilasini dd
Vinita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
It is explained in the Srimad Bhagavatam (7.2.57) that everyone has to die, yet everyone thinks they are independent and that they will never die. A few months ago, something happened that helped me realise, to some degree, that the body will actually die. I can't imagine how I would have coped if it wasn't for your mercy. This is what happened.
I was at the hospital. The doctor said "You've got cancer in your body, and you're only going to live for a few more days. You'll need to be hooked up to a machine, and you won't even be able to move..."
I had a feeling something was wrong, but had no idea it was that bad.
After that, I was sitting on a bench. I saw a friend, and called to her. With a great heaviness in my heart, I thought, "How am I going to tell her that I'm about to die?" Overwhelmed with emotion, I started to cry. Then I woke up. It was just a dream. But it had been so real. And when I woke up, I found that I was really crying.
Not knowing how much longer I was going to be in my body, I eventually stopped crying, and with your mercy, started to chant the holy name.
Later, when this incredibly vivid dream began to fade, and I hadn't yet left my body, I started to reflect upon how important it is to prepare for the time of death. I'd found out, with great relief, that I don't have a life threatening illness, but it was a good reminder that at some stage, death of the body will come. We're so fortunate to have the opportunity to prepare for the time of death, but this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for your inconceivable mercy in so many ways.
By your mercy, we have the transcendental knowledge that we're not the body, that we're spirit souls, and that we're eternal servants of Krishna. We know that in the bodily concept of life, we live a life that is temporary, full of ignorance and miserable. But we also know that the soul is sat-cit-ananda- eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. It's only because of you, who have given us access to this transcendental knowledge, that we can become free from the bodily concept of life and re-establish our relationship with Krishna, the all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead.
By your mercy, we can not only prepare for the time of death, but live a life which is full of the highest meaning, purpose, happiness, and love.
And by your mercy, we have the opportunity to share this most precious gift with others.
Thank you for all the austerities you undergo to give us your mercy.
And thank you, most sincerely, for saving me.
Please allow me to always remain in the dust of your lotus feet, in the association of those that serve you.
Your eternally indebted and ever grateful aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
It is explained in the Srimad Bhagavatam (7.2.57) that everyone has to die, yet everyone thinks they are independent and that they will never die. A few months ago, something happened that helped me realise, to some degree, that the body will actually die. I can't imagine how I would have coped if it wasn't for your mercy. This is what happened.
I was at the hospital. The doctor said "You've got cancer in your body, and you're only going to live for a few more days. You'll need to be hooked up to a machine, and you won't even be able to move..."
I had a feeling something was wrong, but had no idea it was that bad.
After that, I was sitting on a bench. I saw a friend, and called to her. With a great heaviness in my heart, I thought, "How am I going to tell her that I'm about to die?" Overwhelmed with emotion, I started to cry. Then I woke up. It was just a dream. But it had been so real. And when I woke up, I found that I was really crying.
Not knowing how much longer I was going to be in my body, I eventually stopped crying, and with your mercy, started to chant the holy name.
Later, when this incredibly vivid dream began to fade, and I hadn't yet left my body, I started to reflect upon how important it is to prepare for the time of death. I'd found out, with great relief, that I don't have a life threatening illness, but it was a good reminder that at some stage, death of the body will come. We're so fortunate to have the opportunity to prepare for the time of death, but this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for your inconceivable mercy in so many ways.
By your mercy, we have the transcendental knowledge that we're not the body, that we're spirit souls, and that we're eternal servants of Krishna. We know that in the bodily concept of life, we live a life that is temporary, full of ignorance and miserable. But we also know that the soul is sat-cit-ananda- eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. It's only because of you, who have given us access to this transcendental knowledge, that we can become free from the bodily concept of life and re-establish our relationship with Krishna, the all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead.
By your mercy, we can not only prepare for the time of death, but live a life which is full of the highest meaning, purpose, happiness, and love.
And by your mercy, we have the opportunity to share this most precious gift with others.
Thank you for all the austerities you undergo to give us your mercy.
And thank you, most sincerely, for saving me.
Please allow me to always remain in the dust of your lotus feet, in the association of those that serve you.
Your eternally indebted and ever grateful aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Vinoda kovida das
nama om vishnu padaya
krsna prestaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita
Swaminiti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
parartatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
On this most auspicious day, I pray that I can offer some sincere glorification of Your Divine Grace for Your transcendental pleasure.
Recently I had the fortune to be with you in ISKCON, Phillidelphia where we were hearing from Prahlada Maharaja about the qualities of a pure servant. Indeed, How rare it is to see such a personality in this material world. Sri Guru, who is the representative of Lord Nityananda Balaram, Adi-Guru, is the best example of a pure servant of the Lord (DAS) and He can therefore serve the Lord as His pure representative, instructing the conditioned souls how to perfect their lives. Simply by taking the instructions that come from the mouth of the Guru, a disciple is connected, and gains access to inconceivable power. Srila Prabhupada writes:
"By the pleasure of the spiritual master, one can get extraordinary power, especially in spiritual advancement. The blessings of the spiritual master are more powerful than one's endeavor for such advancement... Especially for spiritual advancement, one should carry out the bona fide order of the spiritual master. By the parampara system, one can thus be endowed with the original spiritual power coming from the Supreme Personality of Godhead" (SB 8.15.28 p.)
The rope is there, all we have to do is grab it and hold on tightly. I pray on this day that I may always hold on to this order that you have given over and over again: to develop a deep attachment for reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. May this order always remain in the forefront of my mind.
Thank you Gurudeva for being a pure master and thus enthusing us to become pure servants, tolerating all of our impurities along the way.
Praying to be eternally situated at Your Lotus feet.
Your humble servant,
vinoda kovida das
krsna prestaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita
Swaminiti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
parartatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
On this most auspicious day, I pray that I can offer some sincere glorification of Your Divine Grace for Your transcendental pleasure.
Recently I had the fortune to be with you in ISKCON, Phillidelphia where we were hearing from Prahlada Maharaja about the qualities of a pure servant. Indeed, How rare it is to see such a personality in this material world. Sri Guru, who is the representative of Lord Nityananda Balaram, Adi-Guru, is the best example of a pure servant of the Lord (DAS) and He can therefore serve the Lord as His pure representative, instructing the conditioned souls how to perfect their lives. Simply by taking the instructions that come from the mouth of the Guru, a disciple is connected, and gains access to inconceivable power. Srila Prabhupada writes:
"By the pleasure of the spiritual master, one can get extraordinary power, especially in spiritual advancement. The blessings of the spiritual master are more powerful than one's endeavor for such advancement... Especially for spiritual advancement, one should carry out the bona fide order of the spiritual master. By the parampara system, one can thus be endowed with the original spiritual power coming from the Supreme Personality of Godhead" (SB 8.15.28 p.)
The rope is there, all we have to do is grab it and hold on tightly. I pray on this day that I may always hold on to this order that you have given over and over again: to develop a deep attachment for reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. May this order always remain in the forefront of my mind.
Thank you Gurudeva for being a pure master and thus enthusing us to become pure servants, tolerating all of our impurities along the way.
Praying to be eternally situated at Your Lotus feet.
Your humble servant,
vinoda kovida das
Viracandra Dasa
nama om vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In CC Adi-Lila 1.45 it is mentioned:-
guru krsna-rupa hana sastrera pramane
guru-rupe krsna krpa karena bhakta-gane
Translation:- According to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is nondifferent from Krsna. Lord Krsna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees.
It is also mentioned in the purport SB 1.2.32, Srila Prabhupada mentions that as the fire is kindled from the wood by the another fire similarly, His Divine Grace, The Spiritual Master can kindle the Spiritual fire from the wood like living entity by imparting proper spiritual messages injected through the receptive ear.
When I read this statement of Prabhupada, I could relate to it that how by your teachings and instructions you played the role in my life and showed me the way and reason to like the life.
Gurudev, generally it is said that one should search for the bonafide Spiritual Master, humbly inquire about the spiritual life and render service to him but when I see in my case, I feel your direct compassion and mercy on me that you yourself came in my life and shower your mercy on me by giving menial opportunities to serve you. Though I am not qualified to do any service to you, the guidance of senior devotees, especially Nityananda Priya Prabhu somehow or other I get this opportunity.
Gurudev, you have been tremendously merciful on me by accepting me as your disciple but I want to put a request through to you to please keep me engaged in your service and please keep guiding me at every step. Though I am an ignorant and fallen soul, I am yours, so please never give up on me and keep me under the shade of your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Viracandra Dasa
srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In CC Adi-Lila 1.45 it is mentioned:-
guru krsna-rupa hana sastrera pramane
guru-rupe krsna krpa karena bhakta-gane
Translation:- According to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is nondifferent from Krsna. Lord Krsna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees.
It is also mentioned in the purport SB 1.2.32, Srila Prabhupada mentions that as the fire is kindled from the wood by the another fire similarly, His Divine Grace, The Spiritual Master can kindle the Spiritual fire from the wood like living entity by imparting proper spiritual messages injected through the receptive ear.
When I read this statement of Prabhupada, I could relate to it that how by your teachings and instructions you played the role in my life and showed me the way and reason to like the life.
Gurudev, generally it is said that one should search for the bonafide Spiritual Master, humbly inquire about the spiritual life and render service to him but when I see in my case, I feel your direct compassion and mercy on me that you yourself came in my life and shower your mercy on me by giving menial opportunities to serve you. Though I am not qualified to do any service to you, the guidance of senior devotees, especially Nityananda Priya Prabhu somehow or other I get this opportunity.
Gurudev, you have been tremendously merciful on me by accepting me as your disciple but I want to put a request through to you to please keep me engaged in your service and please keep guiding me at every step. Though I am an ignorant and fallen soul, I am yours, so please never give up on me and keep me under the shade of your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Viracandra Dasa
Vishaka
mukham karoti vacalam
phangum langayate girim
yat-krpa tam aham vande
sri-guru dina tarinam
Dear Srila Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your Divine Grace on this most auspicious occasion of Sri Vyasa Puja.
The Vedic scriptures and historical recitations tell us of the gurus to be found in nature and the qualities of the guru emulated by the natural elements.
Just like a steady and balanced mountain, our guru devotes all efforts to the service of others. The welfare of others is his sole reason for existence and he is always providing happiness to all living entities.
Just like pure water, our guru is free from contamination; gentle by nature and always creating beautiful sound vibration by his speaking the Absolute Truth. Indeed, simply by seeing; touch or hearing from him all the world becomes purified by his saintliness. As our guru emulates this fluidity; so should we try.
As fire burns raw materials, so does the guru burn to ash all past and sinful reactions of those who are sincerely trying and dedicated to the Lords’ lotus feet.
The tree and Earth planet dedicate themselves to others by giving freely of their produce and not protesting when being cut down or harmed. This shows the quality of the saintly conduct of our spiritual master. Always tolerant and ever- sober. May we learn to tolerate as he does and thus chant the Holy Name of the Lord constantly.
The kurara bird teaches us that the way to achieve unlimited happiness is to have no attachments and no material possessions. May we simply be attached to the instructions of our spiritual master and carry them out as out only possession.
A foolish lazy child exemplifies how freedom from anxiety is the key to worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead and attaining supreme ecstasy. May we become as anxious for this supreme ecstasy as our spiritual master.
Just like a serpent, our guru wanders alone; is always careful, does not take assistance from anyone, is extremely grave and speaks very little. May we become as collected as our spiritual master.
A weak insect teaches us how one will attain their next identity swayed by affection and fear based on the object it has fixated its’ intelligence on. As our spiritual master is ever-focus on the Supreme Absolute Truth; the moonlike smile of Lord Gauranga and the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, may we all become his humble servants.
All glories to our spiritual master.
Aspiring to be a servant
Vishaka
phangum langayate girim
yat-krpa tam aham vande
sri-guru dina tarinam
Dear Srila Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your Divine Grace on this most auspicious occasion of Sri Vyasa Puja.
The Vedic scriptures and historical recitations tell us of the gurus to be found in nature and the qualities of the guru emulated by the natural elements.
Just like a steady and balanced mountain, our guru devotes all efforts to the service of others. The welfare of others is his sole reason for existence and he is always providing happiness to all living entities.
Just like pure water, our guru is free from contamination; gentle by nature and always creating beautiful sound vibration by his speaking the Absolute Truth. Indeed, simply by seeing; touch or hearing from him all the world becomes purified by his saintliness. As our guru emulates this fluidity; so should we try.
As fire burns raw materials, so does the guru burn to ash all past and sinful reactions of those who are sincerely trying and dedicated to the Lords’ lotus feet.
The tree and Earth planet dedicate themselves to others by giving freely of their produce and not protesting when being cut down or harmed. This shows the quality of the saintly conduct of our spiritual master. Always tolerant and ever- sober. May we learn to tolerate as he does and thus chant the Holy Name of the Lord constantly.
The kurara bird teaches us that the way to achieve unlimited happiness is to have no attachments and no material possessions. May we simply be attached to the instructions of our spiritual master and carry them out as out only possession.
A foolish lazy child exemplifies how freedom from anxiety is the key to worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead and attaining supreme ecstasy. May we become as anxious for this supreme ecstasy as our spiritual master.
Just like a serpent, our guru wanders alone; is always careful, does not take assistance from anyone, is extremely grave and speaks very little. May we become as collected as our spiritual master.
A weak insect teaches us how one will attain their next identity swayed by affection and fear based on the object it has fixated its’ intelligence on. As our spiritual master is ever-focus on the Supreme Absolute Truth; the moonlike smile of Lord Gauranga and the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, may we all become his humble servants.
All glories to our spiritual master.
Aspiring to be a servant
Vishaka
Visnupadi Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Listening one of your seminars from the well-known Ukraine Festival in 2012, you gave a talk called “The Nectar of Accusing Krishna”. Very expertly you describe how devotees see and approach Krishna with conditioned eyes so we think that He does it with us too.
I felt deeply touched by your words and I realized that is with those same contaminated eyes that I try to establish a relationship with you; forgetting that kindly and graciously Krishna put me under your shelter so through your guidance I can purify my heart for my own benefit and even higher for your pleasure.
Krishna gives us exactly what we need for spiritual development.
It is like the example that Srila Prabhupada presents in Bhagavad-Gita about the two friendly birds sitting on the same tree: one is the individual atomic soul, the servant; and the other is Krishna or the master. “The jiva is struggling very hard on the tree of the material body, but as soon as the agrees to accept the other bird as the supreme spiritual master, the subordinate bird immediately becomes free from all lamentations” (B-G 2;22)
Thank you for giving me the chance to turn again and again to you. I am eternally grateful to you for your constant patience, encouraging, support and guidance to try to wake up from the illusions of my rebellious mind.
Please bless me that I can remain on the path of devotional service endeavouring every day to please you. There is not other way.
Your aspirant servant,
Visnupadi Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Listening one of your seminars from the well-known Ukraine Festival in 2012, you gave a talk called “The Nectar of Accusing Krishna”. Very expertly you describe how devotees see and approach Krishna with conditioned eyes so we think that He does it with us too.
I felt deeply touched by your words and I realized that is with those same contaminated eyes that I try to establish a relationship with you; forgetting that kindly and graciously Krishna put me under your shelter so through your guidance I can purify my heart for my own benefit and even higher for your pleasure.
Krishna gives us exactly what we need for spiritual development.
It is like the example that Srila Prabhupada presents in Bhagavad-Gita about the two friendly birds sitting on the same tree: one is the individual atomic soul, the servant; and the other is Krishna or the master. “The jiva is struggling very hard on the tree of the material body, but as soon as the agrees to accept the other bird as the supreme spiritual master, the subordinate bird immediately becomes free from all lamentations” (B-G 2;22)
Thank you for giving me the chance to turn again and again to you. I am eternally grateful to you for your constant patience, encouraging, support and guidance to try to wake up from the illusions of my rebellious mind.
Please bless me that I can remain on the path of devotional service endeavouring every day to please you. There is not other way.
Your aspirant servant,
Visnupadi Devi Dasi
Vraja Dhama das and Bhakti Candrika dd and Kavi
Dandavat pranams Gurudeva, please accept our humble obeisances in the jetstream of your ecstatic devotion. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your spiritual trail-blazing which inspires many.
As I write this offering from Lima, Peru- I recall all the life impacting events of our time here- one of those was taking formal initiation in Chosica on the appearance of Lord Ramacandra in 2002.
I have heard you summarize an aspect of Srila Prabhupada's instructions on 2 different occasions-explaining that real initiation takes place in the heart- and can take place before the formality of the ceremony, after the ceremony, or not at all.....
Recently I happen to come across what I believe is the same story retold by one of your esteemed Godbrother's:
"...in Los Angeles in 1971, His Divine Grace lived in a separate house about 5 miles from the temple, which at that time was on La Cienega Blvd... just before i was blessed with that most wonderful service, while i was still living in the temple, a young man came to live there who was fresh from the Marine Corps... i don't remember if he had been discharged for some reason, but his actions were not the noble actions that Marines are known for... he was extremely passionate and uncontrolled, he ogled at and bothered the ladies in the temple on a regular basis, and he was caught breaking the principles on more than one occasion...
...when Tamal Krishna Maharaj (he was a brahmacari at the time) brought the list of devotees to be initiated to Srila Prabhupad, this person's name was on the list... i kept the ongoing list of initiates, so i had access to this list ahead of time... i mentioned to Tamal Krishna Maharaj that this person was not ready for initiation and suggested he remove him from the list... he said he was going to give him a chance, and i argued that he should come to the basic standard first, rather than have Srila Prabhupad initiate him while he was breaking principles and hadn't proven his faith in the process and in His Guru...
... i asked why Srila Prabhupad should be put in the position of taking this person's karma by initiating him, not knowing what i found out later, that the first initiation is more like a chance for the devotee to grow, and the brahmin initiation is where the Guru actually accepts the karma... Tamal Krishna Maharaj kept him on the list anyway and during the fire sacrifice, this person was not chanting the mantras or throwing the grains in the fire, but instead was looking at the ladies... while driving Srila Prabhupad back to His house, i said... "Srila Prabhupad, i have a question"... and His Divine Grace said... "Ask me later"...
...as soon as we got back to His house, He said... "So your question is about the boy who was not chanting?" and i said yes... Srila Prabhupad always knew everything even before we would bring it up... i had not mentioned my dialog with Tamal Krishna Maharaj or the issue in general to Srila Prabhupad before the ceremony, and He said... "He is not initiated... real initiation is in the heart, and is a transcendental connection between the Guru and the disciple... the ceremony is simply a formality"...
My meditation here in Peru as I consider all of the inspiration and instruction that you given over the years - is to aspire for that real initiation, which is in the heart.
Your aspiring servants Vraja Dhama das, Bhakti Candrika dd and Kavi
As I write this offering from Lima, Peru- I recall all the life impacting events of our time here- one of those was taking formal initiation in Chosica on the appearance of Lord Ramacandra in 2002.
I have heard you summarize an aspect of Srila Prabhupada's instructions on 2 different occasions-explaining that real initiation takes place in the heart- and can take place before the formality of the ceremony, after the ceremony, or not at all.....
Recently I happen to come across what I believe is the same story retold by one of your esteemed Godbrother's:
"...in Los Angeles in 1971, His Divine Grace lived in a separate house about 5 miles from the temple, which at that time was on La Cienega Blvd... just before i was blessed with that most wonderful service, while i was still living in the temple, a young man came to live there who was fresh from the Marine Corps... i don't remember if he had been discharged for some reason, but his actions were not the noble actions that Marines are known for... he was extremely passionate and uncontrolled, he ogled at and bothered the ladies in the temple on a regular basis, and he was caught breaking the principles on more than one occasion...
...when Tamal Krishna Maharaj (he was a brahmacari at the time) brought the list of devotees to be initiated to Srila Prabhupad, this person's name was on the list... i kept the ongoing list of initiates, so i had access to this list ahead of time... i mentioned to Tamal Krishna Maharaj that this person was not ready for initiation and suggested he remove him from the list... he said he was going to give him a chance, and i argued that he should come to the basic standard first, rather than have Srila Prabhupad initiate him while he was breaking principles and hadn't proven his faith in the process and in His Guru...
... i asked why Srila Prabhupad should be put in the position of taking this person's karma by initiating him, not knowing what i found out later, that the first initiation is more like a chance for the devotee to grow, and the brahmin initiation is where the Guru actually accepts the karma... Tamal Krishna Maharaj kept him on the list anyway and during the fire sacrifice, this person was not chanting the mantras or throwing the grains in the fire, but instead was looking at the ladies... while driving Srila Prabhupad back to His house, i said... "Srila Prabhupad, i have a question"... and His Divine Grace said... "Ask me later"...
...as soon as we got back to His house, He said... "So your question is about the boy who was not chanting?" and i said yes... Srila Prabhupad always knew everything even before we would bring it up... i had not mentioned my dialog with Tamal Krishna Maharaj or the issue in general to Srila Prabhupad before the ceremony, and He said... "He is not initiated... real initiation is in the heart, and is a transcendental connection between the Guru and the disciple... the ceremony is simply a formality"...
My meditation here in Peru as I consider all of the inspiration and instruction that you given over the years - is to aspire for that real initiation, which is in the heart.
Your aspiring servants Vraja Dhama das, Bhakti Candrika dd and Kavi
Vraja Nari devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Writing a Vyasa Puja offering to you is a daunting task, every year. There are so many things I would like to say, but trying to formulate some praise is frustrating because I know it won’t be sufficient.
In a Vyasa Puja Address Srila Prabhupada is explaining the significance and meaning of the Vyasa Puja.
After first talking about the decline of our good qualities and the four imperfections every conditioned soul has, he talks about the uselessness of the knowledge received from conditioned souls:
Quote
‘Therefore we don't accept any knowledge from an imperfect personality. Because that is imperfect knowledge, what is the use of that knowledge?
So this Vyasa-puja means one day in a year, on the birthday of the spiritual master, because he is representative of Vyasa, he is delivering the same knowledge which has come down by disciplic succession without any change, he is offered the respect. This is called Vyasa Puja. ‘ unquote
Thank you Gurudeva for delivering that same unchanged knowledge to us.
Quote
SB 3.24.12 Verse:
‘Lord Brahma said: My dear son Kardama, since you have completely accepted my instructions without duplicity, showing them proper respect, you have worshiped me properly. Whatever instructions you took from me you have carried out, and thereby you have honored me.
PURPORT Excert:
Brahma praises Kardama because he carried out the orders of the spiritual master in toto and without cheating. A conditioned soul in the material world has the disqualification of cheating. He has four disqualifications: he is sure to commit mistakes, he is sure to be illusioned, he is prone to cheat others, and his senses are imperfect. But if one carries out the order of the spiritual master by disciplic succession, or the Parampara system, he overcomes the four defects. Therefore, knowledge received from the bona fide spiritual master is not cheating. Any other knowledge which is manufactured by the conditioned soul is cheating only. Brahma knew well that Kardama Muni exactly carried out the instructions received from him and that he actually honored his spiritual master. To honor the spiritual master means to carry out his instructions word for word.’ unquote
Then in his Vyasa puja address Srila Prabhupada continues talking about how the spiritual Master receives all honour on behalf of the Supreme Lord:
Quote
‘And the spiritual master receives all honour, all contribution, on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not for his person. Just like in our country when there was British rule, there was a viceroy, a king's representative. So naturally, when viceroy used to go to some meeting, many people used to present valuable jewels, valuable, because just to honour him. But the law was that not a single of the jewels or contribution the viceroy could touch. It was going to the royal treasury. Similarly, this day, Vyasa Puja day, whatever honour, contribution and feelings is being offered to the spiritual master, it is... Again, as we have received the knowledge from upwards, similarly, this respect also goes from downward to the upward. This is the process. So as the spiritual master is teacher of the student, he has to teach the disciple how to send back his respect and contribution to God. This is called Vyasa Puja. ‘ unquote
I can’t offer you any valuable jewels or streams of excellent words but I will try to say something about your wonderful qualities:
1) your selflessness is mind-bottling. Every moment of your life you are there to serve Krishna’s lost children. You are patching up crying girls, pubertal rebellious boys, dysfunctional grhastas (as myself) , the list is endless. Although we should be your servants, you are so serving us in a far superior way with a remarkably humble attitude:
Quote
Lecture October 23, 1972
‘Those who are learned devotees, advanced devotees, they also accept this that spiritual master should be treated as good as Hari, the Supreme Person. Why? Now...
But the spiritual master does not think of himself as Hari. Although he's offered the respect of Hari, he thinks himself as humble servant of Hari and all others. A spiritual master takes his devo..., disciples as his spiritual master. That is the position. He thinks that "Kåñëa has sent me so many spiritual masters." He does not think himself as spiritual master. He thinks himself their servant. Because they have to be trained. Kåñëa has appointed him to train them. Therefore he thinks himself as servant of the disciples. This is the position.’ unquote
2) Your care for us is overwhelming and irresistible. You make us do things for you which we would have never done for ourselves, starting from stopping us to hurt and abuse ourselves to becoming selfless servants.
3) How you spread Krishna Consciousness is revolutionary and you are definitely a lion in the chase. No new or old avenue you wouldn’t explore, no inconvenience you wouldn’t tolerate to further Srila Prabhupada’s movement.
Quote
CC Adi 7.31-32 TRANSLATION
‘Seeing that the Mayavadis and others were fleeing, Lord Caitanya thought, “I wanted everyone to be immersed in this inundation of love of Godhead, but some of them have escaped. Therefore I shall devise a trick to drown them also.”
PURPORT
Here is an important point. Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu wanted to invent a way to capture the Mayavadis and others who did not take interest in the Krishna consciousness movement. This is the symptom of an Acarya. An Acarya who comes for the service of the Lord cannot be expected to conform to a stereotype, for he must find the ways and means by which Krishna consciousness may be spread. ‘ unquote
4) Your words are only the choicest and most eloquent ones and are always engaged to glorify Krishna and spread His and His servants glories:
Quote
SB 10.1.69
‘The word uttamasloka means "one who is famous as the best of those who are good." The Lord is good in all circumstances. That is His natural reputation. His goodness is unlimited, and He uses it unlimitedly. A devotee is also sometimes described as uttamasloka, meaning that he is eager to glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead or the Lord's devotees.’
5) You are always in ecstasy of remembering Krishna:
Quote
Teachings of Lord Caitanya text 18
‘A bona fide spiritual master chants the holy names—Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare—and the transcendental sound vibration enters into the ear of the disciple, and if a disciple follows in the footsteps of his spiritual master and chants the holy name with similar respect, he actually comes to worship the transcendental name. When the transcendental name is worshiped by the devotee, the name Himself spreads His glories within the heart of a devotee. When a devotee is perfectly qualified in chanting the transcendental vibration of the holy name, he is quite fit to become a spiritual master and to deliver all the people of the world. The chanting of the holy name is so powerful that it gradually establishes its supremacy above everything in the world. The devotee who chants it becomes transcendentally situated in ecstasy and sometimes laughs, cries and dances in his ecstasy.’ unquote
6) Your are pure and purify others:
Quote
Srimad-Bagavatam (11.7.44),
' “O King, a saintly person is just like water because he is free from all contamination, gentle by nature, and by speaking creates a beautiful vibration like that of flowing water. Just by seeing, touching or hearing such a saintly person, the living entity is purified, just as one is cleansed by contact with pure water. Thus a saintly person, just like a holy place, purifies all those who contact him because he always chants the glories of the Lord.”' unquote
Srila Prabhupada continues in his Vyasa Puja Address:
Quote
‘…So the spiritual master is very confidential servant, dog of God. Therefore if you can please him, yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado **. If you can please the spiritual master, then God is pleased. Just like your small child. If somebody pleases that child, you become automatically pleased. You can please that child with a two-cent-worth lozenges. But to please you it may require thousands of dollars. So you can finish the business by offering a lozenges.’ unquote
You are giving unlimited care and time, often I think how frustrating it would be for any ordinary person, on a very exalted position to deal with someone as dull as myself. But instead, like a loving father you seem to be happy with the awkward efforts of a little child to somehow keep standing on his two legs.
Quote
‘So this is the position of a spiritual master. Don't misunderstand that "This person is sitting very comfortably and taking all honors and contribution." It is needed just to teach them how to respect the representative of God. This is the sum and substance of Vyasa-puja.’ unquote
Dear Gurudeva, you are our pure via medium, the representative of Vyasadeva, the whole Parampara, our link to Krishna and you are His most confidential servant.
Thank you for your great humility to allow us to offer you some glorification and heartfelt appreciation.
Today I want to thank you for being so compassionate to me that you bother spending time with me over and over to help me. You are looking after my marriage, after my health sending me gifts to improve my service, the list doesn’t end.
I am such a small-timer and very, very slow, even though you are giving me every opportunity for growth. By our consciousness and activities one can predict the future. I am trying to become an exemption to the rule.
Your aspiring servant,
Vraja Nari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Writing a Vyasa Puja offering to you is a daunting task, every year. There are so many things I would like to say, but trying to formulate some praise is frustrating because I know it won’t be sufficient.
In a Vyasa Puja Address Srila Prabhupada is explaining the significance and meaning of the Vyasa Puja.
After first talking about the decline of our good qualities and the four imperfections every conditioned soul has, he talks about the uselessness of the knowledge received from conditioned souls:
Quote
‘Therefore we don't accept any knowledge from an imperfect personality. Because that is imperfect knowledge, what is the use of that knowledge?
So this Vyasa-puja means one day in a year, on the birthday of the spiritual master, because he is representative of Vyasa, he is delivering the same knowledge which has come down by disciplic succession without any change, he is offered the respect. This is called Vyasa Puja. ‘ unquote
Thank you Gurudeva for delivering that same unchanged knowledge to us.
Quote
SB 3.24.12 Verse:
‘Lord Brahma said: My dear son Kardama, since you have completely accepted my instructions without duplicity, showing them proper respect, you have worshiped me properly. Whatever instructions you took from me you have carried out, and thereby you have honored me.
PURPORT Excert:
Brahma praises Kardama because he carried out the orders of the spiritual master in toto and without cheating. A conditioned soul in the material world has the disqualification of cheating. He has four disqualifications: he is sure to commit mistakes, he is sure to be illusioned, he is prone to cheat others, and his senses are imperfect. But if one carries out the order of the spiritual master by disciplic succession, or the Parampara system, he overcomes the four defects. Therefore, knowledge received from the bona fide spiritual master is not cheating. Any other knowledge which is manufactured by the conditioned soul is cheating only. Brahma knew well that Kardama Muni exactly carried out the instructions received from him and that he actually honored his spiritual master. To honor the spiritual master means to carry out his instructions word for word.’ unquote
Then in his Vyasa puja address Srila Prabhupada continues talking about how the spiritual Master receives all honour on behalf of the Supreme Lord:
Quote
‘And the spiritual master receives all honour, all contribution, on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not for his person. Just like in our country when there was British rule, there was a viceroy, a king's representative. So naturally, when viceroy used to go to some meeting, many people used to present valuable jewels, valuable, because just to honour him. But the law was that not a single of the jewels or contribution the viceroy could touch. It was going to the royal treasury. Similarly, this day, Vyasa Puja day, whatever honour, contribution and feelings is being offered to the spiritual master, it is... Again, as we have received the knowledge from upwards, similarly, this respect also goes from downward to the upward. This is the process. So as the spiritual master is teacher of the student, he has to teach the disciple how to send back his respect and contribution to God. This is called Vyasa Puja. ‘ unquote
I can’t offer you any valuable jewels or streams of excellent words but I will try to say something about your wonderful qualities:
1) your selflessness is mind-bottling. Every moment of your life you are there to serve Krishna’s lost children. You are patching up crying girls, pubertal rebellious boys, dysfunctional grhastas (as myself) , the list is endless. Although we should be your servants, you are so serving us in a far superior way with a remarkably humble attitude:
Quote
Lecture October 23, 1972
‘Those who are learned devotees, advanced devotees, they also accept this that spiritual master should be treated as good as Hari, the Supreme Person. Why? Now...
But the spiritual master does not think of himself as Hari. Although he's offered the respect of Hari, he thinks himself as humble servant of Hari and all others. A spiritual master takes his devo..., disciples as his spiritual master. That is the position. He thinks that "Kåñëa has sent me so many spiritual masters." He does not think himself as spiritual master. He thinks himself their servant. Because they have to be trained. Kåñëa has appointed him to train them. Therefore he thinks himself as servant of the disciples. This is the position.’ unquote
2) Your care for us is overwhelming and irresistible. You make us do things for you which we would have never done for ourselves, starting from stopping us to hurt and abuse ourselves to becoming selfless servants.
3) How you spread Krishna Consciousness is revolutionary and you are definitely a lion in the chase. No new or old avenue you wouldn’t explore, no inconvenience you wouldn’t tolerate to further Srila Prabhupada’s movement.
Quote
CC Adi 7.31-32 TRANSLATION
‘Seeing that the Mayavadis and others were fleeing, Lord Caitanya thought, “I wanted everyone to be immersed in this inundation of love of Godhead, but some of them have escaped. Therefore I shall devise a trick to drown them also.”
PURPORT
Here is an important point. Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu wanted to invent a way to capture the Mayavadis and others who did not take interest in the Krishna consciousness movement. This is the symptom of an Acarya. An Acarya who comes for the service of the Lord cannot be expected to conform to a stereotype, for he must find the ways and means by which Krishna consciousness may be spread. ‘ unquote
4) Your words are only the choicest and most eloquent ones and are always engaged to glorify Krishna and spread His and His servants glories:
Quote
SB 10.1.69
‘The word uttamasloka means "one who is famous as the best of those who are good." The Lord is good in all circumstances. That is His natural reputation. His goodness is unlimited, and He uses it unlimitedly. A devotee is also sometimes described as uttamasloka, meaning that he is eager to glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead or the Lord's devotees.’
5) You are always in ecstasy of remembering Krishna:
Quote
Teachings of Lord Caitanya text 18
‘A bona fide spiritual master chants the holy names—Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare—and the transcendental sound vibration enters into the ear of the disciple, and if a disciple follows in the footsteps of his spiritual master and chants the holy name with similar respect, he actually comes to worship the transcendental name. When the transcendental name is worshiped by the devotee, the name Himself spreads His glories within the heart of a devotee. When a devotee is perfectly qualified in chanting the transcendental vibration of the holy name, he is quite fit to become a spiritual master and to deliver all the people of the world. The chanting of the holy name is so powerful that it gradually establishes its supremacy above everything in the world. The devotee who chants it becomes transcendentally situated in ecstasy and sometimes laughs, cries and dances in his ecstasy.’ unquote
6) Your are pure and purify others:
Quote
Srimad-Bagavatam (11.7.44),
' “O King, a saintly person is just like water because he is free from all contamination, gentle by nature, and by speaking creates a beautiful vibration like that of flowing water. Just by seeing, touching or hearing such a saintly person, the living entity is purified, just as one is cleansed by contact with pure water. Thus a saintly person, just like a holy place, purifies all those who contact him because he always chants the glories of the Lord.”' unquote
Srila Prabhupada continues in his Vyasa Puja Address:
Quote
‘…So the spiritual master is very confidential servant, dog of God. Therefore if you can please him, yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado **. If you can please the spiritual master, then God is pleased. Just like your small child. If somebody pleases that child, you become automatically pleased. You can please that child with a two-cent-worth lozenges. But to please you it may require thousands of dollars. So you can finish the business by offering a lozenges.’ unquote
You are giving unlimited care and time, often I think how frustrating it would be for any ordinary person, on a very exalted position to deal with someone as dull as myself. But instead, like a loving father you seem to be happy with the awkward efforts of a little child to somehow keep standing on his two legs.
Quote
‘So this is the position of a spiritual master. Don't misunderstand that "This person is sitting very comfortably and taking all honors and contribution." It is needed just to teach them how to respect the representative of God. This is the sum and substance of Vyasa-puja.’ unquote
Dear Gurudeva, you are our pure via medium, the representative of Vyasadeva, the whole Parampara, our link to Krishna and you are His most confidential servant.
Thank you for your great humility to allow us to offer you some glorification and heartfelt appreciation.
Today I want to thank you for being so compassionate to me that you bother spending time with me over and over to help me. You are looking after my marriage, after my health sending me gifts to improve my service, the list doesn’t end.
I am such a small-timer and very, very slow, even though you are giving me every opportunity for growth. By our consciousness and activities one can predict the future. I am trying to become an exemption to the rule.
Your aspiring servant,
Vraja Nari dd
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day.
Your mercy shines in your comforting gaze that looks straight into the hearts of all of those who have the good fortune of an exchange with you. Your pride and love for your disciples, and all of those who follow the path of bhakti in Srila Prabhupada’s mission, is unquestionable.
The first time I was fortunate enough to meet with you I asked you how I could develop my relationship with Krsna. Your first instruction on this point was to see every moment as an opportunity to serve the devotees. You set the utmost example of this in your every action - travelling from one continent to the next, touching the hearts and broadening the minds of so many. I have seen and experienced it here, in this small and practically unheard of part of the world that you choose to go out of your way to visit every year. You come and make Krsna Consciousness accessible to all in your preaching. You give yourself fully, all of your time and energy. From the moment you arrive in Wales, to the moment you leave, we feel your love and encouragement and see how much you relish association with all of the devotees. Instructing us and guiding us, you know exactly what we need to hear to inspire and motivate us. You help shed away our pride and false egos, with your deeply self realised understanding of this divine wisdom.
You have always shown me so much compassion. Your love and support is what continues to drive me. I pray that one day I can truly understand the mercy and guidance you offer me because at the moment I feel I am like a baby with a precious diamond not understanding its true value. However, knowing that you have faith in me gives me the faith and courage to believe that if I keep trying to take baby steps one day I can make a true transformation within my heart and in my service to Guru and Krsna.
From my basic and faulted level of understanding in my spiritual life one thing I know for certain is that I am so proud and feel so undeservingly blessed to have such a qualified spiritual master guiding and encouraging me.
Placing myself eternally at your lotus feet.
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day.
Your mercy shines in your comforting gaze that looks straight into the hearts of all of those who have the good fortune of an exchange with you. Your pride and love for your disciples, and all of those who follow the path of bhakti in Srila Prabhupada’s mission, is unquestionable.
The first time I was fortunate enough to meet with you I asked you how I could develop my relationship with Krsna. Your first instruction on this point was to see every moment as an opportunity to serve the devotees. You set the utmost example of this in your every action - travelling from one continent to the next, touching the hearts and broadening the minds of so many. I have seen and experienced it here, in this small and practically unheard of part of the world that you choose to go out of your way to visit every year. You come and make Krsna Consciousness accessible to all in your preaching. You give yourself fully, all of your time and energy. From the moment you arrive in Wales, to the moment you leave, we feel your love and encouragement and see how much you relish association with all of the devotees. Instructing us and guiding us, you know exactly what we need to hear to inspire and motivate us. You help shed away our pride and false egos, with your deeply self realised understanding of this divine wisdom.
You have always shown me so much compassion. Your love and support is what continues to drive me. I pray that one day I can truly understand the mercy and guidance you offer me because at the moment I feel I am like a baby with a precious diamond not understanding its true value. However, knowing that you have faith in me gives me the faith and courage to believe that if I keep trying to take baby steps one day I can make a true transformation within my heart and in my service to Guru and Krsna.
From my basic and faulted level of understanding in my spiritual life one thing I know for certain is that I am so proud and feel so undeservingly blessed to have such a qualified spiritual master guiding and encouraging me.
Placing myself eternally at your lotus feet.
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Dearest Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I'm not really sure where to begin to try and glorify you on this occasion of your Vyasa Puja. But i hope you may please accept this attempt to do so.
Over time I have observed how you have touched your disciples and wellwishers hearts in different ways. For example, how you have encouraged us in our various services. Also, how to absorb ourselves in the hearing and chanting of the Lord's holy names, pastimes, and activities. You have inspired us to preach the Lord's mission through harinam and sankirtana.
You have also guided us on the right track if we have become disillusioned and lost our focus in Krishna consciousness. Not to mention that you have been a stellar example of a vaisnava, merciful and compassionate, a propagator of the absolute truth.
Gurudeva, I would like to express my gratitude for all you have done in my time in Krishna consciousness. You have offered lots of your time, support, encouragement and arranged help from other devotees during various life struggles or when i have had difficulty keeping focus in the process of Bhakti yoga.
Thank you for all you do and have given me. I feel most indebted and blessed to have had your association in this life time. I hope to always, in some way be connected to your service and to your disciples.
Your lowly servant
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I'm not really sure where to begin to try and glorify you on this occasion of your Vyasa Puja. But i hope you may please accept this attempt to do so.
Over time I have observed how you have touched your disciples and wellwishers hearts in different ways. For example, how you have encouraged us in our various services. Also, how to absorb ourselves in the hearing and chanting of the Lord's holy names, pastimes, and activities. You have inspired us to preach the Lord's mission through harinam and sankirtana.
You have also guided us on the right track if we have become disillusioned and lost our focus in Krishna consciousness. Not to mention that you have been a stellar example of a vaisnava, merciful and compassionate, a propagator of the absolute truth.
Gurudeva, I would like to express my gratitude for all you have done in my time in Krishna consciousness. You have offered lots of your time, support, encouragement and arranged help from other devotees during various life struggles or when i have had difficulty keeping focus in the process of Bhakti yoga.
Thank you for all you do and have given me. I feel most indebted and blessed to have had your association in this life time. I hope to always, in some way be connected to your service and to your disciples.
Your lowly servant
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Vrindavan-Madhurya das
Dear Gurudave,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A young devotee associates with his seniors by hearing from them and offering service. This clear etiquette of behaviour makes things much easier for me as my ability and comprehension of vaisnava dealings or relationships in general is very unrefined to say the least. The more I understand the value of devotee association the more I understand my inability to take advantage of it and the more my desire grows to better my dealings.
Hearing and offering some attempt at service are two things I think I can manage. They take the complication out of exchanges and allow me to stay in my humble position.
Hearing your lectures, so expertly delivered; hearing your advice in its personalized prescription; hearing from your devotees, guiding as your representatives and ultimately hearing from your most dear Srila Prabhupada. All these mediums of Krishna's mercy in the form of sound and instructions give comfort and reassurance in the process of hearing. The nature of the mind is that it is always disturbed but in hearing we can find the greatest satisfaction.
Service then allows us to act in reciprocation for all that we have been given. It allows me an opportunity to be of some kind of use though otherwise useless. It allows the mind to sit and time to lose its destructive effects. By every rising and every setting of the sun life is lost, except for one engaged in Krishna's service.The natural inclination of the soul-devotional service- is slowly but surely realized in service to Guru and Gauranga.
You have kindly given us the opportunity to serve and the taste that is granted alongside motivates a hankering for more. You have very liberally given me initiation and the chance to completely surrender. I pray for your blessings to cultivate selfless service and pray to forever stay in the shelter of devotees.
your aspiring servant,
Vrindavan-Madhurya das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A young devotee associates with his seniors by hearing from them and offering service. This clear etiquette of behaviour makes things much easier for me as my ability and comprehension of vaisnava dealings or relationships in general is very unrefined to say the least. The more I understand the value of devotee association the more I understand my inability to take advantage of it and the more my desire grows to better my dealings.
Hearing and offering some attempt at service are two things I think I can manage. They take the complication out of exchanges and allow me to stay in my humble position.
Hearing your lectures, so expertly delivered; hearing your advice in its personalized prescription; hearing from your devotees, guiding as your representatives and ultimately hearing from your most dear Srila Prabhupada. All these mediums of Krishna's mercy in the form of sound and instructions give comfort and reassurance in the process of hearing. The nature of the mind is that it is always disturbed but in hearing we can find the greatest satisfaction.
Service then allows us to act in reciprocation for all that we have been given. It allows me an opportunity to be of some kind of use though otherwise useless. It allows the mind to sit and time to lose its destructive effects. By every rising and every setting of the sun life is lost, except for one engaged in Krishna's service.The natural inclination of the soul-devotional service- is slowly but surely realized in service to Guru and Gauranga.
You have kindly given us the opportunity to serve and the taste that is granted alongside motivates a hankering for more. You have very liberally given me initiation and the chance to completely surrender. I pray for your blessings to cultivate selfless service and pray to forever stay in the shelter of devotees.
your aspiring servant,
Vrindavan-Madhurya das
Wanzy Huang
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day.
Your transcendental qualities are unlimited and to describe them all is impossible. Please allow me to just glorify one drop of all your good qualities for my own purification. Following Prabhupada’s and Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instructions, you always stress on the importance of chanting Krishna’s holy names, especially chanting on Japa. As Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita, of all sacrifices He is the chanting of the holy names (Japa).
By your mercy, through Japa I have gained incessant spiritual strength and determination to serve Krishna and Krishna’s devotees. Although I am very fallen and unqualified, by just a little attempt in hearing the syllables with attention, my body experiences jubilation and even trembling as every syllable enters into my ears. This is all due to your causeless mercy. I have no qualification, no knowledge. But I only have faith in your words and the holy names. You firstly empowered Ramadasdas Prabhu and all the other devotees to pick me up from the ocean of material sufferings. And then you personally gave me the instructions to chant Krishna’s holy names and to help you to help others.
Gurudeva, please continue to give me your blessings so that I can chant my Japa more attentively and uninterruptedly.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare;
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Your most insignificant servant of your servants,
Wanzy Huang
16- Oct-2015
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day.
Your transcendental qualities are unlimited and to describe them all is impossible. Please allow me to just glorify one drop of all your good qualities for my own purification. Following Prabhupada’s and Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instructions, you always stress on the importance of chanting Krishna’s holy names, especially chanting on Japa. As Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita, of all sacrifices He is the chanting of the holy names (Japa).
By your mercy, through Japa I have gained incessant spiritual strength and determination to serve Krishna and Krishna’s devotees. Although I am very fallen and unqualified, by just a little attempt in hearing the syllables with attention, my body experiences jubilation and even trembling as every syllable enters into my ears. This is all due to your causeless mercy. I have no qualification, no knowledge. But I only have faith in your words and the holy names. You firstly empowered Ramadasdas Prabhu and all the other devotees to pick me up from the ocean of material sufferings. And then you personally gave me the instructions to chant Krishna’s holy names and to help you to help others.
Gurudeva, please continue to give me your blessings so that I can chant my Japa more attentively and uninterruptedly.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare;
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Your most insignificant servant of your servants,
Wanzy Huang
16- Oct-2015
Yadu pati Hari
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
Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your vyaspuja.
I really don’t know where to start as I have been so embarrassed with myself. Being born to devotee’s parents does not mean you follow their path or imbibe their virtues. I am going to be brutally honest with you that I don’t deserve to be a disciple of yours. It was your magnanimity that you gave me the initiation but deep down I had an inkling that whether I thoroughly deserved it or not? I think I did not. I have let down myself and also you. I was feeling shamed so I could not contact you any earlier as I bounced from one malady to other. The more I engrossed in achieving material success the more I get mired in a web of illusionary energy. I am a fallen soul even I don’t deserve to be amongst my god brothers and god sisters.
Actually I did not as I was completely enamoured with Mayadevi. I feel that I am still enamoured with her. I am far away from everybody. How much I owe you I don’t know but even this life is not enough for me to make amends. However I want to strive, even though to be the lowest amongst others fellow God brothers and sisters, I won’t give up.
Please bare with me and I know it’s yours kindness and mercy that you showed me a path & took me under your shelter but honestly i don't deserve it .I have made a mistake & have lost myself mingling with other karmic.
On the auspicious day of your Vyas puja I just beg you to sincerely forgive me & my sins.
I would like to make a visit and see you sooner.
Your prodigal sinner so called Disciple
Please forgive me..Gurudeva..
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your vyaspuja.
I really don’t know where to start as I have been so embarrassed with myself. Being born to devotee’s parents does not mean you follow their path or imbibe their virtues. I am going to be brutally honest with you that I don’t deserve to be a disciple of yours. It was your magnanimity that you gave me the initiation but deep down I had an inkling that whether I thoroughly deserved it or not? I think I did not. I have let down myself and also you. I was feeling shamed so I could not contact you any earlier as I bounced from one malady to other. The more I engrossed in achieving material success the more I get mired in a web of illusionary energy. I am a fallen soul even I don’t deserve to be amongst my god brothers and god sisters.
Actually I did not as I was completely enamoured with Mayadevi. I feel that I am still enamoured with her. I am far away from everybody. How much I owe you I don’t know but even this life is not enough for me to make amends. However I want to strive, even though to be the lowest amongst others fellow God brothers and sisters, I won’t give up.
Please bare with me and I know it’s yours kindness and mercy that you showed me a path & took me under your shelter but honestly i don't deserve it .I have made a mistake & have lost myself mingling with other karmic.
On the auspicious day of your Vyas puja I just beg you to sincerely forgive me & my sins.
I would like to make a visit and see you sooner.
Your prodigal sinner so called Disciple
Please forgive me..Gurudeva..
Yasodeva das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day!
Currently, a debate is growing in ISKCON which seeks to define our cultural ideals. Some devotees are voicing their opinions about the direction that ISKCON should travel - towards accommodation and integration with local cultural norms (albeit mostly Western), or towards presenting traditional Vedic culture (albeit mostly Indian) as a viable and positive alternative to the current state of the world. Sometimes the discussion becomes heated as viewpoints and communities become polarized...
Meanwhile, Gurudeva, you remain unfazed and you continue to lead an exciting, dynamic, and effective mercy mission into the wild wasteland of modern Kali-yuga - a mission which expertly balances tradition and innovation, which is avant garde in preaching while remaining sensitive to institutional values. Srila Prabhupada explains that it is the duty of an acarya to be effective in Krishna consciousness. Effectiveness should be his consideration and his special technique:
A candidate for Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the Western countries should be taught about the renunciation of material existence, but one would teach candidates from a country like India in a different way. The teacher (ācārya) has to consider time, candidate and country. He must avoid the principle of niyamāgraha — that is, he should not try to perform the impossible. What is possible in one country may not be possible in another. The ācārya’s duty is to accept the essence of devotional service...
...It is not necessary that the rules and regulations followed in India be exactly the same as those in Europe, America and other Western countries. Simply imitating without effect is called niyamāgraha. Not following the regulative principles but instead living extravagantly is also called niyamāgraha. The word niyama means “regulative principles,” and āgraha means “eagerness.” The word agraha means “not to accept.” We should not follow regulative principles without an effect, nor should we fail to accept the regulative principles. What is required is a special technique according to country, time and candidate. (CC Madhya 23.105 purport)
I think that you are specifically empowered by the Lord to be effective in inspiring others in Krishna consciousness and you do this expertly amongst all types of people with all types of ideologies. In both spiritual and mundane communities, you're broad-minded and flexible - therefore you're able to appeal to the needs, interests and concerns of whomever you dialogue with. Only a person such as your self can truly be called a friend and well-wisher of all living entities.
On two occasions you have personally revealed to me the essence of your success. It should come as no surprise to your dedicated followers - or any spiritually healthy devotee - that you have always depended on Srila Prabhupada's books as the means and ends of every preaching endeavor. Recently, in Philadelphia, I asked you whether or not any outreach effort could be considered successful as long as the end result was that people were reading Srila Prabhupada's books. You replied emphatically, "Yes, otherwise what's the point?" This echoes a similar situation which took place some years ago in Sydney. You credited Srila Prabhupada's books for the success of the Loft paradigm in New Zealand, saying that keeping the books in the center keeps everything and everyone from going off the rails. You paused for a moment and said, "All I know is that I fell in love with Prabhupada's books and I want to share that love with everyone." I thank you very much, Gurudeva, for being consistent and enthusiastic about this core value. Now there are no doubts in my mind about the essential role of Prabhupada's books in all of our Krishna conscious activities.
Guru Maharaja, you are always setting a flawless standard of devotional practice and cutting-edge outreach, for this I thank you. You're plowing a way back to Godhead - unimpeded by the doubts or grudges or confusion that plague some other bhakti initiatives - and you've cleared a path en route so that we, your eager servants, can follow you all the way to Goloka. If only we could keep up with your pace!
You are resolutely determined in bhakti, you are enterprising, you have authentic compassion for all living entities, you are rational and level-headed, you are influential, you are inspiring, and you are empowered by the words of Srila Prabhupada. Thank you for being our spiritual master.
All glories to you!
your servant,
Yasodeva das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day!
Currently, a debate is growing in ISKCON which seeks to define our cultural ideals. Some devotees are voicing their opinions about the direction that ISKCON should travel - towards accommodation and integration with local cultural norms (albeit mostly Western), or towards presenting traditional Vedic culture (albeit mostly Indian) as a viable and positive alternative to the current state of the world. Sometimes the discussion becomes heated as viewpoints and communities become polarized...
Meanwhile, Gurudeva, you remain unfazed and you continue to lead an exciting, dynamic, and effective mercy mission into the wild wasteland of modern Kali-yuga - a mission which expertly balances tradition and innovation, which is avant garde in preaching while remaining sensitive to institutional values. Srila Prabhupada explains that it is the duty of an acarya to be effective in Krishna consciousness. Effectiveness should be his consideration and his special technique:
A candidate for Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the Western countries should be taught about the renunciation of material existence, but one would teach candidates from a country like India in a different way. The teacher (ācārya) has to consider time, candidate and country. He must avoid the principle of niyamāgraha — that is, he should not try to perform the impossible. What is possible in one country may not be possible in another. The ācārya’s duty is to accept the essence of devotional service...
...It is not necessary that the rules and regulations followed in India be exactly the same as those in Europe, America and other Western countries. Simply imitating without effect is called niyamāgraha. Not following the regulative principles but instead living extravagantly is also called niyamāgraha. The word niyama means “regulative principles,” and āgraha means “eagerness.” The word agraha means “not to accept.” We should not follow regulative principles without an effect, nor should we fail to accept the regulative principles. What is required is a special technique according to country, time and candidate. (CC Madhya 23.105 purport)
I think that you are specifically empowered by the Lord to be effective in inspiring others in Krishna consciousness and you do this expertly amongst all types of people with all types of ideologies. In both spiritual and mundane communities, you're broad-minded and flexible - therefore you're able to appeal to the needs, interests and concerns of whomever you dialogue with. Only a person such as your self can truly be called a friend and well-wisher of all living entities.
On two occasions you have personally revealed to me the essence of your success. It should come as no surprise to your dedicated followers - or any spiritually healthy devotee - that you have always depended on Srila Prabhupada's books as the means and ends of every preaching endeavor. Recently, in Philadelphia, I asked you whether or not any outreach effort could be considered successful as long as the end result was that people were reading Srila Prabhupada's books. You replied emphatically, "Yes, otherwise what's the point?" This echoes a similar situation which took place some years ago in Sydney. You credited Srila Prabhupada's books for the success of the Loft paradigm in New Zealand, saying that keeping the books in the center keeps everything and everyone from going off the rails. You paused for a moment and said, "All I know is that I fell in love with Prabhupada's books and I want to share that love with everyone." I thank you very much, Gurudeva, for being consistent and enthusiastic about this core value. Now there are no doubts in my mind about the essential role of Prabhupada's books in all of our Krishna conscious activities.
Guru Maharaja, you are always setting a flawless standard of devotional practice and cutting-edge outreach, for this I thank you. You're plowing a way back to Godhead - unimpeded by the doubts or grudges or confusion that plague some other bhakti initiatives - and you've cleared a path en route so that we, your eager servants, can follow you all the way to Goloka. If only we could keep up with your pace!
You are resolutely determined in bhakti, you are enterprising, you have authentic compassion for all living entities, you are rational and level-headed, you are influential, you are inspiring, and you are empowered by the words of Srila Prabhupada. Thank you for being our spiritual master.
All glories to you!
your servant,
Yasodeva das
