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Vyasa Puja Offerings 2016
(View Devamrita Swami's 2016 offering to Srila Prabhupada)
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Abhishek & Shubhra Bhatnagar
Dear Srila Guru Dev,
Please accept my humble obeisance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you,
Firstly I would like to sincerely thank you for loving me and caring for me and my family so compassionately.
On this auspicious day, I pray to Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu, may he bless me to understand your glories and may he allow me to serve you and follow your instructions sincerely.
According to the book- “ Sri Nityananda with Sri Gouranga Gadadhar,
” Sri Radhaayah pranoyamahima kidrisho banaiba
aaswyado yena adhbhuta madhurima kidrisho baa madhiya ?
Soukhyang Chaasya madanubhabatah kidrishangbeti lovat
tadabhabadyha samajoni Sacigarvasindhou Harindu
translation –
What the glory of love of Srimati Radhika is, What she tastes with the love,
What the variety and plenty of my love is,
I with mine feelings what Srimati feels what the charm therein is,
I being greedy to know those’ with these three thinkings,
the moonlike beautiful Shri Krishna has appeared in the omb-ocean of Sachimaa
Three reasons are explained why Krishna appeared in this material world as Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu.
1. To know the glory of Srimati Radha Rani, to know what kind of love is that,
2. To know what is the amazing sweetness in Krishna that makes her such a great devotee of Krishna.
3. By experiencing devotion to Sri Krishna what is the bliss that Srimati Radha Rani feels, by rendering devotional service to Sri Krishna, The joy she feels in seeing Krishna, serving Krishna and experience devotion towards Krishna, Because of this Krishna becomes greedy to know who he is and came into the womb of Sachi Mata.
According to your teachings, Krishna sees Srimati Radha Rani as Mirror in order to understand who he is. Based on my hearing from lectures of different devotees, all the advanced devotees, like yourself and Srila Prabhupada is compared to the mirror of Krishna or “Bhagavad Guna Darpana”. If we want to know about Sr- Sri Radha and Krishna, we all need to based on you and Srila Prabhupada’s teaching and your teachings which are non-different from Srila Prabhupada’s books, further more you have amazingly elaborated his teaching for the current age.
Because you are the coming from a parampara or you are the Sunshine of Sun-like Srila Prabhupada, as he explained that there is no difference in the sun and sunshine.
I being a conditional soul can never understand what is going on in krishna’s heart. But devotee like yourself authorised to see, what is happing in krishna’s heart, what he wants and how he wants. It is explained in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta by Sri Krishna das kaviraj Goswami that there are 2 types of living entities, first is like a Cuckoo bird who can enjoy the mango buds which are very tender, cuckoo like devotee, who understands lords nature his behavior and his desires.
Another type of living entity is like a camel, who chew thorns and bushes by doing that they are eating their own blood and foolishly thinks that thorns are very delish, for such people understanding the glories of Krishna is very difficult.
Only devotee, like yourself can capture the essence great devotees writings like Swarupa Damodhar and Krishna das kaviraj Goswami and reveal to us.
Why we need your help to do this, because even being a practising devotee, my eyes are not fixed on krishna lotus feet, my 1 eye is on krishna’s lotus feet and another one on sense gratification.
Today on this auspious day, we are sincerely begging to Lord Krishna Chatianya Maha Prabhu that we follow your teachings sincerely, follow your instructions with our full heartedly and progress in our devotional journey back home back to Godhead.
Thank you Guru Dev
Yours aspiring servants
Abhishek, Shubhra, Chakradhar and Yours dear Murali
Please accept my humble obeisance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you,
Firstly I would like to sincerely thank you for loving me and caring for me and my family so compassionately.
On this auspicious day, I pray to Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu, may he bless me to understand your glories and may he allow me to serve you and follow your instructions sincerely.
According to the book- “ Sri Nityananda with Sri Gouranga Gadadhar,
” Sri Radhaayah pranoyamahima kidrisho banaiba
aaswyado yena adhbhuta madhurima kidrisho baa madhiya ?
Soukhyang Chaasya madanubhabatah kidrishangbeti lovat
tadabhabadyha samajoni Sacigarvasindhou Harindu
translation –
What the glory of love of Srimati Radhika is, What she tastes with the love,
What the variety and plenty of my love is,
I with mine feelings what Srimati feels what the charm therein is,
I being greedy to know those’ with these three thinkings,
the moonlike beautiful Shri Krishna has appeared in the omb-ocean of Sachimaa
Three reasons are explained why Krishna appeared in this material world as Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu.
1. To know the glory of Srimati Radha Rani, to know what kind of love is that,
2. To know what is the amazing sweetness in Krishna that makes her such a great devotee of Krishna.
3. By experiencing devotion to Sri Krishna what is the bliss that Srimati Radha Rani feels, by rendering devotional service to Sri Krishna, The joy she feels in seeing Krishna, serving Krishna and experience devotion towards Krishna, Because of this Krishna becomes greedy to know who he is and came into the womb of Sachi Mata.
According to your teachings, Krishna sees Srimati Radha Rani as Mirror in order to understand who he is. Based on my hearing from lectures of different devotees, all the advanced devotees, like yourself and Srila Prabhupada is compared to the mirror of Krishna or “Bhagavad Guna Darpana”. If we want to know about Sr- Sri Radha and Krishna, we all need to based on you and Srila Prabhupada’s teaching and your teachings which are non-different from Srila Prabhupada’s books, further more you have amazingly elaborated his teaching for the current age.
Because you are the coming from a parampara or you are the Sunshine of Sun-like Srila Prabhupada, as he explained that there is no difference in the sun and sunshine.
I being a conditional soul can never understand what is going on in krishna’s heart. But devotee like yourself authorised to see, what is happing in krishna’s heart, what he wants and how he wants. It is explained in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta by Sri Krishna das kaviraj Goswami that there are 2 types of living entities, first is like a Cuckoo bird who can enjoy the mango buds which are very tender, cuckoo like devotee, who understands lords nature his behavior and his desires.
Another type of living entity is like a camel, who chew thorns and bushes by doing that they are eating their own blood and foolishly thinks that thorns are very delish, for such people understanding the glories of Krishna is very difficult.
Only devotee, like yourself can capture the essence great devotees writings like Swarupa Damodhar and Krishna das kaviraj Goswami and reveal to us.
Why we need your help to do this, because even being a practising devotee, my eyes are not fixed on krishna lotus feet, my 1 eye is on krishna’s lotus feet and another one on sense gratification.
Today on this auspious day, we are sincerely begging to Lord Krishna Chatianya Maha Prabhu that we follow your teachings sincerely, follow your instructions with our full heartedly and progress in our devotional journey back home back to Godhead.
Thank you Guru Dev
Yours aspiring servants
Abhishek, Shubhra, Chakradhar and Yours dear Murali
Acyuta Bhava
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
You posess so many transcendental qualities and all of them are worthy of glorification. One of such qualities is the loving way in which you care for your disciples.
Srila Prabhupada writes in a purport in Caitanya Caritamrta “Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly, without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service” (Adi lila 1.46)
As a loving father you are so attentive to the care of your disciples. As well as giving personal advice, you create supportive networks such as the mentor system and grihasta counselling, which give us such protection from the whimsical conditioned nature that we often bring to bhakti. You emphasise the importance of strong ashrams, and by your mercy and support, we see wonderful examples of strong brahmacari’s and grihasta’s in our community.
By so patiently reminding us, and by leading the way and showing us, the importance of hearing, chanting, associating with devotees and reaching out to others, you exhibit the topmost care for your spiritual dependents, ensuring we have the best opportunity to develop the spiritual skills needed to traverse this material energy and become qualified to render devotional service.
I recall after one conversation with you, not long after our first meeting, just sitting and thinking: “Why does he care so much? He’s not related to me, I haven’t given him anything. He’s a famous person travelling all over the world! Why on earth would he spend his valuable time and energy to sit and speak with me? And he’s not just speaking with me, he’s CARING for me. More than anyone else in my life.”
Your selflessness was, and still is, overwhelming. And over the years my gratitude for your consistent, attentive care only increases. I pray that I may be able to render some useful service to you, in an impossible attempt to reciprocate with your loving care.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Acyuta bhava dd
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
You posess so many transcendental qualities and all of them are worthy of glorification. One of such qualities is the loving way in which you care for your disciples.
Srila Prabhupada writes in a purport in Caitanya Caritamrta “Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly, without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service” (Adi lila 1.46)
As a loving father you are so attentive to the care of your disciples. As well as giving personal advice, you create supportive networks such as the mentor system and grihasta counselling, which give us such protection from the whimsical conditioned nature that we often bring to bhakti. You emphasise the importance of strong ashrams, and by your mercy and support, we see wonderful examples of strong brahmacari’s and grihasta’s in our community.
By so patiently reminding us, and by leading the way and showing us, the importance of hearing, chanting, associating with devotees and reaching out to others, you exhibit the topmost care for your spiritual dependents, ensuring we have the best opportunity to develop the spiritual skills needed to traverse this material energy and become qualified to render devotional service.
I recall after one conversation with you, not long after our first meeting, just sitting and thinking: “Why does he care so much? He’s not related to me, I haven’t given him anything. He’s a famous person travelling all over the world! Why on earth would he spend his valuable time and energy to sit and speak with me? And he’s not just speaking with me, he’s CARING for me. More than anyone else in my life.”
Your selflessness was, and still is, overwhelming. And over the years my gratitude for your consistent, attentive care only increases. I pray that I may be able to render some useful service to you, in an impossible attempt to reciprocate with your loving care.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Acyuta bhava dd
Akarsini devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeicences
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
With your every visit you constantly remind us of the real jewels that are beyond calculation in this material world. When you speak these three simple words, “Pure Devotional Service” the potent purity you vibrate germinates eager desire seeds of longing within the heart, to be decorated with this kind of spiritual beauty, emancipation in loving trance with no interruption and free from any selfless motivation.
Unfortunately I still find myself attracted to the comfort of the sandy shore, building sandcastles decorated with glass diamonds, with the hope that someone might notice my careful efforts, but I don't think anyone one really does.
When you were here recently you did me a favour by pointing out my apprehensive approach to “everything” which was an aid to understanding my turtle power in the spiritual race. Your honest observations counteract my complacency and are a warning not to stay on the sunny sand any longer. Without the radiant jewel of devotional service, there is no meaning to my tiny castles made of sand, that take so much time and effort to construct, then washed away in seconds by the heavy waves of time.
Holding the maps to the floor of the ocean, you can reveal the secret passageways to unlimited pleasure treasure.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings “Desiring to bless all living entities, this sweet name of Krsna has descended to this material universe and shines like the sun in the sky of the heart, destroying the darkness of ignorance.
Many times you have tried to deliver this simple message, and I know its the only way to escape my fate as a lazy sunbather doomed to blister under the rays of the mundane sun.
Wishing and dreaming to one day swim with the sharks
Trying to be your servant
Akarsini devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeicences
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
With your every visit you constantly remind us of the real jewels that are beyond calculation in this material world. When you speak these three simple words, “Pure Devotional Service” the potent purity you vibrate germinates eager desire seeds of longing within the heart, to be decorated with this kind of spiritual beauty, emancipation in loving trance with no interruption and free from any selfless motivation.
Unfortunately I still find myself attracted to the comfort of the sandy shore, building sandcastles decorated with glass diamonds, with the hope that someone might notice my careful efforts, but I don't think anyone one really does.
When you were here recently you did me a favour by pointing out my apprehensive approach to “everything” which was an aid to understanding my turtle power in the spiritual race. Your honest observations counteract my complacency and are a warning not to stay on the sunny sand any longer. Without the radiant jewel of devotional service, there is no meaning to my tiny castles made of sand, that take so much time and effort to construct, then washed away in seconds by the heavy waves of time.
Holding the maps to the floor of the ocean, you can reveal the secret passageways to unlimited pleasure treasure.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings “Desiring to bless all living entities, this sweet name of Krsna has descended to this material universe and shines like the sun in the sky of the heart, destroying the darkness of ignorance.
Many times you have tried to deliver this simple message, and I know its the only way to escape my fate as a lazy sunbather doomed to blister under the rays of the mundane sun.
Wishing and dreaming to one day swim with the sharks
Trying to be your servant
Akarsini devi dasi
Amani Gaurahari das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We hear that Prabhupada completed 50% of his mission:
setting up the distribution of his books,
but didn't finish the second 50%:
setting up varnasrama.
Recently I have been given a small glimpse into your vision and expertise at fulfilling the orders of Srila Prabhupada.
You can see where we are now, in terms of individual practitioners and ISKCON, and what we need to do to progress.
Your plans to fulfill Prabhupada's desires are firmly grounded in the practical application of the Krishna consciousness process.
You do not propose or even indulge in talks about a utopian future but rather inspire others to become firmly fixed in the fundamental principles of Bhakti yoga.
How can we possibly expect the continued growth, or even maintenance of the current, preaching based, Krishna consciousness society, let alone a functioning varnasrama society without a devotee base who have learned the art and science of taking shelter of the personality of Godhead Sri Krishna?
I have gained a small realisation on this matter in my time in the brahmacari asrama.
Although I'm constantly reminded of the suffering condition of living entities, who are without the association of devotees and Sri Krishna, through observations when distributing Srila Prabhupada's books, through the elaborate descriptions in the shastra, maya still manages to pull me down - deeper into illusion.
Complacency and familiarity creeps in - "the holy name is not enough!"
I start to think that my tongue will actually satisfy me, or that the externals of the Bhakti process alone are most important.
Maya is constantly trying to pull my consciousness away from hearing and chanting. Expertly preaching that it can't be that simple.
Cutting through this delusional consciousness, like an expert doctor, either personally or through one of your disciples, you immediately diagnose the pathological condition and prescribe the required treatment: "go deeper into hearing and chanting the name, pastimes and glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna!"
How will I be of any significant use to you unless I fully realise that only Sri Krishna can fully satisfy the living entity's eternal - ananda maya bhyasat - pleasure seeking nature?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attepmt to get this realisation.
Hoping to one day be your completely sold-out disciple.
Your insignificant servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We hear that Prabhupada completed 50% of his mission:
setting up the distribution of his books,
but didn't finish the second 50%:
setting up varnasrama.
Recently I have been given a small glimpse into your vision and expertise at fulfilling the orders of Srila Prabhupada.
You can see where we are now, in terms of individual practitioners and ISKCON, and what we need to do to progress.
Your plans to fulfill Prabhupada's desires are firmly grounded in the practical application of the Krishna consciousness process.
You do not propose or even indulge in talks about a utopian future but rather inspire others to become firmly fixed in the fundamental principles of Bhakti yoga.
How can we possibly expect the continued growth, or even maintenance of the current, preaching based, Krishna consciousness society, let alone a functioning varnasrama society without a devotee base who have learned the art and science of taking shelter of the personality of Godhead Sri Krishna?
I have gained a small realisation on this matter in my time in the brahmacari asrama.
Although I'm constantly reminded of the suffering condition of living entities, who are without the association of devotees and Sri Krishna, through observations when distributing Srila Prabhupada's books, through the elaborate descriptions in the shastra, maya still manages to pull me down - deeper into illusion.
Complacency and familiarity creeps in - "the holy name is not enough!"
I start to think that my tongue will actually satisfy me, or that the externals of the Bhakti process alone are most important.
Maya is constantly trying to pull my consciousness away from hearing and chanting. Expertly preaching that it can't be that simple.
Cutting through this delusional consciousness, like an expert doctor, either personally or through one of your disciples, you immediately diagnose the pathological condition and prescribe the required treatment: "go deeper into hearing and chanting the name, pastimes and glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna!"
How will I be of any significant use to you unless I fully realise that only Sri Krishna can fully satisfy the living entity's eternal - ananda maya bhyasat - pleasure seeking nature?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attepmt to get this realisation.
Hoping to one day be your completely sold-out disciple.
Your insignificant servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Amogha Pandit das
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your auspicious appearance day!
Dear Guru Maharaj, by causeless mercy Krishna brought me to you, and out of your mercy and compassion you accepted me as your disciple. I am grateful and indebted to you. I hope in time I will be able to develop real gratitude and serving mood towards you. “The spiritual master is therefore the mercy manifestation of the Supreme Person. The conditioned soul has to take direct instruction from the spiritual master, and thus he gradually becomes enlightened to the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The seed of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is sown within the heart of the conditioned soul, and when one hears instruction from the spiritual master, the seed fructifies, and one’s life is blessed.” (SB 3.31.16 purport)
Recent circumstances and struggles that I had, showed me how important devotee association is. Your senior disciples are expertly guiding me and I increasingly feel my self part of your big family.
By your personal example and your lectures, you teach devotees how to enter in to the spiritual laboratory and invest our hearts in Krisna. You inspire your disciples to care for and support younger devotees and each other. As a result, it gives practical experience of personalism that is lacking so much.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for uncovering deeper meanings in Srila Prabhupada's books and explaining how to apply them in our lives
Dear Gurudev, please give me the strength to follow your instructions and imbibe your fearless and uncompromising mood in serving Krisna.
Your servant,
Amogha Pandit das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your auspicious appearance day!
Dear Guru Maharaj, by causeless mercy Krishna brought me to you, and out of your mercy and compassion you accepted me as your disciple. I am grateful and indebted to you. I hope in time I will be able to develop real gratitude and serving mood towards you. “The spiritual master is therefore the mercy manifestation of the Supreme Person. The conditioned soul has to take direct instruction from the spiritual master, and thus he gradually becomes enlightened to the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The seed of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is sown within the heart of the conditioned soul, and when one hears instruction from the spiritual master, the seed fructifies, and one’s life is blessed.” (SB 3.31.16 purport)
Recent circumstances and struggles that I had, showed me how important devotee association is. Your senior disciples are expertly guiding me and I increasingly feel my self part of your big family.
By your personal example and your lectures, you teach devotees how to enter in to the spiritual laboratory and invest our hearts in Krisna. You inspire your disciples to care for and support younger devotees and each other. As a result, it gives practical experience of personalism that is lacking so much.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for uncovering deeper meanings in Srila Prabhupada's books and explaining how to apply them in our lives
Dear Gurudev, please give me the strength to follow your instructions and imbibe your fearless and uncompromising mood in serving Krisna.
Your servant,
Amogha Pandit das
Ananda-candra devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
A few months ago I saw a picture of a gauntlet. Hundreds of fluorescent laser beam sensor lights were shining at all sorts of angles from one side of the room to the other. A casual looking man was trying to mountaineer his way through the labyrinth by lifting one leg up high to the side becoming almost horizontal, an arm reaching to the ceiling, hips curving one way, shoulder twisting the other way, elbow pointing this way, hand stretching that way. At the bottom it read “Trying not to offend someone in 2016”.
It made me laugh. A symptom described in the Srimad Bhagavatam of the very age that we live in.
Being a representative of Sri Krsna, everything you say is solely the truth. Yet there is no doubt that some become offended, some may even criticise you, because not everyone wants to hear the truth, not everyone wants to hear about Krsna.
But those who are sincere seekers of the truth actually or eventually want to hear from Krsna.
A few days ago I read this verse in Bhagavad Gita and thought of You:
“One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.”
In the purport Prabhupada writes:
"Because one who works in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is servant to all, he is very dear to everyone. And because everyone is satisfied by his work, he is pure in consciousness. Because he is pure in consciousness, his mind is completely controlled. And because his mind is controlled, his senses are also controlled. Because his mind is always fixed on Kṛṣṇa, there is no chance of his being deviated from Kṛṣṇa. Nor is there a chance that he will engage his senses in matters other than the service of the Lord. He does not like to hear anything except topics relating to Kṛṣṇa; he does not like to eat anything which is not offered to Kṛṣṇa; and he does not wish to go anywhere if Kṛṣṇa is not involved. Therefore, his senses are controlled. A man of controlled senses cannot be offensive to anyone."
It can sound very simple. One might think ‘yeah yeah I’m devotional, yeah yeah I’m a pure soul, yeah yeah my mind and senses are under control' but on contemplating deeply or even practising for a short time, we know for most this is not so.
What to speak of being dear to everyone - this is far from a simple task! What to speak of everyone else being dear to You - even harder! It is Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hate, people easily offended, people easy to offend. What a contrast your character exemplifies !
So I thought how wonderful this is, that actually you are dear to everyone and everyone is dear to you in Krsna’s family.
When I look around our community immediate and wider I can see how you are the living example of this verse. You are the life of everyone, everyone comes alive in your company and service. Whenever there is a plan, whenever there is action, whenever there is disagreement, whenever there is a problem, whenever and whatever, by your centrality things can be resolved and encouraged and move forward.
This is the goal of our lives with you and Krsna in the centre - the only way for peace, harmony and progress.
Please kindly grant me with ever increasing taste for hearing and sharing Krsna with myself and others, and in this way let my connection with you as the centre of life remain ever alive and fresh.
Forgive me for my simple offering.
Your servant
Ananda-candra
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
A few months ago I saw a picture of a gauntlet. Hundreds of fluorescent laser beam sensor lights were shining at all sorts of angles from one side of the room to the other. A casual looking man was trying to mountaineer his way through the labyrinth by lifting one leg up high to the side becoming almost horizontal, an arm reaching to the ceiling, hips curving one way, shoulder twisting the other way, elbow pointing this way, hand stretching that way. At the bottom it read “Trying not to offend someone in 2016”.
It made me laugh. A symptom described in the Srimad Bhagavatam of the very age that we live in.
Being a representative of Sri Krsna, everything you say is solely the truth. Yet there is no doubt that some become offended, some may even criticise you, because not everyone wants to hear the truth, not everyone wants to hear about Krsna.
But those who are sincere seekers of the truth actually or eventually want to hear from Krsna.
A few days ago I read this verse in Bhagavad Gita and thought of You:
“One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.”
In the purport Prabhupada writes:
"Because one who works in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is servant to all, he is very dear to everyone. And because everyone is satisfied by his work, he is pure in consciousness. Because he is pure in consciousness, his mind is completely controlled. And because his mind is controlled, his senses are also controlled. Because his mind is always fixed on Kṛṣṇa, there is no chance of his being deviated from Kṛṣṇa. Nor is there a chance that he will engage his senses in matters other than the service of the Lord. He does not like to hear anything except topics relating to Kṛṣṇa; he does not like to eat anything which is not offered to Kṛṣṇa; and he does not wish to go anywhere if Kṛṣṇa is not involved. Therefore, his senses are controlled. A man of controlled senses cannot be offensive to anyone."
It can sound very simple. One might think ‘yeah yeah I’m devotional, yeah yeah I’m a pure soul, yeah yeah my mind and senses are under control' but on contemplating deeply or even practising for a short time, we know for most this is not so.
What to speak of being dear to everyone - this is far from a simple task! What to speak of everyone else being dear to You - even harder! It is Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hate, people easily offended, people easy to offend. What a contrast your character exemplifies !
So I thought how wonderful this is, that actually you are dear to everyone and everyone is dear to you in Krsna’s family.
When I look around our community immediate and wider I can see how you are the living example of this verse. You are the life of everyone, everyone comes alive in your company and service. Whenever there is a plan, whenever there is action, whenever there is disagreement, whenever there is a problem, whenever and whatever, by your centrality things can be resolved and encouraged and move forward.
This is the goal of our lives with you and Krsna in the centre - the only way for peace, harmony and progress.
Please kindly grant me with ever increasing taste for hearing and sharing Krsna with myself and others, and in this way let my connection with you as the centre of life remain ever alive and fresh.
Forgive me for my simple offering.
Your servant
Ananda-candra
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!
Your ability to instruct and inspire is fascinating. It seems you do not have to make a special effort. Because you care so much everyone's welfare you have mastered the art of the spiritual instructor. Just seeing your sublime character is enough to get inspired, but you always extend your help towards those seeking your shelter.
To illustrate it, I want to recall the time of your short stay in Vrindavan Dham. For a few days in the early morning hours You went for walks in the nearby forest. You would go out before the sunrise and return soon after sun was out.
In one place in the forest there were some thorny branches lying on the path. Like a lotus flower is untouched by water, so you also went through that patch unaffected. In fact, wherever you went in your travels, you seemed to be untouched by, sometimes, “thorny” circumstances in a form of time zone changes, long flights, missed flight connections, running through the airport due to short connection time or experiencing delays, security and customs checks and so on.
As I was following behind you with torch in one hand and monkey - proof stick in the other, I stepped on a piece of branch which stuck to the bottom of my slipper. By my good fortune, because I was with you, none of the thorns actually pierced my foot but just missed it. When you stopped on a narrow forest road to let the oncoming tractor to go past I thought it was a good opportunity to take the branch out. As I bend down in the dusk to take a slipper off I could hear the tractor approaching but did not realize the speed of it. By giving me a sign you saved me from being hit by the machine. I learned that If I literally walked in your footsteps, I would have avoided stepping on thorns.
Without good instructions it is hard to live in this world where danger is at every step. It is hard not to step on something that will prick someone's foot or being run over by or hit on the head. All around bewildered masses of people led by blind leaders are falling into a ditch of material illusion. Your are very aware of these dangers. You give your priceless expert guidance to many fortunate souls on how to stay safe and progress steadily in spiritual life.
Due to my long association with material nature I was unable to find a right path. Due to my good fortune now I can take shelter at your lotus feet and be saved from all dangers.
I am praying to always stay in the light of your instructions.
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!
Your ability to instruct and inspire is fascinating. It seems you do not have to make a special effort. Because you care so much everyone's welfare you have mastered the art of the spiritual instructor. Just seeing your sublime character is enough to get inspired, but you always extend your help towards those seeking your shelter.
To illustrate it, I want to recall the time of your short stay in Vrindavan Dham. For a few days in the early morning hours You went for walks in the nearby forest. You would go out before the sunrise and return soon after sun was out.
In one place in the forest there were some thorny branches lying on the path. Like a lotus flower is untouched by water, so you also went through that patch unaffected. In fact, wherever you went in your travels, you seemed to be untouched by, sometimes, “thorny” circumstances in a form of time zone changes, long flights, missed flight connections, running through the airport due to short connection time or experiencing delays, security and customs checks and so on.
As I was following behind you with torch in one hand and monkey - proof stick in the other, I stepped on a piece of branch which stuck to the bottom of my slipper. By my good fortune, because I was with you, none of the thorns actually pierced my foot but just missed it. When you stopped on a narrow forest road to let the oncoming tractor to go past I thought it was a good opportunity to take the branch out. As I bend down in the dusk to take a slipper off I could hear the tractor approaching but did not realize the speed of it. By giving me a sign you saved me from being hit by the machine. I learned that If I literally walked in your footsteps, I would have avoided stepping on thorns.
Without good instructions it is hard to live in this world where danger is at every step. It is hard not to step on something that will prick someone's foot or being run over by or hit on the head. All around bewildered masses of people led by blind leaders are falling into a ditch of material illusion. Your are very aware of these dangers. You give your priceless expert guidance to many fortunate souls on how to stay safe and progress steadily in spiritual life.
Due to my long association with material nature I was unable to find a right path. Due to my good fortune now I can take shelter at your lotus feet and be saved from all dangers.
I am praying to always stay in the light of your instructions.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Andrea Kapeleris
Nama Om Vishnu padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisences, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to You on this auspicious day of your appearance! Hare Krsna!
Guru Maharaj, your transcendental qualities are endless and unlimited, and I am completely unqualified to describe them. Please accept my humble attempt to express my deep gratitude for your shelter over this past year and a half.
Dear Gurudev, millions of thank-you’s cannot ever express how grateful I am that you have engaged me in serving you in your outreach project in Philadelphia, and under the guidance and care of your very dear devotee. This opportunity is so rare, and it is simply by your mercy that I am still here, rather than any qualification of my own. The advice you have given me over this time has helped me stay fixed in serving your servants, despite many ups and downs. You have always told me to engage in service in the mood of sacrifice, chant seriously, read seriously, use my intelligence, and take more shelter of devotees. Every day I try to remember to repeat your instructions in my mind and take them as my life and soul, knowing that if I could just follow precisely than I would be successful in spiritual life. vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha: “Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one.” My goal in life has become to render service that is pleasing to you.
Dear Guru Maharaj, your instructions are so powerful and penetrating. They are helping me grow and mature as a person, and also deeply transforming my heart and consciousness. Recently, when I was experiencing doubt and distress I reached out to you, and your response was clear, direct, and far beyond my own self-awareness, that it immediately and fully changed my consciousness. You are able to see far beyond what I can see of myself, and I am so grateful that the power of your words keeps me on a straight path. Through this experience, I was reminded of Krsna’s words in the Bhagavad-Gita: tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ; hṛt-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ; chittvainaṁ saṁśayaṁ. “Therefore the doubts which have arisen in your heart out of ignorance should be slashed by the weapon of knowledge.” In my experience, your words, which are full of knowledge, have always slashed away my ignorance, leading me to see things as they are and stay fixed in devotional service.
Gurudev, you are supremely compassionate, encouraging, and infinitely merciful. As Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura says, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi: “By the mercy of the spiritual master one is blessed by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement.” In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila 8, Kavirāja Gosvāmī stresses kṛpā-siddha, perfection by the mercy of superior authorities. He says: “By remembering the lotus feet of the Panca-tattva, a dumb man can become a poet, a lame man can cross mountains, and a blind man can see the stars in the sky.” Guru Maharaj, although I have no qualifications of my own, I know that if I follow your instructions whole-heartedly using my intelligence, by your mercy I will be able to see reality and can become Krishna Conscious. It is because of your causeless mercy that I am still in the association of saintly devotees, rendering service in Lord Caitanya’s mission! Thank you for encouraging me to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books! Thank you for your care, compassion, and all you have taught me so far. My goal in life is to render service that is pleasing to you, and I pray that you will one day accept me as your humble disciple.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Andrea
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisences, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to You on this auspicious day of your appearance! Hare Krsna!
Guru Maharaj, your transcendental qualities are endless and unlimited, and I am completely unqualified to describe them. Please accept my humble attempt to express my deep gratitude for your shelter over this past year and a half.
Dear Gurudev, millions of thank-you’s cannot ever express how grateful I am that you have engaged me in serving you in your outreach project in Philadelphia, and under the guidance and care of your very dear devotee. This opportunity is so rare, and it is simply by your mercy that I am still here, rather than any qualification of my own. The advice you have given me over this time has helped me stay fixed in serving your servants, despite many ups and downs. You have always told me to engage in service in the mood of sacrifice, chant seriously, read seriously, use my intelligence, and take more shelter of devotees. Every day I try to remember to repeat your instructions in my mind and take them as my life and soul, knowing that if I could just follow precisely than I would be successful in spiritual life. vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha: “Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one.” My goal in life has become to render service that is pleasing to you.
Dear Guru Maharaj, your instructions are so powerful and penetrating. They are helping me grow and mature as a person, and also deeply transforming my heart and consciousness. Recently, when I was experiencing doubt and distress I reached out to you, and your response was clear, direct, and far beyond my own self-awareness, that it immediately and fully changed my consciousness. You are able to see far beyond what I can see of myself, and I am so grateful that the power of your words keeps me on a straight path. Through this experience, I was reminded of Krsna’s words in the Bhagavad-Gita: tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ; hṛt-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ; chittvainaṁ saṁśayaṁ. “Therefore the doubts which have arisen in your heart out of ignorance should be slashed by the weapon of knowledge.” In my experience, your words, which are full of knowledge, have always slashed away my ignorance, leading me to see things as they are and stay fixed in devotional service.
Gurudev, you are supremely compassionate, encouraging, and infinitely merciful. As Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura says, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi: “By the mercy of the spiritual master one is blessed by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement.” In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila 8, Kavirāja Gosvāmī stresses kṛpā-siddha, perfection by the mercy of superior authorities. He says: “By remembering the lotus feet of the Panca-tattva, a dumb man can become a poet, a lame man can cross mountains, and a blind man can see the stars in the sky.” Guru Maharaj, although I have no qualifications of my own, I know that if I follow your instructions whole-heartedly using my intelligence, by your mercy I will be able to see reality and can become Krishna Conscious. It is because of your causeless mercy that I am still in the association of saintly devotees, rendering service in Lord Caitanya’s mission! Thank you for encouraging me to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books! Thank you for your care, compassion, and all you have taught me so far. My goal in life is to render service that is pleasing to you, and I pray that you will one day accept me as your humble disciple.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Andrea
Annabel I
Dear Gududeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It's clear as the Sydney sky: taking shelter at your feet has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Finally my life has meaning and purpose because I have found my real parent. And as that loving parent, you have accepted me and my endless faults before I have even been able to accept myself. What could be a clearer exemplification of ‘mercy’?
Under your shelter there is clarity and focus; there is safety and security; there is hope and inspiration and so many ‘AHA!’ moments that I’ve completely lost count. Under your shelter I can see my potential to really grow, and am witnessing how much this has happened already. You are the most captivating and intelligent person I have ever met in my life. Just like your own spiritual master, you are able to answer any and every question conclusively and truthfully without any hesitation. As a master in the field of Krishna bhakti, you exemplify what it means to actually care for others. Gurudeva, under your shelter I am certain as a tiny servant of the servant that it is indeed possible to experience the ecstasy of the highest pleasure that is becoming that lowest, most simple dasi. I have never felt gratitude like this before, in fact I can see that I never actually understood that word until now. Please engage me in your service forever.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Annabel
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It's clear as the Sydney sky: taking shelter at your feet has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Finally my life has meaning and purpose because I have found my real parent. And as that loving parent, you have accepted me and my endless faults before I have even been able to accept myself. What could be a clearer exemplification of ‘mercy’?
Under your shelter there is clarity and focus; there is safety and security; there is hope and inspiration and so many ‘AHA!’ moments that I’ve completely lost count. Under your shelter I can see my potential to really grow, and am witnessing how much this has happened already. You are the most captivating and intelligent person I have ever met in my life. Just like your own spiritual master, you are able to answer any and every question conclusively and truthfully without any hesitation. As a master in the field of Krishna bhakti, you exemplify what it means to actually care for others. Gurudeva, under your shelter I am certain as a tiny servant of the servant that it is indeed possible to experience the ecstasy of the highest pleasure that is becoming that lowest, most simple dasi. I have never felt gratitude like this before, in fact I can see that I never actually understood that word until now. Please engage me in your service forever.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Annabel
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.
Diving head first into the rough ocean of material existence, riding high on an overinflated conception of ones self, is the only way to stay afloat. Pushing others down to stay on top is the name of the game. A moment above water supported by the drowning of so-called friends and family is considered the goal of life.
Religious degradation, governments geared for exploitation, environmental devastation, and a lusty world overwhelmed with frustration. Certainly we live in a ”soul killing civilization".
The evil effects of Kali yuga are warming up the crowd for potential hell to be unleashed.
In a world of misguided inhabitants you’re making it so easy for the most fallen to get a glimpse of the unlimited mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
In his purport of (SB 1.5.36) Srila Prabhupada writes:
“No one will disagree to partake in a function where good singing, dancing and refreshment are administered. Everyone will attend such a function, and everyone is sure to feel individually the transcendental presence of the Lord. This alone will help the attendants associate with the Lord and thereby purify themselves in spiritual realization. The only condition for successfully executing such spiritual activities is that they must be conducted under the guidance of a pure devotee who is completely free from all mundane desires, fruitive activities and dry speculations about the nature of the Lord.”
With full faith you have taken this simple formula and are successfully executing it in the form of your urban outreach centres, and every year we see more and more Kali Yuga refugees organically grow into devotees.
Having recently spent time at both Bhakti lounge and the Loft I'm amazed by the all-attractive atmosphere. On Sunday nights the devotees preach powerfully based on your cutting edge example. The prasad, from cookbooks you've personally recommended is always first class. The last kirtan of the night having apparently finished; is often re-ignited by an ecstatic mix of first-timers, regulars and devotees.
The transcendental experience Srila Prabhupada describes in his purport of (SB 1.5.36) is perceivable within the guests. The fearful, fragile individuals lost in the chaos of modern culture feel a great sense of purpose and peace upon experiencing such events as the "Soul Feast".
Thank you for sacrificing so much to give us these outreach centres, by which so many persons like myself are finding relief from the blazing fire of material existence.
Although relief from distress is a good start it’s not enough to go the distance. Introducing contemporary ashrams you give facility for individuals to deepen their spiritual practice, under the care and guidance of already established devotees. Such a situation properly prepares one for a determined effort to execute their future ashram choice.
Having taken the Bramachari option I'm trying to appreciate the great fortune you provided for my self and others.
"…In this āśrama it is instructed that this material world is not actually the home of the living being. The conditioned souls under material bondage are prisoners of matter, and therefore self-realization is the ultimate aim of life..."(SB 1.9.26 purport).
Learning about the prison house of material life reveals the beauty of the Bramachari ashram. A situation where daily hearing, chanting and dutiful service takes place. The gradual effect of such a program is described as follows:
"By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact." (SB 1.2.18)
Thank you Gurudeva for providing me with the best situation to clean myself up.
Some times overwhelmed by the mess to mop up, I'm faithful that a sincere attempt to follow your instructions will one day yield the desired result. In fact everything a neophyte devotee like myself could ever want is obtained by service to you.
"...The neophyte devotee has no ability to approach the Absolute Personality of Godhead by the strength of his present imperfect material senses, and therefore under the direction of the spiritual master he is trained in transcendental service of the Lord. And by such training, even for some days, the neophyte devotee gets intelligence in such transcendental service, which leads him ultimately to get free from perpetual inhabitation in the material worlds and to be promoted to the transcendental world to become one of the liberated associates of the Lord in the kingdom of God." (SB 1.6.23)
As the expert spiritual master you have come up with so many dynamic arrangements for all devotees to take full advantage of the rare human form of life – what could surpass such a compassionate gift?
How would have I wasted my life with out your mercy?
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg that I may develop a real sense of gratitude for what you’re giving me. Then may I become determined to serve you selflessly.
Trying to surrender at your lotus feet.
Your servant,
Aravinda Nabha das
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Diving head first into the rough ocean of material existence, riding high on an overinflated conception of ones self, is the only way to stay afloat. Pushing others down to stay on top is the name of the game. A moment above water supported by the drowning of so-called friends and family is considered the goal of life.
Religious degradation, governments geared for exploitation, environmental devastation, and a lusty world overwhelmed with frustration. Certainly we live in a ”soul killing civilization".
The evil effects of Kali yuga are warming up the crowd for potential hell to be unleashed.
In a world of misguided inhabitants you’re making it so easy for the most fallen to get a glimpse of the unlimited mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
In his purport of (SB 1.5.36) Srila Prabhupada writes:
“No one will disagree to partake in a function where good singing, dancing and refreshment are administered. Everyone will attend such a function, and everyone is sure to feel individually the transcendental presence of the Lord. This alone will help the attendants associate with the Lord and thereby purify themselves in spiritual realization. The only condition for successfully executing such spiritual activities is that they must be conducted under the guidance of a pure devotee who is completely free from all mundane desires, fruitive activities and dry speculations about the nature of the Lord.”
With full faith you have taken this simple formula and are successfully executing it in the form of your urban outreach centres, and every year we see more and more Kali Yuga refugees organically grow into devotees.
Having recently spent time at both Bhakti lounge and the Loft I'm amazed by the all-attractive atmosphere. On Sunday nights the devotees preach powerfully based on your cutting edge example. The prasad, from cookbooks you've personally recommended is always first class. The last kirtan of the night having apparently finished; is often re-ignited by an ecstatic mix of first-timers, regulars and devotees.
The transcendental experience Srila Prabhupada describes in his purport of (SB 1.5.36) is perceivable within the guests. The fearful, fragile individuals lost in the chaos of modern culture feel a great sense of purpose and peace upon experiencing such events as the "Soul Feast".
Thank you for sacrificing so much to give us these outreach centres, by which so many persons like myself are finding relief from the blazing fire of material existence.
Although relief from distress is a good start it’s not enough to go the distance. Introducing contemporary ashrams you give facility for individuals to deepen their spiritual practice, under the care and guidance of already established devotees. Such a situation properly prepares one for a determined effort to execute their future ashram choice.
Having taken the Bramachari option I'm trying to appreciate the great fortune you provided for my self and others.
"…In this āśrama it is instructed that this material world is not actually the home of the living being. The conditioned souls under material bondage are prisoners of matter, and therefore self-realization is the ultimate aim of life..."(SB 1.9.26 purport).
Learning about the prison house of material life reveals the beauty of the Bramachari ashram. A situation where daily hearing, chanting and dutiful service takes place. The gradual effect of such a program is described as follows:
"By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact." (SB 1.2.18)
Thank you Gurudeva for providing me with the best situation to clean myself up.
Some times overwhelmed by the mess to mop up, I'm faithful that a sincere attempt to follow your instructions will one day yield the desired result. In fact everything a neophyte devotee like myself could ever want is obtained by service to you.
"...The neophyte devotee has no ability to approach the Absolute Personality of Godhead by the strength of his present imperfect material senses, and therefore under the direction of the spiritual master he is trained in transcendental service of the Lord. And by such training, even for some days, the neophyte devotee gets intelligence in such transcendental service, which leads him ultimately to get free from perpetual inhabitation in the material worlds and to be promoted to the transcendental world to become one of the liberated associates of the Lord in the kingdom of God." (SB 1.6.23)
As the expert spiritual master you have come up with so many dynamic arrangements for all devotees to take full advantage of the rare human form of life – what could surpass such a compassionate gift?
How would have I wasted my life with out your mercy?
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg that I may develop a real sense of gratitude for what you’re giving me. Then may I become determined to serve you selflessly.
Trying to surrender at your lotus feet.
Your servant,
Aravinda Nabha das
Aśrayananda dasa
Dear Guru-maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
On this auspicious occasion I would like to offer my respects and thanks for your sincere efforts in Srila Prabhupada's mission. In a world where control and exploitation are the means used to establish power, you gracefully oppose this mentality by your personal example. Rare it is, to come across such a person who's chief interest is their utmost welfare.
You have many disciples, many followers and are appointed by authorities in our society to give advice and make important decisions. This kind of feat is not ordinary.
I want to thank you for being an example of a Krishna conscious leader. A leader who holds no grudges. A leader who nourishes his followers with affection and sincere guidance. A leader who is always concerned with our welfare on all levels.
Thank you Gurudeva
I humbly pray that we may develop these wonderful qualities and in turn nourish the devotees and new people we meet. And that we can all develop and offer our loving propensity in our vaisnava dealings and sankirtan outreach.
Thank you
Hare Krishna
Your servant
Asrayananda dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
On this auspicious occasion I would like to offer my respects and thanks for your sincere efforts in Srila Prabhupada's mission. In a world where control and exploitation are the means used to establish power, you gracefully oppose this mentality by your personal example. Rare it is, to come across such a person who's chief interest is their utmost welfare.
You have many disciples, many followers and are appointed by authorities in our society to give advice and make important decisions. This kind of feat is not ordinary.
I want to thank you for being an example of a Krishna conscious leader. A leader who holds no grudges. A leader who nourishes his followers with affection and sincere guidance. A leader who is always concerned with our welfare on all levels.
Thank you Gurudeva
I humbly pray that we may develop these wonderful qualities and in turn nourish the devotees and new people we meet. And that we can all develop and offer our loving propensity in our vaisnava dealings and sankirtan outreach.
Thank you
Hare Krishna
Your servant
Asrayananda dasa
Bal Gopal das
Dear Gurudeva ~
I bow down to you and offer you my humble obeisances respects and reverential admirations
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
While in Taranaki for your 2008 Vyasa Puja festival, you explained to us one of the most fundamental qualifications of the bona fide spiritual master. Some of my memoirs and reflections follow.
You explained that when he teaches his students, he only ever says what he has previously heard from his spiritual master. You shared with us that actually this is a very hard thing to do. There is absolutely no room for adding anything imaginary. This is the austerity of being a spiritual master, that one is only ever allowed to speak and share what he has heard and realized from his teacher. That is why it is such an exalted, respected and powerful role, because most of us are unable to leave aside the weakness of adding to or subtracting from what Krsna has said. So when someone actually qualifies and does this as a service to Krsna, there are such huge shifts in those who are fortunate to hear from such exalted souls, because they completely represent Krsna !
There is so much affectionate recognition from Krsna when one does this, as mentioned by Lord Brahma in the 10th Canto ch 14 verse 3.
jñāne prayāsam udapāsya namanta eva
jīvanti san-mukharitāṁ bhavadīya-vārtām
sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhir
ye prāyaśo 'jita jito 'py asi tais tri-lokyām
Those who, even while remaining situated in their established social positions, throw away the process of speculative knowledge and with their body, words and mind offer all respects to descriptions of Your personality and activities, dedicating their lives to these narrations, which are vibrated by You personally and by Your pure devotees, certainly conquer Your Lordship, although You are otherwise unconquerable by anyone within the three worlds.
Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī has explained the words tanu-vāṅ-manobhiḥ (“by the body, words and mind”)... In reference to devotees, through their body, words and mind they are able to conquer Lord Kṛṣṇa. Thus becoming perfect in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they can touch His lotus feet with their hands, call Him to come with their words, and attain His direct audience within their mind simply by thinking about Him.
In reference to the word jitaḥ, “conquered,” the words tanu-vāṅ-manobhiḥ indicate that the pure devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa conquer His body, words and mind. Lord Kṛṣṇa’s body is conquered because He always remains by the side of His pure devotees; Lord Kṛṣṇa’s words are conquered because He always chants the glories of His devotees; and Lord Kṛṣṇa’s mind is conquered because He always thinks about His loving devotees.
'
Hearing this information made me delight in wonder thinking of how Krsna is always by your side keeping your company, how He is wrapped up in thought of you and how He composes songs about His exalted servitor, who has victoriously thrown aside the speculations of the mind and exclusively heard from Him and His servants.
In one lecture called "Seeing Krsna" you explain:
"Krsna comes as the arca vigraha. If you think that the deity is stone then you are depriving yourself of the opportunity to see Krsna! If you think this is the same Krsna as in the spiritual world then you're seeing Krsna! and you'll experience a transformation of your consciousness and as your attachment for Krsna increases your ability to be reminded of Krsna wherever you look that will also increase... This is our bhakti program, how to make seeing Krsna easily available to everyone while recognizing there is a long scale of intensity in terms of seeing Krsna... Since seeing Krsna is so easy the real question is after you've seen Krsna what will you do? Generally we think 'oh if only i could see God then only i would be a strong devotee', but seeing God is easy, what will you do after you see God? That determines your spiritual advancement..."
Hearing this made me think 'Wow he is certainly seeing Krsna! Just see how he has reacted from his seeing Lord Krsna! After Krsna was seen by you Gurudeva, you have not stopped working for Krsna, thinking of Krsna and talking of Him for many decades!'
Gurudeva!
sakale sammana korite sakati,
deho’ natha! jathajatha
tabe to’ gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe,
aparadha ha ’be hata
O Lord and master! Please invest me with the power to honour all beings properly. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy free of offenses.
Aspiring to one day really hear from you, serve you and see you with a drop of dedication that you have for Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant
Bal Gopal das
I bow down to you and offer you my humble obeisances respects and reverential admirations
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
While in Taranaki for your 2008 Vyasa Puja festival, you explained to us one of the most fundamental qualifications of the bona fide spiritual master. Some of my memoirs and reflections follow.
You explained that when he teaches his students, he only ever says what he has previously heard from his spiritual master. You shared with us that actually this is a very hard thing to do. There is absolutely no room for adding anything imaginary. This is the austerity of being a spiritual master, that one is only ever allowed to speak and share what he has heard and realized from his teacher. That is why it is such an exalted, respected and powerful role, because most of us are unable to leave aside the weakness of adding to or subtracting from what Krsna has said. So when someone actually qualifies and does this as a service to Krsna, there are such huge shifts in those who are fortunate to hear from such exalted souls, because they completely represent Krsna !
There is so much affectionate recognition from Krsna when one does this, as mentioned by Lord Brahma in the 10th Canto ch 14 verse 3.
jñāne prayāsam udapāsya namanta eva
jīvanti san-mukharitāṁ bhavadīya-vārtām
sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhir
ye prāyaśo 'jita jito 'py asi tais tri-lokyām
Those who, even while remaining situated in their established social positions, throw away the process of speculative knowledge and with their body, words and mind offer all respects to descriptions of Your personality and activities, dedicating their lives to these narrations, which are vibrated by You personally and by Your pure devotees, certainly conquer Your Lordship, although You are otherwise unconquerable by anyone within the three worlds.
Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī has explained the words tanu-vāṅ-manobhiḥ (“by the body, words and mind”)... In reference to devotees, through their body, words and mind they are able to conquer Lord Kṛṣṇa. Thus becoming perfect in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they can touch His lotus feet with their hands, call Him to come with their words, and attain His direct audience within their mind simply by thinking about Him.
In reference to the word jitaḥ, “conquered,” the words tanu-vāṅ-manobhiḥ indicate that the pure devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa conquer His body, words and mind. Lord Kṛṣṇa’s body is conquered because He always remains by the side of His pure devotees; Lord Kṛṣṇa’s words are conquered because He always chants the glories of His devotees; and Lord Kṛṣṇa’s mind is conquered because He always thinks about His loving devotees.
'
Hearing this information made me delight in wonder thinking of how Krsna is always by your side keeping your company, how He is wrapped up in thought of you and how He composes songs about His exalted servitor, who has victoriously thrown aside the speculations of the mind and exclusively heard from Him and His servants.
In one lecture called "Seeing Krsna" you explain:
"Krsna comes as the arca vigraha. If you think that the deity is stone then you are depriving yourself of the opportunity to see Krsna! If you think this is the same Krsna as in the spiritual world then you're seeing Krsna! and you'll experience a transformation of your consciousness and as your attachment for Krsna increases your ability to be reminded of Krsna wherever you look that will also increase... This is our bhakti program, how to make seeing Krsna easily available to everyone while recognizing there is a long scale of intensity in terms of seeing Krsna... Since seeing Krsna is so easy the real question is after you've seen Krsna what will you do? Generally we think 'oh if only i could see God then only i would be a strong devotee', but seeing God is easy, what will you do after you see God? That determines your spiritual advancement..."
Hearing this made me think 'Wow he is certainly seeing Krsna! Just see how he has reacted from his seeing Lord Krsna! After Krsna was seen by you Gurudeva, you have not stopped working for Krsna, thinking of Krsna and talking of Him for many decades!'
Gurudeva!
sakale sammana korite sakati,
deho’ natha! jathajatha
tabe to’ gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe,
aparadha ha ’be hata
O Lord and master! Please invest me with the power to honour all beings properly. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy free of offenses.
Aspiring to one day really hear from you, serve you and see you with a drop of dedication that you have for Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant
Bal Gopal das
Baladeva Nitai das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! And all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
This year Gurudeva I wanted to thank and glorify you for so expertly saving me from the havoc of material life and giving me such secure shelter in Krishna Consciousness.
Every conditioned soul is looking for shelter. Being the marginal potency of the Lord, all souls can choose either one of two potencies to take shelter, the internal potency or the external potency. But unfortunately, due to misuse of their minute independence, so many choose the external energy to take shelter.
And once situated in the external energy, there is actually no shelter at all. It only seems like there is shelter but actually there is none. Mamma maya offers a nice sitting place on her lap, she ushers the conditioned soul to sleep and then sneakily pulls out the axe she has hidden behind her back.
At the end of a lecture I recently heard from Srila Prabhupada, a devotee asked the question…
“What is it that causes us to see duality in the material world?”.
Srila Prabhupada replies by questioning the devotee… “And what is that duality?”
The devotee replies “That there is good and bad in the world.”
Srila Prabhupada answers “There is no duality. Where is the good? After everything you simply die, then where is the good?!”
My vision is so dull Gurudeva that I do not see or understand the overall intense disaster that you have saved me from. The material cosmos is so vast and my pointless journey in it has been going on for too long for me to accurately express my debt to you for pulling me out. The idea of having to die even once causes me to shudder and turn completely pale. But material life is a process of dying continuously. Every lifetime, which seems like another opportunity for enjoyment, is simply another opportunity to die. As Srila Prabhupada himself said, “This is a world of death. You don’t come here to live. You come here to die”.
I am eternally indebted to you Gurudeva for saving me from such an intense fate that I was completely unaware of. Thank you so much.
But more than just saving me from my own repeated destruction in this world, you are also trying your best to give me the greatest treasure in all the three worlds. But once again, I find myself struggling to offer proper appreciation and reciprocation, for I do not understand the true value of this divine treasure. I can read in the Caitanya Caritamrita Lord Caitanya’s amazing reciprocation with His loving devotees. And at least to some degree I can appreciate the fact that Bhakti, in its true form, is the most beautiful and intense experience in existence. But alas, I still remain like a child with a diamond in its hand. I often forget I even have the diamond in my hand to begin with. Something else that looks more shiny and beautiful to my fledgling eyes distracts me. I put the diamond down somewhere and forget where I have left it, whilst I search after something else of little importance. This is my misfortune.
But simultaneously, I am also extremely fortunate Gurudeva, because I have such an expert spiritual master who has arranged a childproof system of spiritual shelter. Even if I do temporarily lose the diamond you have given me, there are grown ups all around me to pick up the diamond and put it back in my hand, and lovingly correct me whilst explaining to me the importance of the treasure I have, and how I should look after it.
My main realisation for this year has been a humbling one. For too long I have been marching along proudly, automatically assuming for some reason that my advancement in spiritual life has been due to my own capabilities and sincerity. Perhaps Krishna finally had enough and turned on the light just to save everyone the headache of having to watch me repeatedly make a fool of myself.
The truth is very obvious and simple. My only fortune, the diamond I have in my hand has been very kindly given to me. I didn’t go out and earn it. I didn’t achieve it somehow. It is a gift. And you gave it to me.
But you didn’t just leave it there. You knew that if this toddler in Vaidhi Sadhana Bhakti was left on his own with a diamond in his hand, there would certainly be disaster. So you have carefully arranged a very well organised ashrama, complete with senior devotees to act as mentors.
And this is the main thing I want to thank you for this year Gurudeva. The mentor system you have set up is ingenious. It is like a shortcut forward in Krishna Consciousness. So ingrained in me is the idea that I can find my own way in life. If there is such a thing as Krishna Consciousness, I’m sure I can figure it out on my own.
But no, Bhakti is personal, because Krishna is a person. And the easiest way to know how to please Krishna is simply to ask someone who knows. I feel so foolish that it has taken me so long to come to this simple conclusion. Bhakti requires guidance. And if I take guidance, my life will be so much simpler.
Why strain and struggle to reinvent the wheel? All this time in the bramacari ashrama I have been manufacturing square wheels, triangular wheels, even hexagon wheels. And I have been seeing others very effortlessly cruising along with their very simple round ones. “Why am I finding it so tough?” I was wondering, “I’m labouring so hard to make these amazing wheels of various shapes and sizes, and it looks like these guys are all just being lazy, sticking to their round ones. Can’t Krishna recognise my abilities, my prowess and my efforts to make all these complicated wheels that don’t go anywhere?!”
As they say, Krishna Consciousness is simple for the simple. And you have made it even simpler with the mentor system you have set up. I feel very safe and cared for in the association of such able senior devotees whom I live with. I know that if I meet with my mentor on a regular basis, and discuss my spiritual life, and make goals and changes to my practice, I can gradually and steadily move forward in my spiritual life with minimal confusion or discomfort. As you coined as the slogan for the Loft and Bhakti Lounge: “We make it easy to come to Krishna Consciousness. We make it easy to stay in Krishna Consciousness. And we make it easy to grow in Krishna Consciousness”.
Thank you so much Gurudeva for making my spiritual life so easy and sublime.
For elaboration on this point, I would like to quote a section of a letter you sent to the devotees in Wellington regarding your official implementation of the mentor system….
“Dear disciples, spiritual dependents, and aspiring students in Wellington.
Please accept my blessings.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I think constantly of a spiritual benefit, and so now I would like to increase the intensity and quality of spiritual care for you all by formally enacting a mentor system.
I realise that for some of you this system has already been somewhat utilised, but now let’s make it formal, official.
I trust that any of you who would like that I consider you as a devotee with serious intentions will apply this instruction.
I want all the devotees to feel that their weight is indeed thrust upon their mentor, who is there all the time.
The mentors should actually feel spiritually responsible for their people, on behalf of me.
I want that the older devotees there start to feel the weight of carrying others’ spiritual lives.
This is very important for the future of Srila Prabhupada’s movement.
Of course, I still will have a direct relationship with all devotees and will be available, as always – do not fear.
Simply it is just that I’m weaving another layer of spiritual care into the fabric, for your benefit.”
To conclude, Gurudeva, my official offering to you this year is that I vow to make more use of your mentor system. I will be meeting with my mentor on a more regular basis and working with him to carefully ensure that I can improve my various services and also my own sadhana practice in order to make better use of this opportunity you have given me in the Bramacari ashrama.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Baladeva Nitai das.
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! And all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
This year Gurudeva I wanted to thank and glorify you for so expertly saving me from the havoc of material life and giving me such secure shelter in Krishna Consciousness.
Every conditioned soul is looking for shelter. Being the marginal potency of the Lord, all souls can choose either one of two potencies to take shelter, the internal potency or the external potency. But unfortunately, due to misuse of their minute independence, so many choose the external energy to take shelter.
And once situated in the external energy, there is actually no shelter at all. It only seems like there is shelter but actually there is none. Mamma maya offers a nice sitting place on her lap, she ushers the conditioned soul to sleep and then sneakily pulls out the axe she has hidden behind her back.
At the end of a lecture I recently heard from Srila Prabhupada, a devotee asked the question…
“What is it that causes us to see duality in the material world?”.
Srila Prabhupada replies by questioning the devotee… “And what is that duality?”
The devotee replies “That there is good and bad in the world.”
Srila Prabhupada answers “There is no duality. Where is the good? After everything you simply die, then where is the good?!”
My vision is so dull Gurudeva that I do not see or understand the overall intense disaster that you have saved me from. The material cosmos is so vast and my pointless journey in it has been going on for too long for me to accurately express my debt to you for pulling me out. The idea of having to die even once causes me to shudder and turn completely pale. But material life is a process of dying continuously. Every lifetime, which seems like another opportunity for enjoyment, is simply another opportunity to die. As Srila Prabhupada himself said, “This is a world of death. You don’t come here to live. You come here to die”.
I am eternally indebted to you Gurudeva for saving me from such an intense fate that I was completely unaware of. Thank you so much.
But more than just saving me from my own repeated destruction in this world, you are also trying your best to give me the greatest treasure in all the three worlds. But once again, I find myself struggling to offer proper appreciation and reciprocation, for I do not understand the true value of this divine treasure. I can read in the Caitanya Caritamrita Lord Caitanya’s amazing reciprocation with His loving devotees. And at least to some degree I can appreciate the fact that Bhakti, in its true form, is the most beautiful and intense experience in existence. But alas, I still remain like a child with a diamond in its hand. I often forget I even have the diamond in my hand to begin with. Something else that looks more shiny and beautiful to my fledgling eyes distracts me. I put the diamond down somewhere and forget where I have left it, whilst I search after something else of little importance. This is my misfortune.
But simultaneously, I am also extremely fortunate Gurudeva, because I have such an expert spiritual master who has arranged a childproof system of spiritual shelter. Even if I do temporarily lose the diamond you have given me, there are grown ups all around me to pick up the diamond and put it back in my hand, and lovingly correct me whilst explaining to me the importance of the treasure I have, and how I should look after it.
My main realisation for this year has been a humbling one. For too long I have been marching along proudly, automatically assuming for some reason that my advancement in spiritual life has been due to my own capabilities and sincerity. Perhaps Krishna finally had enough and turned on the light just to save everyone the headache of having to watch me repeatedly make a fool of myself.
The truth is very obvious and simple. My only fortune, the diamond I have in my hand has been very kindly given to me. I didn’t go out and earn it. I didn’t achieve it somehow. It is a gift. And you gave it to me.
But you didn’t just leave it there. You knew that if this toddler in Vaidhi Sadhana Bhakti was left on his own with a diamond in his hand, there would certainly be disaster. So you have carefully arranged a very well organised ashrama, complete with senior devotees to act as mentors.
And this is the main thing I want to thank you for this year Gurudeva. The mentor system you have set up is ingenious. It is like a shortcut forward in Krishna Consciousness. So ingrained in me is the idea that I can find my own way in life. If there is such a thing as Krishna Consciousness, I’m sure I can figure it out on my own.
But no, Bhakti is personal, because Krishna is a person. And the easiest way to know how to please Krishna is simply to ask someone who knows. I feel so foolish that it has taken me so long to come to this simple conclusion. Bhakti requires guidance. And if I take guidance, my life will be so much simpler.
Why strain and struggle to reinvent the wheel? All this time in the bramacari ashrama I have been manufacturing square wheels, triangular wheels, even hexagon wheels. And I have been seeing others very effortlessly cruising along with their very simple round ones. “Why am I finding it so tough?” I was wondering, “I’m labouring so hard to make these amazing wheels of various shapes and sizes, and it looks like these guys are all just being lazy, sticking to their round ones. Can’t Krishna recognise my abilities, my prowess and my efforts to make all these complicated wheels that don’t go anywhere?!”
As they say, Krishna Consciousness is simple for the simple. And you have made it even simpler with the mentor system you have set up. I feel very safe and cared for in the association of such able senior devotees whom I live with. I know that if I meet with my mentor on a regular basis, and discuss my spiritual life, and make goals and changes to my practice, I can gradually and steadily move forward in my spiritual life with minimal confusion or discomfort. As you coined as the slogan for the Loft and Bhakti Lounge: “We make it easy to come to Krishna Consciousness. We make it easy to stay in Krishna Consciousness. And we make it easy to grow in Krishna Consciousness”.
Thank you so much Gurudeva for making my spiritual life so easy and sublime.
For elaboration on this point, I would like to quote a section of a letter you sent to the devotees in Wellington regarding your official implementation of the mentor system….
“Dear disciples, spiritual dependents, and aspiring students in Wellington.
Please accept my blessings.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I think constantly of a spiritual benefit, and so now I would like to increase the intensity and quality of spiritual care for you all by formally enacting a mentor system.
I realise that for some of you this system has already been somewhat utilised, but now let’s make it formal, official.
I trust that any of you who would like that I consider you as a devotee with serious intentions will apply this instruction.
I want all the devotees to feel that their weight is indeed thrust upon their mentor, who is there all the time.
The mentors should actually feel spiritually responsible for their people, on behalf of me.
I want that the older devotees there start to feel the weight of carrying others’ spiritual lives.
This is very important for the future of Srila Prabhupada’s movement.
Of course, I still will have a direct relationship with all devotees and will be available, as always – do not fear.
Simply it is just that I’m weaving another layer of spiritual care into the fabric, for your benefit.”
To conclude, Gurudeva, my official offering to you this year is that I vow to make more use of your mentor system. I will be meeting with my mentor on a more regular basis and working with him to carefully ensure that I can improve my various services and also my own sadhana practice in order to make better use of this opportunity you have given me in the Bramacari ashrama.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Baladeva Nitai das.
Bali Daityaraja das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I join with so many on this day to praise you for your mercy and compassion, begging that a small drop of that mercy may fall upon me. When seeing the caliber of your character and qualities, who would not take shelter of such a personality?
Gurudeva, you are an ocean of auspicious qualities. Whatever activities you perform are not only filled with devotion, but done with complete expertise. When I think of your qualities it bewilders me. You maintain a contagious spirit of service to Krsna and wherever you go you pour down the mercy of your devotion.
In a recent class given by HH Bir Krsna Maharaja, he explained that surrendering to Krsna is not a one-time event, but something that should be done at every moment. Regardless of our external situation we should immerse ourselves in the ocean of the nectar of devotion.
By your personal example you set a standard of such surrender as you dive into that ocean not coming up for air. Constantly endeavoring to fulfill the mission of Srila Prabhupada and the parampara you travel almost unceasingly to bring people closer to Krsna’s lotus feet. Preaching even in places like the soviet block where the stakes were so high, death was a likely outcome.
Who has such determination and vigor?
I cannot understand the depths of your compassion with this tiny brain. Being to dull to even really care about myself.
In CC Adi.7, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami explains:
Ādi 7.20-21: The characteristics of Kṛṣṇa are understood to be a storehouse of transcendental love. Although that storehouse of love certainly came with Kṛṣṇa when He was present, it was sealed. But when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came with His associates of the Pañca-tattva, they broke the seal and plundered the storehouse to taste transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa. The more they tasted it, the more their thirst for it grew.
CC Ādi 7.31-32: Seeing that the Māyāvādīs 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."
In the same way seeing the people of Kali in such debilitated condition, you follow in Lord Caitanya’s footsteps and devise a means in which people who would never usually get a chance to be Krsna Conscious, also be entangled in that network of love of God.
The result we can all see, by such endeavors you are relishing those fruits, an experience which exceeds any mundane pleasure.
By Krsna’s arrangement you have come to New Zealand, and I along with many others have also been caught I that inundation. Out of your unwarranted mercy you have also passed this glorious opportunity to us. I never really had a desire to develop a relationship with God what to speak of putting His desires before mine. This is a testimony of your grace; I am made of your mercy.
Your illuminating instructions are of crucial significance to my ability to see things properly, the example of the sun is often given to destroy darkness but you are even more glorious than the sun.
"My devotees bestow divine eyes, whereas the sun allows only external sight, and that only when it is risen in the sky. My devotees are one's real worshipable deities and real family; they are one's own self." (SB 11.26.34)
What is the payment for such a gift as this?
You are giving what even the great tapasvis and demigods painstakingly strive for. Factually it isn't possible in this life or the next, we are eternally indebted. As stated by Srila Prabhupada in SB 4.22.47:
"The word vinoda-pātram can be divided into two words, vinā and uda-pātram, or can be understood as one word, vinoda-pātram, which means "joker." A joker's activities simply arouse laughter, and a person who tries to repay the spiritual master or teacher of the transcendental message of Kṛṣṇa becomes a laughingstock just like a joker because it is not possible to repay such a debt. The best friend and benefactor of all people is one who awakens humanity to its original Kṛṣṇa consciousness."
Nevertheless, I should not turn down such an opportunity. Thank you for all you have given me Gurumaharaj. I pray that your instruction remain in my consciousness and that one day I obtain even a fragment of your expertise.
Your Servant,
Bali Daityaraja Das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I join with so many on this day to praise you for your mercy and compassion, begging that a small drop of that mercy may fall upon me. When seeing the caliber of your character and qualities, who would not take shelter of such a personality?
Gurudeva, you are an ocean of auspicious qualities. Whatever activities you perform are not only filled with devotion, but done with complete expertise. When I think of your qualities it bewilders me. You maintain a contagious spirit of service to Krsna and wherever you go you pour down the mercy of your devotion.
In a recent class given by HH Bir Krsna Maharaja, he explained that surrendering to Krsna is not a one-time event, but something that should be done at every moment. Regardless of our external situation we should immerse ourselves in the ocean of the nectar of devotion.
By your personal example you set a standard of such surrender as you dive into that ocean not coming up for air. Constantly endeavoring to fulfill the mission of Srila Prabhupada and the parampara you travel almost unceasingly to bring people closer to Krsna’s lotus feet. Preaching even in places like the soviet block where the stakes were so high, death was a likely outcome.
Who has such determination and vigor?
I cannot understand the depths of your compassion with this tiny brain. Being to dull to even really care about myself.
In CC Adi.7, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami explains:
Ādi 7.20-21: The characteristics of Kṛṣṇa are understood to be a storehouse of transcendental love. Although that storehouse of love certainly came with Kṛṣṇa when He was present, it was sealed. But when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came with His associates of the Pañca-tattva, they broke the seal and plundered the storehouse to taste transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa. The more they tasted it, the more their thirst for it grew.
CC Ādi 7.31-32: Seeing that the Māyāvādīs 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."
In the same way seeing the people of Kali in such debilitated condition, you follow in Lord Caitanya’s footsteps and devise a means in which people who would never usually get a chance to be Krsna Conscious, also be entangled in that network of love of God.
The result we can all see, by such endeavors you are relishing those fruits, an experience which exceeds any mundane pleasure.
By Krsna’s arrangement you have come to New Zealand, and I along with many others have also been caught I that inundation. Out of your unwarranted mercy you have also passed this glorious opportunity to us. I never really had a desire to develop a relationship with God what to speak of putting His desires before mine. This is a testimony of your grace; I am made of your mercy.
Your illuminating instructions are of crucial significance to my ability to see things properly, the example of the sun is often given to destroy darkness but you are even more glorious than the sun.
"My devotees bestow divine eyes, whereas the sun allows only external sight, and that only when it is risen in the sky. My devotees are one's real worshipable deities and real family; they are one's own self." (SB 11.26.34)
What is the payment for such a gift as this?
You are giving what even the great tapasvis and demigods painstakingly strive for. Factually it isn't possible in this life or the next, we are eternally indebted. As stated by Srila Prabhupada in SB 4.22.47:
"The word vinoda-pātram can be divided into two words, vinā and uda-pātram, or can be understood as one word, vinoda-pātram, which means "joker." A joker's activities simply arouse laughter, and a person who tries to repay the spiritual master or teacher of the transcendental message of Kṛṣṇa becomes a laughingstock just like a joker because it is not possible to repay such a debt. The best friend and benefactor of all people is one who awakens humanity to its original Kṛṣṇa consciousness."
Nevertheless, I should not turn down such an opportunity. Thank you for all you have given me Gurumaharaj. I pray that your instruction remain in my consciousness and that one day I obtain even a fragment of your expertise.
Your Servant,
Bali Daityaraja Das
Bhadrasena das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this auspicious day of your appearance i wish to glorify you in some small way as an insignificant servant and disciple.
To glorify you today, i wish to talk about the ‘re-watering‘ and dynamic cultivation of that original seed that Srila Prabhupada planted here in NZ, and how the results of this has set the foundations for what many devotees are looking for in their quest for possible Varna Ashram. This re-watering and cultivation refers to the way you applied an apparent new shape and form externally, in terms of a new paradigm for reaching out to others, a few decades ago in NZ. This new ‘dynamic approach’ of bringing western people to KC also incorporated the essential service of how to make sure new fledglings grow, and eventually become fixed in Bhakti for the long haul. In fact, although it appeared new and different, it was actually just a new version on the precise principles and methodology laid down by Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara, but adapted according to the time, place & circumstances. This was a humble beginning back in the 1990’s, but today we see that this small effort has flourished to produce such wonderful results, such as, creating & expanding the communities of devotees here in New Zealand. Looking around the ISKCON NZ scenery today, makes me appreciate all the sweat and toil you have performed, and continue to perform, that has blossomed into these large congregations in, and not forgetting also, your impact in other parts of the world.
In the wider world of ISKCON there has been copious amounts of talk about Varna Ashram, especially over the last few years. Also, there has been talk about how to keep devotees in KC and reduce the numbers from falling down from the standards, or away completely. How to do it? Where to start? There has been talk amongst devotees about the need to train devotees and thus establish some sort of beginnings to Varna Ashram, somehow or other. Everyone seems overwhelmed by the task and bewildered. Also, there is talk of farms and how to live according to Vedic principles. But the job or task seems huge and inconceivable. Where to begin? What is the first step?
I too, have pondered these issues in my short journey in the world of ISKCON. Do we really know where to begin, and how long will it take? What level of patience will this require? For years, i harked on about farms and community being needed to help devotees go the distance in Bhakti, and fulfil the desires of our predecessors. With all these discussions and sound bytes resonating globally, and seeing the task ahead increase in size as my understanding of Varna Ashram expanded, i recently began to see that actually you have been ahead of the game and in knowledge of what is required to begin that long journey. Looking at the development from the early days of your NZ preaching, and the unfolding of the Loft Outreach paradigm, with such patience and expertise, i can see now how you were laying the fundamental foundations of the basics, if we are to ever achieve any kind of attempt at Varna Ashram.
What we see today, in this assembly, and beyond, is the fruit of the last few decades. From the early 1990’s you have, step by step, slowly, brilliantly and off the radar to most, engineered a culture of devotees, that if they synchronise and harmonise with your vision, take what you desire seriously, they would eventually be able to see the dawning of a possible version of a Varna Ashram culture as Prabhupada desired in NZ.
It has become apparent that Varna Ashram is meant to be established; but how it will manifest now will be different to previous yugas. ISKCON devotees have the task of working this out on Prabhupada’s instruction. But where to start?
Dear Gurudeva, you started decades ago, in little NZ. We see how from attracting western persons to KC, then actually doing the hardest work of cultivating and training them, we see now, how they have evolved and matured by your guidance to higher standards of Bhakti overtime, at least to the level of progressive stable householders and moving towards first class brahmacaris. I have personally witnessed and observed how you progressively upgraded the maturing brahmacari ashram and established sanity and stability. Also, you have encouraged and guided the householders to set a proper standard, such as recommending shalagram sila worship and a culture of taking guidance and keeping vows. You have personally nurtured and encouraged a culture of courting and compatible marriages, all supported by mentors and senior assistance. This has produced many stable householders and families built on strong foundations, rather than whimsical liaisons. It was mentioned some years ago how we have the lowest divorce rate in ISKCON, practically zero. This is what Prabhupada wanted, and these developments of stable ashrams are the essential foundations to the possibility of introducing Varna Ashram in the distant future.
From the seeds of the early outreach we now witness the blossoming of your efforts and service. This blossoming is testimony to your expert vision and commitment to the Parampara, in knowing what will actually be needed to eventually begin to attempt the huge challenge of a Varna Ashram culture.
I therefore, wish to illuminate and elucidate this amazing feat you have performed, all purposefully and brilliantly in tune with the long term vision of our predecessors. Although, there is so much work to be done, still, this foundational culture you have established so far, and continue to evolve, is a great achievement and testament to your glories in serving Srila Prabhupada.
All these ideas and talks about Varna Ashram can actually be realised if we take shelter of such personalities like you. You have already begun to lay the ground work, and i pray we can all synchronise and harmonise with your desires in the years, and if necessary, lifetimes to come. Such attempts to establish the desires of the Great Acaryas requires the guidance of advanced devotees. I feel so fortunate to be blessed with the association of such a spiritual master, who has such vision and empowerment to make manifest, what seems impossible for a neophyte such as me, the huge desires of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara.
Praying on behalf of myself, my wife & my son Balai, that we can always remain at your lotus feet, and to always have the privilege and position to assist you so closely in your personal projects. What greater treasure is there in life than this?
Your humble servant and disciple
Bhadrasena das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this auspicious day of your appearance i wish to glorify you in some small way as an insignificant servant and disciple.
To glorify you today, i wish to talk about the ‘re-watering‘ and dynamic cultivation of that original seed that Srila Prabhupada planted here in NZ, and how the results of this has set the foundations for what many devotees are looking for in their quest for possible Varna Ashram. This re-watering and cultivation refers to the way you applied an apparent new shape and form externally, in terms of a new paradigm for reaching out to others, a few decades ago in NZ. This new ‘dynamic approach’ of bringing western people to KC also incorporated the essential service of how to make sure new fledglings grow, and eventually become fixed in Bhakti for the long haul. In fact, although it appeared new and different, it was actually just a new version on the precise principles and methodology laid down by Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara, but adapted according to the time, place & circumstances. This was a humble beginning back in the 1990’s, but today we see that this small effort has flourished to produce such wonderful results, such as, creating & expanding the communities of devotees here in New Zealand. Looking around the ISKCON NZ scenery today, makes me appreciate all the sweat and toil you have performed, and continue to perform, that has blossomed into these large congregations in, and not forgetting also, your impact in other parts of the world.
In the wider world of ISKCON there has been copious amounts of talk about Varna Ashram, especially over the last few years. Also, there has been talk about how to keep devotees in KC and reduce the numbers from falling down from the standards, or away completely. How to do it? Where to start? There has been talk amongst devotees about the need to train devotees and thus establish some sort of beginnings to Varna Ashram, somehow or other. Everyone seems overwhelmed by the task and bewildered. Also, there is talk of farms and how to live according to Vedic principles. But the job or task seems huge and inconceivable. Where to begin? What is the first step?
I too, have pondered these issues in my short journey in the world of ISKCON. Do we really know where to begin, and how long will it take? What level of patience will this require? For years, i harked on about farms and community being needed to help devotees go the distance in Bhakti, and fulfil the desires of our predecessors. With all these discussions and sound bytes resonating globally, and seeing the task ahead increase in size as my understanding of Varna Ashram expanded, i recently began to see that actually you have been ahead of the game and in knowledge of what is required to begin that long journey. Looking at the development from the early days of your NZ preaching, and the unfolding of the Loft Outreach paradigm, with such patience and expertise, i can see now how you were laying the fundamental foundations of the basics, if we are to ever achieve any kind of attempt at Varna Ashram.
What we see today, in this assembly, and beyond, is the fruit of the last few decades. From the early 1990’s you have, step by step, slowly, brilliantly and off the radar to most, engineered a culture of devotees, that if they synchronise and harmonise with your vision, take what you desire seriously, they would eventually be able to see the dawning of a possible version of a Varna Ashram culture as Prabhupada desired in NZ.
It has become apparent that Varna Ashram is meant to be established; but how it will manifest now will be different to previous yugas. ISKCON devotees have the task of working this out on Prabhupada’s instruction. But where to start?
Dear Gurudeva, you started decades ago, in little NZ. We see how from attracting western persons to KC, then actually doing the hardest work of cultivating and training them, we see now, how they have evolved and matured by your guidance to higher standards of Bhakti overtime, at least to the level of progressive stable householders and moving towards first class brahmacaris. I have personally witnessed and observed how you progressively upgraded the maturing brahmacari ashram and established sanity and stability. Also, you have encouraged and guided the householders to set a proper standard, such as recommending shalagram sila worship and a culture of taking guidance and keeping vows. You have personally nurtured and encouraged a culture of courting and compatible marriages, all supported by mentors and senior assistance. This has produced many stable householders and families built on strong foundations, rather than whimsical liaisons. It was mentioned some years ago how we have the lowest divorce rate in ISKCON, practically zero. This is what Prabhupada wanted, and these developments of stable ashrams are the essential foundations to the possibility of introducing Varna Ashram in the distant future.
From the seeds of the early outreach we now witness the blossoming of your efforts and service. This blossoming is testimony to your expert vision and commitment to the Parampara, in knowing what will actually be needed to eventually begin to attempt the huge challenge of a Varna Ashram culture.
I therefore, wish to illuminate and elucidate this amazing feat you have performed, all purposefully and brilliantly in tune with the long term vision of our predecessors. Although, there is so much work to be done, still, this foundational culture you have established so far, and continue to evolve, is a great achievement and testament to your glories in serving Srila Prabhupada.
All these ideas and talks about Varna Ashram can actually be realised if we take shelter of such personalities like you. You have already begun to lay the ground work, and i pray we can all synchronise and harmonise with your desires in the years, and if necessary, lifetimes to come. Such attempts to establish the desires of the Great Acaryas requires the guidance of advanced devotees. I feel so fortunate to be blessed with the association of such a spiritual master, who has such vision and empowerment to make manifest, what seems impossible for a neophyte such as me, the huge desires of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara.
Praying on behalf of myself, my wife & my son Balai, that we can always remain at your lotus feet, and to always have the privilege and position to assist you so closely in your personal projects. What greater treasure is there in life than this?
Your humble servant and disciple
Bhadrasena das
Bhagavad bhava das
Dear, Guru accept my obeisances. As an offering to your Vyasapudja I bring my service. My wife and I make at home Bhakti vriksha, take care of the devotees. Themselves we enter the sanga governing board of the Moscow BV. By your grace we worship the Deity at home: Sri Sri Nitai Shachinandana, make the morning arati which invite devotees from BV. Several times I gave lectures on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam in the Moscow mandir. Thank you for your counsel regularly read Prabhupada's books, now i reading 10 song SB, it helps me in life. I finished 2 years of study at the School of Leadership and cooperation under the leadership of Govardhan Gopal prabhu . It's a pity that you could not come to the festival Sadhu sanga 2016. We maked there a meeting of your disciples and well-wishers. On the Ukrainian festival it was difficult to me to come out of the fighting.
I try to read japa early in the morning at a time. Thank you for your guidance, lectures, for kirtan! I wish you good health and a lot of inspiration in the service of Srila Prabhupada. Your disciple Bhagavad bhava das Moscow. 2016
I try to read japa early in the morning at a time. Thank you for your guidance, lectures, for kirtan! I wish you good health and a lot of inspiration in the service of Srila Prabhupada. Your disciple Bhagavad bhava das Moscow. 2016
Bhakta Andy
Dearest Devamrita Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada!
You continue to be a beacon of light and spiritual strength, and an exemplar of pure love of our Lord Krishna, which is reflected in your great love and compassion towards all living entities. It is with great reverence that I observe your purity, sincerity and the bliss of your devotion, which you share so generously people from all walks of life through your wonderful outreach centres.
I simply beg that I can have the opportunity and empowerment to serve you with love and devotion and, in this way, attain your shelter and mercy, should you so choose. Only by your grace will I be able to realise my constitutional position as the servant of our Lord Krishna. Please cut away my false ego so that I may fall to the ground and offer my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. Allow me a drop of the ocean of bliss that comes from the realisation of our true identities.
Hare Krishna!
Andy.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada!
You continue to be a beacon of light and spiritual strength, and an exemplar of pure love of our Lord Krishna, which is reflected in your great love and compassion towards all living entities. It is with great reverence that I observe your purity, sincerity and the bliss of your devotion, which you share so generously people from all walks of life through your wonderful outreach centres.
I simply beg that I can have the opportunity and empowerment to serve you with love and devotion and, in this way, attain your shelter and mercy, should you so choose. Only by your grace will I be able to realise my constitutional position as the servant of our Lord Krishna. Please cut away my false ego so that I may fall to the ground and offer my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. Allow me a drop of the ocean of bliss that comes from the realisation of our true identities.
Hare Krishna!
Andy.
Bhakta Ben (from Auckland temple)
Haribol Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I've made a lot of offenses to you and other devotees because of ignorance, stubbornness and pride (although I don't know how I manage to be proud because I don't have a lot to be proud of, that's the amazing paradox of Maya, but I guess that's where the ignorance comes in). Particularly before I left a few years ago. Nowadays, after getting a couple of years of training from Maya, somehow I'm even more proud.
But I'm trying to learn to be humble, especially because of the inspiration of all the devotees at the temple who it's very difficult to be proud around because they're all so humble and pure.
There's a lot of very purifying devotees here who are helping me a lot and I'm very grateful.
Please forgive me for all of my offenses to you.
Ys
Bhakta Ben
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I've made a lot of offenses to you and other devotees because of ignorance, stubbornness and pride (although I don't know how I manage to be proud because I don't have a lot to be proud of, that's the amazing paradox of Maya, but I guess that's where the ignorance comes in). Particularly before I left a few years ago. Nowadays, after getting a couple of years of training from Maya, somehow I'm even more proud.
But I'm trying to learn to be humble, especially because of the inspiration of all the devotees at the temple who it's very difficult to be proud around because they're all so humble and pure.
There's a lot of very purifying devotees here who are helping me a lot and I'm very grateful.
Please forgive me for all of my offenses to you.
Ys
Bhakta Ben
Bhakta Rish
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obbeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
You are always an inspiration every time I hear you speak the enthusiasm is out of this world showing to me that the proccess does work.
You have stressed the important of guidance in bhakti, without guidance ones spiritual development is minimal or non-exsistent, You have spoken about a wisdom culture combining mature wisdom and youthful enthusiasm for a vibrant community. By your compassionate mood you saw this need and established a culture in wellington where guidance and enthusiasm is readily available, this is true compassion. more and more I am starting to see my fortunate situation and trying to take advantage.
I am still completely amazed that someone as degraded as myself can begin and continue to try to practice the process of sadhana bhakti this is only my your mercy as I am not deserving of your continual encouragement but its still there. Every time I have your darshan you stress two points reading Prabhupadas books and chanting Hare Krishna, I begining to understand the practicality of the two points I am so greatfull for your emphasis on and the opportunity to try and build a solid foundation in spiritual life.
Please allow me to continue to try and serve you
Your aspiring servant
bhakta rish
Please accept my humble obbeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
You are always an inspiration every time I hear you speak the enthusiasm is out of this world showing to me that the proccess does work.
You have stressed the important of guidance in bhakti, without guidance ones spiritual development is minimal or non-exsistent, You have spoken about a wisdom culture combining mature wisdom and youthful enthusiasm for a vibrant community. By your compassionate mood you saw this need and established a culture in wellington where guidance and enthusiasm is readily available, this is true compassion. more and more I am starting to see my fortunate situation and trying to take advantage.
I am still completely amazed that someone as degraded as myself can begin and continue to try to practice the process of sadhana bhakti this is only my your mercy as I am not deserving of your continual encouragement but its still there. Every time I have your darshan you stress two points reading Prabhupadas books and chanting Hare Krishna, I begining to understand the practicality of the two points I am so greatfull for your emphasis on and the opportunity to try and build a solid foundation in spiritual life.
Please allow me to continue to try and serve you
Your aspiring servant
bhakta rish
Bhakta Ryan Powle
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanyas sankirtan mission!
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
There is so much I wish to say, so much to thank you for, yet I lack the proper knowledge of how to express all these words in the right mood. Expressing my heart to another individual without letting intelligence, anarthas and all the other conditioning get in the way is something I’ve always found difficult, but due to your mercy of appearing in this dark age I’ve finally been able to begin a journey I’m completely unqualified for, the journey of reconnecting to the source of all love. So I will try my best.
I don’t precisely recall when I first attended a class by your grace, at the Loft, but it was around a year ago. I recall our first encounter after the class with much more precision, as there I could really feel how the atmosphere around you was on a different platform. How you spoke, how you gestured, I was so eager to achieve similar qualities one day in my life, simply due to your presence. Afterwards I felt that there must’ve been a more respectful way to enter these private discussions, as well as better questions to query you on, rather than my silly understandings of so called spiritual life. Under the guidance of Sevaka, one of your dear disciples, he explained the proper means of chanting Srila Prabhupadas purnam mantra, as well as in time, your own, bowing down, and querying on the best means of service to render unto you. This enlivened me, as I had, and have, a deep desire to show you the proper respect you deserve for all your selfless service, as well as serve you to the highest degree I am capable.
Since then, chanting 16 rounds for a year at the end of this month, I see your presence all around me as I try to submerse myself in Krsnas service. I see how expert this preaching centre, The Loft, really is, and how much effort and time you’ve spent to create the perfect environment for guests to take prasadam, associate with devotees, and chant the names of the Lord. I see how it changes in modernization to keep up with themes to keep people interested, I see how you’re constantly meditating on ways to improve this centre in Krsnas service, and to please your spiritual master, your goal of existence.
I am eternally gratefully to you, Devamrita Swami, for giving me the opportunity to attempt in rendering service, 4-5 days a week, each day I am able, at this preaching centre. To associate with devotees and assist in keeping this beautiful example of your dedication to preaching standing tall, is a great opportunity I feel incredibly unqualified for. Yet by your mercy, you have shown me how to spend my time in the best possible way, something I was searching for, for so long.
Being born in this land, I am constantly amazed at all your efforts in this country to make progress, as I can now realize the huge level of potential there is for flourishing of Krsna consciousness in our small island. All of your efforts have led me to have this possibility, and I am eternally grateful. I see around me your presence, when I go to the brahmacari ashrama, to associate and render service whenever I have free time. I see the immense effort you have made to create such a first class brahmacari ashrama, where students of Bhakti can go to immerse themselves in hearing and chanting each moment of the day. I see aspects of your nectarean leadership and vision in all areas of my life. Even in this current ashrama, the contemporary mens run by Bhadrasena, I see your efforts within our leader, how enthused he is to even hear your voice, to assist your mission by teaching us fools and rascals how to become steady and control our senses. How the enthusiasm for Sankirtan is so strong and polished, flourishing within me due to this wonderful house that has your inspiration running deep within the floor boards. Attempting to distribute books, by your guidance, even with my inability to get off the mental platform, you inspire me to continue trying, regardless of the outcome, as often as I am given the chance to, by Krsnas arrangement.
You have given me purpose in this lifetime, Guru maharaja. You have begun my journey of trying to find my way back home, of trying to become selfless in my service to devotees and Krsna, in trying to assist conditioned souls reconnect with the source of all energies.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for letting such a low-born have the fortune to associate with an exalted and very special devotee of Lord Sri Krsna. I would be in a deep well of death and torment without your guidance, your determined disciples, your high class preaching centres and your beautiful words and dedication to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Thank you for your fearless, and determined efforts to offer shelter to us Westernized fools, and to tolerate us as we try to make some small advancement in Bhakti-yoga. I am honoured to have taken birth in your lifetime.
Hare Krsna, your aspiring servant of the servants.
Bhakta Ryan.
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanyas sankirtan mission!
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
There is so much I wish to say, so much to thank you for, yet I lack the proper knowledge of how to express all these words in the right mood. Expressing my heart to another individual without letting intelligence, anarthas and all the other conditioning get in the way is something I’ve always found difficult, but due to your mercy of appearing in this dark age I’ve finally been able to begin a journey I’m completely unqualified for, the journey of reconnecting to the source of all love. So I will try my best.
I don’t precisely recall when I first attended a class by your grace, at the Loft, but it was around a year ago. I recall our first encounter after the class with much more precision, as there I could really feel how the atmosphere around you was on a different platform. How you spoke, how you gestured, I was so eager to achieve similar qualities one day in my life, simply due to your presence. Afterwards I felt that there must’ve been a more respectful way to enter these private discussions, as well as better questions to query you on, rather than my silly understandings of so called spiritual life. Under the guidance of Sevaka, one of your dear disciples, he explained the proper means of chanting Srila Prabhupadas purnam mantra, as well as in time, your own, bowing down, and querying on the best means of service to render unto you. This enlivened me, as I had, and have, a deep desire to show you the proper respect you deserve for all your selfless service, as well as serve you to the highest degree I am capable.
Since then, chanting 16 rounds for a year at the end of this month, I see your presence all around me as I try to submerse myself in Krsnas service. I see how expert this preaching centre, The Loft, really is, and how much effort and time you’ve spent to create the perfect environment for guests to take prasadam, associate with devotees, and chant the names of the Lord. I see how it changes in modernization to keep up with themes to keep people interested, I see how you’re constantly meditating on ways to improve this centre in Krsnas service, and to please your spiritual master, your goal of existence.
I am eternally gratefully to you, Devamrita Swami, for giving me the opportunity to attempt in rendering service, 4-5 days a week, each day I am able, at this preaching centre. To associate with devotees and assist in keeping this beautiful example of your dedication to preaching standing tall, is a great opportunity I feel incredibly unqualified for. Yet by your mercy, you have shown me how to spend my time in the best possible way, something I was searching for, for so long.
Being born in this land, I am constantly amazed at all your efforts in this country to make progress, as I can now realize the huge level of potential there is for flourishing of Krsna consciousness in our small island. All of your efforts have led me to have this possibility, and I am eternally grateful. I see around me your presence, when I go to the brahmacari ashrama, to associate and render service whenever I have free time. I see the immense effort you have made to create such a first class brahmacari ashrama, where students of Bhakti can go to immerse themselves in hearing and chanting each moment of the day. I see aspects of your nectarean leadership and vision in all areas of my life. Even in this current ashrama, the contemporary mens run by Bhadrasena, I see your efforts within our leader, how enthused he is to even hear your voice, to assist your mission by teaching us fools and rascals how to become steady and control our senses. How the enthusiasm for Sankirtan is so strong and polished, flourishing within me due to this wonderful house that has your inspiration running deep within the floor boards. Attempting to distribute books, by your guidance, even with my inability to get off the mental platform, you inspire me to continue trying, regardless of the outcome, as often as I am given the chance to, by Krsnas arrangement.
You have given me purpose in this lifetime, Guru maharaja. You have begun my journey of trying to find my way back home, of trying to become selfless in my service to devotees and Krsna, in trying to assist conditioned souls reconnect with the source of all energies.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for letting such a low-born have the fortune to associate with an exalted and very special devotee of Lord Sri Krsna. I would be in a deep well of death and torment without your guidance, your determined disciples, your high class preaching centres and your beautiful words and dedication to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Thank you for your fearless, and determined efforts to offer shelter to us Westernized fools, and to tolerate us as we try to make some small advancement in Bhakti-yoga. I am honoured to have taken birth in your lifetime.
Hare Krsna, your aspiring servant of the servants.
Bhakta Ryan.
Bhakta Tebogo
My dear Guru Maharaja
I beg your Holiness to please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!! All glories to your keen efforts of spreading the glories of Lord Hari!!!
I guess with me it all begins with expressions of gratitude towards your lotus feet on how you have very eloquently inspired Krsna consciousness within and exposed the scintillating glare darkness of material campaigns without hurting our "feelings." Your expertise in preaching Bhakti has no boundaries. You are very expert in upbringing one's forgotten love for Krsna by making them give up the small biscuit of material gratification and open up to more bigger n better spiritual ways of gratifying themselves without back tracking to old ways of sweating for small stuff, (forgetting the big bills).
No matter what audience you have, you so expert that you can present Bhakti using a material activity, or object such as "echo" without any doubt or confusion to anybody. Your preaching skills and ability can adjust to any time, any place, and to any circumstance.
We read in sastra about the glories of Narada Muni's expert preaching skills, and his ability to deliver Bhakti to even the most demonic behaved hunter, and as such it may be said that by association with Narada the hunter, purified at heart, had achieved the greatest fortune in due course. Indeed, history shall repeat itself. We see the same resemblance of Narada's preaching enacted by your Holiness in upbringing Bhakti into the hearts of so many "hunters." And certainly, being part of the revolution and witnessing it trully gives a very strong expression of gratitude within oneself.
My first encounter with your Holiness was on the 3rd of June 2016, during the Culture Of Love Retreat program at the Midrand temple. I was not sure what to say, nor what to expect, and as far as my spiritual practice is concerned, let's say it was not doing well... nor sustained for a few days. Thus I did not know how to feel or be inspired in Krsna consciousness in a lasting way. At that time I had been listening to your lectures and tried practicing wherever I found it easier, but somehow Maya would catch me off guard and I would forget your Holiness' instructions. And this was my difficulty.
One night, after giving your keynote address I planned that I would haste myself behind you so I may make it to your room as you opened the door. With my hands together on my chest I asked if I could come in with you to somehow get help from this riddle of losing track of my spiritual practice. Very kindly your Holiness welcomed me and gave me the platform to explain my struggle, hoping to find empathy to my problems. But as I explained my life and it's difficulties, you began showing an indifferent facial expression and looked down as though disappointed. I tried backing my unpleasant story with some of the "good" things I tried to encompass like telling my wife about Krsna, who then was my girlfriend, but neither that impressed you. Your Holiness got me sweating and shaking as I time and time and again tried backing myself with excuses on why my struggles of abandoning the regulative principles were to be justified. But after several attempt I gave up an kept quiet as you began speaking, and the one statement you made that I never ever forgot was "clean up your mess please." I soon left the room in great shame, and felt not hated but loved, so much so that the following week I went and got legally married to the same lady I was with (as instructed and inspired by your Holiness).
Please forgive me my dear Guru Maharaj for my disappointing actions as I strive in following your instructions
Your ever disappointing servant
Bhakta Tebogo
I beg your Holiness to please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!! All glories to your keen efforts of spreading the glories of Lord Hari!!!
I guess with me it all begins with expressions of gratitude towards your lotus feet on how you have very eloquently inspired Krsna consciousness within and exposed the scintillating glare darkness of material campaigns without hurting our "feelings." Your expertise in preaching Bhakti has no boundaries. You are very expert in upbringing one's forgotten love for Krsna by making them give up the small biscuit of material gratification and open up to more bigger n better spiritual ways of gratifying themselves without back tracking to old ways of sweating for small stuff, (forgetting the big bills).
No matter what audience you have, you so expert that you can present Bhakti using a material activity, or object such as "echo" without any doubt or confusion to anybody. Your preaching skills and ability can adjust to any time, any place, and to any circumstance.
We read in sastra about the glories of Narada Muni's expert preaching skills, and his ability to deliver Bhakti to even the most demonic behaved hunter, and as such it may be said that by association with Narada the hunter, purified at heart, had achieved the greatest fortune in due course. Indeed, history shall repeat itself. We see the same resemblance of Narada's preaching enacted by your Holiness in upbringing Bhakti into the hearts of so many "hunters." And certainly, being part of the revolution and witnessing it trully gives a very strong expression of gratitude within oneself.
My first encounter with your Holiness was on the 3rd of June 2016, during the Culture Of Love Retreat program at the Midrand temple. I was not sure what to say, nor what to expect, and as far as my spiritual practice is concerned, let's say it was not doing well... nor sustained for a few days. Thus I did not know how to feel or be inspired in Krsna consciousness in a lasting way. At that time I had been listening to your lectures and tried practicing wherever I found it easier, but somehow Maya would catch me off guard and I would forget your Holiness' instructions. And this was my difficulty.
One night, after giving your keynote address I planned that I would haste myself behind you so I may make it to your room as you opened the door. With my hands together on my chest I asked if I could come in with you to somehow get help from this riddle of losing track of my spiritual practice. Very kindly your Holiness welcomed me and gave me the platform to explain my struggle, hoping to find empathy to my problems. But as I explained my life and it's difficulties, you began showing an indifferent facial expression and looked down as though disappointed. I tried backing my unpleasant story with some of the "good" things I tried to encompass like telling my wife about Krsna, who then was my girlfriend, but neither that impressed you. Your Holiness got me sweating and shaking as I time and time and again tried backing myself with excuses on why my struggles of abandoning the regulative principles were to be justified. But after several attempt I gave up an kept quiet as you began speaking, and the one statement you made that I never ever forgot was "clean up your mess please." I soon left the room in great shame, and felt not hated but loved, so much so that the following week I went and got legally married to the same lady I was with (as instructed and inspired by your Holiness).
Please forgive me my dear Guru Maharaj for my disappointing actions as I strive in following your instructions
Your ever disappointing servant
Bhakta Tebogo
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.
From the beginning of our life based on the surroundings we develop various desires. Family, community, society and nation thrust upon us the idea of needs and wants that we must have. Proud as they are, they cannot admit that their ideology is faulty and has been proven wrong again and again. They have tried to chew and extract juice from various sense objects, but have failed. But still they pass on the same old chewed over process of so-called enjoyment to their descendants. How can they be worthy of our full respect?
There is another lineage which provides us a perfect process of desiring which has been proven a success since time immemorial. This lineage is called parampara, chain of disciplic succession. The members of this lineage have tasted the real sense objects and have carefully passed them on. The descendants are able to extract more juice & sweetness by chewing the chewed as mentioned in the beginning of Srimad Bhagavatam:
“O expert and thoughtful men, relish Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the mature fruit of the desire tree of Vedic literatures. It emanated from the lips of Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī. Therefore this fruit has become even more tasteful, although its nectarean juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.” (SB 1.1.3)
The message of Krsna is materially incomprehensible. Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to Bhagavad Gita 10.12-13 – “Unless one is in the disciplic succession, he cannot understand Bhagavad-gītā. It is not possible by so-called academic education. Unfortunately those proud of their academic education, despite so much evidence in Vedic literatures, stick to their obstinate conviction that Kṛṣṇa is an ordinary person.”
In my first reading of Bhagavad Gita, the first thing that could not digest at all was the list of acaryas in the parampara. Krsna gave the knowledge to Brahma, Brahma to Narada, Narada to Vyasa, and in the end Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati passes it to A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. I thought how could there be a list linking Krsna to a recent acarya. By making small attempts of getting the same knowledge from you, the existence of parampara is slowly becoming a reality for me.
Gurudeva, for your disciples you are the link to the parampara. You have received the message carefully and with love you are handing it to us. You encourage your followers to read and distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. These books contain the unadulterated message to be understood and relished by sincere and eager spiritual seekers. By reading the books we can see how maya works and by distributing them we get a special sankirtana vision. Recently while distributing books I met a lady and during the conversation I mentioned the statistics of people committing suicide in New Zealand every year. The lady said that her brother committed suicide last year. She started crying and couldn’t continue the conversation. We can see how people are suffering due to lack of Krsna consciousness but they put up a show of unnatural happiness. Just by scratching the surface little bit we can see the sad reality.
I beg for your mercy to understand the full meaning of the message of parampara and try to pass it on. In Teachings of Lord Caitanya Srila Prabhupada writes - “Thus Sanātana Gosvāmī prayed for the Lord’s confirmation that His teachings would actually evolve in his heart by His grace. Otherwise Sanātana knew that there was no possibility of his being able to describe the Lord’s teachings. The purport of this is that the ācāryas (spiritual masters) are authorized by higher authorities. Instruction alone cannot make one an expert. Unless one is blessed by the spiritual master, or ācārya, such teachings cannot become fully manifested. Therefore one should seek the mercy of the spiritual master so that his instructions can develop within oneself. After receiving the prayers of Sanātana Gosvāmī, Lord Caitanya placed His feet on Sanātana’s head and gave him the benediction that all the Lord’s instructions would fully develop within him.”
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says in his song Guru Parampara – “parampara jano bhalo mate, you should properly understand this disciplic succession.” By understanding the parampara and sincerely receiving the message our desires will change. In a lecture describing the pastime of Dhruva Maharaja you said – “Narada Muni transformed Dhruva Maharaja’s determination for material super excellence into a result that gave spiritual perfection. That’s the service of the spiritual master. You may come in the door with one kind of motive but if you actually consent to perform bhakti under guidance, your motivations become transformed…”
I may have approached Krsna with material motivations and as I continue the process of hearing and chanting more subtle material motivations surface every now and then. With firm determination I must keep myself under the nectarean stream of Krsna katha coming from your mouth. With this continual bathing all the dirt of material desire will be washed from my heart.
Aspiring to understand the message of parampara through you,
Your servant,
Bhakti Sara Dasa
Bhakti-lata devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Gurudeva, you have given me a wholesome life filled with meaning and excitement. Thank you for injecting life into my otherwise lifeless self. Not only that, but you always make sure that year after year we get the best opportunity to grow spiritually. You challenge us to always be pro-active and spiritually move forward. You urge us to go deeper and question us. In your recent visit, you prompted us: "You should think, how is it that I can be happy just by hearing and chanting?"
You also pointed out to us 2 things that we should look forward to in our Krishna Consciousness:
1. Get the experience of reading Bhagavad Gita again and again, that each time it's fresher and it becomes more and more satisfying.
2. You want to experience the bliss of chanting japa and think I will never get to the bottom of the pool of nectar chanting Hare Krishna offers.
You are obviously tasting all this and that is why in your association we also develop an urge to strive for that. By your own example, you show us how with a life filled with hearing and chanting we can be fully happy and satisfied. Thank you for making this rare opportunity of striving to achieve life's purpose accessible.
Trying to be your unconditional servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Gurudeva, you have given me a wholesome life filled with meaning and excitement. Thank you for injecting life into my otherwise lifeless self. Not only that, but you always make sure that year after year we get the best opportunity to grow spiritually. You challenge us to always be pro-active and spiritually move forward. You urge us to go deeper and question us. In your recent visit, you prompted us: "You should think, how is it that I can be happy just by hearing and chanting?"
You also pointed out to us 2 things that we should look forward to in our Krishna Consciousness:
1. Get the experience of reading Bhagavad Gita again and again, that each time it's fresher and it becomes more and more satisfying.
2. You want to experience the bliss of chanting japa and think I will never get to the bottom of the pool of nectar chanting Hare Krishna offers.
You are obviously tasting all this and that is why in your association we also develop an urge to strive for that. By your own example, you show us how with a life filled with hearing and chanting we can be fully happy and satisfied. Thank you for making this rare opportunity of striving to achieve life's purpose accessible.
Trying to be your unconditional servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Bhaktin Marie (WAL)
<b>Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
And all glories to you on this very auspicious day of your appearance.</b>
It took me a while to formally ask you for shelter. Probably filled with pride and still very much entangled in maya, I remember thinking "alright, Guru Maharaja is very charismatic, you appreciate his preaching centers, his lectures and his books, you're almost exclusively in association with his devotees, but it doesn't mean that you should follow blindly like a sheep and take shelter of him", though I could feel that deep down in my heart you were the one I was ready to accept guidance from.
When I came back to New Zealand, I finally asked, very anxiously. You shattered all my doubts when you told me that you had been waiting for months to hear this, and you'd always known I was going to be your disciple.
I felt more confident than ever to pursue on this spiritual path, knowing that you would guide me through each step. I'm eternally indebted to you for the patience, care and support you've shown me for the past two years.
One of your first instructions was to read Srila Prabhupada's books. As I started to read Srimad Bhagavatam, one purport particularly struck me:
<i>"The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. [...] one can bring the materialistic men of this age of quarrel into order for peaceful life and transcendental realization."</i> (<b>SB 1.5.16</b>)
With this purport, I started to understand a glimpse of what you've done with the Loft and Bhakti Lounge in New Zealand. I am eternally grateful for these two places where devotees got me involved in devotional service very quickly for my spiritual benefit. You are perfectly accomplishing your spiritual master's will and I pray that I'll do the same for you. You are an expert and my only wish is to develop the same qualities you display for preaching, and attract more people to Krishna Consciousness.
With Krishna's mercy and under your guidance, I am now part of another yatra, in Wales, where the devotees are taking great care of me as you requested. There are no suitable words to express my gratitude. Thank you for not giving up on me when I had to go back to France.
I sincerely hope that I'll make you proud with my services in the Welsh yatra, and that I'll be of some use in your sincere mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to be your unfailing servant,
Bhaktin Marie.
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
And all glories to you on this very auspicious day of your appearance.</b>
It took me a while to formally ask you for shelter. Probably filled with pride and still very much entangled in maya, I remember thinking "alright, Guru Maharaja is very charismatic, you appreciate his preaching centers, his lectures and his books, you're almost exclusively in association with his devotees, but it doesn't mean that you should follow blindly like a sheep and take shelter of him", though I could feel that deep down in my heart you were the one I was ready to accept guidance from.
When I came back to New Zealand, I finally asked, very anxiously. You shattered all my doubts when you told me that you had been waiting for months to hear this, and you'd always known I was going to be your disciple.
I felt more confident than ever to pursue on this spiritual path, knowing that you would guide me through each step. I'm eternally indebted to you for the patience, care and support you've shown me for the past two years.
One of your first instructions was to read Srila Prabhupada's books. As I started to read Srimad Bhagavatam, one purport particularly struck me:
<i>"The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. [...] one can bring the materialistic men of this age of quarrel into order for peaceful life and transcendental realization."</i> (<b>SB 1.5.16</b>)
With this purport, I started to understand a glimpse of what you've done with the Loft and Bhakti Lounge in New Zealand. I am eternally grateful for these two places where devotees got me involved in devotional service very quickly for my spiritual benefit. You are perfectly accomplishing your spiritual master's will and I pray that I'll do the same for you. You are an expert and my only wish is to develop the same qualities you display for preaching, and attract more people to Krishna Consciousness.
With Krishna's mercy and under your guidance, I am now part of another yatra, in Wales, where the devotees are taking great care of me as you requested. There are no suitable words to express my gratitude. Thank you for not giving up on me when I had to go back to France.
I sincerely hope that I'll make you proud with my services in the Welsh yatra, and that I'll be of some use in your sincere mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to be your unfailing servant,
Bhaktin Marie.
Bhaktin Priyanka Mittal
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
How Krishna is giving me nice facilities to progress in my spiritual life. These in the form of your guidance, support from my amazing god sisters and brothers and all the wonderful devotees I have met over the years and a comfortable material life. But what am I doing with all these facilities? Taking them for granted and continuing to indulge my mind and senses. When will I take the leap and let go of these meaningless temporary pleasures.
On this auspicious day of your vyasapuja, I would like say this prayer:
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā,
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
O lord and master! When will such mercy fall to this weak and foolish devotee? Please make me your beloved servant.
Dear Gurudev, please give me the strength and intelligence to follow your instructions and make proper use of Krishna’s facilities.
Your aspiring servant
Priyanka Mittal
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad.
All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
How Krishna is giving me nice facilities to progress in my spiritual life. These in the form of your guidance, support from my amazing god sisters and brothers and all the wonderful devotees I have met over the years and a comfortable material life. But what am I doing with all these facilities? Taking them for granted and continuing to indulge my mind and senses. When will I take the leap and let go of these meaningless temporary pleasures.
On this auspicious day of your vyasapuja, I would like say this prayer:
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā,
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
O lord and master! When will such mercy fall to this weak and foolish devotee? Please make me your beloved servant.
Dear Gurudev, please give me the strength and intelligence to follow your instructions and make proper use of Krishna’s facilities.
Your aspiring servant
Priyanka Mittal
Bhaktin Tamara (Kiev, Ukraine)
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
“Thank you” is such a small phrase that it cannot sufficiently express gratitude in my heart. But really, it would mean so much to me, if my gratitude equaled at least one ten-thousandth of any of your disciples’ feelings.
Everything I have is only Krishna’s mercy. I don’t have a profound understanding of Guru-tattva but during the last few months, I experienced one thing. After this Bhakti Sangama festival it became much easier for me to perceive Srila Prabhupada, descriptions of Krishna’s and His devotees’ pastimes as something truly personal. Earlier I couldn`t feel this even to the minimum extent. I just accepted philosophy and facts through logic and intelligence. I can explain this change in my perceptions only due to being favored by your pure causeless mercy as you are very dear to the Lord. Thank you for glimpsing the interplay of Krishna’s eternal and joyful pastimes!
Dear Srila Devamrita Swami, you work tirelessly for the benefit of all living entities. Thus conditioned souls of Kali-yuga are blessed by your grace. Srila Prabhupada sailed to the West and he established powerful International Society for Krishna Consciousness there to fulfill his Guru Maharaja’s desire. You travel all over the world, preaching and cooperating with your spiritual master’s followers, for the purpose of fulfilling His Divine Grace’s desire.
Instructions, you gave to me at the Bhakti Sangama festival, provide certain guidance in my current life and I sincerely try to follow your instructions. Every day I read Srila Prabhupada`s books in English and I try to improve my language skills. Your mood of worship in Gaura-lila gives courage and determination to use innumerable opportunities of sharing transcendental glories of the Lord. I joined the sankirtana group. We go out on the streets of Kiev almost every Saturday, prabhus lead kirtan, matajis dance, devotees distribute books and prasadam. I don`t distribute books purposefully yet but I will start doing this when I read more and when my faith is grounded in a more solid foundation of shastra. Dear Srila Gurudeva, we ask for your blessings for this Harinama Sankirtana Yajna may please Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Mataji Vamshika and I started translating your Youtube videos into Russian. We started with small videos and we are going to gradually translate your lectures. We are also inspired to write small articles based on your lectures. Such articles could disclose main points of your speeches. All material will be published in your official group in the main Russian social network “VKontakte” (“vk.com”).
Thank you so much for your kindness and consideration.
Aspiring servant of yours,
Bhaktin Tamara
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
“Thank you” is such a small phrase that it cannot sufficiently express gratitude in my heart. But really, it would mean so much to me, if my gratitude equaled at least one ten-thousandth of any of your disciples’ feelings.
Everything I have is only Krishna’s mercy. I don’t have a profound understanding of Guru-tattva but during the last few months, I experienced one thing. After this Bhakti Sangama festival it became much easier for me to perceive Srila Prabhupada, descriptions of Krishna’s and His devotees’ pastimes as something truly personal. Earlier I couldn`t feel this even to the minimum extent. I just accepted philosophy and facts through logic and intelligence. I can explain this change in my perceptions only due to being favored by your pure causeless mercy as you are very dear to the Lord. Thank you for glimpsing the interplay of Krishna’s eternal and joyful pastimes!
Dear Srila Devamrita Swami, you work tirelessly for the benefit of all living entities. Thus conditioned souls of Kali-yuga are blessed by your grace. Srila Prabhupada sailed to the West and he established powerful International Society for Krishna Consciousness there to fulfill his Guru Maharaja’s desire. You travel all over the world, preaching and cooperating with your spiritual master’s followers, for the purpose of fulfilling His Divine Grace’s desire.
Instructions, you gave to me at the Bhakti Sangama festival, provide certain guidance in my current life and I sincerely try to follow your instructions. Every day I read Srila Prabhupada`s books in English and I try to improve my language skills. Your mood of worship in Gaura-lila gives courage and determination to use innumerable opportunities of sharing transcendental glories of the Lord. I joined the sankirtana group. We go out on the streets of Kiev almost every Saturday, prabhus lead kirtan, matajis dance, devotees distribute books and prasadam. I don`t distribute books purposefully yet but I will start doing this when I read more and when my faith is grounded in a more solid foundation of shastra. Dear Srila Gurudeva, we ask for your blessings for this Harinama Sankirtana Yajna may please Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Mataji Vamshika and I started translating your Youtube videos into Russian. We started with small videos and we are going to gradually translate your lectures. We are also inspired to write small articles based on your lectures. Such articles could disclose main points of your speeches. All material will be published in your official group in the main Russian social network “VKontakte” (“vk.com”).
Thank you so much for your kindness and consideration.
Aspiring servant of yours,
Bhaktin Tamara
Bhāndīravana Dasa
My Dear beloved maharaja,
Happy Appearance Day! I want to thank you for everything that you done for ISKCON and all your devotees. I am really shy person and don't talk a lot but deep inside how I felt lucky t have you as my guru. Please inclucde me I. Your prayers, I been lost with maya and been sick physically, emotionally and mentally. But hanging in there with the help of San Diego temple and its devotees. Praying also for your well being.
Hare Krishna!
Happy Appearance Day! I want to thank you for everything that you done for ISKCON and all your devotees. I am really shy person and don't talk a lot but deep inside how I felt lucky t have you as my guru. Please inclucde me I. Your prayers, I been lost with maya and been sick physically, emotionally and mentally. But hanging in there with the help of San Diego temple and its devotees. Praying also for your well being.
Hare Krishna!
Bhava Sandhi dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Gurudeva, I had a simple realization I wanted to share. I was in the temple kitchen one day and there was some confusion about which oven had to be used. One devotee phoned the head of the kitchen department and had a long conversation in Hindi about the ovens. All I could understand from the conversation was "Devamrita Swami disciple" Initially I thought oh that sounds cool,"Devamrita Sawmi disciple". Then I thought wow, I had better make sure the preparation is 1st class, and I better make sure the kitchen is spotless (even if it wasn't on my arrival). Any poor service attitude or lack of expertise would not just fall back on me, but on your name as well "the Devamrita Swami disciple". You have already taken the brunt of my sinful reactions, I want to be of service to you now, not be of any dis-service, I want you feel proud of me, not ashamed by my actions.
Dear Gurudeva, you show us how a disciple should act. Everything you do is precise, with sharp intellect and spiritual potency, never sloppy or speculative (which is regular practice in Kali yuga). You are expert every way. From your writings to your diet everything is an exact perfected science. Having taken the instructions of your beloved spiritual master as your life and soul, you used your head and heart, you have risked everything, have put your life on the line and then humbly given all the results and glory back to your beloved spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
This is the parampara system. I feel completely unqualified to be a part of it, I know it is my duty to pull myself up to a proper standard worthy of being called your disciple. I humbly pray to be of real service to you. Except for your mercy I have no qualification to assist you in your mission, I even have to beg you please help me to help you in your service to the parampara.
Your aspiring, servant Bhava Sandhi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Gurudeva, I had a simple realization I wanted to share. I was in the temple kitchen one day and there was some confusion about which oven had to be used. One devotee phoned the head of the kitchen department and had a long conversation in Hindi about the ovens. All I could understand from the conversation was "Devamrita Swami disciple" Initially I thought oh that sounds cool,"Devamrita Sawmi disciple". Then I thought wow, I had better make sure the preparation is 1st class, and I better make sure the kitchen is spotless (even if it wasn't on my arrival). Any poor service attitude or lack of expertise would not just fall back on me, but on your name as well "the Devamrita Swami disciple". You have already taken the brunt of my sinful reactions, I want to be of service to you now, not be of any dis-service, I want you feel proud of me, not ashamed by my actions.
Dear Gurudeva, you show us how a disciple should act. Everything you do is precise, with sharp intellect and spiritual potency, never sloppy or speculative (which is regular practice in Kali yuga). You are expert every way. From your writings to your diet everything is an exact perfected science. Having taken the instructions of your beloved spiritual master as your life and soul, you used your head and heart, you have risked everything, have put your life on the line and then humbly given all the results and glory back to your beloved spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
This is the parampara system. I feel completely unqualified to be a part of it, I know it is my duty to pull myself up to a proper standard worthy of being called your disciple. I humbly pray to be of real service to you. Except for your mercy I have no qualification to assist you in your mission, I even have to beg you please help me to help you in your service to the parampara.
Your aspiring, servant Bhava Sandhi
Bhava-vibhusana das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I would first like to sincerely thank you for inspiring me to read and distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. Because of your inspiration I’m loving every moment of the Brahmacari Ashram and I’am feeling very happy & satisfied in simply reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books. My life is perfect. I feel like I can just do this forever, and I have nothing more to ask for. I am definitely, most unworthy of this happiness and satisfaction, and so it is only due to your causeless grace & inspiration that I’m in such a fortunate situation.
In SB1.2.32, Srila Prabhupada writes that, “As fire is kindled from wood by another fire, the divine consciousness of man can similarly be kindled by another divine grace. His Divine Grace the spiritual master can kindle the spiritual fire from the woodlike living entity by imparting proper spiritual messages injected through the receptive ear.” Thank you Gurumaharaj for re-igniting Krsna Consciousness in my heart and inspiring me to engage in devotional service through your lectures and personal association, over the past few years. brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva, guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja. It is only by your mercy that I have come to Krsna Consiousness after wandering through this entire universe for countless lifetimes.
Following in the footsteps of the Six Goswamis you are purifying all conditioned souls from the reactions of their sinful activities by pouring upon them transcendental songs about Govinda. papottapa-nikrintanau tanu-bhritam govinda-ganamritaih. You traverse this earth simply to recover all conditioned souls from their delusion (BG 7.28). With your powerful preaching you are attracting souls from all parts of the world to Krsna Consciousness.
Taking inspiration from your tireless and selfless preaching, and feeling the weight of the unrepayable debt to you, I would also like to assist you by distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books lifelong. On my own I do not find the strength to do this. Ekaki amara, nahi paya bala, hari-nama-sankirtane. So I would like to beg for your blessings and spiritual strength to continue in this service life-long, for your pleasure.
Falling prostrated at the dust of your lotus feet I would lastly like to sincerely pray at your lotus feet for your blessings to develop loving friendship with the devotees in the Sydney ashram, compassion for the fallen conditioned souls and loving devotion to Sri Sri Radha Gopinath.
Your spiritual son,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I would first like to sincerely thank you for inspiring me to read and distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. Because of your inspiration I’m loving every moment of the Brahmacari Ashram and I’am feeling very happy & satisfied in simply reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books. My life is perfect. I feel like I can just do this forever, and I have nothing more to ask for. I am definitely, most unworthy of this happiness and satisfaction, and so it is only due to your causeless grace & inspiration that I’m in such a fortunate situation.
In SB1.2.32, Srila Prabhupada writes that, “As fire is kindled from wood by another fire, the divine consciousness of man can similarly be kindled by another divine grace. His Divine Grace the spiritual master can kindle the spiritual fire from the woodlike living entity by imparting proper spiritual messages injected through the receptive ear.” Thank you Gurumaharaj for re-igniting Krsna Consciousness in my heart and inspiring me to engage in devotional service through your lectures and personal association, over the past few years. brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva, guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja. It is only by your mercy that I have come to Krsna Consiousness after wandering through this entire universe for countless lifetimes.
Following in the footsteps of the Six Goswamis you are purifying all conditioned souls from the reactions of their sinful activities by pouring upon them transcendental songs about Govinda. papottapa-nikrintanau tanu-bhritam govinda-ganamritaih. You traverse this earth simply to recover all conditioned souls from their delusion (BG 7.28). With your powerful preaching you are attracting souls from all parts of the world to Krsna Consciousness.
Taking inspiration from your tireless and selfless preaching, and feeling the weight of the unrepayable debt to you, I would also like to assist you by distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books lifelong. On my own I do not find the strength to do this. Ekaki amara, nahi paya bala, hari-nama-sankirtane. So I would like to beg for your blessings and spiritual strength to continue in this service life-long, for your pleasure.
Falling prostrated at the dust of your lotus feet I would lastly like to sincerely pray at your lotus feet for your blessings to develop loving friendship with the devotees in the Sydney ashram, compassion for the fallen conditioned souls and loving devotion to Sri Sri Radha Gopinath.
Your spiritual son,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Bhojana-lila devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Shrila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
Gurudeva thank you for your patience and compassion. Only one who has real love can possess those qualities.
And I'm so fortunate to get this priceless gift of pure love from you. This love is my inspiration and support at any time although I don't realize its depth at full.
I remeber as once you were giving lecture at Sydney temple trying to inspire devotees for book distribution. And summing up you asked everybody to give Krishna just this one short life which for me that time was unacceptable (well, I was thinking about some sacrifice but not whole life).
But led by your example I'm praying my life becomes worthy for sacrifice to Krishna.
I'm so grateful for this opportunity to become your servant and I don't want to miss it.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhojana-lila devi dasi
All glories to Shrila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
Gurudeva thank you for your patience and compassion. Only one who has real love can possess those qualities.
And I'm so fortunate to get this priceless gift of pure love from you. This love is my inspiration and support at any time although I don't realize its depth at full.
I remeber as once you were giving lecture at Sydney temple trying to inspire devotees for book distribution. And summing up you asked everybody to give Krishna just this one short life which for me that time was unacceptable (well, I was thinking about some sacrifice but not whole life).
But led by your example I'm praying my life becomes worthy for sacrifice to Krishna.
I'm so grateful for this opportunity to become your servant and I don't want to miss it.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhojana-lila devi dasi
Bhuri Bhoja Das
Dear Gurudeva ,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to you on this Most Auspicious Day!
We are all searching for ultimate happiness and pleasure , while others remain content in mundane affairs that further our complexities in frustration , disappointments and ultimately heart
ache. Your expert presentations and contemporary discussions leave behind profound Vedic truths. Bhakti yoga the inner hearts core identity of ones true self.
It's mentioned by you , One must perform active dynamic engagement in Krishna's service and ones life becomes joyful.
I pray to never forget the most joyful experiences I've ever encountered , The Otaki retreats , as you make your divine entrance we all wait eagerly to hear the transcendental vibrations , as the kirtan gets louder we all Chant Krishna , Hare Krishna. The mornings are of prayers to our previous acaryas , and Japa time , the morning programme.
Your Dedication and determination to Srila prabhupada are not of this material world , Your ability to teach and pass on to others Krishna consciousness is your selfless compassion upon us all in the form of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
As it mentions in the Bhagavad Gita
Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed, other wise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore , O son of Kunit, perform your prescribed duties for his satisfaction , and in that way you will always remain free from bondage.
This is what you tell me to do , go to work for Krishna , think of Krishna , and offer the results to Krishna , that's Krishna consciousness. Thank you for reminding me of this.
In the Bhagavad Gita introduction , very important understanding , Krishna says the person who is trying to understand the Bhagavad Gita, we should at least theoretically accept Sri Krishna as the Supreme Personality of God head , and with that submissive spirit we can understand the Bhagavad Gita . Unless one reads the Bhagavad Gita in a submissive spirit , it is very difficult to understand Bhagavad Gita , because it is a great mystery.
Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 chapter 9 text 11 , Entitled ' Dhruva Maharaj Returns Home '
O unlimited lord kindly bless me so that I associate with Great devotees who engage in your transcendental loving service constantly , as the waves of a river constantly flow . Such transcendental devotees are completely situated in a uncontaminated state of life. By the process of devotional service I shall surely be able to cross the nescient ocean of material existence , which is filled with the waves of blaxpzing, fire like dangers. It will be very easy for me , for I am becoming mad to hear about your transcendental qualities and pastimes, which are eternally existent . In the purport ' A Mayavadi philosopher may question us " you may be very happy in the association of devotees , but what is your plan for crossing the ocean of material existence? Dhruva Maharaj answer is that it is not very difficult .He clearly says that this ocean can be crossed very easily if one simply becomes mad to hear the glories of the lord. Bhavad Guna Katha : For anyone who persistently engages in hearing the topics of the lord from Srimad Bhagavad Gita , Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta and who is actually addicted to this process, just as one becomes addicted to intoxicants , it is very easy to cross the Nescience of Material existence .
This explains that one Must hear the topics of the lord in the association of Devotees, it is possible to mature in devotional service. What can I learn from this is Reading srimad Bhagavatam and associating with devotees is the top most life , I also was intoxicated in Mundane activities and I deeply thank you for saving me from going deeper into illusion , I pray that I can always remain under your lotus feet.
Cakhu - Dan Dilo yei , Janme Janme prabhu Sei divya Jnana hrde prokasito .
The spiritual master opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with Transcendental knowledge , he is my lord birth after birth.
Aspiring to become a Servant of your servants Bhuri Bhoja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to you on this Most Auspicious Day!
We are all searching for ultimate happiness and pleasure , while others remain content in mundane affairs that further our complexities in frustration , disappointments and ultimately heart
ache. Your expert presentations and contemporary discussions leave behind profound Vedic truths. Bhakti yoga the inner hearts core identity of ones true self.
It's mentioned by you , One must perform active dynamic engagement in Krishna's service and ones life becomes joyful.
I pray to never forget the most joyful experiences I've ever encountered , The Otaki retreats , as you make your divine entrance we all wait eagerly to hear the transcendental vibrations , as the kirtan gets louder we all Chant Krishna , Hare Krishna. The mornings are of prayers to our previous acaryas , and Japa time , the morning programme.
Your Dedication and determination to Srila prabhupada are not of this material world , Your ability to teach and pass on to others Krishna consciousness is your selfless compassion upon us all in the form of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
As it mentions in the Bhagavad Gita
Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed, other wise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore , O son of Kunit, perform your prescribed duties for his satisfaction , and in that way you will always remain free from bondage.
This is what you tell me to do , go to work for Krishna , think of Krishna , and offer the results to Krishna , that's Krishna consciousness. Thank you for reminding me of this.
In the Bhagavad Gita introduction , very important understanding , Krishna says the person who is trying to understand the Bhagavad Gita, we should at least theoretically accept Sri Krishna as the Supreme Personality of God head , and with that submissive spirit we can understand the Bhagavad Gita . Unless one reads the Bhagavad Gita in a submissive spirit , it is very difficult to understand Bhagavad Gita , because it is a great mystery.
Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 chapter 9 text 11 , Entitled ' Dhruva Maharaj Returns Home '
O unlimited lord kindly bless me so that I associate with Great devotees who engage in your transcendental loving service constantly , as the waves of a river constantly flow . Such transcendental devotees are completely situated in a uncontaminated state of life. By the process of devotional service I shall surely be able to cross the nescient ocean of material existence , which is filled with the waves of blaxpzing, fire like dangers. It will be very easy for me , for I am becoming mad to hear about your transcendental qualities and pastimes, which are eternally existent . In the purport ' A Mayavadi philosopher may question us " you may be very happy in the association of devotees , but what is your plan for crossing the ocean of material existence? Dhruva Maharaj answer is that it is not very difficult .He clearly says that this ocean can be crossed very easily if one simply becomes mad to hear the glories of the lord. Bhavad Guna Katha : For anyone who persistently engages in hearing the topics of the lord from Srimad Bhagavad Gita , Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta and who is actually addicted to this process, just as one becomes addicted to intoxicants , it is very easy to cross the Nescience of Material existence .
This explains that one Must hear the topics of the lord in the association of Devotees, it is possible to mature in devotional service. What can I learn from this is Reading srimad Bhagavatam and associating with devotees is the top most life , I also was intoxicated in Mundane activities and I deeply thank you for saving me from going deeper into illusion , I pray that I can always remain under your lotus feet.
Cakhu - Dan Dilo yei , Janme Janme prabhu Sei divya Jnana hrde prokasito .
The spiritual master opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with Transcendental knowledge , he is my lord birth after birth.
Aspiring to become a Servant of your servants Bhuri Bhoja
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.
In the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, surrendering unto the lotus feet of the spiritual master and rendering service unto Him is an essential step. Without the guidance and mercy of the guru, the conditioned living entity cannot escape the blazing fire of material existence. In the first prayer of the Gurvaṣṭaka, we sing saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam. The spiritual master, who is compared to a rain cloud, extinguishes the forest fire of conditioned life through the rain of His mercy. Maharaja, this year, due to your busy schedule, you were not able to visit Melbourne as frequently as in previous years. We therefore had to wait for six months from your last visit to once again feel the soothing shower of your blessings and to once again serve your lotus feet. Though this wait was arduous, we were able to tolerate it, sustained as we were by your mercy from your previous visit. As a result of this experience, we once again appreciated the power and potency of your blessings, and rediscovered our insatiable need and dependence on them to survive in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The guru, as the representative of Kṛṣṇa, sees the advancement of the disciple on the path of Kṛṣṇa bhakti, and depending on the disciple’s service and surrender, instructs him in how to water the bhakti-latā-bīja in his heart and thereby come closer to Kṛṣṇa. For a disciple in the gṛhastha-āśrama, such instructions can also extend to the children in the family. With regards to such instruction, Kṛṣṇa Priya, during your October visit to Melbourne, had the great fortune of being the recipient of such guidance. Taking specific interest in the development of her sādhana-bhakti, you guided her from the path of materialism into spiritual development, thereby blessing her to continue in her Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Without your direct vāṇī, lessons from your concise, insightful lectures and inspiration from your dynamic, ecstatic kīrtanas, we would receive no respite from our continuous toiling in this jail cell of māyā, and would thus be lost. Through the sun like brightness of your firm confidence in the mission of Śrīla Prabhupāda and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the path on which fallen souls like us can escape the clutches of this world becomes visible. We can thus strive towards Kṛṣṇa under your expert guidance.
Hence on this auspicious day of your appearance we pray to Kṛṣṇa to grant you a long life so that you can continue to preach and deliver the countless conditioned souls like us. We also pray for your inexhaustible mercy so we can continue to serve your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas, for it is only through your and their blessings that we may even dream of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your most fallen of 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.
In the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, surrendering unto the lotus feet of the spiritual master and rendering service unto Him is an essential step. Without the guidance and mercy of the guru, the conditioned living entity cannot escape the blazing fire of material existence. In the first prayer of the Gurvaṣṭaka, we sing saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam. The spiritual master, who is compared to a rain cloud, extinguishes the forest fire of conditioned life through the rain of His mercy. Maharaja, this year, due to your busy schedule, you were not able to visit Melbourne as frequently as in previous years. We therefore had to wait for six months from your last visit to once again feel the soothing shower of your blessings and to once again serve your lotus feet. Though this wait was arduous, we were able to tolerate it, sustained as we were by your mercy from your previous visit. As a result of this experience, we once again appreciated the power and potency of your blessings, and rediscovered our insatiable need and dependence on them to survive in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The guru, as the representative of Kṛṣṇa, sees the advancement of the disciple on the path of Kṛṣṇa bhakti, and depending on the disciple’s service and surrender, instructs him in how to water the bhakti-latā-bīja in his heart and thereby come closer to Kṛṣṇa. For a disciple in the gṛhastha-āśrama, such instructions can also extend to the children in the family. With regards to such instruction, Kṛṣṇa Priya, during your October visit to Melbourne, had the great fortune of being the recipient of such guidance. Taking specific interest in the development of her sādhana-bhakti, you guided her from the path of materialism into spiritual development, thereby blessing her to continue in her Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Without your direct vāṇī, lessons from your concise, insightful lectures and inspiration from your dynamic, ecstatic kīrtanas, we would receive no respite from our continuous toiling in this jail cell of māyā, and would thus be lost. Through the sun like brightness of your firm confidence in the mission of Śrīla Prabhupāda and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the path on which fallen souls like us can escape the clutches of this world becomes visible. We can thus strive towards Kṛṣṇa under your expert guidance.
Hence on this auspicious day of your appearance we pray to Kṛṣṇa to grant you a long life so that you can continue to preach and deliver the countless conditioned souls like us. We also pray for your inexhaustible mercy so we can continue to serve your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas, for it is only through your and their blessings that we may even dream of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your most fallen of servants,
Bimala Prasad Dasa, Lalitha Prasad Devi Dasi,
Bhakta Charan and Kṛṣṇa Priya
Brahma-Kunda Das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet
Couple of years back I met His Grace Dravida Prabhu in Mayapur and was speaking with him. He was asking me, where am I from, what do I do, what service do I do. I explained to him what I was doing and how I am involved in running preaching events. I was expecting the next natural question will be whose disciple are you. But instead he said, you are disciple of His Holiness Devamrita Swami. I was totally taken aback and I asked Dravida Prabhu how did he know who is my Guru Maharaja, he replied, because only Devamrita Swami will do something like this.
Krishna says nobody is more dearer to me than one who is preaching the message of Bhagavad Gita to the suffering people of the world, and SB 8.7.44 says: “It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general.”
Gurudeva, how much dear you must be to Krishna because your only anxiety in life is how Krishna will be known to the world. In a lecture, you recently shared the secret of becoming a Guru, you said “when you don’t have any more problems then Krishna gives you everyone else’s problem” You take on so many inconveniences to help others in their sufferings of the material world, tirelessly repeating Krishna’s message over and over again that there is no happiness in the material world but people like me still don’t get it and are attached to the temporary pleasures, material world has to offer.
In one lecture Prabhupada explains “To see God is not very difficult business. Anyone with eyes to see, he can see God. But to be seen by God, do something by which you can draw the attention of God and He can see you, "Oh, here is My devotee," that is wanted”.
Your whole life is an example how to draw Krishna’s attention and of selfless devotional service
In a roof conversation onetime Prabhupada mentioned:
“You can eulogize your Guru Maharaja, but you have to learn how to face the public and be strong to defend yourself. That is success. Not simply by praising your Guru Maharaja. You'll praise your Guru Maharaja. That is not very difficult. But be victorious over the opposing elements. Then you will praise your Guru Maharaja nicely. At home, you can praise your Guru Maharaja, and Guru Maharaja will be satisfied, "Oh, my disciples are praising me." That is good. Respectful. That is the qualification. But you have to fight. Then your Guru Maharaja will be glorified”
For decades with all your heart you have been reading Prabhupada books diligently, scrutinisingly and have fully equipped yourself to face any challenge that might come your way. With your own example you are showing how to become strong in Krishna Consciousness and glorify your Guru Maharaja. You always say, if you do not read Prabhupada books, then you will be a weak, sentimental devotee.
Recently I was reading the past time about the churning the milk ocean and how while churning it first all the poison comes then the nectar comes out. I was thinking that for so many years, in spite of all the setbacks, reversals and disturbances you have been persistence with selflessly serving Prabhupada’s mission and all the time putting unflinching faith in the process, waiting for the nectar. Now you often tell us in your talks “the process works, that much I know”.
I pray that I can follow your example and be an instrument in your service
Your Servant
Brahmakunda dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet
Couple of years back I met His Grace Dravida Prabhu in Mayapur and was speaking with him. He was asking me, where am I from, what do I do, what service do I do. I explained to him what I was doing and how I am involved in running preaching events. I was expecting the next natural question will be whose disciple are you. But instead he said, you are disciple of His Holiness Devamrita Swami. I was totally taken aback and I asked Dravida Prabhu how did he know who is my Guru Maharaja, he replied, because only Devamrita Swami will do something like this.
Krishna says nobody is more dearer to me than one who is preaching the message of Bhagavad Gita to the suffering people of the world, and SB 8.7.44 says: “It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general.”
Gurudeva, how much dear you must be to Krishna because your only anxiety in life is how Krishna will be known to the world. In a lecture, you recently shared the secret of becoming a Guru, you said “when you don’t have any more problems then Krishna gives you everyone else’s problem” You take on so many inconveniences to help others in their sufferings of the material world, tirelessly repeating Krishna’s message over and over again that there is no happiness in the material world but people like me still don’t get it and are attached to the temporary pleasures, material world has to offer.
In one lecture Prabhupada explains “To see God is not very difficult business. Anyone with eyes to see, he can see God. But to be seen by God, do something by which you can draw the attention of God and He can see you, "Oh, here is My devotee," that is wanted”.
Your whole life is an example how to draw Krishna’s attention and of selfless devotional service
In a roof conversation onetime Prabhupada mentioned:
“You can eulogize your Guru Maharaja, but you have to learn how to face the public and be strong to defend yourself. That is success. Not simply by praising your Guru Maharaja. You'll praise your Guru Maharaja. That is not very difficult. But be victorious over the opposing elements. Then you will praise your Guru Maharaja nicely. At home, you can praise your Guru Maharaja, and Guru Maharaja will be satisfied, "Oh, my disciples are praising me." That is good. Respectful. That is the qualification. But you have to fight. Then your Guru Maharaja will be glorified”
For decades with all your heart you have been reading Prabhupada books diligently, scrutinisingly and have fully equipped yourself to face any challenge that might come your way. With your own example you are showing how to become strong in Krishna Consciousness and glorify your Guru Maharaja. You always say, if you do not read Prabhupada books, then you will be a weak, sentimental devotee.
Recently I was reading the past time about the churning the milk ocean and how while churning it first all the poison comes then the nectar comes out. I was thinking that for so many years, in spite of all the setbacks, reversals and disturbances you have been persistence with selflessly serving Prabhupada’s mission and all the time putting unflinching faith in the process, waiting for the nectar. Now you often tell us in your talks “the process works, that much I know”.
I pray that I can follow your example and be an instrument in your service
Your Servant
Brahmakunda 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 2016.
Guru maharaj, this was your absolute causeless mercy when you accepted me as your disciple. Guru maharaj you are an expert spiritual craftsman who had to work really hard on me in shaping up my spiritual career and crafting me by polishing my many rough edges from my old bad habits. I remember and relish all your instructions, corrections, chastisements and encouragements. Starting from gross and leading to subtle, you invested your energy in my spiritual improvement. I was so attached to my big thick moustache and I could not sleep a night before my initiation in a fear to shave it off before the ceremony. After collecting some courage with hesitation when I approached you and submitted my fear by asking a stupid question “Guru Maharaj, do I really need to shave my moustache?” You were so kind and patient to tolerate me and my immature question, you gravely counselled me by making me understand that although it’s external but the best possession should be sacrificed for the pleasure of Krishna. And also you made the situation very light with your ever witty and humorous presence of mind by quoting ‘ Punjabi without moustache is like madrasi without rice’. I loved that and gave up my loved one moustache with love.
Guru Maharaj, in your transit trip to NOIDA, in spite of your jet lag and other engagements you have always been so kind and adjustable to shower your mercy by agreeing to give lectures whenever I requested you. Sometime you find it difficult to say yes to a certain program but later like a compassionate father who does not like to see his son with dissatisfied face, you often change your plan and agree to my proposal. Guru Maharaj I sincerely want to consider your rest time and health and at the same time I try to take advantage of your short stay. Please forgive me for my uncaring behaviour. Many times when I feel I am not getting your enough personal association, then Srila Prabhupada teachings come as solace, “The service of the spiritual master is essential. If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between the spiritual master's instructions and the spiritual master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple. (Purport-CC Adi 1.35)”
Guru Maharaj you travel tirelessly to help fallen souls and to ensure surrendered souls stay surrendered by checking your disciple’s spiritual progress. You are so concerned about the spiritual well-being and active devotional engagement of your each and every disciple. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some hints to the effect that ‘an uttama-adhikari vaishnava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to Vaishnavism.’ Guru Maharaj I am not worthy but I consider myself so fortunate to be your disciple by witnessing your ability to convert many fallen souls over the period of 22 years of my Krishna conscious life. Life is meant to be turbulent and it is, but I always find you supporting and maintaining me through your instructions, guidance, compassion and engagements. I know the level of my enthusiasm is more than my purity so I make many mistakes in services. I beg you Guru Maharaj to keep guiding and forgiving me like you have been doing for years for this tiny servant.
Guru maharaj, we are celebrating your Vyasa Puja festival at NOIDA temple today as best we can with our limited ability, missing your presence and praying to have yourself some time in near future here on this auspicious day.
Praying at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev 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 2016.
Guru maharaj, this was your absolute causeless mercy when you accepted me as your disciple. Guru maharaj you are an expert spiritual craftsman who had to work really hard on me in shaping up my spiritual career and crafting me by polishing my many rough edges from my old bad habits. I remember and relish all your instructions, corrections, chastisements and encouragements. Starting from gross and leading to subtle, you invested your energy in my spiritual improvement. I was so attached to my big thick moustache and I could not sleep a night before my initiation in a fear to shave it off before the ceremony. After collecting some courage with hesitation when I approached you and submitted my fear by asking a stupid question “Guru Maharaj, do I really need to shave my moustache?” You were so kind and patient to tolerate me and my immature question, you gravely counselled me by making me understand that although it’s external but the best possession should be sacrificed for the pleasure of Krishna. And also you made the situation very light with your ever witty and humorous presence of mind by quoting ‘ Punjabi without moustache is like madrasi without rice’. I loved that and gave up my loved one moustache with love.
Guru Maharaj, in your transit trip to NOIDA, in spite of your jet lag and other engagements you have always been so kind and adjustable to shower your mercy by agreeing to give lectures whenever I requested you. Sometime you find it difficult to say yes to a certain program but later like a compassionate father who does not like to see his son with dissatisfied face, you often change your plan and agree to my proposal. Guru Maharaj I sincerely want to consider your rest time and health and at the same time I try to take advantage of your short stay. Please forgive me for my uncaring behaviour. Many times when I feel I am not getting your enough personal association, then Srila Prabhupada teachings come as solace, “The service of the spiritual master is essential. If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between the spiritual master's instructions and the spiritual master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple. (Purport-CC Adi 1.35)”
Guru Maharaj you travel tirelessly to help fallen souls and to ensure surrendered souls stay surrendered by checking your disciple’s spiritual progress. You are so concerned about the spiritual well-being and active devotional engagement of your each and every disciple. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some hints to the effect that ‘an uttama-adhikari vaishnava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to Vaishnavism.’ Guru Maharaj I am not worthy but I consider myself so fortunate to be your disciple by witnessing your ability to convert many fallen souls over the period of 22 years of my Krishna conscious life. Life is meant to be turbulent and it is, but I always find you supporting and maintaining me through your instructions, guidance, compassion and engagements. I know the level of my enthusiasm is more than my purity so I make many mistakes in services. I beg you Guru Maharaj to keep guiding and forgiving me like you have been doing for years for this tiny servant.
Guru maharaj, we are celebrating your Vyasa Puja festival at NOIDA temple today as best we can with our limited ability, missing your presence and praying to have yourself some time in near future here on this auspicious day.
Praying at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev for your healthier and happier long life.
Happy Vyasa Puja day Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant,
Buddhimanta Dasa
Caitanya Lila Dasa
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your divine grace greeted my with a smile nine years ago. Little did I know that in the depths of that smile I would lose my attachment for the dull material atmosphere.
Your kindness, patience and relentlessness in caring for me even when I find it hard to care for myself is what I would like to appreciate today.
You are a perfect conduit for the mercy and expertise of Srila Prabhupada and I hope that I can assist you in my own way.
Your servant,
Caitanya Lila Dasa.
Hare Krishna.
please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your divine grace greeted my with a smile nine years ago. Little did I know that in the depths of that smile I would lose my attachment for the dull material atmosphere.
Your kindness, patience and relentlessness in caring for me even when I find it hard to care for myself is what I would like to appreciate today.
You are a perfect conduit for the mercy and expertise of Srila Prabhupada and I hope that I can assist you in my own way.
Your servant,
Caitanya Lila Dasa.
Hare Krishna.
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!
In the first verse of his Sad-gosvamy-astaka, Srinivasa Acarya glorifies the character, activities and influence of the six Gosvamis:
“(They) are always engaged in chanting the holy name of Krishna and dancing. They are just like the ocean of love of God, and they are popular with both the gentle and the ruffians because they are not envious of anyone. Whatever they do, they are all-pleasing to everyone, and they are fully blessed by Lord Caitanya. Thus they are engaged in missionary activities meant to deliver all the conditioned souls in the material universe.”
It is often said that respect is something one can command but not demand. Similarly, spontaneous and sincere glorification arises in the heart of one who feels genuinely inspired. Even then, we often see that although a great personality may appeal to one particular audience, others may not appreciate his work. Hence, the unique attribute of being attractive and pleasing to all types of men, is most uncommon. Indeed, only one with truly exalted, transcendental consciousness can impact on others in such a way.
Recently, Krishna dramatically revealed to me how you are also extraordinarily empowered to inspire all types of people.
After a morning program at New Varshana, I had the good fortune to sit down next to Dharma Setu Prabhu for breakfast Prasadam. As we talked, Prabhu very enthusiastically began to glorify you and described how his Diksha Guru, HH Sivarama Swami, holds you in the highest esteem. One of Dharma Setu’s God-brothers reported that after Maharaja read your book, “Searching for Vedic India”, Maharaja commented that you are not only a genius, but also a very advanced soul. What a powerful combination!
So here we see an example of how much you are appreciated by and pleasing your gentle God-brothers.
A week later, I was distributing books in Gisborne town centre on a rainy day. Sevaka Vatsala Prabhu had just arrived in the van to pick me up, when ‘Advaita’, an unusual looking and unkempt older man with long grey hair and beard, approached me. He asked to see what I had and I duly showed him Prabhupada’s books, most of which he already owned. Reaching deeper into my book box I pulled out a copy of your “Searching for Vedic India”. On seeing this book, the man went into ecstasy exclaiming:
“Devamrita Swami is a genius! That book is the best book I have ever read and has the power to change the world. Devamrita Swami is a perfected, modern day rishi, fully learned and realised in both spiritual and material subjects.”
He then explained that he wanted a new copy, because his old one was so well-worn and annotated from numerous readings. After asking me how much I wanted for the book, he pulled out a generous donation and prepared to depart, fully satisfied.
As Advaita started to walk off, I remembered that I still had one copy of your new book, “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness”, (or HIUH as we call it for short). Calling Advaita back, I presented the book to him. At this point his ecstasy really overflowed and he ran off down the street to find an ATM. Even though I explained that we usually collect $5 for the book, he insisted on giving $20 and left the scene hugging your books to his chest.
So even ‘rough-looking men’ are appreciating your potent books!
It is also often said that one cannot understand the mind of a pure devotee. Given this, only a fool would dare to estimate the scope of your vision and preaching plans. No doubt, what we already see manifest in New Zealand: dynamic urban preaching centres (The Loft & Bhakti Lounge), an outstanding retreat centre (New Gupta Vraja) and solidly established asramas, extraordinary as these achievements are in themselves, are only the tip of the iceberg.
Over the last month, we have been observing the build-up to local elections. Wherever we look we see billboards promoting council candidates; cheaters who know the art of winning public popularity with greasy smiles and cheap one-liners. Given the situation, I couldn’t help but reflect on what would happen if a genuinely qualified leader such as yourself, were elected to office. Who can imagine just how much you would benefit and restructure society, given the opportunity?
Having just finished reading “Our Family Business”, by HG Vaisesika Prabhu, I was amazed to discover Srila Prabhupada’s faith in Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement. In the closing chapter, a mind-blowing quote from Srila Prabhupada (letter to Ho Hon Pei, 10th May 1973) is included:
“If just 0.01% of the world’s population becomes Krishna conscious, the whole situation on the earth will change.”
Now the total population of New Zealand is around 4.5 million. That means we only need 450 inspired devotees to effect serious change. To cynical atheists, this might seem like a ‘pie in the sky’ fantasy, unlikely to ever manifest. However, by allowing me to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya, you have blessed me with firm faith in the transcendental power of this Sankirtan movement. As Srila Prabhupada confirms:
“Success is inevitable. If you like, you can take the credit” (Salted Bread, page 70)
Indeed, so much is happening already. In Auckland alone, the Loft team and brahmacaris collectively distribute almost 2,000 plates of Prasadam each week. Throughout NZ, devotees distribute thousands of books each month. Over the last few weeks, the Loft has been recording attendances of over one hundred people for Sunday programs. Thousands attend major festivals at New Varshana. Given all this, who can say what the future may hold? In Krishna consciousness anything is possible, especially when such a dynamic, spiritual visionary as yourself is leading the charge.
This ISKCON movement is something truly worth getting excited about. I feel privileged to witness the expansion of the flood of love of God and simply beg for blessings to always remain engaged in the Sankirtan Yajna.
Your grateful 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!
In the first verse of his Sad-gosvamy-astaka, Srinivasa Acarya glorifies the character, activities and influence of the six Gosvamis:
“(They) are always engaged in chanting the holy name of Krishna and dancing. They are just like the ocean of love of God, and they are popular with both the gentle and the ruffians because they are not envious of anyone. Whatever they do, they are all-pleasing to everyone, and they are fully blessed by Lord Caitanya. Thus they are engaged in missionary activities meant to deliver all the conditioned souls in the material universe.”
It is often said that respect is something one can command but not demand. Similarly, spontaneous and sincere glorification arises in the heart of one who feels genuinely inspired. Even then, we often see that although a great personality may appeal to one particular audience, others may not appreciate his work. Hence, the unique attribute of being attractive and pleasing to all types of men, is most uncommon. Indeed, only one with truly exalted, transcendental consciousness can impact on others in such a way.
Recently, Krishna dramatically revealed to me how you are also extraordinarily empowered to inspire all types of people.
After a morning program at New Varshana, I had the good fortune to sit down next to Dharma Setu Prabhu for breakfast Prasadam. As we talked, Prabhu very enthusiastically began to glorify you and described how his Diksha Guru, HH Sivarama Swami, holds you in the highest esteem. One of Dharma Setu’s God-brothers reported that after Maharaja read your book, “Searching for Vedic India”, Maharaja commented that you are not only a genius, but also a very advanced soul. What a powerful combination!
So here we see an example of how much you are appreciated by and pleasing your gentle God-brothers.
A week later, I was distributing books in Gisborne town centre on a rainy day. Sevaka Vatsala Prabhu had just arrived in the van to pick me up, when ‘Advaita’, an unusual looking and unkempt older man with long grey hair and beard, approached me. He asked to see what I had and I duly showed him Prabhupada’s books, most of which he already owned. Reaching deeper into my book box I pulled out a copy of your “Searching for Vedic India”. On seeing this book, the man went into ecstasy exclaiming:
“Devamrita Swami is a genius! That book is the best book I have ever read and has the power to change the world. Devamrita Swami is a perfected, modern day rishi, fully learned and realised in both spiritual and material subjects.”
He then explained that he wanted a new copy, because his old one was so well-worn and annotated from numerous readings. After asking me how much I wanted for the book, he pulled out a generous donation and prepared to depart, fully satisfied.
As Advaita started to walk off, I remembered that I still had one copy of your new book, “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness”, (or HIUH as we call it for short). Calling Advaita back, I presented the book to him. At this point his ecstasy really overflowed and he ran off down the street to find an ATM. Even though I explained that we usually collect $5 for the book, he insisted on giving $20 and left the scene hugging your books to his chest.
So even ‘rough-looking men’ are appreciating your potent books!
It is also often said that one cannot understand the mind of a pure devotee. Given this, only a fool would dare to estimate the scope of your vision and preaching plans. No doubt, what we already see manifest in New Zealand: dynamic urban preaching centres (The Loft & Bhakti Lounge), an outstanding retreat centre (New Gupta Vraja) and solidly established asramas, extraordinary as these achievements are in themselves, are only the tip of the iceberg.
Over the last month, we have been observing the build-up to local elections. Wherever we look we see billboards promoting council candidates; cheaters who know the art of winning public popularity with greasy smiles and cheap one-liners. Given the situation, I couldn’t help but reflect on what would happen if a genuinely qualified leader such as yourself, were elected to office. Who can imagine just how much you would benefit and restructure society, given the opportunity?
Having just finished reading “Our Family Business”, by HG Vaisesika Prabhu, I was amazed to discover Srila Prabhupada’s faith in Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement. In the closing chapter, a mind-blowing quote from Srila Prabhupada (letter to Ho Hon Pei, 10th May 1973) is included:
“If just 0.01% of the world’s population becomes Krishna conscious, the whole situation on the earth will change.”
Now the total population of New Zealand is around 4.5 million. That means we only need 450 inspired devotees to effect serious change. To cynical atheists, this might seem like a ‘pie in the sky’ fantasy, unlikely to ever manifest. However, by allowing me to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya, you have blessed me with firm faith in the transcendental power of this Sankirtan movement. As Srila Prabhupada confirms:
“Success is inevitable. If you like, you can take the credit” (Salted Bread, page 70)
Indeed, so much is happening already. In Auckland alone, the Loft team and brahmacaris collectively distribute almost 2,000 plates of Prasadam each week. Throughout NZ, devotees distribute thousands of books each month. Over the last few weeks, the Loft has been recording attendances of over one hundred people for Sunday programs. Thousands attend major festivals at New Varshana. Given all this, who can say what the future may hold? In Krishna consciousness anything is possible, especially when such a dynamic, spiritual visionary as yourself is leading the charge.
This ISKCON movement is something truly worth getting excited about. I feel privileged to witness the expansion of the flood of love of God and simply beg for blessings to always remain engaged in the Sankirtan Yajna.
Your grateful servant,
Caitanya Vihara das
Cañcalā-Lakṣmī devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Please accept this poem as an offering to you on the day of your appearance. I was inspired by the following excerpt of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purport from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.14.49:
“The most obnoxious misery of a living entity is his forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa. A pure devotee, therefore, always tries to evoke everyone's Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is the panacea for all miseries.”
Each time we see your lotus feet
our hearts sure skip a beat
for, oh, you’ve come to let us know,
“Hurry up now, it’s time to grow!”
Your contagious laugh and booming voice
remind us, we have a choice!
Of Whom to serve: Kṛṣṇa or Maya?
(the latter’s certainly more like fiyah)
You speak with gusto and determination
but my mind’s got some horrible filtration
it accepts what it likes
and tells the rest to, “Take a hike!”
When will my mind stick to Kṛṣṇa like glue?
Gurudeva, without you, I wouldn’t have a clue
You said: “Dependency on Kṛṣṇa means chanting”
and I go right on, “Can’t, can’t can’t-ing…"
my mind runs everywhere else,
it thinks it’s really quite stealth
except when you break out the kartals,
that’s when my heart swells
finally–my mind becomes my friend!
I don’t want this fleeting moment to end
so for you, Gurudeva
I’ll have to be brave
and remember your instructions
so my mind can’t plan any abductions!
It’s Kṛṣṇa I choose!
and I’m not willing to loose,
this precious gift of human birth
You show the way with great mirth,
patience, and kindness for everyone’s benefit–
you’ve even got me reading Sanskrit!
please let me offer some service for your pleasure
not just to continue on with great leisure
I beg for the chance to be useful to you
and to someday develop love for the Boy Who is blue
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Cañcalā-Lakṣmī devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Please accept this poem as an offering to you on the day of your appearance. I was inspired by the following excerpt of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purport from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.14.49:
“The most obnoxious misery of a living entity is his forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa. A pure devotee, therefore, always tries to evoke everyone's Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is the panacea for all miseries.”
Each time we see your lotus feet
our hearts sure skip a beat
for, oh, you’ve come to let us know,
“Hurry up now, it’s time to grow!”
Your contagious laugh and booming voice
remind us, we have a choice!
Of Whom to serve: Kṛṣṇa or Maya?
(the latter’s certainly more like fiyah)
You speak with gusto and determination
but my mind’s got some horrible filtration
it accepts what it likes
and tells the rest to, “Take a hike!”
When will my mind stick to Kṛṣṇa like glue?
Gurudeva, without you, I wouldn’t have a clue
You said: “Dependency on Kṛṣṇa means chanting”
and I go right on, “Can’t, can’t can’t-ing…"
my mind runs everywhere else,
it thinks it’s really quite stealth
except when you break out the kartals,
that’s when my heart swells
finally–my mind becomes my friend!
I don’t want this fleeting moment to end
so for you, Gurudeva
I’ll have to be brave
and remember your instructions
so my mind can’t plan any abductions!
It’s Kṛṣṇa I choose!
and I’m not willing to loose,
this precious gift of human birth
You show the way with great mirth,
patience, and kindness for everyone’s benefit–
you’ve even got me reading Sanskrit!
please let me offer some service for your pleasure
not just to continue on with great leisure
I beg for the chance to be useful to you
and to someday develop love for the Boy Who is blue
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Cañcalā-Lakṣmī devi dasi
Candanesvara Das
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,
This Vyasapuja I would like to take the opportunity to express my great fortune to have you as my spiritual master. I do not know what path i would have been on, had I not met you. I would definitely have wasted the rare human form of life and experienced a succession of sufferings, life after life.
After many, many births and deaths one achieves this rare human form of life, which, although temporary, gives an opportunity to attain the highest perfection. After all, sense gratification is available to all species of life, whereas Krishna consciousness is only possible for a human being.
Hearing this truth from the scriptures, an intelligent person will aspire to leave the world of birth and death.
The Srimad Bhagvatam elaborates further in 11.20.17 “This human body can be compared to a perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain and the instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as favorable winds impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul”
I would also like to quote one of Srila Prabhupada’s lectures:(San Francisco, June 28, 1971)
“Material world is not required by me or you. We are spirit soul. We have no business in the material world. Just like we are living entities of the land. We have no business with the water. But if anyone wants to cross over the sea, he must have a well-built ship to cross over. Similarly, we spirit souls we have no business in this material world, but because we wanted to enjoy it, leaving the association of Kṛṣṇa, we have been given this ship, this body, to ply over this material ocean. So if you know how to ply the ship over the ocean there is no fear of being drowned. If you have got a good captain of the ship and the ship is well built, then you'll have no danger. So the captain, he is the spiritual master, and this body is a very good ship.”
So we have got a ship—this human form of body—and you as our perfect captain. So taking this opportunity, and using the favourable winds - your instructions based on the shastra, we will be able to cross over this material ocean.
The disciple should accept the words of his spiritual master without hesitation. Whatever the spiritual master order should be taken without argument. There should be no instance in which the disciple says, "This is not correct. I cannot carry it out." When he says that, he is fallen. That is real service to the spiritual master. Visvanath Chkaravarti Thakur 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.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance we beg of you to give us strength to follow your instructions without hesitation and assist you in preaching to best of our capacity.
I would now like to present some verses glorifying you as my spiritual master.
mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ
paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande
śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam
"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."
he guro jnana-da dina-bandho
svananda-datah karunaika-sindho
vrindavanasina hitavatara
prasida radha-pranaya-prachara
"O spiritual master, O giver of divine wisdom, O friend of the fallen, you are the giver of your own bliss and you are the only ocean of mercy. Although dwelling in Vrindavana, you have descended for the welfare of fallen souls like myself and you are preaching the divine love of Radha for Krishna. Please be kind upon me."
amsho bhagavato 'smy aham
sada daso 'smi sarvatha
tat-kripapakshako nityam
tat-preshthasat karomi svam
"I am a tiny part and parcel of the Supreme Lord and I am always and in every way His eternal servant. As I am always hoping for His mercy and kindness, I offer myself to His most dear servitor, my spiritual master."
Aspiring to be your servants,
Candanesvara Das
Suvarna Radhika Dasi
Narottam
srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
This Vyasapuja I would like to take the opportunity to express my great fortune to have you as my spiritual master. I do not know what path i would have been on, had I not met you. I would definitely have wasted the rare human form of life and experienced a succession of sufferings, life after life.
After many, many births and deaths one achieves this rare human form of life, which, although temporary, gives an opportunity to attain the highest perfection. After all, sense gratification is available to all species of life, whereas Krishna consciousness is only possible for a human being.
Hearing this truth from the scriptures, an intelligent person will aspire to leave the world of birth and death.
The Srimad Bhagvatam elaborates further in 11.20.17 “This human body can be compared to a perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain and the instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as favorable winds impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul”
I would also like to quote one of Srila Prabhupada’s lectures:(San Francisco, June 28, 1971)
“Material world is not required by me or you. We are spirit soul. We have no business in the material world. Just like we are living entities of the land. We have no business with the water. But if anyone wants to cross over the sea, he must have a well-built ship to cross over. Similarly, we spirit souls we have no business in this material world, but because we wanted to enjoy it, leaving the association of Kṛṣṇa, we have been given this ship, this body, to ply over this material ocean. So if you know how to ply the ship over the ocean there is no fear of being drowned. If you have got a good captain of the ship and the ship is well built, then you'll have no danger. So the captain, he is the spiritual master, and this body is a very good ship.”
So we have got a ship—this human form of body—and you as our perfect captain. So taking this opportunity, and using the favourable winds - your instructions based on the shastra, we will be able to cross over this material ocean.
The disciple should accept the words of his spiritual master without hesitation. Whatever the spiritual master order should be taken without argument. There should be no instance in which the disciple says, "This is not correct. I cannot carry it out." When he says that, he is fallen. That is real service to the spiritual master. Visvanath Chkaravarti Thakur 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.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance we beg of you to give us strength to follow your instructions without hesitation and assist you in preaching to best of our capacity.
I would now like to present some verses glorifying you as my spiritual master.
mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ
paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande
śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam
"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."
he guro jnana-da dina-bandho
svananda-datah karunaika-sindho
vrindavanasina hitavatara
prasida radha-pranaya-prachara
"O spiritual master, O giver of divine wisdom, O friend of the fallen, you are the giver of your own bliss and you are the only ocean of mercy. Although dwelling in Vrindavana, you have descended for the welfare of fallen souls like myself and you are preaching the divine love of Radha for Krishna. Please be kind upon me."
amsho bhagavato 'smy aham
sada daso 'smi sarvatha
tat-kripapakshako nityam
tat-preshthasat karomi svam
"I am a tiny part and parcel of the Supreme Lord and I am always and in every way His eternal servant. As I am always hoping for His mercy and kindness, I offer myself to His most dear servitor, my spiritual master."
Aspiring to be your servants,
Candanesvara Das
Suvarna Radhika Dasi
Narottam
Candīdāsa dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
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
As another year passes and I flow into the routine of work and household life, I marvel that you always think of me and find ingenious ways of engaging me in devotional service.
Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Devotion (<a href="http://www.vanisource.org/wiki/NOD_1_(1970)">NOD Chapter 1</a>):
<blockquote>In the preliminary phase of spiritual life there are different kinds of austerities, penances and similar processes for attaining self-realization. However, even if an executor of these processes is without any material desire, he still cannot achieve devotional service. And aspiring by oneself alone to achieve devotional service is also not very hopeful because Kṛṣṇa does not agree to award devotional service to merely anyone. Kṛṣṇa can easily offer a person material happiness or even liberation, but He does not agree very easily to award a person engagement in His devotional service. Devotional service can in fact be attained only through the mercy of a pure devotee. In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (<a href="http://www.vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_19.151">Madhya 19.151</a>) it is said: "By the mercy of the spiritual master, who is a pure devotee, and by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa one can achieve the platform of devotional service. There is no other way."</blockquote>
Devotional service is so mysterious and wonderful: whatever service I do is certainly small and insignificant, yet it is simultaneously the greatest thing I could be doing with my life.
Thank for always keeping me in mind, giving me the greatest gift and nudging me ever closer to Krishna.
your servant,
Candidasa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
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
As another year passes and I flow into the routine of work and household life, I marvel that you always think of me and find ingenious ways of engaging me in devotional service.
Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Devotion (<a href="http://www.vanisource.org/wiki/NOD_1_(1970)">NOD Chapter 1</a>):
<blockquote>In the preliminary phase of spiritual life there are different kinds of austerities, penances and similar processes for attaining self-realization. However, even if an executor of these processes is without any material desire, he still cannot achieve devotional service. And aspiring by oneself alone to achieve devotional service is also not very hopeful because Kṛṣṇa does not agree to award devotional service to merely anyone. Kṛṣṇa can easily offer a person material happiness or even liberation, but He does not agree very easily to award a person engagement in His devotional service. Devotional service can in fact be attained only through the mercy of a pure devotee. In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (<a href="http://www.vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_19.151">Madhya 19.151</a>) it is said: "By the mercy of the spiritual master, who is a pure devotee, and by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa one can achieve the platform of devotional service. There is no other way."</blockquote>
Devotional service is so mysterious and wonderful: whatever service I do is certainly small and insignificant, yet it is simultaneously the greatest thing I could be doing with my life.
Thank for always keeping me in mind, giving me the greatest gift and nudging me ever closer to Krishna.
your servant,
Candidasa dasa
Caru Candravali devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my 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!
Your spiritual master, His Devine Grace Srila Prabhupada, has stated that devotional service cannot be successful, cannot be perfect and cannot be relishable without the association of devotees.
I would like to thank you for giving me this rare opportunity to regularly associate with wonderful devotees and attempt to serve in the Glorious Sankirtana Movement of Lord Chaytanya Mahaprabhu.
I pray I will always have the strength , enthusiasm and determination to serve you.
Your servant,
Caru Candravali devi dasi
Please accept my 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!
Your spiritual master, His Devine Grace Srila Prabhupada, has stated that devotional service cannot be successful, cannot be perfect and cannot be relishable without the association of devotees.
I would like to thank you for giving me this rare opportunity to regularly associate with wonderful devotees and attempt to serve in the Glorious Sankirtana Movement of Lord Chaytanya Mahaprabhu.
I pray I will always have the strength , enthusiasm and determination to serve you.
Your servant,
Caru Candravali devi dasi
Chintamani Dham dd
Hare Krsna!
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
Your Vyasa Puja Day is very special for us. We are very fortunate that we have got our spiritual master like you and all our God Brothers and Sisters are so humble and cooperative that whenever we get any problem, we all come together to help each other, just like we do in a family. Your lectures are very much powerful. Even your small talk shakes us from within. Our small association with you fulfills us. We are like a boat in this material world and you are our captain. Just like a boat cannot sail of its own, we cannot progress in our spiritual life without you.
Once you told in your lecture that we serve our Guru externally and internally. Likewise when you are not present in front of our eyes, we do our services while following your instructions. We seek your blessings to serve Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev whole heartedly. Whatever service we get, we could perform with our best as well as performing our household duties.
We pray at lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind that He should keep you healthy.
Guru Maharaj, we are entangled in this material world but your teachings and sincere efforts of our Shiksha Guru keep guiding us to come out of this material world and live a healthy spiritual life. When we look at our past, it seems horrible as to what if you were not there in our life. We are so fortunate that we got a spiritual master like you.
Thank you very much Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Chintamani Dham DD
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
Your Vyasa Puja Day is very special for us. We are very fortunate that we have got our spiritual master like you and all our God Brothers and Sisters are so humble and cooperative that whenever we get any problem, we all come together to help each other, just like we do in a family. Your lectures are very much powerful. Even your small talk shakes us from within. Our small association with you fulfills us. We are like a boat in this material world and you are our captain. Just like a boat cannot sail of its own, we cannot progress in our spiritual life without you.
Once you told in your lecture that we serve our Guru externally and internally. Likewise when you are not present in front of our eyes, we do our services while following your instructions. We seek your blessings to serve Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev whole heartedly. Whatever service we get, we could perform with our best as well as performing our household duties.
We pray at lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind that He should keep you healthy.
Guru Maharaj, we are entangled in this material world but your teachings and sincere efforts of our Shiksha Guru keep guiding us to come out of this material world and live a healthy spiritual life. When we look at our past, it seems horrible as to what if you were not there in our life. We are so fortunate that we got a spiritual master like you.
Thank you very much Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Chintamani Dham DD
Chirag Ahuja
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
On this auspicious day of your appearance, i wish to glorify you in a minuscule way as an insignificant servant.
You are a real spiritual leader in every essence of the word. A leader is someone who:
1. Has empathy, compassion and love for them in unlimited quantity.
2. Has the strategic vision for his followers
Please allow me to elaborate.
It's been four years since Lord Krishna endowed special mercy upon me and I met Mantra Mala Devi Dasi on K road and took my baby steps to developing devotion and love towards Lord Krishna. My life has now completely transformed - only for the positive.
I’m turning 30 in 9 days. When people hit this significant landmark -they question, think, and ponder on where they are going in their lives. Have they achieved their dreams? Are they on the right track to “succeed” in the material ocean?
While I could have always done better and much more in bhakti, I consider myself incredibly blessed with the current situation. Why? It’s because of you and your relentless efforts to make each and every soul you meet and engage them in serving Krishna. You are the seed of everything positive in my life. You gave me a taste of loving Krishna. You gave me your personal association of a pure devotee again and again, which I didn’t and will never deserve. You gave me the opportunity to serve Krishna and use my insignificant skills for the same. You gave me the best spiritual mentors that one could ever imagine and the chance to have a continuous personal association by joining the Bhadravali ashram. You gave me the taste of chanting the Holy name. You gave me the taste of studying Prabhupada's books and listening to his lectures.
Now that I’m a grahastha, I realise the additional responsibility I have in progressing in Krishna Consciousness together with my wife. Thanks to Lord Krishna’s mercy, it’s been an excellent and smooth ten months as we have taken up the opportunity to do weekly devotional service at the loft. Thank you, Gurudeva for giving us personal Darshan at the Bhadravali ashram earlier this year. Your compassion and empathy towards my wife and me is something I will always be indebted to you.
My path in life is set, and I’m determined to make continuous progress in Krishna Consciousness along with my family. I hope and humbly request you to keep us close to your lotus feet - without which I don’t see any hope of getting out of the material ocean.
Thanks to your mercy and training by community mentors, I’m having regular Bhagavad Gita classes with my parents in India - who are now chanting and the first time in their have shown a remarkable eagerness interest and enthusiasm in reading spiritual books.
Gurudeva - You are a true visionary in every essence of the word. Spreading Lord Krishna’s love in the western world is no easy task.
When I see you, I see a perfect mix of a real spiritual leader who has been empowered and equipped by Lord Krishna to preach to the fallen soul of this day and age. When I see you, I’m always in complete awe of your ability to translate the Vedic knowledge into layman's language using modern forms of media is a true testament to your dedication to following your guru’s instructions.
You are an expert at connecting with each devotee at their level - accordingly at the right time, place and circumstances.
The way you have developed New Zealand as a leader in the ISKCON world is a testament to your visionary skills. The whole community here works like a well-oiled machine, and it’s getting better and better every to save more souls from material bondage
Brahmacari Ashram / Book Distributors bring lost souls to the loft
The Loft nurtures and engage those souls to keep and grow in Krishna consciousness by giving them the opportunity to do devotional service
The Loft attracts new devotees through Yoga programs
Once they have made some progress, they become part of the overall community and contribute back in several ways - service at the loft, participating in temple programs, donations, etc.
They then move into the working men’s ashram and get trained by your advanced mentor’s.
Then they choose their life path - grihastha or Brahmacari
All this while we have the amazing Jhulan Prabhu serving the entire community with giving us the opportunity to do gow seva and providing nonviolent milk, and the Hare Krishna School who offers the kids of devotee families to have a head start to their Krishna consciousness life.
And the cycle repeats.
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray that I may have eternal shelter in your service.
Praying on behalf of myself, Komal (my wife) & family, that we can always remain at your lotus feet, and to give me better ability to assist you in spreading the Lord’s message by using my limited skills that Lord has given me. What greater treasure is there in life than this?
Your humble servant
Chirag
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
On this auspicious day of your appearance, i wish to glorify you in a minuscule way as an insignificant servant.
You are a real spiritual leader in every essence of the word. A leader is someone who:
1. Has empathy, compassion and love for them in unlimited quantity.
2. Has the strategic vision for his followers
Please allow me to elaborate.
It's been four years since Lord Krishna endowed special mercy upon me and I met Mantra Mala Devi Dasi on K road and took my baby steps to developing devotion and love towards Lord Krishna. My life has now completely transformed - only for the positive.
I’m turning 30 in 9 days. When people hit this significant landmark -they question, think, and ponder on where they are going in their lives. Have they achieved their dreams? Are they on the right track to “succeed” in the material ocean?
While I could have always done better and much more in bhakti, I consider myself incredibly blessed with the current situation. Why? It’s because of you and your relentless efforts to make each and every soul you meet and engage them in serving Krishna. You are the seed of everything positive in my life. You gave me a taste of loving Krishna. You gave me your personal association of a pure devotee again and again, which I didn’t and will never deserve. You gave me the opportunity to serve Krishna and use my insignificant skills for the same. You gave me the best spiritual mentors that one could ever imagine and the chance to have a continuous personal association by joining the Bhadravali ashram. You gave me the taste of chanting the Holy name. You gave me the taste of studying Prabhupada's books and listening to his lectures.
Now that I’m a grahastha, I realise the additional responsibility I have in progressing in Krishna Consciousness together with my wife. Thanks to Lord Krishna’s mercy, it’s been an excellent and smooth ten months as we have taken up the opportunity to do weekly devotional service at the loft. Thank you, Gurudeva for giving us personal Darshan at the Bhadravali ashram earlier this year. Your compassion and empathy towards my wife and me is something I will always be indebted to you.
My path in life is set, and I’m determined to make continuous progress in Krishna Consciousness along with my family. I hope and humbly request you to keep us close to your lotus feet - without which I don’t see any hope of getting out of the material ocean.
Thanks to your mercy and training by community mentors, I’m having regular Bhagavad Gita classes with my parents in India - who are now chanting and the first time in their have shown a remarkable eagerness interest and enthusiasm in reading spiritual books.
Gurudeva - You are a true visionary in every essence of the word. Spreading Lord Krishna’s love in the western world is no easy task.
When I see you, I see a perfect mix of a real spiritual leader who has been empowered and equipped by Lord Krishna to preach to the fallen soul of this day and age. When I see you, I’m always in complete awe of your ability to translate the Vedic knowledge into layman's language using modern forms of media is a true testament to your dedication to following your guru’s instructions.
You are an expert at connecting with each devotee at their level - accordingly at the right time, place and circumstances.
The way you have developed New Zealand as a leader in the ISKCON world is a testament to your visionary skills. The whole community here works like a well-oiled machine, and it’s getting better and better every to save more souls from material bondage
Brahmacari Ashram / Book Distributors bring lost souls to the loft
The Loft nurtures and engage those souls to keep and grow in Krishna consciousness by giving them the opportunity to do devotional service
The Loft attracts new devotees through Yoga programs
Once they have made some progress, they become part of the overall community and contribute back in several ways - service at the loft, participating in temple programs, donations, etc.
They then move into the working men’s ashram and get trained by your advanced mentor’s.
Then they choose their life path - grihastha or Brahmacari
All this while we have the amazing Jhulan Prabhu serving the entire community with giving us the opportunity to do gow seva and providing nonviolent milk, and the Hare Krishna School who offers the kids of devotee families to have a head start to their Krishna consciousness life.
And the cycle repeats.
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray that I may have eternal shelter in your service.
Praying on behalf of myself, Komal (my wife) & family, that we can always remain at your lotus feet, and to give me better ability to assist you in spreading the Lord’s message by using my limited skills that Lord has given me. What greater treasure is there in life than this?
Your humble servant
Chirag
Dainyārnava Das
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to you lotus feet!
Happy Appearance Day! Many Happy returns of this day in the service of your Guru Maharaj!
After being continually engrossed in materials pursuits and drawbacks, when I finally chant, I get the feeling of belonging. That relationship of belonging to God, Krishna (through your, the Guru's kripa). All reluctance and doubts disappear with the holy name.
An example of the doubt recently arisen inside me with the finding of miracle holy water in Fiji where thousands are flocking everyday for relief from sickness. All who have visited and drank the holy water have seen it do wonders for them.
But the reality lies in this statement from a post from Prabhupadavani Facebook page, titled "At least, lift your anchor" where Srila Prabhupada explains:
".... Similarly, people go to the temple or the church to pray for some material benefit and although, in itself, this can be considered good, the material entanglement is never severed. It means that they are still anchored to the bodily concept of life. Religiousness is therefore insuficient for liberation. A person who considers the Lord as a supplier of benediction doesn't quite understand the goal of life. One who aspires to recover his true self and enter the spiritual world must engage in the transcendental activity of devotional service to rekindle his loving relationship with the Surpreme Lord"
The value of this path I have been on for the past 9 years, through the guidance of New Zealand devotees, becomes crystal clear and blissful with the chanting and hearing of the holy name.
No matter how challenging the doubts, after they have been answered the greatness of your existence in my life and the good fortune of mine to accept your shelter is clearly visible.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to you lotus feet!
Happy Appearance Day! Many Happy returns of this day in the service of your Guru Maharaj!
After being continually engrossed in materials pursuits and drawbacks, when I finally chant, I get the feeling of belonging. That relationship of belonging to God, Krishna (through your, the Guru's kripa). All reluctance and doubts disappear with the holy name.
An example of the doubt recently arisen inside me with the finding of miracle holy water in Fiji where thousands are flocking everyday for relief from sickness. All who have visited and drank the holy water have seen it do wonders for them.
But the reality lies in this statement from a post from Prabhupadavani Facebook page, titled "At least, lift your anchor" where Srila Prabhupada explains:
".... Similarly, people go to the temple or the church to pray for some material benefit and although, in itself, this can be considered good, the material entanglement is never severed. It means that they are still anchored to the bodily concept of life. Religiousness is therefore insuficient for liberation. A person who considers the Lord as a supplier of benediction doesn't quite understand the goal of life. One who aspires to recover his true self and enter the spiritual world must engage in the transcendental activity of devotional service to rekindle his loving relationship with the Surpreme Lord"
The value of this path I have been on for the past 9 years, through the guidance of New Zealand devotees, becomes crystal clear and blissful with the chanting and hearing of the holy name.
No matter how challenging the doubts, after they have been answered the greatness of your existence in my life and the good fortune of mine to accept your shelter is clearly visible.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Daksh
Hare Krsna!
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
I am very fortunate to have spiritual master like you. You are my first Guru to teach me Bhakti & tell me about devotional life. I still remember the moment you gave prasadam to everyone, who came there at Airport to receive you. It was about 4 am in the morning and everyone was hesitating to take it but you insisting like a caring father to take the prasadam in front of you. That care and love always forces me to go to airport to receive you. You are very polite. You always tell us in short and give us a very clear message. I like your book Bhakti Bhava. It is very wonderful. Though I had read only two chapters of it, I am sure that this is best book, I have ever read. I felt very excited about your arrival at Noida and always wait for that wonderful moment, when I could meet you.
I pray at lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev that He should keep you healthy.
Thank you very much Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Daksh
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
I am very fortunate to have spiritual master like you. You are my first Guru to teach me Bhakti & tell me about devotional life. I still remember the moment you gave prasadam to everyone, who came there at Airport to receive you. It was about 4 am in the morning and everyone was hesitating to take it but you insisting like a caring father to take the prasadam in front of you. That care and love always forces me to go to airport to receive you. You are very polite. You always tell us in short and give us a very clear message. I like your book Bhakti Bhava. It is very wonderful. Though I had read only two chapters of it, I am sure that this is best book, I have ever read. I felt very excited about your arrival at Noida and always wait for that wonderful moment, when I could meet you.
I pray at lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev that He should keep you healthy.
Thank you very much Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Daksh
Damodara Krsna dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
Recently, I reflected on what Srila Prabhupada has done for me and the following thought came to mind; Srila Prabhupada has given me a life worth living. What could be a greater gift than the knowledge contained in Srila Prabhupada’s books? Such knowledge gives life meaning.
Trying to find meaning in a ‘meaningless world’ is enough to make anyone confused, depressed and even suicidal. One questions:
“Why should I struggle? What is the purpose?”
Indeed, you often quote Albert Camus’s famous conclusion:
<i>“There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.”</i>
By your dedication to the mass proliferation of Srila Prabhupada’s books, you have given many the chance to find meaning. These books answer this fundamental question of philosophy.
And I earnestly say that all your talks on Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta, whether at the Loft, Recharge festivals or brahmacari asrama, are life-giving. I feel energized by your words. They give bhakti vitality.
I’ve heard that there are three types of father: one gives the body, one protects the body and one feeds the body.
In Kali-yuga however, what is the value of most fathers? Unless they possess the knowledge contained in Srila Prabhupada’s books, what meaningful contribution can they make? What kind of protection can they provide?
<i>"One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a relative, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod.”</i> Lord Rsabhadeva (SB 5.5.18)
I see in you the ideal father. You selflessly protect and feed your disciples, even though they aren’t your biological children. You know what real protection is, and you know what real food is. You rear them with great care, ensuring that they are physically & spiritually nourished.
By disseminating the true meaning of life, you protect human beings from committing suicide―materially & spiritually. Just as a child, due to lack of knowledge, may throw away a diamond, ignorant souls are throwing away their human form of life. They don’t know its value. As Sri Prahlada said:
<i>“The human form of life is arthadam, full of meaning, because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection.”</i> (SB 7.6.1)
Thus through your extensive travels and efforts to spread Krsna consciousness, you act as the most beneficent (<i>bhuri-da</i>) father to all. As the gopis sing:
<i>“The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one's sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent.”</i> (SB 10.31.9)
I thank you for your kindness upon this fallen soul.
Your servant and son,
Damodara Krsna dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
Recently, I reflected on what Srila Prabhupada has done for me and the following thought came to mind; Srila Prabhupada has given me a life worth living. What could be a greater gift than the knowledge contained in Srila Prabhupada’s books? Such knowledge gives life meaning.
Trying to find meaning in a ‘meaningless world’ is enough to make anyone confused, depressed and even suicidal. One questions:
“Why should I struggle? What is the purpose?”
Indeed, you often quote Albert Camus’s famous conclusion:
<i>“There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.”</i>
By your dedication to the mass proliferation of Srila Prabhupada’s books, you have given many the chance to find meaning. These books answer this fundamental question of philosophy.
And I earnestly say that all your talks on Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta, whether at the Loft, Recharge festivals or brahmacari asrama, are life-giving. I feel energized by your words. They give bhakti vitality.
I’ve heard that there are three types of father: one gives the body, one protects the body and one feeds the body.
In Kali-yuga however, what is the value of most fathers? Unless they possess the knowledge contained in Srila Prabhupada’s books, what meaningful contribution can they make? What kind of protection can they provide?
<i>"One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a relative, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod.”</i> Lord Rsabhadeva (SB 5.5.18)
I see in you the ideal father. You selflessly protect and feed your disciples, even though they aren’t your biological children. You know what real protection is, and you know what real food is. You rear them with great care, ensuring that they are physically & spiritually nourished.
By disseminating the true meaning of life, you protect human beings from committing suicide―materially & spiritually. Just as a child, due to lack of knowledge, may throw away a diamond, ignorant souls are throwing away their human form of life. They don’t know its value. As Sri Prahlada said:
<i>“The human form of life is arthadam, full of meaning, because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection.”</i> (SB 7.6.1)
Thus through your extensive travels and efforts to spread Krsna consciousness, you act as the most beneficent (<i>bhuri-da</i>) father to all. As the gopis sing:
<i>“The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one's sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent.”</i> (SB 10.31.9)
I thank you for your kindness upon this fallen soul.
Your servant and son,
Damodara Krsna dasa
Damodara Priya -Bulgaria
Dear Devamrita Maharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu!
Although i haven't met you
nor you have seen me too,
I'll try to tell my feelings,
infront of all of you.
Although i am not your disciple
but your follower, guess for now,
Let these words, sentences and rhymes,
make you feel happy from inside.
I have teachers all the best,
Your desciples, three i guess
They have helped me,
not just once or twice
And i know they're reflecting,
all your mercy to all mankind.
Pandava Prabhu i know from little
or maybe he remembers more,
16 years he teaches me humbly,
how to spread the name of God.
Let me thank you for your classes,
for the stories and the books,
Even that I've fallen from my true nature,
I'll do my best to do my service too.
Everytime i listen to your lectures,
It's like you carry us
to a different dimensions.
And from there with open heart
You reveal us Caitanya's art.
Please, give me some instructions
to continue walking on this path
Please bless me, with the
transcendental qualities thou hath.
Your follower:
Demetra-Damodara Priya
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu!
Although i haven't met you
nor you have seen me too,
I'll try to tell my feelings,
infront of all of you.
Although i am not your disciple
but your follower, guess for now,
Let these words, sentences and rhymes,
make you feel happy from inside.
I have teachers all the best,
Your desciples, three i guess
They have helped me,
not just once or twice
And i know they're reflecting,
all your mercy to all mankind.
Pandava Prabhu i know from little
or maybe he remembers more,
16 years he teaches me humbly,
how to spread the name of God.
Let me thank you for your classes,
for the stories and the books,
Even that I've fallen from my true nature,
I'll do my best to do my service too.
Everytime i listen to your lectures,
It's like you carry us
to a different dimensions.
And from there with open heart
You reveal us Caitanya's art.
Please, give me some instructions
to continue walking on this path
Please bless me, with the
transcendental qualities thou hath.
Your follower:
Demetra-Damodara Priya
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
Dear Gurumaharaja,
“Don’t put your material conceptions on Krsna!”
Out of your defensive love for Lord Krsna and your compassion upon my deep ignorance, this was one of the first instructions/corrections I received from you 20 years ago at the Newmarket Loft when I challengingly presented my ignorant mundane ideas about The Divine Couple. The conviction and realisation in what you boldly said profoundly changed my consciousness forever.
As Srila Prabhupada profoundly explains in the purport to SB 1.2.18:
“Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious things within the heart which are considered to be obstacles in the path of self-realisation. The remedy is the association of the Bhagavatas.There are two types of Bhagavatas, namely the book Bhagavata and the devotee Bhagavata. Both the Bhagavatas are competent remedies, and both of them or either of them can be good enough to eliminate the obstacles. A devotee Bhagavata is as good as the book Bhagavata because the devotee Bhagavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhagavata and the book Bhagavata is full of information about the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also Bhagavatas. Bhagavata book and person are identical”
What great expertise you have in presenting the principles found in the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam!
Who would have thought that the Ultimate Source from which everything emanates is actually an unlimited person…. Not only a person, but an eternally, ever-fresh young boy named Krsna, whose body is the color of the hue of a fresh monsoon rain cloud, who likes to play a bamboo flute and enjoys herding his favorite pet cows in the pastures of Vrindavana in the company of His cow herding friends.
How satisfying it is to read Srila Prabhupada’s purports, or as he called them, his ‘devotional ecstasies.’ And how satisfying it is to hear great Vaisnava’s like yourself present these purports so expertly in your own Bhagavata discourses and publications to a very unqualified and insanely materially absorbed contemporary society.
At least after 20 years of practicing the science of Krsna consciousness I can say that some of my material conceptions of Krsna are slowly dissipating via the the sanga of the book Bhagavata and the person Bhagavata. There’s still a long way for me to go in my cultivation of Bhakti, but how grateful I am for being shown a much more meaningful purpose to my human form of life compared to what would have been an empty, pointless lifetime that would have transpired if I hadn’t meet you all those years ago.
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
Dear Gurumaharaja,
“Don’t put your material conceptions on Krsna!”
Out of your defensive love for Lord Krsna and your compassion upon my deep ignorance, this was one of the first instructions/corrections I received from you 20 years ago at the Newmarket Loft when I challengingly presented my ignorant mundane ideas about The Divine Couple. The conviction and realisation in what you boldly said profoundly changed my consciousness forever.
As Srila Prabhupada profoundly explains in the purport to SB 1.2.18:
“Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious things within the heart which are considered to be obstacles in the path of self-realisation. The remedy is the association of the Bhagavatas.There are two types of Bhagavatas, namely the book Bhagavata and the devotee Bhagavata. Both the Bhagavatas are competent remedies, and both of them or either of them can be good enough to eliminate the obstacles. A devotee Bhagavata is as good as the book Bhagavata because the devotee Bhagavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhagavata and the book Bhagavata is full of information about the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also Bhagavatas. Bhagavata book and person are identical”
What great expertise you have in presenting the principles found in the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam!
Who would have thought that the Ultimate Source from which everything emanates is actually an unlimited person…. Not only a person, but an eternally, ever-fresh young boy named Krsna, whose body is the color of the hue of a fresh monsoon rain cloud, who likes to play a bamboo flute and enjoys herding his favorite pet cows in the pastures of Vrindavana in the company of His cow herding friends.
How satisfying it is to read Srila Prabhupada’s purports, or as he called them, his ‘devotional ecstasies.’ And how satisfying it is to hear great Vaisnava’s like yourself present these purports so expertly in your own Bhagavata discourses and publications to a very unqualified and insanely materially absorbed contemporary society.
At least after 20 years of practicing the science of Krsna consciousness I can say that some of my material conceptions of Krsna are slowly dissipating via the the sanga of the book Bhagavata and the person Bhagavata. There’s still a long way for me to go in my cultivation of Bhakti, but how grateful I am for being shown a much more meaningful purpose to my human form of life compared to what would have been an empty, pointless lifetime that would have transpired if I hadn’t meet you all those years ago.
Your Servant,
Dandakaranya das
Danna and Isabela
Dear maharaj thank you for your loving protection and patience. I have been lost for so long and you adopted me so lovingly. I hope to grow with your instructions. Your spiritual daughter and your servant
Dasya-prema das
To the most beloved and significant person in my life,
Please accept my dandavat obeisances at your lotus feet,
All glories to your divine self!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
By the mercy of Krishna I have been blessed with such an exalted spiritual master as your Holiness. Whereas my existence can be characterized by my making one bad decision after another, my decision to take shelter of your lotus feet has broken this chain and offered benefits which I am still unable to fathom.
It has been 2 ½ years since you mercifully initiated me into this glorious Vaisnava sampradaya. As bhakti is described as nava rasa, your expectations of me have similarly expanded, something, which I am grateful for and pray for the ability to fulfill.
Gurudeva, you always stress the importance of guidance. Srila Prabhuada has given us his purports, which are like tasty fruits, and you have relished these fruits and are presenting them in a way that even someone like myself can understand. You guide us how to associate with devotees and all the intricacies of Vaisnava etiquette; how we should put our heart into our service; how we should properly care for Krishna’s energy; how we should mold our lives around good chanting; how chanting and dancing solves all problems; how we should become qualified distributors of transcendental medicine by reading Srila Prabhupada’s books; and ultimately, how to do everything for the pleasure of Krishna. And these are only but a spark of your splendid instructions.
At my initiation lecture, addressing all who were present, you said, “you may be wondering how it is possible for a young person coming from a western background to maintain these vows”. Then you said something to the effect that it is by the mercy of the sankirtana movement that one can do this. At the time, due to my arrogance, I did not realize the significance of this. Now, as time progresses and my anarthas prevail, I realize my vulnerability, and the need for mercy. Gurudeva, out of compassion you travel to every habitable continent, even at the expense of your health; you painstakingly research from both spiritual and material sources in order to dispel doubts; and you give your valuable time and efforts to guiding devotees in the technologies of bhakti. I sincerely pray to your lotus feet for a drop of that compassion so that I can dedicate myself to Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement in such a way that my desire to give Krishna to others will supersede my desire for sense gratification.
Your unworthy servant,
Dasya-prema das
Please accept my dandavat obeisances at your lotus feet,
All glories to your divine self!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
By the mercy of Krishna I have been blessed with such an exalted spiritual master as your Holiness. Whereas my existence can be characterized by my making one bad decision after another, my decision to take shelter of your lotus feet has broken this chain and offered benefits which I am still unable to fathom.
It has been 2 ½ years since you mercifully initiated me into this glorious Vaisnava sampradaya. As bhakti is described as nava rasa, your expectations of me have similarly expanded, something, which I am grateful for and pray for the ability to fulfill.
Gurudeva, you always stress the importance of guidance. Srila Prabhuada has given us his purports, which are like tasty fruits, and you have relished these fruits and are presenting them in a way that even someone like myself can understand. You guide us how to associate with devotees and all the intricacies of Vaisnava etiquette; how we should put our heart into our service; how we should properly care for Krishna’s energy; how we should mold our lives around good chanting; how chanting and dancing solves all problems; how we should become qualified distributors of transcendental medicine by reading Srila Prabhupada’s books; and ultimately, how to do everything for the pleasure of Krishna. And these are only but a spark of your splendid instructions.
At my initiation lecture, addressing all who were present, you said, “you may be wondering how it is possible for a young person coming from a western background to maintain these vows”. Then you said something to the effect that it is by the mercy of the sankirtana movement that one can do this. At the time, due to my arrogance, I did not realize the significance of this. Now, as time progresses and my anarthas prevail, I realize my vulnerability, and the need for mercy. Gurudeva, out of compassion you travel to every habitable continent, even at the expense of your health; you painstakingly research from both spiritual and material sources in order to dispel doubts; and you give your valuable time and efforts to guiding devotees in the technologies of bhakti. I sincerely pray to your lotus feet for a drop of that compassion so that I can dedicate myself to Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement in such a way that my desire to give Krishna to others will supersede my desire for sense gratification.
Your unworthy servant,
Dasya-prema das
David
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada,
Adi Lila: Vol 1 - 7, and Chapter 7,
Enclosed is a portion of text 92.
"According to revealed scriptures, if a spiritual master can convert even one soul into a perfectly pure devotee, his mission in life is fulfilled". The Guru can be likened to the Parent who watches and, is satisfied as the child learns & grows.
I am dealing with a personal issue which has affected my deeply. Without going into too much detail it involves devotees and, in particular a devotee.
I am aware that this matter has tested me. At the same time it has helped me in terms of my development. I emerge from the forest stronger and wiser. Lessons have been learnt. Learning lessons is perhaps, the better description. Gurudeva, allow me to share my thoughts.
I decided to lord it over Material nature. Who is responsible for my suffering? Me, me, and me.
You likened Kali Yuga to a casualty ward filled with patients, who are injured to various extents. Is it any surprise that I incur reactions? Should I take this personally? That which effects me is personal and, at the same time it is not necessarily about me.
I have devoted time and energy, in dealing with this matter. Specifically, too much time and energy! I live in a temporary dream like world and, that which vexes (vexed) me is temporary. Resuming my relationship with Lord Krishna, my service, is all that matters. One needs to guard against distractions and focus on bhakti.
I conclude that I am relatively speaking lucky. By the standards of Kali Yuga, that which I refer to, is not a ten out of ten. Or an eight or nine out of ten. As I put 'pen to paper' I am aware of a work mate whose Son is dealing with Cancer. A Devotee who grapples with serious health issues. The bottom line is that is time to move on!
If the devotee in question, reads or is aware of this offering, I would like to say this --- I forgive you.
I have interacted with devotees as the years pass. Having said that and, to what extent to do I know the devotees? I need to be aware and to protect myself. I need to avoid a mentality, of treating everyone as a threat or the enemy.
From another perspective it is a test and opportunity. Will I focus and practise what I have learnt? Examples: More tolerant that a tree, Sense control, Humility, Detachment, Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness.
I must be said that expressing and writing is easily done. Practising and applying. Therein lies the test. I am not fond of failing so, I might as well deliver the goods.
A final comment. In all the time I have known you, this is the first time in which I have expressed myself. I do not regret my knowledge based questions. However ... Is this the limit? Maybe and hopefully I move in a new direction. Moving away from living within inside my head. Taking part in social interactions as, opposed to watching. Approaching people rather than being approached.
Warm Regards
David
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada,
Adi Lila: Vol 1 - 7, and Chapter 7,
Enclosed is a portion of text 92.
"According to revealed scriptures, if a spiritual master can convert even one soul into a perfectly pure devotee, his mission in life is fulfilled". The Guru can be likened to the Parent who watches and, is satisfied as the child learns & grows.
I am dealing with a personal issue which has affected my deeply. Without going into too much detail it involves devotees and, in particular a devotee.
I am aware that this matter has tested me. At the same time it has helped me in terms of my development. I emerge from the forest stronger and wiser. Lessons have been learnt. Learning lessons is perhaps, the better description. Gurudeva, allow me to share my thoughts.
I decided to lord it over Material nature. Who is responsible for my suffering? Me, me, and me.
You likened Kali Yuga to a casualty ward filled with patients, who are injured to various extents. Is it any surprise that I incur reactions? Should I take this personally? That which effects me is personal and, at the same time it is not necessarily about me.
I have devoted time and energy, in dealing with this matter. Specifically, too much time and energy! I live in a temporary dream like world and, that which vexes (vexed) me is temporary. Resuming my relationship with Lord Krishna, my service, is all that matters. One needs to guard against distractions and focus on bhakti.
I conclude that I am relatively speaking lucky. By the standards of Kali Yuga, that which I refer to, is not a ten out of ten. Or an eight or nine out of ten. As I put 'pen to paper' I am aware of a work mate whose Son is dealing with Cancer. A Devotee who grapples with serious health issues. The bottom line is that is time to move on!
If the devotee in question, reads or is aware of this offering, I would like to say this --- I forgive you.
I have interacted with devotees as the years pass. Having said that and, to what extent to do I know the devotees? I need to be aware and to protect myself. I need to avoid a mentality, of treating everyone as a threat or the enemy.
From another perspective it is a test and opportunity. Will I focus and practise what I have learnt? Examples: More tolerant that a tree, Sense control, Humility, Detachment, Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness.
I must be said that expressing and writing is easily done. Practising and applying. Therein lies the test. I am not fond of failing so, I might as well deliver the goods.
A final comment. In all the time I have known you, this is the first time in which I have expressed myself. I do not regret my knowledge based questions. However ... Is this the limit? Maybe and hopefully I move in a new direction. Moving away from living within inside my head. Taking part in social interactions as, opposed to watching. Approaching people rather than being approached.
Warm Regards
David
Dayal Nitai Dasa
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale
Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthathapi-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 appearance day, firstly I would like to apologize for not being as good a disciple as I should be.
Like Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra when he surrenders to Krishna, I want to say
sisyas te ’ham sadhi mam tvam prapannam
“Now I am your disciple, and a soul surrendered onto you. Please instruct me”
In the purport to this verse (Bg 2.7) Srila Prabhupada describes how ‘One should not, therefore, remain in material perplexities but should approach a spiritual master.’ He also describes how ‘talks between the master and disciple are serious’ and like Arjuna I want to get serious about spiritual life.
Because I am a miserly person concerned mainly with the material conception of life I need an expert spiritual master like you, one who can guide me out of this illusory energy and bring me under the shelter of your lotus feet.
A great and glorious spiritual master like you deserves a good disciple, and although I am not, still I desire to be.
Secondly, for your pleasure, I would like to show some appreciation for what you do for anyone fortunate enough to get your association.
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
“The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.”
The extent of the mercy you distribute goes further than just the indorsed or recognized devotees we may find at one of your vyas puja celebrations. It extends to all those people who have come to your programs and heard you speak, all those people who have read one of your books or met a Devamrita Swami disciple on the street, all those people who have taken prasada cooked by one of your disciples and surely many many more.
Actually you can tell the spiritual master is genuine and qualified when you see the effect he has on the hearts of the many people he brings closer to Krishna.
Srila Gurudeva, thank you for giving me the opportunity to offer some small service to Krishna through the parampara.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayal Nitai Dasa.
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
Your efforts to spread the mission of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya by travelling and preaching inspires me very much. Sacrificing your life is surely evidence of your love for them. A verse in Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.13.10) very nicely describes such a devotee:
"My Lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage".
Srila Prabhupada further instructs in the purport:
"If anyone visits a holy place, he must search out the pure devotees residing in such holy places, take lessons from them, try to apply such instructions in practical life and thus gradually prepare oneself for the ultimate salvation, going Back to Godhead."
Your instructions are as good as Krishna's instructions. Because such instructions are coming through disciplic succession.
I will show my gratitude to you by trying my best to carry out your instructions.
Please have mercy upon me that I may be able to assist you by assisting Tarakanatha Prabhu in Wales.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
Your efforts to spread the mission of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya by travelling and preaching inspires me very much. Sacrificing your life is surely evidence of your love for them. A verse in Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.13.10) very nicely describes such a devotee:
"My Lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage".
Srila Prabhupada further instructs in the purport:
"If anyone visits a holy place, he must search out the pure devotees residing in such holy places, take lessons from them, try to apply such instructions in practical life and thus gradually prepare oneself for the ultimate salvation, going Back to Godhead."
Your instructions are as good as Krishna's instructions. Because such instructions are coming through disciplic succession.
I will show my gratitude to you by trying my best to carry out your instructions.
Please have mercy upon me that I may be able to assist you by assisting Tarakanatha Prabhu in Wales.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dayamaya dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, from the time I first came in contact with your vani, which was eleven years ago, and even till recently when you spoke on first 2 verses of first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, I have always been enraptured by your excellent preaching skills ( pracare purva daksyam ca). Whether you are speaking to a group of students or a temple community or loft guests, you convey the shastra appropriate to the audience.
But in the past one year, I have seen another facet of your personality, which is your personal care and concern for each and everyone of your disciples including me. Unfortunately it has taken me decade to come to appreciate this.
Priding myself to be emotionally self sufficient, I had only related to your intellectual side all this time. In a recent darshan, you even asked me, ’Are you a jnani?’ But by your fatherly care that you have shown to me through whatsapp messages, darshans, and generous gifts, I am experiencing how my hard hearted impersonalist self has started to melt under your shelter.
Thankyou for being so understanding during a tumultuous phase of my life.
Recently you allowed me to chant and read with you and my other God brothers and sisters. That gave me an opportunity to get a glimpse of your one-pointed focus and humble mood of begging from the holy name.
On this auspicious day, I pray to become a faithful, reliable servant of yours and your disciples.
Praying to be of some use to you,
Your servant,
Dayamaya dd.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, from the time I first came in contact with your vani, which was eleven years ago, and even till recently when you spoke on first 2 verses of first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, I have always been enraptured by your excellent preaching skills ( pracare purva daksyam ca). Whether you are speaking to a group of students or a temple community or loft guests, you convey the shastra appropriate to the audience.
But in the past one year, I have seen another facet of your personality, which is your personal care and concern for each and everyone of your disciples including me. Unfortunately it has taken me decade to come to appreciate this.
Priding myself to be emotionally self sufficient, I had only related to your intellectual side all this time. In a recent darshan, you even asked me, ’Are you a jnani?’ But by your fatherly care that you have shown to me through whatsapp messages, darshans, and generous gifts, I am experiencing how my hard hearted impersonalist self has started to melt under your shelter.
Thankyou for being so understanding during a tumultuous phase of my life.
Recently you allowed me to chant and read with you and my other God brothers and sisters. That gave me an opportunity to get a glimpse of your one-pointed focus and humble mood of begging from the holy name.
On this auspicious day, I pray to become a faithful, reliable servant of yours and your disciples.
Praying to be of some use to you,
Your servant,
Dayamaya dd.
Dayavira das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Like all great souls you strongly focus on the key points of bhakti yoga. Chant Chant Chant there is no other way, no other way, no other way. Of course this chanting expands into all other dynamics of Krishna seva - still you always remind us just hear the maha mantra. Yes simple for the simple.
Well Kali yuga means complexity and often we get so side tracked with all the latest trends and techniques in self improvement, subconsciously ignoring the only real panacea for all souls in all situations - the holy name.
On the plane to Mayapur Dhama in 2006 you simply told me and Khela Tirtha not to be embarrassed just to chant as our foremost seva there. Now that our next trip to the dhama is looming, I just meditate on your simple instruction for this simple soul.
I thank you on your auspicious appearance day for giving your life, so us the unfortunate can get the chance to glorify the divine couple in the form of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Your aspiring, servant Dayavira das
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Like all great souls you strongly focus on the key points of bhakti yoga. Chant Chant Chant there is no other way, no other way, no other way. Of course this chanting expands into all other dynamics of Krishna seva - still you always remind us just hear the maha mantra. Yes simple for the simple.
Well Kali yuga means complexity and often we get so side tracked with all the latest trends and techniques in self improvement, subconsciously ignoring the only real panacea for all souls in all situations - the holy name.
On the plane to Mayapur Dhama in 2006 you simply told me and Khela Tirtha not to be embarrassed just to chant as our foremost seva there. Now that our next trip to the dhama is looming, I just meditate on your simple instruction for this simple soul.
I thank you on your auspicious appearance day for giving your life, so us the unfortunate can get the chance to glorify the divine couple in the form of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Your aspiring, servant Dayavira das
Dennis McHugh
nama om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Holiness Devamrta swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna having taken shelter at His lotus feet
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Nearly 3 years ago my life took on a different direction after having come in contact with your disciples and preaching base the loft.
From then onwards I received so much care and support concerning the cultivation of my self development and devotional life.
Over the past 18 months I've had the privilege of living in your Auckland Brahma cari asrama.
Undoubtedly you have given me a golden opportunity.
You have mercifully given so much(,)but in order properly to express my appreciation I need to take advantage
of this opportunity to the best of my ability.
The means to execute this has been summarised by Rupa Goswami in NOI 8
NOI 8
tan-nama-rupa-caritadi-sukirtananu-
smrtyoh kramena rasana-manasi niyojya
tisthan vraje tad-anuragi jananugami
kalam nayed akhilam ity upadesa-saram
The essence of all advice is that one should utilize one’s full time—twenty-four hours a day—in nicely chanting
and remembering the Lord’s divine name, transcendental form, qualities and eternal pastimes, thereby gradually
engaging one’s tongue and mind. In this way one should reside in Vraja [Goloka Vrndavana dhama] and serve Krsna
under the guidance of devotees. One should follow in the footsteps of the Lord’s beloved devotees, who are deeply attached to His devotional service.
You have often referred to this in your classes stressing the importance of organising our lives to allow for quality chanting of the holy names.
In your classes you further explained (paraphrased) "The purpose of an ashram is to provide facilities for proper hearing and chanting and give a stance
or foundation for following Rupa Goswamis essence of all advice, which is the basis of success for the rest of our activities"
Hearing this has allowed greater insight of my fortunate position, because you've provided the prime circumstances to follow this Essence of all advice
in the form of the Brahma cari ashram.
Such a conducive environment for hearing and chanting, with ample service opportunities all in the association and guidance of devotees.
Being deeply attached to Krsnas devotional service you lead by example leaving footsteps for us to follow.
I am eternally indebted to you for without your crucial intervention I would remain completely covered
I therefore pray for the strength to make the most of what you have given me
Your aspiring servant,
Dennis
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Holiness Devamrta swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna having taken shelter at His lotus feet
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Nearly 3 years ago my life took on a different direction after having come in contact with your disciples and preaching base the loft.
From then onwards I received so much care and support concerning the cultivation of my self development and devotional life.
Over the past 18 months I've had the privilege of living in your Auckland Brahma cari asrama.
Undoubtedly you have given me a golden opportunity.
You have mercifully given so much(,)but in order properly to express my appreciation I need to take advantage
of this opportunity to the best of my ability.
The means to execute this has been summarised by Rupa Goswami in NOI 8
NOI 8
tan-nama-rupa-caritadi-sukirtananu-
smrtyoh kramena rasana-manasi niyojya
tisthan vraje tad-anuragi jananugami
kalam nayed akhilam ity upadesa-saram
The essence of all advice is that one should utilize one’s full time—twenty-four hours a day—in nicely chanting
and remembering the Lord’s divine name, transcendental form, qualities and eternal pastimes, thereby gradually
engaging one’s tongue and mind. In this way one should reside in Vraja [Goloka Vrndavana dhama] and serve Krsna
under the guidance of devotees. One should follow in the footsteps of the Lord’s beloved devotees, who are deeply attached to His devotional service.
You have often referred to this in your classes stressing the importance of organising our lives to allow for quality chanting of the holy names.
In your classes you further explained (paraphrased) "The purpose of an ashram is to provide facilities for proper hearing and chanting and give a stance
or foundation for following Rupa Goswamis essence of all advice, which is the basis of success for the rest of our activities"
Hearing this has allowed greater insight of my fortunate position, because you've provided the prime circumstances to follow this Essence of all advice
in the form of the Brahma cari ashram.
Such a conducive environment for hearing and chanting, with ample service opportunities all in the association and guidance of devotees.
Being deeply attached to Krsnas devotional service you lead by example leaving footsteps for us to follow.
I am eternally indebted to you for without your crucial intervention I would remain completely covered
I therefore pray for the strength to make the most of what you have given me
Your aspiring servant,
Dennis
Deval Joshi
Dear Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Its a continuous honour & fortune to get this life time opportunity of writing on your Vyas puja!
This year was really special in connection to you Maharaj.
You had visited Iskcon juhu temple in Mumbai & it so happened that you were walking around the temple campus & absorbed in chanting.
I was sitting at one side & was also chanting!
Suddenly, I saw you walking right in front of me & I bowed down offering my obeisances to you.
You smiled & reciprocated. I am not sure whether you recognised me but it appeared to me that you did recognize me.
Unfortunately, I couldn't gather strength to speak with you.
I had met you only once (in person) when you were sitting in Gokul Ranjan Prabhu's room in Vrindavan & meeting disciples/aspiring disciples.
Shyama Gauri Mataji had kindly allowed me to go inside & meet you.
I later repented that I could have approached you & introduced myself but then I felt that you might not like/appreciate it.
In this way, I held on to my foolishness.
I can only pray on your Vyas puja that you might feel someday to initiate me.
Your humble servant,
Dev
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Its a continuous honour & fortune to get this life time opportunity of writing on your Vyas puja!
This year was really special in connection to you Maharaj.
You had visited Iskcon juhu temple in Mumbai & it so happened that you were walking around the temple campus & absorbed in chanting.
I was sitting at one side & was also chanting!
Suddenly, I saw you walking right in front of me & I bowed down offering my obeisances to you.
You smiled & reciprocated. I am not sure whether you recognised me but it appeared to me that you did recognize me.
Unfortunately, I couldn't gather strength to speak with you.
I had met you only once (in person) when you were sitting in Gokul Ranjan Prabhu's room in Vrindavan & meeting disciples/aspiring disciples.
Shyama Gauri Mataji had kindly allowed me to go inside & meet you.
I later repented that I could have approached you & introduced myself but then I felt that you might not like/appreciate it.
In this way, I held on to my foolishness.
I can only pray on your Vyas puja that you might feel someday to initiate me.
Your humble servant,
Dev
Dharmaraj dasa
please acept my obeinsances to your lotus feet, all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
dear beloved Gurudeva,
his special kindness has no limits, always you been there with an instruccion, speech or just one minute that you giving me is enough, for me to realize your strength and purity, in fact you have all the qualities described in the sastra, about a devotee.
i pray, every day to Lord Nrisimhadev, for keep your good health, and I know that i been far away, of your touch, instructions, and mercy, and I just pray to Krishna, for recovering all those blessings, and with your mercy, one day, could reach atachment for chant the holy name.
There is no word to describe my gratitude for your blessings since the first time we meet you until now, for me and my family, just I'll try understand my commitment to you and work harder to please you
jay Gurudev, Jay Srila Prabhupada!
Trying to be a servant,
Dharmaraj dasa
dear beloved Gurudeva,
his special kindness has no limits, always you been there with an instruccion, speech or just one minute that you giving me is enough, for me to realize your strength and purity, in fact you have all the qualities described in the sastra, about a devotee.
i pray, every day to Lord Nrisimhadev, for keep your good health, and I know that i been far away, of your touch, instructions, and mercy, and I just pray to Krishna, for recovering all those blessings, and with your mercy, one day, could reach atachment for chant the holy name.
There is no word to describe my gratitude for your blessings since the first time we meet you until now, for me and my family, just I'll try understand my commitment to you and work harder to please you
jay Gurudev, Jay Srila Prabhupada!
Trying to be a servant,
Dharmaraj dasa
Dhira Siromani Dasa
nama om vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swami iti namine.
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your lotus feet!
All glories to your auspicious appearance day!
In my meagre attempt to glorify you, I feel it is impossible to come up with words that can qualify your qualities and magnanimity. Still, as the duty of a disciple is to glorify his spiritual master on his vyasa puja day and for my own purification, I will like to make a juvenile attempt, with my immaturity and incompetence surfacing on the foreground.
In Srimad Bhagavatam, 3.25.34 the quality of a pure devotee is given:
naikātmatāṁ me spṛhayanti kecin
mat-pāda-sevābhiratā mad-īhāḥ
ye ’nyonyato bhāgavatāḥ prasajya
sabhājayante mama pauruṣāṇi
A pure devotee, who is attached to the activities of devotional service and who always engages in the service of My lotus feet, never desires to become one with Me. Such a devotee, who is unflinchingly engaged, always glorifies My pastimes and activities.
In the beginning of this year I had the chance to serve you at our Melbourne farm retreat and I can see how you are the perfect epitome of this description. Not a single second did you waste. Neither did you waste your words, nor your attention nor energy on any other things other than Krsna, His associates or His glories. Such a magnanimous quality is even glorified by Srila Rupa Goswami in the Nectar of devotion. Anyabhilasita Sunyam. And luckily, despite having minute intelligence, the message that I could constantly grasp in your classes has been, to make the pleasure of Krsna’s senses as our goal and how we need to aspire to enhance our service more and more. From it, I can also meditate on how you are carrying the mission of Srila Prabhupada and applying his teachings to keep on hammering the ignorance and forgetfulness of the people you meet. You do not only guide us but you also demonstrate how one should follow the instructions of his spiritual master. You have been walking the talk and exemplifying how it is practical and an easy process to follow if one is serious. To my misfortune despite recognizing this, my obstinate nature has kept me away from even trying to please you in any way.
Still, you have taken it a step further by constantly guiding me and even accepted me as your disciple although I am nowhere near qualified to be one. You have begged to their Lordships to engage your disciples in devotional service and such is my fortune that despite being a pseudo disciple of yours, I have been regularly engaged in devotional service somehow or other. This is also confirmed in Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya-lila 2.22.51
mahat-kṛpā vinā kona karme ‘bhakti’ naya
kṛṣṇa-bhakti dūre rahu, saṁsāra nahe kṣaya
“Unless one is favored by a pure devotee, one cannot attain the platform of devotional service. To say nothing of kṛṣṇa-bhakti, one cannot even be relieved from the bondage of material existence.”
Thank you Gurudeva for your mercy to allow me to be engaged in menial service. Failed in so many lifetimes, yet the impetus is there to go and squeeze non-existent pleasure from material life again. I have been trying hard to serve my senses and ego, yet you never gave up on me. In fact, you have been so merciful that you have not only tolerated my impudence but you have constantly been correcting me, trying to give me the highest benefit. And the result is, I have been heavily involved this year in preaching through house programs despite I have no qualifications. It is by the mercy of devotees that I have been involved in such opportunities. Please accept them as an offering from a beggar on this day.
Srila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakur rightly affirmed, yasya prasada bhagavat prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto’ pi. Despite my flaws, you have constantly been gracious to me so that I can access Krsna’s instructions. You simplified it in such a way that even a blind person like me can see how the benediction is flowing. Yet as a stubborn and ungrateful child, I have been willingly choosing to close the eyes. Krsna katha coming from the mouth of a pure soul is the greatest nectar. Your words have constantly been slashing my illusion which keeps on fogging my mind. Your instructions and guidance have not only been making sure that I can wake up but they have also provided me with an opportunity to stop feeding my desires and ego. Still day after day, I keep on failing. I wish to seize the opportunity to beg for forgiveness at your lotus feet, for all the offences I have committed and especially those that I have been doing while serving you personally. Yet again you did not give up on me and kept on allowing me to serve you.
Thank you. Thank you infinitely for being such a caring father.
Your insignificant servant
Dhira Siromani Dasa
srimate devamrita swami iti namine.
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your lotus feet!
All glories to your auspicious appearance day!
In my meagre attempt to glorify you, I feel it is impossible to come up with words that can qualify your qualities and magnanimity. Still, as the duty of a disciple is to glorify his spiritual master on his vyasa puja day and for my own purification, I will like to make a juvenile attempt, with my immaturity and incompetence surfacing on the foreground.
In Srimad Bhagavatam, 3.25.34 the quality of a pure devotee is given:
naikātmatāṁ me spṛhayanti kecin
mat-pāda-sevābhiratā mad-īhāḥ
ye ’nyonyato bhāgavatāḥ prasajya
sabhājayante mama pauruṣāṇi
A pure devotee, who is attached to the activities of devotional service and who always engages in the service of My lotus feet, never desires to become one with Me. Such a devotee, who is unflinchingly engaged, always glorifies My pastimes and activities.
In the beginning of this year I had the chance to serve you at our Melbourne farm retreat and I can see how you are the perfect epitome of this description. Not a single second did you waste. Neither did you waste your words, nor your attention nor energy on any other things other than Krsna, His associates or His glories. Such a magnanimous quality is even glorified by Srila Rupa Goswami in the Nectar of devotion. Anyabhilasita Sunyam. And luckily, despite having minute intelligence, the message that I could constantly grasp in your classes has been, to make the pleasure of Krsna’s senses as our goal and how we need to aspire to enhance our service more and more. From it, I can also meditate on how you are carrying the mission of Srila Prabhupada and applying his teachings to keep on hammering the ignorance and forgetfulness of the people you meet. You do not only guide us but you also demonstrate how one should follow the instructions of his spiritual master. You have been walking the talk and exemplifying how it is practical and an easy process to follow if one is serious. To my misfortune despite recognizing this, my obstinate nature has kept me away from even trying to please you in any way.
Still, you have taken it a step further by constantly guiding me and even accepted me as your disciple although I am nowhere near qualified to be one. You have begged to their Lordships to engage your disciples in devotional service and such is my fortune that despite being a pseudo disciple of yours, I have been regularly engaged in devotional service somehow or other. This is also confirmed in Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya-lila 2.22.51
mahat-kṛpā vinā kona karme ‘bhakti’ naya
kṛṣṇa-bhakti dūre rahu, saṁsāra nahe kṣaya
“Unless one is favored by a pure devotee, one cannot attain the platform of devotional service. To say nothing of kṛṣṇa-bhakti, one cannot even be relieved from the bondage of material existence.”
Thank you Gurudeva for your mercy to allow me to be engaged in menial service. Failed in so many lifetimes, yet the impetus is there to go and squeeze non-existent pleasure from material life again. I have been trying hard to serve my senses and ego, yet you never gave up on me. In fact, you have been so merciful that you have not only tolerated my impudence but you have constantly been correcting me, trying to give me the highest benefit. And the result is, I have been heavily involved this year in preaching through house programs despite I have no qualifications. It is by the mercy of devotees that I have been involved in such opportunities. Please accept them as an offering from a beggar on this day.
Srila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakur rightly affirmed, yasya prasada bhagavat prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto’ pi. Despite my flaws, you have constantly been gracious to me so that I can access Krsna’s instructions. You simplified it in such a way that even a blind person like me can see how the benediction is flowing. Yet as a stubborn and ungrateful child, I have been willingly choosing to close the eyes. Krsna katha coming from the mouth of a pure soul is the greatest nectar. Your words have constantly been slashing my illusion which keeps on fogging my mind. Your instructions and guidance have not only been making sure that I can wake up but they have also provided me with an opportunity to stop feeding my desires and ego. Still day after day, I keep on failing. I wish to seize the opportunity to beg for forgiveness at your lotus feet, for all the offences I have committed and especially those that I have been doing while serving you personally. Yet again you did not give up on me and kept on allowing me to serve you.
Thank you. Thank you infinitely for being such a caring father.
Your insignificant servant
Dhira Siromani Dasa
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your auspicious appearance
Mother Devahuti says an instructive prayer to Lord Kapila regarding the relationship between a disciple and his spiritual master. She calls the spiritual master as the transcendental eye for the disciple and his only means to get out of this darkest region of material existence. This eye one receives after many many births.
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8
Srila Prabhupada describes a sadhu in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21 purport
“A sādhu is not just an ordinary man with a saffron robe or long beard. A sādhu is described in Bhagavad-gītā as one who unflinchingly engages in devotional service.”
Lord Kapila gives symptoms of a sadhu while speaking with His mother Devahuti.
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
Srila Prabhupada elaborates on this in his purport.
A sādhu, as described above, is a devotee of the Lord. His concern, therefore, is to enlighten people in devotional service to the Lord. That is his mercy. He knows that without devotional service to the Lord, human life is spoiled. A devotee travels all over the country, from door to door, preaching, "Be Kṛṣṇa conscious. Be a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Don't spoil your life in simply fulfilling your animal propensities. Human life is meant for self-realization, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness." These are the preachings of a sādhu. He is not satisfied with his own liberation. He always thinks about others. He is the most compassionate personality towards all the fallen souls.
One of his qualifications, therefore, is kāruṇika, great mercy to the fallen souls. While engaged in preaching work, he has to meet with so many opposing elements, and therefore the sādhu, or devotee of the Lord, has to be very tolerant. Someone may ill-treat him because the conditioned souls are not prepared to receive the transcendental knowledge of devotional service. They do not like it; that is their disease. The sādhu has the thankless task of impressing upon them the importance of devotional service.
Sometimes devotees are personally attacked with violence. Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, Haridāsa Ṭhākura was caned in twenty-two marketplaces, and Lord Caitanya's principal assistant, Nityānanda, was violently attacked by Jagāi and Mādhāi. But still they were tolerant because their mission was to deliver the fallen souls. One of the qualifications of a sādhu is that he is very tolerant and is merciful to all fallen souls. He is merciful because he is the well-wisher of all living entities. He is not only a well-wisher of human society, but a well-wisher of animal society as well. It is said here, sarva-dehinām, which indicates all living entities who have accepted material bodies. Not only does the human being have a material body, but other living entities, such as cats and dogs, also have material bodies. The devotee of the Lord is merciful to everyone-the cats, dogs, trees, etc. He treats all living entities in such a way that they can ultimately get salvation from this material entanglement.
Yet although a sādhu is not inimical towards anyone, the world is so ungrateful that even a sādhu has many enemies. A sādhu behaves with all conditioned souls for their ultimate relief from material entanglement. Therefore, no one can be more friendly than a sādhu in relieving a conditioned soul. A sādhu is calm, and he quietly and peacefully follows the principles of scripture. A sādhu means one who follows the principles of scripture and at the same time is a devotee of the Lord.
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21 purport
A sādhu is not disturbed by miserable conditions of material existence because his mind is always filled with Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and thus he does not like to talk about anything but the activities of the Lord. Since they are filled with Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they are forgetful of the material miseries. Ordinary conditioned souls, being forgetful of the activities of the Lord, are always full of anxieties and material tribulations. On the other hand, since the devotees always engage in the topics of the Lord, they are forgetful of the miseries of material existence.
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.23 purport
These statements of Srimad Bhagavatam very nicely describes and suits your personality.
One of your instructions given to me was become Krsna conscious.
The following verse very nicely describes this instruction and process to do it.
naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-'bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat
Unless they smear upon their bodies the dust of the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava completely freed from material contamination, persons very much inclined toward materialistic life cannot be attached to the lotus feet of the Lord, who is glorified for His uncommon activities. Only by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious and taking shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord in this way can one be freed from material contamination.
Becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious brings about anartha-apagamaḥ, the disappearance of all anarthas, the miserable conditions we have unnecessarily accepted. The material body is the basic principle of these unwanted miserable conditions. The entire Vedic civilization is meant to relieve one from these unwanted miseries, but persons bound by the laws of nature do not know the destination of life.
One cannot understand Kṛṣṇa unless one is graced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Only one who has surrendered to a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa and taken the dust of his lotus feet can understand Kṛṣṇa.
Guru Maharaj you have understood Krsna taking dust of the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. You are very kindly giving this understanding to us in turn.
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.32
I have been contemplating on this prayer of Prahlada Maharaja for few months now. It helped me reflect on my own situation and purification of consciousness required to carry out your instructions.
This verse helped me appreciate your devotion and sacrifices to please Srila Prabhupada. You sacrificed your youthful energy taking risks to preach in Eastern Euorpe. You did it on hearing that whoever goes to preach behind iron curtain will receive the dust of the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. By renedering exemplary devotional service you received this dust. You have not stopped even at advanced age of 66 years instead increased your services to Srila Prabhupada so much more.
You are decorated with these jewels of tolerance and mercifulness. Therefore you are very mercifully distributing this dust to everyone without discrimination for pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. By doing this you are delivering so many conditioned souls from the ocean of nescience.
You are especially distributing this dust by creating wisdom culture and inspiring conditioned souls to take to Krsna consciousness. By encouraging them to assist Sri Caitianya Mahaprabhu in performing sankirtana, distribution of fruits of love of God. Your written realisations in form of your books are also powerful tools to help people consider taking the path less travelled.
I have also experienced your mercy to a little degree especially on Sankirtana and realising its your words/ instructions/ association that inspire me so much. The pure sound vibration penetrates through the coverings of nescience. It forces us to naturally run to the books at every opportunity and take them to the people stuck up in this ocean of material existence and being victimised by the material energy.
Sankirtana helps me realise the power of prayers. Some of my prayers got answered and one of which was to distribute a Srimad Bhagavatam set in Newtown, the hip town of Sydney.
I would like to share one story in relation to this for your pleasure....
24rd September 2016
I went to Newtown for book distribution. I prayed to the deities, to Srila Prabhupada for empowerment to distribute a full set of Srimad Bhagavatam there. I begged them to send atleast one person who will take the full set.
I started the day and first person took a Nectar of Instruction. I told myself its going to be a good day.
One elderly Australian body person came upto me and asked “Do you have teachings of Lord Caitanya”. I was so happy to hear that as I understood he is not an ordinary person asking for this book. He must have read some books.
I enquired from him, how does he know of this book. Have you read any other books by this teacher?
Michael confirmed that he has read Bhagavad Gita, Nectar of Devotion and he wants to get one of this book now.
I asked him if he has read Srimad Bhagavatam and showed him the BBT brochure for the books. To my surprise he asked if we have them at the temple available. If they are available for sale all the time. To be honest it was really hard for me to control the pleasure I felt on him saying these words. In my heart I knew this is the person that is sent by Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha, Sri Caitana Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada and yourself to receive this set of books of Srila Prabupada.
I informed him about the price of the books, availability and offered to deliver them to him. He said he is on disability pension and will have to save up some money to get them. He said he could get one in December possibly. I offered him to pay in parts since he is on pension. We could make a special arrangement for him and help him get the books soon.
Next morning I found out that I won a jackpot. It was Michael who called me during Srimad Bhagavatam class and asked me if I could deliver him the full set today itself. I was so amazed to hear this. I felt the potency of your instruction and realised that this is the perfection of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from a devotee Bhagavata. I thought for a moment I have to miss Srimad Bhagavatam class to deliver Srimad Bhagavatam what an amazing thing to happen to someone. Somehow he had arranged the money and decided to get the full set.
On reaching his home, he did tell me that he had a full set 20 years ago and have read it also. He said he finds Krsna is very personal God and reading these books helps him develop realisations. He had his room full of books, britanica encyclopedias, other religious books too. I did realise that its only by your mercy and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy that I am also part of such transcendental propaganda work.
This year I did distribute few sets to western people also and not only Indian bodies visiting the temple. I felt your mercy in this way especially. At the same time I realised only if I become more Krsna conscious I could do so much more. Only if I could become free from anarthas sitting in the core of my heart, I could increase my service so much more. Only if I could become more regulated, I could do better service. To do all these things I beg you for a drop of the dust of your lotus feet. I have heard from Srimad Bhagavatam and the devotees Guru Krpa helps go beyond our limited capacity and achieve wonderful things in devotional seervice. You are very kind upon me to inspire me in this way. If you kindly desire so then please grant this request and allow me to become purified and fixed too. Only then I will be able to render service with proper consciousness and go beyond my limited capacity. I beg you for spiritual strength to get to a higher platform of Krsna consciousness.
Desiring to remain at your lotus feet like a menial servant eternally, a servant of your servants.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your auspicious appearance
Mother Devahuti says an instructive prayer to Lord Kapila regarding the relationship between a disciple and his spiritual master. She calls the spiritual master as the transcendental eye for the disciple and his only means to get out of this darkest region of material existence. This eye one receives after many many births.
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8
Srila Prabhupada describes a sadhu in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21 purport
“A sādhu is not just an ordinary man with a saffron robe or long beard. A sādhu is described in Bhagavad-gītā as one who unflinchingly engages in devotional service.”
Lord Kapila gives symptoms of a sadhu while speaking with His mother Devahuti.
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
Srila Prabhupada elaborates on this in his purport.
A sādhu, as described above, is a devotee of the Lord. His concern, therefore, is to enlighten people in devotional service to the Lord. That is his mercy. He knows that without devotional service to the Lord, human life is spoiled. A devotee travels all over the country, from door to door, preaching, "Be Kṛṣṇa conscious. Be a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Don't spoil your life in simply fulfilling your animal propensities. Human life is meant for self-realization, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness." These are the preachings of a sādhu. He is not satisfied with his own liberation. He always thinks about others. He is the most compassionate personality towards all the fallen souls.
One of his qualifications, therefore, is kāruṇika, great mercy to the fallen souls. While engaged in preaching work, he has to meet with so many opposing elements, and therefore the sādhu, or devotee of the Lord, has to be very tolerant. Someone may ill-treat him because the conditioned souls are not prepared to receive the transcendental knowledge of devotional service. They do not like it; that is their disease. The sādhu has the thankless task of impressing upon them the importance of devotional service.
Sometimes devotees are personally attacked with violence. Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, Haridāsa Ṭhākura was caned in twenty-two marketplaces, and Lord Caitanya's principal assistant, Nityānanda, was violently attacked by Jagāi and Mādhāi. But still they were tolerant because their mission was to deliver the fallen souls. One of the qualifications of a sādhu is that he is very tolerant and is merciful to all fallen souls. He is merciful because he is the well-wisher of all living entities. He is not only a well-wisher of human society, but a well-wisher of animal society as well. It is said here, sarva-dehinām, which indicates all living entities who have accepted material bodies. Not only does the human being have a material body, but other living entities, such as cats and dogs, also have material bodies. The devotee of the Lord is merciful to everyone-the cats, dogs, trees, etc. He treats all living entities in such a way that they can ultimately get salvation from this material entanglement.
Yet although a sādhu is not inimical towards anyone, the world is so ungrateful that even a sādhu has many enemies. A sādhu behaves with all conditioned souls for their ultimate relief from material entanglement. Therefore, no one can be more friendly than a sādhu in relieving a conditioned soul. A sādhu is calm, and he quietly and peacefully follows the principles of scripture. A sādhu means one who follows the principles of scripture and at the same time is a devotee of the Lord.
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21 purport
A sādhu is not disturbed by miserable conditions of material existence because his mind is always filled with Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and thus he does not like to talk about anything but the activities of the Lord. Since they are filled with Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they are forgetful of the material miseries. Ordinary conditioned souls, being forgetful of the activities of the Lord, are always full of anxieties and material tribulations. On the other hand, since the devotees always engage in the topics of the Lord, they are forgetful of the miseries of material existence.
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.23 purport
These statements of Srimad Bhagavatam very nicely describes and suits your personality.
One of your instructions given to me was become Krsna conscious.
The following verse very nicely describes this instruction and process to do it.
naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-'bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat
Unless they smear upon their bodies the dust of the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava completely freed from material contamination, persons very much inclined toward materialistic life cannot be attached to the lotus feet of the Lord, who is glorified for His uncommon activities. Only by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious and taking shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord in this way can one be freed from material contamination.
Becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious brings about anartha-apagamaḥ, the disappearance of all anarthas, the miserable conditions we have unnecessarily accepted. The material body is the basic principle of these unwanted miserable conditions. The entire Vedic civilization is meant to relieve one from these unwanted miseries, but persons bound by the laws of nature do not know the destination of life.
One cannot understand Kṛṣṇa unless one is graced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Only one who has surrendered to a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa and taken the dust of his lotus feet can understand Kṛṣṇa.
Guru Maharaj you have understood Krsna taking dust of the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. You are very kindly giving this understanding to us in turn.
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.32
I have been contemplating on this prayer of Prahlada Maharaja for few months now. It helped me reflect on my own situation and purification of consciousness required to carry out your instructions.
This verse helped me appreciate your devotion and sacrifices to please Srila Prabhupada. You sacrificed your youthful energy taking risks to preach in Eastern Euorpe. You did it on hearing that whoever goes to preach behind iron curtain will receive the dust of the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. By renedering exemplary devotional service you received this dust. You have not stopped even at advanced age of 66 years instead increased your services to Srila Prabhupada so much more.
You are decorated with these jewels of tolerance and mercifulness. Therefore you are very mercifully distributing this dust to everyone without discrimination for pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. By doing this you are delivering so many conditioned souls from the ocean of nescience.
You are especially distributing this dust by creating wisdom culture and inspiring conditioned souls to take to Krsna consciousness. By encouraging them to assist Sri Caitianya Mahaprabhu in performing sankirtana, distribution of fruits of love of God. Your written realisations in form of your books are also powerful tools to help people consider taking the path less travelled.
I have also experienced your mercy to a little degree especially on Sankirtana and realising its your words/ instructions/ association that inspire me so much. The pure sound vibration penetrates through the coverings of nescience. It forces us to naturally run to the books at every opportunity and take them to the people stuck up in this ocean of material existence and being victimised by the material energy.
Sankirtana helps me realise the power of prayers. Some of my prayers got answered and one of which was to distribute a Srimad Bhagavatam set in Newtown, the hip town of Sydney.
I would like to share one story in relation to this for your pleasure....
24rd September 2016
I went to Newtown for book distribution. I prayed to the deities, to Srila Prabhupada for empowerment to distribute a full set of Srimad Bhagavatam there. I begged them to send atleast one person who will take the full set.
I started the day and first person took a Nectar of Instruction. I told myself its going to be a good day.
One elderly Australian body person came upto me and asked “Do you have teachings of Lord Caitanya”. I was so happy to hear that as I understood he is not an ordinary person asking for this book. He must have read some books.
I enquired from him, how does he know of this book. Have you read any other books by this teacher?
Michael confirmed that he has read Bhagavad Gita, Nectar of Devotion and he wants to get one of this book now.
I asked him if he has read Srimad Bhagavatam and showed him the BBT brochure for the books. To my surprise he asked if we have them at the temple available. If they are available for sale all the time. To be honest it was really hard for me to control the pleasure I felt on him saying these words. In my heart I knew this is the person that is sent by Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha, Sri Caitana Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada and yourself to receive this set of books of Srila Prabupada.
I informed him about the price of the books, availability and offered to deliver them to him. He said he is on disability pension and will have to save up some money to get them. He said he could get one in December possibly. I offered him to pay in parts since he is on pension. We could make a special arrangement for him and help him get the books soon.
Next morning I found out that I won a jackpot. It was Michael who called me during Srimad Bhagavatam class and asked me if I could deliver him the full set today itself. I was so amazed to hear this. I felt the potency of your instruction and realised that this is the perfection of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from a devotee Bhagavata. I thought for a moment I have to miss Srimad Bhagavatam class to deliver Srimad Bhagavatam what an amazing thing to happen to someone. Somehow he had arranged the money and decided to get the full set.
On reaching his home, he did tell me that he had a full set 20 years ago and have read it also. He said he finds Krsna is very personal God and reading these books helps him develop realisations. He had his room full of books, britanica encyclopedias, other religious books too. I did realise that its only by your mercy and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy that I am also part of such transcendental propaganda work.
This year I did distribute few sets to western people also and not only Indian bodies visiting the temple. I felt your mercy in this way especially. At the same time I realised only if I become more Krsna conscious I could do so much more. Only if I could become free from anarthas sitting in the core of my heart, I could increase my service so much more. Only if I could become more regulated, I could do better service. To do all these things I beg you for a drop of the dust of your lotus feet. I have heard from Srimad Bhagavatam and the devotees Guru Krpa helps go beyond our limited capacity and achieve wonderful things in devotional seervice. You are very kind upon me to inspire me in this way. If you kindly desire so then please grant this request and allow me to become purified and fixed too. Only then I will be able to render service with proper consciousness and go beyond my limited capacity. I beg you for spiritual strength to get to a higher platform of Krsna consciousness.
Desiring to remain at your lotus feet like a menial servant eternally, a servant of your servants.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Dhirabhakta Das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisance
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your steadfastness in seva to your beloved Guru Maharaja
Each and every day I wake up surprised, surprised that one remembers Sri Krishna and have another opportunity to connect by chanting and sharing the holy names.
I sat today and read the following verse:
mūkam karoti vācālamṁ pangumṁ langhayate girim yat-krpā tam ahamṁ vande śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāranam
By the mercy of the guru, even a dumb man can become the greatest orator, and even a lame man can cross mountains. As advised by Lord Brahmā, one should remember this śāstric injunction if one desires success in his life.
It reminded me that by the mercy of Guru one can achieve the unachievable, if one simply follows the instructions carefully.
I still remember clearly the challenge you gave me so many years ago, it's so clear as if you only just had spoken it even though many years have passed.
We see in your own example you remain firm in your own determination to fulfil the wish of your own Guru Maharaja to spread the love and happiness of pure bhakti of real knowledge and understanding of the power of chanting the holy names of Sri Krishna; but more to understand the pastimes and how we can learn so much from them.
So today on your appearance day I am reminded of how extra ordinary your life is as you have given the perfect example of dedicating it in service, to save even one like me from the clutches of material nature.
And pray that somehow ones own appreciation can grow and somehow follow in your great example
Yours Humble
Dhirabhakta Das
Please accept my humble obeisance
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your steadfastness in seva to your beloved Guru Maharaja
Each and every day I wake up surprised, surprised that one remembers Sri Krishna and have another opportunity to connect by chanting and sharing the holy names.
I sat today and read the following verse:
mūkam karoti vācālamṁ pangumṁ langhayate girim yat-krpā tam ahamṁ vande śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāranam
By the mercy of the guru, even a dumb man can become the greatest orator, and even a lame man can cross mountains. As advised by Lord Brahmā, one should remember this śāstric injunction if one desires success in his life.
It reminded me that by the mercy of Guru one can achieve the unachievable, if one simply follows the instructions carefully.
I still remember clearly the challenge you gave me so many years ago, it's so clear as if you only just had spoken it even though many years have passed.
We see in your own example you remain firm in your own determination to fulfil the wish of your own Guru Maharaja to spread the love and happiness of pure bhakti of real knowledge and understanding of the power of chanting the holy names of Sri Krishna; but more to understand the pastimes and how we can learn so much from them.
So today on your appearance day I am reminded of how extra ordinary your life is as you have given the perfect example of dedicating it in service, to save even one like me from the clutches of material nature.
And pray that somehow ones own appreciation can grow and somehow follow in your great example
Yours Humble
Dhirabhakta Das
Dhruvananda Das
Dear Gurumahraja
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
In attempting to write some glorifications of you I meet with my inadequacy to do so. I even needed to look up the word “inadequacy” and I’m still not sure if it is right for expressing what I discovered. As humans in this universe we attempt to express ideas and feelings using word to which we connect meaning. My reality is entirely subjective according to how my mind reprocesses signals in my brain powered by the state of my conscious self buried somewhere under it all. Despite my hopeless situation I’m still trying to make real connections. Given these circumstances it is incredible if we can actually express anything at all let alone understand the nature of our existence.
The longer I float along these particles vibrating in the Space-time continuum contemplating my reality, the more I realise how little I understand about it let alone how to escape it. It is a good feeling for me as it invites humility and eagerness to follow qualified people. My search for qualified people has unfortunately left me very isolated. I want to avoid imposters and hypocrites but in order to do that it appears I must also avoid my conditioned self because as I dig into the layers of my fabrications I get tiny filtered glimpses of what could be my own authenticity.
This year on your auspicious appearance I’m declaring my commitment to get closer to you and your vision, oh agent of reality, and thereby also get closer to Krishna and my true self. I believe that only then I will be able to make true connections.
Your galactic distant follower
Dhruvananda Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
In attempting to write some glorifications of you I meet with my inadequacy to do so. I even needed to look up the word “inadequacy” and I’m still not sure if it is right for expressing what I discovered. As humans in this universe we attempt to express ideas and feelings using word to which we connect meaning. My reality is entirely subjective according to how my mind reprocesses signals in my brain powered by the state of my conscious self buried somewhere under it all. Despite my hopeless situation I’m still trying to make real connections. Given these circumstances it is incredible if we can actually express anything at all let alone understand the nature of our existence.
The longer I float along these particles vibrating in the Space-time continuum contemplating my reality, the more I realise how little I understand about it let alone how to escape it. It is a good feeling for me as it invites humility and eagerness to follow qualified people. My search for qualified people has unfortunately left me very isolated. I want to avoid imposters and hypocrites but in order to do that it appears I must also avoid my conditioned self because as I dig into the layers of my fabrications I get tiny filtered glimpses of what could be my own authenticity.
This year on your auspicious appearance I’m declaring my commitment to get closer to you and your vision, oh agent of reality, and thereby also get closer to Krishna and my true self. I believe that only then I will be able to make true connections.
Your galactic distant follower
Dhruvananda Dasa
Dina Dayala devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It has been a difficult 18 months for me. While I’ve done my duty as a new mother, I struggled spiritually. Now I realise that it’s easy to take certain opportunities we have to become Krishna conscious for granted. To chant before dawn after sufficient rest, to hear Srimad Bhagavatam with a steady mind, to gather with devotees and discuss topics of Krishna, and to give Krishna to others.
I see that you carefully arranged the right conditions for us to take these opportunities in the single ladies ashram. This gave us a strong impression and taste for Krishna consciousness. You arranged that we chanted all our rounds in a concentrated way from 5-7 in the morning. You made it a standard that we all read two hours a day. You inspired us to relish topics of Krishna amongst ourselves. You gave us Srila Prabhupada’s books and outreach centres to share Krishna with others.
You must have thought deeply how to facilitate our development. Thank you for caring so much for us.
Life in the grhastha ashram is starting to become more regulated for me but I feel like I am right at the beginning of Krishna consciousness again. My chanting needs attention and Srimad Bhagavatam seems a little distant. However, because of the way you trained us and the little attraction to the message of Srimad Bhagavatam that I have due to your mercy, I have a desire to tune back into the Krishna station as quickly as possible.
Today Gopinath, myself and our little boy did a book table inside the front doors of The Warehouse in St Lukes. We were doing the family business! Your book, Hiding in Unnatural Happiness was very popular with the people. A cute thing happened just as we were packing up at the end. There was nothing on the table, just a wooden trunk we were using to prop a small blackboard on. Then, a young girl of about 4 years old ran up and asked what was in the trunk. Her mother, who was chasing, told her “That’s not your box. You shouldn’t ask what is in someone else's box.” It wasn’t terribly exciting: I produced a nappy! Times have changed, haven’t they, Guru Maharaja? Dinanath played with the young girl (dropping a biro from the backpack he was being carried in onto the floor again and again for her to pickup) and I asked her mother if she would like one of our last books. She beamed, took the book in her hands with great appreciation, then hugged us with joy. I feel grateful to Bhakti Sara prabhu and Bhava Sandhi for getting us in on some real action and realise another thing: there is still no better activity than distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books.
This is all because of you. Thank you for your wonderful care, guidance and inspiration.
Your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It has been a difficult 18 months for me. While I’ve done my duty as a new mother, I struggled spiritually. Now I realise that it’s easy to take certain opportunities we have to become Krishna conscious for granted. To chant before dawn after sufficient rest, to hear Srimad Bhagavatam with a steady mind, to gather with devotees and discuss topics of Krishna, and to give Krishna to others.
I see that you carefully arranged the right conditions for us to take these opportunities in the single ladies ashram. This gave us a strong impression and taste for Krishna consciousness. You arranged that we chanted all our rounds in a concentrated way from 5-7 in the morning. You made it a standard that we all read two hours a day. You inspired us to relish topics of Krishna amongst ourselves. You gave us Srila Prabhupada’s books and outreach centres to share Krishna with others.
You must have thought deeply how to facilitate our development. Thank you for caring so much for us.
Life in the grhastha ashram is starting to become more regulated for me but I feel like I am right at the beginning of Krishna consciousness again. My chanting needs attention and Srimad Bhagavatam seems a little distant. However, because of the way you trained us and the little attraction to the message of Srimad Bhagavatam that I have due to your mercy, I have a desire to tune back into the Krishna station as quickly as possible.
Today Gopinath, myself and our little boy did a book table inside the front doors of The Warehouse in St Lukes. We were doing the family business! Your book, Hiding in Unnatural Happiness was very popular with the people. A cute thing happened just as we were packing up at the end. There was nothing on the table, just a wooden trunk we were using to prop a small blackboard on. Then, a young girl of about 4 years old ran up and asked what was in the trunk. Her mother, who was chasing, told her “That’s not your box. You shouldn’t ask what is in someone else's box.” It wasn’t terribly exciting: I produced a nappy! Times have changed, haven’t they, Guru Maharaja? Dinanath played with the young girl (dropping a biro from the backpack he was being carried in onto the floor again and again for her to pickup) and I asked her mother if she would like one of our last books. She beamed, took the book in her hands with great appreciation, then hugged us with joy. I feel grateful to Bhakti Sara prabhu and Bhava Sandhi for getting us in on some real action and realise another thing: there is still no better activity than distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books.
This is all because of you. Thank you for your wonderful care, guidance and inspiration.
Your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi.
Dinodhari 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
Dearest Gurudev,
Please accept our humble obeisances.All glories to Srila Prabhupada All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja we want to thank you for increasing our faith in Krishna Conciousness and Prabhupada’s books. We with our insignificant mind and intelligence do start to feel the importance of Prabhupadas Bhagavatam and because of your guidance and instruction we do read Srimad Bhagavatam everyday. Your instructions have made Prabhupada books a part of our daily life which was missing earlier.
Other thing we begin to realise is the seriousness we need to make an effort in trying to get taste of holyname of Krishna and then pass on that taste to others. Preaching is central part of your life and the bliss we see on your face when someone preaches Krishna to others is magical. The mood we get from your behaviour is that Krishna consciousness is not about having our own family Krishna conscious and not worrying about the rest but your mood is to become Krishna conscious and give Krishna to others.
On this auspicious day, We beg your mercy so that we can get taste of the Holy name so that we can realise Krishna’s sweet name and become more effective in giving the taste of holy name to others. We beg you to please give your mercy to taste the holy name.
Your insignificant servants,
Dindodhari Das, Satyadhari Dasi and Little Krishna Das
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dearest Gurudev,
Please accept our humble obeisances.All glories to Srila Prabhupada All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja we want to thank you for increasing our faith in Krishna Conciousness and Prabhupada’s books. We with our insignificant mind and intelligence do start to feel the importance of Prabhupadas Bhagavatam and because of your guidance and instruction we do read Srimad Bhagavatam everyday. Your instructions have made Prabhupada books a part of our daily life which was missing earlier.
Other thing we begin to realise is the seriousness we need to make an effort in trying to get taste of holyname of Krishna and then pass on that taste to others. Preaching is central part of your life and the bliss we see on your face when someone preaches Krishna to others is magical. The mood we get from your behaviour is that Krishna consciousness is not about having our own family Krishna conscious and not worrying about the rest but your mood is to become Krishna conscious and give Krishna to others.
On this auspicious day, We beg your mercy so that we can get taste of the Holy name so that we can realise Krishna’s sweet name and become more effective in giving the taste of holy name to others. We beg you to please give your mercy to taste the holy name.
Your insignificant servants,
Dindodhari Das, Satyadhari Dasi and Little Krishna Das
Divya Jnana dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Reflecting over the years in my Krsna Consciousness, you have always been there for me. A steady father who has always encouraged and helped me grow. As I wade knee deep in nappies as a grhasta, my fondest memories of you still remain. Going with you to the Ganga, walking to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s birth place and travelling around the world with you.
The older I get the more I find this material existence completely baffling. I’m not sure why the whole world is so madly attached to sense enjoyment. A few fleeting moments of pleasure and we give up our real spiritual happiness. Therefore, I pray that I develop compassion so that I can help conditioned souls get out of the fortress of maya and understand their real identity.
I remember reading one of Srila Prabhupada’s books when I was first coming to Krsna Consciousness, in it he said, we should simply pray to Krsna, “My Lord I have been a fool for so long, please accept me”. In the same way I pray to you that though I may still be a fool, I have no other shelter other than your lotus feet. Please kindly bless me that I remain your servant and endeavor to become Krsna Conscious.
Your Servant
Divya Jnana dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Reflecting over the years in my Krsna Consciousness, you have always been there for me. A steady father who has always encouraged and helped me grow. As I wade knee deep in nappies as a grhasta, my fondest memories of you still remain. Going with you to the Ganga, walking to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s birth place and travelling around the world with you.
The older I get the more I find this material existence completely baffling. I’m not sure why the whole world is so madly attached to sense enjoyment. A few fleeting moments of pleasure and we give up our real spiritual happiness. Therefore, I pray that I develop compassion so that I can help conditioned souls get out of the fortress of maya and understand their real identity.
I remember reading one of Srila Prabhupada’s books when I was first coming to Krsna Consciousness, in it he said, we should simply pray to Krsna, “My Lord I have been a fool for so long, please accept me”. In the same way I pray to you that though I may still be a fool, I have no other shelter other than your lotus feet. Please kindly bless me that I remain your servant and endeavor to become Krsna Conscious.
Your Servant
Divya Jnana dasa
Dvaravati dasi
Dear Gurudev! Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Shrila Prabhupada!
I thank you for being an example of preaching, example of renunciation and complete devotion to selfless service to ISKCON mission and Shrila Prabhupada. Your example inspires and stimulates me to follow in your footsteps in spite of lots of obstacles arising on my way to self-realization. Difficulties arise one after another – lack of faith and health problems. And it is not possible to overcome it without your mercy. Therefore in that significant for me day – the day of your Vyasa Puja, I beg for your mercy to overcome all obstacles arising on my spiritual way and to chant Krishna’s Holy Name purely. I bring to your feet my modest service – following vows given during initiation, participation in weekly nama-hatta, dressing Radha-Govinda Deities (when my health let me do it). Also I arranged a group of matajis for improvement of chanting of the Holy Name (japa). Currently we wake up before 4 a.m. (each at her house) and chant all 16 rounds trying to be attentive. The participating devotees are inspired by the group support! They improved their japas! We read Shrila Prabhupada’s books every day! Please bless this group for enlargement and give blessings for increase of the number of such groups to improve the chanting of the Holy Name of every participant of such groups and achieve pure chanting of the Holy Name!
I thank you for your sincerity in service and unlimited devotion to serve the mission of your spiritual master - Shrila Prabhupada.
HARE KRISHNA!
Sincerely yours, trying to become humble servant, Dvaravati dasi
I thank you for being an example of preaching, example of renunciation and complete devotion to selfless service to ISKCON mission and Shrila Prabhupada. Your example inspires and stimulates me to follow in your footsteps in spite of lots of obstacles arising on my way to self-realization. Difficulties arise one after another – lack of faith and health problems. And it is not possible to overcome it without your mercy. Therefore in that significant for me day – the day of your Vyasa Puja, I beg for your mercy to overcome all obstacles arising on my spiritual way and to chant Krishna’s Holy Name purely. I bring to your feet my modest service – following vows given during initiation, participation in weekly nama-hatta, dressing Radha-Govinda Deities (when my health let me do it). Also I arranged a group of matajis for improvement of chanting of the Holy Name (japa). Currently we wake up before 4 a.m. (each at her house) and chant all 16 rounds trying to be attentive. The participating devotees are inspired by the group support! They improved their japas! We read Shrila Prabhupada’s books every day! Please bless this group for enlargement and give blessings for increase of the number of such groups to improve the chanting of the Holy Name of every participant of such groups and achieve pure chanting of the Holy Name!
I thank you for your sincerity in service and unlimited devotion to serve the mission of your spiritual master - Shrila Prabhupada.
HARE KRISHNA!
Sincerely yours, trying to become humble servant, Dvaravati dasi
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your divine appearance.
Please excuse me for my limitations in writing this offering. I lack the clear expression of my thoughts but I would try my best.
We just had your divine association in Melbourne for a week and I feel very much uplifted and encouraged from it. In your lectures, interactions, question/answers, instructions, I felt that you are indeed the walking Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Lately, I have been hearing your lectures on western outreach. As I hear them more and more, my appreciation for you increases. I really like how eloquently you describe audience's state of consciousness and the issues they are facing with just the perfect words. They cut through people's misconceptions about spiritual and holistic lifestyle and give clear explanations of what is the self and real happiness by presenting the knowledge of Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam in a most appropriate way. Through your simple presentation, you would make it clear to the audience that "while seemingly speaking learned words, they really don't know what they are talking about", exactly in a same way how Krsna told Arjuna in second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
How amazingly well you understand the needs of people, no matter what background they come from. In your last trip to Melbourne, in one of your Srimad Bhagavatam lectures you addressed the devotee teenage children, what they are thinking, their hopes and thoughts on happiness outside Krsna consciousness and how it is illusory. Talking about your presentations to the Indian audience at the farm retreat, one of the guests during the retreat told me that he was quite astonished with your presentations. He wondered how well you understood the Indians and also expressed his surprise, "He called us Hybrids!" He then added, "but actually what he said is true, we are hybrids."
When you visited Melbourne at the beginning of this year you learnt about my book distribution scores from last year marathon. While I drove you to the airport, you asked me where and to whom did I distribute the books. I felt quite encouraged. Finally, just before departing, in your grave voice you said, "Very pleased! Keep distributing books and try to expand it." What could be of a greater joy then to be able to please the spiritual master. Those lines have been my meditation during my book distribution this year. Knowing that book distribution pleases you very much, I will try my best to distribute as many books as possible for your pleasure and for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
I desire but lack the intelligence, steady determination and certainly the devotion in my service unto you. However, I have the desire to be a humble instrument in your hands in spreading Krsna consciousness. Please bless me with whatever is necessary for that.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your divine appearance.
Please excuse me for my limitations in writing this offering. I lack the clear expression of my thoughts but I would try my best.
We just had your divine association in Melbourne for a week and I feel very much uplifted and encouraged from it. In your lectures, interactions, question/answers, instructions, I felt that you are indeed the walking Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Lately, I have been hearing your lectures on western outreach. As I hear them more and more, my appreciation for you increases. I really like how eloquently you describe audience's state of consciousness and the issues they are facing with just the perfect words. They cut through people's misconceptions about spiritual and holistic lifestyle and give clear explanations of what is the self and real happiness by presenting the knowledge of Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam in a most appropriate way. Through your simple presentation, you would make it clear to the audience that "while seemingly speaking learned words, they really don't know what they are talking about", exactly in a same way how Krsna told Arjuna in second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
How amazingly well you understand the needs of people, no matter what background they come from. In your last trip to Melbourne, in one of your Srimad Bhagavatam lectures you addressed the devotee teenage children, what they are thinking, their hopes and thoughts on happiness outside Krsna consciousness and how it is illusory. Talking about your presentations to the Indian audience at the farm retreat, one of the guests during the retreat told me that he was quite astonished with your presentations. He wondered how well you understood the Indians and also expressed his surprise, "He called us Hybrids!" He then added, "but actually what he said is true, we are hybrids."
When you visited Melbourne at the beginning of this year you learnt about my book distribution scores from last year marathon. While I drove you to the airport, you asked me where and to whom did I distribute the books. I felt quite encouraged. Finally, just before departing, in your grave voice you said, "Very pleased! Keep distributing books and try to expand it." What could be of a greater joy then to be able to please the spiritual master. Those lines have been my meditation during my book distribution this year. Knowing that book distribution pleases you very much, I will try my best to distribute as many books as possible for your pleasure and for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
I desire but lack the intelligence, steady determination and certainly the devotion in my service unto you. However, I have the desire to be a humble instrument in your hands in spreading Krsna consciousness. Please bless me with whatever is necessary for that.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Ekant Dham das
Hare Krsna!
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
Your Vyasa Puja Day is very special for all of us. I personally feel myself very fortunate that I have got spiritual master like you. We very often desire to talk with our spiritual master but in your Bhakti Bhava, you mention your meet with Srila Prabhupada in 1975 at BBT Office in Los Angeles. He didn’t had a word with you and all that you hear from Srila Prabhupada personally is Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. And that was all. It amazes me that only for that single expression you devoted your whole life for Srila Prabhupada as Srila Prabhupada devoted His whole life to fulfill the desire of His Spiritual Master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He had ordered Him to preach Krsna Consciousness in the West in His first meeting with His Spiritual Master. And Srila Prabhupada took this very seriously.
I pray at your lotus feet that I could be able to follow your instructions and orders to serve Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev and His dear devotees.
Thank you very much Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Ekant Dham Das
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
Your Vyasa Puja Day is very special for all of us. I personally feel myself very fortunate that I have got spiritual master like you. We very often desire to talk with our spiritual master but in your Bhakti Bhava, you mention your meet with Srila Prabhupada in 1975 at BBT Office in Los Angeles. He didn’t had a word with you and all that you hear from Srila Prabhupada personally is Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. And that was all. It amazes me that only for that single expression you devoted your whole life for Srila Prabhupada as Srila Prabhupada devoted His whole life to fulfill the desire of His Spiritual Master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He had ordered Him to preach Krsna Consciousness in the West in His first meeting with His Spiritual Master. And Srila Prabhupada took this very seriously.
I pray at your lotus feet that I could be able to follow your instructions and orders to serve Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev and His dear devotees.
Thank you very much Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Ekant Dham Das
Ekatma Gaur Dasa
Nama Om Vishnu padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devamrta Swami who is very dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurudev,
On this auspicious occasion, please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You have often spoken in your talks that the formal initiation does not necessarily translate into the change of heart that is required for genuine initiation and it may occur before the initiation, during the ceremony, after that or never at all.
I can see for myself that I am still struggling and waiting for that change of heart and still find myself lazy and due to your mercy only, I can think for real and accept this.
You always guide us through your lectures to purify our desires and then only the change in heart can occur.
And the only way to purify our desires and please Krishna is by serving the spiritual master.
Srila Prabhupada writes that:
"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."
We can see how you engage in the loving devotional service of the Lord by setting a high standard when it comes to serving the instructions of the spiritual master, which also shows that how you are empowered by Krishna to spread HIS message all over the planet.
So on this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg for your continued mercy, protection and purity of heart.
Gurudev, today I also pray at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada to bless you with a long and healthy life so that you can carry on with the mission you have taken up.
Aspiring to be your useful servant
Ekatma Gaur Das
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devamrta Swami who is very dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurudev,
On this auspicious occasion, please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You have often spoken in your talks that the formal initiation does not necessarily translate into the change of heart that is required for genuine initiation and it may occur before the initiation, during the ceremony, after that or never at all.
I can see for myself that I am still struggling and waiting for that change of heart and still find myself lazy and due to your mercy only, I can think for real and accept this.
You always guide us through your lectures to purify our desires and then only the change in heart can occur.
And the only way to purify our desires and please Krishna is by serving the spiritual master.
Srila Prabhupada writes that:
"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."
We can see how you engage in the loving devotional service of the Lord by setting a high standard when it comes to serving the instructions of the spiritual master, which also shows that how you are empowered by Krishna to spread HIS message all over the planet.
So on this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg for your continued mercy, protection and purity of heart.
Gurudev, today I also pray at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada to bless you with a long and healthy life so that you can carry on with the mission you have taken up.
Aspiring to be your useful servant
Ekatma Gaur Das
Felix Gunnarsson
Hare Krishna Devamrita Swami Maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your appearance day.
It feels slightly awkward writing this offering when I have had so little time to get to know about your holiness, but it also feels right to thank you.
I want to thank you Devamrita Swami for your service here in NZ, especially for guiding and giving Bhadrasena prabhu and Gitavali mataji strength in their services, teaching and guiding puffed up karmis... or at least one.
Thank you for the incredible patience you must have to be able to guide so many souls to and in KC.
I am truly grateful for this experience, taste and joy I've had in the association of your disciples.
The personalities I've met during this year is the most constant flow of kind, loving and sincere personalities
I've ever met during this life time (which isn't much to brag about I guess, 24 years).
But it has left me with a deep feeling of gratitude and hope for the better.
Thank you.
Saying this, I've realized I am not ready to surrender yet, mostly due to my fixation of knowing, and will be going back to Sweden in a short future.
Thank you for teaching me, and so many more about Krishna Consciousness and maybe I will understand it's value someday.
Hare Krishna.
Ys
Felix
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your appearance day.
It feels slightly awkward writing this offering when I have had so little time to get to know about your holiness, but it also feels right to thank you.
I want to thank you Devamrita Swami for your service here in NZ, especially for guiding and giving Bhadrasena prabhu and Gitavali mataji strength in their services, teaching and guiding puffed up karmis... or at least one.
Thank you for the incredible patience you must have to be able to guide so many souls to and in KC.
I am truly grateful for this experience, taste and joy I've had in the association of your disciples.
The personalities I've met during this year is the most constant flow of kind, loving and sincere personalities
I've ever met during this life time (which isn't much to brag about I guess, 24 years).
But it has left me with a deep feeling of gratitude and hope for the better.
Thank you.
Saying this, I've realized I am not ready to surrender yet, mostly due to my fixation of knowing, and will be going back to Sweden in a short future.
Thank you for teaching me, and so many more about Krishna Consciousness and maybe I will understand it's value someday.
Hare Krishna.
Ys
Felix
Felix Yan (Wellington)
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your lotus feet!
I am lazy in spiritual life and victimized by so many sense-gratificatory diversions. Until now I have simply wasted so much of my time in sense gratification, neglecting to cultivate knowledge of the Supreme Lord. The same kind of sensory stimulations are even available to hogs and dogs, by which conditioned souls are bound to unnatural birth, death, old age and disease. Deeply contaminated by false ego, the fire of my attempting to be a fake enjoyer has never been extinguished birth after birth, specie after specie.
Your divine guidance is my only means of getting out of this darkest region of ignorance because you are my transcendental eye, which, by your mercy only, I have attained after many, many births.“Yasya prasadad bhagavat prasadah”. It is through your mercy can I access the mercy of Lord Krsna. Only by your divine grace is the knowledge of the self revealed to me, even though I am not intelligent enough to understand it myself. That knowledge is the ultimate perfection of self-realization, by which the knots of attachment to the material world are cut.
The attachment for material sense objects is the cause of bondage in conditioned life. But the same attachment, when applied to pure devotees, opens the door of liberation. Pure devotees’ lives are fully devoted to Krsna’s service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Krsna. Your life is undoubtedly the epitome of a pure devotee. Without your inspiration, guidance, care and encouragement, Bhakti Lounge in Wellington would have not been established. Without Bhakti Lounge, I would still be one of those gutsy adventurers fully dive into the mission impossible of squeezing shadowy happiness out of the tossing waves of material existence. I am eternally indebted to your causeless mercy.
“Lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya” : simply by a moment’s association with a sadhu, one can attain perfection. It is my greatest fortune to have the opportunity to have your vapu and vani. But for a fool like me, a moment’s association cannot wash off the dirt in my heart accumulated for countless lives. Please bestow your mercy unto me, allowing me to associate with you for good. May I always be attached to your lotus feet and the devotees who are dedicated to serving your lotus feet.
“Jivera svarupa’ haya — krsnera nitya-dasa”: every individual soul is eternally a servitor. And I am eternally a servitor of you. Please give me the intelligence to take your instructions as my life and soul, my heart and breathe. Please help me convert my naughty mind so that I can serve you faithfully, thoroughly and selflessly, like you did to Prabhupada.
This useless steel-hearted rascal has never relished the holy name of the Lord, his tears have never flowed with love for the supreme and his hair has never stood up with trance for the absolute. His only hope lies in the shade of your lotus feet, lies in being able to satisfy you one day, even to the smallest degree.
Your menial servant,
Felix Yan
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your lotus feet!
I am lazy in spiritual life and victimized by so many sense-gratificatory diversions. Until now I have simply wasted so much of my time in sense gratification, neglecting to cultivate knowledge of the Supreme Lord. The same kind of sensory stimulations are even available to hogs and dogs, by which conditioned souls are bound to unnatural birth, death, old age and disease. Deeply contaminated by false ego, the fire of my attempting to be a fake enjoyer has never been extinguished birth after birth, specie after specie.
Your divine guidance is my only means of getting out of this darkest region of ignorance because you are my transcendental eye, which, by your mercy only, I have attained after many, many births.“Yasya prasadad bhagavat prasadah”. It is through your mercy can I access the mercy of Lord Krsna. Only by your divine grace is the knowledge of the self revealed to me, even though I am not intelligent enough to understand it myself. That knowledge is the ultimate perfection of self-realization, by which the knots of attachment to the material world are cut.
The attachment for material sense objects is the cause of bondage in conditioned life. But the same attachment, when applied to pure devotees, opens the door of liberation. Pure devotees’ lives are fully devoted to Krsna’s service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Krsna. Your life is undoubtedly the epitome of a pure devotee. Without your inspiration, guidance, care and encouragement, Bhakti Lounge in Wellington would have not been established. Without Bhakti Lounge, I would still be one of those gutsy adventurers fully dive into the mission impossible of squeezing shadowy happiness out of the tossing waves of material existence. I am eternally indebted to your causeless mercy.
“Lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya” : simply by a moment’s association with a sadhu, one can attain perfection. It is my greatest fortune to have the opportunity to have your vapu and vani. But for a fool like me, a moment’s association cannot wash off the dirt in my heart accumulated for countless lives. Please bestow your mercy unto me, allowing me to associate with you for good. May I always be attached to your lotus feet and the devotees who are dedicated to serving your lotus feet.
“Jivera svarupa’ haya — krsnera nitya-dasa”: every individual soul is eternally a servitor. And I am eternally a servitor of you. Please give me the intelligence to take your instructions as my life and soul, my heart and breathe. Please help me convert my naughty mind so that I can serve you faithfully, thoroughly and selflessly, like you did to Prabhupada.
This useless steel-hearted rascal has never relished the holy name of the Lord, his tears have never flowed with love for the supreme and his hair has never stood up with trance for the absolute. His only hope lies in the shade of your lotus feet, lies in being able to satisfy you one day, even to the smallest degree.
Your menial servant,
Felix Yan
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obesiances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, I am such a fool that I have an intense desire to enjoy this material world. The only thing that is saving me is your even more intense desire to make me Krishna conscious.
“An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of Kuntī, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them.”
(BG.5.22)
Thank you for seeing my fallen condition and for showing, by your example, where true delight is to be found.
Thank you for being a sincere and serious disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Merely by trying to write something in glorification of you is embarrassing and this embarrasment is so wonderfully purifying. Thank you for this opportunity.
Recently, amidst the whirlwinds of lust this spring, I have been finding shelter in associating with devotees, chanting Hare Krishna and distributing Krishna conscious literature.
I’m beginning to see more and more how much maya is constantly harrasing me and how I need to take more and more shelter of Krishna. I have no power of my own.
But, every year, I get a “Power up” a boost from you. Every year I take the yearly “checkup” darshan with you. And somehow or other, it seems to me, that my entire spiritual progress for the year that I have just traversed, happens in that brief meeting.
You look at me. As far as I can tell, Your transcendental glance removes another layer of ignorance from my thick covering of dullness. Each year, by your grace, it gets easier to take shelter of Krishna in various ways.
So thank you Gurudeva. Merely by your pleasure, solely because of your mercy, I am gradually becoming Krishna conscious. I just pray I can stay on board your boat of mercy, all the while trying to help others scramble aboard.
One of my favourite things in trying to become Krishna conscious is each year I get to realize more just how amazing you are.
Recently I heard a lecture you gave in Chicago when Amani Gaurahari was travelling with you. It was on the loft style preaching and the contemporary Vedic Ashram. I was in awe at just how intelligent you are. Just by hearing you speak on the planning, the organistion and dynamics of this style of outreach made me revel in your brilliance.
So how much more brilliant is your practical execution of this intelligence, which you have shown here “down under” in New Zealand.
I began to reflect. “WOW”. My visiting one of your outreach centres in New Zealand (Bhakiti lounge) wasn’t just some small chance happening. But, it’s the result of a sincere and serious servant of Krishna, applying their full intellect in the Lord’s service, thinking of how to save fallen souls according to time, place and circumstance.
Thank you for allowing me to continue to try to become Krishna conscious. I can’t do it, but each year, I know if I can stay in the association of devotees, continue chanting Hare Krishna, and reaching out to others, then you’ll be pleased, just by my desperate attempts to hold on to your lotus feet.
It is said in CC.Antya.16.60
“The dust of the feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the feet of a devotee, and the remnants of food left by a devotee are three very powerful substances.”
Thank you for allowing me to practically realize the potency of these substances. Needless to say, by your association, or by contacting any of these three forms of mercy, my taste and desire for hearing and chanting about Krishna increases.
Caitanya Vihar recently asked me about my relationship with you., As I thought about it, I was simply amazed. For someone who I physically spend so little time with, you have the greatest influence on my life. Your instructions are so potent. Even a moment in your association sends all my doubts into oblivion.
I just wish that I could realize your vani more. I anxiously wait for the day when your words are firmly embedded in my consciousness, with no chance for any petty, silly, insignificant material desires to distract me.
Ultimately Gurudeva, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to associate with your sincere and serious disciples. In this way, I hope that one day I can also become sincere and serious, so that instead of begging you for so much mercy, I can begin to unreservedly and wholeheartedly ask you:
How can I serve you?
What can I do for you?
Please instruct me.
Aspiring to one day fully appreciate your unlimited glories.
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Please accept my humble obesiances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, I am such a fool that I have an intense desire to enjoy this material world. The only thing that is saving me is your even more intense desire to make me Krishna conscious.
“An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of Kuntī, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them.”
(BG.5.22)
Thank you for seeing my fallen condition and for showing, by your example, where true delight is to be found.
Thank you for being a sincere and serious disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Merely by trying to write something in glorification of you is embarrassing and this embarrasment is so wonderfully purifying. Thank you for this opportunity.
Recently, amidst the whirlwinds of lust this spring, I have been finding shelter in associating with devotees, chanting Hare Krishna and distributing Krishna conscious literature.
I’m beginning to see more and more how much maya is constantly harrasing me and how I need to take more and more shelter of Krishna. I have no power of my own.
But, every year, I get a “Power up” a boost from you. Every year I take the yearly “checkup” darshan with you. And somehow or other, it seems to me, that my entire spiritual progress for the year that I have just traversed, happens in that brief meeting.
You look at me. As far as I can tell, Your transcendental glance removes another layer of ignorance from my thick covering of dullness. Each year, by your grace, it gets easier to take shelter of Krishna in various ways.
So thank you Gurudeva. Merely by your pleasure, solely because of your mercy, I am gradually becoming Krishna conscious. I just pray I can stay on board your boat of mercy, all the while trying to help others scramble aboard.
One of my favourite things in trying to become Krishna conscious is each year I get to realize more just how amazing you are.
Recently I heard a lecture you gave in Chicago when Amani Gaurahari was travelling with you. It was on the loft style preaching and the contemporary Vedic Ashram. I was in awe at just how intelligent you are. Just by hearing you speak on the planning, the organistion and dynamics of this style of outreach made me revel in your brilliance.
So how much more brilliant is your practical execution of this intelligence, which you have shown here “down under” in New Zealand.
I began to reflect. “WOW”. My visiting one of your outreach centres in New Zealand (Bhakiti lounge) wasn’t just some small chance happening. But, it’s the result of a sincere and serious servant of Krishna, applying their full intellect in the Lord’s service, thinking of how to save fallen souls according to time, place and circumstance.
Thank you for allowing me to continue to try to become Krishna conscious. I can’t do it, but each year, I know if I can stay in the association of devotees, continue chanting Hare Krishna, and reaching out to others, then you’ll be pleased, just by my desperate attempts to hold on to your lotus feet.
It is said in CC.Antya.16.60
“The dust of the feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the feet of a devotee, and the remnants of food left by a devotee are three very powerful substances.”
Thank you for allowing me to practically realize the potency of these substances. Needless to say, by your association, or by contacting any of these three forms of mercy, my taste and desire for hearing and chanting about Krishna increases.
Caitanya Vihar recently asked me about my relationship with you., As I thought about it, I was simply amazed. For someone who I physically spend so little time with, you have the greatest influence on my life. Your instructions are so potent. Even a moment in your association sends all my doubts into oblivion.
I just wish that I could realize your vani more. I anxiously wait for the day when your words are firmly embedded in my consciousness, with no chance for any petty, silly, insignificant material desires to distract me.
Ultimately Gurudeva, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to associate with your sincere and serious disciples. In this way, I hope that one day I can also become sincere and serious, so that instead of begging you for so much mercy, I can begin to unreservedly and wholeheartedly ask you:
How can I serve you?
What can I do for you?
Please instruct me.
Aspiring to one day fully appreciate your unlimited glories.
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Gaura Kishore Dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
So here we are yet another year has passed and once more I stand wondering where the time has gone whilst whistfully contemplating how many moments I have wasted still chasing the mirage. At the same time I observe how once more you have valued every precious moment of the last year in serving the mission of your Spritual Master and in your presonal practices. Your example both in your interpersonal dealings as well as in your preaching show how eternally relevant the wisdom of Krsna Conciousness is and how if we simply focus our attention to reading and applying the teachings found in Srila Prabhupada's books all success will be found.
It is this zeal that sets the marker down for all of us, if we truly wish to live up to the das family line then we must always remain relevant to both others and ourselves in keeping Krsna in the forefront of all we do. In this way I pray that one day I may also taste that nectar which you are so readily tasting despite the challenges thrown at you through your responsibilites as a GBC, Guru and guide to your wayward children.
Thank you for your continued care guidance and tolerance.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
So here we are yet another year has passed and once more I stand wondering where the time has gone whilst whistfully contemplating how many moments I have wasted still chasing the mirage. At the same time I observe how once more you have valued every precious moment of the last year in serving the mission of your Spritual Master and in your presonal practices. Your example both in your interpersonal dealings as well as in your preaching show how eternally relevant the wisdom of Krsna Conciousness is and how if we simply focus our attention to reading and applying the teachings found in Srila Prabhupada's books all success will be found.
It is this zeal that sets the marker down for all of us, if we truly wish to live up to the das family line then we must always remain relevant to both others and ourselves in keeping Krsna in the forefront of all we do. In this way I pray that one day I may also taste that nectar which you are so readily tasting despite the challenges thrown at you through your responsibilites as a GBC, Guru and guide to your wayward children.
Thank you for your continued care guidance and tolerance.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
Gaura Mantra devi dasi
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaja,
please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Your glorious Appearance Day.
This year I've been thinking very often how I do not understand how guru-tattva functions, how some of Your actions words and decisions are such a mystery to me. I cannot read You at all, unless You allow it to happen from time to time. This year You so mercifully let me do some personal services to You, something i've been hoping for and patiently waiting for for some years now. Sure enough, You picked the time when I least expected and definitely least deserved this mercy, causeless mercy. Cannot read guru-tattva.
Gurudev, I am eternally indebted to You for these sweet, family, very long awaited memories. I cannot comprehend the platform You are operating on, but I can cooperate with it with all my heart and intelligence (not my mind, You never liked it much anyway).
Please accept this humble attempt to glorify You and purify myself.
In the world with no meaning,
You teach us how to make a living,
Not through career, money, or prestige,
No, You teach us how to find the niche
In serving Krishna, You, and Lord Caitanya.
Shut down your own cookie factory
And get eternally employed in Krishna’s
Such condition is mandatory
One day will penetrate thick skulls of some of us.
Devotee care, outreach go hand in hand
Like stitch to stitch.
A very sober voice reminds us
“Do practice what you preach”.
You travel tirelessly far
Pure devotee as You are
With time You jump the rope on par,
Trying to please Your guru, master,
Without it disciple’s life is disaster.
Your words in classes form the mantras
When dancing kirtans become tantras,
Your pure bhakti shines for all
Enough to our own dormant re-install.
Without You I have no value,
In person something very hard to tell You.
Vani-vapuh ratio will prove
The depth of these words
As You are so aloof.
“Chant
As if your life depended on it, coz it does”
Instructs
His Holiness Devamrita Swami, DAS.
Your aspiring servant,
Gaura-Mantra dasi.
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 offer apologies for all the offenses I may have done at your lotus feet. Being a conditioned soul full of ignorance, I am very insignificant and certainly not worthy of having such a wonderful spiritual master. Yet out of your causeless mercy you have given me a chance to become one of your disciples. Having you as my spiritual master is and has been the greatest blessing I have received from the Vaishnavas. I wish I could be more expert at following your instructions. Somehow be able to dedicate my life completely to the service of my spiritual master, and manage to engage my wife Gokulesvari and my son Nitai to your eternal service. Yet I am so weak, and ignorant that it is taking me quite an effort to simply follow your most basic instructions. Now that it is going to be four years since my initiation I wish I could for once and for all surrender my false ego and serve you completely and eternally. Dear Guru Maharaj, please give your blessings to my very qualified wife Gokulesvari and to my baby devotee Nitai. I am so much attached to them due to my false ego, that I am begging for your blessings to this fallen family whose husband and father is a big fool. Please let us be close to you through your instructions, so we may all go back to Krishna in this lifetime.
Your insignificant servant,
Gaura Nataraj Das and Family.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the glorious day of your Vyasa Puja I would like to offer apologies for all the offenses I may have done at your lotus feet. Being a conditioned soul full of ignorance, I am very insignificant and certainly not worthy of having such a wonderful spiritual master. Yet out of your causeless mercy you have given me a chance to become one of your disciples. Having you as my spiritual master is and has been the greatest blessing I have received from the Vaishnavas. I wish I could be more expert at following your instructions. Somehow be able to dedicate my life completely to the service of my spiritual master, and manage to engage my wife Gokulesvari and my son Nitai to your eternal service. Yet I am so weak, and ignorant that it is taking me quite an effort to simply follow your most basic instructions. Now that it is going to be four years since my initiation I wish I could for once and for all surrender my false ego and serve you completely and eternally. Dear Guru Maharaj, please give your blessings to my very qualified wife Gokulesvari and to my baby devotee Nitai. I am so much attached to them due to my false ego, that I am begging for your blessings to this fallen family whose husband and father is a big fool. Please let us be close to you through your instructions, so we may all go back to Krishna in this lifetime.
Your insignificant servant,
Gaura Nataraj Das and Family.
Gaura-arati Dasi
Gurudeva, my eternal father and master,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!
When navigating the road to Auckland using the GPS I decided to take a short cut that wasn’t the suggested route. After turning on to the alternate road the GPS starting saying “make a u-turn, head back to the route, make a u-turn, head back to the route”. This made me think about how you painstakingly do this for us again and again as our attention becomes overly absorbed in the non-permanent. Your inexhaustible compassion is manifest in how you are always prepared to help the sincere person come out of illusion and into the dynamic ever fresh life of devotional service. You care for us like the best of fathers, keeping us on track, reminding us of what is essential.
In your last visit to Wellington you were urging us to realise how we are living in an atmosphere of forgetfulness. One point you made was “The material atmosphere means forgetfulness of everything essential and remembering everything non-essential.” I doubt material existence could be summed up in a more concise and precise way! Your intelligence knows no bounds. Thank you for using every inch of your life to remind us of what is essential by both your teachings and your personal example. Anyone who has spent time around you knows that every action you perform is full of purpose, you never waste a moment, or a penny whimsically, everything is for Krishna’s service, for Krishna’s pleasure.
The first stop on our trip was New Gupta Vraja. After we planted a tree, Sukha sindhu and Jiva doya showed us the latest track they’ve been working on. They’re opening up some ponds which beforehand were overgrown and covered by an algae type substance. Duckweed was also creeping up from the bottom. These ponds have great potential to be beautiful sadhu sanga sitting areas, but some serious endeavour (which these devotees were putting in) is required for that potential to manifest.
When in Auckland I got to spend time with my dear friend Bhava sandhi. She was telling me how Vedavyasa Priya Maharaja recently gave class and was saying how “being stagnant stinks” in regards to our spiritual life, and how we should always be having new realisations. I thought of these ponds and I thought of my life and agreed indeed, being stagnant stinks.
We were also fortunate enough to visit the Yatra’s new property in Kaiwaka. One of the many natural opulences on their land is the fresh water flow. Gushing from the depths of the mountain, filtered and enriched with minerals from the rocks and decorated with pristine waterfalls these fresh water outlets are super revitalising to be around, and they are so clean and pure you can bathe and even drink right from them. I thought of you and how your association and instructions are so refreshing, how you’re so dynamic in your service to Srila Prabhupada and how you’re rich in purity.
In terms of our spiritual lives, what is it that distinguishes the stagnant from the progressive and exuberant? From my little exerience I've noticed - A humble attitude with great eagerness to serve to whatever capacity we have, an openness to being corrected, the understanding that we are in fact fallen and thus a deep desire to be transformed into something offerable. All this surcharges a daily endeavour for purification by attentive application of the simple and sublime Bhakti process you have made accessible to us.
Especially in the grhastha ashram the purpose of our lives becomes easily sidetracked and even forgotten. We can get so caught up in maintaining ourselves and our families that we lose track of what we are maintaining ourselves for. Spiritual stagnation can set in. Another day goes by and how much love have I developed? How much service to the eternal have I rendered? This can cause dryness, loss of spiritual drive and intelligence, our hearts may even retract. I can’t begin to imagine what you really see, from the vantage point of purified consciousness, when we come to you, bewildered and dreamy, taking our bodily and mental coverings to be the absolute truth, we have not been careful and our sadhana has again taken a back seat. But again you so lovingly and patiently direct us back to the essential, back to Krishna. You tell us to ‘take a u-turn and get back to the route’ - if we want to make progress you engage us so we can.
I have memories etched deep in my mind of times over the years when you’ve given me stern wake up calls, shaking me out of my hallucinations and attachments, you’ve set me back on the path that ensures shelter at your lotus feet, which, because you are a bonafide spiritual master, in pure connection with the parampara, is non different from the shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet. What could be more desirable or cherish-able than this? I am ever grateful for these instances of correction, also known as, real love.
Serving your instructions gives me protection from the deadliest of enemies, my mind and false ego, and those instructions also allow the sublime sweetness of the guru disciple relationship to flow. Thank you for giving me this most fortunate opportunity. I pray that I will be able to reciprocate with all you have given me, although I do not know how this is even possible.
You have given me life and thus my life is owed to you. I have no plan or idea that could be better than service to you and the devotees. There is nothing else worth living for, there really isn’t. Thus I pray to you Gurudeva on this most wonderful day of your appearance to continue to remind me of the purpose of my existence, to keep me on track with what really matters, and to help me develop some devotion so that Krishna may one day accept me. Please always keep me in the association of your progressive disciples so I may serve them.
Your ever grateful daughter and servant,
Gaura-arati dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!
When navigating the road to Auckland using the GPS I decided to take a short cut that wasn’t the suggested route. After turning on to the alternate road the GPS starting saying “make a u-turn, head back to the route, make a u-turn, head back to the route”. This made me think about how you painstakingly do this for us again and again as our attention becomes overly absorbed in the non-permanent. Your inexhaustible compassion is manifest in how you are always prepared to help the sincere person come out of illusion and into the dynamic ever fresh life of devotional service. You care for us like the best of fathers, keeping us on track, reminding us of what is essential.
In your last visit to Wellington you were urging us to realise how we are living in an atmosphere of forgetfulness. One point you made was “The material atmosphere means forgetfulness of everything essential and remembering everything non-essential.” I doubt material existence could be summed up in a more concise and precise way! Your intelligence knows no bounds. Thank you for using every inch of your life to remind us of what is essential by both your teachings and your personal example. Anyone who has spent time around you knows that every action you perform is full of purpose, you never waste a moment, or a penny whimsically, everything is for Krishna’s service, for Krishna’s pleasure.
The first stop on our trip was New Gupta Vraja. After we planted a tree, Sukha sindhu and Jiva doya showed us the latest track they’ve been working on. They’re opening up some ponds which beforehand were overgrown and covered by an algae type substance. Duckweed was also creeping up from the bottom. These ponds have great potential to be beautiful sadhu sanga sitting areas, but some serious endeavour (which these devotees were putting in) is required for that potential to manifest.
When in Auckland I got to spend time with my dear friend Bhava sandhi. She was telling me how Vedavyasa Priya Maharaja recently gave class and was saying how “being stagnant stinks” in regards to our spiritual life, and how we should always be having new realisations. I thought of these ponds and I thought of my life and agreed indeed, being stagnant stinks.
We were also fortunate enough to visit the Yatra’s new property in Kaiwaka. One of the many natural opulences on their land is the fresh water flow. Gushing from the depths of the mountain, filtered and enriched with minerals from the rocks and decorated with pristine waterfalls these fresh water outlets are super revitalising to be around, and they are so clean and pure you can bathe and even drink right from them. I thought of you and how your association and instructions are so refreshing, how you’re so dynamic in your service to Srila Prabhupada and how you’re rich in purity.
In terms of our spiritual lives, what is it that distinguishes the stagnant from the progressive and exuberant? From my little exerience I've noticed - A humble attitude with great eagerness to serve to whatever capacity we have, an openness to being corrected, the understanding that we are in fact fallen and thus a deep desire to be transformed into something offerable. All this surcharges a daily endeavour for purification by attentive application of the simple and sublime Bhakti process you have made accessible to us.
Especially in the grhastha ashram the purpose of our lives becomes easily sidetracked and even forgotten. We can get so caught up in maintaining ourselves and our families that we lose track of what we are maintaining ourselves for. Spiritual stagnation can set in. Another day goes by and how much love have I developed? How much service to the eternal have I rendered? This can cause dryness, loss of spiritual drive and intelligence, our hearts may even retract. I can’t begin to imagine what you really see, from the vantage point of purified consciousness, when we come to you, bewildered and dreamy, taking our bodily and mental coverings to be the absolute truth, we have not been careful and our sadhana has again taken a back seat. But again you so lovingly and patiently direct us back to the essential, back to Krishna. You tell us to ‘take a u-turn and get back to the route’ - if we want to make progress you engage us so we can.
I have memories etched deep in my mind of times over the years when you’ve given me stern wake up calls, shaking me out of my hallucinations and attachments, you’ve set me back on the path that ensures shelter at your lotus feet, which, because you are a bonafide spiritual master, in pure connection with the parampara, is non different from the shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet. What could be more desirable or cherish-able than this? I am ever grateful for these instances of correction, also known as, real love.
Serving your instructions gives me protection from the deadliest of enemies, my mind and false ego, and those instructions also allow the sublime sweetness of the guru disciple relationship to flow. Thank you for giving me this most fortunate opportunity. I pray that I will be able to reciprocate with all you have given me, although I do not know how this is even possible.
You have given me life and thus my life is owed to you. I have no plan or idea that could be better than service to you and the devotees. There is nothing else worth living for, there really isn’t. Thus I pray to you Gurudeva on this most wonderful day of your appearance to continue to remind me of the purpose of my existence, to keep me on track with what really matters, and to help me develop some devotion so that Krishna may one day accept me. Please always keep me in the association of your progressive disciples so I may serve them.
Your ever grateful daughter and servant,
Gaura-arati dasi
Gaura-bhumi Devi Dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most blessed occasion of Sri Vyasa Puja.
mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ
paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande
śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam
'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.'
I am a fledgling in spiritual life. My creeper of devotion is but a sprout. Your instructions are watering me, cultivating me.
I've never met someone who has such faith in me as you do. This hit me like a ton of bricks during the retreat at the Midrand temple in June. I spent the weekend encompassed in a cocoon of compassion and genuine love. Something I had never truly experienced before. Your guidance and instructions have set my soul on fire with the need to please the Lord. All my time spent with you reaffirms that I have found what I've been searching for, for countless lifetimes - a father who loves and guides unconditionally.
Your illustrious character gives us an inkling as to what Srila Prabhupada was like in his physical presence.
By your mercy, may I cross over the mountain of material illusion and one day begin to eloquently glorify the Absolute Truth and His devotees. May I always remain a humble and foolish servant before my Spiritual master, ever-eager to learn more about Krishna.
Aspiring to be a servant
Gaura-bhumi Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most blessed occasion of Sri Vyasa Puja.
mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ
paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande
śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam
'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.'
I am a fledgling in spiritual life. My creeper of devotion is but a sprout. Your instructions are watering me, cultivating me.
I've never met someone who has such faith in me as you do. This hit me like a ton of bricks during the retreat at the Midrand temple in June. I spent the weekend encompassed in a cocoon of compassion and genuine love. Something I had never truly experienced before. Your guidance and instructions have set my soul on fire with the need to please the Lord. All my time spent with you reaffirms that I have found what I've been searching for, for countless lifetimes - a father who loves and guides unconditionally.
Your illustrious character gives us an inkling as to what Srila Prabhupada was like in his physical presence.
By your mercy, may I cross over the mountain of material illusion and one day begin to eloquently glorify the Absolute Truth and His devotees. May I always remain a humble and foolish servant before my Spiritual master, ever-eager to learn more about Krishna.
Aspiring to be a servant
Gaura-bhumi Devi Dasi
Gauranga Prema das
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this occasion of your vyasa puja.
Taking a step back in time, to when I returned to Melbourne after the 2010/11 Otaki retreat determined that I would move to New Zealand and take to Bhakti Yoga, I recall speaking with some of the devotees there. Telling them I wanted to move to New Zealand, some would give me a grave look and comment "New Zealand? Devamrita Swami heads up that area. You know what that means don't you?... Book Distribution."
Dun Dun Duuhhh.
Not really knowing what that meant at the time, I wasn't fazed by their attempts at encouraging advice. I travelled on, and finally landed in your brahmacari ashram in Auckland, which can be honestly attributed only to your mercy.
Occasionally now when I speak with devotees on my travels and say that my main services are book distribution and catering, I sometimes hear them ask "Book distribution? What about Harinama?" Recently I began considering this point and, looking at my own situation, realised something wonderful about the programme you have established for us in this ashram.
The Yuga Dharma is certainly Nama Sankirtan. Considering this, our daily programme of Mangala Arti, Guru Puja, Japa, evening Sad Goswami Astakam, along with Loft and University kirtan, means I'm constatnly engaged in Nama Sankirtan. The facility provided here in Auckland is one of such simplicity that we can easily absorb ourselves in hearing and chanting. Book Distribution is simply an extension of the chanting of the Holy Names. Book Distributors are constantly engaged in Harinama: We carry the Brihat Mridunga, Prabhupada's books carry the Holy Name, and each exchange is a yajna in service to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
Ironically, when I told devotees that I wished to take initiation from His Holiness Janananda Goswami, some would comment "Maharaja is Harinama Acarya." and certainly he has a love for Harinama. When I am blessed with the opportunity to travel with him and we go on Harinama I always think "Now is my chance to simply dance for Lord Caitanya." Only to hear Maharaja call out "Come on, don't be slack, get your books, get your book bag, there has to be books going out on Harinama!"
Whether it is cook or books, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity to serve you and Prabhupada in this way. I apologise for my weakness of heart, lack of enthusiasm, and inability to properly engage in the service opportunities you provide this unworthy conditioned soul, and beg for a small drop of your determination to see the will of the Spiritual Master be carried out despite all obstacles.
Aspiring to become the servant of your servants
Gauranga Prema das
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this occasion of your vyasa puja.
Taking a step back in time, to when I returned to Melbourne after the 2010/11 Otaki retreat determined that I would move to New Zealand and take to Bhakti Yoga, I recall speaking with some of the devotees there. Telling them I wanted to move to New Zealand, some would give me a grave look and comment "New Zealand? Devamrita Swami heads up that area. You know what that means don't you?... Book Distribution."
Dun Dun Duuhhh.
Not really knowing what that meant at the time, I wasn't fazed by their attempts at encouraging advice. I travelled on, and finally landed in your brahmacari ashram in Auckland, which can be honestly attributed only to your mercy.
Occasionally now when I speak with devotees on my travels and say that my main services are book distribution and catering, I sometimes hear them ask "Book distribution? What about Harinama?" Recently I began considering this point and, looking at my own situation, realised something wonderful about the programme you have established for us in this ashram.
The Yuga Dharma is certainly Nama Sankirtan. Considering this, our daily programme of Mangala Arti, Guru Puja, Japa, evening Sad Goswami Astakam, along with Loft and University kirtan, means I'm constatnly engaged in Nama Sankirtan. The facility provided here in Auckland is one of such simplicity that we can easily absorb ourselves in hearing and chanting. Book Distribution is simply an extension of the chanting of the Holy Names. Book Distributors are constantly engaged in Harinama: We carry the Brihat Mridunga, Prabhupada's books carry the Holy Name, and each exchange is a yajna in service to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
Ironically, when I told devotees that I wished to take initiation from His Holiness Janananda Goswami, some would comment "Maharaja is Harinama Acarya." and certainly he has a love for Harinama. When I am blessed with the opportunity to travel with him and we go on Harinama I always think "Now is my chance to simply dance for Lord Caitanya." Only to hear Maharaja call out "Come on, don't be slack, get your books, get your book bag, there has to be books going out on Harinama!"
Whether it is cook or books, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity to serve you and Prabhupada in this way. I apologise for my weakness of heart, lack of enthusiasm, and inability to properly engage in the service opportunities you provide this unworthy conditioned soul, and beg for a small drop of your determination to see the will of the Spiritual Master be carried out despite all obstacles.
Aspiring to become the servant of your servants
Gauranga Prema das
Gaurangachandra das
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Gurudev
Although we spend very little time with you whenever you are here in Los Angeles, it always remains very ecstatic in memory. It is amazing how you plan and manage the time in the busy schedules of your spiritual service.
Often, when I read Srila Prabhupada's books and relish I remember how much you insisted that I read books regardless of whatever service I do. I can never forget that Gurudev.
On this auspicious day, we sincerely thank you all you have given and pray to Krishna that you have a very healthy and long life so that you can guide many many souls in the path of Krishna consciousness.
Your Servants,
Gaurangachandra das, Chandrakala and Swethaa.
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Gurudev
Although we spend very little time with you whenever you are here in Los Angeles, it always remains very ecstatic in memory. It is amazing how you plan and manage the time in the busy schedules of your spiritual service.
Often, when I read Srila Prabhupada's books and relish I remember how much you insisted that I read books regardless of whatever service I do. I can never forget that Gurudev.
On this auspicious day, we sincerely thank you all you have given and pray to Krishna that you have a very healthy and long life so that you can guide many many souls in the path of Krishna consciousness.
Your Servants,
Gaurangachandra das, Chandrakala and Swethaa.
Giselle
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the prayers we sing every morning to their Lordships Sri Sri Doyal Nitai Gaura Hari, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura writes that the spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy.
samsara davanala lidha loka
tranaya karunya ghanaghanatvam
Gurudeva, I will never understand the ocean of mercy in your heart, so graciously willing and wanting and waiting to extinguish the fires of material existence burning in the hearts of every living entity in this world. I feel so undeserved of all your love you have poured upon me like a rain cloud, and I pray every day that I can one day become a perfect instrument in fulfilling your life’s mission of pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, in a bid to invoke compassion within me, you have taught me the true meaning of selfishness. To be selfish is to take advantage of this most rare opportunity we have to perform devotional service to Krishna, and to use this opportunity to bring others to Krishna. This is where real self-interest lies. I am so so grateful to have a father like you, who cares so deeply and knows what is within the utmost interests of my real ‘self’. Every day in the city I see girls ruining themselves in the name of self-interest. Their faces are hard and grey and with a gross air of vanity they play the mask of callousness and indifference to men. But when I speak to them I can see what you pointed out to me in a darshan - people will place themselves in hellish situations because they cannot tolerate being alone. There are sane people out there, you told me, forced to act like they’re crazy and killing themselves out of loneliness. The compassion in your heart when you spoke about such topics, Gurudeva, struck a fire in the depths of my heart.
Who other than yourself, a soul in total surrender to Krishna, can save these people from forever rotating in complete isolation on the wheel of samsara. In countless births within countless universes, how rare an opportunity it is that one may have the greatest fortune of meeting someone like you who can plant the seed of devotion in their hearts.
How can I become a beacon for these people without your mercy Gurudeva? It is only by your causeless mercy that I am even able to feel, at most, some sympathy for the suffering of another living entity other than myself. As I sit in the relief station of your guidance, protection and shelter, you are endlessly travelling out of your determination to give your life to every suffering soul. If it so pleases you Gurudeva, please do not let me remain as a stagnant, selfish rock. The fire you struck in my heart is something new. Something I have never experienced before. It is the desire to serve someone other than myself.
Please let me be of service to you Gurudeva. This is the only true mission of my life.
Thank you for saving me Gurudeva, a drowning girl in a darkening nightmare of total ignorance. Thank you for planting the seed of devotion in my heart. By Krishna’s mercy you came along and waved your lotus-shaped fingers. By Your mercy, loneliness is replaced with love.
When I read Srimad Bhagavatam, I am so grateful to have real women with chaste qualities to hear about. I am so thankful to live in an ashram with ladies who aren’t trying to exploit themselves but rather to serve the mission of their spiritual master and purify their hearts for Krishna’s service. I am blessed to have the association of saints and angels in a community based on loving compassion. And I pray, Gurudeva, that I may be able to take fuller and fuller advantage of this miraculous opportunity to perform devotional service in the association of devotees.
Hoping to be of some service to you,
Your aspiring servant,
Giselle
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the prayers we sing every morning to their Lordships Sri Sri Doyal Nitai Gaura Hari, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura writes that the spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy.
samsara davanala lidha loka
tranaya karunya ghanaghanatvam
Gurudeva, I will never understand the ocean of mercy in your heart, so graciously willing and wanting and waiting to extinguish the fires of material existence burning in the hearts of every living entity in this world. I feel so undeserved of all your love you have poured upon me like a rain cloud, and I pray every day that I can one day become a perfect instrument in fulfilling your life’s mission of pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, in a bid to invoke compassion within me, you have taught me the true meaning of selfishness. To be selfish is to take advantage of this most rare opportunity we have to perform devotional service to Krishna, and to use this opportunity to bring others to Krishna. This is where real self-interest lies. I am so so grateful to have a father like you, who cares so deeply and knows what is within the utmost interests of my real ‘self’. Every day in the city I see girls ruining themselves in the name of self-interest. Their faces are hard and grey and with a gross air of vanity they play the mask of callousness and indifference to men. But when I speak to them I can see what you pointed out to me in a darshan - people will place themselves in hellish situations because they cannot tolerate being alone. There are sane people out there, you told me, forced to act like they’re crazy and killing themselves out of loneliness. The compassion in your heart when you spoke about such topics, Gurudeva, struck a fire in the depths of my heart.
Who other than yourself, a soul in total surrender to Krishna, can save these people from forever rotating in complete isolation on the wheel of samsara. In countless births within countless universes, how rare an opportunity it is that one may have the greatest fortune of meeting someone like you who can plant the seed of devotion in their hearts.
How can I become a beacon for these people without your mercy Gurudeva? It is only by your causeless mercy that I am even able to feel, at most, some sympathy for the suffering of another living entity other than myself. As I sit in the relief station of your guidance, protection and shelter, you are endlessly travelling out of your determination to give your life to every suffering soul. If it so pleases you Gurudeva, please do not let me remain as a stagnant, selfish rock. The fire you struck in my heart is something new. Something I have never experienced before. It is the desire to serve someone other than myself.
Please let me be of service to you Gurudeva. This is the only true mission of my life.
Thank you for saving me Gurudeva, a drowning girl in a darkening nightmare of total ignorance. Thank you for planting the seed of devotion in my heart. By Krishna’s mercy you came along and waved your lotus-shaped fingers. By Your mercy, loneliness is replaced with love.
When I read Srimad Bhagavatam, I am so grateful to have real women with chaste qualities to hear about. I am so thankful to live in an ashram with ladies who aren’t trying to exploit themselves but rather to serve the mission of their spiritual master and purify their hearts for Krishna’s service. I am blessed to have the association of saints and angels in a community based on loving compassion. And I pray, Gurudeva, that I may be able to take fuller and fuller advantage of this miraculous opportunity to perform devotional service in the association of devotees.
Hoping to be of some service to you,
Your aspiring servant,
Giselle
Gitavali devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisance on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Now is the time to glorify you my dear spiritual master, yet I feel so inadequate to do so. I'm not the most scholarly or the most gifted with words, nor a good poet, but I will attempt to display a piece of my heart on how much you mean to me. Last year at this time, I was just beginning to adjust to the new lifestyle of motherhood. I didn't get a chance to pay my homage to you properly, so this year, I will do my best to express my love and gratitude to you.
It's been 10 years since, I went to my first Vyasa Puja celebration in your honour. As a new devotee, I followed your advice, and moved to the Melbourne Temple. As soon as I arrived, I felt welcomed there. I trusted that you knew what was right for me at the time, and to me, it felt like home. I was surrounded by so many friendly faces, most of whom were your hospitable disciples. I realized then, that I felt like I belonged to a very special spiritual family. And also the cooks did an incredible job to cook your feast. I still remember Dandakaranya prabhu's srikand. Through them and their homages to you, I was convinced of your ever increasing greatness.
My faith in you increased as I lived in the association of your disciples; sweet, enthusiastic and caring devotees, and as I read the Srimad Bhagavatam, I began to understand who I'm taking shelter of. A genuine spiritually empowered man of knowledge capable of shattering our material desires even by a single glance. A true representative of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Gurudeva, I may not understand everything that I read in the SB, like the planetary systems and the different intricacies of karma and material nature, but what I do know for sure, is that I trust you with all my heart. I have faith because you have implicit faith in your Guru and Krishna. There is no doubt about that. I am convinced because of your actions, mind and words are totally and completely keenly devoted to spreading this wonderful path to as many people as possible. We can all see it when you lead Kirtan. You are undoubtedly tasting the nectar which we are all hankering for.
Your time is never wasted, travelling here and there, so much travelling...Too much travelling?
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
"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."
(Śvetasvatara Upanisad 6.23)
Indeed, you are such a great soul. So dedicated and staunch in your own faith in Krishna and Prabhupada, you continue to travel, sacrificing your health for the benefit of those who come to meet you and hear your talks all over the world.
You always amaze me with your complete dedication to spreading the teachings of this Bhakti movement contemporary and innovative way. There's so much more to say and do to push on this incredible movement and I'm so grateful to be under your shelter and guidance, surrounded by the Loft devotees and a husband who is surrendered to pleasing you. It's been over 4 years that we started inviting young aspiring bhakti yogi men to live with us in a congenial atmosphere. This type of lifestyle is actually inspiring to witness as these men transform into swans, to see them be caring towards one another and even bringing up a sweet child has been a blessing, surrounded by them. Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement in this endeavour.
I may have my hands full, but it's not going to stop me. I want to grab this opportunity to re-affirm that I intend to do great things for you Gurudeva. I want to continue giving Krishna to others as much as I am capable of, all the while raising our son in an outreach atmosphere, infused with love, compassion, tolerance, patience and gratitude, following in your footsteps.
I beg to remain your humble servant,
Gitavali devi dasi
Side note. A nectar story:
My mother last year spent 8 weeks living with us at the ashram. (On time for Balai's appearance) She was received very well by our adoptive young practitioners and had a really great time living in an international communal setting. She had such a great time, that about a month after she got back to Canada, she put her house on the market and placed an offer on a bigger house. She had made a big decision to open her home to foreign exchange students. So by January 2016, she had a young Chinese girl living with her and going to high school up the road. Now, she has two Chinese students living with her.
Over the years, she's accumulated her "Krishna library", books that I've given her over the years and has a beautiful wooden murti of Krishna that she bought at a yearly auction to raise funds for India's less fortunate souls.
So last week, she was so happy to share this story with me. One of the Chinese girls invited a friend from school to come over for dinner. In the cabinet, where the books were on display, from across the table, the young visitor, who happened to be from Nepal saw Krishna's murti and exclaimed: "You have Krishna!? You have the Gita! Wow! I haven't been to the temple for over two years since I've been living and studying in Canada.'' She was so touched that this older Western woman would have these incredible jewels that she grew up with. My mother was quite moved by her reaction that she gave her a spare copy of your book: Hiding in Unnatural Happiness. I had left a copy at her place when I last visited which was meant for someone else, but it ended up in Shraddha's hands. Where it was meant to go.
Please accept my humble obeisance on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Now is the time to glorify you my dear spiritual master, yet I feel so inadequate to do so. I'm not the most scholarly or the most gifted with words, nor a good poet, but I will attempt to display a piece of my heart on how much you mean to me. Last year at this time, I was just beginning to adjust to the new lifestyle of motherhood. I didn't get a chance to pay my homage to you properly, so this year, I will do my best to express my love and gratitude to you.
It's been 10 years since, I went to my first Vyasa Puja celebration in your honour. As a new devotee, I followed your advice, and moved to the Melbourne Temple. As soon as I arrived, I felt welcomed there. I trusted that you knew what was right for me at the time, and to me, it felt like home. I was surrounded by so many friendly faces, most of whom were your hospitable disciples. I realized then, that I felt like I belonged to a very special spiritual family. And also the cooks did an incredible job to cook your feast. I still remember Dandakaranya prabhu's srikand. Through them and their homages to you, I was convinced of your ever increasing greatness.
My faith in you increased as I lived in the association of your disciples; sweet, enthusiastic and caring devotees, and as I read the Srimad Bhagavatam, I began to understand who I'm taking shelter of. A genuine spiritually empowered man of knowledge capable of shattering our material desires even by a single glance. A true representative of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Gurudeva, I may not understand everything that I read in the SB, like the planetary systems and the different intricacies of karma and material nature, but what I do know for sure, is that I trust you with all my heart. I have faith because you have implicit faith in your Guru and Krishna. There is no doubt about that. I am convinced because of your actions, mind and words are totally and completely keenly devoted to spreading this wonderful path to as many people as possible. We can all see it when you lead Kirtan. You are undoubtedly tasting the nectar which we are all hankering for.
Your time is never wasted, travelling here and there, so much travelling...Too much travelling?
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
"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."
(Śvetasvatara Upanisad 6.23)
Indeed, you are such a great soul. So dedicated and staunch in your own faith in Krishna and Prabhupada, you continue to travel, sacrificing your health for the benefit of those who come to meet you and hear your talks all over the world.
You always amaze me with your complete dedication to spreading the teachings of this Bhakti movement contemporary and innovative way. There's so much more to say and do to push on this incredible movement and I'm so grateful to be under your shelter and guidance, surrounded by the Loft devotees and a husband who is surrendered to pleasing you. It's been over 4 years that we started inviting young aspiring bhakti yogi men to live with us in a congenial atmosphere. This type of lifestyle is actually inspiring to witness as these men transform into swans, to see them be caring towards one another and even bringing up a sweet child has been a blessing, surrounded by them. Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement in this endeavour.
I may have my hands full, but it's not going to stop me. I want to grab this opportunity to re-affirm that I intend to do great things for you Gurudeva. I want to continue giving Krishna to others as much as I am capable of, all the while raising our son in an outreach atmosphere, infused with love, compassion, tolerance, patience and gratitude, following in your footsteps.
I beg to remain your humble servant,
Gitavali devi dasi
Side note. A nectar story:
My mother last year spent 8 weeks living with us at the ashram. (On time for Balai's appearance) She was received very well by our adoptive young practitioners and had a really great time living in an international communal setting. She had such a great time, that about a month after she got back to Canada, she put her house on the market and placed an offer on a bigger house. She had made a big decision to open her home to foreign exchange students. So by January 2016, she had a young Chinese girl living with her and going to high school up the road. Now, she has two Chinese students living with her.
Over the years, she's accumulated her "Krishna library", books that I've given her over the years and has a beautiful wooden murti of Krishna that she bought at a yearly auction to raise funds for India's less fortunate souls.
So last week, she was so happy to share this story with me. One of the Chinese girls invited a friend from school to come over for dinner. In the cabinet, where the books were on display, from across the table, the young visitor, who happened to be from Nepal saw Krishna's murti and exclaimed: "You have Krishna!? You have the Gita! Wow! I haven't been to the temple for over two years since I've been living and studying in Canada.'' She was so touched that this older Western woman would have these incredible jewels that she grew up with. My mother was quite moved by her reaction that she gave her a spare copy of your book: Hiding in Unnatural Happiness. I had left a copy at her place when I last visited which was meant for someone else, but it ended up in Shraddha's hands. Where it was meant to go.
Gokula lila dd
Dear Guru maharaja,
please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Your devotional career is extraordinary, heart-stirring and inconceivable.
I ponder if one needed a CV to be enlisted in Lord Caitanya’s army what yours would look like. Your CV would be so attractive to the Panca tattva that no personal letter would need to accompany it.
Devamrita swami’s personal profile:
Gurudeva live’s and breaths Srila Prabhupada’s mission and mood. Although only having a little personal interaction with Srila Prabhupada he has held tightly to his instruction’s, books and mission staunchly for over four decades.
He take’s deep shelter in Srila Prabhuapada’s books and oozes that love to everyone he meets. “Read Srila Prabhuapad’s and distribute them to other’s”
Gurudeva is so determined.
He was out on traveling Sankirtan after three weeks living in the temple. He was coined the ‘hard luck kid’ because he struggled on the street to distribute many books but had so much determination he even became traveling sankirtan leader. Many people who took books from in him in those days became devotees.
Gurudeva is a hero.
As a young brahmacari he was eager to take up yajna that won Srila Prabhupada’s blessings.
He was part of the team that practically didn’t sleep to put together Caitanya caitamrta.
For eight years he went behind the iron curtain to give Krishna to other’s. Risking his life, hiding or running from the police & KGB. One man he preached to in Bulgaria in those eight years became one of the main preachers who inspired other’s to take up Krishna consciousness many in Bulgaria are thankful to Gurudeva for his efforts then.
Gurudeva is empowered by Srila Prabhupada.
He play’s many extraordinary leadership roles in ISKCON, which all come with their strains and challenges which Gurudeva handles with a cool head and grateful heart. To name a few GBC, Initiating spiritual master and recently BTGH director.
No project in ISKCON is too difficult for him to deal with or revitalise, he’s been called back to the USA to revive the western outreach & oversee Gita nagari farm.
Gurudeva is a sadhu.
He has a all good qualities. He is equipoised and beyond the mood of passion, free from envy, lust and greed. He’s following Rupa Gosvami’s instruction from Upadresamrta- he can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals.
He possess all the qualities of a sadhu as stated in SB
The symptoms of a sadhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
Of all devotees Gururdeva was chosen to chair an intense ten day meeting in Mayapur recently his saintly character is recognised all over ISKCON.
Gurudeva is an exceptional teacher.
As a preacher and spiritual master Gurudeva know’s just what to say, what not to say, when to say it and how.
He’s on the cutting edge with current events and trends. He even comes up with the most cutting edge, catchy title’s for his own workshops-‘the happiness hunt-illusion or confusion’, ‘Me, the sweet control freak’, ‘the yoga of spiritual lust & greed’,
No audience is unconquerable by him. Young, old, this race or that culture Gurudeva know’s how to present Krishna consciousness to them in a way they can relate.
A business man recently came upon a lecture online he gave in London and invited Gurudeva to come and speak at an event in the USA and pre ordered many of his books ‘Hiding in unnatural happiness’ to give to the audience.
The end of the devotional CV of Gurudeva is nowhere in sight.
Just as the glories of Gurudeva have no end.
May I always remain close too and assist such a determined, empowered, sadhu and master.
Your servant, Gokul lila dd
please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Your devotional career is extraordinary, heart-stirring and inconceivable.
I ponder if one needed a CV to be enlisted in Lord Caitanya’s army what yours would look like. Your CV would be so attractive to the Panca tattva that no personal letter would need to accompany it.
Devamrita swami’s personal profile:
Gurudeva live’s and breaths Srila Prabhupada’s mission and mood. Although only having a little personal interaction with Srila Prabhupada he has held tightly to his instruction’s, books and mission staunchly for over four decades.
He take’s deep shelter in Srila Prabhuapada’s books and oozes that love to everyone he meets. “Read Srila Prabhuapad’s and distribute them to other’s”
Gurudeva is so determined.
He was out on traveling Sankirtan after three weeks living in the temple. He was coined the ‘hard luck kid’ because he struggled on the street to distribute many books but had so much determination he even became traveling sankirtan leader. Many people who took books from in him in those days became devotees.
Gurudeva is a hero.
As a young brahmacari he was eager to take up yajna that won Srila Prabhupada’s blessings.
He was part of the team that practically didn’t sleep to put together Caitanya caitamrta.
For eight years he went behind the iron curtain to give Krishna to other’s. Risking his life, hiding or running from the police & KGB. One man he preached to in Bulgaria in those eight years became one of the main preachers who inspired other’s to take up Krishna consciousness many in Bulgaria are thankful to Gurudeva for his efforts then.
Gurudeva is empowered by Srila Prabhupada.
He play’s many extraordinary leadership roles in ISKCON, which all come with their strains and challenges which Gurudeva handles with a cool head and grateful heart. To name a few GBC, Initiating spiritual master and recently BTGH director.
No project in ISKCON is too difficult for him to deal with or revitalise, he’s been called back to the USA to revive the western outreach & oversee Gita nagari farm.
Gurudeva is a sadhu.
He has a all good qualities. He is equipoised and beyond the mood of passion, free from envy, lust and greed. He’s following Rupa Gosvami’s instruction from Upadresamrta- he can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals.
He possess all the qualities of a sadhu as stated in SB
The symptoms of a sadhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
Of all devotees Gururdeva was chosen to chair an intense ten day meeting in Mayapur recently his saintly character is recognised all over ISKCON.
Gurudeva is an exceptional teacher.
As a preacher and spiritual master Gurudeva know’s just what to say, what not to say, when to say it and how.
He’s on the cutting edge with current events and trends. He even comes up with the most cutting edge, catchy title’s for his own workshops-‘the happiness hunt-illusion or confusion’, ‘Me, the sweet control freak’, ‘the yoga of spiritual lust & greed’,
No audience is unconquerable by him. Young, old, this race or that culture Gurudeva know’s how to present Krishna consciousness to them in a way they can relate.
A business man recently came upon a lecture online he gave in London and invited Gurudeva to come and speak at an event in the USA and pre ordered many of his books ‘Hiding in unnatural happiness’ to give to the audience.
The end of the devotional CV of Gurudeva is nowhere in sight.
Just as the glories of Gurudeva have no end.
May I always remain close too and assist such a determined, empowered, sadhu and master.
Your servant, Gokul lila dd
Goloka Prem devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj! Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I congratulate You with Vyasa-puja day. I am attracted by Your devotion to Srila Prabhupada, renunciation, deep knowledge and ability to transmit it.
Sincerely Yours,
Goloka Prem devi dasi
I congratulate You with Vyasa-puja day. I am attracted by Your devotion to Srila Prabhupada, renunciation, deep knowledge and ability to transmit it.
Sincerely Yours,
Goloka Prem devi dasi
Gopa-Vrndesa Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obiesances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine appearance day
Vyasa Puja is the opportunity for disciples to officially render glorifications, prayers and offerings to the spiritual master, whereas our daily devotional life inherently incorporates glorification of guru, supplication for mercy etc along with other limbs of bhakti. Today, I feel very happy and grateful to have this opportunity to pen a few words for your pleasure.
I felt extremely fortunate being in your personal presence a few days back, rendering some insignificant service, observing your activities and hearing your powerful words. Naturally, I started reflecting on you.
Your personality glows like a multi faceted jewel beaming qualities of a pure vaisnava and the essence of this jewel is deep absorption in loving devotional service to Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. When I spent some time around you I witnessed your immersion in serving Krsna, your face sometime sober, sometime beaming, I hear your callings for Krsna, “Hare Krsna,” “Jaya Saci Nandana” in deep and longing voice. Suddenly I felt that I am awakened from the sleep of ignorance and I felt as if all misgivings are shattered within. Your absorption in Krsna manifests all pure qualities in you and your thoughts, words and actions inspire and guide your followers.
I have heard many of your lecture and discussions and I can strongly feel how you carry the words and mood of Srila Prabhupada. In a recent discussion that I heard, you were adeptly analysing the love topic from socio-economic, political and scientific point of views grounded in the realities of modern western life. The well rounded discussion had many deep observations, critiques of the current world views, wit and humour, your global experiences, while simultaneously driving the essential point of non-material self and the highest attainment of Love Supreme. Once again I got the realisation that you preach the same words of Srila Prabhupada in the same mood without getting into the esoteric philosophies or stories, however, in your own unique style using perfect nomenclature aimed at flawless connection to the audience and their transformation! You connect all devotees in their own level in their languages may be technical, scientific, or poetic and you speak as if you were one among us having similar feelings and perspectives on our fields or backgrounds.
My mind may be contemplating on different problems or concerns, however, when I come and sit in front of you, many problems that I face fade to insignificance. I feel this is a practical realisation of “kurvanti govatsa-padaṁ bhavābdhim” the ocean of material existence is shrunk into the water in a calf’s hoof print. Following your instructions, may be just a few words, make such a difference to our consciousness.
tvayy ambujākṣākhila-sattva-dhāmni
samādhināveśita-cetasaike
tvat-pāda-potena mahat-kṛtena
kurvanti govatsa-padaṁ bhavābdhim
O lotus-eyed Lord, by concentrating one's meditation on Your lotus feet, which are the reservoir of all existence, and by accepting those lotus feet as the boat by which to cross the ocean of nescience, one follows in the footsteps of mahājanas [great saints, sages and devotees]. By this simple process, one can cross the ocean of nescience as easily as one steps over the hoofprint of a calf. SB 10.2. 30
The above verse is about the protection of the Lord and we receive that protection though your words and your presence.
I feel deep gratitude to you for accepting me as your servant, for engaging me in chanting the names of Krsna, for instructing me in all circumstances, and I feel more connected as the years roll by and I can see the same connection extends to Srila Prabhupada, the bhakti process and the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna. I pray that I can play some role in your mission in pleasing Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krsna.
Your Servant,
Gopa Vrndesa Dasa
Please accept my humble obiesances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine appearance day
Vyasa Puja is the opportunity for disciples to officially render glorifications, prayers and offerings to the spiritual master, whereas our daily devotional life inherently incorporates glorification of guru, supplication for mercy etc along with other limbs of bhakti. Today, I feel very happy and grateful to have this opportunity to pen a few words for your pleasure.
I felt extremely fortunate being in your personal presence a few days back, rendering some insignificant service, observing your activities and hearing your powerful words. Naturally, I started reflecting on you.
Your personality glows like a multi faceted jewel beaming qualities of a pure vaisnava and the essence of this jewel is deep absorption in loving devotional service to Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. When I spent some time around you I witnessed your immersion in serving Krsna, your face sometime sober, sometime beaming, I hear your callings for Krsna, “Hare Krsna,” “Jaya Saci Nandana” in deep and longing voice. Suddenly I felt that I am awakened from the sleep of ignorance and I felt as if all misgivings are shattered within. Your absorption in Krsna manifests all pure qualities in you and your thoughts, words and actions inspire and guide your followers.
I have heard many of your lecture and discussions and I can strongly feel how you carry the words and mood of Srila Prabhupada. In a recent discussion that I heard, you were adeptly analysing the love topic from socio-economic, political and scientific point of views grounded in the realities of modern western life. The well rounded discussion had many deep observations, critiques of the current world views, wit and humour, your global experiences, while simultaneously driving the essential point of non-material self and the highest attainment of Love Supreme. Once again I got the realisation that you preach the same words of Srila Prabhupada in the same mood without getting into the esoteric philosophies or stories, however, in your own unique style using perfect nomenclature aimed at flawless connection to the audience and their transformation! You connect all devotees in their own level in their languages may be technical, scientific, or poetic and you speak as if you were one among us having similar feelings and perspectives on our fields or backgrounds.
My mind may be contemplating on different problems or concerns, however, when I come and sit in front of you, many problems that I face fade to insignificance. I feel this is a practical realisation of “kurvanti govatsa-padaṁ bhavābdhim” the ocean of material existence is shrunk into the water in a calf’s hoof print. Following your instructions, may be just a few words, make such a difference to our consciousness.
tvayy ambujākṣākhila-sattva-dhāmni
samādhināveśita-cetasaike
tvat-pāda-potena mahat-kṛtena
kurvanti govatsa-padaṁ bhavābdhim
O lotus-eyed Lord, by concentrating one's meditation on Your lotus feet, which are the reservoir of all existence, and by accepting those lotus feet as the boat by which to cross the ocean of nescience, one follows in the footsteps of mahājanas [great saints, sages and devotees]. By this simple process, one can cross the ocean of nescience as easily as one steps over the hoofprint of a calf. SB 10.2. 30
The above verse is about the protection of the Lord and we receive that protection though your words and your presence.
I feel deep gratitude to you for accepting me as your servant, for engaging me in chanting the names of Krsna, for instructing me in all circumstances, and I feel more connected as the years roll by and I can see the same connection extends to Srila Prabhupada, the bhakti process and the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna. I pray that I can play some role in your mission in pleasing Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krsna.
Your Servant,
Gopa Vrndesa Dasa
Gopala Guru dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotus feet.
I have recently been reflecting on the services you have engaged me in and how fortunate I am to have been engaged in such services. Participating in managing aspects of Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement is no ordinary thing, it is a great privilege that comes with many benefits, one of which is intense purification.
Management would be easy if organisations and the people within them worked like machines; each component of the machine is built in a certain type of way to fit in a particular place to do a predetermined task. The challenge is that when dealing with people it doesn’t quite work like that, there are errors and emotions that come into play. And when engaging devotees in service there is also the process of anartha nivritti in play whereby devotees go through moments of intense purification, hence they can sometimes come into difficulties.
In order to help us with this service you send articles on management concepts and methodologies, how to engage people with certain psychologies or propensities, in order for us to better engage devotees in Krishna’s service. You council us in how to deal with difficult situations, complex situations involving devotees in disagreement.
Just recently I heard your advice on a situation involving some devotees who had a disagreement, both parties had valid points and were correct in their conclusions. Your advice was that the relationship between the devotees was the most important thing, not necessarily who was right or wrong, and that instruction paved the way forward for mending the situation. This approach you have taught is amazing; devotee relationships first. This principle has had a big impact on me and I have no doubt that if devotees follow it we will ensure the longevity of our Krishna conscious relationships, the longevity of our outreach as well as the fulfilment of our ultimate goal – Krishna prema.
Being engaged as a manager in Krishna’s service, as a service for His devotees, I have and will have plenty more opportunities to put this principle into practice. Through your guidance I am starting to see this foundational principle of devotional management more clearly, its reasoning, its implications and effects.
I am thankful for your training and guidance.
I am thankful for the opportunities you have given me to be humble, and to be humbled.
I am thankful for the association you have given me, your personal association and the association of the community of devotees.
Having a puffed up male false ego with choleric tendencies I can often stubbornly latch onto things like a dog to a bone, although getting better I still have a long way to go. I pray for the humility to be able to better serve you and the devotees, taking to heart all that you have taught me.
Thank you for everything you have given me Gurudeva, you have given me the most invaluable gift of Krishnas service and the tools to go about engaging in it. I can never repay you for that gift, however I will keep on endeavouring to please you because I am very grateful for all you have done for me.
Your servant,
Gopala Guru dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotus feet.
I have recently been reflecting on the services you have engaged me in and how fortunate I am to have been engaged in such services. Participating in managing aspects of Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement is no ordinary thing, it is a great privilege that comes with many benefits, one of which is intense purification.
Management would be easy if organisations and the people within them worked like machines; each component of the machine is built in a certain type of way to fit in a particular place to do a predetermined task. The challenge is that when dealing with people it doesn’t quite work like that, there are errors and emotions that come into play. And when engaging devotees in service there is also the process of anartha nivritti in play whereby devotees go through moments of intense purification, hence they can sometimes come into difficulties.
In order to help us with this service you send articles on management concepts and methodologies, how to engage people with certain psychologies or propensities, in order for us to better engage devotees in Krishna’s service. You council us in how to deal with difficult situations, complex situations involving devotees in disagreement.
Just recently I heard your advice on a situation involving some devotees who had a disagreement, both parties had valid points and were correct in their conclusions. Your advice was that the relationship between the devotees was the most important thing, not necessarily who was right or wrong, and that instruction paved the way forward for mending the situation. This approach you have taught is amazing; devotee relationships first. This principle has had a big impact on me and I have no doubt that if devotees follow it we will ensure the longevity of our Krishna conscious relationships, the longevity of our outreach as well as the fulfilment of our ultimate goal – Krishna prema.
Being engaged as a manager in Krishna’s service, as a service for His devotees, I have and will have plenty more opportunities to put this principle into practice. Through your guidance I am starting to see this foundational principle of devotional management more clearly, its reasoning, its implications and effects.
I am thankful for your training and guidance.
I am thankful for the opportunities you have given me to be humble, and to be humbled.
I am thankful for the association you have given me, your personal association and the association of the community of devotees.
Having a puffed up male false ego with choleric tendencies I can often stubbornly latch onto things like a dog to a bone, although getting better I still have a long way to go. I pray for the humility to be able to better serve you and the devotees, taking to heart all that you have taught me.
Thank you for everything you have given me Gurudeva, you have given me the most invaluable gift of Krishnas service and the tools to go about engaging in it. I can never repay you for that gift, however I will keep on endeavouring to please you because I am very grateful for all you have done for me.
Your servant,
Gopala Guru dasa
Gopikaa Sonthalia
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Hare Krishna, I love you very much Gurudeva.
I hope you have a nice birthday in New Zealand, I wish I was also there.
I would like to serve your lotus feet.
Please help me to control my mind and senses in Krishna's service.
Your servant Gopikaa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Hare Krishna, I love you very much Gurudeva.
I hope you have a nice birthday in New Zealand, I wish I was also there.
I would like to serve your lotus feet.
Please help me to control my mind and senses in Krishna's service.
Your servant Gopikaa
Gopimana devi dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your appearance day.
Thank you so much for inspiring my life,no words can describe how great you are! Always sharing the transcendental knowledge to the world year after year, saving lots of fallen souls, like me. Traveling must be exhausting, but every time when i see you, you always look happy and full of energy to help people. Sometimes i wish i could do something a little bit like you, but i am limited. All glories to your transcendental activities!
Happy Birthday!
your servant and daughter,
Gopimana devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your appearance day.
Thank you so much for inspiring my life,no words can describe how great you are! Always sharing the transcendental knowledge to the world year after year, saving lots of fallen souls, like me. Traveling must be exhausting, but every time when i see you, you always look happy and full of energy to help people. Sometimes i wish i could do something a little bit like you, but i am limited. All glories to your transcendental activities!
Happy Birthday!
your servant and daughter,
Gopimana devi dasi
Gopipremamrita Devi Dasi
Hare Krsna Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please Accept My humble obeisance at your Lotus Feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupad!
I take this auspicious day as an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you Guru Maharaj and to seek your blessings. It’s been a while since we started practising Krsna consciousness. When I think how I have been able to practise bhakthi so far I then realise that its only because of your mercy that I have been able to sustain in Bhakthi.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarawasti Maharaj in his article on Guru Tattva says
"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 divya-jnana, transcendental knowledge"
Guru Maharaj please give me the vision to understand and appreciate your mercy that's been reflected in all objects and in every entity.
You always mention that Bhakthi should be practised under guidance and with good association we can cross over any obstacles in the path of Bhkathi. Thank you Guru Maharaj for your wonderful guidance and blessing me with few wonderful devotee association who keeps me going in the path of Bhakthi. Also, thank you for giving me such a wonderful God family.
Srila Bhaktivinodha Thakura says
kripa-bindu diya, koro’ ei dase,
trinapekha ati hina
sakala sahane, bala diya koro’,
nija-mane spriha-hina
"Gurudev! By a drop of your mercy, make this servant of yours humbler than a blade of grass.Giving me strength to bear all trails and troubles, make me devoid of all desires for personal honor.
Guru Maharaj as my family responsibility is going to increase with the addition of one more kid, I need more strength and commitment to follow the path of Bhakthi. I wholeheartedly beg you to give me strength to bear all trails and troubles and help me to hold on tightly to chanting, reading and hearing.
Quite often I have observed an attitude in me where in any service I do, I'm doing it not with the desire to please the lord but just for the desire of personal honor. Guru Maharaj by drop of your mercy please help me to develop an attitude to do service only with the intention to please the lord and nothing else.
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.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for accepting me as your spiritual daughter.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
gopipremamrita devi dasi
Please Accept My humble obeisance at your Lotus Feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupad!
I take this auspicious day as an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you Guru Maharaj and to seek your blessings. It’s been a while since we started practising Krsna consciousness. When I think how I have been able to practise bhakthi so far I then realise that its only because of your mercy that I have been able to sustain in Bhakthi.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarawasti Maharaj in his article on Guru Tattva says
"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 divya-jnana, transcendental knowledge"
Guru Maharaj please give me the vision to understand and appreciate your mercy that's been reflected in all objects and in every entity.
You always mention that Bhakthi should be practised under guidance and with good association we can cross over any obstacles in the path of Bhkathi. Thank you Guru Maharaj for your wonderful guidance and blessing me with few wonderful devotee association who keeps me going in the path of Bhakthi. Also, thank you for giving me such a wonderful God family.
Srila Bhaktivinodha Thakura says
kripa-bindu diya, koro’ ei dase,
trinapekha ati hina
sakala sahane, bala diya koro’,
nija-mane spriha-hina
"Gurudev! By a drop of your mercy, make this servant of yours humbler than a blade of grass.Giving me strength to bear all trails and troubles, make me devoid of all desires for personal honor.
Guru Maharaj as my family responsibility is going to increase with the addition of one more kid, I need more strength and commitment to follow the path of Bhakthi. I wholeheartedly beg you to give me strength to bear all trails and troubles and help me to hold on tightly to chanting, reading and hearing.
Quite often I have observed an attitude in me where in any service I do, I'm doing it not with the desire to please the lord but just for the desire of personal honor. Guru Maharaj by drop of your mercy please help me to develop an attitude to do service only with the intention to please the lord and nothing else.
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.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for accepting me as your spiritual daughter.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
gopipremamrita devi dasi
Govinda Darsana dasa
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
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your services to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha and Krishna
A heartfelt appearance day to you Gurudev.
Position of a Guru has been immensely glorified throughout the scriptures. Guru is the tunnel that carries Krishna’s mercy and lets it flow to the places where it is necessary. Gurudev, you are the perfect example of this. You have risked your life in the past and have been living a very austere life for last four decades, for distributing the nectar of Krishna consciousness to the unapproachable corners of the world and to the not so interested foolish and fallen souls. As you have often said in your lectures that a family man concerns just for his family and is therefore limited to his family’s welfare only; contrarily, you left all these worldly pleasures for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission to care for the whole world.
Your compassion for everyone’s welfare is incomparable and glorified. Glimpse of your love for Srila Prabhupada is seen when you follow his preaching style of presenting Vedic knowledge in an easy and modern way, without accepting any compromise on the authenticity of sastras. Your deep faith in Krishna and realizations in the process is worth glorifying.
Your personal guidance and soft heart towards me is my treasure. I desperately, like others in Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir, wait to hear from your nectarine mouth, the glorification of Krishna. Thanks for accepting this lost soul as your disciple and offering a chance to serve Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. On this auspicious day, I beg forgiveness for my mistakes and seek your kind blessings so that I could serve you and this movement of Mahaprabhu. On this special day I pray to The Lord for your healthy life.
I pray that one day I could develop the taste required to follow your instructions.
Your disciple and learning to become your servant
Govinda Darsana dasa
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your services to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha and Krishna
A heartfelt appearance day to you Gurudev.
Position of a Guru has been immensely glorified throughout the scriptures. Guru is the tunnel that carries Krishna’s mercy and lets it flow to the places where it is necessary. Gurudev, you are the perfect example of this. You have risked your life in the past and have been living a very austere life for last four decades, for distributing the nectar of Krishna consciousness to the unapproachable corners of the world and to the not so interested foolish and fallen souls. As you have often said in your lectures that a family man concerns just for his family and is therefore limited to his family’s welfare only; contrarily, you left all these worldly pleasures for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission to care for the whole world.
Your compassion for everyone’s welfare is incomparable and glorified. Glimpse of your love for Srila Prabhupada is seen when you follow his preaching style of presenting Vedic knowledge in an easy and modern way, without accepting any compromise on the authenticity of sastras. Your deep faith in Krishna and realizations in the process is worth glorifying.
Your personal guidance and soft heart towards me is my treasure. I desperately, like others in Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir, wait to hear from your nectarine mouth, the glorification of Krishna. Thanks for accepting this lost soul as your disciple and offering a chance to serve Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. On this auspicious day, I beg forgiveness for my mistakes and seek your kind blessings so that I could serve you and this movement of Mahaprabhu. On this special day I pray to The Lord for your healthy life.
I pray that one day I could develop the taste required to follow your instructions.
Your disciple and learning to become your servant
Govinda Darsana dasa
Govinda Kunda Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances onto your lotus feet.
It's a matter of great fortune for me to get an opportunity to glorify your holiness, who is a true servant of his spiritual master. Gurudeva, I'm really amazed to hear your lectures, you know so well how to attract everyone to Krishna Consciousness in the happiest and wonderful way.
You are always acting for the benefit of others and are full of Krishna bhakti. Under your guidance Krishna Conscious movement is a place for everyone. By your mercy, I can understand what it means that a real vaishnava is like a desire tree. By your desire and effort living entities like myself are getting an opportunity to be engaged in spiritual activities.
Haridasa Thakur was praised for his preaching and his nice behaviour as a devotee. I certainly see these qualities in you. You are both an inspirational follower and leader at the same time. Your deep knowledge of scriptures along with the strategies of how to apply the knowledge according to time and circumstances makes us very fortunate.
I pray to Srila Prabhupada to keep assisting you in your fully dedicated service to him
Your humble servant,
Govinda kunda devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances onto your lotus feet.
It's a matter of great fortune for me to get an opportunity to glorify your holiness, who is a true servant of his spiritual master. Gurudeva, I'm really amazed to hear your lectures, you know so well how to attract everyone to Krishna Consciousness in the happiest and wonderful way.
You are always acting for the benefit of others and are full of Krishna bhakti. Under your guidance Krishna Conscious movement is a place for everyone. By your mercy, I can understand what it means that a real vaishnava is like a desire tree. By your desire and effort living entities like myself are getting an opportunity to be engaged in spiritual activities.
Haridasa Thakur was praised for his preaching and his nice behaviour as a devotee. I certainly see these qualities in you. You are both an inspirational follower and leader at the same time. Your deep knowledge of scriptures along with the strategies of how to apply the knowledge according to time and circumstances makes us very fortunate.
I pray to Srila Prabhupada to keep assisting you in your fully dedicated service to him
Your humble servant,
Govinda kunda devi dasi
Hamsa-sanga das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances.
A pure devotee's activities are known all over the three worlds because of his preaching effort to tell others about Krsna everywhere he goes. Ebe jasa jusuk tribuvana.
Your intense dedication to take Srila Prabhupada's instructions to heart completely inspires me so much. It's a complete selfless mood, very hard to receive. Yasa prasadad bhagavad prasado yasya prasadan na gatih kuto pi
Only my mercy of spiritual master can you get mercy of Krsna. You receive the mercy by pleasing the spiritual master by following his instructions. By absorbing yourself in Prabhupada's desires you are so dear to Krsna.
And Krsna is such a lovely Lord that he is absolutely captured by the pure devotee's efforts to please and satisfy Him. As I learnt in the Govardhan lila when the Vraja basis were making all nice foods for Giri Govardhan and they ran out because He ate too much, still the Vraja basis prepared whatever they could get more. And Krsna was finished. So sold out.
I please beg that i can get a drop of mercy just to try and start to please your representatives. Then if I'm fortunate, some how ill get your divine mercy.
Your small servant
Hamsa-sanga das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
A pure devotee's activities are known all over the three worlds because of his preaching effort to tell others about Krsna everywhere he goes. Ebe jasa jusuk tribuvana.
Your intense dedication to take Srila Prabhupada's instructions to heart completely inspires me so much. It's a complete selfless mood, very hard to receive. Yasa prasadad bhagavad prasado yasya prasadan na gatih kuto pi
Only my mercy of spiritual master can you get mercy of Krsna. You receive the mercy by pleasing the spiritual master by following his instructions. By absorbing yourself in Prabhupada's desires you are so dear to Krsna.
And Krsna is such a lovely Lord that he is absolutely captured by the pure devotee's efforts to please and satisfy Him. As I learnt in the Govardhan lila when the Vraja basis were making all nice foods for Giri Govardhan and they ran out because He ate too much, still the Vraja basis prepared whatever they could get more. And Krsna was finished. So sold out.
I please beg that i can get a drop of mercy just to try and start to please your representatives. Then if I'm fortunate, some how ill get your divine mercy.
Your small servant
Hamsa-sanga das
Hamsa-sanga dasa
Hare krsna guru maharaj
Please accept my humble obsciences.
A pure devotees activities is known all over the 3 worlds because of his preaching effort to tell others about krsna everywhere he goes. Ebe jasa jusuk tribuvana.
Your intense dedication to take srila prabhupadas instructions at heart completly inspires so.much. its a complete selfless mood very hard to recieve. Yasa pradad bhagavad prasado yasya prasadan na gatih kuto pi
Only my mercy of spiritual u can get mercy of krsna. You recieve the mercy by please the spiritual master by follow his instructions.
By absorbing your self in prabhupadas desires you are so dear to krsna.
And krsna is such a lovely lord that he is absolutly captured by the pure devotees efforts to please and satisfy him. As i learnt in the govardhan lila when the vraja basis were making all nice foods for giri govardhan and they ran out because he ate too much still the vraja basi prepared whatever they could get more. And krsna was finished. so sold out.
I please beg that i can get a drop of mercy just to try and start to please your representatives. Then if im fortune some how ill get your divine mercy.
Your small servant
hamsa sanga das.
Please accept my humble obsciences.
A pure devotees activities is known all over the 3 worlds because of his preaching effort to tell others about krsna everywhere he goes. Ebe jasa jusuk tribuvana.
Your intense dedication to take srila prabhupadas instructions at heart completly inspires so.much. its a complete selfless mood very hard to recieve. Yasa pradad bhagavad prasado yasya prasadan na gatih kuto pi
Only my mercy of spiritual u can get mercy of krsna. You recieve the mercy by please the spiritual master by follow his instructions.
By absorbing your self in prabhupadas desires you are so dear to krsna.
And krsna is such a lovely lord that he is absolutly captured by the pure devotees efforts to please and satisfy him. As i learnt in the govardhan lila when the vraja basis were making all nice foods for giri govardhan and they ran out because he ate too much still the vraja basi prepared whatever they could get more. And krsna was finished. so sold out.
I please beg that i can get a drop of mercy just to try and start to please your representatives. Then if im fortune some how ill get your divine mercy.
Your small servant
hamsa sanga das.
Hamsavatar Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances. All Glories to You and Srila Prabhupada.
The Bhagavad Gita 9.13 glorifies a Mahatma as one who is always engaged in the unswerving service of the Lord in Krishna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada was one such Mahatma. His unlimited mercy has resulted in more Mahatmas all over the world who carry on the divine mission of Lord Krishna.
You belong to this very special and extremely rare category of living beings who dedicate their lives to give a real solution to the eternal hankering of the soul to achieve perfection. Such personalities can never be adequately glorified.
Your Servant,
Hamsavatara Dasa
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances. All Glories to You and Srila Prabhupada.
The Bhagavad Gita 9.13 glorifies a Mahatma as one who is always engaged in the unswerving service of the Lord in Krishna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada was one such Mahatma. His unlimited mercy has resulted in more Mahatmas all over the world who carry on the divine mission of Lord Krishna.
You belong to this very special and extremely rare category of living beings who dedicate their lives to give a real solution to the eternal hankering of the soul to achieve perfection. Such personalities can never be adequately glorified.
Your Servant,
Hamsavatara Dasa
Hari Bhakta 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
Dearest, Srila Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet,
On this glorious day of your Divine appearance, I cannot help but to be eternally grateful to you Gurudev. Somehow or other in this lifetime I have been given the opportunity to serve you. If not by your mercy, how is it possible that I have been given the ability to chant the Holy Names? Although I am insignificant, I am eternally indebted to you.
Still I cannot comprehend this great gift; still I cannot fathom the ecstasy of glorifying my spiritual master. It is only by following your instructions, that I can maintain composure in this mad world. Dearest Srila Gurudeva you are my greatest inspiration, you have given me the opportunity to serve the devotees.
In this tumultuous age of kali, the instructions of my spiritual master resonate like thunder on a dark night, may I always be a servant of such instructions. I hope I can understand that my only duty in life is to serve my spiritual master.
All Glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day!
Your insignificant servant,
Hari Bhakta das
krsna prestaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita
Swaminiti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
parartatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest, Srila Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet,
On this glorious day of your Divine appearance, I cannot help but to be eternally grateful to you Gurudev. Somehow or other in this lifetime I have been given the opportunity to serve you. If not by your mercy, how is it possible that I have been given the ability to chant the Holy Names? Although I am insignificant, I am eternally indebted to you.
Still I cannot comprehend this great gift; still I cannot fathom the ecstasy of glorifying my spiritual master. It is only by following your instructions, that I can maintain composure in this mad world. Dearest Srila Gurudeva you are my greatest inspiration, you have given me the opportunity to serve the devotees.
In this tumultuous age of kali, the instructions of my spiritual master resonate like thunder on a dark night, may I always be a servant of such instructions. I hope I can understand that my only duty in life is to serve my spiritual master.
All Glories to you on your Vyasa Puja day!
Your insignificant servant,
Hari Bhakta das
Haridas Nath Das
Dear Gurudeva
nama om visnu padaya krsna pesthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most wonderful day of your appearance.
Thank you for your dedication in helping me to serve krishna.
Thank you for your tolerance and patience with my lacking.
Your understanding and vision of the future of Lord Chaitanya's mission is awe inspring.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I hope to please you always.
Forever Your Servant.
Haridas Nath Das.
nama om visnu padaya krsna pesthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most wonderful day of your appearance.
Thank you for your dedication in helping me to serve krishna.
Thank you for your tolerance and patience with my lacking.
Your understanding and vision of the future of Lord Chaitanya's mission is awe inspring.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I hope to please you always.
Forever Your Servant.
Haridas Nath Das.
Harinamamrita das
Hare Krishna dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances unto Your lotus feet. All glories to You. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this very auspicious day, I would like to Thank You for accepting me as Your spiritual child and guiding me. I'm greatly indebted for Your mercy and compassion on me.
You have picked me up from no where and guiding me within & without at every step in my life. You are also a true inspiration for any tiny preaching & devotional services I'm trying to do to purify myself and to please You, Srila Prabhupada, Nitai-Gauranga & Sri RadhaGopinath. Please keep me always engaged in Lord's service.
I sincerely pray to Lord Narasingha Dev to provide You with good health & strength so You can travel around the world for long time to save many fallen souls like me.
On this day, I also pray to the Lord that I may never leave Your lotus feet and always remain in Your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank You for all Your love and care.
With love & gratitude,
Harinamamrita das
Please accept my humble obeisances unto Your lotus feet. All glories to You. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this very auspicious day, I would like to Thank You for accepting me as Your spiritual child and guiding me. I'm greatly indebted for Your mercy and compassion on me.
You have picked me up from no where and guiding me within & without at every step in my life. You are also a true inspiration for any tiny preaching & devotional services I'm trying to do to purify myself and to please You, Srila Prabhupada, Nitai-Gauranga & Sri RadhaGopinath. Please keep me always engaged in Lord's service.
I sincerely pray to Lord Narasingha Dev to provide You with good health & strength so You can travel around the world for long time to save many fallen souls like me.
On this day, I also pray to the Lord that I may never leave Your lotus feet and always remain in Your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank You for all Your love and care.
With love & gratitude,
Harinamamrita das
Hriman Krishna Das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year, I especially liked the point you made about ISKCON’s increasingly pluralistic bhakti society pitching and rolling our ISKCON boat. You are one of the dedicated deckhands keeping Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON ship on course amongst the waves of diversity.
A year ago you told to me, that now the greatest danger for ISKCON is non-cooperation and recently you’ve also pointed out it’s harder to cooperate with devotees than it is to conquer lust!
We may have the ‘diversity’ part down to a tee; but the ‘unity’ side needs a little work. It seems to have unity and diversity in Kali Yuga is something akin to transforming it into the spiritual world. That is; of course, not something that is easy to do.
This year you said in the GBC college: “ISKCON leaders will have to be very tolerant because of the pluralistic nature of the society. The only way to deal with those who are sincere and completely different from you is tolerance and trying to be understanding while pushing ahead with Prabhupada’s goals.”
Gurudeva, I repeatedly pay obeisances at your expert ability to handle diversity and difficult situations. This year, one of the most grueling tasks you performed was to chair a dramatic episode in Mayapur. Several of the most senior men in our movement had different opinions in resolving the issue and amongst the mélange you had to come to terms. Such immense responsibility is worthy of your spiritual stature.
Srila Prabhupada explains: “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.” (SB 2.9.24).
“The conclusion is that Kṛiṣhṇa endows more favor to a devotee who is in greater dangers. Sometimes He puts His pure devotees in such dangers because in that condition of helplessness the devotee becomes more attached to the Lord. The more the attachment is there for the Lord, the more success is there for the devotee.” (SB 1.8.23).
I feel insignificant thinking of yourself and others who brave preaching in Kali’s oppressive regime. You have established foot holds for the global mission while expertly keeping the bhakti plurality focused on Prabhupada’s vision.
Looking back at the past fourteen years, there have been many tests and trials, yet you’ve always been my central force of spiritual gusto to keep a float. By your grace I’m still here and by your grace I will continue to remain as you have taught by your example.
You have shown me that humble service to the devotees is not an ordinary affair. And services that seems thankless, is especially what I’m thankful for – this is your grace upon me and I’m learning to see it as a priceless gem.
You have generated and increased my enthusiasm for sacrificing in Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
You protect my individual, spontaneous and voluntary surrender to whatever and whenever Krishna’s service needs attention.
You and Srila Prabhupada are stories for an upright blockbuster hit-off the charts. I think it will inspire millions of people to give up their lives in Maya, and do the seemingly impossible task of unifying diversified personalities to work for Krishna.
You are the reason I can do anything. I would have never imagined overcoming my aversion towards institutions or trying to cooperate with people whom I wouldn’t have dreamt of living with, what to speak of giving medicine to cure the world’s problems.
You are an exemplar of pure spiritual leadership. Therefore I would like to try and express my gratitude by offering you the distribution of hundreds, thousands and, even millions of transcendental books – I pray to follow in your stride: undergoing endless sacrifice unto Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet.
Determined to be your obedient and selfless servant.
Hriman Krishna das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year, I especially liked the point you made about ISKCON’s increasingly pluralistic bhakti society pitching and rolling our ISKCON boat. You are one of the dedicated deckhands keeping Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON ship on course amongst the waves of diversity.
A year ago you told to me, that now the greatest danger for ISKCON is non-cooperation and recently you’ve also pointed out it’s harder to cooperate with devotees than it is to conquer lust!
We may have the ‘diversity’ part down to a tee; but the ‘unity’ side needs a little work. It seems to have unity and diversity in Kali Yuga is something akin to transforming it into the spiritual world. That is; of course, not something that is easy to do.
This year you said in the GBC college: “ISKCON leaders will have to be very tolerant because of the pluralistic nature of the society. The only way to deal with those who are sincere and completely different from you is tolerance and trying to be understanding while pushing ahead with Prabhupada’s goals.”
Gurudeva, I repeatedly pay obeisances at your expert ability to handle diversity and difficult situations. This year, one of the most grueling tasks you performed was to chair a dramatic episode in Mayapur. Several of the most senior men in our movement had different opinions in resolving the issue and amongst the mélange you had to come to terms. Such immense responsibility is worthy of your spiritual stature.
Srila Prabhupada explains: “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.” (SB 2.9.24).
“The conclusion is that Kṛiṣhṇa endows more favor to a devotee who is in greater dangers. Sometimes He puts His pure devotees in such dangers because in that condition of helplessness the devotee becomes more attached to the Lord. The more the attachment is there for the Lord, the more success is there for the devotee.” (SB 1.8.23).
I feel insignificant thinking of yourself and others who brave preaching in Kali’s oppressive regime. You have established foot holds for the global mission while expertly keeping the bhakti plurality focused on Prabhupada’s vision.
Looking back at the past fourteen years, there have been many tests and trials, yet you’ve always been my central force of spiritual gusto to keep a float. By your grace I’m still here and by your grace I will continue to remain as you have taught by your example.
You have shown me that humble service to the devotees is not an ordinary affair. And services that seems thankless, is especially what I’m thankful for – this is your grace upon me and I’m learning to see it as a priceless gem.
You have generated and increased my enthusiasm for sacrificing in Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
You protect my individual, spontaneous and voluntary surrender to whatever and whenever Krishna’s service needs attention.
You and Srila Prabhupada are stories for an upright blockbuster hit-off the charts. I think it will inspire millions of people to give up their lives in Maya, and do the seemingly impossible task of unifying diversified personalities to work for Krishna.
You are the reason I can do anything. I would have never imagined overcoming my aversion towards institutions or trying to cooperate with people whom I wouldn’t have dreamt of living with, what to speak of giving medicine to cure the world’s problems.
You are an exemplar of pure spiritual leadership. Therefore I would like to try and express my gratitude by offering you the distribution of hundreds, thousands and, even millions of transcendental books – I pray to follow in your stride: undergoing endless sacrifice unto Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet.
Determined to be your obedient and selfless servant.
Hriman Krishna das
Hriman Krsna Das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year, I especially liked the point you made about ISKCON’s increasingly pluralistic bhakti society pitching and rolling our ISKCON boat. You are one of the dedicated deckhands keeping Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON ship on course amongst the waves of diversity.
A year ago you told to me, that now the greatest danger for ISKCON is non-cooperation and recently you’ve also pointed out it’s harder to cooperate with devotees than it is to conquer lust!
We may have the ‘diversity’ part down to a tee; but the ‘unity’ side needs a little work. It seems to have unity and diversity in Kali Yuga is something akin to transforming it into the spiritual world. That is; of course, not something that is easy to do.
This year you said in the GBC college: “ISKCON leaders will have to be very tolerant because of the pluralistic nature of the society. The only way to deal with those who are sincere and completely different from you is tolerance and trying to be understanding while pushing ahead with Prabhupada’s goals.”
Gurudeva, I repeatedly pay obeisances at your expert ability to handle diversity and difficult situations. This year, one of the most grueling tasks you performed was to chair a dramatic episode in Mayapur. Several of the most senior men in our movement had different opinions in resolving the issue and amongst the mélange you had to come to terms. Such immense responsibility is worthy of your spiritual stature.
Srila Prabhupada explains: “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.” (SB 2.9.24).
“The conclusion is that Kṛiṣhṇa endows more favor to a devotee who is in greater dangers. Sometimes He puts His pure devotees in such dangers because in that condition of helplessness the devotee becomes more attached to the Lord. The more the attachment is there for the Lord, the more success is there for the devotee.” (SB 1.8.23).
I feel insignificant thinking of yourself and others who brave preaching in Kali’s oppressive regime. You have established foot holds for the global mission while expertly keeping the bhakti plurality focused on Prabhupada’s vision.
Looking back at the past fourteen years, there have been many tests and trials, yet you’ve always been my central force of spiritual gusto to keep a float. By your grace I’m still here and by your grace I will continue to remain as you have taught by your example.
You have shown me that humble service to the devotees is not an ordinary affair. And services that seems thankless, is especially what I’m thankful for – this is your grace upon me and I’m learning to see it as a priceless gem.
You have generated and increased my enthusiasm for sacrificing in Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
You protect my individual, spontaneous and voluntary surrender to whatever and whenever Krishna’s service needs attention.
You and Srila Prabhupada are stories for an upright blockbuster hit-off the charts. I think it will inspire millions of people to give up their lives in Maya, and do the seemingly impossible task of unifying diversified personalities to work for Krishna.
You are the reason I can do anything. I would have never imagined overcoming my aversion towards institutions or trying to cooperate with people whom I wouldn’t have dreamt of living with, what to speak of giving medicine to cure the world’s problems.
You are an exemplar of pure spiritual leadership. Therefore I would like to try and express my gratitude by offering you the distribution of hundreds, thousands and, even millions of transcendental books – enduring endless sacrifice unto your lotus feet.
Determined to be your obedient and selfless servant.
Hriman Krishna das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year, I especially liked the point you made about ISKCON’s increasingly pluralistic bhakti society pitching and rolling our ISKCON boat. You are one of the dedicated deckhands keeping Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON ship on course amongst the waves of diversity.
A year ago you told to me, that now the greatest danger for ISKCON is non-cooperation and recently you’ve also pointed out it’s harder to cooperate with devotees than it is to conquer lust!
We may have the ‘diversity’ part down to a tee; but the ‘unity’ side needs a little work. It seems to have unity and diversity in Kali Yuga is something akin to transforming it into the spiritual world. That is; of course, not something that is easy to do.
This year you said in the GBC college: “ISKCON leaders will have to be very tolerant because of the pluralistic nature of the society. The only way to deal with those who are sincere and completely different from you is tolerance and trying to be understanding while pushing ahead with Prabhupada’s goals.”
Gurudeva, I repeatedly pay obeisances at your expert ability to handle diversity and difficult situations. This year, one of the most grueling tasks you performed was to chair a dramatic episode in Mayapur. Several of the most senior men in our movement had different opinions in resolving the issue and amongst the mélange you had to come to terms. Such immense responsibility is worthy of your spiritual stature.
Srila Prabhupada explains: “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.” (SB 2.9.24).
“The conclusion is that Kṛiṣhṇa endows more favor to a devotee who is in greater dangers. Sometimes He puts His pure devotees in such dangers because in that condition of helplessness the devotee becomes more attached to the Lord. The more the attachment is there for the Lord, the more success is there for the devotee.” (SB 1.8.23).
I feel insignificant thinking of yourself and others who brave preaching in Kali’s oppressive regime. You have established foot holds for the global mission while expertly keeping the bhakti plurality focused on Prabhupada’s vision.
Looking back at the past fourteen years, there have been many tests and trials, yet you’ve always been my central force of spiritual gusto to keep a float. By your grace I’m still here and by your grace I will continue to remain as you have taught by your example.
You have shown me that humble service to the devotees is not an ordinary affair. And services that seems thankless, is especially what I’m thankful for – this is your grace upon me and I’m learning to see it as a priceless gem.
You have generated and increased my enthusiasm for sacrificing in Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
You protect my individual, spontaneous and voluntary surrender to whatever and whenever Krishna’s service needs attention.
You and Srila Prabhupada are stories for an upright blockbuster hit-off the charts. I think it will inspire millions of people to give up their lives in Maya, and do the seemingly impossible task of unifying diversified personalities to work for Krishna.
You are the reason I can do anything. I would have never imagined overcoming my aversion towards institutions or trying to cooperate with people whom I wouldn’t have dreamt of living with, what to speak of giving medicine to cure the world’s problems.
You are an exemplar of pure spiritual leadership. Therefore I would like to try and express my gratitude by offering you the distribution of hundreds, thousands and, even millions of transcendental books – enduring endless sacrifice unto your lotus feet.
Determined to be your obedient and selfless servant.
Hriman Krishna das
Indranath das
Dear Guru Maharaj! Please accept my humble obeisances to youre Lotus feet. Living entity travelling throu the illusory forest of marerial world,trying to satisfy his original desire for enjoyment.However being covered by false ego he can not get any real taste from this illusory fruits,just the absence of satisfaction and more and more hankering for mor desires.But when he meets with real Guru ,by the mercy of Krishna,this jorney comes to an end.With the help of spiritual master soul reconnect his desires with Krishna and change back his conception from enjoyer to been enjoyed,getting finally real satisfaction and enjoyment.Thank you very mutch Guru maharaj for keep leading me and show me what means life for Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Your servant Indranath das.Brisbane.Australia
Indranila devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your Lotus feet.
Although not entirely philosophically sound I found these quotes to help me describe your glories and my fall downs.
This is You dearest Guru maharaja:
“There is no one more blessed than he who think he is”.
“Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night”.
“God is the one who enables us to savour the moment”. ( Luci Swindoll)
“Work for the Lord. The pay isn’t much. But His retirement plan is out of this world”.
“A good example has twice the value of good advice”.
“A happy heart is the best service we can give to God”. ( Marie Chapian)
“God gives grace to the humble”.
“Happiness is a healthy mental attitude, a grateful spirit, a clear heart full of love”.
“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little”. ( Philippians 4:11)
This is me and for my encouragement:
“God’s gift put man’s best dreams to shame”.
“You’re less likely to fall into temptation if you don’t walk along the edge”.
“I truly delight in God’s commands but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel and just when I least expect it, they take charge”. (Romans 7:22-23)
“No matter where you go there you are”.
“The Lord loves us-perhaps most of all when we fail and try again”.
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”. ( Will Rogers)
“Toddlers motto: What’s mine is mine. What’s yours in mine. Even if I gave it to you a minute ago, it’s still mine”.
“When we fall asleep in prayer, God has ways of reminding us to finish (and you thought the dogs were barking to the moon)”.
Your servant always,
Indranila devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your Lotus feet.
Although not entirely philosophically sound I found these quotes to help me describe your glories and my fall downs.
This is You dearest Guru maharaja:
“There is no one more blessed than he who think he is”.
“Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night”.
“God is the one who enables us to savour the moment”. ( Luci Swindoll)
“Work for the Lord. The pay isn’t much. But His retirement plan is out of this world”.
“A good example has twice the value of good advice”.
“A happy heart is the best service we can give to God”. ( Marie Chapian)
“God gives grace to the humble”.
“Happiness is a healthy mental attitude, a grateful spirit, a clear heart full of love”.
“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little”. ( Philippians 4:11)
This is me and for my encouragement:
“God’s gift put man’s best dreams to shame”.
“You’re less likely to fall into temptation if you don’t walk along the edge”.
“I truly delight in God’s commands but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel and just when I least expect it, they take charge”. (Romans 7:22-23)
“No matter where you go there you are”.
“The Lord loves us-perhaps most of all when we fail and try again”.
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”. ( Will Rogers)
“Toddlers motto: What’s mine is mine. What’s yours in mine. Even if I gave it to you a minute ago, it’s still mine”.
“When we fall asleep in prayer, God has ways of reminding us to finish (and you thought the dogs were barking to the moon)”.
Your servant always,
Indranila devi dasi
Ishan Thakur das
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 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.
Gurudeva, although I’m not at all qualified to glorify you but I would try to do so only for my own purification.
This year so far has been tough for me as my father passed away and I had to bring my mother to Melbourne. But it was only because of your guidance and instructions I am able to continue my devotional life otherwise there was no hope for me.
In your recent lectures, you have mentioned so many times about how it is important for all the devotees( in whichever Ashrama they may be) to read Srimad Bhagvatam daily and associate with devotees who aspires us to read Prabhupada books. I am not very good at reading books but now with your blessing I would make an endeavor to read daily.
On this auspicious day, I will take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and instructions and would like to beg you for your blessings so that I can follow the footsteps of Ishan Thakur Prabhu and serve the devotees like he did.
Hare krishna
Aspiring to be your servant,
Iśāna ṭhākura dāsa
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
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.
Gurudeva, although I’m not at all qualified to glorify you but I would try to do so only for my own purification.
This year so far has been tough for me as my father passed away and I had to bring my mother to Melbourne. But it was only because of your guidance and instructions I am able to continue my devotional life otherwise there was no hope for me.
In your recent lectures, you have mentioned so many times about how it is important for all the devotees( in whichever Ashrama they may be) to read Srimad Bhagvatam daily and associate with devotees who aspires us to read Prabhupada books. I am not very good at reading books but now with your blessing I would make an endeavor to read daily.
On this auspicious day, I will take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and instructions and would like to beg you for your blessings so that I can follow the footsteps of Ishan Thakur Prabhu and serve the devotees like he did.
Hare krishna
Aspiring to be your servant,
Iśāna ṭhākura dāsa
Isvar Candra das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you and your service.
While meditating on what to write to you, I decided to look at the 2015 offerings of my godbrothers and sisters. Reading them was an enlightening experience. I realized how little I know about you and that in devotional aspect, I’m way behind them.
Just as one can judge a tree by it’s fruits, similarly we can see the glories of a spiritual master try his disciples. By the way that they are describing you one can understand that you are a living example of the vaisnava qualities and a dedicated, always active and ever blissful follower of Srila Prabhupada. Compassionate, wise, tolerant, merciful, determined, respectful and austere are some of the words that they use to glorify you.
I feel like a dog that can only bark and wave his tail at his master, so instead of wasting your precious time with my barking I prefer that you hear the songs of devotion that your disciples will offer you this year.
Thank you for your mercy (that I haven’t yet fully realize), for your instructions (that I try to live by), for your patience (that I need), for your determination (that is inspiring me) and for the opportunity to be connected with Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON, Guru Parampara and Sri Krishna.
I pray that one day I will be eligible to serve you, the vaisnavas and Srila Prabhupada in the most desirible way.
trying to be your servant, isvar candra das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you and your service.
While meditating on what to write to you, I decided to look at the 2015 offerings of my godbrothers and sisters. Reading them was an enlightening experience. I realized how little I know about you and that in devotional aspect, I’m way behind them.
Just as one can judge a tree by it’s fruits, similarly we can see the glories of a spiritual master try his disciples. By the way that they are describing you one can understand that you are a living example of the vaisnava qualities and a dedicated, always active and ever blissful follower of Srila Prabhupada. Compassionate, wise, tolerant, merciful, determined, respectful and austere are some of the words that they use to glorify you.
I feel like a dog that can only bark and wave his tail at his master, so instead of wasting your precious time with my barking I prefer that you hear the songs of devotion that your disciples will offer you this year.
Thank you for your mercy (that I haven’t yet fully realize), for your instructions (that I try to live by), for your patience (that I need), for your determination (that is inspiring me) and for the opportunity to be connected with Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON, Guru Parampara and Sri Krishna.
I pray that one day I will be eligible to serve you, the vaisnavas and Srila Prabhupada in the most desirible way.
trying to be your servant, isvar candra das
Isvari Kesavi
Dearest Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
…”One must seek shelter of a bona fide spiritual master. Tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta: one must approach a guru. Who is a guru? Śābde pare ca nisnatam (Bhāg. 11.3.21): a guru is one who has full transcendental knowledge. Unless one approaches a spiritual master, one remains in ignorance. “ (Sb 10.10.10 p)
Gurudev, today I am scratching my brain, trying to think of what I could have possibly done to achieve your association in my life. We hear in the sastra that one must seek the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master… Let’s be honest, I was not on the hunt for a spiritual teacher. The only thing I was seeking was a good time, a good rhyme and a good party. And in a moment you walked into my life, pulling me out of a very precarious situation, my alluring Toronto scene, and placing me into a strong and loving community where I could nourish my spiritual needs.
In a darshan I once tried to explain how like at a toy vendor machine, you came, grabbed me out of the masses and gave me a way out; showing me the path of Bhakti yoga and engaging me in devotional service, which I am so grateful for. With so much energy where would I have used it all? Gurudev, you showed me where the real party is. Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan party; giving Krsna to others and chanting the Holy names of the Lord. It has to be said, that the best parties are with you Gurudev. You’re a transcendental funk man and any time you lead kirtan I feel like I’m in the spiritual world again. Thank you Gurudev.
In NoD ch 7 it says
…“One who is fortunate enough to come under the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master is sure to traverse the path of spiritual salvation without any doubt.”
Krsna so kindly sent you to save me from burning in this blazing fire of material existence. Simply wasting my time and energy trying to latch onto flicking moments of temporary sense gratification, I thought I was quite happy. You write in your Perfect Escape pg 33.
…”The amazing grace of maya, Krishna’s baffling energy of illusion, is that the living entity, although indeed purely spiritual, feels right at home wallowing in the mud of ignorance. We totally loose consciousness, in the deadliest sense of the term – that is, spiritually, not medically. “
Gurudev, you’ve opened my eyes to the reality. Like in the Matrix, you offered me the red pill allowing me to see the anomalies and glitches in this world. You’re an expert physician who offers the most effective treatment; Transcendental Knowledge, hearing and chanting about Krsna. Although at times I may kick and scream, you administer the medicine regardless knowing what is truly best for me. I am starting to surrender to the fact that you do know whats best for me. Gurudev, please help me shut down my plan making factory; as it always seems to be the source of my distress; and accept your plan for me, as a tiny instrument in your hands. Like an expert chess player, please move this useless pawn wherever you think it needs to be.
In a class from one of your most recent visits you said
…”Always be eager to take your medicine, even if you have to push yourself. By the doctor’s order I take this medicine, I want to get well. You take the medicine and gradually your natural hankering for the medicine will develop. At first it may seem a little bitter… your mind rebels. “No I don’t want to focus on hearing the Hare Krishna mantra. I want to think about me and all my needs of my body and mind, who is aiding my body and mind, who is impeding my body and mind. but by daily taking your medicine your natural spiritual health will develop.”
Thank you Gurudev, for never giving up on me. You told me once in a darshan that you were determined to make me Krsna Conscious. Those words continue to penetrate my heart. You’re the father I always wanted, Krsna! I’m so lucky to have a father I can look up to, not just one who talks the talk. You’re the captain of my ship Gurudev, guiding me out of the stormy ocean of nescience. Now that I have you in my life there is nothing to worry about. As a child in the arms of it’s father feels safe and protected I can feel safe knowing that we’ll always be connected, we have a bond.
Gurudev, thank you for always giving me so much attention, support and encouragment. Every Whatsapp msg or even just a glance from you means the world to me. Please know that I have a deep desire to one day make you proud. I would like to be of some use to you in your mission of serving your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. I pray that I can take your instructions as my life and soul and one day realize how those instructions are my only solace, my only real shelter.
Hoping to become your sharpened instrument,
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Isvari Kesavi Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
…”One must seek shelter of a bona fide spiritual master. Tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta: one must approach a guru. Who is a guru? Śābde pare ca nisnatam (Bhāg. 11.3.21): a guru is one who has full transcendental knowledge. Unless one approaches a spiritual master, one remains in ignorance. “ (Sb 10.10.10 p)
Gurudev, today I am scratching my brain, trying to think of what I could have possibly done to achieve your association in my life. We hear in the sastra that one must seek the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master… Let’s be honest, I was not on the hunt for a spiritual teacher. The only thing I was seeking was a good time, a good rhyme and a good party. And in a moment you walked into my life, pulling me out of a very precarious situation, my alluring Toronto scene, and placing me into a strong and loving community where I could nourish my spiritual needs.
In a darshan I once tried to explain how like at a toy vendor machine, you came, grabbed me out of the masses and gave me a way out; showing me the path of Bhakti yoga and engaging me in devotional service, which I am so grateful for. With so much energy where would I have used it all? Gurudev, you showed me where the real party is. Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan party; giving Krsna to others and chanting the Holy names of the Lord. It has to be said, that the best parties are with you Gurudev. You’re a transcendental funk man and any time you lead kirtan I feel like I’m in the spiritual world again. Thank you Gurudev.
In NoD ch 7 it says
…“One who is fortunate enough to come under the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master is sure to traverse the path of spiritual salvation without any doubt.”
Krsna so kindly sent you to save me from burning in this blazing fire of material existence. Simply wasting my time and energy trying to latch onto flicking moments of temporary sense gratification, I thought I was quite happy. You write in your Perfect Escape pg 33.
…”The amazing grace of maya, Krishna’s baffling energy of illusion, is that the living entity, although indeed purely spiritual, feels right at home wallowing in the mud of ignorance. We totally loose consciousness, in the deadliest sense of the term – that is, spiritually, not medically. “
Gurudev, you’ve opened my eyes to the reality. Like in the Matrix, you offered me the red pill allowing me to see the anomalies and glitches in this world. You’re an expert physician who offers the most effective treatment; Transcendental Knowledge, hearing and chanting about Krsna. Although at times I may kick and scream, you administer the medicine regardless knowing what is truly best for me. I am starting to surrender to the fact that you do know whats best for me. Gurudev, please help me shut down my plan making factory; as it always seems to be the source of my distress; and accept your plan for me, as a tiny instrument in your hands. Like an expert chess player, please move this useless pawn wherever you think it needs to be.
In a class from one of your most recent visits you said
…”Always be eager to take your medicine, even if you have to push yourself. By the doctor’s order I take this medicine, I want to get well. You take the medicine and gradually your natural hankering for the medicine will develop. At first it may seem a little bitter… your mind rebels. “No I don’t want to focus on hearing the Hare Krishna mantra. I want to think about me and all my needs of my body and mind, who is aiding my body and mind, who is impeding my body and mind. but by daily taking your medicine your natural spiritual health will develop.”
Thank you Gurudev, for never giving up on me. You told me once in a darshan that you were determined to make me Krsna Conscious. Those words continue to penetrate my heart. You’re the father I always wanted, Krsna! I’m so lucky to have a father I can look up to, not just one who talks the talk. You’re the captain of my ship Gurudev, guiding me out of the stormy ocean of nescience. Now that I have you in my life there is nothing to worry about. As a child in the arms of it’s father feels safe and protected I can feel safe knowing that we’ll always be connected, we have a bond.
Gurudev, thank you for always giving me so much attention, support and encouragment. Every Whatsapp msg or even just a glance from you means the world to me. Please know that I have a deep desire to one day make you proud. I would like to be of some use to you in your mission of serving your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. I pray that I can take your instructions as my life and soul and one day realize how those instructions are my only solace, my only real shelter.
Hoping to become your sharpened instrument,
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Isvari Kesavi Devi Dasi
Itumeleng Mphake
Dear Gurudeva, Hare Krishna
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
To the lotus feet of my beloved Gurudeva. Thank you for imbibing the mood and method of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This mood is unique and different, because as you have exemplified below, love and compassion are at the helm:
Bewildered by material desires time and time again we rebel from your spiritual desires for us which seem high and unattainable, but you remain patient, teaching, pleading, raising and elevating the most fallen by your inconceivable love and compassion.
You attract all souls without discrimination. You make use song, dance, prasadam and the most enjoyable activities of people to help them develop a little more attraction to bhakti yoga. And above all you encourage deep friendships and community to help people render service in the association of the Vaisnavas, as representatives of the Lord, to their hearts content. Thus they become eager to advance in Krsna consciousness and realise Lord Krishna easily.
Indeed you instruct everyone and show by your example to prioritize chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra with attention.
The recommended method is to “chant the holy name of the Lord in a very humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than a straw in the street; more tolerant than a tree and devoid of all sense of false prestige and one should be ready to offer all respects to others.” Thus you also encourage everyone – men, women and children to enthusiastically reach out to others and with gratitude, humility and tolerance, to share with others what they have also received.
You are unconventional in empowering women to realise their nature as a servant of Lord Krishna and to preach dynamically in the forefront.
You took inspiration to completely imbibe the mood and method of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu from your spiritual master and our Vaisnava father, Srila Prabhupada and in all respects you encourage and teach us also to follow in these footsteps – “like father, like daughter.”
Gurudeva, you make my heart feel your mercy, but I simply swim whimsically in the ecstasy of your mercy, simply content to now have a spiritual father. I neglect to consider the burden you carry. I neglect to consider the value and purpose of your mercy. “The idea is that both the spiritual master and the disciple must be bona fide” - As you continuously do your part as assured, I take you for granted and neglect to do mine.
I pray to grow in my understanding of guru. I pray for nama kripa and I pray to follow in your footsteps like father like daughter.
your servant,
Itumeleng
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
To the lotus feet of my beloved Gurudeva. Thank you for imbibing the mood and method of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This mood is unique and different, because as you have exemplified below, love and compassion are at the helm:
Bewildered by material desires time and time again we rebel from your spiritual desires for us which seem high and unattainable, but you remain patient, teaching, pleading, raising and elevating the most fallen by your inconceivable love and compassion.
You attract all souls without discrimination. You make use song, dance, prasadam and the most enjoyable activities of people to help them develop a little more attraction to bhakti yoga. And above all you encourage deep friendships and community to help people render service in the association of the Vaisnavas, as representatives of the Lord, to their hearts content. Thus they become eager to advance in Krsna consciousness and realise Lord Krishna easily.
Indeed you instruct everyone and show by your example to prioritize chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra with attention.
The recommended method is to “chant the holy name of the Lord in a very humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than a straw in the street; more tolerant than a tree and devoid of all sense of false prestige and one should be ready to offer all respects to others.” Thus you also encourage everyone – men, women and children to enthusiastically reach out to others and with gratitude, humility and tolerance, to share with others what they have also received.
You are unconventional in empowering women to realise their nature as a servant of Lord Krishna and to preach dynamically in the forefront.
You took inspiration to completely imbibe the mood and method of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu from your spiritual master and our Vaisnava father, Srila Prabhupada and in all respects you encourage and teach us also to follow in these footsteps – “like father, like daughter.”
Gurudeva, you make my heart feel your mercy, but I simply swim whimsically in the ecstasy of your mercy, simply content to now have a spiritual father. I neglect to consider the burden you carry. I neglect to consider the value and purpose of your mercy. “The idea is that both the spiritual master and the disciple must be bona fide” - As you continuously do your part as assured, I take you for granted and neglect to do mine.
I pray to grow in my understanding of guru. I pray for nama kripa and I pray to follow in your footsteps like father like daughter.
your servant,
Itumeleng
Jahnavi Jivan DD
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale
Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Om Ajnana-timirandhasya Jnananjana-salakaya
Caksur Unmilitam Yena Tasmai Sri-gurave Namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Guru Maharaj.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on your divine appearance day.
Gurumaharaj,
I thank you very much for being kind, tolerant and merciful to accept me as your disciple despite of my disqualifications.
Please forgive me for any short comings in my offering unto you.
Maharaj, I see your sincerity and dedication of serving Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada in spreading Lord Caitanya’s mission of preaching and spreading the glories of the Supreme Lord. You has embraced Srila Prabhupada mood and mission as your own and scarified your life to serve Srila Prabhupada. As predicted by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu :
Prthivite ache yata nagaradi grama
Sarvatra pracara hoibe mora nama
Srila Prabhupada risked his life to travel to western countries to give Krishna to others so do also helping him to make his mission successful as a true disciple with an unflinching faith in Guru and Krishna so the Krisha’s glories reach out to every village, town and city.
Year after year over more than four decades you have been vigorously travelling to preach young students, professionals, and many others in all walks of life and show concern to attract them towards Krishna. You have expertise in presenting the teachings of bhakti yoga process and give valuable guidance to everyone on how to balance their spiritual and professional life. You explain very difficult subject matter in a simple way and make us convinced and feel easy to practice spiritual life with our day to day struggle of keeping up our material commitments.
As stated in SB 3.25.21 The symptoms of a sadhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
You are a perfect example of a pure sadhu and an ideal disciple who selflessly trying to help everyone to understand the goal of life. I feel that Krishna has send you to this material world to give special mercy of the Lord to the fallen conditioned souls by awakening the love of God in their hearts, by training them to perform devotional service without any selfish desires, and perfect them in practising Krishna consciousness so that they become eligible to go back to spiritual world. I see blazing fire of compassion in your heart to reach out to as many new people as possible. I see you get so much taste and satisfaction by sharing Krishna’s glories in your inspirational lectures. I notice how you get immense pleasure by doing ecstacic kirtans, chanting and dancing .
As stated in Cc Madhya 22.54
‘Sadhu –sanga’, ‘Sadhu –sanga’, - Sarva –sastre Kaya
lava –matra sadhu –sange sarva –siddhi haya
The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.
You are very compassionate and help everyone who just come in contact with you to take up this process of bhakti yoga and just with your moments association, you make a deep impact on them to let them think of Krishna and make them feel to keep Krishna in centre of their life.
When will this fallen soul learn that all the instructions are given in your lectures and Srila prabhupada books and not to think that I need to be told or instructed. In your recent visit here in Melboure you instructed in SB class that everyone no mater in which ashram we are, one must take time out to read Srila Prabhupada books. I get so much caught up with my day to day family duties and keep giving excuses to read Srila prabhupada books. Guru Maharaj, I beg for your special mercy on this auspicious day so that not only I can be able to read and understand Srila prabhupada books in this life time but also try to share this knowledge with others.
I am so much indebted to you in this life, and I sincerely desire within my heart to serve you in whichever way that please you in your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada. I beg you at your louts feet to kindly shower me and my family with your mercy and blessings so we continue to practice our devotional service and serve the servants of the servant of the Lord.
I pray to Sri Radha Vallabha for your good health and well-being to continue this mission of spreading the message of love of God so that many more fallen souls like me get the advantage of your teachings.
Trying to be your true disciple.
Jahnavi Jivan dd
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 nama
Dear Gurudeva,
On this occasion of your Vysa Puja I want to express my gratitude towards you by saying the following words in your glorification.
Just to see you is majestic beyond par.
To hear your vani is cleansing to my polluted consciousness.
Your association so uplifting that there is no other high to achieve.
Your instructions are like laws wherein if I abide by them the purpose of my life will be fulfilled.
Your efforts to preach in every continent year after year for so many decades show the meaning of what it means to be fixed and resolute on the path of devotional service.
You are full of depth and substance on account of your deep understanding and application of Shastra.
You are the definition of leadership when I see you in action, preaching and taking along with you scores of followers.
Transformational change is seen in the life of those who come in contact with you and follow your instructions.
You have a solution for every problem and every situation and you are expert in navigating and cementing deep relationships.
Thank you, Gurudev for your guidance over all these years. Your continued support in all aspects of my life is the biggest blessing I could get.
Over the last couple of years I have really missed your personal association Gurudev. I pray to their lordships that I get more of your association going forward so that I can be of some menial service unto you.
I will end by saying, as personalists we can derive so much inspiration by observing you and getting your association to progress spiritually.
I pray for your long life and wellbeing.
Your Servant
Jai Saci Nandana
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudeva,
On this occasion of your Vysa Puja I want to express my gratitude towards you by saying the following words in your glorification.
Just to see you is majestic beyond par.
To hear your vani is cleansing to my polluted consciousness.
Your association so uplifting that there is no other high to achieve.
Your instructions are like laws wherein if I abide by them the purpose of my life will be fulfilled.
Your efforts to preach in every continent year after year for so many decades show the meaning of what it means to be fixed and resolute on the path of devotional service.
You are full of depth and substance on account of your deep understanding and application of Shastra.
You are the definition of leadership when I see you in action, preaching and taking along with you scores of followers.
Transformational change is seen in the life of those who come in contact with you and follow your instructions.
You have a solution for every problem and every situation and you are expert in navigating and cementing deep relationships.
Thank you, Gurudev for your guidance over all these years. Your continued support in all aspects of my life is the biggest blessing I could get.
Over the last couple of years I have really missed your personal association Gurudev. I pray to their lordships that I get more of your association going forward so that I can be of some menial service unto you.
I will end by saying, as personalists we can derive so much inspiration by observing you and getting your association to progress spiritually.
I pray for your long life and wellbeing.
Your Servant
Jai Saci Nandana
Janesvari devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Your Divine Lotus Feet, on this auspicious celebration of Your Vyasa Puja!
As the years go by, and I witness the ups and downs of my physical and spiritual health, I start to realize and appreciate more and more the priceless gift You so kindly have given me.
Thank You for coming to rescue me from this ocean of birth and death.
Without the Holy Names and the process of Krishna consciousness, I would have still been running around like a 'head-less chicken'.
But due to Your causeless mercy I now have a higher purpose in life.
And although it isn't always easy to give up the false ego and conquer the 6 enemies, by Your inconceivable grace I am blessed to have the association of more advanced devotees, who can help me to see more clearly illusion from reality.
In S.B. (7.5.32) From "The teachings of Lord Caitanya" It is stated :
As long as one is not favored by the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotees, he cannot even touch the path of devotional service, which is the solution to all the problems of material life.
I miss Your vapu association and I pray that You will shower Your mercy upon this fallen soul, so that I can finally begin my devotional service and purify my heart.
As I've been reading memoirs of Srila Prabhupada and Your pioneering God brothers and -sisters, I find great inspiration and hope.
By hearing about Your super-human efforts in trying to reach out to others and distribute Srila Prabhupada's books with unflinching faith and devotion, with the only aim to serve and please Your Guru Maharaja, I can only pray that a drop of that enthusiasm and selflessness will reach the depths of my stone-like heart, and enthuse me in the same way.
I recently watched a short video, where You were leading an ecstatic kirtan at the Sadhu Sanga festival in Ukraine.
All the devotees were in total bliss, chanting the holy Names and dancing in ecstacy.
It reached a point where a few of the senior devotee Godbrothers started 'stage-diving'.
As I watched this amazing event, I thought to myself : "Jaya!!! All glories to Srila GuruDeva!!! Who can raise the level of the kirtan to such a height that the devotees can no longer contain themselves!!"
This reminded me of Your 'nocturnal' kirtans in NZ, during the different recharge festivals where we chanted and danced till the early morning hours.
These are some of the most memorable and blissful times in my Krsna conciousness.
Dear GuruDeva, because You are tasting the sweetness of the Holy Names and because of Your love and compassion for all conditioned souls, You so expertly inspire Bhakti within others.
I long to be in Your association again and get a speck of dust from Your Lotus Feet,
so that I may also develop a taste for chanting the Holy Names and inspire others.
All glories onto You!!
Begging for Your mercy,
I remain Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Your Divine Lotus Feet, on this auspicious celebration of Your Vyasa Puja!
As the years go by, and I witness the ups and downs of my physical and spiritual health, I start to realize and appreciate more and more the priceless gift You so kindly have given me.
Thank You for coming to rescue me from this ocean of birth and death.
Without the Holy Names and the process of Krishna consciousness, I would have still been running around like a 'head-less chicken'.
But due to Your causeless mercy I now have a higher purpose in life.
And although it isn't always easy to give up the false ego and conquer the 6 enemies, by Your inconceivable grace I am blessed to have the association of more advanced devotees, who can help me to see more clearly illusion from reality.
In S.B. (7.5.32) From "The teachings of Lord Caitanya" It is stated :
As long as one is not favored by the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotees, he cannot even touch the path of devotional service, which is the solution to all the problems of material life.
I miss Your vapu association and I pray that You will shower Your mercy upon this fallen soul, so that I can finally begin my devotional service and purify my heart.
As I've been reading memoirs of Srila Prabhupada and Your pioneering God brothers and -sisters, I find great inspiration and hope.
By hearing about Your super-human efforts in trying to reach out to others and distribute Srila Prabhupada's books with unflinching faith and devotion, with the only aim to serve and please Your Guru Maharaja, I can only pray that a drop of that enthusiasm and selflessness will reach the depths of my stone-like heart, and enthuse me in the same way.
I recently watched a short video, where You were leading an ecstatic kirtan at the Sadhu Sanga festival in Ukraine.
All the devotees were in total bliss, chanting the holy Names and dancing in ecstacy.
It reached a point where a few of the senior devotee Godbrothers started 'stage-diving'.
As I watched this amazing event, I thought to myself : "Jaya!!! All glories to Srila GuruDeva!!! Who can raise the level of the kirtan to such a height that the devotees can no longer contain themselves!!"
This reminded me of Your 'nocturnal' kirtans in NZ, during the different recharge festivals where we chanted and danced till the early morning hours.
These are some of the most memorable and blissful times in my Krsna conciousness.
Dear GuruDeva, because You are tasting the sweetness of the Holy Names and because of Your love and compassion for all conditioned souls, You so expertly inspire Bhakti within others.
I long to be in Your association again and get a speck of dust from Your Lotus Feet,
so that I may also develop a taste for chanting the Holy Names and inspire others.
All glories onto You!!
Begging for Your mercy,
I remain Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi
Jayadeva Kavi das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for appearing in this world and in my life!
Your Vyasapuja day is always a nice time to meditate on your wonderful qualities. It is the time to recognise my good fortunate of having met you, and to appreciate the great opportunity I have to try and serve you as my dear spiritual master, the guiding light in my otherwise dreary and misled life. Although I am practically worthless, I feel that if I sincerely follow your instructions I will be able to develop a real taste for bhakti, develop spiritual emotions and eventually be able to serve Krishna with unadulterated divine love.
There is one quality of yours which I especially admire but that also excites me. It is that you want the topmost benefit for everyone you come in contact with, and for this you are always thinking of how to push on Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement in new, dynamic ways to attract all types of people. You’re not content with the status quo; if any aspect of service can be improved, you will see to it how this can be done. If not your own ideas, you will ask a god brother or peer, even consult mundane research, or implore the devotees under your care to brainstorm how to increase our service for Srila Prabhupada’s pleasure. Your motto is “whatever works.”
And there’s always room for improvement in bhakti. The spiritual energy, Lord Krishna’s own internal potency, is ever expanding. There’s actually no limit as to how many books can be distributed, how attentively and enthusiastically we perform our service, or to the devotion we offer to Krishna in our service.
As I write this homage, 2 hours before submission closes, my mother contacts me with the news: my grandmother has left her body. She was 98 years old, and the last of my grandparents still living. I recollect a few memories: family christmas parties, the quirky gifts she would give us, her home baking, and that strange grandfather clock she kept in her dining room. But one thing stands out…
The day before leaving for the USA, my wife, mother and myself visited her in a rest home near Hastings. She had been in the rest home less than a year; before that, she had always lived at home. I’d never seen her like this before: sunken into the bed looking extremely fatigued and barely conscious. A face weathered like lines of stone seen on a cliff face eroded by the wind. When she finally awoke, there was only a vacant look in her eyes and minimal conversation. ‘This is it?’, I thought. ‘The grand finale.’
I could tell she didn’t have long, so I reached for the mercy items. I gave her a maha flower. Thinking it was food, she put it in her mouth and tried chewing. That didn’t work. Next I tried offering maha perfume, fragrant oil used to bathe the Deity of Lord Nrsimhadeva in Mayapur. At first she didn’t want it, but when my mother wasn’t looking I smeared it all over her arms and hands while chanting Hare Krishna in her ear. She smelled the oil and suddenly her face lit up. “It’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, continuing to smell her hand. She was fixated on smelling this prasad oil on her hand. It was amazing how she became so alert from this. This alertness is even described in Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu as one of the ecstatic symptoms of the devotional process. When I left she was waving goodbye with such joy on her face. She was 98 years old.
In Second Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Sukadeva Goswami speaks:
kiṁ pramattasya bahubhiḥ
parokṣair hāyanair iha
varaṁ muhūrtaṁ viditaṁ
ghaṭate śreyase yataḥ
“What is the value of a prolonged life which is wasted, inexperienced by years in this world? Better a moment of full consciousness, because that gives one a start in searching after his supreme interest.” SB 2.1.12
For the entire 98 years of her human form my grandmother used her senses wastefully. But for a moment she used her senses of smell, taste and hearing in the service of Hrsikesa, the master of the senses. That is to her eternal benefit; although seemingly insignificant, one moment in contact with Krishna is more valuable than a lifetime of ‘enjoyment’ in this world.
I kind of got off-track with this offering to you. You are ornamented with so many amazing Vaisnava qualities, and I have tried to single out just one: that you deal with every person in a way which they will be most benefitted. Of course, you primarily do this with knowledge, encouraging people to read Srila Prabhupada’s books, but in my grandmother’s case, she could barely see or hear. Still, I hope I can follow in your footsteps by continuing to read and share Prabhupada’s books and somehow, by your grace, help benefit suffering humanity as one of your meagre instruments. For this I am continually begging your blessings.
Aspiring to always serve you sincerely, I am your insignificant servant
Jayadeva Kavi das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for appearing in this world and in my life!
Your Vyasapuja day is always a nice time to meditate on your wonderful qualities. It is the time to recognise my good fortunate of having met you, and to appreciate the great opportunity I have to try and serve you as my dear spiritual master, the guiding light in my otherwise dreary and misled life. Although I am practically worthless, I feel that if I sincerely follow your instructions I will be able to develop a real taste for bhakti, develop spiritual emotions and eventually be able to serve Krishna with unadulterated divine love.
There is one quality of yours which I especially admire but that also excites me. It is that you want the topmost benefit for everyone you come in contact with, and for this you are always thinking of how to push on Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement in new, dynamic ways to attract all types of people. You’re not content with the status quo; if any aspect of service can be improved, you will see to it how this can be done. If not your own ideas, you will ask a god brother or peer, even consult mundane research, or implore the devotees under your care to brainstorm how to increase our service for Srila Prabhupada’s pleasure. Your motto is “whatever works.”
And there’s always room for improvement in bhakti. The spiritual energy, Lord Krishna’s own internal potency, is ever expanding. There’s actually no limit as to how many books can be distributed, how attentively and enthusiastically we perform our service, or to the devotion we offer to Krishna in our service.
As I write this homage, 2 hours before submission closes, my mother contacts me with the news: my grandmother has left her body. She was 98 years old, and the last of my grandparents still living. I recollect a few memories: family christmas parties, the quirky gifts she would give us, her home baking, and that strange grandfather clock she kept in her dining room. But one thing stands out…
The day before leaving for the USA, my wife, mother and myself visited her in a rest home near Hastings. She had been in the rest home less than a year; before that, she had always lived at home. I’d never seen her like this before: sunken into the bed looking extremely fatigued and barely conscious. A face weathered like lines of stone seen on a cliff face eroded by the wind. When she finally awoke, there was only a vacant look in her eyes and minimal conversation. ‘This is it?’, I thought. ‘The grand finale.’
I could tell she didn’t have long, so I reached for the mercy items. I gave her a maha flower. Thinking it was food, she put it in her mouth and tried chewing. That didn’t work. Next I tried offering maha perfume, fragrant oil used to bathe the Deity of Lord Nrsimhadeva in Mayapur. At first she didn’t want it, but when my mother wasn’t looking I smeared it all over her arms and hands while chanting Hare Krishna in her ear. She smelled the oil and suddenly her face lit up. “It’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, continuing to smell her hand. She was fixated on smelling this prasad oil on her hand. It was amazing how she became so alert from this. This alertness is even described in Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu as one of the ecstatic symptoms of the devotional process. When I left she was waving goodbye with such joy on her face. She was 98 years old.
In Second Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Sukadeva Goswami speaks:
kiṁ pramattasya bahubhiḥ
parokṣair hāyanair iha
varaṁ muhūrtaṁ viditaṁ
ghaṭate śreyase yataḥ
“What is the value of a prolonged life which is wasted, inexperienced by years in this world? Better a moment of full consciousness, because that gives one a start in searching after his supreme interest.” SB 2.1.12
For the entire 98 years of her human form my grandmother used her senses wastefully. But for a moment she used her senses of smell, taste and hearing in the service of Hrsikesa, the master of the senses. That is to her eternal benefit; although seemingly insignificant, one moment in contact with Krishna is more valuable than a lifetime of ‘enjoyment’ in this world.
I kind of got off-track with this offering to you. You are ornamented with so many amazing Vaisnava qualities, and I have tried to single out just one: that you deal with every person in a way which they will be most benefitted. Of course, you primarily do this with knowledge, encouraging people to read Srila Prabhupada’s books, but in my grandmother’s case, she could barely see or hear. Still, I hope I can follow in your footsteps by continuing to read and share Prabhupada’s books and somehow, by your grace, help benefit suffering humanity as one of your meagre instruments. For this I am continually begging your blessings.
Aspiring to always serve you sincerely, I am your insignificant servant
Jayadeva Kavi das
Jiva Doya dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and to Your Holiness, for appearing in this dark age to bestow the sublime benediction of krsna-bhakti upon all of us eager enough to receive it.
I write this offering to express my appreciation for your merciful appearance in my life and in the live of many others.
Coincidentally, the day on which I've chosen to write this happens to be the birth-date of my grandfather, now ninety-one years old.
I wasn't actually aware of this fact until just yesterday, when I was paying him a visit at his home in Otaki. An auntie of mine is there also, caring for him in his old age. After greeting them both and seating myself next to my grandfather, my aunt suddenly declared, "It's your granddad's birthday today!"
I replied quickly, yet casually. "I know; that's why I'm here. I can't make it here tomorrow so I thought I'd drop in today to say happy birthday."
I know it's not good to lie; but I knew it would make him happy. And it did. He slowly turned toward me, his face beaming with childish glee as if what I had just said had been the most satisfying music to his ears.
"Oh, you remembered!" he delightfully exclaimed.
"Of course I did, Granddad," I replied, "Of course I did."
A heart-warming moment, from one point of view. But, choosing to see the incident in a deeper way, it made me think of how foolish conditioned souls like me really are.
Turning toward the material energy, I chose to forget Krsna, the very Self of my self, making room in my mind for me as the centre of reality. In this state of ignorance I have spent life after life seeking confirmation of my own significance through the words and actions of similarly illusioned persons.
My parched heart has spent forever yearning for some dear stranger to express remembrance of my birth and activities, acknowledgement of my bodily strength and beauty, appreciation of my qualities, and wonder at my acquired wealth and wisdom. While seeking refuge in such recognition, my fundamental narcissism has grown layer by layer, while the fissures in my dry heart have grown deeper.
How sad it is that we residents of darkness hopelessly seek our satisfaction via the selfish hoarding of praise; an energy which finds substantiality only when directed toward the one Person whom we are so intent on forgetting.
And forget we must, if we desire to be the enjoyer.
I recall, with pain, the time I slipped away from bhakti, into what you call my "refresher-course in maya." I was in such emotional agony, knowing well what Krsna wanted me to do, while feeling utterly powerless under the weight of my selfish desires.
What did I do? I prayed to Krsna to make me forget Him for some time, since I couldn't possibly enjoy this world of sense objects, free of regret, if I remained conscious of Krsna's instructions. It seems He fulfilled my request to some degree; yet although I forgot Him, He obviously didn't forget me.
Krsna never forgets any of us, even during our sojourn in darkness. From insect-body to hog-body; from bird-body to human-body; as we continuously hanker to taste significance in an identity separate from Krsna, that merciful Lord continuously hankers to awaken us to realization of our true significance, as His eternally pure devotees.
We ignorant jivas cherish the birthday wishes offered us in glorification of another life wasted. Krsna, however, is always at the ready to celebrate our un-birthday. Not like the Mad Hatter's very-un-birthday tea party in the Alice in Wonderland story. Far from some girl's fantastic dreamland, Krsna wants to celebrate reality; a reality of pure loving exchanges, that has no birth and therefore no death, in a world where the festive celebration of eternity lasts for…..well,…for eternity.
And how does Krsna get us into the mood for this perpetual un-birthday party? With un-birthday gifts, of course! The best of all gifts being the spiritual master, who teaches the ignorant jiva how to enter Krsna's eternal party, and dance with full vigor.
In this way we are taught to engage the energy of praise and glorification in the most perfectly satisfying way. How could we possibly express sufficiently our gratitude for receiving such a gift?
Gurudeva, you are the greatest gift I have ever received, and so on this holy occasion of your Vyasa-puja I want to give thanks to Lord Krsna so very much for gifting me with the divine opportunity to associate with and serve you, my wonderful spiritual master.
You truly are a gift that keeps on giving, in the sense that the more I try to serve you sincerely the more I gain spiritually; and in the sense that you never seem to stop giving of yourself in order to benefit us all in the most profound ways.
I pray that in this world or the next, I may never be devoid of the chance to give back to you in some way, big or small. If I am able to take advantage of these gifted opportunities for rendering you some service, then such gifts will, no doubt, guarantee the eternal perfection of my eternal existence.
Your servant,
Jiva Doya dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and to Your Holiness, for appearing in this dark age to bestow the sublime benediction of krsna-bhakti upon all of us eager enough to receive it.
I write this offering to express my appreciation for your merciful appearance in my life and in the live of many others.
Coincidentally, the day on which I've chosen to write this happens to be the birth-date of my grandfather, now ninety-one years old.
I wasn't actually aware of this fact until just yesterday, when I was paying him a visit at his home in Otaki. An auntie of mine is there also, caring for him in his old age. After greeting them both and seating myself next to my grandfather, my aunt suddenly declared, "It's your granddad's birthday today!"
I replied quickly, yet casually. "I know; that's why I'm here. I can't make it here tomorrow so I thought I'd drop in today to say happy birthday."
I know it's not good to lie; but I knew it would make him happy. And it did. He slowly turned toward me, his face beaming with childish glee as if what I had just said had been the most satisfying music to his ears.
"Oh, you remembered!" he delightfully exclaimed.
"Of course I did, Granddad," I replied, "Of course I did."
A heart-warming moment, from one point of view. But, choosing to see the incident in a deeper way, it made me think of how foolish conditioned souls like me really are.
Turning toward the material energy, I chose to forget Krsna, the very Self of my self, making room in my mind for me as the centre of reality. In this state of ignorance I have spent life after life seeking confirmation of my own significance through the words and actions of similarly illusioned persons.
My parched heart has spent forever yearning for some dear stranger to express remembrance of my birth and activities, acknowledgement of my bodily strength and beauty, appreciation of my qualities, and wonder at my acquired wealth and wisdom. While seeking refuge in such recognition, my fundamental narcissism has grown layer by layer, while the fissures in my dry heart have grown deeper.
How sad it is that we residents of darkness hopelessly seek our satisfaction via the selfish hoarding of praise; an energy which finds substantiality only when directed toward the one Person whom we are so intent on forgetting.
And forget we must, if we desire to be the enjoyer.
I recall, with pain, the time I slipped away from bhakti, into what you call my "refresher-course in maya." I was in such emotional agony, knowing well what Krsna wanted me to do, while feeling utterly powerless under the weight of my selfish desires.
What did I do? I prayed to Krsna to make me forget Him for some time, since I couldn't possibly enjoy this world of sense objects, free of regret, if I remained conscious of Krsna's instructions. It seems He fulfilled my request to some degree; yet although I forgot Him, He obviously didn't forget me.
Krsna never forgets any of us, even during our sojourn in darkness. From insect-body to hog-body; from bird-body to human-body; as we continuously hanker to taste significance in an identity separate from Krsna, that merciful Lord continuously hankers to awaken us to realization of our true significance, as His eternally pure devotees.
We ignorant jivas cherish the birthday wishes offered us in glorification of another life wasted. Krsna, however, is always at the ready to celebrate our un-birthday. Not like the Mad Hatter's very-un-birthday tea party in the Alice in Wonderland story. Far from some girl's fantastic dreamland, Krsna wants to celebrate reality; a reality of pure loving exchanges, that has no birth and therefore no death, in a world where the festive celebration of eternity lasts for…..well,…for eternity.
And how does Krsna get us into the mood for this perpetual un-birthday party? With un-birthday gifts, of course! The best of all gifts being the spiritual master, who teaches the ignorant jiva how to enter Krsna's eternal party, and dance with full vigor.
In this way we are taught to engage the energy of praise and glorification in the most perfectly satisfying way. How could we possibly express sufficiently our gratitude for receiving such a gift?
Gurudeva, you are the greatest gift I have ever received, and so on this holy occasion of your Vyasa-puja I want to give thanks to Lord Krsna so very much for gifting me with the divine opportunity to associate with and serve you, my wonderful spiritual master.
You truly are a gift that keeps on giving, in the sense that the more I try to serve you sincerely the more I gain spiritually; and in the sense that you never seem to stop giving of yourself in order to benefit us all in the most profound ways.
I pray that in this world or the next, I may never be devoid of the chance to give back to you in some way, big or small. If I am able to take advantage of these gifted opportunities for rendering you some service, then such gifts will, no doubt, guarantee the eternal perfection of my eternal existence.
Your servant,
Jiva Doya dasa
Jiva-maya devi dasi
Oceans of tears
to cross over
and rocky sins
moreover.
To steer around
transcend
on this path of regulation
rules twist and bend.
Surrender
the goal of end
yet my heart
is still but to mend.
To be strong enough
shiny and whole
to offer to you
without hook or hole.
Prabhupada’s books
Krsna's names
the only ways
to quit these games.
Gauranga's short cut
for the most fallen souls
without dead ends
or extortionate tolls.
I pray for a mind
as simple as these rhymes
and to see you smile
a thousand times.
For that to be
my single vision
my heart’s only happiness
without division.
To watch and assist
your welfare work
just for your pleasure
not peace nor perk.
For this is your standard
of true bhakti
and you bring it closer
by your incredible mercy.
I trust completely
in your navigation
your ability to guide souls
from every nation.
I trust in your pleasure
and I trust in this taste
ensuring our energies
don't go to waste.
Seeking to help
all varieties of jivas;
we’ll uncover devotees
not true believers!
Seeking to sing
Srila Prabhupada’s song
may your divine service
continue exciting and strong.
*
Always unqualified, yet ever hopeful,
dancing to keep from crying
and aspiring to serve you purely,
your spiritual daughter,
Jiva-maya dd
to cross over
and rocky sins
moreover.
To steer around
transcend
on this path of regulation
rules twist and bend.
Surrender
the goal of end
yet my heart
is still but to mend.
To be strong enough
shiny and whole
to offer to you
without hook or hole.
Prabhupada’s books
Krsna's names
the only ways
to quit these games.
Gauranga's short cut
for the most fallen souls
without dead ends
or extortionate tolls.
I pray for a mind
as simple as these rhymes
and to see you smile
a thousand times.
For that to be
my single vision
my heart’s only happiness
without division.
To watch and assist
your welfare work
just for your pleasure
not peace nor perk.
For this is your standard
of true bhakti
and you bring it closer
by your incredible mercy.
I trust completely
in your navigation
your ability to guide souls
from every nation.
I trust in your pleasure
and I trust in this taste
ensuring our energies
don't go to waste.
Seeking to help
all varieties of jivas;
we’ll uncover devotees
not true believers!
Seeking to sing
Srila Prabhupada’s song
may your divine service
continue exciting and strong.
*
Always unqualified, yet ever hopeful,
dancing to keep from crying
and aspiring to serve you purely,
your spiritual daughter,
Jiva-maya dd
Kalyani Radha 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.
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.
In this material world we are blindfolded with coverings of our choosing, some hold hands tightly over eyes unwillingly to look toward the light. You shine a torch in the darkness, gently urging, go this way, this is the way out.
It has nearly been 5 years since I was brought within the warm embrace of Bhakti Lounge and met you. It has gone by in a blur, feeling like forever and no time at all, life in bhakti is never stagnant or boring. I reflect on where would I be, what would I be doing if I hadn’t been expertly retrieved from the turbulent ocean and gently placed in the bhakti boat. I would still be treading water while trying to enjoy the scenery, and slowly drowning.
My devotional life thus far as been a series of one sep forward, 4 steps back. Thank you your mercy, your patience, the oft repeated instructions you have given me, and the mentors, mothers, and sisters you have trained, without who I would not be here, still endeavouring to endeavour to serve.
You make it easy to come to Krishna consciousness, to grow in Krishna consciousness in an organic way, and to give Krishna consciousness to others. You have given us all facility to indulge, to eternally flow with the fast bubbling stream of bhakti. You lead us (the ungrateful and unqualified) to the bank of this clear and pure stream. I now just need to get over the gradual one toe at a time, glacial pace entry and dive deep. Your constant and gentle encouragement of ‘just keep trying’ calls out to me.. come on in, the waters fine. How long can they early feelings of phew last, escape from the desert, and into the cool, its time to dig deeper, clear the cobwebs, dust, and dirt from the heart, get over the self, out of the false ego, and start to be useful to you and to the mission of Srila Prabhupada.
I hope one day I can reciprocate with everything you have done for me, I need to get a swift kick out of a me-centric dimension. I am a thief, I take service from the devotees and give nothing in return. A kali yuga reject, a krpana, a miser…
“The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime”.
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.25.21
On your last visit you arrived at 5:15 on Thursday afternoon to a sea of hopeful faces, you gave your time and care ,and then practically straight away ran a preaching program and sat and chatted with guests afterwards, giving each soul individual and personal focus and attention, with no sense of rush. The next day darsans , emailing devotees in crisis, GBC business etc etc, in the evening a 2hr Bhagavatam class and 1 hour of rocking ecstatic kirtan, and then still you stay and chat after, and then the next day the same, and on the Sunday again darsans, and in the evening the soul feast program and then swiftly away to NGV.
You step off the plane and you just give, you get off an international flight and straight into preaching, teaching and caring for devotees. You selflessly train your disciples, like an expert doctor you know the correct treatment for every ailment. Whether chastisement or encouragement everything is for the good of the devotee.
“A sādhu behaves with all conditioned souls for their ultimate relief from material entanglement. Therefore, no one can be more friendly than a sādhu in relieving a conditioned soul.”
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.25.21 purport
Everything you do is selflessly for the mission of Srila Prabhuapada. On sankirtan 7 days a week, for 2 years, with little or no results, they called you the hard luck kid, but because of your dedication to Srila Prabhupada you went on Even often being a sankirtan leader although you may not have been distributing many books. You knew that Srila Prabhupada loved this service and because of that you were determined to love it also.
Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to 6.7.14
“We, the conditioned souls, have fallen in the ocean of nescience, but the human body fortunately provides us a good opportunity to cross the ocean because the human body is like a very good boat. When directed by a spiritual master acting as the captain, the boat can very easily cross the ocean. Furthermore, the boat is helped across by favorable winds, which are the instructions of Vedic knowledge. If one does not take advantage of all these facilities to cross the ocean of nescience, he is certainly committing suicide”.
Thank you without you I would waste the opportunities that come with this human body and inevitably commit spiritual suicide being bewildered by pretenders with their stone boats that will not take us anywhere but to the bottom of the ocean…
"O all-merciful spiritual master, representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, when will my mind be completely surrendered unto your lotus feet? At that time, only by your mercy, I shall be able to get relief from all obstacles to spiritual life, and I shall be situated in blissful life." (Sripada Sridhara Svami, quoted in Prayers of the Personified Vedas)
aspiring to be your servant and the servant of the devotees,
Kalyani Radha Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
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.
In this material world we are blindfolded with coverings of our choosing, some hold hands tightly over eyes unwillingly to look toward the light. You shine a torch in the darkness, gently urging, go this way, this is the way out.
It has nearly been 5 years since I was brought within the warm embrace of Bhakti Lounge and met you. It has gone by in a blur, feeling like forever and no time at all, life in bhakti is never stagnant or boring. I reflect on where would I be, what would I be doing if I hadn’t been expertly retrieved from the turbulent ocean and gently placed in the bhakti boat. I would still be treading water while trying to enjoy the scenery, and slowly drowning.
My devotional life thus far as been a series of one sep forward, 4 steps back. Thank you your mercy, your patience, the oft repeated instructions you have given me, and the mentors, mothers, and sisters you have trained, without who I would not be here, still endeavouring to endeavour to serve.
You make it easy to come to Krishna consciousness, to grow in Krishna consciousness in an organic way, and to give Krishna consciousness to others. You have given us all facility to indulge, to eternally flow with the fast bubbling stream of bhakti. You lead us (the ungrateful and unqualified) to the bank of this clear and pure stream. I now just need to get over the gradual one toe at a time, glacial pace entry and dive deep. Your constant and gentle encouragement of ‘just keep trying’ calls out to me.. come on in, the waters fine. How long can they early feelings of phew last, escape from the desert, and into the cool, its time to dig deeper, clear the cobwebs, dust, and dirt from the heart, get over the self, out of the false ego, and start to be useful to you and to the mission of Srila Prabhupada.
I hope one day I can reciprocate with everything you have done for me, I need to get a swift kick out of a me-centric dimension. I am a thief, I take service from the devotees and give nothing in return. A kali yuga reject, a krpana, a miser…
“The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime”.
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.25.21
On your last visit you arrived at 5:15 on Thursday afternoon to a sea of hopeful faces, you gave your time and care ,and then practically straight away ran a preaching program and sat and chatted with guests afterwards, giving each soul individual and personal focus and attention, with no sense of rush. The next day darsans , emailing devotees in crisis, GBC business etc etc, in the evening a 2hr Bhagavatam class and 1 hour of rocking ecstatic kirtan, and then still you stay and chat after, and then the next day the same, and on the Sunday again darsans, and in the evening the soul feast program and then swiftly away to NGV.
You step off the plane and you just give, you get off an international flight and straight into preaching, teaching and caring for devotees. You selflessly train your disciples, like an expert doctor you know the correct treatment for every ailment. Whether chastisement or encouragement everything is for the good of the devotee.
“A sādhu behaves with all conditioned souls for their ultimate relief from material entanglement. Therefore, no one can be more friendly than a sādhu in relieving a conditioned soul.”
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.25.21 purport
Everything you do is selflessly for the mission of Srila Prabhuapada. On sankirtan 7 days a week, for 2 years, with little or no results, they called you the hard luck kid, but because of your dedication to Srila Prabhupada you went on Even often being a sankirtan leader although you may not have been distributing many books. You knew that Srila Prabhupada loved this service and because of that you were determined to love it also.
Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to 6.7.14
“We, the conditioned souls, have fallen in the ocean of nescience, but the human body fortunately provides us a good opportunity to cross the ocean because the human body is like a very good boat. When directed by a spiritual master acting as the captain, the boat can very easily cross the ocean. Furthermore, the boat is helped across by favorable winds, which are the instructions of Vedic knowledge. If one does not take advantage of all these facilities to cross the ocean of nescience, he is certainly committing suicide”.
Thank you without you I would waste the opportunities that come with this human body and inevitably commit spiritual suicide being bewildered by pretenders with their stone boats that will not take us anywhere but to the bottom of the ocean…
"O all-merciful spiritual master, representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, when will my mind be completely surrendered unto your lotus feet? At that time, only by your mercy, I shall be able to get relief from all obstacles to spiritual life, and I shall be situated in blissful life." (Sripada Sridhara Svami, quoted in Prayers of the Personified Vedas)
aspiring to be your servant and the servant of the devotees,
Kalyani Radha Devi Dasi
Kamsari Sena dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you on your most auspicious Vyasa Puja Day! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Of the 8.4 million life forms this human form of life is rare. In fact taking this human form of life in Bharata-varsa even more rare. To top that off for a human being on his own to finally get it together and make a effort to enquire into the Absolute Truth, especially Kali Yuga, such a person is most rare. What to speak of acquiring the most precious jewel of devotional service to Lord Krsna the last word in the realisation of the Absolute Truth?
Prahlada Maharaja informs his father that for persons with uncontrolled senses and addicted to materialistic way of life their inclinations toward Krsna are never aroused, either by the instructions of others, by their own efforts, or by a combination of both.
I used fit into that category but now I find myself practicing the topmost process of yoga. How has an insignificant soul like me become so fortunate? Burning in material existence, battling Kuruksetra like problems with no end in sight and always conceding to the demands of my uncontrollable senses how have I been able to escape it all?
Sri Prahlada Maharaja provides the answer: without the dust of the lotus feet of a pure devotee of Krsna it is not possible to be free from material contamination nor can one become attached to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Only by devotional service to Sri Krsna under the guidance of the bona fide spiritual master can one take shelter of Krsna and cross over this insurmountable ocean of material existence. By Krsna's mercy one gets Guru and by Guru's mercy one gets Krsna.
Guru Maharaja you are the source of my good fortune.
How rare is it be in contact with pure devotees like you, who are genuinely concerned about the welfare of fallen conditioned souls? Out of selflessness and compassion you reach out to fallen souls and direct them, as a transparent via medium of Srila Prabhupada, back home back to Godhead.
You often say:
"Learn to love to read the books and learnt to love to distribute them."
Your actions and speech mirrors that same mood of Srila Prabhuapda's and that of the whole sampradaya. What is that mood? Sri Prahlada Maharaja exemplifies it in his prayer to Lord Nrsimhadeva:
"O best of the great personalities, I am not at all afraid of material existence, for wherever I stay I am fully absorbed in thoughts of Your glories and activities. My concern is only for the fools and rascals who are making elaborate plans for material happiness and maintaining their families, societies and countries. I am simply concerned with love for them."
At present you are inspiring and guiding many devotees in Krsna Consciousness. More specifically you are maintaining the sankirtana spirit Srila Prabhupada had given you. It is the Guru Parampara’s mission, which is the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu - to become guru and teach everyone about Krsna.
One drop of your mercy, Gurudeva, is all thats needed. Having been accepted by you, out of your magnanimity as your disciple, and having been given an opportunity to engage in such welfare work you have automatically made me follow Mahaprabhu's orders.
Even more inconceivable is that I can have entrance into such service that is the most confidential. You often quote the verse "nikunja yuno ratikeli siddahye..." and state how Prabhupada confirmed that book distribution is like the Gopis making tasteful arrangements for the loving affairs of Radha and Krsna.
Gurudeva, let me eternally remember that you are the source of my greatest fortune and let me remain eternally grateful by going out to fulfil your instructions. I pray that you will bestow upon me the greatest benediction of "learning to love reading the books and learning to love to distribute them."
Aspiring to remain your insignificant servant,
Kamsari Sena Dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you on your most auspicious Vyasa Puja Day! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Of the 8.4 million life forms this human form of life is rare. In fact taking this human form of life in Bharata-varsa even more rare. To top that off for a human being on his own to finally get it together and make a effort to enquire into the Absolute Truth, especially Kali Yuga, such a person is most rare. What to speak of acquiring the most precious jewel of devotional service to Lord Krsna the last word in the realisation of the Absolute Truth?
Prahlada Maharaja informs his father that for persons with uncontrolled senses and addicted to materialistic way of life their inclinations toward Krsna are never aroused, either by the instructions of others, by their own efforts, or by a combination of both.
I used fit into that category but now I find myself practicing the topmost process of yoga. How has an insignificant soul like me become so fortunate? Burning in material existence, battling Kuruksetra like problems with no end in sight and always conceding to the demands of my uncontrollable senses how have I been able to escape it all?
Sri Prahlada Maharaja provides the answer: without the dust of the lotus feet of a pure devotee of Krsna it is not possible to be free from material contamination nor can one become attached to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Only by devotional service to Sri Krsna under the guidance of the bona fide spiritual master can one take shelter of Krsna and cross over this insurmountable ocean of material existence. By Krsna's mercy one gets Guru and by Guru's mercy one gets Krsna.
Guru Maharaja you are the source of my good fortune.
How rare is it be in contact with pure devotees like you, who are genuinely concerned about the welfare of fallen conditioned souls? Out of selflessness and compassion you reach out to fallen souls and direct them, as a transparent via medium of Srila Prabhupada, back home back to Godhead.
You often say:
"Learn to love to read the books and learnt to love to distribute them."
Your actions and speech mirrors that same mood of Srila Prabhuapda's and that of the whole sampradaya. What is that mood? Sri Prahlada Maharaja exemplifies it in his prayer to Lord Nrsimhadeva:
"O best of the great personalities, I am not at all afraid of material existence, for wherever I stay I am fully absorbed in thoughts of Your glories and activities. My concern is only for the fools and rascals who are making elaborate plans for material happiness and maintaining their families, societies and countries. I am simply concerned with love for them."
At present you are inspiring and guiding many devotees in Krsna Consciousness. More specifically you are maintaining the sankirtana spirit Srila Prabhupada had given you. It is the Guru Parampara’s mission, which is the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu - to become guru and teach everyone about Krsna.
One drop of your mercy, Gurudeva, is all thats needed. Having been accepted by you, out of your magnanimity as your disciple, and having been given an opportunity to engage in such welfare work you have automatically made me follow Mahaprabhu's orders.
Even more inconceivable is that I can have entrance into such service that is the most confidential. You often quote the verse "nikunja yuno ratikeli siddahye..." and state how Prabhupada confirmed that book distribution is like the Gopis making tasteful arrangements for the loving affairs of Radha and Krsna.
Gurudeva, let me eternally remember that you are the source of my greatest fortune and let me remain eternally grateful by going out to fulfil your instructions. I pray that you will bestow upon me the greatest benediction of "learning to love reading the books and learning to love to distribute them."
Aspiring to remain your insignificant servant,
Kamsari Sena Dasa
Kardami Kapila das
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharj.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Let the all auspicious day of your appearance be glorified try out the three worlds.
Rarely are the times when Krishna is sending in the material world a special souls like you. Try your mercy, coming from your lotus mouth, the foolish materialists (like me), maddened in the pursuit of temporary sense gratification, can receive and understand the wonderful message of Sri Krishna.
With time I am beginning to realize your true power. Association with you is not necessary to be on the physical plane. We can associate with try your instructions and remembering you. Yor instructions are non different from the instructions of Krishna, Srila Prabhupada and our acharyas. By remembering you I can remember Krishna. By remembering my god brothers and sisters I can remember you.
Every morning when I offer you my obeisancess and sing the Gurvastaka prayer I can focus my mind in the service to you and Srila Prabhupada. Following your instructions I can meditate on the real reason why Krishna gave me this talent – only to satisfy you. I sincerely hope that one day I can give you 100%, because anything below is a compromise.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for your perfect example, for your devotion and for the enthusiasm that you are giving us.
Please enter my heart and destroy the darkness in which I have been living for milions of lifes.
Om ajnana timirandasya jnanajana salakaya
Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri gurave namaha
Your servant, Kardami Kapila das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Let the all auspicious day of your appearance be glorified try out the three worlds.
Rarely are the times when Krishna is sending in the material world a special souls like you. Try your mercy, coming from your lotus mouth, the foolish materialists (like me), maddened in the pursuit of temporary sense gratification, can receive and understand the wonderful message of Sri Krishna.
With time I am beginning to realize your true power. Association with you is not necessary to be on the physical plane. We can associate with try your instructions and remembering you. Yor instructions are non different from the instructions of Krishna, Srila Prabhupada and our acharyas. By remembering you I can remember Krishna. By remembering my god brothers and sisters I can remember you.
Every morning when I offer you my obeisancess and sing the Gurvastaka prayer I can focus my mind in the service to you and Srila Prabhupada. Following your instructions I can meditate on the real reason why Krishna gave me this talent – only to satisfy you. I sincerely hope that one day I can give you 100%, because anything below is a compromise.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for your perfect example, for your devotion and for the enthusiasm that you are giving us.
Please enter my heart and destroy the darkness in which I have been living for milions of lifes.
Om ajnana timirandasya jnanajana salakaya
Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri gurave namaha
Your servant, Kardami Kapila das
Karuna Gaura dasa
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble respects
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories unto your lotus feet!!
I have been trying to write something impressive and profound but I've failed to even complete a sentence. I have nothing to show, yet again. I think having had rare intense encounters with you this year at Midrand (South Africa) during the retreat, I'm still left trying to process your oceanic love for disciples.
I was bewildered on how you rightly chastised me, and deservedly humiliated me. One thing though I realized after everything is that you care deeply and are profoundly compassionate to conditioned souls. Like a father, you have a way of disciplining mischievous children with sharp edged words; cutting right deep in the region of their hearts. And you do it with emotion and invested attactment. And my experience from the receiving end is that the blades are soothing and refreshing. Invigorating and surprisingly reassuring - whilst relentlessly tearing apart layers and layers of the false ego.
Well, I don't know what to say really, but I know you know my heart and how grateful I am to be your disciple. Your son. Though my efforts of gratefulness are not yet perfect, I am always ever more grateful for your leniency and your simultaneous high expectations. This keeps me on my toes to do more, and with this I am sure I will perfect my life one day, by your mercy of course.
Your son,
Karuna Gaura dasa.
Please accept my humble respects
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories unto your lotus feet!!
I have been trying to write something impressive and profound but I've failed to even complete a sentence. I have nothing to show, yet again. I think having had rare intense encounters with you this year at Midrand (South Africa) during the retreat, I'm still left trying to process your oceanic love for disciples.
I was bewildered on how you rightly chastised me, and deservedly humiliated me. One thing though I realized after everything is that you care deeply and are profoundly compassionate to conditioned souls. Like a father, you have a way of disciplining mischievous children with sharp edged words; cutting right deep in the region of their hearts. And you do it with emotion and invested attactment. And my experience from the receiving end is that the blades are soothing and refreshing. Invigorating and surprisingly reassuring - whilst relentlessly tearing apart layers and layers of the false ego.
Well, I don't know what to say really, but I know you know my heart and how grateful I am to be your disciple. Your son. Though my efforts of gratefulness are not yet perfect, I am always ever more grateful for your leniency and your simultaneous high expectations. This keeps me on my toes to do more, and with this I am sure I will perfect my life one day, by your mercy of course.
Your son,
Karuna Gaura dasa.
Karuna-purna Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Struggling to fit everything into my day, I often meditate on your great capacity to serve your Gurudeva’s mission. I wonder to myself how it is possible. It seems like a mystic power. Then I come to the conclusion that it must be your love for your spiritual master that empowers you to do it.
At the last Vyasa-puja celebration in Auckland you described the variety of duties and responsibilities you have in ISKCON, and every so often you reveal your jam packed travel schedule to us. We are simply astonished. What gives you strength to go on like this after so many years? It can only be pure bhakti.
Srila Prabhupada writes in a purport “To execute the will of the spiritual master, the disciple should be prepared to lay down his life and abandon all personal considerations.” (SB 4.28.50) How can it be done? You have set the perfect example.
Last time you visited us in Wellington, you pondered aloud if you should reveal your taxing travel itinerary for the last few months. Then you said “Krishna-Loka would chastise me.” At the same occasion you glorified those who were “stirring things up” here in Wellington, meaning those who are extending their energies to bring more and more people to the path of Bhakti.
In this way you are expert at simultaneously increasing your disciples’ love for you as well as expanding the ocean of love of God. That ocean also resides in your heart. And by various “tricks” you induce your disciples to also open their hearts. In this way the ripples on that ocean vibrantly expands.
At the last Recharge Festival, I overheard some young devotees speak to each other after their darshan with you. “He is so expert at knowing how to inspire everyone.”, “He really cares for everyone.”, “He is so personal.” I could tell that they had all had a life-changing experience. Whether a young or an old devotee, everyone feels their hearts stirred up by your expertise.
Although you are expert at opening our hearts and expanding the ocean of Bhakti, my heart is still very hard and dry. The fact that I have hardly been able to do anything of significance in your mission shows my great misfortune. If I was able to lay aside my plans, and fully surrender to yours, then my life would surely reach perfection.
How can anyone even come close to your glowing example of pure love? All I know is that this community of devotees is held together by love for you. And I pray that together we will be able to repay what you have given us, by carrying on the mission of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya.
Without you our hearts would dry up. We’d be selfishly looking for some temporary pleasure for worn out and over indulged senses. We owe our lives and more to you, Gurudeva. Thank you.
With lots of love and gratitude,
Your servant Karuna-purna dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Struggling to fit everything into my day, I often meditate on your great capacity to serve your Gurudeva’s mission. I wonder to myself how it is possible. It seems like a mystic power. Then I come to the conclusion that it must be your love for your spiritual master that empowers you to do it.
At the last Vyasa-puja celebration in Auckland you described the variety of duties and responsibilities you have in ISKCON, and every so often you reveal your jam packed travel schedule to us. We are simply astonished. What gives you strength to go on like this after so many years? It can only be pure bhakti.
Srila Prabhupada writes in a purport “To execute the will of the spiritual master, the disciple should be prepared to lay down his life and abandon all personal considerations.” (SB 4.28.50) How can it be done? You have set the perfect example.
Last time you visited us in Wellington, you pondered aloud if you should reveal your taxing travel itinerary for the last few months. Then you said “Krishna-Loka would chastise me.” At the same occasion you glorified those who were “stirring things up” here in Wellington, meaning those who are extending their energies to bring more and more people to the path of Bhakti.
In this way you are expert at simultaneously increasing your disciples’ love for you as well as expanding the ocean of love of God. That ocean also resides in your heart. And by various “tricks” you induce your disciples to also open their hearts. In this way the ripples on that ocean vibrantly expands.
At the last Recharge Festival, I overheard some young devotees speak to each other after their darshan with you. “He is so expert at knowing how to inspire everyone.”, “He really cares for everyone.”, “He is so personal.” I could tell that they had all had a life-changing experience. Whether a young or an old devotee, everyone feels their hearts stirred up by your expertise.
Although you are expert at opening our hearts and expanding the ocean of Bhakti, my heart is still very hard and dry. The fact that I have hardly been able to do anything of significance in your mission shows my great misfortune. If I was able to lay aside my plans, and fully surrender to yours, then my life would surely reach perfection.
How can anyone even come close to your glowing example of pure love? All I know is that this community of devotees is held together by love for you. And I pray that together we will be able to repay what you have given us, by carrying on the mission of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya.
Without you our hearts would dry up. We’d be selfishly looking for some temporary pleasure for worn out and over indulged senses. We owe our lives and more to you, Gurudeva. Thank you.
With lots of love and gratitude,
Your servant Karuna-purna dasi
Kasi Priya das
Dear Gurudeva
please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
And All glories unto you my dear spiritual master and guide on this most auspicious day of your appearance in this world!
There is this orchard close to the temple in Auckland. Unfortunately the owners are demons and also grow some free range chicken. In one sense they are fortunate, because they get some left over prasadam from us and hear the holy name of Krishna before they expire.
Observing those birds, how they follow my van when I drive in, flock around it until I get out and get the bucket of left over prasadam, how they follow me into the orchard where I drop the prasadam and then how they devour those remnants I remembered your classes on desires. How our desires keep us imprisoned in this material world.
Those birds are actually free, no cage is hindering them to walk or fly away, no prison bars, no fence, nothing actually is preventing them from leaving the death trap - except their insatiable tongue. Their tongue keeps them bound to the proximity of their owner, their greatest enemy. Just their desire for easy accessible food traps them, imprisons them.
Also the famous ass, the beast of burden works hard for it’s master simply for grass, which grows everywhere, he also is trapped by his tongue. Even human beings are willing to work for a cruel master as long as they get fed enough and regularly. The people of Israel, being led by Moses out of Egypt were rebelling due to their tongues desires. They would have happily returned into slavery, to Egypt, because pots full of meat would await them there... They became ungrateful to their liberator, rebelled and protested.
Similarly you carry out the order of your spiritual master, our Founder Arcarya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and reach out to all the imprisoned jiva souls in this material world. And how happy we are here, how easily caught by Maya’s illusion, by Krishna’s divine energy, which is so difficult to overcome even though it has no bars, no fences, nothing to keep us imprisoned but our own foolish desires...
But you Gurudeva try to force our blindly shut eyes open and with the torchlight of knowledge lighten up the darkness of our ignorance. And it’s not that after you explained it once, we understand, not just twice, not just three time. No, you go through the effort explaining it this way, that way, shining the torchlight from this side, then from he other side, over and over again until one day out Kali Yuga brains may finally understand, or spiritually blind eyes may finally see.
Repeating over and over again how material desires can never be fulfilled, how unfulfilled desires accumulate, how this backlog of unfulfilled desires makes us accept yet another material body and on and on it goes...
In his wonderful prayer on board the ship Jaladuta, before he stepped onto American soil, Srila Prabhupada reveals his mind, his merciful, devotional heart. “How will they understand the mellows of devotional service?”,”How will I make them understand this message of Krishna Consciousness?”,”I can simply repeat Your message, so if You like You can make my power of speaking suitable for their understanding.” Always meditating on how to present Krishna’s message, always thinking about how to present Krishna Consciousness and all the while fully depending on Krishna, and fully understanding that the result is fully up to Him.
And you are following Srila Prabupada in his preaching mood, always thinking of how to present Krishna Consciousness to different audiences, always trying to adjust your presentation according to the candidates. You point out the traps of the illusory energy, how she keeps us entangled in material existence using our material desires. And you actively engage us in the positive, in devotional service, so that we may develop a higher taste, so that one day, our desires may be transferred to Krishna and His devotional service. We can be slavishly imprisoned due to our desires OR liberated from the clutches of Maya and placed at Krishna’s lotus feet with the same desire propensity.
Please continue to force open my stubbornly shut eyes and disperse my ignorance so that I will be able to actually start serving you adequately one day.
Thank you for your patience
Your aspiring servant
Kasi Priya das
please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
And All glories unto you my dear spiritual master and guide on this most auspicious day of your appearance in this world!
There is this orchard close to the temple in Auckland. Unfortunately the owners are demons and also grow some free range chicken. In one sense they are fortunate, because they get some left over prasadam from us and hear the holy name of Krishna before they expire.
Observing those birds, how they follow my van when I drive in, flock around it until I get out and get the bucket of left over prasadam, how they follow me into the orchard where I drop the prasadam and then how they devour those remnants I remembered your classes on desires. How our desires keep us imprisoned in this material world.
Those birds are actually free, no cage is hindering them to walk or fly away, no prison bars, no fence, nothing actually is preventing them from leaving the death trap - except their insatiable tongue. Their tongue keeps them bound to the proximity of their owner, their greatest enemy. Just their desire for easy accessible food traps them, imprisons them.
Also the famous ass, the beast of burden works hard for it’s master simply for grass, which grows everywhere, he also is trapped by his tongue. Even human beings are willing to work for a cruel master as long as they get fed enough and regularly. The people of Israel, being led by Moses out of Egypt were rebelling due to their tongues desires. They would have happily returned into slavery, to Egypt, because pots full of meat would await them there... They became ungrateful to their liberator, rebelled and protested.
Similarly you carry out the order of your spiritual master, our Founder Arcarya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and reach out to all the imprisoned jiva souls in this material world. And how happy we are here, how easily caught by Maya’s illusion, by Krishna’s divine energy, which is so difficult to overcome even though it has no bars, no fences, nothing to keep us imprisoned but our own foolish desires...
But you Gurudeva try to force our blindly shut eyes open and with the torchlight of knowledge lighten up the darkness of our ignorance. And it’s not that after you explained it once, we understand, not just twice, not just three time. No, you go through the effort explaining it this way, that way, shining the torchlight from this side, then from he other side, over and over again until one day out Kali Yuga brains may finally understand, or spiritually blind eyes may finally see.
Repeating over and over again how material desires can never be fulfilled, how unfulfilled desires accumulate, how this backlog of unfulfilled desires makes us accept yet another material body and on and on it goes...
In his wonderful prayer on board the ship Jaladuta, before he stepped onto American soil, Srila Prabhupada reveals his mind, his merciful, devotional heart. “How will they understand the mellows of devotional service?”,”How will I make them understand this message of Krishna Consciousness?”,”I can simply repeat Your message, so if You like You can make my power of speaking suitable for their understanding.” Always meditating on how to present Krishna’s message, always thinking about how to present Krishna Consciousness and all the while fully depending on Krishna, and fully understanding that the result is fully up to Him.
And you are following Srila Prabupada in his preaching mood, always thinking of how to present Krishna Consciousness to different audiences, always trying to adjust your presentation according to the candidates. You point out the traps of the illusory energy, how she keeps us entangled in material existence using our material desires. And you actively engage us in the positive, in devotional service, so that we may develop a higher taste, so that one day, our desires may be transferred to Krishna and His devotional service. We can be slavishly imprisoned due to our desires OR liberated from the clutches of Maya and placed at Krishna’s lotus feet with the same desire propensity.
Please continue to force open my stubbornly shut eyes and disperse my ignorance so that I will be able to actually start serving you adequately one day.
Thank you for your patience
Your aspiring servant
Kasi Priya das
Kasturika Devi Dasi
Namo om visnupadaya krsna presthya bhutale srimate Devamrita swami ite namine....
Prachare purvadakshyum bhakta cara pravinta paratatapi karunam yasa sarvecha te namah....
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my Humble Obeisances....
All Glories to SrilaPrabhupada...
All Glories to You....
Many festivals we celebrate in a year , but certainly spiritual master's appearance day remains most personal as it is the time to make me think how worthless I am yet your kind showers of mercy drown me in developing more faith in you...
As mentioned in your new book " Hiding in Unnatural Happiness" you have adeventured out in a different road which is most less travelled although you being New yoker and Yale Graduate....and as I was listening to one of your early recordings, you mentioned how university teachers are Maya aparithajnanis as their knowledge has been stolen by illusion....but isn't ur teachers fortunate although they are in illusion still could get association of a "Mahatma"...how could one measure the fortune of those souls who once acted as ur teachers were saved from greatest dangers of life simply by your association....
Today you travel tirelessly from continent to continent just to teach and to , give the taste of Krishna Consciousness...meeting many youngersters and saving them from onslaught s of materialistic education where heighted idea is only careeer and financial pursuits. You reach out of people the way they like to reached in, you package the krsna consciousness exactly the way they like to be ....whether it is Melbourne or in Noida or in devotee striving communities of Mayapur or any other gatherings thought out the world....your mission remains the same. Creative loft programs, enchanting and dynamic kirtans, exemplary prasadam are been successful and appreciated by one and all which all are part of your vision. I heard and practically experience what is meant to be " Lets Make it Easy" for others for them accept krsna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada explains in Nectar of Instruction how a devotee is enthusiastic( utsaha)...who is constantly endeavouring with intelligence as he knows that devotional service is a practical action in the foreground of spirtiual life and for me you are the epitome of this description and how enthusiastu are in fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's every word....by your example.
Your teachings are cutting edge one such description is....The complexity and severity of life problems multiply according to how del the illusion of matter misidentification cuts...( A small extract from Hiding in unnatural happiness)...how true and makes us think about our mental and pyscological situations we are clubbed in....you make it easy by strong argument that Bhakti yoga,Krishna consciousness is the perfection of this information age...
Right after my completion of Bhakti sastri in mayapur, I had this dream of you..... I was trying to preach to some one and trying to interpret Srila Prabhupada's teachings, and you come by and tell strongly to preach ...As It Is....I woke up awe....many months later recently in Noida, I was preparing myself to share insights of a verse to few devotees without referring to Srila Prabhupada's purport....somehow I remembered that dream and looked back in Bhagavad Gita....oh Krsna....what a saving grace you had been on me..what an important lesson you taught me....my understanding of the verse is totally different from Srila Prabhupada's purport......it also made me realised how important to learn from a Guru, who is a living sastra...who preaches by his example and never deviates from parampara....Thank you Dear Gurudeva....
Lost and away from home there were many rough roads but nonetheless I didn't feel many because of your protection upon me....what all I can say or share....I'm grateful only....although not worthy please kindly give me your shelter always.....
For first time I can truly admit how much I am not your disciple yet but aspiring to become one day and hold unto you eternally....
Oh Vaisnava Thakura, kindly bestow your mercy upon me always....shelter me at your lotus feet so that I never feel lost again....
Aspiring to learn how to be your servant from your servants,
Kasturika Devi Dasi.
Prachare purvadakshyum bhakta cara pravinta paratatapi karunam yasa sarvecha te namah....
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my Humble Obeisances....
All Glories to SrilaPrabhupada...
All Glories to You....
Many festivals we celebrate in a year , but certainly spiritual master's appearance day remains most personal as it is the time to make me think how worthless I am yet your kind showers of mercy drown me in developing more faith in you...
As mentioned in your new book " Hiding in Unnatural Happiness" you have adeventured out in a different road which is most less travelled although you being New yoker and Yale Graduate....and as I was listening to one of your early recordings, you mentioned how university teachers are Maya aparithajnanis as their knowledge has been stolen by illusion....but isn't ur teachers fortunate although they are in illusion still could get association of a "Mahatma"...how could one measure the fortune of those souls who once acted as ur teachers were saved from greatest dangers of life simply by your association....
Today you travel tirelessly from continent to continent just to teach and to , give the taste of Krishna Consciousness...meeting many youngersters and saving them from onslaught s of materialistic education where heighted idea is only careeer and financial pursuits. You reach out of people the way they like to reached in, you package the krsna consciousness exactly the way they like to be ....whether it is Melbourne or in Noida or in devotee striving communities of Mayapur or any other gatherings thought out the world....your mission remains the same. Creative loft programs, enchanting and dynamic kirtans, exemplary prasadam are been successful and appreciated by one and all which all are part of your vision. I heard and practically experience what is meant to be " Lets Make it Easy" for others for them accept krsna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada explains in Nectar of Instruction how a devotee is enthusiastic( utsaha)...who is constantly endeavouring with intelligence as he knows that devotional service is a practical action in the foreground of spirtiual life and for me you are the epitome of this description and how enthusiastu are in fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's every word....by your example.
Your teachings are cutting edge one such description is....The complexity and severity of life problems multiply according to how del the illusion of matter misidentification cuts...( A small extract from Hiding in unnatural happiness)...how true and makes us think about our mental and pyscological situations we are clubbed in....you make it easy by strong argument that Bhakti yoga,Krishna consciousness is the perfection of this information age...
Right after my completion of Bhakti sastri in mayapur, I had this dream of you..... I was trying to preach to some one and trying to interpret Srila Prabhupada's teachings, and you come by and tell strongly to preach ...As It Is....I woke up awe....many months later recently in Noida, I was preparing myself to share insights of a verse to few devotees without referring to Srila Prabhupada's purport....somehow I remembered that dream and looked back in Bhagavad Gita....oh Krsna....what a saving grace you had been on me..what an important lesson you taught me....my understanding of the verse is totally different from Srila Prabhupada's purport......it also made me realised how important to learn from a Guru, who is a living sastra...who preaches by his example and never deviates from parampara....Thank you Dear Gurudeva....
Lost and away from home there were many rough roads but nonetheless I didn't feel many because of your protection upon me....what all I can say or share....I'm grateful only....although not worthy please kindly give me your shelter always.....
For first time I can truly admit how much I am not your disciple yet but aspiring to become one day and hold unto you eternally....
Oh Vaisnava Thakura, kindly bestow your mercy upon me always....shelter me at your lotus feet so that I never feel lost again....
Aspiring to learn how to be your servant from your servants,
Kasturika Devi Dasi.
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Alone in the dark I heard strange calls
from a world beyond sense perception
searching within myself I found your mercy
beckoning me.
A recording of a mantra
echoed by George Harrison’s friends,
invited me to search out the origins
and turn a new page over.
A poster of John Lennon hanging on my wall
mystified me.
He sat crossed legged with a sack
“meditating on what?” I wondered.
Like wilted flowers carried by the wind
my tired soul journeyed to the big city
searching and thinking,
“something more, something more.”
Awake to opportunity
that mantra danced into my ears
from the mouth of a man on the street
who said “Ya, I know all about it.”
Your servant was speaking to him
inviting him to rediscover his humility
when I asked, “Who is Krishna?
Why won’t anyone tell me about Krishna?”
This inquiry purchased the Bhagavad Gita
I had less then five dollars in change
which you once explained was “stolen,”
and merely returned to the true Proprietor.
But in my ignorance
I thought scriptures were free.
I thought I was free, too.
Unaware that I was a thief
I went to meet your Holiness.
After the program
I asked, “could I get you a plate?”
You smiled but declined.
I felt embarrassed to eat without you.
You asked me my name and
told me I was meant for “something more.”
“You’re 22? So, you’ve done it all now…
materially speaking.”
“Chant Hare Krishna; read Bhagavad Gita;”
I felt enthused to follow.
I went away for a few months
returning to Bhakti Lounge as a vegetarian.
Upon completing the Bhagavad Gita
concerns arose.
I again went to meet you for guidance
'Is this really standard?’ I thought.
Was this like Catholicism?
Do I confess and become free from sin?
Paying you my obeisances and crying,
I described by fallen condition.
Perceiving my torment,
and inability to help myself
you simply encouraged me.
Lifting me up with sweet words,
“You are a priceless gem.”
Revitalizing my confidence
supporting a conviction to follow purely,
I inherited spiritual knowledge
from the lips of your lotus mouth.
An uncontaminated process which you
imbibe and describe carries
your disciples like blossoms in the wind
to the spiritual world.
Now like a doorkeeper, on your behalf
I carry the Bhagavad Gita
inviting others to enter into it.
It is like welcoming a beloved home
from a long trip.
Perhaps they are lost?
Or maybe they are searching too?
Often they are distracted and without time
to deeply question.
Enthusiastically your servants engage me
to awaken the common man
working hard for unnatural happiness
missing their chance.
Sometimes I too am asleep to my position
as your servants servant.
Though I am home I am still haunted
by the ghosts of my past conditioning.
When Guru is pleased Krishna is pleased;
displeasing you an the alarm bell.
It wakes me up from my “sky-writing”
as you call it.
You are a transparent medium,
your words- my beginning, middle and end.
You are shelter, resting place and
motivating factor.
By your forgiveness I forgive myself.
Still, I aspire to rise to your standards
which increase with maturity in bhakti.
Ours is a relationship of eternal competition
an infinite jest of ever-raising stakes.
May your standards continue to raise
though I continually flounder like a fool.
Drowning in your mercy
is the source of my confidence.
Is it true- one must not only serve Guru,
but also become friends?
This year, like a true friend you have
exposed my pride
and teased me amongst family.
Thank you for humbling me,
as I did not know what that meant.
My real pride is your favour,
is your smile, and your laughter.
My real pride is your instruction,
is your service, is your sanga.
My real pride is your servants,
and their service to you.
My real pride is dancing to your kirtan,
as you do.
Trying to be your humble servant’s servant,
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
Philadelphia, PA
Oct 3rd, 2016.
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Alone in the dark I heard strange calls
from a world beyond sense perception
searching within myself I found your mercy
beckoning me.
A recording of a mantra
echoed by George Harrison’s friends,
invited me to search out the origins
and turn a new page over.
A poster of John Lennon hanging on my wall
mystified me.
He sat crossed legged with a sack
“meditating on what?” I wondered.
Like wilted flowers carried by the wind
my tired soul journeyed to the big city
searching and thinking,
“something more, something more.”
Awake to opportunity
that mantra danced into my ears
from the mouth of a man on the street
who said “Ya, I know all about it.”
Your servant was speaking to him
inviting him to rediscover his humility
when I asked, “Who is Krishna?
Why won’t anyone tell me about Krishna?”
This inquiry purchased the Bhagavad Gita
I had less then five dollars in change
which you once explained was “stolen,”
and merely returned to the true Proprietor.
But in my ignorance
I thought scriptures were free.
I thought I was free, too.
Unaware that I was a thief
I went to meet your Holiness.
After the program
I asked, “could I get you a plate?”
You smiled but declined.
I felt embarrassed to eat without you.
You asked me my name and
told me I was meant for “something more.”
“You’re 22? So, you’ve done it all now…
materially speaking.”
“Chant Hare Krishna; read Bhagavad Gita;”
I felt enthused to follow.
I went away for a few months
returning to Bhakti Lounge as a vegetarian.
Upon completing the Bhagavad Gita
concerns arose.
I again went to meet you for guidance
'Is this really standard?’ I thought.
Was this like Catholicism?
Do I confess and become free from sin?
Paying you my obeisances and crying,
I described by fallen condition.
Perceiving my torment,
and inability to help myself
you simply encouraged me.
Lifting me up with sweet words,
“You are a priceless gem.”
Revitalizing my confidence
supporting a conviction to follow purely,
I inherited spiritual knowledge
from the lips of your lotus mouth.
An uncontaminated process which you
imbibe and describe carries
your disciples like blossoms in the wind
to the spiritual world.
Now like a doorkeeper, on your behalf
I carry the Bhagavad Gita
inviting others to enter into it.
It is like welcoming a beloved home
from a long trip.
Perhaps they are lost?
Or maybe they are searching too?
Often they are distracted and without time
to deeply question.
Enthusiastically your servants engage me
to awaken the common man
working hard for unnatural happiness
missing their chance.
Sometimes I too am asleep to my position
as your servants servant.
Though I am home I am still haunted
by the ghosts of my past conditioning.
When Guru is pleased Krishna is pleased;
displeasing you an the alarm bell.
It wakes me up from my “sky-writing”
as you call it.
You are a transparent medium,
your words- my beginning, middle and end.
You are shelter, resting place and
motivating factor.
By your forgiveness I forgive myself.
Still, I aspire to rise to your standards
which increase with maturity in bhakti.
Ours is a relationship of eternal competition
an infinite jest of ever-raising stakes.
May your standards continue to raise
though I continually flounder like a fool.
Drowning in your mercy
is the source of my confidence.
Is it true- one must not only serve Guru,
but also become friends?
This year, like a true friend you have
exposed my pride
and teased me amongst family.
Thank you for humbling me,
as I did not know what that meant.
My real pride is your favour,
is your smile, and your laughter.
My real pride is your instruction,
is your service, is your sanga.
My real pride is your servants,
and their service to you.
My real pride is dancing to your kirtan,
as you do.
Trying to be your humble servant’s servant,
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
Philadelphia, PA
Oct 3rd, 2016.
Kavi Karnapura das
Dear GuruMahraja
PLease accept my huble obeisances
All Glories to Srila PRabhupada
Thankyou for all the good advice - I just hope that one day I will learn to listen.
your servant
kavi das
PLease accept my huble obeisances
All Glories to Srila PRabhupada
Thankyou for all the good advice - I just hope that one day I will learn to listen.
your servant
kavi das
Kesi-mardana dasa
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my repeated, prostrated obeisances humbly at your lotus feet. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and to those great souls who are serving him purely in this great mission of making the world Krishna conscious.
Gurudeva, on this most special day of your appearance I cannot help but feel so ungrateful. What do I possibly have to offer you, who have actually given me life again? With a heart so cold as mine I cannot even offer you apologetic tears.
I often used to lament at my broken family situation, of which I once spoke with you about. I spoke about how I was so unfortunate to not have the ideal father or home life. How others should be grateful for what they have in comparison to myself. How much more foolish could I have been? How much more fortunate could I be to have been given a real father like you? A father who cares so much, he is willing to risk even his own health, even his life, for the well-being of his children, not just once but again and again.
Gurudeva, when will my stone heart become soft enough to actually love you in this way? In the way that a grateful son appreciates his father and wants to please him in all his activities. When will that be my meditation? When will your pleasure and my humble assistance in your service be the single goal of all my thoughts, words, and activities?
Personally I have cultivated so many millions of sinful, lusty desires in the name of love and personal satisfaction - even just in this lifetime! How then will it be possible to transform this turbulent ocean of lust into pure love? I know for sure Gurudeva, that it will only be possible by your causeless mercy.
You have saved me Gurudeva and everyday your mercy saves me. You empowered your dearmost disciples, so surrendered unto you, as they fought maya in her own capital of Las Vegas. By your mercy and their incredible endeavor, gallons of blood, and mental energy you have scooped me up out of the clutches of such a filthy place and lovingly dropped me at the lotus feet of your most beloved Lords Sri Sri Radha-Damodar, their cows, and their devotees. In comparison I can only think of how an eagle, soaring high in the sky, sees its prey even though submerged deep in the water, and swoops down to collect it and take it back to its nest. In this case, the real danger was my being submerged in a hopeless downward spiral of sense-gratification and you have given me this opportunity, in this place so dear to your lotus heart, to become free of my miserable situation.
Therefore I am begging you, on this day when you are especially kind to your dependents, please never let me become so foolish as to turn away from this endless flow of mercy - it is the only real substance of my life. Please Gurudeva, let me have shelter at your lotus feet, free from familiarity, pride, and always full of gratitude.
I have so many faults and shortcomings Gurudeva, many days I could spend dryly listing them. But though these faults are painfully present in me, they are limited. On the contrary Gurudeva, your transcendental qualities are unbounded and even if I spent my whole life attempting to understand, what to speak of describing these qualities I would hardly be able to go below the surface. By hearing you, seeing you, and attempting to serve you I am becoming aware, by your mercy, of what pure loving service is - to constantly be engaged in the upliftment of others. As Prahlada Maharaja describes,
"Therefore, my dear young friends born of demons, please act in such a way that the Supreme Lord, who is beyond the conception of material knowledge, will be satisfied. Give up your demoniac nature and act without enmity or duality. Show mercy to all living entities by enlightening them in devotional service, thus becoming their well-wishers." (7.6.24)
Similarly Gurudeva, you are beckoning for those fallen conditioned souls, of which I am one lowly member, to give up this miserable material situation, take up a real career in Bhakti, and experience the happiness of our original position - a bliss which emanates from you like rays shine from the sun.
Though I am hopelessly caught up in externalities and my endeavors in bhakti are tainted with personal motivations and aspirations, I am begging you Gurudeva - please let this very insignificant disciple of yours live his life in such a way that Sri Sri Radha Damodar will become satisfied with me. Please allow me to always render service to them under the shelter of your lotus feet and through the instructions emanating from your lotus mouth. Please give even one drop of your mercy so that my intelligence can be fixed in Krishna consciousness, unwavering, and steady - in this way I can constantly think of how to improve the services I am given the responsibility to perform, for the Lord's pleasure.
As Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings -
jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai,
tomara karuna—sara
karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya,
prana na rakhibo ara
"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."
Eternally begging to be situated as your menial servant, at your lotus feet always,
Kesi-mardana dasa
Please accept my repeated, prostrated obeisances humbly at your lotus feet. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and to those great souls who are serving him purely in this great mission of making the world Krishna conscious.
Gurudeva, on this most special day of your appearance I cannot help but feel so ungrateful. What do I possibly have to offer you, who have actually given me life again? With a heart so cold as mine I cannot even offer you apologetic tears.
I often used to lament at my broken family situation, of which I once spoke with you about. I spoke about how I was so unfortunate to not have the ideal father or home life. How others should be grateful for what they have in comparison to myself. How much more foolish could I have been? How much more fortunate could I be to have been given a real father like you? A father who cares so much, he is willing to risk even his own health, even his life, for the well-being of his children, not just once but again and again.
Gurudeva, when will my stone heart become soft enough to actually love you in this way? In the way that a grateful son appreciates his father and wants to please him in all his activities. When will that be my meditation? When will your pleasure and my humble assistance in your service be the single goal of all my thoughts, words, and activities?
Personally I have cultivated so many millions of sinful, lusty desires in the name of love and personal satisfaction - even just in this lifetime! How then will it be possible to transform this turbulent ocean of lust into pure love? I know for sure Gurudeva, that it will only be possible by your causeless mercy.
You have saved me Gurudeva and everyday your mercy saves me. You empowered your dearmost disciples, so surrendered unto you, as they fought maya in her own capital of Las Vegas. By your mercy and their incredible endeavor, gallons of blood, and mental energy you have scooped me up out of the clutches of such a filthy place and lovingly dropped me at the lotus feet of your most beloved Lords Sri Sri Radha-Damodar, their cows, and their devotees. In comparison I can only think of how an eagle, soaring high in the sky, sees its prey even though submerged deep in the water, and swoops down to collect it and take it back to its nest. In this case, the real danger was my being submerged in a hopeless downward spiral of sense-gratification and you have given me this opportunity, in this place so dear to your lotus heart, to become free of my miserable situation.
Therefore I am begging you, on this day when you are especially kind to your dependents, please never let me become so foolish as to turn away from this endless flow of mercy - it is the only real substance of my life. Please Gurudeva, let me have shelter at your lotus feet, free from familiarity, pride, and always full of gratitude.
I have so many faults and shortcomings Gurudeva, many days I could spend dryly listing them. But though these faults are painfully present in me, they are limited. On the contrary Gurudeva, your transcendental qualities are unbounded and even if I spent my whole life attempting to understand, what to speak of describing these qualities I would hardly be able to go below the surface. By hearing you, seeing you, and attempting to serve you I am becoming aware, by your mercy, of what pure loving service is - to constantly be engaged in the upliftment of others. As Prahlada Maharaja describes,
"Therefore, my dear young friends born of demons, please act in such a way that the Supreme Lord, who is beyond the conception of material knowledge, will be satisfied. Give up your demoniac nature and act without enmity or duality. Show mercy to all living entities by enlightening them in devotional service, thus becoming their well-wishers." (7.6.24)
Similarly Gurudeva, you are beckoning for those fallen conditioned souls, of which I am one lowly member, to give up this miserable material situation, take up a real career in Bhakti, and experience the happiness of our original position - a bliss which emanates from you like rays shine from the sun.
Though I am hopelessly caught up in externalities and my endeavors in bhakti are tainted with personal motivations and aspirations, I am begging you Gurudeva - please let this very insignificant disciple of yours live his life in such a way that Sri Sri Radha Damodar will become satisfied with me. Please allow me to always render service to them under the shelter of your lotus feet and through the instructions emanating from your lotus mouth. Please give even one drop of your mercy so that my intelligence can be fixed in Krishna consciousness, unwavering, and steady - in this way I can constantly think of how to improve the services I am given the responsibility to perform, for the Lord's pleasure.
As Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings -
jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai,
tomara karuna—sara
karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya,
prana na rakhibo ara
"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."
Eternally begging to be situated as your menial servant, at your lotus feet always,
Kesi-mardana dasa
Khadiravan devi dasi
Dear Gurudev,
please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this holy day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna speaks to Arjuna at the beginning of the second chapter:
sañjaya uvāca
taṁ tathā kṛpayāviṣṭam
aśru-pūrṇākulekṣaṇam
viṣīdantam idaṁ vākyam
uvāca madhusūdanaḥ
Sañjaya said: Seeing Arjuna full of compassion, his mind depressed, his eyes full of tears, Madhusūdana, Kṛṣṇa, spoke the following words.
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ
viṣame samupasthitam
anārya-juṣṭam asvargyam
akīrti-karam arjuna
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Arjuna, how have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the value of life. They lead not to higher planets but to infamy.
klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha
naitat tvayy upapadyate
kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ
tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa
O son of Pṛthā, do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not become you. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise, O chastiser of the enemy.
***********************************
As Shri Krishna’s representative
you repeat to me,
His life saving message
to help me get free
from the spiritual platform
you reach down to reform
our bodily conception
which makes us so forlorn
chiding me for descending into it’s jaws
foolishly surrendering to maya’s claws
I’m forever grateful you always remind me to be
the soul servant that I am, not the temporary mindset I think is me
being a fool of illusion is certainly unbecoming in your sober presence,
it never fails to inspire me to get free of this nescience
that’s the great benefit of your sadhu sanga, the essence
one can gain perfection with just a moment of your lessons
the spiritual master is heard and not seen,
volumes of lectures and instructions; more than to enough to keep us serene
vapuh is for fools, vani for the wise
when will my intelligence absorb this surprise
a relationship that can be materially silent
but in actuality can be the most spiritually vibrant
if the follower takes the instructions and runs with them
not seeking for a pat on the head and a material token
we might just attain bhakti by your grace, the ultimate gem
holding the bar high above, almost out of reach
as expert leader, you keep us straining, to teach
us to reach, in the hope of becoming spiritually wealthy
"—Krishna Consciousness movement must be always a challenge, a great achievement to be gained by voluntary desire to do it, and that will keep it healthy."
(Srila Prabhupada letter to Karandhara 1972)
wherever I look in your activities I see your faithfulness to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, books and example
It is truly a wonder to envision your parampara alignment, although my limited vision allows just a sample
your intensive responsibility in your beloved spiritual master’s society
surrendered, loving acceptor of “Krsna anxiety”
exemplar of cooperation between Vaishnavas with Krishna’s pleasure at the centre
Your blissful immersion in japa, kirtan and hearing proof, that the greatest happiness comes from the servitude we are meant for
with your unique skill in outreach, a bold possessor of it,
you are scouring the world for a transcendental profit
masterminding a multinational sweep
of eligible souls who want to get deep
when I’m not absorbed in my navel and my smalltime desires
there is so much to do for humanity, the situation is dire
you’re passing on the resources, I'd like to assist in putting out the fire
there is nothing better in this world to aspire
I pray to be,
blessed with full absorption in fulfilling your big time desires….
I dream to be, due to your teaching of me,
using my intelligence in a way
not black or white
not frozen in fright
but for Krsna’s pleasure…just right
my eternal gratitude to you for all that you do,
without your coming to New Zealand and starting the loft
your bhakti bhava book
your teachings on and on
your engagement of me in devotional service
your maintenance of a community of devotees I can live and serve with
I’d be stuck being blue, without a clue, with nowhere to settle my consciousness true.
hoping to one day be a real servant,
Khadiravan devi dasi
please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this holy day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna speaks to Arjuna at the beginning of the second chapter:
sañjaya uvāca
taṁ tathā kṛpayāviṣṭam
aśru-pūrṇākulekṣaṇam
viṣīdantam idaṁ vākyam
uvāca madhusūdanaḥ
Sañjaya said: Seeing Arjuna full of compassion, his mind depressed, his eyes full of tears, Madhusūdana, Kṛṣṇa, spoke the following words.
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ
viṣame samupasthitam
anārya-juṣṭam asvargyam
akīrti-karam arjuna
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Arjuna, how have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the value of life. They lead not to higher planets but to infamy.
klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha
naitat tvayy upapadyate
kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ
tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa
O son of Pṛthā, do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not become you. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise, O chastiser of the enemy.
***********************************
As Shri Krishna’s representative
you repeat to me,
His life saving message
to help me get free
from the spiritual platform
you reach down to reform
our bodily conception
which makes us so forlorn
chiding me for descending into it’s jaws
foolishly surrendering to maya’s claws
I’m forever grateful you always remind me to be
the soul servant that I am, not the temporary mindset I think is me
being a fool of illusion is certainly unbecoming in your sober presence,
it never fails to inspire me to get free of this nescience
that’s the great benefit of your sadhu sanga, the essence
one can gain perfection with just a moment of your lessons
the spiritual master is heard and not seen,
volumes of lectures and instructions; more than to enough to keep us serene
vapuh is for fools, vani for the wise
when will my intelligence absorb this surprise
a relationship that can be materially silent
but in actuality can be the most spiritually vibrant
if the follower takes the instructions and runs with them
not seeking for a pat on the head and a material token
we might just attain bhakti by your grace, the ultimate gem
holding the bar high above, almost out of reach
as expert leader, you keep us straining, to teach
us to reach, in the hope of becoming spiritually wealthy
"—Krishna Consciousness movement must be always a challenge, a great achievement to be gained by voluntary desire to do it, and that will keep it healthy."
(Srila Prabhupada letter to Karandhara 1972)
wherever I look in your activities I see your faithfulness to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, books and example
It is truly a wonder to envision your parampara alignment, although my limited vision allows just a sample
your intensive responsibility in your beloved spiritual master’s society
surrendered, loving acceptor of “Krsna anxiety”
exemplar of cooperation between Vaishnavas with Krishna’s pleasure at the centre
Your blissful immersion in japa, kirtan and hearing proof, that the greatest happiness comes from the servitude we are meant for
with your unique skill in outreach, a bold possessor of it,
you are scouring the world for a transcendental profit
masterminding a multinational sweep
of eligible souls who want to get deep
when I’m not absorbed in my navel and my smalltime desires
there is so much to do for humanity, the situation is dire
you’re passing on the resources, I'd like to assist in putting out the fire
there is nothing better in this world to aspire
I pray to be,
blessed with full absorption in fulfilling your big time desires….
I dream to be, due to your teaching of me,
using my intelligence in a way
not black or white
not frozen in fright
but for Krsna’s pleasure…just right
my eternal gratitude to you for all that you do,
without your coming to New Zealand and starting the loft
your bhakti bhava book
your teachings on and on
your engagement of me in devotional service
your maintenance of a community of devotees I can live and serve with
I’d be stuck being blue, without a clue, with nowhere to settle my consciousness true.
hoping to one day be a real servant,
Khadiravan devi dasi
Khela Tirtha dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
On this most auspicious day of your appearance
Your love and care for your disciples is manifest in many ways
You are giving practical and insightful tools
to ultimately attian Krsna
The essential teaching you stress is offenseless chanting
Avoiding the 10 offenses is crucial
The avoidance of the 3rd offence, along with eloquent praise of the spiritual master, is explained perfectly by your Grand Spiritual Master
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur
In
' Amrta Vani
Nectar of instructions on
Immortality '
3.16
"Is the spiritual master an ordinary man? "
"The spiritual master is not a temporary, perishable lump of flesh and blood. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam states that the spiritual master is the Lord Himself. He is an incarnation of the Lord. Of his own sweet will, the spiritual master mercifully descends from the spiritual world to this world. He is eternally present both in the Lord’s manifest and in unmanifest pastimes. He always acts as our guide and gives us proper intelligence.
The spiritual master is an extraordinary personality. He is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. To consider him an ordinary human being is to be possessed of a hellish mentality. To think like this is an offense against the holy name. The spiritual master is self-realized; he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa. He is dear to Śrī Caitanyadeva. He has appeared in this world to deliver fallen souls like us. He is not a karmī, jñānī,or yogī. He is an associate of the Lord in His pastimes. He is a topmost devotee. As God is eternal, so is the spiritual master. The transcendental Cupid, Kṛṣṇa, is God. The spiritual master is nondifferent from that same Kṛṣṇa. He is a manifestation of Kṛṣṇa.
When we consider the spiritual master as nondifferent from God, we recognize that the spiritual master is worshipable God. Although he is the worshipable Supreme Lord, he is most dear to the Lord. The spiritual master manifests the pastimes of worshiper God. The spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa are simultaneously one and different. The spiritual master is sheltered, and Lord Kṛṣṇa is the shelter. The spiritual master is servitor God and Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the object of service, the Personality of Godhead. The spiritual master is most dear to Lord Mukunda.
In the vision of a self-realized disciple on the rāga path, the spiritual master is Kṛṣṇa’s energy and a manifestation of Vṛṣabhānu’s daughter. The spiritual master, who is dear to Kṛṣṇa, is part of Kṛṣṇa’s internal energy; Lord Kṛṣṇa is the supreme energetic. Kṛṣṇa is the male or enjoyer, and the spiritual master is the female or beloved of Kṛṣṇa."
Thankyou , Gurudev, for showing your disciples,aspirants and humanity at large the way home
All glories to you, Gurudev,eternally
Hoping to remain
Your aspiring servant of your servants, servants
Khela tirtha dasa
Kirtiman Krsna Dasa
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
Dear Gurudev
I humbly offer my obeisances to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja.
The past year is probably one in which we really missed your physical association in Melbourne. I guess in many ways we had got used to seeing you almost every couple of months and the gap of almost six months this year seemed a quite long.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of ISKCON and various celebrations are happening around the globe. As someone who has come in contact with Krsna consciousness in the recent years, I’ve been the recipient of fruits of all the hard work of devotees over the decades and probably will never be able to relate to the struggles of the early days. But when I think about you, you’ve been through the thick and thin of it for over 40 years - initially assisting Srila Prabhupada in spreading the moment and later on taking on a leadership role to ensure seeds of Krsna consciousness were planted in the communist countries and other parts of the globe. And then afterward the thankless tasks of saving many souls from their downtrodden materialistic lives and showing them the way to Krishna as a Guru. At a home program that you did in Melbourne recently, one of the kids asked you, “How do I become Guru Maharaj?” You replied, “When you have no problems of your own and want to take on others problems”. The service of a Guru is incomparable to any other job in the world and the disciple is ever indebted. I have often seen how deeply you involve in the lives of your disciples and also personally experienced it to some extent in various situations. There’s probably no problem that you haven’t heard of before, but to hear everyone patiently and to pacify and guide us one after the other, one city after the other, day after day, all year round is truly astonishing.
Gurudev, the way you preach is comparable to the precision of a surgeon. You seem to know exactly the way the thoughts of the audience operates and to deal with it by telling them exactly what they need to hear. I have been fortunate to witness in retreats, how over the course of a weekend by your powerful presentation, you penetrate deep into the hearts of the audience and remove all their misunderstandings and doubts and they return fully ecstatic and satisfied ready to step into the bhakti laboratory. Many a time we see you pushing the audience out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to come out of their shell and open up. Whatever the challenges posed, you seem to have the right ammunition in your arsenal in defense of Krishna and ensure that the challengers are not just defeated but encouraged to take up Bhakti in a practical manner.
As I sit down to write the Vyasa Puja offering every year, it gives me a chance to step back and reflect on my spiritual health. It seems that years have passed by one after the other, but the spiritual progress hasn’t matched up. Though shamefully but quite confidently I can say that my sadhana hasn’t been good and I’ve survived by the strength of association. Gurudev, I beg you for spiritual strength and greater determination to improve on my sadhana and primarily to be able to chant better.
On this most auspicious day, I pray to be able to serve you with better understanding of your mood and mission & plead at your lotus feet to kindly keep me under your safe shelter despite all my shortcomings.
Your aspiring servant,
KirtimanKrsna Dasa
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
I humbly offer my obeisances to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja.
The past year is probably one in which we really missed your physical association in Melbourne. I guess in many ways we had got used to seeing you almost every couple of months and the gap of almost six months this year seemed a quite long.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of ISKCON and various celebrations are happening around the globe. As someone who has come in contact with Krsna consciousness in the recent years, I’ve been the recipient of fruits of all the hard work of devotees over the decades and probably will never be able to relate to the struggles of the early days. But when I think about you, you’ve been through the thick and thin of it for over 40 years - initially assisting Srila Prabhupada in spreading the moment and later on taking on a leadership role to ensure seeds of Krsna consciousness were planted in the communist countries and other parts of the globe. And then afterward the thankless tasks of saving many souls from their downtrodden materialistic lives and showing them the way to Krishna as a Guru. At a home program that you did in Melbourne recently, one of the kids asked you, “How do I become Guru Maharaj?” You replied, “When you have no problems of your own and want to take on others problems”. The service of a Guru is incomparable to any other job in the world and the disciple is ever indebted. I have often seen how deeply you involve in the lives of your disciples and also personally experienced it to some extent in various situations. There’s probably no problem that you haven’t heard of before, but to hear everyone patiently and to pacify and guide us one after the other, one city after the other, day after day, all year round is truly astonishing.
Gurudev, the way you preach is comparable to the precision of a surgeon. You seem to know exactly the way the thoughts of the audience operates and to deal with it by telling them exactly what they need to hear. I have been fortunate to witness in retreats, how over the course of a weekend by your powerful presentation, you penetrate deep into the hearts of the audience and remove all their misunderstandings and doubts and they return fully ecstatic and satisfied ready to step into the bhakti laboratory. Many a time we see you pushing the audience out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to come out of their shell and open up. Whatever the challenges posed, you seem to have the right ammunition in your arsenal in defense of Krishna and ensure that the challengers are not just defeated but encouraged to take up Bhakti in a practical manner.
As I sit down to write the Vyasa Puja offering every year, it gives me a chance to step back and reflect on my spiritual health. It seems that years have passed by one after the other, but the spiritual progress hasn’t matched up. Though shamefully but quite confidently I can say that my sadhana hasn’t been good and I’ve survived by the strength of association. Gurudev, I beg you for spiritual strength and greater determination to improve on my sadhana and primarily to be able to chant better.
On this most auspicious day, I pray to be able to serve you with better understanding of your mood and mission & plead at your lotus feet to kindly keep me under your safe shelter despite all my shortcomings.
Your aspiring servant,
KirtimanKrsna Dasa
Krishna Murari dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your appearance.
A while back I was looking back at the emails you had written to me in the early day of my Krishna consciousness career.
It really struck out to me was just how encouraging you were. You always helped and gave me the strength to step outside my comfort zone. You encouraged me to do as much service as I could before I embarked on the service of raising Krishna’s children. Looking back now, I deeply appreciate this. Theoretically I understood raising children would change everything and take a lot of energy but it wasn’t until actually having two of my own that I got the vijnana of how much time and energy it really takes. . I remember you telling me many years ago to get into service now as you've seen many devotee women who don’t, can regret not having done that that early on before having children. I can understand now what you mean. So I want to take the opportunity to thank you for all the encouragement you gave me to serve Krishna in so many different ways, from deity worship to book distribution to cooking to being a yoga instructor and reaching out to others. I am so fortunate that I got those opportunities and it’s all because of your care and guidance.
Gurudeva, it is really quite bewildering how you manage to personally arrange care and guidance for so many spiritual children. For myself just caring for two children is so challenging, I’ve taken numerous parenting courses, read books and articles on parenting and am always swapping notes with other parents in the hope to do my job better. Gurudeva you manage to do your job of being a spiritual father to many so perfectly.
Another instruction that stood out was no matter what happens in motherhood please chant attentively your 16 rounds. Somehow please give me the strength and intelligence to organize myself so I can chant attentively. Please allow me to be connected to you through the holy name forever.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Krishna Murari dd
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your appearance.
A while back I was looking back at the emails you had written to me in the early day of my Krishna consciousness career.
It really struck out to me was just how encouraging you were. You always helped and gave me the strength to step outside my comfort zone. You encouraged me to do as much service as I could before I embarked on the service of raising Krishna’s children. Looking back now, I deeply appreciate this. Theoretically I understood raising children would change everything and take a lot of energy but it wasn’t until actually having two of my own that I got the vijnana of how much time and energy it really takes. . I remember you telling me many years ago to get into service now as you've seen many devotee women who don’t, can regret not having done that that early on before having children. I can understand now what you mean. So I want to take the opportunity to thank you for all the encouragement you gave me to serve Krishna in so many different ways, from deity worship to book distribution to cooking to being a yoga instructor and reaching out to others. I am so fortunate that I got those opportunities and it’s all because of your care and guidance.
Gurudeva, it is really quite bewildering how you manage to personally arrange care and guidance for so many spiritual children. For myself just caring for two children is so challenging, I’ve taken numerous parenting courses, read books and articles on parenting and am always swapping notes with other parents in the hope to do my job better. Gurudeva you manage to do your job of being a spiritual father to many so perfectly.
Another instruction that stood out was no matter what happens in motherhood please chant attentively your 16 rounds. Somehow please give me the strength and intelligence to organize myself so I can chant attentively. Please allow me to be connected to you through the holy name forever.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Krishna Murari dd
Krishna rupa dd
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj! Please accept my respectful obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Please allow me to congratulate You with Your appearance day! For me You are such a person that lives in the other, spiritual world together with Krishna. In between us there is this big heavy door, that sometimes opens up, from which stream of light comes out, You come out of there to give lectures and seminars. You tell us about Krishna! You, who have just been with Him, come to us, in order to tell how Krishna is having picnic with cowherd boys, how they eat and play together. By Your grace, You tell us about the world to which Krishna call us all and awaits there! Thank You for that! For me to meet You each time is a celebration of the soul! It's something exciting and intriguing - Krishna katha from the mouth of Guru Maharaj! I do not know whether it's bad or good, but I understood that I am on festival only because of You. I would not otherwise come to Ukrainian festival. But because You are here, I've put all effort to come.
I think about what could satisfy You, what could bring You joy. From Your lectures I've heard that it is attentive japa and reading of Srila Prabhupada's books. I put my effort into this direction, although mind gives million of options of what else I could do. Only a thought of that it could please You, inspires me to do this activity, which than makes me happy! By giving such instructions, You as a caring parent think of our well-being. Thank You a lot for that! In Your lectures You say that nothing material can satisfy us. Only pure love for Krishna without material motive, serving Krishna in order to please Him - only in that case our heart would be satisfied. It is the most powerful occurrence in the Universe, more powerful than the nuclear weapon! To reach such love is possible only by chanting Hare Krishna and listening to Srimad Bhagavatam. Thank You again and again that You carry to us such intimate truths. When would I understand them finally and start to value? When would I start to act in this direction? Only by Your grace and thanks to Your lectures! During the festival You spoke of prayers of queen Kunti. I always was lacking understanding regarding this prayer. Why to ask for calamities and sufferings? It's plenty of them anyhow. Thanks to Your explanations I started to understand, that she needs Krishna, she is attached to Him, not to sufferings and calamities. Without explanation of spiritual master many things remains unclear. Dear Guru Maharaj please bless me, so dive deeper and deeper in the method of bhakti yoga, given to us as heritage by Srila Prabhupada! We are all very rich. We have the most precious of what one can possibly have. Hare Krishna!
Useless in service to You,
Krishna rupa dd
Please allow me to congratulate You with Your appearance day! For me You are such a person that lives in the other, spiritual world together with Krishna. In between us there is this big heavy door, that sometimes opens up, from which stream of light comes out, You come out of there to give lectures and seminars. You tell us about Krishna! You, who have just been with Him, come to us, in order to tell how Krishna is having picnic with cowherd boys, how they eat and play together. By Your grace, You tell us about the world to which Krishna call us all and awaits there! Thank You for that! For me to meet You each time is a celebration of the soul! It's something exciting and intriguing - Krishna katha from the mouth of Guru Maharaj! I do not know whether it's bad or good, but I understood that I am on festival only because of You. I would not otherwise come to Ukrainian festival. But because You are here, I've put all effort to come.
I think about what could satisfy You, what could bring You joy. From Your lectures I've heard that it is attentive japa and reading of Srila Prabhupada's books. I put my effort into this direction, although mind gives million of options of what else I could do. Only a thought of that it could please You, inspires me to do this activity, which than makes me happy! By giving such instructions, You as a caring parent think of our well-being. Thank You a lot for that! In Your lectures You say that nothing material can satisfy us. Only pure love for Krishna without material motive, serving Krishna in order to please Him - only in that case our heart would be satisfied. It is the most powerful occurrence in the Universe, more powerful than the nuclear weapon! To reach such love is possible only by chanting Hare Krishna and listening to Srimad Bhagavatam. Thank You again and again that You carry to us such intimate truths. When would I understand them finally and start to value? When would I start to act in this direction? Only by Your grace and thanks to Your lectures! During the festival You spoke of prayers of queen Kunti. I always was lacking understanding regarding this prayer. Why to ask for calamities and sufferings? It's plenty of them anyhow. Thanks to Your explanations I started to understand, that she needs Krishna, she is attached to Him, not to sufferings and calamities. Without explanation of spiritual master many things remains unclear. Dear Guru Maharaj please bless me, so dive deeper and deeper in the method of bhakti yoga, given to us as heritage by Srila Prabhupada! We are all very rich. We have the most precious of what one can possibly have. Hare Krishna!
Useless in service to You,
Krishna rupa dd
Krishna-mayi dd
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
On this wonderful and supremely auspicious occasion of your appearance day, I am humbly bowing down at your lotus feet overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude and reverence.
It is my great honor and privilege today to worship you, my eternal teacher, my spiritual master and well-wishing friend.
Just as a captain of lost ship finds hope by seeing a lighthouse on the dark horizon of the night, you have come to my life, Gurudeva to illuminate what has been kept in dark. I have been just like this captain before he lost his track, thinking I knew it all, I have everything figured it out. But actually I was lost amongst the violent waves, only pretending to be happy and fully satisfied. Yet deep inside of me I was searching for way out, scared of what is ahead of me, what would become of me.
It is you only, Gurudeva who have taken the steering wheel of my hollow life and gave it a new course. This course has a direction that I would never recognize without your divine mercy and caring, loving heart. Therefore I know for sure I own my life to you. Thank you, Gurudeva for coming to rescue me.
You are my real captain that knows the stars at night and leads my ship to safety each and every time. Throughout the years you have protected me from disasters and weaknesses of my heart. You lifted me when I have fallen and have seen the worst of me yet you have never ever abandoned me. You have helped me in a trouble and been always there for me.
For many years I thought: this is right; this is how it should be. You are my spiritual father so naturally you need to care for me.
But now something has changed in my egoistic heart, the stone-like shield has crushed by the mercy I have been receiving for all those years from you. I have a strong desire now to also be there for you and instead of always taking, start giving back to you. I feel the time has come to step up and sacrifice. Sacrifice for you, just as you do for us.
I am still completely dependent on your mercy and always will be. Yet although I am a minute sparkle of the Supreme, I feel I am able to shine and I want to shine for you.
Your mercy is all I have and all that I need to live but I have this calling that tells: I need to give it back. I want to pass on mercy you are giving to me by everything I do, by everything I speak. I want to make you proud, I want to make you satisfied, I want to give my heart in full surrender unto you.
Dearest Gurudeva, please bless me so that I can use this human form of life to its fullest potential and contribute to your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada without any limitations.
Please help me overcome my bad habits and shortcomings.
Please bless me to be sufficient and organized in everything I do, so not even a second is wasted but used properly in service to you.
You have given me so much, how can I ever repay? Still I want to try, try eternally.
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
On this wonderful and supremely auspicious occasion of your appearance day, I am humbly bowing down at your lotus feet overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude and reverence.
It is my great honor and privilege today to worship you, my eternal teacher, my spiritual master and well-wishing friend.
Just as a captain of lost ship finds hope by seeing a lighthouse on the dark horizon of the night, you have come to my life, Gurudeva to illuminate what has been kept in dark. I have been just like this captain before he lost his track, thinking I knew it all, I have everything figured it out. But actually I was lost amongst the violent waves, only pretending to be happy and fully satisfied. Yet deep inside of me I was searching for way out, scared of what is ahead of me, what would become of me.
It is you only, Gurudeva who have taken the steering wheel of my hollow life and gave it a new course. This course has a direction that I would never recognize without your divine mercy and caring, loving heart. Therefore I know for sure I own my life to you. Thank you, Gurudeva for coming to rescue me.
You are my real captain that knows the stars at night and leads my ship to safety each and every time. Throughout the years you have protected me from disasters and weaknesses of my heart. You lifted me when I have fallen and have seen the worst of me yet you have never ever abandoned me. You have helped me in a trouble and been always there for me.
For many years I thought: this is right; this is how it should be. You are my spiritual father so naturally you need to care for me.
But now something has changed in my egoistic heart, the stone-like shield has crushed by the mercy I have been receiving for all those years from you. I have a strong desire now to also be there for you and instead of always taking, start giving back to you. I feel the time has come to step up and sacrifice. Sacrifice for you, just as you do for us.
I am still completely dependent on your mercy and always will be. Yet although I am a minute sparkle of the Supreme, I feel I am able to shine and I want to shine for you.
Your mercy is all I have and all that I need to live but I have this calling that tells: I need to give it back. I want to pass on mercy you are giving to me by everything I do, by everything I speak. I want to make you proud, I want to make you satisfied, I want to give my heart in full surrender unto you.
Dearest Gurudeva, please bless me so that I can use this human form of life to its fullest potential and contribute to your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada without any limitations.
Please help me overcome my bad habits and shortcomings.
Please bless me to be sufficient and organized in everything I do, so not even a second is wasted but used properly in service to you.
You have given me so much, how can I ever repay? Still I want to try, try eternally.
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I feel very fortunate to be one of your assistants. Unlike the materialistic boss who has base qualities and doesn’t give a dam about their employees, you have 100% proven to be a fair, encouraging, magnanimous, gentlemanly, caring, intelligent, compassionate and very tolerant boss, helping your assistants to be all they can be.
In the work force the boss is always trying to squeeze more and more out of their employees. Actually you are the same Gurudeva – I say that in complete admiration. Unlike the materialistic exploitive boss who’s motive is power and profit without any care for the individual person. You try and squeeze out as much service from us as you can, for our benefit and for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada & Krishna; how fortunate we are! Your motives are completely pure not even an iota of anything in it for yourself - 100% profit for Srila Prabhupada & Krishna.
I’m very happy and satisfied to serve a master like you. You have taught us all how to have fun in devotional service, through it we live in a world of excitement with:
Outreach/sankirtan - nothing better than seeing someone start chanting the maha mantra, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and doing service at Bhakti Lounge.
Harinama - its ecstatic, through the holy name people on the street get a glimpse of the spiritual reality, so nice to see someone’s face light up when they see us and hear the chanting party; their lives will never be the same.
Kirtan - our lives are so full of kirtan, it’s the balm and the elixir of life. The best thing ever is kirtan with you!
I want to express my gratitude for all that you have done for me over the years, I’m so indebted. You tell your disciples you want to give them the best, I want to try my best in following your instructions.
Praying for the strength, intelligence and determination to be effective in your service, no more clinging to lack of confidence and insecurities, time to get stuck in!
Your servant,
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I feel very fortunate to be one of your assistants. Unlike the materialistic boss who has base qualities and doesn’t give a dam about their employees, you have 100% proven to be a fair, encouraging, magnanimous, gentlemanly, caring, intelligent, compassionate and very tolerant boss, helping your assistants to be all they can be.
In the work force the boss is always trying to squeeze more and more out of their employees. Actually you are the same Gurudeva – I say that in complete admiration. Unlike the materialistic exploitive boss who’s motive is power and profit without any care for the individual person. You try and squeeze out as much service from us as you can, for our benefit and for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada & Krishna; how fortunate we are! Your motives are completely pure not even an iota of anything in it for yourself - 100% profit for Srila Prabhupada & Krishna.
I’m very happy and satisfied to serve a master like you. You have taught us all how to have fun in devotional service, through it we live in a world of excitement with:
Outreach/sankirtan - nothing better than seeing someone start chanting the maha mantra, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and doing service at Bhakti Lounge.
Harinama - its ecstatic, through the holy name people on the street get a glimpse of the spiritual reality, so nice to see someone’s face light up when they see us and hear the chanting party; their lives will never be the same.
Kirtan - our lives are so full of kirtan, it’s the balm and the elixir of life. The best thing ever is kirtan with you!
I want to express my gratitude for all that you have done for me over the years, I’m so indebted. You tell your disciples you want to give them the best, I want to try my best in following your instructions.
Praying for the strength, intelligence and determination to be effective in your service, no more clinging to lack of confidence and insecurities, time to get stuck in!
Your servant,
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Krsna Prasada das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
One point that has recently started to sink in for me is ‘dependance’.
One way or another we are dependent, either on Krsna or his material energy. When we think we have some slight independence we are still dependent on material nature to some degree to supply us with an income, food, shelter etc even though we may think we are the doer. So many things are also forced on us - sickness, old age, natural disasters etc. The only independence we have is to choose either Krsna or Maya.
Gurudeva, you are the utmost example of dependance. You are like a small child in the lap of its mother, fully dependant on Krsna at every single moment.
At the end of Bhagavad Gita, Krsna’s instruction to Arjuna and all of us, is to give up our nonsense and just depend on him. When will this fully sink in for me? When will I realize this jewel you are making so accessible for all of us? In the few short times I have had the opportunity to offer you some small service, you have proved my point. You are like a transcendental business man, one minute speaking to a devotee in America then the next minute another devotee in some other country. Sending messages to devotees requiring your help and guidance and in between whenever there is a quiet moment your hand goes back into the bead bag, not a second wasted.
Even though you have been consistently traveling between multiple countries, when the body is well overdue for some rest, you still find the time to allow us to read with you, to have programs for all the devotees and give so much attention to the new devotees beginning their careers in Bhakti. Thank you Gurudeva for the mercy you have showered upon us, and all your precious time you have sacrificed for us. Your dedication and determination to serve your Guru Maharaja and to completely live and breathe his mission is so inspiring.
Im sure Krsna has big plans for all of us, if only we would not get in the way and just let him do his thing. Please allow me to become greedy for Krsna’s service and be thankful for that service. We are living in a civilization that spoils the human purpose and ruins our drive for spiritual development. Please help me to keep my eyes open and always allow me to see this world for what it really is. I hope to one day give up my material agenda of being and independent pleasure unit and actually realize that I am a helpless dependent at your lotus feet.
Seeking to be your dependent,
Krsna Prasada das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
One point that has recently started to sink in for me is ‘dependance’.
One way or another we are dependent, either on Krsna or his material energy. When we think we have some slight independence we are still dependent on material nature to some degree to supply us with an income, food, shelter etc even though we may think we are the doer. So many things are also forced on us - sickness, old age, natural disasters etc. The only independence we have is to choose either Krsna or Maya.
Gurudeva, you are the utmost example of dependance. You are like a small child in the lap of its mother, fully dependant on Krsna at every single moment.
At the end of Bhagavad Gita, Krsna’s instruction to Arjuna and all of us, is to give up our nonsense and just depend on him. When will this fully sink in for me? When will I realize this jewel you are making so accessible for all of us? In the few short times I have had the opportunity to offer you some small service, you have proved my point. You are like a transcendental business man, one minute speaking to a devotee in America then the next minute another devotee in some other country. Sending messages to devotees requiring your help and guidance and in between whenever there is a quiet moment your hand goes back into the bead bag, not a second wasted.
Even though you have been consistently traveling between multiple countries, when the body is well overdue for some rest, you still find the time to allow us to read with you, to have programs for all the devotees and give so much attention to the new devotees beginning their careers in Bhakti. Thank you Gurudeva for the mercy you have showered upon us, and all your precious time you have sacrificed for us. Your dedication and determination to serve your Guru Maharaja and to completely live and breathe his mission is so inspiring.
Im sure Krsna has big plans for all of us, if only we would not get in the way and just let him do his thing. Please allow me to become greedy for Krsna’s service and be thankful for that service. We are living in a civilization that spoils the human purpose and ruins our drive for spiritual development. Please help me to keep my eyes open and always allow me to see this world for what it really is. I hope to one day give up my material agenda of being and independent pleasure unit and actually realize that I am a helpless dependent at your lotus feet.
Seeking to be your dependent,
Krsna Prasada das
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 Gurudeva,
Please accept our respectful obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
Gurudeva, you are continuously engaged in propagating the holy name around the world. Without you, we would be lost.
We wish we could appreciate all the sacrifices you make to travel all around the world, to share your teachings so that confused minds like us can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are gobsmacked at the level of energy you display even after continuous travels.
And here we are, looking for comforts in this prison instead of trying to get out of the prison. We work harder every day, trying to earn more money, trying to enjoy the best, trying to be more comfortable.
As you put it, we are trying to be as happy as we can in a world where there is no happiness.
It is so easy to forget that this is not the real purpose of life and that all these material achievements are temporary.
Fortunately, your teachings and association keep us grounded.
You always think practically and provide the best advice. We remember several years ago when we were looking into getting a house we were confused as many people mentioned about auspicious direction. When we sought your advice, we received the best response and we simply went by it. You said there is nothing auspicious in the material world, just chant Hare Krishna in the house and everything will be auspicious.
We are simply grateful that such a knowledgeable mentor is present in our lives, to open our eyes to the true nature of this material world.
We pray for your good health and long life so that you keep inspiring everyone around you.
Thank you for tolerating us and guiding us. We hope that we can become steadier in Krishna’s service.
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 Gurudeva,
Please accept our respectful obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
Gurudeva, you are continuously engaged in propagating the holy name around the world. Without you, we would be lost.
We wish we could appreciate all the sacrifices you make to travel all around the world, to share your teachings so that confused minds like us can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are gobsmacked at the level of energy you display even after continuous travels.
And here we are, looking for comforts in this prison instead of trying to get out of the prison. We work harder every day, trying to earn more money, trying to enjoy the best, trying to be more comfortable.
As you put it, we are trying to be as happy as we can in a world where there is no happiness.
It is so easy to forget that this is not the real purpose of life and that all these material achievements are temporary.
Fortunately, your teachings and association keep us grounded.
You always think practically and provide the best advice. We remember several years ago when we were looking into getting a house we were confused as many people mentioned about auspicious direction. When we sought your advice, we received the best response and we simply went by it. You said there is nothing auspicious in the material world, just chant Hare Krishna in the house and everything will be auspicious.
We are simply grateful that such a knowledgeable mentor is present in our lives, to open our eyes to the true nature of this material world.
We pray for your good health and long life so that you keep inspiring everyone around you.
Thank you for tolerating us and guiding us. We hope that we can become steadier in Krishna’s service.
Your insignificant servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
Krsnananda dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In your visit to Wellington recently you gave two very powerful Srimad Bhagavatam classes in which the whole Wellington congregation was spellbound by the incredible spiritual potency embedded in your symphony of Bhagavata. As the questions and answer session came to a close each time my mind was disturbed. Why? That same disturbed feeling I have had on and off for several years. What is it?
Soon after, on September 18th 2016, it struck me. Finally.
I have been afraid to fully surrender.
Enough. It’s time to become more fearless.
I am writing this in better consciousness than previous attempts at glorification where nonsensical mental platform and silly grand performances of insolence contaminated things.
Gurudeva, please empower me to throw caution into the wind and initiate a deeper level of surrender to you. Whatever speed you think I can do it at, you are the best judge of that.
You are an empowered personality, representative of Srila Prabhupada, the entire paramparā and ultimately Sri Krsna. This is very exciting.
In trying to illustrate my revitalised desire for surrender, please allow me to share some reflections on this subject in relation to time, place and circumstance.
~
These are tumultuous times. The climate is changing, warmongering is brewing, the global economy is wobbling, Trump may even get elected. Systemic global crises are compounding. Like something out of Krsna or Rama Lila! The chess board is set. The pieces are moving. Things are set in motion.
As our everyday battle of Kuruksetra is moulded, I think of Vibhishana and how he defected from the demons to Lord Rama’s army. Similarly, let me abandon my attachment to today’s Lanka - Ravana’s Kingdom – represented by the pillars of lust, anger and greed. Instead, grant me refuge at your feet dear Gurudeva. Let me join your army. You are the representative of Lord Rama. Allow me to defect.
In your army we have great spiritual warriors like, Jhulan Yatra prabhu (transcendental trailblazing personified), Khela Tirtha prabhu (advanced devotee personified), Ramadas prabhu (humility personified), Mahavan prabhu (brahminical accomplishment personified), Gopal Guru prabhu (transcendental management personified), Sastra Krit prabhu (sweet Vaisnava exchanges personified) and many other great warriors. And that’s just a few of the men, what to speak of the empowered Mataji’s!
Your warriors blow their transcendental conch shells as the kirtan roars louder. Meanwhile I am performing a tiny little swami step right at the back. My mind dwells on the fate of the world. What sort of world will my son Nitai Charan grow up in? Zombies? Regardless, it’s time to get off the mental!
In 1999 in a talk at Gita Nagari, Bhakti Tirtha Swami quoted the following letter from Srila Prabhupada:
Letter to Kurusrestha -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 23 July, 1973:
“I can understand your concern about the deterioration of the civilization. Yes, the city will be more dangerous place as Kali-yuga advances. It will be very deteriorating. The modern civilization is so corrupt and as sinful activities are more and more committed, the people will be forced to face more troubles, by nature's order. Our business, however, is simply to take shelter of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra and pray to the Holy Name to give us protection. We shall be unaffected by all that will happen. Krsna will provide us with working facilities. Be assured of this, that the devotees will be protected by the Holy Name. Others will have to suffer in the days that are coming.”
Gurudeva you have always imbibed the message contained in Srila Prabhupada’s letter. Take shelter of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra! Krsna will provide. You always stress this point.
I can see that my accomplished godbrothers and sisters have done exactly that, year after year. It shows via their splendorous qualities. They are empowered and you have empowered them.
In SB 8.15.28 purport, Srila Prabhupada describes how Bali Maharaja was empowered by his Guru which sets a precedence for understanding empowerment:
“We sing in our daily prayers, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi. 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 personal endeavor for such advancement. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore says:
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya, āra nā kariha mane āśā
Especially for spiritual advancement, one should carry out the bona fide order of the spiritual master. By the paramparā system, one can thus be endowed with the original spiritual power coming from the Supreme Personality of Godhead (evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ).
Furthermore, Prabhupada writes in Quest for Enlightenment:
“One can be a real hero only when he is fully empowered or fully protected. Such a person can only be a devotee, because only Krsna can fully protect or empower.”
The above corroborates my observations of my exalted spiritual family. You are channelling the mercy of Krsna coming right down through the paramparā system. This is very exciting. I want to be part of that!
However, what is the qualification to receive such mercy? Again, Prabhupada answers:
“The complete path of bhakti-yoga is based upon the process of becoming humble and submissive”. CC Adi Lila 7.148 purport
This is where my attempts to serve nicely are being undone. I am sick of being a nuisance, a nonsense. I am sick of creating a disturbance. “Gurudeva look at my mental gymnastics! Aren’t I clever?” This has been my approach. Enough. It’s time to act with greater decorum. For the love of God, let me surrender to the surrendering process.
As our great Acharayas point out, it’s folly to loiter here, in this “naughty place, this earth” (Srila Prabhupada), this “damned world” (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura), this “weird abode” (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Examining the world news, I am beginning to see what they are getting at. We live in interesting times. But we must remain equipoised and not become distracted. Instead, cling tightly to your service, both via the vapu and vani forms. You once said to Gaura-arati: “Vani is where the real game is played at!” Please allow me entry into this school of divinity, O great Spiritual Warrior!
Srila Prabhupada shows us the path of fearlessness, one that you know well Gurudeva:
“Sometimes the members of the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Society are afraid of the impending danger of world war and ask what would happen to them if a war should occur. In all kinds of danger, they should be confident of their protection by the Viṣṇudūtas or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati (BG 9.31)). Material danger is not meant for devotees. This is also confirmed in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Padaṁ padaṁ yad vipadāṁ na teṣām: (SB 10.14.58) in this material world there are dangers at every step, but they are not meant for devotees who have fully surrendered unto the lotus feet of the Lord. The pure devotees of Lord Viṣṇu may rest assured of the Lord's protection, and as long as they are in this material world they should fully engage in devotional service by preaching the cult of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Lord Kṛṣṇa, namely the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.” SB 6.3.18 purport.
But how to preach properly? Gurudeva you are an exceptional preacher. Words are one thing, but your actions speak louder than words! Look at your transcendental army of transcendentalists! Only a truly great devotee of the Lord could attract such a high caliber contingent.
Please bless me to set a good example as a father, husband, disciple and as an aspiring servant. Bless me to cultivate the attitude enunciated in Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teachings:
“You should always absorb your mind in attentively chanting Krishna’s glories. By performing Krishna kirtana you’ll gain mastery over the mind. Give up all false pride. Always think yourself to be worthless, destitute, lower and more humble than straw in the street. Practice forgiveness like the tree. Giving up all violence toward other living beings, you should maintain them. Throughout your life you should never give anxiety to others. But do good to them, make them happy, and forget about your own happiness…just make your heart humble.” (From Gaudiya Vaisnava Samadhis).
If I can come up to a decent standard, maybe I can contribute something to this divine Krsna consciousness movement that you would be pleased with.
The kirtan roars louder. Still, I wonder what the future holds.
Perhaps we might gradually begin to realise how our small offerings of service are laying the foundations for a magnificent ten thousand year epoch of Hari Nama bliss: Our magnanimous founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada spoke the following prediction (not that I mean to overemphasize prophecies or try to slip in a varnashrama quote – not my intention!):
Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita: Chapter 42: Developing Māyāpur
Māyāpur, June 1, 1973
“...Prabhupāda spoke about a colossal temple, its great dome rising above a transcendental city. This Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir would house the greatest planetarium in the world, depicting the universe as it is described in the Vedic literature…
The Māyāpur city, Prabhupāda said, would be the fulfillment of the desires of the previous ācāryas. The city would grow to a population of fifty thousand and would become the spiritual capital of the world. With its gigantic temple in the center and separate quarters for brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras, the city would be a model for all other cities. The day would come when the world's cities would be ruined, and humanity would take refuge in cities modelled after Māyāpur. The development of Māyāpur would mark the beginning of a Kṛṣṇa conscious world. Thus the influence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would increase, and His prediction would manifest: "In every town and village My name will be chanted."
This is without doubt, astonishing. Talk about thinking BIG. When or how it will come to pass (or which lifetime?), only Krsna knows. Whatever happens, let me declare it boldly. I am ready to deepen my surrender!
Dear Gurudeva, I want to be part of the action! Please place me as a tiny piece of dirt at the lotus feet of the servants of the servants of the servants of Lord Hari.
Only you can help me.
Thank you for saving my life! I owe you everything!
Your greatly indebted servant
Krsnānanda dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In your visit to Wellington recently you gave two very powerful Srimad Bhagavatam classes in which the whole Wellington congregation was spellbound by the incredible spiritual potency embedded in your symphony of Bhagavata. As the questions and answer session came to a close each time my mind was disturbed. Why? That same disturbed feeling I have had on and off for several years. What is it?
Soon after, on September 18th 2016, it struck me. Finally.
I have been afraid to fully surrender.
Enough. It’s time to become more fearless.
I am writing this in better consciousness than previous attempts at glorification where nonsensical mental platform and silly grand performances of insolence contaminated things.
Gurudeva, please empower me to throw caution into the wind and initiate a deeper level of surrender to you. Whatever speed you think I can do it at, you are the best judge of that.
You are an empowered personality, representative of Srila Prabhupada, the entire paramparā and ultimately Sri Krsna. This is very exciting.
In trying to illustrate my revitalised desire for surrender, please allow me to share some reflections on this subject in relation to time, place and circumstance.
~
These are tumultuous times. The climate is changing, warmongering is brewing, the global economy is wobbling, Trump may even get elected. Systemic global crises are compounding. Like something out of Krsna or Rama Lila! The chess board is set. The pieces are moving. Things are set in motion.
As our everyday battle of Kuruksetra is moulded, I think of Vibhishana and how he defected from the demons to Lord Rama’s army. Similarly, let me abandon my attachment to today’s Lanka - Ravana’s Kingdom – represented by the pillars of lust, anger and greed. Instead, grant me refuge at your feet dear Gurudeva. Let me join your army. You are the representative of Lord Rama. Allow me to defect.
In your army we have great spiritual warriors like, Jhulan Yatra prabhu (transcendental trailblazing personified), Khela Tirtha prabhu (advanced devotee personified), Ramadas prabhu (humility personified), Mahavan prabhu (brahminical accomplishment personified), Gopal Guru prabhu (transcendental management personified), Sastra Krit prabhu (sweet Vaisnava exchanges personified) and many other great warriors. And that’s just a few of the men, what to speak of the empowered Mataji’s!
Your warriors blow their transcendental conch shells as the kirtan roars louder. Meanwhile I am performing a tiny little swami step right at the back. My mind dwells on the fate of the world. What sort of world will my son Nitai Charan grow up in? Zombies? Regardless, it’s time to get off the mental!
In 1999 in a talk at Gita Nagari, Bhakti Tirtha Swami quoted the following letter from Srila Prabhupada:
Letter to Kurusrestha -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 23 July, 1973:
“I can understand your concern about the deterioration of the civilization. Yes, the city will be more dangerous place as Kali-yuga advances. It will be very deteriorating. The modern civilization is so corrupt and as sinful activities are more and more committed, the people will be forced to face more troubles, by nature's order. Our business, however, is simply to take shelter of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra and pray to the Holy Name to give us protection. We shall be unaffected by all that will happen. Krsna will provide us with working facilities. Be assured of this, that the devotees will be protected by the Holy Name. Others will have to suffer in the days that are coming.”
Gurudeva you have always imbibed the message contained in Srila Prabhupada’s letter. Take shelter of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra! Krsna will provide. You always stress this point.
I can see that my accomplished godbrothers and sisters have done exactly that, year after year. It shows via their splendorous qualities. They are empowered and you have empowered them.
In SB 8.15.28 purport, Srila Prabhupada describes how Bali Maharaja was empowered by his Guru which sets a precedence for understanding empowerment:
“We sing in our daily prayers, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi. 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 personal endeavor for such advancement. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore says:
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya, āra nā kariha mane āśā
Especially for spiritual advancement, one should carry out the bona fide order of the spiritual master. By the paramparā system, one can thus be endowed with the original spiritual power coming from the Supreme Personality of Godhead (evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ).
Furthermore, Prabhupada writes in Quest for Enlightenment:
“One can be a real hero only when he is fully empowered or fully protected. Such a person can only be a devotee, because only Krsna can fully protect or empower.”
The above corroborates my observations of my exalted spiritual family. You are channelling the mercy of Krsna coming right down through the paramparā system. This is very exciting. I want to be part of that!
However, what is the qualification to receive such mercy? Again, Prabhupada answers:
“The complete path of bhakti-yoga is based upon the process of becoming humble and submissive”. CC Adi Lila 7.148 purport
This is where my attempts to serve nicely are being undone. I am sick of being a nuisance, a nonsense. I am sick of creating a disturbance. “Gurudeva look at my mental gymnastics! Aren’t I clever?” This has been my approach. Enough. It’s time to act with greater decorum. For the love of God, let me surrender to the surrendering process.
As our great Acharayas point out, it’s folly to loiter here, in this “naughty place, this earth” (Srila Prabhupada), this “damned world” (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura), this “weird abode” (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Examining the world news, I am beginning to see what they are getting at. We live in interesting times. But we must remain equipoised and not become distracted. Instead, cling tightly to your service, both via the vapu and vani forms. You once said to Gaura-arati: “Vani is where the real game is played at!” Please allow me entry into this school of divinity, O great Spiritual Warrior!
Srila Prabhupada shows us the path of fearlessness, one that you know well Gurudeva:
“Sometimes the members of the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Society are afraid of the impending danger of world war and ask what would happen to them if a war should occur. In all kinds of danger, they should be confident of their protection by the Viṣṇudūtas or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati (BG 9.31)). Material danger is not meant for devotees. This is also confirmed in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Padaṁ padaṁ yad vipadāṁ na teṣām: (SB 10.14.58) in this material world there are dangers at every step, but they are not meant for devotees who have fully surrendered unto the lotus feet of the Lord. The pure devotees of Lord Viṣṇu may rest assured of the Lord's protection, and as long as they are in this material world they should fully engage in devotional service by preaching the cult of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Lord Kṛṣṇa, namely the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.” SB 6.3.18 purport.
But how to preach properly? Gurudeva you are an exceptional preacher. Words are one thing, but your actions speak louder than words! Look at your transcendental army of transcendentalists! Only a truly great devotee of the Lord could attract such a high caliber contingent.
Please bless me to set a good example as a father, husband, disciple and as an aspiring servant. Bless me to cultivate the attitude enunciated in Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teachings:
“You should always absorb your mind in attentively chanting Krishna’s glories. By performing Krishna kirtana you’ll gain mastery over the mind. Give up all false pride. Always think yourself to be worthless, destitute, lower and more humble than straw in the street. Practice forgiveness like the tree. Giving up all violence toward other living beings, you should maintain them. Throughout your life you should never give anxiety to others. But do good to them, make them happy, and forget about your own happiness…just make your heart humble.” (From Gaudiya Vaisnava Samadhis).
If I can come up to a decent standard, maybe I can contribute something to this divine Krsna consciousness movement that you would be pleased with.
The kirtan roars louder. Still, I wonder what the future holds.
Perhaps we might gradually begin to realise how our small offerings of service are laying the foundations for a magnificent ten thousand year epoch of Hari Nama bliss: Our magnanimous founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada spoke the following prediction (not that I mean to overemphasize prophecies or try to slip in a varnashrama quote – not my intention!):
Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita: Chapter 42: Developing Māyāpur
Māyāpur, June 1, 1973
“...Prabhupāda spoke about a colossal temple, its great dome rising above a transcendental city. This Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir would house the greatest planetarium in the world, depicting the universe as it is described in the Vedic literature…
The Māyāpur city, Prabhupāda said, would be the fulfillment of the desires of the previous ācāryas. The city would grow to a population of fifty thousand and would become the spiritual capital of the world. With its gigantic temple in the center and separate quarters for brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras, the city would be a model for all other cities. The day would come when the world's cities would be ruined, and humanity would take refuge in cities modelled after Māyāpur. The development of Māyāpur would mark the beginning of a Kṛṣṇa conscious world. Thus the influence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would increase, and His prediction would manifest: "In every town and village My name will be chanted."
This is without doubt, astonishing. Talk about thinking BIG. When or how it will come to pass (or which lifetime?), only Krsna knows. Whatever happens, let me declare it boldly. I am ready to deepen my surrender!
Dear Gurudeva, I want to be part of the action! Please place me as a tiny piece of dirt at the lotus feet of the servants of the servants of the servants of Lord Hari.
Only you can help me.
Thank you for saving my life! I owe you everything!
Your greatly indebted servant
Krsnānanda dasa
Kula Paavana Das & Bhuvana Paavana Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our humble obeisance’s to the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In our Vyasapuja Offering last year we were trying to find right words and sentences of what we actually feel and how much we love you with our limited knowledge. We still might not have the right words to glorify you, but we would say as a father how he always tries to take care of his son/daughter, you always takes care of us and guide in the right direction.
One word that always comes into our mind is “encourage” which you mentions in most of your lectures. Yes, you really encourage, when we took your darshan last year. We have come up with an intention to use our home to facilitate a Bhakti Vruksha and also with good news that there would a new addition to our Vaishna family. Gurudev, you mentioned you have a bigger responsibility to take care now, so take care of the new baby and raise her as a Krishna Conscious child, but still as a child we insisted. We giving our reasons and requested to give us blessings do this service and to take part in Srila Prabhupada movement in this way, you lovingly said alright go ahead...! My blessing will always be there.
By your blessings, with the permission of The Temple authorities and constant guidance of senior devotees H.G. Madhavananda Prabhu offered to take classes and with all the above we are learning now what it meant to be an aspiring devotee.
Also, I should say Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi supporting me in all aspects of devotional service. I believe all this happened only by your causeless mercy.
I am also thankful to you for kindly accepting Swathi as your disciple and initiating her as Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi and also naming our baby as Yamuna.
Gurudev as always, your inspiring lectures, energising kirtans and personal guidance are our source of strength. Without you, we do not have a hope of being Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. Please help us to use all our experiences in life to strengthen in our Bhakti. Please help us to see every moment for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure.
Finally, we beg you to help us to become attached to chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa Maha mantra and serve you eternally.
All Glories to you Gurudev.
Your Humble Servants,
Kula Paavana Das
Bhuvana Paavana Devi Dasi and
Yamuna
Please accept our humble obeisance’s to the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In our Vyasapuja Offering last year we were trying to find right words and sentences of what we actually feel and how much we love you with our limited knowledge. We still might not have the right words to glorify you, but we would say as a father how he always tries to take care of his son/daughter, you always takes care of us and guide in the right direction.
One word that always comes into our mind is “encourage” which you mentions in most of your lectures. Yes, you really encourage, when we took your darshan last year. We have come up with an intention to use our home to facilitate a Bhakti Vruksha and also with good news that there would a new addition to our Vaishna family. Gurudev, you mentioned you have a bigger responsibility to take care now, so take care of the new baby and raise her as a Krishna Conscious child, but still as a child we insisted. We giving our reasons and requested to give us blessings do this service and to take part in Srila Prabhupada movement in this way, you lovingly said alright go ahead...! My blessing will always be there.
By your blessings, with the permission of The Temple authorities and constant guidance of senior devotees H.G. Madhavananda Prabhu offered to take classes and with all the above we are learning now what it meant to be an aspiring devotee.
Also, I should say Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi supporting me in all aspects of devotional service. I believe all this happened only by your causeless mercy.
I am also thankful to you for kindly accepting Swathi as your disciple and initiating her as Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi and also naming our baby as Yamuna.
Gurudev as always, your inspiring lectures, energising kirtans and personal guidance are our source of strength. Without you, we do not have a hope of being Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. Please help us to use all our experiences in life to strengthen in our Bhakti. Please help us to see every moment for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure.
Finally, we beg you to help us to become attached to chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa Maha mantra and serve you eternally.
All Glories to you Gurudev.
Your Humble Servants,
Kula Paavana Das
Bhuvana Paavana Devi Dasi and
Yamuna
Kurmadeva Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It is very difficult for me to understand correctly what it means to surrender in mind and body to the instructions of the spiritual master. I'm like a little kid, trying to obey their parents but at the same time wants to follow his own desire. Through the power of the association with you, I can understand that the best way that a small child has to move forward in life is taking refuge in his parents because they will always want the best for him and always they will be ready to help when we are in trouble.
Now I can understand that you is who really cares about me, gives me time and patience and is willing to awaken my true intelligence, certainly you are the safest and best way I can get close to Krishna. I hope someday repay by all his love and I hope to have your association ever.
I pray to Krishna to never leave this path
Your eternal servant
Kurmadeva das
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It is very difficult for me to understand correctly what it means to surrender in mind and body to the instructions of the spiritual master. I'm like a little kid, trying to obey their parents but at the same time wants to follow his own desire. Through the power of the association with you, I can understand that the best way that a small child has to move forward in life is taking refuge in his parents because they will always want the best for him and always they will be ready to help when we are in trouble.
Now I can understand that you is who really cares about me, gives me time and patience and is willing to awaken my true intelligence, certainly you are the safest and best way I can get close to Krishna. I hope someday repay by all his love and I hope to have your association ever.
I pray to Krishna to never leave this path
Your eternal servant
Kurmadeva das
Lavangi devi dasi
Hare Krishna! Dear Guru Maharaj! Please accept my obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I congratulate You with Your appearance day! Endless gratitude and desire to serve You the way, You serve Srila Prabhupada is overwhelming me. You are an example to me in everything, I wish to attain faith in Lord as You possess - deep and infinite, same qualities as You have - utmost humility, ocean of compassion and love, and live like You do - in full surrender to Your spiritual master, devotees and Krishna!
Your eternal servant,
Lavangi devi dasi
Russia, Severodvinsk
I congratulate You with Your appearance day! Endless gratitude and desire to serve You the way, You serve Srila Prabhupada is overwhelming me. You are an example to me in everything, I wish to attain faith in Lord as You possess - deep and infinite, same qualities as You have - utmost humility, ocean of compassion and love, and live like You do - in full surrender to Your spiritual master, devotees and Krishna!
Your eternal servant,
Lavangi devi dasi
Russia, Severodvinsk
Lavanya-keli
To my dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada who inspired you to dedicate your life to Krishna simply from reading his books.
When I was 16 I was approached by Gokul lila and given your book ‘The Perfect Escape’. When I was 21 I came to Bhakti Lounge, an incredible outreach centre that is thriving because of your leadership. In that same year I found out that you ran two end of year retreats at Waihounga when my dad was running the centre. Because of his association with you and the devotees he has been constantly encouraging me in my spiritual life, every few months he tells me how proud he is of what I am doing. I am certain that his encouragement stems from the association he had during those retreats.
Prabhupada explains in Nectar of Devotion “On account of his association with mahatmas, or great souls one-hundred-percent in the devotional service of the Lord one may attain a little bit of attraction for Sri Krishna…This attraction for Krishna consciousness in association with pure devotees is the sign of great fortune. It is confirmed by Lord Caitanya that only the fortunate persons, by the mercy of a bona fide spiritual master and Krishna, will get the seed of devotional service.” NOD Chap 3
In Bhagavad gita it’s said that “If one gets a bona fide spiritual master and acts according to his direction, then one’s perfection of life in Krishna consciousness is guaranteed.” Purport BG 18.57
I am very fortunate because my life is perfect. But due to a weakness of heart I don’t always see that.
Bhagavad gita explains that “By nature’s own way the complete system of material activities is a source of perplexity for everyone. In every step there is perplexity, and therefore it behooves one to approach a bona fide spiritual master who can give one proper guidance for executing the purpose of life.” Purport BG 2.7
You have made it easy for me to come to Krishna consciousness, grow in Krishna consciousness and learn how to give Krishna consciousness to others. Without your intense sacrifice, without your devotion to your spiritual master and your dedication to following his instructions, I would not be chanting Hare Krishna and purifying my heart.
When I think of you, my heart swells with pride, mourns at past offences, and becomes determined not to fall back into illusion. You have given me so much.
You have given love, protection, guidance, care, chastisement, encouragement, all with no personal expectation of reward or reciprocation. Your only desire is that one day I’ll come to my senses and help you on your mission to serve YOUR spiritual master.
“It is the duty of the acarya, the spiritual master, to find ways and means for his disciple to fix his mind on Krsna. That is the beginning of sadhana-bhakti.” NOD p21
You are exemplary at inspiring your disciples to fix their minds on Krsna. When I first had darshan you expressed your desire to have videos made, but you explained that you lacked the ability to do them and asked if I could help. Excited that my budding skills were of some use to you, I got totally absorbed in how I could facilitate your desire while at the same time being happy with doing ‘what I wanted to do’. You tricked me into thinking those videos were extremely important for you, but instead they were simply a means for me to become purified.
You are personal, and our relationship is what’s kept me in Krishna consciousness during moments of difficulty.
Naturally, being naive and stubborn, I became perplexed in my earlier stages of bhakti. But my intense attachment to you meant I could never leave. Every gesture of kindness you gave me, every incredible class I heard, every word of encouragement, every film made as well as watched, has bound me closer to you. Even your words of chastisement, while making me feel shame, also demonstrate the care you have.
I cannot express my love for you in words Gurudeva, they are simply hollow if my behaviour doesn’t reflect them.
Simply by seeing the behaviour of a student, one can judge the quality of a teacher. Krishnaloka once told me that you should never tell someone who your spiritual master is, you should behave in a way that people ask who ‘who is your spiritual master?’.
My offering to you, my attempt at glorifying you, is to do everything I can to help you in following your spiritual masters instructions. What use am I if I don’t help you make it easy for people to come to Krishna consciousness, grow in Krishna consciousness and give Krishna consciousness to others.
Your aspiring servant,
Lavanya-keli devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada who inspired you to dedicate your life to Krishna simply from reading his books.
When I was 16 I was approached by Gokul lila and given your book ‘The Perfect Escape’. When I was 21 I came to Bhakti Lounge, an incredible outreach centre that is thriving because of your leadership. In that same year I found out that you ran two end of year retreats at Waihounga when my dad was running the centre. Because of his association with you and the devotees he has been constantly encouraging me in my spiritual life, every few months he tells me how proud he is of what I am doing. I am certain that his encouragement stems from the association he had during those retreats.
Prabhupada explains in Nectar of Devotion “On account of his association with mahatmas, or great souls one-hundred-percent in the devotional service of the Lord one may attain a little bit of attraction for Sri Krishna…This attraction for Krishna consciousness in association with pure devotees is the sign of great fortune. It is confirmed by Lord Caitanya that only the fortunate persons, by the mercy of a bona fide spiritual master and Krishna, will get the seed of devotional service.” NOD Chap 3
In Bhagavad gita it’s said that “If one gets a bona fide spiritual master and acts according to his direction, then one’s perfection of life in Krishna consciousness is guaranteed.” Purport BG 18.57
I am very fortunate because my life is perfect. But due to a weakness of heart I don’t always see that.
Bhagavad gita explains that “By nature’s own way the complete system of material activities is a source of perplexity for everyone. In every step there is perplexity, and therefore it behooves one to approach a bona fide spiritual master who can give one proper guidance for executing the purpose of life.” Purport BG 2.7
You have made it easy for me to come to Krishna consciousness, grow in Krishna consciousness and learn how to give Krishna consciousness to others. Without your intense sacrifice, without your devotion to your spiritual master and your dedication to following his instructions, I would not be chanting Hare Krishna and purifying my heart.
When I think of you, my heart swells with pride, mourns at past offences, and becomes determined not to fall back into illusion. You have given me so much.
You have given love, protection, guidance, care, chastisement, encouragement, all with no personal expectation of reward or reciprocation. Your only desire is that one day I’ll come to my senses and help you on your mission to serve YOUR spiritual master.
“It is the duty of the acarya, the spiritual master, to find ways and means for his disciple to fix his mind on Krsna. That is the beginning of sadhana-bhakti.” NOD p21
You are exemplary at inspiring your disciples to fix their minds on Krsna. When I first had darshan you expressed your desire to have videos made, but you explained that you lacked the ability to do them and asked if I could help. Excited that my budding skills were of some use to you, I got totally absorbed in how I could facilitate your desire while at the same time being happy with doing ‘what I wanted to do’. You tricked me into thinking those videos were extremely important for you, but instead they were simply a means for me to become purified.
You are personal, and our relationship is what’s kept me in Krishna consciousness during moments of difficulty.
Naturally, being naive and stubborn, I became perplexed in my earlier stages of bhakti. But my intense attachment to you meant I could never leave. Every gesture of kindness you gave me, every incredible class I heard, every word of encouragement, every film made as well as watched, has bound me closer to you. Even your words of chastisement, while making me feel shame, also demonstrate the care you have.
I cannot express my love for you in words Gurudeva, they are simply hollow if my behaviour doesn’t reflect them.
Simply by seeing the behaviour of a student, one can judge the quality of a teacher. Krishnaloka once told me that you should never tell someone who your spiritual master is, you should behave in a way that people ask who ‘who is your spiritual master?’.
My offering to you, my attempt at glorifying you, is to do everything I can to help you in following your spiritual masters instructions. What use am I if I don’t help you make it easy for people to come to Krishna consciousness, grow in Krishna consciousness and give Krishna consciousness to others.
Your aspiring servant,
Lavanya-keli devi dasi
Lila Katha devi dasi
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.
Dear Guru Maharaja, thankyou for caring for all devotees so expertly.
Thankyou for caring for my family, with such love and kindness you guide us all.
I am sad to have missed your visit to Melbourne. I am in Mayapur now and I pray to Sri Panca Tattva, Sri Sri Radha Mādhava and Lord Narasimha for your good health and long life.
I pray to increase my service to you.
Your servant Lika Katha 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 celebration.
Dear Guru Maharaja, thankyou for caring for all devotees so expertly.
Thankyou for caring for my family, with such love and kindness you guide us all.
I am sad to have missed your visit to Melbourne. I am in Mayapur now and I pray to Sri Panca Tattva, Sri Sri Radha Mādhava and Lord Narasimha for your good health and long life.
I pray to increase my service to you.
Your servant Lika Katha devi dasi
Lila-madhurya dasi and Venu-madhurya das
Dear Gurudeva,
please accept our sincere obeisances in the dust at Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In one of Your lectures You deeply explain this verse from Srimad Bhagavatam:
SB 10.8.2
When Nanda Mahārāja saw Garga Muni present at his home, Nanda was so pleased that he stood up to receive him with folded hands. Although seeing Garga Muni with his eyes, Nanda Mahārāja could appreciate that Garga Muni was adhokṣaja; that is, he was not an ordinary person seen by material senses.
In order to properly glorify pure devotee of the Lord one should have certain qualification.
Indeed, only pure devotee is able to fully appreciate and thus glorify another pure devotee of the Lord. Lacking suitable qualification nevertheless we would like to say something to express our gratitude.
Prime quality of Vaishnava is that he is not envious of anybody, he doesn't have enemies, and we see this very vividly in Your personality, as You always see good intentions in everyone's behavior and by personal example teach that to others and You accept every situation with such an amazing humility.
By carrying out some insignificant service to You for several years, we did notice how big impact You make on each and single disciple, in fact not only disciples but devotees in general, actually even people who had great fortune to attend and listen to Your public programs, whether they be at Universities or preaching centers.
As to our insignificant lives, You made us human beings in a true sense, You guide us spiritually so we grow safely and securely in Krishna Consciousness, You give us eyes to see the heart of Srila Prabhupada while studying His Divine books. So many times You have saved us in this short period of time, personally and lovingly. How can we repay that?
All these years we were thinking what does it mean to be a real devotee of the Lord, what is the main criteria to identify a real level of devotee. We concluded that responsible position in the movement, number of years practicing, knowledge of the sastra, great preaching projects, a lot of practical services, wonderful lectures - all this is highly valued and nice, but the main criteria is attachment and taste for the Holy Name. Dear Guru Maharaj, when You chant Holy Names, You give the seed of Love of Godhead to everyone who truly hears, everyone becomes immediately enlivened. Thank You for Your explanations of the glories of the Holy Name and giving out the taste.
Every little success in spiritual life is Your mercy, every lesson and little purification we get it is Your mercy, our lives become Your mercy Gurudev.
You are our guide, light, shelter, loving father and well-wisher. Service to You is only hope to become one day Vaishnavas and pass on this treasure You keep deep in Your heart, that is, pure devotional service to Krishna's dear-most servants in Guruparampara. Please make us suitable for this gift Guru Maharaj, as there is nothing else more precious.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur sings:
jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai,
tomara karuna—sara
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of.
We simply fell at Your lotus feet and beg, please make us Your servants life after life.
Your insignificant servants,
Lila-madhurya dasi and Venu-madhurya das
please accept our sincere obeisances in the dust at Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In one of Your lectures You deeply explain this verse from Srimad Bhagavatam:
SB 10.8.2
When Nanda Mahārāja saw Garga Muni present at his home, Nanda was so pleased that he stood up to receive him with folded hands. Although seeing Garga Muni with his eyes, Nanda Mahārāja could appreciate that Garga Muni was adhokṣaja; that is, he was not an ordinary person seen by material senses.
In order to properly glorify pure devotee of the Lord one should have certain qualification.
Indeed, only pure devotee is able to fully appreciate and thus glorify another pure devotee of the Lord. Lacking suitable qualification nevertheless we would like to say something to express our gratitude.
Prime quality of Vaishnava is that he is not envious of anybody, he doesn't have enemies, and we see this very vividly in Your personality, as You always see good intentions in everyone's behavior and by personal example teach that to others and You accept every situation with such an amazing humility.
By carrying out some insignificant service to You for several years, we did notice how big impact You make on each and single disciple, in fact not only disciples but devotees in general, actually even people who had great fortune to attend and listen to Your public programs, whether they be at Universities or preaching centers.
As to our insignificant lives, You made us human beings in a true sense, You guide us spiritually so we grow safely and securely in Krishna Consciousness, You give us eyes to see the heart of Srila Prabhupada while studying His Divine books. So many times You have saved us in this short period of time, personally and lovingly. How can we repay that?
All these years we were thinking what does it mean to be a real devotee of the Lord, what is the main criteria to identify a real level of devotee. We concluded that responsible position in the movement, number of years practicing, knowledge of the sastra, great preaching projects, a lot of practical services, wonderful lectures - all this is highly valued and nice, but the main criteria is attachment and taste for the Holy Name. Dear Guru Maharaj, when You chant Holy Names, You give the seed of Love of Godhead to everyone who truly hears, everyone becomes immediately enlivened. Thank You for Your explanations of the glories of the Holy Name and giving out the taste.
Every little success in spiritual life is Your mercy, every lesson and little purification we get it is Your mercy, our lives become Your mercy Gurudev.
You are our guide, light, shelter, loving father and well-wisher. Service to You is only hope to become one day Vaishnavas and pass on this treasure You keep deep in Your heart, that is, pure devotional service to Krishna's dear-most servants in Guruparampara. Please make us suitable for this gift Guru Maharaj, as there is nothing else more precious.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur sings:
jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai,
tomara karuna—sara
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of.
We simply fell at Your lotus feet and beg, please make us Your servants life after life.
Your insignificant servants,
Lila-madhurya dasi and Venu-madhurya das
Liv parkinson
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your out-standing, nectarean service!
There once was a girl who was lost at sea
not knowing who she was to be
She had no direction, no protection
just frustrated attempts at love and affection
Flowers in her hair she longed to be free
screaming amidst the storm for satisfaction and peace
Searching in the shadows for substance, chasing changing tides
her every endeavour laced with deluded false pride
but she knew she was missing something deep inside
Yet alone she swam under the current of false education and a bohemian facade
but she wondered where is the depth? Why is this so hard?
Her hollow eyes scoured all directions for stable ground
yet she found no substance, the waves tossed her around
Illusory attempts at joy left her like an empty shell
drowned in lost hope for higher truth and a wreckless youth she was forced to dwell
She wondered what am I doing out here alone?
Who am I? Where is my real home?
The karmic waves became turbulent, the wind-like mind became wild
she cried what hope is there here for a lost flower child?
In a drenched state she tried to help others also swimming alone
but her grip could not save more than their outer coat
A beacon of light sliced through the darkness of night
a warm voice re-assuring her it'd be alright
He called "what are you doing out here alone?
please follow my wake to your real home!"
"To wake one from a nightmare, you must first be awake yourself."
A first instruction he gave her, full of spiritual wealth
He showed how saving the dress of a drowning man is senseless
she realised her futile attempts to help were merely wreckless
He tossed her a strong rope imbedded with spiritual instruction
pulled her aboard, dried her down, helped her again function
Gently releasing the air of her ballooning false pride
explaining that she'd been trying to drive her own ship, so blind, without a guide
So he gave her protection, a shelter, direction
showed her real love, compassion, affection
Drowned in saddhu sanga, kirtan, service, prasad- He nurtured her heart
with genuine knowledge, satisfaction and nectar from the very start
The ocean became calm and she's beginning to see
by his grace with a refreshing and exciting clarity
He is always anchored deep in the ocean of loving devotion
a lighthouse on the surface emanating in all directions
The ocean floods with his mercy, a dark sea dotted with beacons of light and hope
guiding all the lost souls back to their real home
The lost girl would've eventually washed up on the shore,
still not knowing what her whole life was for
He gifted her with priceless love, inspiration, such personal care and real vision
gallantly encouraging her in Caitanya's sankirtan mission
Now she looks out and sees a bright new horizon
by her Gurudeva's mercy, the Krishna sun is risin'!
Thank you Gurudeva for captaining my lost ship! I pray to always be able to do some service under your glorious shelter!
Your aspiring servant,
Liv
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your out-standing, nectarean service!
There once was a girl who was lost at sea
not knowing who she was to be
She had no direction, no protection
just frustrated attempts at love and affection
Flowers in her hair she longed to be free
screaming amidst the storm for satisfaction and peace
Searching in the shadows for substance, chasing changing tides
her every endeavour laced with deluded false pride
but she knew she was missing something deep inside
Yet alone she swam under the current of false education and a bohemian facade
but she wondered where is the depth? Why is this so hard?
Her hollow eyes scoured all directions for stable ground
yet she found no substance, the waves tossed her around
Illusory attempts at joy left her like an empty shell
drowned in lost hope for higher truth and a wreckless youth she was forced to dwell
She wondered what am I doing out here alone?
Who am I? Where is my real home?
The karmic waves became turbulent, the wind-like mind became wild
she cried what hope is there here for a lost flower child?
In a drenched state she tried to help others also swimming alone
but her grip could not save more than their outer coat
A beacon of light sliced through the darkness of night
a warm voice re-assuring her it'd be alright
He called "what are you doing out here alone?
please follow my wake to your real home!"
"To wake one from a nightmare, you must first be awake yourself."
A first instruction he gave her, full of spiritual wealth
He showed how saving the dress of a drowning man is senseless
she realised her futile attempts to help were merely wreckless
He tossed her a strong rope imbedded with spiritual instruction
pulled her aboard, dried her down, helped her again function
Gently releasing the air of her ballooning false pride
explaining that she'd been trying to drive her own ship, so blind, without a guide
So he gave her protection, a shelter, direction
showed her real love, compassion, affection
Drowned in saddhu sanga, kirtan, service, prasad- He nurtured her heart
with genuine knowledge, satisfaction and nectar from the very start
The ocean became calm and she's beginning to see
by his grace with a refreshing and exciting clarity
He is always anchored deep in the ocean of loving devotion
a lighthouse on the surface emanating in all directions
The ocean floods with his mercy, a dark sea dotted with beacons of light and hope
guiding all the lost souls back to their real home
The lost girl would've eventually washed up on the shore,
still not knowing what her whole life was for
He gifted her with priceless love, inspiration, such personal care and real vision
gallantly encouraging her in Caitanya's sankirtan mission
Now she looks out and sees a bright new horizon
by her Gurudeva's mercy, the Krishna sun is risin'!
Thank you Gurudeva for captaining my lost ship! I pray to always be able to do some service under your glorious shelter!
Your aspiring servant,
Liv
Madana Mohini
Querido Maestro:
En este dia tan especial quería agradecerle por permitirme ser parte de su familia espiritual y ayudarme en mi camino de aprendizaje y superación.
Le agradezco enormemente que siempre esté a nuestro lado, dándonos apoyo y aconsejandonos.
Your aspiring servant
Madana Mohini
En este dia tan especial quería agradecerle por permitirme ser parte de su familia espiritual y ayudarme en mi camino de aprendizaje y superación.
Le agradezco enormemente que siempre esté a nuestro lado, dándonos apoyo y aconsejandonos.
Your aspiring servant
Madana Mohini
Madhava Mohini devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obesainces. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your lotus feet!!
You have embied the mood of your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada by changing your preaching techniques according to time, place and circumstance. You somehow manage to keep the standards intact but still make it easy for people to take up the process of bhakti. I have been in awe of how you do that. Now that I have been in Wellington for 2 years I have started to realise how expert you are at training devotees to put in their 100% in outreach efforts but at the same time take care of their devotional creeper by watering it with regular hearing and chanting. You have set up an incredible support system for old, new and future devotees. The care, time and effort you provide to everyone is reflected in how enlivened devotees are to increase the outreach by putting in more and more effort every year for your pleasure. You have a hectic schedule of which I got a slight glimpse on your last visit when I saw you exhausted from your travels. You still made the time to read and chant with us showing us that no matter how physically exhausted one gets in Krishna’s service chanting and hearing is what gives us life. At a recharge festival once you said ‘yes this is what it is all about chanting and dancing and feasting with devotees hard to beleive!’
You’re the the embodiment of Srila Prabhupada’s purports “The spiritual master's duty is to engage his disciples in preparing varieties of nice foods to offer the Deity. After being offered, this food is distributed as prasādam to the devotees. These activities satisfy the spiritual master, although he himself does not eat or require such a variety of prasādam. By seeing to the offering and distribution of prasādam, he himself is encouraged in devotional service.” CC madhya 14.36. Your last visit to Wellington I informed you that one of the devotee program nights we are going to have take away snack prasadam to which you responded that you like seeing devotees take prasadam. Thank you Gurudeva for being an exemplar.
By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I should, therefore, meditate and pray for his mercy three times a day, and offer my respectful obeisances unto him, my spiritual master.” BG 2.41 if only I had some realisation of this. I do my service like a third class disciple in a begrudging mood not realising that this instruction you have given me is your shower of mercy to purify my steel framed heart. I complain incesesantly for the services I would rather be doing. I feel completely sheltered under your guidance and instruction but still due to the unwanted weeds in my heart I am unable to completely surrender to your instructions. Due to lack of realisations and past sinful karma. Please help me apply myself to the potential you see in me because I don’t see much hope in my own endeavours. Your mercy is all I am made of.
Your aspiring servant
Madhava Mohini dd
Please accept my humble obesainces. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your lotus feet!!
You have embied the mood of your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada by changing your preaching techniques according to time, place and circumstance. You somehow manage to keep the standards intact but still make it easy for people to take up the process of bhakti. I have been in awe of how you do that. Now that I have been in Wellington for 2 years I have started to realise how expert you are at training devotees to put in their 100% in outreach efforts but at the same time take care of their devotional creeper by watering it with regular hearing and chanting. You have set up an incredible support system for old, new and future devotees. The care, time and effort you provide to everyone is reflected in how enlivened devotees are to increase the outreach by putting in more and more effort every year for your pleasure. You have a hectic schedule of which I got a slight glimpse on your last visit when I saw you exhausted from your travels. You still made the time to read and chant with us showing us that no matter how physically exhausted one gets in Krishna’s service chanting and hearing is what gives us life. At a recharge festival once you said ‘yes this is what it is all about chanting and dancing and feasting with devotees hard to beleive!’
You’re the the embodiment of Srila Prabhupada’s purports “The spiritual master's duty is to engage his disciples in preparing varieties of nice foods to offer the Deity. After being offered, this food is distributed as prasādam to the devotees. These activities satisfy the spiritual master, although he himself does not eat or require such a variety of prasādam. By seeing to the offering and distribution of prasādam, he himself is encouraged in devotional service.” CC madhya 14.36. Your last visit to Wellington I informed you that one of the devotee program nights we are going to have take away snack prasadam to which you responded that you like seeing devotees take prasadam. Thank you Gurudeva for being an exemplar.
By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I should, therefore, meditate and pray for his mercy three times a day, and offer my respectful obeisances unto him, my spiritual master.” BG 2.41 if only I had some realisation of this. I do my service like a third class disciple in a begrudging mood not realising that this instruction you have given me is your shower of mercy to purify my steel framed heart. I complain incesesantly for the services I would rather be doing. I feel completely sheltered under your guidance and instruction but still due to the unwanted weeds in my heart I am unable to completely surrender to your instructions. Due to lack of realisations and past sinful karma. Please help me apply myself to the potential you see in me because I don’t see much hope in my own endeavours. Your mercy is all I am made of.
Your aspiring servant
Madhava Mohini dd
Madhava Seva and Tulasi Seva
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you Divine Services.
Another year has gone by under your shelter. Although we are least qualified and of no use when it comes to being of service to Krishna, under your shelter there is a slight glimmer of hope that Krishna will accept us someday. Every day we invoke the Guru mantra and ask for your blessings to accept our service and pass it on to Krishna according to parampara. We are eternally indebted to your mercy for accepting our service.
Your sublime teachings and behaviour is a great inspiration for us, as we see how Your positive attitude towards preaching is affecting so many lives around the world.
We eagerly await the day when the internal spiritual Shakti covers us and we are completely drowned in pure Krishna Consciousness. Only by your mercy can we give up our futile attempts to enjoy material life and drop all expectations of finding happiness in this material world.
Thank you Maharaj for your wonderful instructions, association, kirtan, guidance and leadership. Wish you the very best in the coming year.
Hare Krishna,
Your Servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you Divine Services.
Another year has gone by under your shelter. Although we are least qualified and of no use when it comes to being of service to Krishna, under your shelter there is a slight glimmer of hope that Krishna will accept us someday. Every day we invoke the Guru mantra and ask for your blessings to accept our service and pass it on to Krishna according to parampara. We are eternally indebted to your mercy for accepting our service.
Your sublime teachings and behaviour is a great inspiration for us, as we see how Your positive attitude towards preaching is affecting so many lives around the world.
We eagerly await the day when the internal spiritual Shakti covers us and we are completely drowned in pure Krishna Consciousness. Only by your mercy can we give up our futile attempts to enjoy material life and drop all expectations of finding happiness in this material world.
Thank you Maharaj for your wonderful instructions, association, kirtan, guidance and leadership. Wish you the very best in the coming year.
Hare Krishna,
Your Servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni
Madhupuri dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your tireless efforts to serve Krishna in forever more useful and effective ways are so inspiring. You make so many efforts for the good of others. You look out for their spiritual interests and teach them how to love Krishna.
Since studying to be a teacher and being a mother, I have started to see what a difficult job it is to be responsible for the lives and growth of people who are dependent on you. You sometimes need to make difficult decisions on their behalf. You need to encourage and motivate people to make positive choices, but ultimately you cannot control what they do. I think it is a heavy burden, and you do this for so many devotees from different cultures and upbringings, and you have continued to do it for so many years!
You manage to inspire and motivate people like me to give service to Krishna, although they may not feel the urgency as much as you do. You care enough about people to get to know them and decide how best to motivate them without pushing them away. You accept them for what they are like, while seeing their real spiritual nature.
Although I do not see you much, our relationship still keeps me wanting to do at least something that I think you would be pleased with, something for you and for your preaching mission, which is part of Srila Prabhupada's mission. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had so far to serve you, spend time with you and have your guidance in my life. This bond, as well as the taste I got for doing service while living in the ladies ashram which you established, is what keeps me going now in my devotional life. I thank you so much for giving me a strong foundation in Krishna conciousness, which I can always stand back on when I'm doing well, and when I waver.
Praying to always remain your servant,
Madhupuri dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your tireless efforts to serve Krishna in forever more useful and effective ways are so inspiring. You make so many efforts for the good of others. You look out for their spiritual interests and teach them how to love Krishna.
Since studying to be a teacher and being a mother, I have started to see what a difficult job it is to be responsible for the lives and growth of people who are dependent on you. You sometimes need to make difficult decisions on their behalf. You need to encourage and motivate people to make positive choices, but ultimately you cannot control what they do. I think it is a heavy burden, and you do this for so many devotees from different cultures and upbringings, and you have continued to do it for so many years!
You manage to inspire and motivate people like me to give service to Krishna, although they may not feel the urgency as much as you do. You care enough about people to get to know them and decide how best to motivate them without pushing them away. You accept them for what they are like, while seeing their real spiritual nature.
Although I do not see you much, our relationship still keeps me wanting to do at least something that I think you would be pleased with, something for you and for your preaching mission, which is part of Srila Prabhupada's mission. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had so far to serve you, spend time with you and have your guidance in my life. This bond, as well as the taste I got for doing service while living in the ladies ashram which you established, is what keeps me going now in my devotional life. I thank you so much for giving me a strong foundation in Krishna conciousness, which I can always stand back on when I'm doing well, and when I waver.
Praying to always remain your servant,
Madhupuri dd
Madhurananda 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
Dear Srila Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your Lotus Feet.
You have shown great kindness to this unfortunate soul by allowing me to serve you more personally during your recent visit. This gave me a wonderful insight into the challenges you face on a day to day basis and your determination to serve Srila Prabhupada's mission. I challenge anyone to prove the life of a sanyaasi is easy.
You are a parent to countless children, a counselor, teacher and author 24 hours a day. Constantly in demand, constantly questioned and constantly expected to be on top form all the time. All this after multiple flights and programs with little talk of rest. With this, we begin to see how little we actually do for Krsna. The Lord is simply pleased with a leaf, flower, fruit and water and we grumble to even do that. While you sacrifice day in and day out, just so we stand a chance to make spiritual advancement. We can see how with your wonderful example, you are showing us how a faithful disciple acts.
Srila Prabhupada writes:
Letter to Brahmananda -- Allston, Mass 3 May, 1968: On the day of our departure I was expecting you in the airport, but I think as you are young man, you were tired on the last night, on the 30th April, on account of late arriving from the Long Island meeting, and you could not get up earlier from your bed. In that sense, I am more active than you because on that night also I got up from my bed at 4:00 a.m. instead of 2:00 a.m. as usually, and I worked on my usual duties. So you young men should not simply eulogize my hard working capacity, but I wish that you should also follow my example.
By studying your activities and seeing the way in which you preach we see how we can follow Srila Prahupada’s example. We are experts at excuses and fail to see the meaning of life. By your example, I pray that I can be more focused and directed in my service to you. Our time here is so limited and it is so easy to lose it in Maya and forget that Krsna is actually time personified.
Your servants
Madhurānanda das
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, Gurudev.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. I pray for your good health and many more years of devoted service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so very grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual soul to come into my life to provide me the badly needed spiritual support. I feel so fortunate and happy we had the wonderful opportunity to visit with you at Gita Nagari, past summer. The time at Gita Nagari is the most exciting time of my live, since I received your direct association every day of my stay there. I also had the great privilege to prepare some of your meals for you. The whole stay at Gita Nagari, I felt like I was in Vrindavan serving Krishna and Krishna’s cows. I long for that service and wish my 2 daughters can get the opportunity to experience that feeling.
Through your lectures, writings, and kirtans, I feel you are always with me, inspiring, guiding and keeping me engaged in devotional service.
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, support and mercy.
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 10/03/16)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet, Gurudev.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. I pray for your good health and many more years of devoted service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so very grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual soul to come into my life to provide me the badly needed spiritual support. I feel so fortunate and happy we had the wonderful opportunity to visit with you at Gita Nagari, past summer. The time at Gita Nagari is the most exciting time of my live, since I received your direct association every day of my stay there. I also had the great privilege to prepare some of your meals for you. The whole stay at Gita Nagari, I felt like I was in Vrindavan serving Krishna and Krishna’s cows. I long for that service and wish my 2 daughters can get the opportunity to experience that feeling.
Through your lectures, writings, and kirtans, I feel you are always with me, inspiring, guiding and keeping me engaged in devotional service.
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, support and mercy.
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 10/03/16)
Madhuryadham Devi Dasi
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special occasion, I pray to Lord Jagannath,Baldeva and ,Subdra mai for your good health and long life. I'm so unfortunate that for last 3 years I'm not able to have your darshan. But I feel that your mercy is flowing on this useless soul because of that only I was able to serve Lord Jagannath at our home. It is only because of your blessing I learned to stich Lordship dressings and learned the sacred science of diety worship.
We do daily mangal arti at our home. Because of your mercy we are so fortunate that Gaurang Pr came to our house for deity welcoming which we initially thought impossible to even dream. I can see that we have no qualifications for any thing and even don't deserve any sadhu sanga. When I hear your roaring voice I feel that my Gurumaharaj is with us.
Please bless my family so that we chant lord holy name.
I seek your constant help and guidance so that we keep on staying on the path of bhakti.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Madhuryadham devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special occasion, I pray to Lord Jagannath,Baldeva and ,Subdra mai for your good health and long life. I'm so unfortunate that for last 3 years I'm not able to have your darshan. But I feel that your mercy is flowing on this useless soul because of that only I was able to serve Lord Jagannath at our home. It is only because of your blessing I learned to stich Lordship dressings and learned the sacred science of diety worship.
We do daily mangal arti at our home. Because of your mercy we are so fortunate that Gaurang Pr came to our house for deity welcoming which we initially thought impossible to even dream. I can see that we have no qualifications for any thing and even don't deserve any sadhu sanga. When I hear your roaring voice I feel that my Gurumaharaj is with us.
Please bless my family so that we chant lord holy name.
I seek your constant help and guidance so that we keep on staying on the path of bhakti.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Madhuryadham devi dasi.
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories unto you on this auspicious occasion of your appearance day!!!
I am living in a preacher’s dreamland. Unlimited people to approach and connect with; festivals every weekend where they gather to enjoy the lower taste and bump into the higher taste! Big universities full of potential bhaktas and bhaktins that are open to higher knowledge! A whole team of surrendered devotees fired up to revolutionize this city! All that is required is your causeless mercy. We are certainly not the doers, just instruments in your transcendental plan. Sikhi Mahiti prabhu was mentioning in class recently how we should be like the guru’s dog, 100% loyal and ready to execute your command. You have shown me so much loving care all these years, looking after my spiritual well being; I am indebted to you and will strive to reciprocate by trying my best to assist in your outreach projects.
Many people were drawn to your amazing new book at last week’s city festival; they find the title of the book and its chapters so intriguing and attractive. You are very expert at presenting Krishna consciousness to the conditioned souls, making it relevant to them. Mangala Arati mataji was mentioning in class how people have that tendency to glorify someone and often it’s expressed by hanging posters of famous movie stars or sports players. I immediately thought: YOU are my hero Guru Maharaj!!! Amongst many of your exalted attributes, I admire your courage in pioneering in effective and exciting outreach strategies and your lifetime dedication to helping the conditioned souls reconnect with Krishna. My desire is to have that one pointed focus: how to please my spiritual master and Krishna. I want to rebel against my mind’s presentations of putting me in the center. I also desire to develop more compassion and empathy by actually realizing how people are suffering without Krishna consciousness.
Lastly, I would like to share with you this striking purport by Srila Prabhupada, it really made me reflect on your wonderful service and just how important it is:
There are innumerable conditioned souls rotting in the material world, imprisoned by māyā under the spell of sense gratification. The living entity is so entranced by the spell of māyā that in conditioned life even a pig feels satisfied. There are two kinds of covering powers exhibited by māyā. One is called prakṣepātmikā, and the other is called āvaraṇātmikā. When one is determined to get out of material bondage, the prakṣepātmikā-śakti, the spell of diversion, impels one to remain in conditioned life fully satisfied by sense gratification. Due to the other power (āvaraṇātmikā), a conditioned soul feels satisfied even if he is rotting in the body of a pig or a worm in stool. To release a conditioned soul from material bondage is very difficult because the spell of māyā is so strong. Even when the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself descends to deliver conditioned souls, asking them to surrender unto Him, the conditioned souls do not agree to the Lord’s proposal. Therefore Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “Somehow or other, if one helps another gain release from the bondage of māyā, he is certainly recognized immediately by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” As Lord Kṛṣṇa states in the Bhagavad-gītā (BG 18.69):
na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ
bhavitā na ca me tasmād anyaḥ priyataro bhuvi
The greatest service one can render to the Lord is to try to infuse devotional service into the heart of the conditioned soul so that the conditioned soul may be released from conditioned life. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has said that a Vaiṣṇava is recognized by his preaching work—that is, by convincing the conditioned soul about his eternal position, which is explained here as nija-dharma. It is the living entity’s eternal position to serve the Lord; therefore to help one get release from material bondage is to awaken one to the dormant understanding that he is the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa. Jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya—kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’ (Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, 20.6)
Please bless me Gurudeva so that I may continue performing devotional service to Lord Krishna eternally.
Your humble servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories unto you on this auspicious occasion of your appearance day!!!
I am living in a preacher’s dreamland. Unlimited people to approach and connect with; festivals every weekend where they gather to enjoy the lower taste and bump into the higher taste! Big universities full of potential bhaktas and bhaktins that are open to higher knowledge! A whole team of surrendered devotees fired up to revolutionize this city! All that is required is your causeless mercy. We are certainly not the doers, just instruments in your transcendental plan. Sikhi Mahiti prabhu was mentioning in class recently how we should be like the guru’s dog, 100% loyal and ready to execute your command. You have shown me so much loving care all these years, looking after my spiritual well being; I am indebted to you and will strive to reciprocate by trying my best to assist in your outreach projects.
Many people were drawn to your amazing new book at last week’s city festival; they find the title of the book and its chapters so intriguing and attractive. You are very expert at presenting Krishna consciousness to the conditioned souls, making it relevant to them. Mangala Arati mataji was mentioning in class how people have that tendency to glorify someone and often it’s expressed by hanging posters of famous movie stars or sports players. I immediately thought: YOU are my hero Guru Maharaj!!! Amongst many of your exalted attributes, I admire your courage in pioneering in effective and exciting outreach strategies and your lifetime dedication to helping the conditioned souls reconnect with Krishna. My desire is to have that one pointed focus: how to please my spiritual master and Krishna. I want to rebel against my mind’s presentations of putting me in the center. I also desire to develop more compassion and empathy by actually realizing how people are suffering without Krishna consciousness.
Lastly, I would like to share with you this striking purport by Srila Prabhupada, it really made me reflect on your wonderful service and just how important it is:
There are innumerable conditioned souls rotting in the material world, imprisoned by māyā under the spell of sense gratification. The living entity is so entranced by the spell of māyā that in conditioned life even a pig feels satisfied. There are two kinds of covering powers exhibited by māyā. One is called prakṣepātmikā, and the other is called āvaraṇātmikā. When one is determined to get out of material bondage, the prakṣepātmikā-śakti, the spell of diversion, impels one to remain in conditioned life fully satisfied by sense gratification. Due to the other power (āvaraṇātmikā), a conditioned soul feels satisfied even if he is rotting in the body of a pig or a worm in stool. To release a conditioned soul from material bondage is very difficult because the spell of māyā is so strong. Even when the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself descends to deliver conditioned souls, asking them to surrender unto Him, the conditioned souls do not agree to the Lord’s proposal. Therefore Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “Somehow or other, if one helps another gain release from the bondage of māyā, he is certainly recognized immediately by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” As Lord Kṛṣṇa states in the Bhagavad-gītā (BG 18.69):
na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ
bhavitā na ca me tasmād anyaḥ priyataro bhuvi
The greatest service one can render to the Lord is to try to infuse devotional service into the heart of the conditioned soul so that the conditioned soul may be released from conditioned life. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has said that a Vaiṣṇava is recognized by his preaching work—that is, by convincing the conditioned soul about his eternal position, which is explained here as nija-dharma. It is the living entity’s eternal position to serve the Lord; therefore to help one get release from material bondage is to awaken one to the dormant understanding that he is the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa. Jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya—kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’ (Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, 20.6)
Please bless me Gurudeva so that I may continue performing devotional service to Lord Krishna eternally.
Your humble servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Maha Matsya das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please, accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On that blessed day of Your appearance for all of Your disciples, let me try to say a few words about Your outstanding qualities, which inspire all of us and give us energy to continue on the path, given to us by Srila Prabhupada.
You are a bright example of Unity in Diversity. Your style of preaching is always fresh and unique. At the same time while listening to You, I always feel that in each and every of Your words Srila Prabhupada is side by side with You. I call this phenomenon as Gene of Prabhupada, and You are eternal carrier of that Gene. Despite my foolishness and laziness I sincerely hope to someday inherit this Gene from my spiritual Father.
Second quality of Yours is deep digging. In Your foot step, inspired by Your sincere philosophical search for Absolute Truth, every time I try to dive deep as much as possible in the Ocean of Nectarian Rasas. And in that ocean You are my eternal guide and Teacher.
Your spiritual shine of sincere unconditional love for Krishna in the form of His Holy Name, appearing as unbelievable Kirtans, which are not possible to describe and show the mood of Transcendental Madness of Separation, which Lord Caitanya brought into this world, - source of our pleasure, sweet spiritual emotions and deepest inspiration.
Sincerely grateful to You,
Your worthless, foolish and useless servant and disciple
Maha Matsya das
Please, accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On that blessed day of Your appearance for all of Your disciples, let me try to say a few words about Your outstanding qualities, which inspire all of us and give us energy to continue on the path, given to us by Srila Prabhupada.
You are a bright example of Unity in Diversity. Your style of preaching is always fresh and unique. At the same time while listening to You, I always feel that in each and every of Your words Srila Prabhupada is side by side with You. I call this phenomenon as Gene of Prabhupada, and You are eternal carrier of that Gene. Despite my foolishness and laziness I sincerely hope to someday inherit this Gene from my spiritual Father.
Second quality of Yours is deep digging. In Your foot step, inspired by Your sincere philosophical search for Absolute Truth, every time I try to dive deep as much as possible in the Ocean of Nectarian Rasas. And in that ocean You are my eternal guide and Teacher.
Your spiritual shine of sincere unconditional love for Krishna in the form of His Holy Name, appearing as unbelievable Kirtans, which are not possible to describe and show the mood of Transcendental Madness of Separation, which Lord Caitanya brought into this world, - source of our pleasure, sweet spiritual emotions and deepest inspiration.
Sincerely grateful to You,
Your worthless, foolish and useless servant and disciple
Maha Matsya das
Maha-Mahotsava devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I was very slow in coming to an understanding that I need a spiritual master. I thought that I knew everything and that I was capable of doing everything on my own. Amazingly, every Bhakti Sangama Festival I got specifically to your classes and after two years I came there consciously in purpose to dive into the nectar of the Lord`s pastimes which is pouring by you on the audience.
One day, I asked devotees how to find a spiritual master. They answered that if after listening to a certain guru you are ready to immediately act in your spiritual life and to follow his injunctions; this is your spiritual master.
Dear Guru Maharaja I keep your instructions in my heart and every day I question myself what I am doing to follow them. As soon as I had finally decided to accept you as my spiritual master and to follow you the rest of my life, my life changed completely… My son died literally one month later… Where would I be now if I didn`t have your injunctions? I am deeply grateful that you let me take shelter at your lotus feet. Thank you for not letting me feel sorry for myself. Thank you for leading me to Krishna. Thank you for purifying my heart, for giving me true reality and love to the Lord.
Trying to become your humble servant,
Maha-Mahotsava devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I was very slow in coming to an understanding that I need a spiritual master. I thought that I knew everything and that I was capable of doing everything on my own. Amazingly, every Bhakti Sangama Festival I got specifically to your classes and after two years I came there consciously in purpose to dive into the nectar of the Lord`s pastimes which is pouring by you on the audience.
One day, I asked devotees how to find a spiritual master. They answered that if after listening to a certain guru you are ready to immediately act in your spiritual life and to follow his injunctions; this is your spiritual master.
Dear Guru Maharaja I keep your instructions in my heart and every day I question myself what I am doing to follow them. As soon as I had finally decided to accept you as my spiritual master and to follow you the rest of my life, my life changed completely… My son died literally one month later… Where would I be now if I didn`t have your injunctions? I am deeply grateful that you let me take shelter at your lotus feet. Thank you for not letting me feel sorry for myself. Thank you for leading me to Krishna. Thank you for purifying my heart, for giving me true reality and love to the Lord.
Trying to become your humble servant,
Maha-Mahotsava devi dasi
Mahabhagavat Das
Dear Srila Devamrita Swami Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories unto your divine grace.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I offer you my humble gratitude for helping us so much in our Krishna consciousness.
You have helped me immeasurably in my spiritual journey. I don't even know how much benefit I have received from you and your disciples. Even so many basics of being a responsible householder in Krishna consciousness, I have learned from you.
Maharaja, your words and examples remain etched in my mind, and I often quote you and your examples in explaining Krishna consciousness to others. Whenever I do this, I do a little offering of gratitude in my mind for giving me access to that knowledge. Also, it is said that without the spiritual master's continued mercy, one cannot even remember the knowledge that one has received, especially when it is most needed. Maharaja, I use all that knowledge for furthering your mission to take Srila Prabhupada's instructions to every nook and corner of the world, into every heart. I pray that I may please you by this humble effort.
Especially the example you once gave in a Bhagavatam class in Toronto about how we can beg Krishna for mercy, like a totally hopeless, disfigured, and diseased beggar one may see in India, that remains etched in my consciousness. You certainly see me as I am in my present wretched state, and as you are blessed with transcendental vision, you may also see where I should really be, having cast of the shackles of false pride. Kindly bless me so I may make my way to where I should be, and not waste any more time or energy in an unnatural state of being.
From the purport of SB 10.80.42 "Cooked food left sitting for three hours is called yāta-yāma, indicating that it has lost its taste, and similarly if a devotee does not remain fixed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the transcendental knowledge that once inspired him on the spiritual path will lose its "taste," or meaning, for him".
This is my greatest fear, that I may not keep this knowledge fresh and tasty by repeated experience, by striving insufficiently to give this to others. Please kindly bless me that I may continue to try harder than I currently imagine possible, despite my frailties and numerous obvious disqualifications.
Maharaja, we greatly miss your personal association in Toronto, even if just for one class, or one fleeting interaction. "lava matra sadhu sanga", that we are unfortunate not to receive any in your glorious personal form.
Now that your dear disciple Mother Mangal Arati has made Philadelphia her residence, it appears that there is no one to attract you here with their loving sincere efforts. We coasted for years on her strengths, hopefully we can learn to be as sincere some day.
I wanted to stress that I am striving hard to be Krishna conscious myself, and to share Krishna consciousness with others, though of course, we are unable to match the efforts of your empowered personal associates.
I am grateful for your books "Hiding in Unnatural Happiness" and recently in stock "Searching for Vedic India" which I am striving to distribute far and wide to anyone with the slightest interest.
You are a great Vaishnava Acharya, and I am but a fool. In fact, every passing day I discover just how much more a fool I am than I may have previously realized. My spiritual master has taught me to humbly beg for the blessing of pure devotional service, assuring me that the advanced Vaishnava does not consider the disqualifications, rather they see the potential even in the most hopeless case.
Praying to Krishna for your good health and may all resources become available fro you to usher in the spiritual revolution manifest, that revolution you have inherited from Srila Prabhupada, the one you carry in your heart and infect everyone you meet with,
an aspiring servant of your servants,
Mahabhagavat Das, Toronto
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories unto your divine grace.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I offer you my humble gratitude for helping us so much in our Krishna consciousness.
You have helped me immeasurably in my spiritual journey. I don't even know how much benefit I have received from you and your disciples. Even so many basics of being a responsible householder in Krishna consciousness, I have learned from you.
Maharaja, your words and examples remain etched in my mind, and I often quote you and your examples in explaining Krishna consciousness to others. Whenever I do this, I do a little offering of gratitude in my mind for giving me access to that knowledge. Also, it is said that without the spiritual master's continued mercy, one cannot even remember the knowledge that one has received, especially when it is most needed. Maharaja, I use all that knowledge for furthering your mission to take Srila Prabhupada's instructions to every nook and corner of the world, into every heart. I pray that I may please you by this humble effort.
Especially the example you once gave in a Bhagavatam class in Toronto about how we can beg Krishna for mercy, like a totally hopeless, disfigured, and diseased beggar one may see in India, that remains etched in my consciousness. You certainly see me as I am in my present wretched state, and as you are blessed with transcendental vision, you may also see where I should really be, having cast of the shackles of false pride. Kindly bless me so I may make my way to where I should be, and not waste any more time or energy in an unnatural state of being.
From the purport of SB 10.80.42 "Cooked food left sitting for three hours is called yāta-yāma, indicating that it has lost its taste, and similarly if a devotee does not remain fixed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the transcendental knowledge that once inspired him on the spiritual path will lose its "taste," or meaning, for him".
This is my greatest fear, that I may not keep this knowledge fresh and tasty by repeated experience, by striving insufficiently to give this to others. Please kindly bless me that I may continue to try harder than I currently imagine possible, despite my frailties and numerous obvious disqualifications.
Maharaja, we greatly miss your personal association in Toronto, even if just for one class, or one fleeting interaction. "lava matra sadhu sanga", that we are unfortunate not to receive any in your glorious personal form.
Now that your dear disciple Mother Mangal Arati has made Philadelphia her residence, it appears that there is no one to attract you here with their loving sincere efforts. We coasted for years on her strengths, hopefully we can learn to be as sincere some day.
I wanted to stress that I am striving hard to be Krishna conscious myself, and to share Krishna consciousness with others, though of course, we are unable to match the efforts of your empowered personal associates.
I am grateful for your books "Hiding in Unnatural Happiness" and recently in stock "Searching for Vedic India" which I am striving to distribute far and wide to anyone with the slightest interest.
You are a great Vaishnava Acharya, and I am but a fool. In fact, every passing day I discover just how much more a fool I am than I may have previously realized. My spiritual master has taught me to humbly beg for the blessing of pure devotional service, assuring me that the advanced Vaishnava does not consider the disqualifications, rather they see the potential even in the most hopeless case.
Praying to Krishna for your good health and may all resources become available fro you to usher in the spiritual revolution manifest, that revolution you have inherited from Srila Prabhupada, the one you carry in your heart and infect everyone you meet with,
an aspiring servant of your servants,
Mahabhagavat Das, Toronto
Mahavan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Srila Rupa Goswami:
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some are being elevated to the upper planetary systems and some are going down to the lower planetary systems. Among such wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets the opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna. Such a fortunate person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service." CC Mad 19.151
Although it is nearly two decades since my sublime fortune manifested at a temporary brahmacari ashram in Hamilton, I can recall the momentous occasion as if it were yesterday. The program, only the second I had attended, was winding up when your picture, placed on an ad hoc altar, caught my attention. Attracted by your humble yet determined demeanour, I asked the ashram leader "who is that?”. "He is a devotee that is doing a lot of outreach in New Zealand. Some of the monks here are aspiring to accept him as their spiritual master."
As I was about to leave with my new books and huge bags of leftover prasadam in hand, my main devotee contact said that he could give me a tape of "a swami" if I liked. "What's a swami?" I asked. "A guru, a spiritual master" he replied. As I prided myself on being a "spiritual person" I thought I should check out what a "spiritual master" had to say, and added the tape to my stack of goodies as I headed out the door.
After pondering the transcendental delights of the kirtan, class and prasada experienced that evening while driving home, it was not until I had almost reached my flat when the thought came to mind "Hey, lets throw on that tape by 'the swami'." I put it in the car stereo but there seemed to be nothing on it, so I turned up the volume to check that it wasn't just a bad recording, when all of a sudden your triumphant voice boomed out of the speakers "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!"
The sound was astonishing on all levels to say the least, and after the traditional three repetitions of the glorious invocation to Srimad Bhagavatam sung at the beginning of each morning temple class, a voice told me "This is your spiritual master." The irony was however that I actually had no idea what a spiritual master was, or what my relationship with one might be. Still, I was sure that the voice spoke the truth, somehow.
My ignorance was removed in that very class in which you, using Pariksit Maharaja and Sukadeva Goswami as the ideal guru-disciple example, explained that a bona fide spiritual master is recognized not by the eyes, but rather through the ears, by his ability to simply repeat the perfect instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in all circumstances without any adulteration or personal motive.
You also explained that although contemporary "spiritual people" (new age was all the rage at the time) often view the classic Vedic guru-disciple relationship as one of hierarchical authoritarian exploitation, such a notion could not be further from the truth. It is in fact, as you worded it, "transcendental teamwork: a dynamic relationship of love in how to serve Krishna better, in constantly striving to see 'what is Krishna's best pleasure?'"
That was inspiring. My life finally had real direction.
If not constantly, or least once in a while, today a sincere disciple must seriously consider "who is my spiritual master?" Is he Krishna's empowered representative? Is he a "soul friend"? The father I never had? A religious fanatic? A pure devotee? An anachronism? The charismatic leader of a personality cult? A facility for vicarious atonement? ISKCON's founder-acarya clarifies:
"A spiritual master is not an enjoyer of facilities offered by his disciples. He is like a parent. Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly, without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service." CC Adi 1.46 purport
The spiritual master is that parent who protects, nurtures and guides his dependents back to eternal life, back to Krishna, by following His instructions in toto, expertly representing them according to time, place and circumstance, and by giving personalized and realized direction to each disciple on how they apply in every individual situation. And as an ordinary parent's care and good guidance are often misunderstood by their children, particularly in the teenage years, similarly, as a bona fide spiritual parent you have the often thankless task of assisting your children onwards and upwards, beyond the clouds of maya to ultimate success, despite glaring lacks of understanding, appreciation and reciprocation.
It is for these reasons that Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita that devotees like yourself are the most dear servants to Him in this world, and in fact there will never be anyone more dear. After speaking these words to Arjuna, the Lord told Uddhava:
One should know the ācārya as Myself and never disrespect him in any way. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for he is the representative of all the demigods. SB 11.17.27
A fortunate child receives many gifts from his parents, particularly in the form of education which, in a real human civilization, the child feels obliged to repay in adulthood, primarily through financial remuneration. Similarly, the spiritual master gives his disciples the greatest gift of all, a spiritual education, as well as the process and opportunities by which to transform the theory into experience.
"The word guru-prasāda indicates that the spiritual master is very merciful in bestowing the boon of devotional service upon the disciple. That is the best possible gift the spiritual master has to offer...Thus the spiritual master trains his disciples to render devotional service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is called guru-kṛpā...By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, one meets the bona fide spiritual master, and by the mercy of the spiritual master, the disciple is fully trained in the devotional service of the Lord." CC Mad 19.152 purport
How should the disciple attempt to reciprocate with "the best possible gift" offered by the spiritual master? How do we show love on the spiritual platform? Srila Prabhupada's famous answer to one disciple - "you keep your vows" - is the minimum entry level, with the maxim "love begins with duty" being an essential one, particularly in Kali Yuga, when human civilization would be a great idea. However as we progress, by the grace of guru and Krishna, we find our heart yearning for more, for a deeper relationship, one in which we want to serve simply to please, in which ever way is most pleasing.
We hanker for the day when we are free from any personal reservations, motivations, fears or anxieties that impede the flow of our attempts at reciprocation, and at understanding, as you said "what is Krishna's best pleasure?" We long for the time that our heart spontaneously responds with joy upon receiving even the smallest opportunity to assist, and even preempts the best pleasure of our object of love ahead of time.
Devotional service rendered to Me by the living beings revives their eternal life. O My dear damsels of Vraja, your affection for Me is your good fortune, for it is the only means by which you have obtained My favor. SB 10.82.44
Out of love you have given me my life, so I must give you mine in return, for the same reason.
Begging to always remain in my natural position, at your lotus feet,
Your servant,
Mahavan Das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Srila Rupa Goswami:
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some are being elevated to the upper planetary systems and some are going down to the lower planetary systems. Among such wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets the opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna. Such a fortunate person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service." CC Mad 19.151
Although it is nearly two decades since my sublime fortune manifested at a temporary brahmacari ashram in Hamilton, I can recall the momentous occasion as if it were yesterday. The program, only the second I had attended, was winding up when your picture, placed on an ad hoc altar, caught my attention. Attracted by your humble yet determined demeanour, I asked the ashram leader "who is that?”. "He is a devotee that is doing a lot of outreach in New Zealand. Some of the monks here are aspiring to accept him as their spiritual master."
As I was about to leave with my new books and huge bags of leftover prasadam in hand, my main devotee contact said that he could give me a tape of "a swami" if I liked. "What's a swami?" I asked. "A guru, a spiritual master" he replied. As I prided myself on being a "spiritual person" I thought I should check out what a "spiritual master" had to say, and added the tape to my stack of goodies as I headed out the door.
After pondering the transcendental delights of the kirtan, class and prasada experienced that evening while driving home, it was not until I had almost reached my flat when the thought came to mind "Hey, lets throw on that tape by 'the swami'." I put it in the car stereo but there seemed to be nothing on it, so I turned up the volume to check that it wasn't just a bad recording, when all of a sudden your triumphant voice boomed out of the speakers "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!"
The sound was astonishing on all levels to say the least, and after the traditional three repetitions of the glorious invocation to Srimad Bhagavatam sung at the beginning of each morning temple class, a voice told me "This is your spiritual master." The irony was however that I actually had no idea what a spiritual master was, or what my relationship with one might be. Still, I was sure that the voice spoke the truth, somehow.
My ignorance was removed in that very class in which you, using Pariksit Maharaja and Sukadeva Goswami as the ideal guru-disciple example, explained that a bona fide spiritual master is recognized not by the eyes, but rather through the ears, by his ability to simply repeat the perfect instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in all circumstances without any adulteration or personal motive.
You also explained that although contemporary "spiritual people" (new age was all the rage at the time) often view the classic Vedic guru-disciple relationship as one of hierarchical authoritarian exploitation, such a notion could not be further from the truth. It is in fact, as you worded it, "transcendental teamwork: a dynamic relationship of love in how to serve Krishna better, in constantly striving to see 'what is Krishna's best pleasure?'"
That was inspiring. My life finally had real direction.
If not constantly, or least once in a while, today a sincere disciple must seriously consider "who is my spiritual master?" Is he Krishna's empowered representative? Is he a "soul friend"? The father I never had? A religious fanatic? A pure devotee? An anachronism? The charismatic leader of a personality cult? A facility for vicarious atonement? ISKCON's founder-acarya clarifies:
"A spiritual master is not an enjoyer of facilities offered by his disciples. He is like a parent. Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly, without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service." CC Adi 1.46 purport
The spiritual master is that parent who protects, nurtures and guides his dependents back to eternal life, back to Krishna, by following His instructions in toto, expertly representing them according to time, place and circumstance, and by giving personalized and realized direction to each disciple on how they apply in every individual situation. And as an ordinary parent's care and good guidance are often misunderstood by their children, particularly in the teenage years, similarly, as a bona fide spiritual parent you have the often thankless task of assisting your children onwards and upwards, beyond the clouds of maya to ultimate success, despite glaring lacks of understanding, appreciation and reciprocation.
It is for these reasons that Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita that devotees like yourself are the most dear servants to Him in this world, and in fact there will never be anyone more dear. After speaking these words to Arjuna, the Lord told Uddhava:
One should know the ācārya as Myself and never disrespect him in any way. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for he is the representative of all the demigods. SB 11.17.27
A fortunate child receives many gifts from his parents, particularly in the form of education which, in a real human civilization, the child feels obliged to repay in adulthood, primarily through financial remuneration. Similarly, the spiritual master gives his disciples the greatest gift of all, a spiritual education, as well as the process and opportunities by which to transform the theory into experience.
"The word guru-prasāda indicates that the spiritual master is very merciful in bestowing the boon of devotional service upon the disciple. That is the best possible gift the spiritual master has to offer...Thus the spiritual master trains his disciples to render devotional service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is called guru-kṛpā...By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, one meets the bona fide spiritual master, and by the mercy of the spiritual master, the disciple is fully trained in the devotional service of the Lord." CC Mad 19.152 purport
How should the disciple attempt to reciprocate with "the best possible gift" offered by the spiritual master? How do we show love on the spiritual platform? Srila Prabhupada's famous answer to one disciple - "you keep your vows" - is the minimum entry level, with the maxim "love begins with duty" being an essential one, particularly in Kali Yuga, when human civilization would be a great idea. However as we progress, by the grace of guru and Krishna, we find our heart yearning for more, for a deeper relationship, one in which we want to serve simply to please, in which ever way is most pleasing.
We hanker for the day when we are free from any personal reservations, motivations, fears or anxieties that impede the flow of our attempts at reciprocation, and at understanding, as you said "what is Krishna's best pleasure?" We long for the time that our heart spontaneously responds with joy upon receiving even the smallest opportunity to assist, and even preempts the best pleasure of our object of love ahead of time.
Devotional service rendered to Me by the living beings revives their eternal life. O My dear damsels of Vraja, your affection for Me is your good fortune, for it is the only means by which you have obtained My favor. SB 10.82.44
Out of love you have given me my life, so I must give you mine in return, for the same reason.
Begging to always remain in my natural position, at your lotus feet,
Your servant,
Mahavan Das
Manada devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
One day, in my early 20s, before I had started practicing Krishna consciousness, I was sorting through some old belongings when I found a school essay I had written at age 16. Reading the essay, I was shocked and surprised to find I had held such high moral principles! I thought to myself, what happened to you? Those values you held so strongly, what happened to them? Even worse, how could those morals have been forgotten so quickly? How little control I had!
We form our values and principles as we grow up, based on our upbringing and other external influences. My Catholic schooling naturally helped to mold the positive values and morals I was to hold as a child. But later, as a teenager and young adult, when those values and principles were put to the test, I realized these values I held so dearly had been merely ideals I could not truly imbibe.
Some years later, something I heard you say really resonated with me. You said, “No matter how good our values and principles are, despite our good intentions, we will be forced to compromise them. Material nature will force us, somehow.” Whether we want to simply be good persons and avoid debauchery, or save the planet and help the needy – how can a person do any of these things without the higher knowledge and higher taste of Krishna consciousness? Of course, Krishna consciousness takes the devotee far beyond holding basic moral principles, but to live like a civilized human being is a prerequisite for spiritual progress.
On this most auspicious day, I just want to thank you for rescuing me from a damaging life that I had practically no or very little control over. Your loving, personal guidance has emerged victorious over material nature and given me a life of opportunities to put my human form to its highest use. It’s a life I can actually gain control over through devotional service, and perhaps, through this service, I am helping others too. I’m also grateful I can teach my daughter Krishna conscious values by trying to set an example.
I can’t say I’m fully utilizing all my opportunities and I know you tolerate my shortcomings, but I’ve come a long way with your help, and I know that without you, all my good intentions are just unreachable dreams. I pray for your continued guidance and blessings so I may remain in the shelter of the devotees and make further spiritual advancement.
Your servant,
Manada devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
One day, in my early 20s, before I had started practicing Krishna consciousness, I was sorting through some old belongings when I found a school essay I had written at age 16. Reading the essay, I was shocked and surprised to find I had held such high moral principles! I thought to myself, what happened to you? Those values you held so strongly, what happened to them? Even worse, how could those morals have been forgotten so quickly? How little control I had!
We form our values and principles as we grow up, based on our upbringing and other external influences. My Catholic schooling naturally helped to mold the positive values and morals I was to hold as a child. But later, as a teenager and young adult, when those values and principles were put to the test, I realized these values I held so dearly had been merely ideals I could not truly imbibe.
Some years later, something I heard you say really resonated with me. You said, “No matter how good our values and principles are, despite our good intentions, we will be forced to compromise them. Material nature will force us, somehow.” Whether we want to simply be good persons and avoid debauchery, or save the planet and help the needy – how can a person do any of these things without the higher knowledge and higher taste of Krishna consciousness? Of course, Krishna consciousness takes the devotee far beyond holding basic moral principles, but to live like a civilized human being is a prerequisite for spiritual progress.
On this most auspicious day, I just want to thank you for rescuing me from a damaging life that I had practically no or very little control over. Your loving, personal guidance has emerged victorious over material nature and given me a life of opportunities to put my human form to its highest use. It’s a life I can actually gain control over through devotional service, and perhaps, through this service, I am helping others too. I’m also grateful I can teach my daughter Krishna conscious values by trying to set an example.
I can’t say I’m fully utilizing all my opportunities and I know you tolerate my shortcomings, but I’ve come a long way with your help, and I know that without you, all my good intentions are just unreachable dreams. I pray for your continued guidance and blessings so I may remain in the shelter of the devotees and make further spiritual advancement.
Your servant,
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 most auspicious day of your appearance!
Somehow by your mercy, I stumbled across the haven of Bhakti Lounge and the association of your incredible disciples.
Your surrendered students take personal and loving care of each spirit soul that wanders in, making each exchange personal, and full of kindness.
I was always looking for kind hearted and conscious people and upon meeting you, your devotees and reading Srila Prabhupadas books, I finally felt at peace and home.
I owe my life to you Gurudeva for saving me, and for giving me shelter, thank you.
I hope to keep taking steps forward to dedicating my life to serving Sri Krsna, the ultimate goal of life, and this is all because of coming into contact with you Gurudeva.
I am so full of gratitude for your sincerity and enthusiasm to spread Krsna Consciousness to everyone without discrimination.
Thank you so much, for giving me the gift and jewel of Bhakti Yoga.
Thank you for appearing in our lives as Guru, to personally guide us back home, back to Godhead, back to Sri Krsna's transcendental abode in this very lifetime.
Your servant, and daughter,
Manasa-ranjani devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Somehow by your mercy, I stumbled across the haven of Bhakti Lounge and the association of your incredible disciples.
Your surrendered students take personal and loving care of each spirit soul that wanders in, making each exchange personal, and full of kindness.
I was always looking for kind hearted and conscious people and upon meeting you, your devotees and reading Srila Prabhupadas books, I finally felt at peace and home.
I owe my life to you Gurudeva for saving me, and for giving me shelter, thank you.
I hope to keep taking steps forward to dedicating my life to serving Sri Krsna, the ultimate goal of life, and this is all because of coming into contact with you Gurudeva.
I am so full of gratitude for your sincerity and enthusiasm to spread Krsna Consciousness to everyone without discrimination.
Thank you so much, for giving me the gift and jewel of Bhakti Yoga.
Thank you for appearing in our lives as Guru, to personally guide us back home, back to Godhead, back to Sri Krsna's transcendental abode in this very lifetime.
Your servant, and daughter,
Manasa-ranjani devi dasi
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Dearest Gurudeva,PAMHO,agtSP& you,
How wonderful for all of your disciples & me you have chosen once again to share with us your appearance day & our worship of gratitude towards you for all that you have done for each & everyone of us.
My own special remembrances of your mercy towards me are very dear & sweet.
Being a lost & fearful jiva you have guided me over these many years with your expertise, knowing what I've needed & your delivery, precise & full of colorful laughs,gestures,& care.
I'm here today in a very healthy enegertic state by your direct hands on care,your knowledge of what new innovative health treatments are available & your direct instructions of how to get them.
Dearest Gurudeva my heart has softened due to my attachment towards trying to chant attentively...I can see by setting aside 2hrs every morning for hearing the Lords names I am experiencing happiness & I am wanting to share that with others.
You said to me once are you happy?,i said in a profound way No I am Not & you replied,well that's good!!! if you stay here you will experience real happiness....but for you it will take longer than most,well it's happening & with heartfelt affection for you I am so ,so grateful,
Happy appearance day Gurudeva,
ys Mangal Vaisnava dasa
How wonderful for all of your disciples & me you have chosen once again to share with us your appearance day & our worship of gratitude towards you for all that you have done for each & everyone of us.
My own special remembrances of your mercy towards me are very dear & sweet.
Being a lost & fearful jiva you have guided me over these many years with your expertise, knowing what I've needed & your delivery, precise & full of colorful laughs,gestures,& care.
I'm here today in a very healthy enegertic state by your direct hands on care,your knowledge of what new innovative health treatments are available & your direct instructions of how to get them.
Dearest Gurudeva my heart has softened due to my attachment towards trying to chant attentively...I can see by setting aside 2hrs every morning for hearing the Lords names I am experiencing happiness & I am wanting to share that with others.
You said to me once are you happy?,i said in a profound way No I am Not & you replied,well that's good!!! if you stay here you will experience real happiness....but for you it will take longer than most,well it's happening & with heartfelt affection for you I am so ,so grateful,
Happy appearance day Gurudeva,
ys Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Mangal-arti devi dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day
<i>saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam</i>
In the purport to Gurvastakam Srila Prabhupada describes the qualities of the spiritual master. <i>‘So the first verse says that the constant symptom of the spiritual master is that he can deliver his disciples from the blazing fire of this material existence. That is the eternal qualification of spiritual master. Trāṇāya means for deliverance, and kāruṇya means compassionate, very merciful. The spiritual master comes to the deliverance of the fallen souls out of his causeless mercy.’</i>
Leading up-to your auspicious appearance day I have been meditating on this phrase ‘causeless mercy’. It is impossible for me to fully describe or understand the extent of your mercy but I still remember my aimless and wretched condition before I met you and how you have filled my life and the lives of many others with the gift of devotional service. How can I ever repay that debt ?
<i>CC Madhya 19.152 : The word guru-prasāda indicates that the spiritual master is very merciful in bestowing the boon of devotional service upon the disciple. That is the best possible gift the spiritual master has to offer…Thus the spiritual master trains his disciples to render devotional service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is called guru-kṛpā. </i>
With my limited senses I cannot even perceive everything you do for me, but I can distinctly remember my condition before meeting Gurudev and how you picked me up with all my flaws and engaged me in Krishna’s service. I wasn't even chanting one round seriously when Guru Maharaj first asked me to chant 16 rounds. I never thought I could do it, but a god-sister told me ‘instructions of the spiritual master come with the potency to fulfill themselves and disciple simply has to follow.’ So even though I did not know what spiritual master means, I just made a simple attempt to chant 1 round and I still do not know how I started to chant 16 rounds. It was your mercy that carried me then and it is your mercy that carries me now. That first meeting Guru Maharaj also asked me if I ever thought my life was meant for something special. It has taken me years but now I know, being your servant and aspiring to be your eternal servant is that ‘something special’ my life was meant for.
<i>Following the order of the bona fide spiritual master is the only duty of the disciple, and this completely faithful execution of the order of the bona fide spiritual master is the secret of success. purport SB 2.9.8 </i>
In one expert blow Gurudev can knock out my rebellious mind while also revealing that Guru Maharaj is well aware of the inner dynamics of my heart, better than I am. In moments of struggle when I felt extremely week and considered losing because of so many troubles and in moments when I felt ‘oh, how can I be enthusiastic if there are so many troubles’…Guru Maharaj came back with a father’s confidence saying <i>‘I know you are enthusiastic because I am helping you’</i>. Yes Guru Maharaj, as always you are correct, I am enthusiastic because of the shelter of your lotus feet, without which I am nothing. Here in our little team in Philly, you encourage and enthuse each one of us by your personal messages and inquiring after our insignificant services and making us feel like we are on a mission to Moon or beyond ! Surely Supreme Lord’s mercy must expand as the Spiritual master, otherwise how is it that Gurudev is able to know what’s in the heart of his disciples. Your care system is perfect and complete. Thank you for asking your dear daughter Krishnaloka dd to help me, yet another manifestation of your mercy program, I would be a mess without her.
While dealing with the most difficult managerial circumstances Gurudev will so expertly deliver highest Vaishnav principles. I remember how in my brash ways I once asked Guru Maharaj that wrong doers must apologize and Gurudev immediately corrected me saying <i>‘Vaishnavs don't ask for apology’</i>. In another instance, while trying to help a God sister through seemingly difficult transition which seemed like a simple managerial issue to me, Gurudev once again pointed out the highest truth by saying<i> ‘Krishna’s service is endless. One door shuts, then many others open up’</i>. I can see while I am splashing around enjoying the murky waters of justice and fairness in worldly dealings, like a loving father Guru Maharaj painstakingly tries to pull me out of the mud. Through your instructions you try to make me see the transcendental reality that is far from my vision.
From a reckless girl to a stubborn woman…you have tolerated me through the years and somehow or other keep finding that one flexible muscle I may have buried somewhere within me and straighten it out with great care and affection. I am amazed at how, in one sentence, Gurudev can do a painless open heart surgery pointing out the anarthaas and administering the medicine at the same time. Even if I stubbornly and blindly say ‘No, Guru Maharaj, I am not like that’, you would insist on me looking at what I am really like. While the image I see in the mirror is a bit scary, Guru Maharaj as the most affectionate father accepts me with all my anarthas and teaches me how to accept myself while firmly insisting I change by saying<i> ‘I think you can change’</i>. Dear Guru Maharaj, on your auspicious appearance day I am humbly praying that you give me intelligence, strength and enthusiasm to change how you would like me to change, so i can serve you properly.
<i>Purport 1.7.22 : Therefore, a person burning in the flames of material existence may receive the rains of mercy of the Lord through the transparent medium of the self-realized spiritual master. The spiritual master, by his words, can penetrate into the heart of the suffering person and inject knowledge transcendental, which alone can extinguish the fire of material existence.</i>
How to deal with devotees, how to make friends, how to communicate, how to cook…the list is endless of the things that you, my eternal spiritual father, have taught me and continue to teach me. When Guru Maharaj is trying to sort out the varieties of mess I constantly create, I am reminded of parent teacher meets with Guru Maharaj walking me around teaching me how to do things right. Thank you Guru Maharaj for so much love and affection that I can never repay the debt for.
<i>Actually you are correct, it is not possible for the disciple to repay the debt to the spiritual master. Therefore the disciple remains eternally indebted to the spiritual master and continually works in such a way that the spiritual master may become pleased upon him for such sincere services rendered. Letter by Srila Prabhupada, 29 July, 1976</i>
As a greedy child I humbly ask for more. Guru Maharaj you once sent me a message about being persistent for mercy, so I humbly pray that you please let me be your servant and engage me in spreading Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement. Please teach me to be sincere in faithfully executing your order. My greatest fear is that of being separated from your lotus feet.
On this day I humbly pray that I please be constantly and eternally be engaged in the service of your lotus feet and may my mind not deviate from those twin jewels that decorate my life, my priciest possessions : Your lotus feet and Your instructions. Wherever I am dragged in this creation by the force of my karma, may I please never again be separated from your lotus feet and their service. May I also be able to invest my heart in serving you and your servants.
your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day
<i>saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam</i>
In the purport to Gurvastakam Srila Prabhupada describes the qualities of the spiritual master. <i>‘So the first verse says that the constant symptom of the spiritual master is that he can deliver his disciples from the blazing fire of this material existence. That is the eternal qualification of spiritual master. Trāṇāya means for deliverance, and kāruṇya means compassionate, very merciful. The spiritual master comes to the deliverance of the fallen souls out of his causeless mercy.’</i>
Leading up-to your auspicious appearance day I have been meditating on this phrase ‘causeless mercy’. It is impossible for me to fully describe or understand the extent of your mercy but I still remember my aimless and wretched condition before I met you and how you have filled my life and the lives of many others with the gift of devotional service. How can I ever repay that debt ?
<i>CC Madhya 19.152 : The word guru-prasāda indicates that the spiritual master is very merciful in bestowing the boon of devotional service upon the disciple. That is the best possible gift the spiritual master has to offer…Thus the spiritual master trains his disciples to render devotional service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is called guru-kṛpā. </i>
With my limited senses I cannot even perceive everything you do for me, but I can distinctly remember my condition before meeting Gurudev and how you picked me up with all my flaws and engaged me in Krishna’s service. I wasn't even chanting one round seriously when Guru Maharaj first asked me to chant 16 rounds. I never thought I could do it, but a god-sister told me ‘instructions of the spiritual master come with the potency to fulfill themselves and disciple simply has to follow.’ So even though I did not know what spiritual master means, I just made a simple attempt to chant 1 round and I still do not know how I started to chant 16 rounds. It was your mercy that carried me then and it is your mercy that carries me now. That first meeting Guru Maharaj also asked me if I ever thought my life was meant for something special. It has taken me years but now I know, being your servant and aspiring to be your eternal servant is that ‘something special’ my life was meant for.
<i>Following the order of the bona fide spiritual master is the only duty of the disciple, and this completely faithful execution of the order of the bona fide spiritual master is the secret of success. purport SB 2.9.8 </i>
In one expert blow Gurudev can knock out my rebellious mind while also revealing that Guru Maharaj is well aware of the inner dynamics of my heart, better than I am. In moments of struggle when I felt extremely week and considered losing because of so many troubles and in moments when I felt ‘oh, how can I be enthusiastic if there are so many troubles’…Guru Maharaj came back with a father’s confidence saying <i>‘I know you are enthusiastic because I am helping you’</i>. Yes Guru Maharaj, as always you are correct, I am enthusiastic because of the shelter of your lotus feet, without which I am nothing. Here in our little team in Philly, you encourage and enthuse each one of us by your personal messages and inquiring after our insignificant services and making us feel like we are on a mission to Moon or beyond ! Surely Supreme Lord’s mercy must expand as the Spiritual master, otherwise how is it that Gurudev is able to know what’s in the heart of his disciples. Your care system is perfect and complete. Thank you for asking your dear daughter Krishnaloka dd to help me, yet another manifestation of your mercy program, I would be a mess without her.
While dealing with the most difficult managerial circumstances Gurudev will so expertly deliver highest Vaishnav principles. I remember how in my brash ways I once asked Guru Maharaj that wrong doers must apologize and Gurudev immediately corrected me saying <i>‘Vaishnavs don't ask for apology’</i>. In another instance, while trying to help a God sister through seemingly difficult transition which seemed like a simple managerial issue to me, Gurudev once again pointed out the highest truth by saying<i> ‘Krishna’s service is endless. One door shuts, then many others open up’</i>. I can see while I am splashing around enjoying the murky waters of justice and fairness in worldly dealings, like a loving father Guru Maharaj painstakingly tries to pull me out of the mud. Through your instructions you try to make me see the transcendental reality that is far from my vision.
From a reckless girl to a stubborn woman…you have tolerated me through the years and somehow or other keep finding that one flexible muscle I may have buried somewhere within me and straighten it out with great care and affection. I am amazed at how, in one sentence, Gurudev can do a painless open heart surgery pointing out the anarthaas and administering the medicine at the same time. Even if I stubbornly and blindly say ‘No, Guru Maharaj, I am not like that’, you would insist on me looking at what I am really like. While the image I see in the mirror is a bit scary, Guru Maharaj as the most affectionate father accepts me with all my anarthas and teaches me how to accept myself while firmly insisting I change by saying<i> ‘I think you can change’</i>. Dear Guru Maharaj, on your auspicious appearance day I am humbly praying that you give me intelligence, strength and enthusiasm to change how you would like me to change, so i can serve you properly.
<i>Purport 1.7.22 : Therefore, a person burning in the flames of material existence may receive the rains of mercy of the Lord through the transparent medium of the self-realized spiritual master. The spiritual master, by his words, can penetrate into the heart of the suffering person and inject knowledge transcendental, which alone can extinguish the fire of material existence.</i>
How to deal with devotees, how to make friends, how to communicate, how to cook…the list is endless of the things that you, my eternal spiritual father, have taught me and continue to teach me. When Guru Maharaj is trying to sort out the varieties of mess I constantly create, I am reminded of parent teacher meets with Guru Maharaj walking me around teaching me how to do things right. Thank you Guru Maharaj for so much love and affection that I can never repay the debt for.
<i>Actually you are correct, it is not possible for the disciple to repay the debt to the spiritual master. Therefore the disciple remains eternally indebted to the spiritual master and continually works in such a way that the spiritual master may become pleased upon him for such sincere services rendered. Letter by Srila Prabhupada, 29 July, 1976</i>
As a greedy child I humbly ask for more. Guru Maharaj you once sent me a message about being persistent for mercy, so I humbly pray that you please let me be your servant and engage me in spreading Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement. Please teach me to be sincere in faithfully executing your order. My greatest fear is that of being separated from your lotus feet.
On this day I humbly pray that I please be constantly and eternally be engaged in the service of your lotus feet and may my mind not deviate from those twin jewels that decorate my life, my priciest possessions : Your lotus feet and Your instructions. Wherever I am dragged in this creation by the force of my karma, may I please never again be separated from your lotus feet and their service. May I also be able to invest my heart in serving you and your servants.
your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Mantramálá dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupáda and You.
As you know I am in Albania (Ksamil), on a well-deserved break, only in the sense that I maintain a full-time "occupation" in the Hungarian yatra, being one of their temple receptionists. A break was needed because the almost daily "public-transporting" to the temple through busy Budapest, plus the long hours at the temple had their toll by now.
I have been trying to apply your Loft-concept, Gurudeva, of being friendly to (becoming friends of) the newcomers and taking care of the devotees.
Let me praise your Loft-concept for the following reasons:
1. If applied, and for a prolonged time, under guidance, and with honest motives, it has the potency to raise one to the mode of goodness;
2. One can only do devotional service when one is functioning at least in the mode of goodness;
3. It cultivates the recognition in us that we are servants, servant of the servants of the servants of the Lord;
4. It gives us inner peace and satisfaction with who we are and what we are doing;
5. Even a little bit of application - like in my case - had the wonderful result of being picked by His Holiness Sivarama Swami for a role - no matter how tiny it is - in his yatra.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for giving the green light to His Holiness, and I could change countries. (After twenty years Down Under it is nice to "chirp" in my mother tongue again. I can express myself so much better, and also laugh heartily on the creative Hungarian my close "colleague", the shop leader speaks.)
Please pray for me that I actually rise to the mode of goodness. That status would be the best for the Hungarian yatra, you and me. Without your prayer I have no chance or strength on my own. (It astonishes me that even a Vyasa Puja offering has such a huge request to the Spiritual Father... I do not envy you...)
Thank you for allowing me to do a few things for you in Hungary. Thank you for taking me to Eger. Thank you for asking me questions and showing care and interest. Thank you for tolerating my questions and shortcomings. Thank you for your honesty and openness. (Guruttama prabhu was impressed, too, telling me after the car-journey from Eger.) Thank you for encouraging me these ways. The Hungary-visit of yours reminded me of the early years with you in Australia and New Zealand.
Your grateful servant,
Mantramálá dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupáda and You.
As you know I am in Albania (Ksamil), on a well-deserved break, only in the sense that I maintain a full-time "occupation" in the Hungarian yatra, being one of their temple receptionists. A break was needed because the almost daily "public-transporting" to the temple through busy Budapest, plus the long hours at the temple had their toll by now.
I have been trying to apply your Loft-concept, Gurudeva, of being friendly to (becoming friends of) the newcomers and taking care of the devotees.
Let me praise your Loft-concept for the following reasons:
1. If applied, and for a prolonged time, under guidance, and with honest motives, it has the potency to raise one to the mode of goodness;
2. One can only do devotional service when one is functioning at least in the mode of goodness;
3. It cultivates the recognition in us that we are servants, servant of the servants of the servants of the Lord;
4. It gives us inner peace and satisfaction with who we are and what we are doing;
5. Even a little bit of application - like in my case - had the wonderful result of being picked by His Holiness Sivarama Swami for a role - no matter how tiny it is - in his yatra.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for giving the green light to His Holiness, and I could change countries. (After twenty years Down Under it is nice to "chirp" in my mother tongue again. I can express myself so much better, and also laugh heartily on the creative Hungarian my close "colleague", the shop leader speaks.)
Please pray for me that I actually rise to the mode of goodness. That status would be the best for the Hungarian yatra, you and me. Without your prayer I have no chance or strength on my own. (It astonishes me that even a Vyasa Puja offering has such a huge request to the Spiritual Father... I do not envy you...)
Thank you for allowing me to do a few things for you in Hungary. Thank you for taking me to Eger. Thank you for asking me questions and showing care and interest. Thank you for tolerating my questions and shortcomings. Thank you for your honesty and openness. (Guruttama prabhu was impressed, too, telling me after the car-journey from Eger.) Thank you for encouraging me these ways. The Hungary-visit of yours reminded me of the early years with you in Australia and New Zealand.
Your grateful servant,
Mantramálá dasi
Mantriraja Dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
Instead of trying with many elaborate words and Vedic references to glorify you, I hope to please you with an expression of my appreciation and continued dedication. I could never dream to describe even a drop of the immeasurable ocean of your glories. So I wish to simply express some gratitude.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for rescuing me from innumerable births in the darkest region of this material world. Surely that is where I was heading. But you kindly picked me up and accepted me as your disciple. I am stupefied by your compassion.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your tolerance and patience. I am a sinful wretch that commits unlimited offences, but still you do not withdraw your mercy. You must be the external manifestation of the Supersoul which never leaves the side of any of his parts and parcels, even the most fallen.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your instructions, your example, your mercy and your vigorous preaching. You shower the whole world with the blessings of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Please help me to stop getting in the way of your mercy and to act as a transparent via medium for you to use in the mission of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to reclaim all the fallen and conditioned souls back home for His pleasure.
Your insignificant servant,
Mantriraja dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
Instead of trying with many elaborate words and Vedic references to glorify you, I hope to please you with an expression of my appreciation and continued dedication. I could never dream to describe even a drop of the immeasurable ocean of your glories. So I wish to simply express some gratitude.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for rescuing me from innumerable births in the darkest region of this material world. Surely that is where I was heading. But you kindly picked me up and accepted me as your disciple. I am stupefied by your compassion.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your tolerance and patience. I am a sinful wretch that commits unlimited offences, but still you do not withdraw your mercy. You must be the external manifestation of the Supersoul which never leaves the side of any of his parts and parcels, even the most fallen.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your instructions, your example, your mercy and your vigorous preaching. You shower the whole world with the blessings of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Please help me to stop getting in the way of your mercy and to act as a transparent via medium for you to use in the mission of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to reclaim all the fallen and conditioned souls back home for His pleasure.
Your insignificant servant,
Mantriraja dasa
Mathura Dhama devi dasi
Hare Krishna querido Gurudeva. Por favor acepte Usted mis más humildes reverencias. Jaya Srila Prabhupada. Es una bendición poder estar cerca suyo y recibir su misericordia. Agradezco por cada una de sus instrucciones y por permitirme ser su discípula a pesar de ser una devota tan caída. Estoy aprendiendo a servirlo y a seguir sus instrucciones. Gracias por servir a la misión de nuestro gran Acarya AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada y por permitirme formar parte reverenciada a sus pies de loto. Por favor ocupeme en servicio.
Su humilde sirviente. Mathura Dhama dd
Su humilde sirviente. Mathura Dhama dd
Mitchell Ihle
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this Most auspicious day of your Vyasapuja celebration!
The first darshan I had with you, I remember stepping into the room, paying my obeisances firstly, and secondly, whilst rising feeling as though for the first time in my life the weight of the universe was lifted off of my shoulders. As a sat down i struggled to project any words ( what to speak of structuring a sentence to ask any questions ) . You asked me about my life and why I came to the temple, then gradually began to describe to me why I should move to wellington, which in turn has planted the seed to my real life.
'Brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan Jiva
Guru-Krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija'
- All living entities are wondering in different types of bodies throughout different planets, and if, in the course of their wonderings, they come in contact with a devotee by the direction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, their lives become successful.
Meditating on the love and patience yourself and your desciples have showed me in this past year I cannot help but feel so greatly in debt. The help I am receiving in trying to put a stop to my rampage of sinful activities ( destroying myself and exploiting everyone around me ). The help I am receiving in trying to get physically and mentally clean enough to start to chant Hare Krishna and associate nicely with devotees. The help I am getting to try and put a stop my perpetual suffering..
By the mercy of guru the dumb can become eloquent speakers and the lame can cross mountains.
I wish to get a drop of this mercy to be able to serve you better gurudeva.
You have giving your life and soul to serving Srila Prabhupada, and in turn helping every soul you come into contact with in you constant traversing of the globe. At this point it truly is hard to think of how it is possible to repay you for your compassion. For what you and your desciples are trying to give me and all other fallin degrad souls of this age.
May i become qualified to be an instrument in your mission and try my utmost to stick to my word, not cause you anymore headaches, and actually assimilate your advice.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants.
Bhakta Mitchell.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this Most auspicious day of your Vyasapuja celebration!
The first darshan I had with you, I remember stepping into the room, paying my obeisances firstly, and secondly, whilst rising feeling as though for the first time in my life the weight of the universe was lifted off of my shoulders. As a sat down i struggled to project any words ( what to speak of structuring a sentence to ask any questions ) . You asked me about my life and why I came to the temple, then gradually began to describe to me why I should move to wellington, which in turn has planted the seed to my real life.
'Brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan Jiva
Guru-Krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija'
- All living entities are wondering in different types of bodies throughout different planets, and if, in the course of their wonderings, they come in contact with a devotee by the direction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, their lives become successful.
Meditating on the love and patience yourself and your desciples have showed me in this past year I cannot help but feel so greatly in debt. The help I am receiving in trying to put a stop to my rampage of sinful activities ( destroying myself and exploiting everyone around me ). The help I am receiving in trying to get physically and mentally clean enough to start to chant Hare Krishna and associate nicely with devotees. The help I am getting to try and put a stop my perpetual suffering..
By the mercy of guru the dumb can become eloquent speakers and the lame can cross mountains.
I wish to get a drop of this mercy to be able to serve you better gurudeva.
You have giving your life and soul to serving Srila Prabhupada, and in turn helping every soul you come into contact with in you constant traversing of the globe. At this point it truly is hard to think of how it is possible to repay you for your compassion. For what you and your desciples are trying to give me and all other fallin degrad souls of this age.
May i become qualified to be an instrument in your mission and try my utmost to stick to my word, not cause you anymore headaches, and actually assimilate your advice.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants.
Bhakta Mitchell.
Muchukunda Dasa
Dear gurudeva
Please Accept my humble obeisences. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I thank you.
Thank you for who you are for me.
That you continue to probe me to be more than I think I am
That you continue to provide shelter
has me feel grateful, inspired and cared for.
This is because I need encouragement on the path of Bhakti.
Appreciation is the basis of relationship
Today I hit refresh on the page of my appreciation for you and see how that page is updated.
Unfortunately for me no updates.
I therefore go into the history and clear everything.
What was in the history
Donttellmewhattodo.com
Idowhatiwant.net
Iammyownboss.org
Muchuswoes.me
Iandmine.me
Iamfreetochoosewhichmodeimdictatedby.com
And ofcourse Facebook
My subscription to these sites crippled my heart and stops me while I'm on them.
When I engage in the site of devotionalservice.com
I make progress vs being stagnant and collecting dust.
I become fresh and fast vs bored and heavy.
I become alive vs dead matter.
I become like a river vs a swamp.
river water is fresh and full of vitality due to its rapid movement whereas a swamp is smelly due to its being still for too long.
The impact you have on me is like the impact a river has on a sharp rock.
Or like a vacuum cleaner on dusty carpet or like a scourer on pot black.
Prabhupada said no pot black.
Prabhupada also said no crazies no lazies.
And yet you have initiated me
Who you are for me is the person who sees in me what I don't.
The biggest problem in life is lack of love.
This lack can't be transformed by anyone who doesn't have love.
You are a professor of love.
You studied at Yale and knew even before you found Prabhupada books that you wanted the highest education.
And when you saw it you recognised it immediately.
Now You are educating the entire world in this knowledge of pure love.
What better contribution is there to a persons life?
You don't educate like those who want to help the world from pride.
But from a place I can't fathom. Compassion.
Compassion isn't available to me while I keep those tabs open.
Today I clean myself up and start something new.
What's available out of my doing that is everything that you're offering me which is everything period.
Today I accept the gift of everything by chanting properly.
From Bhajana Lalasa Song 11 by Bhaktivinoda Thakur
2) I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly. Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease.
3) When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you.
Your servant,
Muchukunda Dasa
Please Accept my humble obeisences. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I thank you.
Thank you for who you are for me.
That you continue to probe me to be more than I think I am
That you continue to provide shelter
has me feel grateful, inspired and cared for.
This is because I need encouragement on the path of Bhakti.
Appreciation is the basis of relationship
Today I hit refresh on the page of my appreciation for you and see how that page is updated.
Unfortunately for me no updates.
I therefore go into the history and clear everything.
What was in the history
Donttellmewhattodo.com
Idowhatiwant.net
Iammyownboss.org
Muchuswoes.me
Iandmine.me
Iamfreetochoosewhichmodeimdictatedby.com
And ofcourse Facebook
My subscription to these sites crippled my heart and stops me while I'm on them.
When I engage in the site of devotionalservice.com
I make progress vs being stagnant and collecting dust.
I become fresh and fast vs bored and heavy.
I become alive vs dead matter.
I become like a river vs a swamp.
river water is fresh and full of vitality due to its rapid movement whereas a swamp is smelly due to its being still for too long.
The impact you have on me is like the impact a river has on a sharp rock.
Or like a vacuum cleaner on dusty carpet or like a scourer on pot black.
Prabhupada said no pot black.
Prabhupada also said no crazies no lazies.
And yet you have initiated me
Who you are for me is the person who sees in me what I don't.
The biggest problem in life is lack of love.
This lack can't be transformed by anyone who doesn't have love.
You are a professor of love.
You studied at Yale and knew even before you found Prabhupada books that you wanted the highest education.
And when you saw it you recognised it immediately.
Now You are educating the entire world in this knowledge of pure love.
What better contribution is there to a persons life?
You don't educate like those who want to help the world from pride.
But from a place I can't fathom. Compassion.
Compassion isn't available to me while I keep those tabs open.
Today I clean myself up and start something new.
What's available out of my doing that is everything that you're offering me which is everything period.
Today I accept the gift of everything by chanting properly.
From Bhajana Lalasa Song 11 by Bhaktivinoda Thakur
2) I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly. Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease.
3) When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you.
Your servant,
Muchukunda Dasa
Mukesh
Hare Krishna Maharaj ji
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your holiness!
On this auspicious day of your appearance day, I wanted to express my gratitude and thank you for giving us Yoga Loft, Brahamchari Ashram and Bhadrawali Ashram where we can get training and practice bhakti yoga and try awakening our dormant propensity to love Krishna. I also wanted to say I love the recharge festivals, they actually for real kick start our Krishna consciousness.
And I also wanted to say that I have been greatly influenced by your disciples Chantanya Vihar Prabhu and Bhaderasen Prabhu's preaching, their care and determination to help us in this sublime process to achieve the perfection.
I hope someday I will be able to follow in their footsteps and try to serve your holiness,Prabhupada and Gauranga.
Aspiring to be a servant
Mukesh
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your holiness!
On this auspicious day of your appearance day, I wanted to express my gratitude and thank you for giving us Yoga Loft, Brahamchari Ashram and Bhadrawali Ashram where we can get training and practice bhakti yoga and try awakening our dormant propensity to love Krishna. I also wanted to say I love the recharge festivals, they actually for real kick start our Krishna consciousness.
And I also wanted to say that I have been greatly influenced by your disciples Chantanya Vihar Prabhu and Bhaderasen Prabhu's preaching, their care and determination to help us in this sublime process to achieve the perfection.
I hope someday I will be able to follow in their footsteps and try to serve your holiness,Prabhupada and Gauranga.
Aspiring to be a servant
Mukesh
Mukharavinda Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is my greatest fortune to have the opportunity of writing to you on this auspicious Vyasa-puja.
I am very grateful to have you in my life, i have never met anyone that i truly trust in my spiritual journey. i trust you because you are a pure representative of Krishna, i didn't think a son of the peasant like me, would be given a chance to perform devotional service, but because you are merciful you have offered me an opportunity.
not only have you accepted me in your lotus feet, you gave me a family a purpose in life
i pray to become a useful servant at your lotus feet and to always keep your instruction,
Your aspiring servant
Mukharavinda Dasa
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is my greatest fortune to have the opportunity of writing to you on this auspicious Vyasa-puja.
I am very grateful to have you in my life, i have never met anyone that i truly trust in my spiritual journey. i trust you because you are a pure representative of Krishna, i didn't think a son of the peasant like me, would be given a chance to perform devotional service, but because you are merciful you have offered me an opportunity.
not only have you accepted me in your lotus feet, you gave me a family a purpose in life
i pray to become a useful servant at your lotus feet and to always keep your instruction,
Your aspiring servant
Mukharavinda Dasa
Mula Karana DD
Nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve cate namah
My dear dear Gurudev,
Please accept my very most humble obeisances! All Glories go to Srila Prabhupada!
Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-guruve namah
Dear Gurudev, my eyes have been covered and blinded by the darkness of ignorance for a very very long time since time immemorial!
I can never thank you enough for opening my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge about the spiritual world, Prabhupada, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna!
Thank you so so very much for this torchlight of knowledge!
Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti states in his Gurv-astaka prayer,
Yasya prasada bhagavat-prasado
Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi
“By the mercy of the spiritual master one is blessed by the mercy of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement.”
Gurudev, how awesomely kind, generous, and merciful you are!
Because of you, Krsna is showing interest in me! Because of you, Krsna will help me go back home!
Krsna says in BG, verse 4.34,
“ 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.”
And Prabhupada says that freedom means submission and dependence on Krsna.
In CC Adi-lila 7.148, Krsna says that “ the complete path of bhakti yoga is based upon the process of becoming humble and submissive!”
And Gurudev, you say in one lecture that devotional service is self-realization!
Oh my sweet Lord, Krsna, How true are all these!
Staying and doing devotional service here in Philadelphia really tests one's humility, submission, and dependence on authorities and Krsna!
Every day and every second is an opportunity for learning and self-realization!
I am learning to be a servant because of your mercy Gurudev!
I am learning to be tolerant, appreciative of, and dependent on devotees because of your mercy Gurudev!
How fortunate I am to be able to live like this with my fellow top notch devotees in an ashram!
But whatever fortune I may have is all entirely due to your grace!
Without your grace, Krsna will pay me no attention!
Thank you Gurudev!
Gurudev, I value every chance I get to distribute books.
Lord Caitanya wants to give Krsna to all living entities, and He is doing that through the devotees!
And I am a part of this! I am a part of this sankirtana movement!
All these are possible only because of you!
Thank you so very much Gurudev for all that you have done and all that you are still doing!
My dear Gurudev, you are so saturated with humility!
My dear Gurudev, you are so immensely full of love and compassion for us all!
Saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair
uktas tatha bhavyate eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
My dear Gurudev, you are just like my Lord Krsna, and you are so dear to Him!
You are His most confidential servitor!
You are absolutely His direct external representative!
I thank Krsna for helping me from with in the heart!
I thank you Gurudev so so so very much for helping me from with out the heart!
I pray to Lord Krsna Caitanya and Prabhupada with whatever humility I have to always protect you, protect us the devotees, and help all of us in the sankirtan mission and that I will always try my extremely best no matter what to serve you in however way you desire at your lotus feet!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Gurudev!
All Glories, all Glories, and all Glories to you Gurudev on your auspicious appearance day !
Sincerely,
Mula Karana DD, an aspiring servant of yours and the devotees!
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve cate namah
My dear dear Gurudev,
Please accept my very most humble obeisances! All Glories go to Srila Prabhupada!
Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-guruve namah
Dear Gurudev, my eyes have been covered and blinded by the darkness of ignorance for a very very long time since time immemorial!
I can never thank you enough for opening my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge about the spiritual world, Prabhupada, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna!
Thank you so so very much for this torchlight of knowledge!
Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti states in his Gurv-astaka prayer,
Yasya prasada bhagavat-prasado
Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi
“By the mercy of the spiritual master one is blessed by the mercy of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement.”
Gurudev, how awesomely kind, generous, and merciful you are!
Because of you, Krsna is showing interest in me! Because of you, Krsna will help me go back home!
Krsna says in BG, verse 4.34,
“ 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.”
And Prabhupada says that freedom means submission and dependence on Krsna.
In CC Adi-lila 7.148, Krsna says that “ the complete path of bhakti yoga is based upon the process of becoming humble and submissive!”
And Gurudev, you say in one lecture that devotional service is self-realization!
Oh my sweet Lord, Krsna, How true are all these!
Staying and doing devotional service here in Philadelphia really tests one's humility, submission, and dependence on authorities and Krsna!
Every day and every second is an opportunity for learning and self-realization!
I am learning to be a servant because of your mercy Gurudev!
I am learning to be tolerant, appreciative of, and dependent on devotees because of your mercy Gurudev!
How fortunate I am to be able to live like this with my fellow top notch devotees in an ashram!
But whatever fortune I may have is all entirely due to your grace!
Without your grace, Krsna will pay me no attention!
Thank you Gurudev!
Gurudev, I value every chance I get to distribute books.
Lord Caitanya wants to give Krsna to all living entities, and He is doing that through the devotees!
And I am a part of this! I am a part of this sankirtana movement!
All these are possible only because of you!
Thank you so very much Gurudev for all that you have done and all that you are still doing!
My dear Gurudev, you are so saturated with humility!
My dear Gurudev, you are so immensely full of love and compassion for us all!
Saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair
uktas tatha bhavyate eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
My dear Gurudev, you are just like my Lord Krsna, and you are so dear to Him!
You are His most confidential servitor!
You are absolutely His direct external representative!
I thank Krsna for helping me from with in the heart!
I thank you Gurudev so so so very much for helping me from with out the heart!
I pray to Lord Krsna Caitanya and Prabhupada with whatever humility I have to always protect you, protect us the devotees, and help all of us in the sankirtan mission and that I will always try my extremely best no matter what to serve you in however way you desire at your lotus feet!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Gurudev!
All Glories, all Glories, and all Glories to you Gurudev on your auspicious appearance day !
Sincerely,
Mula Karana DD, an aspiring servant of yours and the devotees!
Muni-cari dasa
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!
Sometimes I look back over the duration of my life and see how so many things have changed. From the photos of my early childhood, young school years, high school and so on. Then there are photos of me getting married and my early working life. Then suddenly there is a more drastic change. I am pictured wearing dhoti and chada, neck beads and bead bag, oh and all my hair is gone too. Wow. Of course, as I have mentioned before, I am eager to wear devotional cloth because of an instruction you gave me long ago. You told me if I dress like a devotee long enough eventually I will become one. I am looking forward to this transition.
But for me the duration of my life has another significance, I was born the same year you started your Krsna Consciousness. So during all the ups and downs and roundabouts of my life, you have been serving Krsna in an exemplary and wonderful way. Kind of puts all my material, so called achievements, into perspective.
Recently I have had the misfortune of watching the US presidential candidates in their build up to election time. The hype, drama, political maneuvering and cunning debates are filing the media, even here down under.
Analysts have identified that Americans are facing 4 issues right now, and they are:
1. The country is lost because of poor leadership
2. There is no security for the citizens, at home or at work. Nor is there future secure either
3. There is no direction set by the powers that be. No one to give guidance and definitely no one to lead by example
4. The military is weak, with outdated weaponry and training. Not in a position to protect anybody.
This got me thinking Guru Maharaja. These problems affect the world over, not just the USA. However, for us, the members of your family and extended family, we don’t share these concerns. You exemplify the very qualities that any person, community or nation could want as their leader (of course I am not suggesting, not even for a moment, that you should run for president of the United States of America, though it would be spectacular if you did. And you would definitely ‘Trump’ it, excuse the pun). No I just want to somehow glorify you be explaining how you exemplify these 4 qualities.
1. Your leadership and direction. Whether its decisions that affect the way ISKCON runs, the way our society is moving forward and its direction in general. Or maybe just how your disciples and well wishes are progressing in their own lives, are they doing their reading and chanting their rounds, should they get Tulasi, what time should the morning program be, etc. To us, those last few things seem so important, but from the global perspective they are nothing. But still you have so much time for us and our world shattering issues
2. Future security. Unemployment may be growing, job security is non existent, what to speak of future security. But somehow how Guru Maharaja you have provided us with the greatest social support system, it makes work and income look like a couple of politicians playing monopoly. And there is no such thing as unemployment in your mission, your mission to serve your spiritual master. We don’t suffer from boredom or lack of meaningful activities.
3. Number 3, The lack of someone leading by example, is already covered by the previous points. You set the perfect example for all of us.
4. A weak military? I think not. At first I was thinking that your militia was the saffron clad troops, the dedicated brahmacari unit. But upon reflection I realize the success in your army comes because you train all of us to be soldiers, all solders in the fight against maya. Teaching us to fear maya, to be on guard at every moment. Knowing how to protect ourselves, how to wash off contamination etc. Of course some of us may get wounded, falling to an enemy attack. Or we may cross enemy lines to dally with the enemy. But from the front you send rescue parties to save the wounded, and clubs to bang over the heads of dalliers. Or maybe you take time out of your inconceivable schedule to call from the other side of the world and say those four words, the four words that put everything into perspective… “So, whats going on?”
So thank you Guru Maharaja, for all that you have done, and continue to do for myself and my dear wife Sruti-cari. Without you and all you have given us, who knows where we would be.
Begging to always get your direction, your guidance and the mercy of your clubs if required...
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!
Sometimes I look back over the duration of my life and see how so many things have changed. From the photos of my early childhood, young school years, high school and so on. Then there are photos of me getting married and my early working life. Then suddenly there is a more drastic change. I am pictured wearing dhoti and chada, neck beads and bead bag, oh and all my hair is gone too. Wow. Of course, as I have mentioned before, I am eager to wear devotional cloth because of an instruction you gave me long ago. You told me if I dress like a devotee long enough eventually I will become one. I am looking forward to this transition.
But for me the duration of my life has another significance, I was born the same year you started your Krsna Consciousness. So during all the ups and downs and roundabouts of my life, you have been serving Krsna in an exemplary and wonderful way. Kind of puts all my material, so called achievements, into perspective.
Recently I have had the misfortune of watching the US presidential candidates in their build up to election time. The hype, drama, political maneuvering and cunning debates are filing the media, even here down under.
Analysts have identified that Americans are facing 4 issues right now, and they are:
1. The country is lost because of poor leadership
2. There is no security for the citizens, at home or at work. Nor is there future secure either
3. There is no direction set by the powers that be. No one to give guidance and definitely no one to lead by example
4. The military is weak, with outdated weaponry and training. Not in a position to protect anybody.
This got me thinking Guru Maharaja. These problems affect the world over, not just the USA. However, for us, the members of your family and extended family, we don’t share these concerns. You exemplify the very qualities that any person, community or nation could want as their leader (of course I am not suggesting, not even for a moment, that you should run for president of the United States of America, though it would be spectacular if you did. And you would definitely ‘Trump’ it, excuse the pun). No I just want to somehow glorify you be explaining how you exemplify these 4 qualities.
1. Your leadership and direction. Whether its decisions that affect the way ISKCON runs, the way our society is moving forward and its direction in general. Or maybe just how your disciples and well wishes are progressing in their own lives, are they doing their reading and chanting their rounds, should they get Tulasi, what time should the morning program be, etc. To us, those last few things seem so important, but from the global perspective they are nothing. But still you have so much time for us and our world shattering issues
2. Future security. Unemployment may be growing, job security is non existent, what to speak of future security. But somehow how Guru Maharaja you have provided us with the greatest social support system, it makes work and income look like a couple of politicians playing monopoly. And there is no such thing as unemployment in your mission, your mission to serve your spiritual master. We don’t suffer from boredom or lack of meaningful activities.
3. Number 3, The lack of someone leading by example, is already covered by the previous points. You set the perfect example for all of us.
4. A weak military? I think not. At first I was thinking that your militia was the saffron clad troops, the dedicated brahmacari unit. But upon reflection I realize the success in your army comes because you train all of us to be soldiers, all solders in the fight against maya. Teaching us to fear maya, to be on guard at every moment. Knowing how to protect ourselves, how to wash off contamination etc. Of course some of us may get wounded, falling to an enemy attack. Or we may cross enemy lines to dally with the enemy. But from the front you send rescue parties to save the wounded, and clubs to bang over the heads of dalliers. Or maybe you take time out of your inconceivable schedule to call from the other side of the world and say those four words, the four words that put everything into perspective… “So, whats going on?”
So thank you Guru Maharaja, for all that you have done, and continue to do for myself and my dear wife Sruti-cari. Without you and all you have given us, who knows where we would be.
Begging to always get your direction, your guidance and the mercy of your clubs if required...
Your insignificant disciple and spiritual son,
Muni-cari DASA.
Munjaranya dd
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Guru Maharaja, as the auspicious occasion of your appearance draws closer, I contemplate on the most appropriate way in which you can be glorified. Soon I realize that I cannot glorify you appropriately or sufficiently, because my realization of your glories is extremely limited. Thus, I am hoping Gurudeva that you will excuse the offences I make in my fledgling attempts to glorify you.
Guru Maharaja, I am always amazed at how potent your preaching is. Following are a few small examples from my experience:
After your outreach event at Massey university, one student from the audience commented:
“A few days ago, the CEO of Spark, Telecom NZ, (probably one of the biggest infrastructure companies in NZ) had come on campus to give a talk. There were barely 10 people in the room for his talk. When I walked into this room, and I saw it full, I was shocked. Who is this man??? I thought to myself”. Your presentation was so apt for the audience; the perfect sandwich of latest research, contemporary world issues and bhakti philosophy. You expertly answered every question that students from different academic disciplines were asking.
When you were invited for this program, you were told that there would be about 12-13 people, and I was surprised that you agreed to come even for that small number. This shows that Gurudeva, you don’t care if it’s a small turn out. You don’t want the respect and adoration of a big audience. You just want to give the message of Srila Prabhupada to anyone and everyone, anywhere and everywhere. You want to encourage everyone to engage in Krishna’s service. You are so kind, that you lovingly asked even a small boy in the audience who was watching everyone else take prasadam if he would like some. Thank you Gurudeva for being such a wonderful, faultless example, for being our sankirtan leader, you are engaging and encouraging each one of us in this sankirtana movement.
Before the event, when I was giving out flyers on campus, I told a student that a monk is coming to give a talk. He asked me your name, and then further added “Isn’t he from Yale? I have heard about him. I would like to meet him”.
Gurudeva, the expertise of your preaching can also be seen in the success of your books. There are so many instances where I have met people on books who have read Hiding in Unnatural Happiness and on the basis of liking that book, they take the bigger books such as the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1. One old Christian lady told me that the day she purchased your book, apparently a spirit visited her and told her to read your book. I have also had exchanges where people have been instantly able to relate to the chapter titles from your book and have happily purchased it without needing any encouragement.
As Prabhupada says “Without being empowered by Krishna, nobody can preach Krishna Consciousness. It is not academic qualification or financial strength which helps in these matters, but it is sincerity of purpose which helps us always” (Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 11 November, 1967.). The above examples just slightly illustrate that you are a very very very empowered Vaisnava. In the same letter Prabhupada mentions that “if a sincere soul goes out and opens a center in any part of the world Krishna will help him in all respects.” Gurudeva, you started the outreach centers such as the Loft and Bhakti Lounge in New Zealand, and their success is a testimony to the purity and intensity of your devotion to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, your appearance in my life has been the most auspicious event, and I can never be sufficiently grateful for it. As I was reading the meaning of the word auspicious (fortunate, advantageous, beneficial, providential and a sign of future success) in the dictionary, I realized that your appearance is in the truest sense auspicious. True to the last alphabet. I cannot fathom the depth of your compassion, that you have accepted an absolute nincompoop as me in your shelter. I am so foolish, that I have no appreciation for what you have given me, even worse, I take it all for granted. Despite my numerous faults and shameful conduct, you haven’t given up on me. Even though my heart is so contaminated, and I don’t see any spark/ inclination towards bhakti, you have hope in me. I wonder why and how. I find only one explanation. This is the causeless mercy of the Guru.
I apologize Gurudeva for letting you down and not being a good representative. I can only pray for the strength of character to not let you down again. Just as mother Bhumi prayed to Prthu Maharaj for protection (SB 4.17.30 - upasthito 'nyaṁ śaraṇaṁ kam āśraye) I also pray to you Gurudeva, that my protection is in your shelter. If you do not protect me, then where am I to go? Even after innumerable kicks of maya, my rascal mind is so eager for her service. Please save me from this attraction to the material energy Gurudeva. I am very weak and vulnerable and I am praying for your protection and mercy. Gurudeva, please give me the strength to follow your instructions.
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray that I may have eternal shelter in your service and that you will employ me completely in the sankirtana yajna.
Aspiring to become a Vaisnavi in your service,
Munjaranya dd.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Guru Maharaja, as the auspicious occasion of your appearance draws closer, I contemplate on the most appropriate way in which you can be glorified. Soon I realize that I cannot glorify you appropriately or sufficiently, because my realization of your glories is extremely limited. Thus, I am hoping Gurudeva that you will excuse the offences I make in my fledgling attempts to glorify you.
Guru Maharaja, I am always amazed at how potent your preaching is. Following are a few small examples from my experience:
After your outreach event at Massey university, one student from the audience commented:
“A few days ago, the CEO of Spark, Telecom NZ, (probably one of the biggest infrastructure companies in NZ) had come on campus to give a talk. There were barely 10 people in the room for his talk. When I walked into this room, and I saw it full, I was shocked. Who is this man??? I thought to myself”. Your presentation was so apt for the audience; the perfect sandwich of latest research, contemporary world issues and bhakti philosophy. You expertly answered every question that students from different academic disciplines were asking.
When you were invited for this program, you were told that there would be about 12-13 people, and I was surprised that you agreed to come even for that small number. This shows that Gurudeva, you don’t care if it’s a small turn out. You don’t want the respect and adoration of a big audience. You just want to give the message of Srila Prabhupada to anyone and everyone, anywhere and everywhere. You want to encourage everyone to engage in Krishna’s service. You are so kind, that you lovingly asked even a small boy in the audience who was watching everyone else take prasadam if he would like some. Thank you Gurudeva for being such a wonderful, faultless example, for being our sankirtan leader, you are engaging and encouraging each one of us in this sankirtana movement.
Before the event, when I was giving out flyers on campus, I told a student that a monk is coming to give a talk. He asked me your name, and then further added “Isn’t he from Yale? I have heard about him. I would like to meet him”.
Gurudeva, the expertise of your preaching can also be seen in the success of your books. There are so many instances where I have met people on books who have read Hiding in Unnatural Happiness and on the basis of liking that book, they take the bigger books such as the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1. One old Christian lady told me that the day she purchased your book, apparently a spirit visited her and told her to read your book. I have also had exchanges where people have been instantly able to relate to the chapter titles from your book and have happily purchased it without needing any encouragement.
As Prabhupada says “Without being empowered by Krishna, nobody can preach Krishna Consciousness. It is not academic qualification or financial strength which helps in these matters, but it is sincerity of purpose which helps us always” (Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 11 November, 1967.). The above examples just slightly illustrate that you are a very very very empowered Vaisnava. In the same letter Prabhupada mentions that “if a sincere soul goes out and opens a center in any part of the world Krishna will help him in all respects.” Gurudeva, you started the outreach centers such as the Loft and Bhakti Lounge in New Zealand, and their success is a testimony to the purity and intensity of your devotion to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, your appearance in my life has been the most auspicious event, and I can never be sufficiently grateful for it. As I was reading the meaning of the word auspicious (fortunate, advantageous, beneficial, providential and a sign of future success) in the dictionary, I realized that your appearance is in the truest sense auspicious. True to the last alphabet. I cannot fathom the depth of your compassion, that you have accepted an absolute nincompoop as me in your shelter. I am so foolish, that I have no appreciation for what you have given me, even worse, I take it all for granted. Despite my numerous faults and shameful conduct, you haven’t given up on me. Even though my heart is so contaminated, and I don’t see any spark/ inclination towards bhakti, you have hope in me. I wonder why and how. I find only one explanation. This is the causeless mercy of the Guru.
I apologize Gurudeva for letting you down and not being a good representative. I can only pray for the strength of character to not let you down again. Just as mother Bhumi prayed to Prthu Maharaj for protection (SB 4.17.30 - upasthito 'nyaṁ śaraṇaṁ kam āśraye) I also pray to you Gurudeva, that my protection is in your shelter. If you do not protect me, then where am I to go? Even after innumerable kicks of maya, my rascal mind is so eager for her service. Please save me from this attraction to the material energy Gurudeva. I am very weak and vulnerable and I am praying for your protection and mercy. Gurudeva, please give me the strength to follow your instructions.
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray that I may have eternal shelter in your service and that you will employ me completely in the sankirtana yajna.
Aspiring to become a Vaisnavi in your service,
Munjaranya dd.
Nalina Nabha das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my obeisances.
On the day of your appearance please let me thank you for your desire to give Krishna consciousness to all without exception. You, also, have mercifully accepted me with all my flaws and imperfections.
Everyone's looking for happiness, me too. When I heard you for the first time, you seemed like a person who is happy in a special way. When I met you for the first time, my faith in A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and His society has strengthered. I thought that day: If you've become so happy in Srila Prabhupada's society, I should also follow you.
It turns out to be, It's necessary to follow some rules - "the servants" of the main rule - to remember for Krishna. After all meditation on Krishna is making the devotee to be happy. Merciful devotee is sharing happiness with others due to plenitude of his Krishna consciousness. You're beau ideal of such a devotee for me.
Thank you very much for opportunity to associate with you as with an expert in Krishna conciousness.
Your aspiring servant,
Nalina Nabha das
Please accept my obeisances.
On the day of your appearance please let me thank you for your desire to give Krishna consciousness to all without exception. You, also, have mercifully accepted me with all my flaws and imperfections.
Everyone's looking for happiness, me too. When I heard you for the first time, you seemed like a person who is happy in a special way. When I met you for the first time, my faith in A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and His society has strengthered. I thought that day: If you've become so happy in Srila Prabhupada's society, I should also follow you.
It turns out to be, It's necessary to follow some rules - "the servants" of the main rule - to remember for Krishna. After all meditation on Krishna is making the devotee to be happy. Merciful devotee is sharing happiness with others due to plenitude of his Krishna consciousness. You're beau ideal of such a devotee for me.
Thank you very much for opportunity to associate with you as with an expert in Krishna conciousness.
Your aspiring servant,
Nalina Nabha das
Nama Kirtana Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
One can attain pure devotional service by serving the lotus feet of the spiritual master.
By his mercy one can cross the ocean of material suffering, but Srila Gurudev, I pray to all Vaisanavas and to Krishna to provide me the opportunity to serve your lotus feet all my life.
Your Eternal Servant,
Nama Kirtana Das, Abhay and Parul
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
One can attain pure devotional service by serving the lotus feet of the spiritual master.
By his mercy one can cross the ocean of material suffering, but Srila Gurudev, I pray to all Vaisanavas and to Krishna to provide me the opportunity to serve your lotus feet all my life.
Your Eternal Servant,
Nama Kirtana Das, Abhay and Parul
Nandisvaradas
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet,
Guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.
Below is a quote from a lecture Srila Prabhupada gave on September 1966 in New York
And what is the result of good association? Now, because, if we make good association, the santāḥ chindanti. Santāḥ means the persons who are sādhu, who are pious. They can cut off by their words our attachment with this material world. They can cut off. Just like Kṛṣṇa is speaking to Arjuna. What is the idea of speaking so many things? Just to cut off his attachment from the so-called material affection. He is affected with something which is stumbling his progress in his own duty. So He is, Kṛṣṇa is presenting His Bhagavad-gītā just to cut off. Santā eva hi chindanti uktibhiḥ. Uktibhiḥ. Chindanti means cut. Now, for cutting something we require some sharpened instrument. But here, to cut off the mind from attachment, it requires sharpened ukti. Ukti means words. Sharpened topics. There should not be... Just like when a person cuts something, there is no mercy, similarly when a sādhu or a person saint, speaks to his student, he does not make, show any mercy. He speaks the truth so that his mind may be cut off from the unreal attachment.
Jaya Gurudev!
Thank you for being the uncompromising master forcing us to seek out and reclaim new territory in the battlefield of the mind. Showing us where the enemy of attachment is located, what he looks like and encouraging us to close in on his position. Thank you for giving us the weapons of knowledge and detachment to over throw him and giving us your personal example of what is possible if we whether the attack of Maya and stick to our guns regardless of happiness and distress.
Over the months and years of being one of your recruits I have noticed the weight of responsibility that comes along with choosing such a Maharati for a commader I must admit my material legs are buckling under the strain but like a bull who relishes the work of pulling his plow, I too want to develop the spiritual muscles needed to help bring up the rear of your wake.
Dear Gurudev I hope against hope i can develop spiritual intelligence and become a first class surrendered servant of your servants. Please allow me to remain in association of devotees and continue the deconstruction of my false ego.
Your aspiring servant Nandisvaradas
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet,
Guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.
Below is a quote from a lecture Srila Prabhupada gave on September 1966 in New York
And what is the result of good association? Now, because, if we make good association, the santāḥ chindanti. Santāḥ means the persons who are sādhu, who are pious. They can cut off by their words our attachment with this material world. They can cut off. Just like Kṛṣṇa is speaking to Arjuna. What is the idea of speaking so many things? Just to cut off his attachment from the so-called material affection. He is affected with something which is stumbling his progress in his own duty. So He is, Kṛṣṇa is presenting His Bhagavad-gītā just to cut off. Santā eva hi chindanti uktibhiḥ. Uktibhiḥ. Chindanti means cut. Now, for cutting something we require some sharpened instrument. But here, to cut off the mind from attachment, it requires sharpened ukti. Ukti means words. Sharpened topics. There should not be... Just like when a person cuts something, there is no mercy, similarly when a sādhu or a person saint, speaks to his student, he does not make, show any mercy. He speaks the truth so that his mind may be cut off from the unreal attachment.
Jaya Gurudev!
Thank you for being the uncompromising master forcing us to seek out and reclaim new territory in the battlefield of the mind. Showing us where the enemy of attachment is located, what he looks like and encouraging us to close in on his position. Thank you for giving us the weapons of knowledge and detachment to over throw him and giving us your personal example of what is possible if we whether the attack of Maya and stick to our guns regardless of happiness and distress.
Over the months and years of being one of your recruits I have noticed the weight of responsibility that comes along with choosing such a Maharati for a commader I must admit my material legs are buckling under the strain but like a bull who relishes the work of pulling his plow, I too want to develop the spiritual muscles needed to help bring up the rear of your wake.
Dear Gurudev I hope against hope i can develop spiritual intelligence and become a first class surrendered servant of your servants. Please allow me to remain in association of devotees and continue the deconstruction of my false ego.
Your aspiring servant Nandisvaradas
Narottam Vilas das, Raty Vilas d.d.
Dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept our obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this wonderful day of your Vyasapudzha please accept our gratitude for what you once saw the two fallen beings, threw them a merciful glance and given shelter at your lotus feet.
We thank you for that, through you, we can get the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and the whole guru-parampara. Srila Prabhupada speaks to us through your instructions.
Thanks to your kindness and prayers for us, we still can long resist the onslaught of material energy and to remain in the association of devotees. In addition, because your lectures we have the enthusiasm to improve the quality of our chanting the Holy Name and practice of devotional service, clear the motives of our activities.
It is now we are trying to be mentors for new devotees. And we want to give them at least a bit of the love that we receive from you.
Your dedication to Prabhupada inspires us. We would like to develop the same determination in the service of the mission of Lord Chaitanya.
Now comes a very difficult time. We see that many devotees weaken and fall victim to the illusory energy. Please protect our faith and bless the rest of our stay in the community of sincere Vaisnavas and serve them.
We ask the Lord that He has given you good health and long life.
Your most humble servant:
Narottam Vilas das, Rati Vilas devi dasi
Please accept our obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this wonderful day of your Vyasapudzha please accept our gratitude for what you once saw the two fallen beings, threw them a merciful glance and given shelter at your lotus feet.
We thank you for that, through you, we can get the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and the whole guru-parampara. Srila Prabhupada speaks to us through your instructions.
Thanks to your kindness and prayers for us, we still can long resist the onslaught of material energy and to remain in the association of devotees. In addition, because your lectures we have the enthusiasm to improve the quality of our chanting the Holy Name and practice of devotional service, clear the motives of our activities.
It is now we are trying to be mentors for new devotees. And we want to give them at least a bit of the love that we receive from you.
Your dedication to Prabhupada inspires us. We would like to develop the same determination in the service of the mission of Lord Chaitanya.
Now comes a very difficult time. We see that many devotees weaken and fall victim to the illusory energy. Please protect our faith and bless the rest of our stay in the community of sincere Vaisnavas and serve them.
We ask the Lord that He has given you good health and long life.
Your most humble servant:
Narottam Vilas das, 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.
I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to your holiness for coming to our house for house program, and giving us a chance to do little service to you(25 /09/2016), this is the biggest day in our lives which we can never forget.
Gurudeva we are extremely happy and blessed for giving us an opportunity to cook prasadam to you and we wish to continue in future too.
Please forgive us if had done any mistakes unknowingly.
Thanking you,
Your servant,
Navadvipa vasi das & 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.
I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to your holiness for coming to our house for house program, and giving us a chance to do little service to you(25 /09/2016), this is the biggest day in our lives which we can never forget.
Gurudeva we are extremely happy and blessed for giving us an opportunity to cook prasadam to you and we wish to continue in future too.
Please forgive us if had done any mistakes unknowingly.
Thanking you,
Your servant,
Navadvipa vasi das & family
Navarasa Dasi
My dear Spiritual master,
Please accept my most fallen obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to your divine appearance day.
As I write this offering, I realise how unqualified I am in trying to present your transcendental glories. I also realise how incapable I am compared to my God-family who glorify your transcendental qualities and achievements so beautifully.
Gurudev you are an ocean of excellent Vaisnava qualities. On this auspicious day, let me meditate on your quality of " Compassion and mercy" towards all living entities.
We learn from"Sri Guru-Vandana" that the spiritual master is an ocean of mercy-"Karuna -Sindhu". Such is your mercy that has no limitation to time or space. Your mercy has no limits. You have a very compassionate nature that reflects in your vani, service, tireless travelling and on top of that arrangement of personal meetings to give maximum of your association to your disciples, so that we can benefit as much as we can in that span of your visit.
In Srimad Bhagvatam, 4.12.51, Srila Prabhupada explains:
" Pure devotees, out of compassion for the fallen souls, are Kripalu, very kind to people in general; they distribute this Bhagvat knowledge all over the world. A kind hearted devotee is called 'Dina-nath', protector of the poor, ignorant mass of people. Lord Krishna is also known as Dina-nath or Dina bandhu, the master of actual friend of the poor living entities, and His pure devotees also takes the same position of Dina-nath"
Gurudev, you too exhibit overwhelming compassion to the fallens ( like me), you are a Dina-nath. It is your compassion that inspires me to continue to remain strong and committed to this God-conscious journey that I have started. It is your compassion that enthuses me to serve you with my limited abilities.
Falling at your lotus feet, I beg you to bless me to rise myself from my drowned state and serve you without being agitated by the material waves again.
Again and again I bow down to your lotus feet. All glories to You Gurudev.
Your insignificant servant,
Navarasa Dasi
Please accept my most fallen obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to your divine appearance day.
As I write this offering, I realise how unqualified I am in trying to present your transcendental glories. I also realise how incapable I am compared to my God-family who glorify your transcendental qualities and achievements so beautifully.
Gurudev you are an ocean of excellent Vaisnava qualities. On this auspicious day, let me meditate on your quality of " Compassion and mercy" towards all living entities.
We learn from"Sri Guru-Vandana" that the spiritual master is an ocean of mercy-"Karuna -Sindhu". Such is your mercy that has no limitation to time or space. Your mercy has no limits. You have a very compassionate nature that reflects in your vani, service, tireless travelling and on top of that arrangement of personal meetings to give maximum of your association to your disciples, so that we can benefit as much as we can in that span of your visit.
In Srimad Bhagvatam, 4.12.51, Srila Prabhupada explains:
" Pure devotees, out of compassion for the fallen souls, are Kripalu, very kind to people in general; they distribute this Bhagvat knowledge all over the world. A kind hearted devotee is called 'Dina-nath', protector of the poor, ignorant mass of people. Lord Krishna is also known as Dina-nath or Dina bandhu, the master of actual friend of the poor living entities, and His pure devotees also takes the same position of Dina-nath"
Gurudev, you too exhibit overwhelming compassion to the fallens ( like me), you are a Dina-nath. It is your compassion that inspires me to continue to remain strong and committed to this God-conscious journey that I have started. It is your compassion that enthuses me to serve you with my limited abilities.
Falling at your lotus feet, I beg you to bless me to rise myself from my drowned state and serve you without being agitated by the material waves again.
Again and again I bow down to your lotus feet. All glories to You Gurudev.
Your insignificant servant,
Navarasa Dasi
Netrananda devi dasi
All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Dear Guru Maharaj !
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of Your lotus Feet on the Day of Your Vyasa-Puja!
Once having given Yourself to Your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, You dedicate Yourself to serving his mission and preaching Krishna Consciousness all over the world You give the conditional soules the light of devine transcendental knowledge.
Only by the mercy of the spiritual master the lame man can get over the mountains, the blind man can see and the dumb man can speak.Such is the power of the blessings of the pure devotee which he possessed by his completely devotion to Krishna and serving to the mission of his spiritual master.
Guru Maharaj !
Bending down to Your lotus feet I am humbly praying for Your mercy :
please bless me to be allways in the mood of dasy dasa anydasa engaged in the devotional servise in the Vaishnava society in Srila Prabhupada's mission.
Your eternal servant Netrananda devi dasi, Snt. Petersburg
7th of October,2016
Dear Guru Maharaj !
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of Your lotus Feet on the Day of Your Vyasa-Puja!
Once having given Yourself to Your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, You dedicate Yourself to serving his mission and preaching Krishna Consciousness all over the world You give the conditional soules the light of devine transcendental knowledge.
Only by the mercy of the spiritual master the lame man can get over the mountains, the blind man can see and the dumb man can speak.Such is the power of the blessings of the pure devotee which he possessed by his completely devotion to Krishna and serving to the mission of his spiritual master.
Guru Maharaj !
Bending down to Your lotus feet I am humbly praying for Your mercy :
please bless me to be allways in the mood of dasy dasa anydasa engaged in the devotional servise in the Vaishnava society in Srila Prabhupada's mission.
Your eternal servant Netrananda devi dasi, Snt. Petersburg
7th of October,2016
Nilacala Candra Das
All Glories To Sri Sri Guru And Gauranga
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
Dear Guru Maharaj
I offer my humble obeisance's to Your Lotus Feet. Today it is the most auspicious day of my life, you have appeared on this day on planet earth, as a special messenger of His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupad. Your Holiness has inspired me and thousands of conditioned souls into Krishna Consciousness. Your presentation of Srila Prabhupada's legacy brings everyone close to realization and understanding of The Supreme Personality Of Godhead Sri Govinda.
I sincerely pray to Pancatatva To shower Their Lordships Mercy and Blessings upon you always at all times with good health to propagate Srila Prabhupada's
Mission and Hare Krishna Movement.
Hare Krishna To You... Happy Birthday Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant
Nilacala Candra Das
Honolulu, Hi
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
Dear Guru Maharaj
I offer my humble obeisance's to Your Lotus Feet. Today it is the most auspicious day of my life, you have appeared on this day on planet earth, as a special messenger of His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupad. Your Holiness has inspired me and thousands of conditioned souls into Krishna Consciousness. Your presentation of Srila Prabhupada's legacy brings everyone close to realization and understanding of The Supreme Personality Of Godhead Sri Govinda.
I sincerely pray to Pancatatva To shower Their Lordships Mercy and Blessings upon you always at all times with good health to propagate Srila Prabhupada's
Mission and Hare Krishna Movement.
Hare Krishna To You... Happy Birthday Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant
Nilacala Candra Das
Honolulu, Hi
Nisha Abrol
Melbourne
03-10-2016
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisance
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Namo om Vishnu -Padaya
Krishna presthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin Iti namine
Although I’m not qualified, but I’m going to make an attempt to write an offering to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
This year, I couldn’t have the opportunity to meet you, but your lectures have always been a treasured source of shelter and inspiring me to be more fixed in Krishna Consciousness. Whenever I’m in distressed state, your lectures and instructions have always been saved me from drowning into the deep ocean of nescience.
Gurudeva, I can’t express in words the deepest gratitude which I feel for being a recipient of your causeless mercy. You’ve lifted up so many of the fallen souls of this kali yuga as you are truly expert in identifying and understanding the material world’s miseries and discomforts. You are always engaged in spreading Krishna consciousness all around the world.
It is my sincere desire that I may be able to serve you and Srila Prabhupada in some small way. I hope one day, I can become a genuine disciple by following your instructions and by rendering a small service to please you and Srila Prabhupada. Please keep me under the shelter of your lotus feet eternally.
Your insignificant servant,
Nisha Abrol
03-10-2016
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisance
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Namo om Vishnu -Padaya
Krishna presthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin Iti namine
Although I’m not qualified, but I’m going to make an attempt to write an offering to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
This year, I couldn’t have the opportunity to meet you, but your lectures have always been a treasured source of shelter and inspiring me to be more fixed in Krishna Consciousness. Whenever I’m in distressed state, your lectures and instructions have always been saved me from drowning into the deep ocean of nescience.
Gurudeva, I can’t express in words the deepest gratitude which I feel for being a recipient of your causeless mercy. You’ve lifted up so many of the fallen souls of this kali yuga as you are truly expert in identifying and understanding the material world’s miseries and discomforts. You are always engaged in spreading Krishna consciousness all around the world.
It is my sincere desire that I may be able to serve you and Srila Prabhupada in some small way. I hope one day, I can become a genuine disciple by following your instructions and by rendering a small service to please you and Srila Prabhupada. Please keep me under the shelter of your lotus feet eternally.
Your insignificant servant,
Nisha Abrol
Nitai Guna Amrita das
Hare Krishna Srila Gurudeva!
Please accept my obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I`m sorry, I am no good at writing offerings and they are always messed-up. That`s why I decided to describe just one thing this time.
Last Sunday Srila Niranjana Swami came to Kiev and he gave a very inspiring class about those times when Ladhvamshi Prabhu and he went out on sankirtan. After that lecture everyone was greatly inspired and was making kirtan and dancing together. Then we savored nectarean prasadam and we also held meetings with our guests.
At 7pm we were all gathered for evening kirtan held by Srila Niranjana Swami. These evening kirtans are so special sine atmosphere is mystical, the overhead lights are low, everyone is so inspired by the Sunday program and cries out loudly from the heart. While singing I was lamenting that I wasn`t a devotee yet. I was trying to count how many Sunday feasts I had already tasted since 2008. I was remembering Bhaja Govinda Prabhu who inspired me to complete Bhakta program course and who was a senior devotee there (He left his body in 2009 in Mayapur). I was remembering Svarupa Damodara Prabhu with whom we, as participants of sankirtana school, had toured all big Ukrainian cities in 2010 (now he lives in India). I was remembering many many devotee friends who had moved to another cities and countries. I was thinking “If they were close to me, I would definitely become a real devotee” but at this moment one wonderful devotee Nitai Karuna prabhu came up to me, he just took my hand and we started dancing. Thus I understood that I was merely looking for an excuse, for there are so many devotees with whom one can make friends and serve Krishna together. I thought how you, my eternal spiritual master, are daily manifested through wonderful and amazing Vaishnavas with whom we were singing that kirtan together. Thank you so much. I`d like to thank those devotees from Melbourne who upload videos of your everyday lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam. I’m grateful to Srila Prabhupada and to his disciples for this wonderful society.
Your servant,
Nitai Guna Amrita das
Please accept my obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I`m sorry, I am no good at writing offerings and they are always messed-up. That`s why I decided to describe just one thing this time.
Last Sunday Srila Niranjana Swami came to Kiev and he gave a very inspiring class about those times when Ladhvamshi Prabhu and he went out on sankirtan. After that lecture everyone was greatly inspired and was making kirtan and dancing together. Then we savored nectarean prasadam and we also held meetings with our guests.
At 7pm we were all gathered for evening kirtan held by Srila Niranjana Swami. These evening kirtans are so special sine atmosphere is mystical, the overhead lights are low, everyone is so inspired by the Sunday program and cries out loudly from the heart. While singing I was lamenting that I wasn`t a devotee yet. I was trying to count how many Sunday feasts I had already tasted since 2008. I was remembering Bhaja Govinda Prabhu who inspired me to complete Bhakta program course and who was a senior devotee there (He left his body in 2009 in Mayapur). I was remembering Svarupa Damodara Prabhu with whom we, as participants of sankirtana school, had toured all big Ukrainian cities in 2010 (now he lives in India). I was remembering many many devotee friends who had moved to another cities and countries. I was thinking “If they were close to me, I would definitely become a real devotee” but at this moment one wonderful devotee Nitai Karuna prabhu came up to me, he just took my hand and we started dancing. Thus I understood that I was merely looking for an excuse, for there are so many devotees with whom one can make friends and serve Krishna together. I thought how you, my eternal spiritual master, are daily manifested through wonderful and amazing Vaishnavas with whom we were singing that kirtan together. Thank you so much. I`d like to thank those devotees from Melbourne who upload videos of your everyday lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam. I’m grateful to Srila Prabhupada and to his disciples for this wonderful society.
Your servant,
Nitai Guna Amrita das
Padaravinda Dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Dadndavats Pranams. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Its been a long time since I met you but thankfully the lectures and snippets that are available on the internet are thought provoking and encouraging. I hope to somehow render some useful service.
your aspiring servant,
Padaravinda Dasa.
Dadndavats Pranams. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Its been a long time since I met you but thankfully the lectures and snippets that are available on the internet are thought provoking and encouraging. I hope to somehow render some useful service.
your aspiring servant,
Padaravinda Dasa.
Pandava bandhava das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisancess. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja I would like to thank you once again for your kindness and compassion. Sastra says that a true friend is tested in an adversity. (Living in the material world is the biggest adversity.) Sastra also says that a true friend is the person who can bring us to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Krsna. That means you are my real friend; you are always trying to convince me that I should surrender.
You are also my father, with your wise advice you are preparing and protecting me from maya’s attacks.
You are not only completely faithful to the teachings of our Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, but you are also an embodiment of his preaching mood. You are very strict in following and preaching the principles of our philosophy, and at the same time you are expert in conveying the knowledge according to time, place and circumstances. As Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.16:
"The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His subsequent followers exhibited expert dexterity in this connection. By following the same method, one can bring the materialistic men of this age of quarrel into order for peaceful life and transcendental realization."
Such success in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya is not simply a result of a brilliant intelligence or impeccable presentation techniques. It comes from pleasing the Spiritual Master with sincere efforts to serve his mission. As it is stated in Caitanya Caritamrita:
Unless empowered by Krsna, one cannot propagate the sankirtana movement.
You are expert in presenting Krsna consciousness to the nondevotees; you are expert in presenting Krsna consciousness to the devotees too. With the torchlight of your transcendental instructions you illuminate the deepest corners of our intelligence, where Mr Lust has his hideouts. You show us clearly where our real enemies are and how to overcome them by Mahaprabhu’s mercy.
Because you are an embodiment of the vaisnava qualities, you are a very attractive person, and devotees like to be around you. Your warmth and genuine compassion, your sense of humor and infective, powerful Krsna conscious emotions, are appreciated by your disciples and followers all over the world.
There is a saying that a person will not be remembered by the great deeds he performs, but by the way he makes people to feel around him. You are doing both great deeds and have nice relationships with the devotees and people in general.
Thank you that you always keep everything very simple for me. I have to make the chanting of the holy name the center of my life. I have to distribute, study and live Srila Prabhupada’s books. I have to serve and care for the devotees. I should be a good example.
I pray to be an instrument in spreading the sankirtan mission. This is possible only by your mercy. Please bless me to be a sincere and faithful disciple and to please you and Srila Prabhupada with my attempts to serve you.
Your servant,
Pandava bandhava dasa
Please accept my humble obeisancess. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja I would like to thank you once again for your kindness and compassion. Sastra says that a true friend is tested in an adversity. (Living in the material world is the biggest adversity.) Sastra also says that a true friend is the person who can bring us to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Krsna. That means you are my real friend; you are always trying to convince me that I should surrender.
You are also my father, with your wise advice you are preparing and protecting me from maya’s attacks.
You are not only completely faithful to the teachings of our Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, but you are also an embodiment of his preaching mood. You are very strict in following and preaching the principles of our philosophy, and at the same time you are expert in conveying the knowledge according to time, place and circumstances. As Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.16:
"The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His subsequent followers exhibited expert dexterity in this connection. By following the same method, one can bring the materialistic men of this age of quarrel into order for peaceful life and transcendental realization."
Such success in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya is not simply a result of a brilliant intelligence or impeccable presentation techniques. It comes from pleasing the Spiritual Master with sincere efforts to serve his mission. As it is stated in Caitanya Caritamrita:
Unless empowered by Krsna, one cannot propagate the sankirtana movement.
You are expert in presenting Krsna consciousness to the nondevotees; you are expert in presenting Krsna consciousness to the devotees too. With the torchlight of your transcendental instructions you illuminate the deepest corners of our intelligence, where Mr Lust has his hideouts. You show us clearly where our real enemies are and how to overcome them by Mahaprabhu’s mercy.
Because you are an embodiment of the vaisnava qualities, you are a very attractive person, and devotees like to be around you. Your warmth and genuine compassion, your sense of humor and infective, powerful Krsna conscious emotions, are appreciated by your disciples and followers all over the world.
There is a saying that a person will not be remembered by the great deeds he performs, but by the way he makes people to feel around him. You are doing both great deeds and have nice relationships with the devotees and people in general.
Thank you that you always keep everything very simple for me. I have to make the chanting of the holy name the center of my life. I have to distribute, study and live Srila Prabhupada’s books. I have to serve and care for the devotees. I should be a good example.
I pray to be an instrument in spreading the sankirtan mission. This is possible only by your mercy. Please bless me to be a sincere and faithful disciple and to please you and Srila Prabhupada with my attempts to serve you.
Your servant,
Pandava bandhava dasa
Paya
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
Today is a very auspicious and important day for us.
If you didn’t appear into this world none of us would be assembled here today.
If we didn’t receive your association that has left the most significant impact in our life, we would still be chewing the chewed in this cruel, relentless material atmosphere.
Celebration of your Vyasapuja is my favorite time of the year. I relish to see my god brothers and god sisters meeting together, opening up their hearts and sharing their astonishing, emotional heart touching stories about how they have been saved by your causeless mercy from the biggest danger of this world and have found the real purpose of their existence.
I always prefer to hear everyone else’s offerings except for mine. I took notice of the hard work of your dear disciples, their devotion to propagate your and Prabhupada’s mission. And all of them are such dedicated servants who done so much service at your lotus feet that I shouldn’t even be allowed to say anything. Who am in comparison to them? I am not even able to chant properly and decide whether to become a serious devotee.
But this special time of the year is good for me to reflect on myself a bit and to sum up how much I have learned so far and how much bhakti yoga process has transformed me into a better being, otherwise I could forget sometimes to appreciate how fortunate I have become.
Gurudeva, I am growing very slowly on this path. Definitely from an irresponsible, careless, intolerant, angry, lusty, proud, mean, and fearful teenage girl (and list could just continue on and on) I slowly started changing into more sensitive, tolerant, caring, detached, chaste woman. Even once, when I was having darshan with you, you were laughing at me and pointing out that I was becoming a saintly person. Who would believe that? I was becoming a saintly person?
Yes, it is really amazing how much bhakti yoga process works. It is a real science, a real heart changing experience.
It is so easy to get caught up in our day to day problems. Often we think that we are the biggest poor little thing in the world. I always feel ashamed to bother you with my tiny little mind concocted doubts.
Recently when we were with you in Melbourne’s home program you were answering question of a little boy who was asking you how you became a guru. Your respond to that was: “Do you think that being a guru is fun? When you don’t have any more problems, you have to deal with everyone else’s problems”.
Maybe we laughed at that childish question but your answer made me realized how much you really have to sacrifice for us and other conditioned souls. We cannot imagine how much tiring it must be for you to listen our “lamentable” stories every day. But you are so expert and sensitive when dealing with us and others who seems to be hallucinated by illusion.
Gurudeva, Thank you for coming to this material world to save us.
Thank you for helping us to fight in the battle of illusion of false enjoyment.
I wish I could stay eternally in your association and listen nonstop to your wise, profound speech that can be sometimes very sharp and cutting but always nectarian, humorous, awakening, and soul satisfying. When I hear you speaking, your love and absorption in Krishna makes me forget about all mundane life and everything in Krshna consciousness process looks much easier. I wish that one day I could have that taste too.
Actually this year I got lot of taste for preaching while trying to give some useful service to Urban Yoga center. I will just quickly offer you a little story that happened to me recently.
One day a young, Macedonian girl approached me in Crossways while I was serving food there. She looked so lost and distress and wanted to urgently talk to someone about her trauma. She happened to choose me. She was literally shaking while describing her horrible, life story to me. After one hour she became silent and looked into my eyes for a hope.
I silently prayed to Krishna to please help me with this girl. I had no idea what to do with her.
Slowly we would start reading Bhagavat Gita and play kirtan together. Then when she became less shy, I engaged her in some service in Urban Yoga and Melbourne temple and also fed her lot of prsadam.
After some time she suddenly transformed that I could no longer recognize that sad, hopeless girl.
She started smiling and dancing with me in kirtans, she became attached to daily chanting, she started rendering service regularly and take up more responsibilities.
I was so glad to see her more and more enthusiastic and I pray that she becomes stronger and stronger on her path towards perfection.
Gurudeva, thank you again for being my friend, teacher and well-wisher.
I hope to see you soon at the end of the year retreat. I don’t want you to feel tired of calling
me Paya anymore.
Your aspiring servant
Bhaktin Paya
Prabhuram Subramanian
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeissances,
All glories to srila prabhupada,
All glories to you,
Dear Gurudeva,
I am continuing to struggle to stay afoot in bhakti. Its only due to your causeless mercy that i have continued to be connected with the krishna conciousness movement all these years. I continue to beg your causeless mercy to continue onto the path of bhakti. I pray to krishna for your good health, so that you may continue to preach the glories of devotional service to fallen souls of kali yuga like myself.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Please accept my humble obeissances,
All glories to srila prabhupada,
All glories to you,
Dear Gurudeva,
I am continuing to struggle to stay afoot in bhakti. Its only due to your causeless mercy that i have continued to be connected with the krishna conciousness movement all these years. I continue to beg your causeless mercy to continue onto the path of bhakti. I pray to krishna for your good health, so that you may continue to preach the glories of devotional service to fallen souls of kali yuga like myself.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Prema Lahari devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your vyasa puja!
In your most recent trip to Wellington you were physically beyond tired, at your welcome you said that if you told us what your schedule had been recently we’d probably faint. I don’t doubt it either. And yet over the next two evenings you spoke for five hours on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1 and 1.1.2! Two and a half hours each night, plus a half hour of ecstatic kirtan and meeting devotees afterwards, during prasadam. Not a trace of your exhaustion showed as you sat and poured a fountain of nectar into our ears, glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam, keeping it exciting, keeping us all completely enraptured like young children listening to an exciting story. You were enthused as you encouraged us, “More questions… yes.” How do you do it Gurudeva!? It’s a tribute to your immense sacrifice for Srila Prabhupada and Krsna that you are empowered in this way.
Gurudeva, I long to emulate your love and appreciation of Srila Prabhupada’s books. As you always say, “Love to read them and love to distribute them.” The two go hand in hand. In my past life I never would have progressed from reading childish fantasies such as Harry Potter, Eragon, The Wheel of Time, simple entertainment for lost souls like myself to lose ourselves further. But now, thanks to your gentle coaxing and your incredible loving network of disciples I now get to hear from the right source, to coin a phrase from Vaisesika prabhu, you have given me the greatest gift, a container of idea seeds, from the spiritual world.
You have always stressed to me the importance of reading, gentle encouragements that I desparately need, “I want you to become a wise lady,” “I’d like to see you giving class.” “Read, read, read till it floods out of you, nose, eyes mouth, everything”, “You feel others are more competent and capable than you, that’s ok, just improve your hearing and chanting and you’ll find your ability in Krsna’s service will also grow.”
Recently Lavanya Keli and I were reading Queen Kunti’s Prayers and this one point from the purport rang in my mind for days after.
“The reason is that the first item, śravaṇa, is very important. If hearing is from the right sources, it acts very quickly. Generally people hear from unauthorized persons. Such unauthorized persons may be very learned by academic qualifications, but because they do not follow the principles of devotional service, hearing from them becomes a sheer waste of time. Sometimes the texts are interpreted fashionably to suit their own purposes. Therefore, first one should select a competent and bona fide speaker and then hear from him. When the hearing process is perfect and complete, the other processes become automatically perfect in their own way.”
Would this simple point have penetrated my thick skull if you hadn’t so patiently told me the same thing? I don’t think so. Guru maharaja you are pracare purva DAKSAM ca, You are so immersed in sastra and Srila Prabhupada’s purports that it just pours out of you, expertly, in the right place and time. Thank you for being the most competent and bona fide speaker to hear from!
And more recently you have stressed the importance of sharing Krsna consciousness with others. You encouraged me to, tactfully, awaken my mother to the fact that she’s being cheated with her Bhagavad Gita translated by a so called “Sarasvati”, and to encourage her to read the bona fide books, and meditate on the bona fide mantra, rather than a concoction that she paid for. It’s a slow process, I’m trying though, and sometimes now when she finishes her meditation she does a little Hare Krsna meditation after as well. Not often but it’s a start.
Most recently you’ve said to me “You’ve been given the best opportunity in the world, now do your best to make sure everyone else gets it too.” I pray with all my might for increasing enthusiasm and determination to follow this instruction. To follow it with out attachment to the result, with patience, but “Not just patiently spacing out, because that’s easy.” (As Munjaranya would say.)
Guru maharaja,
On this auspicious day I beg to receive the dust of your lotus feet, because it is only by your mercy that I can make advancement in Krsna consciousness, I pray for your blessings to be able to improve my sadhana so that I can engage in some sort of heartfelt service for You.
Hoping to one day be your servant,
Prema lahari 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 auspicious occasion of your vyasa puja!
In your most recent trip to Wellington you were physically beyond tired, at your welcome you said that if you told us what your schedule had been recently we’d probably faint. I don’t doubt it either. And yet over the next two evenings you spoke for five hours on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1 and 1.1.2! Two and a half hours each night, plus a half hour of ecstatic kirtan and meeting devotees afterwards, during prasadam. Not a trace of your exhaustion showed as you sat and poured a fountain of nectar into our ears, glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam, keeping it exciting, keeping us all completely enraptured like young children listening to an exciting story. You were enthused as you encouraged us, “More questions… yes.” How do you do it Gurudeva!? It’s a tribute to your immense sacrifice for Srila Prabhupada and Krsna that you are empowered in this way.
Gurudeva, I long to emulate your love and appreciation of Srila Prabhupada’s books. As you always say, “Love to read them and love to distribute them.” The two go hand in hand. In my past life I never would have progressed from reading childish fantasies such as Harry Potter, Eragon, The Wheel of Time, simple entertainment for lost souls like myself to lose ourselves further. But now, thanks to your gentle coaxing and your incredible loving network of disciples I now get to hear from the right source, to coin a phrase from Vaisesika prabhu, you have given me the greatest gift, a container of idea seeds, from the spiritual world.
You have always stressed to me the importance of reading, gentle encouragements that I desparately need, “I want you to become a wise lady,” “I’d like to see you giving class.” “Read, read, read till it floods out of you, nose, eyes mouth, everything”, “You feel others are more competent and capable than you, that’s ok, just improve your hearing and chanting and you’ll find your ability in Krsna’s service will also grow.”
Recently Lavanya Keli and I were reading Queen Kunti’s Prayers and this one point from the purport rang in my mind for days after.
“The reason is that the first item, śravaṇa, is very important. If hearing is from the right sources, it acts very quickly. Generally people hear from unauthorized persons. Such unauthorized persons may be very learned by academic qualifications, but because they do not follow the principles of devotional service, hearing from them becomes a sheer waste of time. Sometimes the texts are interpreted fashionably to suit their own purposes. Therefore, first one should select a competent and bona fide speaker and then hear from him. When the hearing process is perfect and complete, the other processes become automatically perfect in their own way.”
Would this simple point have penetrated my thick skull if you hadn’t so patiently told me the same thing? I don’t think so. Guru maharaja you are pracare purva DAKSAM ca, You are so immersed in sastra and Srila Prabhupada’s purports that it just pours out of you, expertly, in the right place and time. Thank you for being the most competent and bona fide speaker to hear from!
And more recently you have stressed the importance of sharing Krsna consciousness with others. You encouraged me to, tactfully, awaken my mother to the fact that she’s being cheated with her Bhagavad Gita translated by a so called “Sarasvati”, and to encourage her to read the bona fide books, and meditate on the bona fide mantra, rather than a concoction that she paid for. It’s a slow process, I’m trying though, and sometimes now when she finishes her meditation she does a little Hare Krsna meditation after as well. Not often but it’s a start.
Most recently you’ve said to me “You’ve been given the best opportunity in the world, now do your best to make sure everyone else gets it too.” I pray with all my might for increasing enthusiasm and determination to follow this instruction. To follow it with out attachment to the result, with patience, but “Not just patiently spacing out, because that’s easy.” (As Munjaranya would say.)
Guru maharaja,
On this auspicious day I beg to receive the dust of your lotus feet, because it is only by your mercy that I can make advancement in Krsna consciousness, I pray for your blessings to be able to improve my sadhana so that I can engage in some sort of heartfelt service for You.
Hoping to one day be your servant,
Prema lahari devi dasi
Prema-lata Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to you and your glorious service!
Over a year flew by without a sight of you,
How much I yearned for a glimpse of you.
Wondering where in the world you could be,
Would you even be happy if you saw me?
I had everything I had ever wanted,
A kingdom full of joy and touch stones!
All this without you, just did not seem right.
Gone were the days I used to see you every so often,
Maybe I did take all that for granted.
Some nights I would weep,
Thinking of what use could I be?
As time took its turn,
Great fortune fell right in front of me.
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
I was ready to pay any price!
It was a gesture that gladdened your heart,
You say it felt like three years went past,
Yet you had not forgotten me.
You say I am now more responsible,
Indeed, a sign of maturity.
Your physical presence was not the aim,
It was to please you in your absence,
A well-known secret to this spiritual game,
No doubt, it would make you beam.
Your love is so true that I now know,
You are a father to look up to.
Although you are so concerned,
You still let me explore.
You trust that I would not go wrong,
And I trust that you would never watch while I fall.
Happy Appearance Day Gurudev!
Your spiritual daughter & aspiring servant,
Prema-lata Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to you and your glorious service!
Over a year flew by without a sight of you,
How much I yearned for a glimpse of you.
Wondering where in the world you could be,
Would you even be happy if you saw me?
I had everything I had ever wanted,
A kingdom full of joy and touch stones!
All this without you, just did not seem right.
Gone were the days I used to see you every so often,
Maybe I did take all that for granted.
Some nights I would weep,
Thinking of what use could I be?
As time took its turn,
Great fortune fell right in front of me.
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
I was ready to pay any price!
It was a gesture that gladdened your heart,
You say it felt like three years went past,
Yet you had not forgotten me.
You say I am now more responsible,
Indeed, a sign of maturity.
Your physical presence was not the aim,
It was to please you in your absence,
A well-known secret to this spiritual game,
No doubt, it would make you beam.
Your love is so true that I now know,
You are a father to look up to.
Although you are so concerned,
You still let me explore.
You trust that I would not go wrong,
And I trust that you would never watch while I fall.
Happy Appearance Day Gurudev!
Your spiritual daughter & aspiring servant,
Prema-lata Devi Dasi
Premdham das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion I pray to Lord Krishna for your good health and seek continous guidance from you.
Few days back I boarded train from my native place. It is a very small town; my elder brother came to see me off. As the train was about to leave I paid obeisances to him and got into the train by saying "Hari Bol!". And I sat on my seat hoping to complete remaining rounds in nice way and without any disturbance. Within two minutes, I heard a stranger's voice saying Hare Krishna ! In a crowed train and in a place where there is no glimple of devotee; this trasedental sound vibration was totally miracle. With great surprise I opend my eyes to see a young boy around 23, with strong built but carrying a genuine and innocent smile of the small child staring at me. As usual, my corrupt mind didn't take much time to judge him - hmm, no tilak, no kanthi mala and no vaishav dress; looks like he spotted my kanthi mala and bright tilak just to develop relationship and may be to get something. Without paying too much attention I replied hari bol and started chanting my rounds. After finishing my rounds I look early dinner and prepared for sleeping. While lying on my bed I spotted this person again; this time he was quite but I thought to speak few words to him. I said, what is your name and what you do. I didn't recollect his name but I still remember what he does - he is serving in kitchen helping devotees to cook prasadam for over 10000 small school children every day for last three years. I was shocked to know that he loved to cook and happy to take small menial amount of money just enough to keep him and his wife happy. He later on said that he is married one year back. I was pleasantly shocked to see his dedication and pondered over his simplicity then later on he enquired how to start chanting and stated he cannot continue it beyond a single day inspite of so many efforts. He left me with many questions, the foremost one was; how in spite of so much service he cannot chant and here I'm with virtually no service and ego much higher than mandar mountain, chanting lord's holy name for year! My dear Guru Maharaj, it is only because of your mercy and help, lord Krishna is letting me chant His name. I don't have any qualification of my own. You've always protected me - some times by arraning favourable sitatuions and sometimes by not so obviously. What more miracles I could see that I'm getting the most priceless jewel in the whole universe - I'm still able to chant and somehow or other getting chance to meet devotees and do diety seva to Lord Jagannath, Baldev and Subhadra maiya at home. Dear Guru Maharaj, it is only because of your love on to us.
I don't have any word to pay my gratitude to your blessings on these useless souls. It is only because of your guidance these souls filled with lust, anger and gread are still staying on the devine path shown by Srila Prabhupada. While we as a family getting our shares of material happiness and miseries we someone or other stayed together and strengthened our relationships among ourselves and slowly started to understand the great treasure of wealth that you're constantly giving us in the form of holy name and His compassion.
On this day, may I request to Gaur Nitai to shower their choiest blessing on to you.
Your aspiring servant,
Premdham das, Ananya & Vraj dham.
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion I pray to Lord Krishna for your good health and seek continous guidance from you.
Few days back I boarded train from my native place. It is a very small town; my elder brother came to see me off. As the train was about to leave I paid obeisances to him and got into the train by saying "Hari Bol!". And I sat on my seat hoping to complete remaining rounds in nice way and without any disturbance. Within two minutes, I heard a stranger's voice saying Hare Krishna ! In a crowed train and in a place where there is no glimple of devotee; this trasedental sound vibration was totally miracle. With great surprise I opend my eyes to see a young boy around 23, with strong built but carrying a genuine and innocent smile of the small child staring at me. As usual, my corrupt mind didn't take much time to judge him - hmm, no tilak, no kanthi mala and no vaishav dress; looks like he spotted my kanthi mala and bright tilak just to develop relationship and may be to get something. Without paying too much attention I replied hari bol and started chanting my rounds. After finishing my rounds I look early dinner and prepared for sleeping. While lying on my bed I spotted this person again; this time he was quite but I thought to speak few words to him. I said, what is your name and what you do. I didn't recollect his name but I still remember what he does - he is serving in kitchen helping devotees to cook prasadam for over 10000 small school children every day for last three years. I was shocked to know that he loved to cook and happy to take small menial amount of money just enough to keep him and his wife happy. He later on said that he is married one year back. I was pleasantly shocked to see his dedication and pondered over his simplicity then later on he enquired how to start chanting and stated he cannot continue it beyond a single day inspite of so many efforts. He left me with many questions, the foremost one was; how in spite of so much service he cannot chant and here I'm with virtually no service and ego much higher than mandar mountain, chanting lord's holy name for year! My dear Guru Maharaj, it is only because of your mercy and help, lord Krishna is letting me chant His name. I don't have any qualification of my own. You've always protected me - some times by arraning favourable sitatuions and sometimes by not so obviously. What more miracles I could see that I'm getting the most priceless jewel in the whole universe - I'm still able to chant and somehow or other getting chance to meet devotees and do diety seva to Lord Jagannath, Baldev and Subhadra maiya at home. Dear Guru Maharaj, it is only because of your love on to us.
I don't have any word to pay my gratitude to your blessings on these useless souls. It is only because of your guidance these souls filled with lust, anger and gread are still staying on the devine path shown by Srila Prabhupada. While we as a family getting our shares of material happiness and miseries we someone or other stayed together and strengthened our relationships among ourselves and slowly started to understand the great treasure of wealth that you're constantly giving us in the form of holy name and His compassion.
On this day, may I request to Gaur Nitai to shower their choiest blessing on to you.
Your aspiring servant,
Premdham das, Ananya & Vraj dham.
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.
Today is the sweetest of all sweet days, today we get the opportunity to reflect on your saintly qualities and our relationship with you. Today is one of my favourite days.
Gurudeva thank you for all that you do. Your heartfelt commitment to Bhakti is awe inspiring. You once mentioned how you didn’t think you would have any children and now you have so many spiritual children. We are all eternally grateful for your selfless nature and your drive to help fulfill your spiritual masters mission.
Recently I’ve been reading Srila Prahupada Lilamrita and just the other night I read Srila Prabhupada’s offering to his spiritual master, for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur’s Vyasa Puja in 1961. One verse in particular caught my eye:
“But simply a festival of flowers and fruits does not constitute worship. The one who serves the message of the guru really worships him”. This verse entered deeply into the core of my heart.
You spend your days completely engaged in devotional service. Where ever you go you are constantly giving lectures, meeting with devotees and newcomers helping them with their own Bhakti journeys. What to speak of dealing with different crises and managerial affairs.
In an offering to your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada you wrote about how now you have the experience and realisation but lack the youthful energy of when you joined in your twenties. I have neither. No longer a teenager and not yet equipped with experience. I’m floating in the middle.
This year has been a tough year, material nature has been ripped back and exposed for what it really is - temporary, ever changing and difficult by nature. Taking care of someone with a terminal illness bestows many realisations. As I held my father’s hand as he slipped away from this mortal world the reality of the situation penetrated my heart deeply. His words from 2 days earlier echoing in my mind “don’t waste this life working so hard”.
But the nature of this world is that we get sucked into working hard. People struggle just to make ends meet what to speak of working on self discovery and our connection to the complete source of all energies Krsna.
It’s interesting the further you go on in Bhakti as the years continue to disappear the more you realise how far I have to go before reaching the ultimate goal of life, pure love of Krsna. It’s quite a humbling and sober thought.
How much am I really committed? How far am I willing to go? Your expert guidance keeps me on the straight and narrow, realigning my outlook to keep my eyes on the prize.
Over the years you been very kind to give us guidance and many instructions to carry out. Every time it always feels like a stretch, growing pains emerge and with it comes new found enthusiasm and determination to keep moving forward.
After 14 years still my mind can play tricks on me. Will Krsna really be there? Will this really be a satisfying way to spend the rest of my life? Each time these questions arise I look back on the past and see how far I’ve come and know yes, this is it. This is the best way to spend this and countless lives. As for if Krsna is really there? He is. Krsna is so kind and merciful that even in my fathers final moments he was hearing Srila Prabhupada chanting the holy name. If that can happen for my dad, what to speak for those who are trying to dedicate their lives to Krsna.
Because of you Gurudeva many persons are accepting the rarest and most precious of all gifts - the chance to practice Bhakti yoga. Even those who don’t even realise they need it, let alone want it. Due to your dynamic preaching efforts you are making it accessible and applicable in this day and age.
Old or young, fresh to Bhakti or a familiar face, still your enthusiasm, love, care and dedication to helping the wayward souls back to Krsna is your top priority.
Thank you Gurudeva for always keeping us on our toes. For pushing me outside my comfort zone and for being the wonderful example you are. I especially cherish how caring and merciful you are to all persons and I hope one day I can also imbue this quality.
On this most auspicious day I beg, please allow me to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet and I pray, please engage me in devotional service. I don’t want to be the type of child that just takes and never gives back.
Your spiritual daughter and trying servant,
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.
Today is the sweetest of all sweet days, today we get the opportunity to reflect on your saintly qualities and our relationship with you. Today is one of my favourite days.
Gurudeva thank you for all that you do. Your heartfelt commitment to Bhakti is awe inspiring. You once mentioned how you didn’t think you would have any children and now you have so many spiritual children. We are all eternally grateful for your selfless nature and your drive to help fulfill your spiritual masters mission.
Recently I’ve been reading Srila Prahupada Lilamrita and just the other night I read Srila Prabhupada’s offering to his spiritual master, for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur’s Vyasa Puja in 1961. One verse in particular caught my eye:
“But simply a festival of flowers and fruits does not constitute worship. The one who serves the message of the guru really worships him”. This verse entered deeply into the core of my heart.
You spend your days completely engaged in devotional service. Where ever you go you are constantly giving lectures, meeting with devotees and newcomers helping them with their own Bhakti journeys. What to speak of dealing with different crises and managerial affairs.
In an offering to your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada you wrote about how now you have the experience and realisation but lack the youthful energy of when you joined in your twenties. I have neither. No longer a teenager and not yet equipped with experience. I’m floating in the middle.
This year has been a tough year, material nature has been ripped back and exposed for what it really is - temporary, ever changing and difficult by nature. Taking care of someone with a terminal illness bestows many realisations. As I held my father’s hand as he slipped away from this mortal world the reality of the situation penetrated my heart deeply. His words from 2 days earlier echoing in my mind “don’t waste this life working so hard”.
But the nature of this world is that we get sucked into working hard. People struggle just to make ends meet what to speak of working on self discovery and our connection to the complete source of all energies Krsna.
It’s interesting the further you go on in Bhakti as the years continue to disappear the more you realise how far I have to go before reaching the ultimate goal of life, pure love of Krsna. It’s quite a humbling and sober thought.
How much am I really committed? How far am I willing to go? Your expert guidance keeps me on the straight and narrow, realigning my outlook to keep my eyes on the prize.
Over the years you been very kind to give us guidance and many instructions to carry out. Every time it always feels like a stretch, growing pains emerge and with it comes new found enthusiasm and determination to keep moving forward.
After 14 years still my mind can play tricks on me. Will Krsna really be there? Will this really be a satisfying way to spend the rest of my life? Each time these questions arise I look back on the past and see how far I’ve come and know yes, this is it. This is the best way to spend this and countless lives. As for if Krsna is really there? He is. Krsna is so kind and merciful that even in my fathers final moments he was hearing Srila Prabhupada chanting the holy name. If that can happen for my dad, what to speak for those who are trying to dedicate their lives to Krsna.
Because of you Gurudeva many persons are accepting the rarest and most precious of all gifts - the chance to practice Bhakti yoga. Even those who don’t even realise they need it, let alone want it. Due to your dynamic preaching efforts you are making it accessible and applicable in this day and age.
Old or young, fresh to Bhakti or a familiar face, still your enthusiasm, love, care and dedication to helping the wayward souls back to Krsna is your top priority.
Thank you Gurudeva for always keeping us on our toes. For pushing me outside my comfort zone and for being the wonderful example you are. I especially cherish how caring and merciful you are to all persons and I hope one day I can also imbue this quality.
On this most auspicious day I beg, please allow me to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet and I pray, please engage me in devotional service. I don’t want to be the type of child that just takes and never gives back.
Your spiritual daughter and trying servant,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Radha-mohan das
Dearest Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your most auspicious appearance day!
With each passing day, I appreciate your causeless mercy in my life ever more. I was one of the most fallen, uninterested souls, loitering in this material world. But, dear Gurudev, you picked me up and gave me shelter at your lotus feet. From the first apparently casual interaction with you in 2007, when you advised me to “work to live” rather than “live to work”, to today, when I aspire to dedicate my every breath in your service - I remain eternally grateful to you for saving me.
I am starting to appreciate how your careful instructions to me, given either directly or through your classes, make their way into the core of my heart, and eventually open up newer avenues and opportunities in my devotional service. Only by your grace, I have found the purpose of this life - to remain an insignificant member of Srila Prabhupada’s sankirtan army – and experience unending bliss in my heart.
On your most auspicious Vyaspuja day, Gurumaharaj, I fall at your lotus feet and pray that I always remember and act sincerely as per your instructions, and that I somehow stay connected with the most glorious sankirtan movement of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I pray that I may develop an iota of the mood you have for carefully studying and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, chanting with attention, and caring for our devotees.
Thank you Gurumaharaj for allowing me and my family to visit you at Gita Nagari during the summer. It was a memorable experience to hear Krishna Katha from you in an intimate setting, in the association of devotees. I cherished the sanga with my dear god brothers, from whom I learnt how to better serve you and other senior devotees.
We all pray for your good health so that many more fortunate souls like me can become Krishna Conscious by your association.
Your eternally grateful servant,
Radha-mohan das
Toronto, Canada
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your most auspicious appearance day!
With each passing day, I appreciate your causeless mercy in my life ever more. I was one of the most fallen, uninterested souls, loitering in this material world. But, dear Gurudev, you picked me up and gave me shelter at your lotus feet. From the first apparently casual interaction with you in 2007, when you advised me to “work to live” rather than “live to work”, to today, when I aspire to dedicate my every breath in your service - I remain eternally grateful to you for saving me.
I am starting to appreciate how your careful instructions to me, given either directly or through your classes, make their way into the core of my heart, and eventually open up newer avenues and opportunities in my devotional service. Only by your grace, I have found the purpose of this life - to remain an insignificant member of Srila Prabhupada’s sankirtan army – and experience unending bliss in my heart.
On your most auspicious Vyaspuja day, Gurumaharaj, I fall at your lotus feet and pray that I always remember and act sincerely as per your instructions, and that I somehow stay connected with the most glorious sankirtan movement of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I pray that I may develop an iota of the mood you have for carefully studying and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, chanting with attention, and caring for our devotees.
Thank you Gurumaharaj for allowing me and my family to visit you at Gita Nagari during the summer. It was a memorable experience to hear Krishna Katha from you in an intimate setting, in the association of devotees. I cherished the sanga with my dear god brothers, from whom I learnt how to better serve you and other senior devotees.
We all pray for your good health so that many more fortunate souls like me can become Krishna Conscious by your association.
Your eternally grateful servant,
Radha-mohan das
Toronto, Canada
Radhika Prasad das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupad!
All glories to you and your instructions that have the power to bless us with magical triumphs in every step our bhakti life.
Today, I remember my younger days as a searcher for truth. Some of my friends and fellow seekers would often say “it would have been so good to take birth on the same planet where our Gurudev would be present, and blessed are those pious souls who can find their spiritual masters”. I was too shallow to follow or understand the depth of their yearnings. Only now more than a decade after that incident, and after finding you, do I ponder over my good fortune, which has brought me so close to your instructions and to be on the same planet. The speciality of this occasion is slowly starting to sink in to my heart.
The ABCs of my spiritual lessons started with your first instructions that this material world is a place of suffering, and surrendering to the Supreme Being, who is a person, The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna, is the only release from this whirlpool. My impersonal conditional lunacy could not fathom the seriousness and gravity of your instructions. However, following your advice with persistence, I found out, can open the magical doors of success with every step I take. Now I am confident, under the sweet shelter of your lotus feet and safety of your guidance, I can make perfect progress. I can make my life successful. Yes ! even I can be saved.
This is fully clear to me – You are a specially empowered agent of Krishna who has only come here to show us compassion and compel us with your love so we can achieve the success of life.
Today on the glorious day of your vyasa pooja, I ardently pray to Lord Sri Narsingadev Bhagavan to protect you from any impediments on your tireless travels, and also for your strong health.
Your small eternal servant
Radhika Prasad Das (Sydney)
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupad!
All glories to you and your instructions that have the power to bless us with magical triumphs in every step our bhakti life.
Today, I remember my younger days as a searcher for truth. Some of my friends and fellow seekers would often say “it would have been so good to take birth on the same planet where our Gurudev would be present, and blessed are those pious souls who can find their spiritual masters”. I was too shallow to follow or understand the depth of their yearnings. Only now more than a decade after that incident, and after finding you, do I ponder over my good fortune, which has brought me so close to your instructions and to be on the same planet. The speciality of this occasion is slowly starting to sink in to my heart.
The ABCs of my spiritual lessons started with your first instructions that this material world is a place of suffering, and surrendering to the Supreme Being, who is a person, The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna, is the only release from this whirlpool. My impersonal conditional lunacy could not fathom the seriousness and gravity of your instructions. However, following your advice with persistence, I found out, can open the magical doors of success with every step I take. Now I am confident, under the sweet shelter of your lotus feet and safety of your guidance, I can make perfect progress. I can make my life successful. Yes ! even I can be saved.
This is fully clear to me – You are a specially empowered agent of Krishna who has only come here to show us compassion and compel us with your love so we can achieve the success of life.
Today on the glorious day of your vyasa pooja, I ardently pray to Lord Sri Narsingadev Bhagavan to protect you from any impediments on your tireless travels, and also for your strong health.
Your small eternal servant
Radhika Prasad Das (Sydney)
Radhikesa dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
I love it when I hear glorification about you Guru Maharaja. Its understandable the appreciation that comes from my god family - you have after all re-shaped our lives for the better, but when that passionate and spontaneous appreciation comes from non-disciples who feel as though you’re their well-wisher, that you have a genuine concern for their spiritual wellbeing and bear witness and profess that your qualities exudes the compassion that can only come from a dearmost servant of the Lord, then that’s so much nectar to my ears!
The following is an excerpt from a conversation I was having with one such devotee on the journey back to Cardiff after one of your evening talks in Swansea. It highlights the love this devotee has for you despite his foolish mind tricking him into thinking, ‘Maybe he doesn’t like me’. He was praying hard before your arrival and felt as though his prayers had been answered – that somehow he’d been given shelter, protection and had been practically shown what it actually means to be a personalist.
<blockquote>Devotee: I was praying before he even came…he’s such an amazing person and I want to build some sort of…even if its something small, you know, you want some relationship - even if its tiny. I was praying for that and to see Gaura Nitai with more affection. Maharaja…he remembered me and remembered the situation…I felt he took the time out to care for me and that I actually cared about my life. He didn’t have to you know…he’s a guru and doesn’t have to get involved…especially my life – his disciples is one thing maybe. He didn’t need to…it was nothing to do with philosophy it was just personal. He put his arm on me, and even when I ran out the door - he was worried he lost his microphone - “Thank you Maharaja, good bye!”, just before he left, he goes, “Okay, Hare Krishna” and its just little things like that when it comes from someone of that stature…it means a lot – they represent Krishna.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Me: Well…he’s seen you over the years hasn’t he…sankirtan leader…he’s seen you in colours and fired up…and whatever might happen in the future, he wants to make sure all devotees are fired up about serving Krishna. </blockquote>
Every single time, without fail, the life-changing influence you have on the members of this yatra and their love for you after you visit is beyond belief and as a natural consequence, ISKCON Wales feels extremely fortunate (and somewhat proud) that you have a special place for it in your heart. Your presence is continuously felt as we collectively endeavour to reach out to lost souls in a style that follows your example. May we continue to follow your lead in this regard, bringing forth many souls to your lotus feet, so you may then guide them to their ultimate success.
Your servant,
Radhikesa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
I love it when I hear glorification about you Guru Maharaja. Its understandable the appreciation that comes from my god family - you have after all re-shaped our lives for the better, but when that passionate and spontaneous appreciation comes from non-disciples who feel as though you’re their well-wisher, that you have a genuine concern for their spiritual wellbeing and bear witness and profess that your qualities exudes the compassion that can only come from a dearmost servant of the Lord, then that’s so much nectar to my ears!
The following is an excerpt from a conversation I was having with one such devotee on the journey back to Cardiff after one of your evening talks in Swansea. It highlights the love this devotee has for you despite his foolish mind tricking him into thinking, ‘Maybe he doesn’t like me’. He was praying hard before your arrival and felt as though his prayers had been answered – that somehow he’d been given shelter, protection and had been practically shown what it actually means to be a personalist.
<blockquote>Devotee: I was praying before he even came…he’s such an amazing person and I want to build some sort of…even if its something small, you know, you want some relationship - even if its tiny. I was praying for that and to see Gaura Nitai with more affection. Maharaja…he remembered me and remembered the situation…I felt he took the time out to care for me and that I actually cared about my life. He didn’t have to you know…he’s a guru and doesn’t have to get involved…especially my life – his disciples is one thing maybe. He didn’t need to…it was nothing to do with philosophy it was just personal. He put his arm on me, and even when I ran out the door - he was worried he lost his microphone - “Thank you Maharaja, good bye!”, just before he left, he goes, “Okay, Hare Krishna” and its just little things like that when it comes from someone of that stature…it means a lot – they represent Krishna.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Me: Well…he’s seen you over the years hasn’t he…sankirtan leader…he’s seen you in colours and fired up…and whatever might happen in the future, he wants to make sure all devotees are fired up about serving Krishna. </blockquote>
Every single time, without fail, the life-changing influence you have on the members of this yatra and their love for you after you visit is beyond belief and as a natural consequence, ISKCON Wales feels extremely fortunate (and somewhat proud) that you have a special place for it in your heart. Your presence is continuously felt as we collectively endeavour to reach out to lost souls in a style that follows your example. May we continue to follow your lead in this regard, bringing forth many souls to your lotus feet, so you may then guide them to their ultimate success.
Your servant,
Radhikesa dasa
Raja vadivel
Dear Guru maharajah
Hare Krsna,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Srila Gurudev
All glories to your appearance day 2016
I do not know how to start but I wanted to start by saying sincerely a big thank you from my heart.
I’ve seen many times you have taken more personal interest to guide me in the spiritual path.
Though I don't communicate frequently; out of your causeless mercy you have always take the efforts to remember and nurture me.
Every time when I come with materialist issues and questions you always triggered my thought process i.e. to understand the real spiritual path and the role we need to play.
I should confess sometime I don't understand the instruction you provide straightaway.
Later when I contemplate your instruction over and over again I can understand the real depth and the true meaning of the instructions.
There days were I realised i am wasting my life and confused in the materialistic endeavours, bang! i get to hear your talks or sometime to my surprise i get see you in person.
To which solves all my confusions and misunderstanding of my existence in this material world.
I always remember the amount compassion you showed on me.
I can boldly say because of your compassion and causeless mercy I am still hanging in Krsna Consciousness.
From deep in my heart I really wanted to thank you for all the support, guidance and mentoring you provided and continue to provide.
I pray lord Narshigadev for your health and well-being.
Once again happy appearance day gurudev.
Hare Krsna
Yours trying to be a obedient servant
Raja
Hare Krsna,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Srila Gurudev
All glories to your appearance day 2016
I do not know how to start but I wanted to start by saying sincerely a big thank you from my heart.
I’ve seen many times you have taken more personal interest to guide me in the spiritual path.
Though I don't communicate frequently; out of your causeless mercy you have always take the efforts to remember and nurture me.
Every time when I come with materialist issues and questions you always triggered my thought process i.e. to understand the real spiritual path and the role we need to play.
I should confess sometime I don't understand the instruction you provide straightaway.
Later when I contemplate your instruction over and over again I can understand the real depth and the true meaning of the instructions.
There days were I realised i am wasting my life and confused in the materialistic endeavours, bang! i get to hear your talks or sometime to my surprise i get see you in person.
To which solves all my confusions and misunderstanding of my existence in this material world.
I always remember the amount compassion you showed on me.
I can boldly say because of your compassion and causeless mercy I am still hanging in Krsna Consciousness.
From deep in my heart I really wanted to thank you for all the support, guidance and mentoring you provided and continue to provide.
I pray lord Narshigadev for your health and well-being.
Once again happy appearance day gurudev.
Hare Krsna
Yours trying to be a obedient servant
Raja
Ranga-Nayaki dd
Dear guru maharadj. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glory to Srila Prabhupada. Today is a wonderful day, day of your Vyasa-puja. In your lecture you say, that the meaning of celebration Vyasa-puja that spiritual master does not have his own mercy, he is like cloud, which is filled with water from the ocean and throws the water on the ground. The spiritual master is the humble servant of his spiritual master. This is miracle of parampara. Guru maharadj you our connection with parampara, onnecion with Srila Prabhupada. We like that little child of two and a half years, who wanted to give you his favorite toy truck, but at the last moment couldn't decide on it. It is a good example, how we behave in relation to the attachments, and how much we are ready to serve you. Guru maharadj, I hope some day I will give you all my best "truck" and will understand that it is so insignificantly. In Srimad Bhagavatam I read, that "Knowledge of Krsna is such a great gift that it is impossible to repay the benefactor. And a person who tries to repay the spiritual master or teacher of the transcendental message of Krsna becomes a laughingtock just like a joker because it is not possible to repay such a debt. I cann't find the right words of gratitude, which would be enought to describe all what you do for us. I will try very hard to follow you instructions (which you often told us). You are asking us to look at our life and think how to increase the quality of chanting,how to improve relationships with devotees, look at our life and see the possibilities for the service to Krsna. And it will be the best gift if we will sincerely fulfill your will. You life show us an example how we must follow the spiritual master, with faith and enthusiasm accept his mission, decidedly and with full devotion. Thank you so much! You eternal servant Ranga-Nayaki d.d.
Rasadi Vilasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance!
I’ve been missing your personal association this year. Caught up in grhasta life, starting a business and maintaining and expanding my service at the Loft, time has flown and I feel like I’ve barely seen you. I still feel very much under your shelter, by serving your mission, but I will certainly make more of an effort to take every opportunity I can get to have your personal association in the coming year. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in your Vyasa-Puja celebration for the third year in a row.
With this in mind, I’ve been reminiscing about our first meeting, and though I’ve maybe told the story before, I thought I would include this past time as my offering. It’s a very sweet memory to me, and I recall it often.
Emma (now Seva Vilasa) and I had been coming to the Loft for several weeks. I had just started reading the Bhagavad Gita and was blown away by it’s infinite wisdom. I had spent the last week sitting in the park, reading the highest spiritual knowledge, and having the most life changing realisations and discussions with my (at the time) girlfriend. Bhadrasena had told us that a world famous monk, his teacher, was coming to lecture at the Loft, and I had promised to come. I have the feeling someone had told me that he used to be friends with Ghandi, but I can’t remember who.
I was doing some work for the retail union on the day of the talk, and I forced my co-worker to let me finish early, and drop me off at the Loft so I could get to the program on time. I told him that the guy I was going to see used to be friends with Ghandi, and he understood that it was important.
The room was crowded, and I sat down on the floor and put my Bhagavad Gita next to me. There wasn’t many seats left, so Seva sat down at the back of the room, while I was in the middle. When you entered the room, I just stared at you. You glanced at me a few times, but looked away pretty quickly, as I continued to stare intensely. It was a kind of rude and creepy stare. I think I just wanted you to notice me.
I was very much captivated by what you were saying. You were talking about our purpose in life. I was impressed by your demeanour and the eloquence with which you spoke.
You asked during the lecture, what our goals in life were. When it came to me, I held up my Bhagavad Gita and said “This is my only goal in life”. That will get his attention, I thought…
Afterwards, while everyone was having dinner, I went and sat in a corner, trying to think what I should ask you. I had written down a few questions during the week. All of them were kind of weird and awkward and somehow didn’t seem worthy of your time. I finally decided I would just ask you what was really on my mind, and what was bothering me most.
I sat down on the floor in front of you. You asked where I was from and a little bit about me, but not wanting to waste your time, I said “You know all that anyway”. I was under the impression that you had some mystic powers (still under that impression), and that my past didn’t really matter anyway. I wanted to ask you what was really on my mind. But then you asked that my girlfriend be bought in to see you too. Kasi Priya went to fetch her. This threw me off, but I asked my question anyway.
“I know that I’m going to take the same path as you, I know that’s what I need to do. But is it okay that I want to get married and do so many things first?”
You raised your eyebrows and just stayed silent for a while.
“You want to get married?”
“Yes, eventually.”
You told me that I needed to stop treating my girlfriend as sense gratification. I said that I already had.
So then you told me that I needed to stop getting intoxicated and eating meat. I said that I had already decided to quit drugs and alcohol. Cigarettes were the only thing that I hadn’t been able to stop yet. I had been vegetarian for several years already.
So then you asked if I was chanting japa.
I replied that I was chanting every morning. You asked if I was chanting 16 rounds every day. I immediately answered that I was. I had already heard from other devotees that I was supposed to chant 16 rounds per day, so every morning I would play a 2 minute recording on youtube of someone chanting, and I would follow along for…. 16 repetitions of the maha mantra.
You gave me very a scrutinising look, and repeated the question. I emphatically confirmed that I was chanting 16 rounds every day. You raised your eyebrows again, in a way that suggested that you knew I was being sincere, but it was obvious that I was not chanting 16 rounds per day. After a minute you said that we should serve Krishna together and that was a perfectly fine path to take, and thanked us for coming to see you.
When we left the Loft that night, we both felt very excited about the meeting. I mentioned how easy it was to chant 16 rounds per day. Only 2 minutes every morning, and I was following the highest spiritual standards. Emma asked me if I thought maybe 16 rounds actually meant 16 times around the japa mala per day rather than 16 beads per day.
I laughed, “Of course not, that’s ridiculous. It would take hours. No one would do that!”
Happy Birthday Gurudeva, thanks for all your mercy!
Your aspiring servant,
Rasadi Vilasa Das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance!
I’ve been missing your personal association this year. Caught up in grhasta life, starting a business and maintaining and expanding my service at the Loft, time has flown and I feel like I’ve barely seen you. I still feel very much under your shelter, by serving your mission, but I will certainly make more of an effort to take every opportunity I can get to have your personal association in the coming year. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in your Vyasa-Puja celebration for the third year in a row.
With this in mind, I’ve been reminiscing about our first meeting, and though I’ve maybe told the story before, I thought I would include this past time as my offering. It’s a very sweet memory to me, and I recall it often.
Emma (now Seva Vilasa) and I had been coming to the Loft for several weeks. I had just started reading the Bhagavad Gita and was blown away by it’s infinite wisdom. I had spent the last week sitting in the park, reading the highest spiritual knowledge, and having the most life changing realisations and discussions with my (at the time) girlfriend. Bhadrasena had told us that a world famous monk, his teacher, was coming to lecture at the Loft, and I had promised to come. I have the feeling someone had told me that he used to be friends with Ghandi, but I can’t remember who.
I was doing some work for the retail union on the day of the talk, and I forced my co-worker to let me finish early, and drop me off at the Loft so I could get to the program on time. I told him that the guy I was going to see used to be friends with Ghandi, and he understood that it was important.
The room was crowded, and I sat down on the floor and put my Bhagavad Gita next to me. There wasn’t many seats left, so Seva sat down at the back of the room, while I was in the middle. When you entered the room, I just stared at you. You glanced at me a few times, but looked away pretty quickly, as I continued to stare intensely. It was a kind of rude and creepy stare. I think I just wanted you to notice me.
I was very much captivated by what you were saying. You were talking about our purpose in life. I was impressed by your demeanour and the eloquence with which you spoke.
You asked during the lecture, what our goals in life were. When it came to me, I held up my Bhagavad Gita and said “This is my only goal in life”. That will get his attention, I thought…
Afterwards, while everyone was having dinner, I went and sat in a corner, trying to think what I should ask you. I had written down a few questions during the week. All of them were kind of weird and awkward and somehow didn’t seem worthy of your time. I finally decided I would just ask you what was really on my mind, and what was bothering me most.
I sat down on the floor in front of you. You asked where I was from and a little bit about me, but not wanting to waste your time, I said “You know all that anyway”. I was under the impression that you had some mystic powers (still under that impression), and that my past didn’t really matter anyway. I wanted to ask you what was really on my mind. But then you asked that my girlfriend be bought in to see you too. Kasi Priya went to fetch her. This threw me off, but I asked my question anyway.
“I know that I’m going to take the same path as you, I know that’s what I need to do. But is it okay that I want to get married and do so many things first?”
You raised your eyebrows and just stayed silent for a while.
“You want to get married?”
“Yes, eventually.”
You told me that I needed to stop treating my girlfriend as sense gratification. I said that I already had.
So then you told me that I needed to stop getting intoxicated and eating meat. I said that I had already decided to quit drugs and alcohol. Cigarettes were the only thing that I hadn’t been able to stop yet. I had been vegetarian for several years already.
So then you asked if I was chanting japa.
I replied that I was chanting every morning. You asked if I was chanting 16 rounds every day. I immediately answered that I was. I had already heard from other devotees that I was supposed to chant 16 rounds per day, so every morning I would play a 2 minute recording on youtube of someone chanting, and I would follow along for…. 16 repetitions of the maha mantra.
You gave me very a scrutinising look, and repeated the question. I emphatically confirmed that I was chanting 16 rounds every day. You raised your eyebrows again, in a way that suggested that you knew I was being sincere, but it was obvious that I was not chanting 16 rounds per day. After a minute you said that we should serve Krishna together and that was a perfectly fine path to take, and thanked us for coming to see you.
When we left the Loft that night, we both felt very excited about the meeting. I mentioned how easy it was to chant 16 rounds per day. Only 2 minutes every morning, and I was following the highest spiritual standards. Emma asked me if I thought maybe 16 rounds actually meant 16 times around the japa mala per day rather than 16 beads per day.
I laughed, “Of course not, that’s ridiculous. It would take hours. No one would do that!”
Happy Birthday Gurudeva, thanks for all your mercy!
Your aspiring servant,
Rasadi Vilasa Das
Rasayatra devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my in awe obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your Divine Master, Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance on planet earth.
You are so kind as to let us come together on this special day and be with you. Meditating on this occasion I am reminded that back in 1995 there was only five of us celebrating this day in Auckland, New Zealand. Just new bhaktas, we instinctively knew that your birthday was a special day. We consulted with each other on how best to honour this day. There was bhaktine Kerry (Krsnaloka), bhakta John (Jhulan Yatra), toddler Sian (Sri Radhika), baby Sukadeva and myself. Our conversation went like this; "Devamrita Swami seems to be really pleased when we introduce new people to Krishna consciousness. So that's it! Lets distribute some of these books Srila Prabhupada has so kindly translated. Thats a good way to celebrate Swami's birthday! He will like that! And one of us can stay back to cook a special birthday lunch for him. " So two of us went out to distribute books while the other one cared for the kids and prepared a special lunch- including our first attempt at gulab jamins. It was such a sweet day. We sang together, offered you flowers and honoured prasadam- all the while discussing, "how fortunate are we? To have you in our lives is such a blessing!"
Fast forward twenty one years and just see how your outreach efforts have effected so many hearts! The five of us are still here to celebrate this day and there are now so many more! Qualified, sincere souls ready to please you by engaging in Lord Caitanya's sankirtan mission, by dedicated chanting of the holy names, by lovingly raising the next generation of devotee children.
There really are no words to express the extent of my gratitude to you. I am acutely aware that my efforts to reciprocate with you fall well short of the mark. I struggle to truly reflect the mercy you have so kindly showered upon me.
All I can really say is that by your mercy, I understand that the best thing to be in life is to be a devotee of Krsna. And to me that means being devoted to the devotees of Krsna. By your mercy, perhaps one day I can make something of this insignificant life.
Aspiring to be an unconditional servant,
Rasayatra dasi
Please accept my in awe obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your Divine Master, Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance on planet earth.
You are so kind as to let us come together on this special day and be with you. Meditating on this occasion I am reminded that back in 1995 there was only five of us celebrating this day in Auckland, New Zealand. Just new bhaktas, we instinctively knew that your birthday was a special day. We consulted with each other on how best to honour this day. There was bhaktine Kerry (Krsnaloka), bhakta John (Jhulan Yatra), toddler Sian (Sri Radhika), baby Sukadeva and myself. Our conversation went like this; "Devamrita Swami seems to be really pleased when we introduce new people to Krishna consciousness. So that's it! Lets distribute some of these books Srila Prabhupada has so kindly translated. Thats a good way to celebrate Swami's birthday! He will like that! And one of us can stay back to cook a special birthday lunch for him. " So two of us went out to distribute books while the other one cared for the kids and prepared a special lunch- including our first attempt at gulab jamins. It was such a sweet day. We sang together, offered you flowers and honoured prasadam- all the while discussing, "how fortunate are we? To have you in our lives is such a blessing!"
Fast forward twenty one years and just see how your outreach efforts have effected so many hearts! The five of us are still here to celebrate this day and there are now so many more! Qualified, sincere souls ready to please you by engaging in Lord Caitanya's sankirtan mission, by dedicated chanting of the holy names, by lovingly raising the next generation of devotee children.
There really are no words to express the extent of my gratitude to you. I am acutely aware that my efforts to reciprocate with you fall well short of the mark. I struggle to truly reflect the mercy you have so kindly showered upon me.
All I can really say is that by your mercy, I understand that the best thing to be in life is to be a devotee of Krsna. And to me that means being devoted to the devotees of Krsna. By your mercy, perhaps one day I can make something of this insignificant life.
Aspiring to be an unconditional servant,
Rasayatra dasi
Ravi Bose
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 Gurudev,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to your dear Gurudev HDG srila prabhupada
Guru Maharaj, it has been 4 years since I have been involved in ISKCON. The years have gone by so fast that I feel like I have not spent enough of that time doing spiritual activities especially reading Srila Prabupada’s books. Many times I have heard you say in classes that how important His books are and that we should read them. I thank you for this continues instruction on this as it has helped me to make the endeavour to try and read more books.
For me, you are Srila Prabhupada’s instructions in action. When I read Srila Prabhupada’s books, I find your message of humility, tolerance, simplicity, and loving service in those divine books. Earlier I used to find only philosophy - Vedanta, but now I also find Bhakti. Dear Guru Maharaja, you have revealed Srila “Bhakti-Vedanta” Swami to me; for that I will be ever grateful to you.
I have heard that the spiritual master is eternal, is presented by the supersoul when the soul is truly seeking, and that the spiritual master knows the heart of his disciple.
I believe that this is true.
I am always your servant and please always be my Spiritual Master.
Your insignificant servant
Ravi
(Melbourne)
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to your dear Gurudev HDG srila prabhupada
Guru Maharaj, it has been 4 years since I have been involved in ISKCON. The years have gone by so fast that I feel like I have not spent enough of that time doing spiritual activities especially reading Srila Prabupada’s books. Many times I have heard you say in classes that how important His books are and that we should read them. I thank you for this continues instruction on this as it has helped me to make the endeavour to try and read more books.
For me, you are Srila Prabhupada’s instructions in action. When I read Srila Prabhupada’s books, I find your message of humility, tolerance, simplicity, and loving service in those divine books. Earlier I used to find only philosophy - Vedanta, but now I also find Bhakti. Dear Guru Maharaja, you have revealed Srila “Bhakti-Vedanta” Swami to me; for that I will be ever grateful to you.
I have heard that the spiritual master is eternal, is presented by the supersoul when the soul is truly seeking, and that the spiritual master knows the heart of his disciple.
I believe that this is true.
I am always your servant and please always be my Spiritual Master.
Your insignificant servant
Ravi
(Melbourne)
Riva (From Noida, India)
Dear Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
I would like to express my gratitude for the concern you have for me. Inspite of the fact, I am an absolutely no one, still you gave your precious time thinking about my future. It is only your causeless mercy, that you so concerned of people like me also.
Your instructions have played a very important part in my spiritual life. Thank you for guiding me.
Please give me your blessings, so that I can follow your and your disciples' instructions.
Trying to be your servant,
Riva (Madhava Mohini's sister)
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
I would like to express my gratitude for the concern you have for me. Inspite of the fact, I am an absolutely no one, still you gave your precious time thinking about my future. It is only your causeless mercy, that you so concerned of people like me also.
Your instructions have played a very important part in my spiritual life. Thank you for guiding me.
Please give me your blessings, so that I can follow your and your disciples' instructions.
Trying to be your servant,
Riva (Madhava Mohini's sister)
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
I often see kids build sand castle on the beach, which I also did that in my childhood. I tried so hard to build a big one or complicated one, although it got washed off by the waves or blown off by the wind. Yet, again started building new castle some time after.
I cannot recall anything I have offered you or I can offer you this year. Rather I could only think that I built a huge castle which completely waste of time and not only wasting time but also accumulated more karma. As so called “devotee” I should devote to you, offer you something nice.
“Being enthusiastic?” “No”
“Endeavouring with confidence?” “No”
“Being patient?” “Never”
“Acting according to regulative principles” “Unlikely”
“Abandoning the association of non-devotees?” “No”
“Following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas?” “Failed”
So what have I done for you for the past year? Have I done anything for you? No devotional service at all??
“Devotional service means to prosecute Krsna conscious activities which are favourable to the transcendental pleasure of the Supreme Lord Krsna, and any activities which are not favourable to the transcendental favour of the Lord cannot be accepted as devotional service”
“… we can offer many services with our bodily activities. But all such activities must be in relationship with Krsna. This relationship is established by connecting oneself with bona fide spiritual master, who is direct representative of Krsna in disciplic succession. Therefore, the execution of Krsna conscious activities with the body should be directed by the spiritual master and then performed with faith.”
“…performed with FAITH.” I regret that I kept forgetting this for a whole year. My faith get covered with dust. Also I forgot to keep brushing up my faith to keep it always bright and shining. You always emphasised us for balanced life in bhakti, especially those who are working outside the devotee community. Once someone who lost the balance, it was very easy to get struggle. I needed to learn this with experience, although you said “Learning from reading” is much better than learning from experiment.”
Again, what did I do for you last year? I built a huge castle, castle of karma. But you, as my spiritual master, who is like a big ocean, kindly washed them off with waves and blown them off with wind. Now it is back in flat.
Am I doing the same thing this year?
No, I will build a castle of devotional service this time.
At least I would like to offer something better, may not be castle, or maybe tiny, tiny amount of devotional service this year with following your guidance and instruction.
Thank you Gurudeva. You are like mother nature or like big ocean. Actually you are ocean who carries ocean of bhakti to save us.
Thanks again allowing me to be in a part of your community which I do not deserve.
Please allow this tiny insignificant soul to submit this offering.
Trying to be a humble servant of your 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
I often see kids build sand castle on the beach, which I also did that in my childhood. I tried so hard to build a big one or complicated one, although it got washed off by the waves or blown off by the wind. Yet, again started building new castle some time after.
I cannot recall anything I have offered you or I can offer you this year. Rather I could only think that I built a huge castle which completely waste of time and not only wasting time but also accumulated more karma. As so called “devotee” I should devote to you, offer you something nice.
“Being enthusiastic?” “No”
“Endeavouring with confidence?” “No”
“Being patient?” “Never”
“Acting according to regulative principles” “Unlikely”
“Abandoning the association of non-devotees?” “No”
“Following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas?” “Failed”
So what have I done for you for the past year? Have I done anything for you? No devotional service at all??
“Devotional service means to prosecute Krsna conscious activities which are favourable to the transcendental pleasure of the Supreme Lord Krsna, and any activities which are not favourable to the transcendental favour of the Lord cannot be accepted as devotional service”
“… we can offer many services with our bodily activities. But all such activities must be in relationship with Krsna. This relationship is established by connecting oneself with bona fide spiritual master, who is direct representative of Krsna in disciplic succession. Therefore, the execution of Krsna conscious activities with the body should be directed by the spiritual master and then performed with faith.”
“…performed with FAITH.” I regret that I kept forgetting this for a whole year. My faith get covered with dust. Also I forgot to keep brushing up my faith to keep it always bright and shining. You always emphasised us for balanced life in bhakti, especially those who are working outside the devotee community. Once someone who lost the balance, it was very easy to get struggle. I needed to learn this with experience, although you said “Learning from reading” is much better than learning from experiment.”
Again, what did I do for you last year? I built a huge castle, castle of karma. But you, as my spiritual master, who is like a big ocean, kindly washed them off with waves and blown them off with wind. Now it is back in flat.
Am I doing the same thing this year?
No, I will build a castle of devotional service this time.
At least I would like to offer something better, may not be castle, or maybe tiny, tiny amount of devotional service this year with following your guidance and instruction.
Thank you Gurudeva. You are like mother nature or like big ocean. Actually you are ocean who carries ocean of bhakti to save us.
Thanks again allowing me to be in a part of your community which I do not deserve.
Please allow this tiny insignificant soul to submit this offering.
Trying to be a humble servant of your servant
Rudrarama Pandit das
Rupamrita-sindu das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your 66th Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
nama om visnu-pädäya krsna-prasthaya bhü-tale
Srimati Devämrita-svämin iti nämine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
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. To me this is greatest evidence of Krsna’s causeless mercy since I know that I deserve none of your blessings.
Last 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. 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.
This year we have not been fortunate to have had your personal association.
In the absence of your personal association, 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.”
With that command from Prabhupada, we are trying to be sincere to your instructions in our chanting, our reading of Prabhupada’s books, and our services to the devotees of Krishna. Gurudev, you have proven to us in the past that you truly know what is best for us. Whenever we have met you, 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. We are so grateful for your guidance and reminders of our spiritual duties.
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 66th Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
nama om visnu-pädäya krsna-prasthaya bhü-tale
Srimati Devämrita-svämin iti nämine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
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. To me this is greatest evidence of Krsna’s causeless mercy since I know that I deserve none of your blessings.
Last 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. 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.
This year we have not been fortunate to have had your personal association.
In the absence of your personal association, 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.”
With that command from Prabhupada, we are trying to be sincere to your instructions in our chanting, our reading of Prabhupada’s books, and our services to the devotees of Krishna. Gurudev, you have proven to us in the past that you truly know what is best for us. Whenever we have met you, 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. We are so grateful for your guidance and reminders of our spiritual duties.
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 prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
The Bhagavatam (11.3.21) declares:
The qualification of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. 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.
Anyone who has attentively listened to you speak can attest that you have realized the conclusions of the Vedas.
And anyone who has attentively studied your books can attest that you are supremely empowered to convince others of these conclusions.
Your consummate presentation of bhakti-siddhanta certainly convinced me, and over the years, I have seen you convince many others. For example, one Indian lady completing her Phd in Religious Education recently told me that she was so impressed with your Searching for Vedic India that she wanted to introduce it into elite Indian book-stores.
But today, I stand in awe not only of your Krishnaized-intellect but also of your Krishnaized-heart.
Anyone listening to your seminars on contemporary urban outreach can see this bhakti-heart in action. It’s a heart thumping with Gauranga’s desire—the desire to reach out to those conditioned souls who have no desire to know Krishna, what to speak of love him.
Your bhakti-heart combined with your Paramatma-guided-intelligence has manifested features rare to find in today’s worldwide ISKCON. Here are two that stand out:
1. An outreach culture successfully attracting local Western audiences to Prabhupada’s house for more than two decades.
2. A thriving brahmachari ashram in the heart of the secular West.
Due to your influence, many of your disciples exhibit another ISKCON rarity: dedication to diligently studying Prabhupada’s books. As His Holiness Kesava Bharati Dasa Goswami candidly points out in his 2016 offering to Srila Prabhupada, worldwide ISKCON seems to sorely lack this kind of sadhana culture.
Crowning your numerous devotional contributions is of course, your personalized care and attention. Despite your immense devotional service portfolio, I have seen you time and time again spend innumerable hours striving to nourish and protect the fledgling bhakti-lata of numerous conditioned souls, so that they gradually regain their eternal shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Govinda.
Of course, you have also extended your care to me on numerous occasions. But due to laziness and other deplorable qualities, I have not tried to reciprocate with your magnanimity.
Therefore, on this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg for the renewed strength to serve your instructions with both sincerity and intelligence.
Trying to be your servant,
Sachi Dulal das.
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
The Bhagavatam (11.3.21) declares:
The qualification of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. 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.
Anyone who has attentively listened to you speak can attest that you have realized the conclusions of the Vedas.
And anyone who has attentively studied your books can attest that you are supremely empowered to convince others of these conclusions.
Your consummate presentation of bhakti-siddhanta certainly convinced me, and over the years, I have seen you convince many others. For example, one Indian lady completing her Phd in Religious Education recently told me that she was so impressed with your Searching for Vedic India that she wanted to introduce it into elite Indian book-stores.
But today, I stand in awe not only of your Krishnaized-intellect but also of your Krishnaized-heart.
Anyone listening to your seminars on contemporary urban outreach can see this bhakti-heart in action. It’s a heart thumping with Gauranga’s desire—the desire to reach out to those conditioned souls who have no desire to know Krishna, what to speak of love him.
Your bhakti-heart combined with your Paramatma-guided-intelligence has manifested features rare to find in today’s worldwide ISKCON. Here are two that stand out:
1. An outreach culture successfully attracting local Western audiences to Prabhupada’s house for more than two decades.
2. A thriving brahmachari ashram in the heart of the secular West.
Due to your influence, many of your disciples exhibit another ISKCON rarity: dedication to diligently studying Prabhupada’s books. As His Holiness Kesava Bharati Dasa Goswami candidly points out in his 2016 offering to Srila Prabhupada, worldwide ISKCON seems to sorely lack this kind of sadhana culture.
Crowning your numerous devotional contributions is of course, your personalized care and attention. Despite your immense devotional service portfolio, I have seen you time and time again spend innumerable hours striving to nourish and protect the fledgling bhakti-lata of numerous conditioned souls, so that they gradually regain their eternal shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Govinda.
Of course, you have also extended your care to me on numerous occasions. But due to laziness and other deplorable qualities, I have not tried to reciprocate with your magnanimity.
Therefore, on this auspicious day of your appearance, I beg for the renewed strength to serve your instructions with both sincerity and intelligence.
Trying to be your servant,
Sachi Dulal das.
Sachidevi Devi Dasi
nama om visnu-padaya krishna presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracare 'purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupada! And all glories to your lotus feet on this very auspicious day of your appearance!
Every time it is near the anniversary of your appearance I get nervous thinking about what to offer you in writing. There is no limit to your glories, and so many flaws in my attempts at glorifying you. There is really no way I can do you any justice with the few English words I have to offer on a page.
Anyways, my futile attempt is as follows.
During my stay in Toronto recently, I was constantly being lectured by my very Greek, traditional, simple villager grandparents, both on my mothers and my fathers side. They were protesting my departure for the states, my activities here, my lack of monetary pay, my lack of a prospective husband, pursuit of a university education... The list goes on. Two days before I left, when my grandfather (once again) finished speaking on his feelings about my leaving, he said "You should fulfill the desires and reciprocate with the feelings of those who love you, who actually love you, and who are investing so much in you." The whole time I'd been in so much mental discomfort, with so many words of pressure and disapproval coming in from all sides... But he helped me realize that he's right!
The only value my life has can be measured by how much I am trying to fulfill your orders and desires, and by how pleased you are with me. You, who have taught me what real love is, and who have causelessly poured your mercy into my life, your pleasure is the goal of my life; my constant pursuit.
I often reflect on how quickly and drastically my life has changed since I met you.
A couple of years ago, when I was around 17, I came to you with a list of complexities, and you said to me that “First, we need to sort out the substance. The shadow will automatically follow. But first you need to become a devotee. Become Krishna conscious.”
Another time, during the same visit, I told you I had problems with confidence. You in response said, “I am giving you confidence! … So take it!”
Somehow, I’m no longer absorbed in lamentation, contemplating my conditioning, or my material circumstances.
I fortunately, by your mercy, have no time to do or think about anything unrelated to your service.
You have accepted me as your spiritual daughter, and somehow those characteristics are slowly manifesting - what it looks like and means to be under and related to someone such as yourself is coming to life in my heart and mind - not on my own strength, but strictly because of your profuse love and concern for my spiritual well-being.
And in this way, I am slowly starting to understand that I am composed of no substance other than your causeless mercy.
It is often quoted, from Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s song to the spiritual master:
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.”
Very slowly I am starting to realize that I actually have nothing on my own limited power. I indeed have no qualities. Everything I have you are passing down to me with careful, steady, secure hands. And there is no reason for me to have any of what you are giving me.
I myself have no qualification to have received the benediction of Krishna consciousness.
But you, you are a qualified captain, so expert and compassionate as to guide the conditioned souls toward full realization of the Supreme Reality; that is, the Supreme Personality, Krishna.
In a purport, Srila Prabhupada has written:
"As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (15.15) by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, the purpose of studying the Vedas is to understand Him (vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ). Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu explained to Sanātana Gosvāmī that there are three purposes in the Vedas. One is to understand our relationship with Kṛṣṇa (sambandha), another is to act according to that relationship (abhidheya), and the third is to reach the ultimate goal (prayojana). The word prayojana means “necessities,” and the ultimate necessity is explained by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Premā pum-artho mahān: the greatest necessity for a human being is the achievement of love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (SB 10.8.45 purport)
And you are facilitating this ultimate goal for every single person you encounter! Through the expert, intricate care you provide for every single person who approaches you, there is endless opportunity to come to, stay in, and distribute Krishna consciousness. You are extending Srila Prabhupada’s mission to so many people in this age of quarrel and hypocrisy.
Indeed, Kali-yuga is progressing more and more but somehow you’re able to extract and present the core of our necessities - to love, to be loved, to experience the highest pleasure, unlimitedly and endlessly, with the perfect person, Krishna, and His associates.
You are able to bring self-realization into every person’s picture, and are so profusely distribute knowledge of our actual necessities, sparking our spiritual memory, thus making it that much easier to turn into ashes all the artificial needs we serve so reverently. Thank you for the constant reality check - that satisfaction will never come on the material platform.
I was reflecting further that in Bhakti, we speak of transforming the material into spiritual.
Like that we offer food to Krishna, and it is transformed into a pure, spiritual substance; prasadam.
My dear spiritual master, you are so expert in this process of spiritual transformation.
I possess these useless bodies, subtle and gross, to which I cling so tightly, which I mistake to be the all in all, and somehow you find a way to transform these into a suitable offering of service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. At this I marvel.
Wherefrom have you gathered such expertise? Getting me to follow and serve is like pulling teeth but somehow or other you've convinced me of the fact that this is the only real sweet in this world. This is the real treat. But indeed, this is not so wonderful, for you are empowered by the disciplic succession, fuelled by a heart saturated in pure love of God. For you, what is not possible? Still though, I’m struck with wonder as a receptacle of your unlimited compassion.
As an insignificant, tiny, puny living entity, with limitations on all sides, I, having no intelligence, have been making the same mistake since time immemorial - I have been running from Krishna for God knows how long. The spirit of independence is deeply ingrained in my heart. I am full of lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy. But somehow this life I have encountered the mercy representative that is willing to dig out the guck that is blocking the jewel of Krishna-prema - full, ecstatic love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I have met the cherished, worshipable master who will not hesitate to cut this foolish cord of being kicked and covered, and who will smear the pulp of love of God in these god-forsaken eyes, rotting in conditioning.
Thank you for rescuing me from the nonsense that I have been pursuing as the goal of life, life after life.
You are so merciful to be spreading transcendental access to the highest achievement of human life.
Despite my deeply-woven ignorance and incompetence in devotional service, you still keep me around and allow me to offer some meagre service at your lotus feet. How can I ever dream of repaying such magnanimity? This is real charity.
I don’t know if I will ever have the ability or a soft enough heart to sacrifice to the height of selflessness and compassion you are constantly exhibiting.
By your mercy we have the opportunity to encounter so many different people by distributing yours and Srila Prabhupada’s books. So many are students, enrolled in university, striving for a degree of some sort, being cheered on by their supporters. In this way I always keep in my heart that you have enrolled me in the transcendental school of life that is the sankirtana-yajna, and you are constantly encouraging me and keeping me inspired.
In my last darshan with you, you told me “We are watching you.” Of this I have no doubt. Your affection, supervision and expert guidance are the rays that allow me to see where my next step should land.
I have nothing to offer you in return for all this, really. I have no means by which I can really repay the amount of mercy you are drenching my desert-like heart in. So I am affectionately and happily obliged to pay you in eternal obeisances, remaining under your shelter always.
Please allow me to stay here, holding on for dear life, for real life - eternal life in the spiritual realm, in Krishna consciousness.
Please allow me to be your servant, the servant of your servants.
Though I don’t deserve any of this, you are so charitable. With affection you’ve already granted me the most valuable thing in the world.
So now, as you see it fit, please allow me gradual access to this realization and allow me to remain in this closely-knit shelter of our spiritual family. I pray you can tolerate me until my competence starts to manifest.
Praying to be engaged in your service.
Your humble, aspiring servant
Sachidevi Devi Dasi
srimate devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracare 'purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupada! And all glories to your lotus feet on this very auspicious day of your appearance!
Every time it is near the anniversary of your appearance I get nervous thinking about what to offer you in writing. There is no limit to your glories, and so many flaws in my attempts at glorifying you. There is really no way I can do you any justice with the few English words I have to offer on a page.
Anyways, my futile attempt is as follows.
During my stay in Toronto recently, I was constantly being lectured by my very Greek, traditional, simple villager grandparents, both on my mothers and my fathers side. They were protesting my departure for the states, my activities here, my lack of monetary pay, my lack of a prospective husband, pursuit of a university education... The list goes on. Two days before I left, when my grandfather (once again) finished speaking on his feelings about my leaving, he said "You should fulfill the desires and reciprocate with the feelings of those who love you, who actually love you, and who are investing so much in you." The whole time I'd been in so much mental discomfort, with so many words of pressure and disapproval coming in from all sides... But he helped me realize that he's right!
The only value my life has can be measured by how much I am trying to fulfill your orders and desires, and by how pleased you are with me. You, who have taught me what real love is, and who have causelessly poured your mercy into my life, your pleasure is the goal of my life; my constant pursuit.
I often reflect on how quickly and drastically my life has changed since I met you.
A couple of years ago, when I was around 17, I came to you with a list of complexities, and you said to me that “First, we need to sort out the substance. The shadow will automatically follow. But first you need to become a devotee. Become Krishna conscious.”
Another time, during the same visit, I told you I had problems with confidence. You in response said, “I am giving you confidence! … So take it!”
Somehow, I’m no longer absorbed in lamentation, contemplating my conditioning, or my material circumstances.
I fortunately, by your mercy, have no time to do or think about anything unrelated to your service.
You have accepted me as your spiritual daughter, and somehow those characteristics are slowly manifesting - what it looks like and means to be under and related to someone such as yourself is coming to life in my heart and mind - not on my own strength, but strictly because of your profuse love and concern for my spiritual well-being.
And in this way, I am slowly starting to understand that I am composed of no substance other than your causeless mercy.
It is often quoted, from Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s song to the spiritual master:
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.”
Very slowly I am starting to realize that I actually have nothing on my own limited power. I indeed have no qualities. Everything I have you are passing down to me with careful, steady, secure hands. And there is no reason for me to have any of what you are giving me.
I myself have no qualification to have received the benediction of Krishna consciousness.
But you, you are a qualified captain, so expert and compassionate as to guide the conditioned souls toward full realization of the Supreme Reality; that is, the Supreme Personality, Krishna.
In a purport, Srila Prabhupada has written:
"As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (15.15) by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, the purpose of studying the Vedas is to understand Him (vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ). Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu explained to Sanātana Gosvāmī that there are three purposes in the Vedas. One is to understand our relationship with Kṛṣṇa (sambandha), another is to act according to that relationship (abhidheya), and the third is to reach the ultimate goal (prayojana). The word prayojana means “necessities,” and the ultimate necessity is explained by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Premā pum-artho mahān: the greatest necessity for a human being is the achievement of love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (SB 10.8.45 purport)
And you are facilitating this ultimate goal for every single person you encounter! Through the expert, intricate care you provide for every single person who approaches you, there is endless opportunity to come to, stay in, and distribute Krishna consciousness. You are extending Srila Prabhupada’s mission to so many people in this age of quarrel and hypocrisy.
Indeed, Kali-yuga is progressing more and more but somehow you’re able to extract and present the core of our necessities - to love, to be loved, to experience the highest pleasure, unlimitedly and endlessly, with the perfect person, Krishna, and His associates.
You are able to bring self-realization into every person’s picture, and are so profusely distribute knowledge of our actual necessities, sparking our spiritual memory, thus making it that much easier to turn into ashes all the artificial needs we serve so reverently. Thank you for the constant reality check - that satisfaction will never come on the material platform.
I was reflecting further that in Bhakti, we speak of transforming the material into spiritual.
Like that we offer food to Krishna, and it is transformed into a pure, spiritual substance; prasadam.
My dear spiritual master, you are so expert in this process of spiritual transformation.
I possess these useless bodies, subtle and gross, to which I cling so tightly, which I mistake to be the all in all, and somehow you find a way to transform these into a suitable offering of service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. At this I marvel.
Wherefrom have you gathered such expertise? Getting me to follow and serve is like pulling teeth but somehow or other you've convinced me of the fact that this is the only real sweet in this world. This is the real treat. But indeed, this is not so wonderful, for you are empowered by the disciplic succession, fuelled by a heart saturated in pure love of God. For you, what is not possible? Still though, I’m struck with wonder as a receptacle of your unlimited compassion.
As an insignificant, tiny, puny living entity, with limitations on all sides, I, having no intelligence, have been making the same mistake since time immemorial - I have been running from Krishna for God knows how long. The spirit of independence is deeply ingrained in my heart. I am full of lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy. But somehow this life I have encountered the mercy representative that is willing to dig out the guck that is blocking the jewel of Krishna-prema - full, ecstatic love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I have met the cherished, worshipable master who will not hesitate to cut this foolish cord of being kicked and covered, and who will smear the pulp of love of God in these god-forsaken eyes, rotting in conditioning.
Thank you for rescuing me from the nonsense that I have been pursuing as the goal of life, life after life.
You are so merciful to be spreading transcendental access to the highest achievement of human life.
Despite my deeply-woven ignorance and incompetence in devotional service, you still keep me around and allow me to offer some meagre service at your lotus feet. How can I ever dream of repaying such magnanimity? This is real charity.
I don’t know if I will ever have the ability or a soft enough heart to sacrifice to the height of selflessness and compassion you are constantly exhibiting.
By your mercy we have the opportunity to encounter so many different people by distributing yours and Srila Prabhupada’s books. So many are students, enrolled in university, striving for a degree of some sort, being cheered on by their supporters. In this way I always keep in my heart that you have enrolled me in the transcendental school of life that is the sankirtana-yajna, and you are constantly encouraging me and keeping me inspired.
In my last darshan with you, you told me “We are watching you.” Of this I have no doubt. Your affection, supervision and expert guidance are the rays that allow me to see where my next step should land.
I have nothing to offer you in return for all this, really. I have no means by which I can really repay the amount of mercy you are drenching my desert-like heart in. So I am affectionately and happily obliged to pay you in eternal obeisances, remaining under your shelter always.
Please allow me to stay here, holding on for dear life, for real life - eternal life in the spiritual realm, in Krishna consciousness.
Please allow me to be your servant, the servant of your servants.
Though I don’t deserve any of this, you are so charitable. With affection you’ve already granted me the most valuable thing in the world.
So now, as you see it fit, please allow me gradual access to this realization and allow me to remain in this closely-knit shelter of our spiritual family. I pray you can tolerate me until my competence starts to manifest.
Praying to be engaged in your service.
Your humble, aspiring servant
Sachidevi Devi Dasi
Sachin Sindhu
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to sirla prabhupad!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day!
Around 2 years ago by the mercy of lord Krishna I was fortunate enough to come to the loft. And I found the loft a very special place, Everything about the about the loft was amazing.
My material life suddenly changed after couple of months regularly visiting the loft.By Krishna's arrangement I had to move out the place where I was staying and I couldn't find any other place to live. So Bhadrasena prabhu invited me to live in the ashram for couple of weeks till the time I found any other place.The Whole environment of the ashram was so great that those couple of weeks turned out to be couple of years. Through the training which I received at the ashram, I was able to develop some essential skills that changed my life and helped me to reconnect to my roots, my culture again which I was kind of forgotten after coming to West.
It's because of Lord Chaitanya and your mercy only Maharaj that I have started to experience bliss in Kirtan. The result of coming in contact with a pure devotee of the lord is so powerful that not only me but my mother has also became a devotee.You really saved me Maharaj from the greatest danger of wasting my human form of life and most valuable indian birth.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for all the wonderful things you have given us, such as the loft, the recharge festival and this wonderful community which is just like a family to me.
Once again I would to like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and guidance. Thanks for waking me up from the deep sleep of ignorance and opening my eyes with the torch light of knowledge and showing me the path back to home back to godhead.
I beg to you to always keep your blessings and mercy upon me.
Your aspiring servant
Sachin
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to sirla prabhupad!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day!
Around 2 years ago by the mercy of lord Krishna I was fortunate enough to come to the loft. And I found the loft a very special place, Everything about the about the loft was amazing.
My material life suddenly changed after couple of months regularly visiting the loft.By Krishna's arrangement I had to move out the place where I was staying and I couldn't find any other place to live. So Bhadrasena prabhu invited me to live in the ashram for couple of weeks till the time I found any other place.The Whole environment of the ashram was so great that those couple of weeks turned out to be couple of years. Through the training which I received at the ashram, I was able to develop some essential skills that changed my life and helped me to reconnect to my roots, my culture again which I was kind of forgotten after coming to West.
It's because of Lord Chaitanya and your mercy only Maharaj that I have started to experience bliss in Kirtan. The result of coming in contact with a pure devotee of the lord is so powerful that not only me but my mother has also became a devotee.You really saved me Maharaj from the greatest danger of wasting my human form of life and most valuable indian birth.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for all the wonderful things you have given us, such as the loft, the recharge festival and this wonderful community which is just like a family to me.
Once again I would to like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and guidance. Thanks for waking me up from the deep sleep of ignorance and opening my eyes with the torch light of knowledge and showing me the path back to home back to godhead.
I beg to you to always keep your blessings and mercy upon me.
Your aspiring servant
Sachin
Sadhu-marga das
Dear Guru deva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Vyasa-Puja day! May Krishna give you many more years in this world so that more conditioned souls may be affected by your super strong bhakti.
Living entities are captured by their desires to enjoy separately from Adi-Purusa Sri Krishna in a vehicle of mundane mind, intelligence and senses. Repeated birth and death have become their destiny, variation of suffering and happiness their normal state of consciousness and material universe made out of material elements their home sweet home. They are in a kind of a sleeping state, fully unaware that everything is created, maintained and destroyed by Sri Krishna who is sac-cid-ananda, Swayam Bhagawan and who has eternal pastimes on different spiritual planets.
Now, what is their hope of becoming free from this terrible illusion?
Well, Mahajanas know. For them it is very obvious.
Sri Prahlada Maharaja is explaining to his fellow students (SB 7.7.29)
”Of the different processes recommended for disentanglement from material life, the one personally explained and accepted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead should be considered all-perfect. That process is the performance of duties by which love for the Supreme Lord develops.”
In the purport Srila Prabhupada being a fully enlightened personality gives insight what is the scientific process of bhakti:
”One must accept the pure devotee, the representative of God, as one’s guru and then offer him all the respects one would offer the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the secret of success. For one who adopts this method, the perfect process is revealed.”
Bhakti is the only real remedy for becoming free from the binding force of endless material desires. Cleansing the heart by engaging one´s mind, body and words in the service of Hrsikesha Sri Krishna, one becomes attracted by the wonderful qualities of Sri Krishna. Being attracted by Him, jiva desires to please Him in various ways and he becomes eager offer Krishna his service.
Bhakti is received trough Guru Parampara system. By getting the opportunity to meet pure devotee and receiving instructions of how to apply oneself in the process of devotional service, one is accepted into Acyuta-gotra, and Sri Krishna starts to make arrangements for that soul to return back to Goloka Vrindavana to take part in His eternal pastimes.
Guru deva, I feel that I am a totally useless person at your lotus feet, totally unqualified to be your disciple, totally unworthy to be the object of your mercy.
I do not think there is any pious work in this world which could reward the audience of such an amazing devotee like yourself.
In other words, I am fully indebted to you, because you have taken the trouble to inspire me, showing a wonderful example and giving me guidance in the service of Krishna. Being an idiot, I am like a small child. When given a precious diamond, a child is not really able to understand its true value.
Guru deva, please forgive me and please do not kick me out, even thought I am not properly reciprocating with the nectar of bhakti you are handing me.
Your servant
Sadhu-marga das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Vyasa-Puja day! May Krishna give you many more years in this world so that more conditioned souls may be affected by your super strong bhakti.
Living entities are captured by their desires to enjoy separately from Adi-Purusa Sri Krishna in a vehicle of mundane mind, intelligence and senses. Repeated birth and death have become their destiny, variation of suffering and happiness their normal state of consciousness and material universe made out of material elements their home sweet home. They are in a kind of a sleeping state, fully unaware that everything is created, maintained and destroyed by Sri Krishna who is sac-cid-ananda, Swayam Bhagawan and who has eternal pastimes on different spiritual planets.
Now, what is their hope of becoming free from this terrible illusion?
Well, Mahajanas know. For them it is very obvious.
Sri Prahlada Maharaja is explaining to his fellow students (SB 7.7.29)
”Of the different processes recommended for disentanglement from material life, the one personally explained and accepted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead should be considered all-perfect. That process is the performance of duties by which love for the Supreme Lord develops.”
In the purport Srila Prabhupada being a fully enlightened personality gives insight what is the scientific process of bhakti:
”One must accept the pure devotee, the representative of God, as one’s guru and then offer him all the respects one would offer the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the secret of success. For one who adopts this method, the perfect process is revealed.”
Bhakti is the only real remedy for becoming free from the binding force of endless material desires. Cleansing the heart by engaging one´s mind, body and words in the service of Hrsikesha Sri Krishna, one becomes attracted by the wonderful qualities of Sri Krishna. Being attracted by Him, jiva desires to please Him in various ways and he becomes eager offer Krishna his service.
Bhakti is received trough Guru Parampara system. By getting the opportunity to meet pure devotee and receiving instructions of how to apply oneself in the process of devotional service, one is accepted into Acyuta-gotra, and Sri Krishna starts to make arrangements for that soul to return back to Goloka Vrindavana to take part in His eternal pastimes.
Guru deva, I feel that I am a totally useless person at your lotus feet, totally unqualified to be your disciple, totally unworthy to be the object of your mercy.
I do not think there is any pious work in this world which could reward the audience of such an amazing devotee like yourself.
In other words, I am fully indebted to you, because you have taken the trouble to inspire me, showing a wonderful example and giving me guidance in the service of Krishna. Being an idiot, I am like a small child. When given a precious diamond, a child is not really able to understand its true value.
Guru deva, please forgive me and please do not kick me out, even thought I am not properly reciprocating with the nectar of bhakti you are handing me.
Your servant
Sadhu-marga das
Sam Vennell
Hare Krishna Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day festivities, I am inspired to reflect on how we, as eternal spirit souls, part and parcel of the supreme soul, are lost in this dark material world like fish out of water. We are starved, not of air but of lasting connection, purpose and meaningful relationship; settling for the meager and insubstantial pleasures of this shadow reality, stubbornly ignoring the unceasing compassionate entreaties of Lord Sri Krishna and his representatives.
Struggling to fit into a Kali Yuga society, I have certainly experienced a share of disconnection and loneliness. Yet in stumbling into the association of devotees, I feel satisfied and wholesome, no longer a fish out of water. I pray never to take this for granted. Drawn by kind-hearted souls, captivating philosophy, bass-playing opportunities and (of course) delicious prasada, I found myself naturally desiring to become more and more part of the family. My appreciation of devotees may be shallow and superficial, but I hope one day to genuinely appreciate the depths of your mercy, continuing the line of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Your outreach efforts through centres like Bhakti Lounge and The Loft are brilliant; what better way to reach out and offer the incredible bounty of Krishna conscious activities to city dwellers? These communities are so attractive that unsuspecting guests are naturally drawn to Krishna’s service, and have so much opportunity to associate with your wonderful disciples.
I hope to one day become qualified to serve you and your sincere disciples, whose humility and genuine spirit of seva never cease to amaze. I pray to be relieved of my seemingly unending miserliness and illusion, and to delve deeper and deeper into the ocean of selfless giving.
I also wish to thank you for your efforts in writing “Searching for Vedic India”. I can see how this book empowered me to venture away from the confines of the “Yoga of Objectivity” and to see that the materialistic, reductionist science of the modern West, the culture of so-called knowledge I was born and raised in, is certainly not the all in all. The book is impeccably researched and marked a significant turning point in my Krishna Consciousness where I began to approach Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental books with more respect.
I am not rich in knowledge or realisation, rather I am callow and comically overconfident, but I pray with what little sincerity I possess to serve you and Srila Prabhupada’s divine mission more and more in the years to come.
Your aspiring servant,
Sam
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day festivities, I am inspired to reflect on how we, as eternal spirit souls, part and parcel of the supreme soul, are lost in this dark material world like fish out of water. We are starved, not of air but of lasting connection, purpose and meaningful relationship; settling for the meager and insubstantial pleasures of this shadow reality, stubbornly ignoring the unceasing compassionate entreaties of Lord Sri Krishna and his representatives.
Struggling to fit into a Kali Yuga society, I have certainly experienced a share of disconnection and loneliness. Yet in stumbling into the association of devotees, I feel satisfied and wholesome, no longer a fish out of water. I pray never to take this for granted. Drawn by kind-hearted souls, captivating philosophy, bass-playing opportunities and (of course) delicious prasada, I found myself naturally desiring to become more and more part of the family. My appreciation of devotees may be shallow and superficial, but I hope one day to genuinely appreciate the depths of your mercy, continuing the line of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Your outreach efforts through centres like Bhakti Lounge and The Loft are brilliant; what better way to reach out and offer the incredible bounty of Krishna conscious activities to city dwellers? These communities are so attractive that unsuspecting guests are naturally drawn to Krishna’s service, and have so much opportunity to associate with your wonderful disciples.
I hope to one day become qualified to serve you and your sincere disciples, whose humility and genuine spirit of seva never cease to amaze. I pray to be relieved of my seemingly unending miserliness and illusion, and to delve deeper and deeper into the ocean of selfless giving.
I also wish to thank you for your efforts in writing “Searching for Vedic India”. I can see how this book empowered me to venture away from the confines of the “Yoga of Objectivity” and to see that the materialistic, reductionist science of the modern West, the culture of so-called knowledge I was born and raised in, is certainly not the all in all. The book is impeccably researched and marked a significant turning point in my Krishna Consciousness where I began to approach Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental books with more respect.
I am not rich in knowledge or realisation, rather I am callow and comically overconfident, but I pray with what little sincerity I possess to serve you and Srila Prabhupada’s divine mission more and more in the years to come.
Your aspiring servant,
Sam
Sammohini devi dasi
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
At your recent visit to Melbourne I was really eager to listen your class.
I didn’t want to miss the kirtan too but I decided to stay at home because my newborn son was deep asleep.
I was determined to listen the class and I did it.
For most of the lecture I was listening using the earphones but once my son woke up I started listening using the speaker phones and this way and while massaging him we both got the benefit of listening to your lecture.
In the class you mentioned how in every asrama we need to deal with inconveniences and a devotee in any asrama needs to make time to enliven our consciousness by listening and hearing about Krishna and this way we increase the quality of our lives. After these powerful words I felt this was an instruction and I felt, I needed to listen more. Gurudev, I got inspired after listening to the Bhagavatam class you gave, thank you.
Since that class I realised if one has the will then we can make time to listen Srimad Bhagavatam class every morning. Before I thought I am busy with my baby and I don’t have time to listen.
You are such an inspiration in my life, how determined you are to distribute knowledge and preach to others. Now because of circumstances I can’t serve you directly but your words are coming to me as an instruction and make me feel connected to you.
I will try my best to apply what I am listening.
Your faith on Srila Prabhupada’s book as a solution to our material problems is now entrenched in my heart.
Thank you Gurudeva for being a spiritual father and guide for me
I hope I will get the opportunity to serve you many times more directly and in the Vani form.
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
At your recent visit to Melbourne I was really eager to listen your class.
I didn’t want to miss the kirtan too but I decided to stay at home because my newborn son was deep asleep.
I was determined to listen the class and I did it.
For most of the lecture I was listening using the earphones but once my son woke up I started listening using the speaker phones and this way and while massaging him we both got the benefit of listening to your lecture.
In the class you mentioned how in every asrama we need to deal with inconveniences and a devotee in any asrama needs to make time to enliven our consciousness by listening and hearing about Krishna and this way we increase the quality of our lives. After these powerful words I felt this was an instruction and I felt, I needed to listen more. Gurudev, I got inspired after listening to the Bhagavatam class you gave, thank you.
Since that class I realised if one has the will then we can make time to listen Srimad Bhagavatam class every morning. Before I thought I am busy with my baby and I don’t have time to listen.
You are such an inspiration in my life, how determined you are to distribute knowledge and preach to others. Now because of circumstances I can’t serve you directly but your words are coming to me as an instruction and make me feel connected to you.
I will try my best to apply what I am listening.
Your faith on Srila Prabhupada’s book as a solution to our material problems is now entrenched in my heart.
Thank you Gurudeva for being a spiritual father and guide for me
I hope I will get the opportunity to serve you many times more directly and in the Vani form.
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Sandrananda
Gurudeva
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance day.
We are feeling enlivened today remembering some of the wise words you speak.
Water seaps it's own level
Remembering this eloquent and frank observation you have shared with us brings me a deeper awareness of the world we are in.
Keep chanting even if the mountains crumble down to the sea all around you.
Gurudeva this is truly the essence of our relationship and this panacea we gratefully take.
Thanks for giving us our spiritual family here in New Zealand. May we all celebrate with glee together today.
From your servants
Sandrananda, Amrita Keli and Tulsi priya.
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance day.
We are feeling enlivened today remembering some of the wise words you speak.
Water seaps it's own level
Remembering this eloquent and frank observation you have shared with us brings me a deeper awareness of the world we are in.
Keep chanting even if the mountains crumble down to the sea all around you.
Gurudeva this is truly the essence of our relationship and this panacea we gratefully take.
Thanks for giving us our spiritual family here in New Zealand. May we all celebrate with glee together today.
From your servants
Sandrananda, Amrita Keli and Tulsi priya.
Sathish
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
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your Lotus feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to Your Fearless Lotus Feet
All Glories to Your Vyasa Puja
Gurudeva once HG Burijana Prabhu asked me and some other devotees, who brought us to Krishna Consciousness. Out of ignorance I told Him that I came by myself. A senior devotee who was present in that conversation chastised me to review my answer. Later I realized, that was Your mercy through your sincere servant, I came to Krishna consciousness. He picked me up on a street during boat cruise flyer distribution. lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya. That few seconds of association with your pure devotee changed my life. Just like waves in ocean throws the drowning man to the shore, I was thrown out of the animal like life in few months to the association of devotees in Bhakta Bhavan.
Gurudeva, every morning in temple we recite
“Bahu janma kariadi sravanam kirtanam.
Tabu tana paya krsna pade preme dana”
Whenever I here this sloka I feel so shame and unfortunate because even though I got the chance to achieve the greatest treasure which is chanting the Maha mantra in many life times because of my offences I did not get the love of God head which is the ultimate goal of chanting. Again in this lifetime, out of causeless mercy of devotees I got the chance to chant Maha mantra, but still my false ego and flickering mind forcing me to the darkest region ignorance to commit offences again. Gurudeva, you are the only shelter to me so, please purify my consciousness through your nectarine words, make me a sincere servant of your servants and all Vaishnavas.
Gurudeva, in one of Your lectures, You mentioned that for many life times we gave ourselves to maya and You requested us, at least this one life time give completely to Krishna. Gurudeva, this is possible only by Your mercy
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi
By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Krishna consciousness.
Gurudeva on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day, I beg for Your Mercy to server You sincerely, under the shelter and guidance of devotees. Please bless me to be in the association of the devotees’ preaching the Glories of Sankirtana yagna forever. And qualify me to render sincere service to the mission of Srila Prabhupada and serve the Lotus feet of Sri Sri RadhaVallaba, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Jagannatha , Balarama and Subadra.
Your aspiring obedient servant
Sathish
krsna – presthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita -
swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your Lotus feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to Your Fearless Lotus Feet
All Glories to Your Vyasa Puja
Gurudeva once HG Burijana Prabhu asked me and some other devotees, who brought us to Krishna Consciousness. Out of ignorance I told Him that I came by myself. A senior devotee who was present in that conversation chastised me to review my answer. Later I realized, that was Your mercy through your sincere servant, I came to Krishna consciousness. He picked me up on a street during boat cruise flyer distribution. lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya. That few seconds of association with your pure devotee changed my life. Just like waves in ocean throws the drowning man to the shore, I was thrown out of the animal like life in few months to the association of devotees in Bhakta Bhavan.
Gurudeva, every morning in temple we recite
“Bahu janma kariadi sravanam kirtanam.
Tabu tana paya krsna pade preme dana”
Whenever I here this sloka I feel so shame and unfortunate because even though I got the chance to achieve the greatest treasure which is chanting the Maha mantra in many life times because of my offences I did not get the love of God head which is the ultimate goal of chanting. Again in this lifetime, out of causeless mercy of devotees I got the chance to chant Maha mantra, but still my false ego and flickering mind forcing me to the darkest region ignorance to commit offences again. Gurudeva, you are the only shelter to me so, please purify my consciousness through your nectarine words, make me a sincere servant of your servants and all Vaishnavas.
Gurudeva, in one of Your lectures, You mentioned that for many life times we gave ourselves to maya and You requested us, at least this one life time give completely to Krishna. Gurudeva, this is possible only by Your mercy
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi
By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Krishna consciousness.
Gurudeva on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day, I beg for Your Mercy to server You sincerely, under the shelter and guidance of devotees. Please bless me to be in the association of the devotees’ preaching the Glories of Sankirtana yagna forever. And qualify me to render sincere service to the mission of Srila Prabhupada and serve the Lotus feet of Sri Sri RadhaVallaba, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Jagannatha , Balarama and Subadra.
Your aspiring obedient servant
Sathish
Sattva-tanu das
Dear Gurumaharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and All glories to you selfless services to the lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Glorifying you and your ongoing services to Srila Prabhupada and his divine mission is like trying to understand the depth of the ocean - It is impossible!
From distributing books on the streets to producing Srila Prabhupada’s books, from preaching behind the iron curtain to chairing the GBC and managing the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust- name it and you have done it all flawlessly for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
When most of us try to find comfort in our own environment, you tireleslly strive to serve the mission of Mahaprabhu. From my short experience of serving at the BBT I discovered how you attentively manage the detailed activities of the BBT in the midst of your tireless travels to spread Krsna consciousness all over the world. But even more astonishing is how you, inspite of your hectic preaching and managerial lifestyle continue to show a great level of personal care for all your disciples and for all those who come to you for help. I am really fortunate that I have continiously received your affection and guidance in my life ever since I have met you. - Sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu - You are trully an ocean of mercy and a sincere wellwisher of all fallen souls. Inspite of all my short commings you are always giving me your mercy and engaging me in so many services.
On this auspicious day of your divine appearance I pray that I can take all those instructions that I have recieved from you to my heart, and I can make them my life and soul.
your servant
Sattva-tanu das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and All glories to you selfless services to the lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Glorifying you and your ongoing services to Srila Prabhupada and his divine mission is like trying to understand the depth of the ocean - It is impossible!
From distributing books on the streets to producing Srila Prabhupada’s books, from preaching behind the iron curtain to chairing the GBC and managing the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust- name it and you have done it all flawlessly for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
When most of us try to find comfort in our own environment, you tireleslly strive to serve the mission of Mahaprabhu. From my short experience of serving at the BBT I discovered how you attentively manage the detailed activities of the BBT in the midst of your tireless travels to spread Krsna consciousness all over the world. But even more astonishing is how you, inspite of your hectic preaching and managerial lifestyle continue to show a great level of personal care for all your disciples and for all those who come to you for help. I am really fortunate that I have continiously received your affection and guidance in my life ever since I have met you. - Sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu - You are trully an ocean of mercy and a sincere wellwisher of all fallen souls. Inspite of all my short commings you are always giving me your mercy and engaging me in so many services.
On this auspicious day of your divine appearance I pray that I can take all those instructions that I have recieved from you to my heart, and I can make them my life and soul.
your servant
Sattva-tanu das
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 at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your divine grace.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is our great opportunity to glorify you on your Vyasa Puja. As I stand before you today I want to express and offer you with utmost enthusiasm my ever-growing appreciation of your monumental achievement of effectively carrying forward the message of unalloyed devotion gifted by Lord Caitanya. Guru Maharaj you have empowered us and taught us the process of bhakti yoga. Your books guide us to the light of knowledge. By reading your glorious books we can associate with you. You are interactive through your words.
In your book Hiding in Unnatural Happiness you have quoted Robin Williams – the megastar comedian who took his life in 2014 and said – “Isn’t it funny, how I can bring happiness to all these people, but not myself.”
Further, you have always guided us how to deal with material life and again these lines in your book awakes us from the material struggle – “While we daily strive to cope with material existence. Let us not become obsessed with changing from one prison to another.” We in fact enjoy a natural taste of nectar by reading your transcendental literature. Please bless us that this association never dies within our hearts or never be obscured or diminished. Guru Maharaj your vision is unique, broad and ever so increasing. Your guidance has proved invaluable to students and professionals seeking to balance their spiritual life and professional life.
Your transit visit in NOIDA and your presence is a blessing in disguise. Your association gives us spiritual joy and acts like a miraculous balm. I was awe struck when you were guiding the young vaishnavis and asking them in their difficulties in executing Krsna consciousness in their student life.
Guru Maharaj, I do not have any merit, please bless me so that I can have the taste to read more and study Bhagavatam regularly and increase my chanting the holy name. Kindly forgive me for my offenses committed knowingly or unknowingly in my trying to serve you and all vaishnavas. I always feel that you are personally taking care of me and my family. Thank you Guru Maharaj. I pray to Krsna for your good health.
Your 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 at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your divine grace.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is our great opportunity to glorify you on your Vyasa Puja. As I stand before you today I want to express and offer you with utmost enthusiasm my ever-growing appreciation of your monumental achievement of effectively carrying forward the message of unalloyed devotion gifted by Lord Caitanya. Guru Maharaj you have empowered us and taught us the process of bhakti yoga. Your books guide us to the light of knowledge. By reading your glorious books we can associate with you. You are interactive through your words.
In your book Hiding in Unnatural Happiness you have quoted Robin Williams – the megastar comedian who took his life in 2014 and said – “Isn’t it funny, how I can bring happiness to all these people, but not myself.”
Further, you have always guided us how to deal with material life and again these lines in your book awakes us from the material struggle – “While we daily strive to cope with material existence. Let us not become obsessed with changing from one prison to another.” We in fact enjoy a natural taste of nectar by reading your transcendental literature. Please bless us that this association never dies within our hearts or never be obscured or diminished. Guru Maharaj your vision is unique, broad and ever so increasing. Your guidance has proved invaluable to students and professionals seeking to balance their spiritual life and professional life.
Your transit visit in NOIDA and your presence is a blessing in disguise. Your association gives us spiritual joy and acts like a miraculous balm. I was awe struck when you were guiding the young vaishnavis and asking them in their difficulties in executing Krsna consciousness in their student life.
Guru Maharaj, I do not have any merit, please bless me so that I can have the taste to read more and study Bhagavatam regularly and increase my chanting the holy name. Kindly forgive me for my offenses committed knowingly or unknowingly in my trying to serve you and all vaishnavas. I always feel that you are personally taking care of me and my family. Thank you Guru Maharaj. I pray to Krsna for your good health.
Your servant,
Satya Sara Devi Dasi
Seva Vilasa Devi dasi
My dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance,
Aren't we the most fortunate souls to have been able to cross your way in this world? When we appear as most fallen here to enjoy and gratify ourselves.
By your unlimited mercy you have dedicated your life to serve Krishna and help us out.
Thank you for the sacrifices you make everyday to preach like you do.
It is so amazing to see the impact you have on people's lives.
You show us the truth. When we are with you, we see what it is to be Krishna conscious, and that it is possible.
Only you give me the strength to keep up and improve my devotionnal service.
Forever I will try to be your servant, as there will never be a time when I can repay the service you have done for me.
All glories to my fabulous spiritual master!
I hope you had a happy evening preaching at the Loft ;)
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Going with you and our beautiful family of devotees back to Godhead,
Your aspiring servant,
Seva Vilasa Devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance,
Aren't we the most fortunate souls to have been able to cross your way in this world? When we appear as most fallen here to enjoy and gratify ourselves.
By your unlimited mercy you have dedicated your life to serve Krishna and help us out.
Thank you for the sacrifices you make everyday to preach like you do.
It is so amazing to see the impact you have on people's lives.
You show us the truth. When we are with you, we see what it is to be Krishna conscious, and that it is possible.
Only you give me the strength to keep up and improve my devotionnal service.
Forever I will try to be your servant, as there will never be a time when I can repay the service you have done for me.
All glories to my fabulous spiritual master!
I hope you had a happy evening preaching at the Loft ;)
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Going with you and our beautiful family of devotees back to Godhead,
Your aspiring servant,
Seva Vilasa Devi dasi
Sevaka Vatsala das
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
I submit this small offering of reflection and glorification to you, because you have given me so much.
I'm indebted to you.
More than I realise.
In one of the first darshan's I had with you, you told me to focus on paying back my eternal debt to Lord Caitanya.
An essential component of doing that, is following your instructions and service to you, because you are undoubtedly His qualified representative.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.22 - purport, it is said:
"since the spiritual master gives birth to the disciple by awakening him to spiritual life, a bona fide disciple understands that his spiritual master is the very basis of his life."
Firstly, I'm still asleep, in a dream world; considering the capala-sukha to be substantial and nourishing. So I hardly qualify as a bonafide disciple. Therefore I struggle to understand how you are the very basis of my life. I'm asleep!!
But because you are an awakened and Krsna conscious mahatma, you have mercifully attracted me both directly and indirectly, to the practise of Krsna consciousness - by which, I shall one day wake up to.
Thank you so much.
By listening to your classes on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, I'm slowly seeing that my defect is how audacious I am to think I will see Krsna by dint of my own polluted mental wizardry. A raw exhibition of intellectual mastery (of which in reality is humorously non-existent), I shall understand and perceive the Absolute Truth. And if it doesn't work out (my mind consoles) within the next few years, I'll just become a really successful/cool yogi-enjoyer.
How childish I am Gurudeva, and you are the overseeing and guiding father, watching me speculate and fantasise 'til the cows come home.
"You're like a baby, fantasising what it's like to be a teenager..."
"Before you run, you need to learn to crawl."
You've humbled me Gurudeva, but I'm still not humble. Please keep humbling me!
I beg you to hold onto me. I know that I have an independent streak, seething through my desire to "achieve the other 50 percent of ISKCON!", "By hook or crook, I'll be the one to do it!"
But it's you who knows what's best for me, who knows how I'll stay afloat in Krsna's service.
And I see you, gently smiling at me like a father at his child's imaginations (and at times frowning and rebuking my convoluted fairy tales), you have this indefatigable ability to tolerate. It is you who I fall back on now, your words and instructions are not some kind of sentimental mantle piece, rather sobering and realistic methods for maturity.
I want to thank you for giving me encouragement and instructions on how to become Krsna conscious. I'm not sure how long I've known you for Gurudeva, but for the short time in this lifetime, you've been a stronghold for me in my spiritual endeavour. Daily, I remind myself of the vows I took during Nama-diksa, and fervently pray to you for your blessings that I can hold onto these for the rest of my life; that would be a fantastic achievement for a rascal like me.
I apologise once, twice, thrice, for not having a stronger urge to hear the message of Krsna and follow your instructions more vigorously. I can see in your own example, how if one is so sincere to serve Guru and Krsna, every moment will be utilised properly, and miracles thereby become frequent phenomena.
You are my captain; I your servant.
Seeking your shelter and guidance.
An insignificant nomad,
Sevaka Vatsala das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
I submit this small offering of reflection and glorification to you, because you have given me so much.
I'm indebted to you.
More than I realise.
In one of the first darshan's I had with you, you told me to focus on paying back my eternal debt to Lord Caitanya.
An essential component of doing that, is following your instructions and service to you, because you are undoubtedly His qualified representative.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.22 - purport, it is said:
"since the spiritual master gives birth to the disciple by awakening him to spiritual life, a bona fide disciple understands that his spiritual master is the very basis of his life."
Firstly, I'm still asleep, in a dream world; considering the capala-sukha to be substantial and nourishing. So I hardly qualify as a bonafide disciple. Therefore I struggle to understand how you are the very basis of my life. I'm asleep!!
But because you are an awakened and Krsna conscious mahatma, you have mercifully attracted me both directly and indirectly, to the practise of Krsna consciousness - by which, I shall one day wake up to.
Thank you so much.
By listening to your classes on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, I'm slowly seeing that my defect is how audacious I am to think I will see Krsna by dint of my own polluted mental wizardry. A raw exhibition of intellectual mastery (of which in reality is humorously non-existent), I shall understand and perceive the Absolute Truth. And if it doesn't work out (my mind consoles) within the next few years, I'll just become a really successful/cool yogi-enjoyer.
How childish I am Gurudeva, and you are the overseeing and guiding father, watching me speculate and fantasise 'til the cows come home.
"You're like a baby, fantasising what it's like to be a teenager..."
"Before you run, you need to learn to crawl."
You've humbled me Gurudeva, but I'm still not humble. Please keep humbling me!
I beg you to hold onto me. I know that I have an independent streak, seething through my desire to "achieve the other 50 percent of ISKCON!", "By hook or crook, I'll be the one to do it!"
But it's you who knows what's best for me, who knows how I'll stay afloat in Krsna's service.
And I see you, gently smiling at me like a father at his child's imaginations (and at times frowning and rebuking my convoluted fairy tales), you have this indefatigable ability to tolerate. It is you who I fall back on now, your words and instructions are not some kind of sentimental mantle piece, rather sobering and realistic methods for maturity.
I want to thank you for giving me encouragement and instructions on how to become Krsna conscious. I'm not sure how long I've known you for Gurudeva, but for the short time in this lifetime, you've been a stronghold for me in my spiritual endeavour. Daily, I remind myself of the vows I took during Nama-diksa, and fervently pray to you for your blessings that I can hold onto these for the rest of my life; that would be a fantastic achievement for a rascal like me.
I apologise once, twice, thrice, for not having a stronger urge to hear the message of Krsna and follow your instructions more vigorously. I can see in your own example, how if one is so sincere to serve Guru and Krsna, every moment will be utilised properly, and miracles thereby become frequent phenomena.
You are my captain; I your servant.
Seeking your shelter and guidance.
An insignificant nomad,
Sevaka Vatsala das
Sevamrita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
In my recent email exchange with a god-sister, she reminisced our ashram days together. She asked, 'Do you remember that sankirtana day on Lincoln Rd?' And with that, my mind was reliving the day:
After a couple of hours of distributing books, we sat down to have lunch at a bench nearby. The god-sister shared with me how she was having less physical energy to do the service of book distribution in comparison to several years back. Then we talked about how Lord Caitanya would understand such limitations & He would still empower us. We felt inspired to take more of His shelter and after the lunch break her afternoon distribution was transformed; her book box was being emptied by people taking books one after another. I was amazed watching the Lord’s mercy in action in front of my own eyes. It was as if He reciprocated straightaway to the devotee’s genuine crying, endeavors and prayers.
Whilst thinking of that day, I naturally felt inspired to taste the mercy again. I felt so grateful that you gave me the chance to experience the best in life, to always cherish and hanker for it.
Then I thought, ‘If one day, out of only a few years, is relishable, then how much experience of the Lord's personal blessings you must have in your bhakti-store'.
You are truly ‘alive’ in bhakti and you encourage us all to taste the same through your example and ongoing care.
your servant,
Sevamrita devi dadi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
In my recent email exchange with a god-sister, she reminisced our ashram days together. She asked, 'Do you remember that sankirtana day on Lincoln Rd?' And with that, my mind was reliving the day:
After a couple of hours of distributing books, we sat down to have lunch at a bench nearby. The god-sister shared with me how she was having less physical energy to do the service of book distribution in comparison to several years back. Then we talked about how Lord Caitanya would understand such limitations & He would still empower us. We felt inspired to take more of His shelter and after the lunch break her afternoon distribution was transformed; her book box was being emptied by people taking books one after another. I was amazed watching the Lord’s mercy in action in front of my own eyes. It was as if He reciprocated straightaway to the devotee’s genuine crying, endeavors and prayers.
Whilst thinking of that day, I naturally felt inspired to taste the mercy again. I felt so grateful that you gave me the chance to experience the best in life, to always cherish and hanker for it.
Then I thought, ‘If one day, out of only a few years, is relishable, then how much experience of the Lord's personal blessings you must have in your bhakti-store'.
You are truly ‘alive’ in bhakti and you encourage us all to taste the same through your example and ongoing care.
your servant,
Sevamrita devi dadi
Shastra Krit das
Dear most Gurudeva! Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In one of your vyasa puja celebrations in NZ being so concious of your audience( some guests were present),as always, you started explaining why are we celebrating and worshiping the Spiritual master's appearnce day . You said " You may wonder, what is this fuss all about?"You explained to us that the Guru is one who simply repeats the words of krishna. You added ,one may think to repeat the words of krishna is not that difficult, but to consistently repeat krishna's words in all circumstances is not easy.
Gurudeva you are so consistent decade after decade in every service you do. Senior devotees in LA told me that when you were living in New Dwaraka and serving in the BBT you were always few minutes early for all the programs, and you never missed any programs. As explained in our scriptures 'it's one thing to create something and destroy something, but to maintain something is the most difficult.'
You consistently take care and maintain everyone and everything that krishna sends your way. Devotees, properties, vehicles , health, relationships etc to name a few. You train and take care of devotees so nicely, and most devotees stay in krishnaconsciousness after coming to you. There are also hardly divorces amongst your disciples in your zones. You once said in a retreat lecture " we had nothing but all of a sudden we have something (referring to New Gupta Vraj ) you had firm faith and conviction if you took care of the devotees krishna will send everything.
Your standard and quality of chanting your rounds every single day is so exemplary, even while you tirelessly travel the world for krishna's pleasure you don't compromise your japa. One morning I was trying to chant my rounds in the LA temple and devotees kept interrupting my chanting (service related). You were in the temple room chanting as well, and I became nervous thinking if you saw me being inattentive in my chanting. Sure enough as I walked with you back to your quarters you said, " It's not enough just to be a nice guy. You have to be diligent in your chanting, otherwise you won't make it in the brahmacari ashram. " The intensity of your words my heart went down to my stomach. For years I tried to remember your words before japa.
On another occasion during japa I was super tired and was mumbling my rounds. One bcari friend approached me and said, "Man what kind of japa is that ? You are nothing like what your Guru emphasizes in his lectures, common man represent" I was amazed how everyone that has had your association knows how you chant, and how you emphasize chanting in your lectures and dharshan's.
You give so much importance to chanting. I recall asking you how to be successful in book distribution. You told me to chant all my rounds beggining to end with out interruption. Even to this day, when I follow your instruction and chant all rounds without interruption ( many times you also mentioned atleast start avoiding gross interruptions and to work on subtle interruptions ) I meet really sweet people on books and all my spiritual desries become fullfilled. You also told in lectures that if we chant nicely krishna will hear nicely.
I had no idea that I'm chanting for krishna's pleasure until I met you. You explained once that krishna sometimes won't give us the taste while chanting just to see if we will still do it anyways for His pleasure. As you pointed out many times , all services begin with the good Japa and all problems can be traced back to offensive chanting .
What to speak of your Kirtans. I remember in a year end retreat many years ago you lead a four hour kirtan, and you danced ecstatcally the whole time. Your young disciples couldn't keep up with your dancing. Prem yogi became exhausted and sat down. After the kirtan, as you were leaving the room, you looked at prem yogi and said jokingly, " what's the use of your yoga asanas?" :) You told us the next day in class how we were all seeing krishna through our ears.
Recently Govinda swami and Madhava prabhu and others were sharing clips of your kirtan from the Ukraine festival. It was so amazing to witness your taste for the holy names, enthusiasm, and love of Krishna while leading devotees into harinam. I got a glimpse of prema sankirtan of Gaura Lila.
Along with your expertise in performing kirtan you are also training us how to lead kirtan. Recently, in some of the out reach events you were speakin at, I was leading Kirtans before you came. One following morning, as I was serving you lunch, you asked, "don't you know any other tunes? Save these tunes for kirtan melas, for these kinds of events the kirtans should be peppy."
I tried to defend my self by saying, " gurudev I don't get enough time to go into the next part which is more peppy." You quickly responded, "I wonder if its a good or bad thing. " :)
When Srila Prabhupada was asked what's a sign of some one advancing in bhakti. Prabhupad said, "your eagerness to hear and chant is the sign you are advancing" In your recent Bhagavatm lecture in Melbounre you were pointing out how hearing means to follow what we hear.
Your Bhagavatam classes are so deep, well prepared , full of valuable instructions , ever fresh with humor, and down to earth with modern day examples and facts. The most amazing thing is while you're speaking on the books you never say anything outside of our parampara. You are so loyal and chaste. One time in Chowpaty, after you gave a Caitanya Caritamrita presentation, one devotee asked you an esoteric question. You replied," I'm reading the same books you are reading. I don't bother myself with all this, I simply read Caitanya Caritamrita and have a good time."every one cheered. You are a genius while presenting the books. You are amazing not only in speaking Krishna katha but in writing as well. You are always so humble and never boast about your successes and projects, but krishna is making it so obvious to the world your glories.
Your books Bhakti Bhava, Perfect escape, Searching for Vedic India and Hiding in unnatural happiness are so amazing. These books are so well received and appreciated by both devotees and non devotees. i wish I could express myself more eloquently what I'm feeling. Especially the book 'Hiding in unnatural happiness' is an amazing presentation of Prabhupads teachings in a contemporary language addressing the major world issues with spiritual solutions. Book distributors love distributing it along with Prabhupadas books. People on the streets and university students appreicte the lay out of the book, the cover, the chapters, the language. Everything about that book is so appealing.
Even though you are so exalted you are also so approachable that even neophytes can relate to you. You are always jolly, we never see you agitated or distubred or rushed. You are always so transcendental and on time. Sometimes I bring you guests and they are saying something to you what they take to be so serious, but you just laugh out of compassion knowing it's not so important and krishna consciousness is the most important thing while other things will pass.i remember in one of our first meetings you asked me " so Sathya did you hit the rock bottom?" i said yes Maharaj and you laughed and laughed.
You take care of your health so nicely for Krishna's service by eating properly which is so neglected in our society. You would always get on my case to take care of my health and exercise daily. As soon as you come off the plane (one time your flight was early and I was there early as well. You asked me how I knew to come early. So I replied, 'I checked the flight status gurudev', you waved your hands at me ( like saying get lost) and said, 'I taught you how to check flight status) you would always ask me what kind of exercise I'm doing , how long I exercise everyday etc. One time you complemented me saying I'm looking healthy. So I got carried away and I replied I'm exercising daily Gurudeva. Immediately you put me in my place by asking " how many years I was on your case about exercising ? I said, '10 years Gurudev', you said, 'you were so hard wired ah?'
You are so revolutionary even among your God brothers. The way you take care of your health, the way you out reach, the way you dress, the way you do kirtans , the way you give class, and the way you empower us and train your disciples to be independently thoughtful. You are an expert manager. You often quote Prabhupada saying people come in with no interest to serve and they go out the door wanting to serve krishna , that's an expert manager. You practically train us how to cooperate with each other and put aside all differences for a higher cause and be enthusiatic and productive for krishnas pleasure. You don't like that we find fault with other devotees, and you help us to see our own faults and be humble and keep on serving.
You are so encouraging , so merciful and so loving but at the same time very strict. You have given so many of us shelter. It's the most important feeling and most amazing experience to have in ones life. Without your shelter, life has no value and we are back in the whirlpool of material existence. Unfortunately, many of us don't realize the full value of the shelter you are providing us by engaging us in devotional service, creating pure clean environment, devotee assoiciation, prasad, kirtan, japa, and sila worship to name a few.
Once you told me how you are always thinking of my welfare. I keep thinking how this is your causeless mercy on me. Like our acaryas explain, how the tortoise lays eggs in the land and from the ocean the tortoise meditates on the eggs and the egg hatches. Mammals nourish their off springs by physical touch and fish nourishes its off spring by affectionate glance. Similarly by your thinking of us, by us touching your feet or touched by you, or by your affectionate glances our spiritaul lives are nourished. If it wasn't for you krishna wouldn't want anything to do with me. You are our counselor that's rekindling our relationship with Krishna that died many kalpas ago.
You never let us become familiar with you for our own beneift . As Bhavatam says one should not get too close to guru and deity. Once we get too close we can make offenses and fall down very fast. Bhagavatam also says one should never think Guru as an ordinary person. But you are so extraodinary and its so obvious from your character, compassion and divine love for krishna that even a begginer can easily recognize you are very special.
You also keep us humble pointing out our faults and defects in a expert way without discouraging us. I had a realization recently that its easy to say to a God brothers & sisters that if gurudev chastises you its pure mercy, it means you are so dear to him. But when i get chastised its so difficult to swallow. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go in my spiritual life .
One time as a new devotee I asked how to become free from pride and you asked me back a question saying," what do you have to be proud about ?" I was in shock, and I never thought about it that way. I couldn't answer you so I put my head down. Another time as a new bhakta I asked you how to become free from fault finding. You responded, " fault finding ? you are a little fault finder ah ? go on sankirtan that will take care it. " You also told us in classes that the Goswamis had something to renounce , what do we have to renounce? You encouraged us to look up to karma yoga in initaial stages not look down.
One time I was driving you to a home program and you said, 'oh shastra krit I didn't know you drive so nicely.' I was so happy to hear that and the compliment was getting to my head. At the end of the drive, I pulled over our car so close to another car that was parked on the side of the road that I scratched the side view mirror of that car with ours. You immediately asked me if I was blind and if I needed an eye examination. Immediately I felt like a punctured ballon very humbled :)
Each year I read and try to understand your vyasa puja offerings to Prabhuada. I will never be able to understand your offerings filled with spiritual emotions , gratitude, affection and sacrifices to Srila prabhupad. I only beg krishna to give me drop a of love you have for Srila Prabhupada.
Your compassion is so great . You have brought so many leaders of our society from your book distribution efforts , you even distributed books under the iron curtain.
Brgupati Prabhu recalls how after all day distributing books from a book table he was rushing to pack and leave back to temple, but when he saw you, to his surprise, you were so carefully taking each book and stacking them slowly. Brgupati prabhu asked you " Devamrita! what are you doing ?" and you responded " I'm thinking of krishna. "
You are reaching out to so many conditioned souls through your disciples. Your latest out reach efforts in Philly is a wonderful offering to Srila Prabhupad. I'm so amazed how the preaching fields you choose are perfect and ripe . Just a small crew of your dedicated disciples headed by Mangala Arati mataji are distributing 1000's of plates of prasadam, books & cultivating so many qualified young women and men. I feel so fortunate to be part of this pioneering work in this holy place where my spiritual master spent some of his youth. Whenever my mother would cook for you and while I served you the prasad, you always asked me if I am learning to cook from my mother. Now in Philly ashram I'm using whatever little I learnt by watching her cook .
Once I asked you about how to beg forgiveness to a devotee that i offended. You said, 'Krishnas service must go on.' Another devotee asked about fixing a damged relationship with another devotee, and you simply replied you are just a humble servant of the servant of the servant of your spiritual master. You are forgiving and tolerant and so deep and concise it may take me atleast this life time to understand your instructions and follow them. As one of your God brothers told me once, 'Devamrita means (Krishna's) busniness. I have never seen him speak or do nonsense.'
You are super respectful to your senior God brothers and sisters. You have such amazing friendly loving delaings with your equals, you are merciful and strict with your juniors, and you avoid the envious and time wasters.
One senior lady disciple of Prabhupad told me how she stopped chanting 16 rounds and you humbly requested her to start chanting 16 rounds again as a favor to you. And you so humbly requested her that she could not refuse. She started chanting again.
You make time to visit your sanyasi God brothers and churn the nectar of Prabhupad memories, and you bring them prasad and ice breaker hoodies.
You make time for new comers to hear them out and guide them in their journey towards krishna. Time and again you walk the new comers through how to chant japa and how to read prabhupads books.
You also take the role of a spiritual master when you see some potential in the new devotees. I remeber one time my mother said to you, " maharaj you are like my younger brother and with a loud voice you told her, " you are like a baby for me in spiritual life."She was shaken and we both immediately understood your position as our spiritual master.
You posses so many godly qualities and you have imparted so many valuable lessons to us. So much can be said about you. I feel so unqualified and incompetent like a dwarf trying to catch the moon, but I decided to humbly write a few words of glorification for my purification on this most auspicious occasion .
I have made so many offenses, and on many occasions I did not represent you properly. I beg you to please forgive my offenses and please give me a drop of your purity, simplicity, straight forwardness, compassion and tatse for chanting the Holy names.
Im adding some photos of sankirtan from Philly for your pleasure .
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/12973495_696478580494678_5051381943065017653_o.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14237477_10154554038229173_3460168190461715746_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14291864_10154578109944173_8038738482297214206_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14316771_10154554038339173_1563397398921004162_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14322451_10154581359819173_3719452063818232770_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14390839_10154602017559173_5074705744663950801_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14492593_10154627852644173_3254390841581607981_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14536957_10154629995859173_1307925248_o.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14555683_10154627861949173_1422609291_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14555911_10154627861924173_819127139_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14569124_10154627861979173_1981865093_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14569616_10154629983494173_540396381_n.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14599705_10154629977669173_1467136348_o.jpg" width="540px" />
yhs
Shastra Krit das
Philadelphia
In one of your vyasa puja celebrations in NZ being so concious of your audience( some guests were present),as always, you started explaining why are we celebrating and worshiping the Spiritual master's appearnce day . You said " You may wonder, what is this fuss all about?"You explained to us that the Guru is one who simply repeats the words of krishna. You added ,one may think to repeat the words of krishna is not that difficult, but to consistently repeat krishna's words in all circumstances is not easy.
Gurudeva you are so consistent decade after decade in every service you do. Senior devotees in LA told me that when you were living in New Dwaraka and serving in the BBT you were always few minutes early for all the programs, and you never missed any programs. As explained in our scriptures 'it's one thing to create something and destroy something, but to maintain something is the most difficult.'
You consistently take care and maintain everyone and everything that krishna sends your way. Devotees, properties, vehicles , health, relationships etc to name a few. You train and take care of devotees so nicely, and most devotees stay in krishnaconsciousness after coming to you. There are also hardly divorces amongst your disciples in your zones. You once said in a retreat lecture " we had nothing but all of a sudden we have something (referring to New Gupta Vraj ) you had firm faith and conviction if you took care of the devotees krishna will send everything.
Your standard and quality of chanting your rounds every single day is so exemplary, even while you tirelessly travel the world for krishna's pleasure you don't compromise your japa. One morning I was trying to chant my rounds in the LA temple and devotees kept interrupting my chanting (service related). You were in the temple room chanting as well, and I became nervous thinking if you saw me being inattentive in my chanting. Sure enough as I walked with you back to your quarters you said, " It's not enough just to be a nice guy. You have to be diligent in your chanting, otherwise you won't make it in the brahmacari ashram. " The intensity of your words my heart went down to my stomach. For years I tried to remember your words before japa.
On another occasion during japa I was super tired and was mumbling my rounds. One bcari friend approached me and said, "Man what kind of japa is that ? You are nothing like what your Guru emphasizes in his lectures, common man represent" I was amazed how everyone that has had your association knows how you chant, and how you emphasize chanting in your lectures and dharshan's.
You give so much importance to chanting. I recall asking you how to be successful in book distribution. You told me to chant all my rounds beggining to end with out interruption. Even to this day, when I follow your instruction and chant all rounds without interruption ( many times you also mentioned atleast start avoiding gross interruptions and to work on subtle interruptions ) I meet really sweet people on books and all my spiritual desries become fullfilled. You also told in lectures that if we chant nicely krishna will hear nicely.
I had no idea that I'm chanting for krishna's pleasure until I met you. You explained once that krishna sometimes won't give us the taste while chanting just to see if we will still do it anyways for His pleasure. As you pointed out many times , all services begin with the good Japa and all problems can be traced back to offensive chanting .
What to speak of your Kirtans. I remember in a year end retreat many years ago you lead a four hour kirtan, and you danced ecstatcally the whole time. Your young disciples couldn't keep up with your dancing. Prem yogi became exhausted and sat down. After the kirtan, as you were leaving the room, you looked at prem yogi and said jokingly, " what's the use of your yoga asanas?" :) You told us the next day in class how we were all seeing krishna through our ears.
Recently Govinda swami and Madhava prabhu and others were sharing clips of your kirtan from the Ukraine festival. It was so amazing to witness your taste for the holy names, enthusiasm, and love of Krishna while leading devotees into harinam. I got a glimpse of prema sankirtan of Gaura Lila.
Along with your expertise in performing kirtan you are also training us how to lead kirtan. Recently, in some of the out reach events you were speakin at, I was leading Kirtans before you came. One following morning, as I was serving you lunch, you asked, "don't you know any other tunes? Save these tunes for kirtan melas, for these kinds of events the kirtans should be peppy."
I tried to defend my self by saying, " gurudev I don't get enough time to go into the next part which is more peppy." You quickly responded, "I wonder if its a good or bad thing. " :)
When Srila Prabhupada was asked what's a sign of some one advancing in bhakti. Prabhupad said, "your eagerness to hear and chant is the sign you are advancing" In your recent Bhagavatm lecture in Melbounre you were pointing out how hearing means to follow what we hear.
Your Bhagavatam classes are so deep, well prepared , full of valuable instructions , ever fresh with humor, and down to earth with modern day examples and facts. The most amazing thing is while you're speaking on the books you never say anything outside of our parampara. You are so loyal and chaste. One time in Chowpaty, after you gave a Caitanya Caritamrita presentation, one devotee asked you an esoteric question. You replied," I'm reading the same books you are reading. I don't bother myself with all this, I simply read Caitanya Caritamrita and have a good time."every one cheered. You are a genius while presenting the books. You are amazing not only in speaking Krishna katha but in writing as well. You are always so humble and never boast about your successes and projects, but krishna is making it so obvious to the world your glories.
Your books Bhakti Bhava, Perfect escape, Searching for Vedic India and Hiding in unnatural happiness are so amazing. These books are so well received and appreciated by both devotees and non devotees. i wish I could express myself more eloquently what I'm feeling. Especially the book 'Hiding in unnatural happiness' is an amazing presentation of Prabhupads teachings in a contemporary language addressing the major world issues with spiritual solutions. Book distributors love distributing it along with Prabhupadas books. People on the streets and university students appreicte the lay out of the book, the cover, the chapters, the language. Everything about that book is so appealing.
Even though you are so exalted you are also so approachable that even neophytes can relate to you. You are always jolly, we never see you agitated or distubred or rushed. You are always so transcendental and on time. Sometimes I bring you guests and they are saying something to you what they take to be so serious, but you just laugh out of compassion knowing it's not so important and krishna consciousness is the most important thing while other things will pass.i remember in one of our first meetings you asked me " so Sathya did you hit the rock bottom?" i said yes Maharaj and you laughed and laughed.
You take care of your health so nicely for Krishna's service by eating properly which is so neglected in our society. You would always get on my case to take care of my health and exercise daily. As soon as you come off the plane (one time your flight was early and I was there early as well. You asked me how I knew to come early. So I replied, 'I checked the flight status gurudev', you waved your hands at me ( like saying get lost) and said, 'I taught you how to check flight status) you would always ask me what kind of exercise I'm doing , how long I exercise everyday etc. One time you complemented me saying I'm looking healthy. So I got carried away and I replied I'm exercising daily Gurudeva. Immediately you put me in my place by asking " how many years I was on your case about exercising ? I said, '10 years Gurudev', you said, 'you were so hard wired ah?'
You are so revolutionary even among your God brothers. The way you take care of your health, the way you out reach, the way you dress, the way you do kirtans , the way you give class, and the way you empower us and train your disciples to be independently thoughtful. You are an expert manager. You often quote Prabhupada saying people come in with no interest to serve and they go out the door wanting to serve krishna , that's an expert manager. You practically train us how to cooperate with each other and put aside all differences for a higher cause and be enthusiatic and productive for krishnas pleasure. You don't like that we find fault with other devotees, and you help us to see our own faults and be humble and keep on serving.
You are so encouraging , so merciful and so loving but at the same time very strict. You have given so many of us shelter. It's the most important feeling and most amazing experience to have in ones life. Without your shelter, life has no value and we are back in the whirlpool of material existence. Unfortunately, many of us don't realize the full value of the shelter you are providing us by engaging us in devotional service, creating pure clean environment, devotee assoiciation, prasad, kirtan, japa, and sila worship to name a few.
Once you told me how you are always thinking of my welfare. I keep thinking how this is your causeless mercy on me. Like our acaryas explain, how the tortoise lays eggs in the land and from the ocean the tortoise meditates on the eggs and the egg hatches. Mammals nourish their off springs by physical touch and fish nourishes its off spring by affectionate glance. Similarly by your thinking of us, by us touching your feet or touched by you, or by your affectionate glances our spiritaul lives are nourished. If it wasn't for you krishna wouldn't want anything to do with me. You are our counselor that's rekindling our relationship with Krishna that died many kalpas ago.
You never let us become familiar with you for our own beneift . As Bhavatam says one should not get too close to guru and deity. Once we get too close we can make offenses and fall down very fast. Bhagavatam also says one should never think Guru as an ordinary person. But you are so extraodinary and its so obvious from your character, compassion and divine love for krishna that even a begginer can easily recognize you are very special.
You also keep us humble pointing out our faults and defects in a expert way without discouraging us. I had a realization recently that its easy to say to a God brothers & sisters that if gurudev chastises you its pure mercy, it means you are so dear to him. But when i get chastised its so difficult to swallow. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go in my spiritual life .
One time as a new devotee I asked how to become free from pride and you asked me back a question saying," what do you have to be proud about ?" I was in shock, and I never thought about it that way. I couldn't answer you so I put my head down. Another time as a new bhakta I asked you how to become free from fault finding. You responded, " fault finding ? you are a little fault finder ah ? go on sankirtan that will take care it. " You also told us in classes that the Goswamis had something to renounce , what do we have to renounce? You encouraged us to look up to karma yoga in initaial stages not look down.
One time I was driving you to a home program and you said, 'oh shastra krit I didn't know you drive so nicely.' I was so happy to hear that and the compliment was getting to my head. At the end of the drive, I pulled over our car so close to another car that was parked on the side of the road that I scratched the side view mirror of that car with ours. You immediately asked me if I was blind and if I needed an eye examination. Immediately I felt like a punctured ballon very humbled :)
Each year I read and try to understand your vyasa puja offerings to Prabhuada. I will never be able to understand your offerings filled with spiritual emotions , gratitude, affection and sacrifices to Srila prabhupad. I only beg krishna to give me drop a of love you have for Srila Prabhupada.
Your compassion is so great . You have brought so many leaders of our society from your book distribution efforts , you even distributed books under the iron curtain.
Brgupati Prabhu recalls how after all day distributing books from a book table he was rushing to pack and leave back to temple, but when he saw you, to his surprise, you were so carefully taking each book and stacking them slowly. Brgupati prabhu asked you " Devamrita! what are you doing ?" and you responded " I'm thinking of krishna. "
You are reaching out to so many conditioned souls through your disciples. Your latest out reach efforts in Philly is a wonderful offering to Srila Prabhupad. I'm so amazed how the preaching fields you choose are perfect and ripe . Just a small crew of your dedicated disciples headed by Mangala Arati mataji are distributing 1000's of plates of prasadam, books & cultivating so many qualified young women and men. I feel so fortunate to be part of this pioneering work in this holy place where my spiritual master spent some of his youth. Whenever my mother would cook for you and while I served you the prasad, you always asked me if I am learning to cook from my mother. Now in Philly ashram I'm using whatever little I learnt by watching her cook .
Once I asked you about how to beg forgiveness to a devotee that i offended. You said, 'Krishnas service must go on.' Another devotee asked about fixing a damged relationship with another devotee, and you simply replied you are just a humble servant of the servant of the servant of your spiritual master. You are forgiving and tolerant and so deep and concise it may take me atleast this life time to understand your instructions and follow them. As one of your God brothers told me once, 'Devamrita means (Krishna's) busniness. I have never seen him speak or do nonsense.'
You are super respectful to your senior God brothers and sisters. You have such amazing friendly loving delaings with your equals, you are merciful and strict with your juniors, and you avoid the envious and time wasters.
One senior lady disciple of Prabhupad told me how she stopped chanting 16 rounds and you humbly requested her to start chanting 16 rounds again as a favor to you. And you so humbly requested her that she could not refuse. She started chanting again.
You make time to visit your sanyasi God brothers and churn the nectar of Prabhupad memories, and you bring them prasad and ice breaker hoodies.
You make time for new comers to hear them out and guide them in their journey towards krishna. Time and again you walk the new comers through how to chant japa and how to read prabhupads books.
You also take the role of a spiritual master when you see some potential in the new devotees. I remeber one time my mother said to you, " maharaj you are like my younger brother and with a loud voice you told her, " you are like a baby for me in spiritual life."She was shaken and we both immediately understood your position as our spiritual master.
You posses so many godly qualities and you have imparted so many valuable lessons to us. So much can be said about you. I feel so unqualified and incompetent like a dwarf trying to catch the moon, but I decided to humbly write a few words of glorification for my purification on this most auspicious occasion .
I have made so many offenses, and on many occasions I did not represent you properly. I beg you to please forgive my offenses and please give me a drop of your purity, simplicity, straight forwardness, compassion and tatse for chanting the Holy names.
Im adding some photos of sankirtan from Philly for your pleasure .
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/12973495_696478580494678_5051381943065017653_o.jpg" width="540px" />
<img src="http://www.devaswami.com/assets/sankirtan/14237477_10154554038229173_3460168190461715746_n.jpg" width="540px" />
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yhs
Shastra Krit das
Philadelphia
Simon (Auckland)
Dear guru maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It was about two years ago that I met your disciple Bhakti Sar in Melbourne who kindly offered me a Bhagavad Gita. A few months later the desire in my heart to find real peace and love in this world became so strong that I decided to quit my job, my girlfriend, (whom I was living with at the time) and postpone my return to France. I also became vegetarian and started loosing taste for parties, alcohol and women.
My plan was to go to India because I heard and seen pictures about it that testified the uniqueness of the place. I felt that if I go there something might happen. But I couldn't afford the ticket at that time, so I chose New Zealand, the closest country where I would be able to work and save money.
Few days after my arrival I met another son of yours – Amani Gaura Hari, who gave me a Loft flyer. I remember sitting down and closing my eyes to hear the kirtan and I had never heard such a beautiful sound. The presentation given by Bhadrasena blew my mind away. The people and atmosphere made me feel home – that was a renaissance for me.
All this was possible only by your determination to please Srila Prabhupada.
You have taken his instruction to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world as your heart and soul. That is why wherever you go people become attracted to Krishna.
You are always anxious to serve your spiritual master, and I’ve heard how you preached in Scandinavia and by Krishna' s grace, one year you managed to make a tiny country rise to the top score of book distribution in the world.
And even more outstanding is how you fearlessly risked your life in Eastern Europe to spread the movement behind the iron curtain.
Srila Prabhupada writes in his (BG purport 16-1-3):
" For a sannyāsī, the first qualification should be fearlessness. Because a sannyāsī has to be alone without any support or guarantee of support, he has simply to depend on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."
You are the personification of that quality which makes me feel safe under your guidance.
No one can stop you from propagating this movement all over the world, because you are situated in Krishna's daivi prakti.
You seem to be flying above the modes of nature, and this is the reason why you are expert in giving Krishna to others.
You can see the world as it is and feel the sufferings of the conditioned souls.
Your compassion toward the living entity forces you to always innovative in preaching Krishna consciousness – your creativity in outreach is unique.
Like Srila Prabhupada you always remain available to anyone who shows interest in Krishna. Despite your busy schedule in Krishna's service and heavy responsibilities, you always remain a well wisher to every living entity.
This illustrates your kindness – the world is starving in need of persons like you.
These are just samples of your glories, which I am unable to communicate due to my lack of education.
I want to thank you for your dedication to serve Srila Prabhupada, which has manifested in you all the qualities of a mahatma.
Thank you for your incessant flow of mercy that you bestow upon us.
Thank you for accepting me in the brahmacari ashram and giving me a chance that I don't deserve.
I am forever grateful for what you’ve given me. I feel un-capable to reciprocate this great boon; therefore I want to dedicate my life to your service.
Only by your mercy can we assist you in your mission.
You aspiring servant
Simon
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It was about two years ago that I met your disciple Bhakti Sar in Melbourne who kindly offered me a Bhagavad Gita. A few months later the desire in my heart to find real peace and love in this world became so strong that I decided to quit my job, my girlfriend, (whom I was living with at the time) and postpone my return to France. I also became vegetarian and started loosing taste for parties, alcohol and women.
My plan was to go to India because I heard and seen pictures about it that testified the uniqueness of the place. I felt that if I go there something might happen. But I couldn't afford the ticket at that time, so I chose New Zealand, the closest country where I would be able to work and save money.
Few days after my arrival I met another son of yours – Amani Gaura Hari, who gave me a Loft flyer. I remember sitting down and closing my eyes to hear the kirtan and I had never heard such a beautiful sound. The presentation given by Bhadrasena blew my mind away. The people and atmosphere made me feel home – that was a renaissance for me.
All this was possible only by your determination to please Srila Prabhupada.
You have taken his instruction to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world as your heart and soul. That is why wherever you go people become attracted to Krishna.
You are always anxious to serve your spiritual master, and I’ve heard how you preached in Scandinavia and by Krishna' s grace, one year you managed to make a tiny country rise to the top score of book distribution in the world.
And even more outstanding is how you fearlessly risked your life in Eastern Europe to spread the movement behind the iron curtain.
Srila Prabhupada writes in his (BG purport 16-1-3):
" For a sannyāsī, the first qualification should be fearlessness. Because a sannyāsī has to be alone without any support or guarantee of support, he has simply to depend on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."
You are the personification of that quality which makes me feel safe under your guidance.
No one can stop you from propagating this movement all over the world, because you are situated in Krishna's daivi prakti.
You seem to be flying above the modes of nature, and this is the reason why you are expert in giving Krishna to others.
You can see the world as it is and feel the sufferings of the conditioned souls.
Your compassion toward the living entity forces you to always innovative in preaching Krishna consciousness – your creativity in outreach is unique.
Like Srila Prabhupada you always remain available to anyone who shows interest in Krishna. Despite your busy schedule in Krishna's service and heavy responsibilities, you always remain a well wisher to every living entity.
This illustrates your kindness – the world is starving in need of persons like you.
These are just samples of your glories, which I am unable to communicate due to my lack of education.
I want to thank you for your dedication to serve Srila Prabhupada, which has manifested in you all the qualities of a mahatma.
Thank you for your incessant flow of mercy that you bestow upon us.
Thank you for accepting me in the brahmacari ashram and giving me a chance that I don't deserve.
I am forever grateful for what you’ve given me. I feel un-capable to reciprocate this great boon; therefore I want to dedicate my life to your service.
Only by your mercy can we assist you in your mission.
You aspiring servant
Simon
Smaranananda devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Gurudeva
Happy Vyasa puja day to you.
You are an incredible human being. The qualities that Sri Krishna has blessed you with have not ceased to amaze me.
Your love and devotion. Your service and your dedication to it. Your faith in Krishna consciousness and your full conviction of it. It inspires me and gives me strength.
You are fearless, steadfast, bold and grave.
And the obvious; you are kind, caring, honest, gentle, humble and so compassionate.
No matter what happens in the timeline of life. The ups and downs, highs and lows, strengths and weaknesses, failures and successes. The one thing that remains, is that you have really touched my heart deeply and I could never take that away.
I want to sincerely thank you for all you have done not only for me personally and my family but for all you are doing for Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON, and Krishna consciousness in general here today. You are reaching out to so many of us and we are indebted to you for that mercy.
Thank you Gurudeva. I hope that I can make you happy one day by following your instructions and doing something to make you proud.
Your servant
Smaranananda devi dasi
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Gurudeva
Happy Vyasa puja day to you.
You are an incredible human being. The qualities that Sri Krishna has blessed you with have not ceased to amaze me.
Your love and devotion. Your service and your dedication to it. Your faith in Krishna consciousness and your full conviction of it. It inspires me and gives me strength.
You are fearless, steadfast, bold and grave.
And the obvious; you are kind, caring, honest, gentle, humble and so compassionate.
No matter what happens in the timeline of life. The ups and downs, highs and lows, strengths and weaknesses, failures and successes. The one thing that remains, is that you have really touched my heart deeply and I could never take that away.
I want to sincerely thank you for all you have done not only for me personally and my family but for all you are doing for Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON, and Krishna consciousness in general here today. You are reaching out to so many of us and we are indebted to you for that mercy.
Thank you Gurudeva. I hope that I can make you happy one day by following your instructions and doing something to make you proud.
Your servant
Smaranananda devi dasi
Sri Goloka das
nama om visnu padaya krsna prasthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances on this very auspicious occasion of your appearance day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your Divine Grace!!!
I feel fortunate to have so much of your association in Sydney, I remember all the retreats we have had and those special opportunities I had to have your association through classes, walks and personal seva. As I reminisce those moments, I keep thinking I could have done more, held onto your lotus feet tighter. I am not sure when I would get the next opportunity to serve you again in that way.
By your mercy, I got to drive you from Gita Nagari to Philadelphia, I am still relatively new to the USA and didn’t know the roads well so I was very nervous and I knew you had to get to Philadelphia at a set time, still you allowed me to drive you there. It was nice to hear so many interesting facts from you, you know a lot of statistics and you shared a lot with us. I realized why you read up on current affairs, so that you can relate and attract those who see worldly affairs separate from the sastra, so that you can attract them back into Krsna bhakti.
Thank you for your visits to Denver, Colorado every year, we absolutely love having you here. We pray that you can visit more often. Srila Gurudeva, you are very merciful to me, though unqualified and clueless, you have so much compassion for me. I know I have made so many offences to your lotus feet but you tolerate so much and look at my spiritual welfare just like a well-wisher such as yourself would do. I have been pondering over what can I possibly say to someone who has shown me so much care and nurtured me towards spiritual advancement. The following verse really struck me and reminded me of you.
he guro jnana-da dina-bandho
svananda-datah karunaika-sindho
vrindavanasina hitavatara
prasida radha-pranaya-prachara
"O spiritual master, O giver of divine wisdom, O friend of the fallen, you are the giver of your own bliss and you are the only ocean of mercy. Although dwelling in Vrindavana, you have descended for the welfare of fallen souls like myself and you are preaching the divine love of Radha for Krishna. Please be kind upon me."
Every time I hear from you, you always are deep and grave in what you say, everything means something and it is so pure. You are always smiling and happy, uplifting everyone around you. Your merciful eyes are always looking upon us with kindness. When you talk whether during a lecture or personal, your Krsna Conscious bliss is contagious. We often come out of your classes more blissful than going in. You have never asked me for anything in return, not once. You just want to give. You are an ocean of mercy and there is no limit to your generosity. I really want to give you something special, but what can you give to someone who has given up everything for the Lord? What can a disciple offer to his spiritual master that can equal the spiritual master’s gift to the disciple? I wish that lifetime after lifetime, I remain your servant eternally.
Your unqualified servant,
Sri Goloka das
Sri Jiva Charan dasa
My dear spiritual master
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Who am I?
Where am I?
Why am I here?
What is my destination and where have I come from?
Like a stuck up squawking parrot I may be able to mimic the answers to these questions. But what do I really know? How deep is my realization? What is the depth of my vision? I have such little wisdom. Oh how much I need your mercy.
As the sun rises, the morning fog is dispersed. Similarly when the holy name floods from your heart I sometimes feel sheets of ignorance are ripped away, revealing the sorry position I am in. What can I do but beg and plead for help.
Please draw your sword of compassion from its sheath and cut me free from my bondage. I beg you. I consider this body so dear, almost like my deity. So much illusion I am in, bound by these ropes of nature. Be merciful and free me. I plead for your mercy. What else can I do? I am helpless.
ayi nanda-tanuja kiṅkaraṁ
patitaṁ māṁ viṣame bhavāmbudhau
kṛpayā tava pāda-paṅkaja-
sthita-dhūlī-sadṛśaṁ vicintaya
O son of Mahārāja Nanda [Kṛṣṇa], I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says I'm Krishna's eternal servant drowning in an ocean of death. Recently I've been thinking how everyday is a step closer to my own demise. The older and hopefully more mature I become, time definitely seems to move quicker. Routine regulated life really shows one how fast the days fly by, revealing the temporary nature of this world.
Of course I can only speculate how many days remain between now and this bodies inevitable termination. The average life of a male living in New Zealand is 81 years, that's 29565 days. I've already lived 24 years. So I might only have 57 left (20805days).
Perhaps I'll live longer perhaps not. Maybe I've only got 364 days left. Perhaps I have 100, 50 or like Maharaja Pariksit only seven days to go. What if I had only one day left, one more step before I plummet into the devouring jaws of death. According to statistics someone dies every 1.78 seconds, that's 107 deaths a minute, just off the mark of being auspicious! When you look at it like that, this world certainly is an ocean of death, with every possibility I could be next. Is this my last day?
This is the question. What if I had only one day left? What if today was my last day? What would I do? What would be the best use of my time? What would my consciousness be like? What would my interactions and exchanges be like with others? How would I read the sastras? What would my japa be like? How would I approach the holy name? What if I were to leave my body at the same time the japa period is scheduled to finish? What if I were to die on the last mantra of a round. Oh how much I would beg in that session, kicking out all apathy and inattention!
The Last Bhagavatam class. The Last kirtan. The Last time honouring prasadam. The last darshan of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari. The last day on books. What would be the quality of every thought, word and deed of that day?
How much more would I enthusiastically endeavor to appreciate, care for and serve others; opposed to dwelling on the their apparent defects. Certainly most quarrel would become trivial in the face of death. Oh how much more I will listen to others from a place of compassion and empathy then from a place of ego. How much more would I endeavor to control my mind and senses, fixing them on Krishna. Perhaps it would be an inspiration to do something about the hellish state of the world and its residents. Anyone can die at any moment.
Of course to most, this is less then often thought about.
Yamarāja once asked Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, "What is the most wonderful thing within this world?" Mahārāja Yudhisthira replied “Hundreds and thousands of living entities meet death at every moment, but a foolish living being nonetheless thinks himself deathless and does not prepare for death. This is the most wonderful thing in this world.”
To the materialist the notion that one could die at any moment may sound depressing. It may seem impractical, unmaintainable and outright pessimistic. I'm sure some would say: "hey lighten up! You’re to young to think like that, you have a whole life ahead of you, today's not your last, just think about all the great opportunities and things to look forward to".
Still, I can't ignore the fact that one day this will actually be the case. One day will be my last. A time will come when I have only one moment left. Better to prepare for death sooner then later. It is getting closer. It will happen. This body will die. Everything material I know will be ripped away from me.
Sometimes I ask people on book distribution: "what would you do if you had one day left to live?" Some say; 'I would go shopping', others say; 'I would travel' or 'spend time with family', 'get drunk and eat Mexican food', 'have as much sex a possible' and 'Go bungee jumping or sky diving', that ones a classic.
Not long ago I would have said something similar. Then it hits me, I'm struck with how compassionate you have been to me Gurudeva. How you have humorously lured me away from the traps of my own animalistic aspirations.
How you have taught and inspired me to have such high ambitions, such high goals. Urging me to introspect, to value my life, to strive for unconditional love and compassion – to strive for Krishna, for pure selfless service.
Thank you so much gurudeva. If it were not for you I would still be wasting my time chasing illusions. My arms aching and left empty handed trying to grasp my smoky fallacious desires. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for bringing me back into Srila Prabhupada's loving embrace. Your own life and being is an example of how to be one pointed in determination, making the instructions of your spiritual master your life and soul. Srila Prabhupada's pleasure is one with your heart.
This is it! The acharyas and sastras emphatically exclaim this is the best use of ones time and the key to ultimate success. Thinking of what will satisfy ones spiritual master! Surely this should be the essence of ones consciousness when starring into the eyes of death. Your life is glorious Gurudeva! Thank you for your example. Thank you for showing me the way, a preeminent path in which I would only be a fool not to follow. Thank you for showing me how to make the best use of my human form of life; the best use of every day, of every moment, of every step – towards death and beyond.
Your servant Sri Jiva Charan dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Who am I?
Where am I?
Why am I here?
What is my destination and where have I come from?
Like a stuck up squawking parrot I may be able to mimic the answers to these questions. But what do I really know? How deep is my realization? What is the depth of my vision? I have such little wisdom. Oh how much I need your mercy.
As the sun rises, the morning fog is dispersed. Similarly when the holy name floods from your heart I sometimes feel sheets of ignorance are ripped away, revealing the sorry position I am in. What can I do but beg and plead for help.
Please draw your sword of compassion from its sheath and cut me free from my bondage. I beg you. I consider this body so dear, almost like my deity. So much illusion I am in, bound by these ropes of nature. Be merciful and free me. I plead for your mercy. What else can I do? I am helpless.
ayi nanda-tanuja kiṅkaraṁ
patitaṁ māṁ viṣame bhavāmbudhau
kṛpayā tava pāda-paṅkaja-
sthita-dhūlī-sadṛśaṁ vicintaya
O son of Mahārāja Nanda [Kṛṣṇa], I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says I'm Krishna's eternal servant drowning in an ocean of death. Recently I've been thinking how everyday is a step closer to my own demise. The older and hopefully more mature I become, time definitely seems to move quicker. Routine regulated life really shows one how fast the days fly by, revealing the temporary nature of this world.
Of course I can only speculate how many days remain between now and this bodies inevitable termination. The average life of a male living in New Zealand is 81 years, that's 29565 days. I've already lived 24 years. So I might only have 57 left (20805days).
Perhaps I'll live longer perhaps not. Maybe I've only got 364 days left. Perhaps I have 100, 50 or like Maharaja Pariksit only seven days to go. What if I had only one day left, one more step before I plummet into the devouring jaws of death. According to statistics someone dies every 1.78 seconds, that's 107 deaths a minute, just off the mark of being auspicious! When you look at it like that, this world certainly is an ocean of death, with every possibility I could be next. Is this my last day?
This is the question. What if I had only one day left? What if today was my last day? What would I do? What would be the best use of my time? What would my consciousness be like? What would my interactions and exchanges be like with others? How would I read the sastras? What would my japa be like? How would I approach the holy name? What if I were to leave my body at the same time the japa period is scheduled to finish? What if I were to die on the last mantra of a round. Oh how much I would beg in that session, kicking out all apathy and inattention!
The Last Bhagavatam class. The Last kirtan. The Last time honouring prasadam. The last darshan of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari. The last day on books. What would be the quality of every thought, word and deed of that day?
How much more would I enthusiastically endeavor to appreciate, care for and serve others; opposed to dwelling on the their apparent defects. Certainly most quarrel would become trivial in the face of death. Oh how much more I will listen to others from a place of compassion and empathy then from a place of ego. How much more would I endeavor to control my mind and senses, fixing them on Krishna. Perhaps it would be an inspiration to do something about the hellish state of the world and its residents. Anyone can die at any moment.
Of course to most, this is less then often thought about.
Yamarāja once asked Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, "What is the most wonderful thing within this world?" Mahārāja Yudhisthira replied “Hundreds and thousands of living entities meet death at every moment, but a foolish living being nonetheless thinks himself deathless and does not prepare for death. This is the most wonderful thing in this world.”
To the materialist the notion that one could die at any moment may sound depressing. It may seem impractical, unmaintainable and outright pessimistic. I'm sure some would say: "hey lighten up! You’re to young to think like that, you have a whole life ahead of you, today's not your last, just think about all the great opportunities and things to look forward to".
Still, I can't ignore the fact that one day this will actually be the case. One day will be my last. A time will come when I have only one moment left. Better to prepare for death sooner then later. It is getting closer. It will happen. This body will die. Everything material I know will be ripped away from me.
Sometimes I ask people on book distribution: "what would you do if you had one day left to live?" Some say; 'I would go shopping', others say; 'I would travel' or 'spend time with family', 'get drunk and eat Mexican food', 'have as much sex a possible' and 'Go bungee jumping or sky diving', that ones a classic.
Not long ago I would have said something similar. Then it hits me, I'm struck with how compassionate you have been to me Gurudeva. How you have humorously lured me away from the traps of my own animalistic aspirations.
How you have taught and inspired me to have such high ambitions, such high goals. Urging me to introspect, to value my life, to strive for unconditional love and compassion – to strive for Krishna, for pure selfless service.
Thank you so much gurudeva. If it were not for you I would still be wasting my time chasing illusions. My arms aching and left empty handed trying to grasp my smoky fallacious desires. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for bringing me back into Srila Prabhupada's loving embrace. Your own life and being is an example of how to be one pointed in determination, making the instructions of your spiritual master your life and soul. Srila Prabhupada's pleasure is one with your heart.
This is it! The acharyas and sastras emphatically exclaim this is the best use of ones time and the key to ultimate success. Thinking of what will satisfy ones spiritual master! Surely this should be the essence of ones consciousness when starring into the eyes of death. Your life is glorious Gurudeva! Thank you for your example. Thank you for showing me the way, a preeminent path in which I would only be a fool not to follow. Thank you for showing me how to make the best use of my human form of life; the best use of every day, of every moment, of every step – towards death and beyond.
Your servant Sri Jiva Charan dasa
Sri Radhika dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. And all glories to your most illustrious self on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
The time has come again to find the words to describe your many qualities and I am found, yet again, at a loss for words. There are not enough words in the English language to describe your bountiful mercy, your transcendental bliss, your prema, your intelligence. Krishna is so kind to us fallen souls because He has given us you, Guru Maharaj to introduce us to His name, form and qualities and He has given you the most amazing tools to do so. You have such incredible knowledge of Krishna's pastimes such an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of Krishna's lila.
You are so compassionate that you give us a glimpse of your taste for the nectarian pastimes of the Lord in your captivating classes, especially at the end of year retreat. Every single member of the audience is caught spell bound, hanging on to every word, listening to your lovingly detailed retelling of Lord Brahma stealing the cowherd boys, Krishna entering Mathura with the cowherd boys, the gopis hearing Krishna's flute and countless other sweet pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. And then the amazing lectures on Lord Caitanya's pastimes. Essentially your very amazing classes give even the lowest person, such as myself, an intimate view of the Lord.
Honestly, growing up I was not such a fan of classes but I always stayed in yours because they were so captivating. You are so thoughtful and understanding of what level everyone is at. You tailor your instructions to each person with such expertise. You can so swiftly adjust to the level of Krishna consciousness present in the audience.
Thankyou Guru Maharaj for taking such good care of my family, leading them to Krishna, showing us the way for clearing away the doubts and confusion and for continuing to point out the real path. Helping us to avoid the will o the wisp, the lights which trick us into leaving the path to Krishna and getting caught up in the muck of material existence.
Thankyou Guru Maharaj for giving me such a large and happy family which is growing every day. When before we were in the tens, now we are in the hundreds. I hope that by working together to please Krishna and the devotees, we can somehow please you, or even one day, I dream that we could make you proud. Thankyou so much for everything Guru Maharaj.
Your aspiring servant,
Sri Radhika dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. And all glories to your most illustrious self on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
The time has come again to find the words to describe your many qualities and I am found, yet again, at a loss for words. There are not enough words in the English language to describe your bountiful mercy, your transcendental bliss, your prema, your intelligence. Krishna is so kind to us fallen souls because He has given us you, Guru Maharaj to introduce us to His name, form and qualities and He has given you the most amazing tools to do so. You have such incredible knowledge of Krishna's pastimes such an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of Krishna's lila.
You are so compassionate that you give us a glimpse of your taste for the nectarian pastimes of the Lord in your captivating classes, especially at the end of year retreat. Every single member of the audience is caught spell bound, hanging on to every word, listening to your lovingly detailed retelling of Lord Brahma stealing the cowherd boys, Krishna entering Mathura with the cowherd boys, the gopis hearing Krishna's flute and countless other sweet pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. And then the amazing lectures on Lord Caitanya's pastimes. Essentially your very amazing classes give even the lowest person, such as myself, an intimate view of the Lord.
Honestly, growing up I was not such a fan of classes but I always stayed in yours because they were so captivating. You are so thoughtful and understanding of what level everyone is at. You tailor your instructions to each person with such expertise. You can so swiftly adjust to the level of Krishna consciousness present in the audience.
Thankyou Guru Maharaj for taking such good care of my family, leading them to Krishna, showing us the way for clearing away the doubts and confusion and for continuing to point out the real path. Helping us to avoid the will o the wisp, the lights which trick us into leaving the path to Krishna and getting caught up in the muck of material existence.
Thankyou Guru Maharaj for giving me such a large and happy family which is growing every day. When before we were in the tens, now we are in the hundreds. I hope that by working together to please Krishna and the devotees, we can somehow please you, or even one day, I dream that we could make you proud. Thankyou so much for everything Guru Maharaj.
Your aspiring servant,
Sri Radhika dasi
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
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.
Dear Guru Maharaja, on this most blessed and auspicious day, and every day, I thank Krsna for my great fortune to have your guidance, shelter and loving care.
Despite my wonderland of distractions you still allow me to serve you in whatever small capacity I have.
Today I would like to offer my life and service to you again. My deepest desire is to serve you in every way I can and beyond, with this insignificant life and every life I take.
Please help me to sacrifice on a much deeper level.
Please bless my children and family that we may serve you together in any way you desire.
I pray for your good health and long life and to always stay under the shelter of your lotus feet.
Desiring to increase my service to you,
With gratitude and love,
Your daughter and servant Sri Yasoda 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 celebration.
Dear Guru Maharaja, on this most blessed and auspicious day, and every day, I thank Krsna for my great fortune to have your guidance, shelter and loving care.
Despite my wonderland of distractions you still allow me to serve you in whatever small capacity I have.
Today I would like to offer my life and service to you again. My deepest desire is to serve you in every way I can and beyond, with this insignificant life and every life I take.
Please help me to sacrifice on a much deeper level.
Please bless my children and family that we may serve you together in any way you desire.
I pray for your good health and long life and to always stay under the shelter of your lotus feet.
Desiring to increase my service to you,
With gratitude and love,
Your daughter and servant Sri Yasoda devi dasi
Sriman Nrsimha das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Several years ago, as a brand new bhakta, I once found myself accompanying you on a quiet afternoon stroll through the fields of a retreat centre. I followed close behind with a now, fellow Godbrother as you paced forward on a gravel dirt path chanting japa distinctly - I was thinking: “I’m so fortunate. I could do this forever, following the footsteps of Krsna’s pure devotee.” All of a sudden your foot appeared to slip on one of the stones and you seemed to momentarily loose balance; with my useless meditation suddenly broken, my Godbrother and I ran closer to you. Instantly and purposefully you steadied yourself, turned around and with a smile observed our reaction, our attentiveness. Were we switched on, were we reliable? More profoundly, could we be trusted in assisting you to fulfill your responsibilities to Srila Prabhupada?
Serving the spiritual master’s physical body is glorious, an opportunity that you explain you missed out on, but the service can expand to greater limits when the disciple works sincerely to execute the will of the spiritual master in both in his presence and perhaps more importantly in his absence - which you gloriously demonstrate. You are sacrificing your life’s energy in service to Srila Prabhupada’s books - studying, teaching and distributing them and inspiring others to do the same. Your desire is precisely in accordance with Srila Prabhupada’s desire. Srila Prabhupada said that the only way to really please him was to distribute his books, and being a true follower of Srila Prabhupada’s wishes one could say that this is the only way to please you also because it assists you in pleasing Srila Prabhupada the most. You told me that the motivation we should have in doing so was simply “to please the parampara”; there is no question of selfishness. On this note, please allow me to quote from an offering you made to Srila Prabhupada over a decade ago (2002), which I particularly found most inspiring and revealed to me the burning transcendental desire inside the inner core of your heart:
<i>“Prostrating my sinful body on the ground before you, pressing my nose at your holy feet, I beg for the fulfilment of my private dream. In Atlanta, 1975, you told devotees that distributing your books with the goal of going back to Godhead is self-gratificatory, but when a devotee aspires to take birth again for assisting you in sankirtana, that is pure love of Krsna.
<strong>Tripurari dasa</strong>: Sometimes the devotees ask if they can take birth again distributing books for you.
<strong>Srila Prabhupada</strong>: Very good. That is real devotion. A devotee does not want to go to Vaikuntha or any liberation. They are satisfied with the service. That is pure devotion. And distributing books for the benefit of going to Krsna, that is selfishness. But “I want to simply distribute the books without any remuneration, without any my personal . . . “that is pure devotee. Just like Prahlada Maharaja says that “I do not wish to go to Vaikuntha unless I take all of these rascals with me.” That is pure devotee.
Yes, sometimes I am an author, and the BBT publishes my books. I try to write in a way that if people happen to read my books they will then seek out yours - the real benediction - with appreciation and submission. But crying in the dust of your lotus feet, I shamelessly present to you my deepest personal desire:
I want to go where you go. Let me find you quickly in my next birth and pass out your books as a member of your nirmala sankirtana party.”</i>
How glorious is my spiritual master! Now, properly following in your footsteps, with the fortune of favourable Vaisnava guidance and association, I am also aspiring to similarly cultivate such a selfless and pure desire - I beg for your blessings in this regard.
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, and always! I pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva and Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath to continue to protect and enhance your eternal service to Srila Prabhupada!
Your insignificant servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Several years ago, as a brand new bhakta, I once found myself accompanying you on a quiet afternoon stroll through the fields of a retreat centre. I followed close behind with a now, fellow Godbrother as you paced forward on a gravel dirt path chanting japa distinctly - I was thinking: “I’m so fortunate. I could do this forever, following the footsteps of Krsna’s pure devotee.” All of a sudden your foot appeared to slip on one of the stones and you seemed to momentarily loose balance; with my useless meditation suddenly broken, my Godbrother and I ran closer to you. Instantly and purposefully you steadied yourself, turned around and with a smile observed our reaction, our attentiveness. Were we switched on, were we reliable? More profoundly, could we be trusted in assisting you to fulfill your responsibilities to Srila Prabhupada?
Serving the spiritual master’s physical body is glorious, an opportunity that you explain you missed out on, but the service can expand to greater limits when the disciple works sincerely to execute the will of the spiritual master in both in his presence and perhaps more importantly in his absence - which you gloriously demonstrate. You are sacrificing your life’s energy in service to Srila Prabhupada’s books - studying, teaching and distributing them and inspiring others to do the same. Your desire is precisely in accordance with Srila Prabhupada’s desire. Srila Prabhupada said that the only way to really please him was to distribute his books, and being a true follower of Srila Prabhupada’s wishes one could say that this is the only way to please you also because it assists you in pleasing Srila Prabhupada the most. You told me that the motivation we should have in doing so was simply “to please the parampara”; there is no question of selfishness. On this note, please allow me to quote from an offering you made to Srila Prabhupada over a decade ago (2002), which I particularly found most inspiring and revealed to me the burning transcendental desire inside the inner core of your heart:
<i>“Prostrating my sinful body on the ground before you, pressing my nose at your holy feet, I beg for the fulfilment of my private dream. In Atlanta, 1975, you told devotees that distributing your books with the goal of going back to Godhead is self-gratificatory, but when a devotee aspires to take birth again for assisting you in sankirtana, that is pure love of Krsna.
<strong>Tripurari dasa</strong>: Sometimes the devotees ask if they can take birth again distributing books for you.
<strong>Srila Prabhupada</strong>: Very good. That is real devotion. A devotee does not want to go to Vaikuntha or any liberation. They are satisfied with the service. That is pure devotion. And distributing books for the benefit of going to Krsna, that is selfishness. But “I want to simply distribute the books without any remuneration, without any my personal . . . “that is pure devotee. Just like Prahlada Maharaja says that “I do not wish to go to Vaikuntha unless I take all of these rascals with me.” That is pure devotee.
Yes, sometimes I am an author, and the BBT publishes my books. I try to write in a way that if people happen to read my books they will then seek out yours - the real benediction - with appreciation and submission. But crying in the dust of your lotus feet, I shamelessly present to you my deepest personal desire:
I want to go where you go. Let me find you quickly in my next birth and pass out your books as a member of your nirmala sankirtana party.”</i>
How glorious is my spiritual master! Now, properly following in your footsteps, with the fortune of favourable Vaisnava guidance and association, I am also aspiring to similarly cultivate such a selfless and pure desire - I beg for your blessings in this regard.
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, and always! I pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva and Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath to continue to protect and enhance your eternal service to Srila Prabhupada!
Your insignificant servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Sruti-Cari Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Deva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It seems a pity that we have to share you with the world. It would be so nice to have you here with us all the time. But your service is that of Narada Muni—propagating devotional service all over the universe. Well--this planet at least.
Recently we saw a video of you leading a kirtana in Russia or the Ukraine, the crowd was gigantic, and it was ecstatic! Your kirtana pumped the pandal. We could see the dancing crowd surge and swirl. They were roaring the holy names and whooping with joy. Then, to our astonishment, the other sanyasis and senior devotees who were on the stage with you started stage-diving into the crowd. The crowd went wild, screaming and reaching out to touch their elders. It was a transcendental rock concert.
You described this event to us a couple of weeks later when you were in Wellington. You commented that you only did "the same little thing I do in New Zealand.” And you pointed out to us that we don’t know how lucky we are. So true; on so many levels.
I was talking to Prema Lata, in Belgium, via WhatsApp, just one week before you were due here at Bhakti Lounge in New Zealand, and I was surprised to hear her say she would be seeing you the following day in London and then again in Cardiff (Wales). Between there and here, in one short week, you visited at least Melbourne and Auckland, giving classes and kirtanas; no doubt you thrilled and inspired everyone you met. You told us that you couldn’t tell us all the places that you had been since you had last seen us because you were afraid Krishnaloka would scream at you!
In amongst this mind-bending schedule you found the time to message me from somewhere on the other side of the planet simply to ask how my studies are going and to encourage me in my "nit-picking devotional service." So kind of you to remember me.
I can not imagine how you can travel so much and still be able to function, it is a mystery to me. Indeed, not only do you function, but you excel. While you were with us you delivered two incredible two-and-a-half hour classes, which had us all in rapped attention, two fantastic out of this world kirtanas, two penetrating outreach talks, and many personal discussions with guests and devotees. My point is, none of this is possible with an ordinary material body; the only explanation is that you have been empowered by Krishna--like Narada Muni.
As for me, I am still struggling with the basics. But I have gained confidence this year, the dark clouds in my consciousness are beginning to lift. I am starting once more to feel that it is possible for me to be Krishna Conscious, that I do have a place in the community of devotees, that I can please Krishna, and that I can serve you.
The community of devotees at Bhakti Lounge is so close-knit that it is like a loving family. I feel safe, supported, inspired, encouraged, and accepted. The association is so sweet, and I know that it is largely that association that has got me through the last few years.
I can tell that you put a lot of effort into providing and maintaining that family environment, just like any loving father. Of course; the difference between your fatherly activities and those of ordinary fathers is the motivation. Materialistic fathers strive to satisfy only their own material senses; you, on the other hand, are working purely to please your spiritual master and Krishna by inspiring us in Krishna Consciousness.
In Shrimad Bhagavatam 6:16:26 Srila Prabhupada explains, "Narada Muni is the father of devotional service... Anyone who follows in the footsteps of Narada Muni is certainly a pure devotee."
Thank you for all your care, Guru Deva,
Looking forward to being able to serve you better this year,
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It seems a pity that we have to share you with the world. It would be so nice to have you here with us all the time. But your service is that of Narada Muni—propagating devotional service all over the universe. Well--this planet at least.
Recently we saw a video of you leading a kirtana in Russia or the Ukraine, the crowd was gigantic, and it was ecstatic! Your kirtana pumped the pandal. We could see the dancing crowd surge and swirl. They were roaring the holy names and whooping with joy. Then, to our astonishment, the other sanyasis and senior devotees who were on the stage with you started stage-diving into the crowd. The crowd went wild, screaming and reaching out to touch their elders. It was a transcendental rock concert.
You described this event to us a couple of weeks later when you were in Wellington. You commented that you only did "the same little thing I do in New Zealand.” And you pointed out to us that we don’t know how lucky we are. So true; on so many levels.
I was talking to Prema Lata, in Belgium, via WhatsApp, just one week before you were due here at Bhakti Lounge in New Zealand, and I was surprised to hear her say she would be seeing you the following day in London and then again in Cardiff (Wales). Between there and here, in one short week, you visited at least Melbourne and Auckland, giving classes and kirtanas; no doubt you thrilled and inspired everyone you met. You told us that you couldn’t tell us all the places that you had been since you had last seen us because you were afraid Krishnaloka would scream at you!
In amongst this mind-bending schedule you found the time to message me from somewhere on the other side of the planet simply to ask how my studies are going and to encourage me in my "nit-picking devotional service." So kind of you to remember me.
I can not imagine how you can travel so much and still be able to function, it is a mystery to me. Indeed, not only do you function, but you excel. While you were with us you delivered two incredible two-and-a-half hour classes, which had us all in rapped attention, two fantastic out of this world kirtanas, two penetrating outreach talks, and many personal discussions with guests and devotees. My point is, none of this is possible with an ordinary material body; the only explanation is that you have been empowered by Krishna--like Narada Muni.
As for me, I am still struggling with the basics. But I have gained confidence this year, the dark clouds in my consciousness are beginning to lift. I am starting once more to feel that it is possible for me to be Krishna Conscious, that I do have a place in the community of devotees, that I can please Krishna, and that I can serve you.
The community of devotees at Bhakti Lounge is so close-knit that it is like a loving family. I feel safe, supported, inspired, encouraged, and accepted. The association is so sweet, and I know that it is largely that association that has got me through the last few years.
I can tell that you put a lot of effort into providing and maintaining that family environment, just like any loving father. Of course; the difference between your fatherly activities and those of ordinary fathers is the motivation. Materialistic fathers strive to satisfy only their own material senses; you, on the other hand, are working purely to please your spiritual master and Krishna by inspiring us in Krishna Consciousness.
In Shrimad Bhagavatam 6:16:26 Srila Prabhupada explains, "Narada Muni is the father of devotional service... Anyone who follows in the footsteps of Narada Muni is certainly a pure devotee."
Thank you for all your care, Guru Deva,
Looking forward to being able to serve you better this year,
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari devi Dasi
Stambha bhava das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Lord Caitanya taught the exalted Vaisnava quality of forbearance through one of his most intimate confidential associates, Srila Haridas Thakura. Haridas Thakura was envied and harassed by Ramacandra Khan, persecuted by the Muslim governor, then Mayadevi herself came to seduce him with postures that could agitate and bewilder the mind of even Lord Brahma. All the while Haridas simply took complete shelter of the Lords Holy Names and tolerated all the injustice inflicted upon him. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has said that "one should be more tolerant than a tree," following In the footsteps of Haridas Thakura, as your example radiates, we can see this most wonderful of Vaisnava qualities manifest in yourself.
When we hear about what you have endured over the past forty years while spreading the glories of the Holy Name, we can understand your level of tolerance to be extraordinary. Please accept this humble attempt at describing some of the difficulties you have endured, while demonstrating exceptional tolerance.
Packing for four seasons all in one bag,
so extreme climate change, won't set you back.
Extensive hours flying to all corners of the globe,
showing the way to attain Krishna's abode.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
E-mails by the hundreds, taxing precious time,
bewildered husbands, interpret their wives mind.
Dissatisfied wives, bawling marital plight,
You save those e-mails for a long haul flight!
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
An incompetent Brahmacari breaking the van,
how this blunder happened, he cannot understand.
Crucial lesson's been learned by this costly mistake,
I'm continuously praying not to give you a headache.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
A gruelling four hour drive to the festival in Ukraine,
to benefit the devotees, with your sanga they gain.
Your a crowd surfing Swami, pushed against your will,
by a loving Godbrother, after a Kirtan lead with skill.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Sex desire, pronounced "the mother of all battles!"
Great vows and steadfastness which disentangles.
Forsaking the urge of the senses, mind in control,
heroic persistence, to achieve sublime goals.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Vyasa Puja homage, disciples chant your glory,
you patiently meditate on your Guru sorely.
This service is certainly a divine austerity,
a labour of love, accepted out of sincerity.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Accepting disciples, on behalf of your Guru,
great pains to protect them from Maya's Voodoo.
Ungrateful is one, who throws this treasure away,
fallen from principles, for their return you do pray.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
The material world means many reverses,
association with others, sometimes means curses.
All these difficulties you so expertly tolerate,
while the Holy Name, you'll always propagate.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Your servant
Stambha bhava das
Please accept my obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Lord Caitanya taught the exalted Vaisnava quality of forbearance through one of his most intimate confidential associates, Srila Haridas Thakura. Haridas Thakura was envied and harassed by Ramacandra Khan, persecuted by the Muslim governor, then Mayadevi herself came to seduce him with postures that could agitate and bewilder the mind of even Lord Brahma. All the while Haridas simply took complete shelter of the Lords Holy Names and tolerated all the injustice inflicted upon him. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has said that "one should be more tolerant than a tree," following In the footsteps of Haridas Thakura, as your example radiates, we can see this most wonderful of Vaisnava qualities manifest in yourself.
When we hear about what you have endured over the past forty years while spreading the glories of the Holy Name, we can understand your level of tolerance to be extraordinary. Please accept this humble attempt at describing some of the difficulties you have endured, while demonstrating exceptional tolerance.
Packing for four seasons all in one bag,
so extreme climate change, won't set you back.
Extensive hours flying to all corners of the globe,
showing the way to attain Krishna's abode.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
E-mails by the hundreds, taxing precious time,
bewildered husbands, interpret their wives mind.
Dissatisfied wives, bawling marital plight,
You save those e-mails for a long haul flight!
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
An incompetent Brahmacari breaking the van,
how this blunder happened, he cannot understand.
Crucial lesson's been learned by this costly mistake,
I'm continuously praying not to give you a headache.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
A gruelling four hour drive to the festival in Ukraine,
to benefit the devotees, with your sanga they gain.
Your a crowd surfing Swami, pushed against your will,
by a loving Godbrother, after a Kirtan lead with skill.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Sex desire, pronounced "the mother of all battles!"
Great vows and steadfastness which disentangles.
Forsaking the urge of the senses, mind in control,
heroic persistence, to achieve sublime goals.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Vyasa Puja homage, disciples chant your glory,
you patiently meditate on your Guru sorely.
This service is certainly a divine austerity,
a labour of love, accepted out of sincerity.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Accepting disciples, on behalf of your Guru,
great pains to protect them from Maya's Voodoo.
Ungrateful is one, who throws this treasure away,
fallen from principles, for their return you do pray.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
The material world means many reverses,
association with others, sometimes means curses.
All these difficulties you so expertly tolerate,
while the Holy Name, you'll always propagate.
Prabhupada's words constantly reverberate,
simply tolerate, simply tolerate, simply tolerate!
Your servant
Stambha bhava das
Subuddhi Raya
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Srila Prabhupada writes in the 5th Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam toward the end of his chapter summary for the 11th chapter entitled Jada Bharata instructs King Rahugana. He says “ one should kill mental concoctions by the sword of service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotee.”
Jada Bharata tells the king in the last text of the chapter. “This uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy of the living entity. If one neglects it or gives it a chance, it will grow more and more powerful and will become victorious. Although it is not factual, it is very strong. It covers the constitutional position of the soul. O king, please try to conquer this mind by the weapon of service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master and of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Do this with great care.”
Srila Prabhupada concludes the chapter by saying “When one receives the seed of devotional service by the mercy of the guru and Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one’s real life begins. If one abides by the orders of the spiritual master, by the grace of Krishna he is freed from service to the mind.”
Thank you for giving me real life.
I don’t want to sound indulgent discussing my highs and my lows but I can admit that this year was sometimes a struggle for me. So many times I let my mind push me around, the tug of war was being waged in my head between accepting and rejecting, it felt hard sometimes just to stand up on my own two legs. I thought I was down for the count, about to blow my composure but your care this year has moved the mountain of doubt I had that I would not amount to anything more than a servant of an uncontrolled mind.
All obstacles on the road get knocked over with your help.
You have given the supplies and the tools to use to make me strong and lift myself up.
You are my well wisher and the well wisher of all, wishing our worries away.
I owe you so much and I hope to become as strong, focused and determined as you are to spread Krishna Consciousness.
I hope to one day realize my great fortune of being engaged full time in Krishna’s service here in the Brahmacari ashrama.
You have given us so much service to do here, this service can help us mature in Bhakti and allow the seed of transcendental knowledge to take root and grow, how could one repay you for this?
Thank you for helping me to kill my mental concoctions, strengthening my character and freeing me from the service I render to my mind.
Hoping always to be an effective instrument in your service.
Your aspiring servant
Subuddhi Raya Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Srila Prabhupada writes in the 5th Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam toward the end of his chapter summary for the 11th chapter entitled Jada Bharata instructs King Rahugana. He says “ one should kill mental concoctions by the sword of service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotee.”
Jada Bharata tells the king in the last text of the chapter. “This uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy of the living entity. If one neglects it or gives it a chance, it will grow more and more powerful and will become victorious. Although it is not factual, it is very strong. It covers the constitutional position of the soul. O king, please try to conquer this mind by the weapon of service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master and of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Do this with great care.”
Srila Prabhupada concludes the chapter by saying “When one receives the seed of devotional service by the mercy of the guru and Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one’s real life begins. If one abides by the orders of the spiritual master, by the grace of Krishna he is freed from service to the mind.”
Thank you for giving me real life.
I don’t want to sound indulgent discussing my highs and my lows but I can admit that this year was sometimes a struggle for me. So many times I let my mind push me around, the tug of war was being waged in my head between accepting and rejecting, it felt hard sometimes just to stand up on my own two legs. I thought I was down for the count, about to blow my composure but your care this year has moved the mountain of doubt I had that I would not amount to anything more than a servant of an uncontrolled mind.
All obstacles on the road get knocked over with your help.
You have given the supplies and the tools to use to make me strong and lift myself up.
You are my well wisher and the well wisher of all, wishing our worries away.
I owe you so much and I hope to become as strong, focused and determined as you are to spread Krishna Consciousness.
I hope to one day realize my great fortune of being engaged full time in Krishna’s service here in the Brahmacari ashrama.
You have given us so much service to do here, this service can help us mature in Bhakti and allow the seed of transcendental knowledge to take root and grow, how could one repay you for this?
Thank you for helping me to kill my mental concoctions, strengthening my character and freeing me from the service I render to my mind.
Hoping always to be an effective instrument in your service.
Your aspiring servant
Subuddhi Raya Dasa
Suhaila Sizali
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance!
Dearest Gurudeva,
I still remember you saying this to me with incredibly strong conviction and sureness;
“Don’t waste your life!”
These four words have played and are still playing a very important part in my Krsna Consciousness journey. These are the words that a rascal like myself needed to hear.
Many things have happened since then. Both happiness and challenges, many ups and even more down; the nature of this material existence. Situations occurred that tested my faith and sincerity in Krishna, and ultimately forces me to grow as a devotee. Throughout this journey, your instruction remained always with me.
Dear Gurudeva,
Thank you for being merciful on this fallen, conditioned soul. Thank you for guiding this lost soul back to Krishna. Thank you for always being unbelievably encouraging and kind towards myself and many others.
Whenever I am doing service at the loft or on flyers, I see so many people looking for Krsna. Searching everywhere to engage their energy in devotional service and I realised that the reason I can do service is because of your mercy. So many of us are here because of you.
I am not very well versed in sastra or very intelligent or humble, but please let me continue to serve you. Please guide me to become a better servant of you and of Krishna.
A month after you said this to me, I started chanting and at that moment I realised that I have nothing in this world except for Krsna and His devotees.
Your aspiring daughter,
Bhaktin Suhaila
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance!
Dearest Gurudeva,
I still remember you saying this to me with incredibly strong conviction and sureness;
“Don’t waste your life!”
These four words have played and are still playing a very important part in my Krsna Consciousness journey. These are the words that a rascal like myself needed to hear.
Many things have happened since then. Both happiness and challenges, many ups and even more down; the nature of this material existence. Situations occurred that tested my faith and sincerity in Krishna, and ultimately forces me to grow as a devotee. Throughout this journey, your instruction remained always with me.
Dear Gurudeva,
Thank you for being merciful on this fallen, conditioned soul. Thank you for guiding this lost soul back to Krishna. Thank you for always being unbelievably encouraging and kind towards myself and many others.
Whenever I am doing service at the loft or on flyers, I see so many people looking for Krsna. Searching everywhere to engage their energy in devotional service and I realised that the reason I can do service is because of your mercy. So many of us are here because of you.
I am not very well versed in sastra or very intelligent or humble, but please let me continue to serve you. Please guide me to become a better servant of you and of Krishna.
A month after you said this to me, I started chanting and at that moment I realised that I have nothing in this world except for Krsna and His devotees.
Your aspiring daughter,
Bhaktin Suhaila
Sukanthi Radha devi dasi
To my dearest Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your unwavering, pure devotional service.
On this auspicious day of your appearance on this planet I want to thank you from the core of my feeble existence for saving me and all the other fallen conditioned souls you have mercifully picked up from this toiling, fierce, frantic ocean of material existence.
On your appearance day I pray that one day, I will qualify to be your fully surrendered servant and act with body, mind and words, only to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada.
Since you have given me the greatest gift, it is impossible for me to reciprocate sufficiently. However, I do aspire to try to repay you one day, or one lifetime, with a pure and unadulterated desire to serve in Lord Caitanyas sankirtana movement.
Thank you for engaging me thus far in devotional service. Please forgive my offenses.
Aspiring to be a pure servant of the servant,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your unwavering, pure devotional service.
On this auspicious day of your appearance on this planet I want to thank you from the core of my feeble existence for saving me and all the other fallen conditioned souls you have mercifully picked up from this toiling, fierce, frantic ocean of material existence.
On your appearance day I pray that one day, I will qualify to be your fully surrendered servant and act with body, mind and words, only to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada.
Since you have given me the greatest gift, it is impossible for me to reciprocate sufficiently. However, I do aspire to try to repay you one day, or one lifetime, with a pure and unadulterated desire to serve in Lord Caitanyas sankirtana movement.
Thank you for engaging me thus far in devotional service. Please forgive my offenses.
Aspiring to be a pure servant of the servant,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
Sukhī Bhakta Dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you and your appearance day.
After six years of practicing Krsna consciousness in the brahmacari asrama, I have now begun my transition into the next phase of my life. In undergoing this transition I have found a powerful opportunity to reevaluate and revitalize my engagement, enthusiasm and determination in devotional service, and an opportunity to put a new, fresh shape to my life so that I can continue to grow and mature in Krsna consciousness. Most of all, I look forward to the opportunity to take your guidance in these new developments and to become a better servant of the servant of Srila Prabhupada's glorious movement. Your instructions and example reverberate in my mind daily, and I thank you for the selfless effort you have made to reach out to someone undeserving like me.
Your servant,
Sukhi Bhakta dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you and your appearance day.
After six years of practicing Krsna consciousness in the brahmacari asrama, I have now begun my transition into the next phase of my life. In undergoing this transition I have found a powerful opportunity to reevaluate and revitalize my engagement, enthusiasm and determination in devotional service, and an opportunity to put a new, fresh shape to my life so that I can continue to grow and mature in Krsna consciousness. Most of all, I look forward to the opportunity to take your guidance in these new developments and to become a better servant of the servant of Srila Prabhupada's glorious movement. Your instructions and example reverberate in my mind daily, and I thank you for the selfless effort you have made to reach out to someone undeserving like me.
Your servant,
Sukhi Bhakta dasa
Sundarangi Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this wonderful occasion to celebrate your vyasa puja.
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion
Gurudeva it is by your mercy that I am here - in the association of Krsnas devotees and with the opportunity for devotional service, for a life jam-packed full of bhakti yoga. To glorify your expertise in personal relationships I thank you for our time serving at Gita Nagari Dham and Mantra Lounge Philadelphia - that Krsna conscious OE was life changing, part of my eternal debt to you. There were so many highlights serving you and our family there - and through any challenges you were so close - on the phone or email to keep us going - or sending Krsnaloka to visit :)
A heartfelt thanks for the privilege of getting to cook your meals for days at a time, for giving us errands - checking if the clove oil we got you was really what you asked for - shopping for a birthday card for your mother, a US drugstore had never been so exciting!
Coming back to NZ this year was equally enlivening - such a dynamic community of caring individuals, so many enthusiastic devotees all happily and with determination cooperating in the outreach effort. Gurudeva it is a tribute to your care, compassion and fixed devotional service for Krsna that you've given shelter to me and so many more. Plugging in at the Loft each week is such a buzz - seeing the Loft so busy and popular with guests and seeing the devotees efforts in hospitality and cultivation.
To glorify your selflessness and compassion I'll share a recent experience. I have recently had some small experience of planting seeds and seeing first hand how much attention they need to germinate and grow...warmth, water, protection from the slugs, shelter from the wind ...the list goes on, its a delicate operation. At one time we were away with other service for two days and we came back to strange looking seedlings that had grown very tall and spindly and lost all their color while we were away! I'm learning about the weight of responsibility for others (starting small) and want to glorify you for your selfless and compassionate shelter.
Please grace me with the intelligence to be real and pleasing
Your aspiring servant
Sundarangi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this wonderful occasion to celebrate your vyasa puja.
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisance unto you who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion
Gurudeva it is by your mercy that I am here - in the association of Krsnas devotees and with the opportunity for devotional service, for a life jam-packed full of bhakti yoga. To glorify your expertise in personal relationships I thank you for our time serving at Gita Nagari Dham and Mantra Lounge Philadelphia - that Krsna conscious OE was life changing, part of my eternal debt to you. There were so many highlights serving you and our family there - and through any challenges you were so close - on the phone or email to keep us going - or sending Krsnaloka to visit :)
A heartfelt thanks for the privilege of getting to cook your meals for days at a time, for giving us errands - checking if the clove oil we got you was really what you asked for - shopping for a birthday card for your mother, a US drugstore had never been so exciting!
Coming back to NZ this year was equally enlivening - such a dynamic community of caring individuals, so many enthusiastic devotees all happily and with determination cooperating in the outreach effort. Gurudeva it is a tribute to your care, compassion and fixed devotional service for Krsna that you've given shelter to me and so many more. Plugging in at the Loft each week is such a buzz - seeing the Loft so busy and popular with guests and seeing the devotees efforts in hospitality and cultivation.
To glorify your selflessness and compassion I'll share a recent experience. I have recently had some small experience of planting seeds and seeing first hand how much attention they need to germinate and grow...warmth, water, protection from the slugs, shelter from the wind ...the list goes on, its a delicate operation. At one time we were away with other service for two days and we came back to strange looking seedlings that had grown very tall and spindly and lost all their color while we were away! I'm learning about the weight of responsibility for others (starting small) and want to glorify you for your selfless and compassionate shelter.
Please grace me with the intelligence to be real and pleasing
Your aspiring servant
Sundarangi devi dasi
Sunirmala Devi Dasi
Namah om Vishnu padaya Krishna preshthaya bhu tale,
Srimate DEVAMRITA Swamin iti namine
Prachare purva daksyam cha
Bhaktachare pravinta prarthatapi karunyam ,
Yasya sarve cha te namah.
Dear Guru MAHARAJ ,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada ,
All glories to you,
On this auspicious day of your Vyas Puja, please accept my humble Obesiences at you lotus feet. I was fortunate to have your darshan at Noida temple on 11th September , 2016, and also had the opportunity of receiving the book "HIDING IN UNNATURAL HAPPINESS ", written by you. Guru MAHARAJ ,I am reading and trying to understand the teachings given by you with dedication.
Guru Maharaj, thank you for the mercy you have bestowed upon me over the years, encouraging me to chant and to read Bhagwat Geeta and Srimad Bhagwatam.
I pray you to shower your blessings on me always. I am praying to Krishna to give you a good health so that you can continue to preach the world about Lord Krishna.
Your servant,
Sunirmala Devi Dasi,
Faridabad.
Srimate DEVAMRITA Swamin iti namine
Prachare purva daksyam cha
Bhaktachare pravinta prarthatapi karunyam ,
Yasya sarve cha te namah.
Dear Guru MAHARAJ ,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada ,
All glories to you,
On this auspicious day of your Vyas Puja, please accept my humble Obesiences at you lotus feet. I was fortunate to have your darshan at Noida temple on 11th September , 2016, and also had the opportunity of receiving the book "HIDING IN UNNATURAL HAPPINESS ", written by you. Guru MAHARAJ ,I am reading and trying to understand the teachings given by you with dedication.
Guru Maharaj, thank you for the mercy you have bestowed upon me over the years, encouraging me to chant and to read Bhagwat Geeta and Srimad Bhagwatam.
I pray you to shower your blessings on me always. I am praying to Krishna to give you a good health so that you can continue to preach the world about Lord Krishna.
Your servant,
Sunirmala Devi Dasi,
Faridabad.
Surapala dasa
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances in dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special and unique day of the year, anniversary of your appearance day, Vyasa-puja of my spiritual savior, guide and spiritual father who is best well-wisher of all and personification of Lord Krishna's mercy, I am bowing down to the dust of your lotus feet begging for a little bit of your valuable time to allow me to express my humble words of deepest gratitude and appreciation for your presence in my life.
As Srila Prabhupada mentioned:"...a devotee of the Lord always looks to the welfare of all living entities, and in this way he is factually the friend of everyone." [Bg.6.32]
Gurudeva, you are the factual friend of everyone and greatest leader in my life. Very loving, caring, inspiring, encouraging, compassionate, patient, tolerant, forgiving, merciful... exactly as a perfect father who out of love is caring for his child - you are guiding me in my life to awake my dormant love of God.
Since time immemorial I was confusing lusty affairs with love. Krishna conscious philosophy of life - that you teach so tactfully - is correcting this wrong idea and therefore I understood that actually I don't know what real love is. In that situation not having my dormant love of Krishna awaken yet I felt empty for a long time like stone-hearted fellow without experiencing any loving emotions. Since I didn't have any experience of pure, genuine love in my present lifetime I started to think that due to my unlimited horrible sinful reactions it is not possible for me to experience what love is.
However due to your very thoughtful preaching and truly loving and caring guidance - by your genuine spiritual care I am slowly recovering from this "spiritual coma" - lack of experiencing real refreshing juice of life and motivating force of existence which is pure love. I am starting to experience and feel real love - love of pure devotee of the Lord who is so merciful upon such a conditioned soul as my insignificant self. Thank you so much Gurudeva for your causeless mercy of your love and care that you are compassionately and mercifully bestowing upon such fallen soul like myself.
Awaken by nectarine drops of your loving mercy I am encouraged to beg you for more mercy and wonder:
When will that time come for me to be able to love you in pure, genuine way as you loving me? When will I learn the art of selfless, pure loving service to your lotus feet as you perform to your Guru Maharaja? When will I become fearless in the service of the Lord as you were and constantly are? When will I become always daring and constantly fully active in loving service to your lotus feet as you are to lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada? When will my service become free from influence of attachment or aversion as your noble service in Srila Prabhupada's mission?
When will my mind and heart be filled with loving emotions and affection to Krishna as you relish it in every moment 24/7 without any break? When will my mind become completely absorbed with loving devotional service to Lord Krishna and your lotus feet as well as all other pure devotees of the Lord?
I am full of admiration for your teachings and personal example of selfless service to others without consideration of your own personal comfort and thus how lovingly you offer your entire life in pure loving sacrifice as devotional service for the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna's satisfaction and Srila Prabhupada's pleasure.
Dearest Gurudeva, I would like to offer you as my dedication a short fragment from Bhagavad-gita [Bg. 6.32] that perfectly describes your noble character and divine qualities. Lord Krishna says: "He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna!" Srila Prabhupada commented: "...And because one in Krsna consciousness is happy, he tries to distribute the knowledge of Krsna everywhere. Since the perfect yogi tries to broadcast the importance of becoming Krsna conscious, he is the best philanthropist in the world, and he is the dearest servitor of the Lord... In other words, a devotee of the Lord always looks to the welfare of all living entities, and in this way he is factually the friend of everyone. He is the best yogi because he does not desire perfection in yoga for his personal benefit, but tries for others also."
Gurudeva, we can see and experience that you are the perfect example of it. Your entire preaching service is completely focused on spiritual welfare of others. You always think about the benefit of others, how to bring all rebellious, conditioned souls back home, back to Krishna. Either it is your preaching projects in New Zealand or your humble attempts to help in other different places of the world, or giant donation for TVOP or even huge financial support for improvement of Gita Nagari farm project... your attitude is always the same - to attract conditioned souls to Krishna's lotus feet and thus satisfy your Guru Maharaja. It is very inspiring!
As Lord Krishna stated in Bg. 3.21: "yad yad acarati sresthas... Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues." Srila Prabhupada in his comment to this text wrote: "The Srimad-Bhagavatam also affirms that one should follow in the footsteps of great devotees, and that is the way of progress on the path of spiritual realization."
So, having you Gurudeva in my life as a perfect leader who shows by his own exemplary acts how to dedicate entire life in loving service to God it is very inspiring to follow your footsteps. Since the very beginning you joined Srila Prabhupada's mission you sacrificed everything for spiritual perfection. As Srila Prabhupada concluded:"...one who performs such sacrifices with a spiritual objective, or in devotional service, makes a perfect sacrifice." [Bg.4.42]
Now Gurudeva, you are one of the most important Vaishnavas in our movement who always think how to spread Lord Krishna's glories more dynamically and effectively. You dedicated your entire life with your heart and soul to Srila Prabhupada's preaching mission and he blessed you with unlimited spiritual intelligence that we can see in the form of your proactive preaching and proactive actions.
You are very skillfully guiding those who want to spread Lord Krishna's glories more dynamically and effectively how to utilize direct and indirect methods of spreading Krishna's glories to attract attention of masses. Thus you are trying to follow and fulfill Srila Prabhupada's desire to spread Lord Krishna's glories according time, place and circumstances. As your oldest disciple I had this awesome privilege to be trained directly by Your Holiness in the beginning of 80's, in the early days of communistic time in Poland when I also experienced special mercy of your inspiring guidance.
Thus I have learned from you that the ultimate purpose of life is to give Krishna to others. You used to often repeat this phrase: "the more we give Krishna to others, the more Krishna is willing give Himself to us". These words of yours brought sense to my entire life; they became purpose and guideline in everything I am trying to do in my almost four decades in Krishna consciousness. Perfection of life means for me to follow what I have learn from you. Also to do everything to fulfill your desires, your mission, the goals, directives and use all my time, energy and means for your pleasure spreading Lord Krishna's glories wherever I am.
Having your divine education and perfect example how to follow the essence of bhakti lifestyle - yukta viragya - I am trying my best to follow your footsteps and dovetail all assets that Lord Krishna blessed my life with and engaged them in loving service of spreading His glories in your mission. As you blessed us with all success in our grihastha dharma we are trying our best to utilize everything properly in service to your mission of spreading Lord Sri Krishna's glories everywhere we are.
Our desire and mission is to support especially your mission in Gita Nagari that is so dear to your divine heart. We want significantly contribute and participate in your mission there to pack this place with many wonderful devotees dedicated to make this place the model for the rest of the world, how on the basis of love and trust with Krishna in the center we can live and worship Krishna together. To show the world that even devotees with very diverse backgrounds can cooperate with each other and attract ordinary people to join Krishna conscious community to practice bhakti lifestyle with us.
Gurudeva, please bless me on this special day with your special mercy so that tears of my lamentation that are coming from burning desire to awaken pure love of you and Krishna will melt dust of the Lord's lotus feet and draw His Divine attention upon my fallen self and that by His mercy I will be able to fulfill your desires to your fullest satisfaction.
Your humble and always very grateful servant always desiring to remain in dust of your lotus feet forever,
Surapala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances in dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special and unique day of the year, anniversary of your appearance day, Vyasa-puja of my spiritual savior, guide and spiritual father who is best well-wisher of all and personification of Lord Krishna's mercy, I am bowing down to the dust of your lotus feet begging for a little bit of your valuable time to allow me to express my humble words of deepest gratitude and appreciation for your presence in my life.
As Srila Prabhupada mentioned:"...a devotee of the Lord always looks to the welfare of all living entities, and in this way he is factually the friend of everyone." [Bg.6.32]
Gurudeva, you are the factual friend of everyone and greatest leader in my life. Very loving, caring, inspiring, encouraging, compassionate, patient, tolerant, forgiving, merciful... exactly as a perfect father who out of love is caring for his child - you are guiding me in my life to awake my dormant love of God.
Since time immemorial I was confusing lusty affairs with love. Krishna conscious philosophy of life - that you teach so tactfully - is correcting this wrong idea and therefore I understood that actually I don't know what real love is. In that situation not having my dormant love of Krishna awaken yet I felt empty for a long time like stone-hearted fellow without experiencing any loving emotions. Since I didn't have any experience of pure, genuine love in my present lifetime I started to think that due to my unlimited horrible sinful reactions it is not possible for me to experience what love is.
However due to your very thoughtful preaching and truly loving and caring guidance - by your genuine spiritual care I am slowly recovering from this "spiritual coma" - lack of experiencing real refreshing juice of life and motivating force of existence which is pure love. I am starting to experience and feel real love - love of pure devotee of the Lord who is so merciful upon such a conditioned soul as my insignificant self. Thank you so much Gurudeva for your causeless mercy of your love and care that you are compassionately and mercifully bestowing upon such fallen soul like myself.
Awaken by nectarine drops of your loving mercy I am encouraged to beg you for more mercy and wonder:
When will that time come for me to be able to love you in pure, genuine way as you loving me? When will I learn the art of selfless, pure loving service to your lotus feet as you perform to your Guru Maharaja? When will I become fearless in the service of the Lord as you were and constantly are? When will I become always daring and constantly fully active in loving service to your lotus feet as you are to lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada? When will my service become free from influence of attachment or aversion as your noble service in Srila Prabhupada's mission?
When will my mind and heart be filled with loving emotions and affection to Krishna as you relish it in every moment 24/7 without any break? When will my mind become completely absorbed with loving devotional service to Lord Krishna and your lotus feet as well as all other pure devotees of the Lord?
I am full of admiration for your teachings and personal example of selfless service to others without consideration of your own personal comfort and thus how lovingly you offer your entire life in pure loving sacrifice as devotional service for the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna's satisfaction and Srila Prabhupada's pleasure.
Dearest Gurudeva, I would like to offer you as my dedication a short fragment from Bhagavad-gita [Bg. 6.32] that perfectly describes your noble character and divine qualities. Lord Krishna says: "He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna!" Srila Prabhupada commented: "...And because one in Krsna consciousness is happy, he tries to distribute the knowledge of Krsna everywhere. Since the perfect yogi tries to broadcast the importance of becoming Krsna conscious, he is the best philanthropist in the world, and he is the dearest servitor of the Lord... In other words, a devotee of the Lord always looks to the welfare of all living entities, and in this way he is factually the friend of everyone. He is the best yogi because he does not desire perfection in yoga for his personal benefit, but tries for others also."
Gurudeva, we can see and experience that you are the perfect example of it. Your entire preaching service is completely focused on spiritual welfare of others. You always think about the benefit of others, how to bring all rebellious, conditioned souls back home, back to Krishna. Either it is your preaching projects in New Zealand or your humble attempts to help in other different places of the world, or giant donation for TVOP or even huge financial support for improvement of Gita Nagari farm project... your attitude is always the same - to attract conditioned souls to Krishna's lotus feet and thus satisfy your Guru Maharaja. It is very inspiring!
As Lord Krishna stated in Bg. 3.21: "yad yad acarati sresthas... Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues." Srila Prabhupada in his comment to this text wrote: "The Srimad-Bhagavatam also affirms that one should follow in the footsteps of great devotees, and that is the way of progress on the path of spiritual realization."
So, having you Gurudeva in my life as a perfect leader who shows by his own exemplary acts how to dedicate entire life in loving service to God it is very inspiring to follow your footsteps. Since the very beginning you joined Srila Prabhupada's mission you sacrificed everything for spiritual perfection. As Srila Prabhupada concluded:"...one who performs such sacrifices with a spiritual objective, or in devotional service, makes a perfect sacrifice." [Bg.4.42]
Now Gurudeva, you are one of the most important Vaishnavas in our movement who always think how to spread Lord Krishna's glories more dynamically and effectively. You dedicated your entire life with your heart and soul to Srila Prabhupada's preaching mission and he blessed you with unlimited spiritual intelligence that we can see in the form of your proactive preaching and proactive actions.
You are very skillfully guiding those who want to spread Lord Krishna's glories more dynamically and effectively how to utilize direct and indirect methods of spreading Krishna's glories to attract attention of masses. Thus you are trying to follow and fulfill Srila Prabhupada's desire to spread Lord Krishna's glories according time, place and circumstances. As your oldest disciple I had this awesome privilege to be trained directly by Your Holiness in the beginning of 80's, in the early days of communistic time in Poland when I also experienced special mercy of your inspiring guidance.
Thus I have learned from you that the ultimate purpose of life is to give Krishna to others. You used to often repeat this phrase: "the more we give Krishna to others, the more Krishna is willing give Himself to us". These words of yours brought sense to my entire life; they became purpose and guideline in everything I am trying to do in my almost four decades in Krishna consciousness. Perfection of life means for me to follow what I have learn from you. Also to do everything to fulfill your desires, your mission, the goals, directives and use all my time, energy and means for your pleasure spreading Lord Krishna's glories wherever I am.
Having your divine education and perfect example how to follow the essence of bhakti lifestyle - yukta viragya - I am trying my best to follow your footsteps and dovetail all assets that Lord Krishna blessed my life with and engaged them in loving service of spreading His glories in your mission. As you blessed us with all success in our grihastha dharma we are trying our best to utilize everything properly in service to your mission of spreading Lord Sri Krishna's glories everywhere we are.
Our desire and mission is to support especially your mission in Gita Nagari that is so dear to your divine heart. We want significantly contribute and participate in your mission there to pack this place with many wonderful devotees dedicated to make this place the model for the rest of the world, how on the basis of love and trust with Krishna in the center we can live and worship Krishna together. To show the world that even devotees with very diverse backgrounds can cooperate with each other and attract ordinary people to join Krishna conscious community to practice bhakti lifestyle with us.
Gurudeva, please bless me on this special day with your special mercy so that tears of my lamentation that are coming from burning desire to awaken pure love of you and Krishna will melt dust of the Lord's lotus feet and draw His Divine attention upon my fallen self and that by His mercy I will be able to fulfill your desires to your fullest satisfaction.
Your humble and always very grateful servant always desiring to remain in dust of your lotus feet forever,
Surapala dasa
Suratanath Das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
To cheat and be cheated is certainly a symptom of material existence. And for one who is accustomed to repeatedly cheating himself, who will he not cheat? For a seasoned cheater trying to become sincere, what could be worse for him than to find himself cheating those who he's supposed to hold dearer than his own-self?
It is clear that Maya has a plan for me to cheat you, Gurudeva, by having me break my vows to you.
But since practically the beginning of my devotional career in this life, thankfully, by some transcendental trickery, you had me engaged in distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. Although I'm a stubborn young cheat-ster, your arrangements aligned me with Srila Prabhupada's greater plan to spread Krsna Consciousness, the only solution for the poor souls drying up in the heat of kali-yuga.
The only memorabilia I hope to carry on my heart through this life are the transcendental experiences I've had engaging in sankirtan under your arrangements. Actually the real token I prize is a sense of determimation instilled with each first-hand transcendental experience. Although my memory dwindles and I sometimes forget the love you've shown me and the instructions you've given, the taste of what it is like to be spiritually determined carries me on day after day chanting Hare Krsna.
At this stage of my life I want more strength in that sense of determination, and the patience to organize a plan of purification for the intelligence to advance in Krsna Consciousness. After dabbling in various distractions my mind has given rise to, It's beginning to dawn on me that this path must always involve distribution of Prabhupada's books, personally, if it is to be safely traversed in this lifetime.
Please give me the shelter and guidance required to fulfill all my spiritual desires.
Your humble servant,
Suratanath das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
To cheat and be cheated is certainly a symptom of material existence. And for one who is accustomed to repeatedly cheating himself, who will he not cheat? For a seasoned cheater trying to become sincere, what could be worse for him than to find himself cheating those who he's supposed to hold dearer than his own-self?
It is clear that Maya has a plan for me to cheat you, Gurudeva, by having me break my vows to you.
But since practically the beginning of my devotional career in this life, thankfully, by some transcendental trickery, you had me engaged in distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. Although I'm a stubborn young cheat-ster, your arrangements aligned me with Srila Prabhupada's greater plan to spread Krsna Consciousness, the only solution for the poor souls drying up in the heat of kali-yuga.
The only memorabilia I hope to carry on my heart through this life are the transcendental experiences I've had engaging in sankirtan under your arrangements. Actually the real token I prize is a sense of determimation instilled with each first-hand transcendental experience. Although my memory dwindles and I sometimes forget the love you've shown me and the instructions you've given, the taste of what it is like to be spiritually determined carries me on day after day chanting Hare Krsna.
At this stage of my life I want more strength in that sense of determination, and the patience to organize a plan of purification for the intelligence to advance in Krsna Consciousness. After dabbling in various distractions my mind has given rise to, It's beginning to dawn on me that this path must always involve distribution of Prabhupada's books, personally, if it is to be safely traversed in this lifetime.
Please give me the shelter and guidance required to fulfill all my spiritual desires.
Your humble servant,
Suratanath das
Svarupa Sakti
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your Vyas Puja celebration
Srila Rupa Goswami in the The Nectar of Devotion explains that guru- padasraya is a very crucial item in Saddhana Bhakti, in his words, ‘following this one principle opens the doors to other items of bhakti’. The spiritual master particularly instructs us about the execution of the 64 items of Bhakti.
In Srimad Bhagavatam, 11:3:21, the great sage Prabhuda states that the first principle of devotional service is that the material world is a false shelter and as such, one must seek out a genuine spiritual master. This is in conversation with Maharaj Nimi.
asmād guruṁ prapadyeta
jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam
śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ
brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam
Therefore, any person who seriously desires real happiness must seek a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. 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.
Next we read the importance of sri krsna diksadi siksanam or accepting initiation from the spiritual master and receiving instructions from him. Diksa is the spiritual master’s formal acceptance of the disciple’s faith and commitment. Without this, a disciple cannot possess the underlying faith required to properly carry out the instructions of the guru. By hearing and speaking Srimad Bhagavatam, we are elevated to the platform of loving service to Krsna.
Hearing with firm faith and confidence while serving the spiritual master or visrambhena guroh seva allows us to serve the guru with love. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.17.27), the spiritual master is also called ācārya. Ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān: the Supreme Personality of Godhead says that one should respect the spiritual master, accepting him as the Lord Himself. Nāvamanyeta karhicit: one should not disrespect the ācārya at any time. Na martya-buddhyāsūyeta: one should never think the ācārya an ordinary person. Familiarity sometimes breeds contempt, but one should be very careful in one’s dealings with the ācārya. Agādha-dhiṣaṇaṁ dvijam: the ācārya is a perfect brāhmaṇa and has unlimited intelligence in guiding the activities of his disciple. Therefore Kṛṣṇa advises in Bhagavad-gītā (4.34):
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” One should fully surrender unto the spiritual master. and with service (sevayā) one should approach him for further spiritual enlightenment.
I cannot thank you enough times for all your spiritual education, inspiration and guidance over the past years. Please accept this tiny offering of words purifying my speech for your pleasure.
I would liken you to a night without evening stars
Were it not for your eyes, I would still have scars
I would liken you to a dead body that does not move
Were it not for your bhakti force that many approve
I would liken you to a dreamless sleep
We're it not for the holy name that is so deep
It seems you walk a lonely road
Away from home you tread
May it be I dream of rain
Drenched waking in pain
With flowers in the desert sand
Time slipping though my hands
We're it not for the shade your lotus feet have provide
I would be burning in the intoxicating flames of material existence
May it be
I have dreamt of a mistress who runs my mind
For in the shadow I lay blind and bound
As flames of material desires rebind
Gratitude Gratitude to my master
The pure representative, the faithful servant and the well-wishes of many
Praying to follow you wherever you may go.
Your servant always
Swarupa Sakti devi dasi
Please Accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your Vyas Puja celebration
Srila Rupa Goswami in the The Nectar of Devotion explains that guru- padasraya is a very crucial item in Saddhana Bhakti, in his words, ‘following this one principle opens the doors to other items of bhakti’. The spiritual master particularly instructs us about the execution of the 64 items of Bhakti.
In Srimad Bhagavatam, 11:3:21, the great sage Prabhuda states that the first principle of devotional service is that the material world is a false shelter and as such, one must seek out a genuine spiritual master. This is in conversation with Maharaj Nimi.
asmād guruṁ prapadyeta
jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam
śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ
brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam
Therefore, any person who seriously desires real happiness must seek a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. 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.
Next we read the importance of sri krsna diksadi siksanam or accepting initiation from the spiritual master and receiving instructions from him. Diksa is the spiritual master’s formal acceptance of the disciple’s faith and commitment. Without this, a disciple cannot possess the underlying faith required to properly carry out the instructions of the guru. By hearing and speaking Srimad Bhagavatam, we are elevated to the platform of loving service to Krsna.
Hearing with firm faith and confidence while serving the spiritual master or visrambhena guroh seva allows us to serve the guru with love. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.17.27), the spiritual master is also called ācārya. Ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān: the Supreme Personality of Godhead says that one should respect the spiritual master, accepting him as the Lord Himself. Nāvamanyeta karhicit: one should not disrespect the ācārya at any time. Na martya-buddhyāsūyeta: one should never think the ācārya an ordinary person. Familiarity sometimes breeds contempt, but one should be very careful in one’s dealings with the ācārya. Agādha-dhiṣaṇaṁ dvijam: the ācārya is a perfect brāhmaṇa and has unlimited intelligence in guiding the activities of his disciple. Therefore Kṛṣṇa advises in Bhagavad-gītā (4.34):
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” One should fully surrender unto the spiritual master. and with service (sevayā) one should approach him for further spiritual enlightenment.
I cannot thank you enough times for all your spiritual education, inspiration and guidance over the past years. Please accept this tiny offering of words purifying my speech for your pleasure.
I would liken you to a night without evening stars
Were it not for your eyes, I would still have scars
I would liken you to a dead body that does not move
Were it not for your bhakti force that many approve
I would liken you to a dreamless sleep
We're it not for the holy name that is so deep
It seems you walk a lonely road
Away from home you tread
May it be I dream of rain
Drenched waking in pain
With flowers in the desert sand
Time slipping though my hands
We're it not for the shade your lotus feet have provide
I would be burning in the intoxicating flames of material existence
May it be
I have dreamt of a mistress who runs my mind
For in the shadow I lay blind and bound
As flames of material desires rebind
Gratitude Gratitude to my master
The pure representative, the faithful servant and the well-wishes of many
Praying to follow you wherever you may go.
Your servant always
Swarupa Sakti devi dasi
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
GURUDEV
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to your lotus feet.
This year my wish was granted, as I had the good fortune of seeing you twice in a reasonably short space of time.
This time I was pleasantly reminded of my good fortune and I pray that I never forget that association with the guru is a gift from Krishna.
It is so perfectly expressed in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 13 verse 18:
“The seed of devotional service fructifies and becomes a transcendental creeper. Finally it reaches the lotus feet of the Lord in the spiritual sky. This seed is obtained by the mercy of the Lord and the guru. By the Lord's mercy one gets the association of a bona fide guru, and by the mercy of the guru one gets a chance to render devotional service. Devotional service, the science of bhakti-yoga, carries one from this material world to the spiritual world.
This gift I wish to hold onto eternally. Please keep me under your protection.
As time moved on and I held onto the ‘gift’ of association of a bona fide guru, the realisation developed. The ‘gift’ in reality is the mercy.
Prabhupada wonderfully and so aptly describes in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 9 verse 151:
"…. 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.”
I thank Lord Krishna and I thank you Gurudeva for the mercy. I will endeavour to continue serving and searching for ways in which to maintain this position. I pray that I succeed in finding every method, every technique, every system, every practice and every skill needed to master the art. Where I have failed to identify these opportunities please guide me.
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.
This year my wish was granted, as I had the good fortune of seeing you twice in a reasonably short space of time.
This time I was pleasantly reminded of my good fortune and I pray that I never forget that association with the guru is a gift from Krishna.
It is so perfectly expressed in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 13 verse 18:
“The seed of devotional service fructifies and becomes a transcendental creeper. Finally it reaches the lotus feet of the Lord in the spiritual sky. This seed is obtained by the mercy of the Lord and the guru. By the Lord's mercy one gets the association of a bona fide guru, and by the mercy of the guru one gets a chance to render devotional service. Devotional service, the science of bhakti-yoga, carries one from this material world to the spiritual world.
This gift I wish to hold onto eternally. Please keep me under your protection.
As time moved on and I held onto the ‘gift’ of association of a bona fide guru, the realisation developed. The ‘gift’ in reality is the mercy.
Prabhupada wonderfully and so aptly describes in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 9 verse 151:
"…. 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.”
I thank Lord Krishna and I thank you Gurudeva for the mercy. I will endeavour to continue serving and searching for ways in which to maintain this position. I pray that I succeed in finding every method, every technique, every system, every practice and every skill needed to master the art. Where I have failed to identify these opportunities please guide me.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
Svetadvipa Das
Dearest Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisance, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for being our tour guide through this little shop of horrors. And wow, have there been some frights.
But through your guidance, fear is dispelled and these instances become merely fairground attractions. Knowing only that you are leading us to an exit and this circumstance only temporary.
But I gest in this analogy, as this situation is very real and the perilous journey is fraught with many pitfalls.
But You, Gurudeva, are fearless and exact in your steps forward as you look over your shoulder to check on us as we all struggle to keep up. I pray that you may never fade off into the distance as we follow behind, and we never lose sight of your glowing leadership.
For you are not a tour guide. You are the eternal rescuer of Krishna on a mercy dash, saving all you can along the way.
Our humble blessings and gratitude to you on this day.
Your Servants
Svetadvipa das, Manjulali Dasi, Vrindavan Lali and Aja
Please accept my humble obeisance, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for being our tour guide through this little shop of horrors. And wow, have there been some frights.
But through your guidance, fear is dispelled and these instances become merely fairground attractions. Knowing only that you are leading us to an exit and this circumstance only temporary.
But I gest in this analogy, as this situation is very real and the perilous journey is fraught with many pitfalls.
But You, Gurudeva, are fearless and exact in your steps forward as you look over your shoulder to check on us as we all struggle to keep up. I pray that you may never fade off into the distance as we follow behind, and we never lose sight of your glowing leadership.
For you are not a tour guide. You are the eternal rescuer of Krishna on a mercy dash, saving all you can along the way.
Our humble blessings and gratitude to you on this day.
Your Servants
Svetadvipa das, Manjulali Dasi, Vrindavan Lali and Aja
Syama gauri dd
Dearest Guru Maharaj
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this special day.
This offering is a simple one to express my gratitude to you for your care and concern throughout the years I've known you. You are constantly giving many people an opportunity to serve Krsna, to become part of the gaudiya vaisnava family, helping each one to find their full potential in Krsna's service even for just a few years. You live to serve your own spiritual master, tirelessly spreading his message in your unique innovative style. I'm grateful to you for patiently working with me in all the various stages of my bhakti endeavours thus far.
Thank you for taking on so much responsibility for Srila Prabhupada's Iskcon family, for nurturing the bhakti seedlings of those of us still at the start line of our journey back to Krsna. Thank you for investing your time on us by checking in and reaching out to us, even though we may not know how to receive your deep care. I know for myself, I don't always understand how you can give yourself to and equally care for so many people. So for the times I've hurt you by not properly appreciating and reciprocating, I am sorry.
Happy vyasa puja Guru Maharaj.
Your aspiring servant
Syama gauri dd
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this special day.
This offering is a simple one to express my gratitude to you for your care and concern throughout the years I've known you. You are constantly giving many people an opportunity to serve Krsna, to become part of the gaudiya vaisnava family, helping each one to find their full potential in Krsna's service even for just a few years. You live to serve your own spiritual master, tirelessly spreading his message in your unique innovative style. I'm grateful to you for patiently working with me in all the various stages of my bhakti endeavours thus far.
Thank you for taking on so much responsibility for Srila Prabhupada's Iskcon family, for nurturing the bhakti seedlings of those of us still at the start line of our journey back to Krsna. Thank you for investing your time on us by checking in and reaching out to us, even though we may not know how to receive your deep care. I know for myself, I don't always understand how you can give yourself to and equally care for so many people. So for the times I've hurt you by not properly appreciating and reciprocating, I am sorry.
Happy vyasa puja Guru Maharaj.
Your aspiring servant
Syama gauri dd
Tamalavan das
VYASA PUJA 2016
From Chris Halford whom you have graciously (at the beginning of this very year ) taken as your disciple Tamalavan (with unknowable karma of my spirit soul's past material lives)
To My GURU my loving and perceptive SPIRITUAL MASTER :-
GREETINGS and PROFOUND OBEISANCES on the occasion of your appearance date (7th October ), DEV AMRITA SWAMI,
HARE KRSNA.
It is my greatest good fortune and palpable happiness to have taken my Vedic Name of you :- after having gradually getting more familiar first hand with your mission here in New Zealand. A course of a great half-lifetime, which no doubt accrues on account of my many contrary ingrained predelections :- the life I had lead till middle age.
My personal KRSNA CONSCIOUS history begins at 40 or so years of age when I first took Prasadam.
It dates from the day when I first sat alone drinking in the tranquil peace at the Hare Krsna restaurant in Auckland's principal Street (GOPAL'S Queen Street). I sat there not even knowing whence those comforting mellows issued!!
I have 'til age 68years, upon initiation of you, gradually been blessed to have evolved away from the grasp of the material quicksand of the family law/business world (what you so presciently were to term 'Corporate Combat' at our first meet at the loft Newmarket around 1997, circa my 47years of age).
My persona, as you rightly note at times still struggles for release from the education and life I had been set on by my father, an army man who had noted and come to respect the lawyers in uniform, men in action, in extremis (Especially a commanding General, One particular Commanding Officer he had known, served under in wartime).
This is not a casual upbringing, I was born June 1947 a date close enough to the end of hostilities WW2 and was like other sons born in such condition in a particular and perhaps unique relationship to their father (and father's scars of war). Life is never so sweet as to those who know intimately of its fragility,( indulge in life and love whilst you may!) Fortunately my mother was born 1921, the eldest daughter of a hero of the Gallipoli campaign and not unacquainted with these aspects and knew and knows of giving spiritual balance. Many of the other male contemporaries of my father (and their sons) carouse with a gusto that would leave modern students of that common art comatose. Still raise and head to battle visibly refreshed : Power of anaestheia.
To return to the day:- It was at lunch moreover at Gopals, Queen Street with my 21 or so year old daughter Kate (about 1996 ) that she said with uncharacteristic verve and enthusiasm (as to her future plans) “Dad !! I know what I want to do!!!!”
– It was of course take up and follow the life of a GOD CONSCIOUS citizen of the Universe of Vedic learning.
My pleasure at Kate's evolution to a decision, after a period of trial and error, probably overwhelmed any great insight on my part then about what she was really talking about!! Not so presently!!!!
I talk of course of my tutors in vedic Krsna Consciousness Khadiravan devi dasi and her loving husband and my fond son-in-law, the erudite and quite amazing Mahavan das.
We are your happy and devoted forest folk, the Vans!!
RES IPSA LOQITOR (an English law latin maxim but one so profoundly appropriate to our lives I must, pardon me Maharaji, enjoin).
Transaltion :- The facts speak, (and eloquently).
Post Script :-
As to the present and troubling material world I was thrilled to recently hear the head of Yale University Business berate the moral failings and enumerate the legal transgressions of the executive of Wells Fargo bank, and felt quite proud of you (and your early Alma Mater, Yale University).
None of the learned Dean of Business word's match, of course, our spiritual master A C Baktivedanti Swami's pithy 'what do you expect' remarks on politician's and business people both in India and his wider world!!
From Chris Halford whom you have graciously (at the beginning of this very year ) taken as your disciple Tamalavan (with unknowable karma of my spirit soul's past material lives)
To My GURU my loving and perceptive SPIRITUAL MASTER :-
GREETINGS and PROFOUND OBEISANCES on the occasion of your appearance date (7th October ), DEV AMRITA SWAMI,
HARE KRSNA.
It is my greatest good fortune and palpable happiness to have taken my Vedic Name of you :- after having gradually getting more familiar first hand with your mission here in New Zealand. A course of a great half-lifetime, which no doubt accrues on account of my many contrary ingrained predelections :- the life I had lead till middle age.
My personal KRSNA CONSCIOUS history begins at 40 or so years of age when I first took Prasadam.
It dates from the day when I first sat alone drinking in the tranquil peace at the Hare Krsna restaurant in Auckland's principal Street (GOPAL'S Queen Street). I sat there not even knowing whence those comforting mellows issued!!
I have 'til age 68years, upon initiation of you, gradually been blessed to have evolved away from the grasp of the material quicksand of the family law/business world (what you so presciently were to term 'Corporate Combat' at our first meet at the loft Newmarket around 1997, circa my 47years of age).
My persona, as you rightly note at times still struggles for release from the education and life I had been set on by my father, an army man who had noted and come to respect the lawyers in uniform, men in action, in extremis (Especially a commanding General, One particular Commanding Officer he had known, served under in wartime).
This is not a casual upbringing, I was born June 1947 a date close enough to the end of hostilities WW2 and was like other sons born in such condition in a particular and perhaps unique relationship to their father (and father's scars of war). Life is never so sweet as to those who know intimately of its fragility,( indulge in life and love whilst you may!) Fortunately my mother was born 1921, the eldest daughter of a hero of the Gallipoli campaign and not unacquainted with these aspects and knew and knows of giving spiritual balance. Many of the other male contemporaries of my father (and their sons) carouse with a gusto that would leave modern students of that common art comatose. Still raise and head to battle visibly refreshed : Power of anaestheia.
To return to the day:- It was at lunch moreover at Gopals, Queen Street with my 21 or so year old daughter Kate (about 1996 ) that she said with uncharacteristic verve and enthusiasm (as to her future plans) “Dad !! I know what I want to do!!!!”
– It was of course take up and follow the life of a GOD CONSCIOUS citizen of the Universe of Vedic learning.
My pleasure at Kate's evolution to a decision, after a period of trial and error, probably overwhelmed any great insight on my part then about what she was really talking about!! Not so presently!!!!
I talk of course of my tutors in vedic Krsna Consciousness Khadiravan devi dasi and her loving husband and my fond son-in-law, the erudite and quite amazing Mahavan das.
We are your happy and devoted forest folk, the Vans!!
RES IPSA LOQITOR (an English law latin maxim but one so profoundly appropriate to our lives I must, pardon me Maharaji, enjoin).
Transaltion :- The facts speak, (and eloquently).
Post Script :-
As to the present and troubling material world I was thrilled to recently hear the head of Yale University Business berate the moral failings and enumerate the legal transgressions of the executive of Wells Fargo bank, and felt quite proud of you (and your early Alma Mater, Yale University).
None of the learned Dean of Business word's match, of course, our spiritual master A C Baktivedanti Swami's pithy 'what do you expect' remarks on politician's and business people both in India and his wider world!!
Tanya Makarova
Dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
With all my heart I want to congratulate You with the day of Your Vyasa-puja.
Unfortunately I do not have a proper awareness and understanding, to glorify Your transcendental qualities, but I can say that You are a perfect example of how to be a true devotee of the Lord and a perfect disciple of Your Spiritual Master. Thank You for Your love, care and unbounded faith, which inspire me not to stop and to go forward with confidence. Please bless me always to stay in the society of Krishna devotees
With deep honor, bh. Tanya Izmail Ukraine
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
With all my heart I want to congratulate You with the day of Your Vyasa-puja.
Unfortunately I do not have a proper awareness and understanding, to glorify Your transcendental qualities, but I can say that You are a perfect example of how to be a true devotee of the Lord and a perfect disciple of Your Spiritual Master. Thank You for Your love, care and unbounded faith, which inspire me not to stop and to go forward with confidence. Please bless me always to stay in the society of Krishna devotees
With deep honor, bh. Tanya Izmail Ukraine
Thakur Saranga Das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
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
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
While trying to meditate on the meaning of your appearance in our lives, I remembered one of your mesmerizing Sunday Feast Loft classes in Auckland where lots of young new guests where present and where deeply immersed in thought by the topics and questions you raised in their minds.
Looking at their faces, and glittering eyes, I could see how impressed they were. One such young Kiwi student asked you a question after your class and you so compassionately and intelligently answered his question while keeping the rest of the audience in focus. Then you lead an amazing, heart throbbing kirtana. I could see that student gradually joining the beats and rhythm and eventually jumping in ecstasy, he has never possibly experienced before.
I was not surprised to see him looking for you after prasad, trying to meet you personally. I put his name on your long list of people waiting for darshan and informed him when his turn came. I witnessed how polite, personal and positive you were while guiding him.
Three and a half years along the time, I witnessed that young Kiwi student, receiving the initiation beads from your hand at the fire ceremony at the Otaki recharge festival. I photographed that auspicious moment as I do and recalled the changing face and personality of this fortunate soul who took birth from you, and joined our God family.
I also witnessed how you never forget the service your disciples rendered even if one drifts away temporarily, I witnessed how one of your disciple suddenly appeared in the middle of your class and you exclaimed “ Oh! I was just thinking about you” Diverting the topic to glorify him and make him feel welcomed and you encouraged him to perform a difficult yoga pose of scorpion position as teaching yoga was his main service. I photographed that moment too.
Last year you kindly asked me to accompany you along side river Ganga in Sridham Mayapur near Prabhupada ghat. We walked in the soft muddy riverbank not knowing where you were going. Soon I found out you were going to perform the last rites of one of your dear spiritual sons who left his body and his family had brought his ashes from overseas to be immersed in river Ganga from your lotus hands.
You, along with one of your other God brothers, His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami Maharaja, performed the ceremony so nicely. You recollected the memories of your disciple and lead kirtana and then going in the holy waters of Ganga, you slowly poured down the ash of his cremated body in the Ganga. I witnessed and photographed that moment when the setting sun was lighting your face. Your face was grave but gracious; our spiritual father holding our hands and walking along side all the way from birth till death, both materially and spiritually as a real father does.
Eye witnessing and capturing these moments of truth for almost a decade and filling up my hard drives, they sometimes make a permanent impression in my heart. I can browse all these moments deep within my photographers memory.
One more fact that I witnessed, is your bold steps to present the truth, black and white, like birth and death; like it or lump it. While many other devotees hesitate to bring up issues, drifting away from Srila Prabhupadas instruction and vision, you take the bold step and become the torch bearer, because somebody has to do it to please Srila Prabhupada. Be it the protected cow milk, farm communities, urban preaching, or yoga. I recently read this room conversation:
Srila Prabhupada said:
We cannot edit what Krsna says. We have to accept it in toto. Therefore a real sadhu must speak forthrightly.
The preacher is the carrier of the Absolute Truth. It is his duty to tell people the truth. Unless devotees tell them, how will they ever know? Our message has to be explicitly presented to clearly distinguish it from non-Truth. In so doing, we should not be afraid. Even if people dislike us, or even if other devotees criticize us, Krsna will protect us. Krsna is God and He wants His message propagated. Surely He will protect His loyal servants.
The loyal servant of the Absolute Truth is required to be the active opponent of all violent enemies of the Truth. It is his imperative duty to protest against the violence of non-theists in uncompromising terms and take all consequence of such protest.
Thank you Guru Maharaja for being such a brave and kind hearted father and leading us on the path of Krishna consciousness and letting me witness and capture your pastimes of serving your glorious spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion, I bow down to your lotus feet and offer myself as an insignificant servant. Please use me as you like.
Aspiring to be a servant of your servant,
Thakur Saranga 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
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
While trying to meditate on the meaning of your appearance in our lives, I remembered one of your mesmerizing Sunday Feast Loft classes in Auckland where lots of young new guests where present and where deeply immersed in thought by the topics and questions you raised in their minds.
Looking at their faces, and glittering eyes, I could see how impressed they were. One such young Kiwi student asked you a question after your class and you so compassionately and intelligently answered his question while keeping the rest of the audience in focus. Then you lead an amazing, heart throbbing kirtana. I could see that student gradually joining the beats and rhythm and eventually jumping in ecstasy, he has never possibly experienced before.
I was not surprised to see him looking for you after prasad, trying to meet you personally. I put his name on your long list of people waiting for darshan and informed him when his turn came. I witnessed how polite, personal and positive you were while guiding him.
Three and a half years along the time, I witnessed that young Kiwi student, receiving the initiation beads from your hand at the fire ceremony at the Otaki recharge festival. I photographed that auspicious moment as I do and recalled the changing face and personality of this fortunate soul who took birth from you, and joined our God family.
I also witnessed how you never forget the service your disciples rendered even if one drifts away temporarily, I witnessed how one of your disciple suddenly appeared in the middle of your class and you exclaimed “ Oh! I was just thinking about you” Diverting the topic to glorify him and make him feel welcomed and you encouraged him to perform a difficult yoga pose of scorpion position as teaching yoga was his main service. I photographed that moment too.
Last year you kindly asked me to accompany you along side river Ganga in Sridham Mayapur near Prabhupada ghat. We walked in the soft muddy riverbank not knowing where you were going. Soon I found out you were going to perform the last rites of one of your dear spiritual sons who left his body and his family had brought his ashes from overseas to be immersed in river Ganga from your lotus hands.
You, along with one of your other God brothers, His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami Maharaja, performed the ceremony so nicely. You recollected the memories of your disciple and lead kirtana and then going in the holy waters of Ganga, you slowly poured down the ash of his cremated body in the Ganga. I witnessed and photographed that moment when the setting sun was lighting your face. Your face was grave but gracious; our spiritual father holding our hands and walking along side all the way from birth till death, both materially and spiritually as a real father does.
Eye witnessing and capturing these moments of truth for almost a decade and filling up my hard drives, they sometimes make a permanent impression in my heart. I can browse all these moments deep within my photographers memory.
One more fact that I witnessed, is your bold steps to present the truth, black and white, like birth and death; like it or lump it. While many other devotees hesitate to bring up issues, drifting away from Srila Prabhupadas instruction and vision, you take the bold step and become the torch bearer, because somebody has to do it to please Srila Prabhupada. Be it the protected cow milk, farm communities, urban preaching, or yoga. I recently read this room conversation:
Srila Prabhupada said:
We cannot edit what Krsna says. We have to accept it in toto. Therefore a real sadhu must speak forthrightly.
The preacher is the carrier of the Absolute Truth. It is his duty to tell people the truth. Unless devotees tell them, how will they ever know? Our message has to be explicitly presented to clearly distinguish it from non-Truth. In so doing, we should not be afraid. Even if people dislike us, or even if other devotees criticize us, Krsna will protect us. Krsna is God and He wants His message propagated. Surely He will protect His loyal servants.
The loyal servant of the Absolute Truth is required to be the active opponent of all violent enemies of the Truth. It is his imperative duty to protest against the violence of non-theists in uncompromising terms and take all consequence of such protest.
Thank you Guru Maharaja for being such a brave and kind hearted father and leading us on the path of Krishna consciousness and letting me witness and capture your pastimes of serving your glorious spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious occasion, I bow down to your lotus feet and offer myself as an insignificant servant. Please use me as you like.
Aspiring to be a servant of your servant,
Thakur Saranga Das
Urjjesvari Devi Dasi
Dear GuruMaharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As you mentioned the other day in your talk, it is the duty of the disciple to express gratitude to their spiritual master. This is especially true on their Vyasa puja, to acknowledge the guidance, knowledge and mercy they have received. A Vyasa puja homage expresses glorification, gratitude as well as illustrating ones spiritual growth.
Well, I guess I know what a homage should be about, but its still challenging to write!
Not because I feel ungrateful or because there is no way to glorify you- that is certainly not the case. More because I feel neither qualified, nor very smart, to offer any befitting words. Kind of like a frog in a well trying to describe how a river flows to the sea.
I’m not a very special person but you have always made me feel like maybe I have something to offer, you have taken an interest.
When I was first introduced to you, I wasn’t quite sure of you, I tried to avoid you. But you were so persistent! You sat on a chair to my side and faced me before coming over and had me throw whole sweet balls in to my mouth in one go.
And you put this same energy into everyone you meet. Everyone you meet you try to get to know, you try to help. You want to benefit everyone. So much energy it takes. I remember you ringing me everyday for a month to check on me. I see, why you say one has to sacrifice so many litres of blood to make just one devotee.
Yet, you have made so many. You are like a touchstone. In quoting the purport to Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya lila 24.277:
“Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura said that the position of a Vaiṣṇava can be tested by seeing how good a touchstone he is — that is, by seeing how many Vaiṣṇavas he has made during his life. “
You are wonderful. I feel blessed that you come to little New Zealand, give us your association and share your realisations with all of us.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Suta gosvami verifies that one who is fortunate enough to get the association of a pure devotee, even though maybe only just a moments association, has received something so precious that promotion to the heavenly realm, liberation from material existence or worldly benedictions wane in comparison.
(SB 01.18.13)
Thank you for giving so much of your valuable time and being so persistent, Thank you for sharing your realisations, Thank you for connecting me to the parampara, and Thank you for the book =)
I remain always indebted to you for your continued patience and tolerance of my misgivings and I pray that I can better qualify myself in your service.
Your aspiring servant
Urjjesvari devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As you mentioned the other day in your talk, it is the duty of the disciple to express gratitude to their spiritual master. This is especially true on their Vyasa puja, to acknowledge the guidance, knowledge and mercy they have received. A Vyasa puja homage expresses glorification, gratitude as well as illustrating ones spiritual growth.
Well, I guess I know what a homage should be about, but its still challenging to write!
Not because I feel ungrateful or because there is no way to glorify you- that is certainly not the case. More because I feel neither qualified, nor very smart, to offer any befitting words. Kind of like a frog in a well trying to describe how a river flows to the sea.
I’m not a very special person but you have always made me feel like maybe I have something to offer, you have taken an interest.
When I was first introduced to you, I wasn’t quite sure of you, I tried to avoid you. But you were so persistent! You sat on a chair to my side and faced me before coming over and had me throw whole sweet balls in to my mouth in one go.
And you put this same energy into everyone you meet. Everyone you meet you try to get to know, you try to help. You want to benefit everyone. So much energy it takes. I remember you ringing me everyday for a month to check on me. I see, why you say one has to sacrifice so many litres of blood to make just one devotee.
Yet, you have made so many. You are like a touchstone. In quoting the purport to Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya lila 24.277:
“Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura said that the position of a Vaiṣṇava can be tested by seeing how good a touchstone he is — that is, by seeing how many Vaiṣṇavas he has made during his life. “
You are wonderful. I feel blessed that you come to little New Zealand, give us your association and share your realisations with all of us.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Suta gosvami verifies that one who is fortunate enough to get the association of a pure devotee, even though maybe only just a moments association, has received something so precious that promotion to the heavenly realm, liberation from material existence or worldly benedictions wane in comparison.
(SB 01.18.13)
Thank you for giving so much of your valuable time and being so persistent, Thank you for sharing your realisations, Thank you for connecting me to the parampara, and Thank you for the book =)
I remain always indebted to you for your continued patience and tolerance of my misgivings and I pray that I can better qualify myself in your service.
Your aspiring servant
Urjjesvari 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!
How amazing you are Gurudeva…..
Like a transcendental Narada Muni you traverse the globe, Krishna’s servant in disciplic succession fully dedicated to your spiritual master, illuminating the lives of a diverse array of souls. You act as a catalyst to set things in motion for Krishna’s pleasure.
How amazing it is how you are so fully flexible and in control of your speech and personal expression, all of these dedicated to inspire others to increase their devotional service.
You force us out of our comfort zones Gurudeva, giving us the opportunity to integrity. You point out that the price of enjoying the gifts of mother cow necessarily has to include considering her well-being.
How amazing it is that you give us the opportunity to experience real affection! You point out in Bhakti Bhava Gurudeva that the material world means things are in a short supply, thus if someone else has something, there is less of it for us to have. Bhakti Yoga on the other hand is so expansive and different - we can fully experience Krishna’s love even by seeing how Krishna loves another devotee. How mystical!
You are so grateful and kind Gurudeva, considering even the smallest service as significant. We thus gain confidence that Krishna indeed does not need anything from us, but if we dedicate what we have, however little it may be, to Him in service in disciplic succession, that will be sufficient, perfect and satisfying.
You give us a taste Gurudeva of what life beyond the mind is like – something that seemed completely impossible and even undesirable!
Srila Prabhupada explains in the preface to Nectar of Devotion that we all have a dormant loving propensity but in the material world we do not know how to repose it so that everyone can be satisfied and that the science of loving every living entity perfectly is by the easy method of loving Krishna.
Please bless us Gurudeva that we may take advantage of these short lives, to learn how to serve Krishna under your expert guidance, and try to reciprocate the kindness and care you have shown us.
May we be granted this opportunity, birth after birth,
Your undeserving servants,
Vaishnava Charan Dasa and Yasomati Dasi
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
How amazing you are Gurudeva…..
Like a transcendental Narada Muni you traverse the globe, Krishna’s servant in disciplic succession fully dedicated to your spiritual master, illuminating the lives of a diverse array of souls. You act as a catalyst to set things in motion for Krishna’s pleasure.
How amazing it is how you are so fully flexible and in control of your speech and personal expression, all of these dedicated to inspire others to increase their devotional service.
You force us out of our comfort zones Gurudeva, giving us the opportunity to integrity. You point out that the price of enjoying the gifts of mother cow necessarily has to include considering her well-being.
How amazing it is that you give us the opportunity to experience real affection! You point out in Bhakti Bhava Gurudeva that the material world means things are in a short supply, thus if someone else has something, there is less of it for us to have. Bhakti Yoga on the other hand is so expansive and different - we can fully experience Krishna’s love even by seeing how Krishna loves another devotee. How mystical!
You are so grateful and kind Gurudeva, considering even the smallest service as significant. We thus gain confidence that Krishna indeed does not need anything from us, but if we dedicate what we have, however little it may be, to Him in service in disciplic succession, that will be sufficient, perfect and satisfying.
You give us a taste Gurudeva of what life beyond the mind is like – something that seemed completely impossible and even undesirable!
Srila Prabhupada explains in the preface to Nectar of Devotion that we all have a dormant loving propensity but in the material world we do not know how to repose it so that everyone can be satisfied and that the science of loving every living entity perfectly is by the easy method of loving Krishna.
Please bless us Gurudeva that we may take advantage of these short lives, to learn how to serve Krishna under your expert guidance, and try to reciprocate the kindness and care you have shown us.
May we be granted this opportunity, birth after birth,
Your undeserving servants,
Vaishnava Charan Dasa and Yasomati Dasi
Vanamali Gopala Das
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisance's
All glories to srila prabhupada and all glories to you on this day of vyasapuja
My material fathers only concern is that im not pushing hard enough to squeeze out the micro drop of enjoyment in this barren and dry material existence. Loosing all hopes of any kind of guidance, all I can seek is shelter at your vani. Dear gurudev, although I beg for something very small, you shower more mercy on to this living entity with personal guidance and instruction both spiritually and materially.
Shastra exclaims tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā. How can anyone serve his spiritual master without first enquiring submissively. You nicely pointed this out to me that im not submissive enough. But my rascal mind was protecting the false ego that im the all knower.
Recently, just few minutes of your vapu association and observing your dealings with others, I was able to see my deep rooted impersonal shunyavadi concept within my heart. It was so massive that I couldn’t see the end of it. It was like arjuna witnessing the universal form but instead it was all garbage. Dear gurudev, I donno how long it will take for me to clean this mess, but im sure that within the association of my dear god brothers and sisters, serving them and not complaining about the services, reading and distributing Srila prabhupad's books and following your vani, I should be able to invite my dear lord Sri Krishna to sit in the temple of my heart.
Dear gurudev, I beg for forgiveness for some childish and many ruthless offences at your lotus feet. Thank you for all that you have done for me. Still trying to pay back the debt that is unpayable.
Your sincere disciple
Vanamali Gopala das
Please accept my humble obeisance's
All glories to srila prabhupada and all glories to you on this day of vyasapuja
My material fathers only concern is that im not pushing hard enough to squeeze out the micro drop of enjoyment in this barren and dry material existence. Loosing all hopes of any kind of guidance, all I can seek is shelter at your vani. Dear gurudev, although I beg for something very small, you shower more mercy on to this living entity with personal guidance and instruction both spiritually and materially.
Shastra exclaims tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā. How can anyone serve his spiritual master without first enquiring submissively. You nicely pointed this out to me that im not submissive enough. But my rascal mind was protecting the false ego that im the all knower.
Recently, just few minutes of your vapu association and observing your dealings with others, I was able to see my deep rooted impersonal shunyavadi concept within my heart. It was so massive that I couldn’t see the end of it. It was like arjuna witnessing the universal form but instead it was all garbage. Dear gurudev, I donno how long it will take for me to clean this mess, but im sure that within the association of my dear god brothers and sisters, serving them and not complaining about the services, reading and distributing Srila prabhupad's books and following your vani, I should be able to invite my dear lord Sri Krishna to sit in the temple of my heart.
Dear gurudev, I beg for forgiveness for some childish and many ruthless offences at your lotus feet. Thank you for all that you have done for me. Still trying to pay back the debt that is unpayable.
Your sincere disciple
Vanamali Gopala das
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
hareKRSNA_guruJI: Om namoVISHNU_PADAYA| krsnaPRASHTHAYA_BHUTALE||
sriDeveMRTaSWAMY_itiNAMINE|||
Om agnanaTIMIR_andhasyaJNANANJANA_SALAKHAYA, chakshurUNNIMILATAM_yenaTASMAI, sriGURAVENAMAH.
sriDeveMRTaSWAMY_itiNAMINE|||
Om agnanaTIMIR_andhasyaJNANANJANA_SALAKHAYA, chakshurUNNIMILATAM_yenaTASMAI, sriGURAVENAMAH.
Viktor-Bulgaria
Dear Davamrita Maharaja,
please accept my humble obeisances .
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to Gaura Nitai !
I would like to Thank you for the mercy I received by the association with your disciples from Bulgaria.
Every time when we talk to each other I learn more and more about the pure devotional service to Krishna.
Most of all I enjoy the conversations about Goloka Vrindavana -how Krishna is enjoying but I have decided somehow to forget him. I feel very confused now, but by the mercy of Pandava bandhava Prabhu ( ~who I know for 16 years~ ) I am wondering how somebody would want to forget Him?
I want to go back to Him immediately!
What I have learned from Kardami Kapila Prabhu is that before we go back to Krishna we should fulfill our dharma to Srila Prabhupada, to spread Krishna consciousness in all possible ways and forms around the world.
Isvara Candra Prabhu showed me with his personal example that we have to be humble and do what our Shiksha and Diksha Guru wish.
You have opened my eyes to see Krishna everywhere! Thank You Devamrita Maharaj !!
Bhakta Viktor
please accept my humble obeisances .
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to Gaura Nitai !
I would like to Thank you for the mercy I received by the association with your disciples from Bulgaria.
Every time when we talk to each other I learn more and more about the pure devotional service to Krishna.
Most of all I enjoy the conversations about Goloka Vrindavana -how Krishna is enjoying but I have decided somehow to forget him. I feel very confused now, but by the mercy of Pandava bandhava Prabhu ( ~who I know for 16 years~ ) I am wondering how somebody would want to forget Him?
I want to go back to Him immediately!
What I have learned from Kardami Kapila Prabhu is that before we go back to Krishna we should fulfill our dharma to Srila Prabhupada, to spread Krishna consciousness in all possible ways and forms around the world.
Isvara Candra Prabhu showed me with his personal example that we have to be humble and do what our Shiksha and Diksha Guru wish.
You have opened my eyes to see Krishna everywhere! Thank You Devamrita Maharaj !!
Bhakta Viktor
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.
In the Caitanya Caritamrita (Madhya-Lila 19.151) it is described: "There are millions of living entities who have become conditioned by the laws of material nature, and they are wandering throughout the planetary systems of this universe in different bodily forms. Among them, one who is fortunate meets a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna and comes to understand the meaning of devotional service."
Thank you for saving me from wandering throughout the darkness of Kali-yuga, and allowing me to come into contact with your all-auspicious qualities and activities.
A recent example of these all-auspicious qualities and activities took place at the retreat in April of this year. You described an incredibly long list of all the different places you'd travelled to since we'd last seen you, just a few months before, and the amazing level of preaching endeavours you'd been part of. Your words filled me such a deep sense of awe and appreciation. So much compassion you have for the fallen souls. So much dedication to spreading Krishna Consciousness. So much expertise in purifying hearts. And so much love for Krishna.
Thank you so very much for everything that you do, especially for being so kind-hearted and saving so many fallen souls. I'm so grateful to be one of those fallen souls who have been a recipient of your kind-hearted mercy. This mercy has saved me so many times throughout my aspiring Krishna Conscious years, taking the form of encouraging words, supportive guidance, life-saving instructions, genuine care and compassion, and complete faith in the chanting of the Holy Name.
I was especially grateful for your mercy last year, when it saved me from one of the most difficult times of my life. A time which was so hard, I didn't know how I was going to survive. At this time, you appeared to me in a dream. In this dream, you very kindly gave me some Prasad. This touched me so deeply. And I realised that simply because of your mercy, I was going to be ok.
Please allow me to always be a recipient of your mercy, and always have opportunities to share this mercy with others.
Your 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.
In the Caitanya Caritamrita (Madhya-Lila 19.151) it is described: "There are millions of living entities who have become conditioned by the laws of material nature, and they are wandering throughout the planetary systems of this universe in different bodily forms. Among them, one who is fortunate meets a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna and comes to understand the meaning of devotional service."
Thank you for saving me from wandering throughout the darkness of Kali-yuga, and allowing me to come into contact with your all-auspicious qualities and activities.
A recent example of these all-auspicious qualities and activities took place at the retreat in April of this year. You described an incredibly long list of all the different places you'd travelled to since we'd last seen you, just a few months before, and the amazing level of preaching endeavours you'd been part of. Your words filled me such a deep sense of awe and appreciation. So much compassion you have for the fallen souls. So much dedication to spreading Krishna Consciousness. So much expertise in purifying hearts. And so much love for Krishna.
Thank you so very much for everything that you do, especially for being so kind-hearted and saving so many fallen souls. I'm so grateful to be one of those fallen souls who have been a recipient of your kind-hearted mercy. This mercy has saved me so many times throughout my aspiring Krishna Conscious years, taking the form of encouraging words, supportive guidance, life-saving instructions, genuine care and compassion, and complete faith in the chanting of the Holy Name.
I was especially grateful for your mercy last year, when it saved me from one of the most difficult times of my life. A time which was so hard, I didn't know how I was going to survive. At this time, you appeared to me in a dream. In this dream, you very kindly gave me some Prasad. This touched me so deeply. And I realised that simply because of your mercy, I was going to be ok.
Please allow me to always be a recipient of your mercy, and always have opportunities to share this mercy with others.
Your ever-grateful aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Vinoda Kovida Das
nama om vishnu padaya krishna prestaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
paratatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to your divine grace.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I would like to recommit myself to following the basic instructions you have given me: to "study Prabhupada's books deeply, serve selflessly, and sincerely take shelter of the Holy Name." As I go forward in devotional life, I am reminded again and again that only by adhering strictly to the instructions of my spiritual master, can I actually make progress in devotional service. Yet, despite constant reminders, I still fall short. My heart is full of false pride that prevents me from taking shelter at your lotus feet.
Yet there is one type of pride in my heart that I cherish, that I will hold onto tightly. That is, the pride that I am in some way connected to such a glorious spiritual master. One who in no way compromises the progress of the sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya. One who is on the cutting edge, constantly finding new ways to bring the message of Lord Chaitanya to the world. And one who is exemplifying the continuation of the parampara by writing books that are bringing the people of today closer to Srila Prabhupada and simultaneously training and empowering disciples all over the world to spread Krishna consciousness in unimaginable ways.
Thank you for your tolerance, patience and causeless mercy in saving this insignificant soul. I constantly pray for the mercy that I can be situated firmly under the shade of your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Vinoda Kovida Das
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
paratatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to your divine grace.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I would like to recommit myself to following the basic instructions you have given me: to "study Prabhupada's books deeply, serve selflessly, and sincerely take shelter of the Holy Name." As I go forward in devotional life, I am reminded again and again that only by adhering strictly to the instructions of my spiritual master, can I actually make progress in devotional service. Yet, despite constant reminders, I still fall short. My heart is full of false pride that prevents me from taking shelter at your lotus feet.
Yet there is one type of pride in my heart that I cherish, that I will hold onto tightly. That is, the pride that I am in some way connected to such a glorious spiritual master. One who in no way compromises the progress of the sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya. One who is on the cutting edge, constantly finding new ways to bring the message of Lord Chaitanya to the world. And one who is exemplifying the continuation of the parampara by writing books that are bringing the people of today closer to Srila Prabhupada and simultaneously training and empowering disciples all over the world to spread Krishna consciousness in unimaginable ways.
Thank you for your tolerance, patience and causeless mercy in saving this insignificant soul. I constantly pray for the mercy that I can be situated firmly under the shade of your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Vinoda Kovida Das
Vinodh Venkatesan
I am not like Bhakti vinoda Thakur,
who has written many books,
and has punished many crooks,
He has the mood of service and pure devotion,
whereas I have a stone for a heart and prefer adoration
I don't come near Haridasa Thakur,
a pure devotee of the lord,
He conquered the illusory energy,
simply by chanting the holy name,
whereas my mind and heart run after mundane name and fame.
I look up to the works of Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur,
A great authority in Bhakti,
when i attempt to go out preaching i often get tricked by maya shakti.
Srila Prabhupada's books are the source of strength and enlightenment for all,
yet i am so fallen i fail to follow it all.
I think your books are a gateway to access Srila Prabhupada's books,
An inquisitive seeker who is 'Searching for Vedic India', may suddenly find himself on the Scindia,
making his way to the lotus feet of Lord Krsna.
A hardcore materialist hiding in unnatural happiness derived from the senses,
may one day chant krsna's holy name and be eternally happy by engaging his senses for the pleasure of Lord Krsna.
For One who is seeking to make the 'perfect escape',
May be led easily on his journey to higher planets by lord krsna's cape.
who has written many books,
and has punished many crooks,
He has the mood of service and pure devotion,
whereas I have a stone for a heart and prefer adoration
I don't come near Haridasa Thakur,
a pure devotee of the lord,
He conquered the illusory energy,
simply by chanting the holy name,
whereas my mind and heart run after mundane name and fame.
I look up to the works of Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur,
A great authority in Bhakti,
when i attempt to go out preaching i often get tricked by maya shakti.
Srila Prabhupada's books are the source of strength and enlightenment for all,
yet i am so fallen i fail to follow it all.
I think your books are a gateway to access Srila Prabhupada's books,
An inquisitive seeker who is 'Searching for Vedic India', may suddenly find himself on the Scindia,
making his way to the lotus feet of Lord Krsna.
A hardcore materialist hiding in unnatural happiness derived from the senses,
may one day chant krsna's holy name and be eternally happy by engaging his senses for the pleasure of Lord Krsna.
For One who is seeking to make the 'perfect escape',
May be led easily on his journey to higher planets by lord krsna's cape.
Viracandra Dasa
Namo Om Visnu Padaya Krisna Presthaya Bhutale Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine
Pracare purva-dakshyam ca – bhaktcara pravinata
Prarathatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
In CC Adi-Lila it is mentioned:-
ācāryera mata yei, sei mata sāra
tāṅra ājñā laṅghi’ cale, sei ta’ asāra
Translation: - 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.
It is also mentioned in the purport of SB 1.7.22, Srila Prabhupada mentioned that The spiritual master is the mercy representative of the Lord. Therefore, a person burning in the flames of material existence may receive the rains of mercy of the Lord through the transparent medium of the self-realized spiritual master. The spiritual master, by his words, can penetrate into the heart of the suffering person and inject transcendental knowledge, which alone can extinguish the fire of material existence.
When I see in my case, I can surely see how your words, lectures and instructions are playing significant role in my Krishna conscious life.
With your mercy, we recently had a very successful retreat in Melbourne. All our guests were amazed to hear such profound talks. We had about 45 people wanting to take your personal darshan and despite the time constraint, you gave your personal time to all of them.
I felt last month was extremely special. You visited Melbourne twice and stayed here for almost 2 weeks in that month. I felt very inspired through your association. My reading and my mood in performing devotional service have improved since then. I would like to humbly request you for the similar visits in future.
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. I am an ignorant and a fallen soul but I am yours, so please do not give up on me and keep me under the shade of your lotus feet.
I pray to Krishna for your good health.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Viracandra Dasa
Pracare purva-dakshyam ca – bhaktcara pravinata
Prarathatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
In CC Adi-Lila it is mentioned:-
ācāryera mata yei, sei mata sāra
tāṅra ājñā laṅghi’ cale, sei ta’ asāra
Translation: - 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.
It is also mentioned in the purport of SB 1.7.22, Srila Prabhupada mentioned that The spiritual master is the mercy representative of the Lord. Therefore, a person burning in the flames of material existence may receive the rains of mercy of the Lord through the transparent medium of the self-realized spiritual master. The spiritual master, by his words, can penetrate into the heart of the suffering person and inject transcendental knowledge, which alone can extinguish the fire of material existence.
When I see in my case, I can surely see how your words, lectures and instructions are playing significant role in my Krishna conscious life.
With your mercy, we recently had a very successful retreat in Melbourne. All our guests were amazed to hear such profound talks. We had about 45 people wanting to take your personal darshan and despite the time constraint, you gave your personal time to all of them.
I felt last month was extremely special. You visited Melbourne twice and stayed here for almost 2 weeks in that month. I felt very inspired through your association. My reading and my mood in performing devotional service have improved since then. I would like to humbly request you for the similar visits in future.
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. I am an ignorant and a fallen soul but I am yours, so please do not give up on me and keep me under the shade of your lotus feet.
I pray to Krishna for your good health.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Viracandra Dasa
Vraja Bhumi devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet on this day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu!
I ask for your blessing to have an opportunity to glorify you on this auspicious day of your appearance. Krishna put His mercy into the hearts of his pure devotees. That`s why one can receive bhakti only by the grace of pure devotees. I beg you to give me required qualification and faith to attain bhakti. Only by your mercy, I can truly know Krishna.
Dear Guru Maharaja, thinking of your transcendental qualities I considered your humor to be the brightest one but then I remembered how you (being aware of how risky it was) started distributing Krishna Consciousness in Eastern Europe. Thus you honored and fulfilled Srila Prabhupada’s desire. Despite all the difficulties and dangers, you preached boldly as you were fulfilling your spiritual master`s desires.
By Krishna`s arrangement, we now have your association in Ukraine. The Lord says in Bhagavad-gita : “One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna”. We can easily concentrate our mind on Krishna just listening to your wonderful lectures about Krishna and His devotees. As you previously said on your classes, Krishna`s pastimes steal our mind. This is the way to know Krishna. Listening to your lectures I receive knowledge about Krishna`s pastimes and consequently the sense of happiness and purity comes into my heart. Rendering service unto Krishna makes me so peaceful and you always instruct me to serve at the temple.
I always feel joy and happiness. Your lectures, kirtans and personal communication with you are the source of joy and happiness for me. I ask for your mercy to deepen the relationship with you.
Your servant,
Vraja Bhumi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet on this day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu!
I ask for your blessing to have an opportunity to glorify you on this auspicious day of your appearance. Krishna put His mercy into the hearts of his pure devotees. That`s why one can receive bhakti only by the grace of pure devotees. I beg you to give me required qualification and faith to attain bhakti. Only by your mercy, I can truly know Krishna.
Dear Guru Maharaja, thinking of your transcendental qualities I considered your humor to be the brightest one but then I remembered how you (being aware of how risky it was) started distributing Krishna Consciousness in Eastern Europe. Thus you honored and fulfilled Srila Prabhupada’s desire. Despite all the difficulties and dangers, you preached boldly as you were fulfilling your spiritual master`s desires.
By Krishna`s arrangement, we now have your association in Ukraine. The Lord says in Bhagavad-gita : “One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna”. We can easily concentrate our mind on Krishna just listening to your wonderful lectures about Krishna and His devotees. As you previously said on your classes, Krishna`s pastimes steal our mind. This is the way to know Krishna. Listening to your lectures I receive knowledge about Krishna`s pastimes and consequently the sense of happiness and purity comes into my heart. Rendering service unto Krishna makes me so peaceful and you always instruct me to serve at the temple.
I always feel joy and happiness. Your lectures, kirtans and personal communication with you are the source of joy and happiness for me. I ask for your mercy to deepen the relationship with you.
Your servant,
Vraja Bhumi devi dasi
Vraja Nari dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you today on your most auspicious appearance day and on every other day too.
My husband and myself have been marvelling over how it seems that your impact just becomes more and more powerful. Even in your absence you are masterminding and overlooking everything that happens at Bhakti Lounge, which, after getting international attention, has become a model for outreach and is indeed revolutionising ISKCON's outreach approach. (And Bhakti Lounge of course is only a part of your services to Srila Prabhupada)
Your motto stands fast: we make it easy!
We can practically see. No one has any excuses for not becoming KC at Bhakti Lounge.
Philosophy is presented so it makes complete sense contrasting the non-sense and madness of our present society
Food is not only delicious but ethical to the critics eye.
Devotees know how to fill in for a life of loneliness and hurt.
We have the better alternative, an answer to every question and every problem.
And then when you come here, you infuse everyone, with enthusiasm and (new) life you tidy up all our efforts, you put the icing on the cupcakes, boil the milk to burfi and press the whey out of the curd .
The precision you show in dealing with people and all matters seems to have turned into a laser beam. A few words, a few looks are enough to let people overthink their entire life. You words have the weight to sink into their hearts and hold them on their race towards a cliff.
When you come to Bhakti Lounge we get the assurance, We have the best, a life of auspiciousness, the ultimate win-win situation. Not only do we have friends outside of facebook, marriages which don’t collapse after 2 years and we can actually eat real food and digest it, but we are solving our and others real problems, we are trying to remember Krishna and that we are not meant to search for happiness in a world where everything is doomed to pass and die.
When you come we get the reassurance: Bhakti Yoga is not about religious sentiment and believes but about hard facts and self-evident.
Thank you very much Gurudeva for being so transcendentally, unbelievably amazing,
Your servant,
Vraja Nari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you today on your most auspicious appearance day and on every other day too.
My husband and myself have been marvelling over how it seems that your impact just becomes more and more powerful. Even in your absence you are masterminding and overlooking everything that happens at Bhakti Lounge, which, after getting international attention, has become a model for outreach and is indeed revolutionising ISKCON's outreach approach. (And Bhakti Lounge of course is only a part of your services to Srila Prabhupada)
Your motto stands fast: we make it easy!
We can practically see. No one has any excuses for not becoming KC at Bhakti Lounge.
Philosophy is presented so it makes complete sense contrasting the non-sense and madness of our present society
Food is not only delicious but ethical to the critics eye.
Devotees know how to fill in for a life of loneliness and hurt.
We have the better alternative, an answer to every question and every problem.
And then when you come here, you infuse everyone, with enthusiasm and (new) life you tidy up all our efforts, you put the icing on the cupcakes, boil the milk to burfi and press the whey out of the curd .
The precision you show in dealing with people and all matters seems to have turned into a laser beam. A few words, a few looks are enough to let people overthink their entire life. You words have the weight to sink into their hearts and hold them on their race towards a cliff.
When you come to Bhakti Lounge we get the assurance, We have the best, a life of auspiciousness, the ultimate win-win situation. Not only do we have friends outside of facebook, marriages which don’t collapse after 2 years and we can actually eat real food and digest it, but we are solving our and others real problems, we are trying to remember Krishna and that we are not meant to search for happiness in a world where everything is doomed to pass and die.
When you come we get the reassurance: Bhakti Yoga is not about religious sentiment and believes but about hard facts and self-evident.
Thank you very much Gurudeva for being so transcendentally, unbelievably amazing,
Your 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 this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja.
When you were in Swansea on your most recent visit a lady asked you a question "How do families fit in to Iskcon?" Within your answer you explained the different asramas and how you have chosen the sannyasa asrama, which means that although you don't have a biological family you have family all over the world. I want to thank you for letting me be a part of that family. After recently becoming a mother I understand what it means to care and love for a dependant. You show the utmost love and care to all of your many spiritual sons, daughters, brothers and sisters.
We are all so fortunate here in Wales that you choose to visit us regularly. With inspiring and encouraging words, you give your precious time not only to your disciples here but to all of the devotees and anyone else who is wise enough to take advantage of your association.
I was talking to one of the guests who attended your recent programme in Swansea and he said that he never usually reads books, but after hearing you speak he decided to buy 'Hiding in Unnatural Happiness'. He was so enlivened by your words and said that he really connected with everything he read and hasn't been able to put the book down. It was so pleasing to see how sincerely moved this person was. You travel the world tirelessly changing so many peoples lives by bringing them closer to Krsna, using every moment of your life to reach out and touch people's hearts, open minds and open their eyes to help them see the spiritual spark within. It's because of this outreach that I am still here today. The first time I heard you speak your words entered my heart and opened my eyes to how my life at the time was a cycle of pointless struggles that would never lead me to achieving real happiness, and how, by following your advice and taking your guidance I could break free from the cycle and follow a path that would lead towards actual attainable happiness.
You devoutly serve your loving spiritual father, our Srila Prabhupada. How will I ever be able to serve you in such a way as you deserve for the service you offer and all of the mercy you give. I will eternally try to improve in my effort to serve you. You are at the core of my heart and any service I do is my offering to you, my spiritual father.
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja.
When you were in Swansea on your most recent visit a lady asked you a question "How do families fit in to Iskcon?" Within your answer you explained the different asramas and how you have chosen the sannyasa asrama, which means that although you don't have a biological family you have family all over the world. I want to thank you for letting me be a part of that family. After recently becoming a mother I understand what it means to care and love for a dependant. You show the utmost love and care to all of your many spiritual sons, daughters, brothers and sisters.
We are all so fortunate here in Wales that you choose to visit us regularly. With inspiring and encouraging words, you give your precious time not only to your disciples here but to all of the devotees and anyone else who is wise enough to take advantage of your association.
I was talking to one of the guests who attended your recent programme in Swansea and he said that he never usually reads books, but after hearing you speak he decided to buy 'Hiding in Unnatural Happiness'. He was so enlivened by your words and said that he really connected with everything he read and hasn't been able to put the book down. It was so pleasing to see how sincerely moved this person was. You travel the world tirelessly changing so many peoples lives by bringing them closer to Krsna, using every moment of your life to reach out and touch people's hearts, open minds and open their eyes to help them see the spiritual spark within. It's because of this outreach that I am still here today. The first time I heard you speak your words entered my heart and opened my eyes to how my life at the time was a cycle of pointless struggles that would never lead me to achieving real happiness, and how, by following your advice and taking your guidance I could break free from the cycle and follow a path that would lead towards actual attainable happiness.
You devoutly serve your loving spiritual father, our Srila Prabhupada. How will I ever be able to serve you in such a way as you deserve for the service you offer and all of the mercy you give. I will eternally try to improve in my effort to serve you. You are at the core of my heart and any service I do is my offering to you, my spiritual father.
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humbles obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
It seems our time in these bodies is very short, and the illusion of the bodily identification is very powerful. For myself, being encaged in this body of a woman, is an identity i am so strongly bewildered by, and it feels nearly impossible to overcome, especially with the added responsibility of being in a role as a wife and mother.
Despite these entrapments of material life, i am grateful for having your shelter and expert guidance in this lifetime. You have helped myself and others to realize our true potential as a spiritual being, who is blissful, full of knowledge and everlasting. Part of something and someone far greater, more beautiful and powerful that we can ever comprehend, our ever wellwisher and eternal shelter, Lord Krishna.
By your example Gurudeva, you show us that the life of a servant in Krishna consciousness is dynamic, exciting and blissful. Although, I don't have much to offer you at this point and time in ways of meaningful service, and my approach to devotional life is often inattentive and lackadaisical at best, you have still taken the time over years to offer this dullard your meaningful association, encouragement and ongoing concern.
Gurudeva, you are my constant hero in spiritual life, and I am very much in awe of your capabilities and expertise as a Guru, a fearless preacher, the Vice president for the BBT, an accomplished author, a GBC and a most worthy and dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for being a pillar of strength to your dependents and the greater devotee community, and for generously sharing with us your realizations and the gift of Krishna consciousness. You have saved us from a hellish existence and a life of ongoing ignorance and suffering. I am forever indebted to you and pray to be always in the association of your devotees and your service.
Your lowly servant
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Please accept my humbles obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
It seems our time in these bodies is very short, and the illusion of the bodily identification is very powerful. For myself, being encaged in this body of a woman, is an identity i am so strongly bewildered by, and it feels nearly impossible to overcome, especially with the added responsibility of being in a role as a wife and mother.
Despite these entrapments of material life, i am grateful for having your shelter and expert guidance in this lifetime. You have helped myself and others to realize our true potential as a spiritual being, who is blissful, full of knowledge and everlasting. Part of something and someone far greater, more beautiful and powerful that we can ever comprehend, our ever wellwisher and eternal shelter, Lord Krishna.
By your example Gurudeva, you show us that the life of a servant in Krishna consciousness is dynamic, exciting and blissful. Although, I don't have much to offer you at this point and time in ways of meaningful service, and my approach to devotional life is often inattentive and lackadaisical at best, you have still taken the time over years to offer this dullard your meaningful association, encouragement and ongoing concern.
Gurudeva, you are my constant hero in spiritual life, and I am very much in awe of your capabilities and expertise as a Guru, a fearless preacher, the Vice president for the BBT, an accomplished author, a GBC and a most worthy and dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for being a pillar of strength to your dependents and the greater devotee community, and for generously sharing with us your realizations and the gift of Krishna consciousness. You have saved us from a hellish existence and a life of ongoing ignorance and suffering. I am forever indebted to you and pray to be always in the association of your devotees and your service.
Your lowly servant
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Vrindavan Madhurya Das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In conditioned life the heart is dry & vacant. Love is non-existent and pain is widely available. Everyone wants love yet selfishness is the supplier of broken hearts.
Our relationship with you can fill that void. Mainly because your heart is full of love for Krishna and you give Him to others. Love for the Guru satisfies our longing for relationship, redirects our attachment and gives strength. It is that personal bond which can carry a disciple through all obstacles.
By the mercy of Krishna one gets Guru, and by the mercy of Guru one gets Krishna. I beg for the ability to accept what you are giving.
Thank you for trying to give us affection and attachment for the spiritual master. That same valuable attachment you have for your spiritual master, without which spiritual life is incomplete. When we love you it is for our benefit; just as Krishna does not need our offering but it is in our own interest to offer the best of all things.
You are expert in relationship to living entities. Dealing with everyone for their ultimate benefit. you are fully absorbed, focused on Krishna's desires. You are peaceful and unpredictable, kind and grave. You are Srila Prabhupada's books personified. Your image is reflected in my mind as I turn the pages. You are an ocean of realizations and your enthusiasm is contagious.
I beg to never take you for granted. I have not earned the privilege of your association and am most unqualified, yet you grant your company so freely and affectionately.
How can i be attached to you? How can I be of some service to your desires?
I beg to have love for you and I beg to be purified in order to serve.
I wish to go where you go, Guru Maharaja either as your servant or as an atom at your lotus feet. I wish to listen to what you say. I wish to only desire your pleasure. I wish that my mind can be fixed on you and I wish to place my head as one of your steps in surrender.
Guru Maharaja you are most exhaled. And I am not the most anything... May you pleeease be merciful unto me
your insignificant aspiring servant,
Vrindavan-Madhurya Das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In conditioned life the heart is dry & vacant. Love is non-existent and pain is widely available. Everyone wants love yet selfishness is the supplier of broken hearts.
Our relationship with you can fill that void. Mainly because your heart is full of love for Krishna and you give Him to others. Love for the Guru satisfies our longing for relationship, redirects our attachment and gives strength. It is that personal bond which can carry a disciple through all obstacles.
By the mercy of Krishna one gets Guru, and by the mercy of Guru one gets Krishna. I beg for the ability to accept what you are giving.
Thank you for trying to give us affection and attachment for the spiritual master. That same valuable attachment you have for your spiritual master, without which spiritual life is incomplete. When we love you it is for our benefit; just as Krishna does not need our offering but it is in our own interest to offer the best of all things.
You are expert in relationship to living entities. Dealing with everyone for their ultimate benefit. you are fully absorbed, focused on Krishna's desires. You are peaceful and unpredictable, kind and grave. You are Srila Prabhupada's books personified. Your image is reflected in my mind as I turn the pages. You are an ocean of realizations and your enthusiasm is contagious.
I beg to never take you for granted. I have not earned the privilege of your association and am most unqualified, yet you grant your company so freely and affectionately.
How can i be attached to you? How can I be of some service to your desires?
I beg to have love for you and I beg to be purified in order to serve.
I wish to go where you go, Guru Maharaja either as your servant or as an atom at your lotus feet. I wish to listen to what you say. I wish to only desire your pleasure. I wish that my mind can be fixed on you and I wish to place my head as one of your steps in surrender.
Guru Maharaja you are most exhaled. And I am not the most anything... May you pleeease be merciful unto me
your insignificant aspiring servant,
Vrindavan-Madhurya Das
Wanzi
Sri Gurudeva,
After one whole year of sense enjoyment, unfit Bhakti practitioners like me pray at your lotus feet for self-purification. Remembering your causeless mercy, devotees generally cry.
It takes so much efforts for you just to educate us that materialistic life is an addiction. And it takes even more efforts for you to help us taste higher pleasure and give up this addiction. The senses are like 5 co-wives pulling us. Still some, who are less intelligent approach you begging for one more wife. With unblinking eyes, wide open like Jagannatha, you simply laugh and tell us that “it takes money”.
I have been around for six years. For last two years devotees were struck with wonder when they saw me taking up Bhakti so seriously and even going out Sankirtana. In fact why should devotees be surprised? Everything is possible, simply by a moment of association with a pure devotee like you. Two years ago, although still hanging out with devotees, I decided to give up again on Bhakti and after Kirtan suddenly you came up to me and said that “You like to talk to me”. I was lamenting within my mind that “what is the point? I am too useless and should not waste your time”.
During the Darshan, I revealed my mind saying that “I have no strength, no determination”. With full confidence, you gave me this life-changing instruction “Chant Japa. Japa will give you strength, and associate with determined devotees”. I took your words into my heart and acted accordingly. And since then all the lamentation and unhappiness are gone. By your special mercy, anyone who hears about this Darshan will go back home, back to Godhead.
Your new book “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness” is very easy to distribute on the street. People are attracted simply by reading the book title. The four words “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness” is your over 40 years’ Sankirtana experience, dealing with common people’s pride. It is simultaneously same and better than saying “Hiding in Unhappiness”.
Under your guidance devotees have become more sober. New boys sneak into kitchen only because of hearing that someone is looking for a good husband. Neophyte enthusiasm such as this, has been corrected to the maximum.
In his ripe old age, Srila Prabhupada made Hare Krishna a household word. And Kaviraga Krishna Dasa Gosvami wrote the most brilliant book Caitanya Caritamrita. Similarly Gurudeva you are also stepping into the most productive age. We are all ready to assist you to fulfill Lord Caitanya’s desire. Shortly and surely under your leadership, Varnashrama-Dharma will be established and the whole material manifestation will come to an end. Because influenced by your ecstatic love for Krishna, no one desires any more sense gratification. This is too easy for you because you are always joyful, most competent and most merciful.
To please you, I like to write down and remember these most important instructions from you: rising early, attentive Japa, daily Shastra study, regular book distribution, association with devotees, selfless service, cooperation with management and taking guidance. By following your words, we obtain Krishna.
"prema-dhana vinā vyartha daridra jīvana
'dāsa' kari' vetana more deha prema-dhana"
(CC Antya 20.37)
"Without love of Godhead, my life is useless. Therefore I pray that you accept me as your servant and give me the salary of ecstatic love of God."
All glories to you, Sri Gurudeva!
We wash your lotus feet and drink the water.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Your servant,
Wanzi
After one whole year of sense enjoyment, unfit Bhakti practitioners like me pray at your lotus feet for self-purification. Remembering your causeless mercy, devotees generally cry.
It takes so much efforts for you just to educate us that materialistic life is an addiction. And it takes even more efforts for you to help us taste higher pleasure and give up this addiction. The senses are like 5 co-wives pulling us. Still some, who are less intelligent approach you begging for one more wife. With unblinking eyes, wide open like Jagannatha, you simply laugh and tell us that “it takes money”.
I have been around for six years. For last two years devotees were struck with wonder when they saw me taking up Bhakti so seriously and even going out Sankirtana. In fact why should devotees be surprised? Everything is possible, simply by a moment of association with a pure devotee like you. Two years ago, although still hanging out with devotees, I decided to give up again on Bhakti and after Kirtan suddenly you came up to me and said that “You like to talk to me”. I was lamenting within my mind that “what is the point? I am too useless and should not waste your time”.
During the Darshan, I revealed my mind saying that “I have no strength, no determination”. With full confidence, you gave me this life-changing instruction “Chant Japa. Japa will give you strength, and associate with determined devotees”. I took your words into my heart and acted accordingly. And since then all the lamentation and unhappiness are gone. By your special mercy, anyone who hears about this Darshan will go back home, back to Godhead.
Your new book “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness” is very easy to distribute on the street. People are attracted simply by reading the book title. The four words “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness” is your over 40 years’ Sankirtana experience, dealing with common people’s pride. It is simultaneously same and better than saying “Hiding in Unhappiness”.
Under your guidance devotees have become more sober. New boys sneak into kitchen only because of hearing that someone is looking for a good husband. Neophyte enthusiasm such as this, has been corrected to the maximum.
In his ripe old age, Srila Prabhupada made Hare Krishna a household word. And Kaviraga Krishna Dasa Gosvami wrote the most brilliant book Caitanya Caritamrita. Similarly Gurudeva you are also stepping into the most productive age. We are all ready to assist you to fulfill Lord Caitanya’s desire. Shortly and surely under your leadership, Varnashrama-Dharma will be established and the whole material manifestation will come to an end. Because influenced by your ecstatic love for Krishna, no one desires any more sense gratification. This is too easy for you because you are always joyful, most competent and most merciful.
To please you, I like to write down and remember these most important instructions from you: rising early, attentive Japa, daily Shastra study, regular book distribution, association with devotees, selfless service, cooperation with management and taking guidance. By following your words, we obtain Krishna.
"prema-dhana vinā vyartha daridra jīvana
'dāsa' kari' vetana more deha prema-dhana"
(CC Antya 20.37)
"Without love of Godhead, my life is useless. Therefore I pray that you accept me as your servant and give me the salary of ecstatic love of God."
All glories to you, Sri Gurudeva!
We wash your lotus feet and drink the water.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Your servant,
Wanzi
Yamuna Jivan Das
Om Ajnana-timirandhasya Jnananjana-salakaya
Caksur Unmilitam Yena Tasmai Sri-gurave Namah
I offer my respectful obeisance’s unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge.
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale
Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.All glories to you.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s unto your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja day.
Recently I had the rare opportunity of preparing and editing of short video and audio clippings for your new website and thus, I was required to listen and watch them for number of times. And, It was an amazing experience to actually see the authority, depth, conviction and clarity of the message you are delivering to the world. As Srila Prabhupāda famously said, “books are the basis; utility is the principle; preaching is the essence”, but most importantly “purity is the force”, I could feel the purity and power that emanated from your words that any fortunate soul that comes in contact with you or happens to listen to your talk, is sure to be transformed.
In fact, I can see that your whole life, Mind, body and words are being used in service of Krishna. The diet you take, the austerity of constant travel and the care you take to present the teachings of Lord Chaitanya, Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada are just an example of your determination as a tireless preacher with sole purpose of uplifting the lives of faithful servants of mass illusion across the world.”Hiding in Unnatural Happinss”- your latest book, I would say, is another master piece to wake up the sleeping souls and servants of Kali Yuga.
As a saying goes, “truth is bitter but still it triumphs” – I would say, one needs lot of courage, purity, conviction and tenacity to speak the truth, for it to be accepted, for the bitter pill to be taken. And, Gurudeva, this is how you present truth so that the bitter pill is taken and the medicine does its job. Your unflinching words of bitter truth, backed up by the latest scientific research date to appease the so called modern minds is another icon of your style of preaching, which hardly gives any chance of escape route, other than accepting the truth.
On your Vyasa puja day, I pray for you to engage me, in serving you and your mission of spreading the glories of Krishna and rescuing the lost souls from the clutches of maya. I beg for your guidance and instructions, so that I may continue to serve you in a way that is steady and pleasing to you.
Aspiring to be your humble Servant
Yamuna Jivan dasa
Caksur Unmilitam Yena Tasmai Sri-gurave Namah
I offer my respectful obeisance’s unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge.
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale
Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.All glories to you.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s unto your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja day.
Recently I had the rare opportunity of preparing and editing of short video and audio clippings for your new website and thus, I was required to listen and watch them for number of times. And, It was an amazing experience to actually see the authority, depth, conviction and clarity of the message you are delivering to the world. As Srila Prabhupāda famously said, “books are the basis; utility is the principle; preaching is the essence”, but most importantly “purity is the force”, I could feel the purity and power that emanated from your words that any fortunate soul that comes in contact with you or happens to listen to your talk, is sure to be transformed.
In fact, I can see that your whole life, Mind, body and words are being used in service of Krishna. The diet you take, the austerity of constant travel and the care you take to present the teachings of Lord Chaitanya, Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada are just an example of your determination as a tireless preacher with sole purpose of uplifting the lives of faithful servants of mass illusion across the world.”Hiding in Unnatural Happinss”- your latest book, I would say, is another master piece to wake up the sleeping souls and servants of Kali Yuga.
As a saying goes, “truth is bitter but still it triumphs” – I would say, one needs lot of courage, purity, conviction and tenacity to speak the truth, for it to be accepted, for the bitter pill to be taken. And, Gurudeva, this is how you present truth so that the bitter pill is taken and the medicine does its job. Your unflinching words of bitter truth, backed up by the latest scientific research date to appease the so called modern minds is another icon of your style of preaching, which hardly gives any chance of escape route, other than accepting the truth.
On your Vyasa puja day, I pray for you to engage me, in serving you and your mission of spreading the glories of Krishna and rescuing the lost souls from the clutches of maya. I beg for your guidance and instructions, so that I may continue to serve you in a way that is steady and pleasing to you.
Aspiring to be your humble Servant
Yamuna Jivan dasa
Yasodeva das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the anniversary of your appearance in this world.
Your behavior is marvelous, Gurudeva. I value the way that you interact with your students because it has a profound effect on devotional faith and it gives me some insight into the nature of a pure devotee.
Twice you've called me, during your precious down time, to express your excitement about my working with the cows at Gita Nagari. “So many persons have become pure devotees just by serving the cows!”, you said with a giddy joyfulness while naming many of your friends who've performed go seva. You justified your elation by referencing a verse from the first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam which assures that one who associates with cows will develop all good qualities. Guru Maharaja, it's stunning to see that, although you are a powerful intellectual with discriminating intelligence, you still possess sincere faith in all of the statements of the shastra and in the simple beauty of Krishna's pets. This is really marvelous.
You confided in me that one of reasons why you're able to tolerate conflict and opposition in devotional service is because you grew up as a minority race in America. “Therefore,” you said, “I don't expect justice.” Surprisingly, there wasn't even a hint of resentment or lamentation in your voice. Rather, I could understand immediately that you were pleased to have benefited from your life's experiences in a Krishna conscious way. I think that you've perfectly fulfilled the purport of amanena-manadena.
You go above and beyond the call of duty by showing such affectionate care to your disciples so that the transcendental instructions that you impart will have maximum effect. This transcendental empathy is not something of the material world but it is the love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead manifesting through you, the bona fide spiritual master.
I thank you, Gurudeva, for being my shelter in difficult times. The sensitive support that you've given to me and to my wife has affected our hearts in a way that no one else ever could. Your marvelous characteristics have cemented our position as perpetual servants of your lotus feet.
Your servants,
Yasodeva das and Anandini Lalita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the anniversary of your appearance in this world.
Your behavior is marvelous, Gurudeva. I value the way that you interact with your students because it has a profound effect on devotional faith and it gives me some insight into the nature of a pure devotee.
Twice you've called me, during your precious down time, to express your excitement about my working with the cows at Gita Nagari. “So many persons have become pure devotees just by serving the cows!”, you said with a giddy joyfulness while naming many of your friends who've performed go seva. You justified your elation by referencing a verse from the first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam which assures that one who associates with cows will develop all good qualities. Guru Maharaja, it's stunning to see that, although you are a powerful intellectual with discriminating intelligence, you still possess sincere faith in all of the statements of the shastra and in the simple beauty of Krishna's pets. This is really marvelous.
You confided in me that one of reasons why you're able to tolerate conflict and opposition in devotional service is because you grew up as a minority race in America. “Therefore,” you said, “I don't expect justice.” Surprisingly, there wasn't even a hint of resentment or lamentation in your voice. Rather, I could understand immediately that you were pleased to have benefited from your life's experiences in a Krishna conscious way. I think that you've perfectly fulfilled the purport of amanena-manadena.
You go above and beyond the call of duty by showing such affectionate care to your disciples so that the transcendental instructions that you impart will have maximum effect. This transcendental empathy is not something of the material world but it is the love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead manifesting through you, the bona fide spiritual master.
I thank you, Gurudeva, for being my shelter in difficult times. The sensitive support that you've given to me and to my wife has affected our hearts in a way that no one else ever could. Your marvelous characteristics have cemented our position as perpetual servants of your lotus feet.
Your servants,
Yasodeva das and Anandini Lalita devi dasi
